Use of amelogenin test for DNA sex appurtenance in analysis of mixed biological traces

Theoretical and experimental study of amelogenin tests system for identification of DNA sex appurtenance has been performed. In many cases amplification can fail to reflect the true quantitative ratio between the mixture components during typing sex-specific variants of amelogenin gene in DNA preparations of mixed sex appurtenance. In practical studies these properties of the amelogenin system can lead to difficulties and errors in interpretation of the results of forensic medical expert evaluations, and we therefore studied the use of amelogenin DNA test for identification of sex appurtenance of mixed biological traces and compared the characteristics of autosomal PDAF system and amelogenin system for sex identification in analysis of DNA mixtures.     

防范对抗,推动积极的国际关系议程

讨论全球关系体系转型的迫切问题具有深刻意义.这个古老而又崭新的庞大话题体现为古老文明与现实的有机统一,全球化过程就是其中的一项内容.历史必将提供经过修正的全球化的平衡.从世界发展的趋势中我们可以得出这样的结论,即:全球化正在为全体和个人增加巨大潜力.我们的中心任务是建立积极的国际议事日程,通过实施这项议程也许能够实际形成可控制的、能够可靠地支持国际稳定、对全球挑衅和威胁做出明确的集体和个人反应的国际关系.     

Analysis of genetic diversity of the mitochondrial DNA in the forensic medical expert identification of individuals

Spectra of haplotype frequencies were studied for locuses of hypervariable segments 1 and 2 (HVS1 and HVS2), separately for each, and for linked segment HVS1-HVS2. The obtained data were used to determine the values and to evaluate comparatively the discriminating characteristics of the corresponding individualizing systems based on the typing of mtDNA. The system of typing, based on HVS2 (mv = 0.098), was found to possess the least discriminating potential; while the highest information rate is ensured in the analysis of HVS1 (m omega = 0.02) and in the joint analysis of HVS1 and HVS2 (mw = 0.007). The frequency rates of the key haplogroups were estimated within a random sampling of Russian citizens. A random population sampling of Russian citizens was shown not to differ essentially from an ethnically homogeneous population sampling of Russians selected with regard for a genetic diversity and for a spectrum of mitochondrial lines. The results point at the most rational algorithm of examinations in a forensic expert's analysis of mtDNA. The studied sampling can trigger the development of a referential data base designed for conducting, in the Russian Federation, the forensic-medical expert's examinations based on the mtDNA typing.     

Identification of tsunami victims in Thailand: international experience in organization and conduction of forensic-medical expert investigations in emergency situations with many victims

Russians were among the victims of tsunami in Thailand. The authors participated in the activity of Thai Tsunami Victim Identification Center as experts for identification of tsunami victims. The article outlines management and course of identification, some results. The unique experience with international cooperation in conduction of forensic-medical expert investigations in emergency situations with many victims is discussed.     

Molecular-genetic forensic expert investigations in the Russian Federation: problems and perspectives

Introduction of molecular-genetic technology into forensic-medical expert practice in Russia took place in unfavourable conditions of poor financial support and, consequently, the results appeared unsatisfactory. Organisation and functioning of genetic laboratories must be controlled and provided with an adequate system of training personnel and professional control. Application of molecular-genetic methods in forensic medicine meets the needs of expert practice if it is based on the systemic approach. The system is proposed to be headed by Russian Center for Forensic-Medical Expert Examination. This center is to update and control the activity of all institutions involved in forensic medical expert examination in Russia and conduct monitoring of the studies and training of specialists for the system.     

Forensic chemical detection of furadan

Isolation of furadan from biological material by ethyl acetate is considered. Column chromatography with silicone gel L 100/160micro was used to purify extractions from biological objects. A technique was elaborated for identification and quantitation of furadan in cadavers. It is possible to use this technique in forensic expert examination.     

Mitochondrial DNA typing--a new level for solving identification problems in forensic medical expert identification of unidentified remains of victims of terrorist acts in Moscow and the armed conflict in the Chechen Republic

Two large-scale episodes described in this paper reflect the first in Russia use of molecular genetic matrilinear markers (analysis of polymorphism of sequences of amplified fragments of mitochondrial DNA hypervariable locuses) in solution of a complex identification problem: forensic medical identification of unidentified fragments of victims of explosions of houses in Moscow in September, 1999, and of soldiers dead in the war conflict in the Chechen Republic in 1994-1996. The results of this work and methodological experience gained in it essentially extend the potentialities of expert studies as regards forensic medical identification of victims of large scale disasters, terroristic acts, and war conflicts.     

Russia and the United States: Still cold in Northeast Asia?

The US has been reluctant to acknowledge Russia's relevance to the Asia‐Pacific, the author says, because “too little time has passed since the interests of these two former adversaries collided in the region.” Russia has the longest Pacific coastline and borders with China, Japan, Korea and Mongolia. Despite the end of the Cold War, however, Russia is still not an integrated participant in Northeast Asian economic cooperation. Vladimir Ivanov is a Visiting Fellow at the Economic Research Institute for Northeast Asia in Niigata. He argues that Russia has made a clear choice between “guns and growth,” and that the country should be allowed to come in from the cold and join this region's development.     

The restrictase analysis of human DNA as a method for determining genetic sex in forensic biological expertise]

In this article phenomena related to sex heteromorphism of restrictase hydrolysates of DNA, isolated from objects of expert analysis was recommended for use. The performed investigations allow one to work out the system of discriminating sex of biological objects, based on restrictase analysis of human DNA and on registration of sex-specific restrictase fragments. Possibilities of method and its value for gene-identification expertise were illustrated using certain cases from expert practice.