Journal of forensic and legal medicine
-
Aluminium (Al) is the third most prevalent element, representing approximately 8% of total mineral components in the earth's crust (1). Chronic exposure to Al is mainly encountered at particular work places, for example, in foundries or in the Al powder industry, as an occupational exposure. In case of occupational Al exposure, inhalation is the main route of uptake. ⋯ Studies regarding the Al powder industry showed that long-term inhalative exposure to Al can induce pulmonary fibrosis (2). Although there is only one report about ventricular tachycardia as a cardiac manifestation in occupationally exposed persons (3), in this report, we presented a case that had Mobitz type I second-degree atrioventricular block and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. To our knowledge, this is the first report in chronic poisoning.
-
This study aims to determine the frequency of injuries and fatalities associated with terrorist bomb explosions in the city of Karachi from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2011. Moreover, this study is aimed to determine age and sex vulnerability among the victims of blast explosion. ⋯ Fatalities and casualties due to explosions are increasing each year. The pattern of injuries indicates open-air bombing in Karachi. Males of the age group 15-45 years are the main victims. The forensic speciality needs to understand their role of correct certification, helpful to law enforcement agencies.
-
The following report describes an unusual case of smothering by a medical nebulizer of a psychiatric in-patient and discusses the manner of death. A 43-year-old man, with previous medical history of paranoia was hospitalized at a psychiatric department because of a suicide attempt. He was found dead by the medical staff in the seclusion room. ⋯ Smothering is an uncommon cause of suicide and is particularly observed in psychiatric patient. Suicidal death is established by the study of the circumstances and autopsy finding. This paper highlights the importance of a closer psychiatric in-patient residing in seclusion room.
-
The aim of this study was to investigate all the lawsuits related to oral surgery practice over a period of three years, and to analyze the different causes of litigation. Inclusion criteria involved all the closed cases that proved malpractice against an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or involved a dentist who performed an oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure. The most common causes of litigation were oro-antral communication, neurological deficit, and bleeding. The study presented the lessons learned from 20 cases, and concluded that most of the lawsuits in oral surgery practice can be prevented either through preoperative measures or by dealing with the impact of the surgical error through good patient rapport and communication.