Hand-Schüller-Christian disease.

Langerhan cell histiocytosis, formerly known as histiocytosis X, traditionally denotes a group of diseases that stem from proliferative reticuloendothelial disturbances.The etiology and pathogenesis of the disease remain debatable. In this paper we report a case of Langerhan cell histiocytosis in a 3 1 / 2 -year-old child who reported to the department of oral pathology with gingival enlargements. The radiological features and histopathological features are also discussed.

DNA profiling in forensic dentistry.

In last few years, DNA analysis methods are applied to forensic cases. Forensic dental record comparison has been used for human identification in cases where destruction of bodily tissues or prolonged exposure to the environment has made other means of identification impractical, i.e., after fire exposure or mass disaster.Teeth play an important role in identification and criminology, due to their unique characteristics and relatively high degree of physical and chemical resistance. The use of DNA profile test in forensic dentistry offers a new perspective in human identification.DNA is responsible for storing all the genetic material and is unique to each individual. The currently available DNA tests have high reliability and are accepted as legal proofs in courts. This article gives an overview of the evolution of DNA technology in the last few years, highlighting its importance in cases of forensic investigation.

An overview of Bite mark analysis.

Human bite mark analysis is by far the most demanding and complicated part of Forensic Dentistry. Although bite marks of an individual do have uniqueness due to specific characteristics and arrangement of the teeth, when it comes to bite mark analysis, it is complicated by numerous factors, being presented as a challenge to the Forensic Odontologists. The aim of this paper is to give a brief overview of bite mark analysis: its usefulness and limitations. The study and analysis of such injuries is challenging and complex. The correct protocol for collection, management, preservation, analysis and interpretation of this evidence should be employed if useful information is to be obtained for the courts. This article throws light on the details of evidence collection techniques and step by step method to analyse the bite mark injury. It also provides insight about the modern methods now implemented in the analysis of bite marks. Conclusions from the analysis of bite mark evidence can assist the justice system to answer crucial questions about interaction between people present at the scene of crime.

Bioterrorism - “My Role as a Dentist”.

Bioterrorism is the intentional use of micro-organisms and toxins to produce disease and death in humans, livestock and crops, their attraction in war and for use in terrorist attacks is attributed to various unique features. Biological weapons can be disseminated by aerosol sprays, explosives or food and water contamination. They can strike suddenly without any warning and inflict considerable mortality and morbidity that can continue for a long period, such attacks may create high level of panic, environment contamination and extreme pressures on emergency health services. Accurate and substantial information given to the public by credible public health and medical experts can do much to allay their fears and encourage their cooperation and participation in constructive, organized community response efforts. The dental profession could potentially play a significant role in the emergency response to a major bioterrorism attack.

Ameloblastic fibrodentinoma.

Odontogenic tumors comprise a complex group of lesions of diverse histopathological types and clinical behavior. The group of mixed odontogenic tumors, which are also rare, is composed of proliferating odontogenic epithelium in a cellular ectomesenchyme resembling dental papilla. Ameloblastic fibrodentinoma is a rare benign odontogenic tumor. The present case report discusses this tumor composed of odontogenic epithelium and odontogenic mesenchyme with dentin or dentin like tissue. The present paper also throws light on various histological similarities and complexities which make the interpretation of these set of odontogenic tumors a diagnostic dilemma.