Evaluation of the ForenSeq mtDNA Whole Genome Kit for massively parallel sequencing of mitochondrial genomes
The performance of Verogen ’s ForenSeq mtDNA Whole Genome Kit and its possible application in a forensic setting was evaluated. We carried out three sequencing runs that included 1) a dilution series of two different samples (200pg – 6.25pg input nuclear DNA), 2) casework samples, and 3) hair, blood, and buccal samples fr om the same individual. For samples described in 1), the method was tested using different reagent volume in the PCR and library building (recommended volume or half-volume).Reference samples were analysed in duplicates, and positive and negative controls were included in every run. (Source: Forensic ...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 25, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Vania Pereira, Marie-Louise Kampmann, Claus B ørsting Source Type: research

The population genetics characteristics of Ion AmpliSeq ™ MH-74 plex microhaplotype research panel
A large number of microhaplotype markers have been investigated for various forensic purposes in recent years. In the present study, we have analysed population genetic data and sequencing performance of the Ion AmpliSeq ™ MH-74 plex microhaplotype research panel. A total of 178 samples from 3 major biogeographic regions including 54 Africans, 61 Iraqis from the Middle East and 63 Germans were genotyped using this panel on the Ion S5™ MPS platform (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Then we obtained the allele frequenci es, the effective number of alleles (Ae), and the forensic efficiency parameters of the 74 MHs. (Source: For...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 25, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Shengqiu Qu, Peter M. Schneider, Robert Lagac é, Maximilian Neis, Weibo Liang, Lin Zhang Source Type: research

DNA transfer in packaging: attention required
Items from crime scenes are frequently packaged and transported to laboratories for forensic examination. The packaging primarily maintains the integrity of forensic evidence associated with the item by protecting it from contamination and environmental impacts, plus limiting and recording access. There is diversity in the types of packaging used. We are aware that DNA-containing material may transfer from an item to the internal side of packaging and/or from one area of an item to another area, potentially limiting generation of good quality DNA profiles and/or affecting their interpretation. (Source: Forensic Science Int...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 25, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Carl J. Stella, Georgina E. Meakin, Roland A.H. Van Oorschot Source Type: research

Genetic profiling from 9mm fired cartridge cases over 30 days
Fired cartridge cases are common materials found at crime scenes and, for the most part, are used for Forensic Ballistics analysis. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of recovering DNA profiles from 9mm cartridge cases over 30 days. Therefore, 27 fired cartridge cases were manipulated by three volunteers in total and analyzed after three-time intervals: 3, 8, and 30 days. Volunteers were asked to handle the ammunition as they would daily. However, they were not encouraged to hold and manipulate the ammunitions extensively, as this procedure does not represent a real-life situation. (Source: Forensic Science International...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 25, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Ludmila Alem, Beatriz Cristina Mendes da Rocha Marques, Tatiana Lucia Santos Nogueira, Dayse Aparecida da Silva Source Type: research

TrACES of Time: Transcriptomic Analyses for the Contextualization of Evidential Stains – towards estimating the time of deposition
In this study we aim to assess the potential of transcriptomic analyses to predict the time of day of biological trace deposition by identifying mRNA marker combinations most suitable for time of day predictions. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 25, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: A. Gosch, A. Bhardwaj, C. Courts Source Type: research

Empirical validation of a family-member prioritization approach to maximize statistical power in missing person cases
In order to prioritize the exhumation of the most informative reference relatives to increase the statistical power of a reference group, a conditional simulation approach for missing person identification that combines both exclusion and inclusion power in reference families has been previously developed. The aim of this study is to empirically validate this approach by comparing its predicted theoretical prioritization model with the observed changes in statistical power in real cases of our laboratory, in which new relatives had already been added. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 21, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Martin Iungman, Sebastian Biagini, Malena Canteros, Luciana Rabitti, Jessica Maggiore, Tamara Samsonowicz, Mariana Herrera Pi ñero Source Type: research

Contamination of forensic DNA evidence in the light of Hungarian court decisions – A review of 25 years
The evaluation of forensic DNA expert opinions (in some countries expert witness testimonies) and the way it affects criminal judgement is of paramount importance. We have selected one of the largest challenges when it comes to the evaluation of forensic DNA evidence, contamination of DNA samples, and examined how it influences the decisions judges make about the credibility of DNA evidence in Hungary. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: G ábor Kovács, Katalin Erdélyi, Zsolt Pádár, Petra Zenke, Mónika Nogel Source Type: research

Contamination of forensic DNA evidence in the light of Hungarian court decisions: A review of 25 years
The evaluation of forensic DNA expert opinions (in some countries expert witness testimonies) and the way it affects criminal judgement is of paramount importance. We have selected one of the largest challenges when it comes to the evaluation of forensic DNA evidence, contamination of DNA samples, and examined how it influences the decisions judges make about the credibility of DNA evidence in Hungary. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: G ábor Kovács, Katalin Erdélyi, Zsolt Pádár, Petra Zenke, Mónika Nogel Source Type: research

The catalyst-like role of forensic genetics in the developmental process of Hungarian wildlife forensics
The anthropocentric nature of forensic sciences has been changing continuously over the years and this process is continuing today. Due to its universality and multilateral implementation, and the fragmented nature of forensic epistemology, the information provided by forensic genetics can play a pivotal role in forensic science. At the same time, the link between forensic genetics and non-human forensic biological evidence has become unquestionable. It may highlight the modern requirements of forensic science, and this connection is also able to provide useful and sufficient examples for developmental processes in wildlif...
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Zsolt P ádár, Gábor Kovács, Mónika Nogel, Viktor Soma Poór, Petra Zenke Source Type: research

THE GeFI (ITALIAN FORENSIC GENETICISTS) CODE OF CONDUCT
The Ge.F.I. (Italian Forensic Geneticists) board has set up a working group aimed to develop the “Code of conduct of a Forensic Geneticist”. This group includes all practitioners working in the field of forensic genetics. The rules of the code of conduct apply to forensic geneticists belonging to the GeFI group and all of those sharing the GeFI’s mission, vision and values applicable to t heir professional practice, reciprocal relationship and relationship with third parties. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Loredana Buscemia, Carla Bini, Luciana Caenazzo, Francesco De Stefano, Ranieri Domenici, Paolo Fattorini, Paolo Garofano, Emiliano Giardina, Susi Pelotti, Fabio Oldoni, Andrea Piccinini, Carlo Robino, GeFI Group Source Type: research

DNA extraction and STR profiling from histological slides
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks are commonly used in the field of pathology and forensic pathology as a source of histological slides. For postmortem kinship analysis or identification, DNA can be extracted from blocks with specialized kits. However, when an STR profile should be generated from single microscope slides, the removal of the coverslip and the limited sample size poses unique challenges.We aimed to test the effectivity of agitated xylene incubation to dissolve the mounting material to facilitate the coverslip removal. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Viktor Soma Po ór, Marah Alhabahbeh, Vivien Fejes, Gábor Kovács, Zsolt Pádár Source Type: research

Robust detection of cow and female buffalo DNA through Real-Time PCR assay
Cow, Bos taurus, and female buffalo, Bubalus bubalis, are considered sacred animals that are a part of rural livelihood in India. The purity of products from these bovine species has significant sentimental implications in the dairy and meat industry. Therefore, the mitochondrial DNA and the sex origin, targeting the X and Y chromosomes from these bovine species, were selected to design three multiplex real-time probe PCR assays: Hi-PCR ® Cow Detection Kit (MBPCR184), Hi-PCR® Buffalo Detection Kit (MBPCR185) and Hi-PCR® Cattle Sex Determination Kit (MBPCR186). (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Arunagiri Subramanian, Dhanashree Gaikwad, Kamlesh Jangid, Sujata Hajra, Kavita Khadke, Rajas Warke Source Type: research

Genetic ancestry in Afro-descendants from the Andes and Pacific Coast regions of Ecuador
This study aimed to investigate genetic diversity and ancestry in Afro-descendants from the Andes (AN) and the Pacific Coast (PC) regions of Ecuador, using autosomal and lineage markers. CR-mtDNA and PPY23-STRs showed high haplotype diversities. Statistically significant differences were found between AN and PC. Due to different patterns of sex-biased matting, differences between regions were more pronounced for the mtDNA than for the Y-chromosomal markers. A lower African ancestry was detected in AN than PC, for autosomal and both maternal and paternal lineage markers. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Germ án Burgos, Verónica Gomes, Masinda Nguidi, Mariana Seguro, Alejandra Garzón, Manuel Calvopiña, Dayana Aguilar, Grace Gamboa, Sonia Zapata, Alejandro Cabrera, Rodrigo Flores, Filipa Simão, Angel Carracedo, Leonor Gusmão Source Type: research

Separation of sperm and epithelial cells based on fluorescence-activated cell sorting
The detection and separation of spermatozoa is crucial in the forensic investigation of alleged sexual assault cases. Differential lysis and microscopy-based techniques are conventional methods for the isolation of spermatozoa, though are time-consuming and frequently fail with samples containing an unfavourable sperm/epithelial cell ratio. Successful separation by means of fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) has previously been reported, yet little efforts have been dedicated towards the further improvement or routine implementation of this technique. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Kristina Fokias, Bram Bekaert Source Type: research

Novel Cellular Signatures for Determining Time Since Deposition for Trace DNA Evidence
With the increase in sensitivity of DNA profiling, questions about how and when the DNA was deposited have become a driving issue in forensic cases. To address this, we propose a novel method to determine time since deposition of trace DNA samples based on morphological and autofluorescence properties of individual epithelial cells which can change as the sample ages. To develop this signature, a series of trace DNA samples were generated by contact/handling a substrate and then allowed to age anywhere between one day and more than one year prior to collection. (Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series)
Source: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series - October 20, 2022 Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Sarah Ingram, M. Katherine Philpott, Christopher J. Ehrhardt Source Type: research