A Timeframe for SARS-CoV-2 Genomes: A Proof of Concept for Postmortem Interval Estimations.

Establishing the timeframe when a particular virus was circulating in a population could be useful in several areas of biomedical research, including microbiology and legal medicine. Using simulations, we demonstrate that the circulation timeframe of an unknown SARS-CoV-2 genome in a population (hereafter, estimated time of a queried genome [QG]; ) can be easily predicted using a phylogenetic model based on a robust reference genome database of the virus, and information on their sampling dates. We evaluate several phylogeny-based approaches, including modeling evolutionary (substitution) rates of the SARS-CoV-2 genome (~10 substitutions/nucleotide/year) and the mutational (substitutions) differences separating the QGs from the reference genomes (RGs) in the database.

The biochemistry of the vitreous humour in estimating the post-mortem interval-a review of the literature, and use in forensic practice in Galicia (northwestern Spain).

The K and hypoxanthine (Hx) concentrations of the vitreous humour (VH) rise gradually after death, providing a means of estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). The correlation between these analytes and the PMI is good since the vitreous chamber is partially isolated from autolytic events occurring elsewhere; the [K +] and [Hx] recorded is thus the result of changes within the eye. The present work provides a systematic review, following PRISMA recommendations, of 36 articles (3 reviews and 33 retrospective cohort studies) discussing the many procedures and regression models that have been developed for improving PMI estimates involving VH analytes.

IPMICALC: an Integrated Post-mortem Interval Calculator.

Correctly estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) is essential in forensic practice. In recent decades, the measurement of vitreous humor analyte concentrations - especially of hypoxanthine and potassium - and their correlation with the PMI have returned good results. However, calculating the PMI from the data collected can be quite complex.

Prosecutorial decision-making regarding offenders' social reintegration programs in intimate partner violence cases. A Portuguese study.

Intimate partner violence is one of the most challenging and demanding problems that the criminal justice system has to face. Given the severe consequences of intimate partner violence, it is imperative that intervention from the criminal justice system, regarding perpetrators, be effective to prevent further victimization and recurrences. In Portugal, it is up to the state prosecutor to decide which cases will be subject to a social reintegration program as a pretrial diversion program.

Intimate partner violence against women. Does violence decrease after the entry of the alleged offender into the criminal justice system?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is simultaneously assumed as a serious crime and a major public health issue, having recurrences as one of its main characteristics and, consequently, re-entries of some alleged offenders in the criminal justice system (CJS). The main goal of this study is to assess if in cases of female victims of IPV, violence decreases after the first entry of the alleged offender in the CJS. A retrospective study was performed based on the analysis of police reports of alleged cases of IPV during a 4-year period.

Heavy metal contamination in Peru: implications on children's health.

Cerro de Pasco, Peru, has been excessively contaminated with heavy metals due to high mining activities in the region. We investigated the presence of chronic exposure to heavy metals in children living in Cerro de Pasco and its effect on health. Heavy metal concentrations were determined in hair samples collected from 78 children living in a region exposed to an open-pit mine (Paragsha region) and from other 16 children unexposed to mine activities (Carhuamayo region).

Suspension of Criminal Proceedings for Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women: Impact on Re-Entries.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most prevalent crimes in our society, but the legal mechanisms to oppose it are recent. The Portuguese Provisional Suspension of Criminal Proceedings (PSCP) as a criminal justice system (CJS) response proposes an integrated consensual solution with the involved parties, to reduce offenders' recidivism. This article analyses the effect of PSCP on re-entries into the CJS.

A reliable method for estimating the postmortem interval from the biochemistry of the vitreous humor, temperature and body weight.

The estimation of the time elapsed since death is of paramount importance in the field of forensic sciences and criminal investigation, owing, among other factors, to the possible legal repercussions. Over the past few years various formulae have been developed to calculate this interval using a combination of different statistical methods and the concentrations of substances found in the vitreous humor. Corrective factors, such as ambient temperature, cause of death or age, which can modify the concentration of these substances and therefore the estimation of the postmortem interval, have been incorporated into models.

Predictive models for the assessment of bodily harm.

The Spanish scale to quantify or qualify bodily harm resulting from any unintentional traffic accident prior to 1 January 2016 is established by Royal Legislative Decree (RDL) 8/2004. This scale assigns points to the sequelae, which are converted into Euros using a table that is updated annually. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive model of sequelae points that will enable the estimation of compensation a short time after the accident.

Intimate partner violence against women in Spain: A medico-legal and criminological study.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant worldwide problem whose magnitude and risk factors vary across different settings and cultures. Nowadays, it is a priority to improve the knowledge on this issue in order to formulate better evidence-based policy responses. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of non-fatal IPV against women in Spain.

How reliable is the Spanish bodily harm assessment scale?

The use of scales to quantify or qualify bodily harm resulting from an unintentional car accident has been mandatory in Spain since 1995 and compensation for personal injuries resulting from a traffic accident is calculated according to a legal ruling established by Royal Decree 8/2004 (RDL). This present study assesses the reliability of the scale. Agreement between the evaluations for the same patient by 24 qualified observers following the Royal Decree 8/2004 was measured using the Kappa index.

Unusual Forms of Adrenal and Extra-Adrenal Myelolipomas.

Myelolipomas are rare benign tumors of poorly understood tumorigenesis composed of mature hematopoietic tissue and fat. They mostly occur in the adrenal glands, but extra-adrenal myelolipomas have been reported in other locations such as the presacral region or retroperitoneum. It is not unusual that they are incidental findings revealed in the study of different diseases.

Cardiac inhibitory reflex as a cause/mechanism of death.

The role of cardiac inhibitory reflex as a potential cause of death is still a matter of debate. This study reports two cases of death under unusual circumstances. Case 1 corresponds to a man found hanging where the role of ligature compression of the carotid sinus became relevant as a possible explanation of death.

University students' attitudes towards Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy.

An evaluation of the future professional trends was performed by analyzing the attitudes of university students to the Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy (VIP). An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 300 students (Medicine, Nursing and Law) of the University of Santiago de Compostela, with questions on their personal beliefs, opinion on the law and intention to participate in VIP. Of the 245 respondents (response rate 82%), 66.

Flexible regression models for estimating postmortem interval (PMI) in forensic medicine.

Correct determination of time of death is an important goal in forensic medicine. Numerous methods have been described for estimating postmortem interval (PMI), but most are imprecise, poorly reproducible and/or have not been validated with real data. In recent years, however, some progress in PMI estimation has been made, notably through the use of new biochemical methods for quantifying relevant indicator compounds in the vitreous humour.

Determining prognosis after spinal cord injury.

Introduction: Disability following traumatic spine injury often requires assessment for judicial reasons.

Objective: To determine the optimum time to carry out a medico-legal evaluation.

Methods: Retrospective study (1995-2000) of patients with traumatic spine injury with a follow-up of five years.