Identifying background microbiomes in an evidence recovery laboratory: A preliminary study

16S rRNA profiling of bacterial communities may have forensic utility in the identification or association of individuals involved with criminal activities. Microbial profiling of evidence may, in the future, be performed within environments currently utilised for human DNA recovery, such as a forensic biology laboratory. It would be important to establish the background microbiome of such an environment to determine the potential presence of human or environmental microbial signatures to assist forensic scientists in the appropriate interpretation of target microbial communities. This study sampled various surfaces of an Evidence Recovery Laboratory (ERL) on three occasions including (a) before a monthly deep-clean, (b) immediately following the deep-clean, and (c) immediately after the laboratory’s use by a single participant for the purposes of routine item examinations. Microbial profiles were also generated for the involved participant and researcher for comparison purposes. Additionally, human nuclear DNA was profiled for each of the samples collected, using standard forensic profiling techniques, to provide a prospective link to the presence or absence of a background microbial signature within the ERL after its use. Taxonomic distributions across ERL samples revealed no consistent signature of any of the items sampled over time, however, major phyla noted within all ERL samples across the three timepoints were consistent with those found in human skin microbiomes. PCoA plots based on the Unweighted Unifrac metric revealed some clustering between participant microbial reference samples and surfaces of the ERL after use, suggesting that despite a lack of direct contact, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) suitable for human DNA recovery, microbiomes may be deposited into a forensic setting over time. The reference samples collected from the involved participant and researcher generated full STR profiles. Human DNA was observed to varying degrees in samples taken from the ERL across each of the sampling timepoints. There was no correlation observed between samples that contained or did not contain detectable quantities of human nuclear DNA and microbial profile outputs.     

High resolution melting analysis (HRM) based on 16SrRNA as a tool for personal identification with the human oral microbiome

Personal identification plays an important role in the forensic practice. The conventional methods of personal identification including STR, SNP and InDel are focusing on the molecular characteristics of the human cell. Recently, researchers pay attention to human microbiome by the reason that the human microbiome is rich in amount and variable among people. The purpose of this study is to apply the human oral microbiome to forensic personal identification. We designed one general primer pair: 518 F&806R, which targeted the 16SrRNA. We conducted the high-resolution melting analysis (HRM) with the one primer pairs. The results indicated that oral microbiome from different people could be distinguished by using HRM based on 16SrRNA. This study showed that human oral microbiome could be a promising marker for the forensic personal identification application.     

A validation study of mRNA markers for skin cell identification

The objectives of this study were to develop and optimize a multiplex of three skin specific gene markers; loricrin (LOR), corneodesmosin (CDSN) and keratin 9 (KRT9) and 1 house-keeping marker, β-actin (ACTB) using an endpoint PCR assay to analyze expression data from a range of relevant samples. Marker specificity and suitability were evaluated for their inclusion in future forensic casework. The presence of the three skin mRNA markers was successfully confirmed from swabs of human skin obtained from 20 individuals at each of 6 different body sites (forehead, neck, arm, palm, leg and sole). Significant variation was observed in the relative expression of the three genes across the body sites, with some individuals consistently failing to express one or more of the targets. Inter-individual variation was also evident. Accordingly, these markers must be used with caution in the identification of skin in forensic samples.     

The relevance of false positive acid phosphatase reactions indicative of the presence of seminal fluid from oral and vaginal samples

The Body Fluid Forum of the Association of Forensic Science Providers recognised concerns raised by forensic practitioners regarding the lack of data to inform on the incidence of significant AP (Acid Phosphatase) reactions from vaginal and oral samples, i.e. those which might be misinterpreted as indicating the presence of semen. This is particularly relevant in the light of appeal court rulings regarding the need for data to support evaluations. This paper presents collaborative data on the nature and incidence of AP reactions from vaginal and oral swabs provided by donors. The results demonstrate that caution is required with mid to strong purple AP reactions from direct testing of oral swabs and with mid purple reactions from vaginal swabs. The use of a Bayesian approach to assist with the provision of opinions regarding the presence of seminal fluid is highlighted.     

Biological and DNA evidence in 1000 sexual assault cases

Using a Filemaker-based database (DNA Pro-FILES, Synchrone Infosystème Inc.), we have conducted a large-scale study on 1000 sexual assault (SA) cases where a standardized kit was submitted to our laboratory alone or with other types of exhibits. We looked at the likelihood of obtaining good quality DNA evidence, allegedly from the assailant, according to a number of parameters.The overall proportion of SA cases with DNA evidence is nearly 50%. A little more than 30% of SA kits provided DNA evidence while for 16% of cases DNA evidence could be obtained only from other exhibits.The likelihood of obtaining DNA evidence is approximately 50% in teenager and adult SA cases, but much lower for children 10 years old or younger (15%). In children cases, profiles were found mostly on clothing or skin swabs.The likelihood of obtaining DNA evidence from vaginal swabs remains good for up to 3 days after the assault (from 35% on the first day to 23% on the third day). A DNA profile was obtained from approximately 22% of anal/rectal swabs and 41% of skin swabs taken less than 1 day after the assault. Less than 10% of oral washes provided DNA evidence, all having been collected within 24 h of the assault.We found that in bodily samples, a negative result for acid phosphate (AP) is a poor predictor of the likelihood of obtaining good quality DNA evidence. Approximately 15% of vaginal swabs and 8% of anal swabs negative for AP nevertheless provided good quality DNA evidence.     

签字笔上附着的脱落上皮细胞STR分型

目的 探讨遗留在签字笔上微量脱落细胞DNA分型的可行性以及保存时间对分型的影响.方法 17名志愿者每人使用7支签字笔,每支笔每天使用20 min,为期1个月,分别保存1、3、5、7、14、21和28 d,运用硅珠法提取签字笔上微量脱落细胞中的DNA,应用荧光标记PCR-STR技术进行DNA分型,同时采集上述17名志愿者口腔拭子作为对照,分析签字笔作为检材进行DNA分型的可行性以及保存时间对DNA分型的影响. 结果以基因座检出个数为指标,签字笔脱落细胞和口腔拭子的DNA分型结果随保存时间变化而产生的差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.01).签字笔保存1、3、5、7、14、21和28 d后进行DNA分型检出的基因座个数与对应的口腔拭子DNA分型检出的基因座个数相比差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).签字笔使用后保存1 d进行DNA分型.可明确判读12个以上基因座的占41.2%. 结论签字笔上附着的微量手指脱落细胞可作为一种法庭生物检材进行DNA分型,但其保存时间会影响DNA分型.     

应用HID Ion GeneStudioTM S5测序系统探讨毛干样本线粒体DNA异质性

目的应用HID Ion GeneStudio^TM S5测序系统对毛干样本线粒体全基因组分型结果的异质性进行探讨。方法采集8名无关个体的口腔拭子、血液及同一个体不同部位毛干样本,使用Precision ID mtDNA Whole Genome Panel对线粒体全基因组进行扩增,应用HID Ion GeneStudio^TM S5测序系统对线粒体全基因组进行分析检测。结果2名个体的颞部毛干样本线粒体DNA出现异质性,其余6名无关个体的口腔拭子、血液及不同部位毛干样本的线粒体全基因组分型结果均一致。8名无关个体共观察到119个碱基变异,个体的变异位点数目分别为29、40、38、35、13、36、40和35。结论应用HID Ion GeneStudio^TM S5测序系统可全面了解序列多态性。     

mtDNA—HVⅠ和细胞色素b片段的复合扩增及其法医学应用

目的探讨复合扩增mtDNA D环HV I和细胞色素b片段进行种属鉴定和个体识别的方法及mtDNA-HV I多态性。方法用两对引物同步扩增HV I片段与细胞色素b片段,银染显带检测扩增产物,ABI377测序仪及荧光测序技术分析扩增产物序列多态性。结果人类有279bp,358bp两条带,动物只有358bp一条带。通过对131例随机广东汉族人群个体进行mtDNA控制区(15997～16236))序列测定统计,得出此区域的序列多态性。共发现69个位点变异,平均每个个体存在2.679个碱基突变,检出67个单倍型,基因多样性为97.92％。结论mtDNA控制区(15997—16236)具有较高的序列多态性。为良好的个体识别标记。复合扩增mtDNA D环HV I与细胞色素b片段进行测序分析可以同步进行种属鉴定和个体识别。     

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。     

The new Greek statute on organ donation--yet another effort to advance transplants

In 2011, the new law on organ transplants was voted by the Greek Parliament. Major changes include the selection of presumed consent system (opt-out) for organ transplants from dead donors. The system will take effect in 2013. In organ donations from living donors, a class of potential donors was added: a person with whom the organ recipient has a personal relationship and is emotionally connected. In this special case though, the truth of the altruistic motives is necessarily examined in court. Also, a detailed list of risks and consequences is part of the content of the obligation to inform a potential organ donor.     

Evaluation of the Cozart RapiScan drug test system for opiates and cocaine in oral fluid

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Cozart RapiScan (CRS) drug test system for detecting opiates and cocaine in oral fluid. Oral fluid samples were collected using the Cozart RapiScan collection system from 358 donors who were receiving treatment for their addiction and were monitored for drug misuse. A further 103 oral fluid samples were collected from volunteer donors who were not drug users. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the two-panel Cozart RapiScan cartridge for opiates and cocaine and confirmed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The samples were stored frozen at -20 degrees C until analysis by GC-MS. The overall accuracy of the CRS for both opiates and cocaine was 100%. Samples spiked at 50% above and below the cut-off consistently gave negative and positive results respectively. A total of 88 samples were positive for various opiates and 111 samples were positive for cocaine and/or its metabolites. The CRS for opiates and cocaine in oral fluid, using a cut-off of 30 ng/mL morphine or benzoylecgonine equivalents in neat oral fluid, had overall efficiencies of 98% and 99%, respectively, versus GC-MS. A series of potential adulterants of oral fluid were evaluated and shown not to alter the outcome of the test result.     

DNA typing revealing high HLA-Cw polymorphism completes availability of major histocompatibility complex loci in forensic medicine

Studies of human population genetics in Hungary have revealed relevant heterogeneity in the major histocompatibility complex. In the present studies, two isolated ethnic groups were chosen: people living in the Káli Basin westward from the Danube River, and those living in Opusztaszer, a village eastward from Danube, who are known as native ancient Hungarians. Blood samples were collected from 70 people in the Káli Basin and from 45 people in Opusztaszer. The frequency of HLA-Cw alleles was determined by serology as well as by DNA typing in 46 and 32 samples of the two populations, respectively, and in 44 randomly selected subjects of Hungarian origin. Compared with a random population of cadaver donors (the deaths having resulted mostly from accidents or, in a smaller number, strokes or heart infarcts) and voluntary bone marrow donors (typed in the last 10 years) recruited from all parts of Hungary and representing the mixed Hungarian population, remarkable differences were found in haplotype and allele frequencies. HLA-A, -B, -Cw typing was performed by serology and, in the case of the HLA-Cw locus, by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-SSP and/or PCR-SSOP techniques, as well. The PCR-SSO oligotyping procedure allowed the identification of 32 Cw alleles in contrast with the 9 serologically detectable types. Because of the combination of low antigen expression and the lack of specific serologic reagents of good quality, no HLA-Cw antigens were detectable in 41%, and only one was detected in 48%, of the investigated individuals by standard serologic typing. With PCR-SSO typing, however, 97% of the investigated individuals proved to be heterozygous for HLA-Cw alleles. The two isolated populations differed from each other, from mixed Hungarian and other Caucasian populations in HLA-Cw* allele frequencies, as well as in haplotype distribution. This newly recognized polymorphism at the HLA-Cw locus completes the availability of major histocompatibility complex typing in forensic science and practice.     

Decompositional odor analysis database

This study, conducted at the University of Tennessee's Anthropological Research Facility (ARF), describes the establishment of the Decompositional Odor Analysis (DOA) Database for the purpose of developing a man-portable, chemical sensor capable of detecting clandestine burial sites of human remains, thereby mimicking canine olfaction. This "living" database currently spans the first year and a half of burial, providing identification, chemical trends and semi-quantitation of chemicals liberated below, above and at the surface of graves 1.5 to 3.5 ft deep (0.45 to 1.0 m) for four individuals. Triple sorbent traps (TSTs) were used to collect air samples in the field and revealed eight major classes of chemicals containing 424 specific volatile compounds associated with burial decomposition. This research is the first step toward identification of an "odor signature" unique to human decomposition with projected ramifications on cadaver dog training procedures and in the development of field portable analytical instruments which can be used to locate human remains buried in shallow graves.     

Is it possible to predict the origin of epithelial cells? – A comparison of secondary transfer of skin epithelial cells versus vaginal mucous membrane cells by direct contact

In alleged sexual assault and rape cases, the focus has often been to collect samples from the victim's body, for detection of body fluids or skin cells from the offender. But in many cases intimate body samples from the perpetrator(s) can also be informative. However, in cases where the female victim claims vaginal penetration, the defendant may display an alternative explanation to the DNA findings, i.e. that the victim’s skin cells has been secondarily transferred to his penis. We hypothesized that female DNA will be detected in a significantly greater amount on swabs from penis after intercourse than after secondary transfer by skin contact.Fourteen male-female couples were recruited to test the above hypothesis, by collecting penile swabs from 3 specified anatomical locations: Glans, shaft, and the coronal sulcus, after two different situations: Vaginal intercourse and secondary transfer of epithelial cells by skin contact. The results show that penile swabs following intercourse produce significantly higher DNA concentrations than after secondary transfer by skin contact. Our results, indicates which of the anatomical regions is best suited for sampling. The DNA profiling results show a preponderance of female profiles over male profiles following intercourse compared to secondary skin contact.Based on these data, it is possible to make a statistical model to distinguish between samples taken after intercourse and samples taken after secondary transfer by skin contact based on the amount of female DNA and mixture proportion (Mx) between female and male DNA in samples collected from penis swabs.     

The Microbiome Forensics Database UZH

Microbial communities in biological stains can provide valuable information to assist forensic scientists identify the body fluid/tissue present in these. As these microbial communities are characteristic of body habitats, DNA sequencing of microbes can be used to predict bodily origin. Promising predictive results have been obtained with supervised machine learning algorithms trained on bacterial abundance data from human body sites. Importantly, prediction accuracy is dependent on the training dataset, yet compiling a large and comprehensive training reference is a non-trivial issue requiring substantial efforts. Here we present a new online database and associated data-mining platform which is, to our knowledge, the first one customised for forensic scientists investigating body fluids/tissues. Our database features samples originating from ten human body sites, with selection options through an online platform. Users can download bacterial abundance as well as taxonomic data, which can then be used to train predictive models and test their accuracy. Future stages of the development of the platform will include curation of the samples to decrease potential errors in sample labelling, as well as access to an online tool to conduct exploratory analyses.     

11个Y—STR基因座遗传多态性研究

目的 调查11个Y染色体STR基因座的遗传多态性。方法 利用PCR扩增和聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳技术对广州地区汉族群体无关男性血样进行11个Y—STR基因座的分型。结果 11个Y—STR基因座在广州地区汉族群体分别发现3～5个等位基因,GD值最低为0.3037(DYS434),最高为0.8455(DYS390)。结论 11个Y—STR基因座在广州地区汉族群体均具有较高的遗传多态性,可应用于法科学个体识别和亲子鉴定。     

Assessing forensic applications of the frontal sinus in a Chinese Han population

The frontal sinus is an important tool of personal identification. To assess the forensic applications of the frontal sinus patterns in a Chinese Han population, 198 individuals were analyzed. 165 individuals who have the frontal sinus were observed in this population, and 12 parameters of the frontal sinus were observed according to Yoshino’s method. The same combined code was found in three persons from our samples. The unilateral frontal sinus scalloped with one arcade has few parameters applied to personal identification, and shows the poorer discrimination power. These parameters showed better discrimination power in our population, and could be applied to personal identification.     

Evaluation of the Cozart RapiScan drug test system for opiates and cocaine in oral fluid

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the Cozart^® RapiScan (CRS) drug test system for detecting opiates and cocaine in oral fluid. Oral fluid samples were collected using the Cozart^® RapiScan collection system from 358 donors who were receiving treatment for their addiction and were monitored for drug misuse. A further 103 oral fluid samples were collected from volunteer donors who were not drug users. The samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the two-panel Cozart^® RapiScan cartridge for opiates and cocaine and confirmed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The samples were stored frozen at −20 °C until analysis by GC–MS. The overall accuracy of the CRS for both opiates and cocaine was 100%. Samples spiked at 50% above and below the cut-off consistently gave negative and positive results respectively. A total of 88 samples were positive for various opiates and 111 samples were positive for cocaine and/or its metabolites. The CRS for opiates and cocaine in oral fluid, using a cut-off of 30 ng/mL morphine or benzoylecgonine equivalents in neat oral fluid, had overall efficiencies of 98% and 99%, respectively, versus GC–MS. A series of potential adulterants of oral fluid were evaluated and shown not to alter the outcome of the test result.     

A Comparison of Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Two Ethnic Indian Populations of North Bengal,India*

Abstract: Dermatoglyphic print comparisons can be utilized to establish personal identification in forensic cases. The northern part of the state of West Bengal, India, is the home to many ethnic populations. Two such populations are the Rajbanshi and the Mech. Palm prints were collected from 192 adult Rajbanshi (105 men and 87 women) and 100 adult Mech (50 men and 50 women) individuals for print comparison using the standard ink and roll print method. The dermatoglyphic variables studied were mainline formulae, termination of mainline, positional variation of axial triradii, and true pattern of hypothenar and thenar configuration area. There were differences between the Rajbanshi and Mech individuals with respect to these dermatoglyphic variables. The uses of these variables appear to be limited only to ethnic identification, not personal identification. The present investigation further highlights the racial affinity, sex, and bilateral differences among Rajbanshi individuals using dermatoglyphic palmar variables.     

中国汉族人mtDNA控制区异质性遗传规律

目的探讨中国汉族人mtDNA控制区异质性分布情况和遗传规律。方法将人mtDNA控制区扩增成6个部分互相重叠的片段,利用已建立的DHPLC技术分析其异质性规律。结果对150例汉族无关个体的多种组织检测,发现异质性个体的发生率达34%(51/150);个体的组织mtDNA异质性检出率最高为脑(50/150)、心肌(48/150)、最低为骨骼(22/150);本组共发现mtDNA控制区异质性位点有36个;同一个体可有多个异质性位点,最多的不超过3个;未发现异质性发生率有性别差异;超过41岁的高年龄组的异质性发生率(27/59)高于低年龄组(24/91);同一个体在2年前后取的血样,异质性检测结果一致;同一母系不同成员的异质性位点相同,但异质性mtDNA的含量有差异。结论DHPLC检测mtDNA控制区异质性具有高分辩力;mtDNA控制区异质性在中国汉族人中广泛存在;上述结果可作为mtDNA控制区多态性作个人认定和亲权鉴定的指导性资料。