Application of mtDNA sequence analysis in forensic casework for the identification of human remains

In four forensic cases of unidentified skeletal remains investigated in the last year, we were able to attach three to missing persons. In one case we could show that the discovered bone sample did not fit to a missing child. The method for mitochondrial DNA analysis for the routine identification of skeletal remains was established in our institute by typing bone samples of defined age obtained from Frankfurt's cemetery. Reproducible results were obtained for bones up to 75 years old. For analysis the bone samples were pulverised to fine powder, decalcified and DNA was extracted. From the DNA we amplified a 404-bp fragment from HV-1 and a 379-bp fragment from HV-2 of the mtDNA control region. After sequencing of the PCR products, the results were compared to the Anderson reference sequence and to putative maternal relatives.     

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.     

Synthesis of 2,3- and 3,4-methylenedioxyphenylalkylamines and their regioisomeric differentiation by mass spectral analysis using GC-MS-MS

3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) derivatives are increasingly abused central nervous system stimulants with neurotoxic properties. In recent years a number of controlled substance analogs (designer drugs) with high structural variety reached the illegal market making their identification an arduous task. The underivatized compounds give very similar or even virtually identical electron impact mass spectra containing mainly intense C(n)H(2n+2)N(+) immonium ions. Using tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) the additional structural information contained in the collision induced dissoziation (CID) mass spectra of molecular ions using electron impact (EI) and especially chemical ionization (CI) allowed an unequivocal differentiation of 18 studied regioisomeric 1-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-propanamines and 1-(methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamines.Further synthetic methods are presented for 1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-N-propyl-2-butanamine, N-isopropyl-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine and four 1-(2, 3-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamines. N-alkylated 1-(3, 4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-butanamine compounds (e.g. MBDB) are also known to be abused psychoactive agents (entactogenes) without the sympatomimetic effects of the 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamines.     

Report of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENSFI): formulation and testing of principles to evaluate STR multiplexes

This paper describes a collaborative exercise organised under the auspices of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI). The purpose of this EU (European Union) funded group is to carry out research to enable STR loci to be compared between European laboratories, ultimately leading to the formation of a pan-European database. Accordingly, an exercise was designed to evaluate a prototype STR multiplex system manufactured by Applied Biosystems (ABD). Each laboratory was sent 12 samples to analyse along with a multiplex kit. Of specific interest was the definition of parameters to define the efficiency of the system. Stutter, split allelic peaks (differing by one base), pull-up, heterozygous balance and between locus balance were all objectively measured. Once the important parameters are defined it is possible to directly compare performances of different multiplexes and the different laboratories carrying out the tests. Since the multiplex used was a prototype system, this exercise cannot be regarded as a proficiency test.     

Genetic enhancement technologies and the new society

So long as procreation continues to remain a central driving force in a marital relationship, and the family the very core of progressive society, efforts will be undertaken to expand the period of fecundity and combat infertility. Genetic planning and eugenic programming are more rational and humane alternatives to population regulation than death by famine and war. Genetic enhancement technologies and the scientific research undertaken to advance them should be viewed as not only aiding (or, sometimes resolving) the tragedy of infertility in family planning, but as a tool for enhancing the health of a Nation's citizens by engineering man's genetic weaknesses out of the line of inheritance. Put simply, healthier and genetically sound individuals have a much better opportunity for pursuing and achieving the "good life" and making a significant contribution to society's greater well being.     

体外培养FBs损伤模型的建立及细胞免疫组化研究

首次应用培养人胎肺成纤维细胞 (FBs)损伤模型 ,体外研究创缘FBs合成细胞型纤维连接蛋白 (cellu larfibronectins,cFn)的变化与损伤时间的关系。结果表明 ,损伤使处于静息状态的融合FBs成为具有运动能力和增殖能力的活跃细胞。应用免疫组化ABC法结合图像分析技术 ,观察伤后不同时间创缘FBs内cFn的含量变化。伤后 1h ,可以检测到cFn有变化 ,且在伤后 6h内 ,cFn逐渐增多 ,其变化与损伤时间呈正相关。这对今后应用cFn与损伤时间推断的研究提供了科学依据 ,同时为法医学损伤时间研究开辟了新的途径。     

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。