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Kuffel A, Nic Daeid N, Gray A. Impact of swabbing solutions on the recovery of biological material from non-porous surfaces. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2024; 9:100551. [PMID: 39281425 PMCID: PMC11399651 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2024.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Cotton swabs are one of the most effective methods of retrieving biological evidence. The efficiency of swab-based DNA recovery is impacted by many factors, such as the swabbing technique, source of DNA and volume and type of wetting solution used to moisten the swab head. This study aimed to evaluate a series of different swab-moistening solutions. The types of swabbing solutions included buffers, detergent-based solutions, and chelating agents. The DNA deposits, including cell-free DNA, cellular DNA, blood, and saliva, were collected from three non-porous surfaces: plastic, glass, and metal. The difference in the performance of the swab-wetting solutions was heavily influenced by the type of biological fluid, with the chelating agents, EGTA and EDTA, being the most suitable for recovering DNA from saliva and blood samples. Conversely, water and detergent-based solutions were more appropriate for cell-free and cellular DNA material likely to be found in trace DNA deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kuffel
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, Fleming Gym Building, University of Dundee, Small's Wynd, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Niamh Nic Daeid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, Fleming Gym Building, University of Dundee, Small's Wynd, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Gray
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, Fleming Gym Building, University of Dundee, Small's Wynd, Dundee, United Kingdom
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2
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Stojanović I, Stefanović A, Ilić G. DNA degradation of bloodstains on cotton fabric caused by different washing procedures. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-023-00768-2. [PMID: 38175311 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00768-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
DNA degradation in biological material needs to be better understood. Bloodstains on washed clothing are disturbed by washing procedures, sometimes transferred to other fabrics, often with latent bloodstains and usually with significantly degraded DNA. The samples (cotton fabric with bloodstains) are divided into six main groups, depending on the washing method regarding water temperature (95, 60, and 30 °C) and the detergent use. After completing the washing process, samples were stored for a certain period (1 day to 6 months) and subsequently analyzed. Analyses were performed using standard protocols and commercial kits to measure the remaining DNA quantity (concentration) and DNA degradation index in the processed samples. Our results revealed that the high washing temperature (60 and 95 °C) and the application of detergent have a synergic action on DNA degradation, while at 30 °C this effect is absent. Furthermore, the effect of detergent on accelerated DNA degradation is observed about a month after the washing. This delayed effect of detergent has no explanation in current literature data. To obtain optimal results from the bloodstains, we recommended that the period from the crime event and attempted cleaning by a perpetrator to the laboratory analysis should be less than 1 month.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Stojanović
- Department of Biological Evidence and DNA Analysis, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, University of Nis, Dr Zoran Djindjic Blv. 81, 18000, Nis, Serbia.
| | - Aleksandra Stefanović
- DNA Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, University of Nis, Dr Zoran Djindjic Blv. 81, 18000, Nis, Serbia
| | - Goran Ilić
- Faculty of Medicine, The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, University of Nis, Dr Zoran Djindjic Blv. 81, 18000, Nis, Serbia
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3
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Biggin MR, Albrecht I, Novroski NM. Assessing DNA recovery and profile determination from bloody snow. Sci Justice 2022; 62:152-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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4
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Bukyya JL, Tejasvi MLA, Avinash A, P CH, Talwade P, Afroz MM, Pokala A, Neela PK, Shyamilee TK, Srisha V. DNA Profiling in Forensic Science: A Review. Glob Med Genet 2021; 8:135-143. [PMID: 34877570 PMCID: PMC8635824 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1728689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA is present in most of the cells in our body, which is unique in each and every individual, and we leave a trail of it everywhere we go. This has become an advantage for forensic investigators who use DNA to draw conclusion in identification of victim and accused in crime scenes. This review described the use of genetic markers in forensic investigation and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Lakshmi Bukyya
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Tirumala Institute of Dental Sciences, Nizamabad, Telangana, India
| | - M L Avinash Tejasvi
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
| | - Anulekha Avinash
- Department of Prosthodontics, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
| | - Chanchala H P
- Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, JSS Dental College, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyanka Talwade
- Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, JSS Dental College, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohammed Malik Afroz
- Department of Oral Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Archana Pokala
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Neela
- Department of Orthodontics, Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences, Narketpally, Telangana, India
| | - T K Shyamilee
- Department of Oral Pathology, Private Practice, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Vammi Srisha
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Private Practice, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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5
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Stojanović I, Stojanović J, Šorgić D, Čipev A. Effect of incomplete sampling description in DNA reports on bloodstain pattern analysis and reconstruction of a crime scene. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2020; 60:301-304. [PMID: 32476592 DOI: 10.1177/0025802420926876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA analysts in forensic laboratories are engaged in analysing and sampling bloodstains from bloodstained items. Detailed and precise descriptions of bloodstains on items of interest are very important for bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). DNA and BPA reports were examined from forensic laboratories in Serbia (N = 88). About 400 reports were observed from the past three years. First, we analysed descriptions of items (clothing and shoes) in DNA reports, and special attention was paid to descriptions of bloodstains. Subsequently, we estimated the value of descriptions of bloodstained items of interest in linking specific types of bloodstains to the obtained DNA profiles. Observed descriptions of bloodstained items in DNA reports are usually limited to phrases. A major problem exists in cases where several people were injured in the same bloodshed event. Connecting specific types of bloodstains to obtained DNA profiles is essential for the reconstruction of crime events. The complete analysis should therefore include detailed descriptions of all types of observed and sampled bloodstains. In DNA laboratories that are within a larger institute, it would be more appropriate and productive if BPA and DNA experts examined bloodstained items cooperatively. Moderately sized laboratories have a limited number of employees. So, in those DNA laboratories, it would be more appropriate to educate DNA analysts in the basic principles of BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Stojanović
- The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia
| | - Jovan Stojanović
- The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia
| | - Dejan Šorgić
- The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia
| | - Anita Čipev
- The Institute of Forensic Medicine Nis, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia
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6
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Forensic touch DNA recovery from metal surfaces – A review. Sci Justice 2020; 60:206-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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7
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Adamowicz MS, Stasulli DM, Sobestanovich EM, Bille TW. Evaluation of methods to improve the extraction and recovery of DNA from cotton swabs for forensic analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e116351. [PMID: 25549111 PMCID: PMC4280208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Samples for forensic DNA analysis are often collected from a wide variety of objects using cotton or nylon tipped swabs. Testing has shown that significant quantities of DNA are retained on the swab, however, and subsequently lost. When processing evidentiary samples, the recovery of the maximum amount of available DNA is critical, potentially dictating whether a usable profile can be derived from a piece of evidence or not. The QIAamp DNA Investigator extraction kit was used with its recommended protocol for swabs (one hour incubation at 56°C) as a baseline. Results indicate that over 50% of the recoverable DNA may be retained on the cotton swab tip, or otherwise lost, for both blood and buccal cell samples when using this protocol. The protocol’s incubation time and temperature were altered, as was incubating while shaking or stationary to test for increases in recovery efficiency. An additional step was then tested that included periodic re-suspension of the swab tip in the extraction buffer during incubation. Aliquots of liquid blood or a buccal cell suspension were deposited and dried on cotton swabs and compared with swab-less controls. The concentration of DNA in each extract was quantified and STR analysis was performed to assess the quality of the extracted DNA. Stationary incubations and those performed at 65°C did not result in significant gains in DNA yield. Samples incubated for 24 hours yielded less DNA. Increased yields were observed with three and 18 hour incubation periods. Increases in DNA yields were also observed using a swab re-suspension method for both cell types. The swab re-suspension method yielded an average two-fold increase in recovered DNA yield with buccal cells and an average three-fold increase with blood cells. These findings demonstrate that more of the DNA collected on swabs can be recovered with specific protocol alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Adamowicz
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dominique M. Stasulli
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Emily M. Sobestanovich
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Todd W. Bille
- National Laboratory Center, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Ammendale, Maryland, United States of America
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8
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Campos EA, Pitta DR, Costa FA, Campos VM, Yela D, Fernandes A. DNA extraction from filter-paper spots of vaginal samples collected after sexual violence. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2014; 126:23-7. [PMID: 24792405 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To detect the presence of male DNA in vaginal samples collected from survivors of sexual violence and stored on filter paper. METHODS A pilot study was conducted to evaluate 10 vaginal samples spotted on sterile filter paper: 6 collected at random in April 2009 and 4 in October 2010. Time between sexual assault and sample collection was 4-48hours. After drying at room temperature, the samples were placed in a sterile envelope and stored for 2-3years until processing. DNA extraction was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for human β-globin, and the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was quantified. The presence of the Y chromosome was detected using primers for sequences in the TSPY (Y7/Y8 and DYS14) and SRY genes. RESULTS β-Globin was detected in all 10 samples, while 2 samples were positive for PSA. Half of the samples amplified the Y7/Y8 and DYS14 sequences of the TSPY gene and 30% amplified the SRY gene sequence of the Y chromosome. Four male samples and 1 female sample served as controls. CONCLUSION Filter-paper spots stored for periods of up to 3years proved adequate for preserving genetic material from vaginal samples collected following sexual violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete A Campos
- Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Denise R Pitta
- Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Costa
- Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Vanessa M Campos
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daniela Yela
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Arlete Fernandes
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
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9
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Yang J, Brooks C, Estes MD, Hurth CM, Zenhausern F. An integratable microfluidic cartridge for forensic swab samples lysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2013; 8:147-58. [PMID: 24315603 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Fully automated rapid forensic DNA analysis requires integrating several multistep processes onto a single microfluidic platform, including substrate lysis, extraction of DNA from the released lysate solution, multiplexed PCR amplification of STR loci, separation of PCR products by capillary electrophoresis, and analysis for allelic peak calling. Over the past several years, most of the rapid DNA analysis systems developed started with the reference swab sample lysate and involved an off-chip lysis of collected substrates. As a result of advancement in technology and chemistry, addition of a microfluidic module for swab sample lysis has been achieved in a few of the rapid DNA analysis systems. However, recent reports on integrated rapid DNA analysis systems with swab-in and answer-out capability lack any quantitative and qualitative characterization of the swab-in sample lysis module, which is important for downstream forensic sample processing. Maximal collection and subsequent recovery of the biological material from the crime scene is one of the first and critical steps in forensic DNA technology. Herein we present the design, fabrication and characterization of an integratable swab lysis cartridge module and the test results obtained from different types of commonly used forensic swab samples, including buccal, saliva, and blood swab samples, demonstrating the compatibility with different downstream DNA extraction chemistries. This swab lysis cartridge module is easy to operate, compatible with both forensic and microfluidic requirements, and ready to be integrated with our existing automated rapid forensic DNA analysis system. Following the characterization of the swab lysis module, an integrated run from buccal swab sample-in to the microchip CE electropherogram-out was demonstrated on the integrated prototype instrument. Therefore, in this study, we demonstrate that this swab lysis cartridge module is: (1) functionally, comparable with routine benchtop lysis, (2) compatible with various types of swab samples and chemistries, and (3) integratable to achieve a micro total analysis system (μTAS) for rapid DNA analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Yang
- Center for Applied NanoBioscience and Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, 425 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA.
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10
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Coyle HM. The importance of scientific evaluation of biological evidence--data from eight years of case review. Sci Justice 2012; 52:268-70. [PMID: 23068778 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2011] [Revised: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In 2009, the National Research Council published a report stating that the addition of more science and technology into the field of forensic science in the United States would be of great benefit to the judicial system. As a starting point to address this NRC report, one needs to make an assessment of the system. One factor that is continuously requested is an estimate of an error rate. In any given scientific area of forensics that is difficult to quantitate except by external review and audits. After eight years of requested defense review of cases with biological and DNA evidence, most cases appear to be scientifically sound in test methods and procedures. However, there were some cases where errors in the forensic science process did occur. This article takes information compiled from those eight years of defense review and summarizes the cases where errors have been discovered and discusses the scientific implications of these errors. The scope of this article is limited to crime scene collection and forensic science laboratory testing of biological materials for body fluid identification and DNA individualization to a source. The greatest value of defense review comes from (a) providing effective balance and independent oversight to the judicial process and (b) collecting data into a format that can be useful as a guide in training programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Miller Coyle
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516 USA.
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11
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Allgeier L, Hemenway J, Shirley N, LaNier T, Coyle HM. Field testing of collection cards for Cannabis sativa samples with a single hexanucleotide DNA marker. J Forensic Sci 2011; 56:1245-9. [PMID: 21644990 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2011.01818.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The validity and feasibility of using DNA collection cards in the field for preservation and analysis of Cannabis sativa genotypes were investigated using a highly specific hexanucleotide marker. Collection cards were submitted to the National Marijuana Initiative, which selectively trained and managed the collection of specific types of samples from a variety of participating agencies. Samples collected at seizure sites included fresh marijuana leaf samples, dried "dispensary" samples, U.S. border seizures, and hashish. Using a standardized PCR kit with custom-labeled oligonucleotide primers specific to marijuana, collection cards produced eight genotypes and 13 different alleles, extremely low baselines, and no cross-reactivity with control plant species. Results were produced from all sample types with the exception of hashish. Plant DNA collection cards represent an easily implementable method for the genetic identification and relatedness of C. sativa street and grow site-seized samples with applications for databasing and market disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Allgeier
- Forensic Science Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, 300 Boston Post Road, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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12
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Ellis MA, Song F, Parks ET, Eckert GJ, Dean JA, Windsor LJ. An evaluation of DNA yield, DNA quality and bite registration from a dental impression wafer. J Am Dent Assoc 2007; 138:1234-40; quiz 1267. [PMID: 17785390 DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors determined the amount and quality of the DNA captured by a bite impression wafer and analyzed any inaccuracies in the impression wafer. METHODS The authors made bite registrations for subjects aged 7 to 12 years by using a dental impression wafer (Toothprints, Kerr, Orange, Calif.), obtained an oral rinse sample, took cheek cells by using buccal swabs and made an alginate impression to pour a stone model. They extracted and quantified the DNA from the dental impression wafer, mouthwash and buccal swabs by using the Quant-iT PicoGreen (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) assay and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. They compared the stone models and imprints from the wafer. RESULTS The average amounts of DNA determined by using Quant-iT PicoGreen from the buccal swab, mouthwash and dental impression wafer samples were 113.61, 509.57 and 1.03 micrograms, respectively. The average amounts of DNA determined by using RT-PCR from the buccal swab, mouthwash and dental impression wafer samples were 11.5240, 22.2540 and 0.0279 mug, respectively. The bite registrations and stone models had an average of 14 percent of mismatches. CONCLUSION The dental impression wafers captured DNA but not in high quantities. They did not produce an accurate representation of the dentition. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The dental impression wafers captured enough DNA to permit amplification. The accuracy of the bite registration was not sufficient for identification purposes. Therefore, dental impression wafers may be useful only as a reservoir for DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Ellis
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry, 1121 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Iwamura ESM, Oliveira CRGCM, Soares-Vieira JA, Nascimento SAB, Muñoz DR. A qualitative study of compact bone microstructure and nuclear short tandem repeat obtained from femur of human remains found on the ground and exhumed 3 years after death. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2005; 26:33-44. [PMID: 15725775 DOI: 10.1097/01.paf.0000154116.30837.d5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Forensic identification of human remains is composed of anthropological study of race, sex, age, etc. By using these traditional methods, inconclusive or nonidentified cases could be subjected to DNA analysis. However, in spite of advances in human identification techniques, especially by PCR-amplified DNA, some limitations that affect the ability of obtaining DNA from human remains still persist. Light microscope sections of postmortem compact bones from human remains are presented here for the purpose of increasing a forensic examiner's prediction of successful nuclear DNA typing. Femoral compact bones were obtained from 7 human remains found on the ground, in different degrees of decomposition, and were cleaned by boiling to remove soft tissues, 8 collections of bones having undergone natural decomposition, not boiled (as no soft tissue was adhered), and 5 cadavers 12 to 16 hours postmortem. The histologic sections were stained by hematoxylin and eosin, the loci CSF1PO, TPOX, TH01, F13A01, FESFPS, vWA, D16S539, D7S820, D13S317, and amelogenin were amplified by PCR, and the polyacrylamide gel was stained with silver. The results presented here clarify questions concerning the viability of DNA for identification analysis, and they also may help to establish better strategies for optimization of DNA extraction and analysis in compact bones of human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edna S Miazato Iwamura
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Etica Médica, Medicina Social e do Trabalho, Instituto Oscar Freire, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Torres Y, Flores I, Prieto V, López-Soto M, Farfán MJ, Carracedo A, Sanz P. DNA mixtures in forensic casework: a 4-year retrospective study. Forensic Sci Int 2003; 134:180-6. [PMID: 12850415 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(03)00161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Occasionally interpretation guidelines from validation studies are difficult to apply to real forensic casework, especially in the case of mixed samples. Exogenous contamination, an unknown number of contributors or unbalanced proportion of each one in the sample and a varied degree of degradation of the biological materials, contribute to the difficulties in the interpretation of sample profiles. In this paper we have reviewed all the mixed genetic STR profiles encountered in our laboratory over 4 years (1997-2000) and evaluated the problems in the interpretation of the results. From 1547 criminal cases with 2424 samples typed, 163 showed a mixed profile (6.7%). We have observed that occasionally, a mixture appeared in the same sample with one multiplex amplification kit (e.g. Blue) and not with another (e.g. Green). From our results, it can be suggested that technical characteristics of the different fluorochrome groups in the multiplexes override the molecular characteristics of each STR in their capacity to detect mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Torres
- Instituto Nacional de Toxicología, E-41080 Sevilla, Spain.
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Spanakis E. Human DNA Sampling and Banking. MOLECULAR GENETIC EPIDEMIOLOGY — A LABORATORY PERSPECTIVE 2002. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-56207-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Soares-Vieira JA, Muñoz DR, Iwamura ES, de Almeida Cardoso L, Billerbeck AE. Analysis of DNA in minute volumes of blood from stains and crusts. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2001; 22:308-12. [PMID: 11563747 DOI: 10.1097/00000433-200109000-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As the first step, the locus D1S80 was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction technique from genomic DNA extracted from artificial bloodstains and crusts with different amount of blood (32 microl, 16 microl, 8 microl, 4 microl, 2 microl, and 1 microl). In all samples of bloodstains and crusts, identification by DNA analysis was possible. As the second step, the locus HLA-DQA1 was amplified from genomic DNA extracted from diluted blood samples (640, 320, 160, 80, 40, 20, 10, and 5 leukocytes). DNA amplification was possible in diluted blood samples with at least 10 leukocytes. Considering the conditions in which the present study was carried out, it was possible to conclude that 1 microl of bloodstains or crusts was enough for identification. It was also concluded that five leukocytes are not enough material to render consistent DNA identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Soares-Vieira
- Departamento de Medicina Legal, Facultade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto Oscar Freire, Brasil.
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18
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Soares-Vieira JA, Billerbeck AE, Iwamura ES, Cardoso LD, Romero Muñoz D. Post-mortem forensic identity testing: application of PCR to the identification of fire victim. SAO PAULO MED J 2000; 118:75-7. [PMID: 10810332 PMCID: PMC11173241 DOI: 10.1590/s1516-31802000000300005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT DNA analysis has been used with success in the identification of carbonized corpses and victims of large accidents. The analysis requires relatives of crash victims to donate blood for analysis. The relatives are generally willing contribute to the identification by giving a blood sample. OBJECTIVE To describe the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for genetic characterization of one victim extensively burned by fire. DESIGN Case report. CASE REPORT DNA was extracted from blood of the cardiac chamber, and 15 different loci (D1S80, ApoB, D17S30, D3S1744, D18S849, D12S1090, FGA, D7S820, D1S533, D9S304, HUMCSF1PO, HUMTPOX, HUMTHO1, amelogenin and HLA-DQA1) were analyzed using the PCR technique. Results from all loci typing of the corpse were then compared to that of his alleged biological parents, revealing a genetic compatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Soares-Vieira
- Department of Legal Medicine, Medicine Faculty, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Abstract
With the continuing development of extremely sensitive, automated systems for the detection of human DNA from a number of cellular sources, the problem of sample contamination from scenes of crime, cadavers, and the mortuary environment has become a potentially serious issue, with implications for all involved in forensic investigations. A recent survey of 20 mortuaries identified quantifiable human DNA on mortuary work surfaces and instruments which, when amplified, produced in some cases three or more profiles from single site samples. Possible sources of DNA contamination in the mortuary are discussed, along with implications related to its presence and its avoidance during the sampling process. These observations may not be confined to forensic practice.
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