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Fa Yi Xue Za Zhi Feb 2017These external and internal signs of drowning are non-specific. Therefore, diagnosis of drowning is always one of the most difficult tasks in forensic pathology. This... (Review)
Review
These external and internal signs of drowning are non-specific. Therefore, diagnosis of drowning is always one of the most difficult tasks in forensic pathology. This paper meticulously and comprehensively reviews research progress on the diagnosis of drowning in pathological signs, laboratory examination, immunohistochemistry test and virtopsy technology, and it also prospects the research direction of diagnosis of drowning.
Topics: Drowning; Forensic Pathology; Humans; Immunohistochemistry
PubMed: 29231009
DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1004-5619.2017.01.011 -
Scandinavian Journal of Trauma,... Jul 2017In 2002, the World Congress on Drowning developed a uniform definition for drowning. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of "non-uniform drowning... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In 2002, the World Congress on Drowning developed a uniform definition for drowning. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of "non-uniform drowning terminology" (NUDT) and "non-uniform drowning definitions" (NUDD) in peer-reviewed scientific literature from 2010 to 2016, and compare these findings with those from our unpublished study performing a similar analysis on literature from 2003 to 2010.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using drowning-specific search terms in Pubmed and Web of Science. Titles and abstracts published between July 2010 and January 2016 were screened for relevance to the study focus. Articles meeting screening criteria were reviewed for exclusion criteria to produce the final group of studies. These articles were reviewed by four reviewers for NUDT and NUDD. The Fisher exact test was used to determine any statistically significant changes.
RESULTS
The final group of studies included 167 articles. A total of 53 articles (32%) utilized NUDT, with 100% of these including the term "near drowning". The proportion of articles utilizing NUDT was significantly less than reported by our previous study (p < 0.05). In addition, 32% of the articles included a definition for drowning (uniform or non-uniform), with 15% of these utilizing NUDD.
DISCUSSION
Our study reveals a statistically significant improvement over the past thirteen years in the use of uniform drowning terminology in peer-reviewed scientific literature, although year-to-year variability over the current study period does not yield an obvious trend.
CONCLUSIONS
Of the articles reviewed during the 2010-2016 study period, 32% included outdated and non-uniform drowning terminology and definitions. While this reveals an absolute decrease of 11% as compared with the previous study period (2003-2010), there is still significant room for improvement.
Topics: Drowning; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 28716063
DOI: 10.1186/s13049-017-0405-x -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Dec 2018Recent advances in genetic data generation, through massive parallel sequencing (MPS), storage and analysis have fostered significant progresses in microbial forensics... (Review)
Review
Recent advances in genetic data generation, through massive parallel sequencing (MPS), storage and analysis have fostered significant progresses in microbial forensics (or forensic microbiology). Initial applications in circumstances of biocrime, bioterrorism and epidemiology are now accompanied by the prospect of using microorganisms (i) as ancillary evidence in criminal cases; (ii) to clarify causes of death (e.g., drownings, toxicology, hospital-acquired infections, sudden infant death and shaken baby syndromes); (iii) to assist human identification (skin, hair and body fluid microbiomes); (iv) for geolocation (soil microbiome); and (v) to estimate postmortem interval (thanatomicrobiome and epinecrotic microbial community). When compared with classical microbiological methods, MPS offers a diverse range of advantages and alternative possibilities. However, prior to its implementation in the forensic context, critical efforts concerning the elaboration of standards and guidelines consolidated by the creation of robust and comprehensive reference databases must be undertaken.
Topics: Cause of Death; Cross Infection; Drowning; Forensic Sciences; Forensic Toxicology; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Microbiological Techniques; Microbiota; Postmortem Changes; Shaken Baby Syndrome; Soil Microbiology; Sudden Infant Death
PubMed: 30302518
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9414-6 -
The American Journal of Emergency... Jun 2021Many victims of drowning fatalities are lay-people attempting to rescue another. This review aims to identify the safest techniques and equipment (improved or purpose... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Many victims of drowning fatalities are lay-people attempting to rescue another. This review aims to identify the safest techniques and equipment (improved or purpose made) for an untrained bystander to use when attempting a water rescue.
METHOD
A sample of 249 papers were included after the bibliographic search, in which 19 were finally selected following PRISMA methodology and 3 peer review proceeding presented at international conferences. A total of 22 documents were added to qualitative synthesis.
RESULTS
Geographical location, economic level, physical fitness, or experience may vary the profile of the lay-rescuers and how to safely perform a water rescue. Four lay-rescuers profiles were identified: 1) Children rescuing children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 2) Adults rescuing adults or children, 3) Lay-people with some experience and rescue training, 4) Lay-people with cultural or professional motivations. Three types of techniques used by those lay-rescuers profiles: a) non-contact techniques for rescues from land: throw and reach, b) non-contact techniques for rescue using a flotation device and, c) contact techniques for rescue into the water: swim and tow with or without fins.
CONCLUSION
The expert recommendation of the safest technique for a lay-rescuer is to attempt rescue using a pole, rope, or flotation equipment without entering the water. However, despite the recommendations of non-contact rescues from land, there is a global tendency to attempt contact rescues in the water, despite a lack of evidence on which technique, procedure or equipment contributes to a safer rescue. Training strategies for lay-people should be considered.
Topics: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Drowning; Humans; Rescue Work
PubMed: 33578330
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2021.01.069 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022Drowning is a major health issue worldwide. The World Health Organization's global report on drowning states that the highest rates of drowning deaths occur among...
Drowning is a major health issue worldwide. The World Health Organization's global report on drowning states that the highest rates of drowning deaths occur among children aged 1-4 years, followed by children aged 5-9 years. Young children can drown silently in as little as 25 s, even in the shallow end or in a baby pool. The report also identifies that the main risk factor for children drowning is the lack of or inadequate supervision. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a novel 5G and beyond child drowning prevention system based on deep learning that detects and classifies distractions of inattentive parents or caregivers and alerts them to focus on active child supervision in swimming pools. In this proposal, we have generated our own dataset, which consists of images of parents/caregivers watching the children or being distracted. The proposed model can successfully perform a seven-class classification with very high accuracies (98%, 94%, and 90% for each model, respectively). ResNet-50, compared with the other models, performs better classifications for most classes.
Topics: Caregivers; Child; Child, Preschool; Deep Learning; Drowning; Humans; Infant; Parents; Swimming; Swimming Pools
PubMed: 36236782
DOI: 10.3390/s22197684 -
Journal of Injury & Violence Research May 2023Past studies have shown a lack of consensus on the definition and terminology of drowning among experts in the field and relevant organizations. There is a need for a... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Past studies have shown a lack of consensus on the definition and terminology of drowning among experts in the field and relevant organizations. There is a need for a new look at the definition of drowning to improve the understanding of drowning events.
METHODS
A literature search of seven electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL, MEDLINE, Sport Discus, and Social Sciences from 1960 to 2020 was conducted using the MESH search terms "drowning", "near-drowning", "submersion", and "immersion". Cochrane databases were also searched for systematic reviews The items were searched in all fields of publication, including title, abstract, and keyword.
RESULTS
The search identified approximately 2500 articles, 230 of which were reviewed. The inclusion criteria were applied to the full text of 230 articles, and 25 articles addressing the different definitions of drowning were assessed. They were reviewed critically by authors using a standard review form. The search identified that there were at least 20 different outcome measures for drowning incidents reported. Definitions of drowning in the literature were found for the following terms: dry versus wet drowning, secondary drowning, drowned and near-drowned, drowning without aspiration and drowning with aspiration, near drowning without aspiration or with aspiration, active drowning, passive drowning, silent drowning, witnessed and unwitnessed, immersion, submersion, death certificate records drowning, unintentional submersion, road traffic injury leading to passenger vehicle drowning, drowning, near drowning, salt or freshwater drowning, and cold water drowning.
CONCLUSIONS
In the literature, a lack of consensus was observed but the following terms should not be abandoned; "Non-fatal drowning" which is used to describe death following rescue and life with at least 24 hours of in-hospital survival and the development of one or more complications and "Fatal drowning" which implies death occurring at the scene or 24 h of a submersion incident.
Topics: Humans; Drowning; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Water; Near Drowning; Fresh Water
PubMed: 37302005
DOI: 10.5249/jivr.v15i2.1816 -
Hawai'i Journal of Health & Social... Mar 2022Causes of the extraordinarily high and increasing incidence of snorkeler drownings in Hawai'i have remained unexplained for years. Defining the mechanisms and factors...
Causes of the extraordinarily high and increasing incidence of snorkeler drownings in Hawai'i have remained unexplained for years. Defining the mechanisms and factors predisposing to drowning while snorkeling is needed to provide recommendations to substantially mitigate the incidence of this form of preventable death. The mechanisms of drowning are described and insight into the predisposing factors are explored in this study. Methods included measuring snorkel airway resistance characteristics, case reports from the State of Hawai'i Medical Examiner's office, and collating information by survey, principally from rescued survivors. This study identified 2 modes of drowning while snorkeling that need further investigation: accidental or inadvertent aspiration, and hypoxia resulting from acute negative pressure pulmonary edema. The incidence of drowning from mechanisms of hypoxia due to rapid onset pulmonary edema is an important focus of the study and a number of potentially significant predisposing factors are presented that need further investigation but provide bases that may become part of updated policies and practices for snorkelers to substantially lower the risk of death. This report is meant for both medical and public health information purposes.
Topics: Drowning; Hawaii; Humans; Hypoxia; Incidence; Pulmonary Edema
PubMed: 35261987
DOI: No ID Found -
Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii 2014Recent studies using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) have suggested this imaging modality is of value in the positive diagnosis of drowning. We summarize the data... (Review)
Review
AIM OF THE STUDY
Recent studies using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) have suggested this imaging modality is of value in the positive diagnosis of drowning. We summarize the data from the literature regarding the diagnostic value of CT in cases of drowning.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We performed an all-language search of literature published from 1999 to 2013 with the key words "post-mortem CT scan", "drowning and CT scan", "near-drowning diagnosis", and "drowning diagnosis".
RESULTS
Only 11 articles, whose data enabled complementary statistical analysis, were included. The presence of fluid and sediment in paranasal sinuses appear to be the determinants of the diagnosis of drowning. The presence of fluid in the sinuses had a sensitivity of 100%, and of 90% in the trachea and main bronchi. The results were completed by the high specificity of the presence of sediment in the paranasal sinuses, upper airways and stomach, which was 100% for all three. Haemodilution was present in cases of drowning (p < 0.001). The values made it possible to formulate a decision algorithm for the diagnosis of drowning.
Topics: Autopsy; Drowning; Forensic Pathology; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 25574940
DOI: 10.5114/amsik.2014.47744 -
BMC Public Health Sep 2023Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children and youth worldwide. This study aims to examine differences in the rates of drowning (fatal and non-fatal...
OBJECTIVE
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children and youth worldwide. This study aims to examine differences in the rates of drowning (fatal and non-fatal drowning) among children and youth in Israel stratified by age, sex, sector, place of drowning, and the drowning outcome. In addition, we compared the results of studies reported in other countries in specific age groups based on statistics of about 100,000 drowning cases.
METHOD
A statistical analysis of 474 drownings between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. All cases refer to youngsters aged 7-17 in the State of Israel. Statistical analysis was performed on data obtained from the Beterem - Safe Kids Israel organization and from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Disparities between groups within the examined population were analyzed based on gender, sector (Jewish versus non-Jewish), and drowning site.
RESULTS
Of the 474 drownings that occurred during 2008-2018, 38.4% ended in death. 79% of the cases occurred in pools. The Arab minority sector (21.1% of the general population) accounted for 25.1% of all drownings, males accounted for 70.5% of the drowning cases, and the age group with the most drownings (48.5%) was that of 15-17 years. The Jewish population was involved in more than 75% of drownings in places designated for bathing and in more than 83% of all disaster scenarios, whereas the Arab minority was involved in more than 61% of drownings in places not designated for bathing.
CONCLUSIONS
The results are comparable to those of other studies worldwide. Boys drown twice as much as girls, mainly in the age group of 15-17. This may be explained by overconfidence in boys and a tendency to overestimate their actual swimming abilities. Most drownings occur in pools. Drowning among the Jewish population occurs mainly in designated bathing sites.
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The findings can and, in fact, must be used to inform and educate the younger generation as to the potential dangers involving bathing in designated bathing sites.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Child; Drowning; Israel; Arabs; Disasters; Jews
PubMed: 37658286
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16671-y -
Journal of Travel Medicine 2006Drowning is a serious worldwide, mostly preventable injury problem, particularly among international travelers. In 2000, approximately 449,000 people have drowned... (Review)
Review
Drowning is a serious worldwide, mostly preventable injury problem, particularly among international travelers. In 2000, approximately 449,000 people have drowned worldwide, and the exact number of travelers is not precisely known. Although comprehensive infectious disease information has been available to international travelers for many years, advice on injury risk and prevention, more specifically on drowning prevention, has received little attention. The goals of this review were to develop research-based drowning prevention and water-safety recommendations for travelers and to identify research needs for future recommendations. A group of injury-prevention and travel-medicine experts conducted several rounds of voting and ranking of the strength and evidence of drowning-prevention recommendations. Each of the thirty-two recommendations created have also been categorized using the Committee to Advise on Tropical Medicine and Travel scale and have been framed in the context of preevent, event, and postevent categories commonly used in injury-control theory and Haddon's Matrix. These recommendations were developed for use by travel-medicine professionals or others who prepare individuals for travel. Several of the identified interventions to prevent drownings lack conclusive scientific evidence of their effectiveness and warrant further studies to better understand their true effectiveness. Furthermore, funding for the studies of intervention effectiveness and the implications of these interventions for international travelers are essential, yet insufficient.
Topics: Drowning; Global Health; Health Promotion; Humans; Safety Management; Travel
PubMed: 16412106
DOI: 10.1111/j.1708-8305.2006.00002.x