Development and usage of a NIST standard reference material for real time PCR quantitation of human DNA

National Institute of Standards and Technology SRM 2372 human DNA quantitation standard has been produced to support the need for a human-specific DNA quantitation standard in forensic casework and calibration of new quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The conventional DNA concentration has been assigned with one of the U.S. National Reference UV/Visible Spectrophotometers, assuming an absorbance of 1.0 at 260 nm equals 50 ng/μL of double stranded DNA. In addition, an interlaboratory study has been conducted, to verify that the SRM 2372 materials perform well in currently used DNA quantitation assays by the forensic DNA community. Each unit of SRM 2372 consists of three well-characterized DNA extracts. Component A is a single-source human male material derived from blood. Component B is a multiple-source human female material derived from blood. Component C was purchased as a purified unsheared genomic human DNA (Sigma-Aldrich Co., St. Louis, MO) obtained as a lyophilized human genomic extract and has both male and female donors. SRM 2372 is intended to enable the comparison of DNA concentration measurements across time and place. Manufacturers can use SRM 2372 to validate the values assigned to their own reference materials. Individual forensic laboratories can use SRM 2372 to validate DNA quantitation methods and to verify the assigned concentration of in-house or commercial DNA calibration standards.     

The role of certain sections of the central nervous system in the genesis of sudden death]

Hypothalamic and hippocampal lipid composition in sudden death from coronary heart disease is studied. Thin-layer chromatography was the main method of biochemical analysis. Disorders in the lipid component of hippocampal cytostructures involved mainly the cholesterol fractions. Metabolic disorders in the hypothalamus involved the phospholipid metabolism. The above-mentioned biochemical changes were paralleled by ultrastructural abnormalities. Analysis of the data demonstrates a probable metabolic basis of a central mechanism of sudden cardiac death.     

Micromorphological criteria of the early periods in craniocerebral trauma]

System of quantitative criteria for early periods of craniocerebral trauma involving short intervals (0-5 min, 0.5h, 1-2h, 3-4h, 5-6h) was developed on the basis of micromorphometric study of the brain obtained from 120 persons who died of craniocerebral trauma. High informative value of morphometric characteristics of vagus dorsal nucleus (values of neurocyte quantity, disorientation and deformity; percentage of cells without visible changes and different pathomorphologic types; excess coefficient; coefficient of correlation between volumes of neuron bodies and nuclei; nucleus volume) was determined. Optimal conditions of using quantitative criteria were outlined.     

Hague Case Law — Latest Developments

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