Using pentosidine and hydroxyproline to predict age and sex in an avian species.

All living organisms are subject to senescence accompanied by progressive and irreversible physiological changes. The error damage and cross-linking theories suggest that cells and tissues are damaged by an accumulation of cross-linked proteins, slowing down bodily processes and resulting in aging. A major category of these cross-linked proteins are compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Feeding of grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) with the contraceptive agent DiazaCon™: effect on cholesterol, hematology, and blood chemistry.

Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are an invasive species in Britain and Italy. They have replaced native red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) throughout most of Britain, and cause damage to trees. Currently, lethal control is used to manage grey squirrel populations in Britain, but nonlethal methods might be more acceptable to the public.

Desmosterol: a biomarker for the efficient development of 20,25-diazacholesterol as a contraceptive for pest wildlife.

20,25-Diazacholesterol is being evaluated as a contraceptive for the nonlethal control of avian and mammalian wildlife pests. The identification of an analyte in blood which was highly correlated with absorbed dose and efficacy is valuable for determining effective formulations and dosing variables. Such an analyte or biomarker is also valuable for determining the percentage of pest populations that consume an effective dose of the active ingredient in the field.