Integrated Assessment of GFAP and UCH-L1 for their utility in severity assessment and outcome prediction in Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the potential of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1) as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in mild and severe TBI cases, including TBI-related deaths. METHODS: This prospective cohort study includes 40 cases each of mild, severe, fatal TBI cases, and 40 healthy controls. Serum samples were collected from live patients at 8 and 20 h post injury for UCH-L1 and GFAP respectively, and from deceased patients within 6 h of death. RESULTS: Elevated levels of both GFAP and UCH-L1 were observed in patients with severe and fatal TBI cases. These biomarkers exhibited promising potential for predicting various Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) categories. Combining GFAP and UCH-L1 yielded higher predictive accuracy both for diagnosis and prognosis in TBI cases. The study additionally established specific cut-off levels for GFAP and UCH-L1 stratified according to the severity and prognosis. CONCLUSION: GFAP and UCH-L1 individually demonstrated moderate to good discrimination capacity in predicting TBI severity and functional outcomes. However, combining these biomarkers is recommended for improved diagnostic and prognostic utility. This precision tool can enhance patient care, enabling tailored treatment plans, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality rates in TBI cases.

Evolution of transgender rights in India: Better late than never.

The progress of transgender rights in India has seen significant strides with milestones such as the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgment and the enactment of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act in 2019. The NALSA judgment recognized the right of transgender individuals to self-identify their gender. This decision led to the formal recognition of a 'third gender', advancing legislative and social reforms. Prior to this, transgender individuals faced substantial hurdles, including limited access to education, employment, and healthcare due to a lack of legal recognition. Within a few years, The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act established a framework that safeguards the rights of transgender individuals and prohibits discrimination based on gender. This legislation requires the government to take measures like promoting education, providing vocational training opportunities, ensuring accessible healthcare services, and offering social security support. It also addresses the healthcare needs of transgender individuals thereby contributing to their overall well being. The Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) program and Garima Greh are initiatives that provide spaces and empower a marginalized transgender individuals and promoting their inclusion, justice and empowerment. This article explores the progress pertaining to transgender rights and welfare, while highlighting efforts undertaken by the Indian government.

Unplanned Complex Suicide by Self-Stabbing and Rail Suicide: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

Investigation of a complex suicide is a challenging task, particularly when the combination of modalities adopted is rare and unplanned. There is often a significant likelihood of labeling the case as a homicide. We present an interesting case of unplanned complex suicide with self-stabbing and head injury resulting from intentionally being struck by a train. There were also hesitation cuts evident over the neck and left wrist. This case highlights the importance of studying the nature and characterization of the wounds, examination of clothes, and examination of the scene to safely conclude the cause and the manner of death.

Titanium Lag Screw Versus Miniplate Fixation in the Treatment of Anterior Mandibular Fractures.

PURPOSE: The use of plates for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures has become a widely accepted method in the past 3 decades. However, the anterior mandible is well suited to lag screw fixation owing to the thickness of its bony cortices. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to comparatively evaluate clinical outcomes of fixation using lag screws and miniplates in anterior mandibular fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients reporting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with noncomminuted anterior mandibular fractures were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 patients each. Patients in group A were treated with 2.5-mm lag screws 22 to 26 mm in length and those in group B were treated with 2.0-mm 4-hole miniplates with a gap using monocortical screws. Subsequent follow-up was performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The primary determinants included radiographic analysis of the fracture gap and biting efficiency of the patients in groups A and B. The secondary determinants included evaluation of duration of surgery, occlusion before and after injury, and postoperative complications. Results were evaluated using χ2 and unpaired t tests. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in this study was 29.1 ± 8.32 years (range, 18 to 67 yr). The mean postoperative fracture gap was considerably larger in group B. The mean duration of surgery (minutes) was 37.60 ± 9.30 for group A and 47 ± 6.55 for group B. The difference was statistically significant (P = .001). The lag screw group showed faster improvement in biting efficiency compared with the miniplate group. CONCLUSIONS: Lag screw fixation was found to have good stability and rigidity, was inexpensive, and was less time consuming in treating anterior mandibular fractures compared with miniplates.

Comparative Evaluation of Healing Pattern After Surgical Excision of Oral Mucosal Lesions by Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Membrane and Collagen Membrane as Grafting Materials-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the healing potential of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and collagen membranes in oral mucosal healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with oral premalignant lesions were randomly included in the study and divided in groups A and B. After excising the lesions under local anesthesia, patients in groups A and B underwent grafting with the PRF membrane and the collagen membrane, respectively. Patients were evaluated at postoperative days 7, 15, 30, and 60 for pain, healing, and complications, such as recurrence, fibrosis, scar hypertrophy, and loss of vestibular depth. RESULTS: In group A, 66.66% of patients reported substantially less pain postoperatively at 15-day follow-up than those in group B. At 30-day follow-up, 86.66% of patients in group A reported no pain versus 60% in group B. Pain scores were similar at 7- and 60-day follow-ups. Healing was accelerated in group A at 15- and 30-day follow-ups, but was the same on day 60. Complications, such as fibrosis, loss of vestibular depth, and scar hypertrophy, were seen in group B. Recurrence was seen in 1 patient in group A at 60-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: PRF proved superior to collagen membrane for grafting of oral mucosal surgical defects. However, further study with larger samples is required to prove its efficacy.

Telemedicine and virtual consultation: The Indian perspective.

Telemedicine was considered futuristic and experimental some years ago, but it is a reality today. It is now emerging as an important tool for convenient as well as specialized healthcare, particularly for patients in remote locations with limited access to standardized healthcare services. However, there are multiple challenges to realizing its full potential. We focus on some key medicolegal and ethical issues such as doctor-patient relationship, informed consent, rights of the patient, malpractice, and principles of confidentiality relevant to the practice of telemedicine and virtual consultation. We explore the global as well as the Indian legal perspective pertaining to the application of telemedicine. The absence of specific laws for registration and practice of telemedicine and virtual consul-tation in India acts as a deterrent for medical practitioners to engage in its potential use. Hence, there is a need for specific legislation.

Spontaneous retroperitoneal and intracranial hemorrhage following streptokinase therapy in acute myocardial infarction: An autopsy case report.

Bleeding complications following thrombolytic treatment for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are not infrequent, among which intracranial hemorrhage is commonly reported. In contrast, retroperitoneal hematoma following the administration of thrombolytics is rarely reported in the literature. We are reporting a case of a middle-aged man, who presented with left-sided chest pain and was diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome with anterior wall ST elevation AMI. The patient was administered with thrombolytic drugs, including streptokinase and heparin. Percutaneous coronary intervention in the form of Coronary angioplasty with stent insertion was done to the left anterior descending artery, given coronary artery disease. The blood investigations showed elevated activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. The patient developed vomiting, altered sensorium, and left-sided weakness, and a non-contrast computerized tomography brain was done, which showed acute hemorrhage involving the right frontal lobe with intraventricular extension, so the ventricular drain was placed. The patient developed cardiac arrest and died on the third day. On autopsy examination, the brain showed subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraparenchymal hemorrhage over the right frontal lobe, and clotted blood in all the ventricles. A retroperitoneal hematoma of around 1500 cc was seen over the left side of the peritoneal cavity. This case highlights that although intracranial hemorrhage is a known complication after administrating thrombolytic therapy, clinicians should also be aware of the possibility of retroperitoneal hemorrhage. This case emphasizes the value of an autopsy in determining the cause of death in such situations.

Narabali: A rare case of human sacrifice.

With modern civilization and the rise in literacy, cases of human sacrifice are rarely encountered by forensic practitioners. Human sacrifice, also called 'Narabali' in India, involves an act of deliberately killing an individual due to ritualistic beliefs for the appeasement of the Gods, spirits, or ancestors. Human sacrifice and ritual murder are often considered synonymous, but ritual murder further involves offering the body part to the deity after killing. Diverse methods were historically adopted for human sacrifice across the globe, strongly influenced by their superstitious, religious, and cultural beliefs. Cases of human sacrifice mostly involve children. We report the rare case of human sacrifice involving an adult victim assaulted by a sharp weapon over the posterior aspect of the neck. The deceased succumbed due to the transection of the cervical spine and corresponding spinal cord. Corroboration of circumstances of death and profiles of the deceased and the perpetrator with autopsy findings were essential in the investigation. This case report discusses extreme superstitions and beliefs, resulting in homicide.

Medical termination of pregnancy: A global perspective and Indian scenario.

Abortion has always been a vital issue in reproductive and legal medicine. Globally, medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is allowed primarily on six grounds: (1) to save the life of a woman, (2) risk to the physical and mental health of a woman, (3) pregnancy due to rape or incest, (4) risk of a child being born with a serious fetal anomaly, (5) socio-economic reasons, (6) a woman's request. Most countries have standard legal abortion policies, yet there remains disparity with respect to prohibition, gestational age limit, specific grounds, etc. Abortion laws are constantly changing globally based on regional social and economic viewpoints. Recently, some countries have liberalised their abortion laws, while a few have further restricted theirs. While some countries still completely prohibit MTP. Like some others, India amended its MTP law in 2021. We consider the medico-legal and ethical issues and examine existing MTP laws both globally and as generally applied in India.

An unusual case of high-voltage electrocution of a truck driver due to inadvertent contact of the truck with an overhead wire.

Electrocution deaths are mostly accidental. However, reconstruction of events in unusual electrocution death is challenging. This article reports an accidental death due to electrocution in a highly unusual circumstance, in which a truck driver reversing his vehicle was electrocuted when his truck inadvertently touched an overhead high-voltage wire. The electric injury marks were present over the sole of the right foot. The scene investigation revealed that the high-voltage wire was loose and was below the level of the prescribed height. The truck was passing over an elevated area made up of dirt and stone. The interior of the cabin of the truck revealed a few non-insulated metallic areas over the floor of the truck, between the accelerator and the brake, which were attributed as the sources of entry of electricity into the body. The electric injury marks were different than those usually seen in high-voltage electrocution as there was an intermediate object (truck) involved, and the contact period between the truck and the electric wire was minimal. This fatality was attributed to the non-proper insulation of the interior of the truck, the negligent driving of the truck driver over the elevated surface, and the loose high-voltage wire without proper maintenance.

Ant bite artifacts in a case of hanging.

Artifacts produced by postmortem animal scavenging are commonly encountered at autopsy. Knowledge of the pattern of artifacts produced by postmortem animal scavenging is essential for the correct interpretation of the autopsy finding. In household deaths, such artifacts are usually caused by domestic animals and by small insects such as flies, ants, beetles, etc. Ants are one of the early scavengers which feed on the dead bodies. The artifacts produced by the postmortem ant activity are usually superficial and non-bleeding type. Rarely, in the congested body regions and areas of marked hypostasis, postmortem bleeding artifacts due to ant bites are possible. In the reported case of hanging, such postmortem bleeding artifacts were present over both the legs, predominantly over the left leg. Typical ant bite lesions in the form of superficial excoriations were also present over the peri-ligature area, over and around both nipples and over the lower part of the abdomen. Morphologically, postmortem bleeding artifacts produced by ant bites exhibit four patterns: droplet pattern, stripe pattern, pool pattern, and mixed pattern. In this case, a mixed pattern (droplet pattern and stripe pattern) of postmortem bleeding artifacts was observed. The presence of postmortem bleeding artifacts over the lower limbs was attributed to the pooling of the blood due to suspension of the body, followed by passive escape of blood due to ant bites. The possibility of such artifacts produced by ant bites should be considered when the origin of the lesion is unclear.

Duplex kidney: An incidental autopsy finding of clinical and medico-legal significance.

Duplex kidney, a rare congenital anomaly characterised by dual urinary drainage from the kidney, is typically discovered incidentally, often during radiological imaging or autopsy procedures. We report a case of a 21-year-old male who died from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident. The autopsy examination showed an incidental finding of duplex kidney on the left side. We discuss the clinical and potential medico-legal significance of duplex kidney which also has implications in renal transplantation. Notably, the presence of duplex kidney can potentially serve as an identifier in forensic investigations, given its rare incidence.

3D CT based age estimation from the pubic symphyseal surface in an Indian population using the Chen et al. method.

The pubic symphyseal surface is one of the reliable parameters used to estimate age, as it consistently shows degenerative observational variations throughout the lifespan, particularly from the 3rd decade onwards. These changes have been extensively studied to generate population-specific models for forensic age estimation. In the past, there have been many studies used to estimate age at death from the pubis symphysis using skeletal remains. However, due to dearth of contemporary skeletal repositories, and the resource intensive maceration process required for obtaining examination quality bones, studies on cadaver are difficult to conduct. Moreover, due to recent advancements in the science of medical imaging, newer radiological modalities like computed tomography (CT) can be used to visualize previously inaccessible areas such as the pubic symphysis in cadavers and the living alike, and subsequent age estimation is feasible. Recently, Chen et al. (2008, 2011) conducted a study on the cadaveric Chinese Han population in both males and females separately by using nine morphological changes and scoring them according to the changes that occurred. The present study aimed to estimate an individual's age using CT images of the pubic symphysis, by applying the scoring method for its morphological changes given by Chen et al. The present study was conducted on 263 randomly selected participants (Males = 154, Females = 109), who came for diagnostic purposes to the hospital. The CT images of these individuals were collected after obtaining ethical approval and proper consent from the study participants. Each of the morphological indicators was assessed, and appropriate scores were given according to criteria given by Chen et al. In the present study, both linear and multiple regression models to estimate age using the pubic symphyseal morphological changes were developed. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that the Chen et al. scoring method can be used to accurately estimate age from 3DCT images of the living, and the models derived in the present study could be applicable to individuals from the Indian subcontinent.

Focal Cortical Dysplasia with hippocampal sclerosis.

Focal Cortical Dysplasia (FCD) is a group of focal developmental malformations of the cerebral cortex cytoarchitecture. FCD usually manifests as medically intractable epilepsy, especially in young children. Live patients are diagnosed by radiological examination such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET), magnetoencephalography (MEG), diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI), and intracranial electroencephalogram (EEG). While some cases can be missed by radiological examination, they are usually diagnosed on the histopathological examination of the surgically removed specimens of medically intractable epilepsy patients. We report a case of a young girl with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and seizure disorder who died in her sleep. The deceased was diagnosed with FCD type III with hippocampal sclerosis on histopathological examination at autopsy. H & E stain and NeuN immunohistochemistry neuronal cell marker were used to demonstrate the findings of FCD.

ChatGPT in medical research: challenging time ahead.

Since its launch, ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence-powered language model tool, has generated significant attention in research writing. The use of ChatGPT in medical research can be a double-edged sword. ChatGPT can expedite the research writing process by assisting with hypothesis formulation, literature review, data analysis and manuscript writing. On the other hand, using ChatGPT raises concerns regarding the originality and authenticity of content, the precision and potential bias of the tool's output, and the potential legal issues associated with privacy, confidentiality and plagiarism. The article also calls for adherence to stringent citation guidelines and the development of regulations promoting the responsible application of AI. Despite the revolutionary capabilities of ChatGPT, the article highlights its inability to replicate human thought and the difficulties in maintaining the integrity and reliability of ChatGPT-enabled research, particularly in complex fields such as medicine and law. AI tools can be used as supplementary aids rather than primary sources of analysis in medical research writing.

Homicidal electrocution disguised as an accidental death.

Deaths due to electrocution are mostly accidental. Homicide by electrocution is rarely reported in the literature. However, the location and pattern of the electrocution wound can raise concern for a possible homicidal manner of death. We are reporting an unusual case wherein the dead body of a middle-aged man was found lying in a suspicious condition on the roadside of desolated area. There were circumferential, grooved electrocution lesions over the left and right second toes with oval electrocution lesions on the medial aspects of both the left and right third toes. There were split lacerations over the right high parietal region, right pinna, and forehead. There was avulsion of the nail of the left thumb. Pressure abrasion was consistent with a ligature mark on the lower part of the left leg. The locations and pattern of these injuries raised the possibility of torture infliction. Death was attributed to electrocution, which was confirmed by histopathology. Autopsy findings and possible inferences were furnished to the police. This case highlights the careful observation of different characterizations and locations of the wounds and deducing inferences about the possible manner of death. This information can be useful to investigating agencies.