Aspartic acid racemization with correlation to age: a forensic perspective

Objective: To estimate age through aspartic acid racemization of human dentin for forensic analysis, and to calculate the margin of error between chronological age and estimated age by racemization method

Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: Dental Outpatients' Department, Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from 2011 to 2014

Methodology: Patients from dental orthodontics department were selected. Verbal expressed consent was taken from the participants. Preliminary data was entered in a specially designed performa having name, chronological age, gender, socio-economic status. L and D ratio of aspartic acid were quantified in dentin for each tooth by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography technique. Results of 100 samples with known age were used during study to estimate co-efficient of racemization. Regression equation was derived by plotting 85 samples of known age and KR as independent and dependent variables and least square equation was derived - Age = -4.391 +347.396 [co-efficient of racemization]

Results: The estimated co-efficient of determination was 0.74, meaning thereby that the regression equation was 74% correct for estimating age. The calculated correlation between chronological age and co-efficient of racemization was 0.834, which is interpreted as a very strong and positive correlation. The co-efficient of racemization increased with the age. The mean chronological age [38.44 +/- 13.22] years were statistically similar to the mean calibrated age [37.52 +/- 12.36] years. The median of actual and calibrated age was found to be 3.4 with inter-quantile value of 13. No statistically significant difference was observed among gender [p=0.837], or socioeconomic status [p=0.35]

Conclusion: Racemization of human dentin could be used as one of the reliable method for estimating age. HPLC is a reliable technique to estimate the co-efficient of racemization because it is highly reproducible, cost-effective and convenient. However, the procedure should be optimized and standardized within all laboratories for quality assurance

Amino acid racemization in human detine as an estimator of chronological age - a study in Karachi Pakistan

Background: Amino acid racemisation is a reliable method to estimate age in developed countries. This pilot study was designed to determine the coefficient of amino acid racemisation [AAR] with reference to age in our population. Also as no such study has been conducted in our setting, the study also aims to discuss reproducibility of this study on a larger scale

Objectives: To determine the coefficient of amino acid racemisation [AAR] with reference to age; To measure the mean error in calculating age using this method; To identify any differences from earlier observation and discuss the reproducibility in our setting

Methods: Teeth were obtained from subjects between the age of 15 and 60 years who had come for routine extraction procedure or for orthodontic procedures. Incisors, canines, premolars and, first and second molars were included. Carious tooth and third molar were excluded. Samples were stored, dried, de-mineralised, hydrolysed, and derivatised. High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography [HPLC] was performed to quantify the L- and D- forms of aspartic acid in dentin. Correlation and regression was then tabulated based on the quantification, and was compared with data from other studies

Results: Based on the analysis of selected samples, a strong positive correlation of 0.93 was observed between co-efficient of racemisation and chronological age. The regression line derived was Age = 200 [KR] + 17.306 [where KR= coefficient of racemisation].The computed regression line was tested by using coefficient of racemisation for 8 samples selected during the study and the mean error [difference between actual and calibrated age] determined came out to be 3.99 +/- 5.77

Conclusion: The correlation coefficient was strongly positive. The results strongly suggests that aspartic acid racemisation of human dentine is a precise method for estimation of chronological age in living and in dead. The methodology should be standardized to make the results more accurate and prevent fallacies. However it remains an expensive procedure, especially the laboratory equipment that would not be available in most cities of Pakistan

epidemiology of homicidal deaths due to rifled firearms in Peshawar Pakistan

To determine the pattern of homicidal deaths caused by rifled weapons in Peshawar as regards the parameters of age, gender, place of occurrence and the number and location of injuries on the body. Descriptive study. The study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, from June 2005 to February 2006. The subjects were selected from victims presenting for autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. One hundred cases were selected where the weapon of offence was a rifled weapon and the manner of death was homicide on the basis of the police inquest, the autopsy and an interview with the relatives of the victim. After the autopsy, the findings were tabulated and analyzed. Homicides predominantly occurred in young males residing in a rural locality. The peak incidence was between 20-29 years in males and in females the age group most prone was 30-39 years. Male to female ratio was 6:1. The chest [33.8%] followed by the head and abdomen were the areas primarily targeted. High velocity automatic weapons are primarily being used to kill young people in rural areas. Prevention can be through strict gun control laws coupled with education and awareness

Analysis of homicidal deaths in Peshawar, Pakistan

Homicide is one of the oldest crimes in human civilization. For every person who dies as a result of homicide, many more are injured. A study of the patterns of homicide in a society is one of the first steps in developing strategies to prevent it. This study was conducted at the department of Forensic Medicine Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, to know the patterns of homicide, taking it as the first step in the prevention of this crime. This study includes 520 cases of homicide out of the total of 662 medico-legal autopsies conducted at Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, during the year 2002. The cases have been labeled as homicide on the basis of autopsy and police inquest. The homicide rate for Peshawar during the period under study was 22.9/100,000. Males constituted 86.15% of the victims. 32% of the victims were in their third decade of life. Firearms were the causative agent in 86% of the cases. Chest was the primarily targeted area of the body. The highest number of homicides occurred in the month of November. The homicide rate is alarmingly high in Peshawar as is the use of firearms. This is something that should be seriously looked at by the policy makers

Pattern of homicidal deaths in Faisalabad

Homicide is a reflection of extreme aggression. Many factors influence such a behavior. Family environment, urbanization and the presence of weapons. We conducted this study on autopsies conducted at the department of forensic medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad to know the dimensions of homicide in terms of age, sex, weapons involved and seasonal variation if any. The study encompasses all 188 cases of homicide reporting for autopsy at the department of forensic medicine, Punjab Medical College Faisalabad from July 2001 to June 2002. The cases were categorized on the basis of police inquest and autopsy findings. The homicide rate in Faisalabad was 8.3/100,000 population/year. The age of predilection was the third decade of life and males outnumbered females by a ratio of 3.47:1. A firearm was used in almost 50% of the cases. A surge in the summer months was noticed. Homicide rate is high in Faisalabad. Firearms are the major weapon used for committing homicide

Analysis of medico legal autopsies at Faisalabad

To collect and publish scientific information regarding different variables of MEDICO LEGAL autopsy to be used by health and law enforcement agencies for future planning. Data source: Cases autopsied at the department of forensic medicine, Punjab medical college, Faisalabad. Non-interventional descriptive Setting Department of forensic medicine, Punjab medical college, Faisalabad. Period: July 2001 to June 2002. Material and method: Study includes 236 cases of MEDICO LEGAL autopsy including both sexes. After legal formalities and examination of the clothes, a detailed external and internal examination of the dead body was conducted. Specimens were sent for further examinations where necessary. Findings were tabulated and analyzed. Majority of the victims [52.5%] was between the age of 20-39 years. Male cases outnumbered the female cases. Firearm was the most common causative agent in MEDICO LEGAL deaths. Homicide was the dominant manner of death. Maximum number of injuries was inflicted on the chest. A peak in MEDICO LEGAL deaths was noted in extreme summer. Homicide as a dominant manner in MEDICO LEGAL deaths and firearm being the commonest weapon of offence are eye openers. Strict legislation regarding holding of firearm weapons and justice without delay are the major steps which can help in improving the situation

Suicidal deaths; Assessment in Peshawar

To find out the incidence of suicide, the gender and age groups involved, the methods used for committing the act and to note seasonal trends if any. Data source: Cases brought for autopsy at the department of forensic medicine, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Non- interventional descriptive. Department of forensic medicine, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Period: January 1991 to December 2000. Materials and All 39 cases of deaths labeled as suicide on the basis of autopsy findings, police inquest and interview with relatives of the victim were selected from the autopsies. The cases were grouped on the basis of age, sex, method of suicide used, region of the body involved and the seasonal distribution of the cases. The rate of suicide in Peshawar is 0.21 per 100,000 per year. Males were the predominant victims with a male to female ratio of 2.9:1. The age most prone to suicide was 20-29 years followed by 10-19 years. The primary method used for suicide in both sexes was by firearm followed by hanging. The head was the region of the body used for suicide in 59.37% of firearm victims followed by the chest and the abdomen. Two peaks were noted in the months of September and March. The incidence of suicide in Peshawar is amongst the lowest in the world

Unnatural female deaths Peshawar

The aim of the study was to know the extent of violent deaths among females in Peshawar, the most vulnerable age group, weapons of infliction and the mode of death. Design: Non interventional [descriptive] type study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted from 1st January, 2001 to 31st December, 2001 in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Subjects and Out of 679 deaths, presented for autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar 89 were females. These were grouped according to age, mode of death and weapons of infliction. Females formed 13% of all the autopsies done in Peshawar. The age group most commonly involved was 21-40 years [50.56%]. Firearms were the predominant weapons of infliction [70.78%] and the intent was mostly homicidal [77.52%]. Fatal violence against women is uncommon in Peshawar. Suicide is rare. Young women are mostly killed by firearms

Epidemiology of suicide in Faisalabad

Suicide is one of the ten leading causes of death in the world, accounting for more than 400,000 deaths annually. The incidence and pattern of suicide vary from country to country. Cultural, religious and social values play some role in this regard. Very few studies about the epidemiology of suicide have been conducted in Pakistan. We conducted this study on the patterns of suicide in autopsies conducted at Faisalabad from 1998 to 2001, to know the incidence of suicide, which subgroups of the population were most vulnerable to such deaths and the methods being used. Materials and The study includes 95 cases of suicidal deaths of both sexes belonging to different age groups autopsied at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Cases were selected on the basis of information from the scene of crime, police inquest, autopsy findings and interview with the acquaintances of the victim. Findings were tabulated and analyzed. The study revealed that suicide rate was 1.12/100,000, with male preponderance. The peak incidence was in 20'29 years in males and 10'19 years in females. Hanging was the most common method. A seasonal surge in spring was noted. Suicide in Faisalabad is much lower compared to western countries. Suicides occur at a younger age in Faisalabad compared to western countries