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Schieweck A, Schulz N, Amendt J, Birngruber C, Holz F. Catch me if you can-emission patterns of human bodies in relation to postmortem changes. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1603-1620. [PMID: 38456958 PMCID: PMC11164720 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03194-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The present study examines for the first time the emission patterns and olfactory signatures of 9 complete human corpses of different stages of decomposition. Air sampling was performed inside the body bags with solid sorbents and analysed by coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry after thermal desorption (TD-GC-MS). Furthermore, odour-related substances were detected by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). Sulfurous compounds (mainly dimethyl di- and trisulfide) were identified as most important to the odour perception. Around 350 individual organic substances were detected by TD-GC-MS, notably sulfurous and nitrogenous substances as well as branched alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and ethers. A range of terpenes was detected for the first time in a characteristic emission pattern over all decomposition stages. Concentrations of the substances varied greatly, and no correlation between the emission patterns, the stage of decomposition and the cause of death could be found. While previous studies often analysed pig cadavers or only parts of human tissue, the present study shows the importance of analysing complete human corpses over a range of decomposition stages. Moreover, it is shown that using body bags as a kind of "emission test chamber" is a very promising approach, also because it is a realistic application considering the usual transport and store of a body before autopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Schieweck
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Riedenkamp 3, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Nicole Schulz
- Department of Material Analysis and Indoor Chemistry, Fraunhofer WKI, Riedenkamp 3, 38108, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christoph Birngruber
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Holz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Thurn B, Schotsmans EMJ, Ueland M. Lime and odour: A preliminary investigation into the effect of hydrated lime on the volatiles emitted from human remains. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 358:111745. [PMID: 37301722 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The location of human remains is performed primarily through the aid of cadaver detection dogs, which rely on the malodour produced through decomposition of decaying bodies. Malefactors will attempt to conceal these putrefactive odours through chemical additions such as lime, which is also wrongly believed to accelerate decomposition and prevent the identification of the victim. Despite the frequency of lime in forensic applications, to date no research has been performed to determine its effect on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during human decomposition. This research was therefore conducted to ascertain the effects of hydrated lime on the VOC profile of human remains. Two human donors were used in a field trial at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER): one donor was covered with hydrated lime, and the other had no chemical additions acting as a control. VOC samples were collected over a period of 100 days and analysed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). The volatile samples were accompanied by visual observations of how decomposition progressed. The results showed that lime application decreased the rate of decomposition and decreased total carrion insect activity. Lime increased the abundance of VOCs during the fresh and bloat stages of decay, however the abundance of compounds plateaued during active and advanced decomposition and were much lower than those detected from the control donor. Despite this suppression of VOCs, the study found that dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, key sulfur-containing compounds, were still produced in high quantities, and can thus still be used to locate chemically altered human remains. Knowledge of the effects of lime on human decomposition can inform the training of cadaver detection dogs, and ensure a greater chance at locating victims of crimes or mass disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Thurn
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Eline M J Schotsmans
- Centre for Archaeological Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia; PACEA De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel: Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie, UMR 5199, Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Sciences, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
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McIntyre DB, Dawson BM, Long BM, Barton PS. A review of multi-disciplinary decomposition research and key drivers of variation in decay. Int J Legal Med 2024:10.1007/s00414-024-03222-2. [PMID: 38622312 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
The decomposition of animal remains is a multifaceted process, involving ecological, biological, and chemical interactions. While the complexity is acknowledged through concepts like the necrobiome, it's unclear if this complexity is reflected in research. Appreciation of the complexity of decomposition is crucial for identifying sources of variation in estimations of time since death in medico-legal science, as well as building broader ecological knowledge of the decomposition process. To gain insights into the extent of multidisciplinary research in the field of decomposition science, we conducted an examination of peer-reviewed literature on four key drivers of variation: volatile organic compounds, microbes, drugs/toxins, and insects. Among 650 articles, we identified their scientific discipline, driver/s of variation investigated, and year of publication. We found that 19% explored relationships between two drivers, while only 4% investigated interactions between three. None considered all four drivers. Over the past three decades, there has been a steady increase in decomposition research publications, signifying its growing importance. Most research (79%) was linked to forensic science, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in decomposition science. Overall, our review underscores the need to incorporate multidisciplinary approaches and theory into contemporary decomposition research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna B McIntyre
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC, 3350, Australia.
- Graduate Research School, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC, 3350, Australia.
| | - Blake M Dawson
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2350, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Long
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC, 3350, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Mount Helen, VIC, 3350, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia
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de Azevedo APCB, Cardoso TADO, Cohen SC. Could Necroleachate Be the Cemetery's Sewage? A Panorama from Brazilian Legislation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6898. [PMID: 37835168 PMCID: PMC10572417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Cemeteries can be compared to landfills, as the leachate produced in these areas, also known as necroleachate, can be environmentally transported, polluting groundwater, surface water, and soil. In Brazil, to ensure no negative environmental impacts and public health risks, cemetery management is the responsibility of states and municipalities. In this context, this article aims to discuss Brazilian sanitary-environmental legislation concerning cemetery waste management. Only half of all Brazilian states have established sanitary-environmental cemetery legislation, and only 19 municipalities have specific laws. These laws, however, are broad and contain many gaps. Necroleachate care and control require both sanitary and environmental assessments to avoid environmental vulnerability and contamination risks for populations inhabiting surrounding areas. In this regard, new water analysis parameters in environmentally vulnerable areas should be established to control the population's drinking water quality, such as the detection of C. perfringens. Furthermore, the construction of vertical cemeteries instead of horizontal ones and the adoption of cremation procedures should also be considered. This assessment comprises a novel research framework, as no studies on the impact of Brazilian laws on environmental necroleachate contamination are available to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simone Cynamon Cohen
- Sanitation and Environmental Health Department, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21041-210, Brazil;
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5
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Cieśla J, Skrobisz J, Niciński B, Kloc M, Mazur K, Pałasz A, Javan GT, Tomsia M. The smell of death. State-of-the-art and future research directions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1260869. [PMID: 37779703 PMCID: PMC10538644 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1260869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The decomposition of a body is inseparably associated with the release of several types of odors. This phenomenon has been used in the training of sniffer dogs for decades. The odor profile associated with decomposition consists of a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chemical composition of which varies over time, temperature, environmental conditions, and the type of microorganisms, and insects colonizing the carcass. Mercaptans are responsible for the bad smell associated with corpses; however, there are no unified recommendations for conducting forensic analysis based on the detectable odor of revealed corpses and previous research on VOCs shows differing results. The aim of this review is to systematize the current knowledge on the type of volatile organic compounds related to the decomposition process, depending on a few variables. This knowledge will improve the methods of VOCs detection and analysis to be used in modern forensic diagnostics and improve the methods of training dogs for forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Cieśla
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Skrobisz
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Bartosz Niciński
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kloc
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Gulnaz T. Javan
- Department of Physical and Forensic Science Programs, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Marcin Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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Martin C, Malević M, Diederich C, Verheggen F. Copycatting the smell of death: Deciphering the role of cadaveric scent components used by detection dogs to locate human remains. J Forensic Sci 2023. [PMID: 37183668 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Human remains detection dogs (HRDD) are commonly used by law enforcement agencies to search for cadavers. Biological material is typically used as a training stimulus, also called aids, to train dogs to recognize the smell of cadavers. While HRDD training approaches have received extensive attention, information remains limited on the olfactory cues used to train them. Here, we aimed to decipher the chemical basis of detection dog olfaction. Five specific objectives were explored to precise whether the composition or the concentration of the training aids drives the HRDDs responses. We recorded the behavioral responses of four HRDDs exposed to different cadaveric-like smells. We found that HRDDs recognized a simplified synthetic aid composed of cadaveric compounds. The lowest concentration at which HRDDs continued to perceive the cadaveric smell was determined. HRDDs were not impacted by slight modifications to the chemical composition of a blend of odors that they have been trained with. HRDDs associated sulfur and nitrogen compounds as human cadaver. Our findings highlight a lack of specificity of HRDDs to cadaveric compounds, which could lead to error of detection. Moreover, all dogs did not positively respond to the same blends, despite being trained with the same aids and procedure. However, we confirmed that dogs could be trained with a simplified blend of molecules. The chemical composition of a training aid has, therefore, high consequences on the performance of the trained animal, and this conclusion opens additional questions regarding olfaction-based detection animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Marta Malević
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Claire Diederich
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - François Verheggen
- Chemical and Behavioral Ecology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, TERRA, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
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Wiśniewska N, Gołębiowski M, Kowalkowska AK. Labellum Features and Chemical Composition of Floral Scent in Bulbophyllum carunculatum Garay, Hamer & Siegrist (Section Lepidorhiza Schltr., Bulbophyllinae Schltr., Orchidaceae Juss.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1568. [PMID: 37050195 PMCID: PMC10097095 DOI: 10.3390/plants12071568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of fly-pollinated Bulbophyllum species use a combination of visual and olfactory clues to mimic food sources and brood/oviposition sites of pollinators. The aims of the present work were to characterize the floral secretory tissue and the floral scent and compare them with those previously described in B. echinolabium. Based on the histochemical results, the labellar secretion in B. carunculatum is the protein-rich mucilage. The adaxial epidermal cells of the labellum showed typical features of secretory activity. Plastids contained plastoglobuli, which are thought to be the places for scent production in osmophores. Juxtaposed with FeCl3 staining, the presence of dihydroxyphenolic globules in the cytoplasm of the epidermis and sub-epidermis was confirmed. Phenolic derivatives were also described with GC/MS analysis of the floral scent. The number of aromatic compounds and hydrocarbons was indicated in the floral scent of B. carunculatum. Moreover, pregnane-3,20-dione, occurring in the highest percentage in the floral fragrance of B. carunculatum, is a biologically active, 5-alpha-reduced metabolite of plasma progesterone. Progesterone is a mammalian gonadal hormone, but, like other steroid hormones, has been found in plants as intermediates in different biosynthetic pathways. The research on biosynthesis and functions of progesterone and its derivatives in flowers is still lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Wiśniewska
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Marek Gołębiowski
- Laboratory of Analysis of Natural Compounds, Department of Environmental Analytics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka K. Kowalkowska
- Department of Plant Cytology and Embryology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Thümmel L, Lutz L, Geissenberger J, Pittner S, Heimer J, Amendt J. Decomposition and insect succession of pig cadavers in tents versus outdoors - A preliminary study. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 346:111640. [PMID: 36933523 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The pattern of insect succession and the species composition on cadavers can be influenced by several parameters, one of which is concealment. It has been previously shown for cadavers inside containers (e.g. suitcases or vehicles) or various indoor situations, that concealment can lead to a delayed arrival, altered species composition and decreased number of taxa present at the cadaver. As no data is yet available for the specific environment of tents on these processes, we placed five pig cadavers inside closed two-person tents during the summer of 2021 in a mixed forest in Germany. Five control cadavers were freely accessible for insects. To minimize disturbances, tents were only opened every fifth day over a period of 25 days for estimating the temperature profiles, insect diversity and quantification of the cadavers' decomposition using the total body score (TBS). The temperature inside the tents was only slightly elevated compared to the ambient temperature during the study. Although the tents prevented direct access of adult flies and beetles, the cadavers were colonized because the flies oviposited on the zippers and fly screens of the inner tents. However, the resulting infestation of the cadavers by fly larvae was reduced and delayed, compared to the exposed cadavers. The dominant fly species on both the tent and exposed cadavers was the blow fly Lucilia caesar. Open cadavers showed the expected decomposition patterns with large larval masses. 25 days after placement, only bones and hair remained from the exposed pigs (TBS = 32), while most of the tissue of the cadavers inside the tents was still present (TBS = 22.5) and post feeding larvae were not able to leave the tents. Regarding the attraction of beetles to both treatments, open cadavers were predominately colonized by the silphid Oiceoptoma thoracicum, while the silphid Necrodes littoralis was the most dominant species in the pitfall traps surrounding the tents. Considering the prolonged pre-appearance interval of fly larvae colonizing the cadavers inside tents, the entomological evidence of forensic cases dealing with concealed bodies should be handled with caution, since the post mortem interval might be significantly underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Thümmel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Lena Lutz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Janine Geissenberger
- Department of Environment and Biodiversity, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Str. 34, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Pittner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Ignaz Harrer St. 79, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jonathan Heimer
- Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Heisenbergstraße 2, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jens Amendt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Kennedyallee 104, D-60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Potential of direct immersion solid-phase microextraction to characterize dissolved volatile organic compounds released by submerged decaying rat cadavers. Forensic Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2023.100488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
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10
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Wang X, Wan-Yan R, Yang J, Su W, Yu Q, Wang S, Han Q, Li X, Li H. Corpse decomposition of freshwater economic fish leads to similar resistomes and the enrichment of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in different water types. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 320:115944. [PMID: 35963071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Animal carcass decay produces many poisonous metabolites and chemical pollutants, which pose potential ecological risks to the aquatic environment and human health. However, the effects of animal cadaver decomposition on high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and potential pathogens in different water types are still unknown. In this study, fifteen freshwater economic fish (Carassius auratus) corpses were put into three types of water (i.e., pond water, tap water, and domestic sewage) for a 100-day decomposition. Next generation sequencing and HT-qPCR were used to illustrate how corpse decomposition affected microbial communities and ARG profiles. Our results revealed that fish corpse degradation caused similar resistomes and microbiome in different water types. MLSB (Macrolide-Lincosamide-Streptogramin B), β-lactamase, sulfonamide, tetracycline resistance genes and transposase genes in the experimental groups were increased. Among them, tetracycline resistance genes were enriched by 224 to 136,218-fold during the process of corpse degradation. Furthermore, high-risk ARGs (ermB, floR and dfrA1), which resist to MLSB, multidrug and sulfonamide respectively, were significantly enriched in the cadaver groups and had co-occurrence patterns with opportunistic pathogens, such as Bacteroidetes, which was more than 37 times in carcass groups than that in control groups. The study is able to draw a general conclusion that cadaver decomposition of freshwater economic fish deteriorates the aquatic environment by affecting high-risk ARGs and pathogenic microorganisms regardless of water types, which poses potential threats to human health. Therefore, timely management and treatment of animal carcasses is of great significance to the protection of water environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Wang
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ruijun Wan-Yan
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jiawei Yang
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wanghong Su
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qiaoling Yu
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sijie Wang
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qian Han
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xiangzhen Li
- Key Laboratory of Environmental and Applied Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huan Li
- Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-ecosystems, Center for Grassland Microbiome, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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11
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Sunde P, Böcker F, Rauset GR, Kjellander P, Chrenkova M, Skovdal TM, van Beeck Calkoen S, Mayer M, Heurich M. Mammal responses to predator scents across multiple study areas. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Sunde
- Department of Ecoscience—Wildlife Ecology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Felix Böcker
- Department of Forest and Society Forest Research Institute Baden‐Württemberg Freiburg Germany
| | - Geir Rune Rauset
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Science Riddarhyttan Sweden
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research Trondheim Norway
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology Swedish University of Agricultural Science Riddarhyttan Sweden
| | - Monika Chrenkova
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia České Budějovice Czech Republic
| | | | - Suzanne van Beeck Calkoen
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring Bavarian Forest National Park Grafenau Germany
- Wildlife Ecology and Management University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
| | - Martin Mayer
- Department of Ecoscience—Wildlife Ecology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring Bavarian Forest National Park Grafenau Germany
- Wildlife Ecology and Management University of Freiburg Freiburg Germany
- Institute for Forest and Wildlife Management Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences Koppang Norway
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von Hoermann C, Weithmann S, Sikorski J, Nevo O, Szpila K, Grzywacz A, Grunwald JE, Reckel F, Overmann J, Steiger S, Ayasse M. Linking bacteria, volatiles and insects on carrion: the role of temporal and spatial factors regulating inter-kingdom communication via volatiles. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220555. [PMID: 36061525 PMCID: PMC9428529 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multi-kingdom community complexity and the chemically mediated dynamics between bacteria and insects have recently received increased attention in carrion research. However, the strength of these inter-kingdom interactions and the factors that regulate them are poorly studied. We used 75 piglet cadavers across three forest regions to survey the relationship between three actors (epinecrotic bacteria, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flies) during the first 4 days of decomposition and the factors that regulate this interdependence. The results showed a dynamic bacterial change during decomposition (temperature-time index) and across the forest management gradient, but not between regions. Similarly, VOC emission was dynamic across a temperature-time index and the forest management gradient but did not differ between regions. However, fly occurrence was dynamic across both space and time. The strong interdependence between the three actors was mainly regulated by the temperature-time index and the study regions, thereby revealing regulation at temporal and spatial scales. Additionally, the actor interdependence was stable across a gradient of forest management intensity. By combining different actors of decomposition, we have expanded our knowledge of the holistic mechanisms regulating carrion community dynamics and inter-kingdom interactions, an important precondition for better describing food web dynamics and entire ecosystem functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian von Hoermann
- Department of Conservation and Research, Bavarian Forest National Park, Grafenau, Germany
| | - Sandra Weithmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Sikorski
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Omer Nevo
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biodiversity, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Szpila
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Andrzej Grzywacz
- Department of Ecology and Biogeography, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Jan-Eric Grunwald
- Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, SG 204, Microtraces/Biology, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Reckel
- Bavarian State Criminal Police Office, SG 204, Microtraces/Biology, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Department of Evolutionary Animal Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Renyard A, Gries R, Cooper SL, Gooding CE, Breen JC, Alamsetti SK, Munoz A, Gries G. Floral and Bird Excreta Semiochemicals Attract Western Carpenter Ants. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.923871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ant colonies have vast and diverse nutritional needs but forager ants have limited mobility to meet these needs. Forager ants would accrue significant energy savings if they were able to sense and orient toward odor plumes of both carbohydrate and protein food sources. Moreover, if worker ants, like other flightless insects, had reduced olfactory acuity, they would not recognize the specific odor signatures of diverse carbohydrate and protein sources, but they may be able to orient toward those odorants that are shared between (macronutrient) food sources. Using the Western carpenter ant, Camponotus modoc, as a model species, we tested the hypotheses that (1) food sources rich in carbohydrates (aphid honeydew, floral nectar) and rich in proteins (bird excreta, house mouse carrion, cow liver infested or not with fly maggots) all prompt long-distance, anemotactic attraction of worker ants, and (2) attraction of ants to plant inflorescences (fireweed, Chamaenerion angustifolium; thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus; and hardhack, Spiraea douglasii) is mediated by shared floral odorants. In moving-air Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, ants were attracted to two of four carbohydrate sources (thimbleberry and fireweed), and one of four protein sources (bird excreta). Headspace volatiles of these three attractive sources were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and synthetic odor blends of thimbleberry (7 components), fireweed (23 components), and bird excreta (38 components) were prepared. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, synthetic blends of thimbleberry and fireweed but not of bird excreta attracted ants, indicating that only the two floral blends contained all essential attractants. A blend of components shared between thimbleberry and fireweed was not attractive to ants. Our data support the conclusion that C. modoc worker ants can sense and orient toward both carbohydrate and protein food sources. As ants were selective in their responses to carbohydrate and protein resources, it seems that they can discern between specific food odor profiles and that they have good, rather than poor, olfactory acuity.
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Esse M, Guehi T, Lebrun M, Morel G, Grabulos J, Mestre C, Achir N. Kinetic study of some flavor and bioactive compounds during fermentation of
Parkia biglobosa. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.16888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Esse
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Microbiologie des Aliments, UFR de Sciences et Technologies des Aliments Université Nangui Abrogoua
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
| | - T. Guehi
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Microbiologie des Aliments, UFR de Sciences et Technologies des Aliments Université Nangui Abrogoua
| | - M. Lebrun
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
- CIRAD, UMR QualiSud Montpellier France
| | - G. Morel
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
- CIRAD, UMR QualiSud Montpellier France
| | - J. Grabulos
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
- CIRAD, UMR QualiSud Montpellier France
| | - C. Mestre
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
- CIRAD, UMR QualiSud Montpellier France
| | - N. Achir
- Qualisud, Univ Montpellier, Institut Agro, CIRAD Avignon Université Univ de La Réunion Montpellier France
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15
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Diverse Effects of Climate, Land Use, and Insects on Dung and Carrion Decomposition. Ecosystems 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-022-00764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLand-use intensification and climate change threaten ecosystem functions. A fundamental, yet often overlooked, function is decomposition of necromass. The direct and indirect anthropogenic effects on decomposition, however, are poorly understood. We measured decomposition of two contrasting types of necromass, rat carrion and bison dung, on 179 study sites in Central Europe across an elevational climate gradient of 168–1122 m a.s.l. and within both local and regional land uses. Local land-use types included forest, grassland, arable fields, and settlements and were embedded in three regional land-use types (near-natural, agricultural, and urban). The effects of insects on decomposition were quantified by experimental exclusion, while controlling for removal by vertebrates. We used generalized additive mixed models to evaluate dung weight loss and carrion decay rate along elevation and across regional and local land-use types. We observed a unimodal relationship of dung decomposition with elevation, where greatest weight loss occurred between 600 and 700 m, but no effects of local temperature, land use, or insects. In contrast to dung, carrion decomposition was continuously faster with both increasing elevation and local temperature. Carrion reached the final decomposition stage six days earlier when insect access was allowed, and this did not depend on land-use effect. Our experiment identified different major drivers of decomposition on each necromass form. The results show that dung and carrion decomposition are rather robust to local and regional land use, but future climate change and decline of insects could alter decomposition processes and the self-regulation of ecosystems.
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16
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Olson ZH, Torlone C, Russell CM, Wood CA, Welch JF, Burkholder KM. Foraging risk in scavenging ecology: a study of scavenger behavior and patterns of bacterial growth. Basic Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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17
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Gómez-Escobar E, Alavez-Rosas D, Castellanos D, Quintero-Fong L, Liedo P, Malo EA. Effect of Aging on Three Lures Used for Monitoring Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae): Release Rate, Volatile Composition, and Fly Recaptures. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:133-142. [PMID: 34958104 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prevention and control programs for Ceratitis capitata require a large supply of lures and traps for use in established trapping networks and mass-trapping suppression measures. The main lures currently used are: Trimedure (TML), three-component Biolure (BL), and Ceratrap (CT). The aim of this study was to determine the release rates of these lures, the chemical composition of their volatiles, and how these parameters change with exposure time. Tests were conducted under field conditions at three different elevations (25, 500, and 1,300 masl) during the dry and rainy seasons in Chiapas, Mexico. We found that for TML and BL, the release rate was similar in both seasons and at all three elevations. In the case of CT, the release rate was greater during the dry season and at the lowest elevation during the rainy season. With the caveat of using solid-phase microextraction technique for identification of lure compounds in this study, we found that the volatile compounds of TML were maintained throughout the rainy season, however, in the dry season, some compounds could not be detected. The volatile compounds emitted by BL were trimethylamine, ammonium acetate, and acetamide. Among volatile compounds of CT, acetic acid was the most abundant in the rainy season, while minor compounds were only detected during the first five weeks. Recapture rates were affected by elevation in the three lures tested and there was a significant interaction between elevation in exposure time for TML and BL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enoc Gómez-Escobar
- Programa Moscamed (SADER-IICA), Avenida Central S/N, Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, CP 30860, México
| | - David Alavez-Rosas
- Instituto de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, Boulevard Príncipe Akishino S/N, Solidaridad 2000, Tapachula, Chiapas, CP 30798, México
| | - David Castellanos
- Programa Moscamed (SADER-IICA), Avenida Central S/N, Metapa de Domínguez, Chiapas, CP 30860, México
| | - Luis Quintero-Fong
- Representación SENASICA-SADER, Programa Moscamed Guatemala, 16 calle. No. 3-38 Zona 10, Ciudad de Guatemala, Guatemala
| | - Pablo Liedo
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km. 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas, CP 30700, México
| | - Edi A Malo
- El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto Km. 2.5, Tapachula, Chiapas, CP 30700, México
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18
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Lira LA, Frizzas MR. Behavioral Aspects of Coprophanaeus ensifer (Germar) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) Associataed with Pig Carcasses in Central Brazil. NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:65-72. [PMID: 34780041 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-021-00922-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coprophanaeus ensifer (Germar) is a large dung beetle species primarily scavenger with paracoprid habits, habitually removing and burying parts of the food resource to build its nest and feed its larvae. This species is widely distributed in central-eastern South America and its association with decomposing carcasses confers great potential for forensic entomology. This study aimed to characterize behavioral aspects of C. ensifer associated with decomposing pig carcasses in the Cerrado of Central Brazil. Observational expeditions were carried out in the National Park of Brasília (PNB), Federal District. Three pig carcasses of approximately 5 kg were exposed for a 30-day period on three typically rainy months. Behavioral observations were made daily in loco at twilight/nighttime throughout the decomposition process. This study comprised 45 h of observation. A total of 34 individuals (11 males and 23 females) of C. ensifer were observed and marked. The following events/behaviors were observed: copulation, flight, feeding/perforation of the carcasses, scattering of carcasses portions, soil turning, opening of tunnels below/around the carcasses, burying of carcasses portions, nesting, and agonistic behavior/fighting. The behaviors of feeding, scattering of the carcasses, turning the soil, and opening of tunnels were observed in a high frequency, regardless of sex. The species is most attracted by substrates on the intermediate stages of active decomposition and causes important actions on the carcasses such as drilling and dismemberment. Behavioral descriptions and forensic implications are discussed in the text.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz A Lira
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70 910-900, Brazil.
- Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I, Ciências Biológicas, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Marina R Frizzas
- Departamento de Zoologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70 910-900, Brazil
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19
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Claudel C, Lev-Yadun S. Odor polymorphism in deceptive Amorphophallus species - a review. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2021; 16:1991712. [PMID: 34839800 PMCID: PMC9208769 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2021.1991712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Some plant lineages, such as Araceae and Orchidaceae, have independently evolved deceptive flowers. These exploit the insect's perception and deceive the insects into believing to have located a suitable opportunity for reproduction. The scent compounds emitted by the flowers are the key signals that dupe the insects, guiding them to the right spots that in turn ensure flower pollination. Most species of the genus Amorphophallus of the Araceae emit scent compounds that are characteristic of a deceit, suggesting a specific plant pollinator interaction and according odors. However, only a few clear evolutionary trends in regard to inflorescence odors in Amorphophallus could be traced in previous studies - an intriguing result, considered the multitude of characteristic scent compounds expressed in Amorphophallus as well as the key function of scent compounds in deceptive floral systems in general. At least two factors could account for this result. (1) The deceptive pollinator-attraction floral system, including the emitted scent compounds, is less specific than assumed. (2) An evolutionary trend cannot be discerned if the intraspecific scent variation (odor polymorphism) exceeds the interspecific odor variation. Therefore, we discuss the potential deceptive function of the emitted scent compounds, in particular those that are related to cadaveric decomposition. Moreover, we review the data about emitted scent compounds in Amorphophallus with a focus on putative odor polymorphism. Upon examination, it appears that the emitted scent compounds in Amorphophallus are highly mimetic of decomposing organic materials. We show that several species display odor polymorphism, which in turn might constitute an obstacle in the analysis of evolutionary trends. An important odor polymorphism is also indicated by subjective odor perceptions. Odor polymorphism may serve several purposes: it might represent an adaptation to local pollinators or it might assumingly prevent insects from learning to distinguish between a real decomposing substrate and an oviposition-site mimic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Claudel
- Institute for Plant Science and Microbiology, Department of Biology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simcha Lev-Yadun
- Department of Biology & Environment, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa-Oranim, Tivon, Israel
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20
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Frank D, Piyasiri U, Archer N, Heffernan J, Poelman AAM. In-Mouth Volatile Production from Brassica Vegetables (Cauliflower) and Associations with Liking in an Adult/Child Cohort. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2021; 69:11646-11655. [PMID: 34549579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c03889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between Brassica vegetables and human saliva can affect in-mouth odor development, which in turn may be linked to individual perception and liking. S-Methyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide is a unique substrate present in Brassicas that produces odor-active sulfur volatiles due to the activity of enzymes present in plant tissue and due to bacteria, which may be present to varying extents in an individual's oral microbiome. Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry was applied to measure individual differences in sulfur volatile production in real time when fresh human saliva was incubated ex vivo with raw cauliflower for a cohort of child-adult pairs. Large differences in the rate of sulfur volatile production were measured between individuals, but not between age groups. Significant positive relationships were found for volatile production between the adult-child pairs, suggesting a degree of commonality in saliva composition and oral microbiome activity. Furthermore, significant negative relationships were measured between the amount of in-mouth sulfur volatile production and liking for raw cauliflower in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Frank
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Udayasika Piyasiri
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Nicholas Archer
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Jessica Heffernan
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Astrid A M Poelman
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organisation (CSIRO), North Ryde, NSW 2113, Australia
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21
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Burgeon C, Debliquy M, Lahem D, Rodriguez J, Ly A, Fauconnier ML. Past, present, and future trends in boar taint detection. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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22
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Newsome TM, Barton B, Buck JC, DeBruyn J, Spencer E, Ripple WJ, Barton PS. Monitoring the dead as an ecosystem indicator. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5844-5856. [PMID: 34141188 PMCID: PMC8207411 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dead animal biomass (carrion) is present in all terrestrial ecosystems, and its consumption, decomposition, and dispersal can have measurable effects on vertebrates, invertebrates, microbes, parasites, plants, and soil. But despite the number of studies examining the influence of carrion on food webs, there has been no attempt to identify how general ecological processes around carrion might be used as an ecosystem indicator. We suggest that knowledge of scavenging and decomposition rates, scavenger diversity, abundance, and behavior around carrion, along with assessments of vegetation, soil, microbe, and parasite presence, can be used individually or in combination to understand food web dynamics. Monitoring carrion could also assist comparisons of ecosystem processes among terrestrial landscapes and biomes. Although there is outstanding research needed to fully integrate carrion ecology and monitoring into ecosystem management, we see great potential in using carrion as an ecosystem indicator of an intact and functional food web.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Newsome
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Brandon Barton
- Department of Biological SciencesMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMSUSA
| | - Julia C. Buck
- Biology and Marine BiologyUniversity of North Carolina WilmingtonWilmingtonNCUSA
| | - Jennifer DeBruyn
- Biosystems Engineering and Soil ScienceUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Emma Spencer
- School of Life and Environmental SciencesThe University of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - William J. Ripple
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and SocietyOregon State UniversityCorvallisORUSA
| | - Philip S. Barton
- School of ScienceFederation University AustraliaMt HelenVICAustralia
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23
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Oliveira DL, Vasconcelos SD. Vertical location of ephemeral resources by adult Diptera: Implications for the colonization of cadavers in high-rise buildings. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 324:110827. [PMID: 34030003 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sarcosaprophagous flies (Diptera) rank among the most common insects associated with human-transformed environments all over the world. Synanthropic species of the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae and Phoridae, in particular, have tremendous forensic importance due to their ability to colonize human cadavers and thus provide information on minimum post-mortem interval. Recently, cases of flies colonizing cadavers inside buildings of different heights drew attention to the vertical dispersal abilities of these flies, a subject that has received little attention. We investigated the vertical distribution of sarcosaprophagous flies in an urban environment, using uninhabited buildings as experimental models in Northeastern Brazil. To assess the vertical stratification of flies, one in every three floors of nine buildings was sampled using traps baited with bovine spleen, from the ground to the 27th floor. Calliphoridae was the most abundant family (52.9%), followed by Muscidae (41.2%), Sarcophagidae (3.2%) and Phoridae (2.7%). Most of the insects were collected at ground level (78.8%), with a decreasing abundance registered on the higher floors. Nevertheless, adults of the four families tested here were able to reach substrates as high as the 15th floor, which corresponds to approximately 48 m in height. Regarding calliphorids, seven species were identified, of which Chrysomya albiceps (30.4%) and C. megacephala (68.3%) were the most abundant. This is, to our knowledge, the first detailed, replicated study on vertical resource localization of sarcosaprophagous flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Oliveira
- Laboratory of Insects of Forensic Importance, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Recife, PE, Brazil CEP: 50670-420.
| | - S D Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Insects of Forensic Importance, Department of Zoology, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, s/n, Recife, PE, Brazil CEP: 50670-420
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24
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Ueland M, Harris S, Forbes SL. Detecting volatile organic compounds to locate human remains in a simulated collapsed building. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 323:110781. [PMID: 33878551 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of mass disasters has increased worldwide due to changing environments from global warming and a heightened threat of terrorism acts. When these disasters strike, it is imperative to rapidly locate and recover human victims, both the living and deceased. While search and rescue dogs are used to locate the living, cadaver detection dogs are typically tasked with locating the dead. This can prove challenging because commingling of victims is likely to occur during disasters in populated areas which will impact the decomposition process and the resulting odour produced. To date, there has been no research to investigate the process of human decomposition in a mass disaster scenario or to understand which compounds are detectable by cadaver detection dogs. Hence, the current study investigated the human decomposition process and subsequent volatile organic compound (VOC) production in two simulated building collapse scenarios with six human donors placed in each scenario. The human remains were only recovered after a period of one month, during which time VOC samples were collected and analysed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A considerable degree of differential decomposition was observed upon recovery of the human remains, which was carried out as a part of a police disaster victim recovery training exercise. The location of the bodies in the disaster area was found to impact the decomposition process. The VOC profile was found to correlate with the decomposition process. Fifteen days following the simulated disaster, the VOC profile changed showing that a detectable change in the decomposition process had occurred. Overall, the changing VOC profile can inform the training of cadaver detection dogs for these unique scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
| | - Scott Harris
- CBR/DVI Unit, Crime Scene Group, Forensic Services Department, Victoria Police, Forensic Services Centre, 31 Forensic Drive, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia
| | - Shari L Forbes
- Département de chimie, biochimie et physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351 boul. des Forges, Trois-Rivières, G8Z 4M3 Québec, Canada
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25
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Sladecek FXJ, Dötterl S, Schäffler I, Segar ST, Konvicka M. Succession of Dung-Inhabiting Beetles and Flies Reflects the Succession of Dung-Emitted Volatile Compounds. J Chem Ecol 2021; 47:433-443. [PMID: 33830431 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-021-01266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemical cues, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are often essential for insects to locate food. Relative to the volume of studies on the role of VOCs in insect-plant relationships, the role of VOCs emitted by dung and carrion in mediating the behavior of insect decomposers is understudied. Such relationships may provide a mechanistic understanding of the temporal axis of community assembly processes in decomposing insect communities. We focused on the temporal succession of volatiles released by cow dung pats and the potential influence on dung-inhabiting insects. Using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry we identified and quantified VOCs released from dung 1-h, and 1, 2 3, 5, and 7 d-old. We then related changes in VOCs to successional patterns of dung-inhabiting beetles and flies. We detected 54 VOCs which could be assigned to two successional groups, with chemical turnover in dung changing around day 2. The early successional group consisted primarily of aliphatic alcohols and phenols, and the late one of aliphatic esters, nitrogen- and sulfur-bearing compounds. Flies were predominately associated with the early successional group, mainly with 1-butanol. Beetles were associated predominately with the late-successional group, mainly with dimethyl trisulfide. This association between insect and chemical successional patterns supports the idea that habitat filtering drives the community assembly of dung-inhabiting insects on an aging resource. Moreover, the affinity of both insect groups to specific VOC groups provides a mechanistic explanation for the predictability of successional patterns found in dung-inhabiting insect communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Xaver Jiri Sladecek
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. .,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Stefan Dötterl
- Department of Biosciences, Plant Ecology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Irmgard Schäffler
- Department of Biosciences, Plant Ecology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Martin Konvicka
- Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Entomology, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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26
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Zhou R, Yu Q, Li T, Long M, Wang Y, Feng T, Su W, Yang J, Li H. Carcass decomposition influences the metabolic profiles and enriches noxious metabolites in different water types by widely targeted metabolomics. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 269:129400. [PMID: 33383254 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Carcass decomposition could be considered as a common phenomenon in nature. However, during degradation processes, animal carcasses produce many toxic and harmful metabolites, posing potential ecological risks to water safety, thereby threatening human health. However, the metabolites produced by decomposition of animal corpses are not well understood. In this study, building on our previous baseline study of microbial community between the experimental groups (with animal carcasses) and control groups (without carcasses), the samples at the ultimate stage (19th day) of carcass decomposition were chosen to investigate the metabolic profiles and uncover the relationships between water quality, microbes and noxious metabolites in two types of water (Yellow River water and tap water) using fish as animal model by widely targeted metabolomics. Our results showed amino acid metabolomics, indole and its derivatives, and pyridine and pyridine derivatives mainly occurred in the corpse groups, suggesting that these metabolites are markers of carcass decomposition. And some noxious metabolites (e.g., polyamine, amines, and benzene and substituted derivatives) highly associated with carcass decomposition, which revealed new insights into how to investigate the hazard materials in water. And these noxious metabolites in the corpse groups were even increased 214543-fold in average compared with the control groups. Meanwhile, treatment was the most important factor affecting the water metabolites while microbiome contributed a small proportion to the metabolic profiles. Several opportunistic pathogenic genera Comamonas, Bacteriodes and Alcaligenes co-occurred most frequently with several kinds of polyamines and amines while some dominant genera Rhodoferax, Delftia and Brevundimonas had significant positive relationships with specific benzene and substituted derivatives. This work demonstrates that carcass decomposition causes water quality deterioration by producing various toxic metabolites, thus providing new insights into noxious metabolites when exposed to animal carcasses in aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhou
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qiaoling Yu
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Meng Long
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen Public Service Platform for Evaluation of Marine Economic Animal Seedings, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Shenzhen Dapeng New District Science and Technology Innovation Service Center, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yijie Wang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Tianshu Feng
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wanghong Su
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jiawei Yang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Huan Li
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; Center for Grassland Microbiome, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Kotzé Z, Delclos PJ, Knap AH, Wade TL, Tomberlin JK. Volatile organic compounds in variably aged carrion impacted by the presence of the primary colonizer, Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1005-1014. [PMID: 33410923 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The attraction and colonization of vertebrate remains by carrion-associated arthropods are processes largely governed by olfaction. As remains decompose, they emit a bouquet of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which in part originate from endogenous and exogenous microbes surrounding the carcass or from the carcass itself. The composition and concentration of VOCs are influenced by the presence and abundance of microbial species and arthropods. Blowfly species, such as Cochliomyia macellaria, play a critical role in nutrient recycling and the decomposition process of carrion. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis was used to identify and classify volatile emissions from insect-colonized (with C. macellaria) and uncolonized rat carcasses, as well as a standard Gainesville diet, over a 10-day period. There were significant differences in composition and abundance of compounds present in each treatment, with significant effects of time, and different compound composition between treatments. Notable indicator compounds included, but were not limited to, indole, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide. A high compound richness, and a low compound diversity, was detected over the 10-day period. The indicator compounds detected across all treatments were found to be of microbial origin, highlighting the importance of microbes in decomposition processes and arthropod attraction to carrion. This study also discusses the significant impact of necrophagous arthropods to the VOC profile of carrion. The results of this study provide insight into the changes in decomposition VOCs over time, with an explanation of compounds in high concentration known to be attractive to carrion-colonizing arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanthé Kotzé
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Pablo J Delclos
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony H Knap
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Terry L Wade
- Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Jeffery K Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Clases D, Ueland M, Gonzalez de Vega R, Doble P, Pröfrock D. Quantitative speciation of volatile sulphur compounds from human cadavers by GC-ICP-MS. Talanta 2021; 221:121424. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.121424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Yan Y, Zhang J, Yi S, Liu L, Huang C. Lighting up forensic science by aggregation-induced emission: A review. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1155:238119. [PMID: 33766314 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.11.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Forensic science requires a fast, sensitive, and anti-interfering imaging tool for on-site investigation and bio-analysis. The aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon exhibits remarkable luminescence properties (large Stokes shift, diverse molecular structures, and high photo-stability), which can provide a viable solution for on-site analysis, while at the same time overcoming the problem of aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ). Based on the outstanding performance in chemical analysis and bio-sensing, AIE materials have great prospects in the field of forensic science. Therefore, the application of AIE in forensic science has been summarized for the first time in this article. After a brief introduction to the concept and development of AIE, its applications in the determination of toxic or hazardous substances, based on data on poisoning deaths, has been summarized. Subsequently, besides the bio-imaging function, other applications of AIE in analyzing markers related to forensic genetics, forensic pathology, (focusing on the corpse) and clinical forensics (focusing on the living) have been discussed. In addition, applications of AIE molecules in criminal investigations, including recognition of fingerprints and blood stains, detection of explosives and chemical warfare agents, and anti-counterfeiting have also been presented. It is hoped that this review will light up the future of forensic science by stimulating more research work on the suitability of AIE materials in advancing forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibo Yan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road #13, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junchao Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road #13, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shaohua Yi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road #13, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road #13, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chuixiu Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road #13, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Characterization of the volatile odor profile from larval masses in a field decomposition setting. Forensic Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forc.2020.100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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31
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Sharma A, Tomberlin JK, Delclos P, Bala M. Volatile compounds reveal age: a study of volatile organic compounds released by Chrysomya rufifacies immatures. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:967-977. [PMID: 33230566 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Age determination of insects collected from vertebrate remains is an essential step in estimating time since colonization as related to the post-mortem interval. Long-established methods for making such estimates rely on determining age related to stage of development at the time of collection in relation to conditions experienced. However, such estimates are based on the completion of a stage of development. Methods allowing for more precise estimates of age (i.e., within a stage of development) are sorely needed. This study examined the potential of volatile organic compounds emitted by blow fly, Ch. rufifacies (Macquart), immatures to determine stage of development, which could potentially be used to estimate the age. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the larval and pupal stages of Ch. rufifacies were collected by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Analyses indicated 37 compounds shift quantitatively, as well as qualitatively, as the larvae and pupae age. Furthermore, compounds, such as 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, phenol, butanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 2-methyl propanamide, and 2-methyl butanoic acid, serve as indicator compounds of specific stages within Ch. rufifacies development. This information could be important to determine if these compounds can be used in the field to predict the presence of certain developmental stages, in order to determine the potential of using volatile markers to estimate time of colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Sharma
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, India.
| | | | - Pablo Delclos
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Madhu Bala
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala, 147002, India
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Martin C, Maesen P, Minchilli D, Francis F, Verheggen F. Forensic taphonomy: Characterization of the gravesoil chemistry using a multivariate approach combining chemical and volatile analyses. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 318:110569. [PMID: 33248327 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Soil thanatochemistry, defined as the study of the chemical changes occurring during the decomposition of buried corpses, is a young and inadequately documented field of research. In this study, we aim to determine the effects of decomposition on soil physico-chemical properties by combining pedological, chemical, and volatile analyses of soils surrounding buried animals. We examined chemical and volatile changes over time occurring throughout the soil column in two common soil-texture types (sandy loam and loam). We buried dead rats and let them decompose for two months. During their excavations, we characterized the physico-chemical conditions of three soil layers above the rats and one layer below, including (1) pH, dry matter, and electrical conductivity, (2) organic carbon and total nitrogen, (3) bioavailable nutrients (K, Na, Mg, Ca, and P), and (4) volatile organic compounds. Multivariate analyses (permMANOVA) revealed that a decaying rat is associated with changes in soil chemical characteristics in both soil types. However, the observed changes were not homogenous throughout the soil columns. Conditions in soil layers nearest the cadavers changed most during decomposition. We generated a predictive model by combining chemical and volatile analyses (10 % error rate), allowing us to identify key gravesoil indicators that could be used to reveal the former existence of a buried corpse in loam and sandy loam (indicators in order of importance): organic carbon, calcium, pH, conductivity, dimethyl-disulfide, and nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Maesen
- BEAGX, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Damien Minchilli
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Frédéric Francis
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - François Verheggen
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage Des déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
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Sorbent coatings for solid-phase microextraction targeted towards the analysis of death-related polar analytes coupled to comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: Comparison of zwitterionic polymeric ionic liquids versus commercial coatings. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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34
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A synergism between dimethyl trisulfide and methyl thiolacetate in attracting carrion-frequenting beetles demonstrated by use of a chemically-supplemented minimal trap. CHEMOECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-020-00330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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35
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Recinos-Aguilar YM, García-García MD, Malo EA, Cruz-López L, Cruz-Esteban S, Rojas JC. The Succession of Flies of Forensic Importance Is Influenced by Volatiles Organic Compounds Emitted During the First Hours of Decomposition of Chicken Remains. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1411-1420. [PMID: 32350507 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
After death, a series of primary reactions occur that produce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released into the environment. In this study, we investigated if the succession of flies of forensic importance in the first hours after death is mediated by VOCs in order to better understanding of the ecology of necrophagous insects. In total, 685 adult insects (Diptera and Hymenoptera) were collected by traps baited with chicken remains at different decomposition times (0, 6, 12, 24, 36, or 48 h). Of the total of insects caught, individuals from six families of Diptera can be cataloged of forensic importance. The most abundant dipteran family was Piophilidae with 213 individuals, followed by Calliphoridae with 178 specimens. Of the total flies caught, 90% were females and the rest were males. Most of the caught females were categorized as gravid, which visited more often the decaying tissues compared to nongravid females. The abundance of the flies increased in the remains with a longer time of decomposition. Six VOCs emitted in different relative quantities were identified according to the decomposition time of the remains. An apparent association was observed between the emission of ρ-cresol with Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann), between the emission of phenol, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide with Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), and between the emissions of indole with Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yensy María Recinos-Aguilar
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - María Dolores García-García
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Universitario de Espinardo. Murcia, España
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
| | - Samuel Cruz-Esteban
- Instituto de Ecología, A. C. Red de diversidad Biológica del Occidente Mexicano. Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas 253, CP, Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México
- CONACyT. Avenida Insurgentes Sur 1582, 03940. Ciudad de México, México
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto km 2.5, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, México
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36
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The Attraction of the Dung Beetle Anoplotrupes stercorosus (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae) to Volatiles from Vertebrate Cadavers. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11080476. [PMID: 32727148 PMCID: PMC7469141 DOI: 10.3390/insects11080476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
During decomposition, vertebrate carrion emits volatile organic compounds to which insects and other scavengers are attracted. We have previously found that the dung beetle, Anoplotrupes stercorosus, is the most common dung beetle found on vertebrate cadavers. Our aim in this study was to identify volatile key compounds emitted from carrion and used by A. stercorosus to locate this nutritive resource. By collecting cadaveric volatiles and performing electroantennographic detection, we tested which compounds A. stercorosus perceived in the post-bloating decomposition stage. Receptors in the antennae of A. stercorosus responded to 24 volatiles in odor bouquets from post-bloating decay. Subsequently, we produced a synthetic cadaver odor bouquet consisting of six compounds (benzaldehyde, DMTS, 3-octanone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol, nonanal, dodecane) perceived by the beetles and used various blends to attract A. stercorosus in German forests. In field assays, these beetles were attracted to a blend of DMTS, 3-octanone, and benzaldehyde. Generalist feeding behavior might lead to the super-dominant occurrence of A. stercorosus in temperate European forests and have a potentially large impact on the exploitation and rapid turnover of temporally limited resources such as vertebrate cadavers.
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Martin C, Diederich C, Verheggen F. Cadaver Dogs and the Deathly Hallows-A Survey and Literature Review on Selection and Training Procedure. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1219. [PMID: 32709097 PMCID: PMC7401519 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) are powerful police assets to locate a corpse. However, the methods used to select and train them are as diverse as the number of countries with such a canine brigade. First, a survey sent to human remains searching brigades (Ncountries = 10; NBrigades = 16; NHandlers = 50; Nquestions = 9), to collect their working habits confirmed the lack of optimized selection and training procedures. Second, a literature review was performed in order to outline the strengths and shortcomings of HRDDs training. A comparison between the scientific knowledge and the common practices used by HRDDs brigade was then conducted focusing on HRDDs selection and training procedures. We highlighted that HRDD handlers select their dogs by focusing on behavioral traits while neglecting anatomical features, which have been shown to be important. Most HRDD handlers reported to use a reward-based training, which is in accordance with training literature for dogs. Training aids should be representative of the odor target to allow a dog to reach optimal performances. The survey highlighted the wide diversity of homemade training aids, and the need to optimize their composition. In the present document, key research topics to improve HRDD works are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Martin
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
| | - Claire Diederich
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, B-5000 Namur, Belgium;
| | - François Verheggen
- TERRA, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Avenue de la Faculté 2B, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium;
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Giffen-Lemieux JE, Okuda K, Rosati JY, Musah RA. Characterization of the Volatiles' Profiles of the Eggs of Forensically Relevant Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Blow Flies by SPME-Facilitated GC-MS. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:994-1005. [PMID: 32052031 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The attraction of necrophagous insects, particularly blow flies, to corpses and carrion is of ecological, economic, and agricultural importance, although the mechanisms by which it occurs are not well understood. Much of the published research on blow fly attractants has focused on volatiles emitted from carrion surrogates, but little attention has been given to the possibility that blow fly eggs themselves may emit chemical cues that are responsible for conspecific and heterospecific insect attraction. In this study, the headspace volatiles emitted from eggs representing two aggregated oviposition events that were collected 1 mo apart from two species of the Calliphoridae family (Order: Diptera), Lucilia sericata (Meigen), and Phormia regina (Meigen) were analyzed via solid-phase microextraction-facilitated GC-MS. The volatiles' profiles were found to be consistent between samples representing the same species, but unique between the two species. Over 100 molecules covering a wide range of compound classes that included alcohols, aldehydes, esters, amines, ketones, and organosulfur compounds were identified. The profile of volatiles emitted from the L. sericata eggs contained several alkanes and aldehydes, whereas salient features of the P. regina headspace included numerous esters and ketones. Between the two species, 42 compounds were shared, several of which were carboxylic acids. Little overlap between the range of compounds detected and those reported to be emitted from decomposing remains was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rabi A Musah
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY
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39
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Trumbo ST, Steiger S. Finding a fresh carcass: bacterially derived volatiles and burying beetle search success. CHEMOECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-020-00318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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40
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Revolution in death sciences: body farms and taphonomics blooming. A review investigating the advantages, ethical and legal aspects in a Swiss context. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1875-1895. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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41
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Martin C, Minchilli D, Francis F, Verheggen F. Behavioral and Electrophysiological Responses of the Fringed Larder Beetle Dermestes frischii to the Smell of a Cadaver at Different Decomposition Stages. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11040238. [PMID: 32290328 PMCID: PMC7240428 DOI: 10.3390/insects11040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A cadaver is colonized by a wide diversity of necrophagous insects. It is well documented that Dipterans are attracted by the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by a corpse during the first minutes following death. Coleopterans are known to be attracted by highly decomposed cadavers, but have received less attention regarding the olfaction-based mechanisms underlying these interactions. In the present study, we impregnated gauzes with VOCs collected from each decomposition stage of dead rats: fresh, bloated, active, and advanced decay. We collected the VOCs released by the gauze and confirmed what was previously know from the literature: the decomposition stages are associated with contrasting chemical profiles. We exposed Dermestes frischii Kugelann (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) male and female antennae to the same gauzes and found that stronger electrical responses were recorded when using the smell of the advanced decay stage. Finally, we performed two choices behavioral assays. Females showed no preference for the four decomposition stages, while males were attracted by the smell associated with active and advanced decay stages. These results suggest that specific VOCs released by a decaying body guide necrophagous coleopterans to their feeding site. Whether D. frischii males release pheromones to attract females remains to be tested.
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von Hoermann C, Weithmann S, Deißler M, Ayasse M, Steiger S. Forest habitat parameters influence abundance and diversity of cadaver-visiting dung beetles in Central Europe. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191722. [PMID: 32269801 PMCID: PMC7137943 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Dung beetles provide crucial ecosystem services and serve as model organisms for various behavioural, ecological and evolutionary studies. However, dung beetles have received little attention as consumers of large cadavers. In this study, we trapped copronecrophagous dung beetles on above-ground exposed piglet cadavers in 61 forest plots distributed over three geographically distinct regions in Germany, Central Europe. We examined the effects of land use intensity, forest stand, soil characteristics, vascular plant diversity and climatic conditions on dung beetle abundance, species richness and diversity. In all three regions, dung beetles, represented mainly by the geotrupid species Anoplotrupes stercorosus and Trypocopris vernalis, were attracted to the cadavers. High beetle abundance was associated with higher mean ambient temperature. Furthermore, A. stercorosus and T. vernalis were more abundant in areas where soil contained higher proportions of fine sand. Additionally, an increased proportion of forest understorey vegetation and vascular plant diversity positively affected the species richness and diversity of dung beetles. Thus, even in warm dry monocultured forest stands exploited for timber, we found thriving dung beetle populations when a diverse understorey was present. Therefore, forestry practices that preserve the understorey can sustain stable dung beetle populations and ensure their important contribution to nutrient cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian von Hoermann
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Management, University of Freiburg, Tennenbacher Str. 4, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, Freyunger Str. 2, 94481 Grafenau, Germany
| | - Sandra Weithmann
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Deißler
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein Allee 11, 89069 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Department of Evolutionary Animal Ecology, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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Profiling Volatilomes: A Novel Forensic Method for Identification of Confiscated Illegal Wildlife Items. SEPARATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/separations7010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the rapid decline in wildlife species has many causes. The illegal trafficking of fauna and flora is a major contributor to species decline and continues to grow at an alarming rate. To enable the prosecution of those involved in the trafficking of illegal wildlife, accurate and reliable identification is paramount. Traditionally, morphology and DNA amplification are used. This paper investigates a novel application of volatilome profiling using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry for wildlife sample detection. Known samples of elephant-derived ivory, other dentine samples, and bone (a common ivory substitute) were used as reference samples for volatilome profiling. Subsequently, specimens that were suspected ivory from border control seizures were obtained and analysed. Confirmatory DNA analyses were conducted on seized samples to establish the reliability parameters of volatilome profiling. The volatilome method correctly identified six of the eight seized samples as elephant ivory, which was confirmed through DNA analysis. There was also clear distinction of African elephant ivory parts from the bone and dentine samples from other species, as shown through PCA and discriminant analyses. These preliminary results establish volatilome profiling through GC×GC-TOFMS as a novel screening method used for the identification of unknown wildlife contraband.
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Cruise A, Kakumanu ML, Watson DW, Schal C. Effects of Carrion Relocation on the Succession of Newly Arriving Adult Necrophilous Insects. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:164-172. [PMID: 31559432 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ecological succession of necrophilous insects follows a predictable sequence, related to their differential attraction to changing odor profiles associated with carrion and colonizing insects. However, the dependency of insect arrival on the duration of the carrion's residency at a location has not been investigated. To assess the fidelity of necrophilous insects to carrion of specific decomposition ages, independent of its location, we monitored the decomposition of neonate pigs in one field and then simultaneously relocated carcasses of different decomposition ages to an ecologically similar but remote field. We examined the effects of decomposition age and relocation on the assembly of the necrophilous insect community, using a novel vented-chamber trap, which excluded all sensory cues except odors. Community composition differed over a 4-d decomposition period, showing that insects were differentially attracted to pigs of different decomposition ages. There was overall concordance between respective decomposition ages in the two fields, with similar relative abundances of taxa before and after transfer. Although different decomposition ages continued to attract different insects, differentiation of the necrophilous insect communities relative to the age of decomposition was less pronounced after transfer. The results of this study demonstrate that translocating a decomposing body to a new, but geographically and ecologically similar location continues the predicted insect succession, albeit with greater variance, based on olfactory cues alone. Several rare taxa were sampled only prior to relocation, including the first documentation of the invasive hairy maggot blow fly, Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in central North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cruise
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Madhavi L Kakumanu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - David W Watson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
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Al-Qahtni AH, Al-Khalifa MS, Mashaly AM. Two human cases associated with forensic insects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:881-886. [PMID: 32127766 PMCID: PMC7042617 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2019.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, we are reporting two cases of natural death. The two bodies showed different types of habitat, insect colonization and decomposition stage. The first case was about the body of a 65-years-old male, with mummification of the clothed body was found in an outdoor habitat. Different life stages of Dermestes maculatus DeGeer (Coleoptera: Dermestidae were gathered from the cadaver, and due to the advanced degree of decomposition, the PMImin was estimated to be 3 months. The second body belonging to a 40-years-old male, was found in a semi-closed apartment (indoor habitat), and the body was at the end of the bloated decomposition stage. In this case, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) larvae were collected, and the PMImin was estimated to be 4 days. The limited insect activity for the two bodies caused by the advanced decomposition stage in the first case and indoor environment in the second. Average temperatures of (23.3 ± 1.6) °C for the first body and (27.5 ± 1.7) °C2 for the second body. Habitat was the key factor to attract insects to the two cadavers. This study stressed that, for accurate estimates of time since death, knowledge of the impact of different variables on insects found over and around the carrion is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulmani H Al-Qahtni
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed S Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf M Mashaly
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El Minia 61519, Egypt
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Recinos-Aguilar YM, García-García MD, Malo EA, Cruz-López L, Rojas JC. The Colonization of Necrophagous Larvae Accelerates the Decomposition of Chicken Carcass and the Emission of Volatile Attractants for Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1590-1597. [PMID: 31265073 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The decomposition of a living being involves a series of changes produced by a number of interacting abiotic and biotic factors. In this study, we analyzed the effect of the colonization of blowflies on the decomposition of chicken carcasses and on the emission of sulfur compounds. The loss of the mass of carcasses and the release rate of sulfur compounds were compared for 30 d in chicken carcasses with and without blowflies in field conditions. The tissue degradation was slower in the carcasses without insects compared to those colonized by blowflies. The decomposition stages of fresh, bloated, active decay, and advanced decay were observed in the carcasses without flies; while the decomposition stages of fresh, active decay, advanced decay, and dry remains were identified in carcasses with flies. Two sulfur compounds, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, were present during the entire decomposition process. The emission of these compounds is not directly associated with the presence of the blowflies' immature stages during the whole decomposition process. However, in cadavers with insects, the highest emission of both compounds occurred in day 2, while in cadavers without insects, the peak of emission was observed in day 4. In addition, the presence of the larval stages I and II of Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart, 1842) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Cochliomyia macellaria Fabricius, 1775 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) matched with the peak of emission of both compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yensy María Recinos-Aguilar
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Maria Dolores García-García
- Facultad de Biología, Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, Murcia, España
| | - Edi A Malo
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Cruz-López
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
| | - Julio C Rojas
- Grupo de Ecología de Artrópodos y Manejo de Plagas, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Tapachula, Carretera Antiguo Aeropuerto, CP, Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
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Cernosek T, Eckert KE, Carter DO, Perrault KA. Volatile Organic Compound Profiling from Postmortem Microbes using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:134-143. [PMID: 31479524 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are by-products of cadaveric decomposition and are responsible for the odor associated with decomposing remains. The direct link between VOC production and individual postmortem microbes has not been well characterized experimentally. The purpose of this study was to profile VOCs released from three postmortem bacterial isolates (Bacillus subtilis, Ignatzschineria indica, I. ureiclastica) using solid-phase microextraction arrow (SPME Arrow) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Species were inoculated in headspace vials on Standard Nutrient Agar and monitored over 5 days at 24°C. Each species exhibited a different VOC profile that included common decomposition VOCs. VOCs exhibited upward or downward temporal trends over time. Ignatzschineria indica produced a large amount of dimethyldisulfide. Other compounds of interest included alcohols, aldehydes, aromatics, and ketones. This provides foundational data to link decomposition odor with specific postmortem microbes to improve understanding of underlying mechanisms for decomposition VOC production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terezie Cernosek
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI
| | - Kevin E Eckert
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI
| | - Katelynn A Perrault
- Laboratory of Forensic and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, 3140 Waialae Avenue, Honolulu, HI
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Deo A, Forbes SL, Stuart BH, Ueland M. Profiling the seasonal variability of decomposition odour from human remains in a temperate Australian environment. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2019.1637938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Deo
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Shari L. Forbes
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Barbara H. Stuart
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
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Vass AA. Death is in the air: Confirmation of decomposition without a corpse. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 301:149-159. [PMID: 31153992 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This case report summarises the investigation of a death scene in the trunk of a car. Air sampling, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry on samples of carpet and tyre well scrapings from the vehicle's trunk were utilised to confirm the presence of a human decompositional event even though no human remains were discovered in the vehicle. Air sampling has been used in numerous industries for many decades, but only recently has been applied to forensic investigations although it has been at the centre of controversy over the use of this technique in such cases. This report also describes the value of such investigative tools and points to the discovery of evidence, which, without the use of these techniques, would not have been identified.
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Paltian JJ, da Fonseca CAR, Pinz MP, Luchese C, Antunes Wilhelm E. Post-mortem interval estimative through determination of catalase and Δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase activities in hepatic, renal, skeletal muscle and cerebral tissues of Swiss mice. Biomarkers 2019; 24:478-483. [PMID: 31094223 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2019.1619837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Determining the post-mortem interval (PMI) is one of the challenging tasks in forensic science due to the lack of quick and inexpensive methods. Our objective is to develop innovative and alternative means for PMI evaluation. Methods: The relationship between PMI and enzymatic modifications in mice tissues was described. After being sacrificed, Swiss mice were randomly divided into groups according to the time elapsed since death. The activities of catalase (CAT) and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) were determined in hepatic, renal, skeletal muscle and cerebral tissues. Results: CAT activity increased in kidney and brain 6 h after death and this increase remained for up to 24 h in the brain and 48 h in the kidney. δ-ALA-D had its activity decreased in the liver and kidneys in 6 h. In the skeletal muscle, δ-ALA-D activity was reduced only 48 h after death. Conversely, an increase on δ-ALA-D activity was observed in the brain at 6 h, followed by its decrease at 24 and 48 h. Conclusion: With the association of this set of results, it is possible to provide an estimate of PMI. Additionally, these results can be used as an auxiliary parameter associated with other methods to estimate PMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaini J Paltian
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Caren A R da Fonseca
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Mikaela P Pinz
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Cristiane Luchese
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
| | - Ethel Antunes Wilhelm
- a Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Bioprospecting, Research Laboratory in Biochemical Pharmacology (LaFarBio), Research Group on Neurobiotechnology (GPN), Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil.,b Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Chemistry , Center for Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) , Pelotas , Brazil
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