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León-Morán LO, Pastor-Belda M, Viñas P, Arroyo-Manzanares N, García MD, Arnaldos MI, Campillo N. Discrimination of Diptera order insects based on their saturated cuticular hydrocarbon content using a new microextraction procedure and chromatographic analysis. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2938-2947. [PMID: 38668806 DOI: 10.1039/d4ay00214h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
The nature and proportions of hydrocarbons in the cuticle of insects are characteristic of the species and age. Chemical analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons allows species discrimination, which is of great interest in the forensic field, where insects play a crucial role in estimating the minimum post-mortem interval. The objective of this work was the differentiation of Diptera order insects through their saturated cuticular hydrocarbon compositions (SCHCs). For this, specimens fixed in 70 : 30 ethanol : water, as recommended by the European Association for Forensic Entomology, were submitted to solid-liquid extraction followed by dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, providing preconcentration factors up to 76 for the SCHCs. The final organic extract was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and GC coupled with mass spectrometry was applied to confirm the identity of the SCHCs. The analysed samples contained linear alkanes with the number of carbon atoms in the C9-C15 and C18-C36 ranges with concentrations between 0.1 and 125 ng g-1. Chrysomya albiceps (in its larval stage) showed the highest number of analytes detected, with 21 compounds, while Lucilia sericata and Calliphora vicina the lowest, with only 3 alkanes. Non-supervised principal component analysis and supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed and an optimal model to differentiate specimens according to their species was obtained. In addition, statistically significant differences were observed in the concentrations of certain SCHCs within the same species depending on the stage of development or the growth pattern of the insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- L O León-Morán
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - M Pastor-Belda
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - P Viñas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - N Arroyo-Manzanares
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M D García
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty de Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - M I Arnaldos
- Department of Zoology and Physical Anthropology, Faculty de Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - N Campillo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain.
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques (SECyTeF), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, E-30100 Murcia, Spain
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Mashaly A, Al-Khalifa MS. Exploring the ethical dimensions in forensic entomology: From codes of conduct to professional accountability. Sci Justice 2024; 64:243-249. [PMID: 38431381 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This article investigates a critical part of professional careers: adhering to a code of ethics that defines proper behavior within the context of one's specialized practice. It aims to improve the setting of forensic entomology work by highlighting the ethical issues that frequently emerge. The primary goal is to uncover common ethical issues involved in this field's everyday activities and provide informed advice on appropriate resolution options. This investigation dives into the complex interaction of religious beliefs, cultural aspects, and issues of ethics, evaluating their relevance in forensic entomology. It examines a wide range of ethical issues, from the ethics involved in collecting samples at crime scenes and morguesto the ethics created into scientific investigations, report writing, and court testimony. These guiding principles are critical in setting scientific standards and building public trust in forensic entomology's ability to provide exceptional services. Notably, regardless of whether the forensic entomology service provider is accredited by any validating organization, these ethical requirements remain critical, emphasizing their global application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Mashaly
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | - Mohammed S Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Hu G, Li L, Zhang Y, Shao S, Gao Y, Zhang R, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo Y, Kang C, Wang J, Wang Y. A global perspective of forensic entomology case reports from 1935 to 2022. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:1535-1553. [PMID: 37410176 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-03053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology case reports are the product of rapid development in the field, the widespread acceptance of the science and the application of forensic entomological knowledge. In this study, we retrospectively summarized information derived from 307 forensic entomology case reports from 1935 to 2022 from a global perspective. Our checklist of relevant information included insect species, specific indoor or outdoor preferences, preferred temperatures, and stages of body decomposition. Finally, a concept and calculation method for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation accuracy was proposed. There were 232 cases using insect developmental data and 28 cases using succession patterns to estimate PMI. A total of 146 species of insects were involved in the cases, of which 62.3% were Diptera and 37.7% were Coleoptera. Postmortem intervals were estimated from eggs in 4 cases, larvae in 180 cases, pupae in 45 cases, and puparia in 38 cases. The majority of cases were from June to October, and the average number of species mentioned in the cases was more at 15-30 °C. Considering the standardization of application, in the majority of cases, insect evidence was collected by other personnel and sent to forensic entomologists, there was a delay in the sampling, and the scene or meteorological data were directly used without correcting. Our data shows that there are still many shortcomings in the universality and standardization of forensic entomology in its practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yingna Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Pathology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yundi Gao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ruonan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yinghui Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Chengtao Kang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiangfeng Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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Luo Y, Meng F. Identification of Forensically Important Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphilinidae) in China Based on COI and COII. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:24-31. [PMID: 36269114 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac141] [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: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Unambiguous and speedy necrophagous insect species identification is common task in forensic entomological study. Carrion beetles (Staphilinidae: Silphinae) belong to a small group of Coleoptera with less than 200 species worldwide. Some species are commonly found on dead body during forensic entomological investigation. Despite some species are hard to be categorized morphologically, present DNA-based technologies offer a potential identification strategy. Here, 37 carrion beetle specimens were collected from 15 locations throughout Chinese mainland. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and II (COII) genes among all specimens were successfully sequenced, which provided reliable markers for precise identification. Mostly, the interspecific distance could clarify the capability of these genes for identifying included carrion beetle species. Exceptions existed between close species in Nicrophorus genus (Fabricius 1775). The sequenced gene's phylogenetic analysis revealed that all carrion beetle specimens were correctly classified into eight genera, and most have relatively high supporting values (>90%). Our data gives genetic diversity and a reference for global forensically important carrion beetle species identification, as well as a conductive significance for future application of Chinese carrion beetles in forensic entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Luo
- College of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
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Forensic entomology in research and practice: an overview of forensic experts’ perceptions and scientific output in Brazil. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1149-1161. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02836-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Ivorra T, Martínez-Sánchez A, Rojo S. Coexistence and intraguild competition of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia sericata larvae: case reports and experimental studies applied to forensic entomology. Acta Trop 2022; 226:106233. [PMID: 34808117 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2021.106233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The larval development of Chrysomya albiceps and Lucilia sericata is a well-known and valuable tool for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). The third instar larvae of Ch. albiceps are facultative predators of the larvae of other necrophagous dipterans, and this behaviour is undoubtedly an important factor to consider. Both species are found together during human autopsies in Spain and other parts of Europe, where they cohabit, so a precise knowledge of their larval coexistence data is essential. The aim of this study is to investigate their coexistence and the intraguild predation of Ch. albiceps on L. sericata under experimental conditions and in real case reports. To analyse intra- and interspecific competition, four densities were used under controlled abiotic conditions [25ºC, 60-70% RH and 12:12 (D:N)]. The experimental data were compared with data corresponding to their coexistence in natural conditions, so annual activity and forensic case reports for both species were studied. The results indicate that the mortality of immature specimens in both species, the preimaginal developmental time, and adult size were affected by competition. In natural conditions, adult coexistence during the spring-summer period was confirmed. The simultaneity of the two species colonising human corpses is frequent in the studied area, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species, and L. sericata the relevant species for estimating the minimum postmortem interval.
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Charabidze D, Martín-Vega D. Looking Back to Move Forward: How Review Articles Could Boost Forensic Entomology. INSECTS 2021; 12:648. [PMID: 34357308 PMCID: PMC8303913 DOI: 10.3390/insects12070648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Locard's exchange principle (1930) holds that the perpetrator of a crime leaves traces behind that can later be sampled and used as forensic evidence [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Charabidze
- UMR 8025, Centre d′Histoire Judiciaire, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Unit of Social Ecology (USE), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Daniel Martín-Vega
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad de Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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