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Schieweck A, Schulz N, Amendt J, Birngruber C, Holz F. Catch me if you can-emission patterns of human bodies in relation to postmortem changes. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1603-1620. [PMID: 38456958 PMCID: PMC11164720 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The present study examines for the first time the emission patterns and olfactory signatures of 9 complete human corpses of different stages of decomposition. Air sampling was performed inside the body bags with solid sorbents and analysed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after thermal desorption (TD-GC-MS). Furthermore, odour-related substances were detected by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). Sulfurous compounds (mainly dimethyl di- and trisulfide) were identified as most important to the odour perception. Around 350 individual organic substances were detected by TD-GC-MS, notably sulfurous and nitrogenous substances as well as branched alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and ethers. A range of terpenes was detected for the first time in a characteristic emission pattern over all decomposition stages. Concentrations of the substances varied greatly, and no correlation between the emission patterns, the stage of decomposition and the cause of death could be found. While previous studies often analysed pig cadavers or only parts of human tissue, the present study shows the importance of analysing complete human corpses over a range of decomposition stages. Moreover, it is shown that using body bags as a kind of "emission test chamber" is a very promising approach, also because it is a realistic application considering the usual transport and store of a body before autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schieweck
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Riedenkamp 3, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Nicole Schulz
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Riedenkamp 3, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christoph Birngruber
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Holz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Cieśla J, Skrobisz J, Niciński B, Kloc M, Mazur K, Pałasz A, Javan GT, Tomsia M. The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260869. [PMID: 37779703 PMCID: PMC10538644 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cieśla
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Skrobisz
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bartosz Niciński
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Gulnaz T. Javan
- Department of Physical and Forensic Science Programs, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Martin C, Malević M, Diederich C, Verheggen F. Copycatting the smell of death: Deciphering the role of cadaveric scent components used by detection dogs to locate human remains. J Forensic Sci 2023. [PMID: 37183668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Human remains detection dogs (HRDD) are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to search for cadavers. Biological material is typically used as a training stimulus, also called aids, to train dogs to recognize the smell of cadavers. While HRDD training approaches have received extensive attention, information remains limited on the olfactory cues used to train them. Here, we aimed to decipher the chemical basis of detection dog olfaction. Five specific objectives were explored to precise whether the composition or the concentration of the training aids drives the HRDDs responses. We recorded the behavioral responses of four HRDDs exposed to different cadaveric-like smells. We found that HRDDs recognized a simplified synthetic aid composed of cadaveric compounds. The lowest concentration at which HRDDs continued to perceive the cadaveric smell was determined. HRDDs were not impacted by slight modifications to the chemical composition of a blend of odors that they have been trained with. HRDDs associated sulfur and nitrogen compounds as human cadaver. Our findings highlight a lack of specificity of HRDDs to cadaveric compounds, which could lead to error of detection. Moreover, all dogs did not positively respond to the same blends, despite being trained with the same aids and procedure. However, we confirmed that dogs could be trained with a simplified blend of molecules. The chemical composition of a training aid has, therefore, high consequences on the performance of the trained animal, and this conclusion opens additional questions regarding olfaction-based detection animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Marta Malević
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Claire Diederich
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - François Verheggen
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
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PENG Z, SUN M, LI L, GUO T, MO T, HUANG ZX, GAO W, CHENG P, ZHOU Z. An Improved Design of Electron Ionization Time-of-Fight Mass Spectrometry with Collisional Focusing Ion Guiding. CHINESE JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2040(21)60088-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Martin C, Diederich C, Verheggen F. Cadaver Dogs and the Deathly Hallows-A Survey and Literature Review on Selection and Training Procedure. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1219. [PMID: 32709097 PMCID: PMC7401519 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) are powerful police assets to locate a corpse. However, the methods used to select and train them are as diverse as the number of countries with such a canine brigade. First, a survey sent to human remains searching brigades (Ncountries = 10; NBrigades = 16; NHandlers = 50; Nquestions = 9), to collect their working habits confirmed the lack of optimized selection and training procedures. Second, a literature review was performed in order to outline the strengths and shortcomings of HRDDs training. A comparison between the scientific knowledge and the common practices used by HRDDs brigade was then conducted focusing on HRDDs selection and training procedures. We highlighted that HRDD handlers select their dogs by focusing on behavioral traits while neglecting anatomical features, which have been shown to be important. Most HRDD handlers reported to use a reward-based training, which is in accordance with training literature for dogs. Training aids should be representative of the odor target to allow a dog to reach optimal performances. The survey highlighted the wide diversity of homemade training aids, and the need to optimize their composition. In the present document, key research topics to improve HRDD works are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
| | - Claire Diederich
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium;
| | - François Verheggen
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
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Simon A, Lazarowski L, Singletary M, Barrow J, Van Arsdale K, Angle T, Waggoner P, Giles K. A Review of the Types of Training Aids Used for Canine Detection Training. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:313. [PMID: 32596267 PMCID: PMC7301692 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The canine detection community is a diverse one, ranging from scientific fields such as behavior, genetics, veterinary medicine, chemistry, and biology to applications in law enforcement, military, medicine, and agricultural/environmental detection. This diversity has allowed for a flourishing and innovative community, yet it has also led to little acceptance and agreement on terminology. This is especially true when discussing the variety of training aids used in olfactory-based exercises. In general, authentic materials and pseudo-scents are the most commonly discussed, with the former accepted widely for training and certification, and the latter more often disregarded. However, as advances are made in the creation of training materials, alternative training aids are being introduced that do not fit into either of these categories. The misconceptions surrounding how these alternative training aids are manufactured has led to confusion on their classification, and therefore their reliance as an effective tool. This manuscript will review the existing language surrounding canine training aids, address relevant research revealing effectiveness, and clarify the different types based on their manufacture, chemical nature, and fundamental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Simon
- AGS Forensics, LLC, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Lucia Lazarowski
- Canine Performance Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Melissa Singletary
- Canine Performance Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Jason Barrow
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, Quantico, VA, United States
| | - Kelly Van Arsdale
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory, Quantico, VA, United States
| | - Thomas Angle
- Canine Performance Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Paul Waggoner
- Canine Performance Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Kathleen Giles
- Giles Consulting, LLC, Huntington Beach, CA, United States
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Cannon C, Stejskal S, Perrault KA. The volatile organic compound profile from Cimex lectularius in relation to bed bug detection canines. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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9
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Olfactory Generalization in Detector Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9090702. [PMID: 31546835 PMCID: PMC6769875 DOI: 10.3390/ani9090702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dogs are valued for their odor detection capabilities in a vast range of fields. They help to find hidden and elusive targets, such as explosives, narcotics, missing persons, and invasive or endangered species, amongst an extensive list. In all these roles, dogs are required to find real target odors that vary somewhat from those with which they were trained. For example, dogs might be trained with an explosive mixture or certain explosive compounds, and then must be able to find homemade explosives of differing compositions or manufacturing processes. This ability, to respond to similar odors in the same way as they would respond to the originally trained odor, is known as generalization. A failure to generalize can result in dogs missing targets in working scenarios. Although generalization is usually desired to some extent, dogs must also discriminate against related odors that are not targets. Therefore, research that investigates factors that can influence dogs’ tendency to generalize, and conversely to discriminate, can inform training strategies to improve detection outcomes. However, this field requires further research with greater application to practical training. Abstract Generalizing to target odor variations while retaining specificity against non-targets is crucial to the success of detector dogs under working conditions. As such, the importance of generalization should be considered in the formulation of effective training strategies. Research investigating olfactory generalization from pure singular compounds to more complex odor mixtures helps to elucidate animals’ olfactory generalization tendencies and inform ways to alter the generalization gradient by broadening or narrowing the range of stimuli to which dogs will respond. Olfactory generalization depends upon both intrinsic factors of the odors, such as concentration, as well as behavioral and cognitive factors related to training and previous experience. Based on the current research, some training factors may influence generalization. For example, using multiple target exemplars appears to be the most effective way to promote elemental processing and broaden the generalization gradient, whereas increasing the number of training instances with fewer exemplars can narrow the gradient, thereby increasing discrimination. Overall, this research area requires further attention and study to increase our understanding of olfactory generalization in dogs, particularly detector dogs, to improve training and detection outcomes.
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Amaral MSS, Marriott PJ. The Blossoming of Technology for the Analysis of Complex Aroma Bouquets-A Review on Flavour and Odorant Multidimensional and Comprehensive Gas Chromatography Applications. Molecules 2019; 24:E2080. [PMID: 31159223 PMCID: PMC6600270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidimensional approaches in gas chromatography have been established as potent tools to (almost) attain fully resolved analyses. Flavours and odours are important application fields for these techniques since they include complex matrices, and are of interest for both scientific study and to consumers. This article is a review of the main research studies in the above theme, discussing the achievements and challenges that demonstrate a maturing of analytical separation technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S S Amaral
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - Philip J Marriott
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, School of Chemistry, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
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11
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Simon AG, DeGreeff LE. Variation in the headspace of bulk hexamethylene triperoxide diamine (HMTD): Part II. Analysis of non-detonable canine training aids. Forensic Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2019.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Yu Z, Huang H, Zhang H, Kessler BM. Improved profiling of polyamines using two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Talanta 2019; 199:184-188. [PMID: 30952244 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are a class of poly-cationic aliphatic amines, playing a role in different cellular processes such as maintaining intracellular pH and membrane potential that are relevant for general cellular physiology and ageing. The development of analytical methods for detection and quantitation of this class of compounds has been challenging due to the basic nature of these species. Both liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) have been applied for separation, mostly coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for detection. However, current methodologies suffer from lengthy extraction protocols and limitations in separation and detection levels. Here, we present a simplified and optimised method for straightforward extraction of polyamine metabolites including spermine, spermidine, norspermidine, cadaverine and putrescine from cellular and tissue material. We demonstrate that strong acid-based extraction and chemical derivatisation not only improves isolation, but also recovery. Combined with two-dimensional gas chromatography, this method provides clear separation and femtomole sensitivity for the profiling of polyamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanru Yu
- TDI Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Honglei Huang
- TDI Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Hanlin Zhang
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY
| | - Benedikt M Kessler
- TDI Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK.
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Prada PA, Furton KG. Birds and Dogs: Toward a Comparative Perspective on Odor Use and Detection. Front Vet Sci 2018; 5:188. [PMID: 30155472 PMCID: PMC6103309 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2018.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
While canines are generally considered the gold standard for olfactory detection in many situations other animals provide alternatives and offer a unique opportunity to compare biological detection capabilities. Critical components in successfully studying biological detectors is not only understanding their anatomical evidence for olfaction, but also, understanding the life history of the species to better direct the potential of an olfactory task. Here, a brief overview is provided presenting a comparative viewpoint on the use of odors by birds and canines over a range of unique detection scenarios. Similar to canines, birds use olfactory information in various natural oriented contexts where odors are dispersed over a widespread spatial range. Comparing these two distinctive animal models, and current trends in physiological and behavioral assessments may open the door for novel uses of birds as biological sensors in forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola A Prada
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Institute for Forensic Science, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Kenneth G Furton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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Hayes J, McGreevy P, Forbes S, Laing G, Stuetz R. Critical review of dog detection and the influences of physiology, training, and analytical methodologies. Talanta 2018; 185:499-512. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Prebihalo SE, Berrier KL, Freye CE, Bahaghighat HD, Moore NR, Pinkerton DK, Synovec RE. Multidimensional Gas Chromatography: Advances in Instrumentation, Chemometrics, and Applications. Anal Chem 2017; 90:505-532. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Prebihalo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Kelsey L. Berrier
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Chris E. Freye
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - H. Daniel Bahaghighat
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996, United States
| | - Nicholas R. Moore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - David K. Pinkerton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Robert E. Synovec
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Box 351700, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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18
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The analysis of textiles associated with decomposing remains as a natural training aid for cadaver-detection dogs. Forensic Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Rosier E, Loix S, Develter W, Van de Voorde W, Cuypers E, Tytgat J. Differentiation between decomposed remains of human origin and bigger mammals. J Forensic Leg Med 2017; 50:28-35. [PMID: 28686981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study is a follow-up study in the search for a human specific marker in the decomposition where the VOC-profile of decomposing human, pig, lamb and roe remains were analyzed using a thermal desorber combined with a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer in a laboratory environment during 6 months. The combination of 8 previously identified human and pig specific compounds (ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, propyl butyrate, ethyl pentanoate, 3-methylthio-1-propanol, methyl(methylthio)ethyl disulfide, diethyl disulfide and pyridine) was also seen in these analyzed mammals. However, combined with 5 additional compounds (hexane, heptane, octane, N-(3-methylbutyl)- and N-(2-methylpropyl)acetamide) human remains could be separated from pig, lamb and roe remains. Based on a higher number of remains analyzed, as compared with the pilot study, it was no longer possible to rely on the 5 previously proposed esters to separate pig from human remains. From this follow-up study reported, it was found that pyridine is an interesting compound specific to human remains. Such a human specific marker can help in the training of cadaver dogs or in the development of devices to search for human remains. However, further investigations have to verify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rosier
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Loix
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - W Develter
- Imaging & Pathology Department, Division Forensic Biomedical Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Sint-Rafaël, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - W Van de Voorde
- Imaging & Pathology Department, Division Forensic Biomedical Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Sint-Rafaël, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Cuypers
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Campus Gasthuisberg, O&N2, PO Box 922, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Rust L, Nizio KD, Forbes SL. The influence of ageing and surface type on the odour profile of blood-detection dog training aids. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 408:6349-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Sampat A, Lopatka M, Sjerps M, Vivo-Truyols G, Schoenmakers P, van Asten A. Forensic potential of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Trends Analyt Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2015.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Rosier E, Loix S, Develter W, Van de Voorde W, Tytgat J, Cuypers E. The Search for a Volatile Human Specific Marker in the Decomposition Process. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137341. [PMID: 26375029 PMCID: PMC4572707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a validated method using a thermal desorber combined with a gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometry was used to identify the volatile organic compounds released during decomposition of 6 human and 26 animal remains in a laboratory environment during a period of 6 months. 452 compounds were identified. Among them a human specific marker was sought using principle component analysis. We found a combination of 8 compounds (ethyl propionate, propyl propionate, propyl butyrate, ethyl pentanoate, pyridine, diethyl disulfide, methyl(methylthio)ethyl disulfide and 3-methylthio-1-propanol) that led to the distinction of human and pig remains from other animal remains. Furthermore, it was possible to separate the pig remains from human remains based on 5 esters (3-methylbutyl pentanoate, 3-methylbutyl 3-methylbutyrate, 3-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate, butyl pentanoate and propyl hexanoate). Further research in the field with full bodies has to corroborate these results and search for one or more human specific markers. These markers would allow a more efficiently training of cadaver dogs or portable detection devices could be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Rosier
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - S. Loix
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - W. Develter
- Imaging & Pathology Department, Division Forensic Biomedical Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - W. Van de Voorde
- Imaging & Pathology Department, Division Forensic Biomedical Sciences, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - J. Tytgat
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - E. Cuypers
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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23
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Perrault KA, Stefanuto PH, Stuart BH, Rai T, Focant JF, Forbes SL. Detection of decomposition volatile organic compounds in soil following removal of remains from a surface deposition site. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2015; 11:376-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-015-9693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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24
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Perrault KA, Nizio KD, Forbes SL. A Comparison of One-Dimensional and Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography for Decomposition Odour Profiling Using Inter-Year Replicate Field Trials. Chromatographia 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-015-2916-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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25
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26
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GC × GC–TOFMS and supervised multivariate approaches to study human cadaveric decomposition olfactive signatures. Anal Bioanal Chem 2015; 407:4767-78. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-015-8683-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Agapiou A, Zorba E, Mikedi K, McGregor L, Spiliopoulou C, Statheropoulos M. Analysis of volatile organic compounds released from the decay of surrogate human models simulating victims of collapsed buildings by thermal desorption-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time of flight mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2015; 883:99-108. [PMID: 26088782 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2015.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Field experiments were devised to mimic the entrapment conditions under the rubble of collapsed buildings aiming to investigate the evolution of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during the early dead body decomposition stage. Three pig carcasses were placed inside concrete tunnels of a search and rescue (SAR) operational field terrain for simulating the entrapment environment after a building collapse. The experimental campaign employed both laboratory and on-site analytical methods running in parallel. The current work focuses only on the results of the laboratory method using thermal desorption coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TD-GC×GC-TOF MS). The flow-modulated TD-GC×GC-TOF MS provided enhanced separation of the VOC profile and served as a reference method for the evaluation of the on-site analytical methods in the current experimental campaign. Bespoke software was used to deconvolve the VOC profile to extract as much information as possible into peak lists. In total, 288 unique VOCs were identified (i.e., not found in blank samples). The majority were aliphatics (172), aromatics (25) and nitrogen compounds (19), followed by ketones (17), esters (13), alcohols (12), aldehydes (11), sulfur (9), miscellaneous (8) and acid compounds (2). The TD-GC×GC-TOF MS proved to be a sensitive and powerful system for resolving the chemical puzzle of above-ground "scent of death".
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Affiliation(s)
- A Agapiou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - E Zorba
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27 Goudi, Greece
| | - K Mikedi
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Field Analytical Chemistry and Technology Unit, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Street, Athens 157 73, Greece
| | - L McGregor
- Markes International Ltd., Gwaun Elai Medi Science Campus, Llantrisant, RCT CF72 8XL, UK
| | - C Spiliopoulou
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Str., 115 27 Goudi, Greece
| | - M Statheropoulos
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Field Analytical Chemistry and Technology Unit, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Street, Athens 157 73, Greece
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28
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Tranchida PQ, Salivo S, Franchina FA, Mondello L. Flow-Modulated Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Combined with a High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer: A Proof-of-Principle Study. Anal Chem 2015; 87:2925-30. [DOI: 10.1021/ac5044175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Q. Tranchida
- “Scienze
del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute” Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Salivo
- “Scienze
del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute” Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Flavio A. Franchina
- “Scienze
del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute” Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Mondello
- “Scienze
del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute” Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
- University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo, 21−00128 Roma, Italy
- Chromaleont
s.r.l., c/o “Scienze del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute”
Department, University of Messina, Viale Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy
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29
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Perrault KA, Stefanuto PH, Stuart BH, Rai T, Focant JF, Forbes SL. Reducing variation in decomposition odour profiling using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. J Sep Sci 2014; 38:73-80. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201400935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto
- CART, Organic and Biological Analytical Chemistry Group; Department of Chemistry; University of Liège; Liège Belgium
| | - Barbara H. Stuart
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney; Australia
| | - Tapan Rai
- School of Mathematical Sciences; University of Technology Sydney; Australia
| | - Jean-François Focant
- CART, Organic and Biological Analytical Chemistry Group; Department of Chemistry; University of Liège; Liège Belgium
| | - Shari L. Forbes
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney; Australia
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30
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Effect of age and storage conditions on the volatile organic compound profile of blood. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2014; 10:570-82. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-014-9610-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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31
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Tipple CA, Caldwell PT, Kile BM, Beussman DJ, Rushing B, Mitchell NJ, Whitchurch CJ, Grime M, Stockham R, Eckenrode BA. Comprehensive characterization of commercially available canine training aids. Forensic Sci Int 2014; 242:242-254. [PMID: 25093917 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Effective and reliable training aids for victim recovery canine teams is essential for law enforcement and investigative purposes. Without adequate training aids, the rate of recovery for sub surface or surface human remains deposition using canine teams may be adversely affected and result in confusing information. The composition of three commercially available canine training aids that purportedly generate volatile components responsible for the odor of human decomposition is relatively simple and not closely related to those compounds experimentally determined to be present at the site of surface or sub-surface human remains. In this study, these different commercial formulations were chemically characterized using six different sampling approaches, including two applications of direct liquid injection, solid-phase microextraction (SPME), purge and trap, ambient preconcentration/thermal desorption, and cryogenic preconcentration/thermal desorption. Direct liquid injections resulted in the fewest number of detected compounds, while a cryogen based thermal desorption method detected the greatest number of compounds in each formulation. Based solely upon the direct liquid injection analysis, Pseudo™ Scent I was composed of approximately 29±4% and 71±5% of 2-pyrrolidinone and 4-aminobutanoic acid, respectively. This same analysis showed that Pseudo™ Scent II was composed of approximately 11±1, 11±1, 24±5, and 54±7% of putrescine, cadaverine, 2-pyrrolidinone, and 4-aminobutanoic acid, respectively. Headspace analysis was conducted to more closely simulate the process whereby a canine's nose would capture a volatiles profile. More compounds were detected using the headspace sampling method; however, the vast majority was not consistent with current data on human decomposition. Additionally, the three formulations were tested in outdoor and indoor scenarios by a double-blinded canine team, using a certified and specifically trained victim recovery canine with multiple confirmed recoveries, to determine if the formulations would be recognized by that canine as being related to human decomposition. The canine used in this study did not provide a positive response to any of the formulations tested in either test scenario. The implications for locating residual human decomposition odor in the absence of recoverable material are discussed in light of these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Tipple
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Patricia T Caldwell
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Brian M Kile
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Douglas J Beussman
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Blake Rushing
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Natalie J Mitchell
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Christian J Whitchurch
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Visiting Scientist Program, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Martin Grime
- GSS International Ltd, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 5SW, United Kingdom
| | - Rex Stockham
- Evidence Response Team Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States
| | - Brian A Eckenrode
- Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, United States.
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32
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Stefanuto PH, Perrault K, Stadler S, Pesesse R, Brokl M, Forbes S, Focant JF. Reading Cadaveric Decomposition Chemistry with a New Pair of Glasses. Chempluschem 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201402003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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33
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Inter-year repeatability study of volatile organic compounds from surface decomposition of human analogues. Int J Legal Med 2014; 129:641-50. [PMID: 24867182 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-1024-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Decomposition odour and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have gained considerable attention recently due to their use by insects and scent detection canines to locate remains. However, a comprehensive and accurate profile of decomposition odour is yet to be confirmed. This is, in part, due to the geographical diversity in the studies conducted and the variation in the methodology and compounds being reported. To date, no repeatability studies of decomposition odour have been conducted in the same environment. In order to address this current gap in the scientific literature, this study conducted three replicate trials in order to evaluate the inter-year repeatability of the decomposition VOC profile in a southern Canadian environment. Surface decomposition trials were conducted during the spring and summer months and the VOCs were analysed by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). This study was able to demonstrate that decomposition VOCs are produced consistently during their characteristic stages and that this relationship is maintained under varying environmental factors which influence the rate of decomposition. This consistent production of decomposition VOCs can lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms of soft tissue decomposition and their sources of variation, and it could potentially lead to improved applications of these compounds for the detection of decomposed remains.
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34
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Focant JF, Stefanuto P, Brasseur C, Dekeirsschieter J, Haubruge E, Schotsmans E, Wilson A, Stadler S, Forbes S. Forensic cadaveric decomposition profiling by GC×GC-TOFMS analysis of VOCS. CHEMICAL BULLETIN OF KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY 2013. [DOI: 10.15328/chemb_2013_4177-186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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35
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Rapid automatic identification and quantification of compounds in complex matrices using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry with a peak sentinel tool. Anal Chim Acta 2013; 778:54-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2013.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 03/09/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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36
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Stadler S, Stefanuto PH, Brokl M, Forbes SL, Focant JF. Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds from Human Analogue Decomposition Using Thermal Desorption Coupled to Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2012; 85:998-1005. [DOI: 10.1021/ac302614y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Stadler
- Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000
Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 7K4
| | - Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto
- CART, Organic and Biological Analytical
Chemistry Group, Chemistry Department, University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie 3, B-6c Sart-Tilman,
B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Michał Brokl
- CART, Organic and Biological Analytical
Chemistry Group, Chemistry Department, University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie 3, B-6c Sart-Tilman,
B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Shari L. Forbes
- Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000
Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada L1H 7K4
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway,
New South Wales, 2007, Australia
| | - Jean-François Focant
- CART, Organic and Biological Analytical
Chemistry Group, Chemistry Department, University of Liège, Allée de la Chimie 3, B-6c Sart-Tilman,
B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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37
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Seeley JV, Seeley SK. Multidimensional Gas Chromatography: Fundamental Advances and New Applications. Anal Chem 2012; 85:557-78. [DOI: 10.1021/ac303195u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John V. Seeley
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, Rochester, Michigan, 48309
| | - Stacy K. Seeley
- Kettering University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1700 University Avenue,
Flint, Michigan, 48504
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