Construction of the time since deposition (TsD) model in saliva stains with 16S rRNA full-length sequencing technology and microbial markers.

Determining the time since deposition (TsD) and sex of saliva stains is crucial for revealing the time of the crime's occurrence and clarifying the nature of the crime. This process not only shortens the time required to solve the case but also helps narrow down the scope of investigation, thereby enhancing the efficiency of case resolution. Currently, the forensic study of the microbial composition in long-term saliva stains remains a relatively underexplored field.

Application of a newly constructed NGS panel with 45 X-linked microhaplotypes demonstrates the unique value of X-MH for kinship testing and mixture analysis.

X-linked microhaplotypes (X-MHs) have the potential to be a valuable supplementary tool in complex kinship identification or the resolution of DNA mixtures, because they bring together the distinctive genetic pattern of X chromosomal markers and the benefits of microhaplotypes (MHs). In this study, we used the 1000 Genome database to screen and select 63 X-MHs; 18 MHs were filtered out though a batch sequencing assessment of the DNA samples collected from 112 unrelated Chinese Han individuals. The resulting 45-plex panel performed well in comprehensive assessments including repeatability, sensitivity, species specificity, resistance to PCR inhibitors or degradation, mutation rate, and accuracy in detecting DNA mixture samples.

The association between DNA methylation and human height and a prospective model of DNA methylation-based height prediction.

As a vital anthropometric characteristic, human height information not only helps to understand overall developmental status and genetic risk factors, but is also important for forensic DNA phenotyping. We utilized linear regression analysis to test the association between each CpG probe and the height phenotype. Next, we designed a methylation sequencing panel targeting 959 CpGs and subsequent height inference models were constructed for the Chinese population.

Preliminary exploratory research on the application value of oral and intestinal meta-genomics in predicting subjects' occupations-A case study of the distinction between students and migrant workers.

Background: In the field of forensic science, accurately determining occupation of an individual can greatly assist in resolving cases such as criminal investigations or disaster victim identifications. However, estimating occupation can be challenging due to the intricate relationship between occupation and various factors, including gender, age, living environment, health status, medication use, and lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking. All of these factors can impact the composition of oral or gut microbial community of an individual.

Differences of circular RNA expression profiles between monozygotic twins' blood, with the forensic application in bloodstain and saliva.

Monozygotic twins (MZTs) possess identical genomic DNA sequences and are usually indistinguishable through routine forensic DNA typing methods, which can be relevant in criminal and paternity cases. Recently, novel epigenetic methods involving DNA methylation and microRNA analysis have been introduced to differentiate MZTs. In this study, we explore the potential of using epigenetic markers, specifically circular RNAs (circRNAs), a type of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), to identify MZTs, and investigate the unique expression patterns of circRNAs within pairs of MZTs, enabling effective differentiation.

Prediction of BMI traits in the Chinese population based on the gut metagenome.

Background: Identifying individual characteristics based on trace evidence left at a crime scene is crucial in forensic identification. Microbial communities found in fecal traces have high individual specificity and could serve as potential markers for forensic characterization. Previous research has established that predicting body type based on the relative abundance of the gut microbiome is relatively accurate.

Feature selection with a genetic algorithm can help improve the distinguishing power of microbiota information in monozygotic twins' identification.

Introduction: Personal identification of monozygotic twins (MZT) has been challenging in forensic genetics. Previous research has demonstrated that microbial markers have potential value due to their specificity and long-term stability. However, those studies would use the complete information of detected microbial communities, and low-value species would limit the performance of previous models.

Identification Strategy of Biological Half Sibling Relationship.

Objectives: To compare the application value of the likelihood ratio (LR) method and identity by state (IBS) method in the identification involving half sibling relationships, and to provide a reference for the setting of relevant standards for identification of half sibling relationship.

Methods: (1) Based on the same genetic marker combinations, the reliability of computer simulation method was verified by comparing the distributions of cumulated identity by state score (CIBS) and combined full sibling index in actual cases with the distributions in simulated cases. (2) In different numbers of three genetic marker combinations, the simulation of full sibling, half sibling and unrelated individual pairs, each 1 million pairs, was obtained; the CIBS, as well as the corresponding types of cumulative LR parameters, were calculated.

The relationship between serum miR-21 levels and left atrium dilation in elderly patients with essential hypertension.

Background: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is related to hypertension and cardiac remodelling. Left atrium (LA) dilation is highly sensitive to small haemodynamic changes in the left ventricle (LV) that are induced by hypertension. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between miR-21 expression and LA dilation in elderly patients with essential hypertension (EH).

Highly accurate mtGenome haplotypes from long-read SMRT sequencing can distinguish between monozygotic twins.

Discriminating between monozygotic twins (MZ) remains a challenge in the field of forensics globally. It is very difficult to find sequence variants within MZ twins, despite using ultra-deep next generation sequencing (NGS) for nuclear DNA. However, mitochondrial DNA might be a potential marker owing to its higher mutation rate and easier sequencing via NGS.

Development of an NGS panel containing 42 autosomal STR loci and the evaluation focusing on secondary kinship analysis.

High-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a feasible technique to detect considerably more markers and simultaneously obtain length and sequence information in a single reaction. In this study, we developed an NGS panel including 42 commonly used autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) and amelogenin on the Illumina MiSeq FGx™. Sequencing accuracy was validated by the consistency of 2800M Control DNA detected using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit and Sanger sequencing.

Circulating miRNA-21 as a diagnostic biomarker in elderly patients with type 2 cardiorenal syndrome.

Circulating miRNAs have attracted attention as serum biomarkers for several diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of circulating miRNA-21 (miR-21) as a novel biomarker for elderly patients with type 2 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS-2). A total of 157 elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) were recruited for the study.

CpG methylation patterns of human mitochondrial DNA.

The epigenetic modification of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is still in controversy. To clarify this point, we applied the gold standard method for DNA methylation, bisulfite pyrosequencing, to examine human mtDNA methylation status. Before bisulfite conversion, BamHI was used to digest DNA to open the loop of mtDNA.

Expansion of a SNaPshot assay to a 55-SNP multiplex: Assay enhancements, validation, and power in forensic science.

A previously developed multiplex assay with 44 individual identification SNPs was expanded to a 55plex assay. Fifty-four highly informative SNPs and an amelogenin sex marker were amplified in one PCR reaction and then detected with two SNaPshot reactions using CE. PCR primers for four loci, 28 single-base extension primers, and the reaction conditions were altered to improve the robustness of the method.

A Genome-Wide Scan of DNA Methylation Markers for Distinguishing Monozygotic Twins.

Identification of individuals within pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins remains unresolved using common forensic DNA typing technology. For some criminal cases involving MZ twins as suspects, the twins had to be released due to inability to identify which of the pair was the perpetrator. In this study, we performed a genome-wide scan on whole blood-derived DNA from four pairs of healthy phenotypically concordant MZ twins using the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing technology to identify candidate DNA methylation markers with capacity to distinguish MZ twins within a pair.

LINE-1 DNA methylation: A potential forensic marker for discriminating monozygotic twins.

Discriminating individuals within a pair of monozygotic (MZ) twins using genetic markers remains unresolved. This inability causes problems in criminal or paternity cases involving MZ twins as suspects or alleged fathers. Our previous study showed DNA methylation differences in interspersed repeat sequences such as Alu and LINE-1 within pairs of newborn MZ twins.

[Study of genetic polymorphisms of 12 short tandem repeats on X chromosome in ethnic Han population from Hebei Province].

Objective: To investigate genetic polymorphisms of 12 X chromosome short tandem repeat (X-STR) loci in ethnic Hebei Han population using an Investigator Argus X-12 amplification kit.

Methods: DNA was extracted for 198 unrelated individuals (96 males and 102 females) and amplified with a fluorescence labeled multiplex PCR system. PCR products were separated and genotyped with capillary array electrophoresis.