The establishment of a population-specific reference value for the ruler drop test for the clinical assessment of reaction time.

Background: Reaction time (RT) is the interval between a stimulus and an appropriate voluntary response in an individual. Alcohol is known to result in delayed RT. In Sri Lanka, an alleged drunken driver is legally subjected to a medico-legal examination to confirm or exclude impairment.

Comparative analysis of the pattern of intimate partner violence against women admitted to a tertiary hospital in Sri Lanka during and after the periods of COVID-19 lockdown.

Lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in restrictions on people's ability to move, allowing more time for intimate partners-this increased opportunities for intimate partner violence (IPV), especially against women. The study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of IPV against women during and after the lockdown period. A prospective, descriptive study on female victims of IPV presented from March 2020 to February 2022 to a leading teaching hospital in Sri Lanka.

A Study on Victims of Intimate Partner Violence Reported to Colombo North Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka During 2019-2021.

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common issue in any society and the reported cases are just the tip of an iceberg as most of the victims are reluctant to come to the criminal justice system. Forensic experts are often encountering the victims who chose to seek justice. Evaluation of the nature, consequences, and underlying factors are needed in planning preventive measures.

Medicolegal Aspects of Victims of Assault Admitted to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Sri Lanka.

Introduction: Violence with physical assault is a common cause of morbidity and mortality prevalent but not limited to underdeveloped countries. The opinion of the forensic expert is often indispensable in such cases to determine the penalties. This study was planned to describe the pattern of presentation of the victims and evaluate the strengths and limitations in formulating a scientific medicolegal opinion based on the findings of the victim.

Medico-Legal Opinion Based on Autopsy Findings of a Victim of an Explosion Involving Mass Fatality.

Introduction: Investigation into explosions is one of the major areas in forensic medicine and pathology. Medico legal issues associated with these deaths are diverse and forensic experts are often expected to make clarifications. Assistance of a methodical scientific investigation of such a death in evaluation of unanswered medico legal issues, of an autopsy of one of the victims of Easter Sunday explosions is discussed.

A Comparative Study of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Young and Old.

Introduction: Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is an important cause of sudden and unexpected deaths in the young people. It is assumed that thrombosis and plaque hemorrhage are commonly associated with sudden deaths from coronary atherosclerosis in the young. In this study, we compared the histological patterns of atherosclerosis in young and old populations to see whether an association exists between the histological pattern of atherosclerosis in the young and thrombosis or plaque hemorrhage.

Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalomyelitis in a man with viral myocarditis.

We report a case of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalomyelitis in a man with viral myocarditis. A 48-year-old previously healthy male was found dead in his locked apartment. At autopsy he was found to be malnourished, and his lungs showed gross evidence of bilateral pneumonia with abscess formation and bullous emphysema.

A Study on Unsafe Abortion Presented for Medicolegal Examination: Medicolegal Evidence and Limitations in Opinion.

Introduction: Unsafe abortion is a major health problem causing women's health at risk. It is the third leading cause of maternal mortality in Sri Lanka during the last decade. Strong evidence for administration of justice and thereby to improve the health care and policies regarding such victims is the expected aim of medicolegal examination.

A study into blood alcohol concentration in fatal accidents among vulnerable road users in a tertiary care hospital Sri Lanka.

Reckless driving behaviour associated with alcohol has been well known. In Sri Lanka, research on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in road fatalities is scares. Thus, we studied the BAC in vulnerable road users (VRUs) encountered in medico-legal autopsies.

Study on unnatural childhood deaths presented to North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka.

Introduction: Unnatural childhood deaths are not only associated with intense trauma and separation distress, but also relate to a sense of neglect to protect children from harm. Accurate information on causes and circumstances of such deaths through a process of medico-legal investigations is essential in creating an awareness among the policy makers and educators/caregivers, to prevent these tragic deaths.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the causes and the circumstances of unnatural deaths of children among the medico-legal autopsy population presented to North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka.

Sudden death related myocarditis: a study of 56 cases.

Fifty-six cases of sudden death from myocarditis were reviewed to characterize the range of histologic appearances of myocarditis. All autopsy cases of myocarditis over 13 years (1996-2008) in the Toronto Forensic Pathology Unit, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, were studied. In each case, historical documentation and histological slides were reviewed.

Electrical injury of the neck and cardiac air embolism: a novel mechanism of death.

We report a case of air embolism in an industrial worker complicating a deep electrical injury in the neck. He was found dead in an upright position while his chest and head were resting on top of a live transformer. At autopsy, there were multiple electrical burns involving the face, neck, chest, and arms.