Biomedical subjects

W J Lene

Publications and source records attributed to W J Lene.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2001

Accidental sharp force injury fatalities.

The authors review all accidental sharp force injury deaths investigated at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences from 1990 to 1999. Twenty-two cases of accidental sharp force injury were identified, accounting for 0.29% of all accidental deaths (9,562) during the 10-year study period. Included in this series are 5 incised wounds, 11 stab wounds, 4 chop wounds, and 2 deaths caused by dog attacks. About half of the cases involved some type of motorized machinery. The victims' ages ranged from 2 years to 71 years, with most deaths occurring in older teenagers and younger adults. Male subjects (17) were involved much more frequently than female subjects (5). In 50% of the cases, ethanol or other drug use was a possible underlying contributing factor in the accident. The cases are briefly reviewed, and the importance of detailed investigation in manner-of-death certification is emphasized.

Accidents↗

PubMed1994

Racial and ethnic patterns in firearms deaths.

In the United States, there is currently an epidemic of firearms violence. Among victims of this violence, there are striking racial and ethnic patterns in the manners and circumstances of death. This study was conducted to explore and quantitate some of these differences. Autopsy and investigation reports of 554 consecutive firearms deaths in Dallas County, Texas, from March 1992 to February 1993 were reviewed. Overall suicide rates by race for 1970 and 1990 were calculated. Suicide rates for blacks have increased while overall rates (all races) have decreased slightly. Large racial and ethnic differences in the homicide-suicide ratio (H:S) were found (0.42 in non-Hispanic whites; 7.44 in others) (p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic whites who committed suicide with a firearm were less likely than other groups to do so with another person present (12% non-Hispanic whites; 49% others) (p < 0.001). Blacks and Asians who committed suicide with a firearm killed another person in 67% of witnessed cases (those with another person present during the incident). Whites (Hispanics and non-Hispanics) killed another person in only 12% of witnessed firearm suicides. The data suggest that the subtypes, psychodynamics, and causes of suicide may currently differ among racial and ethnic groups. These differences should be considered in order to formulate adequate prevention strategies and to assess the suicide and homicide risk in depressed individuals. The difficulty of accurate death certification in some cases is also discussed.

Black or African American↗

PubMed1976

Accidental asphyxial deaths involving infants and young children.

Forty-five cases of accidental asphyxial deaths in infants and young children below 2 years of age are described. The mechanism involved, the available historical information, and the possible preventive measures are discussed. Dangers such as bed- and tub-sharing, diaper and cleaning pails, plastic wrappers, balloons, small beds, toys on strings, broken or poorly designed cribs, and poorly positioned adult beds must be brought to the attention of the parent as consumer. The public heatlh considerations and the educational aspects relating to the community at large are cornerstones in the effort to reduce these tragic and untimely deaths.

Accidents↗