Evaluation of histologic changes of the skin in postmortem period.

Determination of the time of death is an important consideration in forensic practice. Many methods have been attempted to accurately and systematically determine the postmortem interval (PMI). Histologic examination of the skin or appendages is one of the methods tried by few researchers. However, no attempt had been made to analyze the histologic changes in the skin and appendages simultaneously and to compare them with PMI. We sequentially studied the histologic changes of the skin and appendages in the early PMI. The results of the present study show that the skin undergoes progressive morphological changes in the postmortem period. The epidermis and the dermis appeared normal for 6 hours after death, and after this period, degenerative changes began. By 6 to 9 hours after death, degeneration began in the dermis, and by the end of 18 hours, the dermis began to disintegrate. The sweat glands appeared normal for approximately 3 to 4 hours. For 18 hours after death, the sebaceous glands and hair follicles appeared normal, and after this period, degeneration began.

Personal protective equipment and personal cooling garments to reduce heat-related stress and injuries.

Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is essential for healthcare workers when dealing with patients who have tested positive or are suspected of having Covid-19. Personal protective equipment is uncomfortable at best. In hot countries (like India) or in a hot place of work, its wearers are at a high risk of heat-related illnesses. Once in personal protective equipment a healthcare worker can remain in it for at least 6 h at a stretch. In summer when it is hot and humid, personal protective equipment can cause wearer dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat fatigue. In a severe form, this can result in heat stroke and a collapse while on duty. Preventive measures are needed to protect healthcare workers. This review aims to highlight the efficacy and applicability of personal cooling garments.

Fatal Aspiration of Barium Sulfate in a Case of Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Barium contrast radiography is a usual procedure performed for detecting lesions of the digestive tract using barium sulfate on X-ray irradiation. The aspiration of barium contrast is an uncommon but well-documented complication occurring accidentally during examinations of the upper gastrointestinal system using contrast media. Certain conditions that affect the anatomical and functional integrity of the oropharynx and esophagus can be predisposing factors. Barium is an inert material that can cause symptoms varying from an asymptomatic mechanical obstruction to severe respiratory distress that can result in death when aspirated. Sudden death due to aspiration of barium is rarely reported in the literature. We report a case of a 50-year-old female who suddenly developed difficulty in breathing, followed by loss of consciousness during barium swallow procedure due to aspiration of barium contrast. She could not be revived and died within a few minutes of the episode. The predisposing factor was the weakness of the muscles of deglutition due to myasthenia gravis. We also reviewed the literature available on cases resulting from the aspiration of barium sulfate during the barium study procedures. We considered the factors like the age, indications, the distribution of barium in the lungs, clinical presentation, the period of survival, and cause of death. We came across only four cases of death within 24 h following the aspiration of barium. This case report and review of literature emphasize the importance of consideration of predisposing factors before conducting barium contrast radiography and also the possibility of sudden death.

Sperm motility and viability extracted from penile tract of corpses: A preliminary study.

Posthumous sperm retrieval is a procedure in which spermatozoa are extracted from a man after he has been pronounced legally brain dead. Sperm retrieval from the penis has not been studied previously to the best of our knowledge. Our purpose was to determine the motility and viability of sperm from the penis with increasing time intervals from death. There was a progressive decrease in sperm motility with increasing post-mortem intervals, with a progressive increase in non-motility. Similarly, the sperm viability also showed a decreasing pattern with the increasing post-mortem interval. The sperm were found to be viable up to 24 h after death. Penile tract sperm retrieval has not been previously studied as far as we know.

An accidental decapitation resulting from head protruding out of bus.

Decapitation is the separation of the head from the neck. Accidental decapitation is rare, and very few cases are cited in the literature. In this case, the victim was asleep during an overnight trip with her head sticking out of the window, and she was decapitated by a truck travelling in the opposite direction. Lack of security grilles on windows, high-speed driving, narrow roads and night travel were contributing factors. This case is presented for its rarity and pattern of injuries during the fatal mishap and to consider possible preventive measures.