Marking Technique Research Articles

Intraoperative marking of pulmonary nodules in a hybrid operating room: electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy versus percutaneous marking.

Intraoperative identification of subsolid or small pulmonary nodules during minimally invasive procedures is challenging. Recent localization techniques show varying success and complications. Hybrid operating rooms (HORs), equipped with radiological tools, facilitate intraoperative imaging. This study compares the accuracy and safety of marking pulmonary nodules using electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) combined with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) vs. CBCT-guided percutaneous marking (PM). This retrospective cohort study included patients with pulmonary nodules scheduled for minimally invasive resection in a HOR. Marking techniques included ENB assisted by CBCT and PM guided by CBCT. The study compared the success rate, procedure time, intraoperative complications and radiation dose of both techniques. A total of 104 patients with 114 nodules were included (October 2021-July 2024). Thirty nodules were marked using ENB, and 84 with PM. One case used both techniques due to ENB failure. No differences among groups were found in nodule characteristics. Success rates were similar (93.3% in ENB group vs. 91.7% in PM group, p = 1). Marking took significantly longer time in the ENB group (median 40 min) compared to PM group (25 min, p = 0.007). Five (6%) patients in the PM group experienced intraoperative complications compared to none in the ENB (p = 0.323). Radiation dose was significantly higher in the ENB group (p = 0.002). ENB assisted by CBCT is a safe and effective technique, with success rates comparable to CBCT-guided PM, though it may result in longer procedural times and higher radiation doses.

Digital versus manual axis marking for toric phakic intraocular lens alignment: a prospective randomized intraindividual trial.

This study compares visual and refractive outcomes and postoperative axis alignment for toric Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation in astigmatic myopia using manual versus digital marking techniques. Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Austria. Prospective randomized single-centered intraindividual comparison. Patients undergoing bilateral toric ICL implantation for myopia with astigmatism ≥ 0.5 diopters (D) were enrolled. Patients received both marking techniques and randomization was performed. Postoperative retroillumination photography assessed axis alignment, and visual and refractive parameters were evaluated. Duration of the surgeries was recorded. The study includes 20 patients and 40 eyes. Preoperative visual and refractive parameters showed no significant differences. Postoperatively, residual astigmatism (p=0.824) and spherical equivalent (p=0.309) were comparable. No notable differences between right and left eyes in terms of preoperative (p=0.371) and postoperative (p=0.824) astigmatism were observed. Although slight, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) increased in both groups postoperatively (p=0.381). Gain in CDVA was comparable between marking techniques (p=0.637). Safety and efficacy indices were comparable (p=0.991 and p=0.189, respectively). Postoperative axial misalignment was 2.8±3.1 degrees in the digital- and 4.4±5.1 degrees in the manual group (p=0.260). Vector analysis showed no significant differences between manual and digital marking. Duration remained uninfluenced by the marking technique (p=0.970) and side of surgery (p=0.682). In conclusion digital and manual marking techniques provided comparable results in axis alignment, surgical duration and visual and refractive outcomes. Both methods are viable for precise axis alignment, with digital marking offering a potential advantage in efficacy.

Anatomic Subunit Cleft Lip Repair: New Repair Concept Based on Nostril Sill and Philtrum-White Roll Junction.

A novel method for unilateral cleft lip repair based on lip anatomic subunits was presented in 2005 by David M. Fisher. It has about 25 landmarks with 2 arbitrary markings for the nostril. It is an important subunit when it comes to nose reconstruction. This article sheds light on the variance in nostril sill disposition among cleft lip patients. A novel marking technique based on differences in sills is presented. Furthermore, the unique anatomical structure of the philtrum-white roll junction is highlighted with a suggested modification to the subunit approximation leading to its reconstitution.

Comparing the effects of marking techniques on the survival of Piping Plover chicks

AbstractThe use of unique markers in ornithology has a long history and is predicated on the assumption that markers have negligible effects on behavior and survival. The assumption that marks are harmless is particularly important with imperiled species. We studied the effects of two different marking schemes on Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus), a small shorebird protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act that is intensively monitored and managed. We used two marking schemes, (1) color bands and (2) uniquely engraved flags during breeding seasons from 2013 to 2023 to determine whether the injuries were causing additive mortality and thus actually limiting populations. We estimated the effect of perceived limping and injury (e.g., swelling, laceration, etc.) on chick and hatch-year survival. We detected injuries in some years and associated with both marking schemes (range 0.0–6.0%, average = 2.7% of marked chicks each year). Interval survival for banded chicks was like that of flagged chicks ($$\beta $$ β = − 0.55, 95% BCI: − 1.30–0.33, f = 0.92). Mean survival to fledging, however, was higher in years where flags were used ($$\overline{\phi }=$$ ϕ ¯ = 0.55 ± 0.14) than when bands were used ($$\overline{\phi }=$$ ϕ ¯ = 0.34 ± 0.14), but we surmise that this difference was partly conflated with negative density-dependent factors ($$\beta $$ β = − 0.49, 95% BCI: − 0.73 to − 0.25, f = 1.00) and predation. Our results show that pre-fledge survival of birds with uniquely coded flags was similar to that of birds receiving color bands. There was also no evidence that injured birds had a significantly lower hatch-year survival than those that were not injured. However, the relatively high (up to 6%) injury rate in some years remains a concern. Injury and survival rates need to be considered and evaluated when deciding on whether to mark individuals. Ultimately, wildlife practitioners should strive to use the best methods for information gathering and management, without negatively impacting the species.

An Internal Marking Method for Adult Spodoptera frugiperda Smith Using an Artificial Diet Containing Calco Oil Red N-1700.

As a migratory invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) has recently posed a serious threat to food security in newly invaded areas (especially in Africa and Asia). Understanding its migration (or dispersal) patterns in newly invaded areas is crucial for regional forecasting and management efforts. By screening an appropriate marking technique to conduct mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments, the migration patterns of the FAW can be effectively studied. In this study, we added different concentrations of Calco Oil Red N-1700 (an oil-soluble marker) to a self-made artificial diet and assessed the rearing and marking efficacy. The results indicated that a concentration of 0.2% of Calco Oil Red N-1700 in the diet was optimal for marking adult FAWs. The biological indicators (e.g., developmental duration, reproductive parameters, and flight ability) of FAWs fed this diet were basically consistent with those of FAWs fed a normal diet, with a larval stage of 15.46 days, a pupal stage of 9.81 days, a pupal mass of 278.18 mg, an adult longevity of 15.41 days, and an egg deposition count of 1503.51. Meanwhile, the flight distance, duration, and velocity were 24.91 km, 7.16 h, and 3.40 km/h, respectively (12 h tethered-flight tests), without difference with the control. Females and males exhibited distinctive marking colors (red or pink) that persisted for at least 5 and 9 days, respectively. This study developed an economically effective internal marking method for the adult FAW, laying the foundation for conducting MRR experiments. This will help clarify the migration behavior and routes of the FAW, providing a scientific basis for formulating effective pest management strategies.

Investigation of Metal Powder Blending for PBF-LB/M Using Particle Tracing with Ti-6Al-4V

Laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) is the most used additive manufacturing (AM) technology for metal parts. Nevertheless, challenges persist in effectively managing metal powder, particularly in blending methodologies in the choice of blenders as well as in the verification of blend results. In this study, a bespoke laboratory-scale AM blender is developed, tailored to address these challenges, prioritizing low-impact blending to mitigate powder degradation. As a blending type, a V-shape tumbling geometry meeting the requirements for laboratory AM usage is chosen based on a literature assessment. The implementation of thermal oxidation as a powder marking technique enables particle tracing. Blending validation is achieved using light microscopy for area measurement based on binary image processing. The powder size and shape remain unaffected after marking and blending. Only a small narrowing of the particle size distribution is detected after 180 min of blending. The V-shape tumbling blender efficiently yields a completely random state in under 10 min for rotational speeds of 20, 40, and 60 rounds per minute. In conclusion, this research underscores the critical role of blender selection in AM and advocates for continued exploration to refine powder blending practices, with the aim of advancing the capabilities and competitiveness of AM technologies.

A Novel Marking Technique for Accurate Minimal Invasive Approaches in Spine Tumor Surgeries With Activated Carbon Marking.

To describe a novel, practical, reproducible, and effective preoperative marking technique for accurate localization of the spinal level in a series of patients with tumor lesions. We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing minimally invasive (MIS) surgery for spine tumors from 2016 to 2021, in which this marking technique was used. Twenty-one patients, with tumor lesions involving difficult radioscopic visualization (cervicothoracic junction or upper dorsal spine, C6-T8), were included. Tumor lesion level was previously determined with enhanced MRI in all cases. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours before surgery, computed tomography image-guided carbon marking was performed by administration of aqueous suspension of carbon with a 21-gauge needle placed resembling the MIS approach planned trajectory. During surgery, activated carbon marking was followed until reaching the final target on the bone. Next, sequential dilators and an MIS retractor were placed. Then, bone resection and tumor exeresis were performed according to the case. Average age was 60.6 years (26-76 years). Fifteen (71%) patients were women. In most cases (76%), tumor pathology involved intradural lesions (meningiomas and schwannomas). In all cases, the marking described allowed to accurately guide the MIS approach to tumor site. Neither intraoperative fluoroscopy nor approach enlargement was required in any procedure. Postoperative complications were reported in only 4 patients, none related with the marking. Computed tomography image-guided activated carbon marking allows to accurately lead MIS approaches in a practical, reproducible, and effective way in cases of tumors localized in regions of the spine of difficult radioscopic visualization.

Analysis of Minimal Marking Technique on Student’s Writing Given by Teachers at MAN Kota Baru, Padang Panjang

This research was based on a phenomenon that the students’ writing ability was still low. It was assumed that there were two main factors influencing the students’ writing. One of them was about facilitating the students with appropriate written feedbacks. In line with that, this research was a kind of descriptive study, which was aimed at finding a deep description of the implementation of minimal marking technique given by teachers at MAN Koto Baru Padang Panjang. Participants of the research were all English teachers there. Furthermore, the data were collected by using two instruments, documents and interview. There were two findings of the research. First, almost all of the written feedback items given through the minimal marking technique were provided to help students working on their grammatical mistakes or forms of the writing, it was proven by the percentage that 99.66% of the written feedback items were focused on forms whereas only 0.34% of the written feedback items were focused on contents. Second, the written feedback technique applied by the English teachers was minimal marking technique. It is used since it is effective for teachers, particularly, in the process of giving the feedback which is time-saving. In addition, it also helps the students to be a critical writer because this technique lets the students working on the mistakes they have made.

An Effective Fluorescent Marker for Tracking the Dispersal of Small Insects with Field Evidence of Mark-Release-Recapture of Trissolcus japonicus.

Understanding insect dispersal helps us predict the spread of insect pests and their natural enemies. Dispersal can be studied by marking, releasing, and recapturing insects, known as mark-release-recapture (MRR). MRR techniques should be convenient, economical, and persistent. Currently, there are limited options for marking small parasitoids that do not impact their fitness and dispersal ability. We evaluated commercially available fluorescent markers used in forensics. These fluorophores can easily be detected by ultraviolet (UV) light, requiring minimal costs and labor to process the marked specimens. This fluorophore marking technique was evaluated with the pest Drosophila suzukii and three parasitoids: Trissolcus japonicus, Pachycrepoideus vindemiae, Ganaspis brasiliensis (=G. kimorum). We evaluated the persistence of the marks on all the insects over time and examined the parasitoids for impacts on longevity, parasitism, locomotor activity, and flight take-off. The green fluorophore marker persisted for over 20 days on all four species. Marking generally did not consistently reduce the survival, parasitism rate, locomotor activity, or take-off of the parasitoids tested. Marked T. japonicus were recaptured in the field up to 100 m away from the release point and three weeks after release, indicating that this technique is a viable method for studying parasitoid dispersal.

Node marking techniques and targeted axillary dissection in patients with cN1 disease undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Analysis of initial 500 participants in the ATNEC trial.

Node marking techniques and targeted axillary dissection in patients with cN1 disease undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy: Analysis of initial 500 participants in the ATNEC trial.

Growth periodicity in semi-deciduous tropical tree species from the Congo Basin.

In the tropics, more precisely in equatorial dense rainforest, xylogenesis is driven by a little distinct climatological seasonality, and many tropical trees do not show clear growth rings. This makes retrospective analyses and modeling of future tree performance difficult. This research investigates the presence, the distinctness, and the periodicity of growth ring for dominant tree species in two semi-deciduous rainforests, which contrast in terms of precipitation dynamics. Eighteen tree species common to both forests were investigated. We used the cambial marking technique and then verified the presence and periodicity of growth-ring boundaries in the wood produced between pinning and collection by microscopic and macroscopic observation. The study showed that all eighteen species can form visible growth rings in both sites. However, the periodicity of ring formation varied significantly within and between species, and within sites. Trees from the site with clearly defined dry season had a higher likelihood to form periodical growth rings compared to those from the site where rainfall seasonality is less pronounced. The distinctness of the formed rings however did not show a site dependency. Periodical growth-ring formation was more likely in fast-growing trees. Furthermore, improvements can be made by a detailed study of the cambial activity through microcores taken at high temporal resolution, to get insight on the phenology of the lateral meristem.

Impact of advanced image-guided systems on correction of corneal astigmatism during FLACS.

To determine the effectiveness of the correction of corneal astigmatism using the Alcon Image Guidance (IG) system vs manual marking in the orientation of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Private practice, Albany, New York. Retrospective review. Patients who underwent FLACS with IG and without IG were from January 2018 to June 2022 investigated. Variables including preoperative keratometry values, cylinder, spherical equivalent (SE), and visual acuity (VA) were collected, as well as the cyclorotation angle delta registered by IG, postoperative refractive cylinder, SE, and VA. The primary outcome was postoperative refractive cylinder in patients with IG compared with those without IG. A total of 160 eyes were included, with 103 eyes that had IG and 57 eyes that did not have IG. Postoperative cylinder was similar in those with IG (0.31 ± 0.36 diopters [D]) compared with those without IG (0.31 ± 0.37 D) ( P = .97). Average cyclorotation in the IG group was 2.82 ± 3.03 degrees. When cyclorotation was stratified into 3 groups (<2.8 degrees, 2.8 to 8.5 degrees, >8.5 degrees), no differences were found in postoperative refractive cylinder ( P = .35). Patients who underwent FLACS with IG had similar postoperative cylinder outcomes compared with those without IG. This study suggests that the accommodation of cyclotorsion using an advanced IG system is similar to that obtained with manual marking techniques in patients having 2 D or less of astigmatism corrected.

Superior Medial-Based Breast Reduction with Inverted T Incision: A Precise Description of Our Refined Preoperative Marking and Operative Technique.

The purpose of this paper was to compile a thoroughly elaborated step-by-step guide for the preoperative marking and operative technique for superior medial pedicle inverted T breast reduction based on our long experience and technical refinements. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Abstract PO3-23-03: Radar reflectors for marking of target lymph nodes in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer – a subgroup analysis of the prospective AXSANA (EUBREAST-03) trial

Abstract Background: Surgical staging procedures of the axilla in breast cancer patients converting from a clinically positive (cN+) to a clinically negative (ycN0) lymph node status during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) vary across countries and within individual countries. The international prospective AXSANA (EUBREAST-03) study aims at comparatively evaluating long-term outcomes of different staging procedures such as axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), target lymph node biopsy (TLNB) and targeted axillary dissection (TAD). The comparison of marking techniques for the target lymph node (TLN) is a secondary endpoint. In this subgroup analysis, we report on the largest yet prospective cohort of patients receiving a radar reflector for marking of the TLN prior to NACT. Methods: The AXSANA study is an international prospective cohort study including cN+ patients converting to ycN0 status and treated with different axillary staging techniques according to the standard at their treating institution. The study was initiated by the EUBREAST network and started enrollment in August 2020. Eligible patients have cT1-4c tumors, initially present with axillary lymph node metastasis and receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Patients converting to ycN0 status are followed up for 5 years irrespectively of the ypN status. In the present subgroup analysis, only patients with a TLN marked by a radar reflector were included. We prospectively examined the retrieval rate of radar reflectors and the identification rate of the TLN (defined as unequivocal removal of the lymph node, i.e., the presence of lymphatic tissue in the TLN specimen and/or pathological confirmation of post-NACT changes typical for metastatic lymph nodes responding to treatment). Results: A TLN was marked using a radar reflector in 74 patients prior to NACT. The median age was 52 years (range: 32-77). The most common subtype was no special type in 68 (92%) patients and invasive lobular cancer in 7 (7%) patients. Most patients (n = 44, 59%) had one suspicious node at time of diagnosis, followed by two (n = 15, 20%), three (n = 10, 14%) or ≥ four suspicious nodes (n = 5, 5%). Only one TLN was marked in 73 (99%) patients and two nodes were marked in one patient (1%). Fifteen patients (20%) had a MRI between marker placement and surgery. In 4 out of 15 cases (27%), MRI artifacts were described. However, the assessment of MRI was limited due to artifacts only in one out of these four patients (25%). Out of the 74 patients with radar reflector marked TLN, 45 (61%) had undergone final surgery at the time of analysis and 29 (39%) are still under NACT. 36 out of 45 patients (80%) who received final surgery converted to ycN0. Most patients had undergone a TAD (n = 41, 91%), followed by TLNB in 7% (n = 3) and upfront ALND in 2% of cases (n = 1). All radar reflectors were successfully removed. In 44 out of 45 patients (98%) the TLN was unequivocally identified and removed. In one patient the tissue specimen containing radar reflector consisted of fat tissue and no lymphatic tissue was identifiable, so it remains unclear whether the TLN was excised, or the reflector might have dislocated. 29 patients (65%) had converted to ypN0 status. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge this is the largest prospective series of patients receiving a radar reflector for the marking of TLN prior to NACT for breast cancer. The removal rate of the marker and the detection rate of the target node were very high. Our data demonstrate that radar reflectors are a reliable tool for marking of target lymph nodes before neoadjuvant treatment. Citation Format: Maggie Banys-Paluchowski, Steffi Hartmann, Jana de Boniface, Oreste Davide Gentilini, Timo Basali, Elmar Stickeler, Michael Untch, Franziska Ruf, Sarah Fröhlich, Marc Thill, Michael P. Lux, Florentia Peintinger, Guldeniz Karadeniz Cakmak, Isabel Rubio, Michalis Kontos, Rosa Di Micco, Dawid Murawa, Ellen Schlichting, Bilge Aktas Sezen, Achim Rody, Dagmar Langanke, Nana Bündgen, Jose Ignacio Sanchez-Mendez, Renu Buss-Steidle, Christine Mau, Nana Buchmann, Sabine Riemer, Marit Helene Hansen, Nina Ditsch, Thorsten Kühn. Radar reflectors for marking of target lymph nodes in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer – a subgroup analysis of the prospective AXSANA (EUBREAST-03) trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO3-23-03.

Dual-channel mechano-phosphorescence: a combined locking effect with twisted molecular structures and robust interactions

Organic mechanoluminescence materials, featuring dual emission and ultralong phosphorescence characteristics, exhibit significant potential for applications in real-time stress sensing, pressure-sensitive lighting, advanced security marking techniques, and material breakage monitoring. However, due to immature molecular design strategies and unclear luminescence mechanisms, these materials remain rarely reported. In this study, we propose a valuable molecular design strategy to achieve dual-channel mechano-phosphorescence. By introducing the arylphosphine oxide group into a highly twisted molecular framework, enhanced intra- and intermolecular interactions could be achieved within rigid structures, leading to dual-channel mechanoluminescence with greatly promoted ultralong phosphorescence. Further investigations reveal the substantial boosting effect of intra- and intermolecular interactions on mechanoluminescence and ultralong phosphorescence properties by locking the highly twisted molecular skeleton. This work provides a concise and guiding route to develop novel smart responsive luminescence materials for widespread applications in material science.

Scanning efficacy of p-Chips implanted in the wing and leg of the Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus).

Individual marking techniques are critical for studying animals, especially in the wild. Current marking methods for bats (Order Chiroptera) have practical limitations and some can cause morbidity. We tested the p-Chip (p-Chip Corp.)-a miniaturized, laser light-activated microtransponder-as a prospective marking technique in a captive research colony of Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus). We assessed long-term readability and postimplantation effects of p-Chips injected subcutaneously above the second metacarpal (wing; n = 30) and the tibia (leg; n = 13 in both locations). Following implantation (Day 0), p-Chips were scanned with a hand-held ID reader (wand) on postimplantation days (PIDs) 1, 8, 15, 22, 32, 60, 74, 81, 88, 95, and over 1 year later (PID 464). For each trial, we recorded: (1) animal handling time; (2) scan time; (3) number of wand flashes; (4) p-Chip visibility; and (5) overall condition of the bat. Average scan times for p-Chips implanted in both the wing and leg increased over the duration of the study; however, the number of wand flashes decreased, suggesting that efficacy of p-Chip recording increased with user experience. Importantly, over 464 days both the visibility and readability of p-Chips in the wing remained high and superior to tags in the leg, establishing the second metacarpal as the preferred implantation site. Observed morbidity and mortality in captive bats with p-Chips was similar to baseline values for bats without these tags. Because scan efficiency on PID 464 was comparable with earlier days, this indicates that p-Chips implanted in the wing may be suitable as a long-term marking method. Our provisional results suggest that p-Chips are viable for extended field testing to see if they are suitable as an effective alternative to traditional methods to mark bats.

Performance of different automatic photographic identification software for larvae and adults of the European fire salamander.

For many species, population sizes are unknown despite their importance for conservation. For population size estimation, capture-mark-recapture (CMR) studies are often used, which include the necessity to identify each individual, mostly through individual markings or genetic characters. Invasive marking techniques, however, can negatively affect the individual fitness. Alternatives are low-impact techniques such as the use of photos for individual identification, for species with stable distinctive phenotypic traits. For the individual identification of photos, a variety of different software, with different requirements, is available. The European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) is a species in which individuals, both at the larval stage and as adults, have individual specific patterns that allow for individual identification. In this study, we compared the performance of five different software for the use of photographic identification for the European fire salamander: Amphibian & Reptile Wildbook (ARW), AmphIdent, I3S pattern+, ManderMatcher and Wild-ID. While adults can be identified by all five software, European fire salamander larvae can currently only be identified by two of the five (ARW and Wild-ID). We used one dataset of European fire salamander larval pictures taken in the laboratory and tested this dataset in two of the five software (ARW and Wild-ID). We used another dataset of European fire salamander adult pictures taken in the field and tested this using all five software. We compared the requirements of all software on the pictures used and calculated the False Rejection Rate (FRR) and the Recognition Rate (RR). For the larval dataset (421 pictures) we found that the ARW and Wild-ID performed equally well for individual identification (99.6% and 100% Recognition Rate, respectively). For the adult dataset (377 pictures), we found the best False Rejection Rate in ManderMatcher and the highest Recognition Rate in the ARW. Additionally, the ARW is the only program that requires no image pre-processing. In times of amphibian declines, non-invasive photo identification software allowing capture-mark-recapture studies help to gain knowledge on population sizes, distribution, movement and demography of a population and can thus help to support species conservation.

Characterization of fatigue crack growth behavior in welded tubular T-joint

This paper focuses on investigating the fatigue crack growth (FCG) characteristics and residual fatigue life of tubular T-joints which are prone to suffer fatigue damage at the brace and chord intersections under multi-axial stress. Static and fatigue loading tests are performed to investigate the FCG behaviors of tubular T-joints, combining beach marking technique. The evolution of FCG characteristics is studied during the crack growth, convergence and wall penetration through an efficient co-simulation system that established using the multi-scale modeling technique. Fracture morphology analysis is conducted to gain insight into the FCG behaviors combining the scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation. Results indicate that multiple cracks initiate at the crown regions and subsequently evolve circumferentially around the weldments in a doubly-curved shape towards wall-thickness. Interaction effects between adjacent cracks extend the fatigue life along the outer surface, attributed to the premature exposure of converged crack front and the induced variation of stress intensify factor (SIF) distribution along the crack front. The dominant failure mode of tubular T-joints is characterized by an opening mode crack, with the contribution of anti-plane shear mode crack gradually increasing as structural symmetry diminishes. The established co-simulation system shows advantage in capturing the FCG behavior, predicting the fatigue life and characterizing the FCG characteristics with a good balancing of simulation efficiency and calculation accuracy.

Methodology of ICG marking technique in modern pelvic surgery: applied aspects (Literature review)

The article is devoted to a review of scientific publications on the use of the Indocyanine green (ICG) labeling technique in modern pelvic surgery. This dye was developed by Kodak Research Laboratories in 1955 and approved for clinical use in 1959, but has only recently come into widespread use. ICG-enhanced near-infrared fluorescence is introduced to improve visualization and provide more detailed anatomical localization during surgery.The dye binds to blood plasma proteins, it is quickly excreted from the organism and is non-toxic and has no found complications after its administration. Many studies have been conducted on the use of this technique: visualization of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in various oncogynecological diseases; visualization of ureters, lymphatic drainage, tissue perfusion, vessels of various sizes, colorectal blood circulation, etc. The high detection rate of SLN (unilateral and bilateral) with ICG compared with other dyes such as radiocolloid and patent blue suggests its effectiveness.The condition of SLN has an important prognostic and therapeutic value, based on the obtained results, a more correct further adjuvant treatment can be prescribed. A sentinel lymph node labeling procedure was performed as an alternative to systemic lymphadenectomy to assess the status of lymphovascular invasion. The use of ICG-marking allows to reduce the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Many experimental studies have been conducted in relation to the assessment of uterine vascularization, preservation of individual vessels, their identification and measurement of blood flow.The article provides data from scientists on the use of the ICG-marking technique in endometrial, cervical, vulva, vaginal, ovarian cancer, as well as in endometriosis and for visualization of the ureters. This technique causes active discussions in the scientific community, requires further research and should be more widely used in various directions of surgical interventions.

Utility of marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT in kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in angiography: a pilot study.

To explore the feasibility of using marking and fusion image-guided technique with cone-beam CT (CBCT) in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage in digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. This is a retrospective case-control study that included 43 patients who underwent transcatheter arterial embolization for kidney ruptured haemorrhage and difficult haemostasis. The patients were divided into two groups: the CBCT group (cases without extravascular leakage observed in angiography) and the control group (cases with clearly identifiable target vessels in angiography). The baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were collected and analysed. The results showed no statistically significant differences in the duration of the procedure and intraoperative blood transfusion between the control and CBCT groups (P > .05). The study clarified that the CBCT group had a significantly higher rate of improvement of gross haematuria compared to the control group (P < .05). The CBCT group showed a greater increase in haemoglobin and a lesser increase in creatinine. The clinical success rates were 87.5% in the control group and 90.9% in the CBCT group (P > .05). The marking and fusion image-guided technique is useful in cases of kidney ruptured haemorrhage without extravascular leakage of contrast agent. The technique is safe, feasible, and effective, and we believe it is superior to purely DSA-guidance. The use of the marking and fusion image-guided technique is recommended to overcome the challenge of undetectable target vessels during interventional procedures. This technique is considered as non-inferior to purely DSA-guided interventional procedures where the target vessels are clearly identifiable.