Medico-legal Examination Research Articles

SEX AND STATURE DETERMINATION FROM MAXILLO-FACIAL ANTHROPOMETRY IN ADULT EGYPTIAN POPULATION SAMPLE

ABSTRACT: Background: For establishing identity, sex and stature are important parameters in medico-legal examination. It becomes difficult to identify the deceased, when extremely decomposed and mutilated dead bodies with fragmentary remains are brought for postmortem examination. Sometimes, cephalo-facial remains are brought in for forensic examination. In such a situation, sex determination and stature estimation become equally essential along with other parameters like age and race. Aim: The present research attempts to determine sex and estimate stature from various six maxillofacial anthropometric measurements in Egyptian individuals. Participants and methods: The study was prospectively conducted from the start of September 2016 to the end of October 2016 in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine MUST University. A total of 227 healthy participants were Egyptian medical students and members of the university, comprising 118 males and 109 females, in the age group of 18 to 40 years. The height of all subjects was measured by an anthropometric rod, and facial measurements were taken using a sliding caliper. Data were subjected to statistical analysis like Indices of separation (d/s) and the probability of correct sex determination, Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and multiple regression analysis was done to calculate the best equation in the determination of sex and estimation of stature. Results: The average height of males and females was 171.6 ( 6.3) cm and 159.2 ( 5.7) cm respectively. The results showed that the differences between all male and female variables exhibited statistically significant differences (P < 0.001). Also, it indicated that all the maxillo-facial measurements were positively correlated (p < 0.001) with stature. Conclusions: Maxillofacial measurements were significantly related to gender and higher in males. Also, the use of measurements in stature estimation calculated by regression analysis was successful. So, we can conclude that regression models generated from facial measurements can be a supplementary approach for the prediction of sex and estimation of stature when extremities are not available. Keywords: Forensic examination, Stature estimation, sex determination, maxillo-facial anthropometry, Egyptian individuals.

A descriptive medico-legal study of female deaths in cairo governorate, Egypt

BackgroundMortality is conditioned by biological, political and social factors, as well as by culturally defined behaviors and attitudes that historically characterize the stage of development of a country or a region. Women are often in great danger, where they should be safest. Violence against women is the most pervasive yet the least recognized human rights violation in the world. It is a profound health problem and femicide, is often the tragic end-point of violence. Females represent more than half of the Egyptian population, however, they remain vulnerable. Aim of the studyTo describe and analyze data obtained from Zeinhom Morgue records in Cairo, regarding female deaths, throughout two years. To evaluate female deaths regarding age, cause, manner of death, location, perpetrator and motive. To describe the incidence of female homicides and their related injury patterns. To identify the risk factors and nature of violence from victimologic point of view. Finally, to describe the manner of death whether natural, homicidal, suicidal or accidental aiming for early identification of vulnerable females so that actions can be taken to prevent further mortality. Subjects and MethodsThis is a national two year retrospective descriptive mortuary based study. The study population comprised of all adult females, aged 18 years and older, whose death was suspicious and medico-legal examination was ordered. Each investigation included a detailed case history, investigation, gross examination, histo-pathological and toxicological examinations. Data was collected from autopsy reports, hospital records and police records. From the available data the victim profile was made. ResultsAll female deaths aged 18 years and older were retrospectively reviewed for 2 years at Zeinhom morgue of Medico-legal Authority from a total of 1858 autopsy cases. The most common manner of death was homicide. The commonest cause of death in homicides was due to sharp traumatic injuries. Natural death was the least common manner of death and ischemic heart disease constituted the commonest cause. Falling from height was the most common method of suicidal related deaths. Regarding poisoned cases, insecticides and carbon monoxide were the most common detected poisons. According to the cause of death (trauma), blunt trauma injuries were the most common. Falling from height constituted the largest percent of cases under this group. Conclusion and recommendationsFemales in the third decade of life with blunt injuries to the head and neck were the majority of adult female autopsies. Homicide was the most common manner of female death using sharp instruments after domestic arguments mainly by a spouse or relative. Accidental death came second mainly due to post-operative complications. In cases of suicide, falling from height was the commonest cause followed by poisoning. These findings could be useful for forensic pathologists and healthcare promoters in predicting and preventing female deaths. Moreover, this emphasizes the need for raising public awareness about the scale of female violence problem in our society. The results of this study indicates that, by not only a strong legal support network, but also by opportunities for economic independency, essential education and awareness, alternative accommodation and a change in attitude and mindset of society, judiciary, legislature, executive, men and most importantly women themselves can lower or even prevent such deaths specially suicidal.

Characterization of suicide involving insulin analog injection: Interest of injection site analysis by LC/HRMS

To provide evidence of the role of insulin in the occurrence of death is always challenging: glycemic state can be estimated only in vitreous matrix, and postmortem blood sample detection of insulin or its analogs is known to be problematic. This case report is of a death involving insulin analog injection characterized at the injection site on liquid chromatography coupled to an exactive high-resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry (LC/HRMS). A 56-year-old nurse with suicidal tendencies was found dead in her car 24 hours after disappearing. An empty bottle of whiskey, empty alprazolam blisters and insulin pens were found near the corpse. Autopsy showed common signs of toxic death. Three needle marks were found on the left arm, and were sampled along with the usual toxicological matrices. General toxicological screening was performed to screen for ethanol, carbon monoxide, medical drugs and drugs of abuse. Glucose and lactate in vitreous humor (VH) and glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) in whole blood were quantified by an enzymatic method on a Cobas ® analyzer. Immunoassay (Cobas ® ) was performed on femoral blood (FB) serum to screen for insulin and C-peptide. For insulin assay in injection site tissue, 1 g of tissue was pretreated by grinding and ultrasonic bath in an acid ethanol solution; then solid phase extraction by anion exchange was performed before analysis on LC/HRMS. Ethanol was detected only in urine, at 0.11 g/L. Ethylglucuronide was quantified at 0.06 μg/mL and 133 μg/mL in FB and urine, respectively. Alprazolam (45 ng/mL) and tramadol (270 ng/mL) were found in FB. Morphine and codeine were quantified in urine at 102 ng/mL and 290 ng/mL respectively, but not detected in FB. HBA1c level was 4.5%. Glucose assay was negative (< 0.10 mmol/L) in both VH samples. Lactate was quantified at 10.3 and 9.9 mmol/L in right and left VH, respectively. Serum immunoassays were negative for insulin (< 1 mU/L) and C-peptide (< 0.03 nmol/L). Analysis of suspected injection site tissue identified aspart, an insulin analog. Alprazolam and tramadol concentrations were subtoxic in blood; opiates and ethanol were detected only in urine. Toxic death was not demonstrated from these Results. The values of glucose and lactate in vitreous humor suggested a potentially lethal hypoglycemic state, according to the reference values proposed by Karlovsek [1] . However, despite the insulin pens found in the car, insulin immunoassay was negative in blood. Injection site analysis by LC/HRMS allowed identification of the insulin analog, aspart. This finding of insulin analog intake in a non-diabetic subject, associated with the glucose and lactate concentrations in VH, suggested severe hypoglycemia induced by insulin analog injection. Various hypotheses could explain the failure to detect aspart in serum: the poor ability of immunoassay to detect analogs, metabolism during the time between injection and death, and/or degradation by hemolysis during the postmortem interval. Demonstration of death by insulin injection is difficult and should not be limited to blood immunoassay. Estimation of glycemic status at time of death and identification of insulin or analogs by injection site analysis by LC/HRMS are fundamental to characterizing death involving insulin injection. In the present case, the medicolegal examiner diagnosed a hypoglycemic state with fatal outcome secondary to aspart injection as cause of death, and suicide as the manner.

Features of carrying out of the forensic medical examinations in the cases of foodborne toxicoinfections with a large number of victims

The article is devoted to the questions of carrying out of forensic medical examinations in the cases of a large number of victims as a result of foodborne toxicoinfections (mainly, salmonellosis). On the basis of analysis of three groups of cases of the mass food poisoning the questions of organization of leadthrough of commissions forensic medical examinations of these cases, requirements in regard of volume of materials which were studied, bringing in of separate specialists for participating in such examinations. The list of issues that usually ask judicial-investigative organs the expert commission was studied. The deficiencies of appointment and realization of forensic examinations in such cases was considered in detail. In addition, the questions of medico-legal qualification of the health harm of the injured persons by such kind of poisoning were analyzed, and concrete recommendations were formulated for the appointment and realization corresponding medico-legal examinations.

Psychotropic substance abuse and fitness to hold a driving license in Italy

Objective: Driving under the influence (DUI) of psychotropic substances is a serious and widespread problem in road safety. All countries try to reduce the impact with legislative controls over the criteria to regain a driver’s license after suspension. In many European countries there are mandatory clinical and toxicological examinations required before a license is regranted. In Italy, individuals convicted of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol must undergo a mandatory medico-legal and forensic toxicological examination prior to regranting of a license. This article reports on the prevalence, trends, and implications of psychotropic substances detected in more than 5,000 subjects submitted to driving license reissuance in the period 2011–2016.Methods: The study involved taking a clinical history, medical examination, and toxicological analysis of both urine and hair samples.Results: There was no change in the prevalence of psychoactive substances in the period 2011–2016. Cocaine was found most often (60%), followed by cannabinoids (15%) and opiates (9%). Methadone and amphetamine stimulants accounted for less than 5% each. Benzodiazepines were present in 15% of samples throughout the period.Conclusion: Cocaine and cannabinoids were the most used substances in the analyzed population, alone and in combination. Benzodiazepines were the most commonly detected prescription medication, raising questions about prescribed medication and driving risk that are not addressed by current legislation.

Gender determination using mandibular canine index in general population

Context: Gender determination of skeletal remains is part of archeological and medicolegal examination. In forensic investigations mandibular canines provide excellent material to identify gender as they are more likely to survive in disaster. Dimorphism in mandibular canines is of immense use in forensic investigation. Aim: The aim of study was to establish mandibular canine index (MCI) for gender determination in general population for age group of 18--30 years and to find out efficiency of MCI in establishing gender identity of individual. Setting and Study Design: Patients reporting to Department Of Oral Medicine and Radiology are selected for study after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 200 subjects in general population; (100 males and 100 females). Following parameters were considered in study; mesiodistal width of right and left mandibular canine, intercanine arch width and right and left MCI. All measurements were taken intraorally and then on dental casts of same individuals followed by MCI calculation. Statistical Analysis Used: In the entire study the P –value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The entire data were statistically analyzed by using (SPSS ver 16, IBM corporation, USA). Results: Using the MCI value, gender can be correctly predicted up to 81% in females and 85% in males. Overall, percentage accuracy of MCI in prediction of gender was 83%. The standard MCI value was 0.2661. Also, right canine was found to exhibit more dimorphism than left canine. Conclusion: It was evident from this study that MCI is a good tool for determining gender. It is quick, reliable, and inexpensive method. Along with other parameters it increases percentage accuracy of predicting gender.

Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Medico-legal Postmortem Examination among the Arts and Commerce Stream Students of Mangalore, India

Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Medico-legal Postmortem Examination among the Arts and Commerce Stream Students of Mangalore, India

Pattern and Distribution of Injuries in Victims of Fatal Road Traffic Accident Cases of Bikers in Haryana a Retrospective Study

Expansion in road network, motorization, and urbanization in the state of Haryana has been accompanied by a rise in road accidents leading to road traffic injuries. Road traffic injuries are one of the leading causes of death in the world. The present study aims at evaluation of pattern and distribution of injuries among bikers thereby planning successful measures to minimize fatalities. The present retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Pt. B. D. Sharma PGIMS Rohtak, Haryana. During one year study period a total of 1557 cases of medico-legal autopsies were conducted out of which 654 cases were of fatal road traffic accidents. This study included 53 cases of bikers victims of fatal road traffic accident, brought for medico-legal post-mortem examination details of which had been recorded regarding the pattern and distribution of injuries. Highest number of fatalities occurred in the age group of 21–30 years followed by the age group 31–40 years. Male victims outnumbered female resulting in male to female ratio of 52: 1. Abrasions, contusions and lacerations were the most common type of injuries. The most of deaths were caused by head injury and more than one-sixth of the deaths were due to pelvic and extremities injuries.

Pattern ofaccidentalcranio-cerebraland thoracic injuries in tertiarycare center in centralindian population

Trauma is one of the leading preventable causes of death in developing countries, and is a major health and social problem. Since prehistoric times, head and the chest has been looked upon as one of the most vulnerable regions of the body and injuries involving it have always been considered very serious1.The study was conducted on dead bodies with history of accidental death brought for medicolegal postmortem examination to the department of forensic medicine of Government Medical College, Nagpur. The present study concluded that Male prdominated with male to female ratio 5.5:1.Highest incidents of death due to accident were found in the age group 31 to 40 years. Maximum deaths occurred within one hour of accidental deaths. Maximum male casualties were reported in the age group of 21 to 30 years and female casualties more in the age group of 31 to 40 years. Head injury was the leading cause of accidental deaths.

Medico-legal examination of patients with developmental dysplasia of hip treated surgically due to late diagnosis

Aim: Physicians assessing newborns with risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) have responsibility for early diagnosis. Written records of the fulfillment of such responsibility is required in medico-legal terms. The present study aims to examine the written records of the hospitals where patients with late-diagnosed DDH were born.Material and Methods: This retrospective study examined the records of the hospitals in which 53 DDH patients aged more than nine months were born. We investigated whether the requirements for the early diagnosis of these patients were recorded in written and interviewed with the obstetricians, pediatricians and family physicians who followed these patients. They were asked about their attitudes toward giving families informational documents about DDH and explaining protective measures verbally.Results: There was no written approved record that they have been informed about the disease in any institution and indicating that the responsibilities for the early diagnosis of these patients were fulfilled. The families were given informational documents in three of five private hospitals and in one university hospital. All of physicians informed the families about the early DDH diagnosis and the things to do, verbally. Conclusion: In case of late-diagnosed DDH, the society as well as the child and the child’s family get harmed socioeconomically. Therefore, it may pose a medico-legal problem. This risk increases more in countries where newborn screening policies are not adequately implemented. In conclusion, written documents taken from families about the early diagnosis of DDH will legally protect physicians and health care organizations.

NATURAL SEXUAL OFFENCES;

Introduction: Globally, rape of women is a serious health, social and religiousconcern and is considered as a violation of women basic human right. Objective: The aim wasto ascertain incidence of natural sexual offence (rape) in Punjab and to analyze the data withrespect to sociodemographic characteristics, findings of medicolegal examination and resultsof evidence collected from victims of sexual assault. Material and Method: This retrospectivestudy was conducted on 148 female victims of rape brought to Forensic Medicine Departmentof King Edward Medical University Lahore, Fatima Jinnah Medical College Lahore and NishtarMedical College, Multan from January 2012 to December 2013 for medicolegal examination.Details pertaining to socio-demographic profile of the victim, incident, findings of medicalexamination and results of evidence collected were noted. Data was analyzed using SPSSversion 20. Result: The most affected age group was 11-20 years (60.8 %). Majority of victimswere unmarried (70.9%), non- working (79.72%) and of lower socioeconomic class (71.6%) Allwere Muslims (100%). The highest number of victims was examined on the second day (24.3%).31% cases were of gang rape. Majority knew the assailant (45.9%). The commonest place ofoffence was an isolated place (66.2%) Extragenital injuries were seen in 10.8% cases. Hymenwas intact in 3.3% victims. The tears of hymen were old in 77.6% and fresh in 22.3% cases.Semen was detected in 18.2% cases. 1.3% victims were pregnant and 4% were intoxicated.Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of addressing rape as an important healthissue.

STATURE PREDICTION FROM HAND MEASUREMENTS AMONG FOUR POPULATIONS: A NOVEL COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: The dilemma for stature estimation from the skeleton is of great medico-legal importance. Stature is one of the fundamental features that may assist in the recognition of an individual in situations of mass disasters or in cases of absent main body parts. Aim: to predict stature from hand measurements, (length and breadth) in four different population groups (Egyptians, Saudi Arabians, Indians, and Filipinos) and to establish formulae for stature estimation for each group. Methods: Eight hundred right- hand predominant subjects (400 males and 400 females) belonging to four different population groups (100 males and 100 females for each group) aged 17-58 years have participated in the current work. Each one has been investigated for measurements of stature, hand length, and the hand breadth. Obtained data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Statistics for Windows version 25. Results: Linear regression equations reveal a fairly accepted rate of accuracy with a standard error of estimate (1.92 - 4.77) in respect to hand length of males and (3.31 - 4.24) for females. For hand breadth, the standard error of estimate was (2.43 - 4.73) for males and (3.01 - 4.51) for females. Conclusion: this study can be useful to predict stature from a dismembered hand when it is subjected for medico-legal examination that may highlight the expected medico-legal implications on the practical background.

Association study of new polymorphisms with sudden cardiac death in men

Aim . To study the association of new polymorphisms with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in men. Material and methods . The SCD group (n=278) was formed using guidelines of the World Health Organization and the European Society of Cardiology. The autopsy material was taken from the men who died suddenly outside the prevention and treatment facilities who underwent medicolegal examination according to a standard protocol. The average age in the SCD group was 53,2±8,7 years. The control group (n=274) was selected by sex and age from the DNA bank formed during the international studies of MONICA and HAPIEE. The mean age of men in the control group was 53.±8,3 years. Genomic DNA was separated from myocardial tissue and venous blood by the method of phenol-chloroform extraction. Rs10503929, rs7121, rs6730157, rs11720524, rs7737692, rs7521023 polymorphisms were tested using real-time PCR. The insertion- deletion polymorphisms rs.0692285 and rs39.7 were genotyped by PCR with flanking primers followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 13.0 software package. Results . By comparison the frequencies of rs7121 genotypes in the studied groups of Novosibirsk, an increase in the proportion of CC genotype carriers in the group with SCD (OR=.6, 95% CI 1,1-2,2; p=0,025) was found. The carriage of the rs.0692285 ID genotype reduces the risk of SCD (OR=0,6, 95% CI 0,4-0,9; p=0,0M). A carriage of the rs39.7 ID genotype increases the risk of SCD (OR=.5, 95% CI 1,1-2,2; p=0,020). Conclusion . The rs7121 of the GNAS gene, the rs.0692285 of the RYR2 gene, and the rs39.7 of the COL1A2 gene are associated with SCD. Rs10503929, rs6730157, rs11720524, rs7737692, rs7521023 polymorphisms do not associate with SCD in the men of Novosibirsk.

Light motor vehicle collisions with heavy vehicles — Psychosocial and health related risk factors of drivers being at-fault for collisions

BackgroundFatal head-on collisions between passenger cars and trucks are sometimes thought as self-inflicted death of the passenger car drivers. MethodsA total of 378 Finnish drivers of light motor vehicles (LMV) died in collisions with heavy vehicles between the years 2002–2011. These male and female drivers, who were considered as being at fault, and whose collisions with heavy vehicles occurred in the oncoming vehicle’s lane, were explored in relation to information on their socio-demographics, physical and mental health condition and driving-related factors. ResultsCause of death of at-fault LMV drivers, as defined in medico-legal examination, was most commonly accidental (51%), followed by suicide (32%), undetermined intent (17%) and acute illness (0.3%). Ten-year time trend in rates of LMV drivers has remained stable (Annual Percentage Change, APC=−0.03; p=0.983), the annual proportion varying between 14%–21%. However, a statistically significantly increasing time trend was observed in fatal accidents due to suicides (APC=5.31, p=0.028). Generally, at-fault LMV drivers were characterized as having mental health problems susceptibility to risk (44%), personal relationship problems (33%), long-term physical illness (68%) or medication (35%) or driving under influence of alcohol (24%). Male LMV drivers, compared to women, were more commonly unmarried, farm/wood/industrial workers and drove alone and without a planned destination. Female LMV drivers were, more commonly than men, widowed, third degree students, skilled workers, had long term mental illnesses/disturbances, drove with family member(s) and their fatal accidents occurred in winter. ConclusionThe findings give support to the recommendation that suicidal ideation must be considered when assessing fitness-to-drive.

Sociodemographic status of rape victims in Dhaka Metropolitan area

Our objective of the study was to find out the victims of common age group with relation to their educational and social status to set up a local and national policy to create nationwide awareness and taking necessary steps to stop this heinous crime. This is a cross-sectional descriptive type of study which was done in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College from January 2016 to December 2016 with maintaining ethical issues. A total of 69 cases, from 23 police stations of Dhaka Metropolitan area, were sent for a medicolegal opinion regarding forceful sexual intercourse and victims who ultimately agreed to do medicolegal examinations were examined and opinion was given, whether the signs of forceful sexual intercourse were present or not. Our study shows that female of &gt;10-≥20 years of age group were the main victims and 69.6% of the victims belong to this age group followed by 14.5% with &gt;20-≥30 years of age. Majority of the victims, 68.1% were from lower socioeconomic status. Educational knowledge of the victims was poor; 31.9% victims had the primary level of education, 24.6% were completely illiterate followed by 37.7% of victims had the education level as secondary and higher secondary, and 5.8% had the above higher secondary level. Victims of rape lead to very painful lives. They are just the victims of this heinous and supposed to get sympathy and empathy from the family, society, and state. But unfortunately, the victims of rape do not get proper attention from them. Sometimes victims are blamed by their surroundings. As a result, many victims commit suicide following rape. So, it should be addressed properly.Mediscope Vol. 5, No. 2: Jul 2018, Page 8-11

Medico-legal management of drug abusers and significance of introducing an effective multidisciplinary team

Introduction When drug misusers are produced before forensic practitioners, the police expects opinions on intoxication, fitness for an interview, drug searches, referral for rehabilitation etc.In Sri Lanka, according to “Drug-dependent persons (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act, No. 54 of 2007”, the forensic practitioners are expected to give their opinions with scientific reasoning. Therefore, when giving opinions on drug abusers, forensic practitioners face many practical problems. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of medico-legal examinations of drug abusers presented to the Office of the Judicial Medical Officer, Provincial General Hospital, Ratnapura in 2017 and to develop an effective multi-disciplinary program to manage the same in Sri Lanka. Background history The objectives of the police were to obtain opinions on intoxication, addiction and refer to rehabilitation centres etc. Twenty-three drug misusers were produced for medico-legal examinations. Two denied drug misuse. In 19, the average time interval between arrest and producing was three days. In seven, there were no stigmata of abuse other than tattoos. One cannabis misuser had a psychiatric illness. Following examination and psychiatrist referral, the remaining 22 did not have evidence of acute intoxication or features of withdrawal syndrome. None of them was found to be drug-dependent and the referral for rehabilitation was not indicated. Conclusions Similar to the cases of child abuse, it is necessary to develop a multi-disciplinary follow-up system. A ‘pre-arrest referral scheme’ for drug misusers in the community and ‘post-arrest referral scheme’ when in custody. This can be further strengthened by adding a scientific test. Then the forensic practitioners will be in a better position to give opinions on drug dependency.

Weapons used to harm female victims of intimate partner violence and community violence

Introduction The pattern of intimate partner violence has not been studied in-depth in Sri Lanka. The aim of this study was to investigate the weapons use among women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and to compare with community violence (CV). Method A retrospective, comparative cross-sectional study of women who have undergone medico-legal examination after reporting IPV or CV to a tertiary care hospital, in Colombo, Sri Lanka years from January 2011 to December 2012 was conducted. Of 9000 Medico-Legal Examination Forms, women above 18 years who had reported IPV and CV were studied. Results The prevalence of reported cases of IPV was 2.8%and CV was 5%. Of them, 255 (36%) IPV and 449 (64%) CV were reported. IPV was common among young, married, unemployed women (p 0.05). Assault with a weapon was common at home in the morning and resulted in severe injuries (p Conclusions Women exposed to IPV were young, married and unemployed. Most assaults were due to manhandling while sexual violence reports were fewer than expected. Weapon assaults are common at home in the morning and result in severe injuries but not associated with alcohol abuse. There were many similarities between IPV and CV assaults which indicate that both groups take their basis in a gender-unequal society that breeds violence. The victim knew the abuser, not only in the IPV group as expected but also in the CV group.CV occurs outside the home by known perpetrators using ‘occasional weapons’. CV in Sri Lanka and worldwide is an almost unexplored area that needs to be further investigated in order to develop evidence-based intervention programmes.

Deaths from Motorcycle Accidents: An Autopsy Study from Turkey

Motorcyclists and pillion passengers in road traffic accidents have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality because of lack of adequate safety systems. The purpose of this study was to analyze the injuries sustained by motorcycle riders and pillion passengers in fatal motorcycle accidents. A total of 56 cases autopsied in the Istanbul Morgue Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine were included in this study. The majority of the cases were young males. Fifty (89.3%) cases were riders and six (10.7%) were pillion passengers. The vast majority (78.6%) of the cases died at the scene or on the same day in hospital . Most of the cases had multiple traumas, and the most common trauma was head trauma (n = 45). The most common injury was intracranial hemorrhage (n = 40). Fifteen (26.8%) cases tested positive for drug and/or alcohol intake. These autopsy findings can be helpful for medicolegal examinations to diagnose possible injuries and also for the automotive industry to improve better protective safety devices for motorcycle riders.

Medicolegal Aspects and Examination Techniques in Exhumation Cases with Alleged Human Rights Violation

Medicolegal Aspects and Examination Techniques in Exhumation Cases with Alleged Human Rights Violation

Medicolegal Findings of Rape Victims: A Retrospective Study of 69 cases at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City

Background: Proof of rape depends not only in the physical findings of the victims but also to the subjective intentions of the assailants.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the medicolegal findings of rape victims in order to point out the visible loopholes of the procedure.Methodology: This was a cross sectional descriptive type of study which was done in the Dept. of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to December 2016 with maintaining ethical issues. Rape cases from 23 police stations of Dhaka Metropolitan area were sent for medicolegal examination and victims who ultimately agreed to do medicolegal examinations were examined and opinions were given regarding the issues.Results: A total number of 69 cases from 23 police stations of Dhaka Metropolitan area were studied. In this study, majority (70.0%) of the victims was within 11 to 20 years of age and 65.0% of the victims were unmarried. Almost 68.0% of the victims were examined within 7 days followed by 32.0% of the victims after 7 days to beyond one month after rape; however, 48.0% of the victims showed sign of recent hymeneal tear with bruise and abrasion followed by 52.0% showed sign of old hymeneal tear. Spermatozoa were not found in any of the specimen of high vaginal swab.Conclusion: In conclusion, teenage unmarried girl are the most common victim of rape cases.Journal of National Institute of Neurosciences Bangladesh, 2017;3(2): 106-109