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Santovito D, Capello F, Bonci C, Di Vella G. Medicolegal approach to skin lesions in trafficking victims: A case report. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 342:111535. [PMID: 36495633 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111535] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Trafficking in human beings is an ancient phenomenon. The fight against trafficking in human beings is conceived as a priority by the European Union. Trafficked victims experience many types of abuse and neglect. Indeed, all human beings hold the right to have an identity and an estimated age as an assertion of their existence in the society, as expressly stated in the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Italy has been the scene of this phenomenon for many years. Since identification represents a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for any other measure of assistance and protection, the Italian procedure provides the execution of an interview and a forensic examination. This process takes time and requires willingness to listen and to create a trusting doctor-patient relationship. Although skin lesions in trafficking victims may be due to torture or other forms of mistreatment or abuse, they may also be related to ethnic practices. Here we demonstrate the importance of conducting a structured interview along with an accurate forensic examination to correctly discriminate the origin of skin lesions in trafficking victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Santovito
- Section of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - F Capello
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - C Bonci
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Di Vella
- Legal Medicine Unit, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Workman CI, Smith KM, Apicella CL, Chatterjee A. Evidence against the "anomalous-is-bad" stereotype in Hadza hunter gatherers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8693. [PMID: 35610269 PMCID: PMC9130266 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12440-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
People have an "anomalous-is-bad" stereotype whereby they make negative inferences about the moral character of people with craniofacial anomalies like scars. This stereotype is hypothesized to be a byproduct of adaptations for avoiding pathogens. However, evidence for the anomalous-is-bad stereotype comes from studies of European and North American populations; the byproduct hypothesis would predict universality of the stereotype. We presented 123 Hadza across ten camps pairs of morphed Hadza faces-each with one face altered to include a scar-and asked who they expected to be more moral and a better forager. Hadza with minimal exposure to other cultures chose at chance for both questions. Hadza with greater exposure to other cultures, however, expected the scarred face to be less moral and a better forager. These results suggest the anomalous-is-bad stereotype may be culturally shared or learned erroneously through associations with population-level differences, providing evidence against a universal pathogen avoidance byproduct hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford I Workman
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Brain Science Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Kristopher M Smith
- Department of Anthropology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99163, USA.
| | - Coren L Apicella
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anjan Chatterjee
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Brain Science Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Iftekhar N, Zhitny VP. Tattoo and body art: a cultural overview of scarification. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:1273-1275. [PMID: 32785957 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Noama Iftekhar
- School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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Charlier P, Bou Abdallah F, Mostefai Dulac Y, Deo S, Jacqueline S, Brun L, Hervé C. ["Palimpsest scar" lesions in a context of torture (Darfur, Sudan)]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2017; 144:696-699. [PMID: 28728860 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of the current exponentially growing refugee population from the Middle-East and East Africa (Sudan, Darfur, Eritrea), clinicians (including forensic pathologists) are seeing atypical skin lesions, mainly of a traumatic nature, but in some cases associated with long-standing lesions related to ethnic practices. PATIENTS AND METHODS A case of torture sequelae is presented herein in a patient originally from Darfur (Sudan): cutaneous incisions were made on old scars several times using a knife. DISCUSSION The clinical presentation of scarification lesions and that of atypically healed wounds (presumably an effect of inflammation induced by the introduction of irritating foreign bodies such as sand, salt, etc.) are completely different: in all cases they indicate a relative timeframe of the facts, which the clinician should not overlook in reconstructing the patient's course and the injuries to which he has been subjected (hence the proposed designation of "palimpsest scar", in the sense that a palimpsest is a manuscript on a parchment that previously contained writing but has been scratched clean to be overwritten). Thus, a "palimpsest scar" constitutes a fresh scar on top of and hiding another (ritual) scar in a context of ethnic cleansing. The diagnostic and clinical significance comes from the importance of differentiating between ethnic-type lesions and those induced by physical violence and abuse in a context of war.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Charlier
- Laboratoire d'éthique médicale et de médecine légale (EA4569), université Paris-Descartes, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France; CASH & IPES, 403, avenue de la République, 92000 Nanterre, France; UFR des sciences de la santé, UVSQ, 2, avenue de la Source-de-la-Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France.
| | - F Bou Abdallah
- Laboratoire d'éthique médicale et de médecine légale (EA4569), université Paris-Descartes, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France; Université libanaise, faculté des sciences médicales, Hadat, Liban
| | - Y Mostefai Dulac
- CASH & IPES, 403, avenue de la République, 92000 Nanterre, France
| | - S Deo
- UFR des sciences de la santé, UVSQ, 2, avenue de la Source-de-la-Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - S Jacqueline
- UFR des sciences de la santé, UVSQ, 2, avenue de la Source-de-la-Bièvre, 78180 Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - L Brun
- Service d'anatomo-pathologie, hôpital de Parakou, Parakou, Bénin
| | - C Hervé
- Laboratoire d'éthique médicale et de médecine légale (EA4569), université Paris-Descartes, 45, rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France; CASH & IPES, 403, avenue de la République, 92000 Nanterre, France
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Garve R, Garve M, Türp JC, Fobil JN, Meyer CG. Scarification in sub-Saharan Africa: social skin, remedy and medical import. Trop Med Int Health 2017; 22:708-715. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roland Garve
- Center for Natural and Cultural History of Man; Danube Private University; Krems Austria
| | - Miriam Garve
- Department of Quality Management and Accreditation; Leuphana University; Lüneburg Germany
| | - Jens C. Türp
- Center for Natural and Cultural History of Man; Danube Private University; Krems Austria
- University Center for Dental Medicine Basel; University of Basel; Basel Switzerland
| | - Julius N. Fobil
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences; University of Ghana; Accra Ghana
| | - Christian G. Meyer
- Duy Tan University; Da Nang Vietnam
- Institute for Tropical Medicine; Eberhard Karls University; Tübingen Germany
- Health Focus GmbH; Potsdam Germany
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Perper M, Aldahan AS, Tsatalis JP, Nouri K. Modifications of body surface: piercings, tattoos, and scarification. Int J Dermatol 2017; 56:351-353. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keyvan Nouri
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; Miami FL USA
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Ayanlowo OO, Gold-Olufadi SA, Akinkugbe AO, Otrofanowei E, Nga CN, Olumide YM. Growing trend of tattooing and its complications in Nigeria. Int J Dermatol 2017; 56:709-714. [PMID: 28138959 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Tattoo, a Polynesian word meaning 'to mark', is a form of body modification done by inserting indelible ink into the dermis to change its pigmentation. Tattoos are done for social, cultural, and religious purposes. It has been in existence since the 18th century and was associated with sailors, lower class individuals, and criminals. However, since the late 20th century, tattooing has undergone a redefinition and shifted to an acceptable form of expression all over the world, including Nigeria, cutting across almost all age groups and socioeconomic class. This review is aimed at highlighting the indication, complications arising from the procedure as well as removal, and how to manage them. The dermatological complications associated with tattoos can occur either during inking or attempts at removal. Most times, tattoos are obtained through unsafe means by unauthorized personnel, and this is associated with numerous health risks. Of particular importance to the dermatologists are the hypersensitivity reactions, granulomatous skin disease, and formation of both keloid and hypertrophic scars. Treatment options vary and include use of silicone gel and intralesional steroids for hypertrophic and keloid scars, topical medication for hyperpigmentation, and use of LASER for tattoo removal. In conclusion, the trend of tattooing has become a widely accepted form of social expression all over the world and is gradually gaining ground in Nigeria. Patients frequently present to the dermatologists and physicians for solutions to the complications. It is important to proffer solutions and educate patients on the various health risks associated with tattooing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola O Ayanlowo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Ayesha O Akinkugbe
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Erere Otrofanowei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Charles N Nga
- Department of Medicine, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Akwa-Ibom, Nigeria
| | - Yetunde M Olumide
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
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Conry-Murray C, Shaw LA. Young adults in the United States and Benin reason about gendered cultural traditions. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Conry-Murray
- Department of Psychology, Saint Joseph's University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - Leigh A. Shaw
- Department of Psychology, Weber State University; Ogden Utah USA
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Wilmshurst JM, Cross JH, Newton C, Kakooza AM, Wammanda RD, Mallewa M, Samia P, Venter A, Hirtz D, Chugani H. Children with epilepsy in Africa: recommendations from the International Child Neurology Association/African Child Neurology Association Workshop. J Child Neurol 2013; 28:633-44. [PMID: 23539548 DOI: 10.1177/0883073813482974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This article presents key findings from the International Child Neurology Association/African Child Neurology Association Workshop. The viability of international guidelines for the management of children with epilepsy should be reviewed within each African country, and adapted to comply with the regional capacity. Such recommendations can be used to lobby for resources. More training centers should be developed in Africa, so that specialists can be trained within Africa, in skills relevant to the continent, in collaboration with "out of Africa" visiting-specialists to develop the concept of "train the trainers." At least 1 child neurology specialist per 100,000 of the population is required. Specific to Africa are the challenges from stigma, prejudice, and misconceptions. "Epilepsy teams," inclusive of the traditional healers, would enable management of increased numbers of children, and challenge policy such that it is the right of the child with epilepsy to have reliable access to appropriate antiepileptic drugs, support, and health care equity between the rural and urban settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Red Cross Children's Hospital, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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A Clinical Characterization of Familial Keloid Disease in Unique African Tribes Reveals Distinct Keloid Phenotypes. Plast Reconstr Surg 2011; 127:689-702. [DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e3181fed645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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MUSIC ERIKANICOLE, ENGEL GEORGE. Earlobe Keloids: A Novel and Elegant Surgical Approach. Dermatol Surg 2010; 36:395-400. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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