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Yang J, Li S, Yuan S, Shi Y, Ni B, Yang C, Guo W, Wang M, Hao W. Spatial relationships among offender, knife, and victim during slashing attacks: implications for crime scene reconstruction. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03219-x. [PMID: 38609696 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The offender-victim spatial relationship is crucial in reconstructing a crime scene. The study aims to evaluate the spatial relationship of performing slashing attacks on a dummy using a Chinese kitchen knife, and thus to establish a scientific basis for crime scene reconstruction. METHODS Twenty-four participants (12 males and 12 females) slashed a dummy's neck or chest using a kitchen knife, and the kinematic data were obtained using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The spatial relationships among offender, knife, and victim during slashing attacks were analyzed. RESULTS Slashing distance and occupancy area are significantly influenced by gender (all P < 0.05), with males having higher values than females. Body parts significantly influence bevel angle, offender and victim azimuth angles, slashing distance, relative slashing distance, and occupancy area (all P < 0.01), with slashing the chest resulting in larger values than slashing the neck. CONCLUSION Gender and body position significantly influence the spatial relationships of slashing action. Our data indicate that males stand farther away and occupy a larger area during slashing attacks. When the chest is slashed, the wound orientation is more diagonal, the offender's standing position and slashing distance are farther, and the occupancy area is larger compared to the neck. The findings could help identify the spatial relationships among offender, knife, and victim, providing a scientific basis for criminal investigations and court trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Shangxiao Li
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China.
| | - Shufang Yuan
- Logistics University of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, 300309, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Bin Ni
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Chaopeng Yang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Wenxia Guo
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Mingzhi Wang
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Weiya Hao
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China.
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Zhang S, Wang W, Wei M, Luo Y, Long W, Li L, Jiang C, Zhu T, Lin X, Jin B. Forensic characteristics of 4866 violent injury cases in Sichuan Province, China. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5959. [PMID: 37045886 PMCID: PMC10097724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate the characteristics of violent injury cases in Sichuan Province, China. Overall, 4866 violent injury cases in Sichuan province, China from 2014 to 2017 were included. The injury evaluation report was used to classify and summarize the injury information, case and injury characteristics, and to describe the characteristics for each risk factor. The majority of cases were males (n = 3851, 79.14%), aged 20-60 (n = 3867, 79.47%), and living in rural areas (n = 3094, 65.55%). Many cases occurred in public areas (n = 3351, 74.19%) and in the evening (n = 1005, 29.49%). Passion was the main motive for the violent injuries (n = 2098, 82.11%) and the main types of injuries were those to the brain, face, and auricula (n = 3075, 63.21%). Blunt instruments (n = 2951, 64.86%) were most commonly used to inflict injury, and the injury evaluation determined that the majority of injuries were simple (n = 2669, 54.85%) and slight (n = 1685, 34.63%). For cases resulting from passion and money, blunt instruments were more commonly used, while sharp instruments were more commonly used for injuries resulting from emotion and revenge (p < 0.05). Compared with grievous injuries, public and entertainment areas and the use of blunt instruments were risk factors for slight injuries. The use of blunt instruments was a risk factor for simple injuries. The cases of violent injury in the Sichuan Province of China have certain characteristics and causes. In order to reduce the frequency of such cases, corresponding intervention measures should be actively conducted at the identified high risk places, times, and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxuan Wei
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Luo
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
- School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Long
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Lincong Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
- Qinghai Provincial Public Security Department, Xining, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyue Jiang
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medicine College, Nanchong, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medicine College, Nanchong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Bo Jin
- Institute of Basic Medicine Sciences and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, People's Republic of China.
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Li S, Yuan S, Shi Y, Guo W, Yang C, Wang M, Hao W. Biomechanical characteristics of slashing attack on different body parts of a dummy using a kitchen knife. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:259-266. [PMID: 35713717 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02859-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slashing attack is one of the most common ways of committing a homicide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of slashing different body parts of a dummy by young males and females using a Chinese kitchen knife and thus provide scientific evidence for criminal investigations and court trials. METHODS A total of 12 male and 12 female college students participated in this study. Biomechanical parameters, including joint velocity, slashing velocity, slashing force, energy, and impulse, were evaluated when slashing the chest and the neck of a dummy using a Chinese kitchen knife. RESULTS When slashing the neck or the chest of a dummy, male participants showed higher elbow and wrist velocities (21.2% and 28.5%, respectively) as well as higher knife velocity (33.6%), slashing velocity (25.3%), slashing force (23.3%), and energy (57.6%) compared to female participants (all p < 0.05). When slashing the chest, participants showed higher shoulder, elbow, and wrist velocities (31.9%, 12.7%, and 12.6%) as well as knife velocity (3.8%), slashing velocity (7.3%), and energy (23.2%) compared to slashing the neck (all p < 0.05), regardless of gender. CONCLUSION Both gender and slashing position have great impact on biomechanical characteristics of the slashing movement. Our data indicate that when slashing using a Chinese kitchen knife, males may induce severer wounds than females, and slashing different body parts may generate different slashing velocity or energy. Compared to slashing position, gender may have greater influence on the biomechanical characteristics. Findings from this study may expand our knowledge about knife slashing attacks by Chinese kitchen knives as well as other knives with comparative heavy blades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangxiao Li
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Shufang Yuan
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Institute of Forensic Science, The Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Wenxia Guo
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Chaopeng Yang
- Institute of Forensic Science, The Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Mingzhi Wang
- Institute of Forensic Science, The Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Weiya Hao
- Research Center for Sports Psychology and Biomechanics, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, 100061, China.
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Ben Abderrahim S, Belhaj A, Bellali M, Hmandi O, Gharbaoui M, Harzallah H, Naceur Y, Ben Khelil M, Allouche M. Patterns of Unnatural Deaths Among Children and Adolescents: Autopsy Study (2011-2018). Pediatr Dev Pathol 2022; 25:635-644. [PMID: 36503303 DOI: 10.1177/10935266221132884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The problem of unnatural death in children is still relevant because of their vulnerability. This work aimed to describe the epidemiological profile and patterns of these medicolegal deaths in children and adolescents in northern Tunisia. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study from January 2011 to December 2018, within the Forensic Department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis. All children who died of unnatural causes were included (767 cases). RESULTS An overall male predominance was observed (sex ratio = 2.4). Accidental deaths represent the most common manner of death (81.4%) involving most frequently domestic accidents occurring in children aged between 1 and 4 years. In cases of suicide, the highest risk profile was a female child aged between 15 and 18 years. The suicide occurred most often in the victim's home with hanging representing the common means of suicide. For the criminal form, the most common means in those cases were stabbing and blunt injuries. CONCLUSION Our study delivered a broad picture of unnatural deaths among children in Tunisia. These deaths, largely absent from child survival initiatives presently on the global agenda, can be prevented if they are addressed strategically, as their injury prevention strategies differ from adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Ben Abderrahim
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Azza Belhaj
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Bellali
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ons Hmandi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Meriem Gharbaoui
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hana Harzallah
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia.,Department of Forensic Medicine, Habib Bougatfa University Hospital, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Yomn Naceur
- University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia.,Regional Hospital Béja, Béja, Tunisia
| | - Mehdi Ben Khelil
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Allouche
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Charles Nicolle University Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis Faculty of Medicine, Tunis, Tunisia
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Homicidal sharp force cases: An 11-year autopsy-based study. J Forensic Leg Med 2022; 88:102347. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2022.102347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Ben Abderrahim S, Turki E, Haddaji A, Ghzel R. Criminal death by stabbing in the region of Kairouan, Tunisia: A retrospective study, 2008-2018. LA TUNISIE MEDICALE 2021; 99:1167-1173. [PMID: 35288923 PMCID: PMC8974441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Homicides by stabbing are the most common forensic form of criminal death in Tunisia. These homicides represent a type of violent death that requires investigation in a forensic setting. AIM To describe the epidemiological and forensic profile of stab wounds in the region of Kairouan, Tunisia Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of stab-wounds autopsy cases collected at the Forensic Department at the Ibn El Jazzar University Hospital in Kairouan over eleven years (01/01/2008 to 31/12/2018). RESULTS Forty-seven cases of homicide were retained. A male predominance was observed with a sex ratio of 22 (45H/2F, 96%). The mean age of the victims was 33.3±10.84 with ages ranging from 12 to 63 years. Most victims (79%) were of rural origin, singles (62%), and daily-laborers (89%). The months that recorded the highest numbers of homicides were November and August. The most common reason for the assault was a settling-score on the street. The perpetrator was known by the victim in 90% of cases, having used a knife as a weapon in 90% of cases. The thorax was the most frequently affected area, resulting in fatal heart wounds in 28 cases. CONCLUSION Autopsy remains an essential tool for drawing up a detailed injury assessment in homicides by stabbing and determining the injury mechanism of the wounds. The comparison of the autopsy findings with the data of the judicial investigation is of great help in the legal qualification of the facts and the determination of the responsibility of the aggressors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elyes Turki
- 2- Service de Médecine Légale, CHU Ibn El Jazzar, Kairouan, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse
| | - Arwa Haddaji
- 2- Service de Médecine Légale, CHU Ibn El Jazzar, Kairouan, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse
| | - Raja Ghzel
- 2- Service de Médecine Légale, CHU Ibn El Jazzar, Kairouan, Faculté de Médecine de Sousse
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Grayaa M, Kort I, Naceur Y, Gharbaoui M, Kouada R, Bekir O, Allouche M. Child homicide in northern Tunisia: a retrospective study of forensic autopsy cases. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-021-00247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
As far as we know, no previous research has investigated child homicide in Tunisia. In this context, our study was carried out to analyze the epidemiological and medico-legal characteristics of child homicide occurring in northern Tunisia over a 17-year period.
Results
Eighty-seven cases were collected, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.4. The mean age of the victims was 12.6 years for both sexes. We found that 56.3% of the cases were aged between 15 and 18 years. The majority of deaths under 15 years of age occurred at home as a result of intrafamilial homicide. Victims aged more than 15 years were more likely to be assaulted outside the home by a non-family member.
The most frequent method of homicide was sharp force (39%) affecting mostly the heart and the lung, followed by blunt trauma (25%), which affected mainly the head. Sexual assault was diagnosed at autopsy in six victims (6.9%).
Conclusions
The study offers available data concerning the patterns of child homicide in northern Tunisia and may help to implement preventive measures against this kind of crime.
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Simonit F, Marcuzzi G, Desinan L. A bizarre case of fatal main renal artery partial laceration without primary kidney injury due to a single stab wound in the chest. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2021; 51:101892. [PMID: 33910129 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Reno-vascular injuries are a rare type of renal injury, and their second most frequent cause is penetrating wounds. The majority of the reports and of the studies are present in the urological and radiological literature and they focus on the clinical approach to such injuries. In the case here presented, an 18-year-old male died after being stabbed in the left hemithorax. During body examination, thoracic organs were found to be unremarkable (except for a small peripheral laceration of the left lung), but the diaphragm was transfixed and the upper wall of the left main renal artery was lacerated. The adjacent renal vein, the kidney, the aorta, the vena cava and the surrounding internal structures were not damaged (except for a small laceration of the pancreatic tail). A massive haemothorax and a large retroperitoneal haematoma in the left kidney area were observed. The cause of death was attributed to haemorrhagic shock following a partial laceration of the left main renal artery due to the stab wound to the chest. No other cases of similar fatal renovascular injuries due to stab wounds have been published in the current forensic literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Simonit
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Marcuzzi
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Desinan
- Dipartimento di Area Medica, Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Udine, p.le S. Maria della Misericordia 15, 33100 Udine, Italy.
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Belghith M, Ben Khelil M, Harzallah H, Kebsi D, Zhioua M, Hamdoun M. Pattern of homicidal burns in Northern Tunisia: An autopsy-based study over 15 years (2005-2019). J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:940-946. [PMID: 33522609 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Data about homicidal burns remain scarce. Intentional burns are a challenging situation in the case of an individual found dead in a fire zone with no witness of the fatal act. This study aimed to analyze the victim profiles of homicidal burns in Northern Tunisia. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective data collection over 15 years (January 2005-December 2019). In total, 60 cases of homicidal burns were collected. The mean age was 40.22 ± 18.1 years (range 4-82 years). We noted a male predominance (sex ratio M/F = 1.3). Most of the victims were married (48.3%), unemployed (40%), and living in an urban area (63.3%). Homicidal burns occurred most frequently in private homes for female victims (80.8%) and in public places for male victims (31.4%) (p < 0.001). The reported motive varied according to the victim's sex; males were mostly assaulted by an acquaintance in an interpersonal conflict (47.1%), and females were mostly assaulted by an intimate partner while in a dispute (42.3%; p = 0.001). The median total body surface area (TBSA) that was burned was 60.4%, and burn injuries were observed mainly in the anterior part of the body. In 19 cases, the burns were associated with another type of trauma, from which the most common association was burning and stab wounds (12 cases). The identified pattern of homicidal burn casualties was similar to the reported data in Western countries and to homicides in general in Tunisia, suggesting that prevention measures should address those of intentional interpersonal violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meyssa Belghith
- Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mehdi Ben Khelil
- Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hana Harzallah
- Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhouha Kebsi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mongi Zhioua
- Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Hamdoun
- Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.,Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis-El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Death in workplaces remains a public health issue. However, data regarding workplace homicides are scarce in most of regions, especially in the Arab world. The aim of our study was to analyze the epidemiological features of workplace homicides in northern Tunisia. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a descriptive study with retrospective data collection over a 15-year period (January 2003 to December 2017). RESULTS We recorded 50 workplace homicide cases. Sex ratio was 49:1 (male/female). The mean age was 41.6 ± 15.13 years. Occupations the most at risk were security guards (odds ratio, 8.25; 95% confidence interval, 4.28-15.91; P < 0.0001) and taxi drivers (odds ratio, 5.61; 95% confidence interval, 2.39-13.18; P < 0.00001). The motive of the aggression was either interpersonal conflict or robbery (47.9% and 43.8%, respectively). Victims working as security guards or taxi drivers were most frequently assaulted by an unknown perpetrator, the motive being robbery. Death was most frequently secondary to blunt trauma (n = 20) or stab wounds (n = 15). CONCLUSIONS Workplace homicides represent a substantial phenomenon in Tunisia. The application of prevention measures is required based on improving environmental measures targeting, in priority, security guards and taxi drivers.
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Ben Khelil M, Boukthir I, Hmandi O, Zhioua M, Hamdoun M. Trends of infanticides in northern Tunisia: A 40 years study (1977-2016). CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 95:104047. [PMID: 31288130 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Tunisian Penal Code defines infanticide as the murder committed by the mother on her child at birth or immediately after. There is a dearth of studies and official statistics on infanticide in the Arab region and North Africa. OBJECTIVE to analyze the infanticide trends in northern Tunisia between 1977 and 2016. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING we included all cases of infanticides autopsied at the Legal Medicine Department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis, over a period of 40 years (1977-2016). METHODS A descriptive retrospective study. RESULTS We collected a total of 513 cases of infanticide over the study period. The general prevalence of infanticide was 0.42 per 100,000 live births per year. Infanticide often occurred during the week, in winter (31.5%) and in spring (30.9%). The newborn was often found on public roads (40.9%) and in urban areas (81.4%). The newborn was often full-term (73.6%), mature, without any congenital malformation, found completely naked (75.2%) and with an empty stomach (93.7%). The umbilical cord was often cut (71.5%), not ligated (82%) with an irregular edge (64%). There was often no putrefaction (54.4%). The hydrostatic test (81.8%) and histological examination (81.1%) showed that infants had breathed. Neglect was the most common cause of death (49.9%). CONCLUSION Northern Tunisia has a low prevalence of infanticide compared to most of the previous European and American studies. A better understanding of infanticide would allow us to adapt measures of prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ben Khelil
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Ilhem Boukthir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ons Hmandi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mongi Zhioua
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Moncef Hamdoun
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia; Department of Legal Medicine, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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Bordoni PHC, Santos DMMD, Teixeira JS, Bordoni LS. Deaths from abdominal trauma: analysis of 1888 forensic autopsies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 44:582-595. [PMID: 29267555 DOI: 10.1590/0100-69912017006006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate the epidemiological profile of deaths due to abdominal trauma at the Forensic Medicine Institute of Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil. METHODS we conducted a retrospective study of the reports of deaths due to abdominal trauma autopsied from 2006 to 2011. RESULTS we analyzed 1.888 necropsy reports related to abdominal trauma. Penetrating trauma was more common than blunt one and gunshot wounds were more prevalent than stab wounds. Most of the individuals were male, brown-skinned, single and occupationally active. The median age was 34 years. The abdominal organs most injured in the penetrating trauma were the liver and the intestines, and in blunt trauma, the liver and the spleen. Homicide was the most prevalent circumstance of death, followed by traffic accidents, and almost half of the cases were referred to the Forensic Medicine Institute by a health unit. The blood alcohol test was positive in a third of the necropsies where it was performed. Cocaine and marijuana were the most commonly found substances in toxicology studies. CONCLUSION in this sample. there was a predominance of penetrating abdominal trauma in young, brown and single men, the liver being the most injured organ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jaísa Santana Teixeira
- - José Bonifácio Lafayette de Andrada Foundation, Faculty of Medicine, Barbacena, MG, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Santos Bordoni
- - José Bonifácio Lafayette de Andrada Foundation, Faculty of Medicine, Barbacena, MG, Brazil.,- Civil State Police of Minas Gerais, Forensic Medicine Institute, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,- University of Ouro Preto, School of Medicine, Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
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