Sandeep Kaur

AIMS: The cross-contamination events within a commercial pork processing line were examined by a combination of ERIC-PCR DNA fingerprinting of Escherichia coli and plate counts. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sponge sampling of environmental surfaces and carcasses was performed over an 8-h processing period. Prior to the start of processing the scraper and dry polisher blades were found to harbour substantial Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli populations. From plate count data the key cross-contamination site for the transfer of bacteria between carcasses occurred during evisceration. However, DNA fingerprints of representative E. coli isolates identified that genotypes initially present on the scraper/dry polisher became distributed on wet polisher blades, band-saw and butcher's hands despite a singeing step being performed post dry polishing. A high proportion of E. coli on post-eviscerated carcasses could be traced to down-stream (pre-singe) environmental contact surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: DNA fingerprinting has demonstrated that E. coli and potential enteric pathogens can be transferred between pork carcasses throughout the processing line. In this respect scalding and singeing cannot be relied upon to control cross-contamination of enteric bacteria between carcasses. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Sole reliance on indicator organism counts to identify cross-contamination events as currently advocated is limited.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The oropharyngeal (OP) and nasopharyngeal structures seems to play roles in the development of the dentofacial complex. Soft palate as a part of nasopharyngeal and OP apparatus has an important role in phonation, deglutition and respiration. The aim of this study was to find whether any correlation exists between the three types of malocclusion and airway space using lateral cephalogram and computed tomography (CT) and to compare its reliability. To obtain important information on the morphology of the soft palate on lateral cephalogram and to determine its etiopathogenesis in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lateral cephalogram of 45 subjects were used to measure the pharyngeal airway. The subjects were divided into three groups (each group included 15 subjects) according to ANB angle: Class I (ANB angle 2-4°), Class II (ANB angle > 4°), Class III (ANB angle ≤ 2°). RESULTS: The result showed a significant reduction in pharyngeal airway in ANB Class II. Type I soft palate, leaf-shape was found in maximum subjects. The volume of airway size showed higher statistical significance with the greater coefficient of variation on CT in relation to corresponding cephalometric airway area. CONCLUSION: The sagittal skeletal pattern is a contributory factor in variations in the upper airway dimensions. The measurements acquired from both the modalities are reliable and reproducible, but CT gives the better assessment of cross-sectional dimensions of airway space. Morphology of the soft palate can be used as references for etiological research of OSA.

Analysis of bite marks plays an important role in personal identification in forensic casework. Bite marks can be recorded in violent crimes such as sexual offences, homicides, child abuse cases, and during sports events. The arrangement, size and alignment of human teeth are individualistic to each person. Teeth, acting as tools leave recognizable marks depending on tooth arrangement, malocclusion, habits, occupation, tooth fracture, and missing or extra teeth. Bite mark identification is based on the individuality of a dentition, which is used to match a bite mark to a suspect. Bite marks are often considered as valuable alternative to fingerprinting and DNA identification in forensic examinations. The present review describes the classification, characteristics, mechanism of production, and appearance of bite mark injuries, collection of evidence, comparison techniques, and technical aids in the analysis of the bite marks.

There is considerable controversy regarding the frequency and significance of vascular lesions in leprosy. Thirty-five patients of leprosy under 40 years of age, without any local and systemic arterial disease, with normal looking hands and feet, were subjected to brachial arteriography. One patient also had posterior tibial arteriography. Diagnosis of leprosy was confirmed by bacteriologic and histopathologic technics. Biopsy material was studied from the area of radiographic abnormality, similar material was obtained from nine matched control subjects at autopsy. Skin thermometry and reflex vasodilatation were studied in eight cases. Various fractions of serum lipids and cholesterol were estimated in all patients and found to be within normal range. Arteriographic abnormalities such as occlusion, narrowing, tortuosity, dilatation, poststenotic dilatation, irregularity and incomplete filling of the lumen by radio-opaque material, were seen in more than two vessels in 50% of the arteriograms in wrist and palm; digital vessels showed abnormality in 75% to 94% of cases. The ulnar artery was more frequently involved (74%) than the radial (50%). Superficial and deep palmar arches were equally affected. Increased vascularity in hypothenar eminence area was seen in three arteriograms. Marked increase in arcuate vessels was noted in 60% of patients. Some arcuate vessels were serving as collaterals. Histologically, all grades of vessels including capilaries showed changes in nearly half of the patients. Reflex vasodilatation was lost in three patients of dimorphous leprosy, and impaired or absent in three of five patients of lepromatous leprosy. There was no predilection for any form of leprosy to show arterial changes more than others. This study clearly demonstrates that the vascular involvement in leprosy is very frequent and must be playing an important role in causing mutilations and deformities of hands and feet.