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Roersma R, Storm J, Joling J, Kokshoorn B. Prevalence of male DNA on female worn undergarments. How small datasets may support robust opinions in activity level evaluative reporting. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112097. [PMID: 38909409 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112097] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In cases of sexual assault, the interpretation of biological traces on clothing, and particularly undergarments, may be complex. This is especially so when the complainant and defendant interact socially, for instance as (ex-)partners or by co-habitation. Here we present the results from a study where latent male DNA on female worn undergarments is recovered in four groups with different levels of male-female social interaction. The results conform to prior expectation, in that less interaction tend to result in less male DNA on undergarments. We explore the use of these experimental data for evaluative reporting given activity level propositions in a mock case scenario. We show how the selection of different populations to represent the social interaction between complainant and defendant may affect the strength of the evidence. We further show how datasets of limited size can be used for robust activity level evaluative reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Roersma
- Forensic Trace Dynamics, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam (AUAS), the Netherlands; Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - J Storm
- Forensic Trace Dynamics, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam (AUAS), the Netherlands
| | - J Joling
- Forensic Trace Dynamics, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam (AUAS), the Netherlands
| | - B Kokshoorn
- Forensic Trace Dynamics, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam (AUAS), the Netherlands; Netherlands Forensic Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands.
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Doole S, Hargreaves C, Davidson G, Alexander K, Boyce M, Fraser I, Murphy C, Lee-Gorman M, Rogers C. Examining the transfer of male DNA onto female underwear in simulated non sexual social interaction versus digital penetration to assist in the evaluation of results in casework scenarios. Sci Justice 2023; 63:90-108. [PMID: 36631187 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Experiments have been carried out by the UK and Ireland Association of Forensic Science Providers Body Fluid Forum (AFSP BFF) to determine the levels of male DNA, detected during Y-STR analysis, that may be expected on female underwear from non-sexual social interaction and digital penetration, versus non-sexual social interaction only. The data obtained strongly supports the existing assumptions made: whilst low levels of DNA may be inadvertently transferred to the inside surface of a female's underwear during social interaction with a male, there is a low expectation of detecting a matching Y-STR profile to that male, which is suitable for statistical evaluation, unless he is a co-habitant of that female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Doole
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Sir Alec Jeffreys Building, Peel Avenue, Calder Park, Wakefield WF2 7UA, United Kingdom.
| | - Charlotte Hargreaves
- Eurofins Forensic Services, Building 3, Drayton Manor Business Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B78 3GL, 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
| | - Maggie Boyce
- Key Forensic Services, 207C Cavendish Place, Birchwood Park, Warrington WA3 6WU, United Kingdom(1)
| | - Isla Fraser
- Forensic Science Northern Ireland, 151 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8PL, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Murphy
- Department of Justice and Equality, Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Marce Lee-Gorman
- Department of Justice and Equality, Forensic Science Ireland, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Carol Rogers
- SPA Forensic Services, Scottish Crime Campus, Craignethan Drive, Gartcosh G69 8AE, Scotland
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Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2019 to 2022 as a part of the 20th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. Topics reviewed include rapid DNA testing, using law enforcement DNA databases plus investigative genetic genealogy DNA databases along with privacy/ethical issues, forensic biology and body fluid identification, DNA extraction and typing methods, mixture interpretation involving probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), DNA transfer and activity-level evaluations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA phenotyping, lineage markers (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome), new markers and approaches (microhaplotypes, proteomics, and microbial DNA), kinship analysis and human identification with disaster victim identification (DVI), and non-human DNA testing including wildlife forensics. Available books and review articles are summarized as well as 70 guidance documents to assist in quality control that were published in the past three years by various groups within the United States and around the world.
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van Oorschot RAH, Meakin GE, Kokshoorn B, Goray M, Szkuta B. DNA Transfer in Forensic Science: Recent Progress towards Meeting Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111766. [PMID: 34828372 PMCID: PMC8618004 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the factors that may impact the transfer, persistence, prevalence and recovery of DNA (DNA-TPPR), and the availability of data to assign probabilities to DNA quantities and profile types being obtained given particular scenarios and circumstances, is paramount when performing, and giving guidance on, evaluations of DNA findings given activity level propositions (activity level evaluations). In late 2018 and early 2019, three major reviews were published on aspects of DNA-TPPR, with each advocating the need for further research and other actions to support the conduct of DNA-related activity level evaluations. Here, we look at how challenges are being met, primarily by providing a synopsis of DNA-TPPR-related articles published since the conduct of these reviews and briefly exploring some of the actions taken by industry stakeholders towards addressing identified gaps. Much has been carried out in recent years, and efforts continue, to meet the challenges to continually improve the capacity of forensic experts to provide the guidance sought by the judiciary with respect to the transfer of DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland A. H. van Oorschot
- Office of the Chief Forensic Scientist, Victoria Police Forensic Services Department, Macleod, VIC 3085, Australia
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Georgina E. Meakin
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia;
- Centre for the Forensic Sciences, Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, London WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Bas Kokshoorn
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands;
- Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, 1097 DZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariya Goray
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Bianca Szkuta
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia;
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Time- and temperature-dependent postmortem concentration changes of the (synthetic) cannabinoids JWH-210, RCS-4, as well as ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol following pulmonary administration to pigs. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1585-1599. [PMID: 32189036 PMCID: PMC7261730 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In forensic toxicology, interpretation of postmortem (PM) drug concentrations might be complicated due to the lack of data concerning drug stability or PM redistribution (PMR). Regarding synthetic cannabinoids (SC), only sparse data are available, which derived from single case reports without any knowledge of dose and time of consumption. Thus, a controlled pig toxicokinetic study allowing for examination of PMR of SC was performed. Twelve pigs received a pulmonary dose of 200 µg/kg BW each of 4-ethylnaphthalene-1-yl-(1-pentylindole-3-yl)methanone (JWH-210), 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-(1-pentyl-indole-3-yl)methanone (RCS-4), and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol via an ultrasonic nebulizer. Eight hours after, the pigs were put to death with T61 and specimens of relevant tissues and body fluids were collected. Subsequently, the animals were stored at room temperature (n = 6) or 4 °C (n = 6) and further samples were collected after 24, 48, and 72 h each. Concentrations were determined following enzymatic cleavage and solid-phase extraction by liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry applying the standard addition approach. High concentrations of the parent compounds were observed in lung, liver, kidney and bile fluid/duodenum content as well as brain. HO-RCS-4 was the most prevalent metabolite detected in PM specimens. In general, changes of PM concentrations were found in every tissue and body fluid depending on the PM interval as well as storage temperature.
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