Population genetics for Y-chromosomal STRs haplotypes of Chinese Tibetan ethnic minority group in Tibet

Y-chromosomal STRs loci were analyzed from a sample of 119 healthy unrelated autochthonous male individuals of Chinese Tibetan ethnic minority group using a multiplex PCR system. Allele and haplotype frequencies for DYS19, DYS389 I, DYS389 II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385a,b, DYS438, and DYS439 were determined by the Y-PLEXtrade mark 12 kit. The gene diversity values for the Y-STRs loci ranged from 0.3347 (DYS438) to 0.9547 (DYS385a,b). A total of 110 haplotypes were identified in the Y-STR loci, among which 104 were unique, while six occurred more than once. The overall haplotype diversity for the Y-STRs loci was 0.9981, and the discrimination capacity was 0.9897. The results in the present study can be used for routine forensic application in the region, and enrich Chinese ethnical genetic informational resources.     

Air guns: toys or weapons?

Air guns and blank guns may appear relatively harmless at first glance, but they are, in fact, potentially destructive, even lethal, weapons. Approximately 2 to 2.5 million nonpowder firearms are sold annually, and again approximately 12.9 per 100,000 population are treated for such injuries in hospital emergency departments each year in the United States. Unfortunately, these guns are considered to be a toy for children. Therefore, incidents of air gun injuries are gradually increasing. Although such injuries may initially be considered trivial, it may signify severe internal tissue pathologies. These apparently trivial injuries may have catastrophic consequences if unnoticed. In this study, we report 4 cases with head injury due to a shot by these guns. The cases indicate that these people had used the guns belonging to their parents for the purpose of suicide. The cases also show that these machines are not innocent.     

The role of beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) staining in the neuropathologic evaluation of sudden infant death and in the initiation of clinical investigations of subsequent siblings

This report highlights the importance of undertaking immunohistochemical staining of the brains of infants who die unexpectedly, as it may not only assist with the evaluation of the cause of death in an individual infant but may also help with the clinical management of subsequent siblings. A 5-month-old male infant who died suddenly was found to have diffuse beta-amyloid precursor protein (beta-APP) staining in the brain, with no unusual features in his history, death scene examination, routine autopsy dissection, and ancillary tests to suggest any definite cause of death. Due to the beta-APP staining, the possibility of previous episodes of occult trauma, apparent life threatening events (ALTEs), and accidental or inflicted suffocation was raised in the autopsy report. As detailed analyses and investigations provided no supportive evidence for trauma or inflicted injury, hypoxia was clinically considered the most likely cause. Because of these concerns, sleeping oxygen saturation levels were monitored following the birth of a subsequent sibling who had normal APGAR scores and no evidence of any health problems. Oxygen desaturation to 70% occurred in association with a color change while on the postnatal ward, and a subsequent polysomnogram showed multiple episodic significant desaturations to around 80% in association with central apnea. Other testing was unremarkable. These cases demonstrate that beta-APP staining of the brain may not only provide clues as to possible mechanisms of death in pediatric forensic cases but may indicate a need for careful clinical evaluation of subsequent siblings for possible central apnea requiring oxygen therapy.     

Genetic data on 10 STR loci a population of western Poland

Allele frequencies for 10 STRs included in the AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit were determined in a population sample of 668 unrelated individuals living in western Poland. All loci met Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Exact tests disequilibrium analysis revealed two departures from independence out of 45 pairwise comparisons. The combined matching probability (MP) and power of exclusion (PE) for all 15 loci are 2.56 x 10(-13) and 0.99996, respectively.     

Dealing with allelic dropout when reporting the evidential value in DNA relatedness analysis

A method is suggested that allows the use of loci that have shown allelic dropout in kinship analysis as used for disaster victim identification (DVI) and missing person work (MP). This approach uses an extension of a previously published approach to modelling allelic dropout. This method may salvage some information in cases where allelic dropout is hindering DVI or MP work particularly in reconciliations involving a large number of bodies and pedigrees. It should not replace the pursuit of more complete DNA profiles by the normal rework process for such samples.     

Stability of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid using the Quantisal collection device

This article details the stability of Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in oral fluid during collection, extraction and storage. Oral fluid is being increasingly used as the specimen of choice for the detection of drug use in various applications. Studies to determine the extraction efficiency of THC from the collection buffer and stability under various laboratory storage conditions were carried out. THC was extracted from the collection pad and buffer with an average efficiency over 80% and was stable in Quantisal oral fluid extraction buffer when stored at refrigerated temperatures. Fluorescent lighting caused THC losses of over 50%, however the presence of the pad reduced the loss. In the dark, the loss of THC at room temperature was approximately 20% over 14 days. When stored with the serum separators in place, THC losses were significant. After 3 days, THC concentration was reduced by almost 30%, and after 14 days, 60% of the drug was lost and the losses were not concentration dependent.     

Population genetic study in two Transylvanian populations using forensically informative autosomal and Y-chromosomal STR markers

Our study provides population genetic data on two population samples collected in a Hungarian speaking region of Transylvania, Romania. Allele frequency and profile databases were generated on 17 autosomal STR loci (D2S1338, D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, D21S11, VWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, Penta E and Penta D) as well as at the 12 European Y-STR extended haplotype loci (DYS19, DYS389-I/II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS385 loci, DYS437, DYS438 and DYS439). Data were compared to a Central Hungarian (Budapest region) population sample [B. Egyed, S. Füredi, M. Angyal, L. Boutrand, A. Vandenberghe, J. Woller, Z. Padar, Analysis of eight STR loci in two Hungarian populations, Forensic Sci. Int. 113 (2000) 25-27] that was used as a reference group of the Hungarian population. Calculating the F(ST) indices and with the pairwise comparisons of interpopulation molecular variance (AMOVA) the two populations from Transylvania could be fit into the Hungarian population data showing less substructuring effects as compared to the previous findings in Hungary [B. Egyed, S. Füredi, M. Angyal, L. Boutrand, A. Vandenberghe, J. Woller, Z. Padar, Analysis of eight STR loci in two Hungarian populations, Forensic Sci. Int. 113 (2000) 25-27; B. Egyed, S. Füredi, M. Angyal, I. Balogh, L. Kalmar, Z. Padar, Analysis of the population heterogeneity in Hungary using fifteen forensically informative STR markers, Forensic Sci. Int. 158 (2005) 244-249].     

Computer simulation of the accident with nine victims

In the paper we wish to emphasise the significance of vehicle driving dynamics analysis in the collision phase and occupant load analysis by means of using a software environment. Thereby we also wish to present the results of the simulation of the course of a traffic accident with nine victims that arose from a collision between an Audi A6 passenger car and the VW Caravelle van. In treating the traffic accident the forensic expert was faced with the questions about what caused the injuries to the front passenger in the Audi A6 passenger car, about the way the two vehicles had collided, about their collision velocities, about the way the two vehicles were handled and about the causes that originated the traffic accident. The critical situation on the road was a consequence of the tiredness of the van driver, the inadequate use of the passive safety systems and overloading the van.     

What shall we do with the drunken sailor?: Effects of alcohol on the performance of ship operators

The purpose of this study was to specify the effects of alcohol on the performance of ship operators as a contribution to the development of new strategies against the risks of alcohol in water traffic. The nautical performance of 21 captains before and after alcohol consumption was assessed on a ship piloting simulator. The simulated scenarios represented passages of a container vessel through the German Bight. Performance was examined by nautical instructors according to standardised protocols. Mean (S.D.) blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0.100 (0.024) g/dl before and 0.100 (0.017) g/dl after the performance trial resulted in striking effects on the nautical performance. The categories most severely affected were foresight and analysis of situation (impairment in 18 of 21 cases), concentration (impairment in 16 of 21 cases), accurateness, risk disposition and navigation (impairment in 15 of 21 cases). Chart work, preparation and communication were impaired in 12, 11 and 10 of 21 cases, respectively. None of the participants were capable to operate the simulated ship with an adequate safety after ingestion of alcohol. From these findings, and in consideration of the well-established impairment of a multitude of mental and physical functions by alcohol, it can be concluded that even low BACs bear high risks in water traffic, a concentration above 0.1 g/dl will hinder a sufficiently safe performance of ship operators. This should be considered in alcohol education and legislation.     

A quantitative differentiation method for plastic bags by infrared spectroscopy, thickness measurement and differential scanning calorimetry for tracing the source of illegal drugs

Fifty shopping bags, commonly encountered in the packaging of drug doses, were characterized by thickness measurements, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. By these very straightforward and inexpensive techniques, without sample preparation, nearly all the considered samples could be discriminated. Ninety-seven percent of the possible pairs of white, apparently similar dull polymer films were differentiated. The rather large degree of variability existing in grocery bags, even though they are mass produced, was shown, confirming that these items can be useful in tracing the source of illicit drug doses.