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Shao S, Yang L, Hu G, Li L, Wang Y, Tao L. Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106985. [PMID: 37473953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106985] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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2
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Giordani G, Whitmore D, Vanin S. A New, Non-Invasive Methodology for the Molecular Identification of Adult Sarcophagidae from Collections. INSECTS 2023; 14:635. [PMID: 37504641 PMCID: PMC10380211 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Correct species identification is the cornerstone of all scientific studies that involve insects. Alongside traditional morphological identification techniques, molecular identification based on the characterization and analysis of specific mitochondrial or nuclear gene regions is becoming commonplace. Despite the good results that can be achieved, DNA extraction usually involves invasive techniques that lead to the partial or total destruction of specimens. In this work, a non-invasive DNA extraction technique is described. The technique was tested on the abdomens of dry-preserved Sarcophagidae (Diptera) specimens collected between 1889 and 2015. This allowed for the correct identification of species without impairing diagnostic morphological structures useful for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giordani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Whitmore
- Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Stuttgart, 70191 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stefano Vanin
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra dell'Ambiente e della Vita (DISTAV), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
- National Research Council, Institute for the Study of Anthropic Impact and Sustainability in the Marine Environment (CNR-IAS), 16149 Genova, Italy
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3
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Kwiatkowski SC, Sanford MR, Donley M, Welch K, Kahn R. Simplified COI barcoding of blow, flesh, and scuttle flies encountered in medicolegal investigations. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00653-y. [PMID: 37222900 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Accurate insect identification is critical to the estimation of time of colonization (TOC) and post-mortem interval (PMI) in medicolegal death investigations. DNA testing is advantageous because it enables the identification of immature specimens that may not be identified based on morphology alone. We describe here a simplified DNA barcoding method for identifying relevant species that may be implemented by forensic genetics laboratories. A cytochrome oxidase (COI) fragment is analyzed after PCR amplification with a single primer set. The method is effective for many species commonly encountered in death investigations in the USA: members of blowfly genera Calliphora, Chrysomya, Cochliomyia, Lucilia, and Phormia; members of the flesh fly genera Blaesoxipha, Oxysarcodexia, Ravinia, and Sarcophaga; and the scuttle fly Megaselia scalaris. We tested the method on specimens with verified identifications and used it to build a collection of reference sequences from specimens collected in Harris County, Texas. We show here the correct identification of larvae, pupae, and pupal exuviae from the medicolegal casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam C Kwiatkowski
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX, 77054, USA.
| | - Michelle R Sanford
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Michael Donley
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Katherine Welch
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Roger Kahn
- Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1861 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
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4
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Yan WL, Yang CH, Tan SH, Pai CY, Li KK, Chung CC. The Study of Forensically Important Insects Recovered from Human Corpses in Taiwan. INSECTS 2023; 14:346. [PMID: 37103159 PMCID: PMC10141353 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
A study of entomological specimens recovered from 117 human corpses in 114 forensic cases was conducted in Taiwan between 2011 and 2018. The comparisons and discussions of the entomological data were based on the locations (indoor vs. outdoor), environments (urban vs. suburban), season and decomposition stages of corpses. In the study, both morphology and DNA-based comparison methods were used to facilitate species identification. In total, nine families and twenty-two species were thus identified. The two most abundant fly species recovered from human corpses were Chrysomya megacephala (35.1%, 1735 out of 4949) and Chrysomya rufifacies (21.7%, 1072 out of 4949). As for case frequency, both the two were also the most common fly species (both 40%, 46 out of 114), particularly in outdoor cases (also both 74%, 25 out of 34). We found that Chrysomya pinguis and Lucilia porphyrina appeared in low temperature scenes in this study. Synthesiomyia nudiseta was the most common species detected on indoor (36%, 29 out of 80 cases) and urban (41%, 22 out of 54 cases) corpses. Sarcophagidae were strongly associated with urban environments (35%, 19 out of 54 cases), and Parasarcophaga (Liosarcophaga) dux, Liopygia ruficornis and Boettcherisca peregrina were the most frequent sarcophagid species collected from corpses. Hydrotaea spinigera was often found on corpses immersed in water (60%, three out of five cases) with advanced decay or remains stages. Megaselia scalaris was closely correlated with indoor cases (24%, 19 out of 80). In addition, Piophila megastigmata was collected from a corpse in the remains stage and the data represent the first report in Taiwan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, No. 56, Shuren Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333322, Taiwan
- Forensic Science Center, Taoyuan Police Department, No. 3, Xianfu Rd., Taoyuan Dist., Taoyuan City 330206, Taiwan
| | - Chiou-Herr Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, No. 56, Shuren Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333322, Taiwan
| | - Siew Hwa Tan
- Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chung-Yen Pai
- Department of Criminal Investigation, Central Police University, No. 56, Shuren Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333322, Taiwan
| | - Kan-Kun Li
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, No. 56, Shuren Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333322, Taiwan
- Forensic Science Center, Tainan Police Department, No. 3, Zhongzheng Rd., Xinying Dist., Tainan City 730207, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chou Chung
- Department of Forensic Science, Central Police University, No. 56, Shuren Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan City 333322, Taiwan
- Forensic Science Section, Hualien County Police Department, No. 21, Fuqian Rd., Hualien City 970018, Taiwan
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Luo Y, Meng F. Identification of Forensically Important Carrion Beetles (Coleoptera: Staphilinidae) in China Based on COI and COII. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:24-31. [PMID: 36269114 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Unambiguous and speedy necrophagous insect species identification is common task in forensic entomological study. Carrion beetles (Staphilinidae: Silphinae) belong to a small group of Coleoptera with less than 200 species worldwide. Some species are commonly found on dead body during forensic entomological investigation. Despite some species are hard to be categorized morphologically, present DNA-based technologies offer a potential identification strategy. Here, 37 carrion beetle specimens were collected from 15 locations throughout Chinese mainland. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and II (COII) genes among all specimens were successfully sequenced, which provided reliable markers for precise identification. Mostly, the interspecific distance could clarify the capability of these genes for identifying included carrion beetle species. Exceptions existed between close species in Nicrophorus genus (Fabricius 1775). The sequenced gene's phylogenetic analysis revealed that all carrion beetle specimens were correctly classified into eight genera, and most have relatively high supporting values (>90%). Our data gives genetic diversity and a reference for global forensically important carrion beetle species identification, as well as a conductive significance for future application of Chinese carrion beetles in forensic entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Luo
- College of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- College of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan, China
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González S, Del Rio ML, Diez MN, Hidalgo MDR, Martínez A. Identification of Hypoderma actaeon (Diptera: Oestridae) in red deer (Cervus elaphus) from northern Spain: Microscopy study and molecular analysis. Microsc Res Tech 2023; 86:3-11. [PMID: 36268792 PMCID: PMC10092873 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24247] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hypoderma spp. larvae were observed subcutaneously in the dorsal and lumbar regions of red deer (Cervus elaphus) hunted in the province of León (northwestern Spain) causing a myiasis. They were removed and initially classified by their size, shape, color, and location under the skin into the three larval stages that parasitize these animals. The morphological characteristics of the first and second-instar are described and from the features of the third-instar the species was identified as Hypoderma actaeon. To accurately identify this species, five isolates of genomic DNA from the third-instar, two from the second-instar and two from first-instar of H. actaeon were analyzed by PCR analysis of the COI region of mt-DNA. The results confirmed that the examined samples exactly matched with H. actaeon. This study has shown the morphological identification of the three larval stages of H. actaeon and, for the first time, the first and second-instar larvae have been molecularly characterized. Finally, identification of only H. actaeon suggests that this species is the only affecting red deer in the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara González
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Maria Luisa Del Rio
- Department of Animal Health, Section of Immunobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Maria Natividad Diez
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Maria Del Rosario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Health, Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of León, León, Spain
| | - Angelica Martínez
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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Mitogenome-wise codon usage pattern from comparative analysis of the first mitogenome of Blepharipa sp. (Muga uzifly) with other Oestroid flies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7028. [PMID: 35487927 PMCID: PMC9054809 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10547-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Uziflies (Family: Tachinidae) are dipteran endoparasites of sericigenous insects which cause major economic loss in the silk industry globally. Here, we are presenting the first full mitogenome of Blepharipa sp. (Acc: KY644698, 15,080 bp, A + T = 78.41%), a dipteran parasitoid of Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis) found in the Indian states of Assam and Meghalaya. This study has confirmed that Blepharipa sp. mitogenome gene content and arrangement is similar to other Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae flies of Oestroidea superfamily, typical of ancestral Diptera. Although, Calliphoridae and Oestridae flies have undergone tRNA translocation and insertion, forming unique intergenic spacers (IGS) and overlapping regions (OL) and a few of them (IGS, OL) have been conserved across Oestroidea flies. The Tachinidae mitogenomes exhibit more AT content and AT biased codons in their protein-coding genes (PCGs) than the Oestroidea counterpart. About 92.07% of all (3722) codons in PCGs of this new species have A/T in their 3rd codon position. The high proportion of AT and repeats in the control region (CR) affects sequence coverage, resulting in a short CR (Blepharipa sp.: 168 bp) and a smaller tachinid mitogenome. Our research unveils those genes with a high AT content had a reduced effective number of codons, leading to high codon usage bias. The neutrality test shows that natural selection has a stronger influence on codon usage bias than directed mutational pressure. This study also reveals that longer PCGs (e.g., nad5, cox1) have a higher codon usage bias than shorter PCGs (e.g., atp8, nad4l). The divergence rates increase nonlinearly as AT content at the 3rd codon position increases and higher rate of synonymous divergence than nonsynonymous divergence causes strong purifying selection. The phylogenetic analysis explains that Blepharipa sp. is well suited in the family of insectivorous tachinid maggots. It's possible that biased codon usage in the Tachinidae family reduces the effective number of codons, and purifying selection retains the core functions in their mitogenome, which could help with efficient metabolism in their endo-parasitic life style and survival strategy.
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Kanholi Sreejith, Shuvra Kanti Sinha, Santanu Mahato, Edamana Pushpalatha. Flesh fly (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): male terminalia, diversity and expanded geographical distribution from India. JOURNAL OF THREATENED TAXA 2021. [DOI: 10.11609/jott.6568.13.12.19831-19836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its veterinary, medical and forensic importance, the biodiversity of sarcophagid flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) has remained poorly investigated in India. We have performed a survey of Sarcophagidae species in connection with a study conducted on Diptera, which exposed the flesh fly diversity in and around the campus of the University of Calicut, Kerala, India. The survey was conducted using traps baited with decomposing fish and chicken liver and by the sweeping method. Eleven species were collected, including four species recorded from this state for the first time, one of which is new to the Indian mainland and the second record after Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve. Male terminalia of Sinonipponia bengalensis, Parasarcophaga choudhuryi, Boettcherisca karnyi, and Boettcherisca nathani are illustrated. This result expands the knowledge on the geographical distribution and habitat occupancy of sarcophagid species as well as their forensic relevance and provides a background for future systematic investigations.
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Buenaventura E. Museomics and phylogenomics with protein-encoding ultraconserved elements illuminate the evolution of life history and phallic morphology of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:70. [PMID: 33910519 PMCID: PMC8082969 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01797-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The common name of the Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) usually relates them with organisms feeding on decomposing organic matter, although the biology of one of the largest radiations among insects also includes predation, coprophagy, and even kleptoparasitism. The question of whether the ancestor of all sarcophagids was a predator or a decomposer, or in association to which host have sarcophagids evolved, has thus always piqued the curiosity of flesh fly specialists. Such curiosity has often been hindered by both the impossibility of having a well-supported phylogeny of Sarcophagidae and its sister group to trace live habits and the scarcity of information on the biology of the group. Using a phylogenomic dataset of protein-encoding ultraconserved elements from representatives of all three subfamilies of Sarcophagidae as ingroup and a large Calyptratae outgroup, a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale are generated to understand flesh fly systematics and the evolution of their life histories. RESULTS The evolutionary history for Sarcophagidae reconstructed here differs considerably from previous hypotheses. Within subfamily Sarcophaginae, a group of predatory flies, including genera Lepidodexia and Boettcheria, emerged as sister-group to the rest of Sarcophaginae. The genera Oxysarcodexia, Ravinia, and Tricharaea, long considered archaic and early-branching coprophagous and sarcosaprophagous lineages, were found nested well within the Sarcophaginae as sister-group to the sarcosaprophagous Microcerella. Predation on invertebrates is suggested as the ancestral and dominant strategy throughout the early evolution of flesh flies. Several transitions from predation to sarcosaprophagy and coprophagy occur across the sarcophagid phylogenetic tree, in contrast with almost no transitions from sarcosaprophagy or coprophagy to predatory habits. Regarding the morphological evolution of flesh flies, there might be a concerted evolution of male genitalia traits, such as the phallotrema position and the juxta, or the vesica and the folding of the phallotrema. One diversification rate shift was inferred in the evolution of sarcophagids, which is related to the origin of genus Sarcophaga. CONCLUSIONS This study has a significant impact on understanding sarcophagid evolution and highlights the importance of having a robust phylogenetic framework to reconstruct the ancestral character state of biological and morphological characters. I discuss the evolution of life histories of the family in relation to their hosts or substrates and outline how sarcosaprophagy, coprophagy, and kleptoparasitism behavior on various hosts may have evolved from predation on invertebrates. This study provides a phylogenetic framework for further physiological and comparative genomic work between predatory, sarcosaprophagous, coprophagous, and kleptoparasitic lineages, which could also have significant implications for the evolution of diverse life histories in other Diptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Buenaventura
- Center for Integrative Biodiversity Discovery, Museum für Naturkunde, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science, Invalidenstraße 43, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, 20013, USA.
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10
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Khang TF, Mohd Puaad NAD, Teh SH, Mohamed Z. Random forests for predicting species identity of forensically important blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) using geometric morphometric data: Proof of concept. J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:960-970. [PMID: 33438785 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Wing shape variation has been shown to be useful for delineating forensically important fly species in two Diptera families: Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. Compared to DNA-based identification, the cost of geometric morphometric data acquisition and analysis is relatively much lower because the tools required are basic, and stable softwares are available. However, to date, an explicit demonstration of using wing geometric morphometric data for species identity prediction in these two families remains lacking. Here, geometric morphometric data from 19 homologous landmarks on the left wing of males from seven species of Calliphoridae (n = 55), and eight species of Sarcophagidae (n = 40) were obtained and processed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Allometric effect was removed by regressing centroid size (in log10 ) against the Procrustes coordinates. Subsequently, principal component analysis of the allometry-adjusted Procrustes variables was done, with the first 15 principal components used to train a random forests model for species prediction. Using a real test sample consisting of 33 male fly specimens collected around a human corpse at a crime scene, the estimated percentage of concordance between species identities predicted using the random forests model and those inferred using DNA-based identification was about 80.6% (approximate 95% confidence interval = [68.9%, 92.2%]). In contrast, baseline concordance using naive majority class prediction was 36.4%. The results provide proof of concept that geometric morphometric data has good potential to complement morphological and DNA-based identification of blow flies and flesh flies in forensic work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung Fei Khang
- Institute of Mathematical Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,University of Malaya Centre for Data Analytics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Zulqarnain Mohamed
- Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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11
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Buenaventura E, Valverde-Castro C, Wolff M. New carrion-visiting flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from tropical dry forests of Colombia and their phylogenetic affinities. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105720. [PMID: 33007304 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105720] [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: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Many flesh flies of the subfamily Sarcophaginae are very competitive carrion visitors and breeders, and several are synanthropic species of medical and forensic importance. The knowledge of these taxa is still limited, which is more noticeable in sub-sampled ecosystems such as the tropical dry forests of Colombia. Four new species, Blaesoxipha (Gigantotheca) wajiira sp. nov., Lepidodexia deborarangoa sp. nov., Oxysarcodexia luriza sp. nov. and Udamopyga iku sp. nov., are described from tropical dry forests in the Colombian departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Cesar and La Guajira, all collected using Van Someren-Rydon traps baited separately with fermented fruit, decomposing fish and human feces. The species B. (G.) wajiira sp. nov. is probably synanthropic, while the remaining three new species avoid habitats in and around built-up areas. A phylogenetic parsimony analysis based on 222 morphological characters across 121 taxa of flesh flies recovers each new species nested within their respective genus. The subgeneric affiliation of L. deborarangoa sp. nov. within the large and diverse genus Lepidodexia (sensu lato) is inconclusive, and potential issues of relying solely on external morphological characters for generic and subgeneric classifications are highlighted. The species Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) woodi (Lopes), Oxyvinia wicharti (Lopes) and Sarcofahrtiopsis spinetta Mulieri & Dufek are new records for Colombia. COI sequence data are provided for U. iku sp. nov., L. (N.) woodi and O. wicharti.
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12
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Butterworth NJ, Wallman JF, Drijfhout FP, Johnston NP, Keller PA, Byrne PG. The evolution of sexually dimorphic cuticular hydrocarbons in blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae). J Evol Biol 2020; 33:1468-1486. [PMID: 32722879 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are organic compounds found on the cuticles of all insects which can act as close-contact pheromones, while also providing a hydrophobic barrier to water loss. Given their widespread importance in sexual behaviour and survival, CHCs have likely contributed heavily to the adaptation and speciation of insects. Despite this, the patterns and mechanisms of their diversification have been studied in very few taxa. Here, we perform the first study of CHC diversification in blowflies, focussing on wild populations of the ecologically diverse genus Chrysomya. We convert CHC profiles into qualitative and quantitative traits and assess their inter- and intra-specific variation across 10 species. We also construct a global phylogeny of Chrysomya, onto which CHCs were mapped to explore the patterns of their diversification. For the first time, we demonstrate that blowflies express an exceptional diversity of CHCs, which have diversified in a nonphylogenetic and punctuated manner, are species-specific and sexually dimorphic. It is likely that both ecological and sexual selection have shaped these patterns of CHC diversification, and our study now provides a comprehensive framework for testing such hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Butterworth
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - James F Wallman
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Falko P Drijfhout
- School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University, Keele, UK
| | - Nikolas P Johnston
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul A Keller
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizons, University of Wollongong and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Phillip G Byrne
- Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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13
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Dufek MI, Mello-Patiu CA, Mulieri PR. Inventory of Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) for the Humid Chaco, a poorly surveyed ecoregion of South America. J NAT HIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2020.1764646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Matias Ignacio Dufek
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales y Agrimensura, Biología de los Artrópodos, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Cátia Antunes Mello-Patiu
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Sistemática de Diptera, Departamento de Entomologia, Museu Nacional, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Quinta da Boa Vista, Brazil
| | - Pablo Ricardo Mulieri
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ren L, Zhang X, Li Y, Shang Y, Chen S, Wang S, Qu Y, Cai J, Guo Y. Comparative analysis of mitochondrial genomes among the subfamily Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and phylogenetic implications. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 161:214-222. [PMID: 32526299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The subfamily Sarcophaginae is extremely diverse in morphology, habit and geographical distribution, and usually considered to be of significant ecological, medical, and forensic significance. In the present study, 18 mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of sarcophagid flies were first obtained. The rearrangement and orientation of genes were identical with that of ancestral insects. The degrees of compositional heterogeneity in the datasets were extremely low. Furthermore, 13 protein-coding genes were evolving under purifying selection. The phylogenic relationship of the genus-group taxa Boettcheria + (Sarcophaga + (Peckia + (Ravinia + Oxysarcodexia))) was strongly supported. Four subgenera were recovered as monophyletic (Liopygia, Liosarcophaga, Pierretia, Heteronychia) in addition to Parasarcophaga as polyphyletic. The sister-relationships between S. dux and S. aegyptiaca, S. pingi and S. kawayuensis were recovered, respectively. Moreover, the molecular phylogenetic relationships among the subgenera Helicophagella, Kozlovea, Kramerea, Pandelleisca, Phallocheira, Pseudothyrsocnema, Sinonipponia and Seniorwhitea were rarely put forward prior to this study. This study provides insight into the population genetics, molecular biology, and phylogeny for the subfamily Sarcophaginae, especially for the subgeneric classification of Sarcophaga. However, compared with the enormous species diversity of flesh flies, the available mitogenomes are still limited for recovering the phylogeny of Sarcophaginae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shan Chen
- School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiwen Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Ürümqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yihong Qu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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15
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Mitochondrial DNA-Based Identification of Forensically Important Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in Thailand. INSECTS 2019; 11:insects11010002. [PMID: 31861293 PMCID: PMC7022518 DOI: 10.3390/insects11010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Flesh flies (Sarcophagidae) are necrophagous insects initially colonizing on a corpse. The species-specific developmental data of the flies collected from a death scene can be used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). Thus, the first crucial step is to correctly identify the fly species. Because of the high similarity among species of flesh flies, DNA-based identification is considered more favorable than morphology-based identification. In this study, we demonstrated the effectiveness of combined sequences (2216 to 2218 bp) of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II genes (COI and COII) for identification of the following 14 forensically important flesh fly species in Thailand: Boettcherisca nathani Lopes, Fengia ostindicae (Senior-White), Harpagophalla kempi (Senior-White), Liopygia ruficornis (Fabricius), Lioproctia pattoni (Senior-White), Lioproctia saprianovae (Pape & Bänziger), Parasarcophaga albiceps (Meigen), Parasarcophaga brevicornis (Ho), Parasarcophaga dux (Thomson), Parasarcophaga misera (Walker), Sarcorohdendorfia antilope (Böttcher), Sarcorohdendorfia inextricata (Walker), Sarcorohdendorfia seniorwhitei (Ho) and Seniorwhitea princeps (Wiedemann). Nucleotide variations of Thai flesh flies were evenly distributed throughout the COI-COII genes. Mean intra- and interspecific variations ranged from 0.00 to 0.96% and 5.22% to 12.31%, respectively. Using Best Match (BM) and Best Close Match (BCM) criteria, identification success for the combined genes was 100%, while the All Species Barcodes (ASB) criterion showed 76.74% success. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses yielded similar tree topologies of monophyletic clades between species with very strong support values. The achieved sequences covering 14 forensically important flesh fly species including newly submitted sequences for B. nathani, F. ostindicae and S. seniorwhitei, can serve as a reliable reference database for further forensic entomological research in Thailand and in other areas where those species occur.
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16
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Ishak N, Ahmad AH, Mohamad Noor SA, Ahmad A. Detection of heroin metabolites at different developmental stages of Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared in heroin-treated meat: a preliminary analysis. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1186/s41935-019-0171-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Blowfly larvae and pupae collected during post-mortem forensic investigation can be analysed to detect drugs or toxins in a dead body. Drug or toxin-contaminated tissues of human remains consumed by blowfly larvae are stored in the crop even after a body has decomposed to the point where no fluid or tissues are retrievable. Therefore, blowfly larva and pupa are favourable specimens under conditions in which host tissues or blood samples are not available.
Methodology
We carried out a study to detect heroin metabolites in Lucilia cuprina (Weidemann, 1830) immatures fed on different concentrations of heroin-treated meat: 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, and 10,000 ng/μl. Heroin metabolites detection was performed by a gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) analysis.
Results
This study indicates that L. cuprina can be utilized in a toxicological analysis to detect heroin in a host. However, the expected complete metabolites of heroin were not detected in the first instar larvae and pupa, while the second and third instar larvae contributed to a complete heroin metabolite which was morphine. This was subject to the heroin concentration given. Morphine was detected in the third instar larvae treated with 5000 and 10,000 ng/μl heroin, while in the second instar, it was detected only at 10,000 ng/μl. Heroin metabolites detected in the second and third instar larvae proves that biochemical conversions occur in the fly larvae.
Conclusion
The absence of heroin metabolites in the first instar larvae and pupa does not necessarily mean that the drug was not present in the host. Therefore, the limitations of heroin detection capability during these stages should be always kept in mind, as this could contribute to a false-negative result in a forensic analysis. If all stages are available during sample collection, it is crucial to prioritize the third instar larvae in a toxicological analysis.
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Jafari S, Oshaghi MA, Akbarzadeh K, Abai MR, Koosha M, Mohtarami F. Identification of Forensically Important Flesh Flies Using the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunits I and II Genes. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1253-1259. [PMID: 31121043 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Forensically important flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) often are not morphologically distinguishable, especially at the immature stage. In addition, female flies are quite similar in general morphology, making accurate identifications difficult. DNA-based technologies, particularly mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), have been used for species-level identification. The cytochrome oxidase subunits I and II (COI-COII) sequences of Iranian Sarcophagidae are still unavailable in GenBank. In this study as many as 648 (540 males and 106 females) fly specimens from family Sarcophagidae, representing 10 sarcophagid species, including eight forensically important species were collected from seven locations in five Iranian provinces. Of these, 150 male specimens were identified based on both morphology of male genitalia and DNA sequencing analysis. Sequence data from the COI-COII regions for 10 flesh fly species collected in Iran were generated for the first time. Digestion of COI-COII region by restriction enzymes RsaI, EcoRV, and HinfI provided distinct restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles among the species and can serve as molecular markers for species determination. Phylogenetic analysis represented that the COI-COII sequences are helpful for delimitation of sarcophagid species and implementation in forensic entomology. However, the application of the COI-COII fragment as a species identifier requires great caution and additional species and markers should be studied to ensure accurate species identification in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samin Jafari
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Oshaghi
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Akbarzadeh
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abai
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Koosha
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohtarami
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Gemmellaro MD, Hamilton GC, Ware JL. Review of Molecular Identification Techniques for Forensically Important Diptera. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:887-902. [PMID: 31173634 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The medico-legal section of forensic entomology focuses on the analysis of insects associated with a corpse. Such insects are identified, and their life history characteristics are evaluated to provide information related to the corpse, such as postmortem interval and time of colonization. Forensically important insects are commonly identified using dichotomous keys, which rely on morphological characteristics. Morphological identifications can pose a challenge as local keys are not always available and can be difficult to use, especially when identifying juvenile stages. If a specimen is damaged, certain keys cannot be used for identification. In contrast, molecular identification can be a better instrument to identify forensically important insects, regardless of life stage or specimen completeness. Despite more than 20 yr since the first use of molecular data for the identification of forensic insects, there is little overlap in gene selection or phylogenetic methodology among studies, and this inconsistency reduces efficiency. Several methods such as genetic distance, reciprocal monophyly, or character-based methods have been implemented in forensic identification studies. It can be difficult to compare the results of studies that employ these different methods. Here we present a comprehensive review of the published results for the molecular identification of Diptera of forensic interest, with an emphasis on evaluating variation among studies in gene selection and phylogenetic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L Ware
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
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19
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Haddadi R, Alajmi R, Abdel-Gaber R. A Comparative Study of Insect Succession on Rabbit Carrion in Three Different Microhabitats. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:671-680. [PMID: 30649387 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insect succession on three rabbit carcasses placed 110.49 cm above ground in winter in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia was examined in three different microhabitats: dry, semi-submerged, and submerged in tap water. The complete decomposition of the carcasses took 20 d and included five stages. In total 715 insects collected from carrion in different microhabitats were identified morphological, followed by the partial sequence confirmation of their 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes. Results showed that the insect species found and species richness differed among microhabitats. Carrion placed in the dry microhabitat showed the highest species richness and colonized by 400 insect specimens belonging to 16 species. Carrion placed in the semi-submerged microhabitat contained 271 insect specimens belonging to 12 species, showing a relatively low species richness. Lastly, the submerged microhabitat showed the lowest species richness, as the carrion placed in it attracted only 44 insects belonging to 9 species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Haddadi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem Alajmi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rewaida Abdel-Gaber
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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20
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Chen W, Shang Y, Ren L, Xie K, Zhang X, Zhang C, Sun S, Wang Y, Zha L, Guo Y. Developing a MtSNP-based genotyping system for genetic identification of forensically important flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Forensic Sci Int 2018; 290:178-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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Ramalho AJ, Zappi DC, Nunes GL, Watanabe MTC, Vasconcelos S, Dias MC, Jaffé R, Prous X, Giannini TC, Oliveira G, Giulietti AM. Blind Testing: DNA Barcoding Sheds Light Upon the Identity of Plant Fragments as a Subsidy for Cave Conservation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:1052. [PMID: 30087684 PMCID: PMC6066976 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Plants living above and around caves represent an important, albeit poorly studied, resource within cave ecosystems. The presence of plant material (root-like structures or rhizothemes, saplings, seeds, and seedlings) correlates positively with the biodiversity of the cave dwelling animals as shown for iron-ore caves in Carajás, Pará, Brazil. Plant material collected in caves has proven to be difficult to identify by traditional botanical methods, thus this research aims to provide a qualitative insight into the taxonomy and morphology of rhizothemes and other plant fragments found in the caves. The identification process used a combination of different molecular markers (ITS2, rbcL, and trnH-psbA) followed by a comparison of the sequences obtained against publicly available databases. The rhizothemes were submitted to micromorphological analysis to ascertain their putative root or stem origin and to compare their anatomy with known patterns found in the plant families or genera recovered through molecular matches. All studied samples were Angiosperms, mostly belonging to subclass Rosideae, within four orders: Malpighiales (Euphorbiaceae, Hypericaceae), Sapindales (Anacardiaceae and Sapindaceae), Myrtales (Myrtaceae), Fabales (Fabaceae), and only two belonging to subclass Asteridae, order Gentianales (Apocynaceae). Some of the samples were matched to generic level, with ITS2 being the best marker to identify the fragments because it shows high degree of sequence variation even at specific level and result reliability. All rhizothemes turned out to be roots, and correspondence was found between the existing literature and the individual anatomical patterns for the families and genera retrieved. DNA barcode has proved to be a useful tool to identify plant fragments found in this challenging environment. However, the existence of well curated, authoritatively named collections with ample biological information has proven to be essential to achieve a reliable identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline J. Ramalho
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Belém, Brazil
- Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Coord. Botânica, Programa Capacitação Institucional, Belém, Brazil
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22
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DNA barcoding for identifying synanthropic flesh flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) of Colombia. Acta Trop 2018; 182:291-297. [PMID: 29408406 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The first step for a successful use of any insect as indicator in forensic sciences is providing a precise taxonomic identification at species level. Due to morphology-based identification of Sarcophaginae flies (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) is often difficult and requires strong taxonomic expertise, their use as forensic indicators has been limited. Consequently, molecular-based approaches have been accepted as alternative means of identification. Thus, we aimed testing the efficiency of the barcode region of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for identification of synanthropic flesh flies of several species of the genera Peckia, Oxysarcodexia, Ravinia, and Tricharaea collected in Colombia. The 645-bp fragment of COI was amplified and aligned (215 parsimoniously informative variable sites). We calculated Kimura two-parameter genetic distances and reconstruct a Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree. Our Neighbor-Joining tree recovered all species as monophyletic, and confirmed a new species of the genus Ravinia as also indicated by the interspecific genetic divergences and morphological observations. We obtained a 100% of identification success. Thus, the COI barcodes showed efficiency as an alternative mean of identification of species of flesh flies collected on decaying organic matter in Colombia.
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23
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Ren L, Shang Y, Chen W, Meng F, Cai J, Zhu G, Chen L, Wang Y, Deng J, Guo Y. A brief review of forensically important flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Forensic Sci Res 2018; 3:16-26. [PMID: 30483648 PMCID: PMC6197121 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2018.1432099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Forensic entomology could provide valuable data for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation and other relevant information, such as causes and circumstances of death. Some representatives of flesh flies are one of the dominant necrophagous insects during early stages of decomposition, demonstrating unique biological characteristics compared with other necrophagous flies. Moreover, they lead to global health concerns as carriers of various pathogenic micro-organisms, and dominantly result in the traumatic myiasis. Thus, sarcophagid flies are considered important in decomposition processes for PMImin estimation. However, the utility of sarcophagid flies has been seriously hampered by limited ecological, biological and taxonomic knowledge of them. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief review on the species, distribution and biological habit of forensically important sarcophagid flies. In addition, the relation between traumatic myiasis and flesh flies, molecular identification methods and developmental pattern of flesh flies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanjie Shang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guanghui Zhu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Lushi Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Police Officer Vocational College, Guiyang, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianqiang Deng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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24
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Novák M, Jakubec P, Qubaiová J, Šuláková H, Růžička J. Revisited larval morphology of Thanatophilus rugosus (Coleoptera: Silphidae). Int J Legal Med 2017; 132:939-954. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1764-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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25
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Buenaventura E, Pape T. Phylogeny, evolution and male terminalia functionality of Sarcophaginae (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Zool J Linn Soc 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlx070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Buenaventura
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Universitetsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
- National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark, Universitetsparken, Copenhagen, Denmark
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26
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Valverde Castro C, Buenaventura E, Sánchez-Rodríguez JD, Wolff M. Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae: Sarcophaginae) from the Colombian Guajira biogeographic province, an approach to their ecology and distribution. ZOOLOGIA 2017. [DOI: 10.3897/zoologia.34.e12277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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27
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Meng F, Ren L, Wang Z, Deng J, Guo Y, Chen C, Finkelbergs D, Cai J. Identification of Forensically Important Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in China Based on COI. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1193-1200. [PMID: 28535279 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Blow flies are among the most important insects in forensic entomology casework. Identification of blow fly species can be a time consuming and difficult task, especially at their early development stages. Present DNA-based technologies provide a promising identification method for these forensically important calliphorids. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence has been applied as a suitable DNA marker in calliphorid identification for many years; however, limitation exists in using short sequence to determine genetically close species. In this study, COI long sequences were utilized in species-level identification. Seventy-two specimens were collected from 27 locations across 22 Chinese provinces, and unambiguously determined as 16 species under seven genera of Calliphoridae. Analysis of long mitochondrial COI sequence (1,021-1,382 bp) data from forensically relevant blow flies collected in the inland region of China provided a reliable marker for accurate identification. Our data provide genetic diversity and reference for global forensic-related blow fly species identification, and conductive meaning on future utilization of Chinese calliphorids used in forensic entomological practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanming Meng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ziyue Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jianqiang Deng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
| | - Dmitrijs Finkelbergs
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
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28
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Stamper T, Wong ES, Timm A, DeBry RW. Validating sonication as a DNA extraction method for use with carrion flies. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:171-177. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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Connecting the Dots: From an Easy Method to Computerized Species Determination. INSECTS 2017; 8:insects8020052. [PMID: 28524106 PMCID: PMC5492066 DOI: 10.3390/insects8020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Differences in growth rate of forensically important dipteran larvae make species determination an essential requisite for an accurate estimation of time since colonization of the body. Interspecific morphological similarities, however, complicate species determination. Muscle attachment site (MAS) patterns on the inside of the cuticula of fly larvae are species specific and grow proportionally with the animal. The patterns can therefore be used for species identification, as well as age estimation in forensically important dipteran larvae. Additionally, in species where determination has proven to be difficult—even when employing genetic methods—this easy and cheap method can be successfully applied. The method was validated for a number of Calliphoridae, as well as Sarcophagidae; for Piophilidae species, however, the method proved to be inapt. The aim of this article is to assess the utility of the MAS method for applications in forensic entomology. Furthermore, the authors are currently engineering automation for pattern acquisition in order to expand the scope of the method. Automation is also required for the fast and reasonable application of MAS for species determination. Using filters on digital microscope pictures and cross-correlating them within their frequency range allows for a calculation of the correlation coefficients. Such pattern recognition permits an automatic comparison of one larva with a database of MAS reference patterns in order to find the correct, or at least the most likely, species. This facilitates species determination in immature stages of forensically important flies and economizes time investment, as rearing to adult flies will no longer be required.
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30
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Buenaventura E, Pape T. Multilocus and multiregional phylogeny reconstruction of the genus Sarcophaga (Diptera, Sarcophagidae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2017; 107:619-629. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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31
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The use of DNA barcode for identifying species of Oxysarcodexia Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A preliminary survey. Acta Trop 2016; 161:73-8. [PMID: 27260665 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxysarcodexia is one of the Neotropical richest genera within the Sarcophagidae family. Medical, veterinary and forensic importance of these flies are due to their association with corpses, cases of myiasis in humans and domestic animals, and being pathogen carriers. Regarding morphological identification, molecular techniques, especially the DNA-based ones, arise as useful alternatives or complementary methodologies for species identification. Thus, in this study we aimed to investigate the potential of the COI marker (barcode region) to delimit Oxysarcodexia species in comparison with the morphological identification criteria. A COI fragment was amplified and the length of the sequences after alignment were of 648bp (149 parsimoniously informative variable sites). According to the Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic tree, specimens of the same morphological species were clustered in monophyletic clades (82-100% bootstrap branch support). Species-level resolution thus achieved was successful, despite low interspecific divergence (1.8-2.3%) and since interspecific variation was higher than intraspecific divergence (0.1-1.2%). Therefore, the use of COI barcode sequences supports differentiation and identification of the Oxysarcodexia species studied.
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STR analysis of human DNA from maggots fed on decomposing bodies: Assessment of the time period for successful analysis. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejfs.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Tuccia F, Giordani G, Vanin S. A combined protocol for identification of maggots of forensic interest. Sci Justice 2016; 56:264-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pilli E, Agostino A, Vergani D, Salata E, Ciuna I, Berti A, Caramelli D, Lambiase S. Human identification by lice: A Next Generation Sequencing challenge. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 266:e71-e78. [PMID: 27289564 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Rapid and progressive advances in molecular biology techniques and the advent of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) have opened new possibilities for analyses also in the identification of entomological matrixes. Insects and other arthropods are widespread in nature and those found at a crime scene can provide a useful contribution to forensic investigations. Entomological evidence is used by experts to define the postmortem interval (PMI), which is essentially based on morphological recognition of the insect and an estimation of its insect life cycle stage. However, molecular genotyping methods can also provide an important support for forensic entomological investigations when the identification of species or human genetic material is required. This case study concerns a collection of insects found in the house of a woman who died from unknown causes. Initially the insects were identified morphologically as belonging to the Pediculidae family, and then, human DNA was extracted and analyzed from their gastrointestinal tract. The application of the latest generation forensic DNA assays, such as the Quantifiler(®) Trio DNA Quantification Kit and the HID-Ion AmpliSeq™ Identity Panel (Applied Biosystems(®)), individuated the presence of human DNA in the samples and determined the genetic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Pilli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Firenze, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Agostino
- Life Sciences Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Via Tiepolo 1, 20090 Monza, Italy
| | - Debora Vergani
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Sperimentale e Forense, Università di Pavia, Viale Forlanini, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Salata
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - Ignazio Ciuna
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Berti
- Reparto Carabinieri Investigazioni Scientifiche di Roma, Sezione di Biologia, viale Tor di Quinto 119, Roma, Italy
| | - David Caramelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Firenze, via del Proconsolo 12, 50122 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simonetta Lambiase
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Medicina Sperimentale e Forense, Università di Pavia, Viale Forlanini, 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Buenaventura E, Whitmore D, Pape T. Molecular phylogeny of the hyperdiverse genusSarcophaga(Diptera: Sarcophagidae), and comparison between algorithms for identification of rogue taxa. Cladistics 2016; 33:109-133. [DOI: 10.1111/cla.12161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Buenaventura
- Natural History Museum of Denmark; Universitetsparken 15 Copenhagen DK-2100 Denmark
| | - Daniel Whitmore
- Department of Life Sciences; Natural History Museum; Cromwell Road London SW7 5BD UK
| | - Thomas Pape
- Natural History Museum of Denmark; Universitetsparken 15 Copenhagen DK-2100 Denmark
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36
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Fu Y, Li W, Duo H, Guo Z, Dang Z, Shen X, Peng M, Zhang Y. Morphological and molecular characterization of Oestromyia leporina (Pallas, 1778) (Diptera: Hypodermatinae) from wild plateau pikas(Ochotona curzoniae) in Qinghai province, China. Exp Parasitol 2016; 161:27-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Hall MJR, Wall RL, Stevens JR. Traumatic Myiasis: A Neglected Disease in a Changing World. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 61:159-76. [PMID: 26667275 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-010715-023655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic myiasis, the parasitic infestation by fly larvae in traumatic lesions of the tissues of living vertebrates, is a serious medical condition in humans and a welfare and economic issue in domestic animals. New molecular studies are providing insights into its evolution and epidemiology. Nevertheless, its incidence in humans is generally underreported, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Myiasis in domestic animals has been studied more extensively, but continuous management is difficult and expensive. A key concern is the inadvertent introduction and global spread of agents of myiasis into nonendemic areas, facilitated by climate change and global transport. The incursion of the New World screwworm fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) into Libya is the most notable of many such range shifts and demonstrates the potential risks of these parasites and the costs of removing them once established in a geographic area. Nevertheless, the insect agents of myiasis can be of societal benefit to forensic science and in medicine as an aid to wound treatment (larval therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J R Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom;
| | - Richard L Wall
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, United Kingdom;
| | - Jamie R Stevens
- Department of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom;
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38
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Liao H, Yang X, Li Z, Ding Y, Guo Y. The complete mitochondria genome of Parasarcophaga albiceps (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 27:4696-4698. [PMID: 26642375 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1106507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huidan Liao
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, and
| | - Zhilong Li
- Department of Forensic Science, West China School of Basic Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanjun Ding
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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39
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Zhang C, Fu X, Xie K, Yan W, Guo Y. MtDNA Analysis for Genetic Identification of Forensically Important Sarcophagid Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in China. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1225-1233. [PMID: 26336270 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA-based technologies have been increasingly used in species determination of forensically important sarcophagids, as they are often not morphologically distinct, especially for the immature specimens. The mitochondrial genome has been broadly used for species-level identifications. Although Chinese sarcophagid sequences of short fragments (200-600 bp) had been deposited in GenBank, the barcode region and the complete cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and COII sequences are still unavailable. In this study, 78 sarcophagid fly specimens, representing 17 Chinese sarcophagid species, were collected from 29 locations in 18 Chinese provinces. Sequence data of the mitochondrial COI and COII of the most important Chinese flesh fly taxa associated with cadavers were presented for first time, which serve as reference standards for Chinese species determination. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the COI and COII sequences were useful for identifying most sarcophagid species. The results of this research will be conductive for implementation of the Chinese Sarcophagidae in forensic entomology. However, the application of mitochondrial DNA as species identifier requires great circumspection and additional markers and methods should be studied to ensure accuracy of identification in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changquan Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoliang Fu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Kai Xie
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Weitao Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yadong Guo
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China.
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40
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Iancu L, Carter DO, Junkins EN, Purcarea C. Using bacterial and necrophagous insect dynamics for post-mortem interval estimation during cold season: Novel case study in Romania. Forensic Sci Int 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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41
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Armani A, Giusti A, Guardone L, Castigliego L, Gianfaldoni D, Guidi A. Universal Primers Used for Species Identification of Foodstuff of Animal Origin: Effects of Oligonucleotide Tails on PCR Amplification and Sequencing Performance. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-015-0301-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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42
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Tahir HM, Kanwal N, Mehwish. The sequence divergence in cytochrome C oxidase I gene of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito and its comparison with four other Culex species. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 27:3054-7. [DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1063138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Naila Kanwal
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish
- Department of Zoology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
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43
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Nakano A, Honda J. Use of DNA sequences to identify forensically important fly species and their distribution in the coastal region of Central California. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 253:1-13. [PMID: 26025701 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Forensic entomology has gained prominence in recent years, as improvements in DNA technology and molecular methods have allowed insect and other arthropod evidence to become increasingly useful in criminal and civil investigations. However, comprehensive faunal inventories are still needed, including cataloging local DNA sequences for forensically significant Diptera. This multi-year fly-trapping study was built upon and expanded a previous survey of these flies in Santa Clara County, including the addition of genetic barcoding data from collected species of flies. Flies from the families Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae, and Muscidae were trapped in meat-baited traps set in a variety of locations throughout the county. Flies were identified using morphological features and confirmed by molecular analysis. A total of 16 calliphorid species, 11 sarcophagid species, and four muscid species were collected and differentiated. This study found more species of flies than previous area surveys and established new county records for two calliphorid species: Cynomya cadaverina and Chrysomya rufifacies. Differences were found in fly fauna in different areas of the county, indicating the importance of microclimates in the distribution of these flies. Molecular analysis supported the use of DNA barcoding as an effective method of identifying cryptic fly species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angie Nakano
- Santa Clara County Vector Control District, 1580 Berger Drive, San Jose, CA 95112, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA
| | - Jeff Honda
- Department of Biological Sciences, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA.
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44
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Kirinoki M, Hitosugi M, Kato-Hayashi N, Iwasa M, Chigusa Y. Discovery of Liopiophila varipes and Protopiophila contecta (Diptera: Piophilidae) from human cadavers. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 248:e8-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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45
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Sharma M, Singh D, Sharma AK. Mitochondrial DNA based identification of forensically important Indian flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). Forensic Sci Int 2014; 247:1-6. [PMID: 25499231 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
An absolutely vital prerequisite in the forensic entomology cases is the estimation of post mortem interval (PMI). Due to similar morphological look, identification of the flesh fly fauna associated with the corpse is very difficult for nontaxonomists and needs professional hand to be dealt with. So, to simplify the identification process the application of 465 bp fragment of COI gene for differentiation of ten forensically significant species of flesh flies is demonstrated in this paper. Percentage nucleotide composition, genetic divergence and substitution rate were calculated by using the Maximum likelihood method. Phylogenetic analysis was done by Neighbour-joining tree constructed by using Tamura-3-parameter given in the MEGA5 software. The results show the robustness of COI gene as diagnostic marker, since its nucleotide variability enables dependable distinction to be drawn between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Sharma
- Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India
| | - Devinder Singh
- Department of Zoology & Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India.
| | - Ajay Kumar Sharma
- Vector Management Division, Defense R&D Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior 474002, India
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46
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Identification of forensically important Sarcophagidae (Diptera) based on partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II genes. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2014; 34:159-63. [PMID: 23629402 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0b013e31828c390e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Entomological evidence is of great importance in forensic cases for postmortem interval calculation. The use of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) for postmortem interval estimation is limited because morphological determination is often hampered because of similar characteristics in the larval, pupal, and even adult stage. To make the species identification more accurate and reliable, DNA-based identification is considered. In this study, we assessed the use of partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II genes for discrimination of forensically important Sarcophagidae from Egypt and China [Sarcophaga argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy), Sarcophaga dux (Thomson), Sarcophaga albiceps (Meigen), and Wohlfahrtia nuba (Wiedemann)]. This region was amplified using polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing of the amplification products and using restriction enzymes HinfI and MfeI. Nucleotide sequence divergences were calculated using the Kimura 2-parameter distance model, and a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was generated. All examined specimens were assigned to the correct species. Combinations of the restriction enzymes HinfI and MfeI provide different restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles even among 3 sympatric species that belong to the Sarcophaga genus. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the studied partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II genes were found to be instrumental for the molecular identification of these forensically important flesh fly species.
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47
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Sonet G, Jordaens K, Braet Y, Bourguignon L, Dupont E, Backeljau T, De Meyer M, Desmyter S. Utility of GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) for the identification of forensically important Diptera from Belgium and France. Zookeys 2013:307-28. [PMID: 24453564 PMCID: PMC3890684 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.365.6027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fly larvae living on dead corpses can be used to estimate post-mortem intervals. The identification of these flies is decisive in forensic casework and can be facilitated by using DNA barcodes provided that a representative and comprehensive reference library of DNA barcodes is available. We constructed a local (Belgium and France) reference library of 85 sequences of the COI DNA barcode fragment (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene), from 16 fly species of forensic interest (Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Fanniidae). This library was then used to evaluate the ability of two public libraries (GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data Systems – BOLD) to identify specimens from Belgian and French forensic cases. The public libraries indeed allow a correct identification of most specimens. Yet, some of the identifications remain ambiguous and some forensically important fly species are not, or insufficiently, represented in the reference libraries. Several search options offered by GenBank and BOLD can be used to further improve the identifications obtained from both libraries using DNA barcodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gontran Sonet
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny (JEMU), Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kurt Jordaens
- Royal Museum for Central Africa, Department of Biology (JEMU), Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium ; University of Antwerp, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yves Braet
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Bourguignon
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eréna Dupont
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Backeljau
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, OD Taxonomy and Phylogeny (JEMU), Vautierstraat 29, 1000 Brussels, Belgium ; University of Antwerp, Evolutionary Ecology Group, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc De Meyer
- Royal Museum for Central Africa, Department of Biology (JEMU), Leuvensesteenweg 13, 3080 Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Stijn Desmyter
- National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology, Vilvoordsesteenweg 100, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
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Utility of COI, CAD and morphological data for resolving relationships within the genus Sarcophaga (sensu lato) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): A preliminary study. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2013; 69:133-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2013.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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49
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Wells JD, Smith JL. First report of Blaesoxipha plinthopyga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from a human corpse in the U.S.A. and a new state geographic record based on specimen genotype. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:1378-1380. [PMID: 23899435 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Carrion flies in the taxonomic family Sarcophagidae are often recovered from a human corpse. However, because such specimens are difficult to identify, the forensic literature on this taxon is quite limited compared with that of the commonly employed Calliphoridae. Faced with a sarcophagid larva that could not be identified microscopically from a death investigation in the state of Idaho, we generated cytochrome oxidase one DNA sequence data from the specimen. Comparison to a reference data set of forensically significant sarcophagids from Canada and the U.S.A. confirmed that this was the first discovery of Blaesoxipha plinthopyga in a human corpse in the U.S.A. and the first record of this species in Idaho. Because B. plinthopyga occurs from the Northern U.S.A. to the Neotropics, it is potentially useful for estimating time since death at many locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D Wells
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199
| | - Joshua L Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199
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50
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Meiklejohn KA, Wallman JF, Dowton M. DNA Barcoding Identifies all Immature Life Stages of a Forensically Important Flesh Fly (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:184-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2012.02220.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 10/11/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A. Meiklejohn
- Institute for Conservation Biology and Environmental Management; School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; NSW; 2522; Australia
| | - James F. Wallman
- Institute for Conservation Biology and Environmental Management; School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; NSW; 2522; Australia
| | - Mark Dowton
- Centre for Medical Bioscience; School of Biological Sciences; University of Wollongong; NSW; 2522; Australia
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