Cases Of Death Research Articles

Fetal deaths from birth defects in Hunan Province, China, 2016–2020

To describe the fetal death rate of birth defects (including a broad range of specific defects) and to explore the relationship between fetal deaths from birth defects and a broad range of demographic characteristics. Data was derived from the birth defects surveillance system in Hunan Province, China, 2016–2020. Fetal death refers to the intrauterine death of a fetus at any time during the pregnancy, including medical termination of pregnancy. Fetal death rate is the number of fetal deaths per 100 births (including live births and fetal deaths) in a specified group (unit: %). The fetal death rate of birth defects with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated by the log-binomial method. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to examine the relationship between each demographic characteristic and fetal deaths from birth defects. This study included 847,755 births, and 23,420 birth defects were identified. A total of 11,955 fetal deaths from birth defects were identified, with a fetal death rate of 51.05% (95% CI 50.13–51.96). 15.78% (1887 cases) of fetal deaths from birth defects were at a gestational age of < 20 weeks, 59.05% (7059 cases) were at a gestational age of 20–27 weeks, and 25.17% (3009 cases) were at a gestational age of ≥ 28 weeks. Fetal death rate of birth defects was higher in females than in males (OR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.32), in rural than in urban areas (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.36–1.50), in maternal age 20–24 years (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.25–1.47), and ≥ 35 years (OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.11–1.29) compared to maternal age of 25–29 years, in diagnosed by chromosomal analysis than ultrasound (OR = 6.24, 95% CI 5.15–7.55), and lower in multiple births than in singletons (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.36–0.47). The fetal death rate of birth defects increased with the number of previous pregnancies (χ2trend = 49.28, P < 0.01), and decreased with the number of previous deliveries (χ2trend = 4318.91, P < 0.01). Many fetal deaths were associated with birth defects. We found several demographic characteristics associated with fetal deaths from birth defects, which may be related to the severity of the birth defects, economic and medical conditions, and parental attitudes toward birth defects.

Supporting health systems and environment in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A call for action.

Developing nations have to overcome a number of obstacles to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the five poorest nations in the world and faces several challenges in combating problems related to poverty, health, and sanitation while linking the environment to anthropogenic activities. This study analyzes anthropogenic activities and their impact on the environment while providing access to the public health of the Congolese population based on the objectives of sustainable development. Thirty-five articles were selected for further analysis as well as relative data. In 2022, 21 million cases of malaria were recorded by the national malaria control program, with 13,000 cases of death. The Democratic Republic of Congo has the highest typhoid incidence, with 315 cases per 100,000 people. A number of 31,342 cases of cholera were reported in 2023, according to multiple reports, with 230 deaths, mainly affecting children. In the same year, a triple epidemic of typhoid, shigellosis, and cholera was identified, with 2389 cases and 52 deaths. These observations cause a health emergency, which can be alleviated and resolved by the establishment of an adequate sanitation system. Waste can be recycled and returned to usable raw materials. Finally, it will be necessary to establish a water safety management plan to combat all diseases linked to the consumption of nonpotable water and improve national coverage on the treatment of recent cases to reduce and at best avoid observed cases of death.

Causal Relationship Between Kidney Function and Cancer Risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Rationale & ObjectivePatients treated with kidney replacement therapy experience a 1.5 to 2-fold increased risk of cancer and cancer mortality compared to the general population. Whether this excess risk extends to people with earlier stages of chronic kidney disease is unclear. This study explored the potentially causal relationship between reduced kidney function and cancer. Study DesignTwo-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). Setting & ParticipantsGenome Wide Association Study (GWAS) summary statistics for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (n=567,460) and urinary albuminuria (UACR) (n=127,865) from the CKDGen consortium and cancer outcomes from the UK Biobank (n=407,329). ExposureseGFR and UACR. OutcomesOverall cancer incidence, cancer-related mortality, and site-specific colorectal, lung, and urinary tract cancer incidence. Analytical ApproachUnivariable and multivariable MR were conducted for all outcomes using inverse-variance weighted methods. ResultsThe mean eGFR and median UACR were 91.4 mL/min/1.73m2 and 9.32 mg/g in the CKDGen and 90.4 mL/min/1.73m2 and 9.29 mg/g in the UK Biobank. There were 98,093 cases of cancer, 6,664 colorectal, 3584 lung, and 3,271 urinary tract. There were 15,850 cases of cancer-related death, The genetic instruments for eGFR and UACR comprised 34 and 38 variants, respectively. Genetically predicted kidney function (eGFR and UACR) was not associated with overall cancer risk or cancer death. No associations of genetically predicted eGFR and UACR with overall cancer incidence were observed; odds ratio (95%CI; p-value) of 0.88 (0.40-1.97; p=0.76) and 0.90 (0.78-1.04; p=0.16), respectively. An adjusted generalized additive model for eGFR and cancer demonstrated evidence of non-linearity. There was no evidence of a causal association between eGFR and cancer in a stratified MR. LimitationsTo avoid overlapping samples a smaller GWAS for UACR was used, reducing the strength of the instrument and potentially introducing population stratification. ConclusionsThese findings did not demonstrate a causal association of kidney function with overall cancer incidence or cancer-related death.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Mpox Cases Identified Through Case-based Surveillance in India, July 2022-January 2023.

Of the 43 mpox cases reported by the WHO in South East Asia between January 2022 and March 2023, 24 (56%) were from India. We describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases identified through India's hospital case-based surveillance. We identified mpox cases as a positive result for mpox virus polymerase-chain-reaction assay, reported through surveillance from July 1, 2022 to January 7, 2023. Cases and clinicians were interviewed, and data were abstracted from the medical records. We conducted contact tracing among family, close social networks, and healthcare personnel staff for the first 17 cases. We collected the data on sociodemographics, clinical findings, and behavior, and described data using summary statistics. We identified 24 laboratory-confirmed cases (42% females, median age 30 years, range 22-38), including one death (case fatality rate 4.2%). We collected clinical and behavioural data from 21 of 24 cases. All had rashes with vesicles and genital lesions; 7 (33%) reported genital lesions as the first symptom; and 3 (13%) reported complications. Among the 21 cases, all were sexually active, none self-identified as men having sex with men (MSM), and 6 (29%) reported multiple sex partners. We identified 51 contacts of the first 17 reported cases, none reported symptoms suggestive of mpox. The clinical and behavioral characteristics of mpox cases in India are consistent with the global 2022 outbreak, with the exception that no cases in India reported MSM. Most were sexually active young adult economic migrants and developed genital lesions.

Deaths due to tired bullet injuries: Evaluation from medical, legal, and social perspectives.

In Türkiye, as in other parts of the world, there is a rising trend in individual armament and firearm violence, resembling an epidemic. When fired into the air, bullets eventually lose the initial speed with which they left the barrel and begin to accelerate downwards under the influence of gravity as they fall to the ground. At this point, these projectiles are referred to as 'tired bullets,' which cause serious injuries and fatalities. This study evaluates autopsy cases of deaths due to tired bullet injuries. We aimed to raise social awareness and contribute to the literature by exploring the forensic, legal, and social dimensions of tired bullet injuries. From 2013 to 2022, 695 forensic autopsies of gunshot wounds were reviewed at the Trabzon Forensic Medicine Group Presidency. Nine cases were identified where individuals had undergone autopsies and the cause of death was attributed to tired bullet injuries. The data for the cases included in the study was sourced from our archive records and the UYAP (National Judicial Network Project) system. The second stage involved analyzing reports of falling bullet injuries from local and national newspaper websites. In the third stage, the Supreme Court decisions regarding perpetrators of tired bullet incidents were examined. The study included six male and three female cases, with an average age of 32.5 years. Injuries were predominantly located in the head in seven cases, the eye in one case, and the inguinal region in another. In eight cases, the bullet trajectory was from top to bottom. The incidents predominantly occurred in residential areas. It was observed that all cases received coverage in both national and local media, and campaigns against tired bullet injuries were organized. The perpetrators of these injuries were frequently sentenced for murder with probable intent. Tired bullet injuries represent a significant public health issue that necessitates comprehensive preventative measures addressing medical, legal, and social dimensions. There should be national and international campaigns led by the media, involving all public institutions, organizations, and non-governmental organizations to promote individual disarmament, highlight the dangers of firearms, and stress the importance of these initiatives.

ДОЛГОСРОЧНАЯ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ УСИЛЕННОЙ НАРУЖНОЙ КОНТРПУЛЬСАЦИИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ СЕРДЕЧНОЙ НЕДОСТАТОЧНОСТЬЮ ИШЕМИЧЕСКОГО ГЕНЕЗА

Aim. To study the long-term effect of complex therapy with the addition of enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) on exercise tolerance, quality of life and systolic heart function in patients with ischemic chronic heart failure (CHF). Material and methods. Patients with ischemic CHF NYHA class II-III (n=20) included in the study. Patients, in addition to optimal medical therapy, were treated with EECP (35 hours, the standard protocol, 1 course every 6 months). The duration of observation was 5 years. Baseline, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months performed assessment of NT-proBNP level, clinical status, exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test – 6MWT), quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire – MLHFQ), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) according to echocardiography. The composite primary endpoint (CPE) included adverse cardiovascular events, new cases of atrial fibrillation (AF), diabetes mellitus (DM), decreased renal function, and hospitalizations due to CHF. Results. During the observation period (60 months), significant stable positive dynamics were noted in exercise tolerance (6MWT distance increased by 59.3%), clinical status, LVEF, NT-proBNP level, quality of life (MLHFQ). The incidence of myocardial infarction was 5%, revascularization – 15%, new cases of AF – 5%, decreased renal function – 10%, hospitalizations for CHF – 35%. There were no cases of strokes, deaths or new cases of diabetes. The prevalence of CPE was 70% over a 5-year period. Conclusion. A stable positive effect of EECP treatment of patients with ischemic heart failure on functional status and clinical outcomes has been demonstrated.

New Data on Armed Conflicts in the Altai During the Rouran Period: The Choburak I Cemetery

This study focuses on a burial at a Rouran period cemetery, Choburak I, in the Chemalsky District, Republic of Altai, where altogether twelve burials were excavated by an expedition from the Altai State University. In kurgan 34a, a burial of a 30–35-year-old male with a horse was excavated. The burial goods included weapons, items of horse harness, utensils and domestic artifacts. The head of the buried individual had been replaced by the cranium of a ram, and certain postcranial bones revealed multiple injuries inflicted by a cutting weapon. The burial is attributed to the Dàlián tradition, associated with the Bulan-Koba culture. The analysis of the burial goods and a radiocarbon estimate suggest that the burial dates to the middle or second half of the 4th century AD. Injuries testify to armed conflicts, in which males had taken part, and support the belief that violence in the Altai was high during the Rouran period. The case is interpreted as one of decapitation. Given the parallels in adjacent regions, is can be hypothesized that the head of a ram had been used as a basis for a mask. Apparently, this peculiar custom was associated with the ritual in which the missing bodily part was replaced in specific cases of violent death.

Risks assessment to the health of the population in the area of emissions pollutants influence of carbon graphite production enterprises

Risk assessment of the impact of the enterprise's activities on the environment includes risk assessment of the impact of the activity on the health of the population. Risk as the probability of undesirable events is an integral component of any person's life. Risk characterization integrates data on the danger of the analyzed chemical substances, the amount of exposure, parameters of "dose-response" dependence, with the aim of quantitative and qualitative assessment of risk, identification and assessment of the comparative significance of existing problems for the health of the population. In scientific terms, hazard identification is the process of establishing a causal relationship between the action of a chemical substance and the development of adverse effects on human health. The main goal of the hazard identification stage is the selection of priority, indicator chemical substances, the study of which allows to reliably characterize the sources of occurrence and the level of risk of public health impairment. Assessment of dose-response relationships is a process of quantitative characterization of toxicological information and establishment of a relationship between the likely influencing dose (concentration) of a pollutant and the incidence of adverse events in the exposed population. Characteristics of "dose-response" dependence, which are most often used to assess carcinogenic risk, have been sufficiently studied in epidemiological studies. Among them is the factor of carcinogenic potential (ICS), which reflects the probability of the development of a harmful reaction when the dose (concentration) increases by 1 mg/kg or 1 mg/m3 per exposure level, associated with a certain probability of effect (the indicators of this group are used for establishment of reference, i.e., reference doses and concentrations). The individual carcinogenic risk characterizes the upper limit of possible carcinogenic risk during the period corresponding to the average life expectancy of a person (70 years). Today, in the world, the classification and assessment of the acceptable risk to the health of the population caused by the chemical influence of chemical substances that pollute the environment is quite wide. the system of acceptance criteria recommended by WHO is used. In accordance with these criteria, the first range of risk (individual lifetime risk equal to or less than 1·10-6, which also corresponds to an additional case of serious illness or death per 1 million exposed persons) characterizes such levels of risk as are perceived by all strata population as quite small, which do not differ from ordinary everyday risks (De minimas level). Such risks do not require additional measures to reduce them and their levels are subject to periodic control. The second range (greater than 1·10-6 and less than 1·10-4) corresponds to the zone of conditionally accepted (acceptable) risk. It is at this level that most of the foreign and recommended by international organizations hygienic standards for the population as a whole are established. Levels of suitable risk belong to constant control. The third range (greater than 1·10-4 and less than 1·10-3) is suitable for professionals and unsuitable for the general population. The emergence of such a level of risk requires the development and implementation of planned health measures. The fourth range (equal to or greater than 1·10-3) is unsuitable neither for the population nor for professionals. This range is designated as De manifestis Risk, and when it is reached, it is necessary to carry out emergency health measures to reduce the risk on the part of the city authorities. During the assessment of the risk to the health of the population of Zaporizhzhia from the emissions of PJSC "Ukrgrafit", priority pollutants were identified: carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, substances in the form of suspended solid particles of undifferentiated composition. Hazard indices were determined for individual HQ substances (non-carcinogenic risks) and in the case of combined exposure to HI, individual carcinogenic risks (ICR) and combined exposure (CRa) were calculated. Assessment of long-term effects (at the level of average annual concentration) on human health of the investigated substances. allowing to assess the chronic inhalation effect of the occurrence of negative effects in the health of the exposed population during the lifetime for the assessment and characterization of multistage risk showed that the hazard indices (HQ) do not exceed the norms.

An atypical case of fatal ‘esophageal apoplexy’: post-mortem findings and differential diagnosis

Forensic pathologists need to have comprehensive knowledge of a large variety of causes of sudden natural death. We describe a case of sudden and unexpected death in woman in her sixties due to rupture of a large paraesophageal hematoma. The post-mortem examination and differential diagnosis are discussed. The combined findings of whole-body post-mortem CT imaging (PMCT), targeted PMCT angiography, autopsy, and histology are most in keeping with ‘esophageal apoplexy’; a rare cause of hemorrhage in the esophageal wall. A review of the literature indicates that most cases of esophageal apoplexy are self-limiting and that fatal complications are exceedingly rare. Our case demonstrates that esophageal apoplexy can present as sudden unexpected death.

Application of cultured epidermal autograft, JACE®, improves survival rate in extensive burns: A propensity score matching study using Tokyo registry data.

Cultured epidermal autograft, JACE®, was introduced into the Japanese national health insurance system in 2009 and has been used in more than 1000 cases of extensive burns. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of JACE® contributes to survival rate in extensive burns. In this study, 119 cases were selected from 3990 cases in Tokyo Burn Unit Association registry data from 2009 to 2023, excluding cases with less than 40% total body surface area, cases of deaths within 4 weeks and cases with unknown length of hospital stay. In total, 25 patients treated with JACE® were selected and matched with another 25 patients who did not receive JACE® using propensity score matching. The results showed that patients treated with JACE® had a significantly higher survival rate than did those who were not treated with JACE® at all time points between 6 and 9 weeks post-injury. In addition, there was no significant difference in length of hospital stay between the groups. These results suggest that the use of JACE® in patients with extensive burns contributes to patient survival and does not prolong hospital stay.

Socio-Demographic Profile of Suicidal Death at Manikganj District, Bangladesh: A One Year Autopsy Based Study

Background: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in many countries and also a major public health concern. When a person dies by suicide the effects are felt by Family, Friends, and communities. The number of suicidal deaths is increasing worldwide day by day and Bangladesh is also facing this situation alarmingly.Objective: To evaluate the Socio-demographic profile of suicidal deaths. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Manikganj sadar hospital mortuary, from January 2019 to December 2019.Total 133 suicidal death cases were collected by using a pre-designed format from mortuary register book. The inquest report provided comprehensive information about the deceased. Postmortem examinations documented the method of suspension used and in cases of poisoning, chemical analysis was conducted to determine the type of poison. Results: During this study majority of the deceased were Female (50.38%). The age distribution of the deceased from 01 year to above 51 years, the highest occurrence observed in the age group 11-20 years (33.08%). Most of the deceased were House wife (40.00%). Majority of deceased were Muslims (88.72%). Total 30.08% cases were reported under Manikganj sadar Thana. The most prevalent technique observed for suicide were by Hanging (65.41%) and common consumption of poison is Organo-phosphorous compound (OPC) (65%). Conclusion: The collected data has the potential to facilitate the identification of individuals who are at an elevated risk of engaging in suicidal behaviors. Moreover, this information can be effectively used to support individuals through the implementation of a comprehensive nationwide suicide prevention initiative that adopts a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach. KYAMC Journal Volume: 14, No: 04, January 2024: 210-214.

Sex Differences in COVID-19 Mortality: A Meta-Analysis with E-COVID Study

Background: COVID-19 disease spreads rapidly and becomes more widespread with the emergence of new variants. The ratio of death cases due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in men is greater than in women. Recent research has found that men are more likely to have COVID-19 with severe symptoms and more at risk of death. This study aimed to examine the effect of sex on mortality in COVID-19 patients without comorbidities. Methods: This research was a systematic review and meta-analysis. The articles were obtained from several electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scilit, Emerald Insight, Plos One, Sage Journal, JSTOR, World Cat, and ProQuest. The articles used in this study were articles that had been published from 2010-2019. The keywords to search for articles were as follows: gender and COVID-19 and HR, "gender and COVID-19 mortality and HR", "sex and COVID-19 mortality and HR", and "gender and COVID-19 mortality and HR". The articles included were full-text with an observational study design/cohort study. The articles were collected using PRISMA diagrams and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 application. Results: Males have 1.42 times the risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to females (in non-comorbid conditions) (aHR=1.42; CI 95%=1.27 to 1.59; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Male sex is associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Anaphylaxis shock with laryngeal edema: a case report

Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic or hypersensitivity reaction that rapid in onset and affect airway, breathing, and/or circulatory problems, and that is usually associated with skin and mucosal changes. Laryngeal edema is observed in 40-50% of death cases. A 49-year-old Asian female came to emergency department with chief complaint of difficulty to breath since 30 minutes ago after took cefixime and also common cold drug (Combination of paracetamol, glyceryl guaifenesin, phenylephrine, and Chlorpheniramine maleate). She also complained difficulty to speak and feeling strangulated on her neck. She ever had an allergic reaction, when she was child after suffering fever and common cold, but didn’t remember the name of the medication. History of food allergies was denied. On physical examination revealed, dyspnea and minimal tachycardia. Present of laryngeal edema, on auscultation stridor and wheezing on both lungs. Diagnosis of anaphylactic shock was made, and immediately giving epinephrin and followed by corticosteroid and antihistamine. The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis might differ from patient to patient and impact the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and heart. Anaphylaxis fatal cases rise when laryngeal edema and cardiovascular organ involvement occur. The most frequent triggers are produced by food, venom from insects, and prescription drugs. The risk of death in anaphylaxis patients is decreased with prompt treatment. It is necessary to assess and maintain breathing, circulation, and airways in addition to determining the cause. Anaphylaxis can be potentially lethal or life-threatening, thus prompt identification and appropriate treatment are necessary.

Аналіз статистичних зв’язків між рівнями самогубств та випадків смерті внаслідок ушкоджень з невизначеним наміром як свідчення потенційної латентності рівня самогубств в Україні

The article analyzes the available statistical data on the levels and coefficients of the causes of death in Ukraine according to the information of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine in the period from 2005 to 2021, among which special attention that is paid to intentional self-harm (suicide) and cases of injuries with undetermined intent. Statistical categories and signs are described, according to which data are collected on cases of death from intentional self-harm in Ukraine. A partial comparison of these indicators with the indicators of other countries, in particular, the USA and the countries of the European Union, was carried out. An analysis of the dynamics of changes in the levels of registered suicides and deaths due to injuries with an undetermined intent was carried out. The unreasonableness of the excessive fluctuation of the indicator of the coefficient of deaths due to cases of injury with an uncertain intention is emphasized. For the first time, superimposition of data patterns in the categories of percentage distribution of age groups was applied, after which an analysis of the obtained results was carried out to determine the correlation using the Pearson coefficient. A comparison of death rates from deliberate self-harm was made with other categories of causes of death, including accidental drowning and submersion and accidental poisoning by other toxic substances. Additional statistical anomalies related to indicators of suicide rates and cases of injuries with undetermined intent are mentioned, in particular, regionally in Ukraine. The position that the revealed results allow us to assert the unreliability of open statistical data on the levels of suicides in Ukraine, as well as the position that cases of death due to intentional self-harm in Ukraine may be characterized by a high level of latency because of their qualification as deaths due to cases of injuries with an undetermined intent., is substantiated.

Avoidable Mortality in Korea 1997-2001: Temporal Trend and its Contribution to All-cause Mortality.

This study analyzed the mortality trends from avoidable causes in Korea from 1997 to 2021, to estimate its contribution to the overall mortality in different subgroups, including. Gender, age, and cause of disease. The all-cause and avoidable mortality were presented as a time series plot and average annual percent change. Trend of avoidable mortality was also analyzed by subgroups, disease causes and the percentage attributed to each causes. The decline in avoidable mortality accounted for 82.6% of all-cause mortality reduction. Preventable mortality showed a more pronounced decline than treatable mortality, explaining 72.3% of the avoidable mortality reduction. In 1997-2001, avoidable death occurred in 72.2% (537,024 cases) of all-cause deaths, which declined to 60.0% (342,979 cases) in 2017-2021. The contribution of avoidable mortality in the decline of all-cause morality was greater in males (83.6%) than in females (79.3%). The decline in avoidable mortality and its contribution to the all-cause mortality reduction implies general improvement of the population health in Korea. Nevertheless, the heterogenous trend within different subgroups warrants more equitable design and implementation of health services and policies.

Monkeypox: A Viral Zoonotic Disease of Rising Global Concern

Abstract Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare viral zoonotic disease, endemic to Central and West Africa, caused by the monkeypox virus, an orthopoxvirus similar to the variola virus (smallpox). Although sporadic travel-associated cases have historically occurred outside Africa, in May 2022, mpox began spreading globally in multiple nonendemic countries across several continents. In 2024, there has been an increase in globally reported confirmed cases of mpox and deaths from mpox, making it a public health emergency of international concern. The reasons for the unusual global spread are under investigation but likely relate to increased travel and waning population immunity to orthopoxviruses. Transmission now appears to be mainly through close, intimate contact, especially among men who have sex with men. Mpox is usually a self-limited disease. Although limited approved antiviral treatments are available, such as tecovirimat, which the European Medicines Agency approved in January 2022 for the treatment of mpox, their widespread availability and effectiveness in the current outbreak remain to be investigated. Public health control measures include surveillance, case identification/isolation, contact tracing, and targeted vaccination of contacts at high risk of exposure. However, challenges remain in curtailing the current unprecedented outbreak. Critical knowledge gaps include animal reservoir(s) responsible for initial spillover events, viral mutations that may enhance transmissibility, optimal diagnostics for noninvasive specimens, effective antiviral therapies, next-generation vaccines providing longer-term immunity, and building global capacity for outbreak response. This review summarizes the current literature on mpox virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, treatment, prevention, and public health control measures. Ongoing investigation and research are needed to better understand mpox’s evolving epidemiology, pathogenicity, transmissibility, and ecology to guide strategies for containing the outbreak and preventing future global emergence.

Revolutionizing Confined Space Work Practices in Thriving Oil and Gas Industry of Kertih, Terengganu

The oil and gas industry is inherently known for its riskiness, involving numerous activities and a variety of chemicals naturally present in the plant environment. Simultaneously, it has been observed that certain activities classified as critical, such as crane lifting, hydrostatics, excavations, hot work, and confined spaces, pose significant risks. Previous studies have shown that between the years 2009 and 2019, there were many reported incidents, with a total of 46 verified cases of deaths occurring in confined spaces in Malaysia. These incidents underscore deficiencies in the current system that need addressing. Therefore, this study aims to collect data on confined space incidents and issues in the oil and gas industry to propose a new intervention plan for employers and workers. The current working practices in confined spaces were analysed for this purpose. The data were gathered through survey questionnaires distributed to workers employed in confined spaces. The obtained data were analysedusing the SPSS system to conduct reliability tests, ANOVA, and Pearson Correlation. The results of the ANOVA analysis indicated that there was no statistically significant difference at the p &lt; 0.05 level for n = 50 concerning Age Categories, Position Categories, Years of Service, and Education Background in their perceptions of confined space work practices at Gas Processing Kertih (GPK). Additionally, Pearson Correlation analysis revealed a strong statistical correlation (r &gt; 0.5, n = 50, p &lt; 0.05) between Incidents in the Workplace and Health or Disease Problems. Based on the findings, suitable intervention plans have been proposed, such as transparency on Incident Reports by Management, quality training for confined space workers, and implementation of an efficient toolbox meeting to assist management in addressing the challenges associated with confined space working practices at GPK.

Buprenorphine deaths confirmed by toxicology reveal a low proportion of opioid agonist treatment before death in Finland.

We studied opioid agonist treatment (OAT) status before buprenorphine-related death in Finland, where buprenorphine is the principal OAT medicine and also the most misused opioid, through a retrospective population-based study using medico-legal cause-of-death investigation and OAT patient records. The study included all death cases (N = 570) between 2018 and 2020 with a buprenorphine or norbuprenorphine finding in post-mortem toxicology and with known drug misuse history or concomitant findings of illicit drugs. Of the deceased, 10% had received OAT in the year before death. Less than 1% of individuals < 25 years had received OAT, whereas the proportion in individuals ≥ 25 years was 13% (p < 0.001). There were significantly more females and more fatal poisonings (p < 0.001) among those < 25 years than among those ≥ 25 years. OAT medication at the time of death was sublingual buprenorphine-naloxone in 74% and subcutaneous buprenorphine in 23%. Except for significantly fewer benzodiazepine findings among those receiving OAT, minimal differences were found in terms of age, gender, cause and manner of death, or concomitant substance use between the deceased in and outside of OAT. Concomitant misuse of benzodiazepines, psychostimulants, alcohol, and gabapentinoids was frequent both in and outside of OAT and likely contributed to the death. These results suggest that access to OAT especially for young people and treatment of multiple addictions should be improved. Comprehensive information from medico-legal cause-of-death investigation as a starting point, combined with subsequent ante-mortem patient records, proved to be a successful approach to shed light on the Finnish scene of buprenorphine mortality.

The Transnationalism of the Black Lives Matter Movement: Decolonization and Mapping Black Geographies in Sydney, Australia

This article responds to recent calls to “provincialize” (Hawthorne 2019) and “pluralize” (Bledsoe and Wright 2019a) Black geographies. We do so by adopting a relational, transnational, and multiscalar approach. Drawing on ethnography with Black Lives Matter activists in Sydney, Australia, we adopt a decolonizing framework to argue that Indigenous knowledges, experiences, and actions can extend the epistemologies and cartographies of Black geographies. The mapping of Black geographies in Sydney reveals three multilayered and intersecting ways through which Black agency, place-making, and resistance are made manifest in transnational Black Lives Matter protests: (1) through invoking “stretched out” geographies, forging shared solidarities between African American high-profile cases of policing injustice and Aboriginal deaths in custody; (2) through counterhegemonic attempts to reconfigure Australia Day as Invasion Day, reclaiming colonized histories that subvert the premise of Australia as a “White nation”; and (3) through conjoining transrural cases of violence toward Aboriginal communities living in peripheral places and then strategically amplifying their concerns through place-based activisms in the global city. Finally, we conclude by arguing that further international accounts are crucial to this emerging field.

Retrospective evaluation of neonates with fatal congenital lung malformation: A single center 15-year forensic autopsy experience.

Congenital lung malformation (CLM) is a leading cause of infant mortality. Clinical methods for diagnosing CLM mainly rely on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and Doppler. However, forensic identification of the cause of death in neonates is challenging. Unequivocal classification criteria for CLM are missing as its forensic identification is ambiguous. Therefore, we aimed to analyze neonatal death cases at our center to assist in identifying those with congenital lung malformation. This retrospective study identified and classified the causes of deaths of neonates autopsied between January 2008 and April 2023. All cases born alive and died within 28 days with a clear time of death were selected, and forensic experts reviewed their records. The manner, cause of death, and other characteristics were noted and discussed. This retrospective study reveals a steady increase in autopsy cases from 2008 to 2015, attributed to improved parental consent, heightened awareness of autopsy importance, and enhanced medical resources. However, a subsequent decline post-2015 is observed, potentially influenced by advancements in medical technology and prenatal examination protocols. The top causes of neonatal mortality include respiratory diseases, asphyxia, congenital dysplasia, and fetal distress. Congenital lung malformations, particularly bronchopulmonary malformations, constitute a significant portion of congenital anomalies. This study underscores the importance of standardized autopsies and histopathological examinations in diagnosing and understanding CLM. Future research should focus on expanding case collections and elucidating the genetic basis of CLM to improve forensic management and outcomes.