Effect of cooking on the proximate composition and minerals content of wild edible macro fungi from lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Lore Lindu National Park was the most important flora and fauna protected area in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This area has high biodiversity, one of which is edible macro fungi. Macro fungi have attracted worldwide attention and reputation because of their diverse functions including beauty and aesthetics, medicinal effects (anticancer, antidiabetic, immunoenhancing and antioxidant), cosmetic ingredients, high nutritional value as food, economic value and ecosystem services. Macro fungi were rich in essential minerals, micro elements, vitamins, protein, carbohydrates and fiber. Indigenous peoples around this area have long been using edible macro fungi that grow wild in the forest both as a source of food and medicine. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cooking on the proximate composition and mineral content of several edible macro fungi originating from the Lore Lindu National Park area (Auricularia sp, Auricularia auricula-judae, Termitomyces sp, Lentinus sp, Pleurotus ostreatus, Schizophyllum commune, Agaricus sp, Boletus sp). Determination of the nutritional composition of edible macro fungi was carried out by mineral analysis using the AAS (Atomic absorption spectrophotometry) method and proximate analysis. Differences in proximate and mineral composition between cooked and uncooked edible macro fungi samples were analyzed by T-test. The results showed that all tested samples contained substantial amounts of nutrients and essential proteins. Cooked and uncooked edible macro fungi contain significant macro and micro minerals (Ca, Mg, P, K, S, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn). The amount of protein and dietary fiber in edible macro fungi was also significantly affected by the cooking process. The fiber content in edible macro fungi increases when cooked, while the composition of carbohydrates, protein, fat, ash content and some mineral elements decreases due to cooking. This research shows that cooked and uncooked edible macro fungi have potential nutritional principles. The evaluation of the nutritional components (protein, fiber, carbohydrates, minerals, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids and IVPD (in-vitro protein digestibility) and the calorific value of edible macro fungi indicated a low-fat and low-calorie diet, which was lower than legumes and meat

Thyroglossal duct cyst carcinoma with concurrent thyroid carcinoma: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is a very rare finding and its presentation is similar to that of a benign cyst, which is a relatively common developmental abnormality that may manifest as a midline, neck mass. In general the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct carcinoma is based on the pathologic examination of the mass, but needle aspiration cytology, ultrasound and computed tomography play a role in the differential diagnosis of malignancy.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A further case of thyroglossal duct carcinoma and concurrent thyroid carcinoma with locoregional lymph node metastases affecting a 40-year-old woman followed up for 4 years is presented and discussed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Sistrunk's surgical technique must always be the initial treatment, but in case of carcinoma further surgery, that is, thyroidectomy with or without lymph node dissection, and treatment with radioactive iodine have to be considered according to the microscopic and clinical findings. Accurate pre-operative clinical and radiological evaluation should be performed in order to plan surgical strategy.</p

Animal Behavior Frozen in Time: Gregarious Behavior of Early Jurassic Lobsters within an Ammonoid Body Chamber

Direct animal behavior can be inferred from the fossil record only in exceptional circumstances. The exceptional mode of preservation of ammonoid shells in the Posidonia Shale (Lower Jurassic, lower Toarcian) of Dotternhausen in southern Germany, with only the organic periostracum preserved, provides an excellent opportunity to observe the contents of the ammonoid body chamber because this periostracum is translucent. Here, we report upon three delicate lobsters preserved within a compressed ammonoid specimen of Harpoceras falciferum. We attempt to explain this gregarious behavior. The three lobsters were studied using standard microscopy under low angle light. The lobsters belong to the extinct family of the Eryonidae; further identification was not possible. The organic material of the three small lobsters is preserved more than halfway into the ammonoid body chamber. The lobsters are closely spaced and are positioned with their tails oriented toward each other. The specimens are interpreted to represent corpses rather than molts. The lobsters probably sought shelter in preparation for molting or against predators such as fish that were present in Dotternhausen. Alternatively, the soft tissue of the ammonoid may have been a source of food that attracted the lobsters, or it may have served as a long-term residency for the lobsters (inquilinism). The lobsters represent the oldest known example of gregariousness amongst lobsters and decapods in the fossil record. Gregarious behavior in lobsters, also known for extant lobsters, thus developed earlier in earth's history than previously known. Moreover, this is one of the oldest known examples of decapod crustaceans preserved within cephalopod shells

Practice effects on the modified Concept Shifting Task (mCST): A convenient assessment for treatment effects on prefrontal cognitive function

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Trail-making tests, such as the Concept Shifting Task (CST), can be used to test the effects of treatment on cognitive performance over time in various neuropsychological disorders. However, cognitive performance in such experimental designs might improve as a result of the practice obtained during repeated testing rather than the treatment itself. The current study investigated if practice affects the accuracy and duration of performance on the repeatedly administered Concept Shifting Task modified to make it resistant to practice (mCST). The mCST was administered to 54 healthy participants twice a day, before and after a short break, for eight days. Results. The ANOVA and meta-analysis showed that there was no improvement in the mCST accuracy on the last vs. the first trial (Hedges' <it>g </it>= .14, <it>p </it>= .221) or within the session (after vs. before the break on all days; <it>g </it>= .01, <it>p </it>= .922). However, the participants performed the task faster on the last vs. the first trial (<it>g </it>= -.75, <it>p </it>< .001) and after vs. before the break on all days (<it>g </it>= -.12, <it>p </it>= .002). Conclusions. Repeated administration of the mCST does not affect the accuracy of performance on the test. However, practice might contribute to faster performance on the mCST over time and within each session.</p