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28 October 2018, Volume 34 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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Current Research and Prospects on Postmortem Interval Estimation WANG Qi, LIN Han-cheng, XU Ji-ru,et al. 2018, 34(5): 459-467.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.002 Abstract ( 1135 )   PDF (7039KB) ( 1675 )   The researches on postmortem interval （PMI） estimation are very important and meaningful in forensic science. PMI estimation is also an important issue that must be solved in practice of forensic pathology. There are many defects existing in traditional methods for PMI estimation, so it is imperative to introduce new pathways. With the emergence of various new technologies, the researches on PMI estimation have a tendency from simple to complex with a growth of data. The present review firstly summarizes a series of methods used for PMI estimation, and then gives an outlook for the application of artificial intelligence algorithms in this field. Related Articles | Metrics

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Standardized Application of Forensic Entomology and Application Data of Sarcosaprophagous Insects in China WANG Yu, WANG Jiang-feng 2018, 34(5): 468-474.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.003 Abstract ( 338 )   PDF (973KB) ( 860 )   Postmortem interval （PMI） estimation is a major problem in forensic medicine and a vital indicator of crime investigations. Forensic entomology provides a new way to the PMI estimation, and its superiority has been confirmed through many cases, especially in relation to the cadaver at the stage of advanced decomposition even skeleton. The technologies of forensic entomology have become more mature. This review describes the mechanism of forensic entomology used for PMI estimation, emphasizes the standardized application of technology, and lists the data for the reference of forensic experts in China. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of High-throughput Sequencing in Researches of Cadaveric Microorganisms and Postmortem Interval Estimation FU Xiao-liang, GUO Juan-juan, LIU Zhuo-ying，et al. 2018, 34(5): 475-481.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.004 Abstract ( 463 )   PDF (7038KB) ( 1044 )   Necrobiome is the main factor causing the cadaver decomposition. Studying the microbial succession during decomposition is one of the main tasks of forensic microbiology. The interactive relationships among cadaver, environment and microorganisms are complicated. The microbial succession study relies on macroscopic monitoring of community composition and the diversity change in each decomposition stage. With the maturity and development of high-throughput sequencing （HTS）, the structure and diversity of microbial communities in different environments have been successively revealed. A new breakthrough to explore the cadaveric microorganisms has been opened as well. It has become the research hotspots in forensic microbiology to reveal the microbial succession in the process of cadaver decomposition and to interpret the essence of various decomposition phenomena by using HTS, which can provide a new reference for postmortem interval （PMI） estimation. The present paper reviews studies on PMI estimation by using cadaveric microorganism. Problems and application prospects of forensic microbiology studies are discussed on the basis of the current application of HTS technology in the exploration of microbial succession. Related Articles | Metrics

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Succession Law of Intestinal Flora after Death in SD Rats LI Huan, LIU Rui-na, ZHANG Si-ruo, et al. 2018, 34(5): 482-486.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.005 Abstract ( 342 )   PDF (7039KB) ( 759 )   Objective To initially explore the sequential changes in the intestinal flora of corpse for the estimation of postmortem interval （PMI）. Methods Rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and samples were taken from their intestines using cotton swab to extract the DNA of intestinal flora. The 16S rRNA V3 universal primers were selected for PCR, and the PCR products were used for denatured gradient gel electrophoresis. The diversity and similarity analysis of intestinal flora were analyzed between groups, and the bands were cut from denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. After purification, PCR and sequencing, the percentage of major bacteria in each group was obtained. Results The flora diversity showed a reduced tendency from 1st to 30th day after death （P<0.05）, while the intra-group similarity showed a downward trend （P<0.05）. The number of bands and intra-group similarity coefficient （Cs） on the first day was higher than that of other groups （P<0.05）. The intra-group Cs of the 25th and 30th day had a significant difference compared with the 5th day （P<0.05）. At the genus level, the intestinal flora was mainly composed of Enterococcus sp. on the 1th and 5th day after death, Bacillus thuringienssis was the dominant species on the 10th, 15th and 20th day, and Enterococcus faecalis became the dominant species on the 25th and 30th day. Conclusion The composition and structure of intestinal flora change significantly in rats with the time after death, which indicates that the succession of intestinal flora is related to the postmortem interval. Related Articles | Metrics

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Homogeneity of Different Functional mRNA Indicators for Wound Age Estimation DU Qiu-xiang, ZHU Xi-yan, DONG Ta-na，et al. 2018, 34(5): 487-491.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.006 Abstract ( 285 )   PDF (7039KB) ( 652 )   Objective To explore the homogeneity level of four different functional mRNA （PUM2, TAB2, Cx45 and CHRNA1） expressions in rats with skeletal muscle contusion. Methods The relative expressions of PUM2, TAB2, Cx45 and CHRNA1 mRNAs were detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-qPCR）. The coefficient of variation （CV） of the relative expressions for different individuals in each injury group was calculated. The extreme value of CV, cumulative variability, and CVCV were compared. Results A high CV of PUM2 and TAB2 mRNAs appeared on several different time points. However, the CV of Cx45 and CHRNA1 mRNAs was relatively low. The cumulative variability from high to low was PUM2, CHRNA1, TAB2 and Cx45 mRNAs. The relative expression of PUM2 mRNA was significantly higher than that of TAB2, Cx45 and CHRNA1 mRNAs （P<0.05）. There was no statistical significance （P>0.05） in the CVCV of the relative expression of TAB2, CHRNA1 and Cx45 mRNAs. Conclusion As the mRNAs involving in biological process regulation, PUM2 and CHRNA1 mRNAs show a lowest individual homogeneity of the relative expression followed by TAB2 mRNA. As the mRNAs participating in the composition of cellular structure, Cx45 and CHRNA1 mRNAs show a high individual homogeneity of the relative expressions. The functional classification should be considered for the screening of the mRNA indicators used for wound age estimation. Related Articles | Metrics

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Relationship between Early Postmortem Interval and Electrical Conductivity of Rat Liver, Spleen and Kidney after Death in Rats ZHENG Zhe, ZHAI Xian-dun, XIA Zhi-yuan, et al. 2018, 34(5): 492-494.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.007 Abstract ( 285 )   PDF (7039KB) ( 575 )   Objective To determine the electrical conductivity （EC） of the liver, spleen and kidney of rats at different postmortem intervals （PMIs） within 24 hours for investigating the relationship between EC of different organs and early PMI. Methods Totally 45 SD rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and kept at a constant temperature of 25 ℃. Tissues were taken from the liver, spleen, and kidney of rats at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 h. Impregnating solution with a mass concentration 0.1 g/mL was prepared using deionized water. The EC value of impregnating solution with different organs was separately determined. The regression equations of EC and PMI for different organs were established, respectively. The relationship between EC of different organs and early PMI was analysed in deceased rats. Results The relationship between PMI and EC of the liver and spleen was well fitted with the linear equation. The liver showed the best fitting degree followed by the spleen, while the EC of the kidney showed no significant changes within 24 h. There was a good linear relationship between early PMI and the EC of the liver and spleen. Conclusion A good linear relationship between early PMI and the EC of the liver and spleen can be found in rats after death, which can be used for the early PMI estimation. Related Articles | Metrics

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Estimation of Lung Volume in Normal Population Using MSCT YANG Yu-jie, SHANG Min, LI Yan-wei,et al. 2018, 34(5): 504-507.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.013 Abstract ( 278 )   PDF (912KB) ( 522 )   Objective To estimate lung volume in normal population by a combination of multi-slice spiral CT and Pulmo software. Methods Scans of the lung were performed on 45 normal individuals using Emotion 16-slice spiral CT and Pulmo software. A measurement instrument of work station was used to measure the vertical diameter of left and right lungs, the maximum anteroposterior and transverse diameters at the layers of apex pulmonis 1 cm below, arcus aortae, subcarinal and diaphragmatic dome, and the lung volume. Regression analysis was performed on normal lung volume and each measured parameter by SPSS 20.0 and an optimal model was selected. Results The goodness of fit between the best curvilinear equations of the normal bilateral lung volumes was 0.981. The goodness of fit between the curvilinear equations of the normal bilateral lung volume and the product of the vertical diameter and the maximum transverse diameter of diaphragmatic dome were 0.977 and 0.972, respectively. Fifteen cases were selected to make a retrospective test on the 3 models. No significant difference was found between the estimated and measured with Pulmo software lung volumes. Conclusion The normal lung volume before injury can be estimated by the curvilinear equations established in this study. The percentage of lung compression can be measured based on the volume of compressed lung, which can provide a reference for the identification of lung compression degree. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis on Forensic Expertise of 49 Medical Disputes in Prenatal Examination YANG Xiao-ping, CHEN Fang, LIU Xia, et al. 2018, 34(5): 508-511.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.014 Abstract ( 214 )   PDF (693KB) ( 545 )   Objective To analyze the cases of medical disputes involving prenatal examination from a point of view of forensic expertise, and to discuss the risk of medical disputes and the preventive measures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 49 forensic expertise cases of medical disputes in prenatal examination which were identified in Academy of Forensic Science and Shanghai Di’an Forensic Science Limited Company from 2010 to 2017. Results In recent years, the number of medical disputes involving prenatal examination showed an increasing trend year by year. The common causes of medical disputes were: uninformed or insufficiently informed disclosure （20 cases）; the propaganda and application of three-dimensional, four-dimensional ultrasound were not standardized （14 cases）; ultrasound examination and serological screening process were not standardized （12 cases）; no antenatal counseling （2 cases）, etc. Conclusion In order to minimize the occurrence of such medical disputes, hospitals or related associations should avoid the risk of prenatal examination through the standardization of management and operation. Related Articles | Metrics

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Inference on Injury Mechanism of Ankle Fracture by Lauge-Hansen Classification HONG Xiang, BAO Chao-sheng, ZHENG Wei-long 2018, 34(5): 512-515.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.015 Abstract ( 451 )   PDF (1468KB) ( 773 )   Objective To explore the injury mechanism of ankle fracture inferred by the Lauge-Hansen classification with the application of medical imageology and its application value in forensic medicine. Methods A total of 32 ankle fracture cases with known injury mechanism were collected from January 2013 to May 2018, which were identified in Yongkang Public Security Bureau, Zhejiang Province. The Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fracture was performed by three forensic experts based on the data of X-ray and CT image. Fisher’s exact test and Kappa consistency analysis were performed by SPSS 20.0 statistical software to compare the results of the Lauge-Hansen classification with the injury mechanism of ankle fracture obtained through the criminal evidence. Results In 32 cases, 84.4% （27/32） ankle fractures were classified according to the Lauge-Hansen classification based on medical imaging. The mechanism of ankle fracture identified by the Lauge-Hansen classification was consistent with that obtained through the criminal evidence. Conclusion Based on medical imaging, the Lauge-Hansen classification can be well applied to infer the injury mechanism of ankle fracture in part cases, and provide objective evidence for the crime scene reconstruction of criminal cases. Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of Specific Fragment Length Polymorphism of Algae rDNA in Identification of Drowning Cases#br# YUAN Wen-yong, TANG Xiao-hui, ZHOU Shun-ping，et al. 2018, 34(5): 516-519.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.016 Abstract ( 195 )   PDF (759KB) ( 477 )   Objective To identify the drop-off location of victims in drowning cases, and confirm whether it is a fatal drowning or the victim is thrown into the water after death by detecting part of 5.8S sequence and second internal transcribed spacer （ITS2） （5.8S+ITS2） of diatom rDNA in water and organs. Methods Two cases identified by diatom examination, which received by Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau Forensic Center, were taken as the research objects. The difference of the population structure of algae in water and human tissue was analysed by length polymorphism of 5.8S+ITS2 marker. Results In case 1, similar species of diatom were detected from victim’s lung and liver tissues and the water sample. Two kinds of DNA fragments with length of 330 bp and 376 bp were detected from victim’s lung tissue and the water sample using 5.8S+ITS2 marker, which could confirm the victim was drowning before death. In case 2, there was no diatom found in victim’s lung and liver tissues. Only one kind of DNA fragment with length of 331 bp and low relative fluorescence unit （RFU） was obtained from victim’s lung tissue using 5.8S+ITS2 marker, thus the victim was thrown into the water after death. Conclusion The experimental results of the two cases in present study are consistent with the actual facts and the result of the diatom microscopic examination. The difference of population structure of specific microorganism in water and human tissue can be detected by 5.8S+ITS2 marker, which can help to identify the drop-off location of victims in drowning cases, and confirm whether it is a fatal drowning or the victim is thrown into the water after death. Related Articles | Metrics

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Analysis of CSF1PO and D18S51 Loci Based on Ion Torrent PGMTM Platform YANG Yi-zun, PING Yuan 2018, 34(5): 520-525.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.017 Abstract ( 176 )   PDF (765KB) ( 514 )   Objective To analyse and detect CSF1PO and D18S51 loci by next generation sequencing （NGS） technology for the study on their sequence polymorphism. Methods The peripheral blood samples were collected from 165 unrelated individuals of Chinese Han population. DNA samples were obtained by QIAamp DNA Mini kit. The library was constructed by Ion Plus Fragment Library. DNA sequencing analysis was performed on Ion Torrent PGMTM Platform. The newfound alleles were verified by Sanger sequencing. Data were analysed by Torrent SuiteTM v5.0.2 and Integrative Genomics Viewer for the genotype identification and frequency count. The data were analysed statistically by PowerState v12. Results The length and sequence polymorphisms of CSF1PO and D18S51 loci were simultaneously obtained by NGS technology. A new genotype was found on CSF1PO locus, and two new genotypes on D18S51 locus. Sanger sequencing was used to verify the newfound alleles found by NGS technology, and the results of verification showed consistency. Conclusion The structure of core repeats on CSF1PO and D18S51 loci was detected by NGS in this study for the improvement of the identifying performance of locus. Related Articles | Metrics

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Genetic Polymorphisms of 18 Autosomal STR loci in Changsha Han Population SUN Jia-sheng, TIAN Qing-hua, ZHAO Lin,et al. 2018, 34(5): 526-531，537.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.018 Abstract ( 253 )   PDF (1295KB) ( 625 )   Objective To investigate the genetic polymorphisms of 18 autosomal short tandem repeats （STR） loci in Changsha Han population, and explore the population genetic relationships and evaluate its application value in forensic medicine. Methods The DNA of 2 004 unrelated individuals in Changsha Han population were amplified using Goldeneye?誖DNA ID System BASIC, and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis using 3130xl genetic analyzer. The fragment sizes of alleles were analyzed subsequently by GeneMapper?誖ID v3.2. The frequency data and forensic genetic parameters ［observed heterozygosity （Ho）, expected heterozygosity （He）, power of discrimination （DP） and polymorphic information content （PIC）］ of 18 STR loci were statistically analyzed. Total probability of discrimination （TDP）, probability of exclusion in trio cases （PEtrio） and probability of exclusion in duo cases （PEduo） were calculated by Cervus 3.0. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium of the loci were detected by Arlequin v3.5. The results were compared with the available data of other populations from different races and regions. Results The power of discrimination （DP）, and the polymorphic information content （PIC） of each locus of Changsha Han population ranged from 0.783 6 to 0.987 9 and 0.549 4 to 0.914 5, respectively. The TDP, cumulative probability of exclusion in trio cases （CPEtrio） and cumulative probability of exclusion in duo cases （CPEduo） were 0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 865 2, 0.999 999 979 and 0.999 988 325, respectively. According to the Nei’s DA genetic distance, the genetic distance between Changsha Han and Hunan Han populations was the smallest （0.014 1）, while it was the largest （0.041 8） between Changsha Han and Xinjiang Kazakh populations. Conclusion The 18 STR loci shows abundant genetic polymorphisms in Changsha Han population. The study of genetic diversity among different populations has an important meaning for the research of their origins, migrations and their relationships. References | Related Articles | Metrics

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Application of miniSTR Loci and Its Detection System for Degraded Materials in Forensic Medicine#br# WANG Xin, CHEN Wei-zhong, ZHANG Jian, et al. 2018, 34(5): 532-537.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.019 Abstract ( 249 )   PDF (783KB) ( 798 )   Objective To establish multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci, and explore its application value for the degraded materials in forensic medicine. Methods The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci was established using a six-dye fluorescence labeling technology and its application value in forensic medicine was assessed. Results A six-dye fluorescence labeling miniSTR amplification kit was developed, which enabled 15 autosomal STR loci, Amelogenin locus and DYS391 to be typed simultaneously. This method showed good specificity and could provide stable and accurate typing results with a sensitivity of 50 pg. This system also provided a good test result for the normal biological sample of actual cases. Conclusion The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci has application value for degraded and trace materials with the advantages of high sensitivity and database compatibility, which can be used for forensic casework. Related Articles | Metrics

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Forensic Pathological Identification and Antidiastole of Commotio Cordis TIAN Mei-hui, GAO Wei-min, JIA Yu-qing，et al. 2018, 34(5): 538-541.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.020 Abstract ( 324 )   PDF (695KB) ( 748 )   Commotio cordis （CC） is the acute death caused by the cardiac rhythm disorder after a sudden blunt external force to the precordium of a healthy person without previous heart disease. As one type of violent heart damage, CC is rare with relatively small external force and sudden death, therefore causing disputes. This paper reviews the epidemiology, mechanisms and the key points in forensic identification of CC, discusses the identification and antidiastole of CC, myocardial contusion, sudden cardiac death and death from inhibition, and provides assistance to forensic pathologists to identify such causes of death. Related Articles | Metrics

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Progress in the 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing in Forensic Science SONG Guo-qing, CAO Yu, LI Hui，et al. 2018, 34(5): 542-548.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.021 Abstract ( 374 )   PDF (734KB) ( 767 )   Forensic microorganism is one of the hotspots of forensic science research. Due to its conservatism and specificity, the 16S rRNA gene is found to be an ideal marker for forensic identification. With the rapid development of high throughput sequencing technology, the research on microorganisms has been gradually applied to many fields such as environment and health care. In the field of forensic science, the results of forensic microbiology research, represented by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, are also gradually applied to forensic practice, such as biological samples identification, individual identification, postmortem interval estimation, and regional inference, which not only provide clues for the investigation of cases but also complement and assist traditional methods. This paper describes the research methods and related sequencing technologies of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, summarizes its research progress, and discusses the application value and potential of 16S rRNA in forensic science. Related Articles | Metrics

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2018, 34(5): 552-553，555.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2018.05.023 Abstract ( 169 )   PDF (660KB) ( 399 )     References | Related Articles | Metrics