Journal of Forensic Research

Fires in India account for the loss of property and lives as seen in examples of the AMRI Hospital Fire in Kolkata, Kamala mills fires at Mumbai, Carlton Tower fire in Bengaluru, etc. Hence, it is important to prepare strategies for minimizing fire incidents when possible, example workplaces. In this regard, this research study was undertaken to assess the present status of knowledge regarding fire safety practices at the Indian workplace. The assessment will help in initiation of better action strategies towards fire risk management and mitigation. In this study, employee perspectives regarding fire safety and awareness at workplaces were collected and analysed. This paper provides information about workplace fire safety protocols, preparedness of employees to handle emergency and personal coping strategies when faced with workplace fires. The study found that while most employees were aware of personal safety procedures; the awareness regarding usage of fire safety aids was lacking. Ultimately, workplace safety procedures need to be enhanced in certain cases to effectively combat and deal with future fire incidents.

The pesticide poisoning cases are one of the most common referred for examination in Forensic Laboratories. Currently, these laboratories detect pesticides in visceral samples by using conventional techniques namely Thin-layer Chromatography, Gas Chromatography, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry techniques in antemortem and postmortem crime exhibits. However, these techniques are constrained by various factors including low sensitivity, efficiency, time consumption, high cost and require trained personnel to operate. The rapid development in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials will certainly pave the way for the development of new methods for detection of Organophosphorus pesticides in exhibits referred for forensic examination with the potentials to overcome the limitations of the conventional techniques. The researchers of various disciplines including chemical, biological, physical, medicine, explosive, fingerprinting, environment and biochemistry are exploring the Nanomaterials and Nanotechniques. Various Nanomaterials based sensors and detection techniques have been developed which have been found powerful tools for pesticides detection at very low level in food samples and contaminated water. These Nanotechniques and Nanomaterials may render great help in detection of pesticides in poisoning cases. Therefore, in forensic examination, it is decisive to apply the novel promising Nanomaterials and Nanotechniques for detection of OrganoPhosphorus (OP) pesticides with high sensitivity, selectively and rapidity.

This review paper provides an insight of using nanomaterials based techniques for detection of OP pesticides

Despite advances in obstetric medicine, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE) remains poorly understood. It has been suggested that PE results from a state of sympathetic hyperactivity with circulating catecholamines increased in this condition. A new enzyme, called Renalase, has recently been identified exhibiting activity on the metabolism of catecholamine and blood pressure reduction when administered in vivo. Thus, this study evaluated the possible association between the presence of the Renalase gene (RNLS) (rs10887800) polymorphism and mechanisms that control the pathogenesis of PE. This was a cross-sectional, quantitative, case-control study with 94 pregnant women with PE (cases) and 97 normotensive pregnant women (controls). A standardized form was used to collect demographic and clinical data; oral scraping samples were collected, and DNA extraction and subsequent real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted to evaluate the presence of rs10887800. In terms of genotypic distribution and frequency of alleles, no significant association was observed between the rs10887800 polymorphism and development of PE, or with its severe form. However, the GG genotype was associated with a trend of higher risk of PE (GG vs. AG + AA: OR = 2.16, 0.97-4.86, p = 0.05). Hence, the rs10887800 polymorphism could not be determined as a predisposing factor for PE susceptibility or severity in the studied population.

Therapeutic ultrasound has been routinely used to treat tendinopathies, including plantar fascia tendinopathy. The 5% lidocaine patch is designed as a targeted peripheral analgesic to treat postherpetic neuralgia, osteoarthritis, low back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, and diabetic polyneuropathy. The present study aimed to investigate if the addition of 5% lidocaine patches between the therapeutic ultrasound sessions could improve analgesia in people suffering from plantar fascia tendinopathy. Eighty-two patients with plantar fascia tendinopathy received therapeutic ultrasound combined with 5% lidocaine patches between sessions, and fifty-six patients received therapeutic ultrasound alone. The pain intensity and functional and quality of life impairments were evaluated by the self-administered “UoP-PFQ” questionnaire pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at the 4-week follow-up. Pain intensity, functionality and quality of life impairments were significantly reduced in both the combined group with therapeutic ultrasound and 5% lidocaine patches and the ultrasound group. However, the reduction was more pronounced in the combined group in all parameters pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at the 4-week follow-up. Although both ultrasound and combined therapies were effective in patients with plantar fascia tendinopathy, the statistical analysis showed that the addition of 5%lidocaine patches between the ultrasound treatments could cause a further reduction in pain intensity and improve the functionality and quality of life

Diabetes mellitus and its complications have a severe impact on individual and society. Diabetic foot amputation shows the devastating nature of its complications. Early diagnosis and patient education are vital in successful care of diabetic foot ulceration. The objective of this study was to implement a multidisciplinary approach in health care services in the prevention and management of diabetic foot infections. The study evaluated the impact of foot screening practices in combating diabetic foot syndrome. A prospective study was conducted in Community Health Center Nedumonkavu and NCD clinics of Kollam (South India), included 252 DFU patients. The symptoms were screened and identified through WCDH-DFAQ questionnaire, monofilament testing and vibration sensing test. Wilcoxon rank test was used to test the differences in mean scores. The Monofilament testing results indicated had identified 22 (8.73%) patients with absence of sensations. Regarding foot checkup, the mean score was 0.29 in baseline data vs 0.59 in intervention data. The results were significant with improvement in foot screening practices among patients (p<0.001). The study paves the way for a multidisciplinary approach in health care services in the prevention and management of diabetic foot infections. Besides being affordable and least resource purposive, the study opens up relief in social, financial and emotional deprivations due to diabetic foot syndrome.