Radiomorphometric Evaluation of Orbit and Inter-Orbital Distance for Gender Determination

Introduction: Anthropometry deals with obtainingmeasurements of anatomical structures to assist in identifyingthe age, stature, gender and several aspects related to individualor ethnic group. Orbital measurements and inter-orbitaldistance are one of the craniofacial parameters that couldbe used in gender identification in terms of anthropologicalstudies. Study aimed to measure the width of the orbitalapertures on Postero-anterior skull radiographic view, tomeasure the height of the orbital apertures on Postero-anteriorskull radiographic view, to measure the interorbital distanceon Postero-anterior skull radiographic view and to determinegender from radiomorphometric evaluation of orbit and interorbital distanceMaterial and Methods: In this study, a total of 100retrospective postero-anterior radiographs were selected fromdepartment’s collection using KODAK-8000 panoramic andcephalometric system following radiation protection protocol.Subjects were in the age range of 18 to 50 years. The maximumwidth and height of orbit and inter-orbital distance of theorbits were measured using masterveiw software (Version4.5.1). The data obtained was analyzed by using student“t” test.Results: The mean orbital width in males was 4.91 andfemales was 4.97. The observed mean difference wasstatistically significant (P-0.005). The mean orbital height inmales was 4.96 and females was 4.86. The observed meandifference was statistically significant (P-0.001) The meaninter-orbital distance in males was 3.37 and females was 3.00.The observed mean difference was statistically significant(P-<0.001)Conclusion: Hence we conclude that orbit and inter-orbitaldistance can be used in determining the gender.

Prediction of Stature from Metacarpal Length and Hand Length: A Digital Radiographic Study

Introduction: Personal identification means establishmentof individuality of a person. Stature estimation is one of themost important biological profiles used in identification of anindividual. The dimensions of long bones, skull, foot, handetc. have been successfully used for the determination ofstature. The objective of this study was to assess the reliabilityof Metacarpal length and Hand length in determination ofStature.Material and methods: A cross sectional sample of 100patients belonging to south Indian population was randomlyselected from patients who visited the Department of OralMedicine and Radiology, M.R. Ambedkar Dental Collegeafter obtaining informed consent. Stature of the subjects wasmeasured using a height chart ruler. Hand wrist radiographsof the left hand were obtained. 2nd, 3rd Metacarpal length andhand length were measured. The collected Data was subjectedto logistic regression analysis.Results: In males the mean value of 2nd,3rd Metacarpallength and hand length was 78.15mm, 75.56mm, 224.63mmrespectively.The observed mean difference was statisticallysignificant P<0.001.In females the mean values of 2nd,3rdMetacarpal length, Hand length was 74.10, 71.12, 210.23,respectively. The observed mean difference was statisticallysignificant P< 0.001.Conclusion: In the present study we found that 2nd, 3rdMetacarpal length and Hand length were reliable in predictionof Stature. We can there-fore recommend the radiographicmeasurements of 2nd, 3rd Metacarpal length and Hand lengthin the determination of Stature for personal identification inforensic science.

Salivary Biomarkers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview.

Oral Cancer encompasses an important faction of neoplasms of head and neck. More than 90% of oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas. Ideally, this fatal disease is detected through a comprehensive clinical examination by the oral health care professionals. Regardless of the fact that the oral cavity is easily accessible, most oral cancers are typically detected at an advanced stage. This has attributed to lower survival rate. Saliva, an aqueous biological fluid is in direct contact with the oral cancer lesion. Hence, the abnormal DNA, RNA, protein molecules released by the malignant cells can be easily obtained from saliva. Saliva, being a noninvasive diagnostic aid can be an alternative to serum for early detection, monitoring post therapy status, prognosis of oral cancer patients. This article aims to provide a brief overview of various salivary biomarkers and their implications in oral cancer.

Oral Mucosal Amelanotic Melanoma: A Rare Case Report.

Oral cancer is a major global health problem. It is ranked as the third most common cancer in India. More than 95% of oral cavity carcinomas are of squamous cell type. Melanoma is a major health problem and originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Primary mucosal melanomas of the head and neck occur less frequently than their cutaneous counterparts. Among those, oral mucosal melanoma is extremely infrequent with an incidence of 0.5% of oral neoplasms. Less than 2% of all melanomas lack pigmentation, in the oral mucosa, however, up to 75% of cases are amelanotic melanomas. Th ese are extremely rare variants and the most frequent sites in the oral cavity are the hard palate and the gingiva. Lesions that are suspected to be melanomas should be assessed both histologically and by immunohistochemistry, which are helpful in the diagnosis of amelanotic melanoma. Th ey have a poorer prognosis than the pigmented melanomas because of the delay in diagnosis and in the initiation of treatment. Th is presentation is a rare case report of oral mucosal amelanotic melanoma.

Not Just for Tobacco Users Anymore!!! The Emerging Evidence of Human Papilloma Virus: An Overview.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have a broad and varying rate of incidence and mortality around the world. Tobacco smoking and chewing, alcohol consumption are the main etiological agents for HNSCC and have been estimated to account for the majority of disease burden worldwide. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing awareness about the human papilloma virus (HPV), the necessary cause of cancer of the cervix that has been etiologically linked with oropharyngeal cancer. Often diagnosed at a late stage this subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has an affi nity for the oropharynx and tends to show low diff erentiation histopathologically and better prognosis regardless of the treatment strategy. Th e HPV belongs to the papillomavaviridiae group of virus which can infect the mucosal and cutaneous epithelia in a species-specifi c manner inducing cellular proliferation. Th e HPV can cause active subclinical infection without clinical signs or can also cause clinical infection that can lead to benign, potentially malignant or malignant lesions. Hence, this overview attempts to focus on the relevant characteristics of HPV and its role in oropharyngeal cancer.