生物检材采集与保存套管的应用

目的探讨生物检材采集与保存套管在法医学中的应用价值。方法在不同温、湿度环境下,观察悬空放置在生物检材采集与保存套管、有孔与外界相通的套管及密闭管内的湿润棉签的干燥时间30次;分别用生物检材采集与保存套管和医用棉签采集纸袋保存口腔细胞、血液、皮肤脱落细胞样本各20例,磁珠法提取DNA并进行DNA定量;用生物检材采集与保存套管采集口腔脱落细胞和血样进行DNA直接扩增。结果在温度4～30℃、相对湿度21％～90％的环境下,湿润棉签在套管内的平均干燥时间为7．89h,有孔管内的为23．30h,密闭管内观察15天仍不干燥,出现霉斑。生物检材用套管采集保存比医用棉签采集纸袋保存方式获得的DNA量显著提高,平均高达0．968倍;用套管采集口腔细胞和血样进行直接扩增,操作简单方便,成功率高。结论生物检材采集与保存套管具有快速干燥、对检材无损耗和浓缩等优点,可提高检材DNA的提取效率,且适合直接扩增。     

A molecular identification system for grasses: a novel technology for forensic botany

Our present inability to rapidly, accurately and cost-effectively identify trace botanical evidence remains the major impediment to the routine application of forensic botany. Grasses are amongst the most likely plant species encountered as forensic trace evidence and have the potential to provide links between crime scenes and individuals or other vital crime scene information. We are designing a molecular DNA-based identification system for grasses consisting of several PCR assays that, like a traditional morphological taxonomic key, provide criteria that progressively identify an unknown grass sample to a given taxonomic rank. In a prior study of DNA sequences across 20 phylogenetically representative grass species, we identified a series of potentially informative indels in the grass mitochondrial genome. In this study we designed and tested five PCR assays spanning these indels and assessed the feasibility of these assays to aid identification of unknown grass samples. We confirmed that for our control set of 20 samples, on which the design of the PCR assays was based, the five primer combinations produced the expected results. Using these PCR assays in a 'blind test', we were able to identify 25 unknown grass samples with some restrictions. Species belonging to genera represented in our control set were all correctly identified to genus with one exception. Similarly, genera belonging to tribes in the control set were correctly identified to the tribal level. Finally, for those samples for which neither the tribal or genus specific PCR assays were designed, we could confidently exclude these samples from belonging to certain tribes and genera. The results confirmed the utility of the PCR assays and the feasibility of developing a robust full-scale usable grass identification system for forensic purposes.     

Evaluation of plant seed DNA and botanical evidence for potential forensic applications

Seeds,the reproductive organs of plants,are common as trace evidence from crime scenes.Seed evidence could be grouped into several categories based on the types...     

Evaluation of different sampling media for their potential use as a combined swab for the collection of both organic and inorganic explosive residues

Commercially available skin cleansing alcohol wipes and conventional swabs were investigated for their use as a universal sampling medium for the simultaneous collection of both organic and inorganic explosive residues. Six compounds with the potential to be encountered in casework [pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), triacetone triperoxide (TATP), ammonium nitrate, and sodium chlorate] were selected as representative target compounds. Quantities of these target compounds were deposited on four different substrates (glass, plastic, aluminium foil and laminate). Two chosen alcohol wipes demonstrated better overall performance in the recovery of both the organic and inorganic representative compounds from each of the test surfaces compared to the results obtained using conventional cotton and polyester swabs, pre-moistened with various solvents, and a direct methanol wash (used as a control). Results obtained using dry cotton swabs indicated that it was not an effective swabbing system for the collection of both organic and inorganic explosive residues on common substrates.     

Validation of the AMPFlSTR SGM plus system for use in forensic casework

The AMPFlSTR((R)) SGM Plus system is a commercially available STR multiplex produced by Applied Biosystems, a division of Perkin Elmer, Foster City, California, USA that supersedes SGM. The multiplex contains the six SGM loci, amelogenin and four additional loci. These additional loci are D3S1358, D19S433, D16S539 and D2S1338. Consequently, the match probability is significantly improved (conservatively quoted as 1 in 10(9) for reporting a full profile match). The system was subjected to validation. For example, ageing and degradation studies demonstrated semen stains to be the most stable evidence type, whereas buccal scrapes were the least stable. An apparent rise in the sensitivity increases the chance of obtaining successful results from the more difficult samples submitted for analysis. Two of the new loci (D3S1358 and D19S433) are low molecular weight (between 100 and 150 base pairs); this improved the success rates of the degraded samples where high molecular weight loci may drop out. Of 26 non-primates tested, four gave results that appeared as single peaks and were unlikely to cause interpretation problems. None of the 19 micro-organisms tested gave discernible results. Extensive casework and simulated casework studies demonstrated that SGM and SGM plus results were comparable. There was one example of a null allele (primer binding site mutation) recorded at the HUMFIBRA locus (in both systems). However, a concordance study of 1000 samples using both SGM and SGM plus did not demonstrate any differences in typing.     

Age-specific changes in bone tissue microstructure and potential for use for human identification

The possibility of using the data of quantitative microscopy of bone tissue for evaluation of age with the aim of personality identification is discussed. Computer histomorphological analysis of third rib, tibial lower epiphysis and diaphysis fragments from 564 male corpses of known age (0-90 years) was carried out. A complex of parameters most strongly correlating with age was detected: extension of active osteogenesis zone in the longitudinal section of a rib, thickness of layers of internal and external general diaphyseal laminae in the tibial bone, trabecular area in the tibial epiphyseal preparation, etc. Age-specific changes in bone tissue structures is characterized by a great variety and depends on the type and location of these structures. Bone tissue characteristics change irregularly and asynchronously, therefore their correlations with age are different in different age groups. A general biological interpretation of the results is offered.     

Using hydrophilic adhesive tape for collection of evidence for forensic DNA analysis

Known exemplar samples of human DNA have traditionally been body fluids, such as blood, saliva, and semen. In each case, the presence of water is a risk for the bacterial growth, which may degrade the DNA evidence. In this study, the authors have developed a method that employed a hydrophilic adhesive tape (HAT) for collecting DNA evidence. The HAT method was used to remove surface cells from relatively hairless areas on the body. The area examined were ankle, arm, behind the ear, between fingers and back of the neck. The HAT was then dissolved in the extraction buffer. DNA typing was performed at vWA, THo1, F13A1, and FES loci using the short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. Our results show that the samples collected from ear give the best results with a success rate of 100%. All subjects tested by this method had known STR genotypes established from buccal swabs. The authors' results suggest that the HAT method can be used as a less invasive method for collecting biological evidence for forensic DNA analysis. In addition, this collection method should reduce the risk of DNA degradation due to the moisture, which is encountered using conventional collecting methods.     

Risk factors for severe inter-sibling violence: a preliminary study of a youth forensic sample

The perpetration of severe inter-sibling violence (SISV) remains a largely unexplored area of family violence. This article describes an investigation of risk factors for intentional SISV perpetration. A sample of 111 young people under the care of the Scottish criminal justice or welfare systems was studied. A SISV perpetration interview schedule was developed to measure the influence of 43 potential predictor variables. The Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire and Levenson's Self-Report Psychopathy Scale were also employed in this exploratory analysis.     

Metric determination of sex from the humerus in a Guatemalan forensic sample

The absence of population-specific standards for sex, age and stature estimation for rural Guatemala is problematic for the forensic analysis of skeletal remains recovered from clandestine graves attributed to the recent armed conflict in that country. In order to increase the reliability of the forensic analyses being undertaken in Guatemala, standards for metric determination of sex were developed. Data was collected on several bones; the results for the humerus are presented here. A sample of 118 complete humeri (68 male and 50 female) was studied; maximum length, maximum diameter of the head, circumference at midshaft, maximum diameter at midshaft, minimum diameter at midshaft and epicondylar breadth were measured and subjected to discriminant function analysis. The classification accuracies for the univariate functions range from 76.8% for the maximum diameter at midshaft to 95.5% for the maximum diameter of the head. The classification accuracy for the stepwise procedure was 98.2%.     

Stereolithography: a potential new tool in forensic medicine

Stereolithography is a computer-mediated method that can be used to quickly create anatomically correct three-dimensional epoxy and acrylic resin models from various types of medical data. Multiple imaging modalities can be exploited, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The technology was first developed and used in 1986 to overcome limitations in previous computer-aided manufacturing/milling techniques. Stereolithography is presently used to accurately reproduce both the external and internal anatomy of body structures. Current medical uses of stereolithography include preoperative planning of orthopedic and maxillofacial surgeries, the fabrication of custom prosthetic devices; and the assessment of the degree of bony and soft-tissue injury caused by trauma. We propose that there is a useful, as yet untapped, potential for this technology in forensic medicine.     

Evaluation of a cognitive-behavioral program for chronically psychotic forensic inpatients

The present study evaluated the progress of four groups of chronically psychotic patients in treatment at De Kijvelanden Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. The psychotic patients were offered a cognitive-behavioral program, including psycho education, grief processing, stress management, functional training, coping with psychotic symptoms (Liberman module) and social skills training. Nine patients dropped out of the program. Sixteen patients who completed it scored significantly better than a control group of 16 psychotic patients, who had not yet participated in the program, on the "social skills" and "negative coping behavior" subscales of one of two observation scales used. On the other observation instrument (REHAB), however, no significant improvement in the general level of functioning was found in the group of treated patients, as compared to the control group. Apart from these two observation scales, the PANSS (structured interview for positive, negative and general psychopathological symptoms) and the SIG (self-report questionnaire for social anxiety and social responses) were used to evaluate treatment progress. Significant improvements were not found on these scales, except for a slight positive effect on the PANSS negative symptoms scale. These results illustrate the difficulties and limitations of treating chronically psychotic offenders, who often also suffer from cluster B personality disorders.     

Psychological adjustment in a forensic sample: relationship with approach- and avoidance-coping typologies

Most studies that relate coping strategies with psychological symptoms usually consider a single coping dimension. This means that interpretation of the results is unclear and only partially true as subjects activate different types of coping strategies simultaneously when faced with a stressor. The objective of the present study is to analyze the relationships between coping and psychopathology in young inmates, taking into account the number of approach and avoidance answers simultaneously. The results show that the inmates with above-average scores in avoidance coping and below average in those of approach (coping responses inventory--adult form, [CRI-A]) show higher symptomatology (MMPI-2) than the inmates who obtain above-average scores in both avoidance and approach strategies. It can be deduced that it is not the high use of avoidance coping that is related to psychopathology, but rather the combined use of many avoidance strategies and few approach strategies. The convenience of jointly taking into account both types of coping is discussed.     

Human genomic DNA quantitation system, H-Quant: development and validation for use in forensic casework

The human DNA quantification (H-Quant) system, developed for use in human identification, enables quantitation of human genomic DNA in biological samples. The assay is based on real-time amplification of AluYb8 insertions in hominoid primates. The relatively high copy number of subfamily-specific Alu repeats in the human genome enables quantification of very small amounts of human DNA. The oligonucleotide primers present in H-Quant are specific for human DNA and closely related great apes. During the real-time PCR, the SYBR Green I dye binds to the DNA that is synthesized by the human-specific AluYb8 oligonucleotide primers. The fluorescence of the bound SYBR Green I dye is measured at the end of each PCR cycle. The cycle at which the fluorescence crosses the chosen threshold correlates to the quantity of amplifiable DNA in that sample. The minimal sensitivity of the H-Quant system is 7.6 pg/microL of human DNA. The amplicon generated in the H-Quant assay is 216 bp, which is within the same range of the common amplifiable short tandem repeat (STR) amplicons. This size amplicon enables quantitation of amplifiable DNA as opposed to a quantitation of degraded or nonamplifiable DNA of smaller sizes. Development and validation studies were performed on the 7500 real-time PCR system following the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories.     

一种新型6色荧光25个STR基因座复合扩增体系研究

To develop and validate a novel 6-dye STR(short tandem repeat)25-plex DNA typing system for forensic DNA profiling and databases.In this study,a novel STR 25-plex DNA typing system that includes 24 autosomal STRs(D1S1656,D2S1338,D2S441,D3S1358,D5S818,D6S1043,D7S820,D8S1179,D10S1248,D12S391,D13S317,D16S539,D18S51,D19S433,D21S11,D22S1045,CSF1PO,FGA,Penta D,Penta E,TH01,TPOX,vWA,D11S4463)and Amelogenin was developed.Validation studies demonstrated the sensitivity,accuracy,and reproducibility of our novel STR 25-plex DNA typing system.The sensitivity of the STR 25-plex DNA typing system was demonstrated by the ability to obtain complete profiles from as little as 0.125ng of human DNA.Specificity testing was demonstrated by the lack of cross-reactivity to a variety of commonly encountered animal species and microbial pool.For stability testing,full profiles were obtained with humic acid concentration≤60ng/μL and hematin≤600μM.For forensic evaluation,the selected 24 autosomal STRs followed the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.Since 24 autosomal STRs were independent from one another,PM(Probability matching)was 3.5434×10-28,TDP(Total Probability of Discrimination Power)was 0.999999999999999999999999969863,and CEP(Cumulative probability of exclusion)was 0.99999999375.The new STR 25-plex typing system is sensitive,reproducible,and stable,therefore it is highly applicable for use in national DNA database and can help to facilitate international data sharing.     

Identifying a suitable mounting medium for use in forensic fibre examination.

As the result of a previous study many laboratories have used XAM neutral medium-improved white mounting medium in textile fibre examination for more than 20 years. Due to European Directive 98/79/EC, XAM is no longer available and an alternative needed to be found. A list of desirable properties was formulated and a number of mounting media were tested against this. Entellan New was identified as the best mounting medium, and performed similarly to XAM in all aspects.     

Adherence of forensic odontologists to the ABFO guidelines for victim evidence collection

Certifying boards for different professions have the duty to help establish standards and guidelines for methodologies routinely performed within the discipline. For forensic dentists, this responsibility is placed upon the American Board of Forensic Odontology (ABFO). The purpose of this study was to examine whether board certified and noncertified forensic odontologists adhere to the ABFO Guidelines outlined in the collection of victim bitemark evidence. A questionnaire was developed to assess the compliance and attitudes towards the typical evidence collected, the photographic documentation, and the handling of the bite site injury. The results indicate the majority of the respondents in both representative groups routinely follow the guidelines set forth by the ABFO. The lack of personally photographing the bite injury on a consistent basis is an area of concern for all examiners. The photographic evidence is an instrumental part of the investigation and often cannot be utilized due to improper procedures being followed. The film type utilized, bite site impression techniques, and excision of any tissue samples remain an individual choice and vary significantly among each forensic odontologist.     

General and maladaptive traits and anger in a combined forensic psychiatric and general population sample

The present study examines the associations between anger and general and maladaptive traits in a combined forensic psychiatric and community sample of men. Thirty-four male forensic psychiatric patients and 219 men from the general population completed the Novaco Anger Scale (NAS; Novaco, 1994), the NEO-PI-R (Costa & McCrae, 1992), the ADP-IV (Schotte & De Doncker, 1994) and the VKP (Duijsens, Haringsma, & EurelingsBontekoe, 1999) at two measurement occasions with a one-year interval. The results of a series of multiple regression analyses showed that general and maladaptive traits accounted for a substantial amount of variance in anger scores. Neuroticism, Agreeableness and Externalizing traits were most prominent in the prediction of anger, while Conscientiousness was acting as a suppressor variable in the regression models. Strengths and limitations of the present study and implications for further research and clinical practice are discussed.     

Development of a searchable major and trace element database for use in forensic soil comparisons

Forensic soil comparisons are normally undertaken on the basis of several physical, chemical and biological properties, but in all cases the interpretation of results is dependent on the availability of relevant contextual information. This paper summarises the results of major and trace element analyses performed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry on the < 150 µm size fraction of 1896 soil samples collected in connection with forensic investigations in England and Wales between 1999 and 2007. A number of new methods are described which facilitate inter-sample comparison. Although the available data do not provide uniform geographical coverage they do provide useful information which can assist police search investigations and they provide valuable contextual information which aids the evidential assessment of soil evidence when used in court. There is considerable scope to improve the database by increasing the geographical coverage and increasing the number of soil attributes which are included.     

Experimental forensic studies of the preservation of pollen in vehicle fires

The implications of the recent recommendations of the Law Commission regarding the use of admissibility tests have the potential to be far reaching for forensic disciplines that rely on the expertise of highly qualified expert witnesses. These disciplines will need a concomitant body of peer-reviewed experiments that provides a basis for the interpretations of such evidence presented in court. This paper therefore, presents such results from two experiments which were undertaken to address specific issues that were raised in cases presented in the British courtroom. These studies demonstrate that there is a variability in the persistence of Lily, Daffodil and Tulip pollen when exposed to high temperatures between 0.5 min and 1440 min (24 h). It was possible to identify all three pollen types after 30 min of exposure to 400 °C, and after shorter time frames the threshold for successful identification was 700 °C after 0.5 min for all pollen types tested and 500 °C for Daffodil and Lily after 5 min of heat exposure. Over longer time periods (18 h (1080 min)) the different pollen types were found to persist in a viable form for identification at 300 °C (Lily), 200 °C (Daffodil) and 50 °C (Tulip). These findings, albeit from a small sample of pollen types, provide empirical contextual information that would contribute to such evidence having sufficient scientific weight to meet admissibility criteria and be viable evidence for a court. These studies demonstrate the value in seeking pollen evidence from even such extreme crime scenes as encountered in vehicular fires.