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Schukow CP, Holmes C, Chambers M, Rayes O, Jackson NR, Deeken AH, Hlavaty LA. How (Cautious) Social Media Use May Improve Education and Pipeline Efforts of a Growing Postpandemic Forensic Pathologist Workforce Shortage. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024:00000433-990000000-00195. [PMID: 39018442 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Many subspecialties of pathology have initiated novel methods and strategies to connect with medical students and residents, stimulate interest, and offer mentorship. Emerging concern about the future of forensic pathology has been highlighted in contemporary literature as recruitment of new fellows has stagnated and workforce shortage concerns have blossomed. Amidst these challenges, the potential role of social networking platforms like social media (SoMe) in enhancing autopsy pathology/forensics education has garnered attention, yet literature focusing specifically on its application in autopsy and forensic pathology remains limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive narrative overview of the current literature on the established uses of SoMe in forensic pathology. It seeks to build upon existing recommendations, introducing a contemporary compilation of online resources designed to facilitate virtual engagement among pathologists, learners, patients, and families. The review supports the idea that strategic, ethical, and conscientious use of SoMe has a place in addressing the growing workforce shortages and closing educational gaps in forensic pathology by enhancing exposure to the field and dispelling antiquated stereotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey P Schukow
- From the Department of Pathology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Royal Oak, MI
| | - Carley Holmes
- From the Department of Pathology, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Royal Oak, MI
| | - Meagan Chambers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Nicole R Jackson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Amy H Deeken
- Department of Pathology, Summa Health Systems, Akron, OH
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Attia MH, Zaghloul NM. Selfie accidents and crimes in Egypt: A comprehensive discussion of the medico-legal implications. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024:258024241257100. [PMID: 38826053 DOI: 10.1177/00258024241257100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Selfies are self-surveillance images or videos captured by individuals using digital cameras that, in the attempt to obtain content, may lead to selfie-related injuries or deaths. Criminal selfies refer to offenders who take selfies with their victim(s) during crimes. Globally, both phenomena are underestimated due to deficient official data and the social nature of these incidents. This pioneering media-based retrospective study on selfie-related trauma aims to offset the literature deficit on this topic in Egypt, as an Arabic-speaking country, and extend the global understanding beyond the Western context. We utilised the Egyptian newspaper articles published between January 2014 and May 2023. We identified 25 reports of selfie-related accidents that resulted in 29 casualties with an 82.8% fatality rate. Male victims outnumbered female victims and the mean age was 21.8 years, with most victims aged in their twenties. Regarding the causes of selfie-related deaths, drowning in the Nile ranked first (43.4%) followed by falling from a height (26%). Unless suicide was suspected (n = 1), the remaining cases were considered accidental. We also found four reported criminal selfies that were associated with intimate partner violence. Three of these offenders were male, of which two had a history of drug addiction. In contrast to selfie cases, only one offender belonged to the second decade age group. Overall, selfie-related deaths were infrequent, with an average of three incidents per year. In conclusion, audio-visual communication has altered the modus operandi of crimes, so the digital media analysis should supplement the criminological and medicolegal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- MennattAllah Hassan Attia
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nancy M Zaghloul
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
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Cappella A, Solazzo R, Mazzarelli D, Gibelli D, Dolci C, Sforza C, Cattaneo C. The potential of facial nevi in personal identification. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6206. [PMID: 38485806 PMCID: PMC10940291 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56847-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Forensic anthropologists dealing with personal identification (PI) of human remains have recently stressed the need to explore the potential of "secondary identifiers" for identifying victims who died in particular events for whom images often represent the main antemortem data available. Being the face the part most exposed in images, characteristics as pigmented skin lesions (PSLs), can be crucial if combined with other input. Since no data is available on frequencies and distribution of facial PSLs in the general population, this study aims at systematically collecting such data to verify their potential in PI and to open a debate on the aid that "secondary identifiers", regardless of their specific nature, can give to the identification of the deceased in specific forensic contexts. A retrospective analysis on three-dimensional facial models of 1039 Italian subjects (from 4 to 84 years old) was conducted to examine the incidence of PSLs discriminated according to size and position in well-defined facial areas. From the collected data we developed a probabilistic approach providing the likelihood ratio (LR) for two settings: (1) the relative frequencies of nevi in the various facial areas, providing the deriving compound probability of owning a certain facial PSLs pattern; and (2) codes describing the facial nevi pattern of each individual of our population, thus testing their uniqueness and so their potential in PI. The calculated LRs mostly proved high identifying strength, particularly when provided by the compound probability-based approach. Data on incidence and position of facial nevi, their generated codes, and the probabilistic approach here presented, all constitute a starting point for advancing secondary identifiers. Nonetheless, although this preliminary study proved facial PSLs as valuable and potentially useful for identification, their significance and validity should be interpreted with caution as we are still at the first theoretical step clearly based on ideal conditions, and thus further investigations are due on the limitations of their use in practical identifying settings. Therefore, being this systematic study only a preliminary one in its nature, it is recommended not to use this kind of approach until further studies will test its validity in several practical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Cappella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy.
- U.O. Laboratorio di Morfologia Umana Applicata, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Solazzo
- LAFAS (Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Debora Mazzarelli
- LABANOF (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Gibelli
- LAFAS (Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Dolci
- LAFAS (Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiarella Sforza
- LAFAS (Laboratorio di Anatomia Funzionale dell'Apparato Stomatognatico), Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF (Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense), Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Dahal S, Agrawal NK, Chaudhary GK, Maharjan MR, Walung ED, Kadel T. Analysis of smiling photograph; Operation US-Bangla Air Crash. Med Leg J 2023; 91:231-235. [PMID: 37017367 DOI: 10.1177/00258172231151782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Human identification may be difficult when there is no antemortem data available. A photograph of the deceased may be valuable in such cases. Digital advancement and inclusion in the lives of ordinary people makes it easier to retrieve clear, high-resolution photos from social media accounts and other places. This paper describes three cases of forensic dental identification from a US-Bangla plane crash in Nepal in which a charred body was positively identified from a smiling photograph provided by the deceased's family. Each case is unique and their identification rests on the availability of pre- and post-mortem information. Thus, the number of concordant points may vary from single to multiple; there is no defined criteria for minimum number of concordance for a positive dental identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarika Dahal
- Department of Dentistry, Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nitin K Agrawal
- Department of Dentistry, Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Gopal K Chaudhary
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Mani R Maharjan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Eugen D Walung
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Tulsi Kadel
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Obenson K. A social media primer for reluctant forensic pathologists. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 82:102206. [PMID: 34333249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Forensic pathologists are not as inclined as their peers in medicine and in the subspecialties of pathology, to use social media for professional reasons. Their reservations generally stem from concerns about respecting their rightful obligations to protect both the decedent's privacy and the integrity of judicial processes. While these are legitimate concerns, they should by no means be considered absolute barriers to participation on social media. The purpose of this paper is to provide clear guidelines on how forensic pathologists should navigate social media and how they could interact with colleagues and members of the public on social media platforms without comprising their integrity, decedent confidentiality or judicial processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Obenson
- Attending Forensic Pathologist, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L4L2, Canada.
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Mercado MC, Stone DM, Kokubun CW, Trudeau ART, Gaylor E, Holland KM, Bartholow BN. Inconsistencies in Overdose Suicide Death Investigation Practice and Potential Remedies Using Technology: A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Consultation Meeting Summary. Acad Forensic Pathol 2021; 11:83-93. [PMID: 34567327 PMCID: PMC8408809 DOI: 10.1177/19253621211022464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is widely accepted that suicides-which account for more than 47 500 deaths per year in the United States-are undercounted by 10% to 30%, partially due to incomplete death scene investigations (DSI) and varying burden-of-proof standards across jurisdictions. This may result in the misclassification of overdose-related suicides as accidents or undetermined intent. METHODS Virtual and in-person meetings were held with suicidologists and DSI experts from five states (Spring-Summer 2017) to explore how features of a hypothetical electronic DSI tool may help address these challenges. RESULTS Participants envisioned a mobile DSI application for cell phones, tablets, or laptop computers. Features for systematic information collection, scene description, and guiding key informant interviews were perceived as useful for less-experienced investigators. DISCUSSION Wide adoption may be challenging due to differences in DSI standards, practices, costs, data privacy and security, and system integration needs. However, technological tools that support consistent and complete DSIs could strengthen the information needed to accurately identify overdose suicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C. Mercado
- Melissa C. Mercado, PhD, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, MS-64, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717,
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Gitto L, Arunkumar P, Cina SJ. Social Media and Medicolegal Death Investigation: Logged in…To the Morgue. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:765-769. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Gitto
- Department of Pathology State University of New York – Upstate Medical University 750 E Adams St Syracuse NY 13210
| | - Ponni Arunkumar
- Cook County Medical Examiner's Office 2121 W Harrison St Chicago IL 60612
| | - Stephen J. Cina
- Department of Pathology University of Colorado ‐ School of Medicine 13001 E. 17th Place Aurora CO 80045
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The “ Social-mobile autopsy ”: The evolution of psychological autopsy with new technologies in forensic investigations on suicide. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2018; 32:79-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Nuzzolese E, Lupariello F, Di Vella G. Selfie identification app as a forensic tool for missing and unidentified persons. J Forensic Dent Sci 2018; 10:75-78. [PMID: 30745781 PMCID: PMC6344790 DOI: 10.4103/jfo.jfds_80_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social media applications can be valuable investigative tools in the search for missing and unidentified persons. As yet, no forensic App exists with the aim of assisting the human identification process, through the search of antemortem data to be used as adjunct data in the comparison with postmortem data collected. The aim of this article is to introduce a new application for Smartphones called “Selfie Forensic ID” App which will employ selfie and face photographs as an archive of dental data and dental features of the front teeth of missing persons sharing with Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter Social Networks (available for free download from both Android and Apple store at http://onelink.to/selfieforensic). Features such as diastema rotated or wrongly positioned teeth, lip anomalies, recognizable fixed prosthetics, dental crown discolorations, dental or cutis piercing could represent strong identifiers in the comparison of AM and PM data. The increased number of terrorist attacks and natural disasters which result in the premature death of innocent people underlines the importance of storing personal identification data to avoid bodies remaining unidentified. The authors believe there will be an increased public willingness to share personal ID information through understanding of the ethical and administrative consequences to the families of deceased persons should bodies remain unidentified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Nuzzolese
- Forensic Odontologist, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Lupariello
- Forensic Pathologist, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Di Vella
- Forensic Pathologist, Dipartimento di Scienze Della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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