فهرست مطالب

International Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine
Volume:7 Issue: 2, Spring 2017

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1396/04/19
  • تعداد عناوین: 7
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  • F. Najari, M. Talebi, Sr Mousavi, A. Alizadeh Qmsary Pages 83-88
    Background
    One of the most common causes of mortality in countries are drug induced suicide, the identification of underlying risk factors of which can play an important role in reducing its incidence as well as providing practical solutions.
    Methods
    All poisoned patients referred to poisoning treatment center in Imam Reza hospital (MUMS) were studied in a descriptive cross-sectional study in 2015 and based on selection criteria and using a researcher- developed questionnaire. Moreover, results were analyzed using SPSS21 and Exactly Fisher test.
    Results
    Among a total of 824 patients half of whom were men and the other half were women and with an average age of 27 years for men and 20 years for women, the most common underlying psychological factors in patients were holding under diploma, diploma, and above, impaired communication skills, depression, and Type B personality. Moreover, the most important types of impaired communication skills were poor stress and problem-solving management. Also, the drug-stimulant use was somehow associated with the same impaired inter-personal communications.
    Conclusion
    Before providing the necessary and sufficient training to children who inevitably need time, chronological age, bitter and sweet experiences in their lives, it is essential to avoid entrusting heavy responsibilities on them.
    Keywords: Depression, Personality, Suicide, Poisoning
  • M. Khalili, B. Ranggar, A. Ahmadi, I. Ismaieli, F. Mousavi, Sm Saberi Pages 89-97
    Background
    The relationship between personality traits and criminal behavior has not been sufficiently investigated. This study was done to determine the personality traits in a group of criminals who have committed homicide.
    Methods
    This study was conducted to compare the personality traits in three groups of people in Tehran during 2014. The statistical population was examined 3 communities; first, forensic psychiatric patients; Second, people who accused homicide without psychiatric diagnosis; and, matched group (with no diagnosis and crime). The study sample included 121 males; they have been divided into 3 groups: psychiatric patients who have committed homicide (n=41), murderers without any major psychiatric disorder (n=40) and control group which includes non-committed and non-patient (n=40). The cases were evaluated by a short form of Neo questionnaire.
    Results
    There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of personality traits, which included neurosis, extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness. The most significant difference was in extroversion and conscientiousness variables. Psychiatric patients’ committed homicide showed higher scores than those of non-patient and the control group. Psychiatric patients had lower scores in extroversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness characteristics in comparison with the other two groups.
    Conclusion
    Psychiatric patients who have committed homicide have more Irascible traits. Non-patient cases who committed homicide have a tendency to introspection and egocentrism and they are socially compatible in comparison with patient groups. These subjects are among dispassionate ones. The results of this study failed to demonstrate a significant difference between non-patient cases who have committed homicide and the control group.
    Keywords: Homicide, Murder, Psychiatric Disorders, Personality Traits
  • P. Khodagholizade, A. Ostadi, H. Ebrahimi Bakhtavar, F. Rahmani, F. Rahmani Pages 98-104
    Background
    Rice Tablet, with the scientific chemical name of aluminum phosphide (ALP), is the most common pesticides and insecticides agent in agriculture, horticulture and is used to protect beans, cereals, and rice. Poisoning with this tablet is associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients who committed suicide with rice tablets and referred to Sina Hospital, Tabriz, during the years 2011-2015.
    Methods
    In a routine data base study that was conducted at Sina Hospital affiliated to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, medical records of patients with suicide attempt with rice tablets during the years 2011-2015 were evaluated. During the mentioned period, 90 patients with rice tablet poisoning were admitted to the hospital. The required information was recorded in the check list.
    Results
    Out of 90 patients, 72 patients (80%) had ALP tablets poisoning. The mean age of subjects was 27.52±0.13 years. In patients with ALP poisoning, the mean of mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum pH, serum bicarbonate, and arterial oxygen saturation between two groups (with or without mortality) were statistically significant (P value˂0.001). All variables are related to admission time in the emergency department. To determine the prognostic value of these variables in predicting mortality in patients with ALP poisoning logistic regression was used and only serum bicarbonate can predict mortality with P value=0.011.
    Conclusion
    The results of the current study show that the survival of patients with ALP poisoning is associated with MAP, pH, and serum HCo3, arterial blood oxygen saturation at the time of admission in the emergency department. Next prospective studies are recommended for more accurate evaluation of the effect of these variables on the patient's survival.
    Keywords: Suicide, Prognosis, Mortality, Aluminum Phosphide
  • G. Ramesh, A. Kumar, A. Raj, B. Gupta, A. Katiyar, R. Nagarajappa Pages 105-116
    Background
    A major public concern in today’s world is child abuse and neglect (CAN). Teachers are in unique position to detect possible cases due to their daily contact with children. To assess the knowledge and awareness on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect among primary school teachers of Kanpur city.
    Methods
    A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 220 primary school teachers in 19 randomly selected schools of Kanpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India. A structured close ended questionnaire prepared in two languages (English and National language Hindi) comprising of 19 questions was used.
    Results
    CAN was either never or rarely noticed among 47.3%. The criteria of recognizing the CAN was known by 57% and 90% felt comfortable considering an expert opinion in their schools and so can report confidently. Training to identify CAN was provided by school administration (36.4%) and was done on monthly basis (34.5%).
    Conclusion
    Findings highlight the need for enhancing teacher’s education in CAN, as by reporting suspected CAN, teachers can make an important contribution to the early detection and prevention of child abuse.
    Keywords: Forensic science, Child Abuse, Awareness, Questionnaire, Neglect
  • S. Vidhate, H. Pathak Pages 117-123
    Background
    Fire is a well-known double edged sword for human beings as it has served as well as destroyed mankind. Death due to thermal burns is burning topic all over the globe.
    Methods
    Total 109 cases of death due to fatal thermal burns which were brought for the autopsy examination at Seth G. S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India, during the period of January 2014 to July 2015, were considered for present study.
    Results
    Out of 1771 medico-legal post-mortem examinations done during study period 109 (6.14%) were deaths due to thermal burns. Females accounted for 92 (84.4%) cases while 17 (15.6%) were males. Maximum number of cases 49 (44.95%) were seen in 21- 30 years age group. Maximum victims 87 (79.82%) were Hindus. Urban deaths accounted 81 (74.31%) whereas 27 (24.77%) were from rural area. Kitchen was the most common place of occurrence accounting for 65 (59.63%) cases. Maximum incidences occurred in winter contributing 39 (35.78%) deaths. Maximum vulnerability was observed in early evening hours accounting for 19 (17.43%) incidences. Maximum 41 (37.61%) victims survived up to a period of 3 to 7 days. Considering the level of education, maximum victims 50 (45.87%) were educated up to primary school level. Housewives 73 (66.92%) were the most vulnerable victims. Socio-economic status shows maximum cases are from upper lower and lower middle class population.
    Conclusion
    Considering the religion-wise population distribution in India, location of the study centre and exposure of Indian females to fire during cooking, all these results can be justified.
    Keywords: Epidemiology, Burn Deaths, Female Deaths
  • S. K Pal_A. Sharma_A. Sehgal_A. Rana Pages 124-137
    Background
    Diatoms found inside the body of a drowned victim may serve as corroborative evidence in the diagnosis of cause of death. Diatom has proved to be the only golden standard for diagnosis and confirmation of drowning deaths whether the drowning was ante-mortem or post-mortem.
    Methods
    The study was based on the cases of death due to drowning received from three districts of Northern Range of Himachal Pradesh, India during the period of five years from Ist January, 2010 to 31st December, 2015 for diatom test. A total of 66 human cases were examined for detection of diatoms. The detailed information regarding cause of death, socio-demographic factors and other associated information was gathered. The acid digestion method accepted worldwide for diatom extraction was used.
    Results
    Male victims predominated (75.75%). Most common affected age group was 21-40 years (53.02%). The youngest victim was a girl of 4 years age who drowned accidentally in a water tank, while the oldest victim being a 86 years old who fell accidently in a river. Married victims contributed to 33 (50.0%) and unmarried to 21 (31.81%). 13 (19.69%) drowning cases belonged to students followed by labourers (18.18%) and housewives (15.15%). The highest reported cases of drowning were from the rural areas (65.15%) followed by urban areas (16.66%). Majority (81.81%) of the victims drowned in fresh water. The incidences of drowning were more in water of natural flowing streams (khuds) (31.81%) followed by rivers (22.72%), nullahs/rivulets (12.12%), wells (9.09%), kuhls/water channels (7.57%), canals (6.06%), ponds (3.03%), water tanks (3.03%) and check dam, dam and waterfall in one each (4.54%) respectively. Accidental drowning was the most common cause of death (37.87%). Highest (51.51%) percentage of drowning cases was noticed during the months of monsoon/rainy season. Blood on mouth and nostrils was present in 14 (21.21%), froth from mouth, nose, larynx and trachea in 35 (53.03%) cases. Diatom-test was found positive in 62 (93.93%) cases. The results of the study revealed the occurrence of various varieties of diatoms in water bodies of northern region of Himachal Pradesh. The most common diatom genera detected were Navicula (86.36%).
    Conclusion
    The study concluded that diatoms are amongst the important biological forensic evidences in diagnosing the cause and place of death due to drowning. Gender based examination revealed higher percentage of males involved in drowning fatalities and the accidental submersion was the commonest manner of death.
    Keywords: Drowning, Death, Bone Marrow, Diatom Test, Diatoms
  • K. Modi, D. Vora, H. Khubchandani, K. Shah, R. Tandon Pages 138-143
    Background
    The principal aim of an autopsy is to determine the cause of death, and the state of health of the person before he or she died. But in several instances even after detailed autopsy and various laboratory investigations, autopsy surgeon/ Forensic medicine expert cannot determine the cause of death and they end up with negative autopsy. The present study was carried out to find out the types of cases where we were unable to determine cause of death after autopsy at forensic medicine department, B J medical college, civil hospital, Ahmedabad, India.
    Methods
    A total of 251 dead bodies were referred by Medical officers to forensic medicine department, B J medical college, Ahmedabad for expert post mortem examination from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2015.
    Results
    After thorough and complete post mortem examination, it was found that in 43(17.13%) cases no opinion as to the cause or nature of death could be given. Most common types of cases include decomposition (53.50%), and skeletal remains (23.25%).
    Conclusion
    According to above mentioned facts it is clear that chances of getting cause of death is very poor if time lapse more and more after death like in decomposition and skeletal remains.
    Keywords: Negative Autopsy, Decomposition, Skeletal Remains