Analysis of DNA profiles of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) to provide evidence of illegal logging

The present work formed part of a research project supported by the General Directorate of State Forests (Grants BLP-333 and BLP-384). We gratefully acknowledge the Forest Guard staff from Śnieżka Forest District for their efficient cooperation. We also thank Małgorzata Gorzkowska from the Laboratory of Molecular Biology FRI Poland, who assisted with processing of plant material in the laboratory.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

A quick PCR-based method for identification of Melolontha melolontha and Melolontha hippocastani (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae

The common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha) and the forest cockchafer (Melolontha hippocastani) are among the most destructive insect pests in many European countries. Larvae feed on the roots of numerous plant species, thus inflicting severe damage and heavy economic losses. The two species are often discussed together because they are difficult to distinguish during the larval stage.However, they differ slightly in ecology and development. The aim of this study was to develop a quick PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism) method for easily identifying the two Melolonthaspecies through tissue samples or larvae, when reliable morphological identification is lacking. The strength of the method was tested on 43 M. melolonthaand 37 M. hippocastani individuals. We demonstrate that the technique is rapid and inexpensive, with strong implications for the effective management of these insect pests

Activation of homeless people through Petanque Game

This study contains a description of homelessness in Poland and a description of a social project aimed at improving the quality of life of homeless people staying in the shelter for homeless men, on ul. Bogedain 5 in Wrocław belonging to the Saint Albert Association, through the activation of homeless people during physical activities with the help of the organized Petanque Games tournament. The homeless team had the opportunity to compete with outsiders, which allowed for social integration and counteracting the exclusion of homeless people. The implementation of tasks was aimed at improving the quality of men's lives as well as popularizing the tradition of playing at Petanque in a group of homeless men, meeting the needs of active activation, integration and social inclusion in this group of people

Analysis of four PCR/SNaPshot multiplex assays analyzing 52 SNPforID markers

The SNPforID consortium identified a panel of 52 SNPs forensic analysis that has been used by several laboratories worldwide. The original analysis of the 52 SNPs was based on a single multiplex reaction followed by two single-base-extension (SBE) reactions each of which was analyzed using capillary electrophoresis. The SBE assays were designed for high throughput genetic analyzers and were difficult to use on the single capillary ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer and the latest generation 3500 Genetic Analyzer, as sensitivity on the 310 was low and separation of products on the 3500 with POP-7™ was poor. We have modified the original assay and split it into four multiplex reactions, each followed by an SBE assay. These multiplex assays were analyzed using polymer POP-4™ on ABI 310 PRISM® and polymers POP-4™, POP-6™ and POP-7™ on the 3500 Genetic Analyzer. The assays were sensitive and reproducible with input DNA as low as 60 pg using both the ABI 310 and 3500. In addition, we found that POP-6™ was most effective with the 3500, based on the parameters that we assessed, achieving better separation of the small SBE products; this conflicted with the recommended use of POP-7™ by the instrument manufacturer. To support the use of the SNP panel in casework in Malaysia we have created an allele frequency database from 325 individuals, representing the major population groups within Malaysia. Population and forensic parameters were estimated for all populations and its efficacy evaluated using 51 forensic samples from challenging casework

Domestic chickens activate a piRNA defense against avian leukosis virus

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) protect the germ line by targeting transposable elements (TEs) through the base-pair complementarity. We do not know how piRNAs co-evolve with TEs in chickens. Here we reported that all active TEs in the chicken germ line are targeted by piRNAs, and as TEs lose their activity, the corresponding piRNAs erode away. We observed de novo piRNA birth as host responds to a recent retroviral invasion. Avian leukosis virus (ALV) has endogenized prior to chicken domestication, remains infectious, and threatens poultry industry. Domestic fowl produce piRNAs targeting ALV from one ALV provirus that was known to render its host ALV resistant. This proviral locus does not produce piRNAs in undomesticated wild chickens. Our findings uncover rapid piRNA evolution reflecting contemporary TE activity, identify a new piRNA acquisition modality by activating a pre-existing genomic locus, and extend piRNA defense roles to include the period when endogenous retroviruses are still infectious. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24695.00

FORENSIC SCIENCES Development of a Human DNA Quantitation System

The AluQuant™ Human DNA Quantitation System has been developed for human-specific quantitation of forensic samples. This system uses probes specific to repetitive genetic elements allowing quantitation without target amplification. Target immobilization is unnecessary with employment of solution hybridization. The AluQuant™ Human DNA Quantitation System uses a series of enzymatic reactions to produce a luminescent signal proportional to the quantity of human DNA present. This report demonstrates a range of quantitation from 0.1-50 ng of human DNA. Signal from non-human DNAs tested was insignificant and addition of non-human DNAs into a human sample did not alter quantitation. Lastly, the system was unaffected by degradation of sample through sonication. The AluQuant™ Human DNA Quantitation System is a simple and sensitive method for quantitating the concentration of human DNA in forensic samples

Allelic frequencies and statistical data obtained from 12 codis STR loci in an admixed population of the Brazilian Amazon

The allelic frequencies of 12 short tandem repeat loci were obtained from a sample of 307 unrelated individuals living in Macapá, a city in the northern Amazon region, Brazil. These loci are the most commonly used in forensics and paternity testing. Based on the allele frequency obtained for the population of Macapá, we estimated an interethnic admixture for the three parental groups (European, Native American and African) of, respectively, 46%, 35% and 19%. Comparing these allele frequencies with those of other Brazilian populations and of the Iberian Peninsula population, no significant distances were observed. The interpopulation genetic distances (FST coefficients) to the present database ranged from FST = 0.0016 between Macapá and Belém to FST = 0.0036 between Macapá and the Iberian Peninsula