Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Forensic Psychology is the only field of Forensic Sciences that deals directly with live human beings and hence is a unique field in the entire Forensics. This field explores brain-mind interactions and how these interactions give birth to various crimes. In India more emphasis is given to scientific techniques such as test for Detection of Deception or Investigating interviewing and Psychological Evaluations which are mostly conducted in Forensic Laboratories and mostly in Criminal Investigations. However, these psychological tools for Investigation can be used even in Corporate crimes or even by Vigilance Department for their internal investigations and can be extremely crucial. This study highlights the application of Forensic Psychological Investigations in Corporates through a single case study and further discusses the necessity of these Psychological Investigations for Corporates Internal Investigations. conclusions: It was concluded that titanium is already present during the manufacturing of rexine and paint therefore, the nanoparticle coating of TiO2 doesn’t create a large difference. Besides, there was a significant difference in

The documenting of the crime scene is a key duty that needs to be performed quickly, accurately and reliably and highlights the evidence that may be used to further provide justice for victims and to assure that offenders are prosecuted. New emerging tools and soft-wares are used for creating crime scene designs viz; Sketching, Photoshop, Illustrator, Auto CAD and SketchUp. These tools play a crucial role in recreating the facts and figures to help and prepare a meaningful analysis of the situation. This article focuses mostly on documenting a typical crime scene and noting any potential pollution that might have affected its original look quickly. To measure and record exact positions of findings and functions, a Total Station (TS) is employed. key message: Sketching offers various instruments for manipulating, viewing and working with your model. The essay will not explore them completely, but will present the fundamental tools for the creation, modification and view of a model’s sides and faces. Typical scene drawings and models give a twodimensional image of the scene (2D)

context: A Forensic Entomotoxicology is a contemporary technique that makes use of insects as an alternative sample for forensic investigation. In case of recovery of the degraded cadaver, in which body fluids and tissues vanish, the toxicological studies of insects aid in forensic investigation to some extent in such legitimate cases. The drugs consumed by the corpse and further ingested by the insects feeding in the corpse affect the life cycle and development of the insects. Various analytical methods are employed for proper identification, detection, as well as quantitative analysis of the corpse. This paper summarizes the definition, applications, analytical techniques and the future perspective of forensic Entomotoxicology. key message: This article discusses the importance of insects as the toxicological evidence in forensic investigation.

The illegal activities using mobile phones, computers, and the internet are rising, including pornography, online prostitution, identity theft, phishing, sniffing or snooping attacks, spamming or malware attacks. Internet crime or cyber-attacks play a pivotal role in impacting the system since we started using the internet. In this era, of digital world crimes are increasing at par. The advancement in the technology for detection of these crimes has revolutionary affected the forensic field. Starting from, the detection of digital crimes from small scale like Email Bombing to Denial of Services (DOS) at large scale. Furthermore, the sensitivity of detection is quite decisive hence, it is cardinal responsibility of forensic experts to investigate these types of crimes critically. An attempt has been made in this paper to percolate the significance of digital crimes, cybercrimes, and audio forensics. Additionally, it also focus the investigative tools and techniques for such crime. key messages: This paper elaborate the key features for investigation of Digital crimes, cybercrimes & Audio Forensics.

Toxicology and forensic entomology are mixed to determine the minimum postmortem time (PMI-min) and circumstances of death in cases where toxins and hazardous substances are suspected causes of death. Forensic entomotoxicology proves the existence of toxicants in insects feeding on corpses, but it also investigates their impact on insects’ bio-morphometry and growth rate. Isolation of larvae and pupae of real flies (Dipteran) and/or adult forms of, for example, beetles (Coleopteran) located on or around the corpse can provide information about harmful compounds potentially present in the body. This review aims to examine current knowledge in the subject of entomotoxicology, including cases from the research, and to demonstrate the effects of various toxic compounds and medications on the growth of insect larvae. key messages: Insects are significant in forensics because their larva feeds on dead bodies. Insects (larvae) are also a suitable toxicological sample because they are present in high concentrations on the cadaver and the puparia case remains unchanged and unaffected for an extended period.

Forensic biology is an application that involves a union of people to firstly suspect the crime location, artifacts and person on basis of the data provided by the victim. The provided data is analyzed by various investigations to solve criminal and civil cases. Various techniques are implemented that can be used in forensic science such as ABO blood grouping, Variable number tandem repeats, polymerase chain reaction, short tandem repeat and single cell analysis. These techniques play a significant role to completely study the samples. The entire process of the DNA analysis is divided into 4 major parts. Nanotechnology is another major field of biotechnology is currently under study for the developments of further more techniques that can be utilized in on the spot detection of sample in no time. Distinct portable devices are already developed to carry out detection and few are under study. In the forthcoming times, the process of investigation might be at rapid rate which will prevent contamination as well as mishandling of samples. The main requirement is of bioinformatics tools in laboratories in order to handle vast samples. key messages: Investigation is key step of criminal cases and DNA technology will make this step rapid and error-free. Thus, the Development of authentic, portable and user friendly molecular techniques is the necessity of the present era for fast and accurate process of justice.

There are about 1 billion smokers in the world, with 80 percent of them living in poor countries. Tobacco use causes lung cancer, COPD, atherosclerosis, Peptic ulcer illness, intrauterine growth retardation, spontaneous miscarriage, antepartum hemorrhage, female infertility, male sexual dysfunction, and a variety of other disorders are among them. Factors leads to smoking initiation are Parental smoking cessation, Low socioeconomic status (SES), Peer and family influence, Access to tobacco, Depression and mental health conditions, Genetics, Unemployment, Fashion/Up gradation of status and Influence by marketing. This study aimed to review the toxic influence of smoking in young population. This review was conducted through exhaustive researches in different databases. This article concluded that school pupils, parents, instructors, and the general public should all be educated about the harmful effects of smoking. Therapeutic approaches for smoking cessation are quite important. Along with more well-known approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, social support, medications, and nicotine replacement therapy, e-cigarettes (ECs) have emerged as a viable and distinctive aid in smoking cessation therapies. This study discusses the impact of smoking in today’s society. key messages: The study discusses the impact of smoking and its influence in young adult population. Additionally it also portrays the factors causing the deviant behaviour among youth.

context: Forensic psychiatry is comparatively a new upcoming and developing field in India. Substance use and mental illness have been independently associated with violence, and sometimes violent crimes. Forensic psychiatric patients, detained under sections of the mental health act, are particularly prone to developing poor physical health during the time it takes to stabilize and improve their mental health. A large and growing body of evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) may hold therapeutic promise in the management of mental health and metabolic disorders. Incorporating physical activity as an integral part of treatment strategies would appear to go a long way toward reducing the adverse health impact in forensic psychiatric care. key messages: Modern forensic psychiatry has benefited from the evolution in the medico-legal understanding and appreciation of the relationship between mental illness and criminality, evolution of the legal tests to define legal insanity and the new methodologies for the treatment of mental conditions that provide alternatives to custodial care. Few interventions exist whereby patients can hope to achieve improvements in both psychiatric symptoms and physical health simultaneously without significant risks of adverse effects. Physical activity offers substantial promise for improving outcomes for people living with mental illness and substance use disorder under forensic psychiatric care

context: Forensic radiology is an area of expertise in medical imaging that uses radiological techniques to assist physicians and pathologists in matters related to the law. The forensic application of clinical medical radiology can be applied in many fields; The primary target of evaluation is the skeletal skeleton, but the soft tissues and abdominal and thoracic viscera may provide the predominant findings. Technological advances in clinical radiology offer many potential tools for forensic radiology, allowing a broader field of applications in this field. In the event of a massive disaster, the identity of the individual is of utmost importance. To do this, forensic investigators use different methods to identify the dead. They consider the skeletal remains of the dead to be the initial stage of identification. Radiographs have great evidence to serve as an ex-mortem record and also help to identify the individual, age, gender, caste, etc. Forensic dentistry is also emerging as a new branch of forensic medicine. Therefore, the forensic dentist must know the various techniques, developments and resources to incorporate technology to achieve success in human identification. Therefore, our aim of the present review is to focus on the various radiological techniques and new developments available for the successful identification of the dead. Since X-rays can capture their distinctive physical characteristics, they become an invaluable tool in forensic science. Radiographic identification has been used for a long time and the technique is efficient, comparatively easy, both living and dead records can be obtained, and it is inexpensive compared to DNA technology. Therefore, expert knowledge and proper application of maxillofacial radiological techniques play an important role in forensic identification and resolution of medico-legal cases. key messages: Medical Radio-Imaging Techniques Shows a significant measure in forensic identification and Determination of MLCs

Studies have shown that, according to reports, people with frontal syndrome have anti-social and violent behaviours.1 There are many neurobiological and neuropsychiatric reasons behind the increase in criminal activity. Frontal lobe syndrome can occur in stroke, head injury, degenerative changes, and multiple sclerosis and so on. Frontal lobe syndrome can damage the amygdala or orbital cortex, leading to the behaviour of people with mental illness.1 The purpose of this review is to focus on the need to identify executive dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and dementia that often lead to violent behaviour. This review was conducted through exhaustive researches in different databases using the keywords frontal syndrome, violent behaviour, and cognitive dementia. The conclusion is that frontal syndrome plays an important role in the execution of violent and anti-social behaviours. key messages: Frontal lobe syndrome cause loss of functions like judgment power, cognition, dementia which causes personality change leading to antisocial behavior.

Tobacco smoking is one of the causes of the incidence and mortality of cancer in the world. The prevalence of tobacco consumption is a hallmark menace of today’s era. Lot of countries are planning to curb such menace but uncertainly, the consumption is still at par. The usage of tobacco not only harms the individual but it also affects society. Irrespective of any morbidity tobacco consumption is causing deleterious effects on a healthy population. The counter effects of this consumption on hematological variables are significantly high. The attempt has been made to portray the baneful impact of tobacco among healthy population on the basis of Hematological parameters like white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, concentration of Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. key messages: Nicotine is a highly addictive and hazardous substance. The deleterious effects of nicotine are not only harnessing the individual but society too. Hence, this review culminates the effect of nicotine on important hematological variables among healthy individuals.

Palatal rugoscopy is a method to analyze and categorize palatal rugae patterns. These patterns can be analyzed on the basis of its size, shape and quantity in an individual. These patterns turn out to be extremely helpful in the cases when it is difficult to identify an individual with the help of fingerprints or dental records. The review article is based on the study of rugae pattern of male and female on the shapes and to do a comparative analysis of previous data. The present review article highlights the importance of accuracy in using digital software for recording the rugae pattern from photograph of dental casts also it showed that the shape of rugae remained consistent, showing the stability of the rug.

context: The collection of biological evidence from various crime scenes for identification purposes is an important task to achieve. Where different biological evidence serves as an important source of information, whole blood samples and bloodstains act as a prime source of identification. Blood samples are mostly found to be exposed to various environmental conditions, which results in the degradation of samples. It is quite inaccessible for forensic experts to re-evaluate the evidence and get the same outcomes as earlier because of storage conditions of the biological samples. Hence, the stability of nucleic acids and hemoglobin is very crucial. This study was conducted to present a review on the available facts of different storage conditions and temperatures on the stability of ribonucleic acid (RNA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and hemoglobin (Hb). The study also provides an outlook for ideal storage temperature and conditions for blood samples and appropriate preservation of same immediately after the collection from the crime scene

Optometry is an eye care profession that involves examining the eye and visual system. It also helps in prescribing the correction of refractive error with glasses, contact lenses, and the treatment of various eyes diseases. Likewise, the use of optometrical studies for the criminal justice system is a new paradigm in forensic sciences. Additionally, individual identification of a person may be done by examining certain characteristics of eye. Hence, eye shape, iris color and contact lenses are prevailing vital roles in forensic investigation. This review provides examining iris color for personal identification of the individual in different ethnic population as a whole. key messages: This review enumerates the role of personal identification with the help of iris color.

Dermatoglyphics is the investigation of ridge patterns on hands and feet. Dermatoglyphics are created in the fetus by the 12th week and are under solid yet not restrictive hereditary influence. There have been applications of dermatoglyphics in various fields but its relevance to diseases has not been explored in the Indian context. The present review focuses on the history, embryogenesis, theories, and topology of dermatoglyphics with emphasis on the various studies in India. The databases that were searched for the keywords ‘dermatoglyphics’ and ‘medical diseases’ were EBSCO host, Academia and Google scholar. Out of the obtained results, 40 studies were selected as per the relevance to the topic. This review highlights the utility of dermatoglyphics in different areas of science. Dermatoglyphics can be essentially used as a potent tool for diagnosis of medical conditions. Dermatoglyphics also offers the advantage of being a simple, cost - effective, and non-invasive screening tool for the prediction of disorders having a genetic predisposition.

Bio weapons were always a known part of wars and are very much acknowledged form of terrorism even from Ancient times. Microbes can be used as good arms as their mass production does not require much skills, quantity, and time, along with that they can grow well in numbers from a single cell. Highly pathogenic micro-organisms and their toxins are always in concern as they were used as Microbial-terrorism, one of the much-known examples of bioterror is spores of Anthrax attacks at United State in 2001. The word ‘microbial-terrorism’, itself Indicates, the use of pathogenic microbes, to be dispersed among the group of people/ in certain areas/ or certain countries as a fatal disease, which act as an epidemic or sometimes pandemic. In view of these Forensics investigations, microbiology plays an important role such as sample handling, configuring, tackling, investigating, and validating of bio crimes. The main purpose of this review on Microbiology as forensics tool is to explain how microbiology helps in the investigation of bioterrorism, and also to suggest the systematic scientific diagnoses of bioweapon. With this knowledge, people and nations can be secured from emergent bio-threat of future. key messages: Microbial forensics is one of the most essential and significant technologies for detecting bioterrorism and bioweapons. As microbes are associated with decomposition that can impact the investigation results of autopsy, toxicological studies, and histological views. As a resutlt, microbialforensics can always be of tremendous assistance in criminal investigations.

Serial numbers are mostly observed on the surfaces of iron, steel and metallic alloys. Such kinds of serial numbers in the form of alphanumerical codes are obliterated to conceal the identity of the materials by various methods. The decoding or restoration of erased numbers from the surfaces is one of the main challenges in criminal investigation and quite difficult to restore on tougher obliterations. However, deciphering the obliterated unique codes using chemical reagents (chemical etching) has been proved of its ability to deciphering the mechanical erasures. Here in this study we discuss about the ability and effect of particular chemical reagent on the iron, steel and aluminum-alloy surfaces. Such types of metallic surfaces have been proved of various applications in chassis of motor vehicles, railway iron rods, engine parts etc. The chemical reagent’s properties on obliterated metal surfaces were studied using different types of Fry’s reagent (Table1-4). Hence this study may have application relevance in criminal investigations involving erasures of identity serial number. key messages: The author(s) tried to include scientific explanation restoring serial numbers on iron and steel surface using chemical etching process and some challenges.

A number of publications have been published pertaining to the forensic analysis of the questioned documents. Along with that new methods and techniques have been used nowadays to solve the question document cases. Questioned documents are those documents whose legitimacy or authenticity is disputed. Often, the documents are demolished by burning and different intends to cover crimes termed as charred documents. Charred documents are a sort of questioned documents that are probably to contain crucial data. These types of documents are principally connected to ransoms, arson case, accidental fires, financial and insurance issues, extortion, suicide, white collar crimes etc. The present article reviews the introduction to charred documents, the cases in which charred documents are supposed to found, their handling and all the related information up to their forensic examination. key messages: Charred documents are found in arson cases, sudden fire accidents, financial and insurance disputes, etc. Documents may be willfully burnt or destroyed with the intention to hide crime or to destroy evidence. Charred documents at the crime scene should be handled with utmost care as they are too fragile to be handled casually

Insects play an imperative role in the criminal investigations. The association of the insects with that of the corpse in the criminal investigation is forensic entomology. These insects invade the cadaver and ameliorate in decomposition process and hence aid in criminal investigation. Number of research has been conducted on terrestrial entomological insects regarding their role in criminal and forensic investigation but not enough work has been done on aquatic forensics. There are many environmental factors that may act upon the colonization of an organism on a dead or decaying matter. While this is a known factor in terrestrial settings, this aspect is also observed in the decomposition process in aquatic environment as well. The water and its physical and chemical aspects, involving parameters such as temperature and oxygen content, may not only have a significant role to play in the process of decomposition but may also impact the core process of decomposition. This review paper summarizes the studies on aquatic forensics, its importance, forensically substantial aquatic insects, and their collection, preservation and decomposition studies of human cadavers in aquatic habitats. key messages: This article discusses the importance of insects as forensic evidence.

context: Periodontics has significant potential for application in forensic odontology as a clinical dental specialty. Forensic odontology is used in medicolegal cases in order to identify the victims and deceased. Forensic odontology plays a pivotal role in age determination of the individual. Moreover, forensic odontology plays a crucial role to maintain criminal records. The role of periodontology to identify the deceased by gingiva, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, perio-asthetics, etc. has their own evidentiary value in forensic investigation. However, periodontology also has its own significant value in determining the time since death. Moreover, periodontics is also used for the gender determination. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the application of periodontology in forensic odontology, to review the role of periodontists in this field, and to analyze the future implications in this field. It inspires further “perioscopical” research in the field of forensic odontology and in forensic investigation or in the court of justice

background: Dried blood spots (DBS) have been used for years as a supplementary matrix in sports drug testing. Dried Blood Spots are a promising technique for minimally invasive sample collection in a variety of analytical disciplines, such as therapeutic drug monitoring, preclinical drug development, and diagnostic investigation of metabolic abnormalities in newborns. The increasing potential of DBS has been highlighted in the scientific literature, particularly when it comes to drugs prohibited in world sports. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has planned to incorporate DBS as a new and much more efficient way of assessing the athletes for any prohibited ergogenic aid in upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2021. This literature seeks to evaluate the scope of effectiveness of the DBS method in identification of various banned drugs by examining previous data derived from literatures on DBS. Based on the researches analyzed, it is concluded that DBS methods is very much implementable in identification of variety of ergogenic aids along with being much more efficient way of identification. key message: DBS method of blood doping analysis can prove to be a new and time saving process of doping analysis in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics 2021 due to its vast applications & cost effectiveness and considerable safety during COVID-19

context: Detection of explosives is indeed crucial for the fact that it has a harsh impact upon peace in the community as well as its nature as a contaminant in the environment. As of now, there have been numerous additions due to clandestine synthesis of explosive materials which are not up to date with the spectral library of various spectrometric techniques. For the detection of explosives, new mechanisms are often required which should have advantages like sensitivity, selectivity, rapid response, low cost, remote sensing and sensors made with ecofriendly material. Techniques which are commonly utilized areIon Mobility spectrometry, Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry, Fido-XT for sensing explosives like Trinitrotoluene (TNT), Trinitrophenol (TNP), and Dinitrotoluene (DNT) etc. Apart from that, military agencies, police and forensics are still having a hard time to detect the trace amount of explosives like RDX, PETN, Tetryl and HMX etc. selectively. Recent upbringing in Chemiluminescence based explosive detection showed quite a reliable way for detecting these compounds. In Chemiluminescence based detection various materials are used namely conjugated fluorescent polymers, small molecule fluorophores, supramolecular system, Bio-inspired fluorescent materials, Aggregation induced emission active materials. These techniques if combined with various techniques like electronics, imaging and sensor design then it would provide deployment over real field for explosive detection which includes buried land mines, environmental contamination by explosive material. This review article may help the readers in order to get insight about what is explosive, various types of explosive, and mechanism of explosion and explosive detection techniques.

context: Kohl or kajal is an ancient and popular eye cosmetic. In its simplest form, it is a fine black or gray powder that contains high level of lead (usually in the form of lead sulfate). Kohl is a popular eye product and is prepared in ultra-fine form using galena along with some other ingredients. Presently, most of women and adolescents use it in their daily make-up regime to enhance their beauty. However, it is known to contain varying levels of toxic compounds in the form of additives making it highly unsafe for use. aims: In the current study, an attempt has been made to determine the concentration of lead, nickel, and cobalt in kohl samples. materials and method: Ten different Kohl samples of different brands were bought from online and nearby markets. The evaluation of heavy metals such as lead, nickel and cobalt were determined from the samples usingInductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry(ICP-OES). results: Results obtained in the study have been alarming especially in the case of lead which was found to be as high as 8 ppm, nickel 5ppm and cobalt 4 ppm in different brands. conclusions: Regular application of kajal with excessive high content of heavy metals leads to serious health hazards. key messages: Kohl containing heavy metals can have health hazards with long term usage and hence should be used judiciously

context: This research paper is divided into three parts: (a) packaging analysis (b) chemical analysis to determine the composition (c) contamination analysis of questioned kohl cosmetics. aim: The present work deals with the comparative analysis of authentic and questioned cosmetic products using different analytical techniques. settings and design: The study examined 24 samples of two different kohl brands named B1 and B2. Four genuine samples were used as a benchmark to check the variability and relevancy of the obtained results. 20 questioned samples were named C1-C10 of first brand (B1) and C11-C20 of second brand (B2). The references were named GA1-GA2 (authentic samples of brand 1) obtained from the original website of the first brand and as GB1-GB2 (authentic samples of brand 2) purchased from the original website of the second brand. Packaging, chemical and contamination analysis were done on questioned, and authentic samples of two dissimilar brands of kohl cosmetics. materials & methods: Chemical analysis was done by utilizing sophisticated techniques such as FTIR, 1HNMR, and EDX. Additionally, contamination analysis was performed on the questioned samples by employing optical microscopy. statistical analysis: The SPSS version 23.0 was used to determine the difference between the mean elemental composition of authentic and suspected counterfeit samples. results: Through the first-line investigation of the hologram on the samples, it was detected that out of 20 samples, 17 samples contained damaged or scrambled holograms (B1) or just a silver tag (B2). The micro-text was not detected in these samples compared to genuine samples (n=4). In terms of chemical analysis using EDX, the presence of palladium, cadmium, and mercury were detected in all samples. NMR delta values for both the authentic and questioned samples were different which concluded that the molecular structure and composition of both samples were dissimilar and consisted of different elements. Optical microscopy affirmed the presence of E. coli in two samples. conclusion: From the analysis, it was observed that the visual comparison with authentic sample is the first step to detect counterfeit packaging but due to the adaptation of new printing technology by the counterfeiters, they can easily replicate authentic product packaging including security features such as barcodes. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the sample through chemical investigation to check the product in detail. The study was performed on a limited number of samples and therefore encourages chemical and packaging profiling of counterfeits on a bigger scale.

context: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip print patterns and can aide in identification and gender determination of the individuals. aim: The current study was aimed at knowing different lip groove pattern distribution, their relation with gender identification in the studied individual. settings and design: Lipstick used from middle line of lips and then to lateral sides. Then prints of both lower and upper lips were collected together on cellophane tape. materials & method: The samples collected randomly in this study belonged to 53 healthy selected individuals who were mainly of student population aged between18-25 of both sexes of North - West Faridabad region. Every lip print was divided into 4 Quadrants (QI, QII, QIII, QIV) according to the method given by Santos.1 Examination of lip prints were done under direct light using magnifying hand tool. Y. Tsuchihashi and K. Suzuki2 method was then applied for classifying the lip print samples into four different lip prints. statistical analysis used: The statistical package for social sciences 16 (SPSS 16) was used for the analysis of the data. results: The dominant pattern was found to be Branched (Type II) among quadrants I, II and III while Intersecting pattern (Type III) was found highest in quadrant IV. Vertical type lip pattern was least dominant and found only on 1.9% and 5.5% in quadrant I and quadrant II respectively of study population. conclusions: Identification of lip print patterns can be used as tool among the subjects of this region. key message: Lip prints presence on scene of crime can confirm the presence of that specific individual on the scene, thus allowing to link crime scene with the suspect, victim and individualizing the suspect.

context: Fingerprints are used as reliable evidence in criminal and civil investigations all around the world. There are several methods available for detecting latent fingerprints. Powder dusting is one of the most used methods. The current research began with the need to solve a challenge that arose from everyday actual forensic work. The latent print on diverse surfaces created for this investigation was developed using talcum powder. Talcum powder is easily available at home and can used by Investigating Officer if fingerprint powders like charcoal powder, aluminum powder, gray powder, fluorescence powder, magnetic powder and others are unavailable. aims: The aim of this research was to see how effective talcum powder can be as a low-cost, non-toxic fingerprint powder, especially in areas where conventional powders are scarce. materials & method: 20 samples of latent fingerprints were developed from varied surfaces using a camel hairbrush and powder-dipping techniques. Moreover, adhesive tape was used to lift and collect the fingerprints on to fingerprint cards. results: Twenty substrates with diverse surfaces, color, and nature had been chosen to deposit fingerprints, and their development efficiency as investigated using talcum powder. The majority of the fingerprints that were created had big contrast and transparency. conclusion: The talcum powder can be an effective and inexpensive substitute for other fingerprint powders, particularly in the case of shortage of other powders. key messages: The non-toxic talcum powder approach is simple to use, inexpensive and effective. The results of this investigation demonstrate that, with a little bit of fingerprint expertise and training, police officers can utilize a readily available product like talcum powder to identify latent fingerprints.

context: In forensic analysis diatoms plays an important role. Their structure and morphology is widely used to identify the location. Since their species are varied in different geographical locations. Therefore, can be used for diagnosing the suspected drowning and dumping cases. aims: The study portrays the identification of different species of diatoms found in different geographical locations of Punjab. settings and design: Experimental study design was adopted to isolate and identify the different species of diatoms collected from different district of Punjab. materials & method: A total of 36 water samples from 18 different district in Punjab were collected. Each sample was of 500-1000 ml in quantity subjected to proper legend labeling of venue, time and date was procured followed by isolation using Acid digestion method for identification. results: Different species of diatoms such as Cylindrotheca Closterium, Triceratium, Hasleastenopterobia, Tabulariavariostriata, Tabellaria, Vulgariabory, Semiorbis, Fragalariforma, Distrionella, Diprorahaenaensis, Hantzschiaamphioxyz, Pinnularia, Peronia fibula, Plagiotropis, Pseudostaurosira, Cyclotella, Melosiraundulata, Aulacoseira, Stenopterobia, Stauroneisaugustilanacea, Craspedastauros, Achnanthes lanceolata were isolated with the help of acid digestion method and were identified by keeping diatoms of North America as a reference standard. conclusions: Diatom species have been identified as indicators of drowning and dumping locations for the sake of criminal inquiry. Morphological analysis aids in the detection of the location where a body is discovered. Hence, sitespecific diatoms from the Punjab region can help identify geographical locations. key message: In forensic science, diatom analysis is a useful tool for diagnosing suspected death by drowning cases. Diatoms at every few kilometers within a single water body changes thus making it easier as a shred of evidence in the identification of the exact location where the body drowned

context: Evidence plays a crucial role in the forensic investigation in solving criminal cases. This evidence should be properly collected and preserved to avoid degradation and loss of evidential value. Hence, this paper describes the experimental study of collected and degraded biological fluids which can be recovered from the crime scene. aims: The study aims to assess the microbial growth on different biological fluids recovered from the crime scenes in percolation with varied temperature durations. settings and design: An experimental setup was designed to study the different biological fluids and their variation of impact on different conditions like type of sample, temperature differences and time of exposure. method and materials: Biological fluids such as saliva, urine, semen and vomit were collected and used for the study. The identification procedure of microorganisms and extent of degradation was studied by means of physical analysis, bacterial culture, fungal culture, staining for bacteria and fungus, and biochemical testing. Followed by assessment of collected samples inoculated with cotton cloth piece with specified time interval and temperatures. results: Candida albicans and Escherichia coli show maximum profuse growth in inoculated urine samples exposed to temperature 37°C with the time interval of 7 to 27 hours and 20-25°C with time interval of 48 hours. Likewise, Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows maximum growth in inoculated saliva samples exposed to temperature ranging from 20-37°C with time interval of 40 hours. Furthermore, the micrococcus mucillogens, proteus vulgaris and streptococcus pneumoniae show maximum growth in inoculated vomit samples exposed to temperature ranging from 20-37°C with time interval of 7-27 hours. Lastly, Micrococcus mucillogens shows maximum growth in inoculated semen sample exposed to temperature ranging 20-37°C with time interval of 48 hrs. conclusion: Forensic biological samples are more susceptible to the contamination by the growth of microorganism because of the nutritive substances present in each fluid. Since compositions of each biological fluid are different, therefore types of microbes growing and their effect on samples will also be different leading to destruction of forensic biological fluid samples. This study reveals the determination of microbes such as a Candida albicans, Escherichia Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, micrococcus mucillogens, proteus vulgaris and streptococcus pneumoniae in urine, saliva, vomit and semen samples. Under ambient-conditions of high temperature and with specific time durations, the growth of microbes was found to be rapid. It is also to be concluded that temperature plays a major role in the preserving the integrity of samples, at high temperatures for more time, the samples will get dry and minimal amount of microorganism will grow. key messages: Detection and determination of varied microbial growth on different biological fluids of forensic importance provide prudent information to forensic experts for combating the loss of evidential value for trials and for maintaining proper chain of custody. Hence, the study aids forensic experts to collect and preserve biological fluids with in specific time duration and temperature conditions.

context: Early interpretation of the toxic effect of free radicals leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in autoimmune disorders is a quenching thirst for therapeutic intervention and personal identification. aim: The study aims to evaluate the expression of Nrf2, NQO-1, and LpPLA2 genes along with markers of endothelial dysfunction and oxi-inflammatory stress in active RA patients and to enlighten the assessment of study group markers in the personal identification of RA patients for their early therapeutic intervention and prevention of vascular complications. materials & method: 64 active RA patients between 35-55 years and 64 healthy controls were recruited from North India region. Using specific primers, mRNA expression of Nrf2, NQO-1 & LpPLA2 genes were evaluated in blood by qPCR. 2 –ΔΔCT method was used to determine the fold change. Brachial artery flow mediated diameter (FMD), total antioxidant activity, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-6 & hs-CRP levels were estimated by using standard methods followed by appropriate statistical analysis of data. results: Increased expression of NQO-1, Nrf2 and LpPLA2 was observed in RA patients along with marked altered levels (p<0.05; significant) of oxiinflammatory markers which may be due to compensatory activation of antioxidant defense mechanism. Remarkably, FMD% was significantly low (p<0.05) and inversely associated with the expression of NQO-1, Nrf2 and LpPLA2, which highlighted the culprit effect of oxi-inflammatory stress in inducing altered vascular homeostasis. conclusions: Thus, combinational analysis of molecular diagnostic signatures associated with toxic free radicals along with FMD measurement exhibits a great promise in personal identification of RA patients for early therapeutic intervention, mainly, by targeting the oxi-inflammatory stress mediated cytoprotective pathway, and thereby, reducing the burden of CVD morbidity and mortality in RA patients.

context: Isolation and Identification of various types of microbes present on documents and the inhibitory effect of Ink on their growth. aim: The aim of the experiment is to study the inhibitory effect of ink on certain microorganisms prevalent in the cellulose of paper. settings and design: An experimental setup was designed to study the effect of ink on different microbial growth on cellulose paper. For this purpose, pages of old books were used as a sample on which a well diffusion method was applied for determining the effect by ink. materials & method: Decaying book papers were collected from Ranchi city, Jharkhand, India. From these decaying paper samples four bacterial strains and one fungal strain was isolated and identified as Providentia stuartii, Serratia odorifera, Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas antimicrobica, and Aspergillus niger respectively. The effect of ink on these microorganisms were studied by agar well diffusion method. results: Black, and blue gel pen inks showed maximum zone of inhibition against Providentia stuartii. Blue ball pen ink also showed maximum zone of inhibition against Providentia stuartii and Serratia odorifera. Red ball point ink showed maximum inhibition zone against Bacillus megaterium and black ball point pen ink showed maximum zone of inhibition for Pseudomonas antimicrobica. conclusions: With printing ink no inhibitory effect was observed on the bacterial strain and zone of inhibition was completely absent. However, green colored printer’s ink showed maximum inhibitory effect on fungus Aspergillus niger.

context: When a hidden or covered message is needed to be conveyed to someone, the skill of secret writing is used as a means of conveyance. It is incorporated to create content undecipherable by the other person even by not hiding the existence of the secret conveyance of the content. aims: The present study has been conducted with an approach of incorporating the secret handwriting on a blank paper using various household invisible inks and retrieved samples were assessed using various deciphering methods. materials & method: There are three different categories in which these invisible inks are classified. Invisible inks are fluids that are used for the same and do not come into sight unless it is revealed through any sort of process. These inks viz. revealed by heat, by any chemical reaction and those that are observed under UV light and iodine fuming method results: It was observed through analyzing the samples that, heating technique was the best for the secret messages created using biological fluids, as writing became irreversibly visible after the development. conclusions: The results of the study concluded that different physical and chemical methods proves to be an approach for deciphering the various messages written with invisible inks. key messages: Although the available methods for deciphering the secret written content are abundant nowadays but this task can also be done effectively with commonly available techniques.

context: Accuracy of Non-Invasive structure from motion photogrammetry technique for facial data measurement analysis. aim: The purpose of the study was to calculate reliable facial anthropometric measurementsusing 3D photogrammetry and its correlation with direct measurements. materials and method: Three-dimensional facial morphometry was investigated in a sample of 40 males and 40 females with structure from motion photogrammetry technique using specific software. Subjects ranged between 18 to 40 years belonging to the Rajput community in the Arki region of Solan district Himachal Pradesh. The subjects had no history of any facial deformity and had sound dentitions. For each subject, the facial and nasal indexes were measured and compared with previous studies. statistical analysis: The SPSS version 23.0 was used to determine the difference between the mean caliper and mean photogrammetry values. results: The study shows the pervasiveness in both male and female facial types hyper-leptoprosopic (very long face)with a mean facial index of 100.76 and 96.70 respectively. The nasal index calculated for males was 90.04 and for females was 78.96. The mean values were in acceptable agreement with the literature data gathered with direct methods. The results suggest that using SfM photogrammetry for facial measurements is accurate when compared with direct anthropometry. conclusions: The technique permits the non-invasive calculation of 3D linear measurements that could be applied in the field of physical anthropology, medical and forensic science.

context: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Centre for Advanced Imaging, I.T.S. Dental College. The sampling method was consecutive and the sample size of 100 CBCT scans were included in which 50 scans were of male patients and 50 of female patients. Scans covering mandibular anterior region for preoperative implant placement planning were included. Scans of the patients within the age group of 20-60 years and those who were referred to the department for mandibular anterior region scan and scans done using the same acquisition parameters were included in the study. Different observations were assessed on multiple sections and the section which had greatest dimensions was selected for variables measurement. The effect of patient age and gender on the dimensional measurements of the various anatomical landmark were accessed. aim: To assess the anatomical variations and locations of lingual foramen and its bony canals by using CBCT in relation to age and gender. materials and method: Through CBCT examinations, 100 patients were carefully examined in the median region of the mandible in order to detect the lingual foramen and their corresponding vascular canals. Their presence, number, position, diameter, morphology and trajectory were established. We also evaluated the effect of patients’ age and gender on the dimensional measurements of the anatomical landmark mentioned above. statistical analysis: The statistical analysis was done using statistical software SPSS version 16.0. comparison of the means of various parameters for categorical and numerical data was done by chi-square and unpaired t test. Inter- observer agreement was assessed with Cohen’s kappa test and interclass correlation. results: All of the 100 CBCT scans taken showed the presence of lingual foramen. Of all the participants, 52% of them had two foramina in their images whereas 43% have single foramen and remaining 5% have three foramina. The most common trajectory was downward in 61% of the cases. The mean diameter of lingual foramen canal at buccal end in male and female was 0.42 mm and 0.37mm respectively, average diameter at lingual end in male and female was 0.60 mm and 0.54mm respectively. conclusions:As the variations were shown in lingual foramen characteristics, is mandatory to be aware of the structures present in anterior mandible to prevent the surgical complications. CBCT appears to be an ideal imaging modality to assess these variations that must be taken into consideration prior to treatment planning. There was also an age and gender related significant difference in the diameter of canal. So, the morphology of lingual foramen and it canals can be used to evaluate the age and gender of an individual which can open a new vista in the field of forensics. key message: CBCT assessment of morphological features of the alveolar bone and locations of nerve canals and foramina in the anterior region of mandible represent useful anatomical information about the inter-foraminal region. This information is a useful guide to the dentist before surgery and also lingual foramen have some morphological variations compared to male and female. This study should be done on larger population in future which can open new vistas in the field of forensics.