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P W Sherman

Publications and source records attributed to P W Sherman.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Antimicrobial functions of spices: why some like it hot.

Although spices have been important for centuries in food preparation throughout the world, patterns of spice use differ considerably among cultures and countries. What factors underlie these differences? Why are spices used at all? To investigate these questions, we quantified the frequency of use of 43 spices in the meat-based cuisines of the 36 countries for which we could locate traditional cookbooks. A total of 4578 recipes from 93 cookbooks was analysed. We also complied information on the temperature and precipitation in each country, the ranges of spice plants, and the antibacterial properties of each spice. These data were used to investigate the hypothesis that spices inhibit or kill food-spoilage microorganisms. In support of this is the fact that spice plant secondary compounds are powerful antimicrobial (i.e., antibacterial and antifungal) agents. As mean annual temperatures (an indicator of relative spoilage rates of unrefrigerated foods) increased, the proportion of recipes containing spices, number of spices per recipe, total number of spices used, and use of the most potent antibacterial spices all increased, both within and among countries. Likewise, the estimated fraction of bacterial species inhibited per recipe in each country was positively correlated with annual temperature. Several alternative hypotheses were considered--that spices provide macronutrients, disguise the taste and smell of spoiled foods, or increase perspiration and thus evaporative cooling; it also is conceivable that spice use provides no benefits. However, none of these four alternatives was well supported by our data. The proximate reason spices are used obviously is to enhance food palatability. But the ultimate reason is most likely that spices help cleanse foods of pathogens and thereby contribute to the health, longevity and reproductive success of people who find their flavors enjoyable.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1995

Kin recognition.

Many organisms, from sea squirts to primates, can identify their relatives. Understanding how and why they do so has prompted new thinking about the evolution of social behavior.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

DNA "fingerprinting" reveals high levels of inbreeding in colonies of the eusocial naked mole-rat.

Using the technique of DNA fingerprinting, we investigated the genetic structure within and among four wild-caught colonies (n = 50 individuals) of a eusocial mammal, the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber; Rodentia: Bathyergidae). We found that DNA fingerprints of colony-mates were strikingly similar and that between colonies they were much more alike than fingerprints of non-kin in other free-living vertebrates. Extreme genetic similarity within colonies is due to close genetic relationship (mean relatedness estimate +/- SE, r = 0.81 +/- 0.10), which apparently results from consanguineous mating. The inbreeding coefficient (F = 0.45 +/- 0.18) is the highest yet recorded among wild mammals. The genetic structure of naked mole-rat colonies lends support to kin selection and ecological constraints models for the evolution of cooperative breeding and eusociality.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Mate guarding as paternity insurance in Idaho ground squirrels.

Following a copulation, males in many species of vertebrates (particularly birds) and invertebrates remain near the inseminated female and repel other suitors with displays or force. Guarding males must delay resumption of competitive mate searching, but they may insure their paternity by reducing possibilities for secondary matings and sperm competition. Among mammals, post-copulatory mate guarding has been reported in rodents, mongooses, ungulates and primates, including humans, but the effects of such behaviour on male reproductive success have not been determined genetically. I report here that mate guarding by male Idaho ground squirrels (Spermophilus brunneus) enhances a male's probability of paternity. Furthermore, an analysis based on game theory shows that mate guarding is an evolutionarily stable strategy for male S. brunneus, but not male Belding's ground squirrels (S. beldingi), which resume searching once copulation is completed.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Multiple paternity in Belding's ground squirrel litters.

Sexually receptive female Spermophilus beldingi (Rodentia: Sciuridae) usually mate with several different males. The paternity of 27 litters born in 1977 and 1978 was ascertained by combining field observations of mating with laboratory paternity exclusion analyses. Most of the litters (78 percent) were multiply sired, usually by two or three males. This may be the highest frequency of multiple paternity ever directly demonstrated in a natural population.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Management of proximal humeral fractures.

The understanding of early controlled range of motion adapted to the stability of the fracture is crucial in postfracture shoulder therapy. The diagnosis and management of proximal humeral fractures have been reviewed. In addition, the aspects of therapy and the pertinent rehabilitation protocols are outlined. Although this article outlines standard treatment approaches, the specific therapy should be individualized to the patient's goals and abilities, and continuous communication between all persons involved in the patient's care is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

Exercise Therapy↗