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Wankhede AG. The Role of Fingernails in Death Investigation. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2024; 45:215-223. [PMID: 38442254 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In forensic pathology, forensic onychology studies fingernails and toenails for medicolegal purposes. It mainly deals with DNA profiling from nails, toxicological analysis for detecting poisons, and the collection of trace evidence present under the nails. Injuries to fingernails and their interpretation for medicolegal purposes are the neglected areas of this study. We have discussed the most common types of fingernail injuries and their significance. We found that their notification has significant value in drowning cases, defense wounds on the palm, self-inflicted cuts, burns, electrocution, blunt trauma, physical assault, sexual offenses, and other issues like torture. We emphasize the examination of fingernails in the autopsy and medicolegal clinical examination for better administration of law and justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashesh Gunwantrao Wankhede
- From the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lt BRKM Govt Medical College, Dimrapal, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India
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2
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Della Rocca C, Chighine A, Piras G, Vecchio C, Mameli A. Nails as optimal source of DNA for molecular identification of 5 decomposed bodies recovered from seawater: from Y-ancestry to personal identification. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:787-792. [PMID: 38282084 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03170-x] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Molecular identification of extremely compromised human remains in forensic field is usually performed from DNA typing of bones, which are a difficult sample to work with. Moreover, autosomal STR profiles do not always result in the identification of the donor due to lack of comparisons or non-hit throughout database searching. An attempt to overcome these issues is represented by fingernails as an alternative DNA source and Y-STRs typing to infer both geographical and familial ancestry of the unknown donor. In this study, we analyzed both 24 autosomal and 27 Y-chromosome STRs from unidentified human remains (UHRs) of five males recovered from the water near the southwestern coast of Sardinia by the Italian Harbor Master's Office. Nail clippings provided an optimal source of autologous DNA for molecular identification in a very short time, producing complete autosomal and Y-STR profiles even under conditions of high body degradation. Unfortunately, no match neither compatibility occurred using autosomal STRs (aSTRs), initially. Upon analyzing the Y-haplotypes, we found out they had already been observed in northern Africa, providing us important investigative leads. This prompted the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) to provide us with references of alleged relatives that were then confirmed to be related. The use of fingernails represents an excellent DNA source especially for genetic identification of decomposed bodies recovered in seawater environment. Notably, DNA extracted from nails gave high-quality Y-STR haplotypes by which predicting paternal ancestry of the unidentified donors may result fundamental in the forensic investigative context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Della Rocca
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Cagliari-Sezione di Biologia, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Alberto Chighine
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Piras
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Cagliari-Sezione di Biologia, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cesare Vecchio
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Cagliari-Sezione di Biologia, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mameli
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Cagliari-Sezione di Biologia, Cagliari, Italy
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3
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Fokias K, Dierckx L, Van de Voorde W, Bekaert B. Age determination through DNA methylation patterns in fingernails and toenails. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 64:102846. [PMID: 36867979 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, age prediction based on DNA methylation has become a vastly investigated topic; many age prediction models have been developed based on different DNAm markers and using various tissues. However, the potential of using nails to this end has not yet been explored. Their inherent resistance to decay and ease of sampling would offer an advantage in cases where post-mortem degradation poses challenges concerning sample collection and DNA-extraction. In the current study, clippings from both fingernails and toenails were collected from 108 living test subjects (age range: 0-96 years). The methylation status of 15 CpGs located in 4 previously established age-related markers (ASPA, EDARADD, PDE4C, ELOVL2) was investigated through pyrosequencing of bisulphite converted DNA. Significant dissimilarities in methylation levels were observed between all four limbs, hence both limb-specific age prediction models and prediction models combining multiple sampling locations were developed. When applied to their respective test sets, these models yielded a mean absolute deviation between predicted and chronological age ranging from 5.48 to 9.36 years when using ordinary least squares regression. In addition, the assay was tested on methylation data derived from 5 nail samples collected from deceased individuals, demonstrating its feasibility for application in post-mortem cases. In conclusion, this study provides the first proof that chronological age can be assessed through DNA methylation patterns in nails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Fokias
- KU Leuven, Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Dierckx
- KU Leuven, Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Van de Voorde
- KU Leuven, Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Leuven, Belgium; UZ Leuven, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- KU Leuven, Forensic Biomedical Sciences, Department of Imaging & Pathology, Leuven, Belgium; UZ Leuven, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics, Leuven, Belgium.
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4
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Recommendations for the successful identification of altered human remains using standard and emerging technologies: Results of a systematic approach. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 62:102790. [PMID: 36272213 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102790] [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: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Successful DNA-based identification of altered human remains relies on the condition of the corpses and varies between tissue types. Therefore, the aim of this prospective multicenter study was to generate evidence-based recommendations for the successful identification of altered remains. For this, 19 commonly used soft and hard tissues from 102 altered human bodies were investigated. The corpses' condition was categorized into three anatomical regions using a practical scoring system. Besides other data, DNA yields, degradation indices, and short tandem repeat (STR) profile completeness were determined in 949 tissue samples. Additionally, varying degrees of alteration and tissue-specific differences were evaluated using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform MiSeq FGx™. Selected challenging samples were sequenced in parallel with the Ion S5™ platform to assess platform-specific performances in the prediction of the deceased's phenotype and the biogeographic ancestry. Differences between tissue types and DNA extraction methods were found, revealing, for example, the lowest degradation for vertebral disc samples from corpses with initiating, advanced and high degrees of decomposition. With respect to STR profile completeness, blood samples outperformed all other tissues including even profoundly degraded corpses. NGS results revealed higher profile completeness compared to standard capillary electrophoresis (CE) genotyping. Per sample, material and degradation degree, a probability for its genotyping success, including the "extended" European Standard Set (eESS) loci, was provided for the forensic community. Based on the observations, recommendations for the alteration-specific optimal tissue types were made to improve the first-attempt identification success of altered human remains for forensic casework.
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5
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Ochiai E, Asogawa M, Irie W, Sasaki C, Nakamaru N, Sakamoto M, Nagato J, Saito J, Sugisawa M, Satoh F. Examination of pretreatment methods for DNA extraction from nails. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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6
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An in-field evaluation of rapid DNA instruments for disaster victim identification. Int J Legal Med 2021; 136:493-499. [PMID: 34816308 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In 2019 and 2020, disaster victim identification (DVI) simulations were conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research. Whole and fragmented cadavers were positioned to replicate a building collapse scenario and left to decompose for up to 4 weeks. This study evaluated the utility of the ANDE™ 6C Rapid DNA System and the RapidHITTM ID System for DVI in the field and mortuary. Applying post-mortem nail and tissue biopsy samples showed promise, with the added benefit of minimally invasive collection procedures and limited preparation requirements. The preferred platform will depend on a number of factors, including its intended use and operating environment.
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7
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Which tissue to take? A retrospective study of the identification success of altered human remains. J Forensic Leg Med 2021; 84:102271. [PMID: 34715438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2021.102271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In forensic medicine, deceased are usually identified by comparing ante- and post-mortem dental or radiological features. However, in severe putrefaction, burning or absent reference data, the remaining tool for identifying human remains is DNA genotyping. But even a DNA-based identification can be challenging when confronted with a high post-mortem interval or heat impacts because it can lead to undesirable degradation of the DNA that varies among tissue types. This retrospective study investigated the identification success in 402 altered human corpses over seven years by comparing the examined tissue types from decomposed, skeletonised and burnt corpses as well as bodies found in water. For each tissue, the STR genotyping results and the number of additional or parallel genetic analyses were evaluated. By comparing the amplification success in samples from altered and unaltered remains, condition-based and tissue-specific differences were observed. With a mean number of 1.6 additional amplifications in cases with well-preserved corpses and 4.5 in altered corpses, the results showed significantly more DNA analyses for altered remains. In 83% of the cases, extra amplifications were performed to identify the corpse. The tissue-specific differences revealed an uncertainty in choosing suitable material from altered corpses for a successful DNA profile. Especially for bone and muscle samples, the genotyping success was the most unpredictable. Furthermore, comparing the retrospective outcome with other research findings, a remarkable variety of recommendations for the "best tissue choice" exists in the forensic community. Thus, our survey highlights the advantages of a broader and systematic approach on hard and soft tissues for successful DNA-based identification of altered human remains at first attempt.
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The human intervertebral disc as a source of DNA for molecular identification. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2021; 17:660-664. [PMID: 34292481 PMCID: PMC8629888 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-021-00401-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Genetic analyses such as STR-typing are routinely used for identification purposes in forensic casework. Although genotyping techniques only require a minimum amount of DNA to provide a genetic profile, DNA quality differs not only between but also within tissues during ongoing decomposition. Initiated by a recent case where, due to the constitution of the body, preferred tissue was not available or only resulted in a partial and not usable DNA profile, the analysis of intervertebral discs as a source of DNA was considered. As the analysis of this tissue resulted in a high quality DNA profile a further study was performed in which thirty intervertebral discs dissected from bodies in different stages of decay were analyzed. All samples yielded good quality DNA in quantities suitable for STR-based amplification with no or only low degradation indices, resulting in complete genetic profiles. These results demonstrate the robustness of human intervertebral disc tissue as a source of DNA for molecular identification purposes.
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Suitability of specific soft tissue swabs for the forensic identification of highly decomposed bodies. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1319-1327. [PMID: 33880634 PMCID: PMC8205910 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
When decomposition of a recovered body is fairly advanced, identification based on common morphologic features is often impossible. In these cases, short tandem repeat (STR) marker genotyping has established itself as a convenient and reliable alternative. However, at very progressed stages of decomposition, postmortem tissue putrefaction processes can decrease DNA yields considerably. Hence, not all types of tissue are equally suitable for successful STR marker-based postmortem identification. Bone or dental material is often analysed in corpses with advanced decompositional changes. However, processing of these materials is very elaborate and time and resource consuming. We have therefore focused on the suitableness of various types of soft tissue swabs, where DNA extraction is easier and faster. By sampling 28 bodies at various stages of decomposition, we evaluated the suitability of different tissues for genotyping at varying degrees of physical decay. This was achieved by a systematic classification of the sampled bodies by morphological scoring and subsequent analysis of multiple tissue swabs of the aortic wall, urinary bladder wall, brain, liver, oral mucosa and skeletal muscle. In summary, we found variable degrees of suitability of different types of soft tissue swabs for DNA-based identification. Swabs of the aortic wall, the urinary bladder wall and brain tissue yielded the best results - in descending order - even at advanced levels of decay.
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10
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Uerlings S, Welter V, Madea B, Grabmüller M. Comparative analysis of DNA extraction processes for DNA-based identification from putrefied bodies in forensic routine work. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 320:110707. [PMID: 33548585 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Identification of putrefied bodies is an important and common task in forensic routine. Usually, the identification of deceased is done by visual recognition, fingerprints, physical distinguishing marks (e.g. tattoos, scars and surgical implants) and/or dental examination. However, if morphologic characteristics are not recognizable, due to advanced putrefaction of the corpse, or recent medical records are not available, the DNA-based identification is favored. Thus, in order to find another reliable procedure for DNA extraction of putrefied samples regarding tissue selection, costs and time, two commercial forensic kits were compared: DNeasy® Blood & Tissue kit and SwabSolution™ kit. Both kits were used for DNA extraction from five soft tissues (brain, aorta, liver, kidney and psoas major muscle) and nails (finger- and toenail) obtained during the medicolegal autopsy of 20 putrefied corpses. DNeasy® Blood & Tissue kit was by quantitative comparison mostly superior to SwabSolution™ kit: it yielded more DNA of better quality (i.e. less degraded and inhibited). However, the qualitative results (DNA profiles) of both extraction procedures were similar. Among the analyzed tissue types, nails were proved as the most suitable for DNA-based identification of putrefied bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Uerlings
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Welter
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Burkhard Madea
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
| | - Melanie Grabmüller
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Stiftsplatz 12, 53111, Bonn, Germany
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11
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Inkret J, Podovšovnik E, Zupanc T, Pajnič IZ. Nails as a primary sample type for molecular genetic identification of highly decomposed human remains. Int J Legal Med 2020; 134:1629-1638. [PMID: 32372234 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-020-02289-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
For identification of badly preserved cadavers, only a few tissues can be used as a source of DNA, mostly bones and teeth, from which sampling and DNA extraction are difficult and time-consuming. In most highly decomposed remains, the nails are preserved. The aim of this study was to evaluate nails as an alternative source of DNA instead of bones and teeth in demanding routine identification cases. An automated extraction method was optimized on nails obtained from 33 cadavers with a post-mortem interval (PMI) up to 5 years. The commercially available EZ1 Investigator Kit (Qiagen) was used for extraction, and the G2 buffer included in the kit was replaced with TNCa buffer, and DTT was added for digestion of 5 mg of nail. The DNA was purified in a Biorobot EZ1 device (Qiagen), quantified using the PowerQuant System (Promega), and STR typing was performed with the NGM kit (TFS). From 0.3 to 270 μg DNA/g of nail was obtained from the samples analyzed, with an average yield of 36 μg DNA/g of nail. Full STR profiles were obtained from all nails except one. The optimized extraction method proved to be fast and highly efficient in the removal of PCR inhibitors, and it yields high amounts of DNA for successful STR typing. Nails were implemented as the primary sample type for obtaining DNA from highly decomposed and partially skeletonized cadavers in routine forensic identification cases in our laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jezerka Inkret
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Podovšovnik
- Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica, University of Primorska, Portorož, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Zupanc
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Zupanič Pajnič
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Agostini V, Bailo P, Chiti E, Linarello P, Gentile G, Primignani P, Giriodi M, Piccinini A. Ocular swabs on exhumed bodies: An alternative to the collection of “classical” tissue samples in forensic genetics. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 44:102206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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13
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Sanz-Piña E, Santurtún A, Zarrabeitia MT. Forensic implications of the presence of chimerism after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 302:109862. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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14
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Rocchi A, Presciuttini S, Chiti E, Pierotti S, Spinetti I. Identification of an exhumed corpse by DNA extraction from bulb swab. A disputed parentage case report. Sci Justice 2019; 59:214-216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Sanz-Piña E, Santurtún A, Freire J, Gómez-Román J, Colorado M, Zarrabeitia MT. The genetic profile of bone marrow transplant patients in different samples of forensic interest. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2018; 15:178-183. [DOI: 10.1007/s12024-018-0057-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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16
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Current and emerging tools for the recovery of genetic information from post mortem samples: New directions for disaster victim identification. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 37:270-282. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Cavanaugh SE, Bathrick AS. Direct PCR amplification of forensic touch and other challenging DNA samples: A review. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2018; 32:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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The use of forensic DNA analysis in humanitarian forensic action: The development of a set of international standards. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:221-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Schlenker A, Grimble K, Azim A, Owen R, Hartman D. Toenails as an alternative source material for the extraction of DNA from decomposed human remains. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 258:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
The nail is the largest skin appendage. It grows continuously through life in a non-cyclical manner; its growth is not hormone-dependent. The nail of the middle finger of the dominant hand grows fastest with approximately 0.1 mm/day, whereas the big toe nail grows only 0.03-0.05 mm/d. The nails' size and shape vary characteristically from finger to finger and from toe to toe, for which the size and shape of the bone of the terminal phalanx is responsible. The nail apparatus consists of both epithelial and connective tissue components. The matrix epithelium is responsible for the production of the nail plate whereas the nail bed epithelium mediates firm attachment. The hyponychium is a specialized structure sealing the subungual space and allowing the nail plate to physiologically detach from the nail bed. The proximal nail fold covers most of the matrix. Its free end forms the cuticle which seals the nail pocket or cul-de-sac. The dermis of the matrix and nail bed is specialized with a morphogenetic potency. The proximal and lateral nail folds form a frame on three sides giving the nail stability and allowing it to grow out. The nail protects the distal phalanx, is an extremely versatile tool for defense and dexterity and increases the sensitivity of the tip of the finger. Nail apparatus, finger tip, tendons and ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint form a functional unit and cannot be seen independently. The nail organ has only a certain number of reaction patterns that differ in many respects from hairy and palmoplantar skin.
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Tie J, Uchigasaki S. Detection of short tandem repeat polymorphisms from human nails using direct polymerase chain reaction method. Electrophoresis 2014; 35:3188-92. [PMID: 24934775 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201400061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Human nail is an important forensic material for parental testing and individual identification in large-scale disasters. Detection of STR polymorphism from hard tissues generally requires DNA purification, which is technically complicated and time consuming. In the present study, we attempted to detect STR polymorphisms from untreated human nail samples by direct PCR amplification method using the primer mixture supplied with the GenePrint® SilverSTR® III System or the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit, and Tks Gflex DNA polymerase known to be effective for amplification from crude samples. A nail fragment measuring approximately 1.5 mm in breadth and 0.5 mm in length was placed directly into a PCR tube, and various PCR conditions were tested. The PCR products were analyzed by denaturing acrylamide gel electrophoresis or CE. Multiple STR polymorphisms were detected successfully. This method that detects STR polymorphisms not only from fresh human fingernails, but also from old nail fragments stored at room temperature for up to 10 years is expected to become a novel DNA analytical method in forensic medicine and genetic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Tie
- Division of Legal Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Pooniya S, Lalwani S, Raina A, Millo T, Dogra TD. Quality and quantity of extracted deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) from preserved soft tissues of putrefied unidentifiable human corpse. J Lab Physicians 2014; 6:31-5. [PMID: 24696558 PMCID: PMC3969639 DOI: 10.4103/0974-2727.129088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: The appropriate collection and preservation of soft tissues from putrefied unidentifiable human corpse for the purpose of identification using DNA profiling technique is critically important especially in developing countries like India having different levels of health-care set ups with largely varying facilities and varying climatic conditions. Aims: The present study was carried out, mainly focusing on quality and quantity of extracted DNA from the soft tissues of putrefied unidentifiable human corpse stored upto 4 weeks at 4°C and at −80°C for DNA analysis. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 16 different putrefied unidentifiable human corpses after getting approval from institutional ethical committee. Around 2 g of four different tissues (brain, kidney, heart and muscle) were collected and preserved for one month followed by DNA extraction using the organic method, the quality and quantity of high molecular weight-DNA was estimated using the spectrophotometer and gel electrophoresis. Further, the amplification polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was also performed (AmpFLSTR® Indentifiler™ PCR Amplification kit for multiple loci, of Applied Biosystems, Lab India) and was checked using continuous PAGE. Results: The yield of DNA was significantly higher at −80°C for all the four tissues collected and was best for brain followed by heart, kidney and worst for muscles in all cases. Conclusions: It is suggested that the brain tissue preserved at −80°C is the best among soft issues for DNA extraction. Refrigeration or deep freezing facility should be available at all the centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Pooniya
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjeev Lalwani
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Anupuma Raina
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Tabin Millo
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Tirath Das Dogra
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
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23
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Donor-derived DNA in hair follicles of recipients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2010; 45:1638-44. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2010.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Usefulness of blood vessels as a DNA source for PCR-based genotyping based on two cases of corpse dismemberment. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2009; 12:8-12. [PMID: 19853489 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2009.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2008] [Revised: 09/16/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The success of PCR-based genotyping of decomposed remains depends on the quality of extracted DNA. Hard tissues and muscles are preferred because of their DNA stability. However, in dismembered corpses the choice of a suitable DNA source is more limited. In short tandem repeat (STR) analysis in two cases of dismembered corpses, we found an advantage of using blood vessels over muscles. To confirm that blood vessels are better for STR typing compared to muscle, we collected nine sets of blood vessels and the adjacent muscle from six other decomposed remains and compared the STR profiles between the blood vessel and muscle samples. Better results for STR typing were obtained in blood vessels. Based on these results, we recommend use of blood vessels as material for PCR-based genotyping in identification of dismembered human remains with heavy postmortem changes.
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