Browsing by Subject "sexual assault"
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Item A prospective cost-benefit analysis for nylon 4N6FLOQSwabs(R): example of the process and potential benefits(Springer Nature, 2022-09-04) Budowle, Bruce; Ge, Jianye; Sajantila, AnttiLaboratories and their criminal justice systems are confronted with challenges for implementing new technologies, practices, and policies even when there appears to be demonstrative benefits to operational performance. Impacting decisions are the often higher costs associated with, for example, new technologies, limited current budgets, and making hard decisions on what to sacrifice to take on the seemingly better approach. A prospective cost-benefit analysis (CBA) could help an agency better formulate its strategies and plans and more importantly delineate how a relatively small increase to take on, for example, a new technology can have large impact on the system (e.g., the agency, other agencies, victims and families, and taxpayers). To demonstrate the process and potential value a CBA was performed on the use of an alternate and more expensive swab with reported better DNA yield and being certified human DNA free (i.e., nylon 4N6FLOQSwabs(R)), versus the traditional less costly swab (i.e., cotton swab). Assumptions are described, potential underestimates and overestimates noted, different values applied (for low and modest to high), and potential benefits (monetary and qualitative) presented. The overall outcome is that the cost of using the more expensive technology pales compared with the potential tangible and intangible benefits. This approach could be a guide for laboratories (and associated criminal justice systems) worldwide to support increased funding, although the costs and benefits may vary locally and for different technologies, practices, and policies. With well-developed CBAs, goals of providing the best services to support the criminal justice system and society can be attained.Item Comparison of Four Differential DNA Extraction Methods for Casework Analysis of Sexual Assault Kit Swabs(2016-05-01) Brignac, Francine J.; Joseph E. WarrenSexual assault kits make up 40-50% of a typical Forensic Laboratory caseload. The traditional method to process these samples is time-consuming and requires the use of hazardous chemicals such as Phenol:Chloroform:Isoamyl Alcohol (PCIA). This study compares another manual differential extraction method and two automated methods to the traditional standard differential extraction. Results indicate that as sperm sample concentration decreases, automated methods produce superior results both in DNA quantity obtained and in quality of STR profiles produced. Automated methods reduce hands-on time, facilitate higher through-put of samples, and reduce analyst contact with hazardous chemicals such as PCIA, making it an excellent choice for labs.Item Evaluation of Applied Biosystems' Real-Time Human Quantification Assays(2003-05-01) Hybki, Dixie Lee Peters; John Planz; Arthur Eisenberg; Joseph WarrenTo aid the forensic community with its quantification issues, Applied Biosystems is currently developing human specific and human male specific quantification assays using Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) and TaqMan probes. The human specific assay amplifies an autosomal specific gene, located on chromosome five, while the human male specific assay amplifies a region on the Y chromosome. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the assays with forensic samples to determine if the use of these kits would be appropriate to the forensic community. These kits are not commercially available at the time of this writing. Therefore, several details have been omitted to protect the patent and legal issues that are still pending. It is expected that these assays will surpass the sensitivity and specificity of current methods. This will not only meet, but also exceed the standard set forth by the DAB. By providing additional information such as human male DNA quantification and PCR inhibitor detection, these kits can provide what the forensic community has been lacking. The human male DNA detection and quantification is valuable in providing proof that male DNA was present in an intimate sample from a sexual assault case. This would be especially important in a case in which the offender was a vasectomized male, and for resolving mixtures of the victim and offender’s genetic profiles. The detection of PCR inhibitors for the elimination of futile genetic analysis is a novel component that would provide additional advantages. These kits will offer means for proper quantification to allow for minimal space waste, and allow for successful multiplex PCR within its optimal range. Today, STR analysis will proceed, and is often successful, even if no quantification results are obtained with current methods. The legal system questions this approach. The ability of autosomal specific and Y-chromosome specific RT-PCR quantification assays to assess low level DNA would provide the justification for subsequent analysis that would quiet the legal system’s arguments concerning human quantification.Item Optimization of Spermatozoa Capture During the Differential Extraction Process for STR Typing with the Potential for Automation(2002-05-01) Marshall, Pamela L.; Eisenberg, Arthur; Martin, Michael W.; Wordinger, Robert J.Marshall, Pamela. Optimization of Spermatozoa Capture During the Differential Extraction Process for STR Typing With the Potential for Automation. Master of Science (Forensic Genetics). May, 2002. In 1998, within the United States, it is estimated that a rape occurred every 2.3 minutes. In 1995, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 350,000 rapes or sexual assaults (R/SA0 were experienced by persons age 12 or older. Of the estimated 100,000 R/SA reported, there were only approximately, 25,000 cases analyzed by crime labs nationwide. The majority of crime laboratories throughout the U.S., especially those in major metropolitan cities, have a significant backlog of unresolved R/SA cases. With the implementation of the Convicted Offender Database (CODIS), it is essential that all R/SA cases by analyzed, especially those lacking a known suspect. The comparison of the short tandem repeat (STR) profiles derived from sperm DNA recovered from evidentiary material with CODIS samples would provide the police with critical investigative leads resulting in the identification of the assailant. The goal of this research is to develop a cellular sorting method for the isolation of sperm cells from sexual assault samples which will: 1) take advantage of differentiating features (extracellular antigenic sites) for complete separation of cell types, 2) provide a more efficient means of sperm recovery, increasing DNA yield from the male fraction, and 3) ensure the DNA isolation process is compatible with the amplification of the CODIS core STR loci. Overall, the proposed technique will increase the probability of success in the analysis of sexual assault case samples. (NIJGrant #: 2000-IJ-CX-K009).