In vitro culture of Boletus badius as a source of indole compounds and zinc released in artificial digestive juices

Food Science and Biotechnology - The objective of this study was to obtain the in vitro cultures of Boletus badius under controlled conditions and investigate the release of indole compounds and...     

A pilot study of the neuropsychological benefits of computerized cognitive rehabilitation in Ugandan children with HIV.

Objective: Because antiretroviral treatment (ART) fails to improve neurocognitive impairment in children with HIV, we completed a pilot study evaluating the feasibility and cognitive benefit of computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) in Ugandan children with HIV. Method: Sixty Ugandan children with HIV (23 on ART) were randomly assigned to 10 sessions of Captain's Log CCRT (Sandford, 2007) training configured for attention and memory skills or no intervention. Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (2nd ed., KABC–2; Kaufman & Kaufman, 2004) performance at baseline indicated pervasive neurocognitive impairment. Cognitive ability was assessed before and after training using the Cogstate computerized neuropsychological test (Darby, Maruff, Collie, & McStephen, 2002). Viral load along with CD4 and CD8 absolute and activation levels also were measured posttest. Results: CCRT was well received with a 95% adherence rate to scheduled training sessions. CCRT intervention children showed greater improvement on a Cogstate card detection task of simple attention (p = .02), and speed of correct moves on a Groton Maze Learning Task (p     

Static‐Strain Level Change Together with Detection of Transient Signal as Damage Indicator for Truss and Frame Structures

The lifetime prolongation of the old industrial structures is an important economic issue. Damage detection techniques can be helpful to warn about any structural deterioration and to assure sufficient time for counteraction activities. In the paper, the results of strain measurements on scaled leg model of offshore oil platform with different damage cases are presented. The considered damage cases were yielding, chord cutting and brace–chord detachment located in the bottom part of the model. Yielding was detected mainly by the sensors located in the lower part of the structure. On the other hand, brace–chord detachment was detected by all sensors on the structure. Therefore, the global character of the considered damage indicator is proven at least for some important class of damage cases. Due to transient response during brace–chord detachment and interpretation problems of results for partial chord cutting, the necessity of continuous monitoring was evident. The time point of detachment occurrence can be easily detected using difference or cross‐correlation technique. The change in static‐strain levels together with the detection of transient signal seems to be a simple and an effective damage indicator based on interrogation of thermo‐mechanical strains.     

Protective Properties of Magnetron-Sputtered Cr–Si Layers on CoSb3

Pulse magnetron sputtering was used to deposit Cr–5Si (at.%) thin layers onto CoSb₃ substrates to prevent degradation of the material at elevated temperatures. The quality of the protective layers was evaluated on the basis of oxidation tests in air at 500 and 600 °C for up to 80 h. The surfaces, fractures and cross-sections of specimens were analyzed to assess integrity and adherence of the deposited layer as well as the extent of reaction and diffusion phenomena at interfaces. It was found that the Cr–5Si layer provided a satisfactory protection for CoSb₃ at 500 °C. Promising results were obtained at 600 °C.     

Kinetics of extracted bioactive components from mushrooms in artificial digestive juices

This article presents a study on fruiting bodies of Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius deliciosus, Leccinum scabrum, Suillus bovinus, Suillus luteus, Pleurotus ostreatus, Tricholoma equestre, Armillaria mellea, Agaricus bisporus, and Auricularia polytricha. The amounts of their health-promoting bioelements and physiologically significant indole and phenolic compounds were determined. The significance of edible mushrooms in the human diet and in disease prevention were also established. The high-performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the contents of indole compounds and phenolic acids. The atomic absorption spectroscopy was applied to determine bioelements. In all samples, the content of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan was studied. The highest extraction amount of serotonin was found for P. ostreatus species. Phenolic compounds were determined in the conditions described in the present study for the first time. Additionally, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, and gallic acids were determined.