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Finnis J, Davidson G, Alexander K, Lewis J, Boyce M, Kennedy F, Casey D, Clayson N, Fraser I, Murphy C, Hargreaves C, Stevenson N, Doole S, Rogers C. Evaluation of indirect transfer mechanisms of semen under varying test conditions. Sci Justice 2024; 64:95-103. [PMID: 38182318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
There is limited data available on the subject of indirect transfer of non-visible body fluids, particularly semen, and often forensic science practitioner experience alone must be used to guide expectations. It can be difficult to assess the likelihood of proposed transfer scenarios without knowledge of how different variables can affect a transfer. The following work carried out by the Association of Forensic Service Providers UK and Ireland Body Fluid Forum explores how the features of transferred semen change with differences in the primary and secondary surface (porous and non- porous), different contact types (passive, pressure and pressure+) and with wet and dry primary stains. It was concluded that the primary surface type and whether the stain was wet or dry when contact occurred had the most significant effect on the transfer of semen, with wet transfers and transfers from the tested non-porous surface producing significantly more, and larger, visible stains under white light, stains with stronger fluorescence as viewed using Crime-lite® ML2, stains with stronger and faster acid phosphatase reactions and greater numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy, compared to dry transfers and transfers from the tested porous surface. Pressure with movement transfers resulted in significantly more visible stains under white light and greater numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy compared to passive transfers, however this only occurred when transfers were from a porous primary surface. The secondary surface type was not found to have a significant effect on the numbers of spermatozoa viewed using high power microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Finnis
- Cellmark Forensic Services, 16 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1DY, United Kingdom.
| | - Geraldine Davidson
- Cellmark Forensic Services, Unit B1, Buckshaw Link, Ordnance Road, Buckshaw Village, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 7EL, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Alexander
- Cellmark Forensic Services, 16 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1DY, United Kingdom
| | - Jennie Lewis
- Formerly of Cellmark Forensic Services, 16 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 1DY, United Kingdom
| | - Maggie Boyce
- Key Forensic Services, 207C Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6WU, United Kingdom
| | - Finlay Kennedy
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Birchwood Park, Darwin House Building 414, Faraday Street, Risley WA3 6FW, United Kingdom
| | - David Casey
- Department of Justice and Equality, Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Nicola Clayson
- SPA Forensic Services, 11 Howden Hall Road, Edinburgh EH16 6TF, United Kingdom
| | - Isla Fraser
- Forensic Science Northern Ireland, 151 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim BT38 8PL
| | - Charlotte Murphy
- Department of Justice and Equality, Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Charlotte Hargreaves
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Building 3, Drayton Manor Business Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3GL, United Kingdom
| | - Nighean Stevenson
- SPA Forensic Services, Scottish Crime Campus, Craignethan Drive, Gartcosh G69 8AE, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Doole
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Sir Alec Jeffreys Building, Peel Avenue, Calder Park, Wakefield WF2 7UA, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Rogers
- SPA Forensic Services, Scottish Crime Campus, Craignethan Drive, Gartcosh G69 8AE, United Kingdom
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Cai S, Liu C, Jiao X, He S, Zhao L, Zeng X. A lysosome-targeted near-infrared fluorescent probe for imaging of acid phosphatase in living cells. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:1148-1154. [PMID: 31971197 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob02188d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent probes for the detection of acid phosphatases (ACP) are important in the investigation of the pathology and diagnosis of diseases. We reported a lysosome-targeted near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe SHCy-P based on a novel NIR-emitting thioxanthene-indolium dye for the detection of ACP. The probe showed a long wavelength fluorescence emission at λem = 765 nm. Due to the ACP-catalyzed cleavage of the phosphate group in SHCy-P, the probe exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for the 'turn-on' detection of ACP with a limit of detection as low as 0.48 U L-1. The probe SHCy-P could also be used to detect and image endogenous ACP in lysosomes. In light of these prominent properties, we envision that SHCy-P will be an efficient optical imaging approach for investigating the ACP activity in disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Cai
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Photoelectric Materials and Devices, and Key Laboratory of Display Materials & Photoelectric Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Xiaojie Jiao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Photoelectric Materials and Devices, and Key Laboratory of Display Materials & Photoelectric Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Song He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Photoelectric Materials and Devices, and Key Laboratory of Display Materials & Photoelectric Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
| | - Liancheng Zhao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xianshun Zeng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China and Tianjin Key Laboratory for Photoelectric Materials and Devices, and Key Laboratory of Display Materials & Photoelectric Devices, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin 300384, China
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Abstract
Semen is crucial evidence for some sex crimes, with its sole confirmation being sperm detection. The success of sperm detection is dependent on all levels of preanalytic and analytic procedures. Specimen collection must be performed by well-trained and competent forensic physicians as well as forensic nurses, with preservation done properly before laboratory transfer. Laboratory procedures should consider archival sperm identification, by visualization, with adequate amounts separated from other cells to obtain male DNA profiles. Differential extraction is robust and accepted as the forensic standard but is time consuming and may result in male DNA loss. Thus, alternative methods and microdevices have been developed. Challenges in sperm isolation from vaginal or buccal epithelium mixes and discrimination in multiperpetrator cases have been overcome by single-cell profiling; however, problems inherent in identical twin discrimination and azoospermia have yet to be solved. Epigenetics and future molecular biomarkers may hold the key; therefore, all laboratory processes must consider DNA and RNA protection. Long-term specimen preservation should be done when possible in light of future confirmatory tests.
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Beckwith S, Murakami J, Chapman B. The persistence of semen on cotton fabric in various water environments. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2018.1484164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott Beckwith
- Medical and Molecular Sciences, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Julie Murakami
- Forensic Biology Laboratory, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Brendan Chapman
- Medical and Molecular Sciences, School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
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Page H, Harris L, Taylor L, Bishop T, Newton R. The recovery of semen from bath scrunchies. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1153149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Page
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Laura Harris
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Louise Taylor
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Thomas Bishop
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Rebecca Newton
- School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
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Skalleberg A, Bouzga M. Detecting and collecting traces of semen and blood from outdoor crime scenes using crime scene dogs and presumptive tests. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 264:146-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Gooch J, Daniel B, Frascione N. Application of fluorescent substrates to the in situ detection of prostate specific antigen. Talanta 2014; 125:210-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Xu Y, Li B, Xiao L, Ouyang J, Sun S, Pang Y. A colorimetric and near-infrared fluorescent probe with high sensitivity and selectivity for acid phosphatase and inhibitor screening. Chem Commun (Camb) 2014; 50:8677-80. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cc49254k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Page H, Sarna A, Watts L, Ward E, Hodgson C, McKenzie M. The recovery of semen from bathwater using the Evidence Recovery System (ERS). Sci Justice 2014; 54:89-94. [PMID: 24438783 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual offences are under-reported and ascertaining accurate offence numbers is difficult. Any methods which could increase the ability to obtain biological evidence or reduce the additional distress associated with reporting a sexual offence may result in an increase in reporting this crime type. The Evidence Recovery System (ERS) is designed to collect trace evidence, including hairs, fibres and biological evidence, from bath or shower water in a non-invasive manner. Initially, samples of semen were placed in baths filled with water, and washing was simulated using a range of body wash products. The water was then drained through the ERS before its filters were subjected to acid phosphatase testing and haematoxylin and eosin staining of spermatozoa. Recovered spermatozoa were then graded accordingly. Following this, the experiment was repeated with the addition of dirt/dust particulates during the washing stage, to simulate recovery of biological evidence in a more realistic environment. The results showed that spermatozoa considered 'easy to find' could regularly be obtained from bathwater using the ERS. It appeared that this recovery was not affected by the presence of different body wash products. When dust/dirt particles were added, the number of spermatozoa recovered increased at two of the evidence collection stages. The difference in recovery was considered to be statistically significant. This study provides evidence to suggest the feasibility of use of the ERS as a method to collect semen evidence from individuals subjected to sexual offences. The recovery of spermatozoa does not appear to be affected by the presence of a body wash, but does appear to be improved when skin cells, hair and other debris are transferred into the water, as would be likely during a bath/shower. Further to this, the possibility of obtaining spermatozoa from the home bath or shower of a victim following a post-offence bathing experience is implied.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Page
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - A Sarna
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - L Watts
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - E Ward
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - C Hodgson
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
| | - M McKenzie
- Centre for Forensic Investigation, School of Science and Engineering, Teesside University, Borough Road, Middlesbrough TS1 3BA, UK.
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Lewis J, Baird A, McAlister C, Siemieniuk A, Blackmore L, McCabe B, O'Rourke P, Parekh R, Watson E, Wheelhouse M, Wilson N. Improved detection of semen by use of direct acid phosphatase testing. Sci Justice 2013; 53:385-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Frascione N, Gooch J, Daniel B. Enabling fluorescent biosensors for the forensic identification of body fluids. Analyst 2013; 138:7279-88. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an01372c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Guo P, Yan S, Zhou Y, Wang C, Xu X, Weng X, Zhou X. A novel fluorescent “Turn-Off/Turn-On” system for the detection of acid phosphatase activity. Analyst 2013; 138:3365-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c3an00375b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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