Browsing by Subject "DNA profiles"
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Item Evaluation and Validation of Tecan Genios Microplate Reader for Quantification and Normalization of Family Reference DNA Samples(2007-08-01) Fuqua, Lauren; John Planz; Arthur Eisenberg; Joseph WarrenIn 2001, the Texas State legislation established the Texas Missing Persons DNA Database (TMPDD) at the University of North Texas System Center for Human Identification Laboratory. Texas was the first state to participate in the missing persons section of the federal (FBI) database titles Combined DNA Index System or CODIS. Two indices of CODIS include the Unidentified Human Remains index and the Relatives of Missing Person index. Medical specimens, such as bone marrow or blood, or personal items used only by the missing person, such as a toothbrush or hairbrush, are ideal for identifying human remains through comparison of DNA profiles; although, DNA samples can be taken from family members to help locate missing persons or identify remains. DNA profiles from family reference samples, such as blood or buccal swabs from a close relative, are analyzed and uploaded into CODIS to allow federal, state, and local crime laboratories to exchange and compare profiles to missing persons electronically. At the University of North Texas Health Science Center, family reference samples, missing person reference samples, and unidentified human remains are analyzed to obtain DNA profiles for comparison. This research project involves a method that is proposed to improve the efficiency of DNA analysis for family reference samples. At the UNT System Center for Human Identification laboratory, the family reference samples are extracted in batches of 86 using the Tecan Freedom EVO® 100 extraction robot with the DNA IQ™ extraction kit from Promega Corporation. The DNA IQ™ extraction process is used in conjunction with the EVO® 100 robot in order to obtain a consistent amount of total extracted DNA; although, substantial variation has been detected in the output DNA quantity delivered. A considerable percentage (~20%) of samples exceed the optimal input template DNA amount required for successful amplification using the Applied Biosystems AmpFʅSTR® kits. A method of normalizing these samples was needed to bring the standard input DNA range within the optimal analytical range of the Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzers and GeneMapper™ ID software. The ultimate objective of this internship practicum was to improve the efficiency of DNA analysis for family reference samples by using the Tecan GENios microplate reader in conjunction with an OliGreen® assay to estimate DNA quantity with the aim of using the quantification values to normalize family reference samples into an ideal input range for genetic analysis.Item Evaluation of a Novel Dual Biometric Device Used to Obtain DNA from Fingerprints(2008-06-01) Mann, Michael L.; Arthur Eisenberg; John Planz; Joseph WarrenSummary: MICROFIELD COMPANY S.A. is currently developing a non intrusive method of obtaining a reference DNA sample known as Lift & Rub (Figure 1). The Lift & Rub is a self-adhesive security stamp designed to collect a single fingerprint from a known individual that can be used for DNA analyses. Lift & Rub is composed of an adhesive material with a protective film. The Lift & Rub is composed of an adhesive material with a protective film. The Lift & Rub is used in conjunction with an abrasive strip and a product named Dry-Ink, a graphite laminate. Together these items allow for an alternative to the traditional fingerprint collection technique and improve on it by allowing for DNA analysis. The objective of this research is test and maximize the performance of Lift & Rub. Microfield’s Lift & Rub is designed to collect a single fingerprint from a known individual to be used for DNA analyses. The Lift & Rub is intended to provide a full genetic profile of a known individual. This project aims to: 1) establish a standard collection protocol by evaluating empirical data to determine the average DNA yields using various collection techniques; 2) evaluate the reproducibility of DNA profiles obtained; and 3) gauge the overall success rate of obtaining a complete profile.