Zsolt Pádár

6601946672

Publications - 14

Forensic DNA elimination databases in Europe: A comparative analysis of data from seven countries

Mónika Nogel Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Synergy

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 11

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Forensic DNA elimination databases are valuable tools for identifying potential contamination risks during forensic investigations. This study provides a comparative analysis of the design, implementation, and effectiveness of forensic DNA elimination databases across seven European countries: Sweden, Germany, Czechia, Poland, the Netherlands, the UK, and Finland. Data were collected through structured inquiries sent to ENFSI member states’ forensic DNA laboratories, focusing on key aspects such as legal frameworks, database sizes, and contamination cases identified through the elimination database. The results reveal significant differences in the establishment and management of these databases, reflecting diverse legal and operational contexts. The findings underscore the need to ensure that all European countries implement their elimination databases to standardize forensic procedures and improve the reliability of DNA evidence. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of introducing harmonized frameworks for forensic DNA elimination databases to enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in forensic DNA practices across Europe.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2025.100617

Mitochondrial Control Region Database of Hungarian Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Populations for Forensic Use

Petra Zenke Pál Lehotzky Orsolya Krisztina Zorkóczy Zsombor Wagenhoffer Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2024-07-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 13

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The evidential value of an mtDNA match between biological remains and their potential donor is determined by the random match probability of the haplotype. This probability is based on the haplotype’s population frequency estimate. Consequently, implementing a population study representative of the population relevant to a forensic case is vital to correctly evaluating the evidence. The emerging number of poaching cases and the limited availability of such data emphasizes the need for an improved fallow deer mtDNA population databank for forensic purposes, including targeting the entire mitochondrial control region. By sequencing a 945-base-pair-long segment of the mitochondrial control region in 138 animals from five populations in Hungary, we found four different haplotypes, including one which had not yet been described. Our results, supplemented with data already available from previous research, do not support the possibility of determining the population of origin, although some patterns of geographical separation can be distinguished. Estimates of molecular diversity indicate similarly low mtDNA diversity (Hd = 0.565 and π = 0.002) compared to data from other countries. The calculated random match probability of 0.547 shows a high probability of coincidence and, therefore, a limited capacity for exclusion. Our results indicate that despite the overall low genetic diversity of mtDNA within the Hungarian fallow deer samples, a pattern of differentiation among the regions is present, which can have relevance from a forensic point of view.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani14131911

A Selection of 14 Tetrameric Microsatellite Markers for Genetic Investigations in Fallow Deer (Dama dama)

László Ózsvári Petra Zenke Pál Lehotzky Orsolya Krisztina Zorkóczy Zsombor Wagenhoffer Orsolya Turi Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Animals

Publication Date: 2023-07-01

Volume: 13

Issue: 13

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The fallow deer (Dama dama) represents significant game management value globally, and human activities are significantly impacting the species. Besides the positive effects, these activities can threaten its existence, health, and value. The aim of the authors was to develop a tetranucleotide microsatellite panel that could be clearly interpreted and used for genetic testing of fallow deer. Such a panel did not exist until now and could be particularly useful in the field of conservation genetics and forensics. A total of 99 tetrameric microsatellites, originally designed for related deer species, were tested on 20 fallow deer individuals from five Hungarian sampling areas. Original and newly designed primers were used to amplify the microsatellite regions using previously published or optimized PCR protocols. The lengths and sequences of specific amplicons were detected using capillary electrophoresis, and the rate of polymorphism was determined. Altogether, 80 markers provided PCR products of adequate quality and quantity. Among them, 15 markers proved to be polymorphic (2–5 alleles/locus), and 14 tetrameric markers were selected for further analysis. Statistical calculations showed that the selected polymorphic microsatellites can potentially enable key individualization in many areas of wildlife and population genetics, thus protecting the species.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/ani13132083

DNA extraction and STR profiling from histological slides

Viktor Soma Poór Gábor Kovács Vivien Fejes Marah Alhabahbeh Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2022-12-01

Volume: 8

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 176-177

Description:

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks are commonly used in the field of pathology and forensic pathology as a source of histological slides. For postmortem kinship analysis or identification, DNA can be extracted from blocks with specialized kits. However, when an STR profile should be generated from single microscope slides, the removal of the coverslip and the limited sample size poses unique challenges. We aimed to test the effectivity of agitated xylene incubation to dissolve the mounting material to facilitate the coverslip removal. DNA extraction tests were performed on 5- to 7-year-old histological slides. Xylol was used to dissolve the mounting medium to facilitate cover slide removal, one set of samples was shaken during incubation, and the other set was left still. It was found that shaking the sample while bathed in xylol decreased the incubation time from three days to two days. Agitation not just reduced the processing time but increased the quality of acquired STR profiles: on average 30% more alleles were detected from the shaken samples compared to the still bathed ones.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.10.026

Contamination of forensic DNA evidence in the light of Hungarian court decisions – A review of 25 years

Petra Zenke Mónika Nogel Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár Katalin Erdélyi

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2022-12-01

Volume: 8

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 242-244

Description:

The evaluation of forensic DNA expert opinions (in some countries expert witness testimonies) and the way it affects criminal judgement is of paramount importance. We have selected one of the largest challenges when it comes to the evaluation of forensic DNA evidence, contamination of DNA samples, and examined how it influences the decisions judges make about the credibility of DNA evidence in Hungary.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.10.049

The catalyst-like role of forensic genetics in the developmental process of Hungarian wildlife forensics

Petra Zenke Viktor Soma Poór Mónika Nogel Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2022-12-01

Volume: 8

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 263-264

Description:

The anthropocentric nature of forensic sciences has been changing continuously over the years and this process is continuing today. Due to its universality and multilateral implementation, and the fragmented nature of forensic epistemology, the information provided by forensic genetics can play a pivotal role in forensic science. At the same time, the link between forensic genetics and non-human forensic biological evidence has become unquestionable. It may highlight the modern requirements of forensic science, and this connection is also able to provide useful and sufficient examples for developmental processes in wildlife forensics. Obviously, the local formations, organizations, and operations of wildlife forensics can be different worldwide, but the detection and punishment of wildlife-related criminal behavior, as well as the prevention of further crimes, play a relevant role in these processes everywhere.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2022.10.056

Legislation of forensic DNA analysis in Hungary - past, present and future

Mónika Nogel Andras Czebe Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2019-12-01

Volume: 7

Issue: 1

Page Range: 604-606

Description:

Ever since the first application of DNA analysis in criminal casework in 1992, the conditions under which forensic DNA analysis is performed within the Hungarian law have been developed and subsequently approved, in parallel with the establishment of a national database report of forensic DNA. Act XLVII of 2009 (on the Criminal Records System, on the Records of EU Member State Court Rulings against Hungarian Citizens as well as on the Records of Biometric Criminal and Law Enforcement Data) constituted the legal framework for this. Moreover, Act XXIX of 2016 (on Judicial Experts), Act CXII of 2011 (on the Right of Informational Self-Determination and on Freedom of Information), as well as Regulation 12/2016. (V.4.) of the Minister of Interior (on Rules of Taking Fingerprints, Palm prints, Photographs and DNA samples), as well as the Provisions of 31/2008. (XII. 31.) of the Minister of Local Government (on the work of forensic experts, respectively) went on to specify the professional requirements necessary for forensic DNA analysis. The regulations of the EU must also be taken into consideration. Of particular significance, are the escalations undertaken by the EU for the purpose of combating transnational crime as developed in the Prüm Treaty, and, under Council Decision 2008/615/JHA and Council Decision 2008/616/JHA, became ratified into its partial transformation into an EU-wide tool for cooperation. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has also introduced a new and seemingly far-reaching exemption to the general prohibitive conditions applied to the processing of genetic data. The question of whether, and which kind of, consent is required remains left to other applicable EU and national laws. The aim of this study is to provide an overview on how Hungarian legislation of forensic DNA has changed over the past 27 years, to illustrate the current legal context in addition to providing a conceptual theoretical framework for future legislation, including the rules of forensic DNA typing and legal regulation connected to DNA-databases.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.107

A work in progress - accreditation of forensic DNA laboratories as a part of the, European Forensic Science Area 2020 (EFSA 2020)” concept

Mónika Nogel Andras Czebe Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2019-12-01

Volume: 7

Issue: 1

Page Range: 836-837

Description:

As 2020 is approaching, various stakeholders and EU Member States are currently implementing some elements of the EFSA2020 concept. EFSA2020 offers Europe the chance to raise the quality level of its forensic science and in doing so, improve the public's confidence in the administration of justice. However, there is plenty of opportunity for further progress in creating the common forensic area. The paper will focus on accreditation of forensic DNA laboratories in V4 countries.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.195

Developing legal regulation of forensic DNA-phenotyping in Hungary

Mónika Nogel Andras Czebe Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2019-12-01

Volume: 7

Issue: 1

Page Range: 609-611

Description:

Traditional DNA forensics uses short tandem repeats (STRs) to match a DNA sample to a suspect or a database. However, when no suspect has been identified and there is a lack of database hits, these markers cannot help the investigators to solve a crime. A considerable amount of literature has been published on DNA phenotyping in the past few years. Not surprisingly, some ethical and legal aspects are needed to be discussed about FDP since this technology provides a greater number of details about the proprietary ownership of samples, their family members, even as about their larger community (ethnical group).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.10.109

Sex determination using circulating cell-free fetal DNA in small volume of maternal plasma in elephants

Petra Zenke Boglárka Vincze Sándor Cseh Endre Ákos Papp Gábor Kovács Alexandra Biácsi László Garamvölgyi Zsolt Pádár András Gáspárdy Endre Sós

Publication Name: Scientific Reports

Publication Date: 2019-12-01

Volume: 9

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The genetic sexing of animals having long gestation periods offers significant benefits in regard to breeding management among their populations living in captivity. In our study, a new increased-sensitivity PCR method for fetal sexing was developed and tested successfully on elephants, from only a small volume of maternal plasma. Suitable sensitivity was obtained by using short, reduced amplicon lengths with fluorescent labelling for capillary electrophoresis detection. The fundamental principle for this technique was based on the detection of two Y-specific markers (AmelY and SRY), the presence of which indicates the mother is carrying a male fetus and the absence of these markers designates a female fetus. As a reaction control, the X-chromosomal marker (PlpX) was used. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this topic, confirming the presence of fetal cell-free DNA from the plasma of a pregnant captive elephant, and demonstrating a new opportunity for non-invasive assessment in fetal sex determination.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51641-8

Implementation of genetic based individualization of White stork (Ciconia ciconia) in forensic casework

Petra Zenke Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár Balázs Egyed

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics

Publication Date: 2019-05-01

Volume: 40

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: e245-e247

Description:

No description provided

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.02.001

Misinterpretation of sample contamination in a Hungarian casework

Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2015-12-01

Volume: 5

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: e425-e427

Description:

The risk of contamination is a generally recognized and intensively researched field of forensic DNA [1–5]. In spite of quality assurance systems, recommendations and regulations, this risk is always present even in routine casework as evidenced by this example from Hungary. In a murder case, buried bodies were discovered and exhumed. The genetic analyses of remains were performed in two different laboratories (A and B). In case of unidentifiable N.N. body the first analysis in “Lab A” used the soft tissues (muscle) from bone sample. Based on the results, the first two opinions of “Lab A” excluded the biological relationship of N.N. with the putative relatives. The subsequent analysis of “Lab B” used the soft tissue parallel to the bone sample from the N.N. body, and the opinion supported the hypothesis of biological (maternal) relationship with high probability (W = 99.999%). We examined and tried to resolve the contradictions presented by the two interpretations, which originate from contamination of the remaining soft tissue.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2015.09.169

Accreditation of forensic laboratories as a part of the “European Forensic Science 2020” concept in countries of the Visegrad Group

Mónika Nogel Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2015-12-01

Volume: 5

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: e412-e413

Description:

Globalising, cross-border crime has led EU Member States to improve methods of fighting crime on an international level as well as to increase the mutual recognition of collecting and analysing evidence by one another. In the interest of the regulated and scheduled implementation of the harmonization process, the Council of the EU made a decision of The Vision for European Forensic Science 2020 including the creation of a European Forensic Science Area and the development of forensic science infrastructure in Europe [EFSA 2020] to ensure the equivalence of professional forensic examinations. The collection, processing, use and delivery of forensic data will be based on equivalent minimum forensic science standards, and forensic service providers will work on the basis of a common approach to implement these standards that foster closer cooperation between them and criminal justice systems. The accreditation of forensic laboratories is a corner stone of the above mentioned objectives [1–3]. Ensuring the integrity of DNA profiles the Council issued decision 2008/616/JHA the application of EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard regarding the operation of testing and calibration laboratories has been ordered [4]. According to Council Framework Decision 2009/905/JHA on the accreditation of judicial expert laboratories, the laboratories have to be accredited until 30th November 2015 [5]. We investigated the regulations, decisions and rules national and international measures of the given area.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2015.09.163

Increasing relevance of non-human genetics in Hungarian forensic practice

Petra Zenke Gábor Kovács Zsolt Pádár Balázs Egyed

Publication Name: Forensic Science International Genetics Supplement Series

Publication Date: 2015-12-01

Volume: 5

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: e250-e252

Description:

In step with the evolution of molecular genetics, the application of non-human biological traces is an intensively researched field in forensic sciences [1]. Recently it has been widely acknowledged that this extended possibility – with associated abilities and pitfalls – for forensic DNA examination can provide innovative results in criminal and civil casework as well as in connection with associative evidence. Depending on the specific species or types of traces, the final results can have very different criminalistics value (e.g., plants, dogs or microbiome of soil traces), but it is unquestionable that non-human DNA has an increasing role in forensic biological evidence [2–4]. However, in contrast to the investigation of human DNA-traces, there currently exist no restrictions concerning DNA loci and privacy of genetic information, and a wide spectrum of genetic information and technologies may be applied. The field is developing with animal rights, international (e.g. CITES) conventions, national regulations and professional recommendations [5–7]. The Hungarian forensic practice on animal DNA examination has been developing since 2000 [8]. The range of cases is sufficiently broad, and includes fatal accidents and animal attacks (case #1) as well as illegal trade cases (case #2). In case of degraded animal hair samples we used two sets of Canine STR markers with shortened amplicons, and species specific primers (Ursus sp.) for mitochondrial DNA analysis of mixed samples (case #2), respectively. The results supported the evaluation of individualization (case #1), confirming the species identification (case #2).

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2015.09.100