Rapid and simple sex determination method from dental pulp by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Sex determination from dental pulp DNA was examined by loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. Amelogenin locus was analyzed for sex determination. A set of four specially designed primers was prepared based on database from Gene Bank, and loop primers were designed to shorten the analysis time. Analysis was performed using 32 dental pulp DNA samples removal from permanent teeth stored at room temperature for 1–25 years after extraction. The X allele was detected in approximately 32 min with real-time turbidimeter and the Y allele was detected in approximately 34 min. Analysis time was reduced to half when using loop primers. Visual detection was also possible as the amplified product showed white turbidity. Sex determination by LAMP method was rapid and simple, and it should prove useful in unknown bodies of mass disasters.     

The 2000 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit: A Sherpa's Perspective

Despite many challenges, Okinawa succeeded in its bid to hold the 2000 G8 Summit. This was primarily because it was the personal preference of the late Japanese Prime Minister Keizô Obuchi, whose decision may have met with some opposition from politicians but was popular with the general public. What type of summit had Japan envisaged? Were the objectives realized and will the Okinawa Summit be remembered as a historic occasion? In the following article, Yoshiji Nogami, deputy minister for foreign affairs and the G8 sherpa (or personal representative) for the Japanese prime minister, answers these questions and gives details of the post-summit work that has taken place since the conclusion of the leaders' meeting.