Physical and Biochemical Factors Affecting the Recovery and Analysis of DNA from Human Skeletal Remains

Physical and Biochemical Factors Affecting the Recovery and Analysis of DNA from Human Skeletal Remains PDF Author: Laura Gaydosh Combs
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 140

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Book Description
There are approximately 4,400 sets of unidentified human remains recovered each year, nearly a quarter of which are not identified within the year following recovery. Obtaining genetic information through DNA testing of bone samples has become a critical element to identifying missing persons and recovered human remains. DNA is preserved within the structure of bone for vast amounts of time, surviving environmental and microbial insults, yet bone is one the most challenging sample types encountered by forensic scientists. This is due to the resilient structure of bone and the prevalence and variety of materials which co-isolate with DNA during extraction and function as inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bone-associated PCR inhibitors include native components and environmental materials, acquired as a consequence of the porous composition of bone. Quality assurance requirements governing DNA testing laboratories do not mandate direct evaluation of the product of the DNA extraction process; coupled with poor characterization of PCR inhibitors, the forensic community has not adequately demonstrated the efficiency of methods used to extract DNA from bone samples. The primary hypothesis is failure of PCR-based testing of DNA from skeletal remains is frequently encountered due to inefficient extraction methods and PCR inhibition. This dissertation project has: 1) demonstrated an approach for identifying and characterizing putative PCR inhibitors, emphasizing those originating from the mineral contents of bone; and, 2) assessed the efficiency of current methods used for extracting DNA from bone samples, in terms of quality and quantity of the recovered template. Control genomic DNA, bone samples from adjudicated forensic cases obtained from the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and cadaver bone samples obtained from the Willed Body Program at University of North Texas Health Science Center were used for experiments. Laboratory experiments included: DNA extraction, analysis of DNA fragmentation, quantification of DNA, amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) forensic loci, genetic analysis, and elemental analyses that were conducted in collaboration with the University of North Texas Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science Program.

Physical and Biochemical Factors Affecting the Recovery and Analysis of DNA from Human Skeletal Remains

Physical and Biochemical Factors Affecting the Recovery and Analysis of DNA from Human Skeletal Remains PDF Author: Laura Gaydosh Combs
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 140

Get Book Here

Book Description
There are approximately 4,400 sets of unidentified human remains recovered each year, nearly a quarter of which are not identified within the year following recovery. Obtaining genetic information through DNA testing of bone samples has become a critical element to identifying missing persons and recovered human remains. DNA is preserved within the structure of bone for vast amounts of time, surviving environmental and microbial insults, yet bone is one the most challenging sample types encountered by forensic scientists. This is due to the resilient structure of bone and the prevalence and variety of materials which co-isolate with DNA during extraction and function as inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bone-associated PCR inhibitors include native components and environmental materials, acquired as a consequence of the porous composition of bone. Quality assurance requirements governing DNA testing laboratories do not mandate direct evaluation of the product of the DNA extraction process; coupled with poor characterization of PCR inhibitors, the forensic community has not adequately demonstrated the efficiency of methods used to extract DNA from bone samples. The primary hypothesis is failure of PCR-based testing of DNA from skeletal remains is frequently encountered due to inefficient extraction methods and PCR inhibition. This dissertation project has: 1) demonstrated an approach for identifying and characterizing putative PCR inhibitors, emphasizing those originating from the mineral contents of bone; and, 2) assessed the efficiency of current methods used for extracting DNA from bone samples, in terms of quality and quantity of the recovered template. Control genomic DNA, bone samples from adjudicated forensic cases obtained from the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification, and cadaver bone samples obtained from the Willed Body Program at University of North Texas Health Science Center were used for experiments. Laboratory experiments included: DNA extraction, analysis of DNA fragmentation, quantification of DNA, amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) forensic loci, genetic analysis, and elemental analyses that were conducted in collaboration with the University of North Texas Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science Program.

Recovery, Analysis, and Identification of Commingled Human Remains

Recovery, Analysis, and Identification of Commingled Human Remains PDF Author: Bradley J. Adams
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1597453161
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 377

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Book Description
Commingling of human remains presents an added challenge to all phases of the forensic process. This book brings together tools from diverse sources within forensic science to offer a set of comprehensive approaches to handling commingled remains. It details the recovery of commingled remains in the field, the use of triage in the assessment of commingling, various analytical techniques for sorting and determining the number of individuals, the role of DNA in the overall process, ethical considerations, and data management. In addition, the book includes case examples that illustrate techniques found to be successful and those that proved problematic.

Handbook of DNA Profiling

Handbook of DNA Profiling PDF Author: Hirak Ranjan Dash
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 9789811643170
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1206

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Book Description
This reference book comprehensively reviews the significance of DNA technology in forensic science. After presenting the theory, basic principles, tools and techniques that are used in forensic DNA typing, it summarizes various techniques, including autosomal STR, Y-STR, X-STR, mitochondrial DNA and NGS, used in solving both criminal as and civil cases, such as paternity disputes, identification of mutilated remains, and culprit identification in sexual assault and murder cases. It also provides an overview of DNA-based genetic diagnostics for various diseases, and discusses the role of DNA typing in drug reactions, as well as the application of non-human DNA profiling of animals and plants in forensic science investigations. Lastly, the book examines the role of internal quality control in maintaining the high quality of DNA profiling.

Estimation of the Time Since Death

Estimation of the Time Since Death PDF Author: Burkhard Madea
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1444181777
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
Estimation of the Time Since Death remains the foremost authoritative book on scientifically calculating the estimated time of death postmortem. Building on the success of previous editions which covered the early postmortem period, this new edition also covers the later postmortem period including putrefactive changes, entomology, and postmortem r

DNA Technology in Forensic Science

DNA Technology in Forensic Science PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309045878
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 199

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Book Description
Matching DNA samples from crime scenes and suspects is rapidly becoming a key source of evidence for use in our justice system. DNA Technology in Forensic Science offers recommendations for resolving crucial questions that are emerging as DNA typing becomes more widespread. The volume addresses key issues: Quality and reliability in DNA typing, including the introduction of new technologies, problems of standardization, and approaches to certification. DNA typing in the courtroom, including issues of population genetics, levels of understanding among judges and juries, and admissibility. Societal issues, such as privacy of DNA data, storage of samples and data, and the rights of defendants to quality testing technology. Combining this original volume with the new update-The Evaluation of Forensic DNA Evidence-provides the complete, up-to-date picture of this highly important and visible topic. This volume offers important guidance to anyone working with this emerging law enforcement tool: policymakers, specialists in criminal law, forensic scientists, geneticists, researchers, faculty, and students.

The Human Bone Manual

The Human Bone Manual PDF Author: Tim D. White
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080488994
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 485

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Book Description
Building on the success of their previous book, White and Folkens' The Human Bone Manual is intended for use outside the laboratory and classroom, by professional forensic scientists, anthropologists and researchers. The compact volume includes all the key information needed for identification purposes, including hundreds of photographs designed to show a maximum amount of anatomical information. Features more than 500 color photographs and illustrations in a portable format; most in 1:1 ratio Provides multiple views of every bone in the human body Includes tips on identifying any human bone or tooth Incorporates up-to-date references for further study

Burnt Human Remains

Burnt Human Remains PDF Author: Sarah Ellingham
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119682746
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 485

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Book Description
BURNT HUMAN REMAINS An all-encompassing reference and guide designed for professionals involved in the forensic analysis of burnt remains Burnt Human Remains: Recovery, Analysis and Interpretation presents an in-depth multidisciplinary approach to the detection, recovery, analysis, and identification of thermally altered remains. Bridging the gap between research and practice, this invaluable one-stop reference provides detailed coverage of analytical techniques in forensic medicine and pathology, forensic anthropology, forensic odontology, and forensic chemistry and forensic biology. Contributions from a panel of expert authors review the newest findings in forensics research and discuss their applicability to forensic case work. Opening with a historical overview of the discipline, the book covers the search and recovery aspects of burnt human remains, medico-legal investigations, determination of the post mortem interval of burnt remains, structural changes of burnt bone and teeth, DNA extraction from burnt remains, and much more. Throughout the text, the authors emphasize the importance of understanding the changes undergone by bodies when subjected to fire for establishing identity, reconstructing the events leading up to incineration, and determining the cause and manner of death. Provides a systemic framework that integrates established forensic methods and state-of-the-art analytical approaches Describes different forensic analyses from the macroscopical, microscopical, biochemical, and molecular level Features international case studies of challenging individual cases as well as natural or man-made mass fatalities requiring the identification of incinerated remains Demonstrates how changes to the macro- and microstructure of burnt remains can reveal information about incineration conditions Discusses organizations and programs focused on developing standards and best practice for the recovery and analysis burnt remains Burnt Human Remains: Recovery, Analysis and Interpretation is an indispensable resource for all practitioners engaged in the interpretation of burned human tissue, including pathologists, forensic chemists, forensic biologists, forensic anthropologists, forensic odontologists, and archaeologists.

Ancient DNA

Ancient DNA PDF Author: Beth Alison Shapiro
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781617795169
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 247

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Book Description
Ancient DNA presents an overview of the many of the protocols commonly used to study ancient DNA. These include laboratory instructions, extraction protocols, laboratory techniques, and suggestions for appropriate analytical approaches to make sense of the sequences obtained.

Mass Fatality Incidents

Mass Fatality Incidents PDF Author: National Institute of Justice (U.S.). Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic Identification
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Accident victims
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
In a mass fatality incident, correct victim identification is essential to satisfying humanitarian considerations, meet civil and criminal investigative needs, and identify victim perpetrators. This report provides medical examiners/coroners with guidelines for preparing the portion of the disaster plan concerned with victim identification and summarizes the victim identification process for other first responders. It discusses the integration of the medical examiner/coroner into the initial response process, and presents the roles of various forensic disciplines (including forensic anthropology, radiology, odontology, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis) in victim identification. This guide represents the experience of dozens of Federal, State and private forensic experts who took part in the Technical Working Group for Mass Fatality Forensic Identification.

Forensic Anthropology

Forensic Anthropology PDF Author: Angi M. Christensen
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0124172903
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 465

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Book Description
Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice—winner of a 2015 Textbook Excellence Award (Texty) from The Text and Academic Authors Association—approaches forensic anthropology through an innovative style using current practices and real case studies drawn from the varied experiences, backgrounds, and practices of working forensic anthropologists. This text guides the reader through all aspects of human remains recovery and forensic anthropological analysis, presenting principles at a level that is appropriate for those new to the field, while at the same time incorporating evolutionary, biomechanical, and other theoretical foundations for the features and phenomena encountered in forensic anthropological casework. Attention is focused primarily on the most recent and scientifically valid applications commonly employed by working forensic anthropologists. Readers will therefore learn about innovative techniques in the discipline, and aspiring practitioners will be prepared by understanding the necessary background needed to work in the field today. Instructors and students will find Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice comprehensive, practical, and relevant to the modern discipline of forensic anthropology. Winner of a 2015 Most Promising New Textbook Award from the Text and Academic Authors Association Focuses on modern methods, recent advances in research and technology, and current challenges in the science of forensic anthropology Addresses issues of international relevance such as the role of forensic anthropology in mass disaster response and human rights investigations Includes chapter summaries, topicoriented case studies, keywords, and reflective questions to increase active student learning