Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-10-06DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112685
Mónica Antunes , Susana Simões , Suzana Fonseca , João M. Franco , Mário Barroso , Eugenia Gallardo
Cannabis remains the most used illicit drug worldwide, with rising use linked to medical and recreational decriminalization. This has driven the development of analytical techniques to detect cannabinoids in biological matrices. Hair offers key advantages due to its non-invasive collection, extended detection window, stability, and easy storage. This study presents the development and validation of a robust method for extracting natural cannabinoids from hair, following ANSI/ASB 2019, FDA, and Society of Hair Testing guidelines. Hair samples were washed with methanol and cut into small pieces. Approximately 20 mg of hair was incubated with 1 M NaOH and methanol (30 min, 50 °C). The mixture was acidified with acetic acid and underwent liquid-liquid extraction using hexane/ethyl acetate (90/10, v/v). The organic phase was evaporated and reconstituted in 1-pentanol/methanol (50/50, v/v). Analysis was conducted by LC-MS/MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and triple-stage mass spectrometry (MS³). The method was selective, specific, precise, and linear, with working ranges of 5–2000 pg/mg for THC, CBN, and CBD; 50–2000 pg/mg for THC-OH; and 0.2–20 pg/mg for THC-COOH. Ion suppression was observed but did not affect sensitivity, with LLOQs and LODs from 0.2 to 50 pg/mg. Over 25 hair samples from university students tested positive for cannabis. THC ranged from 5.9 to 2430.7 pg/mg; one sample had THC-OH above LLOQ (61.4 pg/mg); THC-COOH ranged from 0.3 and 36.4 pg/mg; CBN from 5.7 to 461.0 pg/mg; and CBD from 5.7 to 850.2 pg/mg. Results aligned with self-reported use, confirming the method's forensic suitability.
{"title":"Detection and quantification of selected cannabinoids in hair samples by liquid-liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS","authors":"Mónica Antunes , Susana Simões , Suzana Fonseca , João M. Franco , Mário Barroso , Eugenia Gallardo","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cannabis remains the most used illicit drug worldwide, with rising use linked to medical and recreational decriminalization. This has driven the development of analytical techniques to detect cannabinoids in biological matrices. Hair offers key advantages due to its non-invasive collection, extended detection window, stability, and easy storage. This study presents the development and validation of a robust method for extracting natural cannabinoids from hair, following ANSI/ASB 2019, FDA, and Society of Hair Testing guidelines. Hair samples were washed with methanol and cut into small pieces. Approximately 20 mg of hair was incubated with 1 M NaOH and methanol (30 min, 50 °C). The mixture was acidified with acetic acid and underwent liquid-liquid extraction using hexane/ethyl acetate (90/10, v/v). The organic phase was evaporated and reconstituted in 1-pentanol/methanol (50/50, v/v). Analysis was conducted by LC-MS/MS using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and triple-stage mass spectrometry (MS³). The method was selective, specific, precise, and linear, with working ranges of 5–2000 pg/mg for THC, CBN, and CBD; 50–2000 pg/mg for THC-OH; and 0.2–20 pg/mg for THC-COOH. Ion suppression was observed but did not affect sensitivity, with LLOQs and LODs from 0.2 to 50 pg/mg. Over 25 hair samples from university students tested positive for cannabis. THC ranged from 5.9 to 2430.7 pg/mg; one sample had THC-OH above LLOQ (61.4 pg/mg); THC-COOH ranged from 0.3 and 36.4 pg/mg; CBN from 5.7 to 461.0 pg/mg; and CBD from 5.7 to 850.2 pg/mg. Results aligned with self-reported use, confirming the method's forensic suitability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112685"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145270879","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-10-07DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112681
László Institóris , Előd Hidvégi , Ferenc Rárosi , Éva Sija , Katalin Kovács , Gábor Süvegh , Róbert Berkecz , Éva M. Kereszty
Between 2019 and 2023, blood and urine samples of 6229 suspected impaired drivers were analysed, with a positivity rate of 91.5 %. Classical illicit drugs were detected in 4693 drivers, medicines in 850 drivers, stimulant new psychoactive substances (sNPS) in 928 drivers and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in 657 drivers. The consumption of cannabis, N-ethyl-norpentedron, and N-ethyl-hexedrone increased significantly over time, while the consumption of five SCRAs declined. These changes were concordant with the seizure data for the entire country.
74.2 % of drug-positive drivers were deemed impaired. Impairment was determined by fixed concentration limits in 3538 cases, multi-drug use in 507 cases, and clinical symptoms (when only one active substance with no impairment limit was present in the blood) in 217 cases.
To evaluate clinical tests, the prevalence of positive and negative clinical findings was compared for amphetamine/methamphetamine, THC, MDMA, alprazolam, and clonazepam above and below their fixed concentration limits. Only alprazolam showed a significantly higher frequency of positive clinical signs above the limit. This finding suggests that the current protocol of medical examination in Hungary is inadequate for diagnosing impairment when only one active substance without a defined threshold is detected in the blood. Given that sNPS was detected in 24.1 % of drivers, the medical investigation system requires a major revision.
The aim of this study was to investigate the illicit and licit drug consumption of suspected impaired drivers in Hungary and to present the disadvantages of the system currently used for diagnosing and proving impairment.
{"title":"Drug use pattern of suspected drug-influenced drivers in Hungary (2019–2023)","authors":"László Institóris , Előd Hidvégi , Ferenc Rárosi , Éva Sija , Katalin Kovács , Gábor Süvegh , Róbert Berkecz , Éva M. Kereszty","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Between 2019 and 2023, blood and urine samples of 6229 suspected impaired drivers were analysed, with a positivity rate of 91.5 %. Classical illicit drugs were detected in 4693 drivers, medicines in 850 drivers, stimulant new psychoactive substances (sNPS) in 928 drivers and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) in 657 drivers. The consumption of cannabis, N-ethyl-norpentedron, and N-ethyl-hexedrone increased significantly over time, while the consumption of five SCRAs declined. These changes were concordant with the seizure data for the entire country.</div><div>74.2 % of drug-positive drivers were deemed impaired. Impairment was determined by fixed concentration limits in 3538 cases, multi-drug use in 507 cases, and clinical symptoms (when only one active substance with no impairment limit was present in the blood) in 217 cases.</div><div>To evaluate clinical tests, the prevalence of positive and negative clinical findings was compared for amphetamine/methamphetamine, THC, MDMA, alprazolam, and clonazepam above and below their fixed concentration limits. Only alprazolam showed a significantly higher frequency of positive clinical signs above the limit. This finding suggests that the current protocol of medical examination in Hungary is inadequate for diagnosing impairment when only one active substance without a defined threshold is detected in the blood. Given that sNPS was detected in 24.1 % of drivers, the medical investigation system requires a major revision.</div><div>The aim of this study was to investigate the illicit and licit drug consumption of suspected impaired drivers in Hungary and to present the disadvantages of the system currently used for diagnosing and proving impairment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112681"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145326001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112819
Ángel Rubio Salvador , Lydia P. Sánchez-Barba Muñoz , Fernando Navarro Merino , Jesús M. Úbeda-Portugués , Aristeidis Strimenopoulos , Paula Yanke , Elena Vera-Cruz , Marina Lozano
The analysis of bone injuries resulting from high-velocity firearm projectile trauma is a complex process, due to the influence of numerous variables on the resultant injury patterns. This complexity is particularly evident in specific skeletal regions, such as the oral cavity and teeth, which have received minimal attention in forensic research. In this study, four fractured teeth from an individual interred in a mass grave dating to the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) in Seville, Spain, were analysed to assess gunshot-related trauma.The teeth were examined using digital 3D microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This analysis enabled the identification of features in the dental tissue indicative of perimortem trauma, including characteristics related to the fracture response of living or hydrated dental tissue. Additionally, variations in damage —such as edges, surfaces, and fracture lines— were observed, depending on the proximity of the teeth to the projectile’s impact point in the oral cavity. Notably, surface damage presenting as pits was identified, with morphologies and patterns potentially linked to the forces generated by the projectile. These findings suggest that such microscopic features may serve as indicators of ballistic trauma, even in the absence of prior microscopic analyses of dental tissues.
{"title":"Microscopic characterisation of dental fractures caused by firearm projectiles","authors":"Ángel Rubio Salvador , Lydia P. Sánchez-Barba Muñoz , Fernando Navarro Merino , Jesús M. Úbeda-Portugués , Aristeidis Strimenopoulos , Paula Yanke , Elena Vera-Cruz , Marina Lozano","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The analysis of bone injuries resulting from high-velocity firearm projectile trauma is a complex process, due to the influence of numerous variables on the resultant injury patterns. This complexity is particularly evident in specific skeletal regions, such as the oral cavity and teeth, which have received minimal attention in forensic research. In this study, four fractured teeth from an individual interred in a mass grave dating to the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) in Seville, Spain, were analysed to assess gunshot-related trauma.The teeth were examined using digital 3D microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This analysis enabled the identification of features in the dental tissue indicative of perimortem trauma, including characteristics related to the fracture response of living or hydrated dental tissue. Additionally, variations in damage —such as edges, surfaces, and fracture lines— were observed, depending on the proximity of the teeth to the projectile’s impact point in the oral cavity. Notably, surface damage presenting as pits was identified, with morphologies and patterns potentially linked to the forces generated by the projectile. These findings suggest that such microscopic features may serve as indicators of ballistic trauma, even in the absence of prior microscopic analyses of dental tissues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Effective DNA recovery from bone material is essential for applications in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and forensic and archaeogenetic investigations. In this study, DNA isolation performance was evaluated in an exploratory manner in human bone samples representing three preservation states: fresh, cryopreserved, and ancient. All samples were processed using a unified bead mill homogenization and magnetic bead–based extraction workflow in order to maintain procedural consistency. DNA quantity and purity were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and amplifiability was assessed using nuclear and mitochondrial PCR assays as well as representative STR profiling. Fresh and cryopreserved samples yielded higher DNA concentrations and more consistent amplification than ancient specimens, in which recovery was primarily constrained by postmortem degradation. PCR success demonstrated a clear dependence on amplicon length, with shorter mitochondrial and nuclear targets amplifying more reliably across all sample types. Due to the limited sample size and the use of a single individual per preservation group, the results are presented as qualitative observations rather than as statistically generalizable conclusions. Within these constraints, the study demonstrates the feasibility of using a standardized mechanical disruption and extraction workflow across bone samples of differing preservation status and provides a methodological reference for future larger-scale studies involving both modern and degraded skeletal material.
{"title":"Qualitative assessment of DNA isolation from fresh, frozen, and ancient human bone using a homogenizer-assisted workflow","authors":"Volkan Karaman , Fatih Tepgeç , Pulat Akın Sabancı , Ayça Dilruba Aslanger , Mehmet Görgülü , Duygu Dölen , Zehra Oya Uyguner","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112807","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112807","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective DNA recovery from bone material is essential for applications in biomedical research, clinical diagnostics, and forensic and archaeogenetic investigations. In this study, DNA isolation performance was evaluated in an exploratory manner in human bone samples representing three preservation states: fresh, cryopreserved, and ancient. All samples were processed using a unified bead mill homogenization and magnetic bead–based extraction workflow in order to maintain procedural consistency. DNA quantity and purity were evaluated by spectrophotometry, and amplifiability was assessed using nuclear and mitochondrial PCR assays as well as representative STR profiling. Fresh and cryopreserved samples yielded higher DNA concentrations and more consistent amplification than ancient specimens, in which recovery was primarily constrained by postmortem degradation. PCR success demonstrated a clear dependence on amplicon length, with shorter mitochondrial and nuclear targets amplifying more reliably across all sample types. Due to the limited sample size and the use of a single individual per preservation group, the results are presented as qualitative observations rather than as statistically generalizable conclusions. Within these constraints, the study demonstrates the feasibility of using a standardized mechanical disruption and extraction workflow across bone samples of differing preservation status and provides a methodological reference for future larger-scale studies involving both modern and degraded skeletal material.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112807"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The altered document identification proficiency test of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), initiated by the China Academy of Forensic Science in 2022, provided a specially prepared questioned document sample. This challenging case sample rendered conventional morphological examination methods virtually ineffective. As a result, only a low percentage of judicial appraisal institutions received the “satisfactory” rating. This work examined the characteristics of the inkjet printers used in the proficiency test from two independent perspectives, by combining volatile solvent composition analysis of printing inks using GC–MS creatively with conventional morphological examination. This work not only efficiently determined whether there was appended content via a secondary printing pass in the case sample, but also further identified the brands of the inkjet printers used to prepare the sample of the proficiency test. Finally, precautions for identifying the brands of inkjet printers were summarized. We hope this work will underscore the importance of incorporating physical and chemical analytical methods in questioned document examination and draw forensic examiners’ attention to its necessity.
{"title":"Identification of the brands of the inkjet printers used in the altered document identification proficiency test: Combination of chemical analysis with conventional morphological examination","authors":"Xu Hu , Xiao-guang Jia , Ling-yun Zhang , Xiao-xia Zhang , Hui Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.112818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The altered document identification proficiency test of the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), initiated by the China Academy of Forensic Science in 2022, provided a specially prepared questioned document sample. This challenging case sample rendered conventional morphological examination methods virtually ineffective. As a result, only a low percentage of judicial appraisal institutions received the “satisfactory” rating. This work examined the characteristics of the inkjet printers used in the proficiency test from two independent perspectives, by combining volatile solvent composition analysis of printing inks using GC–MS creatively with conventional morphological examination. This work not only efficiently determined whether there was appended content via a secondary printing pass in the case sample, but also further identified the brands of the inkjet printers used to prepare the sample of the proficiency test. Finally, precautions for identifying the brands of inkjet printers were summarized. We hope this work will underscore the importance of incorporating physical and chemical analytical methods in questioned document examination and draw forensic examiners’ attention to its necessity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112818"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112679
Sevde Dogruer Erkok , Martin M. Kimani , Adam Lanzarotta , Bruce McCord
According to the CDC, approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States from October 2023 to September 2024, and the estimated number of overdose deaths in the US attributed to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs was around 54,000 in 2024. While fentanyl and its analogs are abused via numerous administration routes, the number of seized counterfeit tablets containing these drugs is significantly high. The DEA seized over 60 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in 2024, equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Portable techniques can be especially useful for law enforcement. Raman spectroscopy, especially surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), is one such technique which can be useful in both field and laboratory applications due to its sensitivity and selectivity. This study demonstrates SERS for presumptive detection of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in counterfeit tablets using two portable Raman instruments equipped with 785 nm and 1064 nm lasers, combined with commercial Ag nanoparticles and synthesized Au/Ag nanostars. The analysis of 14 counterfeit tablets revealed that SERS correctly identified fentanyl or a fentanyl analog in all samples, achieving 100 % sensitivity. However, the 1064 nm laser configuration demonstrated slightly superior performance, yielding clearer and more consistent spectral features compared to the 785 nm laser. These findings suggest that SERS, particularly with a 1064 nm laser, is a promising tool for presumptive field detection of fentanyl and its analogs in counterfeit tablets.
{"title":"Detecting fentanyl analogs in counterfeit pharmaceuticals by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy using handheld Raman spectrometers","authors":"Sevde Dogruer Erkok , Martin M. Kimani , Adam Lanzarotta , Bruce McCord","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>According to the CDC, approximately 87,000 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States from October 2023 to September 2024, and the estimated number of overdose deaths in the US attributed to fentanyl and fentanyl analogs was around 54,000 in 2024. While fentanyl and its analogs are abused via numerous administration routes, the number of seized counterfeit tablets containing these drugs is significantly high. The DEA seized over 60 million fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in 2024, equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses of fentanyl. Portable techniques can be especially useful for law enforcement. Raman spectroscopy, especially surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), is one such technique which can be useful in both field and laboratory applications due to its sensitivity and selectivity. This study demonstrates SERS for presumptive detection of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in counterfeit tablets using two portable Raman instruments equipped with 785 nm and 1064 nm lasers, combined with commercial Ag nanoparticles and synthesized Au/Ag nanostars. The analysis of 14 counterfeit tablets revealed that SERS correctly identified fentanyl or a fentanyl analog in all samples, achieving 100 % sensitivity. However, the 1064 nm laser configuration demonstrated slightly superior performance, yielding clearer and more consistent spectral features compared to the 785 nm laser. These findings suggest that SERS, particularly with a 1064 nm laser, is a promising tool for presumptive field detection of fentanyl and its analogs in counterfeit tablets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145257804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-18DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112733
Aaron Dove , Benoit Daoust , Andreas Ruëdiger
Since the early 1970s, forensic vacuum metal deposition (fVMD) has been used in operational casework. It is renowned for its sensitivity and ability to work on aged impressions and difficult substrates. However, the precise mechanism by which this development occurs remains unclear. This article examines the current literature on fVMD to see what is known about the technique, what is unclear, and what are the next steps that should be taken. This review shows that, while the operational utility of the technique is not in question, none of the currently posited theories can explain all the observed phenomena. They are therefore, at best, incomplete, and further research is required.
{"title":"The mechanisms of forensic vacuum metal deposition (fVMD): A literature review","authors":"Aaron Dove , Benoit Daoust , Andreas Ruëdiger","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112733","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112733","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Since the early 1970s, forensic vacuum metal deposition (fVMD) has been used in operational casework. It is renowned for its sensitivity and ability to work on aged impressions and difficult substrates. However, the precise mechanism by which this development occurs remains unclear. This article examines the current literature on fVMD to see what is known about the technique, what is unclear, and what are the next steps that should be taken. This review shows that, while the operational utility of the technique is not in question, none of the currently posited theories can explain all the observed phenomena. They are therefore, at best, incomplete, and further research is required.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112733"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145563455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112715
Zuzanna Brożek-Mucha , Iga Klag , Katarzyna Ankus
Studies into shooting patterns and distribution of gunshot residue originating from a submachine gun were carried out. Multiple shootings at targets covered with cotton woven fabric using a 9 mm PM-06 submachine gun in the range of shooting distance 0 – 150 cm were performed. Optical examinations of the patterns revealed a cross-like tear of the fabric for the contact shot and for distances 1 cm and 2 cm, whereas for semi-automatic pistols of the same calibre cross-like openings were observed only for contact and 1 cm shots. Samples of inorganic residue collected from shooting patterns were examined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) in the automatic manner. Results of the measurements provided information on the abundance, chemical composition and distribution of sizes of the populations of the revealed particles in relation to the shooting distance. The data reflected a greater dynamics of the spread and deposition of particles comparing to results of studies for particles obtained using a semiautomatic pistol of the same or similar calibres. The average values of the total numbers of GSR particles in relation to the shooting distance were detected in the range of distances between 5 cm and 50 cm, whereas, in the case of data obtained using a semiautomatic pistols rather narrow peak of numbers of particles was observed in the range of distances about 10 – 20 cm. The information on the distribution of particles originating from the use of a submachine pistol can be supportive in forensic casework.
{"title":"Distribution of gunshot residue particles of a submachine gun fired at cotton fabric from the nearest vicinity – A study by means of SEM-EDX technique","authors":"Zuzanna Brożek-Mucha , Iga Klag , Katarzyna Ankus","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112715","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112715","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Studies into shooting patterns and distribution of gunshot residue originating from a submachine gun were carried out. Multiple shootings at targets covered with cotton woven fabric using a 9 mm PM-06 submachine gun in the range of shooting distance 0 – 150 cm were performed. Optical examinations of the patterns revealed a cross-like tear of the fabric for the contact shot and for distances 1 cm and 2 cm, whereas for semi-automatic pistols of the same calibre cross-like openings were observed only for contact and 1 cm shots. Samples of inorganic residue collected from shooting patterns were examined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) in the automatic manner. Results of the measurements provided information on the abundance, chemical composition and distribution of sizes of the populations of the revealed particles in relation to the shooting distance. The data reflected a greater dynamics of the spread and deposition of particles comparing to results of studies for particles obtained using a semiautomatic pistol of the same or similar calibres. The average values of the total numbers of GSR particles in relation to the shooting distance were detected in the range of distances between 5 cm and 50 cm, whereas, in the case of data obtained using a semiautomatic pistols rather narrow peak of numbers of particles was observed in the range of distances about 10 – 20 cm. The information on the distribution of particles originating from the use of a submachine pistol can be supportive in forensic casework.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112715"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145502935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-12-20DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112790
Matthew Di Rago , Dimitri Gerostamoulos , Carla Morris , Gemma Wynd , Noel W. Woodford , Olaf H. Drummer AO
One thousand of the mandatory blood specimens taken from injured drivers attending a hospital over a decade were analyzed for a full range of legal and illegal drugs in an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory with confirmation by a validated LC-MS/MS procedure. Ethanol ( ≥0.05 g/100 mL), methamphetamine (≥0.01 mg/L), THC (≥1 ng/mL) were present in 13.6 %, 12.7 % and 11.5 %, respectively with only minor variations over the decade. In contrast, the prevalence of ketamine, cocaine, fentanyl and new psychoactive substances (NPS) increased substantially over this period reaching 7.0 %, 1.8 %, 2.0 % and 3.0 % in the last 5 years of the study. A substantial proportion of drivers were also positive for opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines, although some of these may have been given post-crash as part of their medical treatment. Overall, about 38 % of drivers had a potentially impairing drug detected in their blood on presentation to hospital and at least one common illicit drug with or without ethanol were present in almost 23 % of drivers. The presence of more than one common illicit drug (THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, heroin), with or without ethanol, increased from 4.3 % in the first 5 years to 5.8 % in the last five years, which may reflect a higher crash risk for those drivers.
{"title":"Prevalence of psychoactive drugs in injured drivers over 10 years in Victoria, Australia","authors":"Matthew Di Rago , Dimitri Gerostamoulos , Carla Morris , Gemma Wynd , Noel W. Woodford , Olaf H. Drummer AO","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112790","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112790","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One thousand of the mandatory blood specimens taken from injured drivers attending a hospital over a decade were analyzed for a full range of legal and illegal drugs in an accredited forensic toxicology laboratory with confirmation by a validated LC-MS/MS procedure. Ethanol ( ≥0.05 g/100 mL), methamphetamine (≥0.01 mg/L), THC (≥1 ng/mL) were present in 13.6 %, 12.7 % and 11.5 %, respectively with only minor variations over the decade. In contrast, the prevalence of ketamine, cocaine, fentanyl and new psychoactive substances (NPS) increased substantially over this period reaching 7.0 %, 1.8 %, 2.0 % and 3.0 % in the last 5 years of the study. A substantial proportion of drivers were also positive for opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines, although some of these may have been given post-crash as part of their medical treatment. Overall, about 38 % of drivers had a potentially impairing drug detected in their blood on presentation to hospital and at least one common illicit drug with or without ethanol were present in almost 23 % of drivers. The presence of more than one common illicit drug (THC, methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, heroin), with or without ethanol, increased from 4.3 % in the first 5 years to 5.8 % in the last five years, which may reflect a higher crash risk for those drivers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"380 ","pages":"Article 112790"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145814287","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01Epub Date: 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112680
Guillaume Drevin , Laurent Leuger , Laura Renard , Nathalie Jousset , Stéphane Malbranque , Xavier Dieu , Séverine Férec , Antoine Baudriller , Marie Briet , Chadi Abbara
Metformin is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and appears as a promising drug for several other conditions. While generally well-tolerated and relatively safe, metformin can cause serious side effects, and intoxication cases have been reported. Classically, the severity of metformin intoxications is better assessed by measuring lactate blood concentration and/or blood pH than by directly determining blood drug concentration. However, such an approach is more complicated in postmortem investigation. Indeed, biochemistry changes occur after death, affecting both lactate concentration and pH. In this context, the authors report a case of a metformin-related fatality for which toxicological and biochemical analyses have been integrated in order to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms and/or circumstances surrounding such fatalities. Metformin was quantified in femoral blood (FB) (45 mg/L), heart blood (HB) (39 mg/L), urine (464 mg/L), vitreous (18 mg/L) and gastric content (202 mg/L) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was also quantified in FB (491 mg/L) and vitreous (473 mg/L) using LC-MS/MS. Vitreous sodium (122 mmol/L), chloride (102 mmol/L), glucose (<0.10 mmol/L), creatinine (277 µmol/L) and lactate (13 mmol/L) concentrations were determined in vitreous on an Atellica® CH 930 analyzer. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was assessed in FB (7.7 %) using a Tosoh® G8 HPLC analyser. Overall, only few cases of metformin-related fatalities have been described. Here, the metformin FB concentration appeared particularly high, in agreement with other reported cases. Similarly, the results of the postmortem biochemistry analysis were also consistent with those reported in other metformin-related fatalities. Interestingly, BHB concentrations were notably elevated in both FB and vitreous humor. Furthermore, creatinine was determined in vitreous humor at a particularly high concentration. This case highlights the importance of combining postmortem toxicological and biochemical analyses in deaths involving antidiabetics. Indeed, such fatalities are quite complex and both drug toxicity and metabolic disorders may overlap with regard to mechanisms of death.
{"title":"Metformin-related fatalities − The importance of combining forensic toxicology and postmortem biochemistry analyses in death involving antidiabetics","authors":"Guillaume Drevin , Laurent Leuger , Laura Renard , Nathalie Jousset , Stéphane Malbranque , Xavier Dieu , Séverine Férec , Antoine Baudriller , Marie Briet , Chadi Abbara","doi":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metformin is the most commonly used drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and appears as a promising drug for several other conditions. While generally well-tolerated and relatively safe, metformin can cause serious side effects, and intoxication cases have been reported. Classically, the severity of metformin intoxications is better assessed by measuring lactate blood concentration and/or blood pH than by directly determining blood drug concentration. However, such an approach is more complicated in postmortem investigation. Indeed, biochemistry changes occur after death, affecting both lactate concentration and pH. In this context, the authors report a case of a metformin-related fatality for which toxicological and biochemical analyses have been integrated in order to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms and/or circumstances surrounding such fatalities. Metformin was quantified in femoral blood (FB) (45 mg/L), heart blood (HB) (39 mg/L), urine (464 mg/L), vitreous (18 mg/L) and gastric content (202 mg/L) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was also quantified in FB (491 mg/L) and vitreous (473 mg/L) using LC-MS/MS. Vitreous sodium (122 mmol/L), chloride (102 mmol/L), glucose (<0.10 mmol/L), creatinine (277 µmol/L) and lactate (13 mmol/L) concentrations were determined in vitreous on an Atellica® CH 930 analyzer. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) was assessed in FB (7.7 %) using a Tosoh® G8 HPLC analyser. Overall, only few cases of metformin-related fatalities have been described. Here, the metformin FB concentration appeared particularly high, in agreement with other reported cases. Similarly, the results of the postmortem biochemistry analysis were also consistent with those reported in other metformin-related fatalities. Interestingly, BHB concentrations were notably elevated in both FB and vitreous humor. Furthermore, creatinine was determined in vitreous humor at a particularly high concentration. This case highlights the importance of combining postmortem toxicological and biochemical analyses in deaths involving antidiabetics. Indeed, such fatalities are quite complex and both drug toxicity and metabolic disorders may overlap with regard to mechanisms of death.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12341,"journal":{"name":"Forensic science international","volume":"378 ","pages":"Article 112680"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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