DNA profiling from fired cartridge cases: a literature review

Sessa, Francesco; Esposito, Massimiliano; Roccuzzo, Salvatore; Cocimano, Giuseppe; Rosi, Giuseppe Li; Sablone, Sara; Salerno, Monica

doi:10.23736/s2784-8922.23.01845-9

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…DNA transfer in forensic investigation is a crucial process: the sensitivity and specificity of DNA analysis techniques have greatly improved over the years, allowing investigators to detect and analyze even the smallest traces of DNA that could be transferred in a direct/indirect manner [89][90][91][92][93]. The ability to transfer DNA from one surface to another unintentionally, referred to as secondary or indirect transfer, can occur through a variety of mechanisms, such as direct contact or environmental factors [94,95]. Forensic investigators must carefully consider the context of DNA findings, evaluating the likelihood of direct or indirect transfer, and cross-checking various pieces of evidence to ensure accuracy in their conclusions [96].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Sessa,

Esposito,

Cocimano

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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The term artificial intelligence (AI) was coined in the 1950s and it has successfully made its way into different fields of medicine. Forensic sciences and AI are increasingly intersecting fields that hold tremendous potential for solving complex criminal investigations. Considering the great evolution in the technologies applied to forensic genetics, this literature review aims to explore the existing body of research that investigates the application of AI in the field of forensic genetics. Scopus and Web of Science were searched: after an accurate evaluation, 12 articles were included in the present systematic review. The application of AI in the field of forensic genetics has predominantly focused on two aspects. Firstly, several studies have investigated the use of AI in haplogroup analysis to enhance and expedite the classification process of DNA samples. Secondly, other research groups have utilized AI to analyze short tandem repeat (STR) profiles, thereby minimizing the risk of misinterpretation. While AI has proven to be highly useful in forensic genetics, further improvements are needed before using these applications in real cases. The main challenge lies in the communication gap between forensic experts: as AI continues to advance, the collaboration between forensic sciences and AI presents immense potential for transforming investigative practices, enabling quicker and more precise case resolutions.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Sessa,

Esposito,

Cocimano

et al. 2024

Applied Sciences

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“…Montpetit and O'Donnell [35] reported the possibility of finding foreign DNA on a cartridge after a gunshot, demonstrating the possibility of secondary transfer. Undoubtedly, the recovered touch DNA from fired cartridges is increasing thanks to the new technologies applied to forensic investigations both in sampling and profiling [73].…”

Section: Main Findingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Indirect DNA Transfer and Forensic Implications: A Literature Review

Sessa,

Pomara,

Esposito

et al. 2023

Genes

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Progress in DNA profiling techniques has made it possible to detect even the minimum amount of DNA at a crime scene (i.e., a complete DNA profile can be produced using as little as 100 pg of DNA, equivalent to only 15–20 human cells), leading to new defense strategies. While the evidence of a DNA trace is seldom challenged in court by a defendant’s legal team, concerns are often raised about how the DNA was transferred to the location of the crime. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the experimental work carried out focusing on indirect DNA transfer, analyzing each selected paper, the experimental method, the sampling technique, the extraction protocol, and the main results. Scopus and Web of Science databases were used as the search engines, including 49 papers. Based on the results of this review, one of the factors that influence secondary transfer is the amount of DNA shed by different individuals. Another factor is the type and duration of contact between individuals or objects (generally, more intimate or prolonged contact results in more DNA transfer). A third factor is the nature and quality of the DNA source. However, there are exceptions and variations depending on individual characteristics and environmental conditions. Considering that secondary transfer depends on multiple factors that interact with each other in unpredictable ways, it should be considered a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can affect forensic investigation in various ways, for example, placing a subject at a crime scene who has never been there. Correct methods and protocols are required to detect and prevent secondary transfer from compromising forensic evidence, as well as the correct interpretation through Bayesian networks. In this context, the definition of well-designed experimental studies combined with the use of new forensic techniques could improve our knowledge in this challenging field, reinforcing the value of DNA evidence in criminal trials.

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The Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Amount of DNA Obtained from Fired Cartridge Cases

Ay,

Gülekçi,

Yüksek

et al. 2024

blm

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Objective: It involves the evaluation of the effects of different biological materials deposited on cartridge cases on the amount of DNA recovered post-firing, considering the influence of time and different types of swabs Methods: MKE 9x19 mm brass cartridges were contaminated with blood and epithelial cells, fired, and swabbed at different intervals (1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months) to assess DNA quantity. The study compared microfiber and cotton swabs, utilizing the phenolchloroform method for DNA extraction and the Quantifiler Trio kit with the 7500 real-time polymerase chain reactionsystem for quantification.Results: According to the AmpFlSTR™ Identifiler™ kit, eight cartridge cases fell within the high-quality DNA profile range (0.05-0.125 ng/µL). One of these is an epithelium-contaminated cartridge, while the others are blood-contaminated cartridges. For cotton swabs, the highest degradation rate was obtained in the 4 th week for blood contaminated cases, 2 nd weeks for epithelial cell-contaminated cases. For microfiber swabs, the highest degradation rate was obtained in the 3 rd month for blood contaminated cases, 1st day for epithelial cell-contaminated cases. In a study using cotton and microfiber swabs to collect samples from different biological materials on cartridge cases, no significant difference was found in DNA quantity between the swab types on day 1 and month 3. Conclusion:The microfiber swab, considered an alternative to the routinely used cotton swab, did not demonstrate superiority. DNA sufficient for successful profiling was obtained even from cartridges swabbed three months after firing. Additionally, blood-contaminated cartridges had significantly higher DNA levels than those contaminated with epithelial cells.

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DNA profiling from fired cartridge cases: a literature review

Cited by 3 publications

References 40 publications

Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Artificial Intelligence and Forensic Genetics: Current Applications and Future Perspectives

Indirect DNA Transfer and Forensic Implications: A Literature Review

The Evaluation of Factors Affecting the Amount of DNA Obtained from Fired Cartridge Cases

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