SNP genotyping of forensic casework samples using the 52 SNPforID markers

The analysis of degraded DNA is one of the biggest challenges in forensic casework. SNPs, which can be amplified using small amplicons, have previously been successfully applied to the profiling of forensic evidence that could not be analyzed using conventional STRs. Here we selected the 52 SNPforID SNP markers, with amplicons that ranged in size from 59 bp to 115 bp, and used them to profile a range of casework samples from Malaysia. DNA degradation is a common problem in Malaysia due to the high temperatures and humidity. To carry out the study we modified the 52 SNPforID markers into four 13-plex SNaPshot assays to enable easier interpretation of profiles on the ABI PRISM^® 310 and 3500.Fifty-one crime samples comprising bloodstains on cloth, swabs, and a mat and 2 swabs of trace DNA from 10 crime scenes in Malaysia were profiled after DNA extraction using a phenol–chloroform method. The samples were also subjected to STR analysis using the Powerplex^® 16 system (Promega), which resulted in only 17 full profiles and 9 partial profiles; using SNPs, 36 full profiles and 5 partial profiles could be generated.     

Development of 30 InDel markers typing system and genetic analysis in five different Chinese populations

Allele frequencies of 30 InDel markers previously selected and validated for forensic purpose were assessed in 419 unrelated individuals originating from five different populations of Chinese Han, Chinese Hui, Uighur, Mongolian and Tibetan in P.R. China. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium tests and linkage disequilibrium analysis were performed and the results showed that allele frequency distributions of the 30 InDel markers had meet the genetic equilibrium in all of the five populations and the InDel markers on same chromosome did not generate any linkage block. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that genetic variation among the 5 studied populations represent only 4.00% of the total genetic diversity. We observed the cumulative power of discrimination (CPD) for each studied population was 0.99999999999841 in Chinese Han population, 0.99999999999690 in Chinese Hui population, 0.99999999999709 in Uighur population, 0.99999999999772 in Mongolian population and 0.99999999999854 in Tibetan population.     

mtDNAprofiler: A Web Application for the Nomenclature and Comparison of Human Mitochondrial DNA Sequences,

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a valuable tool in the fields of forensic, population, and medical genetics. However, recording and comparing mtDNA control region or entire genome sequences would be difficult if researchers are not familiar with mtDNA nomenclature conventions. Therefore, mtDNAprofiler, a Web application, was designed for the analysis and comparison of mtDNA sequences in a string format or as a list of mtDNA single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (mtSNPs). mtDNAprofiler which comprises four mtDNA sequence‐analysis tools (mtDNA nomenclature, mtDNA assembly, mtSNP conversion, and mtSNP concordance‐check) supports not only the accurate analysis of mtDNA sequences via an automated nomenclature function, but also consistent management of mtSNP data via direct comparison and validity‐check functions. Since mtDNAprofiler consists of four tools that are associated with key steps of mtDNA sequence analysis, mtDNAprofiler will be helpful for researchers working with mtDNA. mtDNAprofiler is freely available at http://mtprofiler.yonsei.ac.kr .     

A Molecular Key for the Identification of Blow Flies in Southeastern Nebraska*

Abstract: Immature blow flies (Calliphoridae) are typically the first colonizers of cadavers. Identification of the early instars using traditional, morphology‐based keys is difficult because of their small size, similarity, and simplicity in external morphology. Information derived from molecular genetic data would augment the accurate identification of immature flies. Nine species of blow flies commonly found in southeastern Nebraska were used to examine the utility of molecular‐based keys. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLP) were investigated with 10 common, inexpensive, restriction enzymes from an amplicon of approximately 1500 bp spanning the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. A simple molecular taxonomic key, comprising RFLP from the restriction enzymes HinfI and DraI, enabled the differentiation of all species used. Further development of PCR–RFLP, including more extensive and intensive examination of blow flies, would benefit forensic laboratories in the accurate identification of evidence consisting of immature blow flies.     

上海监狱民警单警装备使用现状之分析与对策研究

规范的单警装备使用技能是监狱人民警察执法理念的重要体现,然而在调查中发现,部分中老年民警对单警装备佩戴和使用在思想上不够重视;部分民警虽然按规定佩带了单警装备,然而碰到罪犯打群架等狱内突发事件时却不敢使用,担心在使用时把握不了尺度而因此被追究责任;很多监狱民警在伸缩警棍、催泪喷射器的使用技巧和相关理论知识方面很欠缺,在培训中缺乏直观的模拟使用和实践操作训练。如何将单警装备与日常警务工作有机结合,在上海监狱系统的民警队伍建设、实战理论、教育训练和体系建设等方面均有着重要意义。通过调查研究,以期对促进上海监狱民警更好的掌握单警装备使用技能提供一定的理论依据,切实有效的提高监狱民警的执勤执法战斗力。     

青岛地区汉族人群13个STR基因座的频率分布及法医学应用

目的　调查青岛地区汉族人群无关个体的 13个STR基因座 (D3S135 8、VWA、FGA、D8S1179、D2 1S11、D18S5 1、D5S818、D13S317、D7S82 0、D16S5 39、TH0 1、TPOX、CSFIPO)的基因频率分布 ,研究其遗传多态性及其在法医学个体识别及亲子鉴定中的应用价值。　方法　用美国ABI - 310型遗传分析仪对ProfilerPlus和Cofiler两个系统的 13个STR基因座的复合扩增产物进行毛细管电泳及四色荧光自动分析检测 ,基因分型软件为GeneScanv3.1和Genotyperv2 .5 .2。　 结果　获得 13个STR基因座在青岛地区汉族人群的基因频率分布数据 ,13个STR基因座的PIC >0 .5 ,DP >0 .71,CCE =0 .999999,TDP值接近 1,TPm =1.2× 10 -14 ,家系调查符合孟德尔遗传规律。　结论　ProfilerPlus和Cofiler两个系统的 13个STR基因座在法医学个体识别及亲子鉴定中具有较高的应用价值。     

Molecular Identification of Indian Crocodile Species: PCR‐RFLP Method for Forensic Authentication*

Abstract: South East Asian countries are known for illegal poaching and trade of crocodiles clandestinely, to be used in skin, medicinal, and cosmetic industries. Besides crocodiles being listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, India has its Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for conservation of crocodile species. Hitherto, lack of any rapid and reliable technique for examinations of crocodile‐based crime exhibits such as skin, bones, etc. has been a major problem for an effective promulgation of law on illegal trade. DNA‐based identification of species using PCR‐RFLP technique for an apt identification of all the three Indian crocodile species namely, Crocodylus porosus, Crocodylus palustris and Gavialis gangeticus is presented here. A 628 bp segment of cytochrome b gene was amplified using novel primers followed by restriction digestion with three enzymes i.e., HaeIII, MboI, and MwoI, separately and in combination. The technique has produced a species‐specific pattern for identifying the three crocodile species individually, which fulfills the requirement for its forensic application. It is expected that the technique will prove handy in identification of all the three Indian crocodile species and strengthen conservation efforts.     

ARE WE REALLY LOOKING OUT FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD? APPLYING THE NEW ZEALAND MODEL OF FAMILY GROUP CONFERENCES TO CASES OF CHILD NEGLECT IN THE UNITED STATES

This Note advocates for state laws to be amended to implement family group conferencing (FGC) as the first step in cases of alleged child neglect. FGC was developed in New Zealand nearly twenty years ago and have since become a realistic method of balancing the best interests of the children, families, agencies, courts, and communities involved in the child welfare system. A FGC is a meeting among family members and professionals that is conducted in order to develop a plan for a child who is the victim of neglect. FGC places the family at the center of the welfare proceedings and empowers them to reach a solution without having to resort to the often lengthy and expensive adversarial court system. If FGC is incorporated into the child welfare systems throughout the United States, communication between the parents, social services, and the courts could increase, helping families adequately address the problem of neglect and getting the children out of the child welfare system quickly and more efficiently.     

Analysis of AmpFlSTR MiniFiler™ loci and its forensic application

The allele frequencies of eight MiniFiler™ loci have been analyzed in 101 Japanese individuals living in Kanagawa with informed consent by means of ABI 310 Genetic Analyzer. A total of 7 alleles for D13S317, 8 alleles for D7S820, 11 alleles for D2S1338, 11 alleles for D21S11, 5 alleles for D16S539, 14 alleles for D18S51, 8 alleles for CSF1PO, and 13 alleles for FGA were observed. The polymorphic profiles of these MiniFiler™ loci in the present study were essentially the same as those obtained by using the AmpFlSTR^® Identifiler^® PCR Amplification kit. The combined matching probability of eight MiniFiler™ loci and cumulative probability of paternity exclusion were estimated as 1.97 × 10⁻¹⁰ and 0.9996, respectively. The MiniFiler™ kit was useful for individual identification in forensic analysis.