Ultrasound Time Research Articles

Abstract PO2-28-10: Analysis of whole breast ultrasound image sequence reading time with a new FDA approved automated whole breast ultrasound tomography system for supplemental screening in women with dense breasts

Abstract Purpose: Ultrasound technology as a supplement to mammography for screening women with dense breasts increases cancer detection. However, automated whole breast ultrasound technologies have been shown to substantially increase radiologist reading time. We conducted a reading validation program to assess how quickly and accurately radiologists could interpret images from a new automated whole breast ultrasound prior to launching a prospective case collection registry. Methods: The study analyzed 500 reading times of bilateral screening breast ultrasounds obtained from SoftVue Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (SV) (Delphinus Medical) in women with dense breasts. For this proctored reading validation program, 20 bilateral screening ultrasound cases were selected. Thecases included a mix of normal, cysts, benign masses, cancers, and implants. 25 MSQA-trained radiologists with varying experience from 9 institutions across the United States each read the 20 cases. The same hanging protocol was used, beginning with sequences of Wafer and Sound Speed to identify an area of interest, Reflection to determine if the area persists, and then Stiffness Fusion for further confirmation and characterization. The primary outcome was reading time per bilateral ultrasound. Reading times were compared using linear mixed effects models for findings in neither, one, or both breasts and for subgroups of cancer and benign findings. Mean reading time was 3.3± 1.76 minutes (n=498, median 2.9min) per case. Cases that were negative in both breasts tended to have faster read times (2.7min, sd=1.32) compared to those with findings in one breast (3.2min, sd=1.57) or findings in both breasts (3.8min, sd=2.14). Mean read times for cases with clinical findings were within a minute of the mean time for normal cases across all case types. Conclusion Breast image sequences of Wafer, Sound Speed, Reflection, and Stiffness Fusion from SV ultrasound tomography facilitate bilateral ultrasound mean reading times of less than 4 minutes per case. Clinical Significance: SV, used as an adjunct to mammography in screening women with dense breasts, offers the benefits of increased cancer detection with supplemental ultrasound with little increase in radiologist reading time. Table 1: Analysis of Bilateral SV Read Time Across Types of Case Clinical Findings Citation Format: Mary Yamashita, Taylor Mahoney, Patrick Walker, Linda Hovanessian Larsen. Analysis of whole breast ultrasound image sequence reading time with a new FDA approved automated whole breast ultrasound tomography system for supplemental screening in women with dense breasts [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 PO2-28-10.

Phaco-Chop versus Divide-and-Conquer in Patients Who Underwent Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed eye surgeries worldwide, and among several techniques, phacoemulsification has become the standard of care due to its safety and efficiency. We evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of two phacoemulsification techniques: phaco-chop and divide-and-conquer. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried for randomized controlled trial (RCT), prospective and retrospective studies that compared the phaco-chop technique over the divide-and-conquer technique and reported the outcomes of (1) Endothelial cell count change (ECC); (2) Ultrasound time (UST); (3) Cumulated dissipated energy (CDE); (4) Surgery time; and (5) Phacoemulsification time (PT). Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used for outcomes with high heterogeneity. Nine final studies, (6 prospective RCTs and 3 observational), comprising 837 patients undergoing phacoemulsification. 435 (51.9%) underwent the phaco-chop technique, and 405 (48.1%) underwent divide-and-conquer. Overall, the phaco-chop technique was associated with several advantages: a significant difference in ECC change postoperatively (Mean Difference [MD] -221.67 Cell/mm2; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -401.68 to -41.66; p < 0.02; I2=73%); a shorter UST (MD -51.16 sec; 95% CI -99.4 to -2.79; p = 0.04; I2=98%); reduced CDE (MD -8.68 units; 95% CI -12.76 to -4.60; p < 0.01; I2=84%); a lower PT (MD -55.09 sec; 95% CI -99.29 to -12.90; p = 0.01; I2=100). There were no significant differences in surgery time (MD -3.86 min; 95% CI -9.55 to 1.83; p = 0.18; I2=99%). The phaco-chop technique proved to cause fewer hazards to the corneal endothelium, with less delivered intraocular ultrasound energy when compared to the divide-and-conquer technique.

The bacteriostatic effect of a new controlled-release carotenoids-silver nanoparticle

Discuss the bacteriostatic effect of a novel controlled release silver nanoparticles carotenoids-silver nanoparticle. Detect the optimal extraction conditions for carotenoids through material liquid ratio, different ultrasonic temperatures and times; Detect the optimal synthesis conditions of carotenoids-silver nanoparticle through different volume ratios, UV irradiation times, and temperatures; Detect the bacteriostatic effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Oxford cup agar plate diffusion method. The experiment proved that the best extraction effect of carotenoids was achieved when the volume ratio of orange peel powder to ethanol was 1:25, the ultrasound time was 40 min, and the temperature was 50 °C; When the amount of carotenoid extract added is 12 mL, the concentration of silver nitrate is 8 mmol/l, the UV irradiation time is 40 min, and the ultrasound temperature is 60 °C, the synthesized carotenoids-silver nanoparticle has the highest absorbance value; carotenoids-silver nanoparticle have strong inhibitory effects on the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus albus. As the concentration increases, the bacteriostatic effect also becomes stronger, especially the strongest inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus albus. It was shown that carotenoids-silver nanoparticle has significant bacteriostatic effects, providing new ideas for the development of bacteriostatic agents in plant resources.

Effects of sludge retention time on sludge reduction by ultrasound treatment: Sludge characteristics, microbial community, and metabolism

Both ultrasound and sludge retention time (SRT) enable the in-situ sludge reduction during wastewater treatment, but the influence of SRT on ultrasonic lysis – cryptic growth is unclear. This paper researched the influence of different SRTs on sludge lysis - cryptic growth using a sequential bio-reactor (SBR), then explained in details the changes of microorganisms in the SBR. The best SRT for sludge reduction was 30 d, and 47.29% reduction in sludge was achieved. The different SRTs changed the organic matter removal in the wastewater, and the removal rate decreased when SRT exceeded 60 d. The size of the sludge particles varied depending on the SRT, with the smallest size at SRT of 10d being 45.6 μm and the largest size at SRT of 90d being 110.0 μm. SEM showed that the sludge surface changed rough at longer SRT. FTIR and XPS showed notable effect in sludge functional group strength at SRT of 30 d. Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) reduced the most at SRT of 30 d. The microbial communities of sludge varied with the SRT, and the unique main genus at SRT of 5, 15, 30 and 90 d were C10-SB1A, Lactococcus, Propioniciclava, Lactococcus, respectively. Furthermore, the SRT changed relative abundance of enzymes concerned with metabolism of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Similarly, SRT changed the metabolic rate, and the metabolic rate of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus was best at SRT of 30 d.

Extraction Optimization, Structure Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharide from Sanghuangporus baumii

Introduction: In this study, we optimized the extraction process, analyzed the structure and assessed the antioxidant activity of Sanghuangporus baumii polysaccharide (SBP). The present results provide important information for the Sanghuangporus baumii polysaccharides in potential natural antioxidant effects. Background: The extraction and structural analysis of polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus has gained significant attention in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and life sciences. There is great significance in maximizing the extraction of polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus and developing their potential products in a scientific and rational manner. Objective: The study was designed to establish an efficient and practical extraction process for SBP, and then investigated the structure and the antioxidant activity. Methods: The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Box-Behnken design was used to explore the ultrasound-assisted extraction of SBP, and the structure of SBP was studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and other instrumental analysis methods. The total antioxidant capacity of SBP was studied by the Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) method, and the scavenging capacity of ABTS+·, DPPH· and OH· was carried out as the index to investigate its antioxidant activity in vitro. Results: The statistical analysis results showed that the optimal conditions for extracting SBP were an ultrasound time of 20.74 min, ultrasound power of 268.40 W and material-liquid ratio of 1:25.71. Under optimal conditions, the experimental yield of SBP was 3.36 ± 0.01%. The RSM optimization process was applied to the experiment of complex enzyme extraction of SBP, and the yield increased to 4.72 ± 0.03%. Structural analysis showed that SBP mainly consisted of glucose, a small amount of mannose and galactose, and the molecular weight distribution was uneven, mainly concentrating in the three parts of 24.5,6.4,2.5 kDa. Moreover, SBP exhibited dose-dependent and strong reducing power and radical scavenging activity. For DPPH·, ABTS+· and OH· radical scavenging assays, IC50 values were 1.505 ± 0.050 mg/ml, 0.065 ± 0.036 mg/ml and 0.442 ± 0.007 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: In the present study, a β-linked heteroglucan (SBP) was extracted using the optimized process combining enzymes from the fruiting bodies of Sanghuangporus baumii. SBP exhibited effective and dose-dependent antioxidant activities. Our findings were of great value in terms of developing polysaccharides with potential natural antioxidants.

Study on the total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang

Optimization of the extraction process of total flavonoids from Morus nigra Linn. based on response surface design, to compare the differences in total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang and its relationship with antioxidant activity. A one-way test was used to investigate the effects of ethanol volume fraction, material-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power and ultrasonic time on total flavonoid content analysis of Morus nigra Linn. , Box-Behnken response surface design optimisation was used to derive the optimal extraction process parameters. Meanwhile, the in vitro antioxidant activity of Morus nigra Linn. was evaluated by antioxidant activity indexes such as hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and ferric ion reducing capacity. The optimal extraction condition was 45% ethanol by volume, 1∶20 g/mL material-liquid ratio, 300W ultrasound power and 60 min ultrasound time. The total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. s from six origins was detected and the result showed that Kuche &gt;Kashgar &gt;Kuche Wuqia Town&gt;Hetian &gt;Ying jisha &gt;Yutian, in which the total flavonoid content of mulberry in Kucha city was(27.159±0.091)mg/g. The difference in the total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. s in different origicns was statistically significant(P&lt;0.05). In vitro antioxidant activity analysis showed that the antioxidant activity of mulberry from Kuche and Hetian was stronger, and the hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing capacity, and total antioxidant capacity of mulberry from various origins were statistically significant(P&lt;0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the total flavonoid content of Morus nigra Linn. was correlated with the antioxidant capacity to improve the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals. The ultrasonic-assisted method of extracting total flavonoids from Morus nigra Linn. is simple, and the model constructed has a high degree of fit, which can better compare the total flavonoids content of Morus nigra Linn. from different origins in Xinjiang.

Preparation of porous materials by ultrasound-intensified acid leaching of high-carbon component in coal gasification fine slag

Coal gasification fine slag is one of the by-products from clean and efficient utilization of coal, and its resource utilization is extremely urgent. In this work, a high carbon fraction with a fixed carbon content higher than 60% was obtained by simple sieving of gasification fine slag, from which a porous material was prepared by ultrasonic acid leaching method. The adsorption performance of porous materials, being used as treatment of radioactive iodine in nuclear wastewater, is characterized by iodine adsorption value. The effects of ultrasound time, ultrasound power, acid concentration, and temperature on the iodine adsorption performance and compositional structure of the porous materials were systematically investigated by combining the results of SEM, BET, XRD, and FT-IR. The mechanisms of ultrasound-enhanced acid leaching on compositional structure of residual carbon and migration and transformation laws of the ash constituents were explored and summarized. The results show that the porous material prepared under conditions of acid concentration of 4 mol/L, acid immersion temperature of 50 °C, ultrasonic power of 210 W, and ultrasonic time of 1.5 h has the best iodine adsorption performance of 468.53 mg/g, with a specific surface area of 474.97 m2/g, and possesses a rich pore structure with predominant mesopores. The order of each factor on the iodine adsorption performance is: sonication time > acid concentration > sonication power > acid immersion temperature. The mechanism of ultrasonic enhanced acid leaching is that ultrasonic cavitation and mechanical wave action firstly enhance dissociation of carbon-ash adherent particles, thus making desorption of ash particles blocked in pore channels of the gasification slag to increase its connectivity; secondly, lead to generation of cracks on surface of the carbon and ash particles to enhance accessibility of inorganic components inside the carbon particles; and thirdly, enhance the acid leaching process by increasing mass transfer rate to strengthen leaching effect of inorganic components in the gasification slag.

Optimizing the Extraction of Sugars from Sewage Sludge Using Ultrasound Combined with Thermal–Alkali

The extraction and utilization of sugars from readily available and cost-effective sewage sludge increases the economic potential of this residue, contributing to sustainable urban development. The work presented here presents a novel method in which sugars can be directly extracted from sewage sludge following an ultrasound + thermal–alkali pretreatment. The best results indicated that by subjecting the sludge to a 240 W ultrasound for 20 min, followed by alkali digestion using 6 mL of a 2 M NaOH solution at 48 °C for 60 min, it was possible to maximize the yield of crude sugar (34.22 wt.% dry) with the purity of crude sugar at 46.80%, reaching an extraction efficiency of 99.84%. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the crude sugar yields based on experimental data, reaching a value of 34.67 wt.% dry when employing an ultrasound exposure time of 12.5 min and 6 mL of the NaOH solution for a digestion time of 57.5 min; these results were considered consistent with the experimental data.

Optimization of Combined Microwave and Ultrasound Extractions of Cannabinoids Compounds from Cannabis indica L. (Blueberry Cultivar) Using Response Surface Methodology

Microwave and ultrasound are novel technologies that are widely used for extracting bioactive compounds from plant materials. In this study, combined extraction techniques, microwave and ultrasound, were applied to extract cannabinoids, cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), from Cannabis indica L. (Blueberry cultivar). Three independent variables including solid to liquid ratio (X1, A: 1:10-1:30 w/v), microwave extraction time (X2, B: 5-20 min), and ultrasound extraction time (X3, C: 10-30 min) were optimized using central composite design (CCD). The experimental data obtained was fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and additionally analyzed using appropriate statistical methods (analysis of variance, ANOVA). The optimum conditions were determined according to the solid to liquid ratio (X1, A) of 1:22 (w/v), microwave extraction time (X2, B) of 5 min and ultrasound extraction time (X3, C) of 14 min. Under these conditions, the experimental CBD and THC content was 0.298±0.001 mg/g dry weight and 91.35±0.35 mg/g dry weight, respectively. The experimentally-achieved values were in accordance with those estimated by the CCD model, suggesting the applicability of the utilized model and the favorable result of CCD’s application in the optimization of the combined microwave and ultrasound extraction.

Using data-driven techniques to predict outpatient ultrasound examination time for the multi-clinic outpatient appointment scheduling problem

Appointment scheduling for hospital patients is becoming increasingly important because it can reduce patient’s waiting time and enhance hospitals’ medical quality. In the case of ultrasound examinations, multiple radiological technologists use multiple rooms to conduct examinations, which involves the sequencing of examination work, time uncertainty, and operational characteristics. To enable hospital managers to effectively evaluate radiological technologists’ effort when carrying out ultrasound examinations, this study uses classification methods in data exploration, including decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), and artificial neural network (ANN), to establish a time prediction model for outpatient ultrasound examination. This study found that the DT model (i.e. C4.5) had the highest classification accuracy. After reviewing and removing rules generated from the model with an accuracy below 70%, the overall accuracy of the model was 76.31%. The classification results of the model are a reference for outpatient ultrasound appointment scheduling. The results of the study can effectively predict the examination time needed for ultrasound outpatients requiring different examination positions, thereby fairly allocating the patients to each room for the examination and reducing patient waiting time and radiological technologists’ idle time. Therefore, hospital managers can improve the hospital’s overall medical quality.

Natural deep eutectic liquid and ultrasound-assisted extraction of milk thistle phenolics and their hepatoprotective activities

IntroductionThe present research describes the utilization of natural deep eutectic solvent in combination with ultrasound for the extraction of milk thistle polyphenols. The extracts obtained under different conditions were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective activities in Albino mice (in vivo).MethodsThe extraction parameters involving liquid-to-solid ratio (S/L), ethanol-to-natural deep eutectic solvent ratio (EtOH/DES), extraction time (t), and ultrasound treatment time were investigated and optimized to enhance the recovery of bioactives, their phenolic content, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and radical scavenging capacity (RSC).Results and discussionsThe extraction of milk thistle polyphenols using glucose/citric acid (1:1)-based natural deep eutectic liquid coupled with ultrasound for 1.0 min under an S/L of 6.2, EtOH/DES 9, and extraction time of 120.8 min offered 35.89 ± 2.29 g/100 g of crude extracts, which were three-fold higher than that by conventional solvent extraction (CSE). Each gram of milk thistle extracts thus obtained comprised 377.93 ± 6.17 mg GAE of TPC and exhibited 298.70 ± 3.06 μmol TEAC and 93.16 ± 0.58 percent inhibition of DPPH free radicals. In addition, the administration of milk thistle extracts obtained as given above at 25 mg/Kg body weight in Albino mice significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the liver function parameters at the end of treatment (7 days).ConclusionOverall, it was observed that NaDES in combination with medium-level ultrasound energy (700 watt) might work as a sustainable choice to enhance the recovery of bioactive phenolics from milk thistle powder without compromising their antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential.

Degradation of the neonicotinoid pesticide imidacloprid by electrocoagulation and ultrasound

Imidacloprid is still a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide that is banned in many countries because of the associated environmental risks. Due to the inefficiency of conventional wastewater treatments for pesticide removal, new treatment methods are being investigated. Electrochemical methods, including electrocoagulation (EC), seem to be promising alternatives considering their effectiveness in removing various pollutants from wastewater. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of electrode material, current density, ultrasound, and operation time on the efficiency of imidacloprid removal from a model solution by EC. The combination of aluminum electrodes and 20 A of applied current for 20 min resulted in total imidacloprid degradation. A simplified energy balance was introduced as a form of process evaluation. Combining ultrasound with EC resulted in 7% to 12% greater efficacy than using only EC.

Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Antioxidants Extraction from Blackberry, Chokeberry and Raspberry Pomaces.

An investigation of the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polyphenol-rich aqueous extracts from blackberry, chokeberry and raspberry pomaces was carried out. The aim of the study was to choose optimal conditions for UAE in order to obtain extracts rich in phenolic compounds. The optimization was carried out based on response surface methodology. The variable conditions were amplitude of ultrasound wave and extraction time, whereas responses were total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. Based on the ANOVA analysis, mathematical models were fitted and verified. The most effective conditions of amplitude and time were 98% and 5.00 min, 78% and 10.32 min and 90% and 11.56 min for blackberry pomace, chokeberry pomace and raspberry pomace, respectively. The actual results obtained in optimized conditions were comparable to the results predicted by the models. Additionally, the anthocyanin content in extracts was determined in the high-performance liquid chromatography assay. It was proven that response surface methodology could be a useful tool in the optimization of UAE processes for obtaining polyphenol-rich extracts from berry fruit pomaces.

Co-encapsulation of vitamins C and E in SPI-polysaccharide stabilized double emulsion prepared by ultrasound: Fabrication, stability, and in vitro digestion

Vitamins C and E have anti-oxidative, anti-aging, and anti-cancer, and these two vitamins can produce synergistic effects when used in combination. However, the stability and bioaccessibility of the vitamins C and E need to improve. Herein, the double (W/O/W) emulsion was fabricated by different ultrasound time (1 min, 2 min) using soy protein isolate (SPI)-polysaccharides (pectin: sodium alginate = 10:0, 7:3, 3:7. 0:10) as an emulsifier and co-encapsulated vitamins C and E. Results revealed that ultrasound treatment reduced the particle size, improved the emulsification properties and physical stabilities of the emulsion, and bioaccessibility of bioactive substances. Moreover, the W/O/W emulsion stabilized by SPI-pectin-sodium alginate (pectin: sodium alginate = 7:3) had the smallest particle size and the highest environmental stability, resulting in a more compact coating. Furthermore, this emulsion enhanced the stability of the bioactive substances during simulated gastrointestinal digestion, thereby improving bioaccessibility (vitamin C: 90.01% ± 1.11%; vitamin E: 80.12% ± 1.56%). The aforementioned results demonstrated that SPI-pectin-sodium alginate-stabilized W/O/W emulsion could be a potential alternative to co-encapsulate vitamins C and E.

Rapid preconcentration and determination of Co (II) ions in aqueous medium using ultrasound assisted cloud point extraction method

A flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique was studied for the preconcentration and determination of of Co2+ ions in trace amounts after ultrasound enhanced enrichment of its 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) complexes by cloud point extraction. The Co2+ ions were firstly complexed with PAN molecules at pH 4 and the complex transferred to a surfactant (Tergitol NP-7) rich phase with a very small volume under ultrasound waves. The surfactant rich phase was separated and dissolved by 1 mL, 1.0 M HNO3 in ethanol prior to determination of Co2+ concentration by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The optimization steps of ultrasound interaction time, solution pH and surfactant volumes were achieved by response surface methodology (RSM) which is a combination of statistical approaches. Sample volume, PAN concentration and and possible interfering ions were optimized conventionally. The Co2+ ions were extracted only in 150 s at pH 4 quantitatively under optimum conditions (˃95%). The accuracy and validity of developed UA-CPE was granted by employing a certified reference material wastewater UME CRM 1204. The technique was applied to wastewater and natural water with satisfactory results.

Intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM)-derived perfusion fraction mapping for the visual evaluation of MR-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids

Background A method for periprocedural contrast agent-free visualization of uterine fibroid perfusion could potentially shorten magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) treatment times and improve outcomes. Our goal was to test feasibility of perfusion fraction mapping by intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) modeling using diffusion-weighted MRI as method for visual evaluation of MR-HIFU treatment progression. Methods Conventional and T2-corrected IVIM-derived perfusion fraction maps were retrospectively calculated by applying two fitting methods to diffusion-weighted MRI data (b = 0, 50, 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 s/mm2 at 1.5 T) from forty-four premenopausal women who underwent MR-HIFU ablation treatment of uterine fibroids. Contrast in perfusion fraction maps between areas with low perfusion fraction and surrounding tissue in the target uterine fibroid immediately following MR-HIFU treatment was evaluated. Additionally, the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was calculated between delineated areas with low IVIM-derived perfusion fraction and hypoperfusion based on CE-T1w. Results Average perfusion fraction ranged between 0.068 and 0.083 in areas with low perfusion fraction based on visual assessment, and between 0.256 and 0.335 in surrounding tissues (all p < 0.001). DSCs ranged from 0.714 to 0.734 between areas with low perfusion fraction and the CE-T1w derived non-perfused areas, with excellent intraobserver reliability of the delineated areas (ICC 0.97). Conclusion The MR-HIFU treatment effect in uterine fibroids can be visualized using IVIM perfusion fraction mapping, in moderate concordance with contrast enhanced MRI. IVIM perfusion fraction mapping has therefore the potential to serve as a contrast agent-free imaging method to visualize the MR-HIFU treatment progression in uterine fibroids.

Backscatter measurement of cancellous bone using the ultrasound transit time spectroscopy.

Recently, ultrasound transit time spectroscopy (UTTS) was proposed as a promising method for bone quantitative ultrasound measurement. Studies have showed that UTTS could estimate the bone volume fraction and other trabecular bone structure in ultrasonic through-transmission measurements. The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of UTTS to be adapted in ultrasonic backscatter measurement and further evaluate the performance of backscattered ultrasound transit time spectrum (BS-UTTS) in the measurement of cancellous bone density and structure. First, taking ultrasonic attenuation into account, the concept of BS-UTTS was verified on ultrasonic backscatter signals simulated from a set of scatterers with different positions and intensities. Then, in vitro backscatter measurements were performed on 26 bovine cancellous bone specimens. After a logarithmic compression of the BS-UTTS, a linear fitting of the log-compressed BS-UTTS versus ultrasonic propagated distance was performed and the slope and intercept of the fitted line for BS-UTTS were determined. The associations between BS-UTTS parameters and cancellous bone features were analyzed using simple linear regression. The results showed that the BS-UTTS could make an accurate deconvolution of the backscatter signal and predict the position and intensity of the simulated scatterers eliminating phase interference, even the simulated backscatter signal was with a relatively low signal-to-noise ratio. With varied positions and intensities of the scatterers, the slope of the fitted line for the log-compressed BS-UTTS versus ultrasonic propagated distance (i.e., slope of BS-UTTS for short) yield a high agreement (r2 = 99.84%-99.96%) with ultrasonic attenuation in simulated backscatter signal. Compared with the high-density cancellous bone, the low-density specimen showed more abundant backscatter impulse response in the BS-UTTS. The slope of BS-UTTS yield a significant correlation with bone mineral density (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), BV/TV (r = 0.87; p < 0.001), and cancellous bone microstructures (r up to 0.87; p < 0.05). The intercept of BS-UTTS was also significantly correlated with bone densities (r = -0.87; p < 0.001) and trabecular structures (|r|=0.43-0.80; p < 0.05). However, the slope of the BS-UTTS underestimated attenuation when measurements were performed experimentally. In addition, a significant non-linear relationship was observed between the measured attenuation and the attenuation estimated by the slope of the BS-UTTS. This study demonstrated that the UTTS method could be adapted to ultrasonic backscatter measurement of cancellous bone. The derived slope and intercept of BS-UTTS could be used in the measurement of bone density and microstructure. The backscattered ultrasound transit time spectroscopy might have potential in the diagnosis of osteoporosis in the clinic.

Surgical Efficiency Comparison Between Two Phacoemulsification Systems.

To assess the surgical efficiency in cataract surgery comparing two phacoemulsification systems. Prospective, consecutive-comparative study in a two-site private practice. Three hundred and one eyes undergoing standard or femtosecond laser-assisted (FLACS) cataract surgery with either the R-Evo Smart (BVI, Waltham, USA) and/or the Centurion Vision System (Alcon, Fort Worth, USA). Preoperative eye characteristics (degree of cataract using the lens opacities classification system LOCS III grading) and intraoperative outcomes (total ultrasound time and total estimated fluid aspirated/drainage bag weighting) were registered in all cases. One hundred and fifty-five eyes undergone cataract surgery with the R-Evo Smart and 146 eyes with the Centurion Vision System phacoemulsification systems. Mean cataract grade was 3.07 ± 0.78 and 2.96 ± 0.85 for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p = 0.12). Mean total ultrasound time was 18.99 ± 12.85 and 40.24 ± 21.91 seconds for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Mean total estimated fluid aspirated/drainage bag weighting was 53.00 ± 14.56 g and 54.33 ± 14.88 cc for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p = 0.21). Considering non-FLACS surgery (98 eyes with the R-Evo Smart and 63 eyes with the Centurion Vision System), mean cataract grade was 2.95 ± 0.74 and 2.97 ± 0.91 for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p = 0.44). Mean total ultrasound time was 19.96 ± 11.20 and 42.84 ± 28.35 seconds for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Mean total estimated fluid aspirated/drainage bag weighting was 55.95 ± 14.76 g and 55.97 ± 13.62 cc for the R-Evo Smart and Centurion Vision System groups, respectively (p = 0.49). No adverse events were found in the two groups of eyes. The objective measurement of surgical efficiency through total ultrasound time during lens removal and fluid consumption during both lens removal and irrigation/aspiration proved R-Evo Smart to be an efficient phacoemulsification platform, in comparison with the current standard of care Centurion Vision System.

Oil-in-water nanoemulsion adhesive system: Preparation by ultrasonic homogenization and its application in 3D direct writing composite energetic materials

Stable and low-particle size nanoemulsions were prepared using ultrasound homogenization. The conditions for preparing low-viscosity nanoemulsions were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) experimental design. The results showed that the addition of composite surfactants at 1%, an ultrasound amplitude of 35%, an ultrasound time of 4 min, and an ultrasound temperature of 20 °C yielded nanoemulsions with the best particle size and stability. The particle distribution was uniform, and the cold and heat stability were good. Compared with traditional emulsions, the low-viscosity nanoemulsion had better environmental stability, storage stability, and exhibited a phenomenon of self-reducing particle size at 40–55 °C, indicating that the emulsion had good performance under complex environmental conditions. The performance test of composite energetic materials using two types of emulsions as bonding systems showed that the low-viscosity nanoemulsion composite energetic material effectively reduced friction sensitivity, increased detonation velocity, and had better thermal stability and smaller propagation size. The results confirmed that the low-viscosity nanoemulsion perfectly met the requirements of bonding agents for composite energetic materials. This study provides a new approach for bonding agent systems of composite energetic materials and can serve as a new method to meet the special requirements of composite energetic materials.

Needle goniotomy decreases early intraocular pressure spike compared with phacoemulsification alone

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of needle goniotomy during phacoemulsification cataract surgery on early IOP spikes in patients with glaucoma compared with phacoemulsification alone. DesignRetrospective case control series MethodsCataract surgeries with concurrent goniotomy for glaucoma (n = 46) were compared with controls (n = 115) with and without glaucoma. IOP was measured prior to surgery and monitored through six months postoperatively. Between-group differences in IOP and postoperative IOP reduction were tested with ANOVA and Welch's 2-sided t-tests. Demographic, clinical, and intraoperative variables were also analyzed for significant association with postoperative IOP using univariate analysis. The incidence of IOP spike was evaluated according to two criteria: IOP > 30 mmHg or IOP > 10 mmHg above baseline. ResultsPhaco-goniotomy significantly lowered IOP at postoperative day one and month six. Following goniotomy, IOP was reduced on average 28 % (95 % CI [21, 36]) at month six compared with baseline, a mean reduction of -6.3 mmHg (95 % CI [-8.6, -4.0]), and a significantly greater reduction than in glaucoma controls (1 %, 95 % CI [-9, 7] and -0.3 mmHg, 95 % CI [-1.7, 1.1], p < 0.05). The average month six IOP following phaco-goniotomy was 12.9 mmHg (95 % CI [11.6, 14.1]), significantly lower than for glaucoma controls (15.6 mmHg, 95 % CI [14.0, 17.3], p < 0.05). The incidence of early IOP spike was significantly higher in glaucoma controls (23.1 %) than in the phaco-goniotomy cohort (6.0 %) (OR = 4.5, p < 0.05). There were no associations between CDE, ultrasound and aspiration time, or irrigation volumes on postoperative IOP. We showed that preoperative IOP was the only significant contributor to postoperative IOP reduction after phaco-goniotomy. ConclusionIncidence of early postoperative IOP elevation after phacoemulsification alone was 4.5 times higher than after phaco-goniotomy. Needle goniotomy may be a consideration for IOP lowering in glaucomatous eyes having cataract surgery.