Browsing by Author "Singh, PK"
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Publication Determination of Sex from the Foramen Magnum using 3DCT: A Nepalese Study(Kathmandu University, 2017) Singh, PK; Tamrakar, D; Karki, S; Menezes, RGABSTRACT Background Identification is of utmost importance in any medicolegal investigation with sex determination being one of the principle indicators of identity. Sexing of bones becomes easy when the skeletal remains are complete. However, the problem arises when the bones are fragmented. Many researchers have undertaken several studies in different populations to determine the sex with reasonable accuracy using numerous measurements of the skull including those of the foramen magnum. Objective The present study was aimed to find the sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum in the Nepalese population by analyzing the antero-posterior length, transverse diameter and area of the foramen magnum. Method The antero-posterior length and transverse diameter of the foramen magnum were measured using three-dimensional computed tomography (3DCT) images of the head in a cohort of 100 Nepalese subjects. Radinsky’s and Teixeria’s formulae were used to calculate the area of the foramen magnum. Discriminate function analysis was used to analyze sex differences. Result Mean values of antero-posterior length and transverse diameter of the foramen magnum in males were higher than in females. The mean of the area calculated using Radinsky’s formula was smaller than that calculated by Teixeira’s formula and the areas calculated were higher in males. The measurements of the foramen magnum and the areas calculated showed significant difference (p<0.001) between males and females. Discriminate function analysis for the measurements of the foramen magnum and the areas calculated showed high predictability for both the sexes. Discriminate function analysis showed a maximum predictability of 75%. Conclusion Considering the percent of predictability of sex from the various variables related to the foramen magnum in the Nepalese population, it can be concluded that its restricted applicability in forensic investigations should be constrained to cases of fragmentary skull bases. KEY WORDS Foramen magnum, forensic anthropology, identification, sex determination, sexual dimorphismPublication Predictability of Sex from Frontal Sinus in Nepalese Population(Kathmandu University, 2021) Singh, PK; Paudel, RC; Menezes, RGABSTRACT Background Various methods had been used for personal identification. Scientific basis of identification was initiated and progressed after 19th century which may be attributed to various scientists. With the invention of X-ray the field of identification further progressed. Modern radiological diagnostic equipments have greatly assisted in the field of forensic. Frontal sinuses are paired lobulated air cavities located posterior to superciliary arches in the frontal bone. Computed Tomography is best used to study frontal sinuses. Objective To evaluate bilateral Frontal sinus for sexual dimorphism using Computed Tomography. Method Anterior posterior length, transverse width and height of the bilateral Frontal sinus were directly measured on CT DICOM image, using Electronic Caliper in DICOM viewer software. A total 100 CT scans, 50 of each sex were collected was analysed using SPSS-20 in present study. Result The mean age distribution for male is 34.74±8.66, and for females 35.34±8.88. The mean of all the measurements take was larger in males in comparison to females with p < 0.00. The paired t test showed left side is larger than right. The discriminant function showed high significance for each measurement and also when all the measurements were combined. Conclusion Though the study being unique for Nepalese population, caution should be taken when frontal sinus is used as the only parameter. However in combination with other morphometric data is advised. KEY WORDS Computed tomography, Frontal sinus, Identification, Lobulated air cavities, Sexual dimorphism, Superciliary archesPublication Self-Perception of Halitosis among Undergraduate Students of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences - A Questionnaire Based Study(Kathmandu University, 2018) Humagain, M; Dixit, S; Bhandari, B; Khanal, S; Singh, PKABSTRACT Background Halitosis is a frequently reported oral health problem worldwide with a prevalence rate of 10-30% in the general population. It is defined as the disagreeable or foul smelling breath originating consistently from a person’s oral cavity. It not only effects the normal daily life activities of the patient but also bring humiliation, reduced self- esteem, ultimately resulting into decreased quality of life. Objective To determine the self-perception of halitosis among undergraduate students of different medical branches of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS); Kavre, Nepal. Method A descriptive cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted among undergraduate students of Physiotherapy, B.Sc Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (BNS), MBBS and BDS program of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel. A self-administered questionnaire was developed and were distributed among 500 undergraduate students. Result Out of total 500 distributed questionnaires, 406 were completely filled and returned giving an overall response of 81.2%, in which 70 (89.7%) male and 280 (85.4%) female students from different medical branches were aware of the term halitosis. Among them 29 (7.14%) of students think that they suffer from halitosis. Similarly 178 (43.84%) students had severe impact of halitosis on their social life while 153 (37.68%) and 62 (15.27%) students had moderate and mild impact respectively. Conclusion Due to the multifactorial complexity of halitosis, further longitudinal studies including objective assessment of malodor are required to determine its prevalence and to further investigate the association of this problem with other etiological factors in the context of Nepal. Also, curriculum of different fields should be modified to include this simple but very necessary topic. KEY WORDS Halitosis, Multifactorial complexity, Self-perceptionPublication Sex Determination From the Bicondylar Width of the Femur: A Nepalese Study Using Digital X-ray Images(Kathmandu University, 2016) Singh, PK; Karki, RK; Palikhe, AK; Menezes, RGABSTRACT Background One of the important components of forensic identification is sex determination. The prediction of sex becomes easy with a complete skeleton. The problem arises with mutilated and incomplete skeletal remains. The skull and pelvis are preferred for sex prediction, but not uncommonly, long bones are brought for forensic examination. The femur out stands as the most dimorphic long bone. The literature on sex determination from the femur in different population groups is in abundance. The forensic anthropology literature suggests that longitudinal dimensions are often less discriminating than the breadth and circumference of long bones. Many researchers have suggested that the bicondylar width of the femur is the most dimorphic dimension. Objective To evaluate the sexing potential of the bicondylar width of the femur in the Nepalese population using digital X-ray images. Method A sample of 200 digital X-ray images of the knee belonging to 100 males and 100 females was used to measure the bicondylar width of the right femur. These digital X-ray images were those of Nepalese patients who visited the Department of Radiology at the affiliate hospital of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Nepal for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Result The resent study reveals a statistically significant difference for the bicondylar width of the femur between males and females. A regression equation was derived with sectioning point 77.84. Using the regression equation the prediction of sex was 68% with an overlapping of 32%. Having a low prediction in comparison to other studies in different populations, 95% confidence interval for the mean was used to get a range of measurements of the bicondylar width for males and females. The range stated in the present study is 79.47 mm to 82.20 mm for males and 73.75 mm to 75.93 mm for females. Conclusion The bicondylar width of the femur cannot be individually recommended for sex determination in the Nepalese population, but could be considered if analyzed along with the other morphometric traits for sex determination. KEY WORDS Bicondylar width, dimorphism, femur, forensic anthropology, identification, sex determination