Papers by Praveen K Pradhan
Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology, 2025
The emergence of novel psychoactive drugs has greatly complicated the identification and interpre... more The emergence of novel psychoactive drugs has greatly complicated the identification and interpretation of these drugs in the clinical toxicology and forensic medicine arenas. In essence, these are chemically modified forms of controlled drugs that are already under control and are to avoid legislation and as such, cause unpredictable pharmacological and toxicological effects. It is crucial to determine and accurately identify the New Psychoactive Substances and interpret them through creative diagnostic and medico-legally reliable techniques. Multi-matrix detection and structure elucidation with the help of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatographymass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance were applied in the present study, along with an integrative toxicological approach. The following validation parameters have been covered among others; linearity, sensitivity, precision, and recovery, and biochemical tests of liver and muscle enzymes, as biomarkers of toxicity. The findings showed that LC-MS/MS had greater analytical sensitivity, recovery, and repeatability compared to GC-MS, thus it was to be used in complicated biological samples. The level of NPS was high in urine samples which indicates the usefulness of this route not only in excretion but also in detection. The presence of high aminotransferases, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase showed liver and muscle damage in case of consumption of NPS. Implementation of the suggested analytical-biochemical system has broadened the prospects of identification, clinical behavior, and prosecution of NPS data. In that regard, the authors propose methodological standardization, inter-laboratory harmonization, and international toxicovigilance as the measures needed to enhance the monitoring capacity of NPS in order to provide global safety of population health and reinforce the scientific credibility of forensic toxicology.
JOURNAL OF ODISHA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, 2025
Context vital forensic clues can be found in decomposed remains, but their determination is made ... more Context vital forensic clues can be found in decomposed remains, but their determination is made all the more difficult by the effects of decomposition essentially making it the bad guy in any autopsy of decomposed bodies.
Accurate forensics has suffered, in part, because the means of doing it have always been underfunded and the ways of determining clues, inadequately studied. Yet here is an effort to change that.
For this study, 43 cases of decomposition that had undergone autopsy at
GMCH Sundargarh between June 2022 and May 2024 were analysed. The
identified stages of decomposition in our cases were early, moderate, and
advanced; we then gathered demographic data and other information from
autopsy of each case. We statistically assessed this information, along with findings from the autopsies, to reach some conclusions about our cases. In this study of 43 cases, 74.4% of the individuals were aged 18 60 years, and 79.1% were male. The breakdown of decomposition occurrences revealed that the majority were found in summer (69.8%). Determining the cause of death proved elusive, with 30.2% of cases being undetermined. The next most frequent ascertainable cause was asphyxia, which was listed for 20.9% of the cases; roughly the same number died from non-penetrating, cranio-cerebral injuries. Overall, the most cases of decomposition had been severely invaded by insects and wild animals (79.1%).
This study emphasizes the intricacies associated with determining the cause of death in remains that have undergone decomposition. It underscores the necessity of employing advanced analytic techniques and an interdisciplinary approach to bolster the effectiveness of death investigations when the body has decayed.
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2022
Introduction:: When a doctor takes up a patient, his medico legal duty is automatically assigned.... more Introduction:: When a doctor takes up a patient, his medico legal duty is automatically assigned. It is imperative to quantify interns' level of awareness on this topic to find areas of improvement, to gauge what concepts in terms of proper documentation needs more focus in the development of that skill. Methods: A self-designed questionnaire with the use of Likert scale (a psychometric scale) and some open-ended questions assessing knowledge, attitude and current practices of interns about medico legal documentation was prepared. After its validation, the 188 consenting interns were given the pre training questionnaire to answer so that the lacunae of the existing practices could be identified. One day training on medico legal documentation was provided to them and after a month, they asked to answer the post training questionnaire. Result: On comparison of the mean scores of knowledge, attitude and practices before and after the training, we get the p value < 0.001 which is of significance. In the study t-value was high, which meant that the net difference between the pre and post test scores for each intern is large and is an evidence that the training was effective. Discussion: The study concluded that the training conducted showed the overall improvement in the knowledge and practices of the interns towards medico legal documentation. From our study, it was evident that an uniform or standardized documentation system is needed in our institution, which is to be achieved through the proper training of medical students.
Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 2025
Delving into the dark realms of sexual violence, this study navigates the intricate web of sociop... more Delving into the dark realms of sexual violence, this study navigates the intricate web of sociopsychological factors that propel individuals to commit heinous acts. Focused on alleged perpetrators, the research spans two years, dissecting 302 cases of alleged perpetrators. Key findings expose a disconcerting surge in sex offenses, urging a deeper understanding and targeted prevention. Revelations include offenders predominantly aged 21-30 and victims falling within the vulnerable 11-20 age group. Unearthing motives such as invalid consensual intercourse and forcible rape, this study underscores the urgent need for preventative measures. This study's design involves a meticulous examination of alleged perpetrators, extending beyond conventional boundaries to encompass familial and psychological dimensions. Findings emphasize the intricate dance between offenders and victims, often within known circles. In a bid to curb the rising tide, this study proposes a multifaceted approach, advocating for formal psychoanalysis of accused individuals and addressing root causes. Recognizing the pivotal role of education, employment and awareness, the research calls for societal introspection and proactive measures to reshape attitudes towards female sexuality. This study serves as a clarion call, urging stakeholders to unite in the fight against sexual violence. It illuminates the path toward a safer, more informed society, where shadows are dispelled, and the cycle of aggression is broken.
Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 2024
Background: Sudden natural death represents a critical area of medical and forensic investigation... more Background: Sudden natural death represents a critical area of medical and forensic investigation, encompassing instances where death occurs suddenly without preceding symptoms. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, sudden natural deaths continue to pose significant challenges, particularly in understanding their underlying causes and associated risk factors. The study aimed to determine the causes of sudden natural death and assess the epidemiological and sociodemographic parameters linked to it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from various sources including inquest reports, autopsy records, and histopathological examinations. Results: Among the 250 cases (35.87%) identified as sudden deaths, with males constituting 86% of the cases compared to females at 14%. The demographic distribution showed a predominance of Hindus (60%), followed by Muslims (30%) and Christians (10%). Geographically, approximately two-thirds of cases originated from rural areas. Cardiovascular disease emerged as the leading cause (40%), with myocardial infarction being the most prevalent subtype. Other significant causes included cerebrovascular accidents, pulmonary embolism, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system causes. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the demographics, place of occurrence, and causes of sudden natural deaths. Understanding these factors is crucial for implementing effective preventive strategies and improving access to timely medical care, particularly in rural and residential settings. Recommendations: Based on the findings, recommendations include the implementation of targeted preventive measures to address modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, enhancing access to healthcare facilities in rural areas, and promoting awareness about the signs and symptoms of sudden natural death among the general population.
Journal of Cardiovascular Disease Research, 2024
Background: Determining adult height from clavicle length is an interdisciplinary endeavor inters... more Background: Determining adult height from clavicle length is an interdisciplinary endeavor intersecting forensic anthropology, medicine, and bioarchaeology. This method is pivotal in forensic investigations and anthropological research, offering insights into individuals' biological characteristics across various populations. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over three years at SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha, involving 100 healthy adult volunteers. Clavicle length and stature were measured, and demographic data including age, sex, and ethnicity were recorded. Statistical analyses, including correlation and multiple regression, were performed to explore the relationship between clavicle length and stature while adjusting for potential confounders. Results: The study found a significant positive correlation between clavicle length and stature (r = 0.62), with males exhibiting a slightly stronger correlation than females. Multiple regression analysis revealed clavicle length as a significant predictor of stature (β = 0.61, p < 0.001), with sex also contributing significantly to the model (β = 0.24, p = 0.003). Ethnicity and age did not significantly affect the relationship between clavicle length and stature within the sample. Conclusion: Clavicle length serves as a reliable indicator for estimating adult height, with implications for forensic identification and anthropological research. The study underscores the importance of population-specific equations for improving accuracy in height estimations. Recommendation: Further research should explore additional factors influencing the relationship between clavicle length and stature, such as nutritional status and geographical variations. Population-specific studies are warranted to enhance the applicability of claviclebased stature estimation methods.
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Papers by Praveen K Pradhan
Accurate forensics has suffered, in part, because the means of doing it have always been underfunded and the ways of determining clues, inadequately studied. Yet here is an effort to change that.
For this study, 43 cases of decomposition that had undergone autopsy at
GMCH Sundargarh between June 2022 and May 2024 were analysed. The
identified stages of decomposition in our cases were early, moderate, and
advanced; we then gathered demographic data and other information from
autopsy of each case. We statistically assessed this information, along with findings from the autopsies, to reach some conclusions about our cases. In this study of 43 cases, 74.4% of the individuals were aged 18 60 years, and 79.1% were male. The breakdown of decomposition occurrences revealed that the majority were found in summer (69.8%). Determining the cause of death proved elusive, with 30.2% of cases being undetermined. The next most frequent ascertainable cause was asphyxia, which was listed for 20.9% of the cases; roughly the same number died from non-penetrating, cranio-cerebral injuries. Overall, the most cases of decomposition had been severely invaded by insects and wild animals (79.1%).
This study emphasizes the intricacies associated with determining the cause of death in remains that have undergone decomposition. It underscores the necessity of employing advanced analytic techniques and an interdisciplinary approach to bolster the effectiveness of death investigations when the body has decayed.