Who threw that stone? A study on DNA transfer.

Contact or touch DNA traces from stones account for around 5 % of all crime scene-related swab samples analysed in our department. These traces are often used to identify perpetrators in cases such as burglary, when a stone is used as a tool to break a window or in cases of property damage during riots. Provided that a DNA profile can be obtained in such a case, questions may arise in court regarding the possibilities of DNA transfer onto the stone.

Multimodal epigenetic sequencing analysis (MESA) of cell-free DNA for non-invasive colorectal cancer detection.

Background: Detecting human cancers through cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in blood is a sensitive and non-invasive option. However, capturing multiple forms of epigenetic information remains a technical and financial challenge.

Methods: To address this, we developed multimodal epigenetic sequencing analysis (MESA), a flexible and sensitive approach to capturing and integrating a diverse range of epigenetic features in cfDNA using a single experimental assay, i.

Human background DNA on stones in an urban environment.

Stones are frequently used as tools in criminal acts. In our department, around 5 % of all analysed crime scene related trace samples are contact or touch DNA traces swabbed from stones. These samples are primarily related to cases of damage to property and burglary.

Burden of Pediatric SARS-CoV-2 Hospitalizations during the Omicron Wave in Germany.

(1) Background: When the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 first emerged in Germany in January 2022, data on related disease severity among children and adolescents were not yet available. Given Omicron's high transmissibility, the ability to assess its impact on admission and hospitalization rates in children's hospitals is critical for the purpose of understanding the scope of its burden on the German healthcare system. (2) Methods: From 24 January 2022 to 31 July 2022, SARS-CoV-2 cases admitted to German pediatric hospitals were monitored via a national, clinician-led reporting system (CLRS) established by the German Society for Pediatric Infectious Diseases (DGPI).

Administrative data in pediatric critical care research-Potential, challenges, and future directions.

Heterogenous patient populations with small case numbers constitute a relevant barrier to research in pediatric critical care. Prospective studies bring along logistic barriers and-if interventional-ethical concerns. Therefore, retrospective observational investigations, mainly multicenter studies or analyses of registry data, prevail in the field of pediatric critical care research.