Matteo Benvenuti

Death by electrocution: Histological technique for copper detection on the electric mark

The current observation of deaths by electrocution, both for domestic and work-related accidents as well as those in other contexts, has deepened the scope of investigation into electric marks, especially from the histological point of view. This is one of the few investigation tools that may lead to the diagnosis of death by electrocution in this distinct area, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties that this type of fatality presents. Our attention has been placed on the phenomenon of metallization. In particular, we focused on using the Timms method [1] to locate the copper deposits. The phenomenon of metallization, usually could be caused by the copper deposit, this happens due to the copper debris released onto the skin by the live conductor. To date, this technique has only been used in the pathological field. Nevertheless, we tried to assess its application in seven selected cases, after partially modifying the technique, comparing it with the most common staining detection techniques and analysing the specificity, sensitivity as well as the potential for its application in the routine.

Access to social security benefits among multiple sclerosis patients in Italy: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Knowledge concerning the predictors of social security benefits and the proportion of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients receiving these benefits is very limited. OBJECTIVE To estimate the likelihood of receiving social security benefits for Italian MS patients. METHODS From September 2014 to November 2015, we interviewed MS outpatients from two Italian MS clinics to collect information regarding their personal data, clinical and working history, and access to social security benefits. We performed both univariate and multivariable analyses to evaluate the predictors for receiving social security benefits. RESULTS We interviewed 297 patients, with a mean age of 49.5 (± 10.7) years; 71.4% were females. About 73% of patients had a relapsing-remitting (RR) course and the median EDSS score was 2.5 (IQR 1.5-6). About 75% of MS patients received a full exemption from co-payments, while the proportions of people who enjoyed each of the other social security benefits were lower, ranging from 8.8% (car adaptation) to 32% (disable badge). At multivariable analysis, the probability of obtaining each of the benefits was significantly associated with the EDSS score: walking aids (OR 3.9), care allowance (OR 3.6), disabled badge (OR 2.4), exemption from co-payment (OR 1.6) and allowed off work permit (OR 1.7). Only the probability of obtaining an allowed off work permit was also influenced by comorbidities (OR 2.9) and a higher education (OR 2.2). CONCLUSION Except for full exemption from co-payments, the proportions of MS patients who enjoyed social security benefits seem to be limited in our study sample. The EDSS score is the strongest predictor of the probability of receiving all the benefits. Only a small proportion of patients received care allowance and working permits, probably because such benefits are only granted to people with a high level of disability. On the other hand, the low proportion of patients who enjoyed fiscal benefits for home and car adaptations could have been influenced by the way such benefits are granted in our country.

La responsabilità dello psichiatra

This paper evaluates forensic duties and liabilities for psychiatrists, based on the current literature and based on our experience over several years of forensic medicine practice, involving both criminal and civil cases. We evaluated different scenarios, including cases of patients dangerous to themselves or others. We highlighted the importance to keep adequate and detailed clinical records, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, given the absence of other objective items (e.g., laboratory records or other instrumental assessments) that may be of help for the judge and his/her counselors.This paper evaluates forensic duties and liabilities for psychiatrists, based on the current literature and based on our experience over several years of forensic medicine practice, involving both criminal and civil cases. We evaluated different scenarios, including cases of patients dangerous to themselves or others. We highlighted the importance to keep adequate and detailed clinical records, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting, given the absence of other objective items (e.g., laboratory records or other instrumental assessments) that may be of help for the judge and his/her counselors.