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Suicide is a deeply human phenomenon inescapably linked to and grounded in society and economic cycles. Understandings from the past show the importance of accurate analysis of socio-economic contexts that shape societies together with man's own sense of self in order to organize multi-layered tangible and intangible support strategies to better understand and prevent suicide in this day and age.

The finding of a mummified body raises many problems, also because of the limits of the medico-legal investigations in case of mummification. Psychological autopsy and behavioral analysis have demonstrated a significant impact in case of equivocal death. The mummified corpse of a woman was found sealed in a wardrobe during the death investigation of a 36-year-old man, later discovered to be the woman's son. The woman's corpse was well preserved and no external injuries were found. Autopsy could not ascertain the cause of death. The state of the premises and the writings on the walls offered an opportunity to investigate the man's psychological profile and to better understand how the events might have taken place. The role of an accurate investigative analysis of the crime scene is a cornerstone of forensic pathology and the case presented underlies the importance of an interdisciplinary approach in forensic sciences.

The reported vulnerability to suicidal behaviours among the PE as inflation rises underlines the need of effective support strategies for both genders in times of economic downturns.

Low-molecular-weight heparins have become the predominant choice for deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis and treatment. However, their use may cause bleeding complications. Intrahepatic bleeding is exceptional and only very few cases have been described. The authors present a unique case of fatal intrahepatic hematoma complicating nadroparin use in a 65-year-old woman with a hepatic cyst who was admitted to hospital for unilateral total hip arthroplasty. At autopsy, hemoperitoneum (2,000 ml of blood and clots) was evident. A ruptured sub-capsular hematoma involving the right lobe of the liver was observed. The hemorrhage within the cyst induced by the nadroparin use was likely responsible for the subsequent hepatic hematoma, liver rupture, and death. This case highlights the need for pathologists and surgeons to be aware of the possibility of intrahepatic hematoma in patients who have received low-molecular-weight heparins, undergone major surgery and present postoperative hemodynamic instability, especially in those with preoperative diagnosis of hepatic cyst.

Introduction:Body- art is associated with an increased risk of self- harming behaviours and suicide attempts (SA) in adolescents, but there is no concluding evidence for adults yet.Objectives:We investigate the relationship between ‘body art’ (i.e. tattoos, piercings) and SA in adult patients.Methods:All patients admitted to the Psychiatric Clinic of Genoa for a SA between October 2012 - January 2013 were enrolled. Age, gender, education, previous SA, psychiatric diagnosis were analyzed. The patients underwent first a clinical interview where the presence of body-art, type, number, location, time between its performance and previous or present SA were assessed along with its meaning for the patient, then SCID I & II.Results:44 patients were enrolled (24 females). Mean age 47 years. 26 had at least a tattoo, among them six females. Eight had at least one piercing, of whom six were females. 58,3% had a diagnosis of MDD, 41.6% of PD (BPD 72%;NPD 34%; OCPD 42%; PPD 23%). 75% of patients with more than one tattoo had a diagnosis in both axes and attempted suicide more than once. These results show that 40% of our sample has a tattoo and one third a piercing, which presence in the same-age American population is estimated to be 26%. However, these results have a limited statistical significance because of the small sample size.Conclusion:These results suggest a particular mind-body bond which would correlate SA and body art in adult patients, while previous studies found such evidences only in the adolescent population.

Objectives: Suicide is a complex phenomenon accounting for 1 million deaths per year. This study aims to assess the profiles of those individuals at a higher risk for suicide, which may be of help to clinicians while evaluating patients. Methods: A sample of 30.000 suicides belonging to two age-bands, i.e. 18 to 24 and over-45s, was analysed and compared with respect to the gender, fatality of the act, season, the reason for it, the time and methods employed. Data were provided by ISTAT records and concern completed and attempted suicides in Italy from 2001-2008. Results: Males are at a higher risk with a higher lethality of the acts in both age bands. The younger age band is at higher risk from March to June and in January especially in the evening, whereas the older age-band from March to June especially in the morning with a higher fatality rate. Unknown reasons are the most common cause for suicide followed by mental illnesses in both age-bands. Hanging is the most common method, followed by jumping from high places in both age-bands. Charcoal-intoxication is more common in the young age-band, whereas firearms and drowning in the over-45 age-band. Conclusions: Although the two identified profiles are quite general, they can be an adequate basis for public health officials and mental health professionals to early identify those individuals at a higher risk for suicide. Further studies are needed for a better definition of the profiles.

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