Male amelogenin dropouts: phylogenetic context, origins and implications

Several commercial PCR multiplex kits incorporate the amelogenin locus for the purpose of human gender identification. Consequently, erroneous results in the electropherogram profile of this locus can carry important forensic implications. In this study, dropout of the amelogenin Y allele was detected in 5 out of 77 phenotypically normal Kathmandu males using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit. A battery of male-specific markers including SNPs, STRs, STSs, and a minisatellite were amplified for the five amelogenin null samples in order to delineate the breakpoints of the deletions as well as assess the overall integrity of the Y-chromosome. This study represents the first to examine the haplogroup affiliation of the AMGY deletions. The analyses performed suggest a single origin for the five deletions as indicated by their allocation to a specific Y-haplogroup (J2b2-M241), related Y-STR haplotypes and identical regional localization of breakpoints. The age estimated from the microsatellite variation for the amelogenin deletions (if they are associated by descent) is approximately 6.5+/-3.3 ky, younger than the previously reported related age of the M241 haplogroup representatives (13-14 ky). Our data in combination with previous publications suggest a concentration of afflicted individuals in the Indian subcontinent, possibly as a result of common ancestry. The elevated incidence of the amelogenin dropout in these populations accentuates the need to utilize other loci for gender determination in order to obtain an accurate set of inclusion criteria in forensic casework.     

Analysis of forensic soil samples via high-performance liquid chromatography and ion chromatography

Traditional forensic soil comparisons are performed via physical and/or chemical examinations of color, texture, and mineral content, leaving any organic- or water-soluble fractions unexamined. This study uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ion chromatography (IC) to assess the qualitative and quantitative variation in these fractions of soil. Soil samples (n=120) were collected over the course of 3 weeks from urban, suburban, and rural locations in and around Lansing, MI. Additional samples from six of these locations (two urban, two suburban, and two rural) were collected once a week for 10 weeks for temporal analysis. Nine additional samples, equally spaced over a 1 m(2) grid, from these same six locations were collected for spatial analyses. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the resultant chromatograms separated the 120 samples into 10 groups by HPLC and 23 groups by IC. This study shows that using HPLC and IC to analyze the organic- and water-soluble fractions of soil can successfully discriminate samples. Quantitative analysis of the results eliminates some false inclusions by providing further differentiation of samples. The results of this study indicate that adding HPLC and IC analyses to traditional forensic soil analysis schemes can improve overall sample differentiation. The methods used in this study were also able to detect both qualitative and quantitative variations in soil over a relatively small geographic area. This demonstration of soil heterogeneity underscores the importance of the collection of a representative known sample population when assessing a forensic soil comparison. Significant temporal variation was also demonstrated over the course of 10 weeks of sampling; however, samples were found to be consistent over shorter periods of time. Baseline levels of inorganic anions were determined via IC; these levels may be useful in assessing the significance of anions detected in soil from cases involving low explosives.     

Migration of a Kirschner wire used in the fixation of a subcapital humeral fracture, causing cardiac tamponade: case report and review of literature

Metallic pins and wires are frequently used for fixation of fractures and dislocations. Migration is one of the potential complications of such fixation methods. Usually, migration of the pins causes only minor complications, but if the device migrates to a vital cavity, serious damage and even death may ensue. The shoulder girdle is one of the areas in which pins and wires are mostly used, the humeral neck fractures being one of them. We report a case in which a Kirschner wire migrated from a subcapital humeral fracture site into the aorta and pericardium, causing sudden cardiac tamponade and death.     

Typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci in brain and thyroid gland tissue samples incubated in different environments

Autolysis and putrefaction are crucial factors responsible for degradation of cells, tissues, and organs. Postmortem changes may assume different course depending on extrinsic and intrinsic conditions. The aim of the study was assessment of environmental effect on typeability of AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci: D3S1358, VWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D81179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01, FGA, and gender marker amelogenin. Brain and thyroid gland tissue specimens collected during autopsies of five persons aged 20-30 years were incubated at 21 degrees C and 4 degrees C in different environmental conditions. DNA was extracted by organic method from tissue samples collected in 7-day intervals and subsequently typed using AmpFlSTR SGM Plus kit and ABI 310. A fast decrease in typeability rate was seen in specimens incubated in peat soil and in sand. Brain tissue samples were typeable in all AmpFlSTR SGM Plus loci within 126 days of incubation at 4 degrees C. Faster DNA degradation was recorded in thyroid gland specimens. In samples with negative genotyping results, no DNA was found by fluorometric quantitiation.     

Asset protection and staying in control: wealth planning with Swiss insurance

Trusts continue to play an important role in asset protectionplanning. But annuities and life insurance, and in particularSwiss annuities, are a viable alternative in many cases. Furthermore,the combination of both structures, in most cases can resultin benefits that go beyond that of a pure trust structure ora sole annuity. The mechanics of these advantages are examinedin this article.     

Genetic diversity and forensic evaluation of 10 STR loci in Lodz region of Poland

Allele frequency data and forensic efficiency parameters for 10 STR loci: D3S1358, vWA, D16S539, D2S1338, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D19S433, TH01 and FGA, were estimated from a sample of 207 unrelated individuals in Lodz region of Poland.