Homicidal strangulation: the leading cause in all asphyxial deaths in Allama Iqbal medical college, Lahore during the year 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the commonest cause of death in these asphyxial deaths during the period of study and to compare it with other studies previously carried out on this subject

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Forensic Medicine Department AIMC, Lahore from January 2013 to December 2013

Materials and Methods: Total medico-legal autopsies were 221. Out of these 32 were the cases of mechanical asphyxial deaths, which were selected for this study. The documents scrutinized for this purpose was, autopsy reports, police papers and hospital charts

Results: Out of all post-mortems conducted, the mechanical asphyxial deaths were 32 [14.47%]. Amongst them the cases of strangulations were the most 16 [50%], next in number were the cases of drowning 8 [25%]. There were 6 [18.75%] cases of throttling, and only 2 [6.25%] cases were of hanging. None of them was the case of traumatic asphyxia. In 32 cases of all asphyxial deaths males were 17[53.12%]. Amongst these 16 cases of strangulation the 3[rd]and 4th decades showed higher incidence. In all asphyxial deaths male [17] and females [15] show almost equal distribution. Strangulation is the most prevalent cause of death in all 32 asphyxial deaths. Almost all strangulation deaths were homicidal and hanging was suicidal. Similarly all throttling cases were homicidal. Ligature strangulation and throttling were the methods used in homicidal manner [50.00%] while hanging was used for suicide [6.25%]. In hanging the position of the knot was at occiput in all cases. In ligature strangulation showed the knot on the front in almost all cases

Conclusion: Amongst all asphyxial deaths the most prevalent cause was strangulation and manner in all was homicidal, it is one of the commonest causes of deaths in our country. So strangulation remains the most preferred method of homicidal asphyxial killings

Variable arterial supply of motor areas of human brain

To study the arterial supply of motor areas of human brain regarding its variable source due to its significance in neurosurgical practice and angiography. It is prospective descriptive study on cadaveric human brains. This study was conducted on different cadaveric brains collected from anatomy and Forensic Departments of various teaching institutes during July2007-July2008. A total 100 brains were collected, skull cap was cut by electric saw meinges were saved, Skull cap was removed. Brain was removed through epidural space without any injury to blood vessels. After putting one week in 10 % formaline jar, dura was removed and branula No.24 was passed into each anterior and middle cerebral arteries separately at different times. Blue Indian ink was injected into anterior cerebral artery after ligating anterior communicating Artery. After injection branula was removed and ligature applied to the artery so that dye may not escape. Now branula was passed into middle cerebral Artery and the red Indian ink was injected so that contrasting colours clearly demarcate the blood vessels supplying the motor areas of brain. Arteries supplying from functional areas were divided in two groups A and B. Group A include primary motor cortex and group B include motor speed area or Broca's area. Each of this group is further subdivided into three sub groups A1, A2, A3 and B1, B2, B3. Sub group Al and Bl include area supplied by single artery, Sub group A2 and B2 include area supplied by multiple arteries whereas subgroup 3 include variant arteries supplying that area. Results were statistically evaluated. Sign test was used to test for presence of variant artery in each area and it was statistically significant. In group A out of 100 cases no case fell in such group A1, 96 cases [96%] fell in such group A2, where middle cerebral Artery and anterior cerebral Artery supplying the area . The frontal branches of middle cerebral artery two to three in number and anterior parietal branch of middle cerebral Artery supply 80% of area while one to two branches of frontopolar Artery, branch of anterior cerebral Artery supply 1.0 to 1.5 cm strip on supero medial surface of motor area. The anterior cerebral Artery supply the leg area and middle cerebral Artery the face trunk and upper limb area. In sub group A3, 4 cases [4%] accessory middle cerebral Artery appeared as variant Artery. In group B out of 100 cases 90 cases [90%] fell in sub group B1. 9 cases [9%] fell in sub group B2 where middle cerebral Artery through frontal branch and accessory middle cerebral Artery supply the area 1 case [1%] fell in such group B3. Where anterior temporal branch of inferior trank of middle cerebral Artery supply the area as variant Artery. 19 cases out of 100 [19%] showed variations among these 4 cases [4%] showed variations in arterial supply of primary motor cortex and 1 case [1%] showed variations in the arterial supply of motor speech area. Collateral vessels may modify the effects of cerebral ischaemia. anatomical variations of the cerebral arteries are of immense importance in surgery , angiography and all non-invasive procedures to help in interpretation of cranial angiogram. The major variations include duplication segmental duplication, aplasia, hypoplasia and fenestration of the vessels

Fingerprint pattern in the population of wah cantt

Fingerprinting is the surest method of human identification and identification is the big problem with particular reference to growing terrorism and crime rate in our country. To study the fingerprint pattern in the population of Wah Cantt. in connection with the role of fingerprints in identification. Cross sectional and observational study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the population of Wah Cantt. Total duration of study was three months from 01-09-2013 to 30-11-2013. A group of 6 Lecturers were trained to take finger prints from different walks of population of Wah Cantt. The fingerprints were taken on unglazed paper with help of ink pad. The data was scrutinized regarding type of fingerprints. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS version 10. A total sample of 1000 persons were taken. Among 596 were male and 404 females. The most common type of finger prints remained loops 56.7 % followed by whorls 27.6 %, Arches 8.4% and composites type of fingerprints were detected in 7.3 % persons. Statistically variations are present in the finger prints as in the population of the whole world

Histological study of muscle injuries to observe the effects of environmental pollutants on its recovery and regeneration

Humans are exposed to environmental pollution, food contamination and Cigarette smoking. Environmental pollution in addition to its effects on different systems of body, it also effect on recovery and regeneration of muscular injuries. In this study under different environments the recovery period and regeneration of muscular injuries will be studied on the basis of muscle histology. Experimental study. This study was conducted in Animal room of Anatomy Department, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore from May 2011 to December 2011. Study was carried out on total [100] animals. Control group comprises 28 animals exposed to [i] [Blunt trauma], [ii] Incisional injury., [iii] thermal injury and [iv] chemical injury. Whereas other nine groups of animals following initiation of injury were exposed to heavy metal pollutants and non-heavy metal pollutants by orally, parentally or inhalation. Delayed wound healing was observed, because major factors limiting the ability of skeletal muscles to regenerate after trauma or diseases were a viable population of satellites cells, re-innervation and re-vascularization. The experimental group animals became more lethargic, inactive, death rate was more. Death occurred earlier in group [6] and 8 as compared to rest of groups [P < 0.01]. Injured muscle initially showed increase in circumference and then followed by resuming its normal size in two weeks, time interval. In control group wound healing occurred in normal time whereas those exposed to metallic and non-metallic environmental pollutants showed weight reduction and delayed wound heating

most common targeted area in murders

To identify the most targeted area in homicidal injuries which may be helpful in crime control in society. Retrospective and observational study. This study was carried out on 5 years autopsies reports collected from THQ Hospital Taxila from 2009 to 2013 and analysis was done with emphasis on most common targeted area of the body during this period. Autopsy registers containing reports from 2009 to 2013, along with police papers and treatment notes were taken from THQ Hospital Taxila and analyzed with reference to most targeted area, kind of weapon used, age, sex, injury pattern and nature of injuries During total 5 year tenure total 279 autopsies were conducted. Among total 279 autopsies 234 [83.87%] dead bodies were of males while only 45 [16.13%] were belonged to females. 138 [49.46%] dead bodies were of adult age between 20-40 years, among these 112 [81.16%] belonged to males and 26 [18.84%] to females. In 88 [31.54%] cases head was targeted. The 2[nd] most common area of target was the chest, 76 [27.24%] persons were hit on the chest. In 33 [11.83%] persons abdomen was the target while 28[10.04%] bodies were with neck injuries. Firearm was the most common weapon causing 177 [63.44%] deaths. Blunt weapon remained the 2[nd] mostly used weapon claiming 22 [7.88%] lives. Use of sharp edged weapon was restricted only to 7 [2.5%] persons. In total 40 cases [14.34%] no cause of death could be found. The analysis may offer some help to bring the crimes under control

Weaponry pattern and incidence of homicidal deaths 5 year study

To analyze the Syears data of autopsies with reference to weaponry pattern may offer some help in controlling law and order situation in the country. Retrospective Study. The study was conducted at THQ hospital Taxila. 5 years data of autopsies conducted during the years from 2009-2013 was taken and analyzed. Autopsy registers from 2009 to 2013 were taken from THQ Hospital Taxila and analysis of the available data was done regarding weaponry pattern, age, sex, area of body targeted and nature of injuries. During Syears 2009-13 total 279 autopsies were conducted. 234 [83.87%] dead bodies were belonged to male and 45 [16.13%] to females. Most of the dead bodies were adult age group, 138 [49.46%] dead bodies were between age 20-40 years, out of which 112 [81.16%] of males and 26 [18.84%] of females. Firearm remained the most common weapon used claiming 177 [63.44%] lives. In 22 [7.88%] deaths blunt weapons were used and only 7 [2.5%] deaths were caused by sharp edged weapon. Head remained the most targeted area as in 88[31.54%] cases. In 76 [27.24%] persons chest was the target. 33 [11.83%] persons was hit on abdomen, while 28[10.04%] dead bodies were found with injuries on neck. In 40 cases [14.34%] no cause of death was detected. The analysis may be used to control law and order situation in the society

morphological study of renal arteries in atherosclerosis - a human autopsy study

To assess the different morphological changes in atherosclerotic lesions in renal arteries in relation to age and sex. Prospective descriptive observational study. Mortuary of King Edward medical University and mayo hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Duration of study was one and a half year. A total of one hundred and thirty human autopsies were carried out during this study. Ninety were males and forty females. The age range was between 8 and 85 years. The autopsies were done left renal arteries were taken out artery for histological examination. Tissue processing was done. On the average 7-8 slides were prepared from each block by taking ribbons of tissues. The paraffin sections were stained using Haematoxylin and Eosin stain, Curtis's picro-ponceau stain, verhoeff's elastic tissue stain, von kossa's staining technique, periodic acid Schiff [PAS] reaction, Toludine blue stain and peral's Prussian blue stain. The fibrolipid plaques were seen in 32 of the 39 cases seen on gross appearance in the right renal artery and 20 of the 24 cases seen on gross appearance in the renal artery. The complicated lesions were present in 15 cases in the right renal artery and 11 cases in the left renal artery. In the right 12 cases showed ulceration, 3 cases showed intimal vascularization and haemorrhage, whereas 2 of these cases also showed thrombus formation. In the left renal artery there were 8 cases showing ulceration, 3 cases showed intimal vascularization and haemorrhage and one of theses also showed thrombus formation. The calcified lesions were seen in 9 case in the right renal artery and 7 cases in the left artery. The morphological changes in the media and elastic were in 11 cases in right renal artery and 7 cases in left renal artery. Incidence of fibro-lipid plaques complicated and calcified lesion are quite high in both renal arteries. The relative high incidence of raised lesions in Right renal arteries may be due to more length, lower position and its position across the inferior vanacava

Atherosclerotic lesions in hypertensive subjects -a human autosy study

To assess the incidence and severity of atherosclerotic lesions in hypertensive subjects in our population. Prospective descriptive observational study. Mortuary of Forensic Department, King Edward Medical University Lahore and Pathology Department of Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore. This study was completed in one and a half year. A total of 130 human autopsies were carried out in the mortuary of King Edward Medical University Lahore. Heart, aorta and its major branches were collected. History was taken from the close relative of deceased for hypertension. One to four areas of tissue were taken for each artery and aorta for histological examination. The section were stained with Haemotoxylin and Eosin stain. Different special stains were also performed on all cases to differentiate different components of atherosclerotic lesions. The fibrolipid plaques, complicated lesions and calcified lesions were present in a predominant number of cases in aorta and its major branches, except the fibrolipid plaques were less dominant in the right coronary artery, the complicated lesions were seen less frequently in the right coronary artery and the left renal artery and the calcified lesions were observed less dominantly in the thoracic aorta, anterior descending branch and circumflex branch of left coronary, innominate artery, coelic artery, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery and renal arteries. The calcified lesions were absent in the right coronary artery. This study although preliminary but basic and observational in nature indicates the considerable severity of raised atherosclerotic lesions in hypertensive subjects in our population

Atherosclerotic lesions in relation to occupational physical activity-a human autopsy study

To assess the severity of different atherosclerotic lesions in relation to occupational physical activity in our population. Prospective descriptive observational study. Mortuary of King Edward Medical University Lahore and Department of Pathology Allama Iqbal Medical College Lahore. The duration of study was completed in one and a half year. A total of 130 human autopsies were carried out at random. The age range was between 8 and 85 years. Heart, aorta coronary arteries and renal arteries were collected from dead bodies. One to four areas of tissue were taken from aorta and each arteries in all cases. Sections were prepared from paraffin blocks. These were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain. Special stain were also performed to differentiate all the components of atherosclerotic lesions. The fatty streaks were present in a predominant number of cases in Grade-II and Grade-Ill than in Grade-I physically activity cases. The fibrolipid plaques, complicated and classified lesions were seen predominantly in Grade-I than in Grade-II and Grade-Ill physically active cases on percentage basis. In this study the severity of different atherosclerotic lesions is noted in Grade-I, Grade-II and Grade-Ill physically active subjects according to their occupational activities. This basic data gives indication and guideline for prevention and control of atherosclerotic process by increasing physical activity in life style of our population

autopsy study with respect to caste, age and sex during 2007 at Khyber medical college Peshawar

To find age, sex and caste incidence and its percentage in cases autopsied during the year 2007. Department of Forensic Medicine. Khyber Medical College, Peshawar. Jan-2007-Dec-2007. To probe into the causes of origin for violence, with reference to caste age and sex in the precincts of Peshawar. A proforma was designed for retrospective study, relevant information was filled from the available data of the autopsy cases: which had been personally examined. The total number of cases was one hundred. 82 males and 18 females were examined during the study. 51% of the victims fell in the 21-35 year age group, while 3% fell in the 71-85 year age group. 7 cases were identified. 96% of them were Afghans, while 4 victims were unknown 4%. Illiteracy and harsh environment breeds violence

Evaluation of occupational health hazards associated with inks used in printing processes at Jang group of newspapers, Lahore

Mutual communication requires a media and printing is one of the effective and easily diffusible media for communication. During the last few years, revolutionary changes have taken place in communication technology. It is essential for the expansion and development of education and for dissemination of all theories, ideas, inventions and discoveries of mankind. To evaluate the occupational health hazards associated with inks used in printing processes at Jang Group of Newspapers, Lahore. This cross sectional study was conducted on 50 workers who were directly in the use of ink during the period from 1999 to 2000. The concentrations of various chemical are estimated with the help of absorption and adsorption of the air pump by personal sampler and high volume air samples. The air is sucked through glass fiber filter and a column of 10 ml of carbon tetra chloride in a hubble bubble tube. Time of exposure is 0-5 years and in most of the cases the forced expiratory volume in one second is 70% + 5 but peak expiratory flow rate is markedly decreased which shows that lung functions are deteriorated to a considerable extent. As the time of exposure increases that is from 6 to 10 years, 11-15 years and 16-20 years, the lung functions steadily decreases by the increase in the time of exposure and extent of deteriorating in lung functions