bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH KONSENTRASI ASAM ASKORBAT PADA PROSES PEMBUATAN GUM ROSIN
Authors: Deviyanti Yayuk , Rulianah Sri , Santoso Trinova Budi
Published: March 2024

Gum rosin adalah produk industri dari getah pinus hasil hutan non kayu. Dengan berkembangnya teknologi, pengolahan getah pinus dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai bahan baku adhesive. Di salah satu industri, saat ini masih menggunakan asam oksalat untuk mengurangi impuritis dan mengendapkan ion Fe pada getah pinus. Pada treatment OPR (Oil Pine Resin) ditambahakan asam askorbat untuk mencegah oksidasi pada getah. Asam askorbat dapat mencegah oksidasi pada buah apel sehingga pada penelitian ini digunakan sebagai bahan tambahan untuk pembuatan gum rosin. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui spesifikasi gum rosin yang dihasilkan menggunakan bahan tambahan asam askorbat. Bahan yang digunakan dalam pembuatan gum rosin yaitu getah pohon pinus, asam askorbat, air, dan terpentin. Proses pembuatan gum rosin dilakukan dengan 2 tahap yaitu treatment OPR dan distilasi. Treatment OPR dilakukan dengan mengencerkan getah pinus yang ditambahkan terpentin lalu difiltrasi untuk memisahkan getah dengan impuritis, kemudian ditambahkan asam askorbat sesuai variabel. Setelah treatment OPR akan dilanjutkan dengan distilasi untuk memisahkan antara terpentin dan gum rosin. Distilasi dilakukan dengan suhu maksimal 175°C. Setelah proses distilasi selesai dilakukan uji warna, bilangan asam, dan softening point pada produk gum rosin. Variabel yang digunakan yaitu konsentrasi asam askorbat 0,2% ; 0,4% ; 0,6% dari berat getah yang digunakan. Dari hasil penelitian yang diperoleh, semakin tinggi konsentrasi asam askorbat menghasilkan gum rosin yang kualitasnya kurang bagus. Hasil penelitian terbaik pada produksi gum rosin dengan bahan tambahan asam askorbat diperoleh pada penambahan asam askorbat 0,2% dengan uji warna sebesar 8,6 , bilangan asam sebesar 190,95 dan softening point sebesar 80°C.
PENGGUNAAN LIMBAH CAIR DI EQUALIZER ZA-II (LIMBAH PRODUKSI AMONIUM SULFAT) SEBAGAI PENETRAL LIMBAH ASAM DI PRODUKSI SULFURIC ACID (SA-I)
Authors: Ilafi Athika Ayu Kautsar , Azkiya Noor Isnaini , Taufiqi Rohmad
Published: March 2024

PT Petrokimia Gresik Departemen Produksi IIIA terdapat beberapa proses produksi yang menghasilkan limbah cair. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan penetralan limbah dengan pemanfaatan limbah cair equalizer ZA-II sebagai penetral Limbah Asam di Open Ditch SA-I untuk mengurangi pengeluaran kebutuhan NaOH dan CaO. Untuk mengetahui pengurangan kebutuhan NaOH dan CaO, diperlukan data perbandingan volume yang dihasilkan untuk pencampuran limbah ZA-II dengan limbah SA-I agar mendapatkan pH netral, maka metode yang pertama kali dilakukan yaitu mengukur pH pada limbah masing – masing equalizer, melakukan trial and error untuk perbandingan campuran asam dan basa pada larutan di equalizer SA-I dan equalizer ZA-II, dan menghitung kebutuhan NaOH dan CaO pertahun sebelum dan sesudah penggunaan equalizer ZA-II sebagai penetral equalizer SA-I. Dalam percobaan ini didapatkan perbandingan volume limbah SA-I dengan limbah ZA-II yaitu 1:75 dengan penghematan yang didapatkan setelah adanya penambahan dari limbah equalizer ZA-II yaitu sekitar kurang lebih 2.13%, sehingga saran yang membangun ini bisa jadi sebagai rekomendasi untuk PT Petrokimia Gresik untuk meminimalisir penggunaan NaOH dan CaO dalam pengolahan  limbah.
STUDI ANALISIS EFISIENSI STEAM TURBINE GENERATOR PADA BAGIAN ASAM SULFAT DAN UTILITAS DEPARTEMEN PRODUKSI IIIB PT PETROKIMIA GRESIK
Authors: Dinda Annisa Yumna  , Dinda Annisa Yumna
Published: March 2024

Sejumlah energi penggerak peralatan proses sangat diperlukan dalam proses produksi di seluruh pabrik yang ada pada PT Petrokimia Gresik. Departemen Produksi IIIB memiliki unit utilitas asam sulfat, yang salah satunya adalah unit power generator (turbine generator). Dimana salah satu unit power generator yaitu steam turbine (TP-6101) dengan kapasitas 17,5 MW. Kondisi saat ini pada pembangkit listrik pada Unit Utilitas Asam Sulfat PT Petrokimia Gresik yang telah beroperasi selama bertahun-tahun dan telah mengalami banyak permasalahan yang dapat menurunkan efisiensi pada Turbine Generator. Dari latar belakang tersebut akan dilakukan studi analisis efisiensi steam turbine generator. Studi analisis ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi efisiensi steam turbine generator pada bagian Asam Sulfat dan Utilitas Departemen Produksi IIIB PT Petrokimia Gresik. Analisis efisiensi steam turbine ini dilakukan dengan cara observasi lapangan pada Steam Turbine Generator Unit Utilitas Asam Sulfat Departemen Produksi III B untuk pengumpulan data, data yang diperoleh berupa data tekanan, temperatur dan laju alir massa pada steam turbin generator. Nilai efisiensi steam turbine generator ditentukan dengan menghitung kerja reversible dan daya yang dihasilkan, kemudian menghitung efisiensi turbine generator. Dari hasil perhitungan efisiensi turbin yang telah dilakukan selama 14 hari dapat disimpulkan bahwa Pada Unit Utilitas Asam Sulfat Steam Turbin Generator 17,5 MW) nilai efisiensi masih cukup baik. Efisiensi generator tidak mengalami perubahan yang signifikan yaitu mengalami penurunan efisiensi sebesar ±1 % dari nilai efisiensi desain sebesar 78,40% menjadi 77,40% Jadi hasil perhitungan dan analisis tersebut bahwa efisiensi generator masih berada batas normal sesuai data yang didapatkan dan dapat dikatakan masih beroperasi dengan cukup baik.
STUDI PENGOLAHAN AIR BUANGAN IPAL INDUSTRI RUMPUT LAUT MENJADI AIR PROSES
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Prayitno Prayitno
Published: March 2024

Pada industri pengolah rumput laut menjadi produk Alkali Treated Cottonii Chips (ATCC) akan dihasilkan suatu limbah cair, dimana limbah cair selanjutnya diolah dalam suatu IPAL (Instalasi Pengolahan Air Limbah) hingga memenuhi baku mutu. Namun demikian, volume air limbah yang sangat besar tersebut belum dilakukan pemanfaatan kembali (reuse), sedangkan kebutuhan air untuk proses produksi sangat besar. Air proses diperoleh dari air tanah melalui proses pengeboran, dimana proses pengeboran air tanah tersebut membutuhkan biaya yang cukup besar. Pengambilan air tanah secara terus menerus juga dapat mengganggu ekosistem air tanah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk pemanfaatan air buangan (effluent) IPAL menjadi air proses melalui proses adsorpsi dan mikrofiltrasi. Penelitian dilakukan dengan cara mengalirkan air buangan (effluent) IPAL ke dalam kolom adsorpsi yang berisi karbon aktif dan membran filtrasi. Variabel yang digunakan antara lain: berat adsorben 20 kg dan 25 kg dan ukuran mikrofiltrasi 5 μm dan 10 μm. Sedangkan parameter yang diukur adalah pH, turbidity, bau, rasa, warna, besi, mangan dan Total Dissolved Solid (TDS). Hasil percobaan menunjukkan bahwa pada berat adsorben 25 kg, diperoleh penurunan kadar kontaminan sebesar TDS (51,30%), turbidity (81,19%), kesadahan (26,71%), besi terlarut (95,43%), mangan (95,531%), pH 7, tidak berasa, tidak berwarna dan tidak berbau. Sedangkan hasil akhir air olahan effluent IPAL menggunakan media adsorpsi berat 25 kg dan ukuran membrane filtrasi 5 μm diperoleh persen penurunan TDS (26,9%), kesadahan (13,76%), kekeruhan (28,09%), besi (74,98%), mangan (78,16%), tidak berasa, tidak berbau, tidak berwarna, dan pH netral.
PROSES SEEDING DAN AKLIMATISASI AEROB – ANAEROB UNTUK PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH INDUSTRI GONDORUKEM
Authors: Amalia Nabila Tasya , Prayitno Prayitno
Published: March 2024

Air limbah yang dihasilkan oleh industri gondorukem mengandung bahan – bahan organik BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) dan COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) yang cukup tinggi sehingga berpotensi menimbulkan pencemaran terhadap lingkungan perairan. Salah satu metode pengolahan air limbah industri gondorukem adalah menggunakan proses biologi (anaerob – aerob) yang melibatkan bakteri anaerob – aerob. Efisiensi pengolahan sangat dipengaruhi oleh jumlah, metabolisme, dan aktivitas dari bakteri tersebut. Selanjutnya metabolisme mikroorganisme sangat ditentukan oleh proses pembenihan (seeding) dan aklimatisasi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui laju pertumbuhan mikroorganisme yang terdapat dalam air limbah industri gondorukem. Penelitian dilakukan proses seeding terlebih dahulu yang kemudian dilanjutkan dengan proses aklimatisasi. Sedangkan parameter yang diuji adalah pH, suhu (temperature), dan jumlah mikroorganisme. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa aktivitas mikroorganisme pada aerob telah dapat berkembang biak dengan baik dalam hari ke 14 dengan capaian sebesar 9,1 x 107 dan hari ke 21 sebesar 0,9 x 108. Setelah hari ke 28, aktivitas mikroorganisme menurun mencapai 8,5 x 106. Pada aktivitas mikroorganisme anaerob berkembang baik pada hari ke 28 dengan capaian sebesar 3,1 x 108 lalu menurun di hari ke 35 sebesar 7,7 x 106.
PERANCANGAN POMPA SENTRIFUGAL LARUTAN NAOH 3% SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBERSIH WIRE DAN PRESS PART PADA INDUSTRI KERTAS
Authors: Rahmad Nur Aini , Dewajani Heny
Published: March 2024

Pada industri kertas, larutan NaOH 3% digunakan untuk menghilangkan endapan pulp yang berkerak pada wire dan press part agar proses sirkulasi pada pompa berjalan dengan baik. Larutan NaOH 3% keluar dari nozzle menggunakan pompa sentrifugal yang berfungsi untuk mengalirkan larutan dari tangki penampung ke tempat yang lebih tinggi elevasinya yaitu wire dan press part. Pompa sentrifugal berfungsi untuk menambah kecepatan cairan yang kemudian mengubahnya menjadi energi tekan. Kinerja pompa sentrifugal dinyatakan dalam parameter nilai efisiensi, head, dan kapasitas pompa. Pada industri kertas yang mengoperasikan pompa sentrifugal untuk mengalirkan larutan NaOH 3% selama 10 tahun mengakibatkan turunnya nilai efisiensi pompa menjadi 62%. Berdasarkan standar industri untuk mengalirkan larutan NaOH 3%, efisiensi pompa yang dibutuhkan minimal 75%. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk merancang pompa sentrifugal baru agar efisiensi yang diberikan pompa minimal 75%. Metode penelitian dilakukan dengan pengumpulan data berdasarkan spesifikasi yang ada pada industri kertas dan berdasarkan sketsa process flow diagram. Parameter perhitungan meliputi total head pompa dan rating power pompa. Pompa menghasilkan tekanan sebesar 5 bar terhadap larutan NaOH 3% menuju nozzle yang didistribusikan menuju wire dan press part. Dari perhitungan rancangan pompa untuk medapatkan efisiensi 75% maka spesifikasi pompa yang digunakan sebagai berikut: total head pompa larutan NaOH 3% sebesar 10,0023 meter dengan power rating pompa larutan NaOH 3% sebesar 40 kW dan jenis pompa sentrifugal yang sesuai untuk larutan NaOH 3% adalah pompa berlapis fluorine plastic.
SELEKSI PROSES DAN PENENTUAN LOKASI PRODUKSI PADA PRARANCANGAN PABRIK DISPROPORTIONATED ROSIN DARI GONDORUKEM GRADE WG DENGAN KAPASITAS 3000 TON/TAHUN
Authors: Budiana Novita Eka Nur Ilma , Dewajani Heny , Chumaidi Achmad , Salsabila Anne Rahma , Alfajri Aulia Romadhona Jihad , Sandifa Muhammad Naufal
Published: March 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara yang memiliki hutan hujan tropis terbesar ketiga di dunia yang memiliki luas kawasan 125.956.142,71 hektar. Salah satu jenis pohon di hutan Indonesia adalah pohon pinus. Pohon pinus memiliki produk hasil hutan bukan kayu, yaitu gondorukem. Gondorukem secara tradisional dibutuhkan dalam proses pembuatan batik, sabun, industri kertas. Gondorukem memiliki kelemahan yaitu cenderung mengkristal, mudah teroksidasi oleh oksigen dan mudah bereaksi dengan garam logam berat dalam vernis sehingga diperlukan modifikasi. Salah satu modifikasi gondorukem adalah disproportionated rosin (DPR) yang mempunyai karakteristik berupa ketahanan oksidasi yang baik, tingkat kerapuhan yang rendah, stabilitas termal yang tinggi, dan warna yang cerah. DPR digunakan dalam industri pembuatan perekat, tinta percetakan, pigmen organik, dan lain sebagainya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan seleksi beberapa metode proses dalam produksi DPR untuk mengetahui metode terbaik serta menentukan lokasi pabrik terbaik sebagai tempat produksi DPR. Seleksi proses dilakukan dengan metode grading dengan mempertimbangkan aspek ekonomi, kualitas produk yang dihasilkan, dan dampak terhadap lingkungan. Pada penentuan lokasi pabrik menggunakan metode factor rating. Metode ini dilakukan dengan memberikan nilai dari beberapa lokasi alternatif yang dipilih dengan melihat faktor-faktor yang telah ditentukan. Hasil dari seleksi proses menggunakan metode asetonisasi yang menghasilkan DPR dengan kandungan asam abietik yang rendah lebih stabil terhadap oksidasi dan lebih menguntungkan di segi ekonomi. Penetapan lokasi pabrik DPR berkapasitas 3.000 ton/tahun berdasarkan faktor ketersediaan bahan baku, pemasaran, utilitas, keadaan geografis dan masyarakat, tenaga kerja, buangan pabrik, site dan karakteristik lokasi, serta peraturan perundang-undangan dipilih Jalan Mawar, Dusun Krajan, Desa Biting, Kecamatan Arjasa, Kabupaten Jember Jawa Timur.
DESAIN CYCLONE DUST COLLECTOR UNTUK UPAYA MEMPERBAIKI SIRKULASI UDARA DAN MENGURANGI KOROSI PADA AREA PROSES PRODUKSI
Authors: Vania Ariella Syifa' , Rubianto Luchis
Published: March 2024

Dalam proses produksi, bahan baku dan kondisi lingkungan akan sangat mempengaruhi kualitas produk maupun peralatan yang ada. Setiap bahan memiliki sifat dan kandungan yang berbeda, ada yang bersifat asam, basa, maupun garam. Dari bahan-bahan yang memiliki sifat berbeda ini akan saling bereaksi dan menyebabkan efek samping, salah satunya korosi. Korosi itu sendiri dapat terjadi akibat kondisi lingkungan yang bersuhu tinggi, kelembapan tinggi, dan juga pengaruh dari bahan baku yang dipakai. Dari proses produksi yang dilakukan di industri, dapat diasumsikan bahwa penyebabnya adalah suhu lingkungan dan kelembapan yang cukup tinggi dan terdapat kandungan garam tinggi pada bahan baku yang kemudian menempel pada peralatan dan menyebabkan korosi. Oleh karena itu, perlu perancangan sistem baru agar dapat mengurangi masalah korosi ini. Berdasarkan penjelasan di atas, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan rancangan ulang sistem sirkulasi udara  agar dapat mengurangi emisi debu yang ada dilingkungan produksi dan dapat mengurangi terjadinya korosi pada peralatan dalam waktu singkat. Dimana dengan adanya cyclone ini diharapkan mampu mengurangi debu pada area proses dan mengurangi korosi pada peralatan. Dari data pengamatan dan eksperimen mengenai kandungan bahan dan kondisi lingkungan, dapat digunakan untuk merancang kembali sistem sirkulasi udara agar lebih efektif dan baik. Pada pra rancangan unit cyclone kali ini, proses yang digunakan dalam menentukan dimensi cyclone adalah Standard Cyclone Dimensions yang dikembangkan oleh Lapple pada tahun 1940-an. Berdasarkan pra rancangan yang dilakukan dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa cyclone yang dirancang memiliki efisiensi sebesar 100% dengan cyclone yang dipasang berjumlah 5. Dari penambahan cyclone ini akan memperbaiki sirkulasi udara dan korosi yang ada pada area produksi yang disebabkan oleh debu proses.
PERHITUNGAN F/M RATIO PENGOLAHAN LIMBAH LUMPUR AKTIF WWTP-2 DI PABRIK FARMASI
Authors: Daniswara Daffa , Budiono Arief
Published: March 2024

Pabrik farmasi yang menghasilkan produk berupa obat-obatan yang mengandung penicillin akan menghasilkan limbah yang berbahaya bagi lingkungan. Namun dalam pengoperasiannya belum diketahui apakah pengolahan limbah tersebut sudah efektif atau tidak. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk melakukan perhitungan F/M ratio (Food to microorganism ratio) yang menjadi salah satu parameter yang dapat dilakukan untuk dapat mengetahui keoptimalan sebuah pengolahan limbah yang menggunakan metode lumpur aktif. Metode lumpur aktif  berkaitan dengan adanya endapan lumpur padat yang berguna untuk menguraikan limbah. Dengan adanya lumpur berupa padatan ini akan menguraikan zat berbahaya  yang dapat ditentukan kualitasnya dengan perhitungan F/M Ratio. Perhitungan F/M Ratio memerlukan beberapa data seperti kadar MLSS (Mixture Liquid Suspended Solid), kadar BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand), dan laju alir dari limbah yang masuk ke WWTP. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai perhitungan F/M Ratio yang cenderung rendah sekitar 0,01. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian pengolahan limbah yang terjadi sudah cukup optimal.
Nucleoside supplements as treatments for mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome
Authors: Dombi Eszter , Marinaki Tony , Spingardi Paolo , Millar Val , Hadjichristou Nastasia , Carver Janet , Johnston Iain G. , Fratter Carl , Poulton Joanna
Published: April 2024

Introduction: In mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion syndrome (MDS), patients cannot maintain sufficient mtDNA for their energy needs. MDS presentations range from infantile encephalopathy with hepatopathy (Alpers syndrome) to adult chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Most are caused by nucleotide imbalance or by defects in the mtDNA replisome. There is currently no curative treatment available. Nucleoside therapy is a promising experimental treatment for TK2 deficiency, where patients are supplemented with exogenous deoxypyrimidines. We aimed to explore the benefits of nucleoside supplementation in POLG and TWNK deficient fibroblasts.

Methods: We used high-content fluorescence microscopy with software-based image analysis to assay mtDNA content and membrane potential quantitatively, using vital dyes PicoGreen and MitoTracker Red CMXRos respectively. We tested the effect of 15 combinations (A, T, G, C, AT, AC, AG, CT, CG, GT, ATC, ATG, AGC, TGC, ATGC) of deoxynucleoside supplements on mtDNA content of fibroblasts derived from four patients with MDS (POLG1, POLG2, DGUOK, TWNK) in both a replicating (10% dialysed FCS) and quiescent (0.1% dialysed FCS) state. We used qPCR to measure mtDNA content of supplemented and non-supplemented fibroblasts following mtDNA depletion using 20 µM ddC and after 14- and 21-day recovery in a quiescent state.

Results: Nucleoside treatments at 200 µM that significantly increased mtDNA content also significantly reduced the number of cells remaining in culture after 7 days of treatment, as well as mitochondrial membrane potential. These toxic effects were abolished by reducing the concentration of nucleosides to 50 µM. In POLG1 and TWNK cells the combination of ATGC treatment increased mtDNA content the most after 7 days in non-replicating cells. ATGC nucleoside combination significantly increased the rate of mtDNA recovery in quiescent POLG1 cells following mtDNA depletion by ddC.

Conclusion: High-content imaging enabled us to link mtDNA copy number with key read-outs linked to patient wellbeing. Elevated G increased mtDNA copy number but severely impaired fibroblast growth, potentially by inhibiting purine synthesis and/or causing replication stress. Combinations of nucleosides ATGC, T, or TC, benefited growth of cells harbouring POLG mutations. These combinations, one of which reflects a commercially available preparation, could be explored further for treatment of POLG patients.
Local oxygen transport resistance in polymer electrolyte fuel cells: origin, dependencies and mitigation
Authors: García-Salaberri Pablo A. , Das Prodip K. , Chaparro Antonio M.
Published: April 2024

Next-generation polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) require an integral design of the porous structure of electrodes at different scales to improve performance and enlarge durability while reducing cost. One of today’s biggest challenges is the stable, high-performance operation at low Pt loading due to the detrimental effect of the local oxygen transport resistance caused by ionomer around catalyst sites. Hindered local oxygen transport arises from sluggish kinetics at the local reaction environment, that comprises adsorption at (wet) ionomer and Pt interfaces, and diffusivity of gas species in ionomer and water. Diverse factors affect oxygen transport, including operating conditions (relative humidity, temperature, and pressure), ionomer content and morphology, ionomer heterogeneity, porosity of carbon support, catalyst dispersity, and flooding. To attain performance and durability targets, it is essential to maximize the oxygen utilization of the catalyst layer by implementing enhanced membrane electrode assembly architectures. This involves employing advanced catalyst layer preparation techniques, including electrospraying, to generate optimized highly porous morphologies. Furthermore, achieving these targets necessitates the development of new materials with tailored properties, such as high permeability and porous ionomers, among other innovative strategies.
Air pollution concentration fuzzy evaluation based on evidence theory and the K-nearest neighbor algorithm
Authors: Chao Bian , Guang Qiu Huang
Published: April 2024

Background: Air pollution, characterized by complex spatiotemporal dynamics and inherent uncertainty, poses significant challenges in accurate air quality prediction, and current methodologies often fail to adequately address these complexities.

Objective: This study presents a novel fuzzy modeling approach for estimating air pollution concentrations.

Methods: This fuzzy evaluation method integrates an improved evidence theory with comprehensive weighting and the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) interval distance within the framework of the matter-element extension model. This involves generating the basic probability assignment (BPA) based on interval similarity, performing sequential fusion using the Dempster–Shafer evidence theory, enhancing the fusion results via comprehensive weighting, and conducting fuzzy evaluation of air pollution concentrations using the matter-element extension KNN interval distance.

Results: Our method achieved significant improvements in monitoring air pollution concentrations, incorporating spatiotemporal factors and pollutant concentrations more effectively than existing methods. Implementing sequential fusion and subjective–objective weighting reduced the error rate by 38% relative to alternative methods.

Discussion: Fusion of multi-source air pollution data via this method effectively mitigates inherent uncertainty and enhances the accuracy of the KNN method. It produces more comprehensive air pollution concentration fusion results, improving accuracy by considering spatiotemporal correlation, toxicity, and pollution levels. Compared to traditional air-quality indices, our approach achieves greater accuracy and better interpretability, making it possible to develop more effective air quality management strategies. Future research should focus on expanding the dataset to include more diverse geographical and meteorological conditions, further refining the model to integrate external factors like meteorological data and regional industrial activity, and improving computational efficiency for real-time applications.
Adiponectin as a predictor of mortality and readmission in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Dungu Arnold Matovu , Ryrsø Camilla Koch , Hegelund Maria Hein , Sejdic Adin , Jensen Andreas Vestergaard , Kristensen Peter Lommer , Krogh-Madsen Rikke , Faurholt-Jepsen Daniel , Lindegaard Birgitte
Published: April 2024

Background

Adiponectin is secreted by adipocytes and is inversely associated with obesity. Given the association between low body mass index (BMI) and higher mortality risk after community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), we hypothesized that high adiponectin levels are associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with CAP.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study of 502 patients hospitalized with CAP, adiponectin was measured in serum at admission. The associations between adiponectin and clinical outcomes were estimated with logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and measures of obesity (BMI, waist circumference or body fat percentage).

Results

Adiponectin was associated with higher 90-day mortality for each 1 μg/mL increase [OR 1.02, 95% CI (1.00, 1.04), p = 0.048] independent of age and sex. Likewise, adiponectin was associated with a higher risk of 90-day readmission for each 1 μg/mL increase [OR 1.02, 95% CI (1.01, 1.04), p = 0.007] independent of age and sex. The association between adiponectin and 90-day mortality disappeared, while the association with 90-day readmission remained after adjusting for adiposity.

Conclusion

Adiponectin was positively associated with mortality and readmission. The association with mortality depended on low body fat, whereas the association with readmission risk was independent of obesity.
Induced Burkholderia prophages detected from the hemoculture: a biomarker for Burkholderia pseudomallei infection
Authors: Withatanung Patoo , Janesomboon Sujintana , Vanaporn Muthita , Muangsombut Veerachat , Charoensudjai Sorujsiri , Baker Dave J. , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Galyov Edouard E. , Clokie Martha R. J. , Gundogdu Ozan , Korbsrisate Sunee
Published: April 2024

Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, are found in abundance not only in the environment but also in the human body. The use of phages for the diagnosis of melioidosis, a tropical infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is emerging as a promising novel approach, but our understanding of conditions under which Burkholderia prophages can be induced remains limited. Here, we first demonstrated the isolation of Burkholderia phages from the hemocultures of melioidosis patients. The B. pseudomallei-positive hemoculture bottles were filtered to remove bacteria, and then phages were isolated and purified by spot and double agar overlay plaque assays. Forty blood samples (hemoculture-confirmed melioidosis) were tested, and phages were found in 30% of the samples. Transmission electron microscopy and genome analysis of the isolated phages, vB_HM387 and vB_HM795, showed that both phages are Myoviruses. These two phages were stable at a pH of 5–7 and temperatures of 25–37°C, suggesting their ability to survive in human blood. The genome sizes of vB_HM387 and vB_HM795 are 36.3 and 44.0 kb, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that vB_HM387 has homologs, but vB_HM795 is a novel Myovirus, suggesting the heterogeneity of Burkholderia phages in melioidosis patients. The key finding that Burkholderia phages could be isolated from the blood of melioidosis patients highlights the potential application of phage-based assays by detecting phages in blood as a pathogen-derived biomarker of infection.
Resurgence of respiratory syncytial virus with dominance of RSV-B during the 2022–2023 season
Authors: Korsun Neli , Trifonova Ivelina , Madzharova Iveta , Alexiev Ivaylo , Uzunova Iordanka , Ivanov Ivan , Velikov Petar , Tcherveniakova Tatiana , Christova Iva
Published: April 2024

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses in Bulgaria, characterize the genetic diversity of RSV strains, and perform amino acid sequence analyses of RSV surface and internal proteins.

Methods

Clinical and epidemiological data and nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected from patients with acute respiratory infections between October 2020 and May 2023. Real-time PCR for 13 respiratory viruses, whole-genome sequencing, phylogenetic, and amino acid analyses were performed.

Results

This study included three epidemic seasons (2020–2021, 2021–2022, and 2022–2023) from week 40 of the previous year to week 20 of the following year. Of the 3,047 patients examined, 1,813 (59.5%) tested positive for at least one viral respiratory pathogen. RSV was the second most detected virus (10.9%) after SARS-CoV-2 (22%). Coinfections between RSV and other respiratory viruses were detected in 68 cases, including 14 with SARS-CoV-2. After two seasons of low circulation, RSV activity increased significantly during the 2022–2023 season. The detection rates of RSV were 3.2, 6.6, and 13.7% in the first, second, and third seasons, respectively. RSV was the most common virus found in children under 5 years old with bronchiolitis (40%) and pneumonia (24.5%). RSV-B drove the 2022–2023 epidemic. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the sequenced RSV-B strains belonged to the GB5.0.5a and GB5.0.6a genotypes. Amino acid substitutions in the surface and internal proteins, including the F protein antigenic sites were identified compared to the BA prototype strain.

Conclusion

This study revealed a strong resurgence of RSV in the autumn of 2022 after the lifting of anti-COVID-19 measures, the leading role of RSV as a causative agent of serious respiratory illnesses in early childhood, and relatively low genetic diversity in circulating RSV strains.
Human papillomavirus circulating tumor DNA: a diagnostic tool in squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary—a pilot study
Authors: Kais Amani , Santiago Stell Patadji , Han Peng Cheng , Clump David A. , Stokes William A. , Fancy Tanya , Cui Ruifeng , Martin Elizabeth , Turner Meghan T.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Neck mass is the most common presentation of human papillomavirus-related (HPV-related) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Recently, circulating tumor HPV-DNA (ctHPVDNA) assays have been developed to detect active OPSCC. This pilot study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of ctHPVDNA in establishing HPV status for known vs. unknown OPSCC presenting as a neck mass.

Methods

A single-institution pilot study was conducted on all patients with OPSCC presenting as a neck mass between 2021 and 2022. The diagnostic accuracy of ctHPVDNA was compared to that of standard diagnostic procedures used to obtain HPV status according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline for squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary (SCCUP). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of ctHPVDNA were calculated.

Results

A total of 27 patients were included; 70.4% were current or former smokers, 48.1% (N = 13) had identifiable primaries, and 51.9% (N = 14) had SCCUP. Four patients with known primaries required operative direct laryngoscopy with biopsy (DLB) to establish HPV status. Two patients with SCCUP underwent diagnostic transoral robotic surgery (TORS) to establish HPV status and localize the primary. Twelve patients underwent therapeutic TORS and neck dissection. The gold standard for HPV status was based on final histopathologic p16 or HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) staining during workup/treatment. ctHPVDNA had 95.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 75% NPV in predicting HPV-positive OPSCC in the whole sample. Binary logistic regression model using ctHPVDNA results to predict HPV-positive OPSCC was significant (−2 log likelihood = 5.55, χ2 = 8.70, p <.01, Nagelkerke’s R squared = .67). Among patients with identifiable primaries, all patients had HPV-positive tumors on final pathology, and ctHPVDNA was positive in 100%. In the unknown primary patients, ctHPVDNA had 90.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% PPV, and 75% NPV.

Discussion

ctHPVDNA demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy for both known and unknown primaries. Incorporation of ctHPVDNA into the diagnostic algorithm for SCCUP may reduce the need for multiple procedures to establish HPV status.
Inhibitory effect of natural compounds on quorum sensing system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a helpful promise for managing biofilm community
Authors: Shariati Aref , Noei Milad , Askarinia Marzieh , Khoshbayan Amin , Farahani Abbas , Chegini Zahra
Published: April 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm is a community of bacteria that adhere to live or non-living surfaces and are encapsulated by an extracellular polymeric substance. Unlike individual planktonic cells, biofilms possess a notable inherent resistance to sanitizers and antibiotics. Overcoming this resistance is a substantial barrier in the medical and food industries. Hence, while antibiotics are ineffective in eradicating P. aeruginosa biofilm, scientists have explored alternate strategies, including the utilization of natural compounds as a novel treatment option. To this end, curcumin, carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, coumarin, catechin, terpinene-4-ol, linalool, pinene, linoleic acid, saponin, and geraniol are the major natural compounds extensively utilized for the management of the P. aeruginosa biofilm community. Noteworthy, the exact interaction of natural compounds and the biofilm of this bacterium is not elucidated yet; however, the interference with the quorum sensing system and the inhibition of autoinducer production in P. aeruginosa are the main possible mechanisms. Noteworthy, the use of different drug platforms can overcome some drawbacks of natural compounds, such as insolubility in water, limited oral bioavailability, fast metabolism, and degradation. Additionally, drug platforms can deliver different antibiofilm agents simultaneously, which enhances the antibiofilm potential of natural compounds. This article explores many facets of utilizing natural compounds to inhibit and eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilms. It also examines the techniques and protocols employed to enhance the effectiveness of these compounds.
Effectiveness of bio-effectors on maize, wheat and tomato performance and phosphorus acquisition from greenhouse to field scales in Europe and Israel: a meta-analysis
Authors: Nkebiwe Peteh Mehdi , Stevens Lekfeldt Jonas D. , Symanczik Sarah , Thonar Cécile , Mäder Paul , Bar-Tal Asher , Halpern Moshe , Biró Borbala , Bradáčová Klára , Caniullan Pedro C. , Choudhary Krishna K. , Cozzolino Vincenza , Di Stasio Emilio , Dobczinski Stefan , Geistlinger Joerg , Lüthi Angelika , Gómez-Muñoz Beatriz , Kandeler Ellen , Kolberg Flora , Kotroczó Zsolt , Kulhanek Martin , Mercl Filip , Tamir Guy , Moradtalab Narges , Piccolo Alessandro , Maggio Albino , Nassal Dinah , Szalai Magdolna Zita , Juhos Katalin , Fora Ciprian G. , Florea Andreea , Poşta Gheorghe , Lauer Karl Fritz , Toth Brigitta , Tlustoš Pavel , Mpanga Isaac K. , Weber Nino , Weinmann Markus , Yermiyahu Uri , Magid Jakob , Müller Torsten , Neumann Günter , Ludewig Uwe , de Neergaard Andreas
Published: April 2024

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments.
Promising approaches for simultaneous enhancement of medicinally significant benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in opium poppy
Authors: Aghaali Zahra , Naghavi Mohammad Reza , Zargar Meisam
Published: April 2024

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) produced in opium poppy have been evidenced to heal patients suffering from various diseases. They, therefore, hold an integral position in the herbal drug industry. Despite the adoption of several approaches for the large-scale production of BIAs, opium poppy remains the only platform in this purpose. The only disadvantage associated with producing BIAs in the plant is their small quantity. Thus, recruiting strategies that boost their levels is deemed necessary. All the methods which have been employed so far are just able to enhance a maximum of two BIAs. Thus, if these methods are utilized, a sizable amount of time and budget must be spent on the synthesis of all BIAs. Hence, the exploitation of strategies which increase the content of all BIAs at the same time is more commercially effective and time-saving, avoiding the laborious step of resolving the biosynthetic pathway of each compound. Exposure to biotic and abiotic elicitors, development of a synthetic auto-tetraploid, overexpression of a WRKY transcription factor, formation of an artificial metabolon, and suppression of a gene in the shikimate pathway and miRNA are strategies that turn opium poppy into a versatile bioreactor for the concurrent and massive production of BIAs. The last three strategies have never been applied for BIA biosynthetic pathways.
Trauma in the lives of parents experiencing severe perinatal mental illness
Authors: Isobel Sophie
Published: April 2024

Background

The perinatal period is a time of ‘high risk’ for new and recurrent episodes of mental illness with 0.1-0.2% of birthing parents requiring admission to specialist mental health units in the months after birth. The prevalence and role of trauma in the lives of birthing parents (most commonly mothers) experiencing severe perinatal mental illness is not well known.

Method

In a new perinatal mental health unit in Sydney Australia, a retrospective audit of trauma prevalence was undertaken using patient completed questionnaires and electronic medical record data. Descriptive analysis was undertaken.

Results

Prevalence of trauma in the lives of mothers with severe mental illness was found to be higher than that reported in general or community mental health settings, with 76% of mothers reporting lifetime trauma exposure and 24% meeting criteria for complex PTSD. The majority reported trauma experiences likely to impact attachment and also reported difficulties in responding to their infants’ cues and needs.

Discussion

The findings suggest a need for more research, awareness, and consideration of the role of trauma in experiences of perinatal mental illness, with implications for developing trauma informed models for responding to parental mental illness.
Prevalence and determinants of developmental delay among children in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wondmagegn Tesfaye , Girma Bekahegn , Habtemariam Yosef
Published: April 2024

Background

Developmental delay is a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. However, there is no summarized evidence in low- and middle-income countries on developmental delay, and primary studies on this issue show varied and inconclusive results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled magnitude of confirmed developmental delay and its determinants among children in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to write this systematic review and meta-analysis. Primary studies were searched from PubMed, PsycINFO, Hinari, Science Direct, African Journal of Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale, adapted for the cross-sectional studies, was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by the I2 and Eggers tests, respectively. Due to the high heterogeneity, the random effects model was used for analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to show the association between developmental delay and its determinants.

Results

The pooled prevalence of confirmed developmental delay was 18.83, 95% CI (15.53–22.12). In the subgroup analysis, a high prevalence of developmental delay [26.69% (95% CI, 15.78–37.60)] was observed in studies performed in Africa. Maternal education [3.04; 95% CI (2.05, 4.52)] and low birth weight [3.61; 95% CI (1.72, 7.57)] were significant determinants of developmental delay.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of developmental delay in low- and middle-income countries was high as compared to that in high-income countries. Maternal education level and weight at birth were significantly associated with developmental delays. Therefore, strategies should be designed to decrease the rate of low birth weight and the number of illiterate mothers living in low- and middle-income countries.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, CRD42024513060.
Hispanic worker attitudes toward pig euthanasia on U.S. farms
Authors: Acevedo León Nancy F. , Jaramillo Pablo Lamino , Gabela Carlos Durán , Boren-Alpízar Amy , Andrukonis Allison , Schmidt Marcelo , McGlone John , Garcia Arlene
Published: April 2024

Introduction

On-farm pig euthanasia considers aspects of animal welfare and industry economics. Guidelines are available about the euthanasia process, but the agricultural workforce is highly diverse and guidelines do not consider cultural barriers. Euthanasia requires the ability to identify compromised pigs, technical skills, and willingness to euthanize pigs. In addition, timely euthanasia is part of the Common Swine Industry Audit (CSIA) and, thus, can lead to failed audits if not performed as required by the audit standards. The United States (US) swine industry employs a high percentage of Latin American workers, some US residents/citizens, and others through non-immigrant North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visas. These workers vary in their level of education and swine industry experience. Proper training of this workforce and identification of the barriers associated with performing timely euthanasia are critical to promote improved welfare practices. The objectives of this study were to: (1) develop a survey instrument to identify Hispanic caretaker attitudes toward pig euthanasia, (2) assess and describe swine caretakers’ attitudes toward pig euthanasia using the developed survey instrument, and (3) determine the demographic and psychological barriers associated with performing pig euthanasia.

Methods

Participants (n = 163) were surveyed from 16 farms across the State of Iowa. The on-farm survey was administered for two days in a period of 60 min per day.

Results

The results for demographics and the swine management survey data indicated that employees with less time working on the farm showed less knowledge of the CSIA, lower perceived ability to identify compromised pigs that needed to be euthanized, lower willingness to pecrform euthanasia on their own, and preferred not to have the responsibility of telling others when to euthanize pigs (p < 0.001). Secondary traumatic stress and transgressions were significantly correlated scales, associated with burnout, betrayals, and worker satisfaction (p = 0.022). Furthermore, individuals identifying as female had higher secondary traumatic stress scores (p = 0.026) and lower compassion satisfaction scores (p = 0.015).

Discussion

This data suggest that there are demographic, psychometric, and training-related factors correlated with Hispanic caretakers’ feelings about pig euthanasia. The results of this study could be used to further improve and develop targeted training programs for Hispanic caretakers for early identification of compromised pigs and timely euthanasia, which could benefit human well-being, animal welfare, and the swine industry audit performance.
Tick-borne pathogens Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia co-infection in owned dogs in Central Thailand
Authors: Chamsai Tatiyanuch , Saechin Aeknarin , Mongkolphan Chalisa , Sariya Ladawan , Tangsudjai Siriporn
Published: April 2024

Tick-borne pathogens are transmitted by a wide range of tick species and affect both human and animal health. Understanding the diversity of these pathogens and their co-infection rates in domesticated animals in urban areas is crucial for effective disease management and prevention. In this study, a total of 565 owned dogs in the central region of Thailand were investigated for the infection rate of three genera of Ehrlichia, Hepatozoon, and Babesia infection using multiplex PCR. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 19.1%, with Ehrlichia having the highest infection rate (12.2%), followed by Babesia (2.5%) and Hepatozoon (1.4%). The rate of co-infection was 3%, with mixed infections involving two or three genera. Male dogs exhibited a slightly higher infection rate compared to females, although not statistically significant. Young adult dogs (1–3 years) showed the highest infection rate of both single infections and co-infections. Monthly infection rate indicated variations throughout the year, with co-infection rate significantly associated with overall infection rate. Clinical manifestations in three genera of infected dogs included thrombocytopenia and eosinopenia. The results of this study are useful to design strategies for the management and prevention of tick-borne diseases in the study area.
PDASTSGAT: An STSGAT-Based Multipath Data Scheduling Algorithm
Authors: Xue Sen , Wu Chengyu , Han Jing , Zhan Ao
Published: March 2024

How to select the transmitting path in MPTCP scheduling is an important but open problem. This paper proposes an intelligent data scheduling algorithm using spatiotemporal synchronous graph attention neural networks to improve MPTCP scheduling. By exploiting the spatiotemporal correlations in the data transmission process and incorporating graph self-attention mechanisms, the algorithm can quickly select the optimal transmission path and ensure fairness among similar links. Through simulations in NS3, the algorithm achieves a throughput gain of 7.9% compared to the PDAA3C algorithm and demonstrates improved packet transmission performance.
Multi-Objective BiLevel Optimization by Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Dogan Vedat , Prestwich Steven
Published: March 2024

In a multi-objective optimization problem, a decision maker has more than one objective to optimize. In a bilevel optimization problem, there are the following two decision-makers in a hierarchy: a leader who makes the first decision and a follower who reacts, each aiming to optimize their own objective. Many real-world decision-making processes have various objectives to optimize at the same time while considering how the decision-makers affect each other. When both features are combined, we have a multi-objective bilevel optimization problem, which arises in manufacturing, logistics, environmental economics, defence applications and many other areas. Many exact and approximation-based techniques have been proposed, but because of the intrinsic nonconvexity and conflicting multiple objectives, their computational cost is high. We propose a hybrid algorithm based on batch Bayesian optimization to approximate the upper-level Pareto-optimal solution set. We also extend our approach to handle uncertainty in the leader’s objectives via a hypervolume improvement-based acquisition function. Experiments show that our algorithm is more efficient than other current methods while successfully approximating Pareto-fronts.