043861   PANDEY N, PANT J (Pharmaceutical Sciences Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital, Uttarakhand) : Determination of physicochemical and pharmacological screening of leaves and flowers part of Pyrus pashia. Int J Herb Med 2020, 8(2), 28-32.

Medicinal plants are best remedies used as alternative tools for the prevention and treatment of many ailments. Rosaceae (the rose family) is a medium-sized family of flowering plants, including about 2830 species in 95 genera. Rosaceae includes herbs, shrubs and trees. Most species are deciduous, but some are evergreen. In this study, the physicochemical evaluation; ash values, namely total ash, water-soluble ash, and acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values; namely ethanol-soluble extractive and water-soluble extractive values, moisture content by using loss of drying method, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in Pyrus pashialeaves and flowers were used for illustrate the quality as well as purity and also investigated the pharmacological effect; namely antioxidant effect by using DPPH free radical assay. The total ash, water-soluble ash, and acid-insoluble ash in Pyrus pashia leaves was found to be 5 %, 3.1 %, and 1.9 %, respectively. In other side in Pyrus pashia flowers the total ash, water-soluble ash, and acid-insoluble ash in Pyrus pashia leaves was found to be 5.12 %, 3.05 %, and 2.07 %, respectively. The water-soluble extractive value was higher than alcohol-soluble extractive value in this study, and it was found to be 4.53 % in leaves and 4.65 % in flowers. The moisture content of the crude drug of leaves and flowers was found below 6.33 % and 8.20 %, respectively. The total phenolic content in the leaves and flowers extracts was found 180 ± 7 mg and 70 ± 9 mg of Gallic acid equivalent weight/g of extract, respectively, and the concentration of flavonoids in leaves and flowers extract of Pyrus pashia was found 371 ± 12 and 130± 10 mg of Quercetin equivalent weight/g of extract, respectively. The percentage inhibition of scavenging activities of the Pyrus pashia leaves and flowers showed 51.60 % and 43.69 % DPPH inhibition at 50 µg/mL concentrations. Whereas ascorbic acid showed 66.25 % DDPH inhibition at 50 µg/mL.

6 illus, 5 table, 19 ref

043860   ANJUM A A, TABASSUM K, ZAMAN R (Ilmul Qabalat wa Amraze Niswan [Obstetrics and Gynaecology] Dep, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka) : Mastagi [Pistacia lentiscus Linn]: An unani drug of plant origin: A review. Int J Herb Med 2020, 8(2), 25-7.

Mastagi [Pistacia lentiscus Linn] commonly known as mastic tree has been used in unani system of medicine for the treatment of various kinds of diseases since long time. This is a shrub or tree with separate male and female plant. The resin has strong smell and imported into India from other Mediterranean countries. Pharmacological activities of mastagi includes Mulattif [demulcent], Muharrik [stimulant], Jali [detergent], Mudir-e-bowl [diuretic], Habise ishaal [anti-diarrhoeal], Kasire riyah [carminative] etc. The aim of this review paper is to highlight the pharmacological effects in detail.

1 illus, 14 ref

045494   BUCHADE D D, SIDDAMSETTY A K, KUMAR R, THAKUR K S, MYST S (Forensic Medicine Dep, Maulana Azad Medical Coll, New Delhi, Email: dr_arunsid@yahoo.com) : A typical gunshot wounds: A series of cases. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 292-5.

Appearance of firearm injury depends on the distance of muzzle from skin and the distance determines the deposition of gunshot residues in relation to entry wound of firearm. In some cases of firearm wounds, atypical features were found which were very difficult for interpretation as to whether it was a gunshot injury and if gunshot injury then whether it were an entry or an exit wounds. Interpretation of these firearm wounds helps in identification of relative position and distance of assailant from victim. This case series highlights unusual presentation of gunshot injury which should be kept in mind when dealing with firearm injury cases.

2 illus, 8 ref

045493   NINAVE S, PATOND S, VERMA S, NINAVE S (Forensic Medicine Dep, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, Email: patondswapnil@gmail.com) : Profile of deaths due to poisoning at tertiary care hospital of central India. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 288-91.

Poisoning is a major public health problem worldwide, with thousands of deaths occurring every year in the developing countries. India, holding 2/3 of agricultural land, accounts for one third of pesticide poisoning cases and the agricultural workers being the worst affected. Most of the poisonings occur due to self-ingestion of the poison. Organo-phosphorus compounds occupy the major burden of poisoning related morbidity and mortality. The present study was aimed to know the profile of various poisoning cases admitted to AVBRH hospital JNMC Wardha, India. The objectives of this study were to determine the profile of poisoning cases reported to assess their pattern and outcome. A retrospective study with the data regarding age, gender, residence, type of poison; manner, route of poisoning, outcome was collected in a structured proforma. The data was analysed using standard statistical methods. In present study, rural males were among the highest reported cases, with maximum number of cases reported during the summer season. Irritant poisons accounts to the highest incidence. Pesticides, Organophosphorus compound in particular form the major type of poisons among irritants. Present study highlights the profile of poisoning cases admitted to the AVBRH Hospital Wardha District, Maharashtra, India, which clearly indicates the high-risk population involved and the common poisons encountered in this region. Early detection of suicidal tendency and circumstantial causes among the persons in the society can be done, which will be beneficial in preventing the suicidal deaths by creating awareness.

8 tables, 14 ref

045492   BHUTADA T, RAY A K , DASH B K, PANIGRAHI A (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, KIIT Univ, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Email: dr.ansuman3@gmail.com) : Serum cholinesterase level in postmortem cases of pesticide poisoning: Devising a protocol for identifying exposure to organophosphate and carbamate compounds. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 282-7.

The present study was designed with the aim to suggest a protocol based on a simple, cost-effective method for investigating the postmortem cases of organophosphate and carbamate compounds (OPCC) poisonings. A prospective case-control study was conducted during the year 2015-16 involving 48 subjects aged 20-70 years old who died due to OPCC as cases and another 48 agematched controls who died due to poisoning other than OPCC. Serum cholinesterase estimation and bioassay test on an isolated strip of toad rectus abdominis muscle were done to demonstrate the presence or absence of OPCC in the serum of a deceased. Phorate (22.9 %) was the commonest OPCC compound found to be abused by the cases followed by chlorpyrifos (14.6 %). Histopathology showed that individual cell necrosis (75 %), alveolar hemorrhage (81.3 %), central vein dilation (77.1 %), and necrosis of tubular epithelium (95.8 %) were the predominant signs in brain, lung, liver, and kidney respectively of the cases. Postmortem serum cholinesterase level was significantly less in cases as compared to that in controls. Toad test revealed that the amplitude of submaximal dose with test serum and the percentage change in amplitude were significantly higher in the OPCC group than the non OPCC group. Toad test can be used as a simple, cost-effective and sensitive measure for detection of OPCC in blood particularly in resource constraint settings while dealing with postmortem cases due to poisoning.

4 tables, 23 ref

045491   KULSHRESTHA V (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, Lady Hardinge Medical Coll & Smt. S. K. Hospital, New Delhi, Email: vedant_kulshrestha@yahoo.co.in) : Study of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in young adults- An autopsy based prospective study. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 272-7.

Cardiovascular disease is now the most common cause of death worldwide. The sudden death in apparently healthy young individuals is always a devastating and shocking event. According to WHO, Ischemic Heart Disease is our modern epidemic. The occurrence of Ischemic Heart Disease in developing countries is a decade earlier compared with the age incidence in developed countries. Now because of change in lifestyle and habits, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is noticed in comparatively younger age group even in a developing country like India. Bangalore is an IT hub. Many IT Professionals are working in this city. We have noticed atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, occurring in young IT professionals because of their sedentary lifestyles, smoking and drinking (alcohol) habits. Hence an autopsy based prospective study was conducted at the department of Forensic Medicine, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College & Research Institute, Bangalore, over a period of 18 months from November 2013 to May 2015, in young adults aged between 18 to 40 years dying due to various reasons like road traffic accidents, poisoning, burns, hanging, sudden natural deaths, assaults, electrocution, snake bite etc, and autopsy findings of total 200 cases subjected for medicolegal autopsy were studied, to know the incidence and study the pattern of underlying atherosclerotic coronary artery disease so that we can counsel the close family members of the deceased to go through essential investigations and take preventive measures. In this way we can protect the close family members of the deceased from fatal inheritable atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in future. Out of 200 cases, majority of cases 143 (71.5 %) cases showed underlying Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease which also included fixed coronary obstruction, thrombus, recent and healed Myocardial Infarction. Out of that, 117 (81.8 %) were males and 26 (18.2 %) were females. Out of total 143 cases of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease 27 (18.9 %) cases were associated with myocardial infarction (Ischemic Heart Disease). Among that 26 (96.3 %) were males and 1 (3.7 %) was female. Out of total 27 myocardial infarction (Ischemic Heart Disease) cases, 15 (55.5 %) cases showed recent (fresh) infarct in the myocardium. Overall Grade 2 AHA grade of atherosclerosis was found in majority of cases 46 (32.2 %), in both the sexes. Majority of cases 14 (40 %) in 18-25 years age group and 23 (38.3 %) cases in 26-33 years age group showed Grade 2 atherosclerosis followed by Grade 3. While in 34-40 years age group majority 15 (31.2 %) of cases showed Grade 4 atherosclerosis followed by Grade 5. Majority of cases 123 (86 %) showed atherosclerosis in Left main coronary artery but in 55 (44.7 %) cases the lumen was normal while 35 (28.5 %) cases showed less than 25 % lumen narrowing. Whereas 117 (81.8 %) cases showed atherosclerosis in Left anterior descending artery. Out of that 34 (29.1%) cases showed more than 75 % narrowing of the lumen. Most 66 (46.2 %) of the cases showed atherosclerosis in all four major coronary vessels. Out of total 143 atherosclerotic coronary artery disease cases coronary thrombus was found in 23 (16.1 %) cases, calcification in 3 (2.1 %) cases and cardiac rupture in 1 (0.7 %) case. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was the most frequently encountered underlying cardiac pathology even in young adults in a country like India. It is very significant and is a matter of concern.

4 tables, 15 ref

045490   PATHAK A (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda-151001, Punjab, Email: dr.akhilesh_pathak@yahoo.co.in) : Students' perspective towards e-assessment in forensic medicine. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 265-7.

The use of PowerPoint (PPT) for teaching has been widely used all over the world. Despite a drastic change in teaching-learning techniques in medical education, the majority of medical colleges still follow the traditional methods of practical examination. Due to a sudden increase in the number of students in a batch, the teachers find a difficulty in evaluating the students with traditional methods of practical examinations. Hence, this study was undertaken to analyze the effectiveness of the use of digital techniques for assessment of practical examination during spotting. During this study, we observed that there are many advantages associated with the use of e-assessment in the assessment of practical examinations, especially when we are going to evaluate a batch of students having 150-250 numbers. This article describes the rationale of the use of e-assessment in the practical assessment and provides an overview of its advantages. It also reviews the advantages and disadvantages associated with use of e-assessment of practical examination and proposes some guidelines and strategies that need be considerd when it is applied.

1 table, 13 ref

045489   VAISHNAWA N K, JUGTAWAT J, BISHNOI A, VYAS P C (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, Dr. Sampurnanand Medical Coll, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Email: narendravaishnawakota@gmail.com) : Assessment of chronological age based on radiological closure of cranial sutures in Jodhpur region of Rajasthan. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 254-7.

Age estimation from radiological study of bones is often required in medicolegal practice. Correct age is essential in legal medicine, medical, social and administrative matters to validate documents. In this study 100 individuals (53 males & 37 females) of 20 to 70 years age group attending M.G. and MDM Hospitals were selected and Skiagram of skull advised after consenting. We studied and compared upper, mid and lower components of sagittal, upper and lower half coronal, and lambdoid sutures in males and females, and observed that suture closure starts earlier in lower 1/3rd part of sagittal suture among both males and females, however the suture fusion is earlier in males than in females. Furthermore, suture closure starts with in 31 years in males and 33 years in female, for each suture. Closure is earlier in males as compared to females. Overall, coronal suture was found to close early followed by sagittal and lambdoid suture respectively.

9 tables, 20 ref

045488   KAUL A, RAI R K, AGARWAL P, SAROJ S (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, Moti Lal Nehru Medical Coll, Allahabad, Email: drshwetasaroj@gmail.com) : Age determination from epiphysial fusion around elbow joint and their correlation with gender: A radiological study. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 251-3.

The present study aims to determine the age from epiphysis fusion around elbow joint. In this study, the X-ray films of the subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of degree of fusion. Firstly, those which were showing Non fusion (NF), secondly those showing Partial fusion (PF) & thirdly those showing Complete Fusion (CF). Observations made were compared with previous radiological studies. The fusion of conjoint epiphysis to shaft of humerus, upper end of radius and medial epicondyle with its shaft in male and female completed in all instances (100%) at the age groups of 17-18 years & 16-17 years respectively

4 tables, 21 ref

045487   WAGHMARE S S, KACHARE R V, ZINE K U, PAWAR V G (Forensic Medicine Dep, Swami Ramanand Teerth Rural Government Medical Coll, Ambajogai, Maharashtra, Email: pawar.drvishwajeet@gmail.com) : Stature estimation using foot length and BMI among students at a tertiary health care centre in Maharashtra, India. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 247-50.

Stature can be estimated easily with primary anatomic structures in intact corpses. It becomes very difficult to identify parted bodies especially after a natural disaster, traffic accidents, war, terror and bombing in which people are dead and became unrecognizable. As most of the time foot is protected by shoes it can be useful in these types of situation.10-12 We observed that foot was studied in many cases to obtain information in identification when there was no other body part available. The aim of the present study was to estimate stature from foot length and BMI based on statistical equations and formulae. The present study included 300 medical students from SRTR Government Medical College, Ambejogai, Dist. Beed, Maharashtra, India. The participants (150 female and 150 male) were young adults between 18 and 24 years, and did not have any foot or related operation. We measured stature, foot length, BMI and attempt were made to find correlation between them. In the present study it was observed that the minimum right foot length (RFL) and left foot length (LFL) was 20.50 and 20 cm respectively, Maximum RFL and LFL was 28 and 27.80 respectively. The mean RFL and LFL was 24.25 and 24.10 cm respectively. The coefficients of correlation between stature and foot length and BMI were found to be statistically significant (p value <0.0001). Though supremacy of long bones for estimation of stature cannot be ignored, it is more likely to come across footprints/isolated body parts during forensic investigation, thus justifying the measurement of foot length as important determinant of stature.

2 illus, 4 tables, 19 ref

041977   THAKUR M, SANDHU B S (Veterinary Pathology Dep, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences Univ, Ludhiana – 141 004, Punjab, Email: bhupisandhu3@gmail.com) : Immunofluorescence and histopathological studies in cattle brain for diagnosis of rabies. Indian J Vet Pathol 2020, 44(3), 139-43.

The present study was conducted with an aim to detect the rabies viral antigen in the brains of naturally infected cattle by immunofluorescence and identify the histopathological alterations of infected brain. For this purpose, a total of 29 brain samples were collected from rabies suspected cows, presented for post-mortem confi rmation of rabies in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, GADVASU, Ludhiana. Gross examination of the collected brains showed the presence of severe congestions in both meningeal and cerebral blood vessels, as well, hemorrhage and edema in cerebrum and cerebellum. The immunofluorescence study revealed the presence of the rabies viral antigen, Negri bodies and the characteristic bullet shape of the viral particles. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of intra cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Negri bodies) in the Purkinje cells of cerebellum, marked neuronal necrosis with satellitosis and neuronophagia, perivascular cuffing (PVC) with mononuclear cells (MNCs) infi ltration and gliosis. On the basis of histopathology and fluorescent antibody test (FAT) rabies was confi rmed in 17 (58.62 %) and 20 (68.96 %) cases respectively. Quantitative assessments of histomorphological alterations were moderate to severe congestion in 90 % (18/20), hemorrhages in 45 % (09/20), gliosis in 85 % (17/20), microglial nodules in 65 % (13/20), satellitosis in 85 % (17/20), neuronal degeneration, neuronal necrosis in 80 % (16/20) and perivascular cuffi ng (PVC) with mononuclear cells (MNCs) infiltration in 95 % (19/20) cases respectively. PVC was most prominent (95 % cases) followed by gliosis and satellitosis. Neuronophagia was reported in 90 % (18/20) cases. Meningitis and edema was present in 25 % (05/20) and 35 % (07/20). The results of the present study indicated that rabies infection of cows could be easily diagnosed in the laboratory by immunofluorescence and histopathology. Special attention should be given to stray dogs and outdoor rearing of cows.

5 illus, 3 tables, 19 ref

045486   PATERIA D, THAKUR P S, SINGH B K, TOMAR J S, SHRIVASTAVA M (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, M.G.M. Medical Coll, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Email: dr.mohit11@yahoo.com) : Estimation of stature based on anthropometry of percutaneous length of arm among males of Central India region. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(4), 243-6.

Identification means determination of exact individuality of a person. It is one of the important criteria for conducting autopsy, apart from finding the cause and time since death. Stature is an important parameter to establish identity of an unknown corpse. It is being used by medico legal experts when either complete or parts of human body are recovered. Establishing the identity of an individual from mutilated, decomposed and amputated body fragments has become an important necessity in recent times due to natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods and man-made disasters like terror attacks, bomb-blasts, mass accidents, wars, and plane crashes etc. Hence the present study has been undertaken and is aimed at and concentrated on finding the co-relation between supine length and anthropometric measurements of both sides (right and left) arm of male in central India population belonging to age group 21 to 60 years in mortuary of Forensic Medicine Department, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). The mean percutaneous arm length on right side and left (32.53±1.527) and (32.56±1.565), cm respectively, whereas the mean stature was found to be 165.64 ± 5.038 cm. In this study maximum stature in males was found to be 180.2 cm and minimum stature was found to be 152.0 cm. Percutaneous arm length and stature was found to be positively correlated and association was highly significant. The multiplication factor for percutaneous arm length was found to be 5.09.

3 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

045485   HIMANSHI, PATIL A, KUMAR A, RASTOGI A K, PARASHAR A (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, Email: dramp1976@gmail.com) : Right to information act: It's applicability on medico-legal cases and postmortem reports. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 214-8.

The enactment of Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005 has presented a conflicting situation in relation to professional secrecy, right to privacy and right to information. Moreover, the situation becomes complicated when applicability of RTI Act encounters medicolegal reports and postmortem reports which are impliedly confidential in nature. Many a times doctors involved in managing and writing such reports often faces a dilemma regarding sharing of such reports under RTI Act 2005. There are different views as per the interpretation of RTI act regarding its applicability in medico-legal documents and post-mortem reports. As per Central Information Commission (CIC), Medico-legal Cases (MLCs) and Post-Mortem Reports (PMR) are indeed legal requirements in criminal cases and not prepared at the instance of the patient, but to record injuries inflicted on a person/deceased, to be used by courts in criminal proceedings and hence are not held in fiduciary relation with the patient and that refusal of information under Section 8(1) (e) is unsustainable. Contrastingly, different courts has directed that certified copy of PMR/MLR cannot be issued under RTI and is covered under the exemption of Section 8(1) (j) of RTI Act. Thus, its applicability varies as per the judgments pronounced by different judicial courts of India. This article intends to address contrasting views related to applicability of RTI Act to Medicolegal Reports and Post-Mortem Reports and an attempt is made to bring clarity in these matters.

20 ref

045485   HIMANSHI, PATIL A, KUMAR A, RASTOGI A K, PARASHAR A (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, Email: dramp1976@gmail.com) : Right to information act: It's applicability on medico-legal cases and postmortem reports. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 214-8.

The enactment of Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005 has presented a conflicting situation in relation to professional secrecy, right to privacy and right to information. Moreover, the situation becomes complicated when applicability of RTI Act encounters medicolegal reports and postmortem reports which are impliedly confidential in nature. Many a times doctors involved in managing and writing such reports often faces a dilemma regarding sharing of such reports under RTI Act 2005. There are different views as per the interpretation of RTI act regarding its applicability in medico-legal documents and post-mortem reports. As per Central Information Commission (CIC), Medico-legal Cases (MLCs) and Post-Mortem Reports (PMR) are indeed legal requirements in criminal cases and not prepared at the instance of the patient, but to record injuries inflicted on a person/deceased, to be used by courts in criminal proceedings and hence are not held in fiduciary relation with the patient and that refusal of information under Section 8(1) (e) is unsustainable. Contrastingly, different courts has directed that certified copy of PMR/MLR cannot be issued under RTI and is covered under the exemption of Section 8(1) (j) of RTI Act. Thus, its applicability varies as per the judgments pronounced by different judicial courts of India. This article intends to address contrasting views related to applicability of RTI Act to Medicolegal Reports and Post-Mortem Reports and an attempt is made to bring clarity in these matters.

20 ref

045484   SHARMA V, GUPTA S K, AGRAWAL A, GUPTA R (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, Sarojini Naidu Medical Coll, Agra, Email: drvaibhavsharma84@gmail.com) : Socio-demographic profile among burn-victims: A study from a tertiary care hospital, Agra. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 211-3.

Burns is a global public health problem, accounting for an estimated 1,80,000 deaths annually. In India, over 10 Lakh people are moderately or severely burnt every year. So the need to do socio-demographical profiling of these cases time to time so that it can be used in the prevention of such cases by knowing its trends in the area and improving treatment facilities. The present study is aimed to identify and compare the socio-demographical profile of patients presenting with burn injuries to the Emergency ward of S.N. Medical College, Agra. This study is a record-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January 2019 to December 2019. Data related to name, age, sex, marital status, place of residence, type of burn injury, was collected from records and were analysed to know the current trends of burn injuries in the region. Out of a total 26346 patients were admitted in the emergency department of S. N. Medical College, Agra during the period from January 2019 to December 2019. Out of which a total of 141 victims of burn injuries were admitted in the Emergency ward, and their medico legal examination was done. Most of the burn victims belonged to age group of 21-40, married, female, of rural area. Most of the burn cases were from flame or dry heat. .

4 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

045483   BADIADKA K K, PRAMOD K L, ACHUMMANTAKATH H, BALAKRISHNA A G (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, Yenepoya Medical Coll, Mangaluru, Karnataka, Email: leens.pr73@gmail.com) : Retrospective analysis of pattern of injuries in medicolegal cases. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 207-10.

The present research aims to highlight the pattern of different types of injuries sustained by the victims of medico legal cases visiting a tertiary care hospital in Deralakatte, Mangalore, South India. The data was obtained from accident cum wound register maintained in the casualty for medico legal cases during 2012 – 2017. Total 2426 cases were analysed. The pattern of injuries sustained were categorised under road traffic accidents, assault, fall, thermal & workplace injuries. Abrasion was the most common type of injuries noted in road traffic accidents accounting for most of the injury related deaths (77 %) during the study period. .

7 tables, 17 ref

041976   GOTO H, SUGITA K, YAMAMOTO O (Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs Dep, Tottori Univ, Tottori 683-8504, Japan, Email: higoto@med.tottori-u.ac.jp) : Expression of programmed death ligand 1 in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arising in sun exposed and nonsun exposed skin. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 506-9.

A recent clinical trial has shown the efficacy of an anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody against advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The expression of PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in tumor cells correlates with a favorable response to anti-PD-1 therapy in various malignancies. In recent studies, it has been shown that SCC frequently expresses PD-L1. However, there has been no previous study focusing on the difference in PD-L1 expression between SCC in sun-exposed skin and that in nonsun-exposed areas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sun-exposure status and PD-L1 expression in patients with SCC. We investigated 80 patients with SCC (40 patients with SCC in sun-exposed skin and 40 patients with SCC in nonsun-exposed skin) by immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1. Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analyses of the differences between the two groups. Patients with SCC in sun-exposed skin showed a significantly higher expression level of PD-L1 in tumor cells than did patients with SCC in nonsun-exposed skin (P = 0.0133). We found that the expression level of PD-L1 in patients with SCC in sun-exposed skin was higher than in patients with SCC in nonsun-exposed skin. Practical data are needed for appropriate applications of new therapeutic options for SCC.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

041975   EL ASHMAWY A A, SHAMLOULA M M, ELFAR N N (Dermatology and Venereology Dep, Tanta Univ, Tanta, Egypt, Email: nashwaelfar3@gmail.com) : Podoplanin as a predictive marker for identification of high risk mycosis fungoides patients: An immunohistochemical study. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 500-5.

Podoplanin, an important protein, has been implicated in various cellular processes, including lymphangiogenesis. Podoplanin is a mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein that is accepted as a novel marker of lymphatic endothelial cells. To study the immunohistochemical expression of podoplanin in the different stages of mycosis fungoides (MF) in comparison to control and to correlate their expression with disease severity and progression. The study included 50 patients of MF, clinically diagnosed and assessed by World Health Organization/European Organization for Research And Treatment Of Cancer Consensus and 20 normal persons as control. Skin biopsy specimens were taken from all and examined for expression of podoplanin immunohistochemically. Significant upregulation of podoplanin expression was detected in all studied patients of MF in comparison to control group. Podoplanin expression in malignant lymphocytes and also lymph vessel density showed significant upregulation in the aggressive clinical presentations as well as the highest stages regarding TNMB staging of MF. Evaluation of podoplanin expression may be taken into consideration in the future as a useful tool to identify high-risk MF patients. Furthermore, it may open new therapeutic options for the clinical management of those patients.

4 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

041974   NAG F, CHATTERJEE G, GHOSH A, DE A (Dermatology Dep, Bankura Sammilani Medical Coll, Kolkata - 700 064, West Bengal, Email: arghyap_ghosh@yahoo.com) : Clinico etiological evaluation of chronic leg ulcer in a tertiary care Center of Eastern India. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 495-9.

A chronic leg ulcer (CLU) is a significant public health problem. It has various etiologies. Racial, familial, occupational, and social factors may also have an impact on the prevalence of different causes of leg ulcers. Though there are western data on the epidemiology of leg ulcer, similar data are largely unavailable from our part of the world. We undertook a study in a tertiary care center in eastern India to determine the clinical and etiological pattern of patients with CLU. Hundred consecutive patients presenting with CLU, fulfilling the criteria, were included after informed consent. Patients were subjected to proper history taking, clinical examination, routine blood test, and pus for culture and sensitivity test (where needed) along with Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Among the 100 patients, venous ulcer (34 %) was predominant followed by arterial ulcer (14 %), mixed arterial and venous ulcer (11 %). History of smoking (56 %) and obesity (BMI >25) (32 %) were the common risk factors in leg ulcer patients. Fifty nine percent of the total CLU were infected and out of this, 86.4 % showed growth of microorganisms. Staphylococcus aureus (39 %) was the most commonly isolated organism, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15 %). Eleven (24.44 %) clinically diagnosed venous ulcer patients showed significantly lower ABI (<0.9) and were diagnosed as mixed ulcer (a venous ulcer with a peripheral arterial disease). Venous ulcer and mixed ulcer are the most common type of CLU.

4 illus, 22 ref

041973   MALLICK S, SARKAR T, GAYEN T, NASKAR B, DATTA A, SARKAR S (Dermatology Dep, Burdwan Medical Coll, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, Email: tanusreesarkar.09@gmail.com) : Correlation of venous clinical severity score and venous disability score with dermatology life quality index in chronic venous insufficiency. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 489-94.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an underestimated public health problem involving the lower limbs. It exerts a significant impact on patient’s quality of life (QoL). The severity of the disease was measured by venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and venous disability score (VDS). The aim of the study was to evaluate VCSS, VDS, and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) among the patients of CVI and to evaluate the correlation among DLQI with VCSS, VDS, and leg ulcer. In this institution-based cross-sectional study, clinically and sonographically confirmed cases of CVI were included. Clinical severity of the disease and disability were assessed by using VCSS and VDS, respectively. QoL was assessed by a validated DLQI questionnaire. Correlation between DLQI with VCSS and VDS was analyzed. The association between DLQI with different characteristics of the ulcer was also evaluated. Mean VCSS, VDS, and DLQI in the study population were 11 ± 4.96, 1.47 ± 0.67, and 6.94 ± 3.87, respectively. Both VCSS and VDS had a strong positive correlation with DLQI. The number of active ulcers, size of the ulcer, and duration of the ulcer had a strong positive correlation, whereas the age of onset of the disease had a negative correlation and duration of the disease had poor correlation with DLQI. Pain (P = 0.03) and edema (P = 0.04) had significant association with VDS. VCSS and VDS are important tools for measuring severity and disability in CVI, respectively. CVI had a strong impact on patients QoL more than it was thought hitherto.

3 illus, 5 tables, 27 ref

041972   MAHAJAN R, DAROACH M, DE D, HANDA S (Dermatology Dep, PGIMER, Chandigarh - 160 012, Email: drrahulpgi@yahoo.com) : Clinico dermoscopic features and treatment responsiveness in pediatric alopecia – experience from a tertiary care pediatric dermatology clinic. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 483-8.

Data on clinical and epidemiologic profile on pediatric alopecia is relatively scarce. We aimed to study the clinical, epidemiological, and dermoscopic profile of children presenting with alopecia, and assess the responsiveness to different treatment modalities in a real-life setting. This cohort study involved analyzing children presenting with hair loss during the study period. After a detailed history, clinical, and trichoscopic examination, treatment offered to patients and follow-up response to treatment along with relapse of symptoms were noted. Around 119 children were included. Nearly 90 % were of acquired etiology. The most common cause of alopecia was alopecia areata (AA) in 85 (71 %) patients followed by tinea capitis 9 (7.5 %), lichen planopilaris 4 (3.3 %), and other less common causes. In patients of AA, dermoscopy showed the presence of black dots in 68 % cases, exclamation mark hair in 54 % of patients followed by off-white dots, yellow dots, and vellus hair. Patients with an acute course and black dots on dermoscopy responded better to treatment. Relapse was common in patients with early age of onset and longer disease duration. Hair loss is frequently seen in pediatric dermatology clinics. Dermoscopy of pediatric AA shows scarce yellow dots while off-white dots are more frequent; the presence of black dots is a good prognostic indicator.

3 illus, 3 tables, 18 ref

045482   DAS S, CHAUDHARI V A , SAHU S K, DEVNATH G P, CHANDRA A (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Dep, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Pondicherry, Email: drvinodchaudhari@gmail.com) : Autopsy audit of fatal suicidal burns: A retrospective study in South India. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 202-6.

Suicide is an important cause of death globally. Burns is the commonly employed method for Suicidal deaths. Burns is common in Asian countries and India had the maximum cases of suicidal burns with the highest fatality rate. In the South India particularly Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry had high rate of suicides. India has the highest hospital admission of cases due to suicidal burns. Autopsy based study will help to collect important data on deaths due to suicidal burns. This study mainly focuses on various aspects of fatal suicidal burns, reasons for committing suicide by burns and socio-demographic factors associated with it. It is a record based retrospective study of fatal suicidal burns from January 2010 to December 2014 in a tertiary hospital in South India. We reviewed 3996 medicolegal autopsy case records and analyzed 459 fatal suicidal burns. Deidentified data were collected in anonymous data proforma. A total of 459 (38 %) fatal suicidal burns were studied out of 1205 fatal suicides. The majority of victims were females (67.9 %) as compared to males (32.1 %). the mean age was 29.9 years (female – 27.9years, male – 34.2years). Common age group was 21-30 years (n=221, 48.14 %). Family problems (n=185, 40.3 %) and financial problems (n=32, 6.9 %) were the main reason for suicide among both sexes and most of the victims were married. The victims were from rural locality (n=364, 79.3 %) and kerosene (n=436, 94.98 %) was the commonly used accelerant. The common time of the incident of burns was 12.00 to 06.00 pm (n=155, 33.7 %). Three hundred ninety-eight cases (86.71 %) had above 50 % of burn TBSA with a median survival period of 184 hours. Most of the victims were female, from the rural areas, family problems were the common reason for fatal suicidal burns. Median burn TBSA was also higher. Data generated will be helpful for planning awareness and interventional programs to prevent suicidal burns.

1 illus, 5 tables, 24 ref

041971   SARMA N, CHAKRABORTY S, POOJARY S, KUMAR B M S, GUPTA L K, BUDAMAKUNTLA L, KUMRAH L, DAS S, OVHAL A G , MANDAL N K ET AL (Dermatology Dep, Dr B C Roy Post Graduate Institute of Pediatric Science, Howrah - 711 227, West Bengal, Email: NILENDUSARMA@gmail.com) : A nationwide, multicentric case–control study on vitiligo (medec v) to elicit the magnitude and correlates. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 473-82.

Vitiligo is an acquired, idiopathic, and common depigmentation disorder. The values of various epidemiologic parameters are often doubtful due to the methodological weaknesses of the studies. To elicit the magnitude of various epidemiological parameters and important correlates of vitiligo. Every vitiligo patient attending the outpatient department of medical colleges spread over most of the Indian states were examined over a period of 1 year. Various epidemiological and clinical variables were examined and compared with age and sex-matched controls (registered in the Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2017/06/008854). A total of 4,43,275 patients were assessed in 30 medical colleges from 21 Indian states. Institutional prevalence of vitiligo was 0.89 % (0.86 % in males and 0.93 % in females, P < 0.001). The mean age at presentation and mean age at onset were 30.12 ± 17.97 years and 25.14 ± 7.48 years, respectively. Head–neck was the most common primary site (n = 1648, 41.6 %) and most commonly affected site (n = 2186, 55.17 %). Most cases had nonsegmental vitiligo (n = 2690, 67.89 %). The disease started before 20 years of age in more than 46 % of cases. About 77 % of all cases had signs of instability during the last 1 year. The family history, consanguinity, hypothyroid disorders, and depressed mood were significantly (P < 0.001) higher among the cases. First, second, and third-degree family members were affected in 269 (60.04 %), 111 (24.78 %), and 68 (15.18 %) cases, respectively. Work-related exposure to chemicals was significantly higher among cases (P < 0.008). Obesity was less common among vitiligo cases [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 0.78, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.71–0.86]. This is one of the largest studies done on vitiligo in India. The prevalence of vitiligo was found to be 0.89 % among hospital attendees. Prevalence of vitiligo was higher among females than in males and prevalence of family history, consanguinity, hypothyroid disorders were higher in vitiligo than among controls.

4 illus, 4 tables, 42 ref

041970   GHOSH S (Institute of Allergic and Immunological Skin Diseases, Kolkata - 700 042, West Bengal, Email: drsanjayghosh1@gmail.com) : Chemical vitiligo: A subset of vitiligo. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(6), 443-9.

Chemical leucoderma, an under-diagnosed common condition often mimicking idiopathic vitiligo, represents an acquired depigmentation induced by repeated exposure to specific chemical compounds in subjects with genetic susceptibility to vitiligo. This has been increasing rapidly in incidence in recent decades in developing countries like India. The term ‘chemical vitiligo’ was first coined by us to indicate the possible relationship between chemical leucoderma and vitiligo, which has been supported recently by other authors to designate the term ‘chemical-induced vitiligo’. The largest case series showed that household chemical exposure was the major etiological factor. Causative chemicals are mostly phenolic and catecholic derivatives. Vitiligo pathogenesis is induced by genetic and environmental factors like many other autoimmune diseases. Innate immunity acts as a bridge between cellular stress and adaptive immunity. Multiple patches are commonly seen; children below 12 years are also affected in good numbers. The most common presence of confetti macules indicates these as characteristic, although not pathognomonic, of chemical leucoderma. Chemical leucoderma has been broadened into ‘chemical leucoderma syndrome’ with proper staging. The clinical criteria for diagnosis of chemical leucoderma have been specifically outlined. Same pathomechanism of chemical leucoderma might elucidate trigger factors and reasons for progression and chronicity in idiopathic vitiligo. Depigmentation in chemical vitiligo spreads to distant sites, in the same way as generalized idiopathic vitiligo. The study showed that chemical triggering factors played a very significant role in the induction and progression of vitiligo. Thus it should be rational to consider chemical vitiligo not as a separate entity but as a major subset of vitiligo spectrum.

9 illus, 3 tables, 36 ref

041969   PANAGIOTOPOULOS A, KYRIAZIS N, POLYCHRONAKI E, LEOTSAKOS G D, VASSIS P, RIGOPOULOS D (Kapodistrian Univ of Athens, Athens, Greece, Email: george.leotsakos@yahoo.com) : The effectiveness of cryosurgery combined with curettage and electrodessication in the treatment of keratoacanthoma: A retrospective analysis of 90 cases. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(5), 406-8.

There are several treatment options for keratoacanthoma (KA). However, there are limited data available on the use of cryosurgery. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a combination treatment for KA and to evaluate the cosmetic outcome. The combination treatment incorporates the use of curettage, electrodessication, and cryotherapy. A retrospective study was conducted on 90 patients with KA who had been treated with this method between 2000 and 2014. The follow-up period lasted 2 years and photographs were available for every visit of the patients to the department. The success rate was found to be 97.8 %. No serious adverse events were observed. No infections were reported. The cosmetic outcome was evaluated as excellent for all patients. The combination method appears to combine the advantages of both destructive treatment and surgical excision. It appears to be a safe and effective treatment method. However, there are certain limitations to this study. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this method.

3 illus, 6 ref

041968   NAM K-H, PARK S-W, YUN S-K (Dermatology Dep, Chonbuk National Univ Medical School, Jeonju 54907, South Korea, Email: dermayun@jbnu.ac.kr) : A clinicohistopathological analysis of cutaneous fibrous histiocytomas of the finger. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(5), 401-5.

Cutaneous fibrous histiocytoma (CFH) is a common, benign skin tumor predominantly occurring on the extremities or trunk. However, CFH on the finger is rare. This study was undertaken to examine the clinicohistopathological features of CFH of the finger. This is a retrospective study of 12 CFHs located on fingers in a tertiary hospital in Korea. All case slides were retrieved from saved files. Ages of the CHF of the finger affected individuals ranged from 9 to 48 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. Picker’s nodule or wart was the most common clinical diagnosis. In only 2 out of the 12 cases was the pre-biopsy diagnosis of CFH ventured. Fibrocollagenous type was the most common histological type. Majority of the cases were mitotically inactive, exhibiting only 0–1 mitoses per high-power field and there was no recurrence. Tumor cells were uniformly CD34 negative. Because CFH can resemble malignancies including dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, a lack of familiarity with the occurrence of CFH of the finger may lead to more aggressive treatment. Dermatologists should include CFH in their differential diagnosis of circumscribed nodules on the fingers to ensure proper management.

2 illus, 4 tables, 23 ref

041967   GHOSH S K, BANDYOPADHYAY D, DUTTA A, JANE P E, BISWAS S K (Dermatology Dep, R.G. Kar Medical Coll, Kolkata - 700 004, West Bengal, Email: dr_skghosh@yahoo.co.in) : A profile of 23 Indian patients with purpura fulminans: A retrospective, descriptive study. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(5), 381-7.

Purpura fulminans (PF) is a potentially fatal uncommon disorder of intravascular thrombosis and is clinically characterized by rapidly progressive hemorrhagic infarction of the skin. To describe the clinical feature and outcome of a series of patients with PF. A descriptive study based on review of case records was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Twenty three consecutive cases seen over a period of 8 years were studied. The age range was 4 days to 78 years (mean 35.6 years) with a male to female ratio of 1:2.8. Hemorrhagic rash was the universal presenting symptom. Other major presenting features included pneumonia (26.1 %), sudden-onset shock syndrome (21.7 %), and urinary tract infection (17.4 %). All patients presented with retiform purpura and lesional necrosis and 8 (34.8 %) patients had associated peripheral gangrene. Nineteen (82.6 %) patients had sepsis and 60.9 % patients had vesiculo-bullous lesion. Pneumococcus was the most common (26.1 %) pathogenic organism detected. The precise cause of PF could not be detected in two (8.7 %) patients. One patient (4.3 %) with neonatal PF had protein C deficiency. All patients had evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). One patient had to undergo a below knee surgical amputation and one patient had autoamputation of the digits. Ten (43.5 %) patients succumbed to their illness. Seven of the 8 patients who had peripheral gangrene had a fatal outcome. Relatively small sample size and a referral bias were a few limitations of the present study. The present study emphasizes that PF is a cutaneous marker of DIC. Association of peripheral gangrene, leukopenia and neutropenia may be the reason for the high mortality rate.

5 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

041966   MOHANTY S, PODDER I, GHOSH A, CHOWDHURY S N, BANDYOPADHYAY D (Dermatology Dep, Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital Coll, Kolkata - 700 058, West Bengal, Email: ipodder88@gmail.com) : Clinico demographic profile of patients with foot dermatitis: A cross sectional study with special reference to patch test results. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(5), 377-80.

Foot dermatitis is a common debilitating dermatological disorder where the eczematous process predominantly involves the feet. To analyze the clinico-demographic profile, type, clinical pattern, and evaluate the role of patch testing to determine the causative factors of foot dermatitis. Fifty-eight new patients clinically diagnosed with foot dermatitis were subjected to detailed history taking and physical examination. The patients were subjected to patch testing using the Indian standard battery and Indian footwear series (Contact and Occupational Dermatoses Forum of India [CODFI]). Among the 58 patients (mean age 31.48 ± 16.4 years, M:F 1:1.2), the majority (39.7 %) presented with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) followed by irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) (19 %), while atopic dermatitis was the least (3.45 %). However, 48 % of our patients reported a history of atopy. About 43.5 % of ACD patients showed a positive patch test reactions to at least one allergen of Indian standard battery and footwear series. Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) was the commonest allergen (50 %), followed by potassium dichromate (40 %), thiuram mix (20 %) while paraphenylenediamine was the least common (10 %). Dorsum of the foot was affected most commonly (55.17 %), followed by toe (46.55 %) and sole (41.38 %). Scaling was observed in almost 80 % of patients followed by crusting. Housewives were affected most commonly followed by students and cement workers. Rubber and rubber chemicals were found to be the commonest allergen inciting foot dermatitis. Atopy might be a predisposing factor in these patients. Thus, patch testing is recommended to determine the cause of foot dermatitis and provide suitable treatment.

1 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

041965   SARKAR T, SARKAR S, GANGOPADHYAY D N (Dermatology Dep, B. S. Medical Coll, Kolkata, West Bengal, Email: dr.somenathsarkar@gmail.com) : Gene therapy and its application in dermatology. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(5), 341-50.

Gene therapy is an experimental technique to treat genetic diseases. It is based on the introduction of nucleic acid with the help of a vector, into a diseased cell or tissue, to correct the gene expression and thus prevent, halt, or reverse a pathological process. It is a promising treatment approach for genetic diseases, inherited diseases, vaccination, cancer, immunomodulation, as well as healing of some refractory ulcers. Both viral and nonviral vectors can be used to deliver the correct gene. An ideal vector should have the ability for sustained gene expression, acceptable coding capacity, high transduction efficiency, and devoid of mutagenicity. There are different techniques of vector delivery, but these techniques are still under research for assessment of their safety and effectiveness. The major challenges of gene therapy are immunogenicity, mutagenicity, and lack of sustainable therapeutic benefit. Despite these constraints, therapeutic success was obtained in a few genetic and inherited skin diseases. Skin being the largest, superficial, easily accessible and assessable organ of the body, may be a promising target for gene therapy research in the recent future.

1 table, 112 ref

046757   DAWOOD K S (Middle Technical Univ, Baghdad, Iraq) : Preoperative anxiety and fears among adult surgical patients in Baghdad teaching hospital, Iraq. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194433.

Surgery was suggested as a major life change that negatively affects the patient’s recovery and post-operative pain. The study aims to assess the preoperative anxiety levels among surgical patients, to determine the fears related to surgery and to find out the relationships between some variables; age, sex, marital status, educational level and experience of previous surgery and level of anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery under a general anesthesia in general surgery unit of Baghdad Teaching Hospital from 1st August 2018 to 30th May 2019. The current study indicated that all patients 80 (100 %) were experience a preoperative anxiety in different levels; 36.2 % of them had a high level of anxiety, 32.5 % had a moderate level of anxiety and (31.2 %) had a low level of anxiety. The main source of patients’ fears was; fear of death (51.2 %), post-operative wound pain (48.8 %), and fear of post-operative nausea and vomiting (47.5 %) There was a significant relationship between age and level of anxiety. No difference in level of anxiety in respect to gender and previous surgery.

5 tables, 11 ref

046756   JAWAD R A A, FADHIL R, SAGET H M, MAHDI J A (Karbala Univ, Karbala, Iraq) : Effect of lactic threshold exercises using us ginseng in the development of some functional variables of the lungs and lactic tolerance and the performance of complex offensive skills in basketball youth. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194432.

The aim of the study is to prepare the lactic threshold exercises using US ginseng in improving some functional variables of the lungs and the lactate tolerance and performance of the offensive skills of the young basketball players. The researcher used a curriculum Alter Webby B test kisses me and posttest of the two groups of experimental  (Experimental and first trial ) . Dosages of US ginseng were used in the form of capsules (400 mg) and 5 % ginsosides, equivalent to 20 mg. Thus, the total US ginseng for the program is 60 g, Sexosides. The superiority of the first experimental group was determined by the second experiment with all the research variables. Effect of lactic threshold exercises using American ginseng in the development of some functional variables of the lungs, lactation and complex offensive skills in basketball for youth.

5 tables, 13 ref

045481   KARAD V S, PAWAR V G, WAGHMARE S S, KACHARE R V (Forensic Medicine Dep, SRTR Govt. Medical Coll, Maharashtra, Email: drkacharerajesh@gmail.com) : Medico-legal profile of hanging cases in rural region of Maharashtra: An autopsy based cross-sectional study. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 199-201.

Violent deaths resulting from asphyxia chiefly includes hanging. Hanging may be suicidal, homicidal or accidental in nature. Suicide by hanging is the most common, accidental hanging is less common and homicidal hanging is still less common. A retrospective study was conducted at mortuary of SRTR Government Medical College, Ambajogai, Dist. Beed, Maharashtra, India, between the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 on all cases of hanging brought for post mortem examination where the cause of death was attributed to hanging. Data was collected with help of police inquest, post-mortem notes and forensic science lab reports. Results were obtained after tabulating and analysing data. Maximum deaths were reported (20 cases i.e. 33.89 %) in 21-30 age group followed by (11 cases i.e. 18.64 %) 51-60 years age group. The ligature material most commonly used was rope (59.32 %). Type of knots was, fixed in 27 (45.76 %) cases. The position of knot was mostly cases on posterior aspect of neck in 21 (35.59 %). Direction of ligature mark was oblique in 57 (96.61 %) cases. Ligature mark was above the level of thyroid cartilage in 52 (88.13 %) cases. Dribbling of saliva was present in 25 (42.37 %) cases. Peri-ligature subcutaneous haemorrhages were present in 16 (27.11 %) cases. Fractured hyoid bone was seen in 1 (01.69 %) case only. Type of suspension was complete in 45 (76.27 %) cases. Manner of hanging was suicide in 56 (94.91 %). cases.

3 tables, 16 ref

045480   ROY S, GANGULY P, MONDAL N, KRISHAN K, SEN J (Anthropology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh, Email: jaydipsen@rediffmail.com) : Estimation of stature from hand dimensions among adult Rajbanshi individuals of Eastern India. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 181-8.

Estimation of stature from hand dimensions among adults is of great importance in establishing identity and individuality. The primary objective of the present study was to estimate stature from hand length and hand breadth among Rajbanshi adults of eastern India. The data for the present study were obtained from 400 unrelated (males: 200; females: 200) adult Rajbanshi individuals (aged between 20 years to 60 years). The data obtained was statistically analyzed using statistical tests which included descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Linear and step-wise multiple regression equations were formulated. The results show that mean value of stature and hand length (HL), and breadth (HB) of males were higher than of females. The F-values were statistically significant for HL, left hand length (LHL) and right-hand length (RHL) (p0.05). Simple linear regression analysis was conducted to estimate stature from the anthropometric variables. The regression coefficients were observed to be statistically significant (p<0.05). The stepwise multiple regression equations were also observed to be statistically significant. The present study has been successful in estimating stature from LHL, RHL, LHB and RHB. It has also observed the relationships between these anthropometric measures as well as estimated bilateral differences and sex differences with respect to these variables. The results may be used for estimating the stature from hand dimensions in medico-legal cases and forensic examinations.

7 tables, 99 ref

046755   AL-HILALI K A, AL-SHIBBANI L I, JABBAR A A (Nursing Dep, AL- Safwa University Coll, Karbala, Iraq) : Comparison between hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals in the value of response to salt administration. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194658.

Consumption of,salt (sodium-chloride) causes,increment of blood pressure (B.P) in both normal and,hypertensive individuals, that is why,the use of diuretics which eliminate salts from the body decreases the B.P. and used as a line of treatment,in hypertension. The study,aims to know whether there is any,difference in the increment of B.P. both systolic and diastolic between normal people and hypertensive people after giving salt orally. one hundred individuals were involved in the study, 50 patients were hypertensive,individuals (25 males and 25 females) and labelled as group A, and 50 persons (25 males and 25 females) were normal individuals and labelled as group B and played as control. After full physical examination including 3 times B.P. checking before and after giving 6 gm of sodium-chloride (table salt) orally ; after 2 hours the values of B.P. were recorded and statistical,analysis was done to know the difference,between the two groups. in all individuals of both groups, the B.P. increased,after salt consumption. In group A (the hypertensive group) the mean increment,of systolic B.P. (S.B.P.) was (15.98) mmHg and the mean diastolic B.P. increment (D.B.P.) was (9.4) mmHg , while the mean S.B.P. increment,in group B was (8.7) mmHg and mean D.B.P. increment was (8.0) mmHg. the study showed significant difference in the increment of B.P., both systolic and diastolic between the two groups, showing that hypertensive group is more sensitive to salt consumption than normal individuals (the control group). 

6 tables, 16 ref

041963   UYSAL B, GAMSIZ H, DINCOGLAN F, DEMIRAL S, SAGER O, DIRICAN B, BEYZADEOGLU M (Radiation Oncology Dep, Health Sciences Univ, Ankara, Turkey, Email: drborauysal@windowslive.com) : Comparative evaluation of topical corticosteroid and moisturizer in the prevention of radiodermatitis in breast cancer radiotherapy. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(4), 279-83.

Radiodermatitis is a frequent side effect of breast cancer radiotherapy (RT). Treating radiation oncologist should know the prevention and treatment of every grade of radiodermatitis. The aim of this study was to compare the topical corticosteroid and moisturizer usage in breast cancer RT. Fifty patients with early‑stage breast cancer undergoing breast‑conserving surgery referred to our department for adjuvant RT between October 2009 and October 2016 were compared with regard to topical steroid or moisturizer usage. Patients were followed up weekly after the start of treatment. Mean age was 46 years. Twenty‑four patients had stage 1 breast cancer and 26 patients had stage 2 disease. KPS (Karnofsky performance score) was 100 for all patients. Five patients (20.8 %) had grade 2 and seven (29.1 %) patients had grade 1 acute radiodermatitis in the first group. Eleven (42.3 %) patients had grade 2 and 12 (46.1 %) patients had grade 1 acute radiodermatitis in the second group. Thirteen (54.1 %) patients in the first group had no acute radiodermatitis and three (11.5 %) patients in the second group had no acute radiodermatitis. No patient in either group experienced grade 3 radiodermatitis. Daily use of topical betamethasone for breast cancer RT improves dermal sparing, reduces acute radiodermatitis, and may be recommended for patients receiving RT to the breast.

2 tables, 30 ref

041962   ZHANG Z, LI S, ZHANG Z, YU K, DUAN X, LONG L, ZHANG S, JIANG M, LIU O (Dermatology Dep, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Univ, Jiangxi, 330006, China, Email: liuougen@163.com) : Clinical features, risk factors, and prognostic markers of drug induced liver injury in patients with stevens johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 65(4), 274-8.

The liver and skin are the most common organs involved in Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). Drug reactions rarely affect both organs concurrently. The clinical features, risk factors, and prognostic markers of drug‑induced liver injury (DILI) in patients with SJS/TEN are not well studied. The clinical features, risk factors, and prognostic markers of DILI in patients with SJS/TEN hospitalized at the dermatology department of our hospital from January 2009 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 298 patients with SJS/TEN were enrolled in this study. Of them, 40 had liver injury and the rest served as control. Causative drugs mainly included antipodagrics (xanthine oxidase inhibitors occupying 100% among antipodagrics), anticonvulsants (dibenzazepine occupying 76.92% among anticonvulsants), and traditional Chinese medicines. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients with liver injury and the control group in the history of liver disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia (P < 0.05). Nine of the 40 patients with liver injury died. High serum total bilirubin and creatinine levels were significantly associated with poor prognosis of DILI in patients with SJS/TEN (P < 0.05). DILI usually occurs in patients with SJS/TEN. Pre‑existing liver disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are independent risk factors for DILI in patients with SJS/TEN. High serum total bilirubin and creatinine levels may be useful prognostic markers for DILI in patients with SJS/TEN.

4 tables, 23 ref

041961   GHOSH S, KUNDU S, GHOSH S (Community Medicine Dep, Rampurhat Government Medical Coll, Kolkata - 700 074, West Bengal, Email: dr.skundu@yahoo.com) : dr.skundu@yahoo.com. Indian J Dermatol 2020, 65(4), 269-73.

There is a trend of increase in number of contact dermatitis cases. Studies on the prevalence and epidemiological pattern of allergic skin disorders in Indian scenario are not much available. The present study was designed to assess the epidemiological pattern of contact dermatitis in rural and urban areas in a peripheral district in eastern India. This study was undertaken to find the prevalence of contact dermatitis and to assess the epidemiological pattern of contact dermatitis both in rural and urban community. The study was conducted in a medical college located at a semi‑urban area in eastern India with written informed consent obtained from each participant. This hospital‑based cross‑sectional study was done from May 2017 to April 2018. Study population consisted of patients attending the dermatology OPD and having lesions clinically suggestive of contact dermatitis and there were 268 such patients. Patients attending the OPD were divided into urban and rural as per their address. Data analysis was done using suitable, standard, and appropriate statistical methods. The prevalence of contact dermatitis was 4.38% among the dermatology OPD attendees. Urban prevalence was statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher than rural prevalence. Contact dermatitis was common in the age group of 41–50 years. In urban areas, females were more affected than those in rural areas. Occupationally, the difference between urban and rural patients of contact dermatitis was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Cosmetic history in the urban group was significantly more (P < 0.05). Contact dermatitis prevalence and patient profile in certain factors showed a statistically significant difference between urban and rural patients.

1 illus, 4 tables, 15 ref

046754   THABIT M F, HUSSIAN R R (Institute of Medical Technology, Baghdad, Iraq, Email: maral.fthabit@yahoo.com) : Acute infective bloody diarrhea in children below five years admitted to children welfare hospital in medical City - Baghdad during 2015. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194431.

Bloody diarrhea in young children is usually a sign of invasive enteric infection that carry a substantial risk of serious morbidity and death. Objectives : to identify the proportion of infective bloody diarrhea out of total number of gastro-enteritis cases ,also to identify the prevalence of different etiological agents and to find the relation between the main infective etiological types of bloody diarrhea and some sociodemographic factors of this study. Retrospective study was conducted in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital / Baghdad during period extending from 1 st of January to 30 th of June 2016. Information was collected by reviewing the records of patients with acute infective bloody diarrhea under 5 years of age admitted during 2015. The study revealed that the proportion of infective bloody diarrhea was 10. 9 % out of the total gastroenteritis (788) cases admitted during 2015, and Entamoeba Histolytica was the most common isolated pathogen in the study 42 (48 %) patients. followed by E.coli 15 cases (17.4 %), shigella, salmonella 7 (8 %) and 4 (4.7 %) respectively . The most vulnerable age was those below 2 years (58 %) and males were affected more than females (1.3:1), (37 %) were bottle fed. The majority had chlorinated tap water supply (82.6 %).

6 tables, 29 ref

045479   BARMAN D D, KARNABOOPATHY R (Forensic Medicine Dep, Shri Sathya Sai Medical Coll & Research Institute, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, Email: dipayandebbarman@gmail.com) : A study on the reliability and accuracy of stature estimation from handprint in adults of ethnic Tamil origin. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 177-80.

Stature estimation is an important task for Forensic anthropologists and this greatly helps when dismembered remains are found. In a big country like India where there are so many diverse ethnicities a single stature estimation formula cannot be applied for all. There is a correlation between dimensions of various parts of our limbs and stature. Handprint dimensions in both males and females have been studied here to find out the reliability and accuracy of the correlation and to develop a multiple regression formula for males and females. In this study the Pearson correlation test showed that there is a strong statistical significance of correlation between male hand print dimensions (p value .551) but there was a positive correlation with palm print dimensions and stature, in females (p value <.000) The multiple regression formula developed for male is Y=146.32+3.15X +4.36X +0.21X +0.51X +0.96X ; and for females it is Y=150.43+0.06X +1.44X +2.65X . The standard 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 error of estimate was very less with value of 1.4047 in males and 1.5367 in females

3 tables, 27 ref

046753   ALI S A, ALI H I, BAIEE H A (Babylon Univ, Babylon, Iraq) : Potential factors associated with epilepsy among epileptic patients attending middle Euphrates Neurosciences Center - Al-Najaf City. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194430.

To identify the some factors associated with epilepsy. A Case-control study was carried out at Middle Euphrates Neurosciences Center in An-Najaf City- Iraq, the study was conducted from mid of October 2016 until mid of March 2017. Participants recruited in the study were selected as conveniently, (74) of them were already diagnosed by neurologist as epileptics patients and considered as cases, while (140) were non-epileptic from same setting considered as control group. instrument structured for this purpose, data collection was done using pretested questionnaire which consist of two parts, first one included: biographical data (age, gender, marital status, level of education, occupation, and resident). The cases and control groups are age and sex matched. Epileptic patients had a significantly low level of education (Not read and write) 34.4 % as compared to healthy control group 13,3 % this difference is statistically significant p<0.05 the Odds Ratio (OR) was 2.1.,the following possible risk factors were significantly associated with epilepsy in this study; unemployment OR= 2.7 , positive family history OR=1.8, central nervous system lesions OR= 4.3 and natal defects OR=8.3.

2 tables, 13 ref

045478   CHATRA L, EK F, SHENOY P, VEENA K M, PRABHU R (Oral Medicine & Radiology Dep, Yenepoya Univ, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Email: lkchatraomr@gmail.com) : Sexual dimorphism in frontal sinus volume: A CBCT comparative study. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 172-6.

Bones and teeth are parts of human body which are more resistant to decomposition. Owing to highly mineralised biological composition of this structure they tend to be indispensable in terms of forensic evidence. Morphometry of skeleton is the one of the many methods used for sexual dimorphism in forensic identification. Morphometry involves both linear as well as volumetric measurement. Like many other parts of skeleton, Frontal sinus is also of significant interest in forensic identification due to its individual characteristics which make the frontal sinus unique for every individual just as with finger print. This study was done with an aim of assessing the presence of dimorphism in frontal sinus among gender, based on analysis of frontal sinus volume using Romexis software of CBCT. The results showed that there is significant volume difference between males and females. Males are having higher volume when compared to females. So, it can be used in forensic personal identification.

4 illus, 3 tables, 27 ref

041957   FADAEI M H, TORKAMAN M, HEYDARI N, KAMALI M, GHODSBIN F (Shiraz Univ of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Email: ghodsbin93@gmail.com) : Cognitive behavioral therapy for occupational stress among the intensive care unit nurses. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(3), 178-82.

Nurses working in the intensive care units (ICU) are faced with numerous stressors that can pose a serious threat to their self‑efficacy and affect the quality of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on the ICU nurses’ occupational stress. This interventional study was conducted in a hospital in southeast of Iran. The participants included 120 nurses, who were randomly assigned into the control (n = 60) and intervention (n = 60) groups. In the pre‑test, the occupational stress was assessed using Osipow questionnaire. Later, the intervention group attended the CBT course conducted in six 90 minute sessions. One month after the intervention, the post-test data were collected from both groups. The means of occupational stress and its dimensions were not significant before the intervention between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.47). The means of occupational stress and its dimensions were moderately high at pretest for all nurses. In the post-test, the stress level and all its dimensions reduced from moderate-high to moderate‑low (P < 0.001), except for the physical environment dimension that remained at the moderate‑high level (P = 0.32). The findings showed that CBT was effective on the nursing stress. Therefore, CBT training is suggested in in‑service training programs for nurses.

2 tables, 31 ref

045477   KUMAR G, KUMAR A, PATIL A, KUMAR B, RASTOGI A K, KUMAR P (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Bihar, Email: staravinash008@gmail.com) : Sex Differentiation by Ischio-pubic Index: A Radiological study over the Population of Bihar. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 164-6.

Identification is establishment of identity of a person with the help of different physical characteristics. The different physical characteristics of human skeleton between both the sexs is the reason of Sexual dimorphism. Many researchers have studied and observed the different parameters for sexual dimorphism in different bones. Pelvis is most important bone for determination of sex because the sexual dimorphism is present even in fetal stage. In modern era of advancement, pathological autopsy is shifting towards the virtual autopsy in which CT scan, MRI and X-rays are replacing the conventional autopsy instruments. The present study was conducted with an aim to establish sex differentiation criteria in population of Bihar based on ischio-pubic index. 200 AP view pelvic digital radiographs were analysed in the present study, and the ischio-pubic index was calculated by measuring the length of pubis and ischium using the DICOM software. Ischio-pubic Index of pelvis in male and female sex is 94.04±11.02 and 114.16±14.85 respectively. The differences between males and females with respect to the ischio-pubic index are statistically significant (p<0.0001).

2 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

041956   ABOU-ELWAFA H S, EL-METWALY A A M, EL-GILANY A-H (Public Health and Community Medicine Dep, Mansoura Univ, Mansoura 35516, Egypt, Email: halsam2005@gmail.com) : Lower limb varicose veins among nurses: A single center cross-sectional study in Mansoura, Egypt. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(3), 172-7.

Lower limb varicose veins are common among nurses due to occupational and nonoccupational risk factors. To estimate the prevalence of lower limbs varicosity and its associated risk factors. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 201 nurses at Mansoura University Hospital from January 1^st to May 31^st, 2018. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, risk factors for varicose veins, and occupational details. Varicose veins were diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were done. The prevalence of varicose veins was 18.4 %. Significant independent predictors are being ≥25 years old, working in emergency rooms and ICU/operative rooms, and using oral contraceptives with adjusted odds ratios[95 % Confidence Interval (CI)] of [8.7 (2.6–28.4)], [10.8 (2.6–45.9)], [16.2 (3.9–67.4)], and [4.2 (1.3–13.2)], respectively. Independent predictors, other than age, are modifiable and those with highest AOR are occupationally related.

3 tables, 23 ref

045476   DAYANANDA R, PRADHAN P, CHANDER J K, VENKATESAN, KUMAR M P (Forensic Medicine Dep, Mysore Medical Coll & Research Institute, Mysore, Email: drdaya.r@gmail.com) : Sexual dimorphism in sacrum. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 161-3.

The sacrum is a large triangular fusion of five vertebrae and forms the posterior wall of the pelvic cavity. It supports the spine and provides stability to the pelvis to transmit body weight. Determination of sex from the skeletal remains is of tremendous medico-legal importance for establishing the identity of an individual. Sacrum has always attracted the attention of medico-legal experts for establishing sex, possibly because of its contribution to pelvic girdle and associated functional sex differences. Hence, it becomes necessary to study the various parameters of sacrum to identify a male from a female sacrum. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sex differences in an adult human sacrum and thus identify a male from a female sacrum using various parameters. 254 dried, completely ossified, grossly normal human adult sacrum of both sexes was taken from Department of Forensic Medicine and Department of Anatomy of Mysore Medical College & Research Institute, Mysuru and from students of 1st year MBBS. In our study, the male sacrum shows significantly higher values for ventral straight length, ventral curved length, transverse diameter of S1 and anteroposterior of S1, than the female sacrum, while the female sacral index showed higher values when compared with that of male. Demarking point of the sacrum helps in differentiating the two sexes. The most useful index for sex determination of sacrum in the present study is sacral index. Continued study over a period of time in a defined area will definitely help in establishing the anthropometric standards.

3 tables, 8 ref

041955   KOHLI D, PADMAKUMARI P (Psychology Dep, CHRIST (Deemed to be Univ), Manipal, Karnataka - 576 104, Email: ditikohli.95@gmail.com) : Self-care, burnout, and compassion fatigue in oncology professionals. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(3), 168-71.

With the rising number of cancer cases in India, the stress levels of the treating team have increased. It has affected their self‑care and made them susceptible to problems like burnout and compassion fatigue that adversely affect the quality of patient care. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the levels of burnout, compassion fatigue, and self‑care in three groups of oncology professionals (clinical oncologists, nurses, and psychologists). The study included 134 oncology professionals working in New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Sociodemographic data sheet, Professional Quality of Life Scale V and Self‑Care Assessment Worksheet were used. Kruskal‑Wallis, Mann‑Whitney U test, and Correlation Analysis. The majority of the professionals reported moderate levels of burnout (60.4 %) and compassion fatigue (56 %). Oncology nurses reported an elevated risk as they scored significantly higher on these domains and had a lower degree of self‑care. Interestingly, psychologists reported comparatively lower levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, despite the fact that they interact with the patients at a deeper level, looking after their psychological and emotional needs. Young age and a poor degree of self‑care were identified as major risk factors. The moderate levels of burnout and compassion fatigue, though not severe, are a cause of concern and cannot be overlooked. The study highlights the need for self-care in this regard and suggests that individual and institutional level interventions, particularly for nurses and young professionals, would prove useful.

4 tables, 30 ref

046750   YASSER I K, ABDALREDA A A, OLEIWI A M (Thi Qar Univ, Nasiriyah, Iraq) : Therapeutic evaluation of the partial movement of the center of the nerve bundle. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194427.

Neuroscience in the human body is one of the basic components and any defect in it, although it has a simple effect in many aspects of organic or inorganic because it is the precise organizer of most movements and instructions and others, and the problem is based on the most important reasons that it was observed that most of the activities and activities carried out by An individual in his daily life must be in accordance with mechanical foundations such as load weights, sudden movements, sitting, abnormal sleep and other things that have a direct impact on the movement of the nerve beam from its exact position may be up or down, making the body in an abnormal state, And move them out of place as a result of these factors that we mentioned are natural factors and not satisfactory and also cause some of the problems of organic diseases, such as diarrhea, vomiting and inability to eat in addition to pain in the lower abdomen and the symptoms of inorganic.

6 ref

046749   AHMED D N, MUSHIN S S, MOHSIN M A (Nursing Dep, Technical Univ, Baghdad, Iraq) : Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in drivers involved in road traffic accidents in Baghdad City. Med Legal Update 2020, 20(1), 10.37506/v20/i1/2020/mlu/194426.

In this study, a total of (200) people (170 men and 30 women), aged (20-60) years were enrolled during a period of 10 months in Baghdad city. The informed consent of the studied groups was first taken and the blood alcohol levels after accidents showed negative results. The control group consisted of 100 individuals (60 men and 40 women), residents of the same region and in the same age group with no clinical signs and symptoms of toxoplasmosis. The commercial IgG and IgM ELISA kits were used to examine the collected serum samples. The serological test results of the studied group (SG) showed that 92 (21.90 %) were IgG positive, 75 (17.85 %) were IgM positive when compared with the control group (CG) who showed 11 (2.61 %) IgG positive and 33 (7.857 %) IgM positive. We can conclude that there is a high traffic accident risk to the drivers because of the high seroprevalence of latent toxoplasmosis. Prospective studies are still recommended and latent toxoplasmosis of the car drivers should be considered while strategies are being designed to prevent traffic road accidents in Baghdad.

4 tables, 16 ref

045475   DMITRIEV M, GUNAS V, POLISHCHUK S, OLKHOVA I, KUMAR A (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology Dep, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, Email: dradrashk@yahoo.com) : Modeling of Central Incisors Position Indicators in boys and girls according to CC. Steiner method for Forensic Dental Identification. J Indian Acad Forensic Med 2020, 42(3), 155-60.

Personal identification remains one of the main focuses of forensic experts. A foreseeable method of conducting forensic research in the case of an unknown person's examination is a forensic dental examination. However, like other anthropometric studies, it requires adjustment for variables such as age, gender, and most importantly, ethnicity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correct use of central incisors for Ukrainian boys and girls according to the data recommended by C.C.Steiner for their implementation in forensic identification. 93 lateral cephalometric images (38 boys and 55 girls) of 16-21 years of age with normal bite were examined. Cephalometric analysis was performed in OnyxCeph 3D pro. Statistical analysis and construction of regression models were carried out in the "Statistica 6.0" license package. A number of discrepancies in the percentile range of indexes of the position of the central incisors of the upper and lower jaws, depending on the value of the angle ANB in Ukrainian boys and girls with the results provided by CC. Steiner, were established. As a result of the regression analysis, reliable models of the characteristics of the position of the central incisors of the upper and lower jaws were constructed for Ukrainian boys and girls by Steiner method. The coefficient of determination in boys was found to be from 0.542 to 0.796; and in girls – from 0.503 to 0.622. The study confirmed the relationship of the angle ANB with angular (angles Max1_NA and Max1_SN) and linear (distance 1u_NA) characteristics of the position of the upper central incisors and the inclination angle of the lower central incisors (Mand1_NB). Ethnic differences in the characteristics of the position of the central incisors were determined depending on the magnitude of the ANB angle, and the general nature of the relationships of the main diagnostic parameters proposed by Steiner was confirmed. The results obtained allow their further use in routine practice for the purpose of forensic identification.

1 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

041952   ALIMOHAMMADI I, KANRASH F A, VOSOUGHI S, SHEKAFTIK S O, RAHMANI K, CHALAK M H, ANBARI M (Occupational Health Engineering Dep, Iran Univ of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email: f_ahmadi1367@yahoo.com) : Relationship between noise annoyance and high blood pressure in workers exposed to chronic noise among the workers of an automotive industry. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(3), 153-6.

Chronic exposure to noise in workplaces is one of the most important physical agents that affects workers’ health and causes social and individual problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between noise annoyance and blood pressure (BP) of workers of an automotive industry. In this cross‑sectional study, 250 workers were randomly selected. The subjects were classified in two groups based on the exposure to sound pressure levels lower and higher than 85 dB (106 and 144 workers, respectively). In this study, BP was measured using an ALPK2 mercury pressure gauge. To measure annoyance levels, an annoyance questionnaire containing a numerical question numbered 0–11 was used. The mean age of the subjects was 36.19 (±3.75) years. The results showed that the systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the subjects exposed to the sound pressure levels higher than 85 dB were significantly higher than those exposed to a sound pressure level lower than 85 dB (P < 0.01). Also, the results of the multivariate regression showed a significant relationship between the annoyance and DBP and SBP caused by chronic exposure to noise and sound pressure levels (P < 0.01). The results of this study showed that the annoyance caused by exposure to chronic noise in the workplace causes stress in the workers and, in the long term, could increase the risk of high SBP and DBP.

3 tables, 26 ref