Alternative sampling strategies to monitor alcohol consumption in case of driver's licence regranting

In Belgium, the analysis of indirect biomarkers such as carbohydrate deficient transferrin (CDT%), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), is currently used to monitor the alcohol consumption in cases of fitness to drive assessment. To estimate how the use of direct ethanol markers (e.g. ethylglucuronide (EtG), ethylsulfate (EtS) and phosphatidylethanol species (PEths)) could improve the current process, three quantitative methods (EtG in hair; EtG and EtS in urine; and PEth 16:0/18:1, PEth 18:1/18:1 and PEth 16:0/16:0 in blood, venous (V) and capillary (C) dried blood spots (DBSs)) were developed, validated and tested. Fifty volunteers, for whom fitness to drive had to be assessed and for whom a blood analysis for indirect biomarkers was requested, were included in the study. The sampling and analysis of hair, urine and C-DBS were added to the process currently used. Hair EtG and C-DBS PEths are more sensitive to detect alcohol abuse than the currently used indirect biomarkers and allow to disprove an abstinence period. EtG and EtS in urine form a relevant parameter to detect recent alcohol intake (even one single alcohol consumption) during the days (up to 5 days) prior to the sampling and can thus be used to disprove strict abstinence. The three analyses tested here provide different levels of information and can be used separately or combined. The combined use of the three strategies allows better inference about the evolution of the alcohol consumption prior to the sampling. Moreover, the exclusive use of non- or minimally invasive sampling (hair, urine and C-DBS) allows this to be performed directly during the fitness to drive assessment by regular staff members. In conclusion, the three approaches that were evaluated in this work offer the potential to improve the Belgian driver’s licence regranting process

Effects of chemical warfare agent decontaminants on trace survival: Impact on fingermarks deposited on glass

Following a chemical incident involving chemical warfare agents or more broadly, chemical weapons, there are two possible approaches in dealing with the traditional forensic analysis of contaminated exhibits. The first is to analyze the contaminated items under safe conditions (i.e. in laboratories dedicated to the handling of such substances), while the second relies on item decontamination prior to processing them in traditional forensic laboratories. One of the main limitations of the latter is the possible degradation or destruction of traces caused by the decontamination process. Hence, it is crucial to have as much information as possible on the impact of different decontamination agents and procedures on traces. This research presents experimental results on the recovery of fingermarks on glass after the application of decontaminants typically used in case of chemical incidents. The impact of 11 decontaminants on fingermarks deposited on glass and on the subsequent enhancement with cyanoacrylate and Small Particle Reagent (SPR) was evaluated (by visual examination) by four evaluators. The results of the study demonstrated that the persistence of fingermarks on glass is highly dependent on the type of decontaminant used. Decontamination agents based on the principle of nucleophilic substitution to neutralize toxic chemicals allowed good subsequent development of fingermarks with SPR. Powdered decontaminants did not show any indication of alteration of fingermarks, whereas decontamination with oxidants leads to variable results

Quantification of phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1, 18:1/18:1, and 16:0/16:0 in venous blood and venous and capillary dried blood spots from patients in alcohol withdrawal and control volunteers

Phosphatidylethanol species (PEths) are promising biomarkers of alcohol consumption. Here, we report on the set-up, validation, and application of a novel UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the quantification of PEth 16:0/18:1, PEth 18:1/18:1, and PEth 16:0/16:0 in whole blood (30 mu L) and in venous (V, 30 mu L) or capillary (C, 3 punches (3 mm)) dried blood spots (DBS). The methods were linear from 10 (LLOQ) to 2000 ng/mL for PEth 16:0/18:1, from 10 (LLOQ) to 1940 ng/mL for PEth 18:1/18:1, and from 19 (LLOQ) to 3872 ng/mL for PEth 16:0/16:0. Extraction efficiencies were higher than 55 % (RSD < 18 %) and matrix effects compensated for by IS were between 77 and 125 % (RSD < 10 %). Accuracy, repeatability, and intermediate precision fulfilled acceptance criteria (bias and RSD below 13 %). Validity of the procedure for determination of PEth 16:0/18:1 in blood was demonstrated by the successful participation in a proficiency test. The quantification of PEths in C-DBS was not significantly influenced by the hematocrit, punch localization, or spot volume. The stability of PEths in V-DBS stored at room temperature was demonstrated up to 6 months. The method was applied to authentic samples (whole blood, V-DBS, and C-DBS) from 50 inpatients in alcohol withdrawal and 50 control volunteers. Applying a cut-off value to detect inpatients at 221 ng/mL for PEth 16:0/18:1 provided no false positive results and a good sensitivity (86 %). Comparison of quantitative results (Bland-Altman plot, Passing-Bablok regression, and Wilcoxon signed rank test) revealed that V-DBS and C-DBS were valid alternatives to venous blood for the detection of alcohol consumption

Notes de police scientifique - Assurance qualité - validation de méthode

Résumé de l'article "Practical aspects concerning validation and quality control for forensic and clinical bioanalytical quantitative methods" rédigé par WIill et al. en 201

Investigations forensiques lors d’incidents atomiques, biologiques et chimiques en Suisse: Contexte et réflexions préliminaires

Au cours des dix dernières années, le domaine de l’investigation forensique d’incidents impliquant des agents atomiques, biologiques ou chimiques (ABC) a gagné en importance. Néanmoins, les domaines de la protection ABC et de la science forensique restent souvent bien distincts. Sachant que les compétences nécessaires pour d’une part gérer les incidents ABC et d’autre part mener à bien des investigations forensiques sont d’ores et déjà disponibles en Suisse, les auteurs sont convaincus qu’une mise en commun de ces deux disciplines est la clef pour mener à bien une investigation forensique d’incidents impliquant des agents ABC. A cet effet, le présent manuscrit se propose de résumer les deux domaines concernés, à savoir; la gestion d’incidents impliquant des agents ABC (section 2) et l’investigation forensique (section 3). Une brève présentation des tendances européennes concernant l’investigation forensique d’incidents ABC sera fournie dans la section 4. Toutes ces informations serviront de base à la discussion concernant les points importants à considérer pour mettre en place une procédure d’investigation d’incidents impliquant des agents du type ABC en Suisse

Changes in latent fingermark glyceride composition as a function of sample age using UPLC-IMS-QToF-MSE

The composition of fingermark residue has been an important topic in forensic science, mainly in efforts to better understand and eventually improve the efficacy of latent fingermark detection methods. While the lipid fraction has been extensively studied, there is currently little information about how the glyceride fraction of latent fingermarks is chemically altered over time following deposition. A previously reported untargeted ultra performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-quadrupole time-offlight mass spectrometry (UPLC-IMS-QToF-MSE) method was used to investigate changes over time in fingermark di- and triglycerides. Charged latent fingermark samples from 5 donors were analysed up to 28 days following deposition. Significant changes in glyceride composition occurred with increased sample age, attributed primarily to the oxidation of unsaturated triglycerides through ozonolysis. Considerably fewer unsaturated TGs were identified in samples 7 and 28 days following deposition, while mono- and diozonides of these lipids were identified as major components of aged samples. Additional compounds were identified as possible aldehyde and carboxylic acid derivatives resulting from the reaction of water with ozonolysis intermediates. While the onset of these processes occurred rapidly following deposition, continuing oxidation over time was seen via the progressive ozonolysis of diunsaturated triglycerides. These results represent a further step towards understanding the factors affecting fingermark composition, ageing and subsequent detection under operational conditions

The potential of digital technologies in problem-based forensic learning activities

Forensic practice is the concluding practical course of the forensic science bachelor program at the School of Criminal Justice of the University of Lausanne. Learning activities are constructed around five main objectives for the resolution of simulated forensic case problems: 1) select relevant traces and items to be collected at the scene and perceive their potential value in the reconstruction process, 2) apply appropriate detection techniques in sequence to obtain clues of good quality, 3) process traces using Analysis, Comparison, Evaluation and Verification (ACE-V) methodology, 4) produce and summarise information in oral and written forms to help an investigation, and 5) work collaboratively to benefit from the diversity of group members. Simulating and supervising realistic activities is a complex task that became more and more challenging with a continuously increasing number of students over the years (from ca. 30 in 2016 to more than 60 in 2021). Thus, an educational innovation project was launched and aimed at implementing digital technologies to support the teaching staff. A computer-based crime scene simulation tool (allowing students to visualize 360° crime scenes and relevant items) and a communication tool (to simplify and centralise the communication between the students and the teaching staff) were implemented. This article describes the implementation, added value and limitations of these digital technologies in problem-based learning activities. Prior to 2020, the practical course forensic practice was delivered entirely on-site without specific technologies, and entirely on-line in 2020 (due to the sanitary restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic). Finally, in 2021, on-line and on-site activities were implemented with success, combining the best of both approaches in a blended teaching mode. An overall increase in the satisfaction of students and teaching staff was observed with the implementation of these tools. Limiting presence on-site allowed students to take a step back from the activities and collected items. This promoted critical thinking, and together with an increase in structured (on-line and on-site) interactions allowed for a positive, continuous learning experience. While the evaluations of these novel technologies were very positive, students still expressed their willingness to perform certain tasks on-site and a preference for face-to-face interactions

Greening the Marina : A Roadmap to Renewable Energy for the Clubhouse at Spruce Harbour Marina

The energy industry is currently responsible for 78% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. With the climate crisis worsening, it is crucial that carbon-intensive energy sources are transitioned to renewable and low-carbon sources to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and prevent further climate change. This project provides the research and resources necessary to adopt renewable energy technologies for the floating clubhouse at the Spruce Harbour Marina (SHM) in Vancouver, B.C. Spruce Harbour Marina is home to the Greater Vancouver Floating Home Co-operative (GVFHC), a nonprofit live-aboard marina community in the False Creek neighbourhood. This report recommends renewable energy technologies for the GVFHC to install, based on a set of weighted decision criteria and a cost-benefit analysis which accounts for the following project objectives: To identify the most viable renewable energy technologies for providing hot water heating and space heating for the clubhouse at Spruce Harbour Marina. To create a feasibility report that provides sufficient information for a grant application to fund the design and implementation of the proposed energy technologies. To provide a list of steps (a “roadmap”) to decrease the energy usage and install renewable energy technologies at the Marina.Science, Faculty ofEarth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Department ofUnreviewedUndergraduat

Increasing Forensic Awareness of CBRNE Responders and CBRNE Awareness of Forensic Experts: A Pan-European Challenge

Since a few years, the risks faced by forensic experts of being confronted with CBRNE-type hazards have increased significantly, together with the terrorist activities in Europe’s cities. Likewise, the work in and around an ever-increasing number of clandestine drugs labs is a safety concern to first responders who are badly trained in the handling of these still-active but abandoned labs. A growing concern for these hazardous situations is observed within the EU in the form of development of increased preparedness, education and training, research and innovation. The FP7-sponsored GIFT-CBRN project delivers specific tools and procedures to assist forensic investigators to perform a crime scene investigation under CBRN conditions. The project will also provide training curriculums for first responders, crime scene investigators and managers, forensic laboratory personnel and magistrates. Equally important is the fact that forensic specialists and first responders are made aware of each other’s responsibilities, capabilities and priorities in the handling of a CBRNE situation. The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes is pushing forward this awareness building with a pan-European campaign, introducing novel training programs. It is working together for this with organizations widely recognized for their expertise in the CBRN community. The authors will describe these programs and offer practical insights for those interested to attend future trainings