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Background: The idiopathic ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias may arise either from the right ventricular outflow tract or the left ventricular outflow tract. It is paramount to establish the precise location, based on the 12 lead ECG, to recommend the proper treatment for the patients. Methods: Based on the 12 lead ECG evaluation, the origin of the arrhythmias was established to be either in the RVOT or LVOT. The level of physical activity, gender, and sex were noted for each patient. Further, we evaluated the accuracy of the arrhythmia’s location based on ECG versus the patient characteristics described earlier. Results: The clinical score based on these parameters presented a 71% sensitivity level and, 69% specificity level. The overall accuracy of predicting the right versus left outflow tract origin of arrhythmias based on the QRS morphology in lead V1 and the subsequent R wave transition in the precordial leads was 96.72%, with a 100% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. Conclusion: Our clinical score, encompassing older age, sedentarism, and hypertension for the prediction of OT origin presents a lower sensitivity and specificity when compared to the ECG for differentiating the right versus left OT arrhythmias.

The rapid growth of the real estate market has led to the appearance of more and more residential areas and large apartment buildings that need to be managed and maintained by a single real estate developer or company. This scientific article details the development of a novel method for inspecting buildings in a semi-automated manner, thereby reducing the time needed to assess the requirements for the maintenance of a building. This paper focuses on the development of an application which has the purpose of detecting imperfections in a range of building sections using a combination of machine learning techniques and 3D scanning methodologies. This research focuses on the design and development of a machine learning-based application that utilizes the Python programming language and the PyTorch library; it builds on the team′s previous study, in which they investigated the possibility of applying their expertise in creating construction-related applications for real-life situations. Using the Zed camera system, real-life pictures of various building components were used, along with stock images when needed, to train an artificial intelligence model that could identify surface damage or defects such as cracks and differentiate between naturally occurring elements such as shadows or stains. One of the goals is to develop an application that can identify defects in real time while using readily available tools in order to ensure a practical and affordable solution. The findings of this study have the potential to greatly enhance the availability of defect detection procedures in the construction sector, which will result in better building maintenance and structural integrity.

In this paper we will present some results obtained in the industrial research works carried out on the technological flows of the industrial partner SC REFAROM SA from Brasov. The research aimed introducing in the composition of shaped refractory products (thermal insulating and antiacid refractory bricks) and unshaped (thermal insulating refractory concrete) some wastes that do not have industrial use in present (slag and ash from Rovinari CET Govora Thermal Power Plant or UATAA Motru). The experimental laboratory results revealed very good physical and mechanical properties, but especially a very good resistance of the antiacid refractory bricks to the attack with sulfuric acid of 70% concentration.

This paper describes the implementation of a solution for detecting the machining defects from an engine block, in the piston chamber. The solution was developed for an automotive manufacturer and the main goal of the implementation is the replacement of the visual inspection performed by a human operator with a computer vision application. We started by exploring different machine vision applications used in the manufacturing environment for several types of operations, and how machine learning is being used in robotic industrial applications. The solution implementation is re-using hardware that is already available at the manufacturing plant and decommissioned from another system. The re-used components are the cameras, the IO (Input/Output) Ethernet module, sensors, cables, and other accessories. The hardware will be used in the acquisition of the images, and for processing, a new system will be implemented with a human–machine interface, user controls, and communication with the main production line. Main results and conclusions highlight the efficiency of the CCD (charged-coupled device) sensors in the manufacturing environment and the robustness of the machine learning algorithms (convolutional neural networks) implemented in computer vision applications (thresholding and regions of interest).

Background and Aims: COVID-19 has infected more than 77 million people worldwide and impacted the lives of many more, with a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Quarantines, travel bans, regulatory changes, social distancing, and “lockdown” measures have affected drug and alcohol supply chains and subsequently their availability, price, and use patterns, with possible downstream effects on presentations of SUDs and demand for treatment. Given the lack of multicentric epidemiologic studies, we conducted a rapid global survey within the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) network in order to understand the status of substance-use patterns during the current pandemic.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Setting: Worldwide.Participants: Starting on April 4, 2020 during a 5-week period, the survey received 185 responses from 77 countries.Measurements: To assess addiction medicine professionals' perceived changes in drug and alcohol supply, price, use pattern, and related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic.Findings: Participants reported (among who answered “decreased” or “increased”) a decrease in drug supply (69.0%) and at the same time an increase in price (95.3%) globally. With respect to changes in use patterns, an increase in alcohol (71.7%), cannabis (63.0%), prescription opioids (70.9%), and sedative/hypnotics (84.6%) use was reported, while the use of amphetamines (59.7%), cocaine (67.5%), and opiates (58.2%) was reported to decrease overall.Conclusions: The global report on changes in the availability, use patterns, and complications of alcohol and drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered in making new policies and in developing mitigating measures and guidelines during the current pandemic (and probable future ones) in order to minimize risks to people with SUD.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted people with substance use disorders (SUDs) worldwide, and healthcare systems have reorganized their services in response to the pandemic.Methods: One week after the announcement of the COVID-19 as a pandemic, in a global survey, 177 addiction medicine professionals described COVID-19-related health responses in their own 77 countries in terms of SUD treatment and harm reduction services. The health responses were categorized around (1) managerial measures and systems, (2) logistics, (3) service providers, and (4) vulnerable groups.Results: Respondents from over 88% of countries reported that core medical and psychiatric care for SUDs had continued; however, only 56% of countries reported having had any business continuity plan, and 37.5% of countries reported shortages of methadone or buprenorphine supplies. Participants of 41% of countries reported partial discontinuation of harm-reduction services such as needle and syringe programs and condom distribution. Fifty-seven percent of overdose prevention interventions and 81% of outreach services were also negatively impacted.Conclusions: Participants reported that SUD treatment and harm-reduction services had been significantly impacted globally early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings, we highlight several issues and complications resulting from the pandemic concerning people with SUDs that should be tackled more efficiently during the future waves or similar pandemics. The issues and potential strategies comprise the following: (1) helping policymakers to generate business continuity plans, (2) maintaining the use of evidence-based interventions for people with SUDs, (3) being prepared for adequate medication supplies, (4) integrating harm reduction programs with other treatment modalities, and (5) having specific considerations for vulnerable groups such as immigrants and refugees.

Table of contents A1 The outcome of patients with recurrent versus non-recurrent pneumococcal meningitis in a tertiary health-care hospital in Bucharest Cristian-Mihail Niculae, Eliza Manea, Raluca Jipa, Simona Merisor, Ruxandra Moroti, Serban Benea, Adriana Hristea A2 Influence of bacteriophages on sessile Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Dana Mărculescu, Magdalena Lorena Andrei, Veronica Ilie, Marcela Popa, Coralia Bleotu, Carmen Chifiriuc, Mircea Ioan Popa, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A3 The utility of inflammatory biomarkers in the prognostic evaluation of septic patients – past, present and future Alina Orfanu, Cristina Popescu, Anca Leuștean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Alexandra Badea, Radu Orfanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă, Ştefan Sorin Aramă A4 Etiologic and clinical features of bacterial meningitis in infants Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anca-Cristina Drăgănescu, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Mădălina Merișescu, Magdalena Vasile, Diana-Maria Slavu, Sabina Vintilă, Endis Osman, Alina Oprea, Sabina Sandu, Monica Luminos A5 The diagnostic and prognostic role of neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio in sepsis Alina Orfanu, Victoria Aramă, Ştefan Sorin Aramă, Anca Leuştean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Gabriel Adrian Popescu, Cristina Popescu A6 Whooping cough in a HIV positive patient Ramona Georgiana Stanculete, Ana Vaduva Enoiu, Adelina Raluca Marinescu, Voichita Lazureanu A7 Cronobacter sakazakii sepsis in varicella patient Adelina-Raluca Marinescu, Alexandru Crișan, Voichița Lăzureanu, Virgil Musta, Narcisa Nicolescu, Ruxandra Laza A8 Anaerobes an underdiagnosed cause of prosthesis joint infection Anca-Ruxandra Negru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Raluca Mihăilescu, Remulus Catană, Olga Dorobăț, Alexandru Rafila, Emilia Căpraru, Marius Niculescu, Rodica Marinescu, Olivera Lupescu, Vlad Predescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Victoria Aramă, Daniela Tălăpan A9 Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis presenting with normal CSF – case presentation Ramona Ștefania Popescu, Luminița Bradu, Dragoș Florea, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A10 Extrapulmonary manifestations of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae – study on 24 cases Daniela Anicuta Leca, Elena Bunea, Andra Teodor, Egidia Miftode A11 The molecular diagnosis of severe bacterial sepsis in pediatric population Mădălina Merișescu, Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Dragoș Florea, Monica Luminos A12 Acute Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with multiple septic complications in a patient with diabetes mellitus – case presentation Ramona Ștefania Popescu, Anamaria Dobrotă, Adina Ilie, Liliana Lucia Preoțescu A13 Is Streptococcus suis meningitis an under-diagnosed zoonosis? Adriana Hristea, Raluca Jipa, Nicoleta Irimescu, Irina Panait, Eliza Manea, Simona Merisor, Cristian Niculae, Daniela Tălăpan A14 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from blood. Antimicrobial resistance – past and present Liana Cătălina Gavriliu, Otilia Elisabeta Benea, Șerban Benea, Alexandru Rafila, Olga Dorobăț, Mona Popoiu A15 Antibiotics resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from blood cultures Livia Dragonu, Augustin Cupşa, Iulian Diaconescu, Irina Niculescu, Lucian Giubelan, Florentina Dumitrescu, Andreea Cristina Stoian, Camelia Guţă, Simona Puiu A16 Predominance of CTX-M enzymes in extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in two hospitals of Quebec City Bunescu Irina, Marilyse Vallée, Ann Huletsky, Dominique K. Boudreau, Ève Bérubé, Richard Giroux, Jean Longtin, Yves Longtin, Michel G. Bergeron A17 Postoperative meningoencephalitis with Acinetobacter baumannii XDR – a therapeutic challenge - Case report Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Dalila-Ana Toma, Catrinel Ciuca, Daniela Tălăpan, Cătălin Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Mitescu, Tudor Vladoiu, Doina Iovănescu A18 Septic arthritis with Burkholderia cepacia Michaela Oana, Simona Costin A19 A novel approach for managing hard-to-treat infections Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Mircea Ioan Popa, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A20 Nineteen months surveillance for multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) by detecting asymptomatic colonization Daniela Tălăpan, Olga Mihaela Dorobăț, Mona Popoiu, Alexandru Mihai, Doina Iovănescu, Cleo Roşculeț, Cătălin Apostolescu, Gabriel-Adrian Popescu, Adrian Abagiu, Ruxandra Moroti-Constantinescu, Adriana Hristea, Victoria Aramă, Otilia Benea, Mădălina Simoiu, Rodica Bacruban, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Alexandru Rafila A21 Antimicrobial resistance of Gram-positive cocci isolated from clinical specimens in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases “Prof Dr. Matei Balș” between 2009–2015 Olga Mihaela Dorobăț, Daniela Tălăpan, Alexandru Mihai, Ioana Bădicuț, Mona Popoiu, Alina Borcan, Alexandru Rafila A22 The high percentage of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in Romania: an analysis and some proposals Gabriel Adrian Popescu A23 Etiological, clinical and therapeutic considerations on 78 cases of healthcare associated meningitis or ventriculitis admitted in the “Sf. Parascheva” infectious diseases clinical hospital, Iași, from 2011 to 2015 Mihnea Hurmuzache, Georgiana Enache, Alexandra Ciocan, Mircea Bararu, Madalina Popazu A24 Nosocomial infection dynamics in an Intensive Care Department – an overview (epidemiological and clinical monitoring, advanced therapeutic intervention). Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Viorica Mitescu, Tudor Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca A25 Safety and efficacy of interferon free treatment in patients with HCV chronic hepatitis- experience of a single Internal Medicine center Laura Iliescu, Georgiana Minzala, Letitia Toma, Mihaela Baciu, Alina Tanase, Carmen Orban A26 Viusid in treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C Victor Pantea, Gheorghe Placinta, Valentin Cebotarescu, Lilia Cojuhari, Paulina Jimbei A27 The management of hyperbilirubinemia in HCV cirrhotic patients who underwent therapy with direct acting antivirals Cristina Popescu, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Dragomirescu, Alina Orfanu, Cristina Murariu, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Mihaela Rădulescu, Remulus Catana, Victoria Aramă A28 The efficacy of ombitasvir-paritaprevir/ritonavir, dasabuvir and ribavirin in patients with genotype 1 HCV compensated cirrhosis Cristina Popescu, Laurențiu Stratan, Remulus Catana, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Dragomirescu, Alexandra Badea, Cristina Murariu, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Alina Orfanu, Ioan Diaconu, Anca Negru, Iulia Bodosca, Violeta Niță, Victoria Aramă A29 The efficacy of direct acting antivirals regimen without ribavirin in HCV genotype 1b infected patients with compensated cirrhosis Anca Leuștean, Victoria Aramă, Alina Orfanu, Remulus Catana, Laurențiu Stratan, Cristina Dragomirescu, Cristina Murariu, Alexandra Badea, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Mihaela Rădulescu, Cristina Popescu A30 Liver decompensation during ombitasvir-paritaprevir/ritonavir-dasabuvir and ribavirin regimen in HCV infected patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis Cristina Popescu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Anca Leuștean, Cristina Murariu, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Remulus Catană, Alina Orfanu, Raluca Mihaela Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă A31 The safety of direct acting antivirals in HCV compensated cirrhotic patients - an interim analysis Victoria Aramă, Remulus Catană, Cristina Dragomirescu, Cristina Murariu, Anca Leuștean, Laurențiu Stratan, Alexandra Badea, Alina Orfanu, Anca Negru, Raluca Năstase, Violeta Molagic, Daniela Munteanu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Ioan Diaconu, Violeta Niță, Iulia Bodoșca, Cristina Popescu A32 The access of patients with HCV compensated cirrhosis to the National Program of therapy with direct acting antivirals Cristina Popescu, Alexandra Badea, Anca Leuștean, Alina Orfanu, Anca Negru, Laurențiu Stratan, Cristina Dragomirescu, Remulus Catană, Cristina Murariu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Ioan Diaconu, Violeta Niță, Iulia Bodoșca, Victoria Aramă A33 Severe reactivation of chronic hepatitis B after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogues – a case series Cristina Popescu, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Alexandra Badea, Laurențiu Stratan, Remulus Catană, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă A34 The dynamic of hematological disorders during direct acting antivirals therapy for HCV compensated cirrhosis Cristina Popescu, Cristina Murariu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Anca Leuștean, Laurențiu Stratan, Alina Orfanu, Alexandra Badea, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Cătălin Tilișcan, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Mihaela Năstase, Ioan Alexandru Diaconu, Iulia Bodoșca, Violeta Niță, Victoria Aramă A35 Behaviors, attitudes and risk factors for viral hepatitis in international medical students vs. the general population in Romania Yagmur Erturk, Oana Săndulescu, Alina Cristina Neguț, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Anca Streinu-Cercel A36 Characteristics of hepatitis C virus reactivation due to immunosuppressive therapy in Romanian HCV infected patients with hematological malignancies Violeta Molagic, Cătălin Tilișcan, Cristina Popescu, Raluca Mihăilescu, Daniela Munteanu, Raluca Năstase, Anca Negru, Angelica Tenita, Victoria Aramă, Ștefan Sorin Aramă A37 The dynamic IFN-gamma serum levels during successful peginterferon-a 2a/ribavirin therapy in HCV chronic infection Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Monica Luminos A38 Overlapping risk factors for transmission of HBV, HCV and HIV in the general population in Romania Anca Streinu-Cercel, Oana Săndulescu, Mioara Predescu, Alexandra Mărdărescu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihai Săndulescu, Claudiu Mihai Șchiopu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A39 Acute hepatitis - an uncommon neurological complication Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Catrinel Olimpia Ciuca, Dalila Ana Toma, Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Cristina Elena Mitu, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Daniela Mitescu, Tudor Gheorghe Vladoiu, Doina Viorica Iovănescu A40 Regression of liver fibrosis following sustained virological response in patients with chronic HCV infection and cirrhosis Oana Săndulescu, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Monica Andreea Stoica, Liliana Lucia Preoțescu, Daniela Manolache, Gabriela Jana Ceapraga, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Luminița Bradu, Adina Ilie, Gabriela Mircea, Ionel Durbală, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A41 Preliminary results of treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir of patients with chronic hepatitis C Irina Russu, Tiberiu Holban, Tatiana Pantilimonov, Galina Chiriacov, Arcadie Macvovei, Elena Scorohodico, Oleg Dmitriev A42 HIV-syphilis coinfection Diana Alexandra Costache, Anca Benea, Eliza Manea, Cristian Niculae, Raluca Jipa, Adriana Hristea, Elisabeta Benea, Ruxandra Moroti, Șerban Benea A43 Thrombophilia – additional risk factor for the evolution of pregnancy in HIV-positive patients Mihai Mitran, Carmen Georgescu, Loredana Mitran, Simona Vladareanu A44 The incidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis in hospitalized HIV infected pediatric Romanian cohort between 1 January - 31 December 2015 Andreea Ioana Magirescu, Viorica Andreev, Cristina Nicolau, Alexandra Largu, Carmen Dorobat, Carmen Manciuc A45 TB incidence in HIV infected patients during the year of 2015 Viorica Andreev, Andreea Ioana Magirescu, Ina Isac, Cristina Nicolau, Alexandra Largu, Carmen Dorobat, Carmen Manciuc A46 Retrospective analysis of HIV/AIDS deaths recorded in the Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, Constanța in the period 01 January 2014–30 June 2016. Epidemiological considerations. Iulia Gabriela Șerban, Ghiulendan Resul, Consuela Marcaș A47 Acute liver failure with favorable evolution in an HIV-HBV coinfected patient Iosif Marincu, Patricia Poptelecan, Bogdan Trincă, Sorina Mitrescu, Anca Tudor, Daliborca Vlad, Livius Tirnea A48 Lifestyle impact on HIV management Nurcan Baydaroglu, Alina Cristina Neguț, Oana Săndulescu, Daniela Manolache, Gabriela Ceapraga, Monica Andreea Stoica, Anca Streinu-Cercel, Adrian Streinu-Cercel 49. HIV positive mothers newborns - clinical experience from January 2012 to June 2016 Carmen Manciuc, Mariana Pagute, Cristina Nicolau, Carmen Dorobăț, Alexandra Largu A50 Rediscovering HIV-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and HIV encephalopathy: clinical suspicion and subsequent brain autopsies Ioan-Alexandru Diaconu, Laurențiu Stratan, Daniela Ion, Luciana Nichita, Cristina Popescu, Raluca Năstase, Daniela Munteanu, Violeta Molagic, Cătălin Tilișcan, Mihaela Rădulescu, Alexandra Diaconu, Anca Negru, Alina Orfanu, Cristina Dragomirescu, Remulus Catană, Anca Leuștean, Irina Duport-Dodot, Cristina Murariu, Iulia Bodoșca, Violeta Niță, Alexandra Badea, Victoria Aramă A51 Antenatal surveillance of pregnant women with risk behavior and its impact on mother-to-child HIV transmission in Romania Mariana Mărdărescu, Cristina Petre, Marieta Iancu, Rodica Ungurianu, Alina Cibea, Ruxandra Drăghicenoiu, Ana Maria Tudor, Delia Vlad, Sorin Petrea, Carina Matei, Dan Oțelea, Carmen Crăciun, Cristian Anghelina, Alexandra Mărdărescu A52 Noninvasive assessments (APRI, Fib-4, transient elastography) of fibrosis in patients with HIV and HIV/HBV infection Elena Dumea, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Sorin Rugină, Lucian Cristian Petcu, Stela Halichidis, Simona Claudia Cambrea A53 Undetectable HIV viral load – the main goal in the management of HIV-infected patients Carmen Chiriac, Nina-Ioana Bodnar, Iringo-Erzsebet Zaharia-Kezdi, Cristina Gîrbovan, Andrea Incze, Anca Meda Georgescu A54 LPS serum levels and correlation with immunological, virological and clinical outcome in HIV infected patients Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Eugenia Panaitescu, Monica Luminos, Manole Cojocaru A55 LL37 human cathelicidin serum levels are positively correlated with IFN gamma and alanine aminotransferase level in HCV infection Simona Alexandra Iacob, Diana Gabriela Iacob, Monica Luminos A56 Early diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in a non-compliant HIV/AIDS late presenter patient Vochita Laurențiu, Vochita Andreia, Opreanu Radu, Trinca Bogdan, Rosca Ovidiu, Marincu Iosif A57 Evolution of antiretroviral regimens in naϊve patients in 2016 Ramona Zamfir, Alina Angelescu, Alena Andreea Popa, Raluca Jipa, Ruxandra Moroti, Adriana Hristea, Liana Gavriliu, Șerban Benea, Elisabeta Benea A58 The unfavorable risk factors for HIV infected persons with positive blood cultures hospitalized at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” in 2015 Alena-Andreea Popa, Georgeta Ducu, Daniela Camburu, Alina Cozma, Manuela Podani, Roxana Dumitriu, Liana Gavriliu, Șerban Benea, Elisabeta Benea A59 Epidemiological aspects of HIV infection in Oltenia region Andreea Cristina Stoian, Florentina Dumitrescu, Augustin Cupșa, Lucian Giubelan, Irina Niculescu, Loredana Ionescu, Livia Dragonu A60 HIV risk behaviors and prevalence among patients in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) from Arena center, Bucharest Adrian Octavian Abagiu, Loredana Nicoleta Stoica, Catrinel Blaga, Archontis Koulosousas, Roxana Ștefănescu, Alice Atomoaie, Florentina Paraschiv, Florin Matache Duna A61 Therapeutic options in a case of severe psoriasis associated with both HIV infection and hepatitis C virus previously treated with fumaric acid esters Rodica Olteanu, Roxana Ion, Alexandra Zota, Isra Ennour Jaballah, Lara Mahfoud, Georgeta Preda, Magda Constantin A62 Prevalence of autoantibodies against gangliosides in asymptomatic HIV-infected patients Ilinca Nicolae, Corina Daniela Ene, Mădălina Irina Mitran, Vasile Benea, Mircea Tampa, Simona Roxana Georgescu A63 Subclinical inflammation in HIV-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy – a cross sectional study Iulia Cristina Bodoșca, Cristina Murariu, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă, Cristina Popescu, Daniela Munteanu, Mihaela Rădulescu, Violeta Molagic, Raluca Năstase, Alina Orfanu, Anca Leuștean, Remulus Catană, Anca Negru, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Sorin Aramă A64 Severe Guillain-Barré syndrome occurring after chickenpox with favorable evolution Iuliana CAramăngiu, Ovidiu Rosca, Monica Cialma, Radu Opreanu, Laurențiu Vochita, Iosif Marincu A65 Echovirus 30 infection with pulmonary and cardiac complications – case report Vlad Murărescu, Marilena Palaghiță, Alina Cristina Neguț, Cornel Camburu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A66 Herpetic encephalitis with favorable evolution in an adult immunocompetent patient Irina Duşan, Patricia Poptelecan, Bogdan Trincă, Sorina Mitrescu, Livius Tirnea, Iosif Marincu A67 Clinical-evolutional aspects in present-day measles Narcisa Nicolescu, Alexandru Crișan, Voichița Lăzureanu, Ruxandra Laza, Virgil Musta, Adelina-Raluca Marinescu, Andreea Bîrlad A68 Pneumococcal superinfection in children with influenza Victor Daniel Miron, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Daniela Pițigoi, Oana Săndulescu, Monica Luminița Luminos A69 Varicella complicated with transverse myelitis - case presentation Monica Luminos, Endis Osman, Magdalena Vasile, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Sabina Șchiopu, Mădălina Merișescu A70 Clinical forms of enterovirus infections during the summer season of 2016 Monica Luminos, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anuța Bilașco, Camelia Kouris, Endis Osman, Sabina Vintilă, Magda Vasile, Mădălina Merișescu A71 Face off – HIV and lymphoma – case series presentation Liana Cătălina Gavriliu, Otilia Elisabeta Benea, Alina Angelescu, Ramona Zamfir, Daniela Camburu, Georgeta Ducu, Alina Cozma, Roxana Dumitriu, Manuela Podani, Șerban Benea, Mihaela Ionică A72 Coxsackie infection complicated by pancytopenia – pediatric case report Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adina Stăncescu, Cristina Elena Popescu, Luminița Marin, Diana Zaharia, Cristina Dumitrescu, Lucia Tudor, Sabina Vintilă A73 Viral respiratory infections in children in the season 2015–2016 Constanța-Angelica Vișan, Anca Cristina Drăgănescu, Anuța Bilașco, Magda Vasile, Mădălina Merișescu, Camelia Kouris, Cristina Negulescu, Endis Osman, Diana-Maria Slavu, Sabina Vintilă, Daniela Pițigoi, Monica Luminos A75 The severity of A H1N1 Influenza infection in the 2015–2016 season Cleo Roșculeț, Catrinel Olimpia Ciuca, Dalila Toma, Cătălin Apostolescu, Andrei Rogoz, Andrei Stangaciu, Viorica Mitescu, Doina Iovănescu, Cornel Camburu, Bogdana Manu A76 Acute respiratory distress syndrome in a child with measles Ana Vaduva-Enoiu, Ramona Georgiana Stanculete, Adelina Raluca Marinescu, Voichita Elena Lazureanu A77 Management challenges of right-sided infectious endocarditis in an HIV positive patient – case presentation Elena-Violeta Niță, Sînziana Dumitru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Anca Ruxandra Negru, Remulus Catană, Ioan Diaconu, Bogdana Manu, Ligia Ionescu, Liliana Ion, Cătălin Tilișcan, Victoria Aramă A78 Bacterial infection in critical patients with severe A H1N1 influenza virus infection (epidemiology, development, therapeutic decisions) Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz, Cătălin Apostolescu, Viorica Mitescu, Tudor Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca A79 Epidemiological aspects of severe acute respiratory infection cases (SARI) in the season 2015–2016, in the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases – Constanța, Romania Iulia Gabriela Șerban, Marioara Neacșu A80Overexpression of IL-6 trans signaling pathway in viral infections Simona Roxana Georgescu, Vasile Benea, Corina Daniela Ene, Mircea Tampa, Cristina Iulia Mitran, Ilinca Nicolae A81 Acute viral hepatitis B with persistent HBsAg – description and evolution George Ciprian Pribac, Mirandolina Prisca, Fulvia Ursoiu, Carmen Neamtu, Bogdan Totolici, Coralia Cotoraci, Aurel Ardelean A82 Prevalence of cervical pathogens in a population of pregnant female patients monitored in a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest, Romania Simona Elena Albu, Mara Carsote, Beatrice Miclăuș, Diana Mihai, Oana Săndulescu, Cristina Vasiliu A83 Prevalence of group B Streptococcus during pregnancy in a cohort of patients monitored in a tertiary care hospital in Bucharest, Romania Cristina Vasiliu, Mara Carsote, Corina Gorgoi, Beatrice Miclăuș, Diana Mihai, Oana Săndulescu, Simona Elena Albu A84 Infectious hematoma in the gastrocnemius muscle – case presentation Amelia Blescun, Gelu Breaza A85 Reflections towards the underexplored HTLV Romanian viral circulation - adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphomas, a case series Sabina Vintila, Felicia Mihai, Meilin Omer, Cornel Dragan, Daniela Pitigoi A86 A febrile confusion syndrome with acute onset – case presentation Mirela Ciucu, Marius-Dan Ionescu, Cristina Roskanovic, Valentina Barbu, Iulian Diaconescu, Florentina Dumitrescu, Irina Niculescu A87 Retrobulbar optic neuritis in a HIV-positive patient - case report Mihaela Ionică, Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Alina Cozma, Otilia Elisabeta Benea A88 A rare presentation of Q fever – case presentation Alexandra-Sînziana Dumitru, Daniela-Ioana Munteanu, Violeta Niță, Cristina Popescu, Iulia Bodosca, Angelica Tenita, Viorica Ispas, Victoria Aramă A89 Tinea incognita – case presentation Vasile Benea, Simona Roxana Georgescu, Mircea Tampa, Diana Oana Leahu, Cristina Maria Safta, Mihaela Anca Benea A90 Incidence and risk factors associated with TORCH infections during pregnancy Oana Săndulescu, Octavian Munteanu, Roxana Bohâlțea, Livia Trașcă, Monica Cîrstoiu A91 Acute respiratory failure in critical patients with sepsis Doina Viorica Iovănescu, Cleo Nicoleta Roșculeț, Andrei Rogoz, Cătălin Gabriel Apostolescu, Viorica Daniela Mitescu, Tudor Gheorghe Vladoiu, Dalila Toma, Catrinel Ciuca A92 Cochleo-vestibular deficit secondary to Granulicatella elegans meningitis Mădălina Georgescu A93 Influenza 2015/2016 – clinical, epidemiological and virological characteristics of cases admitted in three infectious diseases hospitals Daniela Pițigoi, Alina Elena Ivanciuc, Mihaela Lazar, Teodora Ionescu, Carmen Maria Cherciu, Cristina Țecu, Maria Elena Mihai, Maria Nițescu, Rodica Bacruban, Delia Azamfire, Aura Dumitrescu, Elena Ianosik, Daniela Leca, Elena Duca, Andra Teodor, Codrina Bejan, Emanoil Ceaușu, Simin-Aysel Florescu, Corneliu Popescu, Grațiela Târdei, Codrina Juganariu, Emilia Lupulescu A94 Severe complications of varicella requiring hospitalization in previously healthy children in Brașov county Ligia Rodina, Maria Elena Cocuz A95 Clinical forms of Clostridium difficile colitis in children Gheorghiță Jugulete, Adina Stăncescu, Cristina Elena Popescu, Luminița Marin, Diana Zaharia, Cristina Dumitrescu, Endis Osman A96 Community-acquired pneumonia – demographic, clinical and etiological aspects Irina Niculescu, Augustin Cupșa, Iulian Diaconescu, Florentina Dumitrescu, Livia Dragonu, Andreea Stoian, Lucian Giubelan, Cristina Roskanovic A97 Acute myocarditis in an adult patient with chickenpox - Case report Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Mihaela Ionica, Otilia-Elisabeta Benea A98 Caustic oropharyngeal wound with acute group F streptococcal superinfection mimicking diphtheria – case report and differential diagnosis Maria-Cristina Sîrbu, AnaMaria Dobrotă, Alina Cristina Neguț, Roxana Duda, Rodica Bacruban, Daniela Pițigoi, Cristiana Cerasella Dragomirescu, Daniela Tălăpan, Olga Dorobăț, Adrian Streinu-Cercel, Anca Streinu-Cercel A99 Clostridium difficile infection in HIV-positive patients admitted in the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” in 2015 Mihaela Ionica, Ramona-Alexandra Zamfir, Alina Cozma, Otilia Elisabeta Benea A100 Title: Epidemiology of Candida oral infections (stomatitis) in Romania Sergiu Fendrihan, Ecaterina Scortan, Mircea Ioan Popa A101 Anthrax case series in south-eastern Romania Corneliu P Popescu, Șerban N Benea, Andra E Petcu, Adriana Hristea, Adrian Abagiu, Iuliana A Podea, Raluca E Jipa, Georgeta Ducu, Raluca M Hrișcă, Dragoș Florea, Manuela Nica, Eliza Manea, Simona Merișor, Cristian M Nicolae, Simin A Florescu, Irina M Dumitru, Emanoil Ceaușu, Sorin Rugină, Ruxandra V Moroti A102 Knowledge, risk perception and attitudes of healthcare workers at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” regarding Ebola Daniela Pițigoi, Teodora Ionescu, Oana Săndulescu, Maria Nițescu, Bogdan Nițescu, Iulia Monica Mustaţă, Sorina Claudia Boldeanu, Florentina Furtunescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A103 A case of abdominopelvic actinomycosis with successful short-term antibiotic treatment Diana Gabriela Iacob, Simona Alexandra Iacob, Mihaela Gheorghe A104 A case of pneumonia caused by Raoultella planticola Iulian Diaconescu, Irina Niculescu, Floretina Dumitrescu, Lucian Giubelan A105 Vitamin D deficiency and sepsis in childhood Adriana Slavcovici, Raluca Tripon, Roxana Iubu, Cristian Marcu, Mihaela Sabou, Monica Muntean A106 The clinical and epidemiological aspects and prophylaxis of Lyme disease among patients who presented with tick bites to the Clinical Infectious Disease Hospital “Toma Ciorbă” Ion Chiriac, Tiberiu Holban, Liviu Tazlavanu A107 Drug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV infected patients Raluca Jipa, Eliza Manea, Roxana Cernat, Kezdi Iringo, Andrei Vâță, Manuela Arbune, Teodora Moisil, Adriana Hristea A108 Kidney injury molecule-1 and urinary tract infections Corina-Daniela Ene, Ilinca Nicolae, Roxana Simona Georgescu A109 The impact of microbiological agents on serum gangliosides in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia Corina-Daniela Ene, Cosmin-Victor Ene, Roxana Simona Georgescu, Marilena Ciortea , Lucreția Dulgheru, Ilinca Nicolae A110 Toxocariasis - the experience of the Iași Infectious Diseases Hospital between 2013–2015 Mihaela Cătălina Luca, Ioana-Alina Harja-Alexa, Roxana Nemescu, Mădălina Popazu, Andrei Ștefan Luca A111 Species of anaerobic Gram-positive cocci involved in odontogenic abscesses Gabriela Bancescu, Bogdan Dabu, Adrian Bancescu A112 Clostridium difficile infection recurrences Eliza Manea, Raluca Jipa, Adriana Hristea A113 Differential diagnosis of staphylococcal and tuberculous osteodiscitis – case report Adina Elena Ilie, Săftica-Mariana Pohrib, Alina Cristina Neguț, Maria-Sabina Tache, Maria Magdalena Moțoi, Oana Săndulescu, Ion Aurel Iliescu, Adrian Streinu-Cercel A114 Severe clinical forms of respiratory syncytial virus infections Cristina Tecu, Maria-Elena Mihai, Mihaela Lazăr, Carmen Cherciu, Alina Ivanciuc, Daniela Pițigoi, Emilia Lupulescu A115 Acinetobacter baumannii postoperative sepsis associated with Clostridium difficile enterocolitis in an immune suppressed elderly patient Mirela Paliu, Manuela Curescu, Bianca Cerbu, Iosif Marincu A116 Risk factors and their impact on psychopathology and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Romania Fulvia Ursoiu, Mirandolina Prișcă, George Ciprian Pribac A117 Antivirals susceptibility of influenza viruses circulating in Romania Maria Elena Mihai, Carmen Maria Cherciu, Alina Elena Ivanciuc, Cristina Tecu, Emilia Lupulescu A118 Retrospective study of hospitalized cases of sepsis at the Hospital Clinic of Infectious Diseases “Toma Ciorbă” Irina Bunescu, Tiberiu Holban, Ana Pasnin, Stela Semeniuc, Raisa Popovici, Galina Chiriacov

The energetic and metallurgy industries of Romania represent the main waste sources significant from the point of quantitative view: the bottom ashes and the blast furnace and secondary metallurgical slags. Starting from the knowledge of the main chemical-physical properties of these two types of industrial wastes, there were inquired the exploitation possibilities in the technological practice, by using in the manufacturing of some building materials, for which these wastes represent the exclusive raw material source. The experiments considered the granular aggregate properties of the bottom ash and of the blast furnace slag, completed by the hydraulic binder of the secondary metallurgical slag, after the fine crushing.

In this article are present the results of physical and chemical characterisation activities, of industrial wastes: ash and slag, drilling sludge, metallurgical slag. Also, were established the conditions in which these industrial waste types could be used as raw materials for manufacture some building materials. The ash can be assimilated with a lightweight aggregate similar to the natural sands, the oil-well drilling sludge presents an advanced similarity with the suspensions of fine particles of sand clays, the steel melting slag in electric furnace has the characteristics of a dense granular aggregate and the secondary treatment steel slag is characterized by the high content of calcium oxide.

Co-infections with HIV and HCV are very frequent among people who inject drugs (PWID). However, very few studies comparatively reconstructed the transmission patterns of both viruses in the same population. We have recruited 117 co-infected PWID during a recent HIV outbreak in Romania. Phylogenetic analyses were performed on HIV and HCV sequences in order to characterize and compare transmission dynamics of the two viruses. Three large HIV clusters (2 subtype F1 and one CRF14_BG) and thirteen smaller HCV transmission networks (genotypes 1a, 1b, 3a, 4a and 4d) were identified. Eighty (65%) patients were both in HIV and HCV transmission chains and 70 of those shared the same HIV and HCV cluster with at least one other patient. Molecular clock analysis indicated that all identified HIV clusters originated around 2006, while the origin of the different HCV clusters ranged between 1980 (genotype 1b) and 2011 (genotypes 3a and 4d). HCV infection preceded HIV infection in 80.3% of cases. Coincidental transmission of HIV and HCV was estimated to be rather low (19.65%) and associated with an outbreak among PWID during detention in the same penitentiary. This study has reconstructed and compared the dispersion of these two viruses in a PWID population.

Background and Aims: COVID-19 has infected more than 77 million people worldwide and impacted the lives of many more, with a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Quarantines, travel bans, regulatory changes, social distancing, and "lockdown" measures have affected drug and alcohol supply chains and subsequently their availability, price, and use patterns, with possible downstream effects on presentations of SUDs and demand for treatment. Given the lack of multicentric epidemiologic studies, we conducted a rapid global survey within the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) network in order to understand the status of substance-use patterns during the current pandemic. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Worldwide. Participants: Starting on April 4, 2020 during a 5-week period, the survey received 185 responses from 77 countries. Measurements: To assess addiction medicine professionals' perceived changes in drug and alcohol supply, price, use pattern, and related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings: Participants reported (among who answered "decreased" or "increased") a decrease in drug supply (69.0%) and at the same time an increase in price (95.3%) globally. With respect to changes in use patterns, an increase in alcohol (71.7%), cannabis (63.0%), prescription opioids (70.9%), and sedative/hypnotics (84.6%) use was reported, while the use of amphetamines (59.7%), cocaine (67.5%), and opiates (58.2%) was reported to decrease overall. Conclusions: The global report on changes in the availability, use patterns, and complications of alcohol and drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic should be considered in making new policies and in developing mitigating measures and guidelines during the current pandemic (and probable future ones) in order to minimize risks to people with SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we will present some results obtained in the industrial research works carried out on the technological flows of the industrial partner SC REFAROM SA from Brasov. The research aimed introducing in the composition of shaped refractory products (thermal insulating and antiacid refractory bricks) and unshaped (thermal insulating refractory concrete) some wastes that do not have industrial use in present (slag and ash from Rovinari CET Govora Thermal Power Plant or UATAA Motru). The experimental laboratory results revealed very good physical and mechanical properties, but especially a very good resistance of the antiacid refractory bricks to the attack with sulfuric acid of 70% concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted people with substance use disorders (SUDs) worldwide, and healthcare systems have reorganized their services in response to the pandemic. Methods: One week after the announcement of the COVID-19 as a pandemic, in a global survey, 177 addiction medicine professionals described COVID-19-related health responses in their own 77 countries in terms of SUD treatment and harm reduction services. The health responses were categorized around (1) managerial measures and systems, (2) logistics, (3) service providers, and (4) vulnerable groups. Results: Respondents from over 88% of countries reported that core medical and psychiatric care for SUDs had continued; however, only 56% of countries reported having had any business continuity plan, and 37.5% of countries reported shortages of methadone or buprenorphine supplies. Participants of 41% of countries reported partial discontinuation of harm-reduction services such as needle and syringe programs and condom distribution. Fifty-seven percent of overdose prevention interventions and 81% of outreach services were also negatively impacted. Conclusions: Participants reported that SUD treatment and harm-reduction services had been significantly impacted globally early during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our findings, we highlight several issues and complications resulting from the pandemic concerning people with SUDs that should be tackled more efficiently during the future waves or similar pandemics. The issues and potential strategies comprise the following: (1) helping policymakers to generate business continuity plans, (2) maintaining the use of evidence-based interventions for people with SUDs, (3) being prepared for adequate medication supplies, (4) integrating harm reduction programs with other treatment modalities, and (5) having specific considerations for vulnerable groups such as immigrants and refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to immune activation, senescence and exhaustion of T cells. Co-stimulatory molecules play important roles in controlling these processes. The CD28 signaling triggers efficient T cell activation, while CD27 provides survival signals to CD28-T cells. Loss of these molecules was associated with senescent phenotype and resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Romania has faced an HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs (PWID), most of them chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). HIV/HCV co-infection was associated with increased immune activation and rapid disease progression. Methods: We evaluated by flow cytometry the expression of CD27, CD28, CD38, HLA-DR, CD57 and PD-1 on CD4 and CD8 T cells from 34 subjected infected with HIV (22 PWID and 12 people who acquired HIV by sexual route - PWHS) and 18 HIV-negative individuals (controls). Results: We found that as compared to controls, HIV patients, regardless of infection route, have high percentages of intermediately differentiated (CD27+CD28-) and low percentages of less differentiated (CD27+CD28+) CD8 T cells. Significantly higher levels of CD8+CD27+CD28-T cells were found in PWHS than in PWID. A lower percentage of intermediately and highly differentiated (CD27-CD28-) CD8 T cells express CD57 in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in controls. Increased levels of less and intermediately differentiated CD4 and CD8 T cells expressing PD-1 were identified in PLWH, especially in PWID; these directly correlated with HIV viral load and T cell activation and negatively correlated with CD4 counts. Conclusions: Our data show that induction of PD-1 on T cells expressing co-stimulatory molecules CD27 and/or CD28 might contribute to poor control of HIV infection and to immune activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Prognostic value of physical activity, gender, and age versus ECG in localizing the idiopathic ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias" is an article published in the Balneo & PRM Research Journal. The authors of the article are Raluca Vasilica Sirbu Prisecaru, Alexandru Dan Sirbu, Madalina Abagiu, Oana Elena Purcar, and Ioan Manitiu. The article explores the prognostic value of physical activity, gender, and age compared to electrocardiography (ECG) in identifying idiopathic ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias. The article provides a DOI number and information about the journal's website and editorial board. [Extracted from the article]