Article
Chemistry, Analytical
N. Almofti, A. Ballesteros-Gomez, S. Rubio, E. Girela-Lopez
Summary: This study critically reviews the most common specimens and sample treatments/analysis procedures (related to LC-MS/MS) that have been reported in drug-facilitated sexual assault cases in the last decade. The aim is to provide a critical overview and suggest analytical recommendations for suitable analytical strategies in DFSA cases.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
K. Skov, S. S. Johansen, K. Linnet, M. K. K. Nielsen
Summary: The toxicological findings in DFSA cases are comparable across different countries, with ethanol, cocaine, cannabis being among the most frequently detected substances. Typical DFSA cases primarily involve women in their mid-twenties and an acquaintance as the perpetrator.
EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Marc Liautard, Romain Magny, Pascal Houze, Celine Deguette, Elizabeth Alcaraz, Sophia Douaouria, Charlotte Gorgiard, Laurence Labat, L. Dufayet
Summary: Analysis of 100 patients examined at Hotel-Dieu DFM revealed at least one PAS detected in 86% of cases. 32% were classified as probable proactive DFC, with 49% of substances being illicit. The study suggests the need for systematic toxicological analysis in suspected DFC cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nouman Almofti, Ana Ballesteros-Gomez, Eloy Girela, Soledad Rubio
Summary: A generic single-step extraction method using a supramolecular solvent was developed to extract DFSA substances from hair. The method showed high extraction recovery (>86%) and acceptable matrix effects for 91% of the tested substances. The method detection and quantification limits were lower than the recommended drug cut-off levels for most substances, except for one.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Dirk K. Wissenbach, Tina M. Binz, Andrea E. Steuer
Summary: This article is the second part of a review on advances in testing for sample manipulation of urine samples in clinical and forensic toxicology, focusing on hair as another commonly used matrix. Similar to urine manipulation, strategies to manipulate hair testing include lowering drug concentrations or adulteration. However, distinguishing between usual hair treatments and deliberate manipulation is often impossible. Identifying cosmetic hair treatments is highly relevant for hair testing and interpretation of results, and promising strategies have been proposed recently. However, challenges still remain, such as identifying forced hair-washing procedures.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sara K. Dempsey, Corissa L. Rodgers, Peter Stout, Dayong Lee
Summary: Drug-facilitated sexual assault cases submitted to Houston Forensic Science Center from 2014 to 2020 were evaluated in terms of toxicological results and associated demographics. Ethanol was the most prevalent substance detected, followed by the combination of ethanol and THC-COOH.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mansour A. Al-Zahrani, Ahmed Al-Asmari, Farouq F. Al-Zahrani, Hazel J. Torrance, David G. Watson
Summary: This study developed and validated a method for detecting main cannabinoids in hair samples, improving sensitivity for THC-COOH detection and meeting society recommendations. Experimental results demonstrate effective detection of CBN, THC, and THC-COOH concentrations in hair samples from 27 cannabis users.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tanurup Das, Annapoorni Ammal, Abhimanyu Harshey, Vindresh Mishra, Ankit Srivastava
Summary: Semen is a critical body fluid in sexual assaults, and vibrational spectroscopy has emerged as a valuable tool for its analysis, but practical limitations still exist. Research has focused on identifying, discriminating, and estimating timing since deposition of semen.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mireia Perez Orts, Arian van Asten, Isabelle Kohler
Summary: Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) is a crime where the victim is unable to provide sexual consent due to intoxication. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are commonly used drugs in DFSA, and the emergence of designer benzodiazepines (DBZDs) has increased the challenges in detection and analysis.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Annika Nebel, Geert Mayer, Cornelius Hess, Anna Heidbreder, Walter Martz, Florian Veit
Summary: This study measured GHB concentrations in hair of patients with narcolepsy receiving daily GHB treatment to investigate whether regular intake of GHB leads to elevated levels in hair. Results showed no correlation between daily dose or duration of intake of GHB and measured GHB concentration in hair, although a significant difference between endogenous levels and levels in patients with regular daily GHB intake was found, the forensic relevance is debatable.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sarah M. R. Wille, Karolien Van Dijck, Antje Van Assche, Vincent Di Fazio, Maria del Mar Ramirez-Fernandez, Vanessa Vanvooren, Nele Samyn
Summary: The study demonstrates that commonly used illicit drugs, psychoactive medicines, and ethanol are more prevalent in drug facilitated sexual assault cases compared to date rape drugs. Systematic toxicological analysis can prove the incapacitation of the victim and increase conviction rates in judicial procedures. However, attention must be paid to sampling delays and obtaining accurate medical information from the alleged victim to improve the interpretation and applicability of toxicological analysis in DFSA cases.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Keiko Sasaki, Noriaki Shima, Tooru Kamata, Akari Ishikawa, Atsushi Nitta, Misato Wada, Shihoko Nakano-Fujii, Hidenao Kakehashi, Takako Sato, Munehiro Katagi
Summary: Quantitative hair analysis of different hypnotics using LC-MS/MS indicated similar incorporation ratios among four benzodiazepines, allowing for estimation of other benzodiazepines with similar structures in hair. However, the distribution of drugs in hair varied depending on hair color, with lipophilic ZP showing a higher incorporation ratio compared to benzodiazepines. The study also demonstrated the application of the data to drug-facilitated sexual assault cases.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Legal
Laurene Dufayet, Sophie Bargel, Anastasia Bonnet, Arezki Khaled Boukerma, Cecile Chevallier, Marion Evrard, Sophie Guillotin, Elodie Loeuillet, Camille Paradis, Alix Marie Pouget, Julien Reynoard, Jules-Antoine Vaucel
Summary: γ-Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is synthesized from γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) or γ-butyrolactone (GBL). GBL and 1,4-BD are rapidly converted to GHB. GHB and its analogues affect GABA receptors in the central nervous system. Ingestion of GHB can cause transient neurological disorders. Chronic use is associated with withdrawal syndrome. GHB is controlled internationally, while GBL and 1,4-BD are not. They are used for drug facilitated assault, recreation, and chemsex. Proper conservation is crucial for detection of GHB, GBL, and 1,4-BD. Control of GHB is important to limit consumption-related risks and death.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Crystal Arndt, Kaitlyn B. Palmquist, Teresa R. Gray
Summary: The presence of acetone in human biological specimens can be due to exogenous administration or endogenous production, influenced by factors such as diabetes, diet, alcoholism, and stress. Drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) cases often show elevated stress levels, leading to increased acetone production. A study conducted at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS) analyzed DFSA cases from 2019 to 2021, revealing that approximately 11% of the cases had acetone-positive blood or urine specimens, indicating its potential as a biomarker of trauma in forensic toxicology.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Legal
M. G. Garcia, M. D. Perez-Carceles, E. Osuna, I. Legaz
Summary: This systematic review aimed to analyze the victims of drug-facilitated crime (DFC) by compiling their sociodemographic characteristics, toxic substances used, and biological matrices, in order to identify commonly utilized substances in criminal activities. The study also emphasized the importance of establishing political and health strategies to inform and warn individuals about the potential dangers of criminal social behaviors on health.
JOURNAL OF FORENSIC AND LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Letter
Toxicology
Sanaa M. Aly, Sylvie Deheul, Etienne Puymirat, Camille Richeval, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Carine Dumollard, Jean-Francois Wiart, Florian Hakim, Christophe Demarly, Philippe Morbidelli, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
Summary: Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is commonly found in chemicals and its use has been extended to the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially leading to an increase in poisoning cases. The report of a death case emphasizes the need to consider multiple factors when interpreting IPA and acetone concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Letter
Medicine, Legal
Florian Hakim, Thomas Gicquel, Delphine Allorge, Jean-michel Gaulier
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sophie Salle, Christelle Sevestre, Camille Richeval, Florian Hakim, Delphine Allorge, Jean-michel Gaulier
Summary: Detection of synthetic cannabinoid (SC) intoxication cases is challenging due to new modes of SC consumption and non-specific symptomatology. Early biological samples are recommended, and adding main 5F-ADB metabolites to mass spectrum databases is crucial for reducing the risk of false-negative results in intoxication cases involving 5F-ADB.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Florian Hakim, Shanti Nassibou, Alexandr Gish, Benjamin Lima, Jean-Francois Wiart, Camille Richeval, Jonathan Outreville, Veronique Quetard, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
Summary: This article reports a case of exhumation of a methamphetamine (MA) body packer and the toxicological analysis of hair and pellets collected from the body. The results indicate the presence of MA and amiodarone in the hair, supporting the previously established cause of death.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Thomas Gicquel, Romain Pelletier, Camille Richeval, Alexandr Gish, Florian Hakim, Pierre-Jean Ferron, Vadim Mesli, Delphine Allorge, Isabelle Morel, Jean-michel Gaulier
Summary: This study investigated the metabolites of 2-fluoro-deschloroketamine (2F-DCK) using in vitro experimental approaches and molecular networking to compare results. Thirteen metabolites were produced in vitro with additional seven metabolites found in post-mortem samples. The HLMs and HepaRG cell models were complementary in identifying specific 2F-DCK metabolites, with nor-2F-DCK and a hydrogenated metabolite proposed as reliable markers for detection in HRMS libraries.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alexandr Gish, Veronique Dumestre-Toulet, Camille Richeval, Jean-Francois Wiart, Florian Hakim, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
Summary: This study reports the pharmaceutical design of new psychoactive substances (NPS) detected in oral fluid from drivers during a music festival in 2019. The results show an increase in the proportion of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinone derivatives, and a decrease in cyclohexanones.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Estelle Flament, Jerome Guitton, Thomas Gicquel, Nathalie Paret, Nathalie Jarrier, Gaelle Creusat, Christine Tournoud, Magali Labadie, Jean-Michel Gaulier, Yvan Gaillard
Summary: The detection and quantification of orellanine in biological samples is crucial for the diagnosis and management of suspected cases of mushroom poisoning.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Biochemical Research Methods
Alexandr Gish, Dulciane Baes, Camille Richeval, Jean-Francois Wiart, Florian Hakim, Corentin Grenier, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Letter
Chemistry, Analytical
Thomas Gicquel, Jean-Francois Wiart, Alexandr Gish, Florian Hakim, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sanaa M. Aly, Ahmed Omran, Jean-Michel Gaulier, Delphine Allorge
Summary: Research on adolescent substance use is crucial for designing effective prevention programs. A study conducted in France found that illicit substances, alcohol, and prescription substances were commonly used among adolescents, and nearly one-third of deaths were attributed to substance use.
Letter
Biochemical Research Methods
Alexandr Gish, Camille Richeval, Jean-Francois Wiart, Benjamin Hennart, Florian Hakim, Christophe Demarly, Axelle Balgairies, Valery Hedouin, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier
Summary: Analysis of keratinized samples from the whole family confirmed the mother's tramadol addiction and accidental ingestion by the infant. The case highlights the significance of analyzing keratinized matrices in such poisoning situations.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Camille Richeval, Alexandr Gish, Victoire Cottereau, Alexandre Peyre, Eric Pleignet, Sabrina Cherki, Delphine Allorge, Jean-Michel Gaulier, Damien A. Devault
Summary: Mayotte Island in France has been facing the consumption of a drug called La Chimique for many years. The first analytical results of the CHASSE-MAREE protocol revealed that SCRAs are the main psychoactive constituents of this drug. The use of SCRAs varies and the market for this drug is dispersed according to when and where samples are collected.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Samira Djezzar, Jean-Michel Gaulier, Charlotte Gorgiard, Marjorie Cheze, Jean-Claude Alvarez, Claire Martin, Veronique Dumestre-Toulet, Michel Lavit, Olivier Mathieu, Helene Eysseric, Emilie Berland, Carine Roussel, Yvan Gaillard, Anne-Sophie Hurtel-Lemaire, Marc Deveaux, Charlotte Pion
Summary: Drug facilitated-crime or chemical submission (DFC/CS) refers to the concealed or forced administration of psychoactive substances to a victim for criminal purposes. In France, despite prevention efforts, DFC/CS has been an epidemic for many years, as proven by a national study.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Sanaa M. Aly, Alexandr Gish, Florian Hakim, Douniazad Guelmi, Vadim Mesli, Valery Hedouin, Delphine Allorge, Jean-michel Gaulier
Summary: This study aims to demonstrate the potential of entomological samples as complementary matrices for toxicological analysis in cases of advanced putrefaction. Two cases were presented to highlight the usefulness of analyzing pupae and flies in identifying substances and determining possible causes of death. The results from these analyses complemented the findings from other biological samples.