短串联重复序列D3S1359基因座的多态性

应用PCR、聚丙烯酰胺凝胶垂直电泳及银染技术对STRD3S1359基因座进行多态性调查,首次获得中国汉族人群的基因频率分布数据。检出19个等位基因,59个基因型,基因型频率分布符合Hardy－Weinberg平衡。观察352次减数分裂未发现突变基因,DP值为0．9380,三联体PE值0．6311,二联体PE值0．4568,PIC值0．7824。证实D3S1359是一个高信息含量的STR标记系统。     

中国武汉汉族群体STR D13S325基因座的多态性研究

应用PCR ,聚丙稀酰胺凝胶垂直电泳及银染技术对 2 16例中国汉族人群STRD13S32 5基因座进行了多态性研究 ,首次获得了中国武汉汉族人群基因频率分布资料。检出 11个等位基因 ,30个基因型 ,基因频率分布符合Hardy Weinberg平衡。DP值为 0 92 92 ,三联体PE值 0 6 137,二联体PE值为 0 4370 ,PIC值为 0 775 5。观察 2 0 0次减数分裂未发现突变基因。研究证实D13S32 5是一个高多态性STR基因座标记系统。     

A Randomized Trial of Probation Case Management for Drug-Involved Women Offenders

This paper reports findings from a clinical trial of a probation case management (PCM) intervention for drug-involved women offenders. Participants were randomly assigned to either PCM (n=92) or standard probation (n=91), and followed for 12 months using measures of substance abuse, psychiatric symptoms, social support and service utilization. Arrest data were collected from administrative datasets. The sample (N=183) included mostly African American (57%) and White (20%) women, with a mean age of 34.7 (SD = 9.2) and mean education of 11.6 years (SD = 2.1). Cocaine and heroin were the most frequently reported drugs of abuse, 86% reported prior history of incarceration, and 74% had children. Women assigned to both PCM and standard probation showed change over time in the direction of clinical improvement on 7 of 10 outcomes measured. However, changes observed for the PCM group were no different than those observed for the standard probation group. Higher levels of case management, drug abuse treatment, and probationary supervision may be required to achieve improved outcomes in this population.     

Properdin factor B-polymorphism. An indication for the existence of a Bf O-allele.

The polymorphism of the properdin factor B (Bf, C3-proactivator, GBG = glycin-rich-beta-glycoprotein) has been investigated by high voltage agarose gel immunofixation electrophoresis in 1115 unrelated persons from Southern Germany. Seven phenotypes were observed; the allele frequencies were calculated as BfS = 0.8094, BfF = 0.1790, BfSI = 0.0094, BfFI = 0.0022. A study of 94 parents with 98 children and 420 mother-child combinations showed no deviation from the assumed autosomal codominant mode of inheritance. In one additional family the findings suggested the existence of a silent allele at the Bf-locus.     

Importance of storing emergency serum samples for uncovering murder with insulin

Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we studied the short tandem repeat (STR) polymorphism observed at the D12S391 locus. In 350 Japanese examined, 14 different alleles ranging from 209 bp to 261 bp were detected. Allele 18 (221 bp) showed the highest frequency at 0.30. Observed and expected values of respective genotypes satisfied the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (chi 2 = 24.08, P = 0.24, df = 20). In addition, 18 additional sequence structures (suballeles), were detected in this study. Within the suballeles, sequence variants, in which the initial repeat of (AGAT) was replaced with (AGGT), was found in five samples. It was found that the analysis of single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) before sequence analysis was useful for distinguishing these suballeles.     

Morphologic determinants of asphyxia in lungs: a semiquantitative study in forensic autopsies

Asphyxia is a name given to different kinds of lesions that can produce similar histologic findings. Thus, because of the varied nature of the different kinds of lesions, as well as the incidence of similar qualitative histologic findings with different causes, the aim of this work was to study special kinds of injuries with particular subsequent impairment. These include some diagnostic problems of sudden death of natural causes, including aspiration, suffocation, drowning, and strangulation. Ranking was made of 167 victims based on the diagnosis as having: aspiration (n = 35), suffocation (n = 88), drowning (n = 27), and strangulation (n = 17). Stepwise discriminant analysis of the resulting data showed that lung necropsies from victims of these four events could be distinguished from one another. Statistical differences among the four groups were observed for eight morphologic parameters. A robust discriminant function permitted an adequate classification of the four groups of disease in 85.03% of the cases. Lung autopsies with congestion, septal hemorrhage, and foreign body showed a specificity of 100% for victims of aspiration, whereas ductal overinsufflation, interstitial edema, and bronchiolar constriction showed a specificity of 81.8% in victims of suffocation. Intraalveolar edema and dilatation of the alveolar spaces with secondary compression of the septal capillaries characterized drowning. Victims of strangulation showed a strong alveolar hemorrhage, with alveolar collapse and overinsufflation, associated with bronchiolar dilatation. It is concluded that semiquantitative analysis of lung autopsies might be a useful supplementary histologic criterion to support the diagnosis of asphyxia.     

Population genetics of 30 insertion-deletion polymorphism in polish Populations

The Investigator DIPplex® kit (Qiagen) contains components for the simultaneous amplification and analysis of 30 biallelic autosomal InDels and amelogenin. The objective of this study was to estimate the diversity of the 30 markers in a Polish population sample (N = 389) and to evaluate their usefulness in forensic genetics. The DIPplex genotype distributions showed no significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg rule expectations (Bonferroni corrected). The mean observed heterozygosity value is 0.4611, and the combined Matching Probability value is 1.08x10⁻¹³. The investigated marker set has been confirmed as a potential extension to standard STR - based kits or a separate informative system for individual identification and kinship analysis.     

高效液相色谱法检测人脊髓中的利多卡因

建立高效液相色谱法对人脊髓中利多卡因进行分析的方法 ,以扩大药 (毒 )物检测范围及检测手段 ,适应法医学鉴定及对特殊检材检验的需要。用利多卡因标准品及空白脊髓标准添加实验 ,对色谱条件、样品处理方法、回收率及方法的线性和精密度进行了系统考察。所建方法线性范围是2 0～20 0μg/ml(r=0 9999) ,最低检测限为0 2μg/ml(S/N≥3),加样回收率为82 4 %～92 7% ,该法选择性好、不受干扰。所建方法灵敏、准确、简捷 ,可用于法医学鉴定。     

Evaluation of post-mortem ethanol concentrations in pericardial fluid and bone marrow aspirate

This study confirmed post-mortem ethanol concentrations in pericardial fluid and bone marrow aspirate in comparison with those in the blood in medicolegal autopsy cases (n = 140, within 48 h post-mortem). The specimens were examined by head-space gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Ethanol concentrations in the pericardial fluid (y) were approximately equivalent to those in peripheral blood (x): y = 0.99x + 0.02, n = 44, r = 0.972. A high stomach ethanol concentration (>10 mg/ml) appeared to mildly affect the pericardial levels. There was no significant interference in drowning cases. Ethanol concentrations in bone marrow aspirates (y) also showed a good correlation with those in the peripheral blood (x): y = 0.77 x + 0.02, n = 20, r = 0.981. A dissociation was observed in cases of delayed death from hemorrhagic/traumatic shock and elderly victims. These findings suggest that pericardial fluid and bone marrow aspirate can be used as an alternative material when adequate blood specimens are not available.     

中空性皮下出血宽度与致伤木棒直径的相关性

目的观察不同直径和不同打击力度的圆柱形木棒对垂直方向打击皮肤所形成的中空性皮下出血形态的相关性。方法采用生物力学击打装置,使用5种不同直径（2.0～4.0cm）木棒,从零递增击打力度（0～2300N）,对活体乳猪背部皮肤进行打击,观察乳猪背部皮肤中空性皮下出血分布范围、色泽及形态特征,并采用SPSS 13．0统计软件对所得数据进行分析。结果中空性皮下出血出现的最小打击力度阈值（230N）,随打击工具直径的增大而阈值增大（230～810N）;同一直径的木棒在不同击打力度下所形成的中空性皮下出血总宽度及中空宽度均没有统计学差异（P〉0.05）。中空性皮下出血的范围随木棒直径的增大而增大（R2=0．953,P〈0．01）;皮下出血总宽度及中空宽度与打击物直径,存在较好的正相关性（R2=0．797,P〈0．01）,符合一元线性回归方程模型。结论本研究可望用于推断垂直打击造成中空性皮下出血的木棒直径的大小,为钝器致伤工具的判断提供初步的理论依据。     

Comparative study on DNA abstraction of human tissues preserved by two different methods

Comparative studies have been made on the effect of DNA abstraction of different human tissues preserved by different methods. The results showed that different human tissues preserved in 50% alcohol may have similar DNA abstraction effect for a relatively long time as frozen tissues. They have no significant difference (chi 2 < or = 0.21, P > or = 0.995). This preservation method has the advantage of simplicity, high DNA output and good effect, and is suitable for preserving tissues under special circumstances.     

Population data for Y-chromosome haplotypes defined by 17 STRs (AmpFlSTR YFiler) in Portugal

The 17 Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) included in the AmpFlSTR YFiler Amplification Kit (AB Applied Biosystems) (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635 and GATA H4.1) were typed in 250 samples from Portugal. A total of 231 different haplotypes were found, where 17 haplotypes were shared by two individuals and one haplotype by three. The overall haplotype diversity (HD) was 0.9994. DYS458 non-consensus alleles found in 5 samples (out of 85) are all associated with paragroup J*(xJ1,2). Population comparisons with available Yfiler loci data in European samples were undertaken, namely with Northern Portuguese data (N=174) where no significant differences were observed with our sample (Rst=0.0000; P=0.8649+/-0.0310). Since both Portuguese databases can be joined (N=424; HD=0.9997; 394 distinct haplotypes), a study on the best loci for HD increment in this sample was also undertaken: by fixing the haplotypes generated from the minimal haplotype and SWGDAM core set (www.yhrd.org) and adding the other Yfiler loci one by one, the order in which the loci contribute more is DYS458, DYS456, GATA H4.1, DYS437 or DYS635, and finally DYS448. Therefore, at least in this population sample, all Yfiler loci are contributing for haplotype discrimination.     

Evaluation of Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of colored fibers: a collaborative study

A collaborative study on Raman spectroscopy was carried out by members of the ENFSI (European Network of Forensic Science Institutes) European Fibres Group (EFG) on three dyed fibers: two red acrylics and one red wool. Raman instruments from six different manufacturers were tested as well as nine different laser wavelengths ranging from blue (lambda = 458 nm) to near infrared-NIR (lambda = 1064 nm). This represents the largest comparison study of Raman analytical parameters carried out on identical fiber samples. For the chosen fiber and dye samples, red lasers (lambda = 633 and 685 nm) gave the poorest spectral quality whereas blue (458 nm), green (514 nm) and near infrared lasers (785, 830 and 1064 nm) provided average results. Blue (488 nm) and green lasers (532 nm) globally gave the best quality spectra. Fluorescence problems were often encountered with some of the excitation wavelengths and therefore a flexible Raman instrument equipped with different lasers can be recommended to measure forensic fiber samples. The instrument should also be equipped with a Raman microscope in order to be able to focus on a single fiber. This study shows that Raman spectroscopy usually enables the identification of the main dye present in a colored fiber; however, minor dye components are much more difficult to detect. SERRS (Surface Enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering) techniques give an improvement of the dye's spectral intensity but no spectral improvement was observed for the two red acrylic and red wool fibers tested.     

Heterozygosity reduction in children whose parents are closely related

In this study, the impact of consanguineous marriage and inbreeding on heterozygosity was evaluated by comparing levels of heterozygosity in children of closely related parents with those of unrelated parents. Compared to the average expected heterozygosity, the average observed heterozygosity was lower in the children with first-cousin parents. This was not the case in the children with unrelated parents, where an increase in the average observed heterozygosity was noted. Differences in the average heterozygosity between parents-children also observed between related and unrelated parents. First-cousin parents had higher average heterozygosity than the children compared to the unrelated parents where the average heterozygosity was lower than the children. Further investigation with bigger sample size and different populations will provide better understanding, however this study showed that a careful approach should be taken when dealing with parentage testing involving closely related parents.     

Belgian canine population and purebred study for forensics by improved mitochondrial DNA sequencing

In canine population studies for forensics, the mitochondrial DNA is profiled by sequencing the two hyper variable regions, HV1 and HV2 of the control region.In a first effort to create a Belgian population database some samples showed partially poor sequence quality. We demonstrated that a nuclear pseudogene was co-amplified with the mtDNA control region. Using a new combination of primers this adverse result was no longer observed and sequencing quality was improved. All former samples with poor sequence data were reanalyzed. Furthermore, the forensic canine population study was extended to 208 breed and mixed dogs. In total, 58 haplotypes were identified, resulting in an exclusion capacity of 0.92. The profile distribution of the Belgian population sample was not significantly different from those observed in population studies of three other countries.In addition to the total population study 107 Belgian registered pedigree dogs of six breeds were profiled. Per breed, the obtained haplotypes were supplemented with those from population and purebred studies. The combined data revealed that some haplotypes were more or less prominent present in particular dog breeds. The statistically significant differences in haplotype distribution between breeds and population sample can have consequences on mtDNA databasing and matching probabilities in forensics.     

Methods for the analysis of hard dental tissues exposed to high temperatures

The preservation of teeth that have been exposed to a heat source is a key factor in order to keep their value as evidence. This research paper presents some methods under development for the analysis of dental evidence after exposure to high temperatures; it also establishes age related alterations of young and aged teeth which have been exposed to direct heat. A total of thirty permanent healthy teeth (young=15 and old=15) were submitted to direct heat (n=14) and to a controlled raise of temperature (n=16); they were embedded in polymethylmetacrilate. For the macroscopic study, blocks were cut in half, polished and their surfaces were digitalized. Subsequently, blocks were put in slides, worn away and observed through a photomicroscope. The study of the colorimetric pattern was done by Corel Photo Paint 12.0 and Image J. software. All teeth submitted to the gradual raise of temperature presented a degree of structural damage lower than those exposed to direct heat. The internal surface of young teeth exposed to direct heat showed lines of fracture oblique to the long axis of the tooth; in contrast, a reticular pattern was observed on aged teeth. All teeth exposed to direct heat showed some matte-black coloration areas, while those submitted to a gradual increment of temperature showed a greyish colour in the enamel and a chalky-white in the cementum. By using both thermal treatments in young teeth, the amelodentinal junction was lost, thus preserving the integrity of each tissue. In aged teeth, the separation of this junction was produced because of the breakdown of the dentine. Microscopically, in teeth exposed to direct heat, it was neither possible to differentiate the dentin from the cementum, nor to distinguish the incremental lines of the latter; while in those submitted to a controlled increment of temperature, the corresponding morphology in the tissues was observed. A significant statistical difference was obtained for black colour among young and aged teeth exposed to direct heat, as well as among the means of all colours obtained from the teeth exposed to both treatments. The structural changes observed allow locating a tooth in the studied age groups. Our results show the viability of the applied method for the processing of samples, allowing their preservation as evidence during an indefinite time.     

ERCC1和XPF基因在法医学年龄推断中的初步研究

目的探讨ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA及蛋白在不同年龄段健康汉族人群中的表达情况,分析其mRNA和蛋白表达量与年龄之间的相关性,以期为法医学年龄推断提供新的分子生物学指标。方法收集150例不同年龄段健康汉族人群外周血样,梯度离心法分离血浆,Trizol法提取外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)总RNA;实时荧光定量PCR检测ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA在PBMCs的相对表达量;酶联免疫吸附试验检测ERCC1和XPF蛋白在血浆中的表达量。结果 ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA在不同性别PBMCs的相对表达量均无统计差异(P0.05)。ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA相对表达量在不同年龄段有统计学差异(P0.05),且不同年龄段组间比较亦均有统计学差异(P0.05)。回归分析显示ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA相对表达量与年龄呈负相关,其相关系数(r)分别为-0.578和-0.844;以年龄为自变量(x),以mRNA相对表达量为因变量(Y),其拟合曲线分别为Y=3.3E-5x~2-0.0261x+1.9175(R~2=0.3244,P0.01)、Y=0.0003x~2-0.0459x+2.0439(R~2=0.729,P0.01)。血浆中ERCC1和XPF蛋白表达量在不同年龄段及性别间均无统计差异(P0.05)。结论 ERCC1和XPF基因mRNA在PBMCs的相对表达量随年龄增加而下降,其血浆中蛋白表达与年龄无关,为建立ERCC1和XPF基因与年龄之间的数学模型提供理论学依据。     

D3S1754、D18S535基因座在中国北方汉族的多态性分析

目的 了解D3S1754、D18S535基因座多态性在中国北方人群中的分布特点及其应用价值。方法 使用PCR、聚丙烯酰胺垂直板电泳及银染的方法。结果D3S1754基因座检出9个等位基因（n=184）,D185535基因座检出8个等位基因（n=201）,两个位点的等位基因频率在群体中的分布符合Hardy-Weinberg平衡（P>0.05）,它们的杂合率（He）分别为0.706和0.807,个人识别机率（DP）分别是0.859和0.934,非父排除率（EPP）分别为0.464和0.629。结论 D3S1754、D18S535两个遗传标记的个人识别率高、非父排除能力较强且能稳定遗传,具有较高的应用价值。     

Study of elastic fiber changes of human skin in distinction between antemortem and postmortem wounds

Elastic fiber changes of volunteers' antemortem and postmortem skin wounds of various time were observed in order to find possible differences between them. These sections of the wounds were stained by Hart's modification of Weigert's elastic tissue stain.. However, this study showed that there were no differences in the nature and distribution of the elastic fibers in the dermis of volunteers' antemortem and postmortem human skin wounds. Therefore, this suggests that the appearances of the elastic fibers in the dermis should not be as a means of differentiating antemortem skin wounds from postmortem wounds in forensic identification.     

Examining the “CSI-effect” in the cases of circumstantial evidence and eyewitness testimony: Multivariate and path analyses

As part of a larger investigation of the changing nature of juror behavior in the context of technology development, this study examined important questions unanswered by previous studies on the “CSI-effect.” In answering such questions, the present study applied multivariate and path analyses for the first time. The results showed that (a) watching CSI dramas had no independent effect on jurors' verdicts, (b) the exposure to CSI dramas did not interact with individual characteristics, (c) different individual characteristics were significantly associated with different types of evidence, and (d) CSI watching had no direct effect on jurors' decisions, and it had an indirect effect on conviction in the case of circumstantial evidence only as it raised expectations about scientific evidence, but it produced no indirect effect in the case of eyewitness testimony only. Finally, implications of the present study as well as for future research on the “CSI-effect” on jurors are discussed.