Age determination of the male os pubis

An extensive (n = 739) sample of well-documented male pubic bones was examined for age-related features. Using the traditional aging methods, Todd's system was found to over-age and both the Todd and the McKern-Stewart systems did not account for age variability seen in advanced pubic bone patterns. Based on a 5-year interobserver error study, certain categories in each system were collapsed because observers could not consistently differentiate between them by morphological pattern. The traditional and the modified versions were than analyzed using linear regression analysis. All approaches perform poorly when the entire sample is used. Truncation strategies to eliminate older individuals result in substantial improvement. The traditional Todd system and its modified form are found to be the best systems. When implementation is considered, a modified Todd six-phase system is recommended.     

Test of Phenice's technique for determining sex from the os pubis

Pubic bone morphology was examined to test the accuracy of Phenice's visual method for determining sex from the os pubis. Twelve participants scored 50 pubic bones from individuals of known sex aged 52-92 years. The sample is of modern males and females, all presumed whites. An accuracy of approximately 83% in determining sex was recorded, compared to 95% reported by Phenice. This accuracy difference may reflect different age distributions of the two samples. Through replication of test results on two series of 25 specimens, the technique was found to be reliable. Previous experiences in human osteological analysis was shown to have no effect on accuracy in this test, confirming Phenice's assertion that the technique does not require extensive experience to yield accurate results. Results suggest that there is a moderate negative correlation between accuracy in determining the sex of an individual and that individual's age.     

Problems in the aging of females using the Os pubis.

The Gilbert-McKern method for aging the female Os pubis has attained popularity following Gilbert's ('73) demonstration that the McKern-Stewart male standards are not directly applicable to females. In order to assess the reliability of the method, forensic anthropologists were asked to age a set of 11 pubes of known age. There was a great deal of variability in the responses of the 23 participants. Three, four, and five different responses (out of a 6-scale system) were given for each component of each pubic bone. Only 51% of the assessments yielded age ranges which would include the known age of the specimens. Analysis of the errors showed that one of the focal problems of the Gilbert-McKern system was the difficulty in judging whether the ventral rampart was building up or breaking down.     

Genetic sexing strains in medfly,Ceratitis capitata,sterile insect technique programmes

The introduction of genetic sexing strains (GSS) into medfly, Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann), sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes started in 1994 and it was accompanied by extensive evaluation of the strains both in field cages and in open field situations. Two male-linked translocation systems, one based on pupal colour, wp, and the other based on temperature sensitivity, tsl, have been used in medfly SIT programmes and they have quite different impacts on mass rearing strategy. In strains based on tsl, female zygotes are killed using high temperature and for wpstrains, female and male pupae are separated based on their colour. In all these systems the colony females are homozygous for the mutation requiring that the mutation is not too deleterious and the males are also semi-sterile due to the presence of a male-linked translocation. Managing strain stability during large-scale mass rearing has presented some problems that have been essentially solved by selecting particular translocations for GSS and by the introduction of a filter rearing system (FRS). The FRS operates by removing from the colony any recombinant individuals that threaten the integrity of the strain. The use of GSS opens up the possibility of using the SIT for suppression as opposed to eradication and different radiation strategies can be considered. Some of the many field trials of the strains that were carried out before the strains were introduced into operational programmes are reviewed and an overview is given of their current use.     

Improving the reliability of molecular sexing of birds using a W-specific marker

Molecular techniques for identifying sex of birds utilize length differences between CHD-Z and CHD-W introns, but in some cases these methods can lead to sexing errors. Here we show that an additional W-specific primer can be used in conjunction with a pre-existing sexing primer pair to dramatically improve the reliability of molecular sexing methods. We illustrate the approach with American coots (Fulica americana), a species with CHD-Z polymorphism that could not be accurately sexed using traditional methods. We developed a reverse primer GWR2 designed to sit within the intron of the W chromosome and amplify a distinctively small DNA fragment that serves as a W-specific marker. Analysis of known-sex individuals indicates that this W-specific primer provides an efficient and reliable protocol to identify the sex of F. americana. The development of such sex-specific primers will likely increase the reliability of molecular sexing methods in other birds as well. Comparisons between CHD-Z alleles of coots and common moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) revealed that CHD-Z polymorphism evolved separately in these two closely related species. We discuss the implications of repeated evolution of CHD-Z polymorphisms among birds.     

Misapplication to females of the standard for aging the male Os pubis

The results of aging 15 female pelves with both the male standard and a newly developed female standard indicated that the male standard significantly (0.01 < P < 0.05) underaged females 40 years and older in this test sample.     

Genetic sexing in Drosophila melanogaster using the alcohol dehydrogenase locus and a Y-linked translocation

Summary By incorporating ethanol (4% v/v) into the larval rearing medium of a specially constructed Drosophila melanogaster strain it was possible to produce only male adults; the female larvae died.In this strain, the male determining chromosome was linked with a positive Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) allele by a translocation. The females were homozygous for the null allele and hence sensitive to ethanol.This genetic sexing method is discussed in relation to its use in the genetic control of insects.     

Anatomical and developmental bases for the ventral arc of the human pubis

The ventral arc of the pubis is frequently used for sexing adult human hip bones. This study addresses the issues of the anatomical and developmental bases for the ventral arc. Dissection of seven adult pelves (four females and three males) demonstrates that the sexes are identical in the muscular and ligamentous attachments to this ridge of bone. The tendons of gracilis and adductor brevis, which are fused for a variable extent, arise from the ridge of bone, and the fibers of the ventral pubic ligament attach to its medial border. Lateral placement of the ventral arc is defined in terms of the minimum distance between the ridge of bone and the inferior border of the symphyseal face of the pubis. The hypothesis that lateral placement of the ventral arc is positively correlated with pubic length was tested using two random samples of adult female hip bones (N = 50 for both whites and blacks) from the Hamann-Todd collection. The correlation between these variables is significant. The results support the argument that lateral placement of the ventral arc is related to the amount of postadolescent growth occurring at the symphyseal border of the pubis. Therefore, the ventral arc should not be considered as an independent criterion from pubic length in sexing adult hip bones.     

Recombination between homologous autosomes in medfly (Ceratitis capitata) males: type-1 recombination and the implications for the stability of genetic sexing strains

The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally safe technology to control insect pests. To improve this technology, genetic sexing strains (GSS) have been developed for the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. Such strains are based on Y-autosome translocations linking a selectable marker to the male sex and their long-term stability, especially under large-scale mass rearing conditions, is threatened by genetic recombination in the heterozygous males. We have measured male recombination in order to be able to construct GSS that are more stable. Our results show that male recombination occurs at very low frequencies, that is, below 1% per generation. Furthermore, recombination in medfly males occurs premeiotically. By selecting strains where the Y-autosome translocation breakpoint and the selectable marker are closely linked, the deleterious effects of recombination on the stability of GSS can be minimized. In such strains recombination is reduced by ca. 80% as compared to previously studied GSS. Although recombinants still occur at very low frequencies they still pose a threat to the integrity of the sexing system if they possess a selective advantage. Under mass rearing condition such recombinants will accumulate according to their relative fitness and additional measures, such as improved mass rearing strategies, are required to preserve the accuracy of the sexing system. As a conclusion it is shown that current GSS are stable enough to allow mass rearing at levels exceeding 1000 million male medflies per week.     

Chromosomal inversions and genetic control revisited: the use of inversions in sexing systems for higher Diptera

Summary Genetic sexing systems based on sex-linked translocations and deleterious mutations are subject to breakdown from genetic recombination in males. Including inversions in these strains may provide a solution to this problem, by ensuring selective elimination of recombinant products. Inversions could be used either in coupling to or in repulsion to the translocation. The latter system, requiring homozygous-viable inversions, would be more difficult to construct, but would offer several advantages not available with coupled translocation/inversion systems. A system proposed for the blowfly Lucilia cuprina is outlined, which combines homozygous-viable pericentric inversions in repulsion to existing sex-linked translocations. This system should both stabilize the genetic sexing system and increase the suppressive potential of such strains.     

Assessment of quality control parameters during mass rearing of a pupal colour genetic sexing strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly

Quality control charts were employed to monitor the quality of several parameters during mass rearing of the T : Y(wp ⁺)30C strain of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in which male and female flies emerge from brown and white puparia, respectively. Egg hatch and pupal recovery in this genetic sexing strain were below that reported for a wild-type Sohag strain, whereas pupal size, adult emergence and flight ability were higher. The overall recovery from eggs to adult flies capable of flight was similar in the two strains but egg production in T:Y(wp ⁺)30C was reduced to about 56% of that of Sohag. The quality control charts showed an acceptable level of variation within sets of data but the level between data sets was occasionally out of control. This indicated the presence of uncontrolled conditions during the rearing process, possibly arising from variations in the quality of the larval diet. It is concluded that the quality of T : Y(wp ⁺)30C renders this strain suitable for mass rearing in sterile insect technique (SIT) programmes requiring the elimination of the female flies prior to the release of sterilized males. The next step should involve further quality assessments both under field cage and under field release conditions. The importance of optimal and standardized dietary conditions is stressed in relation to the quality of mass reared medflies.

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Résumé Des normes de qualité ont été utilisées pour relever la valuer de plusieurs paramètres lors de l'élevage industriel de la souche T : Y(wp ⁺)30C de C. capitata Wied. dont les mâles et les femelles émergent respectivement de pupes brunes et blanches. Les taux d'éclosion et d'obtention de pupes sont plus faibles avec cette souche qu'avec la souche souvage Sohag; par contre, la taille des pupes, le taux d'émergence des adultes et l'aptitude au vol étaient plus élevés. La fréquence totale des adultes capables de voler par rapport au nombre initial d'ufs a été de 0,297 contre environ 0,311 pour Sohag. Cependant, la production d'ufs a été réduite à environ 56% de celle de Sohag. Les tableaux de contrôle de la qualité ont révélé un niveau de variation acceptable à l'interieur rieur des lots de données, mais la variabilité entre les lots excédait les normes admissibles. Ceci implique des paramètres incontrôlés pendant l'élevage de masse, probablement liés à des variations de la qualité de l'aliment. On peut en conclure que la qualité de la souche T : Y(wp ⁺)30C la rend utilisable pour un élevage de masse dans des programmes d'utilisation d'insectes stériles (SIT) exigeant l'élimination des femelles avant le lâcher de mâles stériles. La prochaine étape impliquera de nouvelles épreuves de qualité dans des cages en champ et dans les conditions de libération dans la nature. L'importance des conditions optimales d'une alimentation standardisée est soulignée par la qualité des mouches obtenues en élevage de masse.

     

Development of an in vitro technique for cytological investigations of slices of Fasciola hepatica: evaluation by morpholigical criteria.

The development of a new in vitro system for investigating the cytology of Fasciola hepatica is described. The technique was designed to allow test substances, such as drugs and radioactive precursors, to gain direct access to internal cells and organs not normally in contact with the external environment. It involves incubation of 1 mm-thick transverse slices of flukes under controlled physico-chemical conditions resembling those pertaining to sheep's bile ducts.To decide whether a gluco-saline medium or a tissue culture medium was more suitable for maintaining the slices in vitro, experiments were carried out using 4 different media for up to 20 h. Subsequent electron microscope examination of the slices showed that M199, a completely defined tissue culture medium, gave the best ultrastructural preservation. In this medium, slices remained in good condition for about 10 h.     

Improvement of the sterile insect technique for codling moth Cydia pomonella (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) to facilitate expansion of field application

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) is a key pest of pome fruit (apple, pear and quince) and walnut orchards in most temperate regions of the world. Efforts to control the codling moth in the past mostly relied on the use of broad spectrum insecticide sprays, which has resulted in the development of insecticide resistance, and the disruption of the control of secondary pests. In addition, the frequent reliance and use of these insecticides are a constant threat to the environment and human health. Consequently, there have been increased demands from the growers for the development of codling moth control tactics that are not only effective but also friendly to the environment. In that respect, the sterile insect technique (SIT) and its derivative, inherited sterility (IS), are, together with mating disruption and granulosis virus, among the options that offer great potential as cost‐effective additions to available control tactics for integration in area‐wide integrated pest‐management approaches. In support of the further development of the SIT/IS for codling moth control, the Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture implemented a 5‐year Coordinated Research Project (CRP) entitled ‘Improvement of codling moth SIT to facilitate expansion of field application’. Research focussed on sterile codling moth quality and management (e.g. mobility and life‐history traits in relation to rearing strategy, dispersal, flight ability, radiosensitivity and mating compatibility) and a better understanding of the basic genetics of codling moth to assist the development of genetic sexing strains (e.g. cytogenetics, the development of dominant conditional lethal mutations, molecular characterization of the sex chromosomes, sex identification in embryos and cytogenetic markers). The results of the CRP are presented in this special issue.     

Male lures and male mating competitiveness in a genetic sexing strain of the melon fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been used to suppress or eradicate populations of the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), a pest of various fruits and vegetables throughout Asia, Africa, and South Pacific Islands. The success of the SIT depends largely on the ability of released, sterile males to compete successfully with wild males for copulations with wild females. Unfortunately, both the sterilization process (via gamma irradiation) and artificial selection under mass-rearing conditions generally reduce the biological competence, including the mating competitiveness, of the released males. However, previous data on Z. cucurbitae show that irradiation has minimal adverse effects and prolonged mass-rearing may or may not result in decreased mating ability. The present study first confirms that neither irradiation nor mass-rearing had deleterious effects on male mating ability of males from a pupal-color, genetic sexing strain (termed T1). Then, the influence of male lures (cue-lure and its natural analogue raspberry ketone) on the mating success of sterile T1 males was measured as a potential pre-release procedure to improve the effectiveness of SIT. Feeding on cue-lure enhanced male mating success, but the effect was short-lived (1 d but not 3 d post-feeding). Feeding on raspberry ketone boosted mating success over a longer time, i.e., at least 5 d but not 10 d post-feeding. However, mixing raspberry ketone into the adult diet had no detectable effect on male mating performance. The implications of these results for SIT against Z. cucurbitae are discussed.     

Effect of amyloids on the vesicular machinery: implications for somatic neurotransmission

Certain neurodegenerative diseases are thought to be initiated by the aggregation of amyloidogenic proteins. However, the mechanism underlying toxicity remains obscure. Most of the suggested mechanisms are generic in nature and do not directly explain the neuron-type specific lesions observed in many of these diseases. Some recent reports suggest that the toxic aggregates impair the synaptic vesicular machinery. This may lead to an understanding of the neuron-type specificity observed in these diseases. A disruption of the vesicular machinery can also be deleterious for extra-synaptic, especially somatic, neurotransmission (common in serotonergic and dopaminergic systems which are specifically affected in Alzheimer''s disease (AD) and Parkinson''s disease (PD), respectively), though this relationship has remained unexplored. In this review, we discuss amyloid-induced damage to the neurotransmitter vesicular machinery, with an eye on the possible implications for somatic exocytosis. We argue that the larger size of the system, and the availability of multi-photon microscopy techniques for directly visualizing monoamines, make the somatic exocytosis machinery a more tractable model for understanding the effect of amyloids on all types of vesicular neurotransmission. Indeed, exploring this neglected connection may not just be important, it may be a more fruitful route for understanding AD and PD.     

Precision and accuracy of visual census technique for fish assemblages on coral patch reefs

Synopsis A visual census technique is described in which the results of three separate enumerations of fish at a site are combined to produce a best estimate of the fish fauna present. Its precision and accuracy are examined, and compared to those of censuses obtained by modifications of the technique. Visual censuses can display high repeatability, but they seldom (if ever) completely sample the fish present at a site. Accuracy varies with technique used. In our tests, the preferred method yielded 82% of species and 75% of individuals known to be present and potentially censurable at the time the observations were made. Visual censuses are of comparable accuracy to ichthyocide collections of unenclosed sites, but the two methods sample different components of the total fish fauna. It is important when using visual censuses to remember that their accuracy is not 100%.     

Regulation of autophagy by polyphenols: Paving the road for treatment of neurodegeneration

In the present paper, we will discuss on the importance of autophagy in the central nervous system, and outline the relation between autophagic pathways and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The potential therapeutic benefits of naturally occurring phytochemicals as pharmacological modulators of autophagy will also be addressed. Our findings provide renewed insight on the molecular modes of protection by polyphenols, which is likely to be at least in part mediated not only by their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but also through modulation of autophagic processes to remove the aberrant protein aggregates.     

Pulse technique for the electrochemical deposition of polymer films on electrode surfaces

Often, electrochemically-induced deposition of conducting polymer films on electrode surfaces fails using potentiostatic, galvanostatic or multisweep deposition procedures if bulky substituents at the monomer, nucleophilic attack at intermediate radical cations, hindered diffusional mass transport of the monomer to the electrode surface or the copolymerization of monomers with different oxidation potentials prevent fast chain propagation. A pulse profile for the electrochemical deposition of conducting polymer films has been developed based on the rationalization of the limiting steps and the concentration profiles in front of the electrode surface. The pulse deposition method could be advantageously applied for the localized deposition of conducting polymers using scanning electrochemical microscopy, for the copolymerization of pyrrole/[Os(2,2′-bipyridine)₂(3-{pyrrole-1-ylmethyl}pyridine)Cl]⁺ and for the entrapment of enzymes within the growing ramified network of the polymer.