Archived or directly swabbed latent fingerprints as a DNA source for STR typing.

Former studies [Nature (1997) 387, Electrophoresis 20 (1999) 2870, P. Van Renterghem, D. Leonard, C. De Greef, Progress in Forensic Genetics, Vol. 8, 2000, p. 501, J. Forensic Sci. 45 (3) (2000) 687] have shown that even a single skin contact, documented by a latent fingerprint, can transfer enough DNA for a genetic analysis. It was proven in these studies that it is possible to swab fingerprints from surfaces [Nature (1997) 387, Electrophoresis 20 (1999) 2870, P. Van Renterghem, D. Leonard, C. De Greef, Progress in Forensic Genetics, Vol. 8, 2000, p. 501] and use them as a DNA source. Usually, however, discovered fingerprints are removed with scotch tape and placed on evidence cards for further investigation.In this study, we tried to assess the potential use of latent fingerprints as a DNA source for STR typing. The materials (magnetic powder, soot powder and scotch tape) used for visualization and archiving fingerprints in Germany were tested for their PCR inhibitory characteristics. Then, fingerprints were placed on clean glass surfaces, visualized and tested for their usefulness as a DNA source. Obtained DNA was quantified and tested in an STR system. Partly it proved possible to type fingerprints taken directly from the surface as well as fingerprints removed from the surface with scotch tape.

The healing effects on the biomechanical properties of joint capsular tissue treated with Ho:YAG laser: An in vivo rabbit study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the healing response, after thermal treatment with a Ho:YAG laser, on the biomechanical properties of capsular soft tissue. TYPE OF STUDY: Before and after trial. METHODS: Forty-five New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study. A medial peripatellar retinacular thermal capsuloplasty using a Ho:YAG laser and a lateral peripatellar retinacular release was performed on 1 knee of each rabbit. The contralateral knee served as a control and had a lateral release of the retinaculum only. The temperature of the medial retinaculum was maintained at 55 degrees C +/- 5 degrees C during treatment. The medial peripatellar retinaculum was evaluated at 0, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Tensile testing of the medial retinaculum and a biomechanical assessment evaluating the structural and material properties were performed. RESULTS: The ultimate load (force) of the medial retinaculum was 70%, 56%, and 84% of control at 0, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively, after the procedure. The stiffness (force/deformation) of the medial retinaculum was 83% of control at 0 weeks, 54% at 6 weeks, and 85% at 12 weeks. The ultimate stress (force/area) of the medial retinaculum also showed a significant reduction at 0 and 6 weeks postoperatively, 63% and 62% of control, respectively. By 12 weeks, the ultimate stress was 83% of control. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal treatment of the medial retinaculum with a Ho:YAG laser results in soft tissue with significantly diminished biomechanical properties after treatment. The results of this study suggest that a 12-week period of minimal stress on the capsular tissues should follow a thermal capsuloplasty procedure.

Ninhydrin-dyed latent fingerprints as a DNA source in a murder case.

In this case report, we describe the possibility of using ninhydrin-dyed fingerprints as a DNA source for STR typing. Preliminary tests prove that ninhydrin-dyed material still can be useful for STR typing. The case material consisted of seven ninhydrin-labeled latent fingerprints found at a murder crime site, which could not be typed in a classical manner. We were able to swap DNA from the ninhydrin-treated areas and successfully use it for STR typing.

New diterpenes from the gorgonian Solenopodium excavatum.

Seven new briariane diterpene lactones were isolated from the gorgonian Solenopodium excavatum collected in New Guinea. One structure (4) was determined by X-ray diffraction and the remainder were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Six of the new briareolides, 4-9, exist in a conformation that is quite uncommon for representatives of this fairly large family of compounds, namely one in which the bonds joining the 10-membered ring to the 6-membered ring are nearly diaxially oriented. Conformational energy calculations are discussed as are the structural features that are responsible for the uncommon conformation. Mild cytotoxic activity was confirmed for 4.