Estimating the way of deposition of saliva stains using quantitative analysis of forensic salivary biomarkers.

Analyzing the way of deposition of saliva stains contributes to appropriate interpretation of saliva as evidence in court, particularly in sexual assault cases. In this proof-of-concept study, we aimed to confirm the difference between drooling-derived (non-contact) saliva and licking-derived (contact) saliva and clarify whether objectively distinguishing between the two saliva is possible. To allow discrimination between these two samples, an indicator was devised where the relative Streptococcus salivarius DNA quantity was calculated by dividing the S. salivarius DNA copies by the amount of stained saliva from the same saliva sample using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and salivary α-amylase activity assays. The study findings reveal that the value of the proposed indicator of licking-derived saliva was 100-fold significantly greater than that of drooling-derived saliva (P < 0.05, Welch's t-test). However, theoretical and technical challenges preclude the application of this indicator as a practical method. We believe that this saliva-specific bacterial DNA-based approach could allow estimation of the saliva stain deposition method.

Single-Cell Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells from Patients with Colorectal Cancer Captured with a Dielectrophoresis-Based Micropore System.

This study aimed to analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). We designed a dielectrophoresis-based micropore system and tested its cell capture with HT29 colon cancer cells. Then, blood samples were drawn from 24 patients with stages II-IV CRC. Mononuclear cells were isolated and loaded into the micropore system. Single cells were positioned into small pores with dielectrophoresis. After labeling the cells with the appropriate antibodies, tumor-like cells were collected with an automated micromanipulator. We collected 43 CTCs from 15 out of 24 patient samples. The presence of CTC was significantly associated with ling metastasis. We performed whole genome amplification, followed by PCR and Sanger sequencing, to examine the point mutations in the KRAS, BRAF, and PIK3CA genes. This mutation analysis was successfully performed in 35 cells. Among the 14 cytokeratin (CK)-positive cells, we found PIK3CA mutations in three cells (21%) from two patients. Among the 21 CK-negative cells, we found a KRAS mutation in one cell (5%) from one patient and a PIK3CA mutation in one cell (5%) from one patient. It is noteworthy that these mutations were not detected in the corresponding primary tumors. In conclusion, dielectrophoresis-based capture in a micropore system was useful for detecting both CK-positive and CK-negative CTCs. This simple method could be applied to various tumor types.

Application of DNA repair for Streptococcus salivarius DNA-based identification of saliva from ultraviolet-exposed samples.

Forensic samples are commonly influenced by various environmental factors, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation; thus, forensic applications of DNA repair (e.g., PreCR™, Restorase®) have been investigated, focusing on short tandem repeat typing. However, current DNA-based examinations are used for both human and body fluid identification. This study thus aims to clarify the efficacy of a DNA repair approach for Streptococcus salivarius DNA-based identification of saliva from UV-damaged samples. Artificial UV-damaged genomic DNA of S. salivarius, drop saliva stains, and buccal swabs were used to evaluate the effects of DNA repair on S. salivarius DNA detection by using PreCR™ repair reagent. To evaluate forensic applications, we prepared mock forensic samples by exposing them to environmental conditions. Melting curve analysis following real-time PCR was applied for qualitatively detecting S. salivarius DNA with a specific melting peak of 80.5°C±0.4°C (n=10, mean ± 3SD). Single PCR was used for quantitative and qualitative analyses, whereas dual PCR was used for S. salivarius DNA qualitative detection. DNA repair experiments using artificial UV-damaged samples revealed a significant increase of only the quantitative value of genomic DNA samples by DNA repair. Moreover, significant quantitative DNA repair effects were not observed in all mock forensic samples, indicating the limitations of DNA repair for actual cell-derived DNA samples. Whereas, differences of qualitative results (with or without detection) were generated for mock forensic samples; thus, we consider the DNA repair strategy as an additional approach for S. salivarius DNA-based identification of saliva from environmentally damaged evidence.

Comparison of Catalytic and Immunological Amylase Tests for Identifying of Saliva from Degraded Samples.

The stability of salivary α-amylase is a critical factor in both catalytic and immunological method-based forensic saliva identification. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity of catalytic and immunological tests on degraded saliva samples. Degraded saliva stains were prepared by microbial decomposition using humid soil. Salivary α-amylase activity was catalytically detected both qualitatively and quantitatively using the Phadebas® amylase test. As immunological methods, we conducted qualitative and quantitative tests using the RSID™-saliva test and ELISA, respectively. Salivary α-amylase activity of degraded samples (incubated at 37°C for 12 h) was significantly lower than that of controls in the quantitative tests. All the degraded samples obtained by the humid soil produced negative results in the Phadebas® tests, but showed positive results in the RSID™-saliva test and ELISA. These results suggest that immunological tests are effective for testing degraded saliva samples that have lost their enzymatic activity.