Real-time Ultrasound Data Research Articles

PSIX-27 Evaluation of real-time ultrasound to predict pre-harvest market endpoints in serial slaughtered British x Continental steers administered an E2+TBA implant treatment vs non-implanted controls

Abstract Steers (n = 80; initial BW 271 ± 99) were serially scanned at 42-d intervals during a 378-d feeding period using an Aloka 500 device by a certified Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) technician using real-time ultrasound. This included 10 separate ultrasound scanning sessions following the initial weight and ultrasound data taken on day minus 7 (one week prior to initial start date). Steers were randomly assigned to implant treatment (either implanted with Revalor XS or not) at day -7. Cattle were weighed and scanned for 12th-rib fat thickness (FTU), 12th-rib longissimus muscle area (LMAU), percentage intramuscular fat (%FATU), and rump fat thickness (RFU) to determine the ability of ultrasound to predict carcass grading outcomes at harvest. Scans were processed by CUP Lab technicians. Eight steers were harvested each 42 days. Carcasses were assessed 48h after harvest to determine 12th-rib fat thickness (FTC), 12th-rib longissimus muscle area (LMAC), and marbling score (MARB). Data were analyzed via Pearson correlation and linear regression to determine the relationship of ultrasound measures to carcass outcomes. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) between ultrasound measures taken the day before harvest and carcass measurements indicated strong relationships between FTU and FTC (r = 0.91), LMAU and LMAC (r = 0.93), and moderately strong relationships between %FATU and MARB (r = 0.76). Prediction equations were generated to estimate FTC = .0088 + (1.02585 x FTU), LMAC = 16.29720 + (0.77197 x LMAU) and MARB = 19.87510 + (5.19832 x %FATU). Results suggest real-time ultrasound data provides an effective tool to estimate carcass outcomes pre-harvest.

Encoder-decoder CNN models for automatic tracking of tongue contours in real-time ultrasound data.

One application of medical ultrasound imaging is to visualize and characterize human tongue shape and motion in real-time to study healthy or impaired speech production. Due to the low-contrast characteristic and noisy nature of ultrasound images, it requires knowledge about the tongue structure and ultrasound data interpretation for users to recognize tongue locations and gestures easily. Moreover, quantitative analysis of tongue motion needs the tongue contour to be extracted, tracked and visualized instead of the whole tongue region. Manual tongue contour extraction is a cumbersome, subjective, and error-prone task. Furthermore, it is not a feasible solution for real-time applications where the tongue contour moves rapidly with nuance gestures. This paper presents two new deep neural networks (named BowNet models) that benefit from the ability of global prediction of encoding-decoding fully convolutional neural networks and the capability of full-resolution extraction of dilated convolutions. Both qualitatively and quantitatively studies over datasets from two ultrasound machines disclosed the outstanding performances of the proposed deep learning models in terms of performance speed and robustness. Experimental results also revealed a significant improvement in the accuracy of prediction maps due to the better exploration and exploitation ability of the proposed network models.

Genetic parameters for carcass and ultrasound traits in Hereford and admixed Simmental beef cattle: Accuracy of evaluating carcass traits.

Genetic parameters are required to evaluate carcass merit using correlated real-time ultrasound (RTU) measurements. Many registered bulls and heifers are measured using RTU before consideration for selection as parents, whereas few animals are recorded for carcass traits and those are often crossbred steers. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters required for evaluating carcass merit in the American Hereford Association (AHA) and the American Simmental Association (ASA) using multivariate models and to assess accuracy of carcass trait estimated breeding values (EBV) for selection candidates. All available carcass data including carcass weight (CWT), fat thickness (FAT), longissimus muscle area (LMA), and marbling score (MRB) were provided by the AHA and the ASA along with RTU data including fat thickness (UFAT), longissimus muscle area (ULMA), and percentage of intramuscular fat (UIMF). Carcass data comprised 6,054 AHA and 9,056 ASA cattle, while RTU data in comparable numbers from close relatives comprised 6,074 AHA and 7,753 ASA cattle. Pedigrees included 33,226 AHA and 37,665 ASA animals. Fixed effects for carcass and RTU data included contemporary group, age at scan/slaughter, and major breed percentages. Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were applied to all the carcass and RTU measurements, along with birth weight to account for selection, fitting 8-trait multivariate models separately for each breed association. Heritability estimates for AHA and ASA carcass traits were 0.41 ± 0.04 and 0.25 ± 0.03 for FAT, 0.47 ± 0.04 and 0.32 ± 0.03 for LMA, 0.48 ± 0.04 and 0.43 ± 0.04 for MRB, 0.51 ± 0.04 and 0.34 ± 0.03 for CWT, and for RTU traits were 0.29 ± 0.04 and 0.37 ± 0.03 for UFAT, 0.31 ± 0.04 and 0.44 ± 0.03 for ULMA, and 0.45 ± 0.04 and 0.42 ± 0.03 for UIMF. Genetic correlations for AHA and ASA analyses between FAT and UFAT were 0.74 ± 0.08 and 0.28 ± 0.13, between LMA and ULMA were 0.81 ± 0.07 and 0.57 ± 0.10, and between MRB and UIMF were 0.54 ± 0.08 and 0.73 ± 0.07. Predictions of carcass merit using RTU measurements in Hereford cattle would be more reliable for FAT and LMA than MRB, but the reverse would be true for admixed Simmental cattle. Genetic correlations for MRB in AHA and for FAT and LMA in ASA are less than currently assumed in their national evaluations. Collection of greater numbers of carcass measurements would improve the accuracy of genetic evaluations for carcass traits in both breeds.

Ultrasound Strain Imaging in Assessment of Biceps Muscle Stiffness and Dynamic Motion in Healthy Adults

We prospectively evaluated the feasibility of using ultrasound strain imaging (USI) to assess biceps brachii muscle (BBM) stiffness and dynamic motion in 10 healthy adults. The BBM axial deformation was produced by external compression with a sandbag (1.0 kg) tied onto the transducer. The BBM lateral movement was produced by manual passive elbow flexion and extension. By use of 2-D speckle tracking, captured 5-s real-time ultrasound data of BBM were processed to estimate axial strain, representing muscle stiffness, and lateral strain and tissue velocity, representing muscle dynamic motion. Axial (lateral) strain ratio was defined as BBM strain divided by subcutaneous soft tissue strain. There was no significant difference in lateral strain or tissue velocity between the left and right BBM (lateral strain ratio: 4.69 ± 0.07 vs. 4.51 ± 0.08 for extension, 4.82 ± 0.09 vs. 4.69 ± 0.11 for flexion; tissue velocity: 1.58 ± 0.32 cm/s vs. 1.78 ± 0.85 cm/s for extension, −2.03 ± 0.63 vs. −2.03 ± 0.59 for flexion; all p values > 0.05) or between men and women (lateral strain ratio: 4.52 ± 0.06 vs. 4.67 ± 0.1 for extension, 4.71 ± 0.11 vs. 4.83 ± 0.09 for flexion; tissue velocity, cm/s: 1.76 ± 0.76 vs. 1.66 ± 0.65 for extension, −2.21 ± 0.65 vs. −1.88 ± 0.52 for flexion, all p values > 0.05). The difference in axial stain between men and women was significant (axial strain ratio: 3.09 ± 0.43 vs. 3.52 ± 0.26, p = 0.02). Inter- and intra-observer reliability in performing USI of the BBM was good (all intra-class correlation coefficients [ICCs] >0.75). Our results suggest that USI seems to be feasible for and reproducible in estimating BBM mechanical properties and motion dynamics in healthy adults.

MUSiiC ToolKit 2.0: Bidirectional Real-time Software Framework for Advanced Interventional Ultrasound Research

Ultrasound (US) imaging is a popular and convenient medical imaging modality thanks to its mobility, non-ionizing radiation, ease-of-use, and real-time acquisition. Conventional US imaging is frequently integrated with tracking systems and robotic systems in Image Guided Therapy (IGT) systems. Recently, these systems are also incorporating advanced US imaging such as US elasticity imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and thermal imaging. Real-time synchronous data from multiple sources and bidirectional data communication are essential for integrating components in advanced US IGT research. We previously proposed the MUSiiC ToolKit [1], a modular real-time software toolkit, and OpenIGTLinkMUSiiC [2], a standard communication protocol extended from the OpenIGTLink library [3, 4]. However, this software framework only supported real-time synchronous data from at most two sources and unidirectional communication at the software module level and class level.In this paper, we propose MUSiiC ToolKit 2.0, an upgraded software framework for interventional advanced US research sup-porting bidirectional communication, real-time US data processing, and real-time data synchronization from multiple sources. MUSiiC ToolKit 2.0 consists of OpenIGTLink 2.0, OpenIGTlinkMUSiiC 2.0, MUSiiCNotes 2.0, and a collection of executable programs designed for US research. OpenIGTLink 2.0 is a standard TCP/IP-based protocol for the integration of medical imaging and IGT systems. OpenIGTLinkMUSiiC 2.0 is the upgraded version of OpenIGTLinkMUSiiC with new active multi-task classes, data interfaces for supporting bidirectional communication and parallel data processing. MUSiiCNotes 2.0 provides US research-oriented task classes, such as US data acquisition, beamforming, envelope detection, scan conversion, and data synchronization. Graphic User Interface (GUI) units are also available for the executable programs in MUSiiCNotes 2.0. Finally, we introduce advanced US applications based on this new software framework.

Real‐time Virtual Sonography for navigation during targeted prostate biopsy using magnetic resonance imaging data

To evaluate the effectiveness of the medical navigation technique, namely, Real-time Virtual Sonography (RVS), for targeted prostate biopsy. Eighty-five patients with suspected prostate cancer lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included in this study. All selected patients had at least one negative result on the previous transrectal biopsies. The acquired MRI volume data were loaded onto a personal computer installed with RVS software, which registers the volumes between MRI and real-time ultrasound data for real-time display. The registered MRI images were displayed adjacent to the ultrasonographic sagittal image on the same computer monitor. The suspected lesions on T2-weighted images were marked with a red circle. At first suspected lesions were biopsied transperineally under real-time navigation with RVS and then followed by the conventional transrectal and transperineal biopsy under spinal anesthesia. The median age of the patients was 69 years (56-84 years), and the prostate-specific antigen level and prostate volume were 9.9 ng/mL (4.0-34.2) and 37.2 mL (18-141), respectively. Prostate cancer was detected in 52 patients (61%). The biopsy specimens obtained using RVS revealed 45/52 patients (87%) positive for prostate cancer. A total of 192 biopsy cores were obtained using RVS. Sixty-two of these (32%) were positive for prostate cancer, whereas conventional random biopsy revealed cancer only in 75/833 (9%) cores (P < 0.01). Targeted prostate biopsy with RVS is very effective to diagnose lesions detected with MRI. This technique only requires additional computer and RVS software and thus is cost-effective. Therefore, RVS-guided prostate biopsy has great potential for better management of prostate cancer patients.

Method and apparatus of CT cardiac diagnostic imaging using motion a priori information from 3D ultrasound and ECG gating

ECG and ultrasound data of the heart are acquired in real-time during a scan. A data acquisition module is controlled during the scan to prospectively gate acquisition of CT data as a function of the real-time ECG data and the real-time ultrasound data. An image is reconstructed from the acquired CT data.

Effects of Increasing Lysine to Calorie Ratio and Added Dietary Fat for Growing-Finishing Pigs Reared in a Commercial Environment: II. Modeling Lysine to Calorie Ratio Requirements Using Protein and Lipid Accretion Curves

ABSTRACT Two experiments using 240 gilts (Exp. 1) and 240 barrows (Exp. 2) with initial BW of 27 and 34 kg, respectively, were conducted to model the Lys:calorie ratio requirements of growing-finish pigs (PIC L337 × C22) based on estimations of protein and lipid accretion rates made using real-time ultrasound. In both experiments, pigs used were selected from an ongoing growth study. The dietary treatments consisted of a 2 × 4 factorial with 2 levels of added fat (none and 6%) and 4 Lys:calorie ratios in each of 4 phases. In Exp.1, the 4 phases were 27 to 45, 45 to 75, 75 to 100, and 100 to 120 kg with Lys:calorie ratios (g Lys/Mcal ME) of 2.96, 3.26, 3.56, and 3.86 in phase 1; 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, and 3.0 in phase 2; 1.64, 1.84, 2.04, and 2.24 in phase 3; and 1.12, 1.32, 1.52, and 1.72 in phase 4. In Exp. 2, the 4 phases were 34 to 60, 60 to 80, 80 to 100, and 100 to 120 kg with Lys:calorie ratios of 2.41, 2.71, 3.01, and 3.31 in phase 1; 1.75, 2.0, 2.25, and 3.5 in phase 2; 1.38, 1.58, 1.78, and 1.98 in phase 3; and 1.02, 1.22, 1.42, and 1.62 in phase 4. In each study, 5 pigs per pen (from pens of 25 pigs) were randomly selected, weighed, ear tagged, and scanned every 3 wk until pigs were marketed at an average BW of 120 kg. Growth and real-time ultrasound data were used to calculate daily BW gain and lipid and protein accretion rates. Subsequently, daily requirements for ME and total Lys were calculated to model Lys:calorie ratio requirements. In both experiments, the treatments with greater protein accretion (third and fourth Lys:calorie ratio regimens) and, thus, with greater requirement for total Lys had greater predicted Lys:calorie requirements when compared with the first and second Lys:calorie ratio regimens. In both experiments, the modeled Lys:calorie ratios accurately predicted the actual Lys:calorie ratio requirements observed in the growth performance experiment. These results indicate that real-time ultrasound can be used to accurately predict growth and Lys:calorie ratio requirements for growing-finishing pigs reared in specific environments. Lys:calorie ratio requirements (g/Mcal ME) for pigs used in this experiment can be determined at any BW (x; kg) by the regression equations (0.00019x 2 – 0.05635x + 5.499) for gilts, and (0.000049x 2 – 0.037319x + 4.929) for barrows.

Genetic Parameter Estimates for Ultrasonic Meat Qualities in Hanwoo Cows

Real time ultrasound data was generated on 10,596 live Hanwoo cows to study genetic variation on ultrasonic beef quality traits and to assess the best model to estimate genetic parameters on these traits. Pedigree stacking and data validation was done using the SAS statistical software and the genetic parameter estimates were obtained by EM-REML algorithm. Out of the five different multi-trait mixed animal models constructed, the optimal model included fixed effects of herd, year-season-appraisal, body condition score, linear and quadratic covariates for chest girth, the linear covariate effect of age and the random animal and residual effect of the five models studied. The heritability of longissimus muscle area (LMA), 12 th rib measurement of back fat thickness (BF) and marbling score (MS) was 0.11, 0.17 and 0.15, respectively. Genetic correlation of LMA vs. BF, LMA vs. MS and BF vs. MS was -0.15, 0.06 and 0.61, respectively. The results showed presence of genetic variation in these ultrasonic beef quality traits in Hanwoo cows and suggest that the selection of Hanwoo cows may be possible by performing ultrasonic scans on live animals, which will ultimately be helpful in reducing the generation interval and the cost of selection procedure. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2006. Vol 19, No. 4 : 468-474)

A technique for noninvasive respiratory gated radiation treatment system based on a real time 3D ultrasound image correlation: a phantom study.

This paper proposes a new respiratory gated radiation treatment system that allows real-time tumor localization while avoiding invasive operation to a patient. The proposed system employs a three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound device, a 3D digital localizer, and a real-time image processing system. At the planning time, CT and 3D ultrasound reference data are simultaneously acquired under a breath-hold condition. At the treatment time, ultrasound data on three orthogonal planes are acquired and transferred to the image processing system on a real-time basis. Subsequently, normalized image correlation indices using the reference and the real-time ultrasound data are calculated for the three orthogonal planes after performing real-time coordinate transform using the 3D digital localizer attached to an ultrasound probe. Prior to the system execution, the coordinate transform matrices are partially calculated using an ultrasound calibration phantom and the 3D digital localizer. A trigger pulse to a linac can be generated when the normalized image correlation index exceeds a predetermined threshold level. Experiments have been carried out using a moving-target phantom that simulates a patient respiratory motion. We have observed that the variation of the calculated real-time correlation index synchronizes with the periodical motion of the moving-target, suggesting that real-time localization for a moving tumor is feasible with the proposed system.