Of Alps and Men: On Social and Y-Chromosomal Markers from Tyrol, Austria

 Published in 2013

Of Alps and Men: On Social and Y-Chromosomal Markers from Tyrol, Austria

Niederstätter,H.; Berger,B.; Erhart,D.; Parson,W.

Alpine landscapes impede human dispersal and both migration and permanently habitable areas are largely restricted to mountain valleys. The complex topography results in complex patterns of human settlement characterized by communities with differing degrees of connection and size, even at the microgeographical scale. This is likely to leave its mark on the local genetic make-up, as successful movement of individuals between communities forms a basis of genetic diversity. On top of that, social factors, such as inheritance law fostering patrilocality or authoritarian restrictions in access to marriage and reproduction, can form barriers with low permeability to gene flow and will support non-random mating. In general, larger and/or more connected communities will be less susceptible to the interplay of these different factors, whereas small and isolated groups are at a higher risk of becoming subject to the effects of genetic drift and losing genetic diversity.

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The CaDNAP Proficiency Test

 Published in 2013

The CaDNAP Proficiency Test: A Quality Control Instrument for Performance Monitoring the Forensic Analysis of Canine DNA

Berger,B.; Berger,C.; Hecht,W.; Hellmann,A.; Rohleder,U.; Schleenbecker,U.; Morf,N.; Parson,W.

Identity testing of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to add relevant information to forensic cases and plays a leading role in setting quality standards for non-human DNA typing. However, canine DNA analysis is miles away from being widespread practice. That in turn means that the laboratories concerned operate isolated from others and have limited opportunities to compare their competence. Errors, bias or significant methodical differences might have serious consequences. Therefore, appropriate procedures are necessary to counteract these potential risks, if possible in advance. In order to meet this issue the Canine DNA Profiling (CaDNAP) group has successfully performed validation studies including interlaboratory comparisons for specified canine STRs [1]. According to ISO/IEC 17025 a laboratory shall have quality control procedures in place such as the participation in proficiency tests (PT). Proficiency testing is defined as the determination of a laboratory’s testing performance against pre-established criteria by means of i nterlaboratory comparisons providing an independent appraisal to reference values.

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Alcohol consumption habits among adolescents

 Published in 2011

Alcohol consumption habits among adolescents

Girstmair,S.; Stefanitsch,E.; Beer,B.; Pavlic,M.;

Mass media report that alcohol consumption and binge drinking among adolescents have been increasing during the last decade. Two GMI studies evaluated drinking habits: “Retrospective analysis of blood and urine alcohol concentrations of adolescents admitted to hospital because of alcohol intoxication over a time period of 11 years” and “Poll among adolescents in bars on their alcohol consumption habits, and concomitant breath alcohol analysis”.

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Chimerism in the DNA of buccal swabs

 Published in 2011

Chimerism in the DNA of buccal swabs from recipients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations: implications for forensic DNA testing

Berger,B.; Parson,R.; Clausen,J.; Zimmermann,B., Decristoforo,L.; Nachbaur,D.; Parson,W.

Buccal swabs are the favorite method for the collection of forensic DNA reference samples, as this approach is straightforward and non-invasive. The reliability of comparative DNA testing using buccal cells as reference is beyond discussion and is based on the fact, that the DNA is the same in every cell of the body. Therefore all exceptions undermining this basic assumption are of vital forensic importance. It has been shown, that in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (allo-HCT) donor-derived DNA can be found in different tissues, e.g. the buccal mucosa. A mixed chimerism in the DNA from buccal swabs can be seen in these cases. However, a systematic documentation of this phenomenon in forensics is still lacking.

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mtDNA lineages D1g and D1h

 Published in 2011

mtDNA lineages D1g and D1h: new insights into the pioneer peopling of South America’s Southern Cone

Bodner,M.; Perego, U; Salas,A.; Röck,A.; Zimmermann,B.; Fendt,L.; Huber,G.; Gómez-Carballa,A; Woodward,S; Bandelt,H.-J.; Achilli,A.; Torroni,A.; Parson,W.

It is now widely agreed that the Native American founders originated from a Beringian source population ~15-18 thousand years ago (kya) and rapidly populated all of the New World on a Pacific coastal route. The currently identified mtDNA founders comprise the major pan-American lineages A2, B2, C1b, C1c, C1d, and D1, and the minor lineages D2a, D3, X2a, X2g, C4c, and D4h3a.

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