Showing papers in "Journal of Forensic Medicine in 2013"

Radiographic Evaluation of Gustafson's Criteria for the Purpose of Forensic Age Diagnostics

Abstract: The main criteria used in dental age estimation in living young individuals are mineralisation and eruption of the third molars. In order to further diversify the spectrum of characteristics after completion of third molar development, tests were undertaken to determine whether the characteristics studied by Gustafson can be ascertained with the required forensic certainty with the aid of the orthopantomogram and whether the evaluation of these could render forensic odontological age diagnoses possible beyond the 18th year of life. For this purpose, 1,299 conventionally produced orthopantomograms of 650 female and 649 male Germans aged from 15 to 40 years were studied. The characteristics of secondary dentin formation, cementum apposition, periodontal recession and attrition were evaluated in all the mandibular premolars. The correlation of the individual characteristics with chronological age was studied with the aid of a multiple regression analysis in which chronological age formed the dependent variable. Depending on the tooth studied, the R values amounted to 0.65–0.73; the standard error of estimate was 5.3–5.7 years. Basically, the regression equations calculated can be recommended for age estimation in living individuals, although it should be borne in mind that the applicability of the new method presented is limited by the quality of the X-ray images.

Radiographic analysis of epiphyseal fusion at knee joint to assess likelihood of having attained 18 years of age

Abstract: Radiological analysis of the epiphyses of the knee joint provides new valuable information, which may be used in combination with these well-established techniques in order to maximise the accuracy in the assessment of age of 18 years. A total of 215 antero-posterior radiographs of the knee was reviewed retrospectively in patients aged between 14 and 24 years old (99 boys, 116 girls). Fusion was scored as stage 1, epiphysis not fused; stage 2, epiphysis is fully ossified and epiphyseal scar is visible; and stage 3, epiphysis is fully ossified and epiphyseal scar is not visible. Scores of 0, 1 and 2 were assigned to stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Lastly, the score related to epiphyseal fusion at the knee joint was obtained by adding the three scores of the distal femur, proximal tibia and proximal fibula. Age distribution gradually increased with each score, for both genders. The mean age (±standard error) in each score category varied between genders, but the differences were not significant (p > 0.11). Five tests were performed to discriminate between individuals who were or were not at age 18 years or more, according to the receiver operating curve. For boys, the highest value of accuracy was obtained with score 3, with high sensitivity (Se = 93.33%) and specificity (Sp = 89.29%). For girls, it was obtained with score 4, with high accuracy (Acc =85.86%). These results indicate that radiographic analysis of the knee is a valuable alternative as a non-invasive method of estimation of 18 years of age.

Accuracy of Three Age Estimation Methods in Children by Measurements of Developing Teeth and Carpals and Epiphyses of the Ulna and Radius

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three methods for age estimation in children: the measurements of open apices in tooth roots (T), the ratio between the total area of carpal bones and epiphyses of the ulna and radius (HW), and the combined method (THW). The sample consisted of 288 Caucasian Italian children (152 boys and 136 girls) aged between 5 and 15 years. Accuracy was determined as the difference between estimated age and chronological age, and accuracy was assessed by analyzing individuals’ orthopantomograms and hand-wrist radiographs. Accuracies were 0.41 years for girls and 0.54 years for boys with the THW method; for the HW method, 1.00 years for girls and 0.92 years for boys; and for the T method, 0.62 years for girls and 0.71 years for boys. THW is the most accurate technique for age estimation in these children.

Fatal Paradoxical Air Embolism Diagnosed by Postmortem Imaging and Autopsy

Abstract: The recognition and visualization of an arterial gas embolism are difficult. We report a case of sudden death caused by paradoxical air embolism of coronary and cerebral arteries, diagnosed by the pre autopsy computed tomography (CT) scanning. A 54-year-old woman suddenly died after the self-removal of the jugular vein catheter. Postmortem imaging examination using CT scanning showed multiple gas embolisms in the cerebral arteries, pulmonary artery, right atrium and ventricle, left ventricle, aorta, and coronary arteries. These findings suggested that the occurrence of acute ischemia of the brain and heart caused by massive air inflow to the artery. Conventional autopsy revealed a patent foramen ovale of the heart. These results indicated that the patient died of paradoxical air embolization of the coronary and cerebral arteries through a patent foramen ovale because of right-to-left shunting. The use of postmortem imaging as an aid for conventional autopsy has proved to be of advantage in the case of gas embolism.

Accidental Mechanical Asphyxia of Children in Germany Between 2000 and 2008

Abstract: Accidents constitute one of the greatest risks to children, yet there are few medical reports that discuss the subject of accidental asphyxia. However, a systematic analysis of all documented cases in Germany over the years 2000–2008 has now been conducted, aiming at identifying patterns of accidental asphyxia, deducing findings, defining avoidance measures and recommending ways of increasing product safety and taking possible precautions. The analysis is based on a detailed retrospective analysis of all 91 relevant autopsy reports from 24 different German forensic institutes. A variety of demographic and morphological data was systematically collected and analysed. In 84 of the 91 cases, the sex of the victim was reported, resulting in a total of 57 boys (68%) and 27 girls (32%). The age spread ranged between 1 day and 14 years, with an average of 5.9 years. Most accidents occurred in the first year of life (20%) or between the ages of 1 and 2 years (13%). In 46% of cases, the cause of death was strangulation, with the majority occurring in the home environment. In 31% of all cases, the cause of death was positional asphyxia, the majority resulting from chest compression. In 23% of cases, the cause of death was aspiration, mainly of foreign bodies. Today, accidental asphyxiation is a rare cause of death in children in Germany. Nevertheless, the majority of cases could have been avoided. Future incidence can be reduced by implementing two major precautions: increasing product safety and educating parents of potentially fatal risks. Specific recommendations relate to children's beds, toys and food.

[Genetic polymorphisms of 15 X-STR loci in Shandong Han population].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 15 X-STR loci in Shandong Han population in order to establish the forensic application database. METHODS The multi-PCR primers of these loci were designed by Primer Premier 5.0 software and labeled by 4 fluoresceins (FAM, VIC, NED and TET). The developed multi-PCR was used to investigate 15 X-STR loci (DXS10011, DXS101, GATA 165B12, DXS6795, DXS6800, DXS6801, DXS6803, DXS7132, DXS7133, DXS7423, DXS7424, DXS8377, DXS8378, DXS9898 and HPRTB) selected from the X chromosome of 481 unrelated individuals (295 females and 186 males) in Shandong Han population. RESULTS Among the 15 X-STR loci, GATA 165B12, DXS6800, DXS6803, DXS7133 and DXS7423 showed moderate polymorphisms, while the rest 10 X-STR loci showed high polymorphisms (PIC > 0.5 and H > 0.5). No shared haplotype was detected among the males in Shandong Han population. CONCLUSION The developed multi-PCR system with fluorescence detection provides an effective way to establish X-STR loci database of population genetics in Shandong Han population and shows its forensic application.

2011 Annual Report of the Poison Control Centre of Ain Shams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract: The estimation of IU age of a foetus brought for medicolegal autopsy may not always be an easy task, especially so in partially or totally decomposed, fragmented, mutilated or animal-eaten foetuses, and more so in under developed tropical and subtropical countries like India, where most of the medicolegal work is performed by non-forensic doctors at district as well as primary health centre levels. The foot length, plantar creases, nails of toes and ossification centres for calcaneum, talus and cuboid of 102 foetuses with IU age 12–38 weeks were observed. On comparison with other studies, it is found that the foot length ranges from 5.5 to 5.8 cms at 28 weeks, from 5.9 to 6.1 cms at 30 weeks, and from 6.3 to 6.6 cms at the age of 32 weeks, making it a fairly reliable parameter to know the age of a foetus: whether above or below 30 weeks (legally accepted age of viability in India). Plantar creases, nails and ossification centres may prove fairly reliable parameters when all four-foot criteria are together taken into account. The importance of reconsideration of these four-foot criteria is discussed and a reference table showing these criteria at various IU ages is suggested for rapid and potentially correct assessment of IU age in routine medicolegal practice in countries like India. The legal provisions in Indian Law related to the topic are discussed in short.

Drying Properties of Bloodstains on Common Indoor Surfaces

Abstract: When blood reaches an extracorporeal surface, a drying process is initiated. Properties of this drying process may be crucial for the correct assessment of case-specific time lapses, however, there is a lack of systematic studies concerning the drying times of blood. We present a study on drying properties of small blood droplets with a standardised size of 25 il (resembling droplets originating from pointed and sharp objects, e.g., the tip of a knife) under different environmental conditions to elucidate the effect of different ambient temperatures, indoor surfaces and anticoagulant treatment. As a rule of thumb, wiping a typical small blood droplet will not lead to a macroscopically visible smear after a time period of approximately 60 min (timemin = 45 min; timemax= 75 min) at an average room temperature of 20 C. Alteration of the ambient temperature has a remarkable effect, as the time needed for the drying process leading to wipe resistance of the droplets decreases to 30 min (timemin) at an ambient temperature of 24 C, and is prolonged up to >120 min (timemax) at an ambient temperature of 15 C. As for the surface materials in our study, significant differences in drying periods were only found between wood and linoleum (80th percentile 45 vs. 75 min). Treatment with anticoagulants did not influence extracorporeal drying times. In synopsis, the present study shows that ambient temperature is a major determinant of the drying process of blood droplets and should always be documented accurately and continuously on a crime scene. In certain situations, an estimation of the time elapsed since bloodstain origination may be of importance to answer questions related to the time course of actions. However, further systematic studies are needed to clarify the effect of other properties such as droplet size, humidity or evaporation.

Annual Report of the Poison Control Centre, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt, 2012

Abstract: Background: Poisoning is a growing potential threat to the Egyptian community. The Poison Control Centre Ain Shams University Hospitals (PCCA) received 19 744 cases in the year 2012. The aim of this study is to portray the pattern of poisoning among cases admitted to (PCCA) in the year 2012 to evaluate the commonest poisoning causes, ways of management and outcomes during that year. Methods: Computerized data of a specially designed program comprised demographic in addition to clinical and management data of the poisoning cases received in PCCA in the year 2012. A descriptive analysis and statistics of the medical records is accomplished. Results: Overall, 19 744poison exposure cases were recorded. The largest poisoning affection was at the age group of 15 - <25years accounting for 38.3% of total cases .Female poisoning predominate representing 55% of total cases. Attempted suicide was obviously more common representing 49.5% of total cases. Substances most frequently involved were food poisoning, organophosphate, household products and tramadol that obviously increase yearly over the last few years. Clinical severity according to Persson et al., (1998) was mild in (84.1%) of cases, moderate in 12.8% and severe in 3.1%. Seventy eight fatalities were recorded. Management of these cases was described. Conclusions: Special attention has been drawn towards increased attempted suicide in adolescents and early adulthood, the younger age of drug users and the progressive increase of some drugs of abuse.

Trends of Suicidal Poisoning in Ahmadabad - A Retrospective Study

Abstract: The suicide rate in India is 10.3. In the last three decades, the suicide rate has increased by 43% but the male female ratio has been stable at 1.4: 1. Majority (71%) of suicide in India are by persons below the age of 44 years which imposes a huge social, emotional and economic burden. Several studies reveal that suicidal behaviours are much more prevalent than what is officially reported. (1) Poisoning, hanging and self immolation (particularly women) were the methods to commit suicide. Physical and mental illness, disturbed interpersonal relationships and economic difficulties were the major reasons for suicide. The vulnerable population was found to be women, students, farmers etc. A social and public health response in addition to a mental health response is crucial to prevent suicidal behaviour in India.

Establishment of a 3D finite element model of human thoracic cage and biomechanical analysis

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To establish a 3D finite element model of the complete human thoracic cage, and to perform a biomechanical analysis. METHODS: The multislice computed tomography (MSCT) images of human thorax were obtained and used to develop a 3D reconstruction and a finite element model of the thoracic cage by finite element modeling software. The right hypochondrium area of the model was simulated to sustain the frontal impacts by a blunt impactor with velocities of 4, 6 and 8 m/s, and the distribution of stress and strain after the impact of the model was analyzed. RESULTS: A highly anatomically simulated finite element model of human thoracic cage was successfully developed with a fine element mean quality which was above 0.7. The biomechanical analysis showed that the thoracic cage revealed both local bending and overall deformation after the impact. Stress and strain arose from the initial impact area of the ribs, and then spread along the ribs to both sides, at last concentrated in the posterior side of the ribs and near the sternum. Impacts with velocities of 6 m/s and 8 m/s were predicted to cause rib fractures when the strain of the ribs were beyond the threshold values. CONCLUSION: The finite element modeling software is capable of establishing a highly simulated 3D finite element model of human thoracic cage. And the established model could be applicable to analyze stress and strain distribution of the thoracic cage under forces and to provide a new method for the forensic identification of chest injury. Language: zh

[Development of Chinese forensic Y-STR DNA database].

Abstract: Y chromosome is a male-specific paternal inherited chromosome. The STR markers on Y chromosome have been widely used in forensic practices. This article summarizes the characteristics of Y-STR and some factors are considered of selecting appropriate Y-STR markers for Chinese population. The prospects of existing and potential forensic applications of Y-STR profiles are discussed including familial excluding, familial searching, crowd source deducing, mixture sample testing, and kinship identifying. The research, development, verification of Y-STR kit, Y-STR mutation rate, and search software are explored and some suggestions are given.

Management of Paracetamol Poisoning-the Old and the New

Abstract: Paracetamol is involved in a large proportion of accidental exposures and deliberate self-poisoning cases, although subsequent hepatic failure and death are both uncommon outcomes. The optimal management of most patients with paracetamol overdose still remains unclear. The following article attempts to compile management advice with current clinical toxicology practice, revised guidelines and recent advances.

Biochemical Alterations on Exposure of Imidacloprid and Curzate on Fresh Water Fish Oreochromis Mossambicus and Labeo Rohita

Abstract: Imidacloprid (IMI) is a nicotinoid insecticide that belongs to a group of insecticides referred to as the chloronicotinyl group and Curzate M8 (CZ) (72%) is a mixture of two fungicides viz. Cymoxanil (8%) and mencozeb (64%). Teleost were exposed to sub-lethal concentration (LC50/10 and LC50/20) of IMI and CZ for 21 days to assess the alterations in the level of some biochemical parameters in tissues. Significant alterations in all the biochemical parameters were found to be dose dependent. Increased activity of ALT, AST, ALP and GDH of tissues indicate liver damage. Thus from the present studies it can be concluded that curzate and Imidacloprid are potentially toxic to freshwater Teleosts, Oreochromis mossambicus and Labeo rohita.

Electroretinogram and histopathologic changes of the retina after methanol intoxication.

Abstract: In order to study the functional and structural alterations of the retina in SD rat model after methanol intoxication, 35 rats were divided randomly into five groups administrated with saline, 3-day high dose, 7-day high dose, 3-day low dose and 7-day low dose methanol separately. The retinal function of each group was assessed by flash electroretinogram (F-ERG) 3 and 7 days after methanol poisoning. The microstructure and ultrastructure of the retina were observed at the same time. The high-dose methanol intoxication induced irreversible retinal functional and structural damages 3 days after poisoning, which included prolonged latency and reduced amplitude of the Max-reaction of F-ERG. These injuries were aggravated 7 days after poisoning. Meanwhile, the latency and amplitude of the Cone-reaction of F-ERG were also affected 3 days after poisoning, but there were no further worsening tendency 7 days after poisoning. The retinal histological analysis showed cellular edema, heteromorphy and disarrangement, tissular loosen of the inner nuclear layer and photoreceptors layer. The mitochondrial damage began at the photoreceptors layer and developed further into the inner nuclear layer. The low-dose methanol intoxication only caused transient damage of the retina. Our results showed that the function and structure of the photoreceptor and inner nuclear layer were the primary target of methanol intoxication and that the rod cells were more sensitive to methanol intoxication than the cone cells. The mitochondrial damage developed from outer layer to inner layer of the retina.

In-Vitro Cytotoxic Study of Moullava Spicata (Dalz.) Nicolson Leaf Extract

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of present study is to evaluate cytotoxic and genotoxic activity of Moullava spicata (Dalz.) Nicolson. Materials and Method: The aqueous extract of this plant subjected to genotoxic and cytotoxic study using yeast viability test, hemolytic assay and Allium test. Result: The extract showed dose dependent effect on yeast viability and hemolysis of erythrocytes. The Allium test showed significant reduction of root length (p > 0.01) and number (p > 0.001) indicated cytotoxic effect of plant extract. Microscopic observations showed cytotoxic effects such as ghost cell, membrane damage or rupture, apoptotic bodies and the extent damage was increased significantly after 96 hours treatment. Conclusion: The study showed that the leaf extract of the M. spicata contains various biologically active compounds and possess cytotoxic effects.

Fatal Poisoning due to Co-ingestion of Benzodiazepines and Alcohol: A Case Report

Abstract: Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently worldwide prescribed antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs because they are considered effective and safe drugs.

A Study of Demography of Medico Legal Autopsies in Bijapur

Abstract: An 3-year study was carried out on the cases of unnatural deaths subjected to Medico-legal autopsies from 2006 to 2008. The main objectives of the study were: To ascertain the various aspects of unnatural deathsTo analyze the probable reasons for the same &To find remedial measures to bring down the incidence.

Intravascular Haemolysis due to Glucose -6- Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency in a Patient with Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning

Abstract: Aluminum phosphide (AlP) poisoning and glucose?6?phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are two common clinical problems in Iran. However, hemolysis associated with AlP poisoning is extremely rare. We report a 24-year-old G6PD deficient patient with AlP poisoning presenting with intravascular hemolysis.

The staging method of sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth by thin layer CT scan and imaging reconstruction

Abstract: Objective To establish a CT staging method of sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth for teenagers by thin layer CT scan, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and volume reconstruction (VR) technologies. Methods The CT imaging characteristics, which collected from 460 teenagers (aged from 15 to 25) in East and South China, were studied through both sternal ends of clavicles' imagings by thin layer coronal CT scan and axial CT scan, MPR and VR technologies. The parameters of sternal end of clavicle including the longest diameter of epiphysis, the longest diameter of metaphysis, their length ratio, area of epiphysis, area of metaphysis, and their area ratio were measured and calculated in order to establish new classification. Results Based on the staging method of Schmeling, integrating the CT imaging reconstruction information of sternal end of clavicle, the new classification of sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth were divided into 1 to 5 stages, and stage 2 and stage 3, respectively, contained a, b and c sub-classification. Conclusion This new classification has merits of large sample size, wide age range and easy operability. By using CT imaging reconstruction techniques and analyzing the data which closely related to sternal end of clavicle epiphyseal growth of teenagers, the feasibility of the staging method could be increased.

Messenger RNA profiling for forensic body fluid identification: research and applications.

Abstract: Identifying the origin of body fluids left at a crime scene can give a significant insight into crime scene reconstruction by supporting a link between sample donors and actual criminal acts. However, the conventional body fluid identification methods are prone to various limitations, such as time consumption, intensive labor, nonparallel manner, varying degrees of sensitivity and limited specificity. Recently, the analysis of cell-specific messenger RNA expression (mRNA profiling) has been proposed to supplant conventional methods for body fluid identification. Since 2011, the collaborative exercises have been organized by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) in order to evaluate the robustness and reproducibility of mRNA profiling for body fluid identification. The major advantages of mRNA profiling, compared to the conventional methods, include higher sensitivity, greater specificity, the ability of detecting several body fluids in one multiplex reaction, and compatibility with current DNA extraction and analysis procedure. In the current review, we provided an overview of the present knowledge and detection methodologies of mRNA profiling for forensic body fluid identification and discussed its possible practical application to forensic casework.

[Stature estimation for Sichuan Han nationality female based on X-ray technology with measurement of lumbar vertebrae].

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To establish the mathematical models of stature estimation for Sichuan Han female with measurement of lumbar vertebrae by X-ray to provide essential data for forensic anthropology research METHODS The samples, 206 Sichuan Han females, were divided into three groups including group A, B and C according to the ages Group A (206 samples) consisted of all ages, group B (116 samples) were 20-45 years old and 90 samples over 45 years old were group C All the samples were examined lumbar vertebrae through CR technology, including the parameters of five centrums (L1-L5) as anterior border, posterior border and central heights (x1-x15), total central height of lumbar spine (x16), and the real height of every sample The linear regression analysis was produced using the parameters to establish the mathematical models of stature estimation Sixty-two trained subjects were tested to verify the accuracy of the mathematical models RESULTS The established mathematical models by hypothesis test of linear regression equation model were statistically significant (P<005) The standard errors of the equation were 2982-5004 cm, while correlation coefficients were 0370-0779 and multiple correlation coefficients were 0533-0834 The return tests of the highest correlation coefficient and multiple correlation coefficient of each group showed that the highest accuracy of the multiple regression equation, y = 10033 + 1489 x3 - 0548 x6 + 0772 x9 + 0058 x12 + 0645 x15, in group A were 806% (+/- lSE) and 100% (+/- 2SE) CONCLUSION The established mathematical models in this study could be applied for the stature estimation for Sichuan Han females

Influence of Silymarin on Valproic Acid Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Abstract: Introduction: Valproic acid (VPA) is a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug, which might induce serious hepatic disorders . Silymarin is currently used as a supportive therapy of liver disorders. Aim of the study: In this study we evaluated the protective effects of silymarin on valproic acid induced hepatotoxicity . Material and Methods: seventy adult male albino rats were divided into 7 groups (10 each), (Ia) negative control, (Ib) positive control, (II) silymarin group, received17.5 mg/kg. (IIIa) low dose VAP group, received 200mg/kg , (IIIb) high dose VAP group received 400 mg/kg (IVa) low dose VPA + silymarin group and (IVb) high dose VPA + silymarin group received doses as previously mentioned. The drugs were gavaged once daily, 6 days/week for 8 weeks, at the end of the experiment rats were sacrificed and estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood, malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver tissues and histopathological and immunnohistochemical examination of liver tissues were carried out. Results: this study showed significant increase in serum ALT, ALP and hepatic MDA contents while GSH-Px activity significantly reduced (especially in high dose VPA group) when compared with the control. Histopathological changes showed patchy microvesicular steatosis, focal necrosis of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein and sinusoids. Immunolocalization of Bcl-2 revealed dose dependent weak cytoplasmic staining in the hepatocytes surrounding the central vein. VPA+ Silymarin groups showed partial improvement. Conclusion: It concluded that VPA has dose dependent toxic effects on liver that might be ameliorated by concomitant use of silymarin.

Expression of BNP in rat myocardial tissue after acute cardiac dysfunction

Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in rat myocardial tissue after acute cardiac dysfunction and to explore the role of BNP in diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction in forensic practice. METHODS Rat models of acute cardiac dysfunction were established. The expression of BNP protein and BNP mRNA in myocardial tissue after cardiac dysfunction were detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS The extent of positive staining of BNP increased over the time course during cardiac dysfunction. The expression of BNP showed mild positive in cardiomyocytes from 1 h to 2 h. From 4 h to 6 h, the expression was moderate positive. From 10 h to 12 h, the BNP showed a strongest positive expression. The expression of BNP presented a significant raise with the increasing time of cardiac dysfunction by Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR. The expression of BNP mRNA increased significantly 1 h after cardiac dysfunction. CONCLUSION Investigating the expression of BNP protein and BNP mRNA in myocardial tissue may provide a new approach to evaluate the cardiac function for forensic pathologists.

Reliability of Foramen Magnum Length & Breadth and Mastoid Length in Identification of Gender of North Chennai Region

Abstract: Identification of the sex from the skeletal remains is the prime work of forensic experts. The present study is carried out to determine the sex of the skull bone from foramen magnum length, breadth and mastoid length. One hundred adult human skull bones of known sex (50 male and 50 female) available in the Department of Anatomy and Forensic Medicine& Toxicology, Madha Medical College and Hospital, Chennai are used for the present study. Among all the three variables statistically analyzed, the most reliable parameter is foremena magnum length which helps to sort out 38% of male skulls and 06% of female skulls i.e. overall 22% of skull bones can be sorted out with this parameter alone. This parameter is also found to be statistically significant.

Pattern of Acute Poisoning among Patients Admitted to Tanta Poison Control Center during 2012

Abstract: Background: Acute poisoning remains a major publichealth problem and represents a frequent cause of admission in emergency units, especially in developing countries. Many studies must be focused on the different patterns of acute poisoning in patients admitted to poison control centers. So, the aim of this study is to characterize the poisoning cases admitted to poison control center, Tanta University Emergency Hospital, Egypt. Study design: All admitted acutely poisoned patients from January to December 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Data of socio-demographic characteristics, time of admission, circumstances of poisoning, agents, route of exposure and mortality rate were collected from medical records of the hospital. During this period, 1104 patients were admitted. Results: Of the admitted patients, 57.1% were females and 42.9% were males. The majority (31.2%) of cases were in the age group between 1-10 years. Most poisonings were accidental (55.2%) while suicidal attempts were 44.8%. Females were 76.2% of all suicidal poisoning while males were 58.5% of all accidental poisoning. The most important agents used were therapeutic drugs (32.3%) especially sedatives and hypnotics (12.6%) followed by analgesics (9.24%) and CVS drugs (8.96%). Pesticides were the second common agents used (28.6%) of which organophosphates were the commonest (67.7%). Mortality rate was 0.5% which was due to suicidal attempts by pesticides. Conclusion: The study concluded that high rate of acute poisoning was between patients of age group between 1-10 years. Females were of high suicidal attempts than males, while males were predominant in accidental poisoning. The most commonly substances included are drugs and pesticides. Prevention strategies should be directed towards limiting access to the implicated substances involved in both accidental and suicidal poisoning.

Reappraisals of mental disabilities due to traffic accidents: a retrospective analysis of 51 cases

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To discuss the causes for changes of opinions in reappraisals of mental disabilities due to traffic accidents. METHODS: Fifty-one reappraisals of mental disorders due to traffic accidents from October 2009 to October 2011 in the Institute of Forensic Science, Shaoxing Seventh People's Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In the reappraisals, the opinions about disability grade changed in 30 cases (58.82%), including 8 cases increased and 22 cases decreased. According to the causes of changing the opinions, there were 8, 10 and 2 cases related to different understandings of appraisers in the severities of mental disorders, subjective judgements and certain psychiatric symptoms, respectively. Also, there were 10 cases related to different appraisal time. CONCLUSION: Appraisals of mental disabilities should grasp the appraisal time, decrease the changes of opinions due to the differences of appraisers and correctly understand the orders of rules and clauses. Language: zh

Comparative Study of Paraoxonase and Cholinestrase Enzymes Activities in Diagnosis of Organophosphorus Insecticide Intoxication

Abstract: Many efforts have been made to evaluate organophosphorus (OP) toxicity by sensitive biomarkers. Therefore, the aim of this work is to evaluate cholinesterase and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes activities as diagnostic tools in acute & chronic organophosphorus toxicity with poisoning severity assessment.The present study was conducted on 90 adult men after taking their informed consent, they were divided into three groups; group (I) included thirty patients who were acutely exposed to organophosphorus insecticides (OPI). Group (II) included thirty farm workers chronically exposed to OP. Group (III) included thirty healthy matched volunteers served as control group. The severity of symptoms and signs of acute OP poisoning was graded into mild, moderate and severe grade. Long term pesticide exposure intensity was estimated depending on mixing, application methods, repair activities and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure intensity score = (Mix + Apply + Repair) х PPE. Butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes activities were determined. The result of the current study revealed significant decrease in BuChE, AChE and PON1 in groups I and II when compared to group III. Moreover, BuChE and AChE enzymes were significantly decreased in group I when compared to group II. Significant positive correlation was detected between AChE enzyme activity and both BuChE and PON1 enzymes activities in group I. However, group IIshowed significant positive correlations between BuChE enzyme activity and the activity of each of AChE and PON1. Moreover, there was significant decrease in AChE enzyme activity in severe cases compared to mild and moderate cases in group I. Nevertheless, group II registered significant decrease in BuChE, AChE and PON-1 when Pesticide Exposure Intensity Score is more than 10.

Myocardial expression of Spry1 and MAPK proteins of viral myocarditis

Abstract: Objective To discuss the myocardial expression of Spry1 and MAPK proteins of viral myocarditis(VMC),to reveal its mechanism of sudden death,and to provide guides for forensic identification of sudden cardiac death.Methods Thirty Balb/c male mice were randomly divided into VMC group and control group,inoculated intraperitoneally with Coxsackievirus B3 and Eagel’s solution,respectively.After the mice were sacrificed,the cardiac tissues of the mice were taken to proceed regular pathological examination.The changes of Spry1 protein,Spry1 mRNA and MAPK protein were detected by immunohistochemistry,Western blotting and real-time PCR.Results Under light microscope,the pathologic changes included myocardial interstitial edema,inflammatory cells infiltration,myocardial necrosis,and focal and patchy necrosis of myocardial fiber in VMC group.The expression of Spry1 protein in VMC group was lower than that in control group(P0.05).There was slightly decreased expression of Spry1 of the mRNA level in VMC group(P0.05).But the MAPK protein expression in VMC group was higher than that in control group(P0.05).Conclusion The pathway of MAPK/ERK involving Spry1 protein accelerates the expression of collagen,which may contribute to arrhythmia,heart failure and even sudden cardiac death.

Role of Odontology in Forensic Medicine: An Update

Abstract: The role of dental characteristics to identify deceased individuals is well recognized since late nineteenth century. This application of dental science for the identification of the deceased had originally been driven by external agencies, for instance police; coroner's and courts instead of the dental community. However once the value of forensic odontology was recognized by dentists, it has evolved into a specialty within. Today forensic odontology is considered specialized and reliable method for identification of the deceased, particularly in disaster situations.