The Sexome - A proof of concept study into microbial transfer between heterosexual couples after sexual intercourse.

The detection and recovery of male DNA post-assault is important in sexual assault investigations, particularly where an offender is unknown to the victim. The collection of DNA evidence often occurs when the female victim undergoes a forensic medical assessment. Analysis regularly results in mixed autosomal DNA profiles with both victim and perpetrator DNA, often making it difficult to interpret a male profile suitable for DNA database searching. While short tandem repeat (STR) profiling of the male Y-chromosome is often used to overcome this challenge, successful identification of an individual can be hindered by the paternal inheritance pattern of Y-STRs and small Y-STR databases. Human microbiome research has suggested that a person's microbial diversity is unique. Therefore microbiome analysis using Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) could serve as a useful adjunct method of perpetrator identification. This study aimed to identify bacteria taxa that were unique to each participant and compare the bacterial communities found on their genitals both pre- and post-coitus. Samples were collected from six male-female sexual partner pairs. Volunteers were asked to self-collect low vaginal (females) and penis shaft and glans (males) samples before and after intercourse. Samples were extracted using the PureLink™ Microbiome DNA Purification Kit. Extracted DNA underwent library preparation using primers targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene (∼450 bp). Libraries were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq® platform. From the sequence data derived, statistical analysis was performed to investigate if bacteria sequences could be used to infer contact between each male-female pairing. Unique bacterial signatures were detected in low frequencies (<1%) in male and female participants pre-coitus. The data indicated a significant disruption to microbial diversity post-coitus in all samples. A transfer of the female microbiome during intercourse was most significant. As expected, one couple who did not use a barrier contraceptive yielded the most microbial transfer and disruption to diversity demonstrating a proof-of-concept in the utility of microbiome interrogation for sexual assault cases. Further genomic analysis is needed to confirm species and subspecies classification of bacteria that may produce a unique microbial profile that could then be used to identify a specific individual.

Life satisfaction 18 months and 10 years following spinal cord injury: results from a New Zealand prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To examine the life satisfaction outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify the factors associated with life satisfaction at 18 months and 10 years post-SCI in New Zealand (NZ). METHODS: Adults (16-64 years) were recruited between 2007 and 2009 from NZ's two spinal units following first admission for SCI. Interviews at 6 months, 18 months, and 10 years post-SCI examined demographic, physical, psychosocial, economic, and environmental characteristics. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of life satisfaction at each timepoint. RESULTS: Overall, 118 people participated at 6 months, 103 at 18 months, and 63 at 10 years post-SCI. Pre-SCI, 90% of participants were satisfied with life, 67% were satisfied at 18 months, and 78% at 10 years. At 18 months post-SCI, participants who reported: never or sometimes using a wheelchair, no problems with self-care, no problems with anxiety or depression, no/lesser disability, or fewer secondary health conditions (SHCs) at 6 months post-SCI were more likely to be satisfied (p < 0.05), compared to those without these characteristics. Participants who experienced considerable disability at 6 months post-SCI were 22% less likely to be satisfied 10 years post-SCI compared to those experiencing no/lesser disability (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of participants were satisfied at both 18 months and 10 years post-SCI than not satisfied. To improve the likelihood of satisfaction with life, increased focus on reducing disability and providing supports for those using wheelchairs, experiencing anxiety/depression or problems with self-care, and effects of SHCs are promising for future potential interventions.

Parapheromones for Thynnine Wasps.

Sexually deceptive orchids produce floral volatiles that attract male insect pollinators. This interaction between flower and pollinator normally is highly specific. In the few cases where the chemical composition of the volatiles is known, the compounds have been found to be identical to those that comprise the sex pheromone of the female wasp. In this study, we investigated whether there is potential for flexibility in the molecular structure of the chemical cues used to mediate these specific interactions. Specifically, we asked whether strong sexual attraction can be maintained with structural modifications of sex pheromone components. Our study focused on the orchid, Drakaea glyptodon, which is pollinated by males of the thynnine wasp, Zaspilothynnus trilobatus. Three alkylpyrazines and a unique hydroxymethylpyrazine are components of the female produced sex pheromone of Z. trilobatus, and also the semiochemicals produced by the orchid that lures the males as pollinators. A blend of 2-butyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine and 2-hydroxymethyl-3,5-diethyl-6-methylpyrazine (3:1) is as attractive as the full blend of four compounds. Therefore, in this study we substituted 2-hydroxymethyl-3,5-diethyl-6-methylpyrazine with one of five structurally related parapheromones in a blend with 2-butyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine. All blends tested stimulated approaches by male wasps, with some also eliciting landing and attempted copulation. High-level calculations (G4(MP2)) showed the energy differences between the structural isomers were small, although the degree of sexual attraction varied, indicating the importance of structural factors for activity. One of the parapheromones, 2-hydroxymethyl-3,5-dimethyl-6-ethylpyrazine, elicited similar proportions of approaches, landings, and attempted copulations as the sex pheromone at the ratio and dose tested. The findings suggest that there is potential for chemical flexibility in the evolution of sexual deception.

Alkylations and hydroxymethylations of pyrazines via green Minisci-type reactions.

A new general methodology utilizing Minisci-type chemistry has been developed that cleanly and efficiently prepares alkyl- and (hydroxymethyl)pyrazines. The new methods eliminate toxic catalysts and halogenated solvents, providing a greatly improved route to these natural products which are prevalent in many natural systems as bacterial volatiles, plant volatiles, and insect pheromones.