Analyzing the impact of the size of fluoro and chloro substituents on induced mesomorphism in hydrogen bonded liquid crystals.

Synthesis of new supramolecules with specific properties and realistic applications requires a sound knowledge of the structure-property relationships of the synthesized molecules. Non-covalent interaction like hydrogen bonding is conducive in realizing mesomorphism. The induction of the liquid crystalline character is associated with the strength of hydrogen bonds formed between the interacting components, which are affected by the change of polarity and polarizability of both components upon change in their terminal polar substituents.

Oblique Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein and its Clinical Importance.

Kidneys are the organs that remove the waste products of the metabolic activities. A smooth blood flow to the kidneys is essential to maintain their function. Abnormalities of the renal vasculature may result not only in impairing the renal function but can lead to conditions like varicocele.

Novel biphenyl-substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole ferroelectric liquid crystals: synthesis and characterization.

Two novel series of unsymmetrically substituted 1,2,4-oxadiazole viz., R.Ox.

Atypical fatal entry wound to the thigh--a case report.

Stab wounds encountered in medico-legal practice are caused by sharp or blunt pointed weapons such as a kitchen knife, dagger, screwdriver, iron rod, etc. Atypical entry wounds may result from elasticity of skin, relative movement of the victim or the offending weapon or both. These are often described in the literature.

An autopsy case of iatrogenic tracheoesophageal fistula secondary to tracheostomy.

Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) is an uncommon but life-threatening sequel of prolonged use of a cuffed tracheostomy tube. We describe a patient who developed a TEF after a tracheostomy done for management of head injury due to a road traffic mishap. The patient subsequently died of sepsis after bilateral bronchopneumonia.

Clinico-epidemiological features of viper bite envenomation: a study from Manipal, South India.

Introduction: Snakebite is an important and preventable health hazard. Viper bites are more common than other poisonous snakebites in human beings. The present study aimed to collate the victim profile of viper bite cases in the region and to determine the pattern, manifestations, complications and the associated risk factors of these bites.

Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture during postpartum period.

Aortic aneurysm refers to the pathological dilatation of the normal aortic lumen involving one or several segments. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are much less common than aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm leading to dissection and spontaneous rupture is a potentially catastrophic illness.

Sexual dimorphism of the index to ring finger ratio in South Indian adolescents.

Sex determination from prepubertal human remains is a challenge for forensic experts and physical anthropologists worldwide as definitive sexual traits are not manifested until after the full development of secondary sexual characters that appear during puberty. The research was undertaken in 350 South Indian adolescents to investigate sexual dimorphism of the index and ring finger ratio. The index finger length (IFL) and the ring finger length (RFL) were measured in millimeters in each hand and the index and ring finger ratio was computed by dividing the index finger length by the ring finger length.

Wounds due to a modified shot gun (home-made): a case report.

In a case of firearm fatality, the autopsy surgeon is required to opine as to the range of fire in addition to the cause of death which will help in reconstruction of the events. Problems may arise in estimating the range of fire based on wound ballistics when there is an alteration or modification in the internal ballistics. We encountered such a case in the department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, which is discussed.

Death by attack from a domestic buffalo.

Attacks on humans by domestic animals causing fatal injuries are not uncommon in rural areas of India. But injuries due to buffalo gore are rarely observed in villages and are different from other casualties like stab injuries, road fatalities, etc. As the victims of buffalo attack are usually recovered from the fields or forest, the investigating officer could be mislead as to the nature of infliction of fatal injuries to a possible homicide.

Early adipocere formation: a case report and review of literature.

Adipocere has a long history of frightening and fascinating mankind, from so called "incorruptible saints" to the famous "iceman" and its formation on human remains has long been known and feared. Adipocere formation replaces the putrefactive changes, when the body lies buried in shallow, moist, clay, soiled grave or it is thrown into cess pools or submerged in water. As the progression of putrefaction is arrested, the facial features and wounds are preserved without much alteration, thereby aiding the identification and to certain extent, the cause of death.

Sudden death due to pulmonary aspergillosis.

Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications is well known to cause death. We report a case of a male, train passenger, who started coughing out blood and died on reaching the hospital. Medicolegal autopsy confirmed the sudden unexpected death to be due to pulmonary aspergillosis in the person with past medical history of tuberculosis.

Autopsy study of fatal deliberate self harm.

A retrospective autopsy study of fatal deliberate self harm (FDSH) was undertaken in the mortuary of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Southern India over a period of 12 years (1993-2004). Out of 1917 cases autopsied, 21.2% were deaths due to deliberate self harm (DSH).