bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Free and Mapped Meshes for Static Structural Analysis
Authors: Haider Aun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This study addresses the challenge faced by Finite Element Analysts when choosing between free and mapped meshes, especially in terms of convergence stability and solution accuracy. The investigation focuses on 3D solid models under static structural loading, analyzed using Ansys® and MSC Patran®. Both free and mapped mesh types, employing equivalent 3D solid elements, are used to assess an aircraft structural component under design load conditions, with fixed boundaries. For free meshes, Tet10 elements in Patran (equivalent to Solid 72 in Ansys) are used, whereas for mapped meshes, CPENTA / CHEXA elements in Patran (equivalent to Wed6 / Hex8 in Ansys) are employed. Mesh convergence studies ensure that discretization does not affect the numerical solution. Notably, a significant stress increase is observed with successive refinement of free meshes, while mapped meshes achieve mesh independence at coarser refinement levels. Comparison of fringe plots indicates the same location for maximum deformation and equivalent stress in both free and mapped mesh models. The findings demonstrate that free meshes tend to underpredict maximum deformation and equivalent stress compared to mapped meshes, with both meshes showing deformation and stress at consistent locations. The findings underscore the importance of carefully choosing the appropriate mesh type, particularly when analyzing critical structural components, to ensure reliability and accuracy in FEA simulations.
Elevated Composite Inflammatory Markers are Associated with Clinical Severity and Long-term Amputation Risk in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia after Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty
Authors: Mureșan Adrian Vasile , Lazăr Nicolae-Alexandru , Bartus Reka , Szanto Ludovic-Alexandru , Cordoș Bogdan Andrei , Bandici Bogdan-Corneliu , Șincaru Suzana-Vasilica , Covalcic Carina Diana , Ilioniu Agatha Maria , Mărginean Lucian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) represents the advanced stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is caused by atherosclerotic damage in the lower limbs, having a greater risk of major amputation.

Aim
The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of systemic immune index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and the aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) on the clinical severity and long-term risk of amputation among patients with CLTI after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).

Material and Methods
This is a retrospective observational study involving 104 patients diagnosed with CLTI and treated with PTA. Based on clinical severity, the cohort was divided into two groups: stage III Leriche-Fontaine and stage IV Leriche-Fontaine.

Results
We observed higher levels of SII (p = 0.027), SIRI (p = 0.0008), and AISI (p = 0.0024) in patients with trophic lesions. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients with values of SII (p = 0.008), SIRI (p = 0.022), and AISI (p = 0.006) above the median at the time of admission are at a higher risk of major amputation in the long term following PTA. At the multivariate regression analysis, high baseline values of SIRI (odds ratio (OR) = 2.28; p = 0.017) and AISI (OR = 2.32; p = 0.043) were associated with stage IV Leriche-Fontaine, but not SII (OR = 1.71; p = 0.055). Additionally, in the Cox regression analysis, we found that SII (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.56; p = 0.010), SIRI (HR = 1.63; p = 0.009), and AISI (HR = 1.55; p = 0.016) are predictive factors for long-term risk of major amputation after endovascular treatment.

Conclusions
Elevated levels of SIRI and AISI have been found to be linked with the severity of clinical symptoms and an increased risk of long-term major amputation in patients with CLTI following PTA. Additionally, higher baseline values for SII were associated with a greater risk of major amputation, but not with clinical severity in the same group of patients.
The Impact of Hyponatremia in Aortic Valve Surgery Using Histidine–Tryptophan–Ketoglutarate Cardioplegia
Authors: Ghiragosian Claudiu , Baba Dragos-Florin , Harpa Marius , Puscas Alexandra , Balau Radu , Al Hussein Hussam , Ghiragosian-Rusu Simina Elena , Avram Calin , Neagoe Radu Mircea , Suciu Horatiu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK) cardioplegia is one of the most widely used methods of cardioplegia. This solution is hyponatremic compared to blood, and the rapid infusion of a substantial volume of hyponatremic solution will result in a notable reduction in serum natrium (Na) levels. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in serum Na concentration following HTK cardioplegia infusion in aortic valve surgery, and to investigate the association between hyponatremia and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery.

Materials and Methods
This retrospective study involved 302 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement surgery between June 2023 and June 2024 at the Emergency Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and Transplantation, Tîrgu Mureș, Romania. Based on their preoperative serum Na levels, the patients were divided into a low Na group (Na < 136 mEq/l) and a normal/high Na group (Na ≥136 mEq/l). Outcomes measured were operative short-term mortality, as well as in-hospital postoperative complications such as neurological impairment, surgical reintervention, new onset atrial fibrillation (AFib), and sustained ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Results
Before surgery, the mean Na concentration was 134.0 ± 1.3 mmol/l in the low Na group and 140.5 ± 3.2 mmol/l in the normal/high Na group. After surgery, the mean Na concentration decreased to 134.5 ± 3.4 mmol/l in the low Na group and to 135.5 ± 8.1 mmol/l in the normal/high Na group. Logistic regression analysis of the outcomes showed a significant association between low preoperative Na concentrations and surgical reintervention for hemorrhagic cause, being a risk factor (OR = 3.65; 95%CI 1.18–11.34; p = 0.025). The 7-day mortality was 7.6% in the low Na group vs. 1.1% in the normal/high Na group, and 30-day mortality was 10.9% in the low Na group vs. 1.6% in the normal/high Na group. We found a significant association between low preoperative Na levels and 7-day mortality (OR = 7.40; 95% CI 1.57–34.90; p = 0.011), as well as low preoperative Na levels and 30-day mortality (OR =7.36; 95% CI 2.05–26.42; p = 0.002).

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the occurrence of complications is primarily associated with preoperative rather than postoperative hyponatremia, even when there are minor deviations from the normal range.
Description of two new Pristionchus species from South Korea
Authors: Herrmann Matthias , Kanzaki Natsumi , Weiler Christian , Theam Penghieng , Rödelsperger Christian , Sommer Ralf 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Based on molecular markers, mating experiments, morphological observations and ecological data, two Pristionchus species (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) new to science are described. Both were collected from different Scarabaeoid beetles in South Korea, have a gonochoristic mode of reproduction and fall into a sub-clade of the pacificus clade. Pristionchus coreanus n. sp. does not show a eurystomatous morph under laboratory conditions and might therefore be suitable for the study of gain and loss of polymorphism. Pristionchus hangukensis n. sp. is phylogenetically close to Chinese and Japanese species and helps to separate an Asian clade from an American clade.
Sustainable Project Management Practices and the Performance of Construction Companies
Authors: Lawal Yusuf Adedayo , Abdul-Azeez Ibraheem Forson , Olateju Olawale Ibrahim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Sustainability and project management are interconnected concepts that are crucial in today's world. The Nigerian construction industry faces sustainability challenges such as poor project performance, low quality, high costs, waste generation, environmental degradation, and social conflicts. These issues compromise the industry's ability to support sustainable development. This research investigates the prospects, challenges, and benefits of adopting sustainable project management techniques in Lagos State, Nigeria, using resource optimization and rework reduction measures. The research involved a cross-sectional survey of 232 staff members from selected companies, with a sample size of 172. The study used covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) to evaluate complex relationships among variables. Path analysis was conducted and revealed a strong positive relationship between the variables tested. The study reveals that resource optimisation and rework reduction are positively related to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, suggesting that optimizing resources and reducing reworks can lead to better social and environmental outcomes for construction companies. This study reveals that sustainable project management practices positively impact the performance of construction companies in Lagos State, Nigeria, in terms of social and environmental outcomes. The study suggests that these practices are interrelated and mutually reinforcing. The study recommended, among others, that the government should promote sustainable construction by providing incentives, regulations, and guidelines and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to exchange knowledge and best practices.
Investigation of the impact of local properties of 3D data on the accuracy of block matching-based speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Cygan Szymon , Wilczewska Aleksandra , Kubik Tomasz , Alessandrini Martino 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Due to its simplicity, block-matching is a popular motion-tracking method used in speckle-tracking echocardiography. Improvement of its robustness and accuracy is thus of prime interest. Although it seems plausible that the quality of block matching-based tracking depends on the local properties of image data, and thus, it should be possible to assess in advance how well certain portions of the image data are suited for displacement estimation, the potential relationship has not been studied extensively.

Material and methods: This study aimed to search for a relationship between selected features of echocardiographic data and the quality of local displacement estimation. The study used a 3D synthetic B-mode imaging sequence data with known ground truth. Frame-to-frame displacements were estimated for 9856 points in five different frame pairs with mean inter-frame displacements of 0.15, 0.87, 2, 3.02, and 3.84 mm. In each case, tracking errors were evaluated against thirteen grayscale image features, the displacement’s magnitudes, and the normalized cross-correlation (NCX) values. Additionally, a multi-variable regression model was applied to test the combined ability of the proposed features to predict tracking quality.

Results: Median tracking error magnitudes were 0.06, 0.13, 0.28, 0.74, and 1.5 mm for each image pair. Weak correlation between errors and individual data features was found only in the case of 3 features: NCX (Pearson’s correlation coefficients in the range of −0.366 to −0.223), number of speckles within the kernel (−0.283, −0.282, and −0.214 for three lowest deformations) and mean of the 3D gradient (−0.252, −0.237 and −0.25). The regression model, however, provided significant prediction improvement with R2 exceeding 0.5.

Conclusions: In conclusion, only a weak relationship between the individual investigated kernel features and tracking accuracy has been established, but their combined strength can be assessed as at least moderate.
Commissioning, dosimetric characterisation and machine performance assessment of the AQURE mobile accelerator for intraoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Ryczkowski Adam , Pawałowski Bartosz , Kruszyna-Mochalska Marta , Misiarz Agnieszka , Lenartowicz-Gasik Aleksandra , Wosicki Maksymilian , Jodda Agata , Adrich Przemysław , Piotrowski Tomasz 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The AQURE is a recently designed mobile linear accelerator for intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT). In the study, we assess, report, and compare the dosimetric characteristics obtained during the commissioning of this machine in our Centre.

Material and Methods: The electron energies of the AQURE used in this study are 4, 6, 9 and 12 MeV. The diameters of the cylindrically shaped applicators range from 4 to 10 cm. The measurements were performed (a) by microDiamond detector in a BeamScan water phantom (depth dose distributions, flatness and symmetry of dose profiles, output constancy and linearity) and (b) by Farmer ionisation chamber in a solid water phantom (output related to gantry angle). The results of measurements were compared to analogous results from other IOERT accelerators and were evaluated in the light of scientific recommendations and legal regulations.

Results: The values of the measured parameters fit the recommended ranges. The profiles and the depth dose distributions are close to literature data for other IOERT machines. Any differences between them are caused by the detailed technical solutions which influence the final shape of the obtained dose distributions. The values of mean and most probable energies suggest that the electron beams used during IOERT cannot be considered mono-energetic. We believe that the energy spectrum should be researched and described for each IOERT mobile accelerator before clinical usage. Conclusion: The measurements confirm the dosimetric accuracy of the AQURE accelerator under the literature guidelines.
Posterior interosseous nerve lesion due to lipoma. Review of the literature and rare case presentation
Authors: Rojc Bojan , Golob Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Posterior interosseous nerve lesion is a rare mononeuropathy of the upper limb. Atraumatic posterior interosseous nerve lesions are commonly caused by lipomas of the forearm, manifesting as slow-progressing wrist and finger drop.

Patients and methods
In this review and case report study, we present a systematic review of the literature for patients presenting with posterior interosseous palsy due to lipomas and a rare case of patient with acute posterior interosseous nerve lesion caused by a lipoma. Our primary interest was in the timing of clinical presentation. For the review process, we followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines.

Results
After reviewing the literature, we identified thirty patients with posterior interosseous nerve lesions caused by lipomas. In 28 patients, the symptoms presented progressively, ranging from 1 month to a maximum of 240 months. We found only one case of a patient with acute presentation and another patient with acute worsening of chronic weakness due to trauma.

Conclusions
Atraumatic posterior interosseous nerve lesions are frequently secondary to forearm lipomas. In the majority of cases, the symptoms will develope progressively. However, in this study, we also report a rare case of a patient presenting with acute posterior interosseous nerve lesion due to a lipoma.
Assessment of chemical-shift and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in differentiating malignant and benign vertebral lesions in oncologic patients. A single institution experience
Authors: Mijaljevic Marija B , Milosevic Zorica C , Lavrnic Slobodan Đ , Jokovic Zorica M , Ninkovic Danica I , Tubic Radoje M , Jankovic Rajna R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
To analyze the contribution of two non-standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques the chemical-shift image (CSI), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing malignant and benign vertebral bone marrow lesions (VBMLs).

Patients and methods
Conventional spine MRI protocol, followed by CSI and DWI was performed with a 1.5 T system on 102 oncologic patients between January 2020 and December 2023. From the identified 325 VBMLs, 102 representative lesions (one per patient) were selected. VBMLs were divided into malignant (n = 74) and benign (n = 28) based on histopathology, or imaging follow-up. The quantitative parameters for VBMLs assessment were signal intensity ratio (SIR) derived from CSI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) derived from DWI.

Results
The malignant VBMLs had significantly higher SIR values (p < 0.05) and lower ADC values compared to benign VBMLs (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.953 (p < 0.001) for SIR, and 0.894 for ADC (p < 0.001) (cut-off at > 0.82, and ≤ 1.57x10−3 mm2/s, respectively). The sensitivity and specificity for SIR were 93.6%, and 88.5%, while for ADC were 88.2% and 92.3% (respectively). The combined use of SIR and ADC improved the diagnostic accuracy to AUC of 0.988 (p < 0.001, cut-off at > 0.19), sensitivity, and specificity of 100.0% and 90.9% (respectively).

Conclusions
Quantitative parameters, SIR and ADC, derived from two non-standard MRI techniques, CSI, and DWI, showed diagnostic strength in differentiating malignant and benign VBMLs. Combining both methods can further enhance the diagnostic performance and accuracy of spine MRI in clinical practice.
Characteristics of exposure to radioactive iodine during a nuclear incident
Authors: Zaletel Katja , Mihovec Anamarija , Gaberscek Simona 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
During a nuclear accident, numerous products of nuclear fission are released, including isotopes of radioactive iodine. Among them is iodine-131, with a half-life of 8.02 days, which emits β radiation. For decades, it has been effectively and safely used in medicine. However, in the event of a nuclear accident, uncontrolled exposure can have harmful biological effects. The main sources of internal contamination with iodine-131 are contaminated air, food and water. The most exposed organ is the thyroid gland, where radioactive iodine accumulates via the Na+/I− symporter (NIS). NIS does not distinguish between radioactive iodine isotopes and the stable isotope iodine-127, which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Exposure to radioactive iodine during a nuclear accident is primarily associated with papillary thyroid cancer, whose incidence begins to increase a few years after exposure. Children and adolescents are at the highest risk, and the risk is particularly significant for individuals living in iodine-deficient areas.

Conclusions
Ensuring an adequate iodine supply is therefore crucial for lowering the risk of the harmful effects of exposure to radioactive iodine at the population level. Protecting the thyroid with potassium iodide tablets significantly reduces radiation exposure, as stable iodine prevents the entry of radioactive iodine into the thyroid. Such protection is effective only within a narrow time window - a few hours before and after the exposure and is recommended only for those under 40 years of age, as the risks of excessive iodine intake outweigh the potential benefits in older individuals.
Idarubicin-loaded drug-eluting microspheres transarterial chemoembolization for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma: safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics
Authors: Korsic Spela , Osredkar Josko , Smid Alojz , Steblovnik Klemen , Popovic Mark , Locatelli Igor , Trontelj Jurij , Popovic Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the treatment of choice for the intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Doxorubicin remains the most used chemotherapeutic agent in TACE, although in vitro screening has demonstrated that idarubicin exhibits greater cytotoxicity against HCC. This study aimed to evaluate safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of idarubicin-loaded drug-eluting microspheres TACE (DEMIDA-TACE) in intermediate stage HCC patients.

Patients and methods
Between September 2019 and December 2021, 31 consecutive intermediate stage HCC patients (96.8% cirrhotic) were included to this study. 2 mL of LifePearl™ microspheres (100 μm) loaded with 10 mg of 1 mg/mL idarubicin were used for treatment. The adverse events, objective response rate (ORR), progression free survival (PFS), time to TACE untreatable progression (TTUP), median overall survival (mOS), and pharmacokinetics were evaluated.

Results
There were 68 TACE procedures performed. Adverse events grade ≥ 3 were noted after 29.4% procedures. The ORR was 83.9%, median PFS and TTUP were 10.5 months (95% CI: 6.8–14.3 months) and 24.6 months (95% CI: 11.6–37.6 months), respectively. Median OS was 36.0 months (95% CI: 21.1–50.9 months). Significant differences between patients achieving objective response (OR) and those with progressive disease were observed regarding idarubicinol and combined idarubicin-idarubicinol plasma concentrations at 72 hours post-procedure, higher plasma concentrations were observed in patients achieving OR (p = 0.014 and 0.014; cut-off values 1.2 and 1.29 ng/mL, respectively).

Conclusions
DEMIDA-TACE emerges as a safe and effective method of treatment for the intermediate stage HCC with low rates of adverse events alongside high tumor response, favourable disease control and overall survival. Idarubicinol and combined idarubicin-idarubicinol plasma concentrations at 72 hours post-procedure may serve as prognostic factors for achieving OR.
Settlement Analysis of the Nivy Tower in Bratislava by the Finite Element Method
Authors: Chalmovský Juraj , Červenka Jan , Dobrovolský Ján , Račanský Václav 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A settlement analysis of a new high-rise building, the Nivy Tower, in Bratislava, Slovakia, is presented in this paper. A 3D finite element model was prepared. A non-linear elasto-plastic material model with double hardening and increased stiffness in a small-to-very-small strain range was adopted for the Tertiary (Neogene) subsoils. Due to the lack of an appropriate in-situ test, the results from a 1D compression test were used for the calibration of the soil input parameters. However, the results from these tests, especially in the primary loading, are often biased due to the effects of soil disturbance during the preparation of the sample. Therefore, a different procedure has been proposed, in which the stiffness parameters were obtained from unloading-reloading branches of 1D compression tests. It could be concluded that the predicted and measured settlements are in a reasonable match for all the points measured. The computed distributions of the vertical displacements and those measured by sliding micrometres show greater differences from a depth of twenty meters beneath the foundation slab.