Alternative primers for DYS391 typing: advantages of their application to forensic genetics

The amplification of the STR DYS391, using the primers described in the Genome Data Base (GDB: G00-365-251), shows not only an additional band to the Y-specific one in males with a size range of 26 bp less than those of DYS391 locus alleles, but also a polymorphic pattern in females in the same size range as the additional band observed in males. The DYS391 pattern in families reflects a Y-specific linked locus and also a polymorphic X locus with an X-linked pattern of inheritance. A first screening in the X homologous locus allowed the identification of five different alleles. Allele frequencies were explored in different population groups for both the Y locus and the homologous locus in the X chromosome showing a similar allele distribution pattern in the X and Y homologous loci. An alternative reverse primer was designed to amplify the Y-chromosome specific STR in order to improve the specificity and applicability of this system to forensic genetics. Comparative results of the amplification with the new and the previously described primers proved that with this new primer there is a substantial increase in the specificity of the amplification. Moreover, a smaller fragment is amplified with a size out of the range of the alleles of the other Y-STRs usually used in forensic applications, therefore simplifying its inclusion in multiplex systems.     

Recent developments in cornea transplantation (1997-1999)

Between 1997 and 1999 a steady increase in cornea donations was achieved, but the number of transplantations remained stable because many grafts did not pass quality control. Intermediate organ culture of entire bulbi was examined as a possible solution to reduce post-mortem times and increase suitability for transplantation.     

The accelerated polyvinyl-alcohol method for GSR collection--PVAL 2.0

The polyvinyl-alcohol collection method (PVAL) is used in forensic practice to gather topographical information about gunshot residues (GSR) from the hands to decide if the subject has made use of firearms. The results allow a distinction between suicide and homicide. The only inconvenience of PVAL was that the procedure took about 60 min because three layers of liquid PVAL had to be applied and dried. Therefore, the collection method was only applied to corpses. The improved and accelerated PVAL 2.0 uses a sandwich technique. Cotton gauze for stabilization is moistened with a 10% PVAL solution. A solid film of PVAL (Solublon) is spread on the cotton mesh. The gauze is then modeled to the hand and dried with a hair dryer. After removing the cotton gauze, the traces are embedded in the water-soluble PVAL. The procedure does not take more than 15 min. The results demonstrate the qualities and advantages of PVAL: topographical distribution of GSR, highest gain of GSR, sampling of all other traces like blood, backspatter etc., and humidity does not reduce the gain. In addition, with the new PVAL 2.0 dislocation of GSR or contamination are excluded. PVAL 2.0 can also be applied on live suspects.     

Mass screening in low-income populations: the challenges of securing diagnostic and treatment services in a national cancer screening program

Funding for many mass screening programs for low-income and uninsured populations provides resources for screening tests, yet only rarely does it provide coverage for necessary follow-up diagnostic and treatment services. The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), a federally funded initiative that provides cancer screening to low-income uninsured and underinsured women, covers some diagnostic follow-up tests and no treatment services. We conducted in-depth case studies of seven state programs participating in the NBCCEDP to investigate the strategies and approaches being used to secure diagnostic and treatment services. The results suggest that the program relies on a patchwork of resources--at state and local levels--to provide diagnostic and treatment services. This includes a number of components of local safety nets, all of which are unstable and have uncertain futures. Public health disease-screening initiatives need to reconsider the feasibility of continued reliance on case-by-case appeals to the local safety net for diagnostic follow-up and treatment services.     

同一个体发毛角蛋白电泳谱型的分析

用SDS -PAGGE对收集到的 2 0例人体表毛发 (头发、阴毛、腋毛、腿毛 )角蛋白组分进行了分析。结果表明 ,同一个体毛发角蛋白电泳谱型基本相同 ,用激光光密度仪对电泳凝胶板扫描后证实 ,同一个体毛发角蛋白组分相对百分含量也无明显差异 ;人头部不同部位 (顶部、左侧、右侧、额部、枕部 )头发角蛋白的电泳谱型和角蛋白组分相对百分含量也基本相同。同一个体毛发角蛋白组分的分析 ,可为法医物证学鉴定中的毛发个人识别提供重要的依据。