Microencapsulation of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.) Leaf Extract by Spray Drying

Research background. Due to numerous health-promoting properties, dandelion is for years used in a traditional medicine like a herbal remedy, but also as a food product. Dandelion health benefits are ascribed to the presence of different bioactive compounds in dandelion tissues, where polyphenols play a significant role. However, the low stability of polyphenols is a critical parameter for their successful implementation into products. Thus, encapsulation of sensitive polyphenols using appropriate carrier vehicles is highlighted as an effective technique for their stabilization and protection. The aim of this study was for the first time to microencapsulate dandelion leaf extract using spray drying and different carrier materials. Experimental approach. In spray drying, low inlet temperature of 130 °C was employed to preserve sensitive dandelion polyphenols, while guar gum, gum Arabic, inulin, maltodextrin, pectin and alginate were used as carriers. The influence of different carriers and their concentration on physicochemical, morphological and colour properties, polyphenolic content and encapsulation efficiency of polyphenols in dandelion powders was examined. Specific polyphenols were determined using HPLC-PAD analysis. Release profiles of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity in simulated gastrointestinal conditions were also evaluated. Results and conclusions. Comparing to plain dandelion powder, carrier-containing dandelion powders were screened with favourable increased solubility, enhanced flow and cohesive properties, reduced particle size and prolonged release of polyphenols in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Powders were characterized with low moisture content (~2-8 %) and high solubility (~92-97 %). Chicoric acid was the most abundant compound in dandelion powders. Pectin-dandelion powder showed to be the most effective for microencapsulation of polyphenols, especially for chicoric acid entrapment (75.35 %). Alginate-dandelion powder enabled the slowest gradual release of polyphenols. Novelty and scientific contribution. Chosen parameters (130 °C, carriers and their concentration) in spray drying proved to be effective for microencapsulation of dandelion extract, where polyphenolic-rich dandelion powders, due to good physicochemical and encapsulation properties, could serve for the enrichment/production of different functional food products. Also, due to lack of data on dandelion encapsulation, obtained results could be of great interest for researchers in the encapsulation field, but also for food industry, especially in the field of instant powders.

The Enhancing Effects of 10% PBS Washout of Holocene Minerals on HuIFN-αN3 Inducing Capacity of NDV ZG1999HDS or Sendai virus (Cantell Strain)

Different strains of Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) or Sendai viruses (SV) are used to induce the production of human leukocyte multi subtype interferon-alpha (HuIFN-αN3). Their inducing capacity can be enhanced in different ways. One includes 10% PBS washout of Holocene minerals (HM). The presented study aims to compare the HuIFN-αN3 inducing capacity of NDV ZG1999HDS or SV (Cantell strain) strain in vitro, and to evaluate the enhancing effect of 10% PBS washouts of HM on both viruses. The NDV strains’ ZG1999HDS interferon inducing capacity (483.23 ± 4.5 pg/mL) was similar to that of the SV (Cantell strain) (584.16 ± 5.9 pg/mL). It was shown that the HuIFN-αN3 inducing capacity of the strain of NDV ZG1999HDS can be strongly enhanced with 10% PBS washout of HM to 3818.21 ± 41.9 pg/mL and 4790.34 ± 33.5 pg/mL with SV (Cantell strain), u. The RP-HPLC analyses of such HuIFN-αN3 induced with the strain of NDV ZG1999HDS show the difference to SV (Cantell strain) induced HuIFN-αN3 in the absence of subtype α14 and the lower level of the subtype α1. The possible ways of such enhancement were also studied and it was postulated that the Fe²⁺ ions from 10% PBS washouts of HM, while stimulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) formation, activate the transcription factor NF- κB and consequently the production of HuIFN-αN3.

Irinotecan and Δ⁸-Tetrahydrocannabinol Interactions in Rat Liver: A Preliminary Evaluation Using Biochemical and Genotoxicity Markers

There is growing interest regarding the use of herbal preparations based on Cannabis sativa for medicinal purposes, despite the poorly understood interactions of their main constituent Δ⁸-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with conventional drugs, especially cytostatics. The objective of this pilot study was to prove whether the concomitant intake of THC impaired liver function in male Wistar rats treated with the anticancer drug irinotecan (IRI), and evaluate the toxic effects associated with this exposure. IRI was administered once intraperitoneally (at 100 mg/kg of the body weight (b.w.)), while THC was administered per os repeatedly for 1, 3, and 7 days (at 7 mg/kg b.w.). Functional liver impairments were studied using biochemical markers of liver function (aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALP, alkaline phosphatase-AP, and bilirubin) in rats given a combined treatment, single IRI, single THC, and control groups. Using common oxidative stress biomarkers, along with measurement of primary DNA damage in hepatocytes, the degree of impairments caused at the cellular level was also evaluated. THC caused a time-dependent enhancement of acute toxicity in IRI-treated rats, which was confirmed by body and liver weight reduction. Although single THC affected ALP and AP levels more than single IRI, the levels of liver function markers measured after the administration of a combined treatment mostly did not significantly differ from control. Combined exposure led to increased oxidative stress responses in 3- and 7-day treatments, compared to single IRI. Single IRI caused the highest DNA damage at all timepoints. Continuous 7-day oral exposure to single THC caused an increased mean value of comet tail length compared to its shorter treatments. Concomitant intake of THC slightly affected the levels of IRI genotoxicity at all timepoints, but not in a consistent manner. Further studies are needed to prove our preliminary observations, clarify the underlying mechanisms behind IRI and THC interactions, and unambiguously confirm or reject the assumptions made herein.

Expanded Croatian 12 X-STR loci database with an overview of anomalous profiles

In order to implement X-chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) typing into routine forensic practice, reference database of a given population should be established. Therefore we extended already published data with additional 397 blood samples from unrelated Croatian citizens, and analyzed the total of 995 samples (549 male and 446 female) typed by Investigator^® Argus X-12 Kit. To test genetic homogeneity of consecutively processed five historic-cultural regions covering the entire national territory, we calculated pairwise Fst genetic distances between regions based on allele and full haplotype frequencies. Since the comparison did not yield any statistically significant difference, we integrated STR profile information from all regions and used the whole data set to calculate forensic parameters. The most informative marker is DXS10135 (polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.929) and the most informative linkage group (LG) is LG1 (PIC = 0.996). We confirmed linkage disequilibrium (LD) for seven marker pairs belonging to LG2, LG3 and LG4. By including LD information, we calculated cumulative power of discrimination that amounted to 0.999999999997 in females and 0.999999005 in males. We also compared Croatia with 13 European populations based on haplotype frequencies and detected no statistically significant Fst values after Bonferroni correction in any LG. Multi-dimensional scaling plot revealed tight grouping of four Croatian regions amongst populations of southern, central and northern Europe, with the exception of northern Croatia. In this study we gave the first extensive overview of aberrant profiles encountered during Investigator^® Argus X-12 typing. We found ten profiles consistent with single locus duplication followed by tetranucleotide tract length polymorphism. Locus DXS10079 is by far the most frequently affected one, presumably mutated in eight samples. We also found four profiles consistent with X-chromosome aneuploidy (three profiles with XXX pattern and one profile with XXY pattern). In conclusion, we established integral forensic Croatian X-chromosome database, proved forensic pertinence of Investigator^® Argus X-12 Kit for the entire Croatian population and identified locus DXS10079 as a potential duplication hotspot.

Morphological diversity and phylogeny of the diatom genus Entomoneis (Bacillariophyta) in marine plankton: six new species from the Adriatic Sea

The diatom genus Entomoneis is known from the benthos and plankton of marine, brackish, and freshwaters. Entomoneis includes diatoms with a bilobate keel elevated above the valve surface, a sigmoid canal raphe, and numerous girdle bands. Owing mostly to the scarcity of molecular data for a diverse set of species, the phylogeny of Entomoneis has not been investigated in depth. The few previous studies that included Entomoneis were focused on broader questions and the available data were from a small number of either unidentified Entomoneis or well-known species (e.g., E. paludosa). Since the first description of new species combining both molecular and morphological characters (E. tenera), we have continued to cultivate and investigate Entomoneis in the plankton of the Adriatic Sea. Combined multigene phylogeny (SSU rDNA sequences, rbcL, and psbC genes) and morphological observations (LM, SEM and TEM) revealed six new Entomoneis species supported by phylogenetic and morphological data: E. pusilla, E. gracilis, E. vilicicii, E. infula, E. adriatica, and E. umbratica. The most important morphological features for species delineation were cell shape, the degree and mode of torsion, valve apices, the appearance and structure of the transition between keel and valve body, the ultrastructure and the shape of the girdle bands, and the arrangement and density of perforations along the valve and valvocopulae. Our results highlight the underappreciated diversity of Entomoneis and call for a more in-depth morphological and molecular investigation of this genus especially in planktonic habitats.

The Potential of Combined Emulsification and Spray Drying Techniques for Encapsulation of Polyphenols from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Leaves

The present study evaluates the potential of encapsulation of polyphenolic antioxidants from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves by combining emulsification and spray drying techniques. To stabilize the emulsions and prepare samples suitable for use in dry products, double emulsions encapsulating rosemary polyphenolic extract and containing polyglycerol polyricinoleate (4%), whey protein isolates (2 and 4%) as emulsifiers, and maltodextrins (MDE 10 and 21) as enhancing coatings were subjected to spray drying. The obtained results show insignificant (p>0.05) effect of used maltodextrin type and protein content on mean particle size of double emulsions containing rosemary polyphenols. Morphology analyses showed that double emulsions were successfully prepared, spherical microcapsules were obtained after spray drying of double emulsions and double emulsion form was still preserved after rehydration of spray-dried microcapsules. Regardless of used maltodextrins, significantly (p>0.05) higher encapsulation efficiencies (EE) of total polyphenols (39.57 and 42.83%) in rehydrated samples were achieved when higher protein content (4% whey protein isolate) was used, indicating the major impact of protein content on EE of rosemary polyphenols. Also, using HPLC analysis, rosmarinic and caffeic acids, apigenin and luteolin derivatives were detected among specific polyphenols, where rosmarinic acid had notable encapsulation efficiency ranging from 62.15 to 67.43%. In this way, the obtained microcapsules encapsulating rosemary polyphenols could be easily blended with various dry mixtures, and serve for delivery in different functional products.

Analysis of 12 X-STR loci in the population of south Croatia

The aim of the study was to assess forensic pertinence of 12 short tandem repeats (STRs) on X-chromosome in south Croatia population. Investigator^® Argus X-12 kit was used to co-amplify 12 STR loci belonging to four linkage groups (LGs) on X-chromosome in 99 male and 98 female DNA samples of unrelated donors. PCR products were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Population genetic and forensic parameters were calculated by the Arlequin and POPTREE2 software, and an on-line tool available at ChrX-STR.org. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was confirmed for all X-STR markers in female samples. Biallelic patterns at DXS10079 locus were detected in four male samples. Polymorphism information content for the most (DXS10135) and the least (DXS8378) informative markers was 0.9212 and 0.6347, respectively. In both male and female samples, combined power of discrimination exceeded 0.999999999. As confirmed by linkage disequilibrium test, significant association of marker pair DXS10074-DXS10079 (P = 0.0004) within LG2 and marker pair DXS10101-DXS10103 (P = 0.0003) within LG3 was found only in male samples. Number of observed haplotypes in our sample pool amounted 3.01, 7.53, 5 and 3.25% of the number of possible haplotypes for LG1, LG2, LG3 and LG4, respectively. According to haplotype diversity value of 0.9981, LG1 was the most informative. In comparison of south Croatia with 26 world populations, pair-wise [Formula: see text] values increase in parallel with geographical distance. Overall statistical assessment confirmed suitability of Investigator^® Argus X-12 kit for forensic casework in both identification and familial testing in the population of south Croatia.

Investigator Argus X-12 study on the population of northern Croatia

X chromosome STR typing has emerged recently as a powerful tool, complementary to autosomal STR typing, in solving complex forensic and missing person cases. Investigator® Argus X-12 is a commercial product that allows co-amplification of 12 X chromosomal markers belonging to four linkage groups (LGs). In this study, we analyzed by capillary electrophoresis blood samples from 100 females and 102 males from a population of northern Croatia. Statistical analysis included calculation of allele and haplotype frequencies, as well as forensic parameters. The most informative marker for the northern Croatia population was DXS10135 with PIC=0.9211 and a total of 27 alleles. The least polymorphic marker was DXS8378 with 6 alleles. The proportion of observed haplotypes from the number of possible haplotypes varied from 2.74-8.57% across all LGs, with LG1 being the most informative. Of the 11 tested world populations compared to the population of northern Croatia, significant differences in genetic distance (FST) were found for Greenlandic and all non-European populations. We found that all tested markers are in HWE and can thus be used for match probability calculation. Because of high combined power of discrimination in both men and women, Investigator® Argus X-12 is applicable for the northern Croatia population in routine forensic casework.

Analysis of 12 X-chromosomal markers in the population of central Croatia

Investigator® Argus X-12 Kit is a commercially available set that allows simultaneous PCR amplification of 12 X-STR markers belonging to four linkage groups (LG). To assess the forensic efficiency of these markers for the population of central Croatia and consequent applicability in routine forensic casework, DNA from 200 blood samples of unrelated donors (100 female and 100 male) was amplified by Investigator® Argus X-12 Kit and analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Statistical computations based on allele and haplotype frequencies for LG1 - LG4 were performed using Arlequin 3.5 software and on-line tool available at ChrX-STR.org. In female samples, all X-STR markers were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The most informative marker for central Croatia population was DXS10135 with polymorphism information content (PIC) 0.9296. The least polymorphic locus was DXS8378 (PIC=0.6363). Power of discrimination (PD) varied from 0.6968 to 0.9336 in male and from 0.8476 to 0.9916 in female samples. Combined PD exceeded 0.999999999 in both men and women. In male samples, linkage disequilibrium (LD) test revealed significant association (P=0.0000) of one marker pair in LG4 and two marker pairs in LG3. Portion of observed haplotypes in the number of possible haplotypes varied from 2.86% to 7.47% across all LGs. LG1 was the most informative with haplotype diversity (H) 0.9972. High PD of all analyzed markers exhibited for central Croatia population confirms suitability of Investigator® Argus X-12 for forensic pertinence. Moreover, results of this study will be included in establishing a national reference X-STR database based on 12 X-STR loci, which is necessary for the correct interpretation of the forensic casework results.

Gleaning a Human DNA Profile from Trace Swabs Collected from Animal Hairs

Animal hairs are an apt surface for retention of forensic trace epithelial samples. The aim of this study was threefold: to evaluate different methods of sample collection (moistened and dry swabs) and DNA extraction (Chelex® 100 method, Qiagen EZ1® DNA Investigator Kit), as well as to examine the morphological differences of hair fibres between two species (dog, sheep) and their ultimate impact on sample collection and processing. Our preliminary findings suggest that the use of EZ1® DNA Investigator Kit yields donor DNA profiles of higher quality. The results of different sample collection methods have shown intraspecific variations that require further investigation. The ability of retention and subsequent extraction of trace DNA appears to be similar between the two species, despite significant morphological differences between their coat hairs.

Fibrin gel as a scaffold for skin substitute – production and clinical experience

The purpose of this study was to create a fibrin-based human skin substitute in vitro with epidermal and dermal component and to assess its healing potential in deep partial and full thickness burns. Fibrin scaffolds were prepared from commercial fibrin glue kits. Human fibroblasts were cultured in fibrin gel. Human keratinocytes were seeded on the top of the gel. Viability of cells was determined fluorimetrically. Scanning electron microscope and immunocytochemistry analysis of cultured cells were performed. After hydrosurgical preparation of deep burn necrotic tissue, wound bed was prepared for skin substitutes. Progress of healing was documented using visual estimation and photos. Scanning electron microscope images showed good cell attachment and colony spreading of keratinocytes and fibroblasts on fibrin scaff old. Immunofluorescent staining of cell cultures on fibrin scaffold showed expression of vimentin, a marker of fibroblast cells, cytokeratin 19, a marker of epithelial stem cells, as well as involucrin, a marker of differentiated keratinocytes. Clinical results clearly showed that appearance of the skin did not differ significantly from the areas of transplanted skin using split-thickness skin graft techniques. In conclusion, using these fibrin-cultured autografts on massive full-thickness burn resulted in good healing.

Synthetic vs natural scaffolds for human limbal stem cells

Aim

To investigate the impact of synthetic electrospun polyurethane (PU) and polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoscaffolds, before and after hydrolytic surface modification, on viability and differentiation of cultured human eye epithelial cells, in comparison with natural scaffolds: fibrin and human amniotic membrane.

Methods

Human placenta was taken at elective cesarean delivery. Fibrin scaffolds were prepared from commercial fibrin glue kits. Nanoscaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning. Limbal cells were isolated from surpluses of human cadaveric cornea and seeded on feeder 3T3 cells. The scaffolds used for viability testing and immunofluorescence analysis were amniotic membrane, fibrin, PU, and PCL nanoscaffolds, with or without prior NaOH treatment.

Results

Scanning electron microscope photographs of all tested scaffolds showed good colony spreading of seeded limbal cells. There was a significant difference in viability performance between cells with highest viability cultured on tissue culture plastic and cells cultured on all other scaffolds. On the other hand, electrospun PU, PCL, and electrospun PCL treated with NaOH had more than 80% of limbal cells positive for stem cell marker p63 compared to only 27%of p63 positive cells on fibrin.

Conclusion

Natural scaffolds, fibrin and amniotic membrane, showed better cell viability than electrospun scaffolds. On the contrary, high percentages of p63 positive cells obtained on these scaffolds still makes them good candidates for efficient delivery systems for therapeutic purposes.

Fortification of instant coffee beverages - influence of functional ingredients, packaging material and storage time on physical properties of newly formulated, enriched instant coffee powders

BACKGROUND

Consumer demands for healthy, functional foods are growing rapidly nowadays. Coffee, as one of the most widespread commodities, represents an interesting aspect for enrichment, since it is consumed by millions of people on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to formulate enriched instant coffee powders with the purpose of estimating the influence of storage time, functional ingredients and packaging material on physical and sensory properties of the mixtures.

RESULTS

Storage time of 6 months significantly (P <0.05) influenced moisture content of the mixtures, which rose linearly with an increase in storage time. Packaging material proved to be an important variable affecting moisture content, particle size, colour and cohesion index. Functional ingredients (vitamins A and C, iron, inulin and oligofructose) influenced particle size, dispersibility, wettability and, in terms of sensory analysis, grades for aftertaste, chemical taste and overall acceptability.

CONCLUSION

Addition of functional ingredients significantly influenced some particle size distribution parameters and reconstitution properties, causing an increase in wettability and dispersibility times. Furthermore, in sensory terms, it influenced aftertaste and chemical taste grades. Packaging material significantly influenced moisture content, some particle size distribution parameters, colour and cohesion index.

Analysis of 8 X-chromosomal markers in the population of central Croatia

Aim

To analyze 8 X-linked short tandem repeat (STR) markers in the population of central Croatia and to evaluate their forensic efficiency.

Methods

We carried out a statistical analysis of the data from previously performed genetic analyses, collected during routine forensic work by the Forensic Science Centre ‘‘Ivan Vučetić.’’ Mentype^® Argus X-8 PCR amplification kit was used for typing the data of 99 unrelated healthy women and 78 men from central Croatia. Haplotype frequencies were calculated only in male samples. Arlequin 3.5 software was used to assess Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), linkage disequilibrium (LD), observed and expected heterozygosity. Power of discrimination (PD) for men and women, polymorphism information content (PIC), power of exclusion, and mean exclusion chance for deficiency cases, normal trios, and duos were determined using online database ChrX-STR.org.

Results

In female samples, deviations from HWE (P = 0.006) for each locus were not found. LD test performed both on female and male samples revealed no significant association between markers (P = 0.002). DXS10135 was the most polymorphic locus (PIC = 0.931). PD varied from 0.692 to 0.935 in male and from 0.845 to 0.992 in female samples. Combined PD reached 99.999999% in men and 99.9999999999% in women.

Conclusion

Performed analyses revealed that the studied marker set contained polymorphic markers with high power of discrimination. We can conclude that Mentype^® Argus X-8 PCR kit is suitable for application in the population of central Croatia. Results of this study, together with collected allele and haplotype frequencies, are the first step in establishing a national reference X-STR database based on 8 X-STR loci.

Effect of ultraviolet C radiation on biological samples

Aim

To examine the influence of ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation on blood, saliva, semen, and naked DNA samples for preventing DNA cross-contamination on working surfaces in laboratories.

Methods

Blood, saliva, semen, and DNA isolated from buccal swab samples were obtained from a single male donor and applied to the laboratory working surfaces. UVC radiation was applied to these diluted and undiluted samples with or without previous decontamination of the working surfaces with 10% sodium hypochlorite and 20% ethanol. Genomic DNA was extracted using Chelex. After quantification, DNA was amplified using the AmpFlSTR® NGM™ PCR Amplification Kit. We tested and statistically analyzed DNA concentration, UVC dose, sample volume, radiation time, the number of correctly detected alleles on genetic loci, and the number of correctly detected alleles in four groups in which 16 loci were divided.

Results

When working surfaces were not decontaminated and were treated only with UVC radiation in the laboratory, the genetic profile for naked DNA could not be obtained after 2 minutes of UVC radiation and for saliva after 54 hours. For blood and semen, a partial genetic profile was obtained even after 250 hours of UVC radiation in the laminar. When working surfaces were decontaminated with 10% sodium hypochlorite and 20% ethanol, genetic profile could not be obtained for naked DNA after 2 minutes, for saliva after 4 hours, for blood after 16 hours, and for semen after 8 hours of UVC radiation in the laboratory.

Conclusion

It is recommended to carefully and thoroughly clean working surfaces with 10% sodium hypochlorite and 20% ethanol followed by minimal 16-hour UVC exposure (dose approximately 4380 mJ/cm²) for complete and successful decontamination.

Secretion of immunomodulating neuropeptides (VIP, SP) and nitric oxide synthase in porcine small intestine during postnatal development

Immunohistological identification/localization of immunomodulating neuropeptides [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and substance P (SP)] and enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) as well as histomorphometric analyses of kinetics of their release and development of respective nerve fibers density during postnatal ontogenesis of porcine intestinal mucosal immune system (IMIS), were performed in order to assess the role of these molecules involved in maturation of the IMIS. The kinetcs of reactions to VIP, SP and NOS were demonstrated in the samples of jejunum and ileum from conventionally reared pigs. The samples were obtained at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 days of age and processed for immunohistological staining. The VIP⁺ reaction was prevalently visible in the epithelial layer, lamina propria and Lieberkühn crypts (Lc) but also in the submucosa and lamina muscularis along blood and lymphatic vessels. The SP⁺ fibers were regularly distributed along enteric neurons in the muscular layer. The reaction to NOS was demonstrated in both mucosa and submucosa of ileum and jejunum and in the ileal Peyer's patches (PP). Intensity of the reaction was more pronounced in the epithelial layer and numerous NOS⁺ cells were observed around the Lc and inside the follicles of the PP. Also, we have noticed NOS⁺ blood vessels, particular neurons and nerve fibers in the submucosa and muscular layer of the small intestine. By analyzing quantitative patterns of SP⁺, VIP⁺ fibers and release of NOS we have concluded that intensity of their reactions gradually increases with age, except a short period of stagnation after weaning (at age of 28 days), reaching the highest values in the pigs aged between 42 and 49 days. The values obtained by Sperman rank order correlation test (rs) between days of age of pigs and intensity of the reactions in their jejunum/ileum to VIP (r_s=0.97/0.95), SP (r_s=0.97/0.97) and NOS (r_s=0.98/0.95), respectively, showed positive correlations (P<0.05) according to Roemer Orphal scale. Current study showed that post-natal development of porcine IMIS was accompanied by a substantial increase in the secretion of neuropeptides/enzyme tested and that these molecules may participate in the functional maturation of immunoregulatory/bactericidal mechanisms of the local (intestinal) immune defense in young pigs.

Genetic polymorphisms of 17 short tandem repeat loci on Y chromosome in central Croatian population

In forensic casework, Y-chromosome short tandem repeat (STR) haplotyping is used in human identification, paternity testing and sexual assault cases where Y-STRs provide a male-specific DNA profile. The aim of this study was to describe the genetic structure of Y chromosome in a central Croatian population. We carried out a statistical analysis of the data from previously performed genetic analyses collected during routine forensic work by the Forensic Science Centre "Ivan Vučetić". A total of 220 unrelated healthy men from central Croatia were selected for the purpose of this study. Genomic DNA was extracted using a Chelex procedure from FTA(®) cards. Y-chromosomal STRs were determined using the AmpFISTR Yfiler PCR amplification kit. The haplotype frequencies were determined by direct counting and analyzed using Arlequin 3.1 and analysis of molecular variance calculated with the Y chromosome haplotype reference database online analysis tool. A total of 212 haplotypes were identified, 204 of which were unique. Total haplotype diversity was 0.993. Locus diversity varied from 0.325 for DYS392 to 0.786 for DYS385. Discrimination capacity was 92.7%. Allele frequencies diversity was 0.615. Intermediate alleles 17.2, 18.2 and 19.2 were found at DYS458 locus. A comparison with published data for the European minimal haplotype set showed the closest relationship to the Croatian capital of Zagreb and Bosnia and Herzegovina with significant genetic distance from Slovenia and Austria. The central Croatian population is now well characterized in terms of Y-chromosome STRs, thus providing a solid basis for further forensic and genetic epidemiology studies.

Population data for 17 short tandem repeat loci on Y chromosome in northern Croatia

Human Y-short tandem repeats (STRs) are tandem repeat arrays of two to seven base pair units on non-recombining region (NRY) of the human Y chromosome. Studies on Y-STR are interesting in both population genetics and forensics. The aim of this study was to investigate the population genetic properties of 17 STR loci on Y chromosome in the northern Croatia region. We carried out a statistical analysis of the data from previously performed genetic analysis collected during routine forensic work by the Forensic Science Centre "Ivan Vučetić". A total of 220 unrelated healthy men from northern Croatia were selected for the purpose of this study. Genomic DNA was extracted using Chelex procedure from FTA(®) cards. Y-chromosomal STRs were determined using the AmpFISTR Yfiler PCR amplification kit. The haplotype frequencies were determined by direct counting and analyzed using Arlequin 3.1 and analysis of molecular variance calculated with the Y chromosome haplotype reference database online analysis tool. A total of 210 haplotypes were identified, 200 of which were unique. Total haplotype diversity was 0.995. Locus diversity varied from 0.331 for DYS392 to 0.783 for DYS385 locus. Allele frequencies diversity was 0.662. Discrimination capacity was 95.7%. The use of European minimal haplotype set indicated the most resemblance of this population to the Croatian capital of Zagreb, with modest resemblance to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Hungary. This article provides the first overview of the Y chromosome STR variability in northern Croatia, thus providing the referent point for any future forensic and genetic epidemiology efforts in this region.