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Ding L, Zhang CM. Occurrence, ecotoxicity and ecological risks of psychoactive substances in surface waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171788. [PMID: 38499097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Psychoactive substances (PSs) represent a subset of emerging contaminants. Their widespread production and utilization contribute to a growing ecological burden and risk on a global scale. Conventional wastewater treatment methods have proven insufficient in adequately removing psychoactive substances, leading to their occurrence in surface water ecosystems worldwide. As of present, however, a thorough understanding of their geographical prevalence and distribution patterns remains elusive. Further, in the existing literature, there is a scarcity of comprehensive overviews that systematically summarize the toxicity of various psychoactive substances towards aquatic organisms. Through summarizing almost 140 articles, the present study provides an overview of the sources, pollution status, and biotoxicity of psychoactive substances in surface waters, as well as an assessment of their ecological risks. Concentrations of several psychoactive substances in surface waters were found to be as high as hundreds or even thousands of ng·L-1. In parallel, accumulation of psychoactive substances in the tissues or organs of aquatic organisms was found to potentially cause certain adverse effects, including behavioral disorders, organ damage, and DNA changes. Oxidative stress was found to be a significant factor in the toxic effects of psychoactive substances on organisms. The application of the risk quotient approach indicated that psychoactive substances posed a medium to high risk in certain surface water bodies, as well as the need for sustained long-term attention and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ding
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Chong-Miao Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
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2
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Bhardwaj T, Sharma S, Dalal J, Tanwar R. Effects of aluminium phosphide on larval morphometry of two important Chrysomya species. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:73-83. [PMID: 36572803 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02940-9] [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: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chrysomya megacephala and C. rufifacies are globally predominant species of blowflies that are amongst the primary colonisers of decomposing carcasses. The development of blowflies has been studied extensively to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). This article evaluates the effect of aluminium phosphide (AlP) on the larval morphometry and life cycles of C. megacephala and C. rufifacies. The rabbits were given different dosages of AlP and their livers were excised to rear C. megacephala and C. rufifacies. Through multiple-regression analysis, we assessed the overall impact of varying dosages of AlP on larvae of both species. AlP accelerated development until pupation, whilst the time until emergence remained the same. At higher concentrations, AlP had a positive effect on the development of these species. Since both species are abundant, forensic entomology studies examining the effect of AlP on morphometry and developmental stages would provide valuable information to investigators assessing PMImin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapeshwar Bhardwaj
- Department of Forensic Science, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, HR, 124001, India
| | - Sapna Sharma
- Department of Forensic Science, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, HR, 124001, India.
| | - Jyoti Dalal
- Department of Forensic Science, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, PB, 144411, India
| | - Ravi Tanwar
- Department of Forensic Science, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, HR, 124001, India
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3
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Wang S, Chen W, Shang Y, Ren L, Zhang X, Guo Y, Zhang C. High-throughput sequencing to evaluate the effects of methamphetamine on the succession of the bacterial community to estimate the postmortem interval. Forensic Sci Res 2023; 7:736-747. [PMID: 36817241 PMCID: PMC9930777 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2022.2046368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In forensic medical examinations, estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) is an important factor. Methamphetamine (MA) is a synthetic stimulant that is commonly abused, and estimation of the PMI after MA abuse has become one of the main tasks in forensic investigation. Microorganisms play a vital role in carrion decomposition. Analysing the bacterial succession patterns can be used as a forensic tool to estimate the PMI. The present study aimed to analyse bacterial succession changes during the decomposition of MA to estimate the PMI. We analysed bacterial communities in rabbits treated with three different concentrations of MA (0, 22.5, and 90 mg/kg) under the natural conditions of 20 °C and 70% humidity by sequencing 16S rRNA gene amplicons using the Illumina MiSeq system. We obtained 2 374 209 high-quality sequences and 2 937 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The relative abundances of the bacterial communities varied markedly in response to different MA concentrations. Interestingly, in response to the different concentrations of MA, Bacteroidetes became disparate in the rectum in the late PMI. Increased numbers of bacterial taxa were identified in the rectum and buccal cavity samples, except at the highest concentration of MA in the rectum samples when PMI was 0-h, than were present in live rabbits. Meanwhile, the PMI correlated significantly with bacterial succession at different taxonomic levels. Our results suggested that bacterial community succession could be used as a "microbial clock" to estimate the PMI in cases of MA-related death; however, further study is required to gain a deeper understanding of this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China,CONTACT Changquan Zhang
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Life Cycle and Biometric Study of Hydrotaea capensis (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera, Muscidae), a Species of Forensic Interest. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13060531. [PMID: 35735868 PMCID: PMC9225362 DOI: 10.3390/insects13060531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary From the point of view of forensic entomology, the study of the development times of the species and the factors conditioning them are issues of great importance to estimate the minPMI. Hydrotaea capensis is a Muscidae (Diptera) of forensic interest because of its colonization preferences. Thus, there is a need to have more precise data about its biology to gain insights into the interpretation of its presence in corpses. In this study, the H. capensis life cycle was studied at four constant temperatures, 18, 20, 25 and 30 °C, by recording the duration of its different developmental stages and the length reached in each larval stage, as well as some biometric characteristics of the emerged adults. Our work is the first to provide data on the duration of the life cycle of this species and pointed to some alar features as relevant biometric adult indicators to be considered. Abstract One of the most important and perhaps most used applications of forensic entomology concerns the estimation of the minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI), defined as the time interval between death and the actual finding of a corpse. Some Diptera species are critical in these studies because they are the first ones capable of detecting and finding a corpse and are selectively attracted by its decomposing status. Thus, the knowledge of the micromorphology of their preimaginal stages and of their life cycles within a time frame constitutes solid indicators for estimating the minPMI. Hydrotaea capensis is a Muscidae of forensic interest usually considered as a late colonizer of corpses. It is widely distributed, living mainly in warm regions, and present in a wide variety of habitats. In this study, the H. capensis life cycle was studied at four constant temperatures, 18°, 20°, 25° and 30 °C, by recording the duration of its different developmental stages, including the length reached in each larval stage, as well as some biometric characteristics of the emerged adults. Significant differences were observed in the average time of development of most larval stages, with a longer duration at low temperatures, and in the length of each larval stage depending on the temperature, but, in this case, without a clear pattern. Moreover, significant differences were found in some alar features, pointing to them as a relevant indicator to be considered. The data provided will assist forensic entomologists to make more accurate minPMI estimations in cases where H. capensis is present.
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El-Ashram S, Toto NA, El Wakil A, Augustyniak M, El-Samad LM. Reduced body length and morphological disorders in Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae reared on aluminum phosphide-treated rabbits. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8358. [PMID: 35589839 PMCID: PMC9120514 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12351-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Assessing the time of death based on the growth and development of insects is a critical task in forensic entomology. The rate of larvae development can be affected by a variety of toxins, including pesticides. Aluminum phosphide (AlP) is a low-cost insecticide that has yet to be tested for entomotoxicological significance, despite the fact that it is frequently the cause of fatal poisoning. In this study, we measured the body length of Chrysomya albiceps larvae reared on the carcasses of rabbits poisoned with AlP and analyzed the morphological changes of the larvae reared on the carcasses of rabbits poisoned with AlP. The concentration of AlP in the body of the larvae was significantly lower than in rabbit tissues. Insects from the AlP group had a significantly lower gain in body length. Furthermore, deformities in the larvae were found. Smaller respiratory spiracles were found, as well as a deformed small posterior end with hypogenesis of the posterior respiratory spiracles. Thus, disturbed growth and development of carrion flies found at a crime scene could indicate pesticide poisoning, such as aluminum phosphide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed El-Ashram
- Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, 33516, Egypt.
| | - Noura A Toto
- Department of Zoology, Faulty of Science, Damanhour University, El Beheira, Egypt
| | - Abeer El Wakil
- Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Faculty of Education, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maria Augustyniak
- Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, Bankowa 9, 40-007, Katowice, Poland
| | - Lamia M El-Samad
- Department of Zoology, Faulty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Ahmed Al-Keridis L, Al Galil FMA, Al-Mekhlafi FA, Wadaan MA, Al-Khalifa MS. Impact of Hypnotic Drug Zolpidem Tartrate on the Development of Forensic Fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:820-825. [PMID: 35147699 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Fabricius) is one of the fly species of significant medical and forensic importance since it is one of the most common flesh flies used in forensic investigations. Zolpidem tartrate is a sedative-hypnotic drug used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults and its use has been implicated in many suicide cases worldwide. Fresh chopped liver of buffalo Bubalus bubalis (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) containing different concentrations of Zolpidem tartrate was given to S. ruficornis larvae to evaluate the effect of Zolpidem tartrate on the developmental rate of the different stages, life cycle duration, and the morphological parameters. The findings have shown significant variation in the time required for the different developmental stages and total life cycle duration, which correlated positively with the Zolpidem tartrate concentration in different cultures. Compared to the control, the morphological parameters were negatively correlated with the concentration of Zolpidem tartrate in the treated cultures. The obtained results indicate that the Zolpidem tartrate retards larval development and alters the estimation of the total developmental duration. Thus, when Zolpidem tartrate may be the cause of death, the entomological evidence needs to be analyzed so it takes zolpidem-related changes to the mPMI into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamya Ahmed Al-Keridis
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahd Mohammed Abd Al Galil
- Biological Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Bisha, P.O. Box 551, Bisha, 61922, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen
| | - Fahd A Al-Mekhlafi
- Bioproducts Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Agricultural Production, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, Thamar, Yemen
| | - Muhammad A Wadaan
- Bioproducts Research Chair, Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Wang Y, Gong Q, Liu ZJ, Wang M, Xu W, Wang YH, Wang JF. Research Progress on Developmental Biology of Sarcosaprophagous Insects. FA YI XUE ZA ZHI 2021; 37:673-682. [PMID: 35187920 DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2020.401216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology provides a feasible way to estimate postmortem interval (PMI), of which the growth and development of sarcosaprophagous insects is the most widely used indicator in forensic practice. Over the years, forensic entomologists have carried out a large number of studies on the development biology of sarcosaprophagous insects. This paper illustrates the main factors that affect the development of sarcosaprophagous insects, including temperature, humidity, light, food types and poisons. The development indicators of sarcosaprophagous insects were reviewed from the perspectives of morphology, differential gene expression and biochemical characteristics. It is emphasized that future research of development biology on sarcosaprophagous insects should fully absorb and integrate the methods of artificial intelligence and omics, and the research object also needs further expansion in order to establish a more objective and more accurate PMI estimation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qiang Gong
- Criminal Police Department of Chongqing Public Security Bureau, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Zhen-Jiang Liu
- Criminal Police Department of Chongqing Public Security Bureau, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wang Xu
- Department of Forensic Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ying-Hui Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
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8
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Bade R, Ghetia M, Chappell A, White JM, Gerber C. Pholedrine is a marker of direct disposal of methamphetamine. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 782:146839. [PMID: 33836378 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.146839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of methamphetamine has primarily been estimated in wastewater-based epidemiology by measuring the parent compound. However, this could lead to overestimation when methamphetamine is directly disposed into the sewer system. In this respect, it would be advantageous to measure a specific metabolite of methamphetamine instead. We identified 4-hydroxymethamphetamine (pholedrine) as a potential marker. Stability experiments were performed in both filtered and unfiltered wastewater. Correlations with relative loads in wastewater were used to establish its potential as a marker of direct disposal of methamphetamine, or even as a wastewater-based epidemiology biomarker of methamphetamine consumption. This study then investigated the use of pholedrine in combination with methamphetamine to better detect direct disposal events and its potential as a marker of methamphetamine consumption. Examples from both South Australia and New Zealand exemplify the use of pholedrine to identify potential instances of direct disposal of methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bade
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maulik Ghetia
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Chappell
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), Christchurch Science Centre, 27 Creyke Road, Ilam, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
| | - Jason M White
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cobus Gerber
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5001, South Australia, Australia.
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9
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Findley DL, Berquist MD, Hambuchen MD. Methamphetamine-Induced Open Field Behavior and LD50 in Periplaneta americana Cockroaches (Blattodea: Blattidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 114:476-480. [PMID: 33146384 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate animal studies of methamphetamine (METH) could allow for high throughput, inexpensive, and high-animal number pharmacology and toxicology studies. We hypothesized that in Periplaneta americana cockroaches, METH would increase locomotion compared to saline and produce lethality. Lethal dose, 50% (LD50) was determined with 0-1,780 µg/g (mg/kg) METH (n = 15-16/group) using logit analysis. Locomotor activity after METH (0-560 mg/kg, intra-abdominal, n = 8 per group) administration and spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches in an open field 24 h after LD50 study doses was measured with Noldus Ethovision. The LD50 of METH was 823.1 mg/kg (more than 10-fold greater than the value in rats). There were significant decreases in spontaneous locomotor activity in surviving cockroaches after administration of 650 and 750 mg/kg METH (P < 0.05). While 100 mg/kg METH did not significantly increase METH locomotor activity relative to saline, 300 mg/kg METH significantly increased locomotor activity compared to saline (P < 0.05), and 560 mg/kg METH resulted in most of the cockroaches slowly moving around the open field in the supine position for most of the trial. In conclusion, METH produces pharmacological and toxicological effects in P. americana. The high availability, low cost, and relative ease of use of these animals makes them a potential, very accessible option for studying METH use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Findley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Huntington, WV
| | - Michael D Berquist
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, St. Little Rock, AR
| | - Michael D Hambuchen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Huntington, WV
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10
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The implication of morphometrics and growth rate of dipteran flies in forensic entomotoxicology research: a review. Naturwissenschaften 2020; 107:50. [PMID: 33211187 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-020-01707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Forensic entomotoxicology integrates toxicology into forensic entomology to estimate minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) and circumstances of death where toxicants and poisonous substances are the suspected cause of death. Forensic entomotoxicology not only confirms the presence of toxicants in insects feeding off a cadaver but also studies its effect on the bio-morphometry and growth rate of insects. This review article highlights the effects of various toxicants on forensically important species of dipteran flies. It also discusses the parameters that may affect accuracy in estimation of time since death. The bio-physical effects of toxicants (excluding the analytical approach for qualitative detection) would help understand the trends in forensic entomotoxicological research worldwide.
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Revisiting the concept of entomotoxicology. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:282-286. [PMID: 33024952 PMCID: PMC7530288 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Until now, the term entomotoxicology has only been used in medico-legal sciences. However, entomotoxicology as a whole has a much wider scope and forensic entomotoxicology is just one of its branches. Based on the literature a wider definition of the term is presented. Today, we can distinguish two major branches of entomotoxicology: 1) Forensic entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as evidence of the presence of xenobiotics in decomposing tissue during an investigation and 2) Environmental entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as bioindicators of environmental pollution in non-criminal circumstances. While forensic entomotoxicology is a relatively new discipline, research in environmental entomotoxicology began as far back as the 1920s. A review of the work in entomotoxicology from the last 6 years is presented, covering several interesting new trends. This article aims to redefine entomotoxicology, which should increase awareness to bring more collaborations and multidisciplinary between related scientific fields.
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12
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Wang S, Zhang C, Chen W, Ren L, Ling J, Shang Y, Guo Y. Effects of Methamphetamine on the Development and Its Determination in Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:691-696. [PMID: 31819957 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Age determination of necrophagous flies serves as an important tool for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation in forensic investigations. Drugs or toxins in cadavers may alter the developmental time of larvae, and lead to deviation in PMI estimation. Methamphetamine (MA), as one of the most abused psychostimulant drugs in Asia and North America, is often involved in forensic entomotoxicological cases. This study investigated the effects of MA (0, 45, 90, and 180 ng/mg) on the developmental rate, morphology, and survival of Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich, 1930). The results showed that 1) the developmental time to reach the pupal instar was statistically slower for the larvae reared on rabbit mince containing MA than for the control; 2) the mean length of the larvae exposed to MA concentrations was longer than those of the control; 3) the mean weight of the pupae exposed to the highest concentration of MA was significantly lighter than those of the control; 4) the GC-MS method can detect the content of MA in A. grahami immatures and empty puparia (EP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Changquan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Ling
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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Chophi R, Sharma S, Sharma S, Singh R. Forensic entomotoxicology: Current concepts, trends and challenges. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 67:28-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Leccia C, Alunni V, Quatrehomme G. Modern (forensic) mummies: A study of twenty cases. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:330.e1-330.e9. [PMID: 29807756 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Twenty mummies discovered in a forensic context between 2002 and 2016 were compiled in this work. 15 cases were excluded and 15 cases of forensic mummies were found in the literature. In the current work the percentage of mummification was calculated by "the rule of nines" used for describing burned injuries in livings. Dry and hot environments, emaciation, little access to flies are favorable conditions for mummification. Nevertheless mummification was also observed in other cold and humid environments. Extensive mummification (defined in this work as "at least 50% of mummification of the body skin) has occurred in as little as three weeks in the current series. The post mortem interval was estimated by indirect clues. The cause of death was usually impossible to establish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Leccia
- Laboratoire de Médecine Légale et d'Anthropologie médico-légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice Cedex 2, France.
| | - Véronique Alunni
- Laboratoire de Médecine Légale et d'Anthropologie médico-légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, and CEPAM (UMR CNRS 7264), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Gérald Quatrehomme
- Laboratoire de Médecine Légale et d'Anthropologie médico-légale, Faculté de Médecine, Université Côte d'Azur, and CEPAM (UMR CNRS 7264), 28 Avenue de Valombrose, 06107 Nice Cedex 2, France
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da Silva EIT, Wilhelmi B, Villet MH. Forensic entomotoxicology revisited-towards professional standardisation of study designs. Int J Legal Med 2017; 131:1399-1412. [PMID: 28567525 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1603-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Forensic entomotoxicology is the use of insects as evidence of whether a toxicant is present in an environment such as a corpse, river or landscape. The earliest overtly forensic study was published in 1977, and since then, at least 63 papers have been published, most of them focused on the detection of toxicants in insects or on effects of toxicants on diverse insect indicator taxa. A comprehensive review of the published literature revealed various inconsistencies between studies that could be addressed by introducing standard protocols for such studies. These protocols could include selecting widespread and common model organisms (such as Lucilia sericata, Calliphora vicina, Chrysomya megacephala and Dermestes maculatus) and model toxicants (e.g. morphine and amitriptyline) to build up comparative databases; developing a standard matrix for use as a feeding substrate; setting guidelines for statistically adequate sample sizes; and deploying more sophisticated analytical methods from the general field of toxicology. Future studies should then be aimed at refining standardised protocols to improve experimental results, and make these results more comparable between studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica I T da Silva
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
| | - Brendan Wilhelmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Martin H Villet
- Southern African Forensic Entomology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa.
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Archer MS, Wallman JF. Context Effects in Forensic Entomology and Use of Sequential Unmasking in Casework. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1270-7. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S. Archer
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Monash University/Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine; 65 Kavanagh St Southbank VIC 3006 Australia
| | - James F. Wallman
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions; School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; Wollongong NSW 2522 Australia
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Experimental study of Lucilia sericata (Diptera Calliphoridae) larval development on rat cadavers: Effects of climate and chemical contamination. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 253:125-30. [PMID: 26123620 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Household products such as bleach, gasoline or hydrochloric acid have been used to mask the presence of a cadaver or to prevent the colonization of insects. These types of chemicals affect insect development and alter the forensic entomology analysis. This study was designed to test the effects of six household products (bleach, mosquito repellent, perfume, caustic soda, insecticide and unleaded gasoline) on blowfly (Lucilia sericata, Diptera: Calliphoridae) larval development. Furthermore, the effects of climate (rain or dry conditions) on larval development were analyzed. For each replication, 100 first instars were placed on a rat cadaver on which one household product was spilled. We observed a decrease in the survival rates of the larvae but no significant effect on their development times or the adult size. The same trends were observed under rainy conditions. However, the rain altered the effects of some tested household products, especially gasoline. These results demonstrate for the first time the successful development of necrophagous larvae on chemically contaminated cadavers, and provide evidence for the range of possible effects to expect.
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