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Sri Lanka Journal of Forensic Medicine, Science & Law
Number of Followers: 3

This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Print) 2012-7081
Published by Sri Lanka Journals Online

[71 journals]

The discrimination potential of VSC, TLC and HPLC for ballpoint inks
- Abstract: Introduction: The necessity arises to analyse blue and black ballpoint pen inks frequently encountered in forensic documents. Objective: To evaluate the discrimination potential of Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods in analysing blue and black ballpoint pen inks in documents. Methods: A selection of 10 blue and 10 black ballpoint inks were examined by a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods. Results: The discriminating powers for VSC, TLC, and HPLC methods were determined to be 0.73, 0.82, and 0.84 for the blue inks and 0.56, 0.78, and 0.84 for the black inks. The overall discrimination powers of three methods were 0.91 and 0.84 for the black and blue inks, respectively. HPLC method differentiated the highest number of blue and black pairs and its discrimination power is slightly higher than TLC. The VSC showed a significant discrimination power improvement of blue over black inks. Statistical analysis confirmed that the VSC has higher discrimination power to differentiate blue ballpoint inks than black ballpoint inks. None of the techniques discriminated the full range of ink pairs studied. Conclusion: The power of the individual techniques to discriminate between inks varied. The results show that these three techniques are complementary to some extent. A combination of all three techniques provides the greatest discrimination power. Published on 2021-12-03 00:00:00
A fatal seizure - A large cerebral abscess in a child with uncorrected
Tetralogy of Fallot: A case report
- Abstract: Cerebral abscesses are relatively common among children with cyanotic heart diseases. Tetralogy of Fallot is the leading cardiac structural abnormality which leads to cerebral abscesses. Despite recent reductions in mortality largely brought forth by early diagnosis and aggressive treatment protocols including surgery and/or parenteral antibiotics, such life-threatening cerebrovascular complications are still witnessed in low-resource settings such as Sri Lanka. The resulting mortality and morbidity is potentially preventable, with high degree of suspicion, directed history and examination, guided investigations and immediate surgical or non-surgical therapy, whenever appropriate. The presentation varies but fever, behavioral changes, and focal neurological signs are common and can point towards the diagnosis. This case report discusses a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot who initially presented with fever and generalized malaise, subsequently developed seizures and succumbed following a large cerebral abscess which was diagnosed post-mortem. The sequence of events following the initial medical contact suggest the potential reversible nature of the acute outcome, reinforcing the knowledge that first responders including doctors should be aware of life-threatening presentations of diseases. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
Strengthening Forensic Anthropology in Sri Lanka: The way forward
- Abstract: Forensic Anthropology is the application of the science of physical or biological anthropology to the legal process. The contribution of this field to the death investigation system in Sri Lanka has a long history. However, for the death investigation system to get the benefit of global advances in this field, it needs to be developed into a subspecialty. This can only be achieved through development of human resources, infrastructure and by establishing population-specific references. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
“Pattern of electrocution deaths autopsied in South India” – A 16
year retrospective study
- Abstract: Background: The eastern part of Bangalore is an IT hub. There is a continuous increase in the number of construction sites, work places and residential areas. As a consequence, cases of electric accidents are common and are steadily increasing. Electric injury increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study is to outline the increased fatality rate due to electrocution and also aims at reducing the severity of electric injury related fatalities by promoting preventive measures. Results: The study showed male preponderance, with increased incidence in age group of 20-30 years. Accidental deaths were common, and the majority of skin samples were taken from suspected site of electric contact and exit showed positive findings for electrocution. Conclusion: The study provides the statistical data on electrocution fatalities in this part of Bangalore for researchers and law enforcement agencies. It also aids in emphasising the usage of protective equipment at the workplace, construction sites and precautionary measures for domestic use of the electricity. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
Injury interpretation and reconstruction of events in a victim of a
‘hit-and-run’ road traffic incident
- Abstract: Forensic reconstruction of events is akin to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Missing pieces of the jigsaw puzzle exacerbates the difficulties. Deductions or conclusions arrived should be supported by scientific evidence during the medico-legal investigation. We report a case where a man was found dead by the roadside with a damaged motorcycle. The police investigation determined that the incident was a “hit-and-run” road traffic injury with no evidence of “run-over”. This case study reveals how meticulous injury interpretation and event reconstruction by the Forensic pathologist helped unravel an “atypical run over injury “in a hit and run traffic injury. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
Impact of 100 days of COVID-19 lockdown on death patterns and mortality
demographics of medico-legal autopsies done in the Northern Province of
Sri Lanka
- Abstract: Introduction: Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on main sectors including the judicial and medico legal system has been notable in Sri Lanka. Objective: To determine the impact of lockdowns during COVID-19 on death patterns and mortality demographics of medico-legal autopsies conducted in Northern Province of Sri Lanka during the first wave of COVID-19 (between 20th March to 28th June 2020) (Group C). Methods: The data were compared between COVID-19 on death patterns and mortality demographics of medico-legal autopsies conducted in Northern Province of Sri Lanka during the first wave of COVID-19 (between 20th March to 28th June 2020) (Group C) and autopsies done in the same pre-COVID period in 2019 (Group PC). Three hundred and fifteen autopsies were selected after exclusion of unclaimed bodies, reports with inadequate details and undetermined cause and manner of deaths. Results: Number of cases in groups C and PC were 126 and 189 respectively. Majority of the deceased were males in both groups (C-73% and PC-67%). The proportion of natural deaths was similar in both groups (39.7% vs 38.9%). Proportion of suicidal deaths was higher in C (32.5% vs 24%). The proportion of home deaths was more during the lockdown period (34.1% vs 25%). The proportion of homicidal and accidental deaths collectively was higher in PC (36.5% vs 28.6%). No statistical significance was observed for any of the given parameters between the two groups. Conclusion: Despite the absence of statistical significance, the increased percentage of home deaths and suicidal deaths could be attributed to the effect of lock downs such as reduced access to routine health care services and financial and psychological strain on individuals and families. Recommendations: The effect of a high suicide rate even though not statistically significant should be considered in future lockdowns. More extensive studies are required in Sri Lanka in this aspect which might statistically be more revealing. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
Radiological measurements of the skull and its use in sex estimation: A
study in Sri Lanka
- Abstract: Introduction: In identification of an individual, the forensic pathologists and the anthropologists examine skeletal material. The aim of this study was to determine the cranio-facial structures which can be used to estimate sex in the adult Sri Lankan population. Methods: The study sample consisted of 166 patients (77 males and 89 females), who underwent computed tomography (CT) brain examinations. The volumes of the maxillary, and frontal sinuses, and the measurements of angular forehead, skull, and facial structures were taken by two observers on axial, sagittal, and coronal planes of CT images. The age and sex of the patient were recorded along with the measurements. Data were analyzed using the statistical tests including independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, available in the SPSS version 25 software with P<0.05 indicating level of significance. Results: The left maxillary sinus volume (ML), right maxillary sinus volume (MR), skull length (SL), prostio-bregmatic height (PBH), and maximum skull width (MSW), frontal sinus volume (F), angle of deviation of actual from ideal forehead slope (ANB), angle of inclination of actual forehead slope (BNV), and nasofrontal angle (BNC) had a statistically significant differences between males and females (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the angle of inclination of ideal forehead slope (ANV) in the two sexes (P>0.05). Conclusion: Left maxillary sinus volume (ML), right maxillary sinus volume (MR), frontal sinus volume (F), nasofrontal angle (BNC), angle of inclination of ideal forehead slope (ANV), angle of deviation of actual from ideal forehead slope (ANB), skull length (SL), prostio-bregmatic height (PBH), maximum skull width (MSW) can help estimate the sex of a Sri Lankan person. Left maxillary sinus volume (ML), right maxillary sinus volume (MR), frontal sinus volume (F), skull length (SL), prostio-bregmatic height (PBH), maximum skull width (MSW), nasofrontal angle (BNC), angle of deviation of actual from ideal forehead slope (ANB) and the angle of inclination of actual forehead slope (BNV). Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
Profile of children presenting for clinical forensic examination to the
Teaching Hospital complex, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
- Abstract: Introduction: Children are more susceptible to injuries due to their inability to protect themselves. Our study aims to determine the socio-demographic profile, causative factors, intent, and severity of injuries in children presenting to the Teaching Hospital Complex Peradeniya for clinical forensic examination (CFE). Methodology: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. Children who presented for clinical forensic examination for a period of one year (from September 2017 up to September 2018) to Teaching Hospital Complex, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, were included. Data was collected using a questionnaire at the time of clinical forensic examination where the Medico-legal examination form (MLEF) was also completed. Written informed consent was obtained from both the patient and guardian for routine medico-legal procedures and for inclusion in the study. Results: Two hundred and forty-two children were recruited. One hundred and fifty-seven (65%) were male. The majority (43%) were between 16-18 years of age. Most of the injuries were due to road traffic accidents (RTA) (61%) followed by assault (18%), sexual abuse (12%), and accidental falls (5%). ‘Other’ types of injury or presentations were seen in 9 (4%) which was due to poisoning, drowning, air gun injury or burns. Males were predominantly affected except in the category of sexual abuse. Twice the number of males sustained injuries due to RTA compared to females, while three times the number of males was affected by assaults compared to females. The main category of hurt was non-grievous (62%). In this cohort, 31% had intentional trauma with a male predominance. Conclusion: In children presenting to the Teaching Hospital Complex Peradeniya for clinical forensic examination (CFE), road traffic accidents are the main cause for injuries. Males are more vulnerable to injuries in general, while females are more vulnerable to sexual abuse. Published on 2022-06-15 00:00:00
A bizzarre death caused by an anti-aircraft bullet
- Abstract: In 2009, towards end of the civil war with the Sri Lankan government, the Liberation Tigers of the Tamil Elam (LTTE) carried out a suicide mission using two light aircraft. Both planes were later shot down by anti-aircraft fire. A young girl living in the suburbs who was watching the incident died after sustaining injuries due to an anti-aircraft bullet. The bullet had entered the root of neck and was found inside the left chest cavity. Atypical firearm injury is an important issue in the practice of forensic medicine. Interpretation of the injury and determination of the manner of death are important areas a forensic pathologist should deal with. A fair knowledge about aero-physics and behaviour of falling bullets is necessary to deal with this type of case. The morbidity and mortality depends on the site of impact of the bullet. This is the first such case reported in Sri Lanka. Though it has occurred under extra-ordinary circumstances it highlights the importance of following instructions given to the public under such circumstances. Published on 2021-12-03 00:00:00
Electric entry mark in a decomposed body
- Abstract: Background: The electric traps using a live non-insulated cable, one end of which is connected to domestic utility bare line is used to hunt animals in several geographical areas in Sri Lanka. In some instances the humans fatalities are also reported. The alteration of the scene by the trappers and the frequent late recovery of the bodies challenge the Forensic Pathologist in determination the cause of death. Case description: A moderately decomposed body with discolouration, desquamation and maggot infestation which was recovered from a jungle was brought for medico legal investigation. There was a greyish white oval shape mark with central black area on the right leg. The mark on the right leg showed macroscopic features of an electric entry mark. The mark was still identifiable with the naked eye. The characteristic histology features were observed on the sections obtained from the mark. Conclusion: The electric entry mark is demonstrable in decomposed bodies and a meticulous external examination is helpful to identify the suspected lesions. The histology findings are resistant for decomposition and helpful to confirm the diagnosis of electrocution. Published on 2021-12-03 00:00:00