Effects Of Ultrasound Exposure Research Articles

The effects of ultrasound exposure with regard to the existing TVLs - a literature review

Noise is defined as any unwanted sound, and the health effects of noise have been well documented. Exposure to high levels of sound pressure can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other health problems. Recently, there has been increasing concern about the potential health effects of exposure to ultrasound. Many countries have included ultrasonic noise on the list of factors hazardous to health in the working environment. Even though the frequency range above 20 kHz has been studied, there is not enough information regarding how it affects the human body. In addition, there are not any international standards for assessing ultrasonic noise at the work stations. While recent studies have helped advance the knowledge base in this area, they are still missing a considerable amount of data. This includes research into possible health consequences and improved dosimetry.

Ultrasonic Energy as an Agent to Aid Water Treatment in the Coagulation Process

The aim of the study was to estimate the effectiveness of ultrasonic coagulation aiding. The effect of ultrasound exposure alone and associated systems (ultrasound exposure/coagulant) on the contamination of natural water was examined. The evaluation of the test results was based on changes in indicators, such as TOC, color, turbidity, and electrokinetic potential. Three different coagulants were used in the tests of associated systems. The tests included basic processes related to volumetric coagulation, such as agitation, flocculation, and sedimentation. Sonication of water samples was carried out at a constant frequency of 22 kHz, variable vibration amplitude of 8–16 μm, and an exposure time of 1–5 min. The most efficient removal of organic contaminants from the water tested was achieved at a maximum amplitude of A = 16 μm, with effectiveness reaching 29% (TOC). In the tests of the associated systems, the effect of ultrasound exposure on the removal of water turbidity (an increase in the effectiveness of 25–35%) was generally greater than that on water color (8–21%). This relationship reflects the differentiated effect of ultrasonic energy on colloids of different stability. In removing turbidity, ultrasound exposure had the most favorable effect on aluminum sulfate. In respect of color, a better result was obtained using the modified coagulant. The possibility of reducing the coagulant dose confirmed the aiding effect of ultrasound. In the coagulation process, ultrasound exposure has a positive effect on the course of flocculation and the sedimentation of suspensions. In addition to the reduction in the doses of chemical reagents, it also leads to the modification of the post-coagulation sludge structure.

Shock wave lithotripsy and therapy.

The biological effects of ultrasound exposure are classified into thermal and mechanical effects. The medical application of shock waves has been explored widely as a technique that exerts a mechanical effect with no thermal effect on the living body. The application of shock waves started in urology as a method to disintegrate calculi by impulsive force. During widespread use in urology, it was confirmed that shock waves could also induce some changes in the bones and soft tissues located in the propagation path, and application of shock waves in the field of orthopedics is currently under intensive investigation. In this brief review, we first discuss the similarities of and differences between shock waves and ultrasound. The characteristics of shock wave sources used to generate therapeutic shock waves are then described, and the mechanisms by which shock waves induce stone fragmentation and other therapeutic effects are discussed.

INFLUENCE OF EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF CRANBERRY, SEA BUCKTHORN, BLACKBERRY, HONEYSUCKLE, VIBURNUM, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND JUNIPER FRUIT EXTRACTS

The aim of the work is to develop an optimal technology for extracting a complex of substances with an antioxidant effect from cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos L.), sea buckthorn (Hippophaërhamnoides L.), blackberries (Rubus subgen. Rubus), honeysuckle (Lonicera L.) widespread in the Russian Federation. ), viburnum (Viburnum opulus L.), mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia L.), juniper (Juniperus L.), a comparative study of the effect of ultrasound exposure with traditional maceration and microwave irradiation on the total content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, β-carotene, antiradical e action, restoring force in the extraction of the studied plant materials. Spectrophotometric methods for determining the total content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antiradical activity with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical, and restoring forces with the FRAP reagent were chosen as research methods. It is the use of ultrasonic extraction for fruits that allows to obtain a higher content of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antiradical activity values, regenerating power, antioxidant action in the obtained extracts. Microwave radiation has a similar effect in the level of a number of indicators of fruit extracts. Although the performance of microwave extracts of fruits is lower in magnitude than ultrasonic extracts. It is interesting to note that it is anthocyanins as the most sensitive to external influences class of compounds that are extracted during ultrasonic processing from the berries and remain the most. To obtain fruit extract, acting as a component of many dietary supplements, as well as cosmetics with a high level of antioxidant substances and antioxidant activity, on the basis of the conducted research it is possible to recommend ultrasonic treatment as an intensification method with the same temperature parameters and process time, which will allow to obtain extracts with a higher content of nutraceutical substances.

Effect of ultrasound exposure on melts of polyolefin compositions

This study aimed at investigating the dependence of the ultrasonic (US) effects on the structure and properties of the polymer mixtures with different viscosity values. It should be noted that in the current study, polypropylene and high-pressure polyethylene of different brands were selected. The polymer composite materials (PCM) of various compositions treated with and without ultrasound were used. The formation dependence of the phase structures of polyolefin compositions on composition and viscosity of polymer systems was established. The regularity structure-properties of modified mixtures of polyolefins was determined. The influence of ultrasonic on the restoration process of the structure and the formation of new chemical bonds in polyolefin mixtures was discussed. The structure of the compositions of the polymer and technological conditions for their processing, which providing high physical and mechanical characteristics of PCM, were also proposed. The results indicated that to create compositions with high physical and mechanical characteristics, it is recommended to use a mixture of polyolefins containing 70% PE, modified by ultrasonic treatment.

The effects of ultrasound exposure on P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance in vitro and in vivo

BackgroundMultidrug resistance (MDR) is often responsible for the failure of chemotherapy treatment, and current strategies for cancer MDR are not adequately satisfying as to their efficacy and safety. In this study, we sought to determine the anti-MDR effects of ultrasound (US) irradiation and its underlying mechanisms against drug-resistance.MethodsMDR variant MCF-7/ADR cell lines and endothelial cell lines were used to determine the appropriate ultrasound intensity for in vitro experiments. MCF-7/ADR cell and HEPG2/ADM cells were used to assess the anti-MDR effect of US irradiation. Intracellular adriamycin (ADM) accumulation, Cell viability, cell proliferation and cell apoptosis were evaluated after ADM + US treatment or ADM treatment alone. MCF-7/ADR xenograft mice were used to investigate the appropriate ultrasound intensity for in vivo experiments and its effect on the long-term prognosis. Underlining mechanisms by which ultrasound exposure reversing MDR phenotype were investigated both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsCombination of ADM and 0.74 W/cm2 US irradiation enhanced ADM intracellular concentration and nuclear accumulation in MCF-7/ADR and HEPG2/ADM cells, compared to those treated with ADM alone. Enhanced cellular ADM uptake and nuclei localization was associated with increased cytotoxicity of ADM to ADM-resistant cells, lower ADM-resistant cell viability and proliferative cell ratio, and higher apoptotic cell ratio. More importantly, US exposure increased the effectiveness of ADM to inhibit tumor growth in MCF-7/ADR xenograft mice. Mechanistically, US exposure promoted ADM accumulation in MDR cells mainly through down-regulation of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which is dependent on US-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. US-induced oxidative stress promoted miR-200c-3p and miR-34a-3p expression by forming miR-200c/34a/ZEB1 double-negative feedback loop. Finally, US-induced miR-200c/34a overexpression decreased P-gp expression and reversed MDR phenotype.ConclusionUS irradiation could reverse MDR phenotype by activating ROS-ZEB1-miR200c/34a-P-gp signal pathway. Our findings offer a new and promising strategy for sensitizing cells to combat MDR and to improve the therapeutic index of chemotherapy.

Ultrasound as potential inhibitor of salmon louse infestation-A small-scale study

The effect of ultrasound exposure during controlled infection with salmon lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, has been studied. Salmon were placed in tanks with salmon lice copepodids for 1 hr, while simultaneously being exposed to sound frequencies of 9.3, 21 or 54 kHz. The sound transducers were operated at maximum power levels, and the 9.3 kHz transducer generated the highest sound level (220.6 dB). Only the group exposed to 9.3 kHz displayed a significant reduction in louse infestation. However, the observed effect of ultrasound was relatively small, and in a practical implementation in sea cages, the sound intensity will be lower than that used in the experiments. It is also possible that the observed reduction in infestation is due to ultrasonic cavitation effects, which are only present at a very short range from the ultrasound source. We therefore do not consider ultrasound a feasible method for preventing attachment of salmon lice copepodids on salmon in cage farms.

In vitro investigation of ultrasound-induced oxidative stress on human lens epithelial cells

The effect of ultrasound exposure on human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) was investigated in vitro, specifically on the generation of oxidative stress upon ultrasound application using various clinically-relevant settings. In addition to ultrasound-induced heat effects, oxidative stress has been recently proposed as one of the main mechanisms for ultrasound-induced effects on human cells. In this work, the levels of biocompatibility and generation of oxidative stress by exposure of ultrasound to HLE-B3 were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by the MTT assay, Live/Dead assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium level. Oxidative stress induction is traditionally achieved through administrations of H2O2 and thus the administration of H2O2 was used as the positive control group for comparison herein. Concerning the administrations of H2O2 are considered invasive and may potentially have side effects, ultrasound as physical stimulation could be a safer and non-invasive method to induce similar oxidative stress environments. The effect of ultrasound on cell viability and induction of oxidative stress increases with ultrasound intensity. The result reveals that the continuous ultrasound has a positive impact on the oxidative stress levels but does negatively on the cell viability, as compared to the pulsed ultrasound. Furthermore, our work demonstrates that the exposure of 58 kPa continuous ultrasound without microbubbles can maintain acceptable cell viability and produce oxidative stress effects similar to the traditional administrations of H2O2. In summary, exposure of ultrasound can generate oxidative stress comparable to traditional administrations of H2O2. The effect of generating oxidative stress is adjustable through ultrasound parameters, including the pulsed or continuous wave, the intensity of ultrasound and addition of microbubbles.

VEGF165 gene delivery to uterine arteries by ultrasound-mediated cavitation of plasmid-conjugated microbubbles prevents fetal growth restriction in transgenic mouse model of placental insufficiency

The effect of ultrasound exposure on human lens epithelial cells (HLE-B3) was investigated in vitro, specifically on the generation of oxidative stress upon ultrasound application using various clinically-relevant settings. In addition to ultrasound-induced heat effects, oxidative stress has been recently proposed as one of the main mechanisms for ultrasound-induced effects on human cells. In this work, the levels of biocompatibility and generation of oxidative stress by exposure of ultrasound to HLE-B3 were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by the MTT assay, Live/Dead assay, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular calcium level. Oxidative stress induction is traditionally achieved through administrations of H2O2 and thus the administration of H2O2 was used as the positive control group for comparison herein. Concerning the administrations of H2O2 are considered invasive and may potentially have side effects, ultrasound as physical stimulation could be a safer and non-invasive method to induce similar oxidative stress environments. The effect of ultrasound on cell viability and induction of oxidative stress increases with ultrasound intensity. The result reveals that the continuous ultrasound has a positive impact on the oxidative stress levels but does negatively on the cell viability, as compared to the pulsed ultrasound. Furthermore, our work demonstrates that the exposure of 58 kPa continuous ultrasound without microbubbles can maintain acceptable cell viability and produce oxidative stress effects similar to the traditional administrations of H2O2. In summary, exposure of ultrasound can generate oxidative stress comparable to traditional administrations of H2O2. The effect of generating oxidative stress is adjustable through ultrasound parameters, including the pulsed or continuous wave, the intensity of ultrasound and addition of microbubbles.

Optimization of low energy sonication treatment for granular activated carbon colonizing biomass assessment

This study is aimed at optimizing a low energy sonication (LES) treatment for granular activated carbon (GAC)-colonizing biomass detachment and determination, evaluating detachment efficiency and the effects of ultrasound exposure on bacterial cell viability. GAC samples were collected from two filters fed with groundwater. Conventional heterotrophic plate count (HPC) and fluorescence microscopy with a double staining method were used to evaluate cell viability, comparing two LES procedures, without and with periodical bulk substitution. A 20 min LES treatment, with bulk substitution after cycles of 5 min as maximum treatment time, allowed to recover 87% ÷ % of attached biomass, protecting detached bacteria from ultrasound damaging effects. Observed viable cell inactivation rate was 6.5÷ 7.9% cell/min, with membrane-compromised cell damage appearing to be even higher (11.5% ÷ 13.1% cell/min). Assessing bacterial detachment and damaging ultrasound effects, fluorescence microscopy turned out to be more sensitive compared to conventional HPC. The optimized method revealed a GAC-colonizing biomass of 9.9×107 cell/gGAC for plant 1 and 8.8×107 cell/gGAC for plant 2, 2 log lower than reported in literature. The difference between the two GAC-colonizing biomasses is higher in terms of viable cells (46.3% of total cells in plant 1 GAC-colonizing biomass compared to the 33.3% in plant 2). Studying influent water contamination through multivariate statistical analyses, a possible combined toxic and genotoxic effect of chromium VI and trichloroethylene was suggested as a reason for the lower viable cell fraction observed in plant 2 GAC-colonizing population.

Ultrasound-stimulated drug release from polymer micro and nanoparticles

Ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems have great potential for applications requiring stimulated release in vivo with a high degree of control over spatial and temporal location. In this study, systematic investigations were carried out to determine the effect of various ultrasound exposure parameters, in particular, output power, duty cycle and exposure time, on the release rate of a model drug (estradiol), encapsulated in poly DL-lactide-co-glycolide particles of different sizes prepared using electrohydrodynamic processing. The effect of ultrasound exposure on the degradation and surface morphology of the particles was also studied through optical and electron microscopy. There was found to be a positive correlation between drug release and each of the ultrasound parameters investigated, with output power having the most significant effect on both release rate and the morphology of the particles. The increase in surface porosity observed indicates that degradation may be attributed to cavitation phenomena.

The effect of ultrasound exposure on the transformation efficiency of Escherichia coli HB101

Transformation is an important tool in modern genetic engineering and artificial methods exist to induce transformation in bacteria. Ultrasound offers the potential advantage of being versatile and less dependent on cell types than traditional methods like electroporation. This study investigated the effect of low-frequency ultrasound exposure on the ability of Escherichia coli (E. coli) to undergo transformation. E. coli HB101 in the presence of pBR322 plasmid was exposed to ultrasound frequencies of 48 kHz for 10–1200 s and monitored over a 24 and 48 h period. The most effective transformation efficiency (148.72 transformants µg−1 of DNA) was observed at 10 s exposure to ultrasound and after 24 h incubation. The ultrasound method was compared with the calcium chloride (CaCl2) method of inducing artificial competence. There was a significant difference between 0.05 mM CaCl2 induced transformation (4.70 transformants µg−1 of DNA) and 10 s exposure to ultrasound transformation (148.72 transformants µg−1 of DNA) after 24 h incubation. This study highlights the potential of ultrasound as a realistic alternative to induce competence for the genetic manipulation of bacteria.

Absence of biological damage from prolonged exposure to intravascular ultrasound: A swine model

Ultrasound (US) has been used in IMS II (intravascular US) and CLOTBUST (transcranial US) clinical trials for thrombolysis. During the treatment, in addition to the targeted thrombus, other biological components, such as blood and vessel walls are subjected to long durations of US exposure. In this study we explored evidence of biological damage due to mechanical forces or thermal effects of US exposure at the frequency, intensity and duration employed for thrombolysis treatment. Biological effects were investigated by exposing swine ilio-femoral arteries bilaterally to an intravascular US generating catheter and a conventional catheter. A total of 12 animals each underwent 8h of exposure to intravascular pulsed US with a frequency of 2.2MHz and spatial peak time average intensity (ISPTA) of 6W/cm2 per transducer (a total of six transducers per catheter) while the ultrasonic device surface temperature was maintained at ⩽43°C. The animals were euthanized either 24±3h or 28±3 days post treatment. A range of physiological and hematological parameters were evaluated pre-, post-, and during US exposure. The vascular diameter was determined pre- and post-US exposure using angiograms. Following euthanasia, each animal underwent a gross pathological examination, and the treated vessels and an unexposed vessel were excised for comparative histopathological evaluation. No evidence of biological damage was found at the end of 8h exposure to intravascular US.

Effects of ultrasound on cementoblast metabolism in vitro

Ultrasound (US) has been shown to alter cell/tissue functions. However the effects of US on cementoblasts are not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of US exposure on proliferation and metabolism of cementoblast (murine cementoblastic cell line [OCCM-30]) in vitro. Cultured cementoblasts received US exposure (frequency = 1 MHz; pulsed 1:4; spatial-average intensities (I SA) = 100, 150 or 400mW/cm 2) or sham exposure for 15 min per d for 4 d. They were then assayed for calcium content and cell proliferation. Furthermore, expression levels of osteocalcin, bone-sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase and osteopontin were analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction. Calcium content was statistically increased ( p < 0.05) after US exposure at 100 or 150 mW/cm 2. Alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels were ( p < 0.05) increased significantly by US stimulation with 150 mW/cm 2. These results demonstrate that US affects cementoblasts by regulation of some genes-related protein in vitro and, although more studies are necessary, it may be important to consider in designing in vivo US therapies targeted at the oral cavity.

Multiphoton Imaging of Ultrasound/Optison Mediated Cerebrovascular Effects in vivo

Ultrasound (US) enhanced with microbubble contrast agents may transiently disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with minimal damage, providing a technique for noninvasive, localized drug-delivery deep within the brain. The mechanism and temporal profile of disruption are not understood, owing to the limitations of imaging modalities used previously. In this study, we monitored US-induced BBB disruption with multiphoton microscopy, providing high-resolution temporal and spatial information about the permeabilization mechanism and immediate effects of US exposure. Anesthetized C57 mice were prepared with a craniotomy and injected intravenously with fluorescent dyes to permit visualization of the vasculature and BBB integrity. The animals were imaged through a cranial window while exposed to low-intensity US (f=1.029 MHz, power=0.2 W) with a coincident intravenous injection of Optison (a microbubble contrast agent). We observed arteriolar vasoconstriction on US exposure that disrupted blood flow and lasted up to 5 mins; BBB disruption occurred via two characteristically distinct processes-perivascular fluorescence gradually increased (over minutes) along the length of the affected vessel without apparent rupture of the vessel wall or rapidly (seconds) increased in select, focal regions. These data corroborated previous studies suggesting increased endothelial transcytosis and breached tight junctions and demonstrated vasoconstriction, which might alter BBB permeability by modifying cerebral blood flow.

The impact of two‐dimensional versus three‐dimensional ultrasound exposure on maternal–fetal attachment and maternal health behavior in pregnancy

To explore the impact of timing and type of ultrasound, particularly three-dimensional (3D), exposure on maternal-fetal attachment and maternal health behavior during pregnancy. Subjects were 68 women aged 18 years or older expecting their first child who presented for a routine ultrasound scan at around either 12 or 18 weeks' gestation in Nepean Hospital, Western Sydney. Women completed questionnaires assessing maternal-fetal attachment and health behavior, and were then allocated arbitrarily to either two-dimensional (2D) or 3D ultrasound examination. Repeat questionnaires were completed 1 week later. Maternal-fetal attachment increased after both 2D and 3D ultrasound exposure, and the effect was moderated by the timing of exposure, with women receiving their first ultrasound examination at around 12 weeks showing the greatest change. Alcohol consumption was the only behavior to show significant change following ultrasound exposure, with a reduction in the reported average number of drinks per week. There was no significant difference in the pattern of change for 2D compared with 3D ultrasound exposure, and no effect of ultrasound exposure on maternal perception of the fetus. Ultrasound has a positive impact on maternal-fetal attachment, particularly in the first trimester. 3D ultrasound did not offer enhanced benefits. Associations between ultrasound exposure and alcohol consumption warrant further investigation. Larger samples are needed to clarify the moderating effects of gestational age and type of ultrasound exposure.

Transcutaneous Ultrasound Augments Naked DNA Transfection of Skeletal Muscle

This study was designed to test the hypothesis that transcutaneous ultrasound (US) exposure may augment the transfection efficiency and biological outcome associated with nonviral DNA gene transfer. Hindlimb muscles of New Zealand White rabbits were transfected with the reporter plasmid pCMV-beta, with or without US exposure. Optimization studies employed US exposure at various frequencies, mechanical indices, duty cycles, durations of exposure, and exposure time points. Based on these results, we explored the effect of US exposure on nonviral gene transfer of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, phVEGF165) to promote neovascularization of ischemic hindlimbs. Ultrasound at 1 MHz, 100 W/cm(2), 6% duty cycle, and 5 minutes exposure time, applied immediately following DNA injection, was found to be the most effective among the settings tested, increasing beta-galactosidase expression approximately 20 fold. Compared with US exposure alone, or phVEGF165 only, phVEGF165 + US exposure yielded a statistically significant improvement in revascularization, as determined by calf blood pressure ratio, angiographic score, intravascular Doppler blood flow, and capillary/myocyte ratio. These data demonstrate that ultrasound, when applied directly after intramuscular gene transfer, significantly increases transfection efficiency in vivo. The biological significance of this finding was confirmed by augmented limb perfusion in response to US exposure and naked VEGF DNA.

Effect of Ultrasound Acoustic Characteristics in Cattle Liver under Ultrasound Exposure

The effects of ultrasound exposure on the living body can be divided into thermal and non-thermal effects. In this study, the thermal effect was considered and temperature elevation due to ultrasound exposure was examined. First, experimental apparatus for measurement of temperature elevation was considered. Then, fundamental experiments to record the thermal effect of ultrasound waves on different substances were carried out. These included measuring the acoustic characteristics and temperature elevation of degassed water, tissue samples and samples made from agar, having properties similar to those of tissues. It was clarified on noted that the attenuation constant of tissue decreases after ultrasound exposure. Finally, it proposed that the viscosity of a target changes according to ultrasound exposure, and the proposition was investigated experimentally.

The effect of ultrasound exposure in utero on the development of the fetal mouse testis: Adult consequences

The effects of exposure in utero to 1 MHz, continuous-wave ultrasound on adult growth and testicular development in the mouse was investigated. The spatial peak temporal average intensity ( I spta ) employed ranged from 1 to 10 W/cm 2, with exposure durations ( t) of 200 s to 20 s. Exposures were made on days 9, 12 or 15 of gestation. Results showed an increase in postpartum deaths, an increase in the number of stillbirths, and a decrease in litter size when I 2 t ≥ 1125 W 2 s/cm 4, such that there was significant loss of pups. Birthweights of pups from nearly all dosage groups was significantly lower than that of the sham or cage control groups. Results also showed that males exposed to ultrasound in utero had decreased testis size and decreased daily sperm production ranging from 9% to 30%. This study showed that ultrasound exposure in utero is capable of disrupting fetal development and having potential subsequent effects on fertility in the adult male.

Biologic Effects of Ultrasound

The results of in vitro experiments and animal studies using a wide range of ultrasound intensity levels are reviewed. Somatic, genetic, and teratogenic effects of ultrasound exposure in mammals are examined. The weaknesses of the studies and their clinical applications are discussed.