Lip print evidence: Poland as the Last Bastion of Practical Cheiloscopy.

Cheiloscopic examinations have long been conducted, and many scientists have reported the usefulness of cheiloscopy for personal identification with a characteristic and individual pattern of furrows on the vermilion lip. For almost 40 years, research conducted in Poland has determined the patterns of these furrows and the separation and development of their individual features. This was the basis for forming expert opinions and presenting them in court as evidence. In Poland, cheiloscopic expertise is performed and the results of precise procedures that are accredited and assessed serve as evidence. Although the legal system in Poland (continental system) is completely different from the American system, cheiloscopic expertise was also assessed in detail according to the American standards of evidence. This narrative review presents the problem of cheiloscopic expertise as a scientific and practical issue and provides a brief historical overview of this field and the foundations of the Polish cheiloscopic identification method. We conclude that Poland has sufficient historical background and a robust development of cheiloscopy in the field on a scientific and legal basis; however, due to its reports being in the Polish language, its absence from the most relevant specialized literature, or simply a lack of cooperation between countries and experts, the country has unfairly been left out of the discussion. We believe that a new look at the Polish contribution to lip print identification is necessary to reinsert this topic into the current discussion of a new identification paradigm.

Reliability, reproducibility and validity of the conventional buccolingual and mesiodistal measurements on 3D dental digital models obtained from intra-oral 3D scanner.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess the reliability, reproducibility and validity of mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements comparing these measurements collected using an electronic hand-held digital calliper, on dry dentitions and on dental casts, with measurements obtained from 3D digital models created using a portable intra-oral scanner. DESIGN: The mesiodistal and buccolingual diameter of the crown of 1304 teeth were measured on dry dentitions and on dental casts, and secondly on 3D digital models created using an intra-oral 3D scanner. Reliability, reproducibility and validity were evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland-Altman graphic method. RESULTS: The results of the intraclass correlation coefficient expressed an excellent degree of agreement in the intra- and inter-observer error analysis, as well as in the comparison of the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions taken with the calliper and those taken in digital 3D models. The results of the Bland-Altman method showed that the greatest differences were found in the mesiodistal diameter of the molars and in the buccolingual diameter of the upper premolars. CONCLUSIONS: Mesiodistal and buccolingual measurements obtained from digital 3D models are suitable for recording dentitions for forensic purposes.

Morphometric analysis of bite mark patterns caused by domestic dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ) using dental wax registers / Análisis de patrones de huellas de mordedura producidos por perros domésticos ( Canis lupus familiaris ) utilizando registros en cera dental

Dog bites are a known public health problem involving physical, mental and emotional traumas. From a forensic point of view, it has been stated that their morphological characters, and the intercanine and interincisive measurements, could allow a taxonomic and specific identification of the implicated animal. The aim of this study was to differentiate and identify the biological profile of a potential aggressor dog by analysing eight morphometric bite patterns belonging to three different dog breeds. The data obtained were analyzed following three categories: a) breeds; b) sexes among breeds; and c) sex within breed. Significant differences were detected among the variables (p≤ 0.05), but only the maximum maxillary intercanines width (MaxCW) allowed a breed differentiation. The other variables allowed a differentiation between two breeds or one breed over the others. The principal components analysis (PCA) allowed visualizing the degree of dispersion and relationship among the scores. It showed three well-defined and separated breed groups, and different degrees of dispersion within and among breeds. The most important variable for such a differentiation was MaxCW. When considering sex among breeds for males, it showed a statistically significant difference, but only the diastema located between the third left mandibular, incisive and the left mandibular canine (C-I-ManL) allowed breed differentiation. For females, only MaxCW allowed a differentiation among breeds. The multivariate analysis permitted with a 95 % confidence interval, a breed and sex differentiation. Besides, the PCA models allowed classifying, identifying, separating and graphically showing the relationship among the variables. This made it possible to differentiate between breeds and sexes. Due to the large range of dog breeds around the world, this multivariate analysis could also help determining the dog's weight and size, narrowing down towards an approximate number of offending dogs, focussing on a certain kind of dog breed, and pinpointing any suspect dog.

Las mordeduras de perros son un conocido problema de salud pública que involucra traumas físicos, mentales y emocionales. En la faz forense, se ha establecido que características morfológicas, así como las medidas intercanina e interincisiva, permitirían una identificación taxonómica y especifica del animal involucrado. El objetivo fue diferenciar e identificar el perfil biológico de un potencial perro agresor analizando ocho patrones morfológicos de mordeduras pertenecientes a tres diferentes razas caninas. Los datos fueron analizados considerando tres categorías: a) razas; b) sexo entre razas; y c) sexo en cada raza. Se observaron diferencias entre las variables (p≤0,05), pero sólo la distancia máxima entre caninos maxilares (MaxCW), permitió una diferenciación entre razas. Las otras variables permitieron una diferenciación entre dos razas o de una raza sobre las otras. El análisis de componentes principales (PCA) permitió visualizar el grado de dispersión y la relación entre las puntuaciones (dentro y entre razas). Se observaron tres grupos (razas) bien definidos y separados con diferentes grados de dispersión dentro y entre razas. La variable más importante para tal diferenciación fue la MaxCW. Al considerar sexo (machos) entre razas, se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa, pero sólo la medida del diastema localizado entre el tercer incisivo y canino izquierdo mandibulares (C-I-ManL) permitió la diferenciación entre razas. Para hembras, sólo la MaxCW permitió una diferenciación entre razas. El análisis multivariante permitió, con un intervalo de confianza del 95 %, diferenciar raza y sexo. El modelo PCA permitió además clasificar, identificar, separar y mostrar gráficamente la relación entre las variables. Esto posibilitó diferenciar entre razas y sexos. Debido a la gran variedad de razas de perros en el mundo, este análisis multivariado permitiría estimar peso y tamaño del animal, indicando un número aproximado de perros atacantes, centrándose en ciertos tipos de raza, y localizar a cualquier cánido sospechoso.

Bilateral mandibular fourth molars: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Fourth molars are supernumerary teeth located distal to the third molars that may cause local alterations. Therefore an adequate diagnosis and treatment are essential. Removal of the supernumerary tooth and, in selected cases, maintenance of the tooth on the arch and frequent observation are the preferred treatments. If the extraction is recommended, it should be performed carefully by experienced oral surgeons to prevent damage to the anatomical structures. OBSERVATION: The oral examination of a 26-year-old woman revealed a left partially impacted mandibular molar responsible for pain and infection. Although it was assumed it was a third molar, the panoramic radiograph showed that the real third molar was completely impacted and that two partially impacted mandibular fourth molars were present bilaterally. Both of them were removed without complications and the left third molar was extracted after fragmentation to avoid any injury of the contiguous inferior alveolar nerve. DISCUSSION: The extraction of the left fourth molars solved the pain. Even if the right fourth molar was asymptomatic, the patient accepted its extraction because of the evident radiographical pericoronitis and to avoid further complications. "Asymptomatic" does not mean absence of disease, but the patient's consent is mandatory before any decision.

Caracterização da equideocultura no estado de Minas Gerais / Characterization of equidae breeding in Minas Gerais state

Recently, horse breeding has achieved greater prominence in the Brazilian society and now it started to appear as a part of the Brazilian agribusiness. The state of Minas Gerais stands out as the main producer of equidae in Brazil. The aim of this work was to characterize the breeding of equidae in this State in order to support future researches in this sector. By the evaluation of records from 1990 to 2009 provided by the "Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics" (IBGE) and also 967 interviews with breeders of equidae, it was possible to characterize some important points. It was observed that equidae breeding in this State moves over R$1,500,000,000 per year and employs 86,000 people. The main investments of the properties are made in purchasing saddles, accessories and commercial feeds. The main goal of equidae breeders in Minas Gerais has been the work in rural properties (49.49%) complementing many farming activities, especially the work with cows. Although Minas Gerais holds the main herd of equidae in the country, the number of animals has decreased. On the one hand, the equidae breeding sector has demonstrated its social and economic importance in agribusiness; on the other, hand further researches are needed to develop public policies to improve the breeding of equidae in Minas Gerais.

Avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana do alho (Allium sativum Liliaceae) e de seu extrato aquoso / Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of garlic (Liliaceae Allium sativum) and its aqueous extract

Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do alho (Allium sativum Liliaceae), in natura, e do extrato aquoso, frente à Candida albicans (Ca) e a Estreptococos do grupo B (EGB). O alho in natura e os extratos aquosos 30% e 170%, foram submetidos à avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana usando os métodos de Difusão em Ágar pela técnica do disco e do poço. Os resultados mostraram que o alho, in natura, apresentou halo de inibição de 55,3 ± 2,6 milímetros (mm) frente a Ca e de 27,1 ± 2,6 mm frente à EGB, enquanto o halo de inibição do miconazol foi de 24 ± 0,5 mm e o da Penicilina G de 29,8 ± 0,3 mm. O extrato aquoso de alho a 30% não apresentou atividade antimicrobiana frente à Ca e à EGB Já o extrato aquoso de alho a 170% apresentou halo de inibição frente a Ca, de 11,3 ± 0,7 mm na técnica do disco e de 14,5 ± 0,9 mm na técnica do poço, porém não inibiu o crescimento da EGB Conclui-se que o alho in natura apresentou melhor efeito inibitório frente às cepas de Ca e de EGB.

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of fresh garlic (Liliaceae Allium sativum) and its aqueous extracts against Candida albicans (Ca) and group B Streptococcus (GBS). Fresh garlic and its aqueous extract in concentrations of 30% and 170% were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the agar diffusion technique. The results showed that fresh garlic showed a halo of inhibition of 55.3 ± 2.6 millimeters (mm) towards Ca and 27.1 ± 2.6 mm towards GBS while the inhibition halo of miconazole was 24 ± 0.5 mm and the inhibition halo of Penicillin G was 29.8 ± 0.3 mm. The aqueous extract of garlic in the concentration of 30% showed no antimicrobial activity towards Ca and GBS The aqueous extract of garlic at 170%, showed a halo of inhibition towards Ca, of 11.3 ± 0.7 mm in the disk technique and 14.5 ± 0.9 mm in the well technique, but did not inhibit the growth OF GBS We conclude that the fresh garlic showed a better inhibitory effect against the strains of Ca and GBS.

Dens invaginatus in an impacted mesiodens: a morphological study.

Dens invaginatus (DI) is a dental anomaly originated from invagination of the enamel organ into the dental papilla, during odontogenesis. DI may be associated with other abnormalities such as dysmorphic mesiodens, and this unusual condition may be detected by chance on the conventional radiography. However, the three-dimensional nature and the exact morphological patterns of DI are impossible to appreciate from this method. We present a morphological study of impacted mesiodens in a 9-year-old girl, which the three coronal invaginations were detected only by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in the pre-surgical examination. CBCT, radiographic and microscopic reproductions allow transfer of images to facilitate cooperation of working groups, examination as well as for teaching purposes.

Odontoidentificación, “Falsas apariencias” y “Los Cazadores de Mitos” / Dental Identification, “The Whole Nine Yards” and “Mythbusters”

Identificar a una persona es determinar los rasgos que la distinguen de las demás y hacen que sea ella misma. La pericia odontológica constituye la técnica más segura cuando las maniobras convencionales no pueden efectuarse (cuerpos quemados, putrefactos o fragmentados) y se fundamenta en la concordancia de datos ante y post-mortem. Se ha sostenido que la calidad de la identificación será directamente proporcional a la calidad de la información ante-mortem recuperada. Aun cuando este cotejo debe ser objetivo y científico, no se han descartado los aportes que la memoria del odontólogo tratante o el reconocimiento de su obra puedan hacer al desarrollo de estos procedimientos. Los diferentes protocolos han subrayado la utilización de odontogramas como estructuras gráficas de fácil archivo, acceso y análisis, incluso ponderadas en sistemas informáticos tales como CAPMI® o WinID®. Se ha determinado que una identificación positiva fehaciente debe reunir concordancias suficientes en cantidad y calidad, como para establecer sin dudas que ambos registros pertenecen a la misma persona, incluso en ausencia de otros indicios. Se presenta un caso de cotejo identificatorio ante-mortem (supuesta víctima N.N.), e información post-mortem de restos humanos bajo análisis, reuniendo este cotejo los requisitos para una identificación positiva absoluta (presencia mínima de doce concordancias, antigüedad de la ficha ante-mortem menor a tres años, ausencia de discordancias absolutas, presencia de concordancias fuertes), considerando los planteos procedimentales indispensables para evitar sesgos y fraudes en este proceso. “¿Es o no es?: esa es la pregunta” (AU)

Identify a person is determine the traits to distinguish it from the other ones and makes itself. The dental identification is the safe technique when the conventional procedures are unavailable (burned, decomposed or fragmented bodies) and the bases are the coincidences between ante-mortem and post-mortem data. Papers have affirmed there is a direct relationship between quality of identification and quality of ante-mortem data. Even though the comparison should be an objective and scientific process, contributions of memories or filling recognized by the dentist have been accepted. Many protocols have stressed the utilization of odontograms as easy save, access and analyses graphics structures, even pondered by identification systems as CAPMI® or WinID®. A positive identification must collect sufficient similarities and no unexplainable discrepancies to establish that they are from the same individual even in absence of other evidence. This paper introduces an identification comparison process case between ante-mortem data (supposed unidentified victim) and post-mortem data of analyzed human remains. This comparison has the positive identification requirements (A minimum of twelve similarities, dental chart performed less-than-three-years-old, no unexplainable discrepancies, and presence of strong similarities). Rigurous procedures to avoid mistakes and frauds were performed. “To be or not to be: that is the question” (AU)

Local edema and hemorrhage caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus envenoming evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

The objective of this study was to detect the presence of local edema and hemorrhage caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus envenoming using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Six patients bitten by Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes were treated at the Emergency Unit and Tropical Diseases Unit of Botucatu School of Medicine, UNESP, Säo Paulo State, Brazil. After receiving specific serotherapy, the patients were submitted to MR of the bite site. Post contrast T1 and T2 spin-echo MRI were obtained revealing the following lesions: edema associated with hemorrhage in subcutaneous and muscular tissue (n=3), edema in subcutaneous tissue (n=2), and perimuscular hemorrhage (n=1). In this study, MR demonstrated a local effect of Crotalus durissus terrificus envenoming in inducing edema and hemorrhage, mainly in muscular tissues and perimuscular areas. These results indicate that Crotalus durissus terrificus venom cause a local muscular tissue damage in human envenoming represented by edema and hemorrhage.

Relacionamento mãe-filho epilético: perspectiva materna

Investiga e descreve o relacionamento da mãe com sua criança epilética com base no referencial psicanalítico, os sentimentos e as angústias vividos por ela em relação ao filho epilético. Os sujeitos são cinco mães de crianças epiléticas escolhidas aleatoriamente, sendo estas crianças de ambos os sexos, de 6 a 11 anos, com diagnósticos de epilepsia há pelo menos seis meses e sem deficiência física ou mental diagnosticadas. Utiliza entrevista psicológica aberta, gravada e depois transcrita e analisada segundo o referencial teórico psicanalítico. A análise das entrevistas indica que a epilepsia da criança mobiliza muita angústia nas mães. As crises epiléticas são associadas a fantasias de morte e desintegração do psiquismo e as mães temem o acontecimento de novas crises mesmo quando a epilepsia já está sob controle medicamentoso há vários meses. Assim, tendem a assumir uma atitude de superproteção e controle, estabelecendo uma relação de dependência e, por vezes, um vínculo simbiótico, o que não favorece o desenvolvimento emocional destas crianças. Conclui-se que este campo é permeado por afetos fantasias e conflitos a serem elaborados. A informação técnica referente à epilepsia nem sempre é suficiente para garantir a saúde mental desta dupla (AU)