Antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of herbal infusions consumed in Brazil

Processed tea and herbal infusions were Studied for their phenol content, antioxidant activity and main flavonoids. Total phenolics were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and ranged from N.D. to 46.46 +/- 0.44 mg/g GAE. Flavonoids were investigated by HPLC, and myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol were identified in black, green, and chamomile tea. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two methods: DPPH and beta-carotene bleaching test (BCB). Using the BCB, the highest activities were found for infusions of black tea, mate, lemongrass, chamomile, and fennel; whereas fresh herbal infusions presented the lowest activities. Using the DPPH method, fresh herbal infusions presented the highest activities. Processed leaves with the lowest IC50 values were green and black tea (147.63 and 288.60 mu g/mL, respectively). The results of this research show that the infusions studied are good Source of compounds presenting antioxidant activity in vitro.

Molecular dynamics simulation of liquid trimethylphosphine

Structural and dynamical properties of liquid trimethylphosphine (TMP), (CH(3))(3)P, as a function of temperature is investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The force field used in the MD simulations, which has been proposed from molecular mechanics and quantum chemistry calculations, is able to reproduce the experimental density of liquid TMP at room temperature. Equilibrium structure is investigated by the usual radial distribution function, g(r), and also in the reciprocal space by the static structure factor, S(k). On the basis of center of mass distances, liquid TMP behaves like a simple liquid of almost spherical particles, but orientational correlation due to dipole-dipole interactions is revealed at short-range distances. Single particle and collective dynamics are investigated by several time correlation functions. At high temperatures, diffusion and reorientation occur at the same time range as relaxation of the liquid structure. Decoupling of these dynamic properties starts below ca. 220 K, when rattling dynamics of a given TMP molecules due to the cage effect of neighbouring molecules becomes important. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3624408]

Source populations in coastal crabs: parameters affecting egg production

Benthic marine invertebrates may form metapopulations connected via propagule dispersal. Conservation efforts often target potential source coastlines to indirectly benefit areas depending on allochthonous offspring production. Besides population density, adult size structure, sex ratio, brooding frequency and the proportion of breeding individuals may significantly influence the reproductive output of benthic populations, but these effects have seldom been tested. We used rocky shore crabs to assess the spatial variability of such parameters at relevant scales for conservation purposes and to test their consistency over 2 consecutive years; we then used the data to address whether bottom-up processes or biological interactions might explain the patterns observed. We decomposed egg production rates into their components for the 2 most abundant brachyuran species inhabiting the intertidal rocky habitat. Adult density and brooding frequency varied consistently among shores for both species and largely explained the overall spatial trends of egg production. Temporally consistent patterns also included among-shore differences in the size of ovigerous females of the grapsid Pachygrapsus transversus and between-bay differences in the fecundity of the spider crab Epialtus brasiliensis. Sex ratio was remarkably constant in both. We found no positive or negative correlations between adult density and brooding frequency to support either the existence of a component Allee effect (lack of mate encounters) or an effect of intra-specific competition. Likewise, shore-specific potential growth in P. transversus does not negatively correlate with frequency of ovigerous individuals, as would be expected under a critical balance between these 2 processes. The patterns observed suggest that bottom-up drivers may best explain spatial trends in the reproductive output of these species.

Electronic scraps - Recovering of valuable materials from parallel wire cables

Every year, the number of discarded electro-electronic products is increasing. For this reason recycling is needed, to avoid wasting non-renewable natural resources. The objective of this work is to study the recycling of materials from parallel wire cable through Unit operations of mineral processing. Parallel wire cables are basically composed of polymer and copper. The following unit operations were tested: grinding, size classification, dense medium separation, electrostatic separation, scrubbing, panning, and elutriation. It was observed that the operations used obtained copper and PVC concentrates with a low degree of cross contamination. It was Concluded that total liberation of the materials was accomplished after grinding to less than 3 mm, using a cage mill. Separation using panning and elutriation presented the best results in terms of recovery and cross contamination. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Listeria monocytogenes in two different poultry facilities: Manual and automatic evisceration

Listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a pathogen often found in food processing plants. Poultry meat and its derivatives may harbor L. monocytogenes even if good manufacturing practices are implanted in abattoirs. Little information exists in Brazil on the frequency of L. monocytogenes contamination, even though the country is considered the top poultry meat exporter in the world. This study attempted to compare 2 exporters poultry facilities following same the standards but differing only in manual (plant M) or automatic (plant A) evisceration. Eight hundred fifty-one samples from food, food contact and non-food contact surfaces, water, and workers` hands were collected from cage to finished products over a 1-yr period. In plant A, 20.1% of the samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, whereas in plant M, 16.4% was found. The greatest incidence of contamination with the pathogen in plant A was found in non- food contact surfaces (27.3%), while in plant M, it was found in products (19.4%). The most prevalent serovars were 1/2a or 3a (plant M) and 4b, 4d, or 4e (plant A). Despite having proper hygiene and good manufacturing practices, controlling the entry and persistence of L. monocytogenes in processing facilities remains a formidable task.

Trypanosoma cruzi: Effects of social stress in Calomys callosus a natural reservoir of infection

Social environment can represent a major source of stress affecting cortisol and/or corticosterone levels, thereby altering the immune response. We have investigated the effects of social isolation on the development of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in female Calomys callosus, a natural reservoir of this protozoan parasite. Animals were divided in groups of five animals each. The animals of one group were kept together in a single cage. In a second group, four females were kept together in a cage with one male. In the final group, five individuals were kept isolated in private cages. The isolated animals showed body weight reduction, decreased numbers of peritoneal macrophages, lower global leucocytes counts, smaller lytic antibody percentage and a significantly higher level of blood parasites compared to the other animals. Their behavior was also altered. They were more aggressive than grouped females, or females exposed to the presence of a male. These results suggest that isolation creates a distinct social behavior in which immunity is impaired and pathogenesis is enhanced. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Wolbachia infection and expression of cytoplasmic incompatibility in Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Polymerase chain reaction screening revealed that Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett), a vector of filariasis, was infected with the intracellular bacteria Wolbachia. Laboratory crosses between infected males and uninfected females resulted in less than half the number of offspring than control crosses between uninfected individuals when young (2- to 3-d-old) males were used in the cross. However, incompatibility was lost when old (14- to 17-d-old) males were used. Field-collected females did not show detectable cytoplasmic incompatibility, and this may be because of the age at which males mate in the field. We used head pigment fluorescence levels to age field males collected from mating swarms, and found that 25-63% of swarming males were older than 13 d. Male age may be one factor influencing the observed low levels of cytoplasmic incompatibility detected in the field.

Synchronization of estrus and fertility in zebu beef heifers treated with three estrus synchronization protocols

The effects on estrus and fertility of 3 estrus synchronization protocols were studied in Brahman beef heifers. In Treatment 1 (PGF protocol; n=234), heifers received 7.5 mg, im prostianol on Day 0 and were inseminated after observed estrus until Day 5. Treatment 2 (10-d NOR protocol; n=220) consisted of norgestomet (NOR; 3 mg, sc implant and 3 mg, im) and estradiol valerate (5 mg, im) treatment on Day -10, NOR implant removal and 400 IU, im PMSG on Day 0, and AI after observed estrus through to Day 5. Treatment 3 (14-d NOR+PGF protocol; n=168) constituted a NOR implant (3 mg, sc) on Day -14, NOR implant removal on Day 0, PGF on Day 16, and AI after observed estrus through to Day 21. All heifers were examined for return to estrus at the next cycle and inseminated after observed estrus. The heifers were then exposed to bulls for at least 21 d. During the period of estrus observation (5 d) after treatment, those heifers treated with the PGF protocol had a lower (P

The role of colour in signalling and male choice in the agamid lizard Ctenophorus ornatus

Bright coloration and complex visual displays are frequent and well described in many lizard families. Reflectance spectrometry which extends into the ultraviolet (UV) allows measurement of such coloration independent of our visual system. We examined the role of colour in signalling and mate choice in the agamid lizard Ctenophorus ornatus. We found that throat reflectance strongly contrasted against the granite background of the lizards' habitat. The throat may act as a signal via the head-bobbing and push-up displays of C. ornatus. Dorsal coloration provided camouflage against the granite background, particularly in females. C. ornatus was sexually dichromatic for all traits examined including throat UV reflectance which is beyond human visual perception. Female throats were highly variable in spectral reflectance and males preferred females with higher throat chroma between 370 and 400 nm. However, female throat UV chroma is strongly correlated to both throat brightness and chest UV chroma and males may choose females on a combination of these colour variables. There was no evidence that female throat or chest coloration was an indicator of female quality. However, female brightness significantly predicted a female's laying date and, thus, may signal receptivity. One function of visual display in this species appears to be intersexual signalling, resulting in male choice of females.

Changes in intra-abdominal pressure during postural and respiratory activation of the human diaphragm

In humans, when the stability of the trunk is challenged in a controlled manner by repetitive movement of a limb, activity of the diaphragm becomes tonic but is also modulated at the frequency of limb movement. In addition, the tonic activity is modulated by respiration. This study investigated the mechanical output of these components of diaphragm activity. Recordings were made of costal diaphragm, abdominal, and erector spinae muscle electromyographic activity; intra-abdominal, intrathoracic, and transdiaphragmatic pressures; and motion of the rib cage, abdomen, and arm. During limb movement the diaphragm and transversus abdominis were tonically active with added phasic modulation at the frequencies of both respiration and limb movement. Activity of the other trunk muscles was not modulated by respiration. Intra-abdominal pressure was increased during the period of limb movement in proportion to the reactive forces from the movement. These results show that coactivation of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles causes a sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure, whereas inspiration and expiration are controlled by opposing activity of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to vary the shape of the pressurized abdominal cavity.

No evidence of female choice for a condition-dependent trait in the agamid lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus

Female choice has rarely been documented in reptiles. In this study we examined the variation, condition-dependence and female preference for a range of male morphological and colour traits in the agamid lizard, Ctenophorus ornatus. Colour traits were measured with reflectance spectrophotometry which allows the accurate quantification of colour traits independent of the human visual system. All the colour traits varied greatly in brightness but only the throat showed high variation in the spectral shape. For the morphological traits, chest patch size showed the highest amount of variation and was also condition-dependent. Males with a larger chest patch also had a patch which was a darker black. Female mate choice trials were conducted on male chest patch size and body size, which is the trait females have preferred in other lizard species. Females showed no preference, measured as spatial association, for larger males or males with bigger chest patches. In post-hoc tests females did not prefer males with brighter throats or darker chests, Our findings suggest that females show no spatial discrimination between males on the basis of a range of traits most expected to influence female choice.

The look of royalty: visual and odour signals of reproductive status in a paper wasp

Reproductive conflicts within animal societies occur when all females can potentially reproduce. In social insects, these conflicts are regulated largely by behaviour and chemical signalling. There is evidence that presence of signals, which provide direct information about the quality of the reproductive females would increase the fitness of all parties. In this study, we present an association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan. Our results showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status. In addition, experiments revealed that higher hierarchical positions were occupied by subordinates with distinct proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons and distinct visual marks. Therefore, these wasps present cues that convey reliable information of their reproductive status.

Involvement of dopaminergic mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens core and shell subregions in the expression of fear conditioning

The involvement of dopamine (DA) mechanisms in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) in fear conditioning has been proposed by many studies that have challenged the view that the NAC is solely involved in the modulation of appetitive processes. However, the role of the core and shell subregions of the NAC in aversive conditioning remains unclear. The present study examined DA release in these NAC subregions using microdialysis during the expression of fear memory. Guide cannulae were implanted in rats in the NAC core and shell. Five days later, the animals received 10 footshocks (0.6 mA, 1 s duration) in a distinctive cage A (same context). On the next day, dialysis probes were inserted through the guide cannulae into the NAC core and shell subregions, and the animals were behaviorally tested for fear behavior either in the same context (cage A) or in a novel context (cage B). Dialysates were collected every 5 min for 90 min and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The rats exhibited a significant fear response in cage A but not in cage B. Moreover, increased DA levels in both NAC subregions were observed 5-25 min after the beginning of the test when the animals were tested in the same context compared with accumbal DA levels from rats tested in the different context. These findings Suggest that DA mechanisms in both the NAC core and shell may play an important role in the expression of contextual fear memory. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

The benefits of polyandry in the free-spawning polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa

In many species, females are thought to benefit from polyandry due to the reduced risks of fertilization by genetically incompatible sperm. However, few studies that have reported such benefits have directly attributed variation in female reproductive success to the interacting effects of males and females at fertilization. In this paper, we determine whether male x female interactions influence fertilization in vitro in the free-spawning, sessile polychaete Galeolaria caespitosa. Furthermore, we determined whether polyandry results in direct fertilization benefits for females by experimentally manipulating the number of males contributing towards staged spawning events. To test for male x female interaction effects we performed an initial experiment that crossed seven males with six females (in all 42 combinations), enabling us to assess fertilization rates for each specific male-female pairing and attribute variation in fertilization success to males, females and their interaction. This initial experiment revealed a strong interaction between males and females at fertilization, confirming that certain male-female combinations were more compatible than others. A second experiment tested the hypothesis that polyandry enhances female reproductive success by exposing each female's eggs to either a single male's sperm (monandry) or the sperm from three males simultaneously (polyandry). We performed this second experiment at two ecologically relevant sperm concentrations. This latter experiment revealed a strong fertilization benefit of polyandry, independent of the effects of sperm concentration (which were also significant). We suggest that these direct fertilization gains arising from polyandry will constitute an important source of selection on females to mate multiply in nature.

Genetic covariance between indices of body condition and immunocompetence in a passerine bird

Background: Condition-dependence is a ubiquitous feature of animal life histories and has important implications for both natural and sexual selection. Mate choice, for instance, is typically based on condition-dependent signals. Theory predicts that one reason why condition-dependent signals may be special is that they allow females to scan for genes that confer high parasite resistance. Such explanations require a genetic link between immunocompetence and body condition, but existing evidence is limited to phenotypic associations. It remains unknown, therefore, whether females selecting males with good body condition simply obtain a healthy mate, or if they acquire genes for their offspring that confer high immunocompetence. Results: Here we use a cross-foster experimental design to partition the phenotypic covariance in indices of body condition and immunocompetence into genetic, maternal and environmental effects in a passerine bird, the zebra finch Taeniopygia guttata. We show that there is significant positive additive genetic covariance between an index of body condition and an index of cell-mediated immune response. In this case, genetic variance in the index of immune response explained 56% of the additive genetic variance in the index of body condition. Conclusion: Our results suggest that, in the context of sexual selection, females that assess males on the basis of condition-dependent signals may gain genes that confer high immunocompetence for their offspring. More generally, a genetic correlation between indices of body condition and imuunocompetence supports the hypothesis that parasite resistance may be an important target of natural selection. Additional work is now required to test whether genetic covariance exists among other aspects of both condition and immunocompetence.