Genetic drift in the genome of SARS COV-2 and its global health concern

The outbreak of the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred in late 2019 and quickly spread all over the world. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to a genetically diverse group that mutates continuously leading to the emergence of multiple variants. Although a few antiviral agents and anti-inflammatory medicines are available, thousands of individuals have passed away due to emergence of new viral variants. Thus, proper surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is needed for the rapid identification of developing mutations over time, which are of the major concern if they occur specifically in the surface spike proteins of the virus (neutralizing analyte). This article reviews the potential mutations acquired by the SARS-CoV2 since the pandemic began and their significant impact on the neutralizing efficiency of vaccines and validity of the diagnostic assays.     

Stature estimation for Saudi men based on different combinations of upper limb part dimensions

Estimating stature based on body/limb parts can help define the characteristics of unidentified bodies. The most studied upper limb part is the hand, although few studies have examined whether stature can be estimated using fingers plus other hand dimensions. Moreover, there is paucity in anthropometric studies that determined whether bilateral whole limb parts (e.g., arms, forearms, and hands) are related to stature among the living subjects.This prospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the relationship between different upper limb measurements and the stature of Saudi men. Furthermore, I assessed whether upper limb asymmetry was present, and developed regression models to estimate stature based on different available measurements. Stature and 13 upper limb parameters were measured for 100 right-handed Saudi men who were 18 to 24 years old.All measurements were positively correlated with stature (P < .001), and the best single predictor was the bilateral ulnar length. Asymmetry was more pronounced in the hand measurements. A multiparameter model provided reasonable predictive accuracy (±3.77–5.68 cm) and was more accurate than single-parameter models. Inclusion of the right-side fingers improved the model''s accuracy.This study developed potential models for estimating stature during the identification of bodies of Saudi men.     

Identification of 22 novel loci associated with urinary biomarkers of albumin,sodium, and potassium excretion

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Would the real allele please stand up? Compiling DNA artefacts for the GlobalFiler PCR amplification kit – a South Australian approach

ABSTRACT

This article presents a compendium of DNA artefacts observed using the GlobalFiler and GlobalFiler Express PCR kits (ThermoFisher Scientific) during DNA reference profile assessment at Forensic Science SA (FSSA). The data are currently used to assist with the interpretation of GlobalFiler DNA evidence profiles encountered in the course of routine case work at FSSA. Over 1000 reference profiles have passed observation by reference DNA run readers. An artefact was considered confirmed if it was observed in five or more individual reference samples and could be confirmed upon re-PCR. Artefacts were documented in the following two categories: (1) those with a location independent of true allelic products and (2) those with a location relative to a true allelic product. The artefacts observed were positioned within and outside of allelic designations and were typically less than 1% of the closest allelic product. Artefacts reported here are observed from reference samples only. Their causes are largely unknown and warrant further investigation. Post-developmental artefacts may be encountered due to storage and handling conditions. As such, continued monitoring of reference samples for low level artefacts is warranted.     

The Extension of the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 to the Children’s Court: Opportunities and Shortfalls

In 2014, the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 in Victoria was extended to the Children’s Court of Victoria. This article describes the processes that preceded this change and the changes that occurred. The potential opportunities consequent to the changes are described, with their corresponding ethical implications. The decision not to resource some of the changes as recommended by the Victorian Law Reform Commission is described, with reference to the lack of establishment of an adolescent forensic mental health facility. The shortfalls currently occurring and their ethical implications are also discussed. We note the need for data regarding the number of children whose matters are being heard under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, and the resourcing implications that flow from this.