Lip print evaluation of Indian and Malaysian-Chinese subjects by manual and digital methods: a correlational study with gender and ethnicity

Abstract

Background Cheiloscopy is a reliable method of personal identification which may augment the established methods like dactylography, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) profiling, and dental records. Aim This study aimed to determine the correlation of lip prints with ethnicity and gender of individuals in an attempt to bridge the gap between conventional manual methods and digital methods of cheiloscopy. Methods Lip prints of 300 gender-matched subjects of Indian and Malaysian-Chinese descents were collected and analyzed using the Suzuki K and Tsuchihashi Y classification system. The lip sizes were measured and lip print patterns were analyzed. The analysis was carried out using manual and computer-aided methods. A customized software for lip print analysis and validate it with the manual lip print analysis was developed. Results Independent sample t test showed a statistically significant difference between the width and length of the lips between males and females of the total population (p < 0.001). Pearson’s chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between the Indian males and females in the width of the lower lip (p = 0.074). In the Malaysian-Chinese population, there was a statistically significant difference between males and females in the length of the upper lip (p = 0.032) and lower lip (p = 0.035). The type V grooves were predominant in the total study population (51.3%) followed by type III pattern (38.7%). The new customized software could not provide reliable results. Conclusions Lip sizes differed significantly among the Indian and Malaysian-Chinese subjects. There was no significant gender dimorphism in the distribution of lip print patterns. The results from manual and computer-aided methods were comparable.

Cheiloscopy patterns in individuals with and without parafunctional oral habits: A cross‐sectional observation pilot study

“…Therefore, the researchers devised data collection procedures based on the materials and methods described by other researchers. 2,6,8,10 Participants were given a hypoallergenic cleansing wipe (The Honest Company® baby wipes) to cleanse their lips of excess oil, moisturizer, or lipstick. After 1 min of drying time, red lipstick (Almay Colour Vibes, 'Treat Yourself') was applied with single use lipstick applicators to the vermillion zone of the upper and lower lips.…”

“…Current research does not describe a prescribed manner for lip print collection procedures. Therefore, the researchers devised data collection procedures based on the materials and methods described by other researchers 2,6,8,10 . Participants were given a hypoallergenic cleansing wipe (The Honest Company® baby wipes) to cleanse their lips of excess oil, moisturizer, or lipstick.…”

“…Research suggests that the individuality of lip prints may be influenced by biologically inherited traits such as gender and race 1,5‐9 . The literature also suggests that lip prints may be altered as the result of adaptive muscle functions including activities that involve frequent pursing of the lips 5,10‐19 .…”

“…Research suggests that the individuality of lip prints may be influenced by biologically inherited traits such as gender and race. 1,[5][6][7][8][9] The literature also suggests that lip prints may be altered as the result of adaptive muscle functions including activities that involve frequent pursing of the lips. 5,[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Pursing the lips causes a contraction of the multilayered and complex orbicularis oris muscle, 17 which is primarily responsible for the shape, form, and movement of the lips.…”

Evaluating Digital Photography for Lip Print Recording: Compatibility With Traditional Classification Systems

“…However, research focusing on the methods employed for lip print recording in a research context remains relatively underexplored. Several methods have been documented in the literature for lip print recording, including photography, photographic enlargement, and overlay tracings on non-porous surfaces such as mirrors, application of transfer media such as lipstick or lip rouge followed by lip impression on paper or tape, utilization of finger printers (preferably roller finger printers), and lip impression on suitable surfaces processed with conventional fingerprint development powder or magna brush and magnetic powder [ 2 ]. A review of the literature reveals that the conventional method of lip print recording, involving the use of lip print enhancers (e.g., lipstick, lip gloss), lifting prints with adhesive tape (such as cellophane or clear tape), and pasting them onto contrasting backgrounds (typically white paper), followed by manual or digital analysis, is the predominant approach [ 3 ].…”