Optimizing DNA recovery and forensic typing of degraded blood and dental remains using a specialized extraction method, comprehensive qPCR sample characterization, and massively parallel sequencing.

Human dental remains encountered in criminal casework evidence, missing person cases, or mass disaster tragedies provide a valuable sample source for DNA typing when suitable soft tissue is unavailable. Using traditional methods, teeth samples can be challenging to process, resulting in low-quantity and/or quality nuclear DNA and insufficient profiles for comparisons. This study examines the performance of a three-part nuclear DNA analysis workflow for teeth samples based on (1) improved dental tissue recovery using the Dental Forensic Kit (DFKMR) (Universidad de los Andes) and DNA extraction with QuickExtract™ FFPE DNA Extraction Kit (Lucigen®), (2) quantification with InnoQuant® HY (InnoGenomics Technologies) for sensitive assessment of total human and male DNA quantity/quality, and (3) massively parallel sequencing for simultaneous genotyping of 231 short tandem repeat (STR) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers with the ForenSeq® DNA Signature Prep Kit (Verogen, Inc.). Initial evaluation of artificially degraded blood samples (n = 10) achieved highly sensitive and informative quantification results with InnoQuant® HY, enabling successful first pass genotyping with the MiSeq FGx® System. Twenty-three STR alleles (out of 85) and 70 identity informative SNP loci (out of 94) were recovered from two pg total long target DNA input (0.86 ng total short target input) and an InnoQuant degradation index (DI) of 460 (severely degraded). The three-part workflow was subsequently applied to teeth samples (dental pulp, root cement tissues; n = 13) with postmortem intervals (PMI) of the teeth ranging from 8 days to approximately 6 months. Informative SNP and STR DNA profiles were obtained, to include 78 STR alleles and 85 identity informative SNP loci typed (of 94 total SNP targets) in a 1 month, four-day PMI root cement sample with one pg total long target DNA input and a DI of 76. These data indicate successful performance of the proposed workflow from degraded DNA from teeth samples.

The Fontan outcomes network: first steps towards building a lifespan registry for individuals with Fontan circulation in the United States.

The Fontan Outcomes Network was created to improve outcomes for children and adults with single ventricle CHD living with Fontan circulation. The network mission is to optimise longevity and quality of life by improving physical health, neurodevelopmental outcomes, resilience, and emotional health for these individuals and their families. This manuscript describes the systematic design of this new learning health network, including the initial steps in development of a national, lifespan registry, and pilot testing of data collection forms at 10 congenital heart centres.

Developmental validation of the ForenSeq® Kintelligence kit, MiSeq FGx® sequencing system and ForenSeq Universal Analysis Software.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy, a recent sub discipline of forensic genomics, leverages the high throughput and sensitivity of detection of next generation sequencing and established genetic and genealogical approaches to support the identification of human remains from missing persons investigations and investigative lead generation in violent crimes. To facilitate forensic DNA evidence analysis, the ForenSeq® Kintelligence multiplex, consisting of 10,230 SNPs, was developed. Design of the ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit, the MiSeq FGx® Sequencing System and the ForenSeq Universal Analysis Software is described. Developmental validation in accordance with SWGDAM guidelines and forensic quality assurance standards, using single source samples, is reported for the end-to-end workflow from library preparation to data interpretation. Performance metrics support the conclusion that more genetic information can be obtained from challenging samples compared to other commercially available forensic targeted DNA assays developed for capillary electrophoresis (CE) or other current next generation sequencing (NGS) kits due to the higher number of markers, the overall shorter amplicon sizes (97.8% <150 bp), and kit design. Data indicate that the multiplex is robust and fit for purpose for a wide range of quantity and quality samples. The ForenSeq Kintelligence Kit and the Universal Analysis Software allow transfer of the genetic component of forensic investigative genetic genealogy to the operational forensic laboratory.