18 research outputs found
Enhanced Characterization of the Smell of Death by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS)
Soon after death, the decay process of mammalian soft tissues begins and leads to the release of cadaveric volatile compounds in the surrounding environment. The study of postmortem decomposition products is an emerging field of study in forensic science. However, a better knowledge of the smell of death and its volatile constituents may have many applications in forensic sciences. Domestic pigs are the most widely used human body analogues in forensic experiments, mainly due to ethical restrictions. Indeed, decomposition trials on human corpses are restricted in many countries worldwide. This article reports on the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) for thanatochemistry applications. A total of 832 VOCs released by a decaying pig carcass in terrestrial ecosystem, i.e. a forest biotope, were identified by GCxGC-TOFMS. These postmortem compounds belong to many kinds of chemical class, mainly oxygen compounds (alcohols, acids, ketones, aldehydes, esters), sulfur and nitrogen compounds, aromatic compounds such as phenolic molecules and hydrocarbons. The use of GCxGC-TOFMS in study of postmortem volatile compounds instead of conventional GC-MS was successful
The need for harmonization and innovation of neuropsychological assessment in neurodegenerative dementias in Europe: consensus document of the Joint Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases Working Group
Cognitive, behavioural, and functional assessment is crucial in longitudinal studies of neurodegenerative dementias
(NDD). Central issues, such as the definition of the study population (asymptomatic, at risk, or individuals with dementia),
the detection of change/decline, and the assessment of relevant outcomes depend on quantitative measures
of cognitive, behavioural, and functional status.
Currently, we are far from having available reliable protocols and tools for the assessment of dementias in Europe. The
main problems are the heterogeneity of the tools used across different European countries, the lack of standardisation
of administration and scoring methods across centres, and the limited information available about the psychometric
properties of many tests currently in widespread use. This situation makes it hard to compare results across studies
carried out in different centres, thus hampering research progress, in particular towards the contribution to a “big data”
common data set.
We present here the results of a project funded by the Joint Program for Neurodegenerative Diseases (JPND) and by the
Italian Ministry of Health. The project aimed at providing a consensus framework for the harmonisation of assessment
tools to be applied to research in neurodegenerative disorders affecting cognition across Europe. A panel of European
experts reviewed the current methods of neuropsychological assessment, identified pending issues, and made
recommendations for the harmonisation of neuropsychological assessment of neurodegenerative dementias in Europe.
A consensus was achieved on the general recommendations to be followed in developing procedures and tools for
neuropsychological assessment, with the aim of harmonising tools and procedures to achieve more reliable data on the
cognitive-behavioural examination. The results of this study should be considered as a first step to enhancing a common
view and practise on NDD assessment across European countries