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Studies assessing the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for locating unmarked human graves commonly use pigs as proxies, with recent concerns about the adequacy of pigs as substitutes for humans. Also, there is little agreement on how to identify and describe GPR signals associated with graves. Hence, this project's aim is to compare GPR signals acquired over simulated clandestine graves with pig and human remains. We established human, pig, and control graves at the REST[ES] human decomposition facility in May 2022 and monitored the graves over 17 months using a 250 MHz antenna GPR system. Our results showed the presence of perturbed and V-shaped reflectors, diffraction hyperbolas, and reflectors with amplitude loss at depth between 0.6 and 0.75 m in the radargram for graves with human and pig remains. We corroborate recent studies which concluded that the use of proxies is a viable alternative to human cadavers. The observed radar signatures were classified into five key patterns, which are characteristic of similar data collected with 250 MHz above graves reported in the literature. These classes are: V-shaped dipping reflections from grave walls (class A), small hyperbolic reflections superimposed onto a near-linear reflector (class B), hyperbolic reflections from remains within the grave (class C), new high-amplitude reflection patterns (class D) and significant loss or interruption of reflections (class E). Our proposed classification can help streamline future investigations where the goal is to interpret burials within large GPR datasets and provide language to communicate these results to the broader scientific community.

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Methamphetamine (MA) is one of the most virulent illicit drugs that can be synthesized from household materials leading to its prevalent trafficking and local manufacturing in clandestine drug laboratories (clan labs). The significant problems of tracing MA in clan labs and monitoring drug abusers lie in the lag time between sample collection and analysis and the number of tests done. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a rapid separation technique amenable to miniaturization and field testing. Herein, we developed a simple transient isotachophoretic (tITP)-CE method to detect MA and its precursor pseudoephedrine (PSE) in clan labs and non-invasive biological fluids. The method was implemented on the ETD-100, a commercial fully automated portable CE instrument with an integrated swab-based extraction system. Within 2 min of insertion of the swab, MA and PSE were automatically extracted with a leading electrolyte (LE) and then separated on covalently modified capillaries. The ETD-100 showed a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of MA 0.02 and 0.05 µg/swab and 0.02 and 0.06 µg/swab of PSE, with an enhancement factor of 118 and 328, respectively, when compared to a normal non-tITP injection. The intra and inter-day relative standard deviation in terms of migration time were in the range of 0.75-1.93 % for both MA and PSE and were 2.0-2.4 % for both MA and PSE peak height. The method was demonstrated with the detection of spiked MA and PSE on different household materials as well as in non-invasive biological fluids with a recovery above 60 %.

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We present an assessment of several geospatial layers proposed as models for detecting clandestine graves in Mexico. The analyses were based on adapting the classical ROC curves to geospatial data (gROC) using the fraction of the predicted area instead of the false positive rate. Grave locations were obtained for ten Mexican states that represent the most conflicting regions in Mexico, and 30 layers were computed to represent geospatial models for grave detection. The gROC analysis confirmed that the travel time from urban streets to grave locations was the most critical variable for detecting graves, followed by nighttime light brightness and population density, whereas, contrary to the rationale, a previously proposed visibility index is less correlated with grave locations. We were also able to deduce which variables are most relevant in each state and to determine optimal thresholds for the selected variables.

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Deceased human remains are often buried as a forensic countermeasure or method of disposal by homicide perpetrators. Owing to this, the excavation of clandestine grave sites is a task that forensic crime scene teams may only encounter a few times a year. Not all crime scene units have specialised teams for this task, and even those that do, may not have specific protocols for the optimal recovery of forensic traces retained within grave fill as procedures such as sieving require optimisation for the specific soil conditions of the jurisdiction. This study aimed to define the optimal sieving conditions for a sandy environment when searching for minute traces of paint, glass, hair and fibres. Furthermore, this study justifies the practice of retaining grave fill and examining it under controlled laboratory conditions, rather than in-situ adjacent to the grave site. The results demonstrate that using sieve mesh sizes as fine as 0.1 mm can recover up to 82% of the deposited traces and almost all paint, hair and glass traces. The processing of grave fill in the laboratory lead to increased yield of forensic evidence, which on a case-basis may warrant the increased time needed. These findings merit consideration for clandestine grave crime scenes where evidence is scarce or the case is likely to become cold.

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No-body homicide cases are typically difficult to investigate, owing to the lack of forensics and leads. Researchers in the fields of forensics, criminology, and psychology have attempted to provide assistance to these investigations through their respective disciplines. The focus of the current case study review is on a combined approach to assisting in no-body homicides and cold cases. The proposed approach will outline a geographical profiling technique that has previously been used in no-body homicide investigations, Winthropping. Alongside this, forensic linguistic analyses will be outlined to show how a combination may provide fresh leads and investigative avenues for further exploration. A series of 4 real-world cases in which bodies were moved, dumped, and hidden by a suspect, who subsequently revealed knowledge of the clandestine grave are given. The aim is that readers from related fields and disciplines might synergistically collaborate to develop the area and further help in these cases.

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Research in many forensic science fields commonly uses domestic pigs (Sus spp.) as proxies for human remains, due to their physiological and anatomical similarities, as well as being more readily available. Unfortunately, previous research, especially that which compares the decompositional process, has shown that pigs are not appropriate proxies for humans. To date, there has not been any published research that specifically addresses whether domestic pigs are adequate human proxies for the geophysical detection of clandestine graves. As such, the aim of this paper was to compare the geophysical responses of pig cadavers and human donor graves, in order to determine if pigs can indeed be used as adequate human proxies. To accomplish this, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) responses on single and multiple pig cadaver graves were compared to single and multiple human donor graves, all of which are in known locations within the same geological environment. The results showed that under field conditions, both GPR and ERT were successful at observing human and pig burials, with no obvious differences between the detected geophysical responses. The results also showed that there were no differences in the geophysical responses of those who were clothed and unclothed. The similarity of the responses may reflect that the geophysical techniques can detect graves despite what their contents are. The study implications suggest that experimental studies in other soil and climate conditions can be easily replicated, benefiting law enforcement with missing persons cases.

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Introduction: the complications of clandestine abortions are formidable throughout the world, particularly in Africa. This study aims to determine the epidemiological and therapeutic profile of the complications of clandestine abortions in the gynecology service of the Provincial Hospital of Kananga. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted from the medical records of pregnant women who experienced the complications of clandestine abortions in the gynecology department of the Provincial Hospital of Kananga from January 01, 2015, to December 31, 2019. It is based on the no probabilistic sampling of suitability. We recorded 38 cases of 58 patients. Results: the frequency of complications of clandestine abortions is 65.51% with an average age of pregnant women of 27.86 (SD 3.23) years and 70% of pregnant women under 30 years old, nulliparity was more concerned in 34.21% (n=13). Pupil students and unemployed are more affected in 55.26% (n=21). Cervical dilation and curettage practiced by nurses led to more complications from clandestine abortions in 69.07% (n=26). Incomplete abortions are the complications most encountered in 1 case out of 3. The aspiration-curettage is established in 1 out of 3 cases, and the mortality rate linked to complications of clandestine abortion was 21.05% (n=8). Conclusion: complications of clandestine abortions constitute a real public health problem in the town of Kananga, incomplete abortions are most encountered and the mortality rate linked to these complications is serious.

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INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Potassium permanganate has been historically used as an abortifacient, but it is now considered an outdated practice. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as an abortifacient, some communities still hold misguided beliefs about its abortifacient properties. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 38-year-old multiparous North African woman. Who experienced excessive vaginal bleeding after using potassium permanganate as an abortifacient. The examination revealed carbonized ulcerated lesions on the vaginal walls and cervix. Once the patient was stabilized, the medical team performed sutures on the vaginal lesions and inserted an intravaginal tampon to arrest the bleeding. The patient was discharged after 72 h. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In the last century, potassium permanganate was utilized as a method of abortion, but this practice has gradually fallen out of use. Regrettably, due to misinformation and a lack of comprehensive documentation, certain underdeveloped regions persist in employing this unsafe approach. The aim of this report is to inform obstetricians about the harmful effects of potassium permanganate, and the injuries it can cause. Given the scarcity and age of published reports on the subject, this document highlights the crucial importance of proper management to prevent these practices and ensure the safety of the women concerned. CONCLUSIONS: The use of potassium permanganate in abortion presents serious risks, and despite its outdated nature, false beliefs about its abortifacient properties persist. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public is crucial in preventing the harmful effects of these erroneous beliefs.

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The decomposition of a body is influenced by burial conditions, making it crucial to understand the impact of different conditions for accurate grave detection. Geophysical techniques using drones have gained popularity in locating clandestine graves, offering non-invasive methods for detecting surface and subsurface irregularities. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an effective technology for identifying potential grave locations without disturbance. This research aimed to prototype a drone system integrating GPR to assist in grave localization and to develop software for data management. Initial experiments compared GPR with other technologies, demonstrating its valuable applicability. It is suitable for various decomposition stages and soil types, although certain soil compositions have limitations. The research used the DJI M600 Pro drone and a drone-based GPR system enhanced by the real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) for precision and autonomy. Tests with simulated graves and cadavers validated the system's performance, evaluating optimal altitude, speed, and obstacle avoidance techniques. Furthermore, global and local planning algorithms ensured efficient and obstacle-free flight paths. The results highlighted the potential of the drone-based GPR system in locating clandestine graves while minimizing disturbance, contributing to the development of effective tools for forensic investigations and crime scene analysis.

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Cocaine and methamphetamine remain highly abused drugs in the United States due to their euphoric effects. This study examines classical stimulant casework, defined as cases positive for methamphetamine and/or cocaine, received by the Toxicology Laboratory and the Drug Analysis Laboratory at the Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences from local law enforcement agencies and/or the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. Methamphetamine positivity increased from 10.4% to 20.3% in the Toxicology Laboratory over the 6 years, whereas cocaine positivity remained relatively stable at approximately 17%. Similarly, in the Drug Analysis Laboratory, the methamphetamine positivity rate changed from 24.8% to 33.2%, whereas cocaine identification remained stable at approximately 20%. Blood concentrations of methamphetamine in OME cases ranged from 10.1-42,740.0 ng/mL while they were lower in DWI casework ranging from 10.2-2385.0 ng/mL. The blood concentration trends of cocaine were similar to methamphetamine, with OME casework ranging higher (10.0-24,501.0 ng/mL) than DWI casework (10.2-371.6 ng/mL). Polydrug use was evident for both methamphetamine and cocaine in postmortem cases, and the top three most frequently co-occurring drug/drug class were opioids/opiates, cannabinoids, and ethanol. The results from this study aid in the understanding of historical usage trends of cocaine and methamphetamine in Dallas County and how those trends have changed over time as newer stimulant drugs have emerged.

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Unintended compounds produced by inexperienced clandestine chemists may present a challenge in laboratories tasked with their identification. In March 2020, an anonymously submitted tablet purchased as a generic form of Xanax was analyzed by Erowid's DrugsData.org. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) results publicly released online indicated several unidentified compounds due to a lack of database references at that time. Elucidation by our group indicated the presence of several structurally related compounds that were linked to a failed synthesis of alprazolam. For this case study, a published procedure for the synthesis of alprazolam starting with the chloroacetylation of 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone was identified as a potential source of this failure. The procedure was reproduced to identify pitfalls of the methodology and examine its possible link to the illicit tablet. Reaction outcomes were analyzed via GC-MS and compared to the tablet submission data. The major compound in this submission, N-(2-benzoyl-4-chlorophenyl)-2-chloroacetamide, along with several related byproducts were successfully reproduced indicating that the tablet contents potentially stem from a failure to synthesize alprazolam.

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This paper reports on coastal exhumations performed during 2006-2022, under the framework of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus (CMP) humanitarian identification programme. CMP archaeologists investigated 217 coastal locations and recovered skeletal remains on 44 occasions. Challenging environmental conditions required a customized exhumation plan, which could be executed swiftly without compromising operational integrity or standards. The author performed a retrospective analysis to propose an optimized strategy, which includes a survey, exhumation, digital documentation, and post-processing components, with the aim of minimizing the effects of adverse environmental conditions. The proposed strategy is based on scientific standards and observations in the field; it can satisfy the needs of a humanitarian or criminal investigation if appropriate measures are taken to uphold legislative and forensic standards. The author also discussed the taphonomic effects of coastal erosion and wave activity in tandem with exhumation recommendations to assist forensic practitioners involved in similar investigations.

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Nearly a decade ago, fentanyl reappeared in the United States illicit drug market. In the years since, overdose deaths have continued to rise as well as the amount of fentanyl seized by law enforcement agencies. Research surrounding fentanyl production has been beneficial to regulatory actions and understanding illicit fentanyl production. In 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began collecting seized fentanyl samples from throughout the United States to track purity, adulteration trends, and synthetic impurity profiles for intelligence purposes. The appearance of a specific organic impurity, phenethyl-4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (phenethyl-4-ANPP) indicates a shift in fentanyl production from the traditional Siegfried and Janssen routes to the Gupta-patent route. Through a collaboration between the DEA and the US Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC), the synthesis of fentanyl was investigated via six synthetic routes, and the impurity profiles were compared to those of seized samples. The synthetic impurity phenethyl-4-ANPP was reliably observed in the Gupta-patent route published in 2013, and its structure was confirmed through isolation and structure elucidation. Organic impurity profiling results for illicit fentanyl samples seized in late 2021 have indicated yet another change in processing with the appearance of the impurity ethyl-4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (ethyl-4-ANPP). Through altering reagents traditionally used in the Gupta-patent route, the formation of this impurity was determined to occur through a modification of the route as originally described in the Gupta patent.

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The opioid epidemic resulted in an increase in identifications of fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and heroin, among other opioids, in the toxicology and seized drug analysis fields over the past several years. The Dallas County Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, comprised of the Toxicology Laboratory and Drug Analysis Laboratory, observed a rise in fentanyl-positive analyses in both laboratories. Fentanyl positivity increased from 1.1% to 3.4% in the Toxicology Laboratory over the five years of this study, whereas 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) positivity remained relatively stable at approximately 2%. Similarly, in the Drug Analysis Laboratory, the fentanyl positivity rate changed from 0.03% to 0.60%, whereas heroin identification remained stable at approximately 8-9%. Based on data obtained from toxicology submissions, a typical fentanyl or heroin user was a white male in their late 30s. The average concentration of fentanyl in postmortem cases, antemortem cases, and 6-MAM in postmortem specimens was 9.7 ng/ml, 5.5 ng/ml, and 68.4 ng/ml, respectively. Poly-drug use was evident, with benzodiazepines being the most commonly co-administered drug with fentanyl (49.4%). Multiple drugs were identified via analysis of clandestine tablets submitted to the Drug Analysis Laboratory, including fentanyl and/or heroin in combination with compounds such as cocaine, etizolam, and acetaminophen. The most frequently identified clandestine tablet was "M367," typically manufactured to contain acetaminophen and hydrocodone, but was found to contain fentanyl or heroin. The results from this study aid in the understanding of the current opioid trends in Dallas County and provides an opportunity for comparison to other populations and geographical regions.

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The most common method of domestic methamphetamine manufacture encountered in New Zealand is the hydrogen iodide (HI) reduction of pseudoephedrine/ephedrine. While the overall method used to manufacture methamphetamine has remained consistent, the processes and chemicals utilized have evolved. Understanding the reason for any changes to methamphetamine manufacturing trends can assist jurisdictions with predicting the potential effects of enforcement and legislative initiatives. This paper presents data and trends amassed from suspected clandestine laboratories, associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine, in New Zealand between 2009 and 2021, along with data on methamphetamine, pseudoephedrine, and ephedrine seizures at the border. The data have shown that clandestine manufacturers in New Zealand have evolved the methamphetamine manufacturing process over the years. These changes in trends can largely be attributed to various enforcement and legislative effects and the COVID-19 pandemic response. Effects that enforcement, legislation, and the COVID-19 pandemic response may have had on the precursors, chemicals and equipment encountered are discussed.

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This study aim is to describe the epidemiological profile of pregnant women who performed clandestine abortions in the gynecological department of the Provincial General Hospital of Kananga. This is a descriptive study of a series conducted from the medical files of pregnant women who secretly aborted in the gynecology department of the Provincial General Hospital of Kananga from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2019. It is based on the no probabilistic sampling of suitability. We recorded 58 cases of clandestine abortions upon 1667 patients. The frequency of clandestine abortions is of 3.48% with an average age of pregnant women of 26.96 years, 70% of pregnant women under 30 years old, nulliparity is more concerned (34.48%), pupils and students as well as unemployed are more concerned in 55.12%, nurses are the abortionists encountered in 37.70%, cervical dilation and curettage is the most used abortion method (69.07%) and the maternal mortality rate linked to clandestine abortion is 13.79%. The fight against clandestine abortions requires the promotion of sex education in school and academic circles, and the sensitization of women and couples to the use of contraceptive methods and family planning. Our results serve as the basis for in-depth studies on clandestine abortions and their complications with a view to improving their management in our environment.

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BACKGROUND: Plant microbiome composition has been demonstrated to change during the domestication of wild plants and it is suggested that this has resulted in loss of plant beneficial microbes. Recently, the seed microbiome of native plants was demonstrated to harbour a more diverse microbiota and shared a common core microbiome with modern cultivars. In this study the composition of the seed-associated bacteria of Glycine clandestina is compared to seed-associated bacteria of Glycine max (soybean). RESULTS: The seed microbiome of the native legume Glycine clandestina (crop wild relative; cwr) was more diverse than that of the domesticated Glycine max and was dominated by the bacterial class Gammaproteobacteria. Both the plant species (cwr vs domesticated) and individual seed accessions were identified as the main driver for this diversity and composition of the microbiota of all Glycine seed lots, with the effect of factor "plant species" exceeded that of "geographical location". A core microbiome was identified between the two Glycine species. A high percentage of the Glycine microbiome was unculturable [G. clandestina (80.8%) and G. max (75.5%)] with only bacteria of a high relative abundance being culturable under the conditions of this study. CONCLUSION: Our results provided novel insights into the structure and diversity of the native Glycine clandestina seed microbiome and how it compares to that of the domesticated crop Glycine max. Beyond that, it also increased our knowledge of the key microbial taxa associated with the core Glycine spp. microbiome, both wild and domesticated. The investigation of this commonality and diversity is a valuable and essential tool in understanding the use of native Glycine spp. for the discovery of new microbes that would be of benefit to domesticated Glycine max cultivars or any other economically important crops. This study has isolated microbes from a crop wild relative that are now available for testing in G. max for beneficial phenotypes.

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By nature, clandestine burials are difficult to locate, an issue that can complicate the legal process, and interrupt the natural grief process of the family. The purpose of this paper is to present a three-step process to search for clandestine graves using (1) geographic profiling, (2) light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and (3) near surface geophysics. Each process incrementally decreases the geographic area being searched, while increasing the level of detail provided to investigators. Using two well-known Australian cases and one experimental study, this paper will demonstrate how (1) can highlight potential search areas, (2) can further narrow down the location of potential burial sites within these search areas, and (3) can assist with locating the clandestine grave. Although each technique on its own can successfully locate graves, combining the techniques can provide the most efficient approach to locate those who are missing and buried.

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In New Zealand, many concerns have been raised over the presence of methamphetamine contamination in households, especially when its provenance is unknown. Previous research found that contamination levels on household surfaces were higher after the premises had been used as a clandestine laboratory. It is believed that the levels of contamination produced from smoking methamphetamine are much less than those produced through manufacture. This study's aim was to determine the amount of methamphetamine contamination produced, after simulated smoking, on a range of common, smooth surface types. Accumulation over time was also investigated. The experiment, comprising four simulated smoking events (referred to as 'smokes') of 0.2 g followed by a fifth simulated smoking event of 1.2 g (a cumulative total of 2 g) of methamphetamine hydrochloride, was carried out in a shipping container. Subsequent swabs were taken from squares of 100 cm2, following the NIOSH 9111 method. Results were quantified using LC-MS/MS. The methamphetamine concentrations measured gave a range from an overall mean of 0.91 µg/100 cm2 after the first smoke and 15.9 µg/100 cm2 after the final smoke. A rate of accumulation for each surface type was established, as well as an order of surfaces showing the most to least observed contamination. A significant reduction in the level of contamination was observed over a short period of time, although a clear rate was not established. Finally, a relationship between the recovered amounts of methamphetamine and amphetamine produced through the pyrolysis (smoking) process was also determined.

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INTRODUCTION: The synthesis of clandestine drugs is a widespread worldwide phenomenon, with clandestine drug laboratories occurring both in rural and urban areas. There is considerable unfamiliarity among medical professionals about the health risks that are associated with chemicals used in clandestine drug laboratories. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the adverse health effects resulting from exposure to chemicals involved in the production of clandestine drugs. METHODS: The US National Library of Medicine PubMed database and the Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE) were searched from their date of inception to October 26, 2021 using combinations of relevant search terms. This yielded 1,558 unique articles, which were subjected to two eligibility criteria: (i) exposure to clandestine drug laboratory chemicals resulting in adverse health effects; (ii) subjects were human. A total of 22 unique articles were retrieved, consisting of 10 reviews, eight case reports/series and four retrospective studies. Further searches among the references cited in these publications yielded another seven case reports/series and six retrospective studies. RESULTS: Inhalation: Surveillance studies reported respiratory symptoms (including cough, throat irritation, nasal irritation, and dyspnea) in 59% (n = 1,657 of 2,803) of those exposed. The case reports/series described respiratory symptoms in 43% of the cases (n = 36 of 84). Lung edema was reported occasionally (n = 2). Eye exposure: Surveillance studies reported eye irritation and burns in 23% (n = 647 of 2,803) of those exposed. The case reports/series described ocular adverse events in 36% of the cases (n = 30 of 84). More severe ocular effects, such as corneal damage and conjunctival necrosis, were reported after direct eye contact with caustic fluids. Skin exposure: Surveillance studies reported dermal effects, ranging from skin irritation to severe burns, in 6% of those exposed (n = 174 of 2,803). The case reports/series described dermal effects in 30% of the cases (n = 25 of 84). Ingestion: Gastrointestinal burns were observed after ingestion of caustic substances in 5% of the patients reported in the case reports/series (n = 4 of 84). Systemic effects: Surveillance studies reported headache and dizziness in 31% (n = 882 of 2,803) and 7% (n = 187 of 2,803) of those exposed, respectively. The case reports/series described sympathomimetic effects, including mydriasis, hypertension, tachycardia, in 4% of the cases (n = 3 of 84). Fatalities: Surveillance studies reported death in 1% of those exposed (n = 29 of 2803). Ten percent of the people reported in the cases report/series died (n = 8 of 84). Death was reported after inhalation of phosphine (n = 5), hydrogen sulfide (n = 1), methanol (n = 1), and after ingestion of sulfuric acid (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to chemicals involved in the production of clandestine drugs mostly resulted in mild to moderate respiratory, ocular or dermal effects, usually caused by caustic chemicals or solvents. Systemic effects were generally mild, but severe symptoms and eight deaths were reported after exposure to phosphine, hydrogen sulfide, methanol and sulfuric acid.

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