Enantioseparation of methamphetamine by supercritical fluid chromatography with cellulose-based packed column
Chirality of the seized drugs of abuse can provide the valuable information for criminal investigation. For example, the proportion of enantiomers of methamphetamine (MA) is deeply related to its synthetic route and raw materials used in the clandestine laboratory. The representative starting materials of the illicitly manufactured MA are 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), ephedrine (EP) and pseudoephedrine (PEP). In the case of P2P, MA can be synthesized through the reductive amination or Leuckart reaction. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hiroki Segawa, Yuko T. Iwata, Tadashi Yamamuro, Kenji Kuwayama, Kenji Tsujikawa, Tatsuyuki Kanamori, Hiroyuki Inoue Source Type: research
Identification of a new tert-leucinate class synthetic cannabinoid in powder and “spice-like” herbal incenses: methyl 2-[[1-(5-fluoropentyl)indole-3-carbonyl]amino]-3,3-dimethyl-butanoate (5F-MDMB-PICA)
The goal of this study is to provide analytical information for the identification of this new tert-leucinate class synthetic cannabinoid by various analytical methods. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Martijn D.P. Risseeuw, Peter Blankaert, Vera Coopman, Stijn Van Quekelberghe, Serge Van Calenbergh, Jan Cordonnier Tags: Technical Note Source Type: research
Toxicological results in a fatal and two non-fatal cases of scopolamine-facilitated robberies
Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, is an anticholinergic drug that is used worldwide for treating motion sickness. The most popular generic form is a dermal patch, which contains 1.5mg of scopolamine. The scopolamine is delivered through the skin at a rate of about 1mg per 3 days; this leads to a low steady-state plasma concentration of 0.00005-0.00010mg/L [1]. Scopolamine is also used by a limited number of illicit drug users, generally for its hallucinogenic properties, but also for its presumed aphrodisiac properties [2; 3; 4; internet reports of users]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: K.J. Lusthof, I.J. Bosman, B. Kubat, M.J. Vincenten-van Maanen Source Type: research
Enantioseparation of methamphetamine by supercritical fluid chromatography with cellulose- based packed column
Chirality of the seized drugs of abuse can provide the valuable information for criminal investigation. For example, the proportion of enantiomers of methamphetamine (MA) is deeply related to its synthetic route and raw materials used in the clandestine laboratory. The representative starting materials of the illicitly manufactured MA are 1-phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), ephedrine (EP) and pseudoephedrine (PEP). In the case of P2P, MA can be synthesized through the reductive amination or Leuckart reaction. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Hiroki Segawa, Yuko T. Iwata, Tadashi Yamamuro, Kenji Kuwayama, Kenji Tsujikawa, Tatsuyuki Kanamori, Hiroyuki Inoue Source Type: research
A Comparative Study of Photogrammetric Methods using Panoramic Photography in a Forensic Context
One of the most important aspects of conducting a criminal investigation involves comprehensively recording and documenting the crime scene, given that the process can ultimately determine the success of the subsequent investigation [1]. Crime scenes often present unstable and short-lived environments, containing ephemeral evidence, which can prove difficult for Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO ’s) to document efficiently [2]. The documentation process is often laborious and time-consuming [3], as the resultant documentation must provide a thorough and permanent record of the scene, comprising written, graphical, photograph...
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kayleigh Sheppard Hons, John P. Cassella, Sarah Fieldhouse Source Type: research
Abstr Identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) using handheld Raman Spectroscopy employing both 785 and 1064nm laser sources.
In recent years, the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) has proliferated globally [1]. NPS, also known as ‘legal highs’, designer drugs, ‘herbal highs’, ‘bath salts’ and ‘research chemicals’, are often perceived as ‘legal’ synthetic recreational drugs with analogous pharmacological effects to internationally controlled drugs of abuse [2]. The UK Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, rece ntly enacted, defines these substances as ‘capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person who consumes it’ [3]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 3, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Amira Guirguis, Sarah Girotto, Benedetta Berti, Jacqueline L. Stair Source Type: research
A response to “The Importance of Economic Context in Interpreting Forensic Data on Drug Trafficking Networks”
We would like to first thank our colleagues for responding to our recently published article, “Chemical profiling: A tool to decipher the structure and organisation of illicit drug markets: An 8-year study in Western Switzerland” [1]. We also would like to thank the Journal Editors for presenting us with the opportunity to reply. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 2, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Julian Bros éus, Simon Baechler, Pierre Esseiva Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research
Forensic applications: Fluorescence properties of tooth-coloured restorative materials using a fluorescence DSLR camera.
Demand for aesthetic materials in restorative dentistry has led to the evolution of new types of tooth-coloured restorative materials, which attempt to accurately mimic the optical nuances of natural tooth structure. Various combinations of tooth-coloured materials now exist including resin modified and reinforced glass-ionomer cements (GIC), ormocers (organically modified ceramics) and hybrid ceramic materials, which are combinations of polymers and ceramic materials. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - February 2, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ramya Kiran, James Chapman, Alexander Forrest, Marc Tennant, Laurence J. Walsh Source Type: research
Acute intoxication caused by synthetic cannabinoids 5F-ADB and MMB-2201: a case series
In the recent past, cannabimimetic compounds, have been synthetically produced and initially offered commercially as a legal alternative to cannabis [1]. They are often inhaled via a pipe or rolled into a cigarette [2]. A variety of formulations of these “synthetic cannabinoids” are available on Internet web stores or in specialized “smart shops”, smoke shops and gas stations [2]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 31, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Bernardino Barcel ó Martín, Simona Pichini, Victoria López-Corominas, Isabel Gomila Muñiz, Christopher Yates Bailo, Francesco Paolo Busardò, Manuela Pellegrini Tags: Case Report Source Type: research
Toxicological investigation of forensic cases related to the designer drug 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV): Detection, quantification and studies on human metabolism by GC-MS
In the recent years, among the increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) synthetic cathinones have reached popularity as one of the most widely abused drugs [1,2]. This new group of recreational drugs is also known as “bath salts”, “plant food” or “research chemicals” and are taken by drug users for its psychostimulant effects. However, the abuse of synthetic chathinones can result in severe side effects including tachycardia, hyperthermia, agitation and violent behaviour [1,3–5]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 31, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Marcel Grapp, Christoph Kaufmann, Martin Ebbecke Source Type: research
The Use of Unburned Propellant Powder for Shooting-Distance Determination. Part I: Infrared Luminescence
Shooting-distance determination is a standard question in forensic cases of shooting accidents, suicides or homicides for case reconstruction purposes. In most short to very short gun-to-target distance cases, wound-ballistics can answer to this question due to tissue damage/deformation caused by the shooting gas pressure. This gas pressure drops with increasing gun-to-target distance; thus, at higher distances (bigger than a few centimeters, depending on the firearm), its energy is too low to influence tissue morphology [1,2]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 29, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Rolf Hofer, Stefan Graf, Stephan Christen Source Type: research
Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry determination of GHB, GHB-glucuronide in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of narcoleptic patients under sodium oxybate treatment
Type 1 narcolepsy (NT1) is a neurological disorder caused by the loss of orexin (hypocretin) neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, probably due to an autoimmune mechanism. It is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) with sleep attacks, cataplexy episodes, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, and disturbed nighttime sleep patterns [1 –4]. Cataplexy, i.e. sudden loss of muscle tone, mostly triggered by strong emotions [5] is a particularly troublesome symptom of NT1. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 23, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Roberta Tittarelli, Simona Pichini, Daniel S. Pedersen, Roberta Pacifici, Monica Moresco, Fabio Pizza, Francesco Paolo Busard ò, Giuseppe Plazzi Source Type: research
Distinguishing real from fake ivory products by elemental analyses: A Bayesian hybrid classification method
Illegal killing of African elephants (Loxodonta africana, Loxodonta cyclotis) for ivory has been ongoing for decades [1,2], but currently is escalating in accordance with the higher price of ivory in local black markets [3]. The African elephant is listed in Appendix I of CITES, except populations in Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe, which are Appendix II because of larger population numbers. Most of Africa ’s illegal ivory is exported as whole tusks to Asia, with China being the largest importer [4]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kittisak Buddhachat, Janine L. Brown, Chatchote Thitaram, Sarisa Klinhom, Korakot Nganvongpanit Source Type: research
Bone natural autofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy: preliminary results of a novel useful tool to distinguish between forensic and ancient human skeletal remains
The analysis of skeletal remains is a highly specialized field in the medico-legal science. A forensic anthropologist is usually tasked with determining the biological profile of skeletal remains (e.g., ancestry, sex, age and stature) that have been identified as human. Morphometrical features of bones and teeth can help to answer these questions [1 –3]. A more difficult parameter to estimate is the time since death (TSD). As quoted from Nagy et al. [4], “dating human skeletal remains is one of the most important and yet unreliable aspects of forensic medicine. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 20, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Luigi Capasso, Ruggero D ’Anastasio, Simone Guarnieri, Joan Viciano, Maria Mariggiò Source Type: research
Determination of Origin and Intended Use of Plutonium Metal Using Nuclear Forensic Techniques
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, a large number of incidents of illegal possession and trafficking of nuclear materials were reportedn [1]. Illicit activities involving nuclear materials still pose a great threat to international security as these materials have the potential to be used for nuclear terrorism. Nuclear forensics is a multi-disciplinary scientific field that was established to investigate the origin and intended use of interdicted nuclear materials [2 –7]. (Source: Forensic Science International)
Source: Forensic Science International - January 18, 2017 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Jung H. Rim, Kevin J. Kuhn, Lav Tandon, Ning Xu, Donivan R. Porterfield, Christopher G. Worley, Mariam R. Thomas, Khalil J. Spencer, Floyd E. Stanley, Elmer J. Lujan, Katherine Garduno, Holly R. Trellue Tags: Case Report Source Type: research
