Vinod C Nayak

Sex differences from fingerprint ridge density in Chinese and Malaysian population

The fingerprints are very typical for a human being. The present study was undertaken to study the gender differences in fingerprint ridge density in Chinese and Malaysian population. The study done on 200 subjects (100 males and 100 females) of Chinese origin and 100 subjects (50 males and 50 females) of Malaysian origin revealed that significant gender differences occur in the finger ridge density. Fingerprint mean ridge density of 12 ridges/25 mm(2) or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 13 ridges/25 mm(2) is more likely of female origin in Chinese subjects. Fingerprint mean ridge density of 11 ridges/25 mm(2) or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 13 ridges/25 mm(2) is more likely of female origin in Malaysian subjects.

Sex differences from fingerprint ridge density in the Indian population

Determination of individuality is one of the prime concerns in forensic investigation. The study of fingerprints is widely used in providing a clue regarding identity. The present study was undertaken to study the sex differences in fingerprint ridge density in the Indian population. The study done on 100 males and 100 females revealed that significant sex differences occur in the fingerprint ridge density. The present study shows a statistically significant difference in fingerprint ridge densities of male and female fingerprints in people of Indian origin. A mean fingerprint ridge density of 12 ridges/25 mm(2) or less is found to be more likely to be of males and a mean ridge count of more the 12 ridges/25 mm(2) is more likely to be of female origin.

Sexual dimorphism of the index to ring finger ratio in South Indian adolescents.

Sex determination from prepubertal human remains is a challenge for forensic experts and physical anthropologists worldwide as definitive sexual traits are not manifested until after the full development of secondary sexual characters that appear during puberty. The research was undertaken in 350 South Indian adolescents to investigate sexual dimorphism of the index and ring finger ratio. The index finger length (IFL) and the ring finger length (RFL) were measured in millimeters in each hand and the index and ring finger ratio was computed by dividing the index finger length by the ring finger length. Mean RFL was greater than mean IFL in both males and females. Mean RFL was significantly higher in males. The index and ring finger ratio showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p </= 0.001). The index and ring finger ratio was found to be higher in females (0.99) when compared to their male counterparts (0.95). The index and ring finger ratio thus shows sexual dimorphism in the South Indian adolescents that may prove useful to determine the sex of an isolated hand when it is subjected for medicolegal examination. The study suggests that a ratio of 0.97 and less is suggestive of male sex, while a ratio of more than 0.97 is suggestive that the hand is of female origin among South Indian adolescents.

Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) in Forensic Medicine: students' point of view.

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes of undergraduate medical students towards the objective structured practical examination (OSPE) in Forensic Medicine, in a medical college in Nepal. Participants included 59 undergraduate medical students of the 7th semester. Findings indicated that the OSPE was an acceptable tool considering the conduct of practical examination in Forensic Medicine at the undergraduate level. The overall mean attitude score was towards the favourable side. Students strongly agreed that the OSPE tested a wide range of skills. They also strongly agreed that it was a good form of examination as well as a learning experience. The introduction of the OSPE replacing the conventional method of practical examination in Forensic Medicine is a step in the right direction taken to objectively assess undergraduate medical students.

Sudden death due to pulmonary aspergillosis

Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications is well known to cause death. We report a case of a male, train passenger, who started coughing out blood and died on reaching the hospital. Medicolegal autopsy confirmed the sudden unexpected death to be due to pulmonary aspergillosis in the person with past medical history of tuberculosis.

Wounds due to a modified shot gun (home-made): A case report

In a case of firearm fatality, the autopsy surgeon is required to opine as to the range of fire in addition to the cause of death which will help in reconstruction of the events. Problems may arise in estimating the range of fire based on wound ballistics when there is an alteration or modification in the internal ballistics. We encountered such a case in the department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, which is discussed.

A rare case of myocardial infarction due to parathion poisoning.

Organophosphorus poisoning occurs very commonly in southern India where farmers form a significant proportion of the population who commonly use organophosphorus compounds like parathion as insecticides. Awareness of the complications caused by parathion poisoning is essential for proper monitoring and treatment. We report a case of suicidal parathion poisoning in a farmer who was treated with atropine and oximes. He subsequently developed myocardial infarction, to the treatment of which, he showed no response and succumbed. In conclusion, myocardial infarction is a rare complication of parathion poisoning. Awareness of this complication of parathion poisoning, proper monitoring and treatment could prevent fatalities.

PROFILE OF ORGANOPHOSPHORUS INSECTICIDES POISONING IN KASTURBA HOSPITAL, MANIPAL, SOUTH INDIA

A prospective study was conducted from November 2007 to November 2009 in a tertiary care hospital at Manipal in Southern India, and a profile of the victims of pesticide poisoning was prepared. The objective of the study was to recognise the magnitude and pattern of poisoning in relation to the manner of consumption in this region of Southern India. In the present study, the young productive age group between 20-40 years we remostly affected. Males were predominantly affected.The most common compound was chlorpyrifos. Vomiting was the most common symptom. The most common sign was dilated pupils as against the usually observed sign of miosis which was attributed to atropine received from referral hospital. Among the complications, respiratory failure followed by pneumonia was commonly observed with severe pneumonia being the most common cause of mortality.

Is indulging in sexual activity a potential mode of treatment for hypogalactia

Breast-feeding is the global gold standard for infant feeding. Successful breast-feeding is considered very important for healthy development of infants. In doing so, one of the problems encountered by many mothers is hypogalactia. In this context, since prolactin plays a fundamental role in lactogenesis, medical treatment intended to improve mammary function in cases of deficient lactation is the administration of galactogogues like domperidone, metoclopramide and sulpiride that are capable of increasing endogenous prolactin production. However, adverse effects of these pharmacologic medications limit their use [1]. Herein, we would like to propose a new treatment strategy for the treatment of hypogalactia. As already mentioned, it is well known that prolactin plays a significant role in inducing lactogenesis and maintaining an adequate milk production. Recent evidence suggests that significant elevated plasma prolactin concentrations are associated with coitus and other sexual activities. Sexual arousal and orgasm induce a significant long-lasting elevation in plasma prolactin levels in women [2,3]. Considering resumption of coitus after delivery, although there is no definite time after delivery, it is suggested that coitus may be resumed after two weeks [4]. Therefore, sexual activity in the form of masturbation by self or spouse in the early puerperium and coitus in addition to masturbation in the late puerperium may be considered as a potential treatment option because sexual activity leads to significant increased endogenous prolactin levels that aid subsequent lactation. This mode of treatment, a physiologic one, would be devoid of the adverse effects of the pharmaceutical therapeutic agents, and can be considered to aid in initiating and maintaining adequate lactation. According to the aforementioned concept, sexual activity is proposed in cases of reduced or

Forensic Clinical Photography: A Game Changer in Medicolegal Investigation and Forensic Science

Photography is a critical factor in solving out the mysteries behind the crimes by giving out critical information applicable to criminal, legal investigation. It was initially based on manually operated camera and film strips and later adopted digital technology for recording and storing the visuals. Digital evidence can show the relative position of evidence at the scene, establish the relative dimension of the evidence and also cross compliment other evidence collection techniques. The inadequate and improper collection, preservation and presentation of evidence can lead to crime scene errors and fewer conviction rates. Training in forensic photography is vital, and a game changer in the medico-legal investigations.