No abstract

The use of a genetic marker in paternity determination has been successful with the ABO blood group system but unsuccessful in dermatoglyphics and palatal rugae because the genetic mechanism is polygenic. The palatal rugae of 17 families (34 parents and 49 children) were classified and recorded, and the data used to construct a statistical analysis system (SAS) cluster map. A positive result would have meant a father clustering with all his children at Level 83, where, in fact, the best result achieved was at Level 5. The best cluster occurred at Level 82 between the ten-year-old boy of Family 7 and the eleven-year-old girl of Family 3. It is thus clear that the palatal rugae cannot be used in a practical procedure to determine paternity.

A sample of 575 palatal casts was studied and found to possess varying degrees of papillary convolutions between and around the palatal rugae. No palatal appliances were worn and no irritative influence was present. A classification of 1-4 was established and the peak incidence was Class II at 48.4% (Class I, being an absence of papillarity, was 7.3%). It is postulated that the presence of a denture may well cause an inflammatory papillary hyperplasia to arise not by a progression through the various stages of denture stomatitis but directly, in an individual with a papillary palate.

A 68-year-old woman presented with a 6-week history of painful erythematous nodules and ulcerations on both legs. The patient had long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which she was taking methotrexate 20 mg weekly and prednisolone 5 mg daily. Her RA was stable, but she was feeling generally fatigued.On physical examination, sloughy, superficial ulcerations with surrounding erythema were seen on both lower legs (Fig. 1). Discrete, tender, erythematous nodules were found on the right wrist, buttock and the back of the right thigh. Initially, an incisional biopsy was taken from the nodule on the right thigh, during which a yellow exudate was noted within the dermis. Further biopsies were taken from new nodules on the right arm and right thigh 3 weeks and 3 months later, respectively. Histopathological findingsOn histological examination of the skin biopsies, extensive necrosis of the deep reticular dermis was seen, with lobular necrosis in the subcutis (Fig. 2). There was neutrophilic infiltration of the subcutaneous septa and lobules, fibrinoid necrosis of the blood-vessel walls, and areas of nuclear karyorrhectic 'dust'. An infectious panniculitis was excluded by negative results on staining and tissue culture.What is your diagnosis? (a) (b) Figure 1 (a) Erythematous nodules and (b) ulceration on the leg.

Aim: To produce an online resource for dental professionals, advising them on ways to manage patients with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Method and Results: Literature search into the management of patients with DCD, and how to produce a high‐quality leaflet using specific keywords. Using online databases, such as PubMed, the Cochrane Database and an internet search engine, an online resource in printable leaflet form was produced following a pilot readability assessment and review by those who work with individuals with DCD and a Special Care Dentistry special interest group. From the assessment tools used, the resource scored well in terms of readability and comprehension. The resource also received positive and constructive feedback from colleagues and those who work with individuals with DCD. Conclusion: An online resource was produced for dental professionals, although further evaluation is required on whether it will be useful to the profession. The literature review suggests the need for more research to be carried out on the association between DCD and oral health, and how dental professionals can manage those with DCD within a general dental practice.