Browsing by Author "Surendra Kumar Pandey"

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A Critical Appraisal of Biomedical Waste Management in Uttar Pradesh
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2022) Praveen Kumar Tiwari; Surendra Kumar Pandey; Rohit Kushwaha; Sonam; Kapil Malviya; Markandeya; Sheo Prasad Shukla; Devendra Mohan
Bio-medical waste is the waste generated from hospitals, including infectious waste, and has a high potential for causing injury and infections to humans as well as to the environment. Effective bio-medical waste management is the requisite parameter for a healthy and unpolluted environment. It is a social and legal responsibility of the medical community and common people to participate in the proper hygienic waste disposal actively and lead the environment free from various infectious diseases. BMW is precarious in the constitution and is different from general municipal waste; hence, it requires a unique approach and handling to avoid environmental and human health risks. The government of India made a statutory requirement for appropriate handling and disposal of bio-medical waste with the publication of gazette notification in July 1998 and further making required changes in it. This article explains various components, techniques for remediation, and consequences of improper disposal of BMW and provisions of BMW management in India. It also gives a brief overview of bio-medical waste management of hospitals in Uttar Pradesh. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Advancements in estimating post-mortem interval in medico-legal practice: A comprehensive review
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Jyotsana Singh; Ambrish Kumar; Shruti Trivedi; Surendra Kumar Pandey
Estimating the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations, aiding in the resolution of criminal cases, identifying missing persons, and understanding decomposition processes. This review provides an exhaustive analysis of recent advancements in PMI estimation techniques, encompassing both traditional and emerging methodologies. Included in the study is an exhaustive examination of well-established methodologies, including algor mortis, livor mortis, and rigor mortis, as well as their shortcomings and improvements. It also delves into innovative approaches, including forensic entomology, chemical and molecular biology, microbiology, artificial intelligence, etc. Furthermore, this article discusses the integration of multiple disciplines and the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance PMI accuracy and reliability. By synthesizing the latest research findings and technological innovations, this review aims to provide forensic practitioners, law enforcement agencies, and medico-legal professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the current state-of-the-art in PMI estimation, facilitating more effective crime scene investigations and judicial proceedings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
An epidemiological retrospective study of autopsied dry thermal burn
(Shaheed-e-Azam Press, 2014) Surendra Kumar Pandey; Awdhesh Kumar; Mayank Gupta
The present retrospective study has been conducted for the period of 5years i.e. 2009 to 2013 based on autopsy of the unnatural death cases resulting from burn. During study period out of total 10215 unnatural Death cases death due to burn injuries was 1911. These cases brought to the Department of Forensic Medicine, IMS, BHU, Varanasi. Thermal burn injuries were averaging 18.65%. Female burn deaths dominated over male in the ratio of 3.52:1. Predominant age group found to be 21-30 years (48.72%) followed by age group 11-20 (23.11%). Most of the deceased were from the married group (63%) followed by unmarried (15%). Manner of burn death was unknown in most of the cases (96.86%) followed by accidental burn deaths (2.98%) suicidal (0.1%) and homicidal (.05%). Involvement of rural population is more 92.78% than urban population (6.49%). Religion wise Hindu (96.70%) predominated over other religions.
Autopsy-based all-cause unnatural mortality during pre-pandemic and pandemic of COVID-19 in Varanasi, India: a retrospective analysis
(Springer, 2024) Jyotsana Singh; Ambrish Kumar; Surendra Kumar Pandey
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant disruptions in healthcare systems worldwide, with Varanasi, India, experiencing profound challenges in managing mortality rates. In order to inform public health initiatives, it is important to comprehend how the pandemic has affected all-cause unnatural death in comparison to pre-pandemic patterns. This retrospective study intended to investigate patterns of all-cause unnatural mortality employing autopsy records of cases from Varanasi's Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University during the pre-pandemic and pandemic period (First and Second wave) of COVID-19. The analysis included 2694 cases of unnatural mortality, such as road traffic accident (RTA), poisoning, hanging and other causes. Demographic, clinical, and circumstantial data were collected and compared between the two time periods, that revealed significant as well as non-significant shifts in all-cause unnatural mortality rates. Whilst certain types of unnatural deaths, such as RTAs, witnessed a non-significant 2.03% (p = 0.34722) decrease, others like hanging exhibited an unexpected significant 3.17% (p = 0.01732) rise, burning and poisoning witnessed a significant 4.18% (p = 0.00026) and 2.37% (p = 0.0271) decline respectively. RTA was the leading cause of mortality both during and before pandemic. Male deaths (79.18%) outweighed female deaths (20.82%) by a more substantial amount throughout research periods. Additionally, variations in demographic characteristics, circumstances surrounding deaths, and healthcare utilization were observed during the pandemic period. The majority of unnatural fatalities occur in the age group of 21–30 years old in both pre-pandemic (22.62%) and pandemic conditions (26.65%). This study provides important insights into the secondary effects of the pandemic on unnatural mortality and emphasizes the need for individualized public health. Furthermore, research is warranted to explore the long-term implications and address the associated challenges for healthcare systems and public health initiatives. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024.
Dental Age Estimation using Demirjian's Methods: A Comparative study
(Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd, 2022) Ramkrishna Mishra; Vinay Kumar Srivastava; Surendra Kumar Pandey; P. G. Naveen Kumar
Introduction: Context: There are various methods have been developed for dental age estimation, of these; Demirjian's seven tooth method is most tested and accepted method worldwide. It is based on the tooth development rather than tooth eruption, because developmental process is strictly controlled by genes and less influenced by dietary insufficiency, endocrinal disturbances and environmental insults. Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the applicability of two Demirjian's methods in a sample of the Varanasi region. Setting and Design: This is a cross sectional prospective study. Methods and Material: The evaluation of digital panoramic images of a total 432 children and adolescents (237 boys and 195 girls) of age rang 3-16 years from population of the Varanasi region. Seven left mandibular teeth excluding third molar were rated and scored to obtain dental age using Dem73 and Dem76 methods. Statistical analysis used: Paired t-test was applied to determine the significant difference between estimated dental age and chronological age and correlation was established using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: The Dem73 method overestimated the dental age in boys by 0.23 (±0.80) years and by 0.12 (±0.85) years in the overall sample. In the girls' sample, there was no discernible difference in mean age. In boys, girls, and the total sample, Dem76 method overestimated dental age by 0.85 (±1.14), 0.45 (±1.00), and 0.67 (±1.10) years, respectively. Pearson's correlation revealed high coefficient value between dental and chronological ages. Conclusions: Dem73 method is more applicable than Dem76 method for age estimation among children and adolescents in the Varanasi region. © 2022,Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. All Rights Reserved.
Disturbance Mediated Changes in Litter Turnover and Nutrient Use Efficiency Facilitate Vegetation Shifts in Tropical Dry Ecosystems: Insights From a 10-Year Vegetation Management Study
(John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2025) R. K. Chaturvedi; Surendra Kumar Pandey; Anshuman K. Tripathi; Laxmi Goparaju; Arun Jyoti NATH; Akhilesh Singh Raghubanshi; Sharda Rani Gupta; Jamuna Sharan Singh
Tropical dry forests and savannas are critical yet understudied ecosystems that regulate global biogeochemical cycles and support biodiversity. However, their functioning is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic disturbances and climate change. Here, we present a decade-long study (2005–2014) examining litterfall dynamics and nutrient cycling across protection gradients (permanently protected [PP], moderately protected [MP], and unprotected [UP] stands) in India's Vindhyan plateau, where forests are transitioning to savannas due to land-use change. Using field measurements, satellite data, and ecological modeling, we quantified how protection status mediates ecosystem processes in these contrasting biomes. We found that protection status overrides biome differences in driving ecosystem function. PP stands maintained 35%–50% higher annual litterfall (6.4 vs. 3.2 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and double the nutrient return rates (2.54 vs. 1.19 Mg ha−1 yr−1) compared to UP stands, facilitated by microclimatic buffering (3°C–5°C cooler soils, 15%–20% higher humidity) and reduced disturbance. Forests exhibited “elastic resilience,” resisting degradation until abrupt collapse under high disturbance, whereas savannas showed “graded resilience,” declining linearly with disturbance intensity. Alarmingly, MP stands displayed limited recovery, suggesting passive protection alone is insufficient for restoration. Disturbances disrupted nutrient cycling, with UP areas showing 20%–25% higher nutrient use efficiency (NUE)—a short-term survival strategy that reduces long-term nutrient availability. Savanna UP sites are projected to lose 30%–40% of litterfall capacity by 2035, risking irreversible degradation. Landsat data revealed a 6.3% decline in forest cover (2002–2014), exacerbating fire-prone feedback loops. Our findings underscore that protection is paramount for maintaining tropical dry ecosystem functions. Forests require fire suppression, while savannas need grazing management. We advocate for landscape-scale conservation integrating protected cores with buffered use zones. This study provides a framework for managing biome-specific resilience in the face of global change, emphasizing urgent, targeted interventions to avert ecosystem collapse. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Efavirenz-Induced Hepatic Changes in the Fetus of Swiss Albino Mice
(Springer, 2024) Anand Mishra; Akansha Sharma; Archna Yadav; V. Harsha; Amit Kumar Nayak; Kapil Kumar Malviya; Prasenjit Bose; Umesh Choudhary; Surendra Kumar Pandey
Efavirenz (EFV) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor that binds to reverse transcriptase enzyme resulting in its allosteric inhibition. It is a constituent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) used for preventing maternal-to-child transmission of the HIV virus. Efavirenz has been classified as a class D drug which means that there have been reports of reproductive toxicity induced by it and should be used only when potential benefits outweigh the risk. Pregnant Swiss albino mice were divided into the following groups: control group (C): mice treated with distilled water (6 mice) and treated group (T): mice treated with EFV (50 mg/kg) (6 mice). All the mice were given the drug and distilled water from gestation days 6–15 by oral route. On the 18th day of gestation, each group’s mice blood was collected from retro-orbital sinus for biochemical assay, and then, they were killed by cervical dislocation. Laparotomy was done to resect out the fetuses which were weighed, and then fixed in 10% formalin. Their liver was processed for histological study under H&E and PAS stain. The microscopic study of the liver showed the reduced density of hepatoblasts and progenitor cells, deficient sinusoid formation and destruction of the central vein in the treated group as compared to the control. A significant reduction in the weight of the fetal liver was observed. The values of SGOT, SGPT and serum bilirubin were found to increase in the treated group, whereas the values of serum albumin and total protein were found to decrease. Efavirenz is a hepatotoxic drug that should be judiciously used in pregnancy. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The National Academy of Sciences, India 2024.
Estimation of Stature from Foot Length in Eastern Uttar Pradesh: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
(Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2025) Vinay Kumar Mishra; Deepan Roy; Surendra Kumar Pandey
Introduction: Stature estimation significantly contributes to forensic anthropology, particularly when complete skeletal remains are unavailable. Foot length, frequently preserved even in fragmented remains, has emerged as a dependable anthropometric measure for stature prediction, yet specific data for the Eastern Uttar Pradesh population in India are limited. This prospective observational study, conducted from April 2023 to September 2024 in Varanasi, aimed to assess the correlation between foot length and height and to establish regression models for accurate stature estimation. A total of 500 healthy adult volunteers (250 males, 250 females), aged between 25 to 55 years, participated, providing measurements of stature using an anthropometric rod and bilateral foot lengths via spreading calipers. Analysis using SPSS version 25.0 indicated a mean stature of 160.99 ± 9.81 cm, with males significantly taller (168.06 ± 7.21 cm) compared to females (153.92 ± 6.37 cm, p < 0.0001). Mean foot lengths were 24.21 ± 1.70 cm (right) and 24.25 ± 1.70 cm (left), both strongly correlated with stature (right foot r = 0.85, left foot r = 0.86, p < 0.0001). Derived linear regression equations demonstrated stature predictions: 4.9408 × right foot length + 41.388, and 4.9818 × left foot length + 40.239. Multivariate regression models incorporating variables such as age, gender, religion, and education further enhanced predictive accuracy (R = 0.898–0.899). A slightly stronger correlation with the left foot suggests minimal bilateral asymmetry. Observed sexual dimorphism, with males having greater stature and longer feet, aligns with global indings. Females exhibited lower correlations (r = 0.63–0.66), re lecting greater anthropometric variability potentially in luenced by hormonal and morphological differences. Age-related stature decline beyond 40 years and the positive link between stature and educational status highlight physiological and socioeconomic in luences. Despite limitations, including convenience sampling and exclusion of younger populations, this study underscores the importance of population-specific anthropometric equations in forensic identification. © 2025, Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.
Greulich and Pyle atlas: a non-reliable skeletal maturity assessment method in the North Indian population
(Springer, 2024) Praveen Kumar Tiwari; Amit Kumar Nayak; Ashish Verma; Surendra Kumar Pandey; Anand Mishra; Deepa Devadas; Ashish Yadav; Mayank Gupta
Forensic age assessments are crucial in the evaluation of criminal responsibility and preventing false age claims. Of all the methods available, the Greulich and Pyle (GP) atlas is most commonly used for age estimation purposes. Therefore, the current study sought to analyze the reliability and applicability of the GP standard and, additionally, to determine any possible association between the socioeconomic status (SES), food habits, and estimated skeletal maturity in the North Indian population. The study included 627 (334 males and 293 females) healthy children up to 19 years of age with varying SES and food habits. The skeletal age (SA) was estimated by three different evaluators using the GP atlas. The chronological mean age (CA) and SA were compared in different age cohorts. A paired t-test and a Pearson chi-square test were applied to show the difference between CA and estimated SA and the association of skeletal maturity with SES and food habits. The estimated skeletal age in males was retarded by 0.142 years or 1.72 months (p ≤ 0.05), whereas in females, it was retarded by 0.259 years or 3.12 months (p ≤ 0.05). In males, the GP method has significantly underestimated SA in age cohorts 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 7–8, 8–9, and 12–13, whereas it overestimated in 10–11 and 18–19 years. However, in females, the SA was significantly underestimated in age groups 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15, respectively. Estimated skeletal maturity had no significant association with SES and food habits. The current study concludes that the GP atlas may not be applicable to North India’s population. The observed difference in assessed skeletal maturity may be due to geographical region, genetics, hormonal effects, etc., which require further investigation. Hence, population-specific standards are necessary to determine the bone age of Indian children accurately. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2023.
Impact of Winter Season and Other Contributory Variables on Estimation of Time Since Death using Livor and Rigor Mortis in Varanasi Region
(Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd, 2023) Jyotsana Singh; Ambrish Kumar; Ramkrishna Mishra; Surendra Kumar Pandey
Background: A significant question in forensic casework is the estimation of time since death (TSD) in the early post-mortem phase. Muscles undergo a condition of rigor mortis following death, accompanied by post-mortem consumption of adenosine triphosphate. Lividity is a dark purple coloration of the skin induced by blood accumulating in the affected area. Environmental factors play a crucial part in the determination of TSD using different parameters through various methods. Aims: The purpose of this study is assessment of TSD and effect of contributory variables on existence of rigor mortis and fixation of lividity in cadavers kept at room temperature during winter season in Varanasi region. Settings and Design: This is a prospective and observational study. Material and Methods: 102 cadavers escorted for medicolegal autopsy at the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi for the duration of consecutive two years in winter season from December 2019 - February 2020 and November 2020 - February 2021. Result: All the cases were studied for rigor mortis and found an average post-mortem interval of 18.67 ± 9.43 hrs. Post-mortem lividity was found to be not fixed in 21 (20.59%) cases before 10 hrs, while 76 (74.51%) cases of lividity had already been fixed after 10 hrs and 5 (4.9%) cases of lividity were found to be not observable. Conclusion: Livor and rigor mortis have minimal predictive potential due to the effect of different contributory variables on the development of rigor and fixation of lividity. © Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd.
Medicolegal cases: A potential source of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Indian police personnel
(Institute of Medico-Legal Publications, 2021) Mayank Gupta; Amit Kumar Nayak; Praveen Kumar Tiwari; Taneesha Gupta; Surendra Kumar Pandey
India accompanies the world witnessing a rapidly spreading global pandemic of Covid-19. On 24 March, the Government of India ordered a nationwide lockdown that triggered the mass migration of daily wages workers back to their native states. Without prior testing for SARS-CoV-2, it imposed a new challenge towards the authorities to prevent the possible spread of infection. The study aims to determine the infection status of migrants who died in the jurisdiction of Varanasi district during their journey and the possible risk of spread of Covid-19 to frontline workers. The study was conducted between 24 March 2020 and 10 July 2020. A total of 6 cases came to our department who died during travel. The nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were taken after the body arrived in the mortuary and sent for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR method to the Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Department of Microbiology of our Institute. A total of six cases were included in this study, of which 3 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 while others were negative. None of them had symptoms of Covid-19 infection, such as respiratory difficulties, sore throat or fever. The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were limited in scope to hospital deaths and lacked guidelines to be followed by police personnel while investigating unnatural deaths. This brings the police personnel at risk of contracting Covid-19 infection as the cases are getting tested after the arrival at mortuary. The only way of protection is prevention, which mandates laying down the guidelines at the earliest. © 2021, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.
Original research paper comparative study of hepatic injury and its different aspects in Medicolegal Autopsies
(2011) Prabir Chakraborty; Somnath Das; Surendra Kumar Pandey
Liver being an important and highly vascular organ, hepatic injury causes huge blood loss from the body for which the condition of victims becomes grave. So it is important to know which type if force or trauma causes which type of injury and also its extent to the liver. This paper deals with different types of injuries to the liver following trauma of different origin. In case of unnatural death resulting from trauma there are many authors who worked with injuries over different part of the body but a few of them has highlighted over hepatic injuries. That is why we liked to give our attention over hepatic injury. In present study we have dealt with 100 dead bodies with mechanical injuries in Calcutta Police Morgue under Medical College Calcutta during June 2008 to December 2009. This paper can also assist the care givers of the victim with the knowledge of the golden hour of management and also to find out the site of primary injury over liver.
Prolidase activity and oxidative stress in patients with glioma
(Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018) Akhilesh Kumar Verma; Kulwant Singh; Surendra Kumar Pandey; Ragini Srivastava
Introduction: Glioma is a glial cell tumour. Altered inflammatory responses and oxidative stress can be associated with induction of angiogenesis and uncontrolled growth of cells. Prolidase is a metalloenzyme also associated with angiogenesis and cancer. However, studies on prolidase and oxidative stress in glioma patients are limited. Aim: To observe the prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers, such as Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) And Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), in patients with glioma. Materials and Methods: Total 46 patients with glioma, 20 cadaver and 46 healthy volunteers of age and gender matched were selected as Cases, Control-1 and Control-2, respectively. Blood and brain tissues of respective area of cases and Control-1 were collected, while only blood was collected from Control-2. After brain tissue homogenisation and sera separation, prolidase activity and oxidative stress parameters were assessed spectrophotometrically. Results: Prolidase activity and oxidative stress was found to be significantly elevated in the glioma tissues as well as sera of the patients with glioma as compared to healthy and cadaver controls (all p<0.01). Total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were also significantly elevated in glioma tissues and sera of patients with glioma, while total antioxidant status was significantly decreased (all p<0.01). Conclusion: The present study showed that prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers such as TOS and OSI were significantly elevated in the patients with glioma, while level of TAS was decreased. Thus, it seems that elevated prolidase activity and oxidative stress markers might be associated with the pathogenesis of glioma. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
Unravelling the Secrets of Age Estimation: A Look at the Science Behind the Bone Analysis
(Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd, 2025) R. Mourya; Ramkrishna Mishra; Surendra Kumar Pandey; Devashish Verma
Determining the age of unidentified human skeletal remains is one of the objectives of forensic identification. Age is estimated using the articular surface of the ilium, pubic symphysis, acetabulum, clavicle, skull, and sternum. In November 2020, the body of an unknown 35-year-old man was found in a black plastic bag and transported to the Varanasi postmortem house for examination. Age can be inferred from changes in bone morphology as people age. The age had been estimated by the police. Bone morphology is the most accurate indicator of age, especially in a medicolegal setting. The deceased’s age is determined to be between 40 and 45 years old after a postmortem. For this middle age group estimation of age, most reliable morphological changes occur in acetabulum, pubic symphysis and the 4th rib. © (2025), (Red Flower Publication Pvt. Ltd). All rights reserved.