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Several methods exist for detecting genetic relatedness or identity by comparing DNA information. These methods generally require genotype calls, either single-nucleotide polymorphisms or short tandem repeats, at the sites used for comparison. For some DNA samples, like those obtained from bone fragments or single rootless hairs, there is often not enough DNA present to generate genotype calls that are accurate and complete enough for these comparisons. Here, we describe IBDGem, a fast and robust computational procedure for detecting genomic regions of identity-by-descent by comparing low-coverage shotgun sequence data against genotype calls from a known query individual. At less than 1× genome coverage, IBDGem reliably detects segments of relatedness and can make high-confidence identity detections with as little as 0.01× genome coverage.

DNA, a significant physiological biometric, is present in all human cells like hair, blood, and skin. This research introduces a new approach called the Deep DNA Learning Network (DDLN) for person identification based on their DNA. This novel Machine Learning model is designed to gather DNA chromosomes from an individual’s parents. The model’s flexibility allows it to expand or contract and has the capability to determine one or both parents of an individual using the provided chromosomes. Notably, the DDLN model offers quick training in comparison to traditional deep learning methods. The study employs two real datasets from Iraq: the Real Iraqi Dataset for Kurds (RIDK) and the Real Iraqi Dataset for Arabs (RIDA). The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed DDLN model achieves an Equal Error Rate (EER) of 0 for both datasets, indicating highly accurate performance.

This study aimed to provide an overview of the methodological approach used for the species determination of big cats. The molecular system described herein employs mitochondrial DNA control region (CR-mtDNA)-length polymorphism in combination with highly sensitive and precise capillary electrophoresis. We demonstrated that the described CR-mtDNA barcoding system can be utilized for species determination where the presence of biological material from big cats is expected or used as a confirmatory test alongside Sanger or massive parallel sequencing (MPS). We have also addressed the fact that species barcoding, when based on the analysis of mtDNA targets, can be biased by nuclear inserts of the mitochondrial genome (NUMTs). The CR-mtDNA barcoding system is suitable even for problematic and challenging samples, such as hair. CR-mtDNA-length polymorphisms can also distinguish hybrids from pure breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA, a significant physiological biometric, is present in all human cells like hair, blood, and skin. This research introduces a new approach called the Deep DNA Learning Network (DDLN) for person identification based on their DNA. This novel Machine Learning model is designed to gather DNA chromosomes from an individual's parents. The model's flexibility allows it to expand or contract and has the capability to determine one or both parents of an individual using the provided chromosomes. Notably, the DDLN model offers quick training in comparison to traditional deep learning methods. The study employs two real datasets from Iraq: the Real Iraqi Dataset for Kurds (RIDK) and the Real Iraqi Dataset for Arabs (RIDA). The outcomes demonstrate that the proposed DDLN model achieves an Equal Error Rate (EER) of 0 for both datasets, indicating highly accurate performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, firstly, on the basis of human nature, the factors influencing the legal ethics of criminal prosecution are studied and explained, and the mechanism of ethical consensus generation is proposed. Secondly conducting DNA forensics in criminal litigation is not accomplished by DNA full sequence matching, but by calculating the random matching probability and likelihood ratio of DNA to achieve DNA identification forensics in criminal litigation. Then, we conducted a study on the satisfaction and cooperation of Chinese litigators in the exercise of various rights, so as to understand the current situation of Chinese criminal litigation and further analyze the application of genetic technology in criminal litigation forensics. The results show that even though DNA identification opinions are so accurate and reliable, there is still an error rate of 1% to 2%. Therefore, a reasonable treatment of the uncertainty and reliability of various types of scientific evidence is more in line with the urgent need for scientific evidence in the current criminal litigation forensics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of science and relevant innovative technologies for the development of tools and techniques for detecting and investigating crimes is an urgent task of increasing the effectiveness of fighting crime at the current stage. It is shown that in order to identify a person by a DNA molecule, it is sufficient to study and encode only a half of the body's chromosomes, that is, its haploid set. However, only the complete (diploid) genome determines the phenotypic and other biological characteristics of the organism. Purpose: to emphasize the erroneous use of information on the reference (artificially collected) quasi-haploid human genome, including in DNA-forensic science. Another purpose is to prove the necessity of conducting universal DNA (genomic) registration of the population only on the basis of neutral DNA markers (arguments are made for this view). Ethical issues arising from DNA phenotyping as part of investigations are addressed. Methods: empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation; theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic; specific scientific methods: comparative-legal, system-structural, analysis, modeling, social survey and interpretation of legal norms. Results: the research identifies the possibilities of establishing more complete characteristics of a person in genome-wide studies (diploid genomes); the advantages of SNP-loci (SNPs) studies in relation to STR-loci studies are considered. The article shows the possibilities of using new technologies for DNA identification of the person as a result of universal genomic registration of the population of the Russian Federation.

Abstract. The relevance of the topic under consideration lies in the fact that in the conditions of a difficult situation in the country (increased criminal activity, extremism and terrorism), the role of one of the types of forensic regis-tration – genomic registration is growing. The article considers the current problems of the formation, accumulation and use of genomic (DNA) registration using new DNA identification technologies; the article shows the attitude of different segments of the population to universal genomic registration in the Russian Federation. Recommendations are developed to address ethical, organizational, technical, methodological and financial problems in genomic registration. The possibilities of improving the quality of crime detection and investigation as a result of universal genomic registration of the Russian population are shown. The purpose of this work is to analyze and develop possible ways to solve legal problems through the use of new technologies for DNA identification of individuals in the conduct of universal genomic registration of the population of the Russian Federation. Methods: the authors use empirical methods of comparison, description, interpretation; theoretical methods of formal and dialectical logic. Specific scientific methods are used: methods of analyzing the results of polymerase chain reaction and digitization of nucleotides, methods of social survey and interpretation of legal norms. Results: the study reveals the current status of various areas of DNA analysis and develops ways to solve legal problems of using new technologies for DNA identification of the individual for the purpose of universal genomic registration of the population of the Russian Federation

As biometric technology relies on bodily, physical information, it is among the more intrusive technologies in the contemporary consumer market. Consumer products containing biometric technology are becoming more popular and normalized, yet little is known about public perceptions concerning its privacy implications, especially from the perspective of human agency. This study examines how people perceive biometric technologies in different societal contexts and via different agents in control. Our study revealed that, in large part, people's perceptions of biometric technology are context-dependent, based on who retrieves and who benefits from the information and the situation where the data are collected. Participants were much more comfortable with more intrusive biometric technology in airport security than in a grocery store, and if it was employed to improve their health. We conclude by considering the implications of the survey for new threats to personal privacy that arise out of emerging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

String edit distances have been used for decades in applications ranging from spelling correction and web search suggestions to DNA analysis. Most string edit distances are variations of the Levenshtein distance and consider only single-character edits. In forensic applications polymorphic genetic markers such as short tandem repeats (STRs) are used. At these repetitive motifs the DNA copying errors consist of more than just single base differences. More often the phenomenon of "stutter" is observed, where the number of repeated units differs (by whole units) from the template. To adapt the Levenshtein distance to be suitable for forensic applications where DNA sequence similarity is of interest, a generalized string edit distance is defined that accommodates the addition or deletion of whole motifs in addition to single-nucleotide edits. A dynamic programming implementation is developed for computing this distance between sequences. The novelty of this algorithm is in handling the complex interactions that arise between multiple- and single-character edits. Forensic examples illustrate the purpose and use of the Restricted Forensic Levenshtein (RFL) distance measure, but applications extend to sequence alignment and string similarity in other biological areas, as well as dynamic programming algorithms more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA barcoding technology is becoming an increasingly powerful tool in resolving issues of detailed species identification based on morphology, as commonly employed by museums. In the present study, we aimed to identify a stranded Bryde’s whale on Hainan Island, China by extracting DNA from a vertebra pre-treated by physical and/or chemical processes. Based on morphological characteristics, this Bryde’s whale was initially determined as Balaenoptera edeni. Then, DNA was efficiently extracted using ancient DNA techniques. The mitochondrial gene (COI) phylogenetic analysis further revealed that this museum whale specimen belonged to the sub-species B. e. edeni. This study provides a testable and rapid method for museum species verification, by using ancient DNA extraction methods to compensate the disadvantage of traditional DNA extraction methods that are difficult to extract valid DNA.

Marine crustaceans are known as a group with high morphological diversity and great economic value. Most species have planktonic larval stages that are difficult to identify to species level using traditional approaches because of insufficient morphological diagnostic characters or taxonomic descriptions. We used DNA barcoding and molecular species identification to investigate the species diversity and distribution of crustacean larvae in the Zhongsha Islands waters, South China Sea. In total, 108 sequences were obtained from crustacean larvae collected in the Zhongsha Islands waters in 2019 using vertical hauls between the depths of 5 and 200 m. The molecular classification approach confirmed that 108 sequences represented crustaceans typical to the South China Sea, with 70 species identified, representing 43 genera, 23 families, and 4 orders. However, the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences of only 27 species identified from the larval samples matched with available sequences taken from adults in GenBank. The comparison of K2P distances yielded a notable gap of 3.5–10.7% between intraspecific and interspecific distances across the sequence dataset. More than 80% of the crustacean larvae species belonged to the order Decapoda, and they displayed marked differences in their distributionsin the Zhongshan Islands waters. The orders Calanoida and Amphipoda were represented by the fewest species, which were recorded only at the edge of the Zhongsha Atoll.

Background. Broccoli is an early-ripening vegetable crop that contains many biologically active compounds and mineral elements. According to the Genesys database, the global genebank collections contain no more than 465 different broccoli accessions. Fourteen cultivars and hybrids developed in Russia are registered in the State Register of the Russian Federation. The need to improve the assortment in a number of important breeding target areas (small habitus, non-spawning, bud size, disease resistance, etc.) requires the use of new effective techniques, including marker-assisted selection methods and association mapping. In this regard, it seems relevant to evaluate the VIR collection of broccoli using molecular genetic markers, which will provide new source material for breeding.Materials and methods. A molecular genetic study involved 39 broccoli cultivars and hybrid populations of different geographical origin, with various biological characteristics, and for various uses. For the analysis, 35 markers of microsatellite sequences specific to the Brassica L. genome were selected. PCR products were separated by electrophoresis on a 3% agarose gel.Results and conclusions. As a result, 110 polymorphic fragments were identified. In the studied loci, 3 to 7 alleles were pinpointed. The discriminating power of markers ranged from 0.75 to 0.96, and averaged 0.91; the average number of fragments per marker was 4.4. Ten unique alleles and 12 rare alleles (found in less than 8% of the samples) were observed in the studied accessions. On the other hand, the 201 bp allele of the locus BC65 was found in 95% of accessions, that is, it was almost common. All used markers have a sufficiently high diagnostic value and can be recommended for DNA identification in broccoli cultivars. An analysis of the genetic similarity of the collection accessions, carried out in the DarWin program using the Unweighted Neighbor-Joining method, made it possible to establish four closely related clusters.

During the era of biodiversity loss, a complete species census and understanding where the different species occur is of high priority. Even though this knowledge has increased tremendously, mainly with expanded use of integrated taxonomic identification, there are groups where our knowledge is very limited, both in terms of diversity and distribution. Ctenophores are such a group. Due to a lack of identification literature, damage to specimens during net sampling and sample processing, difficulties with preservation and a considerably undescribed diversity within the phylum, this group is often hard to work with. A citizen science approach was applied during a mapping campaign on ctenophore diversity along the Norwegian coast in order to have a broad geographical coverage. This was achieved by a collaboration with five diving clubs along a south-north geographical gradient that were briefly introduced to ctenophore taxonomy and ecology and sampling techniques using Whatman® FTA® Cards. The data collected by the participating divers gave a broad spatial coverage and provided information on ctenophore diversity in these regions. The use of FTA® Cards in the sampling allowed successful species and genus level identification using DNA barcodes. However, small obstacles such as accurate morphological species identification and labor-intensive issues were identified that can impede the use of large-scale citizen science approaches to map ctenophore diversity and thus recommendations for future implications that address these issues are proposed here.

Abstract Background Pheretima is a minister drug in Naoxintong capsule (NXTC), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Owing to the loss of morphological and microscopic characteristics and the lack of recognized chemical marker, it is difficult to identify Pheretima in NXTC. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using DNA techniques to authenticate Pheretima, especially when it is processed into NXTC. Methods DNA was extracted from crude drugs of the genuine and adulterant species, as well as nine batches of NXTCs. Based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, specific primers were designed for two genera of genuine species, Metaphire and Amynthas, respectively. PCR amplification was performed with the designed primers on crude drugs of Pheretima and NXTCs. The purified PCR products were sequenced and the obtained sequences were identified to species level with top hit of similarity with BLAST against GenBank nucleotide database. Results Primers MF2R2 and AF3R1 could amplify specific DNA fragments with sizes around 230–250 bp, both in crude drugs and NXTC. With sequencing and the BLAST search, identities of the tested samples were found. Conclusion This study indicated that the molecular approach is effective for identifying Pheretima in NXTC. Therefore, DNA identification may contribute to the quality control and assurance of NXTC.

Introduction Examination of biological traces on physical evidence by the method of DNA profiling is an extremely important and reliable way to identify the perpetrators of criminal offenses. In expert practice, it is not uncommon for biological material to be deposited by the victim and the physical perpetrator of the crime. Materials and methods A case of murder of a 29-year-old woman with multiple traumas to her body is presented. In the course of the investigation, several objects with blood traces on them have been obtained. The purpose of the examination conducted by the method of DNA profiling has been to look for the presence of deposited biological material on the physical evidence from the perpetrator of the crime, applying Real-Time PCR; Quantifiler™ Trio DNA Quantification Kit; NGM Detect™ PCR Amplification Kit; Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification Kit. Results After the initial genotyping of the traces of blood on the objects, a mixed genetic profile of the victim and low added alleles of another male person has been established, without the possibility of deriving his genetic profile. Discussion In the presented case, due to the prevailing amount of genetic material from the victim in a mixed sample, is analyzed the possibility to use the approach for genotyping the left cellular material by the man holding the knives and golf club, using sex-defining genetic markers contained in his Ychromosome. Conclusion The use of sex-defining Y-chromosome sets of genetic markers to differentiate genetic profiles in mixed female-male biological traces allows ignoring the female component, with its predominant amount masking the deposited cellular material by the perpetrator.

The article examines the relevance of creating a national repository of biological samples collected from Russian citizens. International practices in the introduction and application of proactive DNA-based human identification are analyzed. Information is provided about existing molecular genetic databanks, including one of the largest in the world – the UK National DNA Database containing over 6 million genetic profiles. Availability of reference samples for comparison helps in the identification of evidence found at the scene and thus contributes to effective crime detection. Authors point out the lack of uniform standards for human DNA marker analysis both in Russia and abroad, which significantly complicates DNA identification of biological material. Once a national databank of biological samples is established, the absence of a universally recognized DNA profiling system would be rendered irrelevant. Successful achievement of this objective relies on the use of the most effective and affordable method for collection and long-term storage of genetic material in dry form, i.e. collection paper cards (DNA cards).

Sophora sect. Edwardsia is a group of 19 species largely confined to the South Pacific, with New Zealand the centre of species diversity. We used DNA and morphological analyses to investigate the origins of six uncurated Sophora sect. Edwardsia specimens from the herbarium of John G. Baker and Silvanus Thompson housed at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. These specimens derive from Sophora plants in cultivation in Germany and France between 1796 and 1822. Unexpectedly, our analyses identified one of the specimens as the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) endemic S. toromiro. This species has been extinct in the wild since 1960 but survives in cultivation in botanic and private gardens. The S. toromiro plants in cultivation today are thought to descend from seeds collected during the 1920s–1950s but our specimen was collected from a cultivated specimen in 1800. We suggest that the Baker and Thompson Herbarium S. toromiro specimen likely grew from seed collected during Captain Cook's second voyage (1772–1775). This would give sufficient time for the tree to have grown to a large enough size for a specimen to be removed by 1800. The provenance of the other Sophora specimens was uncertain but they most likely originate from New Zealand and were collected on either Cook's first or second voyages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mass disaster is a situation that involves criticality between the number of victims and resources, in terms of both men and means, present on the site of an event that is mostly unexpected and sudden. In the multidisciplinary teams that intervene, the role of forensic pathologists, who are responsible for the direction and coordination of post-mortem operations, is central, and must remain so. The authors report the case of an explosion of a pyrotechnic artifice factory, as a result of which numerous victims and injuries are recorded. So, the team completed the autopsies and created a protocol to obtain biological samples (bones, blood, teeth, muscles), while the forensic pathologists contacted the families of the alleged victims and each provided a blood sample that was collected for the DNA. The geneticist, using the method of gene extraction and amplification, obtained the DNA from each bone, tooth, and muscle of blood taken from the victims and then compared it with that extracted from the blood samples of the relatives; the electropherograms showed at least one allele for each genetic marker of the “Combined DNA Index System” in common between the victims and the families, thus allowing to establish the identity of all the subjects involved in the event. Having established the identity of all workers, it was possible to determine their whereabouts in the environment at the time of the location of fires and explosions. The results of the various forensic analyzes (autopsies, genetic investigations and even traumatological investigations) have allowed us to validate a scientific method useful in all mass disasters even when any type of anthropological or forensic dental research is difficult.

Understanding farmers' needs and local genetic resources are crucial steps to improve and conserve the potato crop. A study was conducted to understand what potato traits Ethiopian farmers consider most important, and to characterize the diversity and distribution of local varieties. Growers from six districts were surveyed in 2012 and 2014. Based on the survey results, participatory variety selection (PVS) activities were conducted in two districts during two production seasons. Simultaneously, local varieties were collected from northwest and southern Ethiopia and characterized using molecular and morphological markers. Farmers identified 23 traits they considered important for variety selection, with the degree of importance for each trait varying across gender groups, agro-ecological zones, and growing seasons, as well as with extent of market access. The distribution of local varieties varied by agro-ecological zone, cropping system and proximity to markets. Our genetic fingerprinting and morphological characterization further revealed that, 34% of 44 local potato varieties collected are truly unique, the rest were duplicates, known by different names. These unique Ethiopian local varieties harbour considerable genetic variation, compared to the variation found in European and North American clones. Although local varieties may have lower yield than commercial varieties, they have other desirable attributes that make them well suited for alternative uses and different agro-ecologies. Key words: Participatory variety selection, Gender, Local potato varieties, agro-ecological zones, growing seasons, genetic fingerprinting, INTRODUCTION Potato is considered by FAO (2009) as a food security crop that helps to meet the rising food demands in the tropical highlands of sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the [...]

Forensic DNA analysis plays an important role in criminal cases, civil cases, missing persons′ identification, and other truth-ascertaining activities. Selection of an appropriate laboratory for DNA testing, use of amplification reagents, management of database and other standardized operations, standardization of system for biological evidence in terms of sample collection, and sample analysis will improve the quality and credibility of the identification work. However, current forensic DNA standardization in China encounters some problems with respect to the development of standard and technical specification, standard documents, and DNA evidence review and acceptance. Thus, introduction and refinement of the standardization system require collective knowledge and continuous efforts. Moreover, standardization could not replace court review, and expert reports still should be cross-examined in courts.

This case study reports the anthropological analysis of bones remains discovered on Riou Island (Marseille, France) and the story of two World War II fighter pilots. The discovery of bones on "The Fountain of the Greeks" square on Riou Island occurred in the 1960's and a first anthropological study described a 35-year-old man, about 1.77 m tall, buried since an estimated period between the 13th and 16th centuries. The case was "closed" and the bones were considered as isolated archaeological remains. Few years later, near the coasts of Riou Island, parts of two planes were discovered. One was from of a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 F-4 of the Luftwaffe piloted by Prince Alexis fürst zu Bentheim und Steinfurt, and the other from a French P-38 Lightning F-5 B piloted by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Therefore, the identification of the skeletal remains mentioned above was then thought to be perhaps one of the two World War II pilots. In this particular context we performed forensic and molecular biology analyses to resolve this identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the nearly identical phenotypes and chemical constituents, it is often very challenging to accurately differentiate diverse species of a Chinese herbal genus. Although technologies including DNA barcoding have been introduced to help address this problem, they are generally time-consuming and require expensive sequencing. Herein, we present a simple sequencing-free electrochemical biosensor, which enables easy differentiation between two closely related Fritillaria species. To improve its differentiation capability using trace amounts of DNA sample available from herbal extracts, a stepwise electrochemical deposition of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was adopted to engineer a synergistic nanostructured sensing interface. By using such a nanofeatured electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) biosensor, two Chinese herbal species of Fritillaria (F. thunbergii and F. cirrhosa) were successfully discriminated at the DNA level, because a fragment of 16-mer sequence at the spacer region of the 5S-rRNA only exists in F. thunbergii. This E-DNA sensor was capable of identifying the target sequence in the range from 100 fM to 10 nM, and a detection limit as low as 11.7 fM (S/N = 3) was obtained. Importantly, this sensor was applied to detect the unique fragment of the PCR products amplified from F. thunbergii and F. cirrhosa, respectively. We anticipate that such a direct, sequencing-free sensing mode will ultimately pave the way towards a new generation of herb-identification strategies.

Globally, the rapid decline in wildlife species has many causes. The illegal trafficking of fauna and flora is a major contributor to species decline and continues to grow at an alarming rate. To enable the prosecution of those involved in the trafficking of illegal wildlife, accurate and reliable identification is paramount. Traditionally, morphology and DNA amplification are used. This paper investigates a novel application of volatilome profiling using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry for wildlife sample detection. Known samples of elephant-derived ivory, other dentine samples, and bone (a common ivory substitute) were used as reference samples for volatilome profiling. Subsequently, specimens that were suspected ivory from border control seizures were obtained and analysed. Confirmatory DNA analyses were conducted on seized samples to establish the reliability parameters of volatilome profiling. The volatilome method correctly identified six of the eight seized samples as elephant ivory, which was confirmed through DNA analysis. There was also clear distinction of African elephant ivory parts from the bone and dentine samples from other species, as shown through PCA and discriminant analyses. These preliminary results establish volatilome profiling through GC×GC-TOFMS as a novel screening method used for the identification of unknown wildlife contraband.

The article presents the achievements in DNA forensic science practice, the latest developments as well as future trends. The article concerns also other than forensic DNA applications as well as expectations, concerns and obstacles. DNA identification technology unlike other biometric techniques requires the collection of biological material and the identification is not performed in real time. DNA utilized in most of forensic identification, is present almost in every living cell in the body. What is more, each cell of the same body has the same DNA molecule which means that it is possible to compare the DNA sampled from different sources, for example saliva with blood or semen from the same person. Rapid development and reliability of DNA technology contribute to the fact that the analysis of polymorphic DNA sequences constitutes a very important evidence used in the court. The unique properties of DNA and rapid development of DNA analytical devices allow to claim that DNA may assume a more important position amongst biometric data in the future.

The gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata, is common in the Mediterranean Sea and along the Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain and France. Abundance of S. aurata has recently increased along the Brittany coast, showing good adaptation and acclimatisation to northern waters away from its original distribution range. The physiological adaptations (diet, reproduction, growth) of this fish to colder water could even lead to its colonisation of the English Channel. The ability to eat and digest hard prey makes this fish an important consumer of bivalves. The aim of this study was to make a preliminary evaluation of the diet of the gilthead seabream in its northern range of distribution. Prey items from stomach contents of wild adults from various sites along the East Atlantic coast of France to the English Channel were identified morphologically when it was possible, e.g. in presence of decapod appendices, shells of bivalves, or using DNA barcoding. Diet composition was analysed against sites, fish length and month of sampling using the frequency of occurrence (%F) and weight relative proportion (%W). Results showed that the diet of S. aurata was mainly composed of bivalves, malacostracans and gastropods with a huge dominance of Mytilus sp. (%F = 51.5 and %W = 40.2). This first diet analysis of individuals from the northern range of the species distribution showed its ability, as an opportunistic feeder, to find prey in newly colonised ecosystems and its preference for some organisms, especially mussels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of unknown victims of high temperatures (fire, terrorist attack, and other disasters) is one of the most difficult tasks faced by forensic geneticists. The main aim of this study was to in­vestigate the availability of DNA isolated from various human tissue samples exposed to high temperatures of 100¿1000°C for 5 and 10 minutes.~Introduction~Background~Samples of varying thickness of thigh muscle, liver, heart, adipose tissue, bone, teeth, hair and nails of 52 fresh cadavers and 59 healthy teeth of 29 volunteers were used. The study was performed using the following commercially available STR (Short Tandem Repeats) and miniSTR kits: AmpFlSTR®SGM Plus® and AmpFlSTR®MiniFilerTM. Hyper variable region I (HVI) of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was sequenced with BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit 1.1. The PEP (Primer-Extension Preamplification) method was used for the whole human genome amplification.~Material and Methods~Methods~It was possible to obtain complete DNA profiles (AmpFlSTR®SGM Plus®, AmpFlSTR®MiniFilerTM Applied Biosystems, USA and mtDNA HVI region) for tissue samples of heart, liver and thigh muscle, exposed up to 900°C for 5 min. However, under the applied conditions, limited usefulness of hair, nails and teeth for identification purposes was shown.~Results~Results~DNA stability in tissues subjected to incineration depends on many factors, like tissue type and its thickness, temperature and time of exposure. In the cases of human remains exposed to high temperatures, samples of soft tissues of the highest weight (thickness) provide the best chance of successful identification through the genetic analysis. In some cases of negative results, even if using mtDNA typing, application of the whole genome amplification (WGA) technique could provide the expected results for highly degraded DNA templates.~Conclusions~Conclusions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the achievements in DNA forensic science practice, the latest developments as well as future trends. The article concerns also other than forensic DNA applications as well as expectations, concerns and obstacles. DNA identification technology unlike other biometric techniques requires the collection of biological material and the identification is not performed in real time. DNA utilized in most of forensic identification, is present almost in every living cell in the body. What is more, each cell of the same body has the same DNA molecule which means that it is possible to compare the DNA sampled from different sources, for example saliva with blood or semen from the same person. Rapid development and reliability of DNA technology contribute to the fact that the analysis of polymorphic DNA sequences constitutes a very important evidence used in the court. The unique properties of DNA and rapid development of DNA analytical devices allow to claim that DNA may assume a more important position amongst biometric data in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Horns of Saiga antelope ( Saiga tatarica) have always been an ingredient of 'Lingyangjiao', a traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM). Persistent hunting for Saiga antelope has already threatened the survival of critical endangered populations in wild. To control the growing pressure, CITES and Chinese government have legislated for monitoring the trade of Saiga horns. However, similar ungulate horns are difficult to identify by their morphological characteristics, which has impeded the law enforcement. Besides Saiga antelope, other seven ungulate species which have similar horns are also sold and marked as 'Lingyangjiao' in TCM markets to offset shortage of Saiga antelope horns. Such species are Gazella subgutturosa, Pantholops hodgsonii, Procapra picticaudata, Procapra gutturosa, Procapra przewalskii, Capra hircus, and Ovis aries. Our study aimed at implementing DNA barcoding technology to diagnose Saiga horns and the substitutes. We successfully extracted genomic DNA from horn samples. We recovered COI sequences of 644 bp with specific primers and 349 bp with nested PCR primers designed for degraded horn samples. The mean interspecific genetic distance of data set of the 644-bp full barcodes and the 349-bp mini-barcodes was 14.96% and 15.38%, respectively, and the mean intraspecific distance was 0.24% and 0.20%, respectively. Each species formed independent clades in neighbor-joining ( NJ) phylogenetic tree of the two data sets with >99% supporting values, except P. gutturosa and P. przewalskii. The deep genetic distances gap and clear species clades in NJ tree of either full barcodes or mini-barcodes suggest that barcoding technology is an effective tool to diagnose Saiga horns and their substitutes. Barcoding diagnosis protocol developed here will simplify diagnosis of 'Lingyangjiao' species and will facilitate conservation of endangered ungulates involved in TCM 'Lingyangjiao' markets, especially the Saiga antelope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]