LU|ZONE|UL Collection:
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/2602
2024-03-28T09:00:22ZDevelopment and validation of a method for the determination of nine benzodiazepines and metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) using UPLC-QTOF-MS
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/2775
Title: Development and validation of a method for the determination of nine benzodiazepines and metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) using UPLC-QTOF-MS
Authors: Hill, Seana L.
Abstract: In forensic toxicology benzodiazepines are common compounds implicated in
drug impaired driving cases. Detection of these compounds is ideally determined from
whole blood collected from the individual after impairment has been established and
qualified personnel are available to draw blood. This study focused on the development
and validation of a screening method that could also be applied to quantification of a set
of nine benzodiazepines and metabolites extracted from dried blood spots and analyzed
using UPLC-QTOF-MS: diazepam (DZP), temazepam (TMZ), oxazepam (OXZ),
nordiazepam (NOZ), lorazepam (LRZ), clonazepam(CLZ), 7-aminoclonazepam (7CLZ),
alprazolam (APZ), and α-hydroxyalprazolam (aHAM). Advantages of DBS over whole
blood sampling are less invasive sampling, potential for increased stability of analytes in
the card matrix, small sample volumes, simplified extraction and ease of storage and
transport. All dried blood spots were 20 μL of sheep blood spiked with a 2.86μg/mL
mixture of the compounds included in this study and left to try overnight at ambient
temperature. The optimized method immersed a ½” diameter punch of card containing
the entire blood spot in an extraction solvent of 1:1 (v/v) methanol:acetonitrile and
sonicated for 30 minutes. The extraction solvent was separated from the spot, 1 mL of
acetonitrile was added followed by protein filtration. Filtrate was evaporated down to
dryness and analytes were then reconstituted in 1:1 (v/v) acetonitrile:water before
analysis. Each step of extraction and sample preparation was optimized for this study. All
analytes were stable within the card matrix for 14 days under refrigeration at 4°C. All analytes were stable up to 12 hours in the autosampler of the instrument. Hematocrit over
a range of 20 - 70% did not affect interpretation of results. Validation produced
calibration curves over a range of 7.8 – 500 ng/mL that had R2 values ranging from
0.998-1.00 with a quadratic line of best fit. Bias was <20% for high blind samples and
≤25.6% for low blind samples.
A screening method using UPLC-QTOF-MS to analyze DBS extracts able to
identify all benzodiazepines of interest was developed and validated. Calibration curves
representing impairment ranges of the analytes of interest predicted concentrations within
a reliable range that allowed for quantification of the analytes.2017-07-20T00:00:00ZPreliminary investigation into the usefulness of tattoos for identification purposes
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/2774
Title: Preliminary investigation into the usefulness of tattoos for identification purposes
Authors: Grenier, Larysa Nicole
Abstract: Tattoos are common distinguishing features of many people in today’s populations, however, investigation into their usefulness in a forensic context is only just up-and-coming. This study uses four ink colours common in tattoos and the Northeastern Ontario fall and winter climates to see how study tattoo composition in skin is when presented in a harsh environment. Ten samples of tattooed pork (Sus scrofa) shoulder with skin attached were left out in the environment for 141 days. Upon collection, eye-visual analysis as well as technological analysis via photographs were done on the colours to determine change. Visually changes were not noted in most samples but, using CMYK and classified Pantone® colours, slight differences were noted. This study shows the preservative properties of a Northeastern Ontario winter and raises areas of future study for the usefulness of tattoos as an identification tool in forensic casework.2017-07-20T00:00:00ZA investigation of the relationship between fracture type and force: blunt force trauma on mammalian juvenile ribs (Sus scrofa, linneaus)
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/2773
Title: A investigation of the relationship between fracture type and force: blunt force trauma on mammalian juvenile ribs (Sus scrofa, linneaus)
Authors: Boyd, Katie A.
Abstract: The interpretation of bone trauma is an important aspect in understanding the
circumstances within a death investigation (1-3). Proper interpretation of fractures can aid in
identifying the number of blows, impact sites, the order in which they occur and the amount of
force required to inflict such wounds (1,2). Yet there is a paucity of research regarding the force
applied through the utilization of blunt implements used to inflict trauma. Such a study has the
potential of more accurately characterizing the trauma, with regard to the amount of force used to
create observed fracture patterns. In this preliminary study, a computer controlled impacting
machine was used to inflict direct trauma onto several full, semi-fleshed racks of juvenile pig
ribs (Sus scrofa, Linneaus) with a hammerhead attachment (n=36). Although there has been a
recent interest in fracturing devices (2, 4-6), this one differs in that it mimics the arching motion
of a human overhand swing, and is able to inflict trauma onto fully fleshed and intact specimens.
After each strike the force at the moment of impact was recorded and was later paired with its corresponding fracture. From there, the range of force associated with transverse, oblique, spiral,
greenstick, and comminuted fractures, as well as having no fractures at all were examined in
light of the recorded forces. Such results were compared to those of others performed prior to
work on the machine to determine if such relationships were consistent between studies. In this
study it was discovered that there is no threshold where one fracture group will start and another
will end.2017-07-20T00:00:00ZBullet calibre and types estimation from gunshot wounds in sus scrofa (linnaeus) long bone
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/2772
Title: Bullet calibre and types estimation from gunshot wounds in sus scrofa (linnaeus) long bone
Authors: Henwood, Bailey J.
Abstract: The calibre of bullet used in the commission of crime is not typically ascertained from a wound in soft tissue, and cannot be reliably determined from the damage done to flat bones (1, 2). This study examined the feasibility of obtaining both bullet calibre and type from ballistic damage to long bones. Thirty fresh pork shoulders (Sus scrofa), in three groups of ten, were each shot with a handgun using one of three calibre. These calibres were of two bullet types, either lead or full copper jacket. Each pork shoulder was shot through the intact humerus with either a 0.22 round-nose lead bullet, 9mm full copper jacketed bullet, or a 0.38 round-nose lead bullet. The long bones were subsequently defleshed and examined for evidence of bullet calibre and type. The damaged bone was reconstructed to the fullest extent possible from the resulting bone fragments. The minimum diameter of each entrance wound, as well as the associated fracture pattern, were recorded. A Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test was used to compare the median entrance wound measurements for each calibre. Cortical bone spalling was seen only In long bones shot with a copper jacketed bullet. This is due to the differing energy propagation of the two bullet types through the bone tissue. Our study demonstrates that bullet type can be ascertained from long bone damage, and the damage from a 0.22 calibre bullet can be distinguished from that of a 0.38 or a 9mm bullet.2017-07-20T00:00:00Z