Journal of forensic and legal medicine
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Lack of awareness and recognition of child maltreatment is the major reason behind underreporting. All victims often interact with the health care system for routine or emergency care. In several research works, non-accidental fractures are the second most common injury in maltreated children and it is represented up to one-third of cases. ⋯ Cases of neglect and child abuse represented 11% of all the studied cases, where neglect was the main cause. RTA and falling from height represented the most common cause of skeletal injury in children. Most fractures due to neglect were lower limb fractures resulting from falling from height. This demonstrates the need for early detection of neglect and child maltreatment aiming for early initiation of parental educational programs about child care and safety. Misinterpretation of skeletal injuries due to neglect or abuse can be avoided by proper training of orthopedic and traumatology staff on signs of child neglect and abuse.
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Letter Case Reports
Excited delirium syndrome after withdrawal from 10 days long recreationally used GHB.
We describe a case of a 51-year old man who used GHB only in the afternoon and evening during 10 consecutive days in a recreational way: 20 ml a day in 4 ml per 2-3 hrs. He developed an excited delirium syndrome at the second day after stopping. ⋯ This is a unique case in literature. References are provided.
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Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are relatively common pathologies in clinical practice. PNIs are rare in the lower extremity but have worse prognosis than those in the upper extremity. Electrodiagnostic studies could help better understanding PNIs. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the distribution of lower extremity PNI in traumatic patients in northwest of Iran. ⋯ Not all patients presenting with traumatic injuries have lower extremity PNIs. Due to the nature of the trauma and the anatomical course of the nerves, sciatic nerve is more susceptible to traumatic injuries.
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The yew (Taxus baccata) is a common evergreen tree containing the toxin taxine B. Between 42 and 91 g of yew leaf is lethal to a 70-kg adult. The objective of this article is to present an overview of findings in fatal yew intoxications. ⋯ Indications for yew tree intoxications at a post-mortem examination and autopsy are limited to finding parts of yew tree. The absence of recognisable parts can result in yew intoxications being overlooked. Therefore toxicological screening is recommended in unexplained deaths.
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According to the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees, over 65 million people were displaced from their homes due to conflict and persecution in 2015. Many physicians express an interest in human rights and a desire to assist this group of refugees and asylum seekers. Physicians are able to use their unique skills by performing medical forensic evaluations of individuals seeking asylum. ⋯ Five typical clinical cases of medical forensic evaluations are outlined, each with different forms of persecution and physical or psychological findings. Physicians have an interest in using their expertise to help this underserved population. They report that working with asylum seekers is rewarding, intellectually stimulating and a novel way to use their training and skills.