Genetic markers can represent a valuable tool for forensic purposes in discriminating between fiber-type and drug-type cannabis. The aim of this research was to evaluate developed genetic markers for ...tetrahydrocannabinolic acid synthase (THCAS) when applied on certified hemp (14 varieties) and forensic casework samples of four chemotypes (40 seizures). Chemotype-associated PCR-based markers did not enable reliable selective amplification despite the difference in cannabinoid composition. In order to characterize forensic samples of unknown origin, THCAS sequencing was performed. The comparison of THCAS sequences, including additional accessions, indicated high genetic similarity of hemp varieties. Confiscated samples of intermediate, THC, CBD and CBG type were clearly separated from fiber-type accessions and assigned to drug-type cluster. Despite the unknown origin, their position on the tree support the notion that they are more related to drug-type accessions than to the fiber-type. However, no clear distinction between chemotypes was found. Furthermore, 26 amino acid substitutions were revealed in THCAS that clearly separate hemp varieties and neither of them cluster with any other tested sample.
We provide the first known documentation of a fatal brown bear (Ursus arctos) poisoning with carbofuran (an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) in Croatia. Diagnosis using liquid chromatography–mass ...spectrometry confirmed the presence of high concentrations of carbofuran in liver and kidney tissue (12.650 and 2.695 ppm, respectively). These measurements, combined with the very small distance between poisonous baits and the brown bear carcass, provided the basis on which we concluded that the animal consumed a lethal dose of carbofuran and succumbed to acute poisoning soon thereafter. We believe this mortality was caused by the illegal placement of this poison probably to eliminate perceived pests, such as jackals (Canis aureus) or foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Our documentation may help identify similar cases and raise awareness of the risks posed by illegal poisons for non-target species, particularly scavengers such as bears.
Y-STR genetic diversity of Croatian (Bayash) Roma Pokupčić, Kristina; Cukrov, Slavena; Klarić, Irena Martinović ...
Forensic science international : genetics,
03/2008, Volume:
2, Issue:
2
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Abstract Seventeen Y-chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) (DYS19, DYS385, DYS389I, DYS398II, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, DYS393, DYS437, DYS438, DYS439, DYS448, DYS456, DYS458, DYS635, GATA H4.1) were ...typed in DNA samples from 146 unrelated adult Romani Bayash men from eastern and northwestern Croatia. Analysed Croatian Bayash Romani population represents an example of genetically homogenous population characterised by low levels of haplotype diversity and unique haplotype ratio as well as sharing of the same most frequent (founding) haplotype and its close derivatives by more than one third of the analyzed men. Despite almost exclusive sharing of the same minimal haplotype and its closely related derivates on the background of the Indian Y SNP haplogroup H1, we observed considerable level of genetic differentiation of Romani populations across Europe that should not be neglected in forensic statistics.
