Utility of cheiloscopy, rugoscopy, and dactyloscopy for human identification in a defined cohort.

BACKGROUND: Identification is of paramount importance in any forensic investigation. Positive identification of living or deceased using distinctive traits is a cornerstone of forensic science. The uniqueness of these patterns and subtle distinction between traits has offered worthy supplemental tools in establishing the true nature of facts. AIM: The first aim of our study was to determine the most common pattern of lip prints, palatal rugae, and finger prints in the study subjects. Secondly, to determine if any specific pattern of lip print, palatal rugae, or the finger print concurs in individuals, and thereby establish a database of these prototypes for human identification from a defined cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size comprised 100 female students of a dental college staying together in the hostel. Lip prints were recorded on a white bond sheet using lipstick, palatal rugae on dental casts, and finger prints using printer's blue ink. RESULTS: Our observation suggested that the reticular pattern of lip print, the wavy pattern of palatal rugae, and the loop pattern of finger prints were the predominant patterns. Correlation of the three parameters did not reveal significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: This approach of human identification utilizing conventional techniques and relevant parameters is pertinent in defined groups. However, larger representative sample with robust analytical tools may provide a necessary blueprint of human identification.

Intraoral papillary endothelial hyperplasia: case discussion with supportive histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

An intraoral mass of eight months duration in a six year-old girl was diagnosed as papillary endothelial hyperplasia. Histologically, the tissue was characterized by the unusual endothelial cell proliferation, which is significant, as papillary endothelial hyperplasia resembles angiosarcoma and possible over-treatment thereafter. Clarification of this unusual lesion based on histological findings with supportive histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry in the light of clinico-pathological correlation is discussed. This lesion warrants better documentation of the clinical behavior with regular monitoring.

Lupus vulgaris--report of a case with facial involvement.

Cutaneous tuberculosis of the orofacial region is a rare condition and when it occurs, can cause confusion regarding the true nature of the lesion. This is compounded by the fact that neither mantoux test nor histopathology is confirmatory. In this report we discuss a case of lupus vulgaris with emphasis on the diagnostic approach to be followed by dental practitioners who come across a similar case.

Immunofluorescence in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reaction. A review.

Oral lichen is a mucocutaneous disorder, which presents a confusing array of patterns and forms. Despite the reported differences between the classical lichen planus and lichenoid reaction, several reports have concurred with this lack of distinguishing features. As of yet there is no specific test for lichenoid reaction, although resolution and recurrence of lichenoid reaction on withdrawal and exposure to the drug is probably diagnostic. Thus when the clinical and histopathologic evaluation cannot confirm the diagnosis satisfactorily, the use of immunofluorescent examination is of great importance. Early diagnoses of these conditions are more likely with adjunctive use of immunofluorescent examination. Further, this tool may provide an insight into the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Evaluation of mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reaction.

Recent attention has been directed towards the role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. Mast cells are responsible for trafficking of inflammatory cells into the connective tissue that in turn helps in progression and maintenance of the chronicity of oral lichen planus. In the present study we have evaluated the mast cell count and its cell types using toluidine blue stain, in oral lichen planus and compared it with oral lichenoid reactions. We have observed an increase in mast cell count in both these conditions in comparison to normal mucosa. Also, a significant difference in the types of mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid reactions has been noted, possibly suggesting that the role of mast cell is different in these conditions.