ABSTRACT
It is estimated that annually between 1 and 4 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States. The vast majority of dog bites produce minor injuries, but serious sequelae, and even death, may occur. Annual mortality rates from dog attacks are reported at 7.2 cases per 100 million inhabitants each year. Of these fatalities, 69,8% involved a pet. Although dog bite-related injuries to humans appear to be a breed-specific problem (Pit Bulls and Rottweilers), other breeds also may bite and cause fatalities at high rates. Here we present the case of a couple slaughtered by their own three Cane Corso, an Italian breed of Molossoid dog. Dog bite-related injuries represent a public health problem. Some jurisdictions have adopted breed-specific restrictions in order to prevent such dog attacks, focusing the attention only on these certain breeds.
ABSTRACT
The authors report the unique case of an 8-day-old infant succumbing to heat stroke caused by an abnormal increase of the environmental temperature in an incubator. At postmortem examination, second-degree burns were detected, and macroscopic and microscopic findings were typical for a heat-related death. An immunohistochemical study was performed. At the same time, a detailed examination of the incubator was conducted, revealing a malfunctioning of the temperature and relative humidity control system. We suggest that the diagnosis of heat stroke has to be confirmed on the basis of a detailed postmortem examination and a complete immunohistochemical investigation of heat shock proteins, molecules produced acutely in response to heat stress.
