ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In forensic science, the determination of age plays a vital role in the identification of bodies and persons associated with crimes. Teeth are frequently better conserved than any other human remains, so their use for identifying age at death is vital. The root portion of the teeth is covered by a thin calcified layer called cementum, the annulations of which is considered to be helpful in age estimation. The objective of the study was to ascertain and compare the accuracy and efficiency of age estimation between light, polarized, and phase-contrast microscopy in the ground and decalcified sections of the tooth stained with hematoxylin and eosin by light microscopy and picrosirius red (PSR) by polarized microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty extracted teeth were collected and stored in a solution of 10% formalin. The middle one-third portion of the root was used, later sectioned into two halves using carborundum disc. One-half of it was used to prepare ground sections, which was studied with light, polarized, and phase-contrast microscopy. The other half was decalcified with 10% formic acid, processed, and two sections of 5 -µm thickness were prepared. One was stained with PSR stain and the second section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain, One was stained with PSR stain and the second section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain. Statistical analysis was performed using Z-test and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between actual and calculated age in the ground sections, while there was a statistically significant difference observed between actual and calculated age in decalcified sections stained with H and E and PSR. A strong positive correlation was observed between actual and calculated age by Karl Pearson correlation coefficient test. CONCLUSION: Cemental annulation and phase contrast microscopy can be reliably utilized in forensic science to establishing age, especially among young and middle age group individuals.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: To investigate the anti-bacterial efficacy of liquorice lollipop and also to investigate the remineralizing potential of the extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An interventional study was carried out on 20 volunteers aged between 18 and 21 years. Antibacterial efficacy was investigated by evaluating the bacterial counts of salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli before and after the consumption of liquorice lollipops for 10 days while the remineralization potential was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the enamel block embedded on a Hawley's appliance worn by volunteers for 14 days after consumption of the liquorice lollipop. RESULTS: A reduction in the bacterial counts of S. mutans which was statistically significant was observed. However, Lactobacillus growth was not observed before or after use of liquorice lollipop. No structural or morphological changes were observed on the enamel surface through SEM imaging. CONCLUSION: Thus, liquorice lollipop was effective in reducing S. mutans but did not show to possess a remineralizing potential. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The unique approach of a lollipop delivery system to reduce S. mutans count in children is also observed to be palatable for children. This raises hopes of a simple and effective way to deliver a targeted intervention to young children who are at risk for dental caries.
