Forensic Medicine Publications (BUCM-IC)

Development of Advanced Forensic Techniques for Identification of Human Remains in Challenging Environments

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Development of Advanced Forensic Techniques for Identification of Human Remains in Challenging Environments Dr Mahwish Zeb, 2Dr Sadia Syed, 3Dr.Younas Khan, 4Dr Gul Maria, 5Dr Noreen Farid,,Dr. SayedMuhammad Yadain Background: The identification of human remains in challenging environments, such as mass disasters, criminal investigations, and war zones, posed significant difficulties due to decomposition, environmental factors, and incomplete skeletal remains. Advanced forensic techniques played a crucial role in improvingthe accuracy and efficiency of human identification. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and develop advanced forensic techniques for the identificationof human remains in complex environmental conditions, enhancing the reliability of forensic investigations. Methods: This study was conducted at Services Hospital, Lahore, from August 2024 to January 2025, involving a study population of 120 cases of unidentified human remains. A combination of forensic anthropology, DNA analysis, stable isotope analysis, and radiographic imaging was utilized to assess theeffectiveness of various identification methods. Data were analyzed to determine the accuracy, feasibility, and limitations of these techniques in different environmental conditions. Results: The study found that DNA analysis remained the most definitive method, with an identificationsuccess rate of 92%. Forensic anthropology and radiographic imaging proved highly effective in cases with skeletal remains, with an accuracy of 85% in estimating age and sex. Stable isotope analysis provided valuable geographic information in 78% of cases, aiding in narrowing down possible identities. The integration of multiple forensic techniques significantly improved overall identification rates, particularly in cases involving degraded remains. Conclusion: The development and application of advanced forensic techniques greatly enhanced the accuracy and reliability of human remains identification in challenging environments. The combinationof DNA analysis, forensic anthropology, stable isotope analysis, and radiographic imaging demonstratedacomprehensive approach to forensic investigations. Future research should focus on refining these methods and integrating emerging technologies to further improve forensic identification processes Associate professor, forensic med and toxicology dept, Bahria University College of medicine, Islamabad.

Forensic, Pharmacological, and Public Health Analysis of ECP-Induced Abortions in Punjab: A 100-Case Study on Demographic Patterns, Medico-Legal Consequences, and Community Health Impacts

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Forensic, Pharmacological, and Public Health Analysis of ECP-Induced Abortions in Punjab: A 100-Case Study on Demographic Patterns, Medico-Legal Consequences, and Community Health Impacts Dr. Muhammad Hassam Rehm, Dr. Shahid Nadeem, Dr. Noreen Farid, Dr. Aftab Nazir, Dr. Zobia Mushtaq, Dr. Navida Manzoor Objective: Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are widely used in Pakistan, yet their misuse for induced abortions raises significant forensic, pharmacological, and public health concerns. This study investigates the demographic profiles, medical outcomes, and legal implications of ECP-induced abortions in Punjab. Duration of Study: November 2023 to October 2024. Place of Study: Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal. Methodology: A cross-sectional analysis of 100 women presenting with complications from suspected ECP-induced abortions. Data were collected via structured interviews, medical records, and toxicological assays to detect ECP metabolites. Results: Key findings included high rates of incomplete abortions (68%), hemorrhage (42%), and infections (25%). Toxicological analysis revealed 22% of cases involved adulterated or counterfeit medications. Adolescents (18–24 years) and unmarried women constituted 65% of cases, with 78% lacking awareness of ECP’s proper use. Discussion: The misuse of ECPs correlates with limited healthcare access, stigma, and inadequate regulatory oversight. Forensic findings highlight risks of unregulated pharmaceuticals, while legal ambiguities exacerbate vulnerabilities for women. Conclusion: Strengthening pharmaceutical regulation, expanding sexual health education, and reforming medico-legal frameworks are critical to mitigating risks associated with ECP misuse. Associate Professor Dr Noreen Farid, Forensic Medicine, BUCM

IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING APPROACHES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL REASONING SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

IMPACT OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING APPROACHES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL REASONING SKILLS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS Shazia Inam, Tayyeba Iftikhar Mirza, Ayesha Aleem Qureshi, Noreen Farid Background: Clinical reasoning is a fundamental competency in medical education, essential for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management. Traditional lecture-based teaching often limits students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to clinical situations. Interactive learning approaches, including problem-based learning, case-based discussions, and simulations, have been proposed to enhance analytical and reasoning skills among undergraduate medical students. Objectives: To evaluate the impact of interactive learning approaches on the development of clinical reasoning skills among undergraduate medical students. Study Design & Setting: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Department of Medical Education of Medical Education Foundation University Islamabad. Methodology: A total of 170 undergraduate medical students were enrolled and randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A received interactive learning sessions, while Group B underwent traditional lecture-based instruction. Clinical reasoning skills were assessed before and after the intervention using a validated Clinical Reasoning Assessment Tool (CRAT). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean post-test score in the interactive learning group was significantly higher (78.62 ± 7.24) than in the traditional learning group (68.13 ± 6.91) (p < 0.001). Both groups showed improvement from pre- to post-test, but the gain was greater among students exposed to interactive strategies. Student satisfaction and engagement were also significantly higher in the interactive learning group. Conclusion: Interactive learning approaches significantly enhance clinical reasoning skills, engagement, and satisfaction among undergraduate medical students compared to traditional methods. Associate Professor Dr Noreen Farid, Forensic Medicine, BUCM

Correlation of Stature with Head Circumference of Male Adults of Upper Punjab

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Correlation of Stature with Head Circumference of Male Adults of Upper Punjab Fozia Bibi, Usman Shahid Butt; Ambreen Serwer, Uzma Zaheen; Noreen Farid, M. Asghar Khattak Objective: This study aimed to find how head circumference and stature related to males in Upper Punjab between the ages of 21 and 30. Material and Method: The investigation was conducted using a quantitative methodology. The 382 adult male residents of Kharian City provided the data. The program SPSS 25 was used to conduct the analysis. Results: The average stature, as determined by descriptive data, was 170.4 cm. 56.45 cm was the average head circumference. The height and head circumference have a 0.518 Pearson correlation. The value of r shows a statistically significant positive correlation. After the regression analysis was completed, the regression equation was used to label the regression curve. Conclusion: The results of this investigation showed a correlation between head circumference and stature. Measuring head circumference will help forensic experts determine stature, especially when only the head is exposed due to a natural or artificial calamity. Dr. Noreen Farid Senior Assistant Professor Forensic Medicine