Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Hyperhomocysteinemia has emerged as a potential independent risk factor for stroke, but its correlation in the local population of Jodhpur requires further study. Aim: To evaluate and compare serum homocysteine levels between patients with ischemic stroke and healthy controls, and to analyze the detailed clinical, radiological, and biochemical profile of stroke patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Vyas Medical College, Jodhpur involving 100 subjects. Group 1 (Control) comprised 50 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Group 2 (Case) comprised 50 patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke, confirmed by history, clinical examination, and neuroimaging (CT/MRI). Detailed clinical, biochemical, radiological, and electrocardiographic data were recorded. Fasting serum homocysteine levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age of cases was 59.5 ± 11.2 years, with a male predominance (70%). Hypertension (64%) was the most common risk factor, followed by diabetes mellitus (40%). The majority of patients (44%) had 2-3 risk factors. Limb weakness (94%) was the most common presenting symptom, and hemiplegia (76%) was the predominant sign. The mean serum homocysteine level in cases (18.45 ± 5.2 µmol/L) was significantly higher than in controls (10.25 ± 3.1 µmol/L) (p < 0.001). The highest homocysteine levels were observed in the 61-70 years age group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a strong correlation between elevated homocysteine levels and ischemic stroke. Hyperhomocysteinemia, along with traditional risk factors like hypertension, contributes significantly to stroke burden. Routine homocysteine screening is recommended for comprehensive stroke risk assessment.

Background: The incidence of osteosclerosis is lesser in black and yellow subjects in comparison to the whites across the globe. Surgical indications and preoperative diagnosis are dependent on the audiological assessment and clinical features. Aim: The present study was aimed to analyze the clinical features and audiological characteristics of subjects with osteosclerosis in India aimed to improve diagnosis and determine surgery to reduce incidence. Methods: The study assessed 160 ears in 96 subjects that underwent surgery for osteosclerosis at the Institute within the defined study period. All the subjects were assessed for various signs and symptoms of osteosclerosis and were recorded in a preformed proforma designed for the study. Results: The study results showed that in 89%, the symptom of tinnitus was positive. Schwarz sign was absent in all the study subjects, Willis paracusis, sign was seen in 2.5% study subjects, and negative Gellé test was seen in 99% study subjects. Also, in 31% of the study subjects, Carhart notch was not seen, whereas, 5% subjects had Carhart notch at 1 kHz and 64% subjects had Carhart notch at 2 kHz respectively. Conclusion: The study results showed that tinnitus is the main symptom associated with osteosclerosis. There were relatively rare signs of Schwarz sign and Willis Paracusis sign seen in osteosclerosis. The Gellé test is a reliable criteria and test to diagnose osteosclerosis. The presence of Carhart notch is not definitive for diagnosis of osteosclerosis and is not exclusively seen at 2 kHz.

Background: Lip prints and finger prints are vital parts in an individual to identify the individual concerning both criminal and civil cases owing to the uniqueness seen in their finger and lip prints. However, literature studies are scarce in this context.  Aim: The present study was aimed to assess and identify any existing corelation between finger and lip prints concerning the gender distribution. The study also assessed the distribution of various patterns of both lip and finger prints in Indian subjects. Methods: The study assessed 400 subjects in the age range of 18 to 25 years. For all the subjects, impressions were made using lip prints and ink stamp pad which was pasted on the cellophane tape and filter paper. Any relation between finger prints and lip prints was assessed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: For distribution of lip print pattern in study subjects, they were vertical in 34% (n=136) subjects followed by reticular and branched pattern in 17.5% (n=70) subjects, intersectional in 16.5% (n=66) subjects, and undetermined in 14.5% (n=58) study subjects respectively. Whorl arch and loop was seen in 25.8% (n=16), 12.9% (n=8), and 61.3% (n=38) subjects on left index finger and in 32.3% (n=20), 16.1% (n=10), and 51.6% (n=32) males on right index finger. In females, whorl, arch, and loop was seen in 23.1% (n=78), 21.3% (n=72), and 55.6% (n=188) females on right and 29% (n=98), 18.35 (n=62), and 52.7% (n=178) females on left index finger. Conclusion: The present study, within its limitations, concludes that forensic science is related with the dental evidence where their roles are to interpret, preserve, and collect the trace evidence and to relate to the judicial system as the report. Lip print type and pattern has potential promise as a supplementary help for identification of the gender. However, no association is seen between gender and fingerprints.