bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Caffeine Citrate for Respiratory Stimulation in Acquired Central Hypoventilation Syndrome: A Case Series
Authors: Ling Tan Pei , Poh Lim Chuan , Ong Sharon , Sithamparapillai Samuel Geoffrey 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Introductions
Caffeine is commonly used as a respiratory stimulant for the treatment of apnea of prematurity in neonates. However, there are no reports to date of caffeine used to improve respiratory drive in adult patients with acquired central hypoventilation syndrome (ACHS).

Presentation of case series
We report two cases of ACHS who were successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation after caffeine use, without side effects. The first case was a 41-year-old ethnic Chinese male, diagnosed with high-grade astrocytoma in the right hemi-pons, intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in view of central hypercapnia with intermittent apneic episodes. Oral caffeine citrate (1600mg loading followed by 800mg once daily) was initiated. His ventilator support was weaned successfully after 12 days. The second case was a 65-year-old ethnic Indian female, diagnosed with posterior circulation stroke. She underwent posterior fossa decompressive craniectomy and insertion of an extra-ventricular drain. Post-operatively, she was admitted to the ICU and absence of spontaneous breath was observed for 24 hours. Oral caffeine citrate (300mg twice daily) was initiated and she regained spontaneous breath after 2 days of treatment. She was extubated and discharged from the ICU.

Conclusion
Oral caffeine was an effective respiratory stimulant in the above patients with ACHS. Larger randomized controlled studies are needed to determine its efficacy in the treatment of ACHS in adult patients.
Brief Report: Diabetic Keto-Acidosis (DKA) Induced Hypothermia May Be Neuroprotective in Cardiac Arrest
Authors: Shiber Joseph , Fontane Emily 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Despite the decreased survival associated with diabetes with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and the overall low survival to hospital discharge, we would like to present two cases of OHCA in diabetics who despite prolonged resuscitation efforts had complete neurological recovery likely due to concomitant hypothermia. There is a steady decreasing rate of ROSC with longer durations of CPR so that outcomes are best when <20 minutes compared to prolonged resuscitation efforts (>30-40 minutes). It has been previously recognized that hypothermia prior to cardiac arrest can be neurologically protective even with up to 9 hours of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hypothermia has been associated with DKA and although often indicates sepsis with mortality rates of 30-60%, it may indeed be protective if occurring prior to cardiac arrest. The critical factor for neuroprotection may be a slow drop to a temperature <250C prior to OHCA as is achieved in deep hypothermic circulatory arrest for operative procedures of the aortic arch and great vessels. It may be worthwhile continuing aggressive resuscitation efforts even for prolonged periods before attaining ROSC for OHCA in patients found hypothermic from metabolic illnesses as compared to only from environmental exposures (avalanche victims, cold water submersions, etc.) as has been traditionally reported in the medical literature.
Temporary Immigration and Regional Income Inequalities in Times of COVID-19. A Spatial Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Antonia Mihai , Prada Elena-Maria 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Confronted with ageing and depopulation, Romania needs to identify the main factors that attract immigrant population. This paper tackles the matter of regional income disparities as a key factor for temporary immigration in Romania. The quantitative approach includes a spatial panel data analysis based on a dataset retrieved from the Romanian National Institute of Statistics and our data consists of 378 observations on 42 counties in Romania over a time span of nine years starting with the year 2012. Our findings suggest that temporary immigration in Romania is shaped by location, but does not follow the labour market characteristics. Higher salaries and job opportunities are not the main factors of attraction to temporary immigration and it does not seem to be influenced by regional disparities.
Students’ Perceptions on the Quality of the Economics Higher Education in Romania
Authors: Oana Eugenia , Gogu Emilia , Roman Monica , Marin Erika 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Romanian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education evaluates, on demand or on its own initiative, the higher education providers and study programmes. This paper presents the results of a large-scale survey on the perception of the Romanian students in the field of Economic Sciences on the quality of the educational programs they follow. The themes covered are: the teaching resources, the educational process, the evaluation and communication, the teaching and learning, the infrastructure, the learning outcomes and the relevance for the labor market. Using a large sample of 8120 respondents, the results show that in general the perceptions are quite positive with scores between 8 and 9, on a range from 1 to 10. We identified differences between students by their seniority, by specific universities and their admission grades.
Macroeconomic Determinants of Household Indebtedness in Romania: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Enache Calcedonia 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This paper examines the reaction of the household indebtedness to various shocks in the economy between 2011Q1 and 2021Q4, using a Structural Vector Autoregressive model. The results of the econometric model indicate that average net wage was the driver of the loans granted by credit institutions to individuals’ variation after their own innovations at all time horizons. This result was achieved in the conditions that households’ resilience to shocks has improved significantly in the period 2011-2020 from lei 243 billion to lei 480 billion. The evolution of the economy starting from March 2020 was influenced by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease. In this situation, between March 2020 and September 2021, the new standard mortgage loans recorded an average growth rate of 2.2 percent in nominal terms and 1.91 percent in real terms, standing above the pre-pandemic level (1.34 percent, respectively 1.17 percent). The low interest rates and general household income growth (the minimum wage in the economy increased 14 times between 2011 and 2021) were responsible for high household debt. The rise in household indebtedness growths its vulnerability to shocks in the economy, potentially having a negative impact mainly on the creditors’ balance sheet.
Interest Rates and Economic Growth in Romania: Is There Cointegration?
Authors: Chiriluş Alexandru I. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This study aims to investigate the potential existence of a cointegration relationship between Romania’s gross domestic product (GDP), credit interest rates charged by financial institutions, and the benchmark interest rate set by the National Bank of Romania (NBR). The identification of a long-term relationship between these variables is considered to be of significant importance as it may provide a deeper understanding of the interactions between interest rates and GDP dynamics in Romania. To achieve this objective, we employed a robust econometric methodology, utilizing well-established and widely-used techniques for capturing long-term statistical relationships. Careful consideration was given to the manipulation of macroeconomic data in order to ensure the validity and reliability of the analysis. The results of our analysis reveal that there is no statistically significant evidence of a long-term relationship between GDP, credit interest rates, and the benchmark rate set by the NBR. This finding suggests that the interaction between interest rates and GDP in Romania is complex and may be influenced by other variables. Further research should focus on these other factors in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between GDP, credit interest rates and benchmark rate set by NBR.
Ferritin and procalcitonin in COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury – gender disparities, but similar outcomes
Authors: Rădulescu Daniela , David Cristiana , Cuiban Elena , Turcu Flavia Liliana , Feier Larisa Florina , Onofrei Simona Daniela , Văcăroiu Ileana Adela 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background: Acute kidney injury is a severe complication of COVID-19. Both COVID-19 and related acute kidney injury are reported in the literature to be more prevalent and more severe in males.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the COVID-19 associated acute kidney injury cases in order to search for differences between genders regarding patients’ and renal outcome.

Results: 250 patients with acute kidney injury were included in the study: 93 women (37.20%), 157 men (62.80%). There were no differences between sexes regarding age. Diabetes mellitus was significantly more present in women. Peak ferritin and procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in men, but other severity markers for COVID-19 did not differ between genders. There were no differences between sexes regarding history of chronic kidney disease, timing of acute kidney injury, need for dialysis or recovery of renal function. ICU admission and in-hospital mortality were similar between men and women.

Conclusions: In our study, COVID-19 related-AKI was more prevalent in men than in women, but the patients’ and renal outcome were similar. Significantly higher ferritin and procalcitonin serum levels registered in male patients when compared to women may have additional explanations beside more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection in males.
On the relationship between CT measured abdominal fat parameters and three metabolic risk biomarkers
Authors: Pop Marian , Pop Raluca Monica 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and there is a need for the development of adjacent markers to assess cardiovascular risk. In this study, we examined the relationship between the areas of abdominal fat compartments, as measured by computed tomography (CT)-based planar measurements, and laboratory-validated cardiovascular risk markers.

Methods: Fat distribution was measured on CT scans in 252 patients (M: F = 1.13) who underwent routine abdominal CT, using in-house and commercially available software. The included laboratory parameters were glucose, triglycerides, and the triglycerideglucose index.

Results: The visceral abdominal fat (VAF) area and VAF percentage were lower in females compared to the VAF area and VAF percentage in males, (p=0.001, and p<0.001 respectively). However, the total abdominal fat (TAF) area was not significantly different between genders. Visceral fat and triglyceride levels showed a weakly positive connection for females (r=0.447, p=0.002) but not for males (r=0.229, p=0.09). The glucose levels had a weak correlation with CT calculated abdominal fat parameters, with the strongest statistically significant correlation value being with TAF for females (r=0.331, p=0.003).

Conclusions: Areas of abdominal fat compartments correlate with metabolic parameters in the blood, and in the future, their assessment might be considered when constructing risk scores. Visceral fat content assessment for every abdominal computed tomography procedure might become a surrogate marker for cardio-vascular risk estimation after defining clear cut-off values and image analysis parameters.
Management of a case of Castleman’s disease coexisting with or occurring after transplanted Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Andreescu Mihaela , Zurac Sabina , Lacatusu Andreea , Tudor Andrei T. , Ilie Nicoleta , Tirlea Laura G. , Ionescu Rozeta , Popov Viola M. , Tănase Alina D. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Castleman’s disease is a benign lymphoproliferative disorder. The coexistence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multicentric Castle-man’s disease is a rare phenomenon. We discuss a case of a 48-year-old female patient who had been in the records of the Colentina Hematology Clinic since 2019, with the diagnosis of classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, nodular sclerosis type I BNLI, stage IIXB. For this, she underwent 3 courses of ABVD and 2 courses of BEACOPP, without showing complete remission on PET/CT evaluation at the end of treatment. After that, we initiated rescue therapy and performed 4 IGEV courses, followed by autologous stem cell transplantation. For maintenance treatment, we opted for Brentuximab, but it was discontinued after the first administration due to the appearance of adverse reactions. Subsequently, we decided to perform radiotherapy with 20 fractions cumulating a total dose of 36 Gy. Shortly after the radiotherapy, symptoms reappeared which were suspected to be in the context of a relapse of the disease. For confirmatory diagnosis, we performed a new PET-CT which highlighted metabolically active ganglion images. Further, were carried out lymph node biopsy for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out. The underlying disease was diagnosed as plasmacytic subtype, HHV8 negative, multicentric Castleman’s disease. For treatment, we relied on administrations of Siltuximab treatment therapy that showed complete remission. Castleman’s disease presents a unique diagnostic challenge, but a confirmatory diagnosis can be based on a biopsy examination, advisable after each relapse.
Wood Ash Filter Material Characterization as a Carrier Material for Ex-Situ Biomethanation of Biogas in Biotrickling Filter Reactors
Authors: Kusnere Zane , Spalvins Kriss , Bataitis Martins 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Biomethanation is a prospective biogas upgrading method to integrate renewable energy grid with existing biogas grid. Biomethane can directly substitute fossil natural gas and be used in all energy sectors. The selection of packing material for the ex-situ biomethanation in biotrickling filter reactors can be based on the physical and chemical characterization of the carrier material. The packing material selected for biotrickling filter reactors supports hydrogenotrophic methanogenic growth and thereby increases the area for H2 mass transfer. Chemical components and melting temperature analysis of wood ash material are carried out to determine optimal parameters for producing wood ash filter material. Physical characteristics of new wood ash filter material such as volume-specific surface area (m2 m−3), the external porosity (vol. %) and bulk density (kg m−3) are carried out to compare this material with other carrier materials that have been used in biotrickling filter reactors before.
Phytoplankton Community of the Pelagic and the Macrophyte-Rich Littoral Zone in Some Bulgarian Inland Waters
Authors: Bogomilova Beshkova Mihaela , Kirilov Kalchev Roumen , Petrova Gyosheva Borislava , Stojanova Belkinova Detelina , Laslo Klayn Stefania 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Statistically significant differences between phytoplankton of the pelagic area and littoral zone, overgrown with macrophytes, were observed in seven reservoirs and three natural lakes. Both total biomass and species diversity of the phytoplankton were higher in the macrophyte settlements than in the pelagic zone. Regarding biomass, the divisions of Pyrrhophyta and Cryptophyta were the main contributors to the similarity of the pelagic areas while the pennate Bacillariophyta were the main contributors to the similarity of macrophyte zones. The phytoplankton structure in the littoral zone differed also within the same water body but in sites with different macrophyte dominant species, as the differences concerned mainly the ratio between pennate diatoms and conjugatophyceans.
The role of PET/CT in oncogynecology (literature review)
Authors: Nikolaeva E. A. , Tarachkova E. V. , Sheikh Zh. V. , Tyurin I. E. 
Published: February 2023

Purpose: to consider the modern possibilities of positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) with FDG in the diagnosis of oncological formations in gynecology.Materials and methods. Search, selection and evaluation of existing foreign and domestic research included in the peer-reviewed E-library, PubMed, GoogleScholar, Scopus.Results. This article summarizes the existing evidence base to establish the clinical relevance and new possibilities for the use of FDG PET/CT in common gynecological malignancies.Conclusion. The use of FDG PET/CT can have a significant impact on patient management by improving cancer staging, influencing patient choice for treatment, and detecting early disease recurrence.
PENGARUH TEKANAN AIR DAN SUDUT NOZZLE TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK OUTPUT PADA PROTOTYPE PLTMH DENGAN TURBIN PELTON
Authors: Ardika Tommy Saputra I Made , Jasa Lie , Arta Wijaya I Wayan 
Published: February 2023

Pelton turbine is an impulse turbine that is different from other turbines where the peltonturbine utilizes a large high water fall (head), even with a small water discharge. The problemwith Pelton turbine is that the head is still difficult to control because this type of turbine uses ahigh head to rotate the turbine runner and there is no formula / equation to determine the angleof the nozzle which produces maximum output. Based on the problems described, it isnecessary to make a micro hidro power plant prototype using a pelton turbine with a laboratoryscale so that it can do the testing of the influence of water and the nozzle angle to obtainmaximum output results on a micro hidro power plant using a pelton turbine. The prototypetesting in this study used various water pressures, namely 5 psi, 9 psi, 13 psi, 17 psi, 21 psi,and 25 psi with nozzle angles, namely 60º, 75º, and 90º. Based on the results of the study, anincrease in the value of water pressure provided with an optimal nozzle angle will cause themicro hidro power plant performance to increase. The maximum output obtained is when thewater pressure is 25 psi with a nozzle angle of 90º which produces a turbine rotation of 917 rpmbefore the generator is coupled and 326 rpm after the generator is coupled, the generatorrotation is 1321 rpm, the generator voltage is 12.9 Volts, generator power is 30.96 Watt, torque is 0.98 Nm, and the highest efficiency occurs when the water pressure is 21 psi with a nozzleangle of 90º which is 3.91%.
Effectivity of Binaural Beats in Reduction of Anxiety during Dental Treatment in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Padawe Dimple , Chettiankandy Tabita Joy , Rathi Gauri Vijaykumar , Sachdev Sanpreet Singh , Takate Vilas S , Yadav Tushar 
Published: February 2023

Objectives:
Binaural beats comprise two sinusoidal auditory waves with a slight difference in their frequencies. When these beats are presented to a listener, they have psychophysiological effects corresponding to the difference in their frequencies. One such effect is the relaxation achieved when the difference between the two frequencies is present within the theta range (4−7.9 Hz). This concept has been applied in the present study to alleviate anxiety in pediatric patients during dental treatment.

Material and Methods:
One hundred and twenty pediatric patients of age ranging from 3 to 10 years requiring dental treatment were presented with binaural beats (experimental) and white noise (control) using wireless headphones for 10 min. The patient’s pulse rate (PO1-3) and anxiety levels (V1-3) were measured at three different time points having 5-min intervals by pulse oximeter and Venham’s picture test.

Results:
The study sample (n = 120) comprised 56 females and 64 males with a mean age of 5.867 years (Standard Deviation = 1.864). There was a statistically highly significant difference seen for the values between the groups (P < 0.01) for PO2, PO3, and VS3 with higher values in control while there was a statistically non-significant difference seen for the values between the groups (P > 0.05) for PO1, VS1, and VS2.

Conclusion:
Binaural beats were more effective in the reduction of pre- and intraoperative dental anxiety in pediatric patients. Therefore, they can be used satisfactorily as a non-pharmacological and non-invasive behavior management aid. Patient acceptance, efficiency, ease of availability, and feasibility are some of their additional advantages.
Consideration of elasticity of fixed supports in strength calculations of above-ground pipelines
Authors: Дубровский Дмитрий Дмитриевич , Мельников Александр Евгеньевич , Чепчугов Вадим Олегович 
Published: February 2023

Для проведения прочностных расчетов трубопроводов в системах автоматического проектирования с целью упрощения применяют абсолютно жесткие модели неподвижных опор. Использование таких моделей приводит к завышению расчетных величин напряжений относительно реальных значений, следствием чего, в свою очередь, является увеличение капитальных затрат на устройство свайных оснований опор. Учитывая свойство упругости неподвижных опор, расчет можно сделать более приближенным к практическим условиям эксплуатации. Посредством обратимых деформаций компенсируется часть напряжений, возникающих в опоре, что подтверждается базовыми законами теории упругости и сопротивления материалов. Ввиду уменьшенных напряжений проектировщик может сократить объем свайного основания опоры, тем самым добившись экономии затрат. Авторами комплексно рассмотрен вопрос определения параметров податливости опорных элементов и их учет в прочностных расчетах надземных трубопроводов. Разработана актуализированная методика по проведению прочностных расчетов, позволяющая на этапе проектирования существенно сократить объемы свайных оснований неподвижных опор за счет снижения расчетных величин напряжений, возникающих в опоре в процессе эксплуатации. Применение результатов данного исследования на практике позволит получить гарантированную экономию человеческих и материальных ресурсов при строительстве новых объектов надземного трубопроводного транспорта.
To carry out the strength calculations of pipelines in computer-aided design systems, absolutely rigid models of fixed supports are used for simplification. The use of such models leads to the overestimation of the calculated stress values relative to the real values, which, in turn, leads to the increase in the capital costs for the construction of support pile foundations. Considering the elasticity of fixed supports, the calculation can be made more approximated to practical operating conditions. The part of the stresses, arising in the support, is compensated by reversible strains, which is confirmed by the basic laws of the theory of elasticity and resistance of materials. Due to the reduced stresses, the designer can reduce the volume of the support pile foundation, thereby achieving the cost savings. The authors comprehensively considered the issue of determining the parameters of supporting elements mechanical compliance and their consideration in the strength calculations of above-ground pipelines. The updated methodology for carrying out strength calculations has been developed, which makes it possible (at the design stage) to significantly reduce the volume of pile foundations of fixed supports by reducing the calculated stress values that arise in the support during the operation. The application of this study results in practice will provide guaranteed savings in human and material resources in the construction of new facilities for above-ground pipeline transport.