Loading...

Archive

    For Selected: Toggle Thumbnails
    Original Article
    Screening of Genes Co-Associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infectious Sudden Death in Infancy and Bioinformatics Analysis of Their Regulatory Networks
    Yu-xin SUN, Xiao-juan GONG, Xiu-li HAO, Yu-xin TIAN, Yi-ming CHEN, Bao ZHANG, Chun-xia YAN
    2023, 39(5): 433-440.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.420803
    Abstract ( 275 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (1488KB) ( 422 )  

    Objective The common differentially expressed mRNAs in brain, heart and liver tissues of deceased sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and infectious sudden death in infancy (ISDI) confirmed by autopsy was screened by bioinformatics to explore the common molecular markers and pathogenesis of SIDS and ISDI. Methods The datasets of GSE70422 and GSE136992 were downloaded, the limma of R software was used to screen differentially expressed mRNA in different tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents for overlapping analysis. The clusterProfiler of R software was used to conduct gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING database, while the hub gene was screened by cytoHubba plug-in. Results Compared with the control group, there were 19 significant differentially expressed genes in the tissue samples of SIDS and ISDI decedents, among which 16 in the heart tissue and 3 in the liver tissue, and the astrotactin 1 (ASTN1) gene expression difference in the heart tissue was most significant. The PPI network identified Ras homolog family member A (RHOA), integrin subunit alpha 1 (ITGA1), and H2B clustered histone 5 (H2BC5) were hub genes. The analysis of GO and KEGG showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the molecular pathways of actin cytoskeleton regulation, focal adhesion and response to mycophenolic acid. Conclusion ASTN1, RHOA and ITGA1 may participate in the development of SIDS and ISDI. The enrichment of differentially expressed genes in immune and inflammatory pathways suggests a common molecular regulatory mechanism between SIDS and ISDI. These findings are expected to provide new biomarkers for molecular anatomy and forensic identification of SIDS and ISDI.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Original Articles
    Cross-Platform Application of DNA Methylation Age Estimation Model in Eastern Chinese Han Population
    Zi-wei WANG, Cheng-tao LI, Xi-ling LIU
    2023, 39(5): 441-446.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.520405
    Abstract ( 201 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (779KB) ( 380 )  

    Objective To evaluate the forensic application value of an age estimation model based on DNA methylation in eastern Chinese Han population, and to provide a theoretical basis for exploring age estimation models suitable for different detection platforms. Methods According to the 6 age-related methylation sites in the published blood DNA methylation age estimation models of Chinese Han population, the DNA methylation level of 48 samples was detected by pyrosequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS). After submitting DNA methylation levels to the age estimation model, the DNA methylation ages were predicted and compared with their real ages. Results The 6 DNA methylation sites in both detection techniques were age-related, with an R2 of 0.85 and a median absolute deviation (MAD) of 4.81 years when using pyrosequencing; with an R2 of 0.84 and MAD of 4.41 years when using NGS. Conclusion The blood DNA methylation age estimation model can be used under pyrosequencing and multi-purpose regional methylation enrichment sequencing technology based on NGS and it can accurately estimate the age.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Construction of an Analysis Model of mRNA Markers in Menstrual Blood Based on Naïve Bayes and Multivariate Logistic Regression Methods
    Qi ZHANG, He-miao ZHAO, Kang YANG, Jing CHEN, Rui-qin YANG, Chong WANG
    2023, 39(5): 447-451.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.511207
    Abstract ( 171 )   HTML ( 14 )   PDF (846KB) ( 428 )  

    Objective To establish the menstrual blood identification model based on Na?ve Bayes and multivariate logistic regression methods by using specific mRNA markers in menstrual blood detection technology combined with statistical methods, and to quantitatively distinguish menstrual blood from other body fluids. Methods Body fluids including 86 menstrual blood, 48 peripheral blood, 48 vaginal secretions, 24 semen and 24 saliva samples were collected. RNA of the samples was extracted and cDNA was obtained by reverse transcription. Five menstrual blood-specific markers including members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family MMP3, MMP7, MMP11, progestogens associated endometrial protein (PAEP) and stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) were amplified and analyzed by electrophoresis. The results were analyzed by Na?ve Bayes and multivariate logistic regression. Results The accuracy of the classification model constructed was 88.37% by Na?ve Bayes and 91.86% by multivariate logistic regression. In non-menstrual blood samples, the distinguishing accuracy of peripheral blood, saliva and semen was generally higher than 90%, while the distinguishing accuracy of vaginal secretions was lower, which were 16.67% and 33.33%, respectively. Conclusion The mRNA detection technology combined with statistical methods can be used to establish a classification and discrimination model for menstrual blood, which can distignuish the menstrual blood and other body fluids, and quantitative description of analysis results, which has a certain application value in body fluid stain identification.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Original Article
    Detection and Analysis of Blood Dexmedetomidine in Drug-Facilitated Cases
    Wen-ya ZHAI, Li-na WU, Shuo YANG, Bao-hua SHEN, Yan SHI
    2023, 39(5): 452-456.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.320306
    Abstract ( 213 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (772KB) ( 407 )  

    Objective To establish a simple and rapid qualitative and quantitative detection method of dexmedetomidine in blood. Methods Blood was separated on the Allure PFP Propyl liquid chromatography column with isocratic elution after it was precipitated by acetonitrile and filtered. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of dexmedetomidine was performed using positive ion scan mode and multi-reaction monitoring mode. Results The limit of detection of dexmedetomidine in blood was 0.2 ng/mL and the limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/mL. The linearity of the method was good in the range of 0.5-1 000 ng/mL, and the correlation coefficient was greater than 0.99. The accuracy of the method was 90.34%-112.67% and the extraction recovery was 50.05%-91.08%, with no significant matrix effect. Conclusion This method is simple, selective and suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of dexmedetomidine in blood, which can provide a reference for drug-facilitated cases involving dexmedetomidine.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Five Indoles or Indazole Amide Synthetic Cannabinoids in Suspected E-Cigarette Oil by GC-MS
    Cui-mei LIU, Wei JIA, Chun-hui SONG, Zhen-hua QIAN, Zhen-dong HUA, Yue-meng CHEN
    2023, 39(5): 457-464.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.320101
    Abstract ( 294 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (1779KB) ( 477 )  

    Objective To establish the GC-MS qualitative and quantitative analysis methods for the synthetic cannabinoids, its main matrix and additives in suspicious electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) oil samples. Methods The e-cigarette oil samples were analyzed by GC-MS after diluted with methanol. Synthetic cannabinoids, its main matrix and additives in e-cigarette oil samples were qualitatively analyzed by the characteristic fragment ions and retention time. The synthetic cannabinoids were quantitatively analyzed by using the selective ion monitoring mode. Results The linear range of each compound in GC-MS quantitative method was 0.025-1 mg/mL, the matrix recovery rate was 94%-103%, the intra-day precision relative standard deviations (RSD) was less than 2.5%, and inter-day precision RSD was less than 4.0%. Five indoles or indazole amide synthetic cannabinoids were detected in 25 e-cigarette samples. The main matrixes of e-cigarette samples were propylene glycol and glycerol. Additives such as N,2,3-trimethyl-2-isopropyl butanamide (WS-23), glycerol triacetate and nicotine were detected in some samples. The content range of synthetic cannabinoids in 25 e-cigarette samples was 0.05%-2.74%. Conclusion The GC-MS method for synthesizing cannabinoid, matrix and additive in e-cigarette oil samples has good selectivity, high resolution, low detection limit, and can be used for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple components; The explored fragment ion fragmentation mechanism of the electron bombardment ion source of indole or indoxamide compounds helps to identify such substances or other compounds with similar structures in cases.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Technique and Application
    Application of SNaPshot Technology in Semen-Specific cSNP Genetic Marker
    Rui-yang TAO, Shou-yu WANG, Chun-yan YUAN, Ruo-cheng XIA, Cheng-tao LI
    2023, 39(5): 465-470.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.510804
    Abstract ( 266 )   HTML ( 7 )   PDF (888KB) ( 358 )  

    Objective To explore the feasibility of genetic marker detection of semen-specific coding region single nucleotide polymorphism (cSNP) based on SNaPshot technology in semen stains and mixed body fluid identification. Methods Genomic DNA (gDNA) and total RNA were extracted from 16 semen stains and 11 mixtures composed of semen and venous blood, and the total RNA was reverse transcribed into complementary DNA (cDNA). The cSNP genetic markers were screened on the validated semen-specific mRNA coding genes. The cSNP multiplex detection system based on SNaPshot technology was established, and samples were genotyped by capillary electrophoresis (CE). Results A multiplex detection system containing 5 semen-specific cSNPs was successfully established. In 16 semen samples, except the cSNP located in the TGM4 gene showed allele loss in cDNA detection results, the gDNA and cDNA typing results of other cSNPs were highly consistent. When detecting semen-venous blood mixtures, the results of cSNP typing detected were consistent with the genotype of semen donor and were not interfered by the genotype of venous blood donor. Conclusion The method of semen-specific cSNPs detection by SNaPshot technology method can be applied to the genotyping of semen (stains) and provide information for determining the origin of semen in mixed body fluids (stains).

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Review
    Research Progress and Forensic Application of Human Vascular Finite Element Modeling and Biomechanics
    Yong ZENG, Dong-hua ZOU, Ying FAN, Qing XU, Lu-yang TAO, Yi-jiu CHEN, Zheng-dong LI
    2023, 39(5): 471-477.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.411103
    Abstract ( 195 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (739KB) ( 427 )  

    The finite element method (FEM) is a mathematical method for obtaining approximate solutions to a wide variety of engineering problems. With the development of computer technology, it is gradually applied to the study of biomechanics of human body. The application of the combination of FEM and biomechanics in exploring the relationship between vascular injury and disease, and pathological mechanisms will be a technological innovation for traditional forensic medicine. This paper reviews the construction and development of human vascular FEM modeling, and its research progress on the vascular biomechanics. This paper also looks to the application prospects of FEM modeling in forensic pathology.

    Figures and Tables | References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Process of Forensic Medicine in DNA Identification of Aged Human Remains
    Lu CHEN, Zhe ZHOU, Sheng-qi WANG
    2023, 39(5): 478-486.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.511209
    Abstract ( 509 )   HTML ( 9 )   PDF (708KB) ( 725 )  

    Skeleton and teeth are important biological samples. Due to their special structure and strong ability to resist degradation, they are ideal biological materials to retain DNA under natural condition. In many cases, such as historical figure identification, aged skeleton and teeth are usually the only biological samples. However, their DNA is in a state of trace, damage and degradation to different degrees, which requires special experimental treatment to achieve identification. This paper reviews the sample selection, DNA extraction, DNA enrichment and analysis approaches based on relevant research reports in recent years, aiming to promote the further development and improvement of the aged skeleton and teeth identification system.

    References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Research Progress on Molecular Biology of Human Height Estimation
    Zhong-hua WANG, Shu-jin LI
    2023, 39(5): 487-492.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.520301
    Abstract ( 208 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (596KB) ( 356 )  

    As an important anthropometric characteristic, human height not only contributes to the recognition of other anthropological characteristics and genetic risk factors, but also is an important part of forensic DNA phenotyping studies. Accurate estimation of height can provide more complete information about the phenotype of suspects and provide help to solve cases. In recent years, having benefited from the rapid development of molecular biological techniques and bioinformatics, height-related genetics research has made some progress. This paper describes the research progress of human height estimation from the genetic variation and the epigenetic inheritance perspectives and looks into the future research direction.

    References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics
    Research Progress and Application Prospect of Facial Micro-Expression Analysis in Forensic Psychiatry
    Wen LI, Hao-zhe LI, Chen CHEN, Wei-xiong CAI
    2023, 39(5): 493-500.  DOI: 10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2022.120104
    Abstract ( 381 )   HTML ( 19 )   PDF (694KB) ( 448 )  

    Research on facial micro-expression analysis has been going on for decades. Micro-expression can reflect the true emotions of individuals, and it has important application value in assisting auxiliary diagnosis and disease monitoring of mental disorders. In recent years, the development of artificial intelligence and big data technology has made the automatic recognition of micro-expressions possible, which will make micro-expression analysis more convenient and more widely used. This paper reviews the development of facial micro-expression analysis and its application in forensic psychiatry, to look into further application prospects and development direction.

    References | Supplementary Material | Related Articles | Metrics