Biology and fertility life table of the South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus on grape

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Higher respiratory activity decreases mitochondrial reactive oxygen release and increases life span in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Increased replicative longevity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae because of calorie restriction has been linked to enhanced mitochondrial respiratory activity. Here we have further investigated how mitochondrial respiration affects yeast life span. We found that calorie restriction by growth in low glucose increased respiration but decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production relative to oxygen consumption. Calorie restriction also enhanced chronological life span. The beneficial effects of calorie restriction on mitochondrial respiration, reactive oxygen species release, and replicative and chronological life span could be mimicked by uncoupling agents such as dinitrophenol. Conversely, chronological life span decreased in cells treated with antimycin (which strongly increases mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation) or in yeast mutants null for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (which removes superoxide radicals) and for RTG2 (which participates in retrograde feedback signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus). These results suggest that yeast aging is linked to changes in mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative stress and that mild mitochondrial uncoupling can increase both chronological and replicative life span.

Role of stressful and traumatic life events in obsessive-compulsive disorder

Whilst genetic factors are thought to contribute to the development of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the role of environmental factors in OCD is only beginning to be understood. In this article, we review the influence of stress-related factors in OCD. Overall, studies indicate that: patients with OCD frequently report stressful and traumatic life events before illness onset, although these rates do not seem to be significantly different from those described in other disorders; the association between OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) might result from symptom overlap, although cases of patients developing OCD after PTSD and showing obsessive-compulsive symptoms that were unrelated to trauma have been described fairly consistently; it is unclear whether patients with OCD and a history of stress-related factors (including stressful life events, traumatic life events or comorbid PTSD) may respond better or worse to the available treatments; and comorbid PTSD may modify the clinical expression of OCD-although controlled studies comparing pre-versus post-traumatic OCD patients are still unavailable. In conclusion, there is a growing evidence to suggest a role for stress-related factors in OCD. Although the available literature does not confirm the existence of a post-traumatic subtype of OCD, it does call for further systematic research into this topic. © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd.

Influence of seasonal changes in daily activity and annual life cycle of Geotrigona mombuca (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in a Cerrado habitat, São Paulo, Brazil

The foraging activity of Geotrigona mombuca Smith, 1863 was studied under natural conditions aiming to verify the influence of seasonal changes on daily flight activity and annual cycle of the colony. Daily flight activity was monitored for a year based on the observation and counting of foragers leaving and entering the hive, as well as the kind of material transported and meteorological factors such as day time, temperature and relative humidity. The influence of seasonal changes was evidenced by alterations on daily rhythm of flight activity and by differences on transportation of food resources, building material and garbage. These data indicate that forager behavior is related to daily microclimate conditions and it is synchronized with the requirements of colony annual cycle, which determines an intense pollen collection in the summer. Thus, the recomposition of the intranidal population in spring and summer can be ensured, which is characterized both for a higher intensity of flight activity and increase in garbage and resin transport, as well as the swarming process in the spring. In this way, an action targeting the preservation or management of the species in a natural environment should consider that survival and reproduction of the colony depends greatly on the amount of available pollen in late winter.

Cumulative influences of a small city and former mining activities on the sediment quality of a subtropical estuarine protected area

This study aimed to evaluate the sediment quality in the estuarine protected area known as Canan,ia-Iguape-Peruibe (CIP-PA), located on the southeastern coast of Brazil. The study was designed considering possible negative effects induced by the city of Canan,ia on the sediment quality of surrounding areas. This evaluation was performed using chemical and ecotoxicological analyses. Sediments were predominantly sandy, with low CaCO3 contents. Amounts of organic matter varied, but higher contents occurred closer to the city, as well as did Fe and Total Recoverable Oils and Greases (TROGs) concentrations. Contamination by Cd and Cu was revealed in some samples, while concentrations of Zn were considered low. Chronic toxicity was detected in all tested sediments and acute toxicity occurred only in sediments collected near the city. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an association among Cd, Cu, Fe, TROG, fines, organic matter, CaCO3, and chronic toxicity, whereas acute toxicity was found to be associated with Zn and mud. However, because Zn levels were low, acute toxicity was likely due to a contaminant that was not measured. Results show that there is a broad area within the CIP-PA that is under the influence of mining activities (chronic toxicity, moderate contamination by metals), whereas poorer conditions occur closer to Canan,ia (acute toxicity); thus, the urban area seems to constitute a relevant source of contaminants for the estuarine complex. These results show that contamination is already capable of producing risks for the local aquatic biota, which suggests that the CIP-PA effectiveness in protecting estuarine biota may be threatened.

Integrating species life-history traits and patterns of deforestation in amphibian conservation planning

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Stridulatory file and calling song of two populations of the tropical bush cricket Eneoptera surinamensis (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Eneopterinae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Lazer e vida urbana em Presidente Prudente - SP

Pós-graduação em Geografia - FCT

Qualidade de vida em mulheres com ausência ou presença de terapia de reposição hormonal

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QL) of a group of menopausal women in the presence or absence of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It consists of a cross-sectional analytical study involving women from the School Health Center - Unity Village Farmers' and Town Railway on the city of Botucatu. Participants were divided into two related groups of studies: run HRT and do not realize. We used the SF 36 and QRS, and a questionnaire to characterize the study population. No differences were seen when comparing the groups with regard to age, age at menarche and menopause. It was observed that 92% were white women and who have studied up to primary education (p = 0.0209), and those who had a partner (p = 0.0055), were the most reported changes in QL. The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes, which is significantly more important in women without HRT. The account of the lower of QL was expressed by 28% of the sample, and the population obtained in MRS score more negative (p, 0.05). The correlation of the eight components of the SF36 and the MRS, with the presence or absence of TRH showed no significant differences. The concept of quality of life and evaluation of it is subjective and individual. However they can notice changes in QL, evidenced by instruments. One can see that menopause is not necessarily accompanied by changes in QL, however, when expressed, tend to be perceived more negatively. Despite the lower level of social and low education and women interviewed have QL as good. There is a need for studies to improve a more real relationship between HRT and QL

Temperature-dependent fecundity and life table of the fennel aphid hyadaphis foeniculi (passerini) (hemiptera: aphididae)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)