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To determine the mean age of fusion of medial end of clavicle by radiography.Cross-sectional study.Departments of Forensic Medicine, Dow Medical College and Ziauddin University, Karachi, from June 2010 to May 2011.The subjects for this study were selected from various government colleges of Karachi. The subjects were analyzed for age and further confirmation was done by interviews where birth records and other physical parameters of age were also assessed. X-rays chest PA view was taken focusing on the medial end of clavicle; and were examined by a consultant radiologist and complete fusion of the medial end was noted. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.The mean age of fusion of medial end of the clavicle was found to be 21 ±1.43 years. Significant difference was observed in male to female age of fusion 21.14 ±1.41 years versus 20.65 ±1.94 years (p0.05). Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between lower to middle income class and higher income class of all society. No difference was observed among various ethnic groups.Socio-economic factors, such as diet and nutrition, directly affect bone growth and hence bones' age. The results of fusion of the medial end of the clavicle are not affected by ethnicity; however, it is significantly affected by gender. More studies should be conducted in various parts of the country to make a natural standard in setting up uniform criteria for assessing age at or above 21 years.

To determine the relationship between cannabis abuse and its impact on the short-term outcome and severity of illness.Case control study.This study was conducted at P.G.M.I. Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from January to October 2004.ICD-10 criteria were used for diagnosis of schizophrenia. Severity and type of schizophrenic symptoms were assessed with the help of PANSS. Cases were identified as having problem with cannabis use with the help of section 12 of Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) W.H.O. 1994. Amount, duration and frequency of cannabis use was also noted.Patients with cannabis use were younger had shorter duration of illness and earlier age at onset of illness. They exhibited more positive symptoms. A total of 20% cases met ICD-10 criteria of harmful use of cannabinoid, 76% met ICD-10 criteria of cannabinoid dependence syndrome.Schizophrenic patients with comorbid cannabis abuse exhibited more positive symptoms and violent behavior, and may be more likely to lead to dependence in persons with schizophrenia. This has implication for service development to meet the perceived needs of this group.

The aim of the study was to know the extent of violent deaths among females in Peshawar, the most vulnerable age group, weapons of infliction and the mode of death.Non interventional (descriptive) type study.This study was conducted from 1st January, 2001 to 31st December, 2001 in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar.Out of 679 deaths, presented for autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar 89 were females. These were grouped according to age, mode of death and weapons of infliction.Females formed 13% of all the autopsies done in Peshawar. The age group most commonly involved was 21-40 years (50.56%). Firearms were the predominant weapons of infliction (70.78%) and the intent was mostly homicidal (77.52%).Fatal violence against women is uncommon in Peshawar. Suicide is rare. Young women are mostly killed by firearms.