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Lisman D, Drath J, Zielińska G, Zacharczuk J, Piątek J, van de Wetering T, Ossowki A. The evidential value of dental calculus in the identification process. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21666. [PMID: 38066060 PMCID: PMC10709568 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48761-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA analysis-based identification is by far the gold standard in forensic genetics and it should be performed in every case involving human remains or unidentified bodies. Bones and teeth are the preferred source of human DNA for genetic analysis. However, there are cases where the nature of the proceedings and historical significance prevent the disruption of skeletal structure. The remains may also be heavily degraded. In such situations, forensic geneticists seek alternative sources of human DNA. Teeth calculus has proven to be a viable source of DNA for identification purposes. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of human DNA in teeth calculus and evaluate the usefulness of teeth calculus as a DNA source in the identification process. Teeth calculus was collected from skeletons exhumed between 2021 and 2022 by the PBGOT (Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism) team from the former Stalag IID prisoner-of-war camp in Stargard. Genetic analyses included the determination of autosomal and Y-STR markers. The total concentration of human DNA was also evaluated in samples from teeth calculus and teeth taken from the same individuals. The pilot study included 22 skeletons with a sufficient amount of calculus for isolation (specified in the protocol). Samples were taken from the largest areas of calculus deposited on lingual surfaces of mandibular incisors. The prepared samples underwent DNA extraction. Our study demonstrated that teeth calculus is a source of human DNA for remains from the World War II period. The obtained DNA concentration allowed for the determination of STR markers. It was shown that teeth calculus contains human DNA in an amount suitable for preliminary identification analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Lisman
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Drath
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Julia Zacharczuk
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Piątek
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Thierry van de Wetering
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ossowki
- Department of Forensic Genetic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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2
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Freire-Aradas A, Tomsia M, Piniewska-Róg D, Ambroa-Conde A, Casares de Cal MA, Pisarek A, Gómez-Tato A, Álvarez-Dios J, Pośpiech E, Parson W, Kayser M, Phillips C, Branicki W. Development of an epigenetic age predictor for costal cartilage with a simultaneous somatic tissue differentiation system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 67:102936. [PMID: 37783021 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Age prediction from DNA has been a topic of interest in recent years due to the promising results obtained when using epigenetic markers. Since DNA methylation gradually changes across the individual's lifetime, prediction models have been developed accordingly for age estimation. The tissue-dependence for this biomarker usually necessitates the development of tissue-specific age prediction models, in this way, multiple models for age inference have been constructed for the most commonly encountered forensic tissues (blood, oral mucosa, semen). The analysis of skeletal remains has also been attempted and prediction models for bone have now been reported. Recently, the VISAGE Enhanced Tool was developed for the simultaneous DNA methylation analysis of 8 age-correlated loci using targeted high-throughput sequencing. It has been shown that this method is compatible with epigenetic age estimation models for blood, buccal cells, and bone. Since when dealing with decomposed cadavers or postmortem samples, cartilage samples are also an important biological source, an age prediction model for cartilage has been generated in the present study based on methylation data collected using the VISAGE Enhanced Tool. In this way, we have developed a forensic cartilage age prediction model using a training set composed of 109 samples (19-74 age range) based on DNA methylation levels from three CpGs in FHL2, TRIM59 and KLF14, using multivariate quantile regression which provides a mean absolute error (MAE) of ± 4.41 years. An independent testing set composed of 72 samples (19-75 age range) was also analyzed and provided an MAE of ± 4.26 years. In addition, we demonstrate that the 8 VISAGE markers, comprising EDARADD, TRIM59, ELOVL2, MIR29B2CHG, PDE4C, ASPA, FHL2 and KLF14, can be used as tissue prediction markers which provide reliable blood, buccal cells, bone, and cartilage differentiation using a developed multinomial logistic regression model. A training set composed of 392 samples (n = 87 blood, n = 86 buccal cells, n = 110 bone and n = 109 cartilage) was used for building the model (correct classifications: 98.72%, sensitivity: 0.988, specificity: 0.996) and validation was performed using a testing set composed of 192 samples (n = 38 blood, n = 36 buccal cells, n = 46 bone and n = 72 cartilage) showing similar predictive success to the training set (correct classifications: 97.4%, sensitivity: 0.968, specificity: 0.991). By developing both a new cartilage age model and a tissue differentiation model, our study significantly expands the use of the VISAGE Enhanced Tool while increasing the amount of DNA methylation-based information obtained from a single sample and a single forensic laboratory analysis. Both models have been placed in the open-access Snipper forensic classification website.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Freire-Aradas
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - M Tomsia
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Toxicology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - D Piniewska-Róg
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - A Ambroa-Conde
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - M A Casares de Cal
- CITMAga (Center for Mathematical Research and Technology of Galicia), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - A Pisarek
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - A Gómez-Tato
- CITMAga (Center for Mathematical Research and Technology of Galicia), University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - J Álvarez-Dios
- Faculty of Mathematics, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - E Pośpiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - W Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - M Kayser
- Department of Forensic Molecular Biology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - W Branicki
- Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Forensic Research, Kraków, Poland.
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3
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Lisman D, Drath J, Teul I, Zielińska G, Szargut M, Dowejko J, Cytacka S, Piątek J, Ambroziak J, Śliżewski G, Ossowski A. The last flight of F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. Identification of the polish pilot. Front Genet 2023; 14:1231451. [PMID: 37576561 PMCID: PMC10415905 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1231451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The paper presents the process of identifying an unnamed soldier of the Polish armed forces in the west, whose remains were found in a nameless grave at the municipal cemetery in Le Crotoy in France. The Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism team carried out the research in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. A comprehensive analysis of autosomal and Y-STR markers was performed. Historical, anthropological, and forensic examinations of the remains were also carried out. The items found with the remains were also examined. Identification based on DNA analysis made it possible to restore the identity of the Polish pilot who died on 11 March 1943 near the French coast, F/O Tadeusz Stabrowski. The airman regained his name in 2018, he was about 26 years old at the time of his death and left behind a grieving wife and son in the United Kingdom. The success of identifying the NN remains was guaranteed by the appointment of an interdisciplinary team consisting of specialists in archaeology, anthropology, history, forensic medicine and forensic genetics. The analysis of historical sources allowed to determine 4 missing airmen whose remains could have been buried in the cemetery in Le Crotoy. An interesting aspect of the research was the cooperation with history enthusiasts and fans of Polish aviation, thanks to which it was finally possible to narrow down the group of pilots sought and reach the family of Tadeusz Stabrowski, who submitted comparative material for research. This is the first case of establishing the identity of a Polish pilot killed in France. Many institutions have been involved in the project, including Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MDiKN), which partially funded the research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Lisman
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Drath
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Teul
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Maria Szargut
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Dowejko
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Sandra Cytacka
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Piątek
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jan Ambroziak
- Polish Ministry of Heritage and National Culture, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Genetic Forensic, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Šuligoj A, Mesesnel S, Leskovar T, Podovšovnik E, Zupanič Pajnič I. Comparison of DNA preservation between adult and non-adult ancient skeletons. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1521-1539. [PMID: 36048257 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02881-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies evaluating DNA preservation in non-adults, or comparing preservation in adults and non-adults, are very rare. This study compares the preservation of DNA in the skeletal remains of adults and non-adults. It compares the quality and quantity of DNA recovered from different skeletal elements of adults and non-adults, and from non-adults of different age classes. In addition, the preservation of DNA in males and females is compared. Bone DNA preservation was estimated by measuring nuclear DNA concentration and its degradation, and through STR typing success. The study analyzed 29 adult skeletons and 23 non-adult skeletons from the Ljubljana-Polje archeological site, dating from the seventeenth to nineteenth century, and up to four skeletal elements (petrous bone, femur, calcaneus, and talus) were included. After full demineralization extraction, the PowerQuant System and the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega) were used for qPCR and STR typing, respectively. The results showed that, among the four bone types analyzed, only the petrous bone proved to be a suitable source of DNA for STR typing of non-adult skeletal remains, and DNA yield is even higher than in the adult petrous bone, which can be attributed to the higher DNA degradation observed in the adult petrous bone. In adult skeletons, petrous bones and tali produced high STR amplification success and low DNA yield was observed in adult femurs. The results of this study are applicable for the sampling strategy in routine forensic genetics cases for solving identification cases, including badly preserved non-adult and also adult skeletons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Šuligoj
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Mesesnel
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Leskovar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Molina CM, Wisniewski K, Heaton V, Pringle JK, Avila EF, Herrera LA, Guerrero J, Saumett M, Echeverry R, Duarte M, Baena A. Monitoring of simulated clandestine graves of dismembered victims using UAVs, electrical tomography, and GPR over one year to aid investigations of human rights violations in Colombia, South America. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:1060-1071. [PMID: 34927732 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In most Latin American countries, there are significant numbers of missing people and forced disappearances, over 120,000 in Colombia alone. Successful detection of shallow buried human remains by forensic search teams is difficult in varying terrain and climates. Previous research has created controlled simulated clandestine graves of murder victims to optimize search techniques and methodologies. This paper reports on a study on controlled test site results over four simulated dismembered victims' clandestine graves as this is sadly a common scenario encountered in Latin America. Multispectral images were collected once post-burial, electrical resistivity surveys were collected 4 times, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were collected three times up to the end of the 371 day survey monitoring period. After data processing, results showed that the multispectral data set could detect the simulated clandestine and control graves, with electrical resistivity imaging relative high resistances over some of the simulated graves but not over the empty control graves. GPR results showed good imaging on the Day 8 surveys, medium imaging on the Day 294 surveys, and medium to good imaging on the Day 371 surveys. Study implications suggest that, while clandestine graves of dismembered homicide victims would likely result in smaller-sized graves when compared to graves containing intact bodies, these graves can still potentially be detected using remote sensing and geophysical methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martín Molina
- Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental y Civil, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Vivienne Heaton
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Jamie K Pringle
- School of Geography, Geology and Environment, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Edier Fernando Avila
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cundinamarca, Fusagasugá, Colombia
| | - Luis Alberto Herrera
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cundinamarca, Fusagasugá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Guerrero
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cundinamarca, Fusagasugá, Colombia
| | | | - Raúl Echeverry
- Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental y Civil, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mario Duarte
- Facultad de Ingeniería Mecánica, Electrónica y Biomédica, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Baena
- Facultad de Ciencias, Sede Circunvalar, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Bogotá, Colombia
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Costal cartilage ensures low degradation of DNA needed for genetic identification of human remains retrieved at different decomposition stages and different postmortem intervals. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The study aimed to evaluate if costal cartilage is a good source of DNA for genetic individual identification tests performed in forensic autopsies.
Materials and Methods
The study included samples of costal cartilage collected from 80 cadavers retrieved from different environments: indoors (flat/hospital), outdoors (primarily in the forest), a coal mine, a fire site, uninhabited buildings, a basement, bodies of fresh water, exhumation sites, and unknown locations. After isolation of DNA chondrocytes, T. Large autosomal chromosome (214 bp), T. Small autosomal chromosome (80 bp), and the Y chromosome (75 bp; for male cadavers), sequences were amplified using real-time PCR. Additionally, 23 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci and 16 Y chromosome STR loci were amplified using multiplex PCR. Forensic DNA typing was done using capillary electrophoresis and all results were analyzed.
Results
There was no statistically significant difference in DNA concentration after T. Large, T. Small autosomal chromosome and the Y chromosome amplification between samples collected from cadavers retrieved from different environments. The DNA degradation index was the same regardless of the postmortem interval. The results show that it is possible to generate a full genetic profile from costal cartilage samples collected from cadavers retrieved from different environments and at different times elapsed after death.
Conclusions
The results suggest that costal cartilage can be routinely collected during forensic autopsies, especially from cadavers at the advanced decomposition stage.
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Zupanič Pajnič I, Inkret J, Zupanc T, Podovšovnik E. Comparison of nuclear DNA yield and STR typing success in Second World War petrous bones and metacarpals III. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 55:102578. [PMID: 34425360 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA yield and STR typing success differ among skeletal element types and within individual bones. Consequently, it is necessary to identify the skeletal elements and their intra-skeletal parts that will most likely yield utilizable and informative endogenous DNA for human identification of skeletal remains. The petrous portion of the temporal bone has been shown to be the most suitable skeletal part for sampling archaeological skeletons, and it has also been used successfully in some forensic cases. When all representative bone types were analyzed for three complete Second World War skeletons, metatarsals and metacarpals yielded more DNA than petrous bones (which generated full profiles even if the DNA yield was lower) and, among almost 200 Second World War metatarsals and metacarpals analyzed, metacarpals III were found to be the highest-yielding bones. To further improve the sampling strategy in DNA analysis of aged skeletal remains, a comparison between 26 petrous bones and 30 metacarpals III from Second World War skeletons was made considering intra-bone DNA yield variability. In metacarpals III only epiphyses were sampled, and in petrous bones only the dense part within the otic capsule was used. To exclude the influence of taphonomic issues as much as possible, petrous bones and metacarpals III from a single Second World War mass grave were examined. The difference between petrous bones and metacarpals III was explored by measuring nuclear DNA yield and success of STR typing. After cleaning the samples, full demineralization extraction was used to decalcify 0.5 g of powdered bone. PowerQuant (Promega) was used to determine DNA content and DNA degradation rates, and STR typing was performed using the PowerPlex ESI 17 Fast System (Promega). Metacarpals III produced the same DNA yields and STR typing success as petrous bones with no intra-individual difference observed in concentration of DNA, degradation rate, percentage of successfully amplified alleles, and intensity of electrophoretic signals. Sampling and processing of metacarpal III epiphyses is consequently recommended for genetic identification of highly degraded skeletal remains in routine forensic casework and in buried non-commingled aged skeletal remains whenever metacarpals III are preserved. Metacarpals III are easy to sample and less prone to contamination with modern DNA because no saw is needed for sampling in comparison to the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The data obtained in this study further improve the sampling strategy for genetic identification of Second World War skeletal remains in Slovenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia.
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Molina CM, Wisniewski KD, Drake J, Baena A, Guatame A, Pringle JK. Testing Application of Geographical Information Systems, Forensic Geomorphology and Electrical Resistivity Tomography to Investigate Clandestine Grave Sites in Colombia, South America. J Forensic Sci 2019; 65:266-273. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martin Molina
- Universidad Antonio Nariño, Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental and Facultad de Ciencias Calle 22 sur No. 12d-81 Bogotá Colombia
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias ForensesLaboratorio de Evidencia Traza Calle 7A No. 12a-51 Bogotá Colombia
| | - Kristopher D. Wisniewski
- Department of Criminal Justice and Forensics School of Law, Policing & Forensics Science Centre Staffordshire University Leek Road Stoke on Trent ST4 2DF U.K
- School of Geography, Geology and Environment Keele University Keele Staffs ST5 5BG U.K
| | - Jonathan Drake
- American Association for the Advancement of Science 1200 New York Ave NW Washington DC
| | - Alejandra Baena
- Universidad Antonio Nariño, Facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental and Facultad de Ciencias Calle 22 sur No. 12d-81 Bogotá Colombia
| | - Ana Guatame
- Equipo Colombiano Interdisciplinario de Trabajo Forense y Asistencia Psicosocial EQUITAS Avenida Carrera 24 No. 40-44 Oficina 202 Bogotá Colombia
| | - Jamie K. Pringle
- School of Geography, Geology and Environment Keele University Keele Staffs ST5 5BG U.K
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Shao-Qing W, Ruo-Yu B, Bo-Yan Z, Pan-Xin D, Chang S, Liang C, Ya-Wei Z, Yu-Chun L, Mei-Sen S, Yin-Qiu C, Hua C, Hong Z, Li J, Hui L. China National DNA Martyry: a beacon of hope for the martyrs' coming home. J Hum Genet 2019; 64:1045-1047. [PMID: 31388110 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-019-0649-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shao-Qing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,Institute of Archaeological Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Bao Ruo-Yu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhou Bo-Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and Institute of Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Du Pan-Xin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Sun Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chen Liang
- School of Cultural Heritages, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhou Ya-Wei
- School of History, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Li Yu-Chun
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution/Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Shi Mei-Sen
- Institute of the Investigation, School of Criminal Justice, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, 100088, China
| | - Cui Yin-Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Chen Hua
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhang Hong
- The First Affiliated Hospital Health Center and School of Management, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Jin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Li Hui
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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10
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Rubio-Melendi D, Gonzalez-Quirós A, Roberts D, García García MDC, Caunedo Domínguez A, Pringle JK, Fernández-Álvarez JP. GPR and ERT detection and characterization of a mass burial, Spanish Civil War, Northern Spain. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 287:e1-e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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11
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Corrêa HSD, Pedro FLM, Volpato LER, Pereira TM, Siebert Filho G, Borges ÁH. Forensic DNA typing from teeth using demineralized root tips. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 280:164-168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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12
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Ossowski A, Diepenbroek M, Zwolski M, Falis A, Wróbel M, Bykowska-Witowska M, Zielińska G, Szargut M, Kupiec T. A case study of an unknown mass grave — Hostages killed 70 years ago by a Nazi firing squad identified thanks to genetics. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:173-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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Ossowski A, Diepenbroek M, Kupiec T, Bykowska-Witowska M, Zielińska G, Dembińska T, Ciechanowicz A. Genetic Identification of Communist Crimes' Victims (1944-1956) Based on the Analysis of One of Many Mass Graves Discovered on the Powazki Military Cemetery in Warsaw, Poland. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1450-1455. [PMID: 27714814 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As the result of the communist terror in Poland, during years 1944-1956 more than 50,000 people died. Their bodies were buried secretly, and most places are still unknown. The research presents the results of identification of people buried in one of many mass graves, which were found at the cemetery Powązki Military in Warsaw, Poland. Exhumation revealed the remains of eight people, among which seven were identified genetically. Well-preserved molars were used for the study. Reference material was collected from the closest living relatives. In one case, an exhumation of victim's parents had to be performed. DNA from swabs was extracted with a PrepFiler® BTA Forensic DNA Extraction Kit and organic method. Autosomal, Y-STR amplification, and mtDNA sequencing were performed. The biostatistical calculations resulted in LR values from 1608 to 928 × 1018 . So far, remains of more than 50 victims were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland.,The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Diepenbroek
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland.,The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kupiec
- The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland.,Institute of Forensic Research in Krakow, Westerplatte Street 9, Kraków, Poland
| | - Milena Bykowska-Witowska
- The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland.,Tadeusz Manteuffel Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Stare Miasto 29, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Grażyna Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland.,The Polish Genetic Database of Totalitarianism Victims, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Teresa Dembińska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ciechanowicz
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Molecular Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich Street 72, Szczecin, Poland
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14
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Chaitanya L, Pajnič IZ, Walsh S, Balažic J, Zupanc T, Kayser M. Bringing colour back after 70 years: Predicting eye and hair colour from skeletal remains of World War II victims using the HIrisPlex system. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 26:48-57. [PMID: 27780108 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Retrieving information about externally visible characteristics from DNA can provide investigative leads to find unknown perpetrators, and can also help in disaster victim and other missing person identification cases. Aiming for the application to both types of forensic casework, we previously developed and forensically validated the HIrisPlex test system enabling parallel DNA prediction of eye and hair colour. Although a recent proof-of-principle study demonstrated the general suitability of the HIrisPlex system for successfully analysing DNA from bones and teeth of various storage times and conditions, practical case applications to human remains are scarce. In this study, we applied the HIrisPlex system to 49 DNA samples obtained from bones or teeth of World War II victims excavated at six sites, mostly mass graves, in Slovenia. PCR-based DNA quantification ranged from 4pg/μl to 313pg/μl and on an average was 41pg/μl across all samples. All 49 samples generated complete HIrisPlex profiles with the exception of one MC1R DNA marker (N29insA) missing in 83.7% of the samples. In 44 of the 49 samples (89.8%) complete 15-loci autosomal STR (plus amelogenin) profiles were obtained. Of 5 pairs of skeletal remains for which STR profiling suggested an origin in the same individuals, respectively, 4 showed the same HIrisPlex profiles and predicted eye and hair colours, respectively, while discrepancies in one pair (sample 26 and 43) are likely to be explained by DNA quantity and quality issues observed in sample 43. Sample 43 had the lowest DNA concentration of only 4pg/μl, producing least reliable STR results and could be misleading in concluding that samples 43 and 26 originate from the same individual. The HIrisPlex-predicted eye and hair colours from two skeletal samples, suggested to derive from two brothers via STR profiling together with a living sister, were confirmed by the living sister's report. Overall, we demonstrate that after more than 70 years, HIrisPlex-based eye and hair colour prediction from skeletal remains is feasible with high success rate. Our results further encourage the use of the HIrisPlex system in missing person/disaster victim identification to aid the identification process in cases where ante-mortem samples or putative relatives are not directly available, and DNA predicted eye and hair colour information provides leads for locating them, allowing STRbased individual identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Chaitanya
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Susan Walsh
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jože Balažic
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Fernández-Álvarez JP, Rubio-Melendi D, Martínez-Velasco A, Pringle JK, Aguilera HD. Discovery of a mass grave from the Spanish Civil War using Ground Penetrating Radar and forensic archaeology. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 267:e10-e17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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16
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Comparison of DNA yield and STR success rates from different tissues in embalmed bodies. Int J Legal Med 2016; 131:61-66. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-016-1405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Geophysical monitoring of simulated graves with resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity and GPR in Colombia, South America. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 261:106-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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18
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Kuś M, Ossowski A, Zielińska G. Comparison of three different DNA extraction methods from a highly degraded biological material. J Forensic Leg Med 2016; 40:47-53. [PMID: 27016882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The identification of unknown victims is one of the most challenging tasks faced by forensic medicine. This is due to the rapid decomposition of tissues, beginning at the moment of death and caused by released enzymes and microbial activity. Decay is directly associated with the decomposition of soft tissues and also the degradation of genetic material inside cells. Decomposition rates vary depending on a number of environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, season, and soil properties. Decomposition also differs between bodies left in the open air or buried. To date, forensic medicine has identified mainly people who were the victims of various types of criminal offences. However, with advances in identification methods, increasingly frequent attempts are made to identify the victims of armed conflicts, crimes of totalitarian regimes, or genocide. The aim of the study was to compare three different methods for the extraction of nuclear DNA from material considered in forensic medicine as difficult to handle, i.e. fragments of bones and teeth, and to determine the performance of these methods and their suitability for identification procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kuś
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland.
| | - A Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
| | - G Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland
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19
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Ossowski A, Kuś M, Kupiec T, Bykowska M, Zielińska G, Jasiński ME, March AL. The Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianisms. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 258:41-9. [PMID: 26646737 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This paper describes the creation of the Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism and the first research conducted under this project. On September 28th 2012, the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin and the Institute of National Remembrance-Commission for Prosecution of Crimes against the Polish Nation agreed to support the creation of the Polish Genetic Database of Victims of Totalitarianism (PBGOT, www.pbgot.pl). The purpose was to employ state-of-the-art methods of forensic genetics to identify the remains of unidentified victims of Communist and Nazi totalitarian regimes. The database was designed to serve as a central repository of genetic information of the victim's DNA and that of the victim's nearest living relatives, with the goal of making a positive identification of the victim. Along the way, PGBOT encountered several challenges. First, extracting useable DNA samples from the remains of individuals who had been buried for over half a century required forensic geneticists to create special procedures and protocols. Second, obtaining genetic reference material and historical information from the victim's closest relatives was both problematic and urgent. The victim's nearest living relatives were part of a dying generation, and the opportunity to obtain the best genetic and historical information about the victims would soon die with them. For this undertaking, PGBOT assembled a team of historians, archaeologists, forensic anthropologists, and forensic geneticists from several European research institutions. The field work was divided into five broad categories: (1) exhumation of victim remains and storing their biological material for later genetic testing; (2) researching archives and historical data for a more complete profile of those killed or missing and the families that lost them; (3) locating the victim's nearest relatives to obtain genetic reference samples (swabs), (4) entering the genetic data from both victims and family members into a common database; (5) making a conclusive, final identification of the victim. PGBOT's first project was to identify victims of the Communist regime buried in hidden mass graves in the Powązki Military Cemetery in Warsaw. Throughout 2012 and 2013, PGBOT carried out archaeological exhumations in the Powązki Military Cemetery that resulted in the recovery of the skeletal remains of 194 victims in several mass graves. Of the 194 sets of remains, more than 50 victims have been successfully matched and identified through genetic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ossowski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - M Kuś
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland.
| | - T Kupiec
- Institute of Forensic Research in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - M Bykowska
- Tadeusz Manteuffel Institute of History of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - G Zielińska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - M E Jasiński
- Department of Historical Studies, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - A L March
- Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, San Antonio, TX, United States
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20
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Molina CM, Pringle JK, Saumett M, Hernández O. Preliminary results of sequential monitoring of simulated clandestine graves in Colombia, South America, using ground penetrating radar and botany. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 248:61-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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