Xingyu Ma, Yeming Li, Y. Xi, Liyang Su, Yuxing Tong, Chun Wang, Tianshui Yu, Dong Zhao
{"title":"Quantitative analysis of kruppel-like factor 5-related messenger RNA transcripts in ischemic myocardium for discrimination of death causes","authors":"Xingyu Ma, Yeming Li, Y. Xi, Liyang Su, Yuxing Tong, Chun Wang, Tianshui Yu, Dong Zhao","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_127_22","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_127_22","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Accumulated studies have demonstrated that Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a transcription factor, plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation and tissue remodeling through the expression of its downstream genes. KLF5-related factors are expected to be involved in the healing process after myocardial injury or myocardial ischemic changes, especially for the forensic diagnosis of myocardial ischemic physiopathology. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to explore the discrimination ability and applicability of KLF5-related factors in SCD caused by MI compared with other causes of death to provide further insights into the forensic diagnosis of myocardial ischemic pathology. Materials and Methods: The relative quantification of F-Box and WD Repeat Domain Containing 7 (FBW7), KLF5, factor-binding protein (FGFBP) 1, and FGFBP2 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in myocardial tissue samples was performed using real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. KLF5 and FGFBP1/2 protein levels were examined using immunohistochemistry (IHC). The forensic autopsy cases (27 in total, autopsy within 72 h postmortem) included seven cases of acute myocardial infarction and 10 cases of acute myocardial ischemia. There were 10 cases in the control group, including four cases of traffic injury one case of injury by fall from height, one case of electric death, and four cases of blunt force injury. Results: Characteristic results were found in myocardial samples from three groups of deaths: KLF5 and FGFBP1 mRNA levels were significantly elevated in the infarction and ischemia groups, while FBW7 mRNA levels were significantly decreased. FBW7 is an important ubiquitin ligase that can mediate the degradation of KLF5 protein. In addition, FBW7 and FGFBP2 mRNA levels were decreased in the infarction group compared with the ischemia group. The IHC results were consistent with the observed mRNA expression patterns. Conclusions: Quantitative detection of FBW7, KLF5, FGFBP1, and FGFBP2 mRNA transcripts in myocardial tissues supports the pathophysiological study of myocardial ischemic diseases and provides molecular pathological evidence for forensic discrimination of death causes.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"142 - 148"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42586570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Y-STR Kits and Y-STR diversity in the South African population: A review","authors":"Sthabile Shabalala, M. Ghai, M. Okpeku","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_67_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_67_21","url":null,"abstract":"The South African population consists of four ethnic groups, i.e., Blacks, Coloreds, Indians, and Whites, and is considered the most diverse conglomeration of humans. In addition to autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) variation, an important tool to study population diversity is Y-chromosome (Y)-STR analysis. Y-STRs aid in forensic investigations and provide essential data about paternal lineage origins. Y-STR kits consisting of an array of stable and rapidly mutating markers offer crucial information on a given population's genetic and haplotype diversity. This review discusses the development of Y-STR kits over the years and highlights some prominent Y-STR studies conducted on the South African population. The earliest Y-STR kit developed was the Y-PLEX™6, with the most recent being the UniQTyper™ Y-10 Multiplex. The South African population studies show varying data, with the “minimal haplotype” having low discrimination capacity among the ethnic groups and the UniQTyper™ Y-10 showing high genetic diversity among the ethnic groups of the country. There is a dearth of Y-STR studies on the South African population. With the advent of new Y-STR kits with increased discriminatory markers, additional studies are required to represent the South African population in the Y-STR databases. Considering the diversity of the South African population, establishment of a local/regional population database would be beneficial. In addition, data on the origins and prevalence of mutations and silent alleles should be obtained from STR datasets generated during kinship investigations (specifically, parentage tests) so that detailed information about the frequencies of mutations, silent alleles, and uniparental disomy in the South African population at Y STR loci can be estimated.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"104 - 113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45057054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
E. Seif, Wafaa M Elsehly, Maii F. Henaidy, Magda Mabrouk Soffar
{"title":"Sex identification using fingerprint white line counts in a sample of adult Egyptians and Malaysians","authors":"E. Seif, Wafaa M Elsehly, Maii F. Henaidy, Magda Mabrouk Soffar","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_76_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_76_21","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Fingerprints are unique, persistent, and left on every object touched by bare hands. It can be used as a rapid and inexpensive method for identification. This study focuses on fingerprint white line counts (FWLCs) and its importance in sex estimation. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the potential of FWLC in sex estimation among Egyptian and Malaysian ethnic groups. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on two hundred adult participants, one hundred Egyptians and one hundred Malaysians (50 females and 50 males). Inked fingerprints of ten fingers were obtained from each participant then FWLC was extracted manually for each fingerprint. Results: The mean of females FWLC was significantly higher than males in all fingers in both populations. FWLC of the left index was the most significant predictor of sex in Egyptians, with an accuracy of 82% for males and 78% for females. FWLC more than seven in this digit was an absolute indication of being a female. The most significant predictors of sex in the Malaysian population were the left index and right ring with an accuracy of 80% for males and 71.4% for females and FWLC above six and seven in these fingers, respectively, was an absolute indication of being a female. The absence of FWLC was more common in males than females in all digits. Conclusions: FWLC is a reliable predictor of sex among adult Egyptian and Malaysian ethnic groups, and females tend to have more FWLC.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"88 - 96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48054257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
P. Dileka, C. Gunathilaka, T. Ranchamali, S. Gunawardena
{"title":"Differentiating postmortem claw marks by the Asian water monitor (kabaragoya) from antemortem sharp weapon trauma based on the injury pattern","authors":"P. Dileka, C. Gunathilaka, T. Ranchamali, S. Gunawardena","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_18_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_18_21","url":null,"abstract":"The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) or kabaragoya is the predominant large animal scavenger of human remains in Sri Lanka; however, its significance is rarely discussed in the forensic literature. This is the case of a 54-year-old male with a history of dementia, depression, and wandering behavior whose body was found, partially submerged in a river, 2 days after he was reported missing. There were several linear wounds with regular margins over his arms and face which raised the suspicion of homicidal sharp weapon trauma. The injuries were seen in clusters and did not involve harder structures such as tendons, ligaments, or bones. There were no signs of inflammation or bleeding. They were attributed to kabaragoya claw marks, which are postmortem artifacts that mimic incised wounds. However, there were no areas of tissue loss to indicate that the animal had begun feeding on the corpse. This case discusses the problems faced by medicolegal investigators when encountering this phenomenon which is relatively underreported in the forensic literature.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"114 - 117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43154093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Syamsul Abd Malik, F. Nordin, Saiful Fazamil Mohd Ali, Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah, K. Chang
{"title":"Distinctive bullet impact holes by 9-mm caliber projectile on sheet metal surfaces","authors":"Syamsul Abd Malik, F. Nordin, Saiful Fazamil Mohd Ali, Ahmad Fahmi Lim Abdullah, K. Chang","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_83_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_83_21","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: A comprehensive scene reconstruction requires forensic investigators to examine the impact marks left on various surfaces to identify whether a projectile produces a specific hole. Subsequently, it is further necessary to determine whether a particular ammunition has caused the impact. Throughout history, designs of ammunition have evolved with the intended effects, which could leave different impact marks on a target surface, especially by ammunition with a nonconventional design. Careful examination on impact marks and determination of their specific characteristics on sheet metal of vehicle would provide crucial forensic information. Aim: This study was aimed to physically characterize bullet impact holes made by 11 types of 9-mm caliber ammunitions. Materials and Methods: Two automotive doors were shot with different ammunitions from the same firearm, and the morphological features of bullet impact holes were observed and compared. Results: Bullet impact holes produced by the various ammunitions could be differentiated through careful observation of bullet hole circumferences, presence of petalling effect, metallic ring and triangular peak at the edge, and deposition of residue at the peripheral area of bullet impact holes. Ammunitions with nonconventional design such as Inceptor-Polycase and GECO Hexagon showed observable morphological differences and discriminated them from bullet impact holes made by conventional ammunitions. Conclusion: A thorough physical examination could aid in distinguishing bullet impact holes and predicting the possible types of ammunition that had made an impact hole on a surface.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"97 - 103"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47238295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Forensic identification of four Indian snake species using single multiplex polymerase chain reaction","authors":"Ishani Mitra, Soma Roy, I. Haque","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_50_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_50_21","url":null,"abstract":"Among different endangered animal species, snakes are the most neglected creature looked at with apathy and therefore, are ruthlessly killed, illegally trafficked, and poached for their venom, lucrative skin, meat, and bones for manufacturing of medicines, accessories, and food items. Establishing the identity of the endangered snake species is important for punishing the offenders under Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) (1972) but morphological characters fail to establish identity as they are often altered. The technique of identification of snake species at molecular level holds very effective conclusion in punishing offender. Here, we have constructed and demonstrated a novel multiplexing polymerase chain reaction technique, using 16S rRNA and C-mos gene for identification of four Indian snake species, namely Ptyas mucosa, Daboia russellii, Naja naja, and Xenochrophis piscator. They are listed in Appendix-II and III of convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora and Schedule II; Part II of Indian WPA, 1972. Therefore, it may be considered a functional tool for establishing species-specific identity of four Indian snake species and promising to be useful for their conservation.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"81 - 87"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45787419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Body fluid identification by messenger RNA profiling in sexual assault","authors":"Chong Wang, Hemiao Zhao, Qingzhen Meng, Hui Sun, Xiu-lan Xu, Wan-shui Li","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_54_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_54_21","url":null,"abstract":"Body fluid identification through messenger RNA (mRNA) has been proposed as a useful supplement to presumptive and confirmatory tests by previous laboratory studies; however, its application in routine clinical forensic examination was rare. We report a case of sexual assault in which body fluid identification by mRNA profiling was used. Vaginal secretions mRNA markers (MUC4, HBD1, and CYP2B7P1) were used to test the sample, being obtained positive results. This case demonstrates that mRNA profiling of body fluids could be applied to routine case examinations as an aid, acting as a scientific collaborative evidence to strengthen the medicolegal opinion.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"118 - 122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47733428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shicheng Hao, Yan Liu, Yan Xu, Dong Zhao, Gexin Liu, Jinpei Zhang, Li Yuan
{"title":"Genetic polymorphism investigation of 19 X-STR loci in the Han population in Northern China","authors":"Shicheng Hao, Yan Liu, Yan Xu, Dong Zhao, Gexin Liu, Jinpei Zhang, Li Yuan","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_60_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_60_21","url":null,"abstract":"To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 19 X-STR loci in the Han population in Northern China, samples from 628 unrelated individuals (314 males and 314 females) were collected and 19 X-STR loci were amplified by AGCU X19 STR System. A total of 270 different alleles were detected in 19 X-STR loci. All loci were in Hardy − Weinberg equilibrium and there was only one pair of linkage loci (DXS10103-DXS10101). There was no significant difference in allele frequency between male and female populations. The combined power of discrimination in males was 1–1.8667 × 10−13, while the combined power of discrimination in females was 1–3.6532 × 10−22. The combined mean paternity exclusion chance (CMEC) for X-chromosomal markers in father/daughter or mother/son duos Mean paternity exclusion chance (MECDesmarais Duo) was 1–5.1109 × 10−9. Moreover, the CMEC for X-chromosomal markers in trios involving daughters (MECDesmarais) was 1–2.0292 × 10−12. The compound amplification system composed of 19 X-STR in this study showed high polymorphism in the Han population of Northern China, which had a high application value in difficult genetic relationship identification.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"123 - 130"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45422283","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A retrospective study to evaluate the morphometry of the foramen magnum and its role in forensic science in a nigerian population of Delta State","authors":"B. Ominde, P. Igbigbi","doi":"10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_41_21","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_41_21","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Sexual dimorphism of the foramen magnum has increased its interest in forensic science. Gender determination is an important preliminary step in the identification of unknown skeletal remains. This study aimed at determining the dimensions of the foramen magnum in Delta State Nigeria and their role in gender discrimination. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed computed tomographic images of 336 patients (199 males and 137 females) aged ≥18 years, archived in the Radiology Department of a Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. Ethical approval was granted by the hospital's ethical board. The length, width, and area of the foramen magnum were measured and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 23. We used an independent t-test and analysis of variance to evaluate the association of these dimensions with sex and age, respectively. The percentage accuracy of sex discrimination and the association between variables were assessed using discriminant functional analysis and Pearson's correlation test correspondingly. The results were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: The foramen magnum length, width, and area showed a statistically significant gender difference (P < 0.05). The width was the best sex discriminating variable (64.3%) and the overall accuracy of correct sex allocation using all the variables was 75%. All the parameters measured showed a significant strong positive correlation with each other (0.5 ≤ r < 1, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The foramen magnum length width and area were sexually dimorphic. Their high overall accuracy (75%) in gender discrimination implies that they may collectively be utilized in the sex estimation of unknown skulls in Delta State Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":36434,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Forensic Science and Medicine","volume":"8 1","pages":"46 - 51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42317995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}