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Zheng Y, Ye L, Du J, Huang L, Lun M, He M, Xiao G, Du W, Liu C, Chen L. Changes in the microbial community of semen exposed to different simulated forensic situations. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0012524. [PMID: 38980015 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00125-24] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen is one of the common body fluids in sexual crime cases. The current methods of semen identification have certain limitations, so it is necessary to search for other methods. In addition, there are few reports of microbiome changes in body fluids under simulated crime scenes. It is essential to further reveal the changes in semen microbiomes after exposure to various simulated crime scenes. Semen samples from eight volunteers were exposed in closed plastic bags, soil, indoor, cotton, polyester, and wool fabrics. A total of 68 samples (before and after exposure) were collected, detected by 16S rDNA sequencing, and analyzed for the microbiome signature. Finally, a random forest model was constructed for body fluid identification. After exposure, the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus changed dramatically in almost all groups. In addition, the treatment with the closed plastic bags or soil groups had a greater impact on the semen microbiome. According to the Shannon indices, the alpha diversity of the closed plastic bags and soil groups was much lower than that of the other groups. Attention should be given to the above two scenes in practical work of forensic medicine. In this study, the accuracy of semen recognition was 100%. The exposed semen can still be correctly identified as semen based on its microbiota characteristics. In summary, semen microbiomes exposed to simulated crime scenes still have good application potential for body fluid identification. IMPORTANCE In this study, the microbiome changes of semen exposed to different environments were observed, and the exposed semen microbiome still has a good application potential in body fluid identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Homy Genetics Incorporation, Foshan, China
| | - Linying Ye
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jieyu Du
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Litao Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Miaoqiang Lun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meiyun He
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guichao Xiao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weian Du
- Guangdong Homy Genetics Incorporation, Foshan, China
| | - Chao Liu
- National Anti-Drug Laboratory Guangdong Regional Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Forensic Multi-Omics for Precision Identification, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Zhang Y, Xia H, Yang Q, Xu Z, Wang W, Yuan Z, Li Z, Cao S, Guan BO, Qiu L, Ran Y. A capillary-aided microfiber Bragg grating pH sensor for hydrovoltaic technology. Talanta 2024; 274:125958. [PMID: 38574534 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.125958] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Hydrovoltaic is an emerging technology that aims to harvest energy from water flow and evaporation, in which the plasmonic hydrogen ions are generated by the interaction between water and hydrovoltaic device. However, the volume of the water sample for the interaction is usually ultra-small due to the compact size of hydrovoltaic device, making the quantification and characterization of the hydrogen ions in such water sample an elusive goal. To address this issue, a miniature fiber-optic pH probe is proposed using a unilaterally tapered-microfiber Bragg grating. The microfiber Bragg grating has an intrinsic Bragg reflection signal with a narrow linewidth. The fiber probe is functionalized by coating the sodium alginate, which can respond to the variation of pH mediated by the alteration of the hydrophilicity. The rigidity and robustness of microfiber Bragg grating facilitates the encapsulation of the sensor into a sampling capillary, allowing for the detection of trace aqueous sample less than 2 μL. The pH sensitivity of the tapered-μFBG-based sensor is 62.8 p.m./pH (R2 = 0.995) with a limit resolution of 0.096 pH. The sensor performed a practical application in the monitoring and characterization of the hydrovoltaic microdevice, which can generate microcurrent as soaked in the water. This work demonstrates a promising technology in the fields of materials, energy, biology and medicine, in which the detection of the microsamples is inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Heyi Xia
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Institute of Materials Research (IMR), Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Qiaochu Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- The Affiliated Guangdoṇng Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Institute of Materials Research (IMR), Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Ziyu Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Zesen Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Shifang Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Bai-Ou Guan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Ling Qiu
- Shenzhen Geim Graphene Center, Institute of Materials Research (IMR), Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yang Ran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; College of Physics & Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; The Affiliated Guangdoṇng Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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C Zapico S, Roca G. A spit in time: identification of saliva stains and assessment of total DNA recovery up to 180 days after deposition. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024; 20:552-559. [PMID: 37581750 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00691-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this work was to validate the detection of saliva samples from denim, cotton, and polyester fabrics aged up to six months, applying rapid immunochromatographic tests resulting in the analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA recovered. A comparison was also carried out between two saliva detection tests, Laboratory and Crime Scene. 50 μl saliva samples (three per time and test) were deposited on denim, cotton, and polyester fabrics. After 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 150, and 180 days of storage at room temperature, the samples were recovered by swabbing and detected by SERATEC® Amylase (Laboratory) test and SERATEC® SALIVA CS (Crime Scene) test (SERATEC®, Göttingen, Germany). DNA was isolated from the swab extraction buffer applying a silica-based methodology, and quantified based on fluorescent and human-specific quantifications. Then, it was submitted to STR profiling and mtDNA sequencing. According to our results, saliva stains up to six months after deposition remain valid specimens. The intensity of the bands varied among fabric type and time. Total DNA was successfully recovered from all tested samples, though with the limitations of obtaining partial nuclear DNA profiles from the oldest samples. In contrast, complete characterization of mtDNA was achieved from all samples. Lab and CS tests performed similar on the detection of saliva, as well as, DNA yield and profiling. Future research will be able to expand these results, analyzing the stability of other body fluids and the sensitivity of rapid immunochromatographic tests to detect them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, 161 Warren Street, Tiernan Hall, 365, Newark, New Jersey, 07102, USA.
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology Department, 10th and Constitution Ave, PO 37012, NW, 20560, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC®, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH. Ernst-Ruhstrat-Strasse 5, Göttingen, 37079, Germany
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da Fonseca LLCG, Rocha DN, Cintra HA, de Araújo LL, dos Santos GLM, de Faria LL, Salú MDS, Leite SHDS, Rocha AD, Lopes MDCB, Ferreira IR, Gomes LHF, Guida LC. Establishing a Standardized DNA Extraction Method Using NaCl from Oral Mucosa Cells for Its Application in Imprinting Diseases Such as Prader-Willi and Angelman Syndromes: A Preliminary Investigation. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:641. [PMID: 38790270 PMCID: PMC11120874 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosing imprinting defects in neonates and young children presents challenges, often necessitating molecular analysis for a conclusive diagnosis. The isolation of genetic material from oral swabs becomes crucial, especially in settings where blood sample collection is impractical or for vulnerable populations like newborns, who possess limited blood volumes and are often too fragile for invasive procedures. Oral swab samples emerge as an excellent source of DNA, effectively overcoming obstacles associated with rare diseases. METHODS In our study, we specifically addressed the determination of the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from oral swab samples using NaCl procedures. RESULTS We compared these results with extractions performed using a commercial kit. Subsequently, the obtained material underwent MS-HRM analysis for loci associated with imprinting diseases such as Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes. CONCLUSIONS Our study emphasizes the significance of oral swab samples as a reliable source for obtaining DNA for MS-HRM analysis. NaCl extraction stands out as a practical and cost-effective method for genetic studies, contributing to a molecular diagnosis that proves particularly beneficial for patients facing delays in characterization, ultimately influencing their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Lopes Cabral Guimarães da Fonseca
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Danielle Nascimento Rocha
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Hiago Azevedo Cintra
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Luiza Loureiro de Araújo
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Gabrielle Leal Monteiro dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Leonardo Lima de Faria
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Margarida dos Santos Salú
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Silvia Helena dos Santos Leite
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Adriana Duarte Rocha
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Maria da Conceição Borges Lopes
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Igor Ribeiro Ferreira
- Rural and Remote Support Services, Department of Health, Integrated Cardiovascular Clinical Network SA, Adelaide 5042, Australia
| | - Leonardo Henrique Ferreira Gomes
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
| | - Letícia Cunha Guida
- Instituto Nacional da Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira–Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 22250-020, Brazil (H.A.C.); (L.L.d.A.); (L.L.d.F.)
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Zapico SC, Stadler C, Roca G. Assessment of body fluid identification and DNA profiling after exposure to tropical weather conditions. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:631-639. [PMID: 38146797 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15453] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Despite current advances in body fluid identification, there are few studies evaluating the effect of environmental conditions. The present work assessed the detection of body fluids, blood, semen, and saliva, through lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) tests, exposed to tropical weather conditions over time, also evaluating the possibility of obtaining STR (short tandem repeat) profiles and identifying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms. Blood, semen, saliva samples, and mixtures of these fluids were deposited on polyester clothes and exposed to open-air tropical weather conditions for 1 month. The test versions from LFI (SERATEC®, Germany) Lab and crime scene (CS) used for the detection - one per each body fluid type - demonstrated that it is possible to identify body fluids and their mixtures up to 14 days after deposition. At 30 days, blood and semen were detected but not saliva. Full STR profiles were obtained from 14-day-old blood samples, and partial profiles were obtained from the remaining samples. It was possible to sequence mtDNA in the samples previously analyzed for STR profiling, and haplogroups could be assigned. In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time the possibility of body fluid identification and DNA profiling after exposure to tropical weather conditions for 1 month and also demonstrated the value of mtDNA analysis for compromised biological evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Anthropology Department, Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC®, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH, Göttingen, Germany
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6
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Zapico SC, Roca G. Making the Most of Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Tests: An Efficient Protocol to Recover DNA. Methods Protoc 2024; 7:8. [PMID: 38251201 PMCID: PMC10801598 DOI: 10.3390/mps7010008] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Lateral flow immunochromatographic (LFI) tests are widely used in both biomedical and forensic sciences for different applications. In forensic sciences, their main use is to detect body fluids at crime scenes. However, there are situations in which the amount of potential biological evidence is so low that DNA extraction is favored with respect to the identification of body fluids. Here, an efficient and quick protocol is presented to integrate the detection of body fluids through LFI with DNA extraction from a sample swab and buffer, providing a complete characterization of the biological evidence. This protocol is a modification of a general DNA extraction silica-based kit, whose main application is for blood and tissues. Thus, it could be carried out in different settings (forensic labs, hospitals, other testing labs) without the necessity of buying a specific kit for swabs. The validation of this protocol is supported by the results presented here and previous publications from our group, obtaining DNA in good quantity and with good quality. This proves the potential application of the protocol in both forensic scenarios, to fully characterize biological evidence, and biomedical settings, to molecularly confirm the results of LFI tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Anthropology Department and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
| | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH, 37079 Göttingen, Germany;
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Unuma K, Sato H, Wen S, Makino Y, Hirakawa A, Uemura K. The proportion of false-positives in positive Seratec® prostate-specific antigen SemiQuant test results in postmortem screening for seminal fluid. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 62:102243. [PMID: 36965350 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102243] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are used in forensics to conduct rapid screening for semen in vaginal swab samples from alleged victims of sexual abuse. Although PSA membrane tests have been applied to autopsy specimens, no study has evaluated predictors of false-positive test results in relation to factors such as age, cause of death, postmortem interval, drugs, and alcohol. This study describes the results obtained with the Seratec® PSA SemiQuant Kit test in 283 deceased women, with or without a history of sexual assault. Overall, 18.4% (52/283) of the vaginal swab samples tested positive for PSA. However, 63.5% (33/52) of the PSA-positive vaginal swab samples had no sperm detected. The proportion of false-positives in positive PSA results was 94.4% in those aged over 60 years. Multivariate logistic regression for PSA-positive samples showed that the proportion of false-positives in positive PSA results increased with the age of the deceased. However, the cause of death, postmortem interval, and presence of drugs or alcohol in the blood or urine of the deceased did not affect the PSA determination. These results show that PSA membrane tests are relatively unreliable and can be misleading, especially when derived from vaginal swab samples of older women, obtained at autopsy. In forensic cases, positive PSA screening test results may have an impact on subsequent legal actions and criminal charges brought against the accused. These findings are important for both forensic pathologists and the police to ensure accurate screening of older women in cases of suspected sex crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Unuma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Sato
- Department of Clinical Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuheng Wen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohsuke Makino
- Departmen of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Hirakawa
- Department of Clinical Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Uemura
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in biological sciences from 2019 to 2022 as a part of the 20th INTERPOL International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. Topics reviewed include rapid DNA testing, using law enforcement DNA databases plus investigative genetic genealogy DNA databases along with privacy/ethical issues, forensic biology and body fluid identification, DNA extraction and typing methods, mixture interpretation involving probabilistic genotyping software (PGS), DNA transfer and activity-level evaluations, next-generation sequencing (NGS), DNA phenotyping, lineage markers (Y-chromosome, mitochondrial DNA, X-chromosome), new markers and approaches (microhaplotypes, proteomics, and microbial DNA), kinship analysis and human identification with disaster victim identification (DVI), and non-human DNA testing including wildlife forensics. Available books and review articles are summarized as well as 70 guidance documents to assist in quality control that were published in the past three years by various groups within the United States and around the world.
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C. Zapico S, Dytso A, Rubio L, Roca G. The Perfect Match: Assessment of Sample Collection Efficiency for Immunological and Molecular Findings in Different Types of Fabrics. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810686. [PMID: 36142599 PMCID: PMC9502974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluid identification at crime scenes can be crucial in retrieving the appropriate evidence that leads to the perpetrator and, in some cases, the victim. For this purpose, immunochromatographic tests are simple, fast and suitable for crime scenes. The potential sample is retrieved with a swab, normally a cotton swab, moistened in a specific buffer. Nonetheless, there are other swab types available, which have been proven to be efficient for DNA isolation and analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of different swab types for body fluid identification as well as DNA isolation and characterization. Fifty microliters of human saliva were deposited in three different types of fabric (denim, cotton, and polyester). After 24 h at room temperature, samples were recovered by applying three different swab types, and the tests were performed. Subsequently, total DNA was recovered from the sample buffer. Cotton swabs performed worse in denim and cotton fabrics in both immunochromatography tests and DNA yield. No differences were observed for polyester. In contrast, and except for two replicates, it was possible to obtain a full DNA profile per fabric and swab type, and to identify the mtDNA haplogroup. In this paper, the impact of swab types on body fluid identification through the application of immunochromatographic tests is analyzed for the first time. This work corroborates previous research related to the influence of swab types in nuclear DNA isolation and characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C. Zapico
- New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, 161 Warren Street, Tiernan Hall, 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
- Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Anthropology Department, 10th and Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | - Alex Dytso
- New Jersey Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University Heights, Newark, NJ 07102, USA
| | - Leticia Rubio
- Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science, 161 Warren Street, Tiernan Hall, 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA or
- Department of Human Anatomy and Legal Medicine, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Gabriela Roca
- SERATEC®, Gesellschaft für Biotechnologie mbH, Ernst-Ruhstrat-Strasse 5, 37079 Göttingen, Germany
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Alkhuder K. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy: a universal analytical technique with promising applications in forensic analyses. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1717-1736. [PMID: 36050421 PMCID: PMC9436726 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02882-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Contemporary criminal investigations are based on the statements made by the victim and the eyewitnesses. They also rely on the physical evidences found in the crime scene. These evidences, and more particularly biological ones, have a great judicial value in the courtroom. They are usually used to revoke the suspect’s allegations and confirm or refute the statements made by the victim and the witnesses. Stains of body fluids are biological evidences highly sought by forensic investigators. In many criminal cases, the success of the investigation relies on the correct identification and classification of these stains. Therefore, the adoption of reliable and accurate forensic analytical methods seems to be of vital importance to attain this objective. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is a modern and universal analytical technique capable of fingerprint recognition of the analyte using minimal amount of the test sample. The current systematic review aims to through light on the fundamentals of this technique and to illustrate its wide range of applications in forensic investigations. ATR-FTIR is a nondestructive technique which has demonstrated an exceptional efficiency in detecting, identifying and discriminating between stains of various types of body fluids usually encountered in crime scenes. The ATR-FTIR spectral data generated from bloodstains can be used to deduce a wealth of information related to the donor species, age, gender, and race. These data can also be exploited to discriminate between stains of different types of bloods including menstrual and peripheral bloods. In addition, ATR-FTIR has a great utility in the postmortem investigations. More particularly, in estimating the postmortem interval and diagnosing death caused by extreme weather conditions. It is also useful in diagnosing some ambiguous death causes such as fatal anaphylactic shock and diabetic ketoacidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Alkhuder
- Division of Microbial Disease, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, 256 Gray's Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD, UK.
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Identification of the vaginal secretion donor in mixture stains using polymorphic cSNPs on mRNA biomarkers. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 59:102703. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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12
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Lewis C, Seashols-Williams SJ. Design and optimization of a 16S microbial qPCR multiplex for the presumptive identification of feces, saliva, vaginal and menstrual secretions. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:1660-1667. [PMID: 35352345 PMCID: PMC9310585 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Molecular methods for body fluid identification have been extensively researched in the forensic community over the last decade, mostly focusing on RNA‐based methods. Microbial DNA analysis has long been used for forensic applications, such as postmortem interval estimations, but only recently has it been applied to body fluid identification. High‐throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene by previous research groups revealed that microbial signatures and abundances vary across human body fluids at the genus and/or species taxonomic level. Since quantitative PCR is still the current technique used in forensic DNA analysis, the purpose of this study was to design a qPCR multiplex targeting the 16S gene of Bacteroides uniformis, Streptococcus salivarius, and Lactobacillus crispatus that can distinguish between feces, saliva, and vaginal/menstrual secretions, respectively. Primers and probes were designed at the species level because these bacteria are highly abundant within their respective fluid. The validated 16S triplex was evaluated in DNA extracts from thirty donors of each body fluid. A classification regression tree model resulted in 96.5% classification accuracy of the population data, which demonstrates the ability of this 16S triplex to presumptively identify these fluids with high confidence at the quantification step of the forensic workflow using minimal input volume of DNA extracted from evidentiary samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Lewis
- Integrative Life Sciences Doctoral Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Teoh SL, Das S. MicroRNAs in Various Body Fluids and its importance in Forensic Medicine. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:2332-2343. [PMID: 35240957 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220303141558] [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: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs which regulate gene expression. miRNAs have tissue-specific expression and are also present in various extracellular body fluids, including blood, tears, semen, vaginal fluid and urine. Additionally, expression of miRNAs in body fluids is linked to various pathological diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Examination of body fluids is important in forensic medicine as they serve as a valuable form of evidence. Due to its stability, miRNA offers an advantage for body fluid identification, which can be detected even after several months or from compromised samples. Identification of unique miRNA profiles for different body fluids enable the identification of these body fluid. Furthermore, miRNAs profiling can be used to estimate post-mortem interval. Various biochemical and molecular methods have been used for identification of miRNAs have shown promising results. We discuss different miRNAs as specific biomarkers and their clinical importance regarding different pathological conditions, as well as their medico-legal importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Lin Teoh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Srijit Das
- Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat 123, Sultanate of Oman
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Ekama SO, Ilomuanya MO, Azubuike CP, Ayorinde JB, Ezechi OC, Igwilo CI, Salako BL. Enzyme Responsive Vaginal Microbicide Gels Containing Maraviroc and Tenofovir Microspheres Designed for Acid Phosphatase-Triggered Release for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV-1: A Comparative Analysis of a Bigel and Thermosensitive Gel. Gels 2021; 8:gels8010015. [PMID: 35049550 PMCID: PMC8774413 DOI: 10.3390/gels8010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenges encountered with conventional microbicide gels has necessitated the quest for alternative options. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a bigel and thermosensitive gel, designed to combat the challenges of leakage and short-residence time in the vagina. Ionic-gelation technique was used to formulate maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres. The microspheres were incorporated into a thermosensitive gel and bigel, then evaluated. Enzyme degradation assay was used to assess the effect of the acid phosphatase enzyme on the release profile of maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres. HIV efficacy and cytotoxicity of the microspheres were assessed using HIV-1-BaL virus strain and HeLa cell lines, respectively. Maraviroc and tenofovir release kinetics followed zero-order and Higuchi model kinetics. However, under the influence of the enzyme, maraviroc release was governed by first-order model, while tenofovir followed a super case II transport-mechanism. The altered mode of release and drug transport mechanism suggests a triggered release. The assay of the microspheres suspension on the HeLa cells did not show signs of cytotoxicity. The thermosensitive gel and bigel elicited a progressive decline in HIV infectivity, until at concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The candidate vaginal gels have the potential for a triggered release by the acid phosphatase enzyme present in the seminal fluid, thus, serving as a strategic point to prevent HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabdat Ozichu Ekama
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (M.O.I.); (C.P.A.); (C.I.I.)
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (J.B.A.); (O.C.E.); (B.L.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +234-81-3476-1356
| | - Margaret O. Ilomuanya
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (M.O.I.); (C.P.A.); (C.I.I.)
| | - Chukwuemeka Paul Azubuike
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (M.O.I.); (C.P.A.); (C.I.I.)
| | - James Babatunde Ayorinde
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (J.B.A.); (O.C.E.); (B.L.S.)
| | - Oliver Chukwujekwu Ezechi
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (J.B.A.); (O.C.E.); (B.L.S.)
| | - Cecilia Ihuoma Igwilo
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (M.O.I.); (C.P.A.); (C.I.I.)
| | - Babatunde Lawal Salako
- Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, 6 Edmund Crescent, Yaba, Lagos P.M.B 12003, Nigeria; (J.B.A.); (O.C.E.); (B.L.S.)
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15
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Sijen T, Harbison S. On the Identification of Body Fluids and Tissues: A Crucial Link in the Investigation and Solution of Crime. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1728. [PMID: 34828334 PMCID: PMC8617621 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluid and body tissue identification are important in forensic science as they can provide key evidence in a criminal investigation and may assist the court in reaching conclusions. Establishing a link between identifying the fluid or tissue and the DNA profile adds further weight to this evidence. Many forensic laboratories retain techniques for the identification of biological fluids that have been widely used for some time. More recently, many different biomarkers and technologies have been proposed for identification of body fluids and tissues of forensic relevance some of which are now used in forensic casework. Here, we summarize the role of body fluid/ tissue identification in the evaluation of forensic evidence, describe how such evidence is detected at the crime scene and in the laboratory, elaborate different technologies available to do this, and reflect real life experiences. We explain how, by including this information, crucial links can be made to aid in the investigation and solution of crime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titia Sijen
- Division Human Biological Traces, Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - SallyAnn Harbison
- Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited, Private Bag 92021, Auckland 1142, New Zealand;
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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Forensic proteomics. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2021; 54:102529. [PMID: 34139528 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2021.102529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Protein is a major component of all biological evidence, often the matrix that embeds other biomolecules such as polynucleotides, lipids, carbohydrates, and small molecules. The proteins in a sample reflect the transcriptional and translational program of the originating cell types. Because of this, proteins can be used to identify body fluids and tissues, as well as convey genetic information in the form of single amino acid polymorphisms, the result of non-synonymous SNPs. This review explores the application and potential of forensic proteomics. The historical role that protein analysis played in the development of forensic science is examined. This review details how innovations in proteomic mass spectrometry have addressed many of the historical limitations of forensic protein science, and how the application of forensic proteomics differs from proteomics in the life sciences. Two more developed applications of forensic proteomics are examined in detail: body fluid and tissue identification, and proteomic genotyping. The review then highlights developing areas of proteomics that have the potential to impact forensic science in the near future: fingermark analysis, species identification, peptide toxicology, proteomic sex estimation, and estimation of post-mortem intervals. Finally, the review highlights some of the newer innovations in proteomics that may drive further development of the field. In addition to potential impact, this review also attempts to evaluate the stage of each application in the development, validation and implementation process. This review is targeted at investigators who are interested in learning about proteomics in a forensic context and expanding the amount of information they can extract from biological evidence.
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