Archive

28 October 2019, Volume 35 Issue 5 Previous Issue    Next Issue

---

For Selected:

Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX

Toggle Thumbnails

Select

2019, 35(5): 507-511.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.001 Abstract ( 175 )   PDF (1027KB) ( 885 )     References | Related Articles | Metrics

Select

DNA Molecular Identification of Human Phenotypic Characteristics——New Progress Over the Past Five Years MENG Hao-tian, LAN Qiong, ZHU Bo-feng 2019, 35(5): 512-518，524.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.002 Abstract ( 436 )   PDF (989KB) ( 1192 )   Molecular identification of human externally visible characteristic （EVC）, which is also called forensic DNA phenotyping （FDP）, can serve as a “molecular witness” when the routine investigations can not determine the identity of a criminal and the DNA database find no match after comparison. FDP could assist in investigation of cases by inferring the externally visible phenotypic characteristics from DNA obtained from the biological materials left at crime scenes, or unknown corpses. In the last few years, studies on the selection of EVC related molecular markers have been reported frequently and some of the EVCs could already be inferred with a certain accuracy, such as hair color and iris color. Further fundamental research on molecular genetics of human external phenotypic characteristics, as well as the continuous innovation on molecular biological technology would promote the rapid development of DNA molecular identification of human phenotypic characteristics. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

From the “Out of Africa Theory” Study to the Application of “DNA Biogeographic Ancestry Inference” in Criminal Investigation JIANG Li, LIU Jing, LI Cai-xia 2019, 35(5): 519-524.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.003 Abstract ( 303 )   PDF (1001KB) ( 946 )   Genetic markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphism （SNP）, insertion/deletion （InDel）, were discovered and widely used with the development of whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics technology. The origin and genetic structure of the modern population had been gradually revealed from the perspective of genetics. The study on biogeographic ancestry inference in the field of forensic genetics emerged and developed rapidly, providing clues and scientific basis for the determination of investigation direction and for the narrow of the scope of investigation in the process of case investigation. This paper briefly reviews the research progress, inference methods and development trends of DNA ancestry inference technology. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Research Progress on Forensic Molecular Phenotyping in the Age of Precision Medicine#br# ZHAO Wen-ting, JIANG Li, LI Cai-xia 2019, 35(5): 525-530.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.004 Abstract ( 444 )   PDF (962KB) ( 897 )   With the development of new technologies, such as whole genome sequencing and big data, many countries have constructed large cohorts as strategic resources for precision medicine study. Related studies have significantly promoted research progress in many fields, such as medicine and biology, creating the genetic testing industry. In the forensic field, characterization technologies for features, such as biogeographic ancestry, genetic genealogy and physical appearance have emerged and developed rapidly. Compared with traditional forensic DNA technology, the new technology can search for characteristics and provide clues, quickly becoming an important means to solve difficult cases such as cold cases and accumulated cases. This paper briefly reviews the current status of the construction of large cohorts at home and abroad, and the research progress of forensic molecular phenotyping in the context of precision medicine in the context of precision medicine. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Research Progress on Forensic Genetics of Facial Morphological Depiction DU Qing-qing, LU Chao-long, CONG Bin,et al. 2019, 35(5): 531-536.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.005 Abstract ( 420 )   PDF (956KB) ( 1014 )   Forensic DNA phenotyping （FDP） analysis uses DNA from biological samples left in crime scenes to predict individual phenotypic traits, such as geographical origin of ethnic group, height, weight, skin color, hair color and shape, iris color, male baldness, facial morphology, age, etc., thereby providing clues for case investigations. Among these traits, features of facial morphology are relatively more complicated. This paper makes an overall analysis of the measurement and collection of facial morphology, research on facial morphology related genes, forensic application and establishment of facial morphology depiction model, ethical issues, etc., then summarizes the latest research progress on features of facial morphology. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Research Progress on Age Estimation Based on DNA Methylation#br# MENG Hang, MA Kai-jun, DONG Li-min,et al. 2019, 35(5): 537-544.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.006 Abstract ( 559 )   PDF (994KB) ( 1340 )   Age estimation is of great significance in the fields of criminal investigation and forensic identification. It can provide the age information of individuals to judicial departments to facilitate the development of judicial work. In recent years, age estimation methods expanded from the morphological level to the molecular biology level. With the rapid development of epigenetics represented by DNA methylation, and the advancement of DNA methylation detection technology together with the detection platform, many age estimation methods based on DNA methylation biomarkers, or using several biological fluids, such as blood, blood stains, saliva, semen stains, etc. are developed. Currently, researches related to age estimation based on DNA methylation are relatively widely carried out. This paper summarizes the researches on age estimation based on DNA methylation, in order to provide references for related studies and forensic applications. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Detection of Ancestry Information of Urumqi Mongolians Based on the AIM-InDels Loci Multiplex System SHEN Chun-mei, XIE Tong, MEI Shu-yan,et al. 2019, 35(5): 545-552.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.007 Abstract ( 154 )   PDF (2466KB) ( 619 )   Objective To explore the genetic background and structure of Urumqi Mongolians, the previously developed 39-AIM-InDels panel for ancestry inference was utilized in the present study. Methods The blood samples of 145 unrelated healthy Urumqi Mongolian individuals were collected and genotyped. The compositions of ancestry information of Urumqi Mongolians were studied with 17 different populations from three continents （East Asia, Europe and Africa） as reference populations. Then, multiple population genetics and bioinformatics analysis methods were applied, the Fst and DA values between matched populations were compared and analyzed, PCA analysis was performed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. The proportions of ancestry information components of Urumqi Mongolians were analyzed with Structure software, etc. Results The ancestry information components of Urumqi Mongolian group in different intercontinental populations accounted for 89%, 7%, and 3% of East Asian, European, and African populations, respectively. Compared with other intercontinental populations, Urumqi Mongolian group and East Asian populations have lower Fst and DA values, and they were in the same cluster in PCA analysis as well. In a phylogenetic tree, the Urumqi Mongolian group was in the same branch as East Asian populations. Conclusion Urumqi Mongolian group had relatively close genetic relationships with East Asian populations, and the proportion of its East Asian ancestry was about 89%. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Pigmentation Phenotype Prediction of Chinese Populations from Different Language Families LIANG Qiu-shuang, LIU Ming, TAO Xian-ming, et al. 2019, 35(5): 553-559.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.008 Abstract ( 339 )   PDF (1902KB) ( 804 )   Objective To predict the pigmentation phenotypes of Chinese populations from different language families, analyze the differences and provide reference data for forensic anthropology and genetics. Methods The HIrisPlex-S multiplex amplification system with 41 loci related to pigmentation phenotypes was constructed in the laboratory, and 2 666 DNA samples of adult males of 17 populations from six language families, including Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, Altaic, Hmong-Mien, Tai-Kadai and Austro-Asiatic language families distributed in different regions of China were genotyped. The pigmentation phenotype category of each individual was predicted using the online prediction system （https://HIrisPlex.erasmusmc.nl/）, and then the output data were statistically analyzed. Results About 1.92% of the individuals of Asian-European admixed populations from Indo-European and Altaic language families had blue eyes and 34.29% had brown or gold hair. The phenotypes of the color of eyes and hair of other populations had no significant difference, all individuals had brown eyes and black hair. There were differences in skin color of populations of different language families and geographical areas. The Indo-European language family had the lightest skin color, and the Austro-Asiatic language family had the darkest skin color; the southwestern minority populations had a darker skin color than populations in the plain areas. Conclusion The prediction results of pigmentation phenotype of Chinese populations are consistent with the perception of the appearance of each population, proving the reliability of the system. The color of eyes and hair are mainly related to ancestral components, while the skin color shows the differences between language families, and is closely related to geographical distribution of populations. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Ancestry Inference Using the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit WANG Na-na, LI Ran, WU Ri-ga,et al . 2019, 35(5): 560-566.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.009 Abstract ( 228 )   PDF (2956KB) ( 683 )   Objective To evaluate the effect of 56 ancestry informative single nucleotide polymorphism （aiSNP） genetic markers in the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit on ancestry inference. Methods A total of 85 samples from five populations including Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population, Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur population and Nigerian population were collected. The library was constructed with the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit and sequencing was performed based on the MiSeq FGx Forensic Genomics System. Using universal analysis software （UAS） of ForenSeqTM, principal component analysis （PCA）, Structure and likelihood ratio method was used on the genotyping data of 56 aiSNP markers, respectively, and the genetic relationships between populations and inference of the origin of ancestors were analyzed. Results Among the five populations tested, the four ethnic populations in China （Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population, Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur population） could be significantly distinguished from Nigerian population. Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Uygur individuals were shown as having mixed origins of ancestors and could be distinguished from the other three Chinese populations. However, the other three populations in China （Hebei Han population, Inner Mongolia autonomous region Mongolian population and Tibet autonomous region Tibetan population） could not be effectively distinguished by the system. Conclusion The 56 aiSNP markers in the ForenSeqTM DNA Signature Prep Kit can make accurate ancestry inference from the intercontinental level, but it is not yet able to distinguish between Chinese subpopulations. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Expression of Cx43 and Cx45 in Cardiomyocytes of an Overworked Rat Model YANG Bo-fan, SHI Jing-zhuo, LI Jing, et al. 2019, 35(5): 567-571.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.010 Abstract ( 199 )   PDF (2803KB) ( 649 )   Objective To study the effect of overwork stress response on the expression of connexin 43（Cx43） and connexin 45（Cx45） in cardiomyocytes and on cardiac function. Methods The experimental animals were divided into control group, overworked 1-month group and overworked 2-month group. A overworked rat model was established by forcing swimming of overworked group. The expressions of Cx43 and Cx45 in myocardial tissues of experimental animals were detected by Western blotting, while the corresponding myocardial tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Masson’s staining, then histologically observed. Results Western blotting results showed that, compared with the control group, Cx43 expression in myocardial tissues of overworked rats decreased while Cx45 expression increased. HE staining and Masson’s staining results showed that hypertrophy, rupture and interstitial fiber tissue hyperplasia were observed in myocardial fibers of overworked rats. Conclusion Overwork stress response may affect cardiac function as an independent factor and may even cause heart failure or arrhythmias and lead to death. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Chemical Content of Rat Skeletal Muscle Impregnating Solution and Postmortem Interval ZHENG Zhe, ZHAI Xian-dun, XIA Zhi-yuan, et al. 2019, 35(5): 572-575.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.011 Abstract ( 133 )   PDF (1060KB) ( 605 )   Objective To study the mechanism of change of the electrical conductivity （EC） of rat skeletal muscle impregnating solution that occurs with the change of postmortem interval （PMI）. Methods Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were killed and kept at about 25 ℃. Skeletal muscles were extracted at different PMI——immediate （0 d）, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 5 d, 6 d, and 7 d, then mixed with deionized water to make impregnating solution with a mass concentration of 0.1 g/mL. The solution’s EC and nine common chemicals in it, such as potassium ion, calcium ion, and chloride ion, were determined. Results EC increased gradually with the extending of PMI （P=0.024） during the 7 days after the rats’ death. The content of uric acid （P=0.032）, urea nitrogen （P=0.013） and phosphorus （P=0.022） also increased during the extension. However, the content of magnesium ions decreased with extending of PMI （P=0.047）. The correlation between potassium ion, sodium ion, chlorine ion, calcium ion, creatinine and PMI were weak （P>0.05）. Conclusion The molecular basis of skeletal muscle EC change in rats after their death is the changes of uric acid, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and other chemical components. Furthermore, combine use of various indicators can improve the accuracy of the EC method to infer PMI. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Relationship between Blood Acetaldehyde Concentration and Psychomotor Function of Individuals with Different ALDH2 Genotypes after Alcohol Consumption YE Yi, CHEN Fan, WU Hao, et al. 2019, 35(5): 576-580，585.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.012 Abstract ( 260 )   PDF (1290KB) ( 734 )   Objective To explore the change rules of blood ethanol and blood acetaldehyde concentration, the impairment of psychomotor functions of different acetaldehyde dehydrogenase （ALDH） 2 genotype individuals after alcohol consumption and the relationship among them. Methods The ALDH2 genotypes in seventy-nine healthy volunteers were obtained by SNaPshotTM method, then divided into ALDH2*1/*1 （wild type） and ALDH2*1/*2 （mutant type） group. After volunteers consumed 1.0 g/kg of alcohol, blood ethanol concentration and blood acetaldehyde concentration at a series of time points before and after alcohol consumption and psychomotor functions, such as, visual selective response time, auditory simple response time and tracking experiment were detected. Biphasic alcohol response questionnaires were collected. Results After alcohol consumption, ALDH2*1/*2 group’s blood ethanol and blood acetaldehyde concentration reached the peak earlier than ALDH2*1/*1 group. Its blood acetaldehyde concentration was higher than that of ALDH2*1/*1 group, 1-6 h after alcohol consumption. The psychomotor functions, such as visual selective response time and auditory simple response time in ALDH2*1/*2 group were more significantly impaired than those in ALDH2*1/*1 group after alcohol consumption. There was no statistical significance between the two groups in excitement or sedation reactions （P>0.05）. Pearson correlation coefficient test showed that blood acetaldehyde concentration was related with psychomotor function. Conclusion There are significant differences between the psychomotor function of ALDH2 wild type and mutant type individuals after alcohol consumption estimated to be related to the difference in blood acetaldehyde concentration after alcohol consumption. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Identification of Tiletamine, Zolazepam and Their Metabolites in Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault by GC-QTOF-MS#br# HE Si-yang, GONG Fei-jun, LIAN Ru,et al. 2019, 35(5): 581-585.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.013 Abstract ( 767 )   PDF (1228KB) ( 1010 )   Objective To identify tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in samples from drug facilitated sexual assault by gas chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry （GC-QTOF-MS）. Methods Urine samples of victims were collected, and detected by GC-QTOF-MS after liquid-liquid extraction and concentration. The molecular formula of fragments ions was identified by determination of accurate mass numbers, to detect related substances. Results Tiletamine, zolazepam, three metabolites of tiletamine and two metabolites of zolazepam were identified in urine samples from actual cases. Conclusion GC-QTOF-MS provides abundant and accurate information of fragment ions mass numbers, which can be used for qualitative identification of tiletamine, zolazepam and their metabolites in drug facilitated sexual assault. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Factors Influencing the Initiation Time of Forensic Psychiatric Assessment of Criminal Cases in Hunan Province GUO Hui-juan, WANG Jun, LI Qi-guang,et al. 2019, 35(5): 586-591.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.014 Abstract ( 129 )   PDF (1077KB) ( 584 )   Objective To discuss the related factors influencing the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment by analysis of the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment of criminal cases in Hunan Province. Methods Related data in assessment files of criminal cases accepted by 8 forensic psychiatric assessment institutions in Hunan Province from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016 were extracted. The Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment. After using property score matching （PSM） to control the influence of confounding factors, the efficiency of public security organs to initiate assessments of suspects with （without） mental disorders and with （without） responsibilities were compared. Results A total of 4 346 cases were included. The Logistic regression analysis suggested that the factors independently related to the initiation time of assessment include： cause of assessment, nationality of the assessed, history of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, history of crimes, history of drug abuse, and status of alcohol consumption before the crime （all P<0.05）. The initiation time of assessment of suspects diagnosed with mental disorder was shorter than those with none （P<0.05）; the initiation time of assessment of suspects without criminal responsibility was shorter than those with responsibility （P<0.05）. After using PSM to control confounding factors, the differences above still existed. Conclusion The cause of assessment, nationality of the assessed, history of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, history of crimes, history of drug abuse, and status of alcohol consumption before the crime are factors that influence the efficiency of public security organs to initiate forensic psychiatric assessments. Under the current assessment initiation mode, forensic psychiatric assessment of suspects who have mental disorders, especially those with no responsibility may be given priority to initiate. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Analysis of 4 Cases of Electrocution due to Direct Current Electronic Hunter ZHU Long-long, TONG Fang, LIANG Yue, et al. 2019, 35(5): 592-595.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.015 Abstract ( 190 )   PDF (3148KB) ( 641 )   Objective To summarize the characteristics of cases of electrocution due to direct current （DC） electronic hunter, and to provide references for forensic identification. Methods Four cases of electrocution due to DC electronic hunter were collected. Statistical analysis was carried out from the perspective of the scene and electric marks distribution, damage characteristics and histopathological changes. Results All the 4 cases of electrocution were accidental events. There were multiple electric marks, most of which were located in the lower limbs with serious damage. Some strip type electric marks were visible. Conclusion The distribution, morphological characteristics and severity of the electric marks caused by DC electronic hunter are different from those of the ordinary low-voltage alternating current damage. It is alerting that there would be actions of destroying the scene and abandoning the corpse in such cases. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Prospects of Application of Microbial Biofilm to Estimate PMI of Corpses in Water HAN Han, LIU Zhuo-ying, GUO Juan-juan,et al. 2019, 35(5): 596-601.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.016 Abstract ( 241 )   PDF (1086KB) ( 795 )   In forensic pathology, the estimation of postmortem interval （PMI） has always been a difficult issue, and there is still lack of effective methods to estimate PMI of corpses in water. Microbial biofilm refers to the microbial population attached to non-biological or biological surfaces by microorganisms during microbial growth, that has a three-dimensional structure, surrounded by extracellular polymers and matrix networks created by itself. A series of community succession phenomena of microorganisms occur during the occurrence and development of microbial population. The microbial community and its succession process of this kind of biofilm attached to the surface of a corpse in water may become a new basis for estimation of the PMI of corpses in water. This review elucidates on the concept, classification, research methods, and influencing factors of biofilm and analyzes its application prospects in PMI estimation of corpses in water, which would provide new ideas for the researches in this field. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Advancements in Single-cell Sequencing and the Prospect of Its Forensic Application CHEN Man, YANG Ya-ran, WU Hui-juan, et al. 2019, 35(5): 602-606.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.017 Abstract ( 382 )   PDF (1071KB) ( 1065 )   Single-cell sequencing is a technique that analyzes DNA and RNA sequences on the cellular level with next generation sequencing. The ultra high resolution of single-cell sequencing provides new perspectives and opens new frontiers for our understanding of many areas of life sciences, including forensic genome. This paper summarizes the recent advancements in single-cell sequencing and the prospect of its forensic application. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Comparative Analysis of Visual System Disability Evaluation Criteria between China and the United States#br# LIU Rui-jue, XIA Wen-tao 2019, 35(5): 607-612.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.018 Abstract ( 163 )   PDF (1224KB) ( 617 )   Gradation of Disability in Human Body Injuries （hereinafter referred to as Gradation） has been released and used since January 2017, and has become the most widely used standard in forensic science practice. This paper calculates and rates the visual system evaluation provisions of the current domestic disability evaluation criteria represented by the Gradation which used the methods of Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment （hereinafter referred to as GEPI） issued by American Medical Association （AMA）. Through comparing, a good correlation between the provisions in Gradation and whole person impairment rating index in GEPI was shown. On the basis of this, suggestions are put forward to amend some provisions of Gradation, in order to provide reference for the revision and further improvement of domestic standards and provisions. Related Articles | Metrics

Select

Discussion on Standardization of Forensic Assessment of Olfactory Dysfunction CHEN Fang, YANG Xiao-ping, et al. 2019, 35(5): 613-618.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2019.05.019 Abstract ( 203 )   PDF (1078KB) ( 722 )    With the development of society, the improvement of living standards and the advancement of research methods, olfactory function has been paid more and more attention. Therefore, higher requirements for the forensic identification of olfactory function have also been put forward. Standardization construction of forensic medical examination and identification of olfactory dysfunction is urgently needed. Based on a comprehensive review of olfactory function and forensic assessment of olfactory dysfunction, this paper elaborates on problems related to the principles and timing of forensic assessment of olfactory dysfunction, the requirements of identification of traumatic olfactory dysfunction, the subjective and objective methods of examination of olfactory function. Strict control of the above issues is an important mean of standardization of forensic assessment of olfactory dysfunction. Related Articles | Metrics