Forensic science international
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Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the most common bacteria involved in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In France, combined screening for CT and NG using nucleic acid amplification tests is recommended in populations that are considered at risk. However, no data have been published about victims of sexual assaults. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the usefulness of real-time PCR for the rapid detection of CT and NG genomic DNA, and the prevalence of CT/NG infections in a sample of sexual assault victims examined at a department of forensic medicine. ⋯ Given the high prevalence of CT and NG infections, systematic screening of both pathogens at the time of forensic examination should provide an opportunity for the early treatment of diagnosed STIs.
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Violence against women and adult femicides are critical medico-legal issues worldwide. Intimate partner violence is one of the leading contributory risk factors. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of femicides in Taiwan. ⋯ The characteristics of adult femicides, and the patterns of injury in victims killed by intimate partners and non-intimate partner offenders were different. This data is helpful for corpus inspection in forensic casework and for strategic planning of femicides prevention.