1
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Karadayı S, Yılmaz İ, Özbek T, Karadayı B. Transfer and persistence of microbiota markers from the human hand to the knife: A preliminary study. J Forensic Leg Med 2024; 107:102757. [PMID: 39298862 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
New scientific techniques and methods are always needed to link the perpetrators to the incident or the crime scene. Recent microbiota studies based on NGS (Next-generation sequencing) show that various biological samples from crime scenes have the potential to be used in forensic investigations. Especially when DNA traces belonging to more than one person are insufficient to fully determine the genetic profile, a secret sample, such as a microbiota sample created by the suspect's touch, can be used. In this preliminary study, a fictionalized experimental model was designed to investigate the transfer and persistence of the hand microbiome on the knife handle, which has a high potential to be used in criminal incidents, by metagenomic analysis methods. In addition, it was aimed to determine the transfer of specific bacterial species identified only to the person among the five participants onto the knife handle and their persistence over time. In the first stage of the research, samples were collected from the hands of 5 volunteer participants using the swap method, including their palms. Then, after each participant held a different knife, samples were collected from the knife handles via swabs from different angles of the knives at 4 and 24 h and analyzed by metagenomic methods. The findings of this preliminary study showed that the heatmap graphs generated after UniFrac distance analysis were not successful in establishing any similarity between the hand samples and the post-transfer knife handle samples. Nonetheless, it was observed that the transfer of bacterial species detected in the hand samples to knives differed according to the individuals and some bacterial species were transferred to the knife samples held by the participants. The number of bacterial species detected that are specific to each participant's hand sample was 302 in total, and it was determined that a total of 8.28 % of these bacterial species were transferred to the knife handle samples of the 4th hour and 6.95 % to the knife samples of the 24th hour. In the presented study, considering the transfer of some bacterial species in the hand microbiome, which are effective in the variation between individuals, onto the knife; It has been evaluated that some rare bacterial species can be important potential markers to associate the object with the perpetrator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukriye Karadayı
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Altınbaş University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - İlknur Yılmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tülin Özbek
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Science, Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Beytullah Karadayı
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey.
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2
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Franceschetti L, Lodetti G, Blandino A, Amadasi A, Bugelli V. Exploring the role of the human microbiome in forensic identification: opportunities and challenges. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1891-1905. [PMID: 38594499 PMCID: PMC11306296 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03217-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Forensic microbiology is rapidly emerging as a novel tool for human identification. The human microbiome, comprising diverse microbial communities including fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, is unique to each individual, offering a new dimension to forensic investigations. While traditional identification methods primarily rely on DNA profiling and fingerprint analysis, they face limitations when complete DNA or fingerprints profiles are unattainable or degraded. In this context, the microbial signatures of the human skin microbiome present a promising alternative due to their resilience to environmental stresses and individual-specific composition. This review explores the potential of microbiome analysis in forensic human identification, evaluating its applications, advantages, limitations, and future prospects. The uniqueness of an individual's microbial community, particularly the skin microbiota, can provide distinctive biological markers for identification purposes, while technological advancements like 16 S rRNA sequencing and metagenomic shotgun sequencing are enhancing the specificity of microbial identification, enabling detailed analysis of these complex ecological communities. Despite these promising findings, current research has not yet achieved a level of identification probability that could establish microbial analysis as a stand-alone evidence tool. Therefore, it is presently considered ancillary to traditional methods, contributing to a more comprehensive biological profile of individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Franceschetti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Lodetti
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, via Luigi Mangiagalli 37, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Amadasi
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, University Medical Centre Charité, University of Berlin, Turmstr. 21, Building N, Berlin, 10559, Germany
| | - Valentina Bugelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Forensic Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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3
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Nodari R, Arghittu M, Bailo P, Cattaneo C, Creti R, D’Aleo F, Saegeman V, Franceschetti L, Novati S, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Verzeletti A, Farina C, Bandi C. Forensic Microbiology: When, Where and How. Microorganisms 2024; 12:988. [PMID: 38792818 PMCID: PMC11123702 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Forensic microbiology is a relatively new discipline, born in part thanks to the development of advanced methodologies for the detection, identification and characterization of microorganisms, and also in relation to the growing impact of infectious diseases of iatrogenic origin. Indeed, the increased application of medical practices, such as transplants, which require immunosuppressive treatments, and the growing demand for prosthetic installations, associated with an increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance, have led to a rise in the number of infections of iatrogenic origin, which entails important medico-legal issues. On the other hand, the possibility of detecting minimal amounts of microorganisms, even in the form of residual traces (e.g., their nucleic acids), and of obtaining gene and genomic sequences at contained costs, has made it possible to ask new questions of whether cases of death or illness might have a microbiological origin, with the possibility of also tracing the origin of the microorganisms involved and reconstructing the chain of contagion. In addition to the more obvious applications, such as those mentioned above related to the origin of iatrogenic infections, or to possible cases of infections not properly diagnosed and treated, a less obvious application of forensic microbiology concerns its use in cases of violence or violent death, where the characterization of the microorganisms can contribute to the reconstruction of the case. Finally, paleomicrobiology, e.g., the reconstruction and characterization of microorganisms in historical or even archaeological remnants, can be considered as a sister discipline of forensic microbiology. In this article, we will review these different aspects and applications of forensic microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Nodari
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DiSFeB), University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Milena Arghittu
- Analysis Laboratory, ASST Melegnano e Martesana, 20077 Vizzolo Predabissi, Italy
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- LABANOF, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology, Section of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Creti
- Antibiotic Resistance and Special Pathogens Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco D’Aleo
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, GOM—Grande Ospedale Metropolitano, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Veroniek Saegeman
- Microbiology and Infection Control, Vitaz Hospital, 9100 Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Lorenzo Franceschetti
- LABANOF, Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology and Odontology, Section of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Novati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Amparo Fernández-Rodríguez
- Microbiology Department, Biology Service, Instituto Nacional de Toxicología y Ciencias Forenses, 41009 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Verzeletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi Paediatric Research Centre, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Procopio N, Sguazzi G, Eriksson EV, Ogbanga N, McKell FC, Newton EP, Magni PA, Bonicelli A, Gino S. Transferability of Human and Environmental Microbiome on Clothes as a Tool for Forensic Investigations. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:375. [PMID: 38540435 PMCID: PMC10970523 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Considering the growing importance of microbiome analyses in forensics for identifying individuals, this study explores the transfer of the skin microbiome onto clothing, its persistence on fabrics over time, and its transferability from the environment and between different garments. Furthermore, this project compares three specific QIAGEN microbiome extraction kits to test their extraction efficiency on fabric samples. Additionally, this study aims to check if these extracts contain human DNA, providing a chance to obtain more information from the same evidence for personal identification. The results obtained show: (1) variations in the skin microbiome between the volunteers, potentially due to their different sex; (2) differences in microbial composition between worn and unworn clothing; (3) the influence of the environment on the microbial signature of unworn clothing; (4) the potential use of certain phyla as biomarkers to differentiate between worn and unworn garments, even over extended periods; (5) a tendency towards extraction biases in the QIAampMP® DNA microbiome kit among the three tested ones; and (6) none of the extraction kits allow for the typing of human genetic profiles suitable for comparison. In conclusion, our study offers supplementary insights into the potential utility of time-transferred microbiome analysis on garments for forensic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Procopio
- School of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (N.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Giulia Sguazzi
- CRIMEDIM—Center for Research and Training in Disaster Medicine, Humanitarian Aid and Global Health, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Via Lanino 1, 28100 Novara, Italy;
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Emma V. Eriksson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 20, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Nengi Ogbanga
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK;
| | - Frazer C. McKell
- School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (F.C.M.); (E.P.N.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Eleanor P. Newton
- School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (F.C.M.); (E.P.N.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Paola A. Magni
- School of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia; (F.C.M.); (E.P.N.); (P.A.M.)
| | - Andrea Bonicelli
- School of Law and Policing, Research Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK; (N.P.); (A.B.)
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Cláudia-Ferreira A, Barbosa DJ, Saegeman V, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Freitas AR. The Future Is Now: Unraveling the Expanding Potential of Human (Necro)Microbiome in Forensic Investigations. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2509. [PMID: 37894167 PMCID: PMC10608847 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The relevance of postmortem microbiological examinations has been controversial for decades, but the boom in advanced sequencing techniques over the last decade is increasingly demonstrating their usefulness, namely for the estimation of the postmortem interval. This comprehensive review aims to present the current knowledge about the human postmortem microbiome (the necrobiome), highlighting the main factors influencing this complex process and discussing the principal applications in the field of forensic sciences. Several limitations still hindering the implementation of forensic microbiology, such as small-scale studies, the lack of a universal/harmonized workflow for DNA extraction and sequencing technology, variability in the human microbiome, and limited access to human cadavers, are discussed. Future research in the field should focus on identifying stable biomarkers within the dominant Bacillota and Pseudomonadota phyla, which are prevalent during postmortem periods and for which standardization, method consolidation, and establishment of a forensic microbial bank are crucial for consistency and comparability. Given the complexity of identifying unique postmortem microbial signatures for robust databases, a promising future approach may involve deepening our understanding of specific bacterial species/strains that can serve as reliable postmortem interval indicators during the process of body decomposition. Microorganisms might have the potential to complement routine forensic tests in judicial processes, requiring robust investigations and machine-learning models to bridge knowledge gaps and adhere to Locard's principle of trace evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cláudia-Ferreira
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Veroniek Saegeman
- Department of Infection Control and Prevention, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Amparo Fernández-Rodríguez
- Microbiology Laboratory, Biology Service, Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Sciences, 28232 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Freitas
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; (A.C.-F.); (R.J.D.-O.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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6
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Tambuzzi S, Maciocco F, Gentile G, Boracchi M, Bailo P, Marchesi M, Zoja R. Applications of microbiology to different forensic scenarios - A narrative review. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 98:102560. [PMID: 37451142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
In contrast to other forensic disciplines, forensic microbiology is still too often considered a "side activity" and is not able to make a real and concrete contribution to forensic investigations. Indeed, the various application aspects of this discipline still remain a niche activity and, as a result, microbiological investigations are often omitted or only approximated, in part due to poor report in the literature. However, in certain situations, forensic microbiology can prove to be extremely effective, if not crucial, when all other disciplines fail. Precisely because microorganisms can represent forensic evidence, in this narrative review all the major pathological forensic applications described in the literature have been presented. The goal of our review is to highlight the versatility and transversality of microbiology in forensic science and to provide a comprehensive source of literature to refer to when needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Tambuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Maciocco
- Azienda Ospedaliera "San Carlo Borromeo", Servizio di Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale (SIMT), Via Pio II°, n. 3, Milano, Italy
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Michele Boracchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Marchesi
- ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Luigi Mangiagalli, 37, 20133, Milano, Italy
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7
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Yu KM, Lee AM, Cho HS, Lee JW, Lim SK. Optimization of DNA extraction and sampling methods for successful forensic microbiome analyses of the skin and saliva. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:63-77. [PMID: 36416962 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02919-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Microbiome studies have contributed to many fields, such as healthcare and medicine; however, these studies are relatively limited in forensics. Microbiome analyses can provide information, such as geolocation and ancestry information, when short tandem repeat (STR) profiling fails. In this study, methods for DNA extraction and sampling from the skin and saliva were optimized for the construction of a Korean Forensic Microbiome Database (KFMD). DNA yields were estimated using four DNA extraction kits, including two automated kits (Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit and PrepFiler™ Forensic DNA Extraction Kit, updated) and two manual kits (QIAamp DNA Mini Kit and QIAamp DNA Micro Kit) commonly used in forensic DNA profiling laboratories. Next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 region was performed to analyze microbial communities in samples. The Bacterial Transport Swab with Liquid Media (NobleBio), two cotton swabs (PoongSung and Puritan), and nylon-flocked swabs (NobleBio and COPAN) were tested for DNA recovery. The PrepFiler and Maxwell kits showed the highest yields of 3.884 ng/μL and 23.767 ng/μL from the scalp and saliva, respectively. With respect to DNA recovery, nylon-flocked swabs performed better than cotton swabs. The relative abundances of taxa sorted by DNA extraction kits were similar contributions; however, with significant differences in community composition between scalp and saliva samples. Lawsonella and Veillonella were the most abundant genera in the two sample types. Thus, the Maxwell® FSC DNA IQ™ Casework Kit and nylon-flocked swab (NobleBio) were optimal for DNA extraction and collection in microbiome analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong-Min Yu
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - A-Mi Lee
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Seon Cho
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Woo Lee
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Keun Lim
- Department of Forensic Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Bécue A, Champod C. Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions 2019 - 2022). Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100304. [PMID: 36636235 PMCID: PMC9830181 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Bécue
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Champod
- University of Lausanne, School of Criminal Justice, Faculty of Law Criminal Justice and Public Administration, Switzerland
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9
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Butler JM. Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019-2022. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2022; 6:100311. [PMID: 36618991 PMCID: PMC9813539 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2022.100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2019 to 2022 as a part of the 20th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. Topics reviewed include rapid DNA testing, using law enforcement DNA databases plus investigative genetic genealogy DNA databases along with privacy/ethical issues, forensic biology and body fluid identification, DNA extraction and typing methods, mixture interpretation involving probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), DNA transfer and activity-level evaluations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA phenotyping, lineage markers (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome), new markers and approaches (microhaplotypes, proteomics, and microbial DNA), kinship analysis and human identification with disaster victim identification (DVI), and non-human DNA testing including wildlife forensics. Available books and review articles are summarized as well as 70 guidance documents to assist in quality control that were published in the past three years by various groups within the United States and around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Butler
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Programs Office, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 4701, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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Cui C, Song Y, Mao D, Cao Y, Qiu B, Gui P, Wang H, Zhao X, Huang Z, Sun L, Zhong Z. Predicting the Postmortem Interval Based on Gravesoil Microbiome Data and a Random Forest Model. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010056. [PMID: 36677348 PMCID: PMC9860995 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The estimation of a postmortem interval (PMI) is particularly important for forensic investigations. The aim of this study was to assess the succession of bacterial communities associated with the decomposition of mouse cadavers and determine the most important biomarker taxa for estimating PMIs. High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the bacterial communities of gravesoil samples with different PMIs, and a random forest model was used to identify biomarker taxa. Redundancy analysis was used to determine the significance of environmental factors that were related to bacterial communities. Our data showed that the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes showed an increasing trend during decomposition, but that of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi decreased. At the genus level, Pseudomonas was the most abundant bacterial group, showing a trend similar to that of Proteobacteria. Soil temperature, total nitrogen, NH4+-N and NO3--N levels were significantly related to the relative abundance of bacterial communities. Random forest models could predict PMIs with a mean absolute error of 1.27 days within 36 days of decomposition and identified 18 important biomarker taxa, such as Sphingobacterium, Solirubrobacter and Pseudomonas. Our results highlighted that microbiome data combined with machine learning algorithms could provide accurate models for predicting PMIs in forensic science and provide a better understanding of decomposition processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Cui
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- College of Resource and Environment, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Dongmei Mao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yajun Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Bowen Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Peng Gui
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xingchun Zhao
- Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Genetics of Ministry of Public Security, Beijing 100038, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zhi Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Liqiong Sun
- College of Horticulture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (X.Z.); (Z.H.); (L.S.)
| | - Zengtao Zhong
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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11
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DU Q, ZHANG Y, WANG J, ZHAO P, WU X, DONG L, LI J, LIU B. Simultaneous determination of 36 hypotensive drugs in fingerprints by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole composite linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Se Pu 2022; 40:182-189. [PMID: 35080165 PMCID: PMC9404012 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1123.2021.05012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
指印中蕴含着供体摄入成分等相关信息,通过对其分析可对供体进行特征刻画,从而为案件侦查提供线索,指印分析也可用于药物摄入的定性检测,因此检验指印中的降压药具有重要的实际应用价值。建立了超高效液相色谱-三重四极杆复合线性离子阱质谱(UPLC-Q-TRAP/MS)同时检测指印中36种降压药的方法。前处理方法采用沉淀蛋白法,使用3×3 cm滤纸采集指印,将滤纸剪碎置于2 mL塑料离心管中,加入0.50 mL甲醇,涡旋混合1 min,超声振荡3 min,取出后以12000 r/min离心5 min,取上清液进样分析。采用ACQUITY UPLC® BEH C18柱(100 mm×3.0 mm, 1.7 μm)分离,以0.01%甲酸水溶液和甲醇作为流动相进行梯度洗脱。质谱分析采用可编程多反应监测-信息关联采集-增强子离子(SMRM-IDA-EPI)扫描方式,在高灵敏度分析的同时进行二级谱库检索,增加定性结果的准确性。36种药物在0.05~50.00 ng/fingerprint范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r)大于0.99,检出限和定量限分别为0.001~0.045 ng/fingerprint和0.002~0.050 ng/fingerprint,在0.25、2.50、25.00 ng/fingerprint 3个加标水平下的基质效应为79.0%~119.2%,回收率为79.3%~116.2%,日内精密度为0.2%~18.3%,日间精密度为1.6%~19.1%。使用该方法检测了87名高血压患者指印中的降压药,大部分样本中可检出其所服用的药物。该方法操作简单,灵敏度高,选择性好,适用于指印中降压药的筛查检验。
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12
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van Oorschot RAH, Meakin GE, Kokshoorn B, Goray M, Szkuta B. DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111766. [PMID: 34828372 PMCID: PMC8618004 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that may impact the transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR), and the availability of data to assign probabilities to DNA quantities and profile types being obtained given particular scenarios and circumstances, is paramount when performing, and giving guidance on, evaluations of DNA findings given activity level propositions (activity level evaluations). In late 2018 and early 2019, three major reviews were published on aspects of DNA-TPPR, with each advocating the need for further research and other actions to support the conduct of DNA-related activity level evaluations. Here, we look at how challenges are being met, primarily by providing a synopsis of DNA-TPPR-related articles published since the conduct of these reviews and briefly exploring some of the actions taken by industry stakeholders towards addressing identified gaps. Much has been carried out in recent years, and efforts continue, to meet the challenges to continually improve the capacity of forensic experts to provide the guidance sought by the judiciary with respect to the transfer of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A. H. van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgina E. Meakin
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Centre for the Forensic Sciences, Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands;
- Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1097 DZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Bianca Szkuta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
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13
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Caenazzo L, Tozzo P. Microbiome Forensic Biobanking: A Step toward Microbial Profiling for Forensic Human Identification. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1371. [PMID: 34683051 PMCID: PMC8544459 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years many studies have highlighted the great potential of microbial analysis in human identification for forensic purposes, with important differences in microbial community composition and function across different people and locations, showing a certain degree of uncertainty. Therefore, further studies are necessary to enable forensic scientists to evaluate the risk of microbial transfer and recovery from various items and to further critically evaluate the suitability of current human DNA recovery protocols for human microbial profiling for identification purposes. While the establishment and development of microbiome research biobanks for clinical applications is already very structured, the development of studies on the applicability of microbiome biobanks for forensic purposes is still in its infancy. The creation of large population microbiome biobanks, specifically dedicated to forensic human identification, could be worthwhile. This could also be useful to increase the practical applications of forensic microbiology for identification purposes, given that this type of evidence is currently absent from most real casework investigations and judicial proceedings in courts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
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Jurkevitch E, Pasternak Z. A walk on the dirt: soil microbial forensics from ecological theory to the crime lab. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2021; 45:5937428. [PMID: 33098291 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Forensics aims at using physical evidence to solve investigations with science-based principles, thus operating within a theoretical framework. This however is often rather weak, the exception being DNA-based human forensics that is well anchored in theory. Soil is a most commonly encountered, easily and unknowingly transferred evidence but it is seldom employed as soil analyses require extensive expertise. In contrast, comparative analyses of soil bacterial communities using nucleic acid technologies can efficiently and precisely locate the origin of forensic soil traces. However, this application is still in its infancy, and is very rarely used. We posit that understanding the theoretical bases and limitations of their uses is essential for soil microbial forensics to be judiciously implemented. Accordingly, we review the ecological theory and experimental evidence explaining differences between soil microbial communities, i.e. the generation of beta diversity, and propose to integrate a bottom-up approach of interactions at the microscale, reflecting historical contingencies with top-down mechanisms driven by the geographic template, providing a potential explanation as to why bacterial communities map according to soil types. Finally, we delimit the use of soil microbial forensics based on the present technologies and ecological knowledge, and propose possible venues to remove existing bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Jurkevitch
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zohar Pasternak
- Division of Identification and Forensic Science, Israel Police
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15
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Cho HW, Eom YB. Forensic Analysis of Human Microbiome in Skin and Body Fluids Based on Geographic Location. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:695191. [PMID: 34458160 PMCID: PMC8388931 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.695191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have facilitated the in silico forensic analysis of human microbiome. Specific microbial species or communities obtained from the crime scene provide evidence of human contacts and their body fluids. The microbial community is influenced by geographic, ethnic, lifestyle, and environmental factors such as urbanization. An understanding of the effects of these external stressors on the human microbiome and determination of stable and changing elements are important in selecting appropriate targets for investigation. In this study, the Forensic Microbiome Database (FMD) (http://www.fmd.jcvi.org) containing the microbiome data of various locations in the human body in 35 countries was used. We focused on skin, saliva, vaginal fluid, and stool and found that the microbiome distribution differed according to the body part as well as the geographic location. In the case of skin samples, Staphylococcus species were higher than Corynebacterium species among Asians compared with Americans. Holdemanella and Fusobacterium were specific in the saliva of Koreans and Japanese populations. Lactobacillus was found in the vaginal fluids of individuals in all countries, whereas Serratia and Enterobacter were endemic to Bolivia and Congo, respectively. This study is the first attempt to collate and describe the observed variation in microbiomes from the forensic microbiome database. As additional microbiome databases are reported by studies worldwide, the diversity of the applications may exceed and expand beyond the initial identification of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Won Cho
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
| | - Yong-Bin Eom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, South Korea
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16
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Procopio N, Lovisolo F, Sguazzi G, Ghignone S, Voyron S, Migliario M, Renò F, Sellitto F, D'Angiolella G, Tozzo P, Caenazzo L, Gino S. "Touch microbiome" as a potential tool for forensic investigation: A pilot study. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 82:102223. [PMID: 34343925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human skin hosts a variety of microbes that can be transferred to surfaces ("touch microbiome"). These microorganisms can be considered as forensic markers similarly to "touch DNA". With this pilot study, we wanted to evaluate the transferability and persistence of the "touch microbiome" on a surface after the deposition of a fingerprint and its exposure for 30 days at room temperature. Eleven volunteers were enrolled in the study. Skin microbiome samples were collected by swabbing the palm of their hands; additionally, donors were asked to touch a glass microscope slide to deposit their fingerprints, that were then swabbed. Both human and microbial DNA was isolated and quantified. Amelogenin locus and 16 human STRs were amplified, whereas the V4 region of 16 S rRNA gene was sequenced using Illumina MiSeq platform. STR profiles were successfully typed for 5 out of 22 "touch DNA" samples, while a microbiome profile was obtained for 20 out of 22 "touch microbiome" samples. Six skin core microbiome taxa were identified, as well as unique donor characterizing taxa. These unique taxa may have relevance for personal identification studies and may be useful to provide forensic intelligence information also when "touch DNA" fails. Additional future studies including greater datasets, additional time points and a greater number of surfaces may clarify the applicability of "touch microbiome" studies to real forensic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Procopio
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Flavia Lovisolo
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Giulia Sguazzi
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ghignone
- Istituto per La Protezione Sostenibile Delle Piante - SS Torino - Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, C/o Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, V.le P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy.
| | - Samuele Voyron
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Torino, V.le P.A. Mattioli 25, 10125 Turin, Italy.
| | - Mario Migliario
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Filippo Renò
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
| | - Federica Sellitto
- Forensic Science Research Group, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Gabriella D'Angiolella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, Via Falloppio 50, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Science, University of Piemonte Orientale, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy.
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17
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Robinson JM, Pasternak Z, Mason CE, Elhaik E. Forensic Applications of Microbiomics: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:608101. [PMID: 33519756 PMCID: PMC7838326 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.608101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of microbiomics and metagenomics has been driven by advances in genomic sequencing technology, improved microbial sampling methods, and fast-evolving approaches in bioinformatics. Humans are a host to diverse microbial communities in and on their bodies, which continuously interact with and alter the surrounding environments. Since information relating to these interactions can be extracted by analyzing human and environmental microbial profiles, they have the potential to be relevant to forensics. In this review, we analyzed over 100 papers describing forensic microbiome applications with emphasis on geolocation, personal identification, trace evidence, manner and cause of death, and inference of the postmortem interval (PMI). We found that although the field is in its infancy, utilizing microbiome and metagenome signatures has the potential to enhance the forensic toolkit. However, many of the studies suffer from limited sample sizes and model accuracies, and unrealistic environmental settings, leaving the full potential of microbiomics to forensics unexplored. It is unlikely that the information that can currently be elucidated from microbiomics can be used by law enforcement. Nonetheless, the research to overcome these challenges is ongoing, and it is foreseeable that microbiome-based evidence could contribute to forensic investigations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Robinson
- Department of Landscape, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.,Healthy Urban Microbiome Initiative (HUMI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Zohar Pasternak
- Quality Assurance and Evidence Unit, Division of Identification and Forensic Science (DIFS), National Headquarters of the Israel Police, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States.,The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eran Elhaik
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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18
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Impact of the Human Microbiome in Forensic Sciences: a Systematic Review. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.01451-20. [PMID: 32887714 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01451-20] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies relate differences in microbial communities to human health and disease; however, little is known about microbial changes that occur postmortem or the possible applications of microbiome analysis in the field of forensic science. The aim of this review was to study the microbiome and its applications in forensic sciences and to determine the main lines of investigation that are emerging, as well as its possible contributions to the forensic field. A systematic review of the human microbiome in relation to forensic science was carried out by following PRISMA guidelines. This study sheds light on the role of microbiome research in the postmortem interval during the process of decomposition, identifying death caused by drowning or sudden death, locating the geographical location of death, establishing a connection between the human microbiome and personal items, sexual contact, and the identification of individuals. Actinomycetaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Alcaligenaceae, and Bacilli play an important role in determining the postmortem interval. Aeromonas can be used to determine the cause of death, and Corynebacterium or Helicobacter pylori can be used to ascertain personal identity or geographical location. Several studies point to a promising future for microbiome analysis in the different fields of forensic science, opening up an important new area of research.
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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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20
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Frick AA, Kummer N, Moraleda A, Weyermann C. Changes in latent fingermark glyceride composition as a function of sample age using UPLC-IMS-QToF-MS E. Analyst 2020; 145:4212-4223. [PMID: 32393937 DOI: 10.1039/d0an00379d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The composition of fingermark residue has been an important topic in forensic science, mainly in efforts to better understand and eventually improve the efficacy of latent fingermark detection methods. While the lipid fraction has been extensively studied, there is currently little information about how the glyceride fraction of latent fingermarks is chemically altered over time following deposition. A previously reported untargeted ultra performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-IMS-QToF-MSE) method was used to investigate changes over time in fingermark di- and triglycerides. Charged latent fingermark samples from 5 donors were analysed up to 28 days following deposition. Significant changes in glyceride composition occurred with increased sample age, attributed primarily to the oxidation of unsaturated triglycerides through ozonolysis. Considerably fewer unsaturated TGs were identified in samples 7 and 28 days following deposition, while mono- and diozonides of these lipids were identified as major components of aged samples. Additional compounds were identified as possible aldehyde and carboxylic acid derivatives resulting from the reaction of water with ozonolysis intermediates. While the onset of these processes occurred rapidly following deposition, continuing oxidation over time was seen via the progressive ozonolysis of diunsaturated triglycerides. These results represent a further step towards understanding the factors affecting fingermark composition, ageing and subsequent detection under operational conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Frick
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
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21
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Tozzo P, D’Angiolella G, Brun P, Castagliuolo I, Gino S, Caenazzo L. Skin Microbiome Analysis for Forensic Human Identification: What Do We Know So Far? Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060873. [PMID: 32527009 PMCID: PMC7356928 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiome research is a highly transdisciplinary field with a wide range of applications and methods for studying it, involving different computational approaches and models. The fact that different people host radically different microbiota highlights forensic perspectives in understanding what leads to this variation and what regulates it, in order to effectively use microbes as forensic evidence. This narrative review provides an overview of some of the main scientific works so far produced, focusing on the potentiality of using skin microbiome profiling for human identification in forensics. This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The examined literature clearly ascertains that skin microbial communities, although personalized, vary systematically across body sites and time, with intrapersonal differences over time smaller than interpersonal ones, showing such a high degree of spatial and temporal variability that the degree and nature of this variability can constitute in itself an important parameter useful in distinguishing individuals from one another. Even making the effort to organically synthesize all results achieved until now, it is quite evident that these results are still the pieces of a puzzle, which is not yet complete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Tozzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0498272234
| | - Gabriella D’Angiolella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (P.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Ignazio Castagliuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (P.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Sarah Gino
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Luciana Caenazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy;
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23
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Bécue A, Eldridge H, Champod C. Interpol review of fingermarks and other body impressions 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:442-480. [PMID: 33385142 PMCID: PMC7770454 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in fingerprint and bodily impression sciences from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20 Review%20 Papers%202019. pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Bécue
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Heidi Eldridge
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Champod
- École des Sciences Criminelles, Faculté de Droit, des Sciences criminelles et d’Administration publique, Quartier Sorge, Building Batochime, University of Lausanne, CH-1015, Lausanne, Dorigny, Switzerland
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