22 research outputs found
A Rare Case of Meningitis: Can Cellulosimicrobium cellulans Cause Meningitis in a Non-immunocompromised Person?
No full text© Copyright 2024 Narayan et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0., which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.Infections with Gram-positive soil-dwelling bacterium are sporadic. Rarely, do patients with indwelling medical devices or those who suffer from immunosuppression get infected by this pathogen. However, based on routine clinical and laboratory procedures, it is hard to distinguish between the meningitis caused by and that from other bacteria. Here, we report a unique case of infection in a 37-year-old immunocompetent man presenting with meningitis associated with encephalopathy and headache. He presented with severe headaches, altered sensorium, reduced sleep, photophobia, and restlessness, with a feeling of impending doom, but with no neck rigidity and fever. Trans-axial T1 and T2/FLAIR head MRI showed diffused cerebral edema, with bilateral high frontoparietal sulcal enhancement, hyperintensity along the right posterior insula-temporal region, and left parietal deep white matter. Lumbar puncture CSF examination indicated bacterial meningitis, and was identified on culture. The patient was administered intravenous ceftriaxone for seven days and dexamethasone for three days. A follow-up lumbar puncture CSF examination showed no signs of the pathogen, indicating its eradication. To our knowledge, this is the first case of causing meningitis in an otherwise healthy man with no history of indwelling medical devices or immunosuppression. This rare case of meningitis suggests that can infect healthy humans and cause meningitis
Pelatihan Pembuatan Kukis Ubi Jalar Ungu bagi Ibu-Ibu PKK di Kecamatan Binakal Kabupaten Bondowoso
No full textBondowoso is one of the regions in East Java with considerable potential for purple sweet potato production. However, its utilization remains limited to direct consumption or simple processed products. Through this community service program, training was provided to local women on producing cookies made from purple sweet potatoes as an alternative food product with nutritional and economic value. The methods included socialization, demonstration, and hands-on practice. The results showed that participants were enthusiastic, capable of applying the production techniques properly, and motivated to develop the product as a home-based business. This activity is expected to enhance skills, foster economic independence, and support local food diversification based on regional potential
Roasting optimization of robusta coffee beans and their effect on the antioxidant related compound
No full textCoffee is known for its flavor and antioxidant effects. Roasting may change the characteristics of caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic, and sinapic acids. While temperature and time are key factors affecting coffee’s aroma, flavor, and taste, airflow during roasting also significantly impacts bean quality and antioxidant content. This study examined the effects of roasting parameters like temperature, time, and airflow on Robusta coffee beans’ physicochemical qualities (phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and chlorogenic acid) and antioxidant activity. The best roasting parameters refer to the combination of temperature, time, and airflow that produces the most favorable qualities in the coffee beans, such as optimal flavor, aroma, and antioxidant content. Beans were roasted at 190°C, 210°C, and 230°C for 11, 14, and 17 minutes, with airflow settings of 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Design Expert software optimized roasting conditions for optimal antioxidant content. The best roasting settings for antioxidant activity and physicochemical content were 190°C, 11 minutes, and 3/4 damper opening. These findings emphasize the importance of correctly managing temperature, time, and air movement during coffee roasting to maximize its health benefits. This approach helps produce functional beverages with better antioxidant capabilities for sensory pleasure and health advantages
[[alternative]]A Comparative Study in Prajna Doctrine of Huei-yuan and Sheng-Chau
No full text[[abstract]]故從比較觀點看遠,肇般若學的意義,在於二人可為一焦點,顯示其時二系
般若教示的關係與發展脈絡,同是般若學中有異趣的關注,互為異端間現相
似走向,首章佛玄合流與六家七宗的討論,面對詮釋角度問題而開二系般若
論述比較與相對成立的可能.第二章在道安與羅什的對照中,慧遠脫胎自六
家偏遮斥型態的教示.愈趨包容而致力溝通二系般若觀的源流遂益可循;僧
肇繼羅什之後,所具隻眼的性格也在比較觀點下顯其特質,第三章由慧遠理
論的困難與羅什見地.僧肇的空見與三家般若交叉比較的探討中 ,一方面
遠.肇二人異趣之所置於發展脈絡中來對比而益明確,另一方面也觸及更深
層面的異同與發展問題.第四章討論僧肇{般若無知論}與{不真空論}之間
由(體)趨(用)的走向,頗與慧遠有同工之妙;此一走向當對照道安,慧遠間
淨土思想之異時,得到進一步肯定.於是既呼應第三章末節所擬理論根源的
發展模式,也整合出由般若觀到涅槃觀的趨勢.
Biophysical characterization of gossypium synaptotagmin-1 C2B domain
No full textSynaptotagmins constitute a family of membrane-trafficking proteins that are characterized by an N-terminal transmembrane region a variable linker, and two C-terminal C2-domains. In humans, neurotransmitter release is a process highly regulated by intracellular Ca2+ levels in association with SNARE complex assembly and SYT-1 protein. In plants SYT-1 is the first synaptotagmin protein identified to participate in Ca2+ dependent repair of membranes, thus playing an important role in stress tolerance. Our long term goal is to tune the response of Gossipium SYT-1 to abiotic stress. Understanding the quaternary structure of SYT-1 C2 in plants as well as how it interacts with its cations and phospholipid is essential to further our understanding of how it exhibits its unique properties. So far, we have been successful in;
1. Developing purification protocols for Gossipium SYT-1 C2B domain, WW and AA mutants.
2. We have circular dichroism (CD) data that shows that it predominantly contains β-sheets.
3. We have probably obtained crystals in several different conditions.
4. We have confirmed the mutants through Mass Spectrometric analysis.
5. We have shown the affinity of Gossypium SYT-1 C2B WT to cations as well as to phospholipids.
6. The effect of mutations in the Ca2+ binding loop of Gossypium SYT-1 C2B was also studied.Embargo status: Restricted until 06/2162. To request the author grant access, click on the PDF link to the left
Seeing suffering directly
No full textJack Kornfield, a teacher of Vipassana meditation, has been a student of Buddhism for fifteen years. His training includes six years in Southeast Asia, studying as a layman and as a monk in Theravada monasteries. His main teachers are Achaan Chaa and U Asabha Thera for the Mahasi Sayadaw. He has also studied with many other teachers, as well as with two Zen Masters. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Asian Studies and also holds a Masters and a Ph.D, degree in Western psychology. ' Currently he teaches with his colleague Joseph Goldstein at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado, and at intensive meditation retreats held throughout the United States and Canada. He is the author of "Living Buddhist Masters " (Prajna Press, Boulder, CO, 1983) which presents the variety of Buddhist teachings through the words of contemporary masters
The benefits of improving urban lakes in mega cities: a revealed and stated preference approach applied to the Hussain Sagar in Hyderabad, India
No full textAbstractIn this study, the author estimates the demand for improvements in the site quality of Hussain Sagar, a large lake in metropolitan Hyderabad, India. Using both revealed and stated preference approaches, it is estimated that the park provides recreational benefits of US14 for off-site respondents per visit to the park. Given that over one million people visit the lake and its parks every year, based on different scenarios, the annual estimated amenity value of the lake ranges from INR1.76bn (US58m). Thus it is recommended that park authorities double the access fee to the park from the current INR10 (US0.36–1.48m in revenues per year, which will make it possible to improve the quality of the lake and its surroundings.</jats:p
TINJAUAN MULTIDIMENSIONAL RELASI YAYASAN (PENDIDIKAN) KANISIUS DAN KEUSKUPAN AGUNG SEMARANG
No full textThis paper explores the multifaceted relationship between Yayasan (Pendidikan) Kanisius (YK) and the Archdiocese of Semarang (KAS), highlighting operational and relational challenges within a Catholic educational framework. The method used in this research was a literature study combined with empirical experience and interviews. Based on the author’s experience with YK Cabang Surakarta, the study outlines the foundational mission of YK to provide Catholic education, facing financial instability, declining enrollment, and limited support from KAS. The strained partnership was analyzed through Javanese social philosophy and Michel Foucault’s power dynamics, noting that hierarchical structures and inconsistent communication from KAS hinder YK's effectiveness. The author advocates for synodality through strengthened dialogue and mutual understanding, informed by Ignatian spirituality and Avery Dulles' model of the "servant Church." This approach calls for creative fidelity, where YK and KAS collaborate in decision-making to better address educational and social challenges. The study references theological insights from Evangelii Gaudium and Fratelli Tutti, urging KAS to actively support YK’s mission, especially to serve marginalized communities. In conclusion, the paper emphasizes a "servant church" model to transform the KAS-YK relationship into a partnership that honors both educational and ecclesial commitments. Improved communication and resource-sharing are essential for a sustainable impact, fostering a mission-centered community that aligns with the Church’s social teaching and the needs of Indonesia’s diverse society
Optimization of extraction and characterization of cellulose from edamame pod waste for active biofilm applications
No full textEdamame pod waste, a by-product of soybean processing, represents a promising lignocellulosic biomass source for biopolymer development. This study aimed to optimize cellulose extraction from edamame pod waste using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken Design (BBD) and to characterize the extracted cellulose for potential biofilm applications. Four independent factors—particle size (40– 80 mesh), extraction temperature (60–90 °C), extraction time (1–3 h), and NaOH concentration (5–10%, w/v)—were investigated, with cellulose yield (%) and whiteness index (WI) as responses. The optimized conditions (80 mesh, 75°C, 1 h, 7.5% NaOH) produced cellulose with a yield of 54.5% and a WI of 70%. Subsequent alkaline hydrogen peroxide (AHP) washing enhanced cellulose purity, increasing cellulose content from 41.25% to 65.14% and reducing hemicellulose and lignin to 19.07% and 9.21%, respectively. FTIR analysis confirmed successful delignification through the disappearance of lignin-associated peaks (1508–1512 cm⁻¹) and the presence of characteristic β-1,4-glycosidic linkages. Thermal characterization using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Derivative Thermogravimetry (DTG) showed a single-step degradation pattern with
Tonset ≈ 275 °C,
Tmax ≈ 350 °C, and ~13% residue at 600 °C, indicating high thermal stability and purity comparable to commercial cellulose. These findings demonstrate that edamame pod waste can be efficiently converted into high-purity, thermally stable cellulose through an eco-friendly alkaline extraction process, providing a sustainable raw material for the development of biodegradable biopolymers and active biofilms as alternatives to synthetic plastics
