Enhanced Genetic Analysis of Single Human Bioparticles Recovered by Simplified Micromanipulation from Forensic ‘Touch DNA’ Evidence

DNA profiles can be obtained from ‘touch DNA’ evidence, which comprises microscopic traces of human biological material. Current methods for the recovery of trace DNA employ cotton swabs or adhesive tape to sample an area of interest. However, such a ‘blind-swabbing’ approach will co-sample cellular material from the different individuals, even if the individuals’ cells are located in geographically distinct locations on the item. Thus, some of the DNA mixtures encountered in touch DNA samples are artificially created by the swabbing itself. In some instances, a victim’s DNA may be found in significant excess thus masking any potential perpetrator’s DNA.In order to circumvent the challenges with standard recovery and analysis methods, we have developed a lower cost, ‘smart analysis’ method that results in enhanced genetic analysis of touch DNA evidence. We describe an optimized and efficient micromanipulation recovery strategy for the collection of bio-particles present in touch DNA samples, as well as an enhanced amplification strategy involving a one-step 5 µl microvolume lysis/STR amplification to permit the recovery of STR profiles from the bio-particle donor(s). The use of individual or few (i.e., “clumps”) bioparticles results in the ability to obtain single source profiles. These procedures represent alternative enhanced techniques for the isolation and analysis of single bioparticles from forensic touch DNA evidence. While not necessary in every forensic investigation, the method could be highly beneficial for the recovery of a single source perpetrator DNA profile in cases involving physical assault (e.g., strangulation) that may not be possible using standard analysis techniques. Additionally, the strategies developed here offer an opportunity to obtain genetic information at the single cell level from a variety of other non-forensic trace biological material.     

Invasive non‐native species likely to threaten biodiversity and ecosystems in the Antarctic Peninsula region

The Antarctic is considered to be a pristine environment relative to other regions of the Earth, but it is increasingly vulnerable to invasions by marine, freshwater and terrestrial non‐native species. The Antarctic Peninsula region (APR), which encompasses the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands, is by far the most invaded part of the Antarctica continent. The risk of introduction of invasive non‐native species to the APR is likely to increase with predicted increases in the intensity, diversity and distribution of human activities. Parties that are signatories to the Antarctic Treaty have called for regional assessments of non‐native species risk. In response, taxonomic and Antarctic experts undertook a horizon scanning exercise using expert opinion and consensus approaches to identify the species that are likely to present the highest risk to biodiversity and ecosystems within the APR over the next 10 years. One hundred and three species, currently absent in the APR, were identified as relevant for review, with 13 species identified as presenting a high risk of invading the APR. Marine invertebrates dominated the list of highest risk species, with flowering plants and terrestrial invertebrates also represented; however, vertebrate species were thought unlikely to establish in the APR within the 10 year timeframe. We recommend (a) the further development and application of biosecurity measures by all stakeholders active in the APR, including surveillance for species such as those identified during this horizon scanning exercise, and (b) use of this methodology across the other regions of Antarctica. Without the application of appropriate biosecurity measures, rates of introductions and invasions within the APR are likely to increase, resulting in negative consequences for the biodiversity of the whole continent, as introduced species establish and spread further due to climate change and increasing human activity.     

《名古屋议定书》在微生物领域的实施: 影响、最佳做法及我国立法选择

《名古屋议定书》继承了《生物多样性公约》在规范遗传资源的获取和惠益分享问题上采取的双边路径。但是, 这一路径不能完全按照《生物多样性公约》和《名古屋议定书》预设的前提和模式在微生物领域得到实施, 已有的旨在实施《名古屋议定书》的措施对微生物研究和开发活动产生了消极的影响。世界微生物菌种保藏联合会致力于推动《生物多样性公约》及其《名古屋议定书》在微生物领域的有效实施, 并为此制定了相关的行为守则和准则。2016年世界微生物菌种保藏联合会推出的TRUST准则代表了微生物领域的获取和惠益分享最佳做法, 该准则针对微生物遗传资源的原生境获取、保藏、非原生境获取以及惠益分享等问题提出了一系列务实的建议。为了实施《名古屋议定书》, 我国启动了遗传资源的获取和惠益分享立法进程, 当前立法已经进入到一个关键阶段。TRUST准则对我国遗传资源的获取和惠益分享立法具有重要的启示。立法机关可以借鉴TRUST准则提出的受规制活动类型及相对应的建议, 并结合我国国情构建一套适用于微生物遗传资源的获取和惠益分享法律规则。这套法律规则将由对植物、动物和微生物遗传资源都予以适用的法律规则和仅对微生物遗传资源适用的法律规则构成, 后者可被纳入我国获取和惠益分享立法的实施细则之中。     

巴西生物遗传资源获取与惠益分享管理制度研究

巴西是世界上生物多样性最丰富的国家之一,同时也曾一度是世界遗传资源的主要提供者。巴西很早就意识到保护本国生物遗传资源的重要性,巴西政府于2001年发布了《巴西保护生物多样性和遗传资源暂行条例》。随后又对《暂行条例》进行了数十次修订,直到2015年由总统签署以宪法修正案的形式通过了《生物多样性保护法》(第13.123号法律)。巴西立法对有关概念和术语做了比《名古屋议定书》更为详细的区分和解释,并分别对生物遗传资源与传统知识的获取、审批、转让、惠益分享、行政处罚等内容做出了规定。为了更好地管理生物遗传资源,巴西还成立了"遗传资源委员会(CGEN)",并建立了"国家惠益分享基金(FNRB)"。中国与巴西同属生物多样性大国,且国情相似,本文对巴西遗传资源立法过程及其在遗传资源获取程序、管理机构、惠益分享等方面的相关规定进行了系统整理分析,为国内立法提供参考依据。     

Complex of cis-(NH3)2PtCl2 with guanylyl(3′-5′)-cytidine

The predominant complex formed by the reaction of cis-(NH₃)₂PtCl₂ and guanylyl(3′-5′)cytidine has been isolated. The molar ratio of the binding of cis-(NH₃)₂PtCl₂ to guanylyl(3′-5′)-cytidine is 1:2. The values of proton dissociation constant due to guanine and cytosine bases provide useful information for determining the binding site of the isolated complex. In addition, nmr and ir spectral data were used to determine the binding site. cis-(NH₃)₂PtCl₂ coordinates to guanylyl(3′-5′)cytidine through N(7) position of the guanine base, but cytosine base does not participate in the binding to cis-(NH₃)₂Pt²⁺. Interbase crosslink has not been detected. The binding specificity of cis-(NH₃)₂PtCl₂ to guanine base is discussed.     

Fire risks in forest carbon projects in Indonesia

It is well known that forest carbon or sink projects have not been included in the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), one of the flexible mechanismscreated under the Kyoto Protocol. The main concern for postponing sink projectsis related to issues of methodology and integrity. Project eligibility needs tobe judged in a transparent manner if they are real, measurable, provide long-term benefits to mitigate climate change, and provide additional benefits to thosethat would occur in the absence of a certified project.One of the biggest challenges in implementing sink projects is fire risks and the associated biophysical and socio-economic underlying causes. This study attempts to assess fire probability and use it as a tool to estimate fire risk in carbon sink projects. Fire risks may not only threaten ongoing projects but may also cause leakage of carbon stocks in other areas, especially in protected areas. This exercise was carried out in the Berbak National Park located in Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia and the surrounding areas. Fire probability is associated with (i) the means by which access to a given area is possible, and (ii) vegetation type or fuel load. Although most fires were intentionally ignited, fire escape is common and is enhanced by long spell of dryweather. When this occurs, secondary road was the most frequently used means, and it was certainly the case during 1997/1998 big fires when damage to natural vegetation (natural and secondary forests) was substantial. Burnt natural vegetation was 120000 ha or 95% of the total burnt areas, and released more than 7 Mt of carbon into the atmosphere.     

Use of in vivo genetic toxicity data for risk assessment

Mutagenicity studies have been used to identify specific agents as potential carconogens or other human health hazards; however, they have been used minimally for risk assessment or in determining permissible levels of human exposure. The poor predictive value of in vitro mutagenesis tests for carcinogenic activity and a lack of mechanistic understanding of the roles of mutagens in the induction of specific cancers have made these tests unattractive for the purpose of risk assessment. However, the limited resources available for carcinogen testing and large number of chemicals which need to be evaluated necessitate the incorporation of more efficient methods into the evaluation process. In vivo genetic toxicity testing can be recommended for this purpose because in vivo assays incorporate the metabolic activation pathways that are relevant to humans. We propose the use of a multiple end-point in vivo comprehensive testing protocol (CTP) using rodents. Studies using sub-acute exposure to low levels of test agents by routes consistent with human exposure can be a useful adjunct to methods currently used to provide data for risk assessment. Evaluations can include metabolic and pharmacokinetic endpoints, in addition to genetic toxicity studies, in order to provide a comprehensive examination of the mechanism of toxicity of the agent. A parallelogram approach can be used to estimate effects in non-accessible human tissues by using data from accessible human tissues and analogous tissues in animals. A categorical risk assessment procedure can be used which would consider, in order of priority, genetic damage in man, genetic damage in animals that is highly relevant to disease outcome (mutation, chromosome damage), and data from animals that is of less certain relevance to disease. Action levels of environmental exposure would be determined based on the lowest observed effect levels or the highest observed no effect levels, using sub-acute low level exposure studies in rodents. As an example, the known genotoxic effects of benzene exposure at low levels in man and animals are discussed. The lowest observed genotoxic effects were observed at about 1–10 parts per million for man and 0.04–0.1 parts per million in subacute animal studies. If genetic toxicity is to achieve a prominent role in evaluating carcinogens and characterizing germ-cell mutagens, minimal testing requirements must be established to ascertain the risk associated with environmental mutagen exposure. The use of the in vivo approach described here should provide the information needed to meet this goal. In addition, it should allow truly epigenetic or non-genotoxic carcinogens to be distinguished from the genotoxic carcinogens that are not detected by in vitro methods.     

Biological control and the Nagoya Protocol on access and benefit sharing – a case of effective due diligence

ABSTRACT

Biological control agents must be collected and utilised in compliance with the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) which is being implemented independently by each country that is signatory to the Protocol. By March 2018, 50 countries had legislation in place with an additional 54 designing their Legislative, Administrative or Policy Measures having become Party to the Protocol. Apart from the problem of dealing with the many different mechanisms countries are putting in place, it is often difficult to find relevant information on the ABS Clearing House and to access and receive appropriate responses from the National Focal Points or Competent National Authorities. We feel that a lot of time is lost on both sides (National authorities and scientists seeking information), and the process would benefit from streamlining. Also, open questions remain, such as how to deal with the generation digital sequence information and what specific activities are considered utilisation, especially for biological control. CABI has pro-actively developed an ABS policy and best practices for its staff to try and comply with the Nagoya Protocol. In addition, CABI has started negotiations with several provider countries, beginning with its member countries, to have its ABS policy and best practices recognised, considering the non-monetary benefits typically associated with biological control. The Nagoya Protocol was born out of the necessity to guarantee the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. However, it should not hinder the development of best practice solutions to protect exactly these genetic resources from threats like invasive species. It is important that research and development that addresses global societal challenges are not impeded and that science and its output are recognised as a way to preserve and use genetic resources in an equitable way.     

主要利益相关方在履行《名古屋议定书》中的关系与义务

生物遗传资源及其相关传统知识的获取与惠益分享(Access and Benefit Sharing,ABS)涉及三个主要利益相关方,即提供方、使用方和监管方.在我国履行《名古屋议定书》的过程中,需深刻理解《名古屋议定书》中对于提供方、使用方和监管方的相关规定,分析三方关系内涵及各自义务,对有效履行《名古屋议定书》具有重...