Clean and clear (out): A neat method for the recovery of latent fingermarks from crime-scenes

Crime-scenes are the heart of any investigation in terms of recovery of key forensic evidence - fingermarks and DNA. Yet, quite often, the operational work of the forensic units, in which different chemicals and reagents for fingermarks development are applied, can also be highly destructive to the property and the environment. Hence, for both ecological and intelligence purposes, an operational method that minimizes that damage would be ideal. In this study, an "out-of-the-box" approach is proposed; rather than working at the crime scene itself, gel-lifters were used as a transferring tool for the latent forensic evidence, fingermarks and DNA, to be developed by applying black wet-powder (Wetwop®) in a controlled laboratory environment, leaving the crime-scene undisturbed. The results show a promising potential, as this indirect method proved to be robust and successful for non-porous surfaces, and even for aged fingermarks. In addition, this study gave a new perspective into the accepted notion regarding the difference between male and female donors, showing a direct correlation of the size and weight of the hands to the natural pressure applied by the donor. Moreover, the indirect nature of the method highlights the importance of the interaction between the type of surface and the latent fingermark constituents, primarily water, and its effect on the survivability and quality of the developed fingermark. Due to the growing demand of keeping crime scenes and exhibits unharmed by both police and intelligence forces, the new approach of this application provides a valuable asset for future operational field-work.

Elements in maternal blood and amniotic fluid determined by ICP-MS

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge about levels of toxic and non-toxic elements in amniotic fluid is limited. The aims of this study were: (1) to measure levels of trace elements Cu, Fe, Zn, B, Sr and Co in amniotic fluid and maternal serum during second trimester of pregnancy; and (2) to determine what correlations exists between elements levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.

METHODS

The levels of, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron were measured in blood and amniotic fluid during genetic amniocentesis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

Concentrations of the elements: Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Sr and B in amniotic fluid were significantly lower than in maternal blood. For iron, zinc, cobalt, strontium and boron there was a linear correlation between levels in amniotic fluid and maternal serum.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of trace elements in amniotic fluid was found to be lower than maternal serum and linearly correlated to its level.

Non-syndromic autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis in the Israeli population

BACKGROUND

Autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) is the term given to a complex and heterogeneous group of cornification disorders associated with mutations in at least eight distinct genes. Mutation distribution and prevalence rates are instrumental for the design of diagnostic strategies in ARCI but have not yet been systematically explored in the Israeli population. Previous data suggest that the demographic features specific to Middle Eastern populations, such as a high frequency of consanguineous marriages, may have an effect on the molecular epidemiology of genodermatoses.

METHODS

We systematically assessed all families with ARCI presenting at our clinics over a period of 9 years, using a combination of homozygosity mapping, direct sequencing and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

RESULTS

In total, 20 families with ARCI were assessed, and causative mutations were identified in 7 genes: TGM1 (30% of patients), ALOX12B (20%), ABCA12 (5%), CYP4F22 (10%), ALOXE3 (10%), LIPN (5%) and NIPAL4 (5%) Two families (10%) had mutations mapped to an ARCI-associated locus on 12p11.2-q13, while no mutation was found for one additional kindred. In the subgroup of families of Arab Muslim origin, mutations were identified most frequently in ALOX12B and TGM1 (31%), whereas the other subgroups displayed a subtype distribution very similar to that previously reported in western populations.

CONCLUSIONS

The present data point to the need for population-tailored mutation screening strategies in genetically heterogeneous genodermatoses, based on the relative prevalence of the disease subsets.