Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Background: This is an epidemiological profile of the burn fatalities brought to the morgue of Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences & Teaching Hospital Bidar. The study explores the incidence, age-gender distribution, time of occurrence, place of occurrence, socio-economic status, survival period, place of death, cause of death, body surface area involved, manner of death and monthly distribution. From the observations and analysis, certain etiologies are elicited and their preventive measures are suggested.

Key Words: Burn, death, cause of death.

In the past some attempts have been made to study comparative anatomy of the Para nasal air sinuses. Among them some have made efforts to measure the dimensions of these Para nasal air sinuses. Mostly all of study was done on the dry bones in early phase and then with X-rays. As these dimensions are very important to the ENT surgeons and to the neurosurgeon to understand the normal anatomy of these PNS. So, in present study efforts have made to measure the dimensions of sphenoidal air sinus with the help of CT scan and MRI, Which are the latest modalities, which can give more accurate measurements. Here 50 CT scans of PNS of normal adults (37 males & 13 females) at J.J. Hospital radiology department, Byculla, Mumbai were studied. And MRI of Brain including PNS of 100 normal adults (50 males, 50 females) at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai was studied.

Key words: Para nasal air sinus (PNS), Antero posterior (A-P), Transverse (Trans.), Vertical (Vert.), CT scans, MRI.

Background and objectives: Cephalic Index is an important parameter for deciding the race and sex of an individual whose identity is unknown. The present study was undertaken : 1) To determine the Cephalic Index in students coming from Eastern region of India, 2) To know the distribution and role of sex on Cephalic Index. Methods: Students were selected in the age group of 17-20 years coming from Eastern region of India. Maximum head breadth and maximum head length were taken using spreading caliper and Cephalic Index was determined. Results: Mean Cephalic Index of the students coming from Eastern region of India is 80.74. Distribution of Mean Cephalic Index among males was 80.20 and females 81.72. Conclusion: The results of these measurements are used in Pediatrics, Forensic Medicine, Plastic surgery, Oral surgery, Dentistry and Diagnostic comprehension between patient and normal population.

Key words: Race; Anthropology: Cephalic Index;

Background: The work on estimation of stature from foot length was being carried out since long but data pertaining to regional variations are very few with respect to published literature. Height, like other phenotypic traits, is determined by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is sexually dimorphic and statistically more or less normally distributed. Estimation of stature from measurements of various long bones of the extremities has been attempted by many scientists with varying degree of accuracy. All such calculations depend on the fact that limbs exhibit consistent ratios relative to the total height of a person. Objectives: This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between personal stature and foot length among a group of male and female Central Indian adults and to derive a regression formula between the foot length and height of an individual. Materials and Methods: The subjects consist of 391 medical students from various colleges in central Indian population (Vidarbha region of Maharashtra) ranging between 18 to 22 years of age of similar socio economic status. The length of foot and the height of the subject were measured with using standard anthropometric instruments in anatomical position. Measurements were taken at fixed time to avoid diurnal variation and were carried out by a single person to eliminate the personal factor. The result obtained was analyzed and attempt was made to derive a formula between head length and the total height of an individual. Results: The differences of the foot length between the genders were found to be highly significant. A positive correlation between height and foot length was observed in both sexes and it was statistically significant. Regression equation for stature estimation was formulated using the foot lengths for both sexes. Conclusion: The results indicate that foot length provides an accurate and reliable means in estimating the stature of an unknown individual. The regression formula derived in this study will be useful for anatomists, archeologists, anthropologists and forensic scientists.

Key words: Anthropometry, Foot length, Total height, identity of individual.

Background & Objective: In view of the ever increasing difference in sex ratio because of rampant feticide, the Government of India enacted, in 1996, the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act. Although the act is primarily meant for practicing obstetricians and radiologists, literature on their perception on the PC & PNDT Act is scant. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Methodology: A total of 38 participants were given structured questionnaire to find out their awareness and perception; and explore their viewpoint regarding various aspects of this Act. Result: 58% felt that this Act is not the only tool for improving the skewed gender ratio. 97% expressed that publicity through the media on this issue discourage the doctors in breaking the provisions of the Act. 66% of the participants agreed that the penalties are heavy for contravention of the Act. Conclusion: Participants approved the act but expressed that some issues need to be addressed. Some amendments they wanted in their favour too; probably because it is an easy source of income.

Key words: Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, sex ratio, ultrasonography

“The withering away of the old and the establishment of the new are but natural in the passage of time.”