Interzygomatic and Intercanthal width - Gender determination methods in forensic dentistry

Background: Personal identification is a subtle perception and often one of the most significant priorities in the investigation of criminal cases, mass disasters, and in forensic concerns. Gender determination is one of the important parameters in forensic identification. The study of anthropometric characteristics is of fundamental importance to solve problems related to such cases. Aim: This study aimed to determine gender using physical anthropometric methods like interzygomatic and intercanthal width. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) in the department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar. Interzygomatic width, and intercanthal width was determined using a digital sliding caliper. All the measurements were taken twice. The final value was the average of the two obtained values. Results: There was significantly higher mean interzygomatic and intercanthal width in males as compared to females. Conclusion: Interzygomatic and intercanthal measurements may serve as diagnostic markers for gender identification in forensic applications like mass disasters.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio: Prognostic Marker for OSCC

Introduction: Tumor microenvironment is infiltrated by innateand adaptive immune system cells particularly T lymphocytesthat assist tumors to mimic inflammatory conditions seen innormal tissues. Tumor microenvironment plays an importantrole in determining the biological behavior of cancers likeproliferation, invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance.Study aimed to estimate and compare the neutrophil tolymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with oral squamous cellcarcinoma (OSCC) and in normal healthy individuals.Material and method: A case control study was conductedon 15 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 15cases of normal healthy individuals. Neutrophil to lymphocyteratio (NLR) was determined by the examination of peripheralblood smear in each case.Results: In the present study, significant increased in theabsolute neutrophil count and decreased in the absolutelymphocyte count were observed along with high neutrophilto lymphocyte ratio in OSCC patients than that of healthycontrols.Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be used asa feasible, cost‑effective, and potential marker for determingthe aggressive behavior of OSCC and may also benefit inprognostic prediction.

Assessment of Dental Students about the Problems Faced in Studying Oral Pathology: A Cross-Sectional

Oral pathology, a unique and diversified branch of dentistry that identifies and manages oral diseases pertaining to the oral and maxillofacial region. Aim and objectives: To evaluate and assess the dental students oriented towards oral pathology and also to take necessary measures for further improvement of the teaching process. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Oral Pathology, GDC Srinagar where the prepared questionnaires was given to all the undergraduate students and interns of GDC, Srinagar except first year BDs and postgraduate students. The questionnaire was in the form of multiple choice questions and designed in such a way which was simple to evaluate and answer. Results: In this study, dental students should have adequate knowledge of this subject but there are still holes between the understanding and awareness for this subject in the students. Conclusion: This study emphasized the difficulties felt by the dental students in their recent curriculum in the subject of oral pathology. By making little alterations in the current schedule, it can be made more interesting and systematic for the students.

Problems Encountered by Dental Students in Understanding Oral Histology and Dental Anatomy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Dental anatomy and oral histology as a subject need comprehensive information for its application in every wake of academic as well as clinical life. It’s also the responsibility of the trainers for a brighter prospect and enhancement in their academic field. Aim and objectives of the study: To analyze the problems encountered by the dental students in understanding oral histology and dental anatomy as well as to find out the necessary solutions to overcome these problems. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study will be conducted in the department of Oral Pathology, GDC Srinagar where the prepared questionnaires will be distributed to all the undergraduate students and interns of GDC, Srinagar. The questionnaire will be in the form of multiple choice questions and designed in such a way which will be simple to understand and answer. Results: In the present study, dental students have satisfactory knowledge of this concerned discipline of dentistry but there are still gaps between the understanding and interest for this subject in the students. Conclusion: In the present study, students felt problems/difficulties which are easy to handle if proper measures are taken. By making few variations in their recent curriculum, it can be make more interesting and comprehensive for the future aspirants

Observer variability in the grading of oral epithelial dysplasia

Background: Various grading systems have been suggested in the literature by different authors to determine the severity of dysplastic features. Histopathological grading is subjective with low reproductivity and lacks sensitivity. Aim: To determine the inter observer and intra observer variability in diagnosing oral epithelial dysplasia using different grading systems. Materials and methods: Three oral pathologists from the Department the Oral pathology, GDC Srinagar observed the same 30 consecutive sections of oral epithelial dysplasia. Each reviewing pathologist asked to grade each case on the basis of WHO (2005) and binary grading system (2006) at different time intervals and was repeated twice. Results: The inter observer variability ranged from poor to slight in WHO system and slight to fair in binary system whereas the intra observer variability ranged from slight to fair in WHO system and fair in the binary system. Conclusion: Grading of oral epithelial dysplasia is subjective and has been shown not to be highly reproducible. The binary grading system verified to have better inter observer and intra observer agreement in the present study than the WHO grading system.

Estimation of hematological parameters in patients with Hepatitis B and C

Background: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C are the blood-borne diseases with high morbidity and mortality. These are responsible for liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma so determination of hematological parameters is essential in these patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the change in the hematological parameters in patients with hepatitis B and C than those of healthy individuals. Material and methods: A case-control study was carried out by the routine screening of the hepatitis B and C patients by using rapid immunoassay test. The study group comprised of 15 cases of Hepatitis B positive, 15 cases of Hepatitis C positive and 15 cases of healthy individuals. Blood samples were collected from the patients with seropositive hepatitis B and C as well as healthy individuals to determine the variation in the hematological parameters. Results: Variation in the hematological parameters has been observed in patients with seropositive Hepatitis B and C virus as compared to healthy individuals. Conclusion: This study determines the need for routine hematological investigations in seropositive hepatitis B and C patients. Follow up of patients even after recovery from Hepatitis B and C virus infection should create an essential part of these patients’ management.

Incidence of Cysts and Tumours Associated with Impacted Mandibular Third Molar: A Retrospective Study

Background: Tooth impaction is a common occurrence and surgical removal of impacted teeth is the commonest of routine dental surgical procedures. Various pathological conditions like cysts, tumors, abscess etc. have been associated with partially or completely unerupted tooth. Aim: To determine the histopathological incidence of cysts and tumours associated with impacted mandibular third molar. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 85 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, including 85 cases of impacted mandibular third molars associated with pathologies which are histopathologically diagnosed using H & E staining. After data collection, statistical analysis was done. Results: In our study, dentigerous cyst have the highest incidence (22.35%) followed by ameloblastoma (14.11%), odontogenic keratocyst (9.4%) and calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour (2.35%). Conclusion: Follicular tissue was obtained from extraction of impacted teeth should be sent for a histopathologic investigation and attention should be focused on age, gender, site and type of impaction for the treatment planning of an impacted third molar.

Acute transfusion reactions encountered in patients at a tertiary care centre in Punjab.

Background. Blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure, which can occasionally be unsafe and result in a spectrum of adverse events. We aimed to determine the characteristics and type of acute transfusion reactions occurring in patients at a tertiary care centre. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Immunohaematology and Blood Transfusion, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, Punjab. All acute transfusion reactions reported to the department from 1 Jan 2012 to 31 March 2013 were evaluated. All the adverse reactions were recorded, analysed and classified on the basis of their clinical features and laboratory tests. Results. During the study period, 45 092 blood components were issued from the department and 190 transfusion reactions (0.42%) were reported. The most frequent were febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions (54.2%) followed by allergic reactions (36.3%), haemolytic reactions (1%) and non-specific reactions (8.5%). Conclusion. Each transfusion has to be monitored carefully with prompt recognition and treatment of acute transfusion reactions to decrease transfusion-related morbidity and mortality. Data from a well-functioning haemovigilance system can be used as a quality indicator for monitoring blood transfusion safety and contribute to evidence-based transfusion medicine.

Diagnosis of acute humoral rejection using immunofluorescence in renal allograft biopsies- one step towards better understanding!

Immunofluorescence (IF) studies are important diagnostic tool in understanding pathogenesis involved in graft injury. Acute humoral rejection (AHR) associated with circulating donor-specific cytotoxic antibodies, is a poor prognosticator for graft survival. It can be diagnosed by staining for C4d antibody using indirect IF technique. C4d staining required to diagnose AHR was made mandatory for reporting renal allograft biopsies in 7th Banff conference. We present 2 years experience of IF studies using C4d polyclonal antibody on 546 renal allograft biopsies belonging to two groups of patients; 464 from group A (tolerance induction protocol) and 82 from group B (controls). We observed C4d focal positivity in 4 (0.9%) biopsies from group A and 4 (4.9%) from group B. We conclude that it is advisable to collect simultaneous core biopsy samples for IF studies and light microscopy to give better definition of allograft injury and thereby support in clinical management.