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Srivastava A, Harshey A, Das T, Kumar A, Yadav MM, Shrivastava P. Impact of DNA evidence in criminal justice system: Indian legislative perspectives. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-022-00309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The scientific and technological advances along with the changing socio-economical standards of society have posed new challenges to the criminal justice system. With the changes in society and technology, there is also an increase in crime rate. Forensics provides the scientific proofs beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt and thus significantly contributes in criminal as well as civil investigations and legal matters.
Main body of the abstract
Discovery of DNA has opened new avenues and the advancement of DNA technology and its introduction into the court of law has provided extensive aid in the resolution of civil and criminal disputes. In India, the DNA technology was first introduced in a paternity dispute in 1989. However, the need for legislation and guidelines to support grounds for the use of DNA profiling for forensic purposes in India has been recognized for some time now. In July 2019, the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Bill 2019 was introduced in the Indian parliament.
Short conclusion
Herein, this article is focused on the current aspects of DNA based evidence in the Indian Criminal Justice system along with the associated issues, highlighting the need for specific DNA based legislation.
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Evaluation of the Effects of Different Sample Collection Strategies on DNA/RNA Co-Analysis of Forensic Stains. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060983. [PMID: 35741745 PMCID: PMC9222428 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060983] [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] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of different moistening agents (RNase-free water, absolute anhydrous ethanol, RNAlater®) applied to collection swabs on DNA/RNA retrieval and integrity for capillary electrophoresis applications (STR typing, cell type identification by mRNA profiling). Analyses were conducted on whole blood, luminol-treated diluted blood, saliva, semen, and mock skin stains. The effects of swab storage temperature and the time interval between sample collection and DNA/RNA extraction were also investigated. Water provided significantly higher DNA yields than ethanol in whole blood and semen samples, while ethanol and RNAlater® significantly outperformed water in skin samples, with full STR profiles obtained from over 98% of the skin samples collected with either ethanol or RNAlater®, compared to 71% of those collected with water. A significant difference in mRNA profiling success rates was observed in whole blood samples between swabs treated with either ethanol or RNAlater® (100%) and water (37.5%). Longer swab storage times before processing significantly affected mRNA profiling in saliva stains, with the success rate decreasing from 91.7% after 1 day of storage to 25% after 7 days. These results may contribute to the future development of optimal procedures for the collection of different types of biological traces.
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Hinton N, Springstead T, Wright K, McNamara KP. Evaluation of rapid DNA using ANDE™ in a technical exploitation Level 2 laboratory workflow. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:1879-1888. [PMID: 33885155 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14728] [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: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A trial of rapid DNA (rDNA), a fully automated DNA profiling system, within a technical exploitation (TE) workflow is an important endeavor. In the 2019 Ardent Defender (AD) exercise, the Deployable Technical Analysis Laboratory (DTAL), of the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND), evaluated the use of rDNA using ANDE™. Sixteen samples were processed during a pre-exercise "controlled" setting, 44 samples were from an "uncontrolled" environment during the exercise, and 22 samples were buccal swabs. The proportion of profiles suitable for upload to ANDE™ was 95.5% of buccal samples (21/22), 66.7% controlled samples, and 15.9% for uncontrolled samples. A considerable difference was observed in the proportions of complete DNA profiles obtained from all exploited items between the controlled (58.3%) and uncontrolled (15.9%) trials and in the proportions of samples where no DNA was detected (16.7% controlled trial vs. 56.8% uncontrolled trial). Overall, the trials highlighted the potential to gain identity intelligence using rDNA within a TE workflow and revealed the impact of operational constraints and the need to improve certain TE practices to gain the most benefit from rDNA. It also demonstrated the benefit of including an uncontrolled component for a more realistic indication of rDNA effectiveness in operational settings and highlighted operational practices impacting rDNA success. Mixture deconvolution was difficult as current guidelines do not consider some of the stochastic effects produced by the rDNA analysis; however, overall, the study demonstrated that rDNA using the ANDE™ instrument could be successfully incorporated into a TE workflow within a deployable laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hinton
- Deployable Technical Analysis Laboratory, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tyson Springstead
- Deployable Technical Analysis Laboratory, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kirsty Wright
- Australia Defence Force, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Genomics Research Centre, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Kevin P McNamara
- Deployable Technical Analysis Laboratory, Department of National Defence, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Bodner M, Parson W. The STRidER Report on Two Years of Quality Control of Autosomal STR Population Datasets. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E901. [PMID: 32784546 PMCID: PMC7463946 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
STRidER, the STRs for Identity ENFSI Reference Database, is a curated, freely publicly available online allele frequency database, quality control (QC) and software platform for autosomal Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) developed under the endorsement of the International Society for Forensic Genetics. Continuous updates comprise additional STR loci and populations in the frequency database and many further STR-related aspects. One significant innovation is the autosomal STR data QC provided prior to publication of datasets. Such scrutiny was lacking previously, leaving QC to authors, reviewers and editors, which led to an unacceptably high error rate in scientific papers. The results from scrutinizing 184 STR datasets containing >177,000 individual genotypes submitted in the first two years of STRidER QC since 2017 revealed that about two-thirds of the STR datasets were either being withdrawn by the authors after initial feedback or rejected based on a conservative error rate. Almost no error-free submissions were received, which clearly shows that centralized QC and data curation are essential to maintain the high-quality standard required in forensic genetics. While many errors had minor impact on the resulting allele frequencies, multiple error categories were commonly found within single datasets. Several datasets contained serious flaws. We discuss the factors that caused the errors to draw the attention to redundant pitfalls and thus contribute to better quality of autosomal STR datasets and allele frequency reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bodner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA;
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5
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Roberts MA, Tom KR, Knorr KB. Publication trends in forensic science research: Friction ridge discipline. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:76-81. [PMID: 32412002 PMCID: PMC7219120 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
2019 commemorates the 10 year anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences report, “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward,” and one valuable way to measure progress in forensic science is through published research. The purpose of this study is to examine where the friction ridge discipline stands with respect to published research. Two time periods were selected (2005–2009 and 2010–2014) and two different methods were used to describe research growth and publication trends in this discipline. A bibliometric review was conducted using an online literature-indexing tool, Web of Science™, as well as an empirical method involving subject matter experts. Both methods showed an increased number of friction ridge articles published in scientific journals over time.
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Emery MV, Bolhofner K, Winingear S, Oldt R, Montes M, Kanthaswamy S, Buikstra JE, Fulginiti LC, Stone AC. Reconstructing full and partial STR profiles from severely burned human remains using comparative ancient and forensic DNA extraction techniques. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2020; 46:102272. [PMID: 32172220 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2020.102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Thermal degeneration of the DNA molecule presents a special challenge to medico-legal investigations since low DNA yields, fragmented DNA molecules, and damaged nucleotide bases hinder accurate STR genotyping. As a consequence, fragments of severely burned human remains are often not amenable to standard DNA recovery. However, current ancient DNA (aDNA) extraction methods have proven highly effective at obtaining ultrashort DNA fragments (∼50 bp) from degraded palaeontological and archaeological specimens. In this study, we compare DNA yields and STR results obtained from two established aDNA and forensic DNA extraction protocols by sampling multiple skeletal elements recovered from victims (n = 23) involved in fire-related incidents. DNA yields and STR results suggest an inverse correlation between DNA yield and STR quality and increasing temperature. Despite the rapid thermal destruction of DNA at high temperatures, we generated higher quality full and partial STR profiles using the aDNA extraction protocol across all burn categories than the forensic total bone demineralization extraction method. Our analysis suggests adopting aDNA extraction methods as an alternative to current forensic practices to improve DNA yields from challenging human remains.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Emery
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, United States.
| | - K Bolhofner
- Center for Bioarchaeological Research, Arizona State University, United States; Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, Phoenix, AZ, United States; School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, United States
| | - S Winingear
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, United States
| | - R Oldt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, United States
| | - M Montes
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, United States
| | - S Kanthaswamy
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, United States; School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, United States
| | - J E Buikstra
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Bioarchaeological Research, Arizona State University, United States
| | - L C Fulginiti
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, United States; Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - A C Stone
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, United States; Center for Bioarchaeological Research, Arizona State University, United States.
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A work in progress - accreditation of forensic DNA laboratories as a part of the ,,European Forensic Science Area 2020 (EFSA 2020)” concept. FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Moore MK, Frazier K. Humans Are Animals, Too: Critical Commonalities and Differences Between Human and Wildlife Forensic Genetics. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1603-1621. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Katherine Moore
- Forensic Laboratory Conservation Biology Division Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 219 Fort Johnson Road Charleston SC29412
| | - Kim Frazier
- Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Laboratory 1212 South Adams Street Laramie WY 82070
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Ballou
- Special Programs Office National Institute of Standards and Technology 100 Bureau Drive Gaithersburg MD 20899
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van Oorschot RA, Szkuta B, Meakin GE, Kokshoorn B, Goray M. DNA transfer in forensic science: A review. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2019; 38:140-166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Estimating the uncertainty from sampling in pollution crime investigation: The importance of metrology in the forensic interpretation of environmental data. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:14-22. [PMID: 29705585 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The forensic interpretation of environmental analytical data is usually challenging due to the high geospatial variability of these data. The measurements' uncertainty includes contributions from the sampling and from the sample handling and preparation processes. These contributions are often disregarded in analytical techniques results' quality assurance. A pollution crime investigation case was used to carry out a methodology able to address these uncertainties in two different environmental compartments, freshwater sediments and landfill leachate. The methodology used to estimate the uncertainty was the duplicate method (that replicates predefined steps of the measurement procedure in order to assess its precision) and the parameters used to investigate the pollution were metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the leachate, the suspect source, and in the sediment, the possible sink. The metal analysis results were compared to statutory limits and it was demonstrated that Cr and Ni concentrations in sediment samples exceeded the threshold levels at all sites downstream the pollution sources, considering the expanded uncertainty U of the measurements and a probability of contamination >0.975, at most sites. Cu and Zn concentrations were above the statutory limits at two sites, but the classification was inconclusive considering the uncertainties of the measurements. Metal analyses in leachate revealed that Cr concentrations were above the statutory limits with a probability of contamination >0.975 in all leachate ponds while the Cu, Ni and Zn probability of contamination was below 0.025. The results demonstrated that the estimation of the sampling uncertainty, which was the dominant component of the combined uncertainty, is required for a comprehensive interpretation of the environmental analyses results, particularly in forensic cases.
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Preconcentration of DNA using magnetic ionic liquids that are compatible with real-time PCR for rapid nucleic acid quantification. Anal Bioanal Chem 2018; 410:4135-4144. [PMID: 29704032 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-018-1092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid extraction and purification represents a major bottleneck in DNA analysis. Traditional methods for DNA purification often require reagents that may inhibit quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) if not sufficiently removed from the sample. Approaches that employ magnetic beads may exhibit lower extraction efficiencies due to sedimentation and aggregation. In this study, four hydrophobic magnetic ionic liquids (MILs) were investigated as DNA extraction solvents with the goal of improving DNA enrichment factors and compatibility with downstream bioanalytical techniques. By designing custom qPCR buffers, we directly incorporated DNA-enriched MILs including trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium tris(hexafluoroacetylaceto)nickelate(II) ([P6,6,6,14+][Ni(hfacac)3-]), [P6,6,6,14+] tris(hexafluoroacetylaceto)colbaltate(II) ([Co(hfacac)3-]), [P6,6,6,14+] tris(hexafluoroacetylaceto)manganate(II) ([Mn(hfacac)3-]), or [P6,6,6,14+] tetrakis(hexafluoroacetylaceto)dysprosate(III) ([Dy(hfacac)4-]) into reaction systems, thereby circumventing the need for time-consuming DNA recovery steps. Incorporating MILs into the reaction buffer did not significantly impact the amplification efficiency of the reaction (91.1%). High enrichment factors were achieved using the [P6,6,6,14+][Ni(hfacac)3-] MIL for the extraction of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA with extraction times as short as 2 min. When compared to a commercial magnetic bead-based platform, the [P6,6,6,14+][Ni(hfacac)3-] MIL was capable of producing higher enrichment factors for single-stranded DNA and similar enrichment factors for double-stranded DNA. The MIL-based method was applied for the extraction and direct qPCR amplification of mutation prone-KRAS oncogene fragment in plasma samples. Graphical abstract Magnetic ionic liquid solvents are shown to preconcentrate sufficient KRAS DNA template from an aqueous solution in as short as 2 min without using chaotropic salts or toxic organic solvents. By using custom-designed qPCR buffers, DNA can be directly amplified and quantified from four MILs examined in this study.
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Wilson-Wilde L. The international development of forensic science standards - A review. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 288:1-9. [PMID: 29705583 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Standards establish specifications and procedures designed to ensure products, services and systems are safe, reliable and consistently perform as intended. Standards can be used in the accreditation of forensic laboratories or facilities and in the certification of products and services. In recent years there have been various international activities aiming at developing forensic science standards and guidelines. The most significant initiative currently underway within the global forensic community is the development of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. This paper reviews the main bodies working on standards for forensic science, the processes used and the implications for accreditation. This paper specifically discusses the work of ISO Technical Committee TC272, the future TC272 work program for the development of forensic science standards and associated timelines. Also discussed, are the lessons learnt to date in navigating the complex environment of multi-country stakeholder deliberations in standards development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzi Wilson-Wilde
- National Institute of Forensic Science, Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency, L6, T3, WTC, 637 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC 3008, Australia.
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Wilson LE, Gahan ME, Robertson J, Lennard C. Fit for purpose quality management system for military forensic exploitation. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 284:136-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Singh S, Bavle RM, Konda P, Venugopal R, Bopaiah S, Kumar S. Assessment of the most reliable sites in mandibular bone for the best deoxyribonucleic acid yield for expeditive human identification in forensics. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2018; 21:447-453. [PMID: 29391725 PMCID: PMC5763873 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_47_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the techniques used to identify human remains post accidents, trauma or in case of criminal investigation have been expanded, improved and rendered more complex by the emergence of technologies based on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis. In the head and neck area, tooth has been proven to be the best quantitative source for DNA but in certain cases where the mandible specimen is edentulous or the tooth is extensively destroyed with caries, large dental restorations, mobile, or if they show any perimortem or postmortem fractures, sampling of such tooth specimen is usually avoided. In such situations, bone is considered the next best site for DNA analysis. Mandible being the largest, strongest and dense cortical bone is the most prominent facial bone that can be easily disarticulated. It can be analyzed for the best short tandem repeat (STR) segment qualitative amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for forensic analysis which can be used for gender and age determination. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the best site for optimum quantitative and qualitative yield of DNA for amplification using specific and standard STR segment by conventional PCR technique. Methodology: Fifteen mandibular samples exposed to different environmental conditions were collected. Bone pieces of 1 cm × 1 cm were cut from each mandible from three sites, i.e., the ramus, angle and body, wherein the genomic DNA was isolated and was subjected to PCR using restricted number of 25 cycles. Results: The STR segment D3S1358 from clone RP11-438F9 used for the study showed very good amplification in restricted number of PCR cycles in the ramus region with number of repeats in every 15th genomic region. Conclusion: This study highlights the use of mandibular bone for the expeditive human identification. As per the study, the ramus of the mandible gave high quantitative and qualitative yield of DNA with thick amplification band of the STR segment as compared to the body and angle of the mandible. Thus ramus of the mandible can be preferred over other sites for molecular forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Singh
- Oral Pathologist-Private Dental Practitioner, Vishakapatnam, India
| | - Radhika Manoj Bavle
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Paremala Konda
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Reshma Venugopal
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Shiny Bopaiah
- Oral Pathologist-Private Dental Practitioner, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Sameer Kumar
- Oral Pathologist-Private Dental Practitioner, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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Does the new ISO 18385:2016 standard for forensic DNA-grade products need a revision? FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Cosbey S, Elliott S, Paterson S. The United Kingdom and Ireland Association of Forensic Toxicologists; establishing best practice for professional training & development in forensic toxicology. Sci Justice 2017; 57:63-71. [PMID: 28063588 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The current status of forensic toxicology in the United Kingdom is discussed with an emphasis on professional training and development. Best practice is proposed using a blend of modular foundation knowledge training, continuing professional development, academic study, research & development and ongoing analytical practice. The need for establishing a professional career structure is also discussed along with a suggested example of a suitable model. The issues discussed in this paper are intended to provoke discussion within the forensic toxicology community, industry regulators and other government bodies responsible for the administration of justice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Cosbey
- NIVHA Laboratory Services Ltd., Northern Ireland Science Park, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK.
| | - Simon Elliott
- Alere Forensics, Malvern Hills Science Park, Geraldine Road, Malvern WR14 3SZ, UK.
| | - Sue Paterson
- Toxicology Unit, Imperial College London, London, W6 8RP, UK.
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Butler JM. Recent activities in the United States involving the National Commission on Forensic Science and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1243153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Butler
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Special Program Office, Gaithersburg, USA
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Gill P, Haned H, Bleka O, Hansson O, Dørum G, Egeland T. Genotyping and interpretation of STR-DNA: Low-template, mixtures and database matches-Twenty years of research and development. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2015; 18:100-17. [PMID: 25866376 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The introduction of Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA was a revolution within a revolution that transformed forensic DNA profiling into a tool that could be used, for the first time, to create National DNA databases. This transformation would not have been possible without the concurrent development of fluorescent automated sequencers, combined with the ability to multiplex several loci together. Use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) increased the sensitivity of the method to enable the analysis of a handful of cells. The first multiplexes were simple: 'the quad', introduced by the defunct UK Forensic Science Service (FSS) in 1994, rapidly followed by a more discriminating 'six-plex' (Second Generation Multiplex) in 1995 that was used to create the world's first national DNA database. The success of the database rapidly outgrew the functionality of the original system - by the year 2000 a new multiplex of ten-loci was introduced to reduce the chance of adventitious matches. The technology was adopted world-wide, albeit with different loci. The political requirement to introduce pan-European databases encouraged standardisation - the development of European Standard Set (ESS) of markers comprising twelve-loci is the latest iteration. Although development has been impressive, the methods used to interpret evidence have lagged behind. For example, the theory to interpret complex DNA profiles (low-level mixtures), had been developed fifteen years ago, but only in the past year or so, are the concepts starting to be widely adopted. A plethora of different models (some commercial and others non-commercial) have appeared. This has led to a confusing 'debate' about the 'best' to use. The different models available are described along with their advantages and disadvantages. A section discusses the development of national DNA databases, along with details of an associated controversy to estimate the strength of evidence of matches. Current methodology is limited to searches of complete profiles - another example where the interpretation of matches has not kept pace with development of theory. STRs have also transformed the area of Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) which frequently requires kinship analysis. However, genotyping efficiency is complicated by complex, degraded DNA profiles. Finally, there is now a detailed understanding of the causes of stochastic effects that cause DNA profiles to exhibit the phenomena of drop-out and drop-in, along with artefacts such as stutters. The phenomena discussed include: heterozygote balance; stutter; degradation; the effect of decreasing quantities of DNA; the dilution effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gill
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Forensic Biology, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway; Department of Forensic Medicine, Sognsvannsveien 20, Rikshospitalet, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Hinda Haned
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Department of Human Biological Traces, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Oyvind Bleka
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Forensic Biology, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Oskar Hansson
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Forensic Biology, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Guro Dørum
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Thore Egeland
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Department of Forensic Biology, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway; Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Aas, Norway
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