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Recent Advances in Noninvasive Biosensors for Forensics, Biometrics, and Cybersecurity. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20215974. [PMID: 33105602 PMCID: PMC7659947 DOI: 10.3390/s20215974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recently, biosensors have been used in an increasing number of different fields and disciplines due to their wide applicability, reproducibility, and selectivity. Three large disciplines in which this has become relevant has been the forensic, biometric, and cybersecurity fields. The call for novel noninvasive biosensors for these three applications has been a focus of research in these fields. Recent advances in these three areas has relied on the use of biosensors based on primarily colorimetric assays based on bioaffinity interactions utilizing enzymatic assays. In forensics, the use of different bodily fluids for metabolite analysis provides an alternative to the use of DNA to avoid the backlog that is currently the main issue with DNA analysis by providing worthwhile information about the originator. In biometrics, the use of sweat-based systems for user authentication has been developed as a proof-of-concept design utilizing the levels of different metabolites found in sweat. Lastly, biosensor assays have been developed as a proof-of-concept for combination with cybersecurity, primarily cryptography, for the encryption and protection of data and messages.
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Yao T, Han X, Guan T, Wang Z, Zhang S, Liu C, Liu C, Chen L. Effect of indoor environmental exposure on seminal microbiota and its application in body fluid identification. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 314:110417. [PMID: 32702532 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Semen is a common body fluid type in forensic sexual assault cases. It is of great significance to effectively identify semen for restoring the crime scene and determining the nature of the case. Nowadays, microbiome-based method shows as a promising tool for forensic body fluid identification. To explore the environmental impact on microbial community of semen and its traceability, 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to ten paired semen samples. Affected by exposure, the diversity of microbial community decreased generally as the genus Staphylococcus exhibited a relatively significant increase. However, the genus Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, Corynebacterium_1 were observed in almost all 20 samples. Community barplot analysis and heatmap analysis showed composition of the predominant microbe in semen at the phyla and genus level maintained basically, so that it could distinguish from vaginal fluid and saliva regardless of environmental exposure. Based on these results, we believe the application of single microbial marker may limit in semen identification, but the method depending on microbial community might be useful for distinguishing semen even under indoor exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Yao
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaolong Han
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute, Guangzhou, 510030, China
| | - Tianshan Guan
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Siqi Zhang
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Changhui Liu
- Guangzhou Forensic Science Institute, Guangzhou, 510030, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Ling Chen
- Multi-Omics Innovative Research Center of Forensic Identification, Department of Forensic Genetics, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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53
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He H, Han N, Ji C, Zhao Y, Hu S, Kong Q, Ye J, Ji A, Sun Q. Identification of five types of forensic body fluids based on stepwise discriminant analysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 48:102337. [PMID: 32693370 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral blood, menstrual blood, semen, saliva and vaginal secretions are the five most common body fluids found at crime scenes, and the identification of these five body fluids is of great significance to the reconstruction of a crime scene and resolution of the case. However, accurate identification of these five body fluids is still a challenge. To address this problem, a mathematical model for differentiating five types of forensic body fluids based on the differential expression characteristics of multiple miRNAs in five body fluids (peripheral blood, menstrual blood, semen, saliva and vaginal secretions) was developed. A total of 350 forensic body fluids (70 of each type) were collected and tested, and relative expression of 10 miRNAs (miR-451a, miR-205-5p, miR-203-3p, miR-214-3p, miR-144-3p, miR-144-5p, miR-654-5p, miR-888-5p, miR-891a-5p, miR-124a-3p) in all samples was detected by SYBR Green real-time qPCR. Three hundred samples (60 samples of each body fluid) were used as the training set to screen meaningful identification markers by stepwise discriminant analysis, and a discriminant function was established. Fifty samples (10 samples of each body fluid) were used as a validation set to examine the accuracy of the model, and 25 samples (the types of samples were unknown to the experimenter) were used for a blind test. Except for miR-144-3p, the other miRNAs were selected to construct discriminant analysis models. The self-validation accuracy of the model was 99.7 %, cross-validation accuracy was 99.3 %, accuracy of the identification validation set was 100 %, and accuracy of the blind test result was 100 %. This study provides a reliable and accurate identification strategy for five common body fluids (peripheral blood, menstrual blood, semen, saliva, and vaginal secretions) in forensic medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia He
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China; Faculty of Forensic Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Na Han
- Chinese Center For Disease Control And Prevention, State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chengjie Ji
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yixia Zhao
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China
| | - Qinglan Kong
- Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang 277160, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Ye
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China
| | - Anquan Ji
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China.
| | - Qifan Sun
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing 100038, China.
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54
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Exploration of the microbiome community for saliva, skin, and a mixture of both from a population living in Guangdong. Int J Legal Med 2020; 135:53-62. [PMID: 32583081 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02329-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The identification of biological traces provides vital evidence in forensic reconstruction at crime scenes, especially in sexual offences. Compared with traditional presumptive or confirmatory methods, the microbiome-based method has been proven to be of great value in body fluid identification. Mixture of body fluids or tissue is common in sexual assault cases; thus, it is essential to determine the sources of mixed samples. In this study, 60 samples consisting of skin, saliva, and a mixed model of saliva deposited on facial skin were collected from a population living in Guangdong. Through 16s rDNA high-throughput sequencing, we identified the predominant microbes in saliva samples, viz., Haemophilus parainfluenzae T3T1, Neisseria flava, Gemella haemolysans, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Actinomyces odontolyticus; in skin samples, Cutibacterium acnes and Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum were the predominant species. The microbial composition of the same body fluid or tissue is similar in different individuals. However, among different body fluids or tissue, the composition of microflora in saliva is more stable than that on skin. Additionally, the microbial community in the mixed model of saliva deposited on facial skin from the same and different individuals was clearly determined by the constituent fluids or tissue, apart from the differences among the donors. Overall, the microbiome-based method may have good potential as a tool for identifying single and mixed body fluid or tissue.
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55
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Xie B, Song F, Wang S, Zhang K, Li Y, Luo H. Exploring a multiplex DNA methylation-based SNP typing method for body fluids identification: As a preliminary report. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 313:110329. [PMID: 32531484 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In forensic investigation, identification of the cellular origin from body fluid can be essential in the crime scene reconstruction. Recently, DNA methylation could potentially be used as a novel marker for body fluid identification. The simultaneous analysis of CpGs and neighboring single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) has been proposed as an efficient assay for body fluids identification. In this study, a multiplex DNA methylation-based SNP typing system was developed. The specificity, sensitivity and detectability in mixtures and degraded samples were explored in our study. As results, four DNA methylation-based semen-specific SNP (SE1-4) showed good specificity, but two markers associative with saliva (SA1) and vaginal fluid (VA3) was observed cross-reactivity sporadically. Interesting, VA3 were found only presented in the female which may be useful for sexual identification. Moreover, this multiplex system successfully amplification in mixtures and aged samples which proves it be used as a valuable protocol in the identification of actual forensic samples. The strategy indicated that the approach was suitable and reliable for the body fluids analysis in mix stains in Han Chinese for forensic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Xie
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Song
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yingbi Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Haibo Luo
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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56
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Satoh T, Kouroki S, Kitamura Y, Ihara T, Matsumura K, Iwase S. Detection of prostate-specific antigen in semen using DNA aptamers: an application of nucleic acid aptamers in forensic body fluid identification. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2020; 12:2703-2709. [PMID: 32930301 DOI: 10.1039/d0ay00371a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In forensics, body fluid identification plays an important role because it aids in reconstructing a crime scene. Therefore, it is essential to develop simple and reliable techniques for body fluid identification. Nucleic acid aptamers are useful tools in analytical chemistry that can be used to improve conventional forensic analytical techniques. They have numerous advantages over antibodies including their low cost, long shelf life, and applicability for chemical modification and PCR amplification. A DNA aptamer against a human prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is a well-known protein marker for semen identification in forensics, has been reported previously. In this study, as a proof-of-concept for nucleic acid aptamer-based identification of body fluids, we developed a technique of aptamer-based PSA assays for semen identification that employed enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) and real-time PCR. We evaluated their sensitivity and specificity for semen compared with those for blood, saliva, urine, sweat, and vaginal secretion. The assays have equivalent procedures compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; their results were consistent with those produced by the conventional immunochromatographic assay. The minimum volume of semen required for detection was 62.5 nL in ELONA and 5 nL in real-time PCR, making this assay applicable for semen detection in actual criminal investigation. Aptamers can be a cost-effective and versatile tool for forensic body fluid identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Satoh
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Kumamoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-8610, Japan
| | - Seiya Kouroki
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Kumamoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-8610, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kitamura
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ihara
- Division of Materials Science and Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Matsumura
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Kumamoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-8610, Japan
| | - Susumu Iwase
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Kumamoto Prefectural Police Headquarters, 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 862-8610, Japan
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57
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Identification of spermatozoa using a novel 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay for forensic examination of sexual assaults. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1991-2004. [PMID: 32266534 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Identification of semen and then spermatozoa is essential to verify that sexual activity has occurred in alleged cases of sexual assault. Microscopic examination commonly used for spermatozoa identification is however time-consuming and can often lead to false-negative results for samples with deformed and, or, limited number of spermatozoa. To address this limitation, we report on a novel 3-plex MSRE-PCR (methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme-PCR) assay to specifically identify spermatozoa. This assay is comprised of 3 markers: a digestive control marker (DC), sperm-specific marker (SP), and Y chromosome marker (SRY). A total of 214 samples from 10 body fluids or tissues were analyzed. Specificity testing showed that all the normal semen samples were unambiguously identified as being sperm-positive, and no other body fluid (or tissues) showed a sperm-specific signal in the electropherogram. Testing for sensitivity showed that 0.1 ng of DNA from a semen extract was sufficient to identify the presence of spermatozoa by this assay. Mixture analyses illustrated the sensitivity of the assay when the vaginal/semen DNA ratio (80/0.1) was under 800 or the menstrual blood/semen DNA ratio (5/0.1) was under 50, the trace amounts (approximately 0.1 ng) of DNA from semen can still be identified by this 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay. This assay was also applied to the identification of 31 non-probative forensic samples from 18 sexual assault cases. The case studies showed that the 3-plex MSRE-PCR assay was an improvement in the sensitivity of spermatozoa detection.
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58
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Tay JW, Joudo J, Tran T, Ta H, Botting JL, Liew YC, Cooper PL, Rye MS. Comparison of Crime-lite® 82S, Polilight® PL400 and Polilight® PL500 for the detection of semen and saliva stains. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2020.1718208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine W. Tay
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jessica Joudo
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Teresa Tran
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Hoan Ta
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Jamie L. Botting
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Yoon C. Liew
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Penny L. Cooper
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Marie S. Rye
- Forensic Biology Department, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
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59
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He H, Ji A, Zhao Y, Han N, Hu S, Kong Q, Jiang L, Ye J, Liu Y, Sun Q. A stepwise strategy to distinguish menstrual blood from peripheral blood by Fisher's discriminant function. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:845-851. [PMID: 31734726 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02196-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Blood samples are the most common and important biological samples found at crime scenes, and distinguishing peripheral blood and menstrual blood samples is crucial for solving criminal cases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important molecules with strong tissue specificity that can be used in forensic fields to identify the tissue properties of body fluid samples. In this study, the relative expression levels of four different miRNAs (miR-451, miR-205, miR-214 and miR-203) were analysed by real-time PCR, with 200 samples from 5 different body fluids, including two kinds of blood samples (peripheral blood and menstrual blood) and three kinds of non-blood samples (saliva, semen and vaginal secretion). Then, a strategy for identifying menstrual and peripheral blood based on Fisher's discriminant function and the relative expression of multiple miRNAs was established. Two sets of functions were used: Z1 and Z2 were used to distinguish blood samples from non-blood samples, and Y1 and Y2 were used to distinguish peripheral blood from menstrual blood. A 100% accuracy rate was achieved when 50 test samples were used. Ten samples were used to test the sensitivity of the method, and 10 ng or more of total RNA from peripheral blood samples and 10 pg or more of total RNA from menstrual blood samples were sufficient for this method. The results provide a scientific reference to address the difficult forensic problem of distinguishing menstrual blood from peripheral blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia He
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China.,Faculty of Forensic Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Anquan Ji
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Yixia Zhao
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Na Han
- Chinese Center For Disease Control And Prevention, State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Sheng Hu
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Qinglan Kong
- Faculty of Mathematics and Statistics, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, 277160, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Jiang
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Jian Ye
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Yao Liu
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China. .,Faculty of Forensic Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qifan Sun
- MPS's Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, National Engineering Laboratory for Crime Scene Evidence Investigation and Examination, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Beijing, 100038, China.
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60
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Kader F, Ghai M, Olaniran AO. Characterization of DNA methylation-based markers for human body fluid identification in forensics: a critical review. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:1-20. [PMID: 31713682 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02181-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Body fluid identification in crime scene investigations aids in reconstruction of crime scenes. Several studies have identified and reported differentially methylated sites (DMSs) and regions (DMRs) which differ between forensically relevant tissues (tDMRs) and body fluids. Diverse factors affect methylation patterns such as the environment, diets, lifestyle, disease, ethnicity, genetic variation, amongst others. Thus, it is important to analyse the stability of markers employed for forensic identification. Furthermore, even though epigenetic modifications are described as stable and heritable, epigenetic inheritance of potential markers for body fluid identification needs to be assessed in the long term. Here, we discuss the current status of reported DNA methylation-based markers and their verification studies. Such thorough investigation is crucial to develop a stable panel of DNA methylation-based markers for accurate body fluid identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzeen Kader
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa
| | - Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Ademola O Olaniran
- Discipline of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville Campus), Private Bag X54001, Durban, Republic of South Africa
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van Dam A, Schoon A, Wierda SF, Heeringa E, Aalders MC. The use of crime scene detection dogs to locate semen stains on different types of fabric. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109907. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Sharma S, Chophi R, Singh R. Forensic discrimination of menstrual blood and peripheral blood using attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:63-77. [PMID: 31388794 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02134-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Body fluids are one of the most important pieces of evidence encountered in forensic cases especially in cases of sexual assault. Analysis of such evidence can help to establish a link between the perpetrator, the victim, and the crime scene and thereby assist in crime reconstruction. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by the investigators in sexual assault cases is that of ascertaining the issue of consent of the victim. In this matter, differentiation of menstrual blood (either in dried or stained form) from traumatic peripheral blood can give a potential solution on this particular aspect. A number of studies have been attempted to differentiate these two body fluids using various biochemical and serological methods. However, the methods employed are limited by factors such as sample destructivity and non-specificity, and the methods are susceptible to false positive results. In the present study, the scope of attenuated total reflectance (ATR)-Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in discriminating samples of menstrual blood and peripheral blood has been investigated, in combination with chemometric tools such as principal component analysis (PCA), partial least square regression (PLSR), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). PCA resulted in 93.3% accuracy, whereas PLSR and LDA resulted in 100% accuracy for the discrimination of peripheral blood from menstrual blood. Application of PCA for the discrimination of menstrual blood from vaginal fluid and seminal fluid delivered 100% classification. Similarly, 100% classification was achieved while differentiating between menstrual blood and blood look-alike substances. Furthermore, in the current study, the effect of substrates on the analysis of menstrual blood has also been studied and described. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweety Sharma
- Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Rito Chophi
- Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Rajinder Singh
- Department of Forensic Science, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
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63
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Lactobacillus DNA usage in differentiation of normal vaginal fluids in premenopausal and postmenopausal females. J Forensic Leg Med 2019; 66:58-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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64
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Peng D, Wang N, Li Z, Tian H, Liang W, Zhang L. The expression of 10 candidate specific microRNA markers for human body fluid identification in animal buccal swabs. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 300:e44-e49. [PMID: 31126709 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been of interest in forensic science for body fluid identification with recent years. However, there is no study investigating the species specificity of miRNA markers by the SYBR Green method. Due to the conservation of miRNAs across species, miRNA markers maybe less species-specific than mRNA markers, and in forensic cases, animal buccal swabs are more likely to appear. Therefore, in this study we addressed the influence of 8 kinds of animal buccal swabs on human saliva, semen, vaginal secretion swabs and blood identification with 10 candidate specific miRNA markers by the SYBR Green quantitative PCR. Our data showed that the expression levels of the candidate specific miRNA markers miR-124a and 372 in the cat, dog, mouse and rabbit buccal swabs were in the same range as the human vaginal secretion swabs; buccal swabs from these animals also showed similar expression levels to human saliva for the candidate specific miRNA markers miR-200c, 205 and 658. These results indicated that biomaterials of buccal swabs from cats, dogs, mice and rabbits may be mistaken for human saliva or human vaginal secretion swabs, both of which could result in false positives for human body fluids. Thus, the interpretation of these miRNA profiles for human body fluid identification can be inaccurate in the presence of these animal buccal swabs. Therefore, we suggested performing species tests before human body identification with miRNA markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duo Peng
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ningbao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhilong Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Huan Tian
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Weibo Liang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
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65
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Senst A, Dressler J, Edelmann J, Kohl M. Entwicklung eines qPCR-Assays zum Nachweis der Sekretart. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-018-0294-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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66
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Lynch C, Fleming R. A review of direct polymerase chain reaction of DNA and RNA for forensic purposes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Lynch
- Forensic Research and Development Team, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
- School of Chemical Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Rachel Fleming
- Forensic Research and Development Team, Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd Auckland New Zealand
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67
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The potential use of Piwi-interacting RNA biomarkers in forensic body fluid identification: A proof-of-principle study. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 39:129-135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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68
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Jiang Y, Sun J, Huang X, Shi H, Xiong C, Nie Z. Direct identification of forensic body fluids by MALDI-MS. Analyst 2019; 144:7017-7023. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an01385g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid identification of human body fluids is meaningful for forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Jiang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems
- Institute of Chemistry
- the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100190
| | - Jie Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems
- Institute of Chemistry
- the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100190
| | - Xi Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems
- Institute of Chemistry
- the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100190
| | - Huixia Shi
- Institute of Forensic Science
- Ministry of Public Security P.R.C
- Beijing 100038
- China
| | - Caiqiao Xiong
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems
- Institute of Chemistry
- the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100190
| | - Zongxiu Nie
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences
- Key Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems
- Institute of Chemistry
- the Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Beijing 100190
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69
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Internal standard metabolites for obtaining absolute quantitative information on the components of bloodstains by standardization of samples. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 294:69-75. [PMID: 30469133 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of the components of bloodstains found at crime scenes can provide important information for solving the crime. However, components of blood and bloodstains vary with volume and various other unpredictable factors. Therefore, it is necessary to specify the volume of the initial liquid blood droplet and standardize the analysis. In this study, internal standard metabolites that remained constant in a certain amount of bloodstain, long after deposition of the stain, were identified. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry of the metabolites extracted from the bloodstain samples at various time points (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days) was performed. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the obtained molecular features was calculated for each criterion: time point, subject, and all data (time and subject, triplicate of each). Five molecular features with average CVs of less than or equal to 5% were selected as candidates. Partial least squares discriminant analysis and principal component analysis showed that the effect on the candidates was very low over time. The fold-change value of abundances was confirmed according to time. Stigmasterol exhibited the most stable pattern; l-methionine remained stable until day 14 and after day 21. This study was the first attempt to identify internal standard metabolites that were maintained at a constant level in a bloodstain for a sufficiently long time. Analysis of internal standard metabolites in bloodstains will facilitate determination of the initial blood volume from which the bloodstain was made. Moreover, this method will provide an approach for standardization of bloodstains to obtain absolute quantitative information of bloodstain components at crime scenes.
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70
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Blackman S, Stafford-Allen B, Hanson EK, Panasiuk M, Brooker AL, Rendell P, Ballantyne J, Wells S. Developmental validation of the ParaDNA® Body Fluid ID System—A rapid multiplex mRNA-profiling system for the forensic identification of body fluids. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 37:151-161. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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71
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Ohta J, Noda N, Sakurada K. Comparison of Catalytic and Immunological Amylase Tests for Identifying of Saliva from Degraded Samples. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:873-877. [PMID: 30339736 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The stability of salivary α-amylase is a critical factor in both catalytic and immunological method-based forensic saliva identification. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of catalytic and immunological tests on degraded saliva samples. Degraded saliva stains were prepared by microbial decomposition using humid soil. Salivary α-amylase activity was catalytically detected both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Phadebas® amylase test. As immunological methods, we conducted qualitative and quantitative tests using the RSID™-saliva test and ELISA, respectively. Salivary α-amylase activity of degraded samples (incubated at 37°C for 12 h) was significantly lower than that of controls in the quantitative tests. All the degraded samples obtained by the humid soil produced negative results in the Phadebas® tests, but showed positive results in the RSID™-saliva test and ELISA. These results suggest that immunological tests are effective for testing degraded saliva samples that have lost their enzymatic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ohta
- Forensic Biology Unit, Scientific Crime Laboratory, Kanagawa Prefectural Police, 155-1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 231-0023, Japan.,Department of Forensic Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Nanaka Noda
- Forensic Biology Unit, Scientific Crime Laboratory, Kanagawa Prefectural Police, 155-1 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 231-0023, Japan
| | - Koichi Sakurada
- Department of Forensic Dentistry, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
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72
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Identification and detection of protein markers to differentiate between forensically relevant body fluids. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:196-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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73
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Jung JY, Yoon HK, An S, Lee JW, Ahn ER, Kim YJ, Park HC, Lee K, Hwang JH, Lim SK. Rapid oral bacteria detection based on real-time PCR for the forensic identification of saliva. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10852. [PMID: 30022122 PMCID: PMC6052055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This study developed a new method for forensic saliva identification using three oral bacteria, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Neisseria subflava, combined with a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) system we called OB mRT-PCR. Analytical sensitivity results showed that the target bacteria were amplified at 102-107 copies/reaction, and analytical specificity was assessed using 24 other viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. To evaluate the OB mRT-PCR kit for forensic applications, saliva from 140 Korean individuals was tested, and at least two target bacteria were detected in all the samples. Additional studies on non-saliva samples demonstrated the specificity of the kit. Comparison of the kit with two conventional saliva test methods, the SALIgAE and RSID-Saliva assays, indicated that it was more sensitive and applicable to saliva samples in long-term storage (up to 14 weeks). Additionally, through amplification of mock forensic items and old DNA samples (isolated without lysis of the bacterial cells, regardless of their Gram-positivity), we found that the kit was applicable to not only saliva swabs, but also DNA samples. We suggest that this simple RT-PCR-based experimental method is feasible for rapid on-site analysis, and we expect this kit to be useful for saliva detection in old forensic DNA samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yeon Jung
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Kyu Yoon
- JS Biotech, Business Incubation Center, Kyungbok University, 425 Kyungbokdae-ro, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, 12051, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghyun An
- DNA Analysis Division, Seoul Institute, National Forensic Service, 139, Jiyang-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, 08036, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Won Lee
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Eu-Ree Ahn
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon-Ji Kim
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Chul Park
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmyung Lee
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Ho Hwang
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Keun Lim
- Forensic DNA Division, National Forensic Service, 10, Ipchun-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, 26460, Republic of Korea.
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74
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Soft and Robust Identification of Body Fluid Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Chemometric Strategies for Forensic Analysis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8459. [PMID: 29855535 PMCID: PMC5981217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26873-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluid (BF) identification is a critical part of a criminal investigation because of its ability to suggest how the crime was committed and to provide reliable origins of DNA. In contrast to current methods using serological and biochemical techniques, vibrational spectroscopic approaches provide alternative advantages for forensic BF identification, such as non-destructivity and versatility for various BF types and analytical interests. However, unexplored issues remain for its practical application to forensics; for example, a specific BF needs to be discriminated from all other suspicious materials as well as other BFs, and the method should be applicable even to aged BF samples. Herein, we describe an innovative modeling method for discriminating the ATR FT-IR spectra of various BFs, including peripheral blood, saliva, semen, urine and sweat, to meet the practical demands described above. Spectra from unexpected non-BF samples were efficiently excluded as outliers by adopting the Q-statistics technique. The robustness of the models against aged BFs was significantly improved by using the discrimination scheme of a dichotomous classification tree with hierarchical clustering. The present study advances the use of vibrational spectroscopy and a chemometric strategy for forensic BF identification.
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75
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Açikgöz G, Hamamci B, Yildiz A. Determination of Ethanol in Blood Samples Using Partial Least Square Regression Applied to Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Toxicol Res 2018; 34:127-132. [PMID: 29686774 PMCID: PMC5903144 DOI: 10.5487/tr.2018.34.2.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption triggers toxic effect to organs and tissues in the human body. The risks are essentially thought to be related to ethanol content in alcoholic beverages. The identification of ethanol in blood samples requires rapid, minimal sample handling, and non-destructive analysis, such as Raman Spectroscopy. This study aims to apply Raman Spectroscopy for identification of ethanol in blood samples. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized to obtain Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) spectra of blood samples. The SERS spectra were used for Partial Least Square (PLS) for determining ethanol quantitatively. To apply PLS method, 920~820 cm−1 band interval was chosen and the spectral changes of the observed concentrations statistically associated with each other. The blood samples were examined according to this model and the quantity of ethanol was determined as that: first a calibration method was established. A strong relationship was observed between known concentration values and the values obtained by PLS method (R2 = 1). Second instead of then, quantities of ethanol in 40 blood samples were predicted according to the calibration method. Quantitative analysis of the ethanol in the blood was done by analyzing the data obtained by Raman spectroscopy and the PLS method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Güneş Açikgöz
- Hatay Vocational School of Health Services, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Berna Hamamci
- Hatay Vocational School of Health Services, Mustafa Kemal University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - Abdulkadir Yildiz
- Department of Physics, Science Faculty, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey
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76
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Samsuwan J, Muangsub T, Yanatatsaneejit P, Mutirangura A, Kitkumthorn N. Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis for brain tissue identification. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 286:42-45. [PMID: 29558685 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
According to the tissue-specific methylation database (doi: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.09.060), methylation at CpG locus cg03096975 in EML2 has been preliminarily proven to be specific to brain tissue. In this study, we enlarged sample size and developed a technique for identifying brain tissue in aged samples. Combined Bisulfite Restriction Analysis-for EML2 (COBRA-EML2) technique was established and validated in various organ samples obtained from 108 autopsies. In addition, this technique was also tested for its reliability, minimal DNA concentration detected, and use in aged samples and in samples obtained from specific brain compartments and spinal cord. COBRA-EML2 displayed 100% sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing brain tissue from other tissues, showed high reliability, was capable of detecting minimal DNA concentration (0.015ng/μl), could be used for identifying brain tissue in aged samples. In summary, COBRA-EML2 is a technique to identify brain tissue. This analysis is useful in criminal cases since it can identify the vital organ tissues from small samples acquired from criminal scenes. The results from this analysis can be counted as a medical and forensic marker supporting criminal investigations, and as one of the evidences in court rulings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarunya Samsuwan
- Sub Division of Forensic Biochemistry, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Police General Hospital, Royal Thai Police, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Tachapol Muangsub
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Genetics of Cancer and Human Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Apiwat Mutirangura
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Genetics of Cancer and Human Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Nakarin Kitkumthorn
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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77
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Forensic DNA methylation profiling from minimal traces: How low can we go? Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 33:17-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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78
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Crime investigation through DNA methylation analysis: methods and applications in forensics. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-018-0042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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79
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Mayes C, Seashols-Williams S, Hughes-Stamm S. A capillary electrophoresis method for identifying forensically relevant body fluids using miRNAs. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2017; 30:1-4. [PMID: 29125963 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Body fluid identification (BFID) can provide crucial information during the course of an investigation. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown considerable body fluid specificity, are able to be co-extracted with DNA, and their small size (18-25 nucleotides) make them ideal for analyzing highly degraded forensic samples. In this study, we designed a preliminary 8-marker system for BFID including an endogenous reference gene (let-7g) to differentiate between venous blood (miR-451a and miR-142-3p), menstrual blood (miR-141-3p and miR-412-3p), semen (miR-891a and miR-10b), and saliva (miR-205) using a capillary electrophoresis approach. This panel uses a linear primer system in order to incorporate additional miRNA markers by forming a multiplex system. The miRNA system was able to distinguish between venous blood, menstrual blood, semen, and saliva using a rudimentary data interpretation strategy. All STR amplifications from co-extracted DNA yielded complete profiles from human identification purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Mayes
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States.
| | - Sarah Seashols-Williams
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843079, Richmond, VA 23284, United States
| | - Sheree Hughes-Stamm
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, 1003 Bowers Blvd., Huntsville, TX 77340-2525, United States
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80
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Holtkötter H, Schwender K, Wiegand P, Peiffer H, Vennemann M. Improving body fluid identification in forensic trace evidence—construction of an immunochromatographic test array to rapidly detect up to five body fluids simultaneously. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:83-90. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1724-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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81
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Kulstein G, Wiegand P. Comprehensive examination of conventional and innovative body fluid identification approaches and DNA profiling of laundered blood- and saliva-stained pieces of cloths. Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:67-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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82
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Identification of organ tissue types and skin from forensic samples by microRNA expression analysis. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2017; 28:99-110. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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83
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Lee HY, Lee SD, Shin KJ. Forensic DNA methylation profiling from evidence material for investigative leads. BMB Rep 2017; 49:359-69. [PMID: 27099236 PMCID: PMC5032003 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2016.49.7.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is emerging as an attractive marker providing investigative leads to solve crimes in forensic genetics. The identification of body fluids that utilizes tissue-specific DNA methylation can contribute to solving crimes by predicting activity related to the evidence material. The age estimation based on DNA methylation is expected to reduce the number of potential suspects, when the DNA profile from the evidence does not match with any known person, including those stored in the forensic database. Moreover, the variation in DNA implicates environmental exposure, such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, thereby suggesting the possibility to be used as a marker for predicting the lifestyle of potential suspect. In this review, we describe recent advances in our understanding of DNA methylation variations and the utility of DNA methylation as a forensic marker for advanced investigative leads from evidence materials. [BMB Reports 2016; 49(7): 359-369]
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Young Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Soong Deok Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Shin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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84
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Enzyme Logic Systems: Biomedical and Forensic Biosensor Applications. SPRINGER SERIES ON CHEMICAL SENSORS AND BIOSENSORS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/5346_2017_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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85
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Giampaoli S, DeVittori E, Valeriani F, Berti A, Romano Spica V. Informativeness of NGS Analysis for Vaginal Fluid Identification. J Forensic Sci 2016; 62:192-196. [PMID: 27907225 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The identification of vaginal fluids in forensic examinations plays an important role in crime scene reconstruction. Molecular detection of vaginal bacterial communities can lead to the correct discrimination of body fluids. These kinds of studies can be performed through multiplex real-time PCR using primers for a specific selection of bacteria. The availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocols provided for the extension of the analysis to evaluate the prokaryotes present in specimens. In this study, DNA was extracted from 18 samples (vaginal, oral, fecal, yoghurt) and analyzed by real-time PCR and NGS. The comparison between the two approaches has demonstrated that the information developed through NGS can augment the more conventional real-time PCR detection of a few key bacterial species to provide a more probative result and the correct identification of vaginal fluid from samples that are more forensically challenged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Giampaoli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta DeVittori
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Valeriani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Berti
- Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Carabinieri, Viale di Tor di Quinto, 119, 00191, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis, 6, 00135, Rome, Italy
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86
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Salahuddin Z, Yasir Zahoor M, Kalsoom S, Rakha A. You can’t hide encoded evidence: DNA recovery from different fabrics after washing. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1237545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zeenat Salahuddin
- Forensic Sciences Section, Centre for Research in Molecular Medicine, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Yasir Zahoor
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saeeda Kalsoom
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Allah Rakha
- Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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87
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Quinn AA, Elkins KM. The Differentiation of Menstrual from Venous Blood and Other Body Fluids on Various Substrates Using ATR FT-IR Spectroscopy. J Forensic Sci 2016; 62:197-204. [PMID: 27874177 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Crime scene investigators and laboratory analysts use chemical tests to detect and differentiate body fluids. Testing often requires a sample of the stain, and the chemicals may cause degradation of the fluid or interfere with subsequent tests. Colorimetric chemical tests do not differentiate between different types of the same fluid, such as venous and menstrual blood, and there is no presumptive test available to simultaneously differentiate several body fluids. In this study, we recorded ATR FT-IR spectra of venous and menstrual blood, semen, saliva, and breastmilk. Neat and simulated casework body fluid samples were analyzed on cotton, nylon, wood, paper, and glass substrates. Differences in fluid composition, including proteins and small molecules, resulted in spectral differences. Venous and menstrual blood is differentiated by the peak at 1039 cm-1 attributed to phosphoric acid found in menstrual blood. Peak intensity is influenced by the porosity and weave of the substrate fabric.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A Quinn
- Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252
| | - Kelly M Elkins
- Chemistry Department, Forensic Science Program, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD, 21252
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88
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Jung SE, Cho S, Antunes J, Gomes I, Uchimoto ML, Oh YN, Di Giacomo L, Schneider PM, Park MS, van der Meer D, Williams G, McCord B, Ahn HJ, Choi DH, Lee YH, Lee SD, Lee HY. A collaborative exercise on DNA methylation based body fluid typing. Electrophoresis 2016; 37:2759-2766. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Jung
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Sohee Cho
- Institute of Forensic Science; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Joana Antunes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
| | - Iva Gomes
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Mari L. Uchimoto
- Forensic and Analytical Research Centre; University of Huddersfield; Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire UK
- School of Biomedical and Forensic Science; Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge Campus; East Road Cambridge UK
| | - Yu Na Oh
- Division of DNA Analysis, Department of Forensic Medicine, Scientific Investigation Laboratory, Criminal Investigation Command; Ministry of National Defense; Seoul South Korea
| | - Lisa Di Giacomo
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Peter M. Schneider
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine; University of Cologne; Cologne Germany
| | - Min Sun Park
- Forensic DNA Division; National Forensic Service; Wonju Gangwon-do South Korea
| | - Dieudonne van der Meer
- Forensic and Analytical Research Centre; University of Huddersfield; Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire UK
| | - Graham Williams
- Forensic and Analytical Research Centre; University of Huddersfield; Queensgate Huddersfield West Yorkshire UK
| | - Bruce McCord
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
| | - Hee-Jung Ahn
- Division of DNA Analysis, Department of Forensic Medicine, Scientific Investigation Laboratory, Criminal Investigation Command; Ministry of National Defense; Seoul South Korea
| | - Dong Ho Choi
- Forensic DNA Division; National Forensic Service; Wonju Gangwon-do South Korea
| | - Yang Han Lee
- Forensic DNA Division; National Forensic Service; Wonju Gangwon-do South Korea
| | - Soong Deok Lee
- Institute of Forensic Science; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
| | - Hwan Young Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Yonsei University College of Medicine; Seoul South Korea
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89
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Kulstein G, Marienfeld R, Miltner E, Wiegand P. Automation of DNA and miRNA co-extraction for miRNA-based identification of human body fluids and tissues. Electrophoresis 2016; 37:2742-2750. [PMID: 27540896 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, microRNA (miRNA) analysis came into focus in the field of forensic genetics. Yet, no standardized and recommendable protocols for co-isolation of miRNA and DNA from forensic relevant samples have been developed so far. Hence, this study evaluated the performance of an automated Maxwell® 16 System-based strategy (Promega) for co-extraction of DNA and miRNA from forensically relevant (blood and saliva) samples compared to (semi-)manual extraction methods. Three procedures were compared on the basis of recovered quantity of DNA and miRNA (as determined by real-time PCR and Bioanalyzer), miRNA profiling (shown by Cq values and extraction efficiency), STR profiles, duration, contamination risk and handling. All in all, the results highlight that the automated co-extraction procedure yielded the highest miRNA and DNA amounts from saliva and blood samples compared to both (semi-)manual protocols. Also, for aged and genuine samples of forensically relevant traces the miRNA and DNA yields were sufficient for subsequent downstream analysis. Furthermore, the strategy allows miRNA extraction only in cases where it is relevant to obtain additional information about the sample type. Besides, this system enables flexible sample throughput and labor-saving sample processing with reduced risk of cross-contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erich Miltner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Wiegand
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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90
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Antunes J, Silva DS, Balamurugan K, Duncan G, Alho CS, McCord B. Forensic discrimination of vaginal epithelia by DNA methylation analysis through pyrosequencing. Electrophoresis 2016; 37:2751-2758. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201600037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joana Antunes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
| | - Deborah S.B.S. Silva
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
- Faculty of Biosciences; Laboratory of Human and Molecular Genetics; PUCRS; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | - George Duncan
- DNA Laboratory; Broward County Sheriff's Office; Fort Lauderdale FL USA
| | - Clarice S. Alho
- Faculty of Biosciences; Laboratory of Human and Molecular Genetics; PUCRS; Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Bruce McCord
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Florida International University; Miami FL USA
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91
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Stoica BA, Bunescu S, Neamtu A, Bulgaru-Iliescu D, Foia L, Botnariu EG. Improving Luminol Blood Detection in Forensics. J Forensic Sci 2016; 61:1331-6. [PMID: 27329571 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop chemical improvements to the original Weber protocol, in order to increase the intensity and time length of light emission and to eliminate false-positive reactions. The intensity and duration of light were measured on serial blood dilutions using a plate reader chemiluminometer. Blood stains of various concentrations were impregnated in pure cellulose, dried, and luminol solution was added with/without the potential enhancers. An in silico study was also conducted, aiming to demonstrate the enhancing mechanism of hemoglobin denaturation using 8 M urea. The luminol blood detection test revealed important improvements after urea pretreatment or in the presence of monochloro-triazinyl-β-cyclodextrin. This approach also eliminated the false-positive reaction from sodium hypochlorite. These improvements could provide a higher sensitivity under particular circumstances such as old or washed blood stains, leading to a better localization for further DNA typing and higher quality photographic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan A Stoica
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Serology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Str. Buna Vestire Nr. 4, 700455, IASI, Romania.,Department of Biochemistry, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str. Universitatii Nr. 16, 700115, IASI, Romania
| | - Sabina Bunescu
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Serology, Institute of Legal Medicine, Str. Buna Vestire Nr. 4, 700455, IASI, Romania.
| | - Andrei Neamtu
- Department of Physiology, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str. Universitatii Nr. 16, 700115, IASI, Romania
| | | | - Liliana Foia
- Department of Biochemistry, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str. Universitatii Nr. 16, 700115, IASI, Romania
| | - Eosefina Gina Botnariu
- Department of Medical Sciences I, "Gr. T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Str. Universitatii Nr. 16, 700115, IASI, Romania
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92
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Deininger L, Patel E, Clench MR, Sears V, Sammon C, Francese S. Proteomics goes forensic: Detection and mapping of blood signatures in fingermarks. Proteomics 2016; 16:1707-17. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Deininger
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging; Biomolecular Research Centre; Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield UK
| | - Ekta Patel
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging; Biomolecular Research Centre; Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield UK
| | - Malcolm R. Clench
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging; Biomolecular Research Centre; Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield UK
| | - Vaughn Sears
- Centre for Applied Science and Technology; Home Office; St Albans UK
| | - Chris Sammon
- Materials and Engineering Research Institute; Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield UK
| | - Simona Francese
- Centre for Mass Spectrometry Imaging; Biomolecular Research Centre; Sheffield Hallam University; Sheffield UK
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93
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Lee HY, Jung SE, Lee EH, Yang WI, Shin KJ. DNA methylation profiling for a confirmatory test for blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid and menstrual blood. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 24:75-82. [PMID: 27344518 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The ability to predict the type of tissues or cells from molecular profiles of crime scene samples has important practical implications in forensics. A previously reported multiplex assay using DNA methylation markers could only discriminate between 4 types of body fluids: blood, saliva, semen, and the body fluid which originates from female reproductive organ. In the present study, we selected 15 menstrual blood-specific CpG marker candidates based on analysis of 12 genome-wide DNA methylation profiles of vaginal fluid and menstrual blood. The menstrual blood-specificity of the candidate markers was confirmed by comparison with HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array data obtained for 58 samples including 12 blood, 12 saliva, 12 semen, 3 vaginal fluid, and 19 skin epidermis samples. Among 15CpG marker candidates, 3 were located in the promoter region of the SLC26A10 gene, and 2 of them (cg09696411 and cg18069290) showed high menstrual blood specificity. DNA methylation at the 2CpG markers was further tested by targeted bisulfite sequencing of 461 additional samples including 49 blood, 52 saliva, 34 semen, 125 vaginal fluid, and 201 menstrual blood. Because the 2 markers showed menstrual blood-specific methylation patterns, we modified our previous multiplex methylation SNaPshot reaction to include these 2 markers. In addition, a blood marker cg01543184 with cross reactivity to semen was replaced with cg08792630, and a semen-specific unmethylation marker cg17621389 was removed. The resultant multiplex methylation SNaPshot allowed positive identification of blood, saliva, semen, vaginal fluid and menstrual blood using the 9CpG markers which show a methylation signal only in the target body fluids. Because of the complexity in cell composition, menstrual bloods produced DNA methylation profiles that vary with menstrual cycle and sample collection methods, which are expected to provide more insight into forensic menstrual blood test. Moreover, because the developed multiplex methylation SNaPshot reaction includes the 4CpG markers of which specificities have been confirmed by multiple studies, it will facilitate confirmatory tests for body fluids that are frequently observed in forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Young Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - Sang-Eun Jung
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Eun Hee Lee
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Woo Ick Yang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Shin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, South Korea
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94
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Agudelo J, Halámková L, Brunelle E, Rodrigues R, Huynh C, Halámek J. Ages at a Crime Scene: Simultaneous Estimation of the Time since Deposition and Age of Its Originator. Anal Chem 2016; 88:6479-84. [PMID: 27212711 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Blood is a major contributor of evidence in investigations involving violent crimes because of the unique composition of proteins and low molecular weight compounds present in the circulatory system, which often serve as biomarkers in clinical diagnostics. It was recently shown that biomarkers present in blood can also identify characteristics of the originator, such as ethnicity and biological sex. A biocatalytic assay for on-site forensic investigations was developed to simultaneously identify the age range of the blood sample originator and the time since deposition (TSD) of the blood spot. For these two characteristics to be identified, the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker commonly used in clinical diagnostics corresponding to old and young originators, were monitored after deposition for up to 48 h to mimic a crime scene setting. ALP was chosen as the biomarker due to its age-dependent nature. The biocatalytic assay was used to determine the age range of the originator using human serum samples. By means of statistical tools for evaluation and the physiological levels of ALP in healthy people, the applicability of this assay in forensic science was shown for the simultaneous determination of the age of the originator and the TSD of the blood spot. The stability of ALP in serum allows for the differentiation between old and young originators up to 2 days after the sample was left under mimicked crime scene conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Agudelo
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Lenka Halámková
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Erica Brunelle
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Roselyn Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Crystal Huynh
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
| | - Jan Halámek
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York , 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, United States
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95
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Sauer E, Reinke AK, Courts C. Differentiation of five body fluids from forensic samples by expression analysis of four microRNAs using quantitative PCR. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 22:89-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2016.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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96
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Improvement and automation of a real-time PCR assay for vaginal fluids. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 262:179-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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97
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Castelló A, Francès F, Verdú F. The effectiveness of the RSID confirmatory test kit for human alpha amylase: the effects of environmental factors and substrate materials. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1153147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Castelló
- Legal Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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98
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Antunes J, Balamurugan K, Duncan G, McCord B. Tissue-Specific DNA Methylation Patterns in Forensic Samples Detected by Pyrosequencing®. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1315:397-409. [PMID: 26103913 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2715-9_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
In certain circumstances the outcome of a trial may hinge on the ability of a forensic laboratory to determine the identity of biological stains present at crime scenes. An example of such a situation would be the detection of blood, saliva, vaginal fluid, or other body fluid in a specific location whereby its presence would reinforce the victim's or suspect's version of the events that happened during the commission of a crime. However, current serological methods used for identifying body fluids may lack the sensitivity and specificity to identify these fluids, particularly for trace levels. New procedures using proteomic methods and RNA-based gene expression show promise in addressing this issue; however, concerns about stability and relative levels of gene expression remain. An alternative approach is to utilize patterns of epigenetic DNA methylation. DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that regulates the specificity of genes being expressed or silenced in cells. Regions in the human genome referred to as tissue-specific differentially methylated regions account for unique patterns of DNA methylation that are specific for each cell type. This chapter addresses the application of bisulfite-modified PCR combined with Pyrosequencing(®) to detect tissue-specific DNA methylation patterns and perform trace serological analysis. The quantitative nature and precision available with Pyrosequencing presents major advantages in these studies as it permits detection of and contrast between cells with differential levels of methylation. The procedure can be applied to a variety of biological fluids which may be present at crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Antunes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
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99
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High-resolution melt analysis of DNA methylation to discriminate semen in biological stains. Anal Biochem 2016; 494:40-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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100
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de Zoete J, Curran J, Sjerps M. A probabilistic approach for the interpretation of RNA profiles as cell type evidence. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2016; 20:30-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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