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Janßen K, Jübner M, Rothschild MA, Kamphausen T. Suizidale „Pulsaderschnitte“ mit subtotaler Amputation der linken Hand. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-018-0268-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vom Rücken durch die Brust ins Auge – Ungewöhnlicher gemeinschaftlicher Suizid mittels einer Schusswaffe. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-018-0248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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3
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Dammeier S, Nahnsen S, Veit J, Wehner F, Ueffing M, Kohlbacher O. Mass-Spectrometry-Based Proteomics Reveals Organ-Specific Expression Patterns To Be Used as Forensic Evidence. J Proteome Res 2015; 15:182-92. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Dammeier
- Institute
for Ophthalmic Research, Medical Proteome Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse 5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sven Nahnsen
- Quantitative
Biology Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Auf der
Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Johannes Veit
- Center
for Bioinformatics and Department of Computer Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Frank Wehner
- Institute
for Forensic Medicine, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse
5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marius Ueffing
- Institute
for Ophthalmic Research, Medical Proteome Center, University Hospital Tuebingen, Naegelestrasse 5, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Kohlbacher
- Quantitative
Biology Center, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Auf der
Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Center
for Bioinformatics and Department of Computer Science, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Sand 14, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Kamphausen T, Althaus L, Küpper U, Rothschild M, Bajanowski T. Tödliche Schussverletzung eines Motorradrockers. Rechtsmedizin (Berl) 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00194-014-0981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Courts C, Gahr B, Madea B, Schyma C. Persistence of biological traces at inside parts of a firearm from a case of multiple familial homicide. J Forensic Sci 2014; 59:1129-32. [PMID: 24528165 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Backspatter from wounds caused by contact shots against a biological target had before been shown to be propelled into firearms' barrels where they can persist and be retrieved from as relevant forensic evidence. Herein, that insight was applied to the investigation of a case of multiple familial homicide with a firearm. Samples of backspatter were collected from the firearm using DNA-free swabs. DNA was extracted from the swabs, and 16 STR systems were PCR-amplified to generate DNA profiles of all victims shot by the firearm. The quality of the resulting DNA profiles was sufficient to exclude the perpetrator as donor and to differentiate the three closely related victims thereby proving that all three victims had been shot by the same firearm from very close or contact distance. A key insight gained from this case was that not only a firearms' barrel inside but other inner surfaces may be charged with profilable DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Courts
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
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Lindenbergh A, van den Berge M, Oostra RJ, Cleypool C, Bruggink A, Kloosterman A, Sijen T. Development of a mRNA profiling multiplex for the inference of organ tissues. Int J Legal Med 2013; 127:891-900. [PMID: 23839651 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0895-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Forensic characterisation of organ tissue generally occurs through histological and immunological assays of limited sensitivity. Here, we explore an alternative approach and examine a total of 41 candidate mRNA markers for their ability to differentiate between brain, lung, liver, skeletal muscle, heart, kidney and skin. Various selection rounds are applied involving 85 organ tissues (36 excised autopsy specimens and 49 frozen tissue sections, with at least ten specimens for each organ type), 20 commercially available RNAs from different human tissues and at least two specimens of blood, saliva, semen, vaginal mucosa, menstrual secretion or touch samples. Finally, 14 markers are regarded tissue-specific and included in an endpoint RT-PCR multiplex together with one general muscle, one blood and one housekeeping marker. This 17-plex is successfully used to analyse a blind test set of 20 specimens including mixtures, and samples derived from stabbing of organ tissues. With the blind test set samples, it is shown that an earlier described interpretation strategy for RNA cell typing results [1] is also effective for tissue inference. As organ-typing is embedded in a procedure of combined DNA/RNA extraction and analysis, both donor and organ type information is derived from the same sample. Some autopsy specimens presented DNA profiles characteristic for degraded DNA. Nevertheless, the organ-typing multiplex could generate full RNA profiles, which is probably due to small sizes of the amplicons. This assay provides a novel tool for analysis of samples from violent crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Lindenbergh
- Department of Human Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, P.O. Box 24044, 2490 AA The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Courts C, Madea B, Schyma C. Persistence of biological traces in gun barrels--an approach to an experimental model. Int J Legal Med 2011; 126:391-7. [PMID: 22160245 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-011-0655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Traces of backspatter in gun barrels after homicidal or suicidal contact shots may be a valuable source of forensic evidence. Yet, a systematic investigation of the persistence and durability of DNA from biological traces in gun barrels is lacking. Our aim was to generate a realistic model to emulate blood and tissue spatters in gun barrels generated by contact gunshots at biological targets and to analyse the persistence and typability of DNA recovered from such stains. Herein, we devise and evaluate three different models for the emulation of backspatter from contact shots: a gelatine-based model with embedded blood bags, a model based on a spongious matrix soaked with blood and covered with a thin plastic membrane and a head model consisting of an acrylic half sphere filled with ballistic gelatine and with blood bags attached to the sphere under a 3-mm silicone layer. The sampling procedure for all three models: a first shot was fired with several types of guns at each model construction and subsequently a second shot was fired at a backstop. Blood samples were collected after each shot by probing the inner surface of the front and rear end of the respective gun barrel with a sterile swab. DNA was then extracted and quantified and up to 20 different short tandem repeat (STR) systems were amplified to generate DNA profiles. Although DNA quantity and STR typing results were heterogenous between the models, all models succeeded in delivering full STR profiles even after more than one shot. We conclude that biological traces in gun barrels are robust and accessible to forensic analysis and that systematic examination of the inside of gun barrels may be advisable for forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Courts
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
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Dieltjes P, Mieremet R, Zuniga S, Kraaijenbrink T, Pijpe J, de Knijff P. A sensitive method to extract DNA from biological traces present on ammunition for the purpose of genetic profiling. Int J Legal Med 2010; 125:597-602. [PMID: 20419382 PMCID: PMC3115141 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-010-0454-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2009] [Accepted: 03/31/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Exploring technological limits is a common practice in forensic DNA research. Reliable genetic profiling based on only a few cells isolated from trace material retrieved from a crime scene is nowadays more and more the rule rather than the exception. On many crime scenes, cartridges, bullets, and casings (jointly abbreviated as CBCs) are regularly found, and even after firing, these potentially carry trace amounts of biological material. Since 2003, the Forensic Laboratory for DNA Research is routinely involved in the forensic investigation of CBCs in the Netherlands. Reliable DNA profiles were frequently obtained from CBCs and used to match suspects, victims, or other crime scene-related DNA traces. In this paper, we describe the sensitive method developed by us to extract DNA from CBCs. Using PCR-based genotyping of autosomal short tandem repeats, we were able to obtain reliable and reproducible DNA profiles in 163 out of 616 criminal cases (26.5%) and in 283 out of 4,085 individual CBC items (6.9%) during the period January 2003–December 2009. We discuss practical aspects of the method and the sometimes unexpected effects of using cell lysis buffer on the subsequent investigation of striation patterns on CBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Dieltjes
- Forensic Laboratory for DNA Research, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postzone S-05-P, PO Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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Ferreira ST, Trindade-Filho A, Paula KA, Mendes CR, Maia FA, Pak HI, Neto RP, Junior HD, Moraes AV. DNA analysis of biological material on perforating bullets and crime scene reconstruction. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2009.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pollak S, Rothschild MA. Gunshot injuries as a topic of medicolegal research in the German-speaking countries from the beginning of the 20th century up to the present time. Forensic Sci Int 2004; 144:201-10. [PMID: 15364391 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The 100th anniversary of the foundation of the German Society of Legal Medicine is a good opportunity to review its contributions to forensic wound ballistics. The present article gives an overview of the scientific development in this field with special emphasis on work pioneering new developments and findings valid up to the present day, for example the presence of carboxyhemoglobin in the vicinity of the entrance wound as a sign of a contact or close-range shot [A. Paltauf, Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. 3 (1890) 984-991, 1015-1017]; the correct interpretation of the muzzle imprint [A. Werkgartner, Beitr. Gerichtl. Med. 6 (1924) 148-161] and the retrograde ballooning of the bullet entrance region in contact shots [F. Hausbrandt, Dtsch. Z. ges. Gerichtl. Med. 38 (1944) 45-76; H. Elbel, Med. Welt 20 (1958) 343-345]; wound patterns from captive-bolt livestock stunners [H. Czursiedel, Dtsch. Z. ges. Gerichtl. Med. 28 (1937) 132-133]; singeing of synthetic fiber textiles in close-range shots with nitro powder ammunition [S. Berg, Arch. Kriminol. 124 (1959) 5-8,17-22]; the wound ballistic processes on penetration of the bullet and the origin of the abrasion collar [K. Sellier, Beitr. Gerichtl. Med. 25 (1969) 265-270]. More recently medicolegal research in the German-speaking countries covered the following subjects: studies of the dynamic bullet-target interactions in experimental gunshots to simulants and composite body models; use of modern imaging techniques (CT, MRI) in the pre-autopsy diagnosis of lethal gunshot injuries; injuries from blank guns; mechanisms of incapacitation by gunshot injuries; development of improved methods for the evidence of gunshot residues on the firing hand; backspatter from close-range shots; medicolegal contributions in the discrimination of accidental, homicidal and suicidal gunshot injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pollak
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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Szibor R, Michael M, Plate I, Krause D. Efficiency of forensic mtDNA analysis. Case examples demonstrating the identification of traces. Forensic Sci Int 2000; 113:71-8. [PMID: 10978604 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(00)00266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The paper presents results of forensic mitochondrial DNA analyses which were aimed at typing the traces caused by touching or abrasion of skin cells. Five cases of strangulation tool investigation are summarised. Two cases of homicide could be cleared up by identifying the mtDNA of both the victim and the suspect on cables which had obviously been used as strangulation tools. In eight of 10 cases, weapons could be reliably assigned to their users. The mtDNA of the users could be even detected on cartridges after firing. In one case, evidence of a suicide could be provided by means of mtDNA sequencing of the wiping traces on a suicide note.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Szibor
- Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Population Study of HUMTH01, HUMVWA31/A, HUMF13A1, and HUMFES/FPS Systems in Azores. J Forensic Sci 1999. [DOI: 10.1520/jfs14597j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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