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Abstract: We report an alleged case of sexual assault in which an anti-wrinkle cream could have been used as a lubricant. Three anorectal samples taken from the victim were given to us in an attempt to document the presence of remains of the cream involved. After examining the composition of the cream, octocrylene (OCT) was selected as the most relevant marker for this analysis. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed for identification of OCT. Anorectal samples were diluted with methanol and injected onto an Acquity BEH C18 column using a gradient mode with 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Data were acquired using positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Three transitions were selected for OCT (m/z 362.2>250.0, m/z 362.2>232.0 and m/z 362.2>204.0). The analysis of the cream seized at the offender''s home confirmed the presence of OCT as an ingredient, and the analysis of extracts from the anorectal samples also allowed the formal identification of OCT. These results strongly suggest that a cosmetic containing octocrylene as an ingredient has in fact been applied to the anus of the alleged victim. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report an alleged case of sexual assault in which an anti-wrinkle cream could have been used as a lubricant. Three anorectal samples taken from the victim were given to us in an attempt to document the presence of remains of the cream involved. After examining the composition of the cream, octocrylene (OCT) was selected as the most relevant marker for this analysis. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed for identification of OCT. Anorectal samples were diluted with methanol and injected onto an Acquity BEH C18 column using a gradient mode with 0.1% formic acid/acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Data were acquired using positive electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. Three transitions were selected for OCT (m/z 362.2>250.0, m/z 362.2>232.0 and m/z 362.2>204.0). The analysis of the cream seized at the offender''s home confirmed the presence of OCT as an ingredient, and the analysis of extracts from the anorectal samples also allowed the formal identification of OCT. These results strongly suggest that a cosmetic containing octocrylene as an ingredient has in fact been applied to the anus of the alleged victim. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human remains found in aquatic contexts are frequently recovered incomplete and badly decomposed, and therefore present a challenge for medico-legal institutes as their possibilities of analysis for identification and investigation of cause and manner of death are limited. This article aims to demonstrate the potential of forensic examination and analyses (DNA, toxicology, diatoms and entomology) on a set of bones recovered from a river in Strasbourg and the possibility to trigger identification of the victim and circumstances of death despite the state of decomposition and incompleteness of remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A collaborative study was carried out by the European DNA Profiling Group (EDNAP) in order to evaluate the performance of Y-chromosome binary polymorphism analysis in different European laboratories. Four blood samples were sent to the laboratories, to be analysed for 11 Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): SRY-1532, M40, M35, M213, M9, 92R7, M17, P25, M18, M153 and M167. All the labs were also asked to submit a population study including these markers. All participating laboratories reported the same results, indicating the reproducibility and robustness of Y-chromosome SNP typing. A total of 535 samples from six different European populations were also analysed. In Galicia (NW Spain) and Belgium, the most frequent haplogroup was R1b*(xR1b1,R1b3df). Haplogroup F*(xK) is one of the most frequent in Austria and Denmark, while the lowest frequency appear in Belgium. Haplogroup frequencies found in this collaborative study were compared with previously published European Y-chromosome haplogroup data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We extracted the DNA contained in samples of bones and teeth from 10 skeletons excavated from the Gravette site (400–1000 AD, south of France). Ancient DNA was analysed by autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). The DNA present in these ancient remains appeared very degraded, but nevertheless, better conserved in tooth than in bone samples. Moreover, we showed that the DNA extracted from ancient dental pulp was not exempt from polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors, which could result from extreme DNA fragmentation. An adapted protocol with a supplementary step of purification removed this inhibition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purported lowering of sex opposition, coupled with a possible abrupt unconsciousness-inducing effect and ease of administration in spiked drinks have resulted in the use of hypnotics in cases of drug-facilitated offense. Among these compounds, lorazepam possesses amnesic properties and can impair an individual rapidly.The chances to detect this substance increase if the most sensitive methods are used and if the biological fluid which allows the longest possible detection time is available.In order to document the window of detection of lorazepam, we have orally administered 2.5 mg of the drug to three volunteers and collected oral fluid (n=l) over 8 h, urine (n=2) over 144 h and hair (n=3) 4 weeks after exposure. Lorazepam was analyzed by LC-MS/MS after alkalinisation (to pH 8.4 with phosphate buffer) and extraction by dichloromethane/diethyl ether in presence of diazepam-d5, used as internal standard. Reversed-phase separation on a XTerra C18 column was achieved in 12 min, under gradient conditions. Molecular ions (m/z 321 and 290 for lorazepam and the IS, respectively) were selected in Ql and the corresponding daughter ions (m/z 303 and 275 for lorazepam and m/z 154 and 198 for the IS) were detected in Q3 after collision with argon.Urine tested positive for lorazepam over 144 h (2–4 ng/ml), with a peak detected after 24 h exposure (411–880 ng/ml). Oral fluid tested positive for lorazepam over 8 h (0.7 ng/ml). Despite a limit of quantitation at 1 pg/mg, we were unable to detect a single lorazepam dose in hair, contrarily to most other benzodiazepines that are detectable.Therefore, in case of drug-facilitated crimes involving lorazepam, urine appears as the best specimen to document exposure, particularly if LC-MS/MS is used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is present in both blood and urine of the general population as an endogenous compound, toxicologists must be able to discriminate between these endogenous levels and a concentration resulting from exogenous exposure. The implementation of a cut-off concentration must be done cautiously, due to the wide distribution of endogenous concentrations.To verify the accuracy of a proposed 50 mg/l postmortem blood cut-off, we tested 71 autopsy cases of subjects where the cause of death could exclude GHB exposure. The delay between death and autopsy ranged from 12 to 72 h. GHB was tested by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) after precipitation. Briefly, 20 μl of blood, bile, or vitreous humor was pipetted in a glass tube, followed by 20 μl of GHB-d6 and 45 μl of acetonitrile. After vortexing and centrifugation, the supernatant was collected and evaporated to dryness. The residue was derivatized with bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) for 20 min at 70 °C. After injection on a 30 m HP5 MS capillary column, GHB (m/z 233, 204, and 147) and GHB-d6 (m/z 239) were identified by MS.GHB tested positive in all the 71 whole blood (cardiac) specimens, with concentrations in the range 0.4–409 mg/l, with a major distribution in the range 10–40 mg/l. A concentration >50 mg/l was observed in 14 cases. As there was no data to support GHB exposure, this was considered as postmortem formation. In order to discriminate this contamination, when available, femoral blood, bile or/and, vitreous humor were tested. The following results were obtained: cardiac blood (55–409 mg/l) versus bile (6.1–238 mg/l) in seven cases; cardiac blood (51–409 mg/l) versus femoral blood (17–44 mg/l) in five cases, and cardiac blood (51–409 mg/l) versus vitreous humor (3.9–2 mg/l) in six cases. It is obvious that bile does not fit the requirements for discrimination and that femoral blood and mostly vitreous humor can be of particular interest. These results demonstrate that a positive (>50 mg/l) postmortem blood GHB concentration cannot support alone drug exposure and that it is essential to document the case with other specimens, including peripheral blood and vitreous humor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Since 2004, a multidisciplinary Franco-Russian expedition discovered in the Sakha Republic (Yakutiya) more than 60 tombs preserved by the permafrost. In July 2006, an exceptionally well-preserved mummy was unearthed. The coffin, burial furniture and clothes suggested a shaman''s tomb. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) was performed before autopsy with forensic and anthropological aims. Forensic study aimed to detect any lesions and determine the manner of death. Anthropological study aimed to determine the mummy''s gender, age at death, morphological affinity, stature and body mass. She was female and virginity status was assessed. The radiological and forensic conclusions were compared. Imaging confirmed most autopsy findings, suggesting that death followed disseminated infection. MSCT could not formally exclude a traumatic death because close examination of the skin was difficult, but was superior to conventional autopsy in diagnosis of infectious lesions of the left sacroiliac joint and one pelvic lesion. Autopsy detected a post-infectious spinal lesion, misinterpreted on MSCT as a Schmorl''s node. However, most conclusions of virtual and conventional anthropological studies agreed. Age at death was estimated around 19 years old. The morphology of the mummy was mongoloid. MSCT identified the craniometric characteristics as similar to those of the Buryat population. The deceased''s stature was 146cm and estimated body mass was 49kg. MSCT demonstrated its great potential and complementarity with conventional autopsy and anthropological techniques in the study of this natural female mummy buried in 1728. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]