Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as ...Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation,show limitations such as invasiveness,restricted cortical targeting,and irreversible tissue effects.In this context,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has emerged as a promising noninvasive alternative that can penetrate deep into the brain and modulate neuroplasticity.This review comprehensively assesses the therapeutic mechanisms,efficacy,and translational potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in treating neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on its role in promoting neuronal regeneration,modulating neuroinflammation,and enhancing functional recovery.We summarize the findings of previous studies and systematically illustrate the potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in regulating cell death mechanisms,enhancing neural repair and regeneration,and alleviating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases.Preclinical findings indicate that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can enhance the release of neurotrophic factors(e.g.,brain-derived neurotrophic factor),promote autophagy to clear protein aggregates,modulate microglial activation,and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate targeted drug delivery.Existing clinical trial data show that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can reduce amyloid-βplaques,improve motor and cognitive deficits,and promote remyelination in various disease models.Early clinical trials suggest that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound may enhance cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,all while demonstrating a favorable safety profile.Past studies support the notion that by integrating safety,precision,and reversibility,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative disease.However,more advancements are necessary for future clinical application of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound,including optimizing parameters such as frequency,intensity,and duty cycle;considering individual anatomical differences;and confirming long-term efficacy.We believe establishing standardized protocols,conducting larger trials,and investigating the underlying mechanisms to clarify dose-response relationships and refine personalized application strategies are essential in this regard.Future research should focus on translating preclinical findings into clinical practice,addressing technical challenges,and exploring combination therapies with pharmacological or gene interventions.展开更多
Given that platinum-based drugs are widely used clinically as chemotherapeutic agents,their severe toxic side effects have attracted significant attention.Consequently,the development of novel nanoprodrugs based on lo...Given that platinum-based drugs are widely used clinically as chemotherapeutic agents,their severe toxic side effects have attracted significant attention.Consequently,the development of novel nanoprodrugs based on low-toxicity tetravalent platinum(Pt(Ⅳ))com plexes holds substantial research value.Herein,we discovered that coumarin derivatives exhibit inherent antitumor efficacy and significantly enhance superoxide anion radicals(·O_(2)^(-))generation in aqueous solutions under ultrasound(US)irradiation.Given that·O_(2)^(-)is known to mediate the reduction of Pt(Ⅳ)to divalent platinum(Pt(Ⅱ)),we engineered an US-responsive dual-drug nanoprodrug(P-cisPt(Ⅳ)@5-MOP).This nanoprodrug was prepared by covalently conjugating Pt(Ⅳ)and methoxy polyethylene glycol hydroxyl(m PEG-OH)to a poly(_(L)-glutamic acid)(PLG)carrier,followed by encapsulating coumarin derivatives.Under low-intensity US irradiation(1.5 W/cm^(2),1 MHz,10 min),P-cisPt(Ⅳ)@5-MOP achieved a Pt(Ⅳ)reduction rate of 91.4%.Furthermore,upon US exposure,its half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))against 4T1 breast cancer cells decreased dramatically from 25.7μmol/L to 0.1μmol/L.Remarkably,this system combined with US therapy yielded a tumor inhibition rate of 90.9%,with 40%of tumor-bea ring mice achieving com plete eradication of tumors,while exhibiting low systemic toxicity.Collectively,this work not only identifies a novel sonosensitizer capable of generating·O_(2)^(-)but also develops a new class of ultrasound-activatable Pt(Ⅳ)nanoprodrug.展开更多
To enhance the anesthetic efficacy of propofol while mitigating its systemic toxicity and irreversible developmental neurotoxicity, we developed a strategy leveraging the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in combina...To enhance the anesthetic efficacy of propofol while mitigating its systemic toxicity and irreversible developmental neurotoxicity, we developed a strategy leveraging the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in combination with propofol anesthesia via baicalinbased nanocomposites. High propofol-loaded porous Baicalin-Fe(Ⅲ) infinite coordination polymer@propofol nanocomposites were synthesized, wherein baicalin coordinates with Fe3+ ions to form porous nanoparticles that encapsulate propofol within a core-shell structure. These nanocomposites exhibited an average diameter of 92.3 ± 10.2 nm and a pore volume of 0.322 cm^(3)/g, achieving ultra-high propofol loading(~62%) with no detectable leakage over 100 d, attributed to their large surface area and strong molecular interactions.When combined with focused ultrasound(FUS) and microbubbles, the effective dose(ED_(50))of propofol decreased from 10 to 4.3 mg/kg, doubling the duration of anesthesia and extending the therapeutic window by 200%. Importantly, the therapeutic index improved1.66-fold while vital physiological parameters remained stable. Histological analyses revealed an 80% reduction in neuronal injury compared to free propofol, and behavioral tests demonstrated significant enhancements in motor and cognitive performance, alongside recovery from propofol-induced irreversible developmental neurotoxicity, indicating effective neuroprotection. Collectively, this baicalin-propofol nanocomposite, coupled with FUS-mediated delivery, represents a promising approach for safe and long-term anesthesia in clinical applications.展开更多
The occurrence of difficult arteriovenous fistulas makes the use of vascular access in hemodialysis patients face great challenges.With the widespread application of point-of-care ultrasound,POCUS technology,it provid...The occurrence of difficult arteriovenous fistulas makes the use of vascular access in hemodialysis patients face great challenges.With the widespread application of point-of-care ultrasound,POCUS technology,it provides a new solution for clinical practice.This article reviews the principle,basic process,application status,current clinical challenges and development direction of difficult arteriovenous fistulas cannulation guided by POCUS technology,in order to provide reference for the standardized clinical application and future research direction of this technology.展开更多
BACKGROUND The treatment technology of liver cancer is progressing.In addition to traditional surgical resection,combined therapies of immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors,chemotherapy,and transcatheter...BACKGROUND The treatment technology of liver cancer is progressing.In addition to traditional surgical resection,combined therapies of immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors,chemotherapy,and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma are more and more widely used.Accurate preoperative diagnosis of liver cancer will provide important information for comprehensive treatment and prognosis evaluation of liver cancer.Sonazoidcontrast-enhanced ultrasound is not only helpful for the qualitative diagnosis of liver lesions,but also has great potential in the diagnosis of histological differentiation of liver cancer.AIM To assess the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)by utilizing the parameters and imaging features of Sonazoid-contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the CEUS data of 239 lesions through case-control study.These patients received Sonazoid-CEUS within one week before surgery and were confirmed as HCC by postoperative pathology.Within the cases,patients were further categorized into well-differentiated and poorlydifferentiated group.Time-intensity curves of the region of interest in both arterial and Kupffer phases were generated,allowing for the acquisition of quantitative parameters to assess the diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing lesions between these two groups and determining an appropriate cut-off value.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that the absolute value of enhancement intensity(EIAV),intensity ratio(IR)and intensity difference(ID)in Kupffer phase were statistically different between the groups with different degree(P=0.015,P=0.000,P=0.000).The sensitivity and specificity were 40.2%,82.4%,80.4% and 78.1%,86.9% and 74.5%,respectively,for differentiating HCC lesions with EIAV≥56.384 dB,IR≥1.215 and ID≥9.184 dB.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.590,0.877,0.815.There was no significant difference in the parameters of arterial phase,including peak time,initial growth time,rise time and the absolute value of peak intensity of lesions between the two groups(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that the level of alphafetoprotein(AFP)and IR were risk factors for poor differentiation(P=0.001).CONCLUSION Among the parameters of Sonazoid-CEUS,IR in Kupffer phase exhibits superior diagnostic efficacy with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnose of pathological differentiation of HCC.Combined with preoperative AFP level,a more accurate diagnosis will be obtained.Compared with portal vein phase,Kupffer phase showed the ability to identify HCC lesions more sensitive.These findings hold significant guiding implications and reference value for clinical practice.展开更多
Wearable ultrasound devices represent a transformative advancement in therapeutic applications,offering noninvasive,continuous,and targeted treatment for deep tissues.These systems leverage flexible materials(e.g.,pie...Wearable ultrasound devices represent a transformative advancement in therapeutic applications,offering noninvasive,continuous,and targeted treatment for deep tissues.These systems leverage flexible materials(e.g.,piezoelectric composites,biodegradable polymers)and conformable designs to enable stable integration with dynamic anatomical surfaces.Key innovations include ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery through cavitation-mediated transdermal penetration,accelerated tissue regeneration via mechanical and electrical stimulation,and precise neuromodulation using focused acoustic waves.Recent developments demonstrate wireless operation,real-time monitoring,and closed-loop therapy,facilitated by energy-efficient transducers and AI-driven adaptive control.Despite progress,challenges persist in material durability,clinical validation,and scalable manufacturing.Future directions highlight the integration of nanomaterials,3D-printed architectures,and multimodal sensing for personalized medicine.This technology holds significant potential to redefine chronic disease management,postoperative recovery,and neurorehabilitation,bridging the gap between clinical and home-based care.展开更多
Background:The bacterial biofilm poses a significant challenge to traditional antibiotic therapy.There is a great need to develop novel antibiofilm agents combined with biofilm disrupting and bacteria-killing without ...Background:The bacterial biofilm poses a significant challenge to traditional antibiotic therapy.There is a great need to develop novel antibiofilm agents combined with biofilm disrupting and bacteria-killing without the dependence of antibiotic.Methods:Herein,we prepared ultrasound/magnetic field-responsive ferroferric oxide nanoparticles(Fe_(3)O_(4))/glucose oxidase microbubbles(FGMB)to form a cascade catalytic system for effective removing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.FGMB were prepared through interfacial self-assembly of Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles(NPs)and glucose oxidase(GOx)at the gas-liquid interface stabilized by surfactants.Under ultrasound/magnetic field stimulation,FGMB disrupted biofilm architecture through microbubble collapse-induced microjets and magnetically driven displacement.Simultaneously,ultrasound-triggered rupture of FGMB released GOx and Fe_(3)O_(4) NPs.Glucose can be oxidized by GOx to generate gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide which was subsequently catalyzed into hydroxyl radicals by Fe_(3)O_(4) NPs,enabling chemical eradication of biofilm-embedded bacteria.Results:Optical microscopy images demonstrated that FGMB have spherical structure with average size of approximately 17μm.FGMB showed a 65.4%decrease in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm biomass and 1.1 log bacterial inactivation efficiency(91.2%),suggesting effective biofilm elimination.In vitro experimental results also indicate that FGMB have good biocompatibility.Conclusion:This antibiofilm strategy integrated dual modes of physical biofilm disruption with chemical bacteria-killing shows great potential as a versatile,non-resistant strategy for bacterial biofilm elimination.展开更多
Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff injuries. Methods: A total of 80 patients with suspected rotator cuff injuries who were admitted and diagnosed between J...Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff injuries. Methods: A total of 80 patients with suspected rotator cuff injuries who were admitted and diagnosed between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, were selected. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed on these patients, and the diagnostic efficacy of musculoskeletal ultrasound was evaluated by comparing the results with those of MRI. Results: The detection rates of musculoskeletal ultrasound for the location and extent of injury were similar to those of MRI (p > 0.05). Based on the MRI diagnosis results, the diagnostic accuracy rate of musculoskeletal ultrasound was 92.50%, with a sensitivity of 93.06% and a specificity of 87.50%. The morphological and signal characteristics, as well as ultrasound indicators, of patients with positive musculoskeletal ultrasound results differed significantly from those of patients with negative results (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound can effectively detect the location and extent of rotator cuff injuries, comprehensively assess the damage, and demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy. Furthermore, the morphological and signal characteristics, as well as ultrasound indicators, of musculoskeletal ultrasound can serve as diagnostic criteria for rotator cuff injuries, improving disease detection efficiency.展开更多
Ultrasound neuromodulation shows promise for treating neurological disorders,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we developed an integrated surface acoustic wave(SAW)ultrasound chip enabling simultaneous...Ultrasound neuromodulation shows promise for treating neurological disorders,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we developed an integrated surface acoustic wave(SAW)ultrasound chip enabling simultaneous electrophysiological recording and Ca^(2+) imaging of cultured hippocampal neurons to investigate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission during ultrasound stimulation.This study revealed,for the first time,three distinct neuronal response patterns induced by SAW ultrasound:an immediate response showing rapid activation,a delayed response exhibiting facilitation after several minutes,and a non-response maintaining baseline activity.Ultrasound stimulation increased action potential firing,enhanced excitatory postsynaptic currents,and elevated intracellular Ca^(2+) levels.These effects were dependent on extracellular Ca^(2+) influx and primarily dominated by L-type Ca^(2+) channels.Our findings suggest that individual neurons exhibit heterogeneous responses to SAW ultrasound stimulation based on their intracellular Ca^(2+) levels and L-type Ca^(2+) channel activity.This integrated approach provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms of ultrasound neuromodulation while highlighting the potential of SAW technology for precise,cell-type-specific neural control.展开更多
Currently,thyroid diseases are prevalent worldwide;therefore,it is necessary to develop techniques that help doctors improve their diagnostic skills for such diseases.In previous studies,2-dimensional convolutional ne...Currently,thyroid diseases are prevalent worldwide;therefore,it is necessary to develop techniques that help doctors improve their diagnostic skills for such diseases.In previous studies,2-dimensional convolutional neural network(2D CNN)techniques were employed to classify thyroid nodules as benign and malignant without detecting the presence of thyroid nodules in the obtained ultrasound images.To address this issue,we propose a 3-dimensional convolutional neural network(3D CNN)for thyroid nodule detection.The proposed CNN exploits the 3D information and spatial features contained in ultrasound images and generates distinctive features during its training using multiple samples,even for small nodules.In contrast,a 2D CNN only depends on spatial features.In this study,we used two datasets of 2210 ultrasound images obtained from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital in Malaysia,and a public open dataset,Digital Database Thyroid Image(DDTI).We created folders containing three images each,processed the images and extracted volumetric features suitable for the 3-dimensional convolutional neural network(3D CNN).The proposed model was assessed using four metrics:accuracy,recall,precision and F1 score.The results showed that the accuracy of the model in predicting the presence of thyroid nodules in ultrasound images was 96%.In conclusion,this study could help radiologists in hospitals and medical centres in classifying ultrasound images and detecting thyroid nodules.展开更多
In complex geological environments,the analysis of drill cores to determine rock strength can be challenging due to the wide variability in the degree of fracturing,leading to subjectivity in the collection of represe...In complex geological environments,the analysis of drill cores to determine rock strength can be challenging due to the wide variability in the degree of fracturing,leading to subjectivity in the collection of representative samples for uniaxial compressive strength testing.This study evaluates non-destructive techniques on calcareous rocks with different tectonic deformations,including Equotip hardness,ultrasound P-wave velocity,thin section analysis,and calcimetry,integrated with photogrammetric fracture analysis.The investigated carbonate rock samples are sourced from drill cores derived from the Umbria-Marche fold and thrust belt(northern Apennines,Italy),including a gently dipping limb of an anticline,a hinge zone of an anticline,and a fault zone associated with a thrust.Fracture intensity,quantified by the P21 parameter using photogrammetric techniques on pre-loading rock samples,is assessed alongside macroscopic identification of discontinuities(such as stylolites,veins,and joints)using marker colours to monitor failures during uniaxial compression testing.Empirical correlations depicted by single and multi-linear relationships indicate a strong dependence between the mechanical and physical properties of limestones.Both Equotip and P-wave velocity are influenced by fracture intensity,but P-wave velocity varies significantly with discontinuity orientation,especially at 45°-90°.To refine uniaxial compressive strength predictions and mitigate multicollinearity,statistical approaches,including linear and multilinear regression,Principal Component Analysis and Gaussian Process Regression,were tested.Findings improve the reliability of non-destructive techniques for assessing rock strength in structurally complex settings,with implications for geotechnical applications.展开更多
AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was c...AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.展开更多
The leaching mechanism of gallium(Ga)and germanium(Ge)from zinc powder replacement residue(ZPRR)was investigated through ultrasonic-assisted sulfuric acid leaching.Characterization via XRD,SEM,XPS,and FT-IR revealed t...The leaching mechanism of gallium(Ga)and germanium(Ge)from zinc powder replacement residue(ZPRR)was investigated through ultrasonic-assisted sulfuric acid leaching.Characterization via XRD,SEM,XPS,and FT-IR revealed that ultrasonic treatment promotes the dehydration of H_(4)SiO_(4)colloids,thereby reducing their adsorption capacities for Ga and Ge complexes.Additionally,ultrasound enhances the dissolution of CaS in H_(2)SO_(4),increasing H_(2)S production,which aids in the reduction of Fe^(3+)and mitigates iron precipitate formation.Process parameters including ultrasonic power(0-450 W),temperature(100-120℃),and leaching time(30-120 min)were systematically optimized,achieving optimal leaching efficiencies of Ga and Ge at 95.7%and 94.5%,respectively.展开更多
Artificial intelligence(AI)is revolutionizing medical imaging,particularly in chronic liver diseases assessment.AI technologies,including machine learning and deep learning,are increasingly integrated with multiparame...Artificial intelligence(AI)is revolutionizing medical imaging,particularly in chronic liver diseases assessment.AI technologies,including machine learning and deep learning,are increasingly integrated with multiparametric ultrasound(US)techniques to provide more accurate,objective,and non-invasive evaluations of liver fibrosis and steatosis.Analyzing large datasets from US images,AI enhances diagnostic precision,enabling better quantification of liver stiffness and fat content,which are essential for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis and steatosis.Combining advanced US modalities,such as elastography and doppler imaging with AI,has demonstrated improved sensitivity in identifying different stages of liver disease and distinguishing various degrees of steatotic liver.These advancements also contribute to greater reproducibility and reduced operator dependency,addressing some of the limitations of traditional methods.The clinical implications of AI in liver disease are vast,ranging from early detection to predicting disease progression and evaluating treatment response.Despite these promising developments,challenges such as the need for large-scale datasets,algorithm transparency,and clinical validation remain.The aim of this review is to explore the current applications and future potential of AI in liver fibrosis and steatosis assessment using multiparametric US,highlighting the technological advances and clinical relevance of this emerging field.展开更多
Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance to...Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.展开更多
基金supported by STI2030-Major Project,No,2021ZD0204200(to LX).
文摘Neurodegenerative diseases,which are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and the lack of disease-modifying therapies,are becoming a major global health challenge.The existing neuromodulation techniques,such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation,show limitations such as invasiveness,restricted cortical targeting,and irreversible tissue effects.In this context,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound has emerged as a promising noninvasive alternative that can penetrate deep into the brain and modulate neuroplasticity.This review comprehensively assesses the therapeutic mechanisms,efficacy,and translational potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in treating neurodegenerative diseases,with emphasis on its role in promoting neuronal regeneration,modulating neuroinflammation,and enhancing functional recovery.We summarize the findings of previous studies and systematically illustrate the potential of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound in regulating cell death mechanisms,enhancing neural repair and regeneration,and alleviating symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases.Preclinical findings indicate that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can enhance the release of neurotrophic factors(e.g.,brain-derived neurotrophic factor),promote autophagy to clear protein aggregates,modulate microglial activation,and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to facilitate targeted drug delivery.Existing clinical trial data show that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can reduce amyloid-βplaques,improve motor and cognitive deficits,and promote remyelination in various disease models.Early clinical trials suggest that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound may enhance cognitive scores in Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease,all while demonstrating a favorable safety profile.Past studies support the notion that by integrating safety,precision,and reversibility,low-intensity transcranial ultrasound can transform the treatment landscape for neurodegenerative disease.However,more advancements are necessary for future clinical application of low-intensity transcranial ultrasound,including optimizing parameters such as frequency,intensity,and duty cycle;considering individual anatomical differences;and confirming long-term efficacy.We believe establishing standardized protocols,conducting larger trials,and investigating the underlying mechanisms to clarify dose-response relationships and refine personalized application strategies are essential in this regard.Future research should focus on translating preclinical findings into clinical practice,addressing technical challenges,and exploring combination therapies with pharmacological or gene interventions.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52533015,52495013,52403211,52573183,52273157,52073279 and 52025035)Jilin Province,China(Nos.20250601009RC and 20230508102RC)Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.2022224)。
文摘Given that platinum-based drugs are widely used clinically as chemotherapeutic agents,their severe toxic side effects have attracted significant attention.Consequently,the development of novel nanoprodrugs based on low-toxicity tetravalent platinum(Pt(Ⅳ))com plexes holds substantial research value.Herein,we discovered that coumarin derivatives exhibit inherent antitumor efficacy and significantly enhance superoxide anion radicals(·O_(2)^(-))generation in aqueous solutions under ultrasound(US)irradiation.Given that·O_(2)^(-)is known to mediate the reduction of Pt(Ⅳ)to divalent platinum(Pt(Ⅱ)),we engineered an US-responsive dual-drug nanoprodrug(P-cisPt(Ⅳ)@5-MOP).This nanoprodrug was prepared by covalently conjugating Pt(Ⅳ)and methoxy polyethylene glycol hydroxyl(m PEG-OH)to a poly(_(L)-glutamic acid)(PLG)carrier,followed by encapsulating coumarin derivatives.Under low-intensity US irradiation(1.5 W/cm^(2),1 MHz,10 min),P-cisPt(Ⅳ)@5-MOP achieved a Pt(Ⅳ)reduction rate of 91.4%.Furthermore,upon US exposure,its half-maximal inhibitory concentration(IC_(50))against 4T1 breast cancer cells decreased dramatically from 25.7μmol/L to 0.1μmol/L.Remarkably,this system combined with US therapy yielded a tumor inhibition rate of 90.9%,with 40%of tumor-bea ring mice achieving com plete eradication of tumors,while exhibiting low systemic toxicity.Collectively,this work not only identifies a novel sonosensitizer capable of generating·O_(2)^(-)but also develops a new class of ultrasound-activatable Pt(Ⅳ)nanoprodrug.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82271572)The Clinical Research Award of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University (No. XJTU1AF2021CRF-008) and (No. XTJU1AF-CRF2023-025)。
文摘To enhance the anesthetic efficacy of propofol while mitigating its systemic toxicity and irreversible developmental neurotoxicity, we developed a strategy leveraging the neuroprotective effects of baicalin in combination with propofol anesthesia via baicalinbased nanocomposites. High propofol-loaded porous Baicalin-Fe(Ⅲ) infinite coordination polymer@propofol nanocomposites were synthesized, wherein baicalin coordinates with Fe3+ ions to form porous nanoparticles that encapsulate propofol within a core-shell structure. These nanocomposites exhibited an average diameter of 92.3 ± 10.2 nm and a pore volume of 0.322 cm^(3)/g, achieving ultra-high propofol loading(~62%) with no detectable leakage over 100 d, attributed to their large surface area and strong molecular interactions.When combined with focused ultrasound(FUS) and microbubbles, the effective dose(ED_(50))of propofol decreased from 10 to 4.3 mg/kg, doubling the duration of anesthesia and extending the therapeutic window by 200%. Importantly, the therapeutic index improved1.66-fold while vital physiological parameters remained stable. Histological analyses revealed an 80% reduction in neuronal injury compared to free propofol, and behavioral tests demonstrated significant enhancements in motor and cognitive performance, alongside recovery from propofol-induced irreversible developmental neurotoxicity, indicating effective neuroprotection. Collectively, this baicalin-propofol nanocomposite, coupled with FUS-mediated delivery, represents a promising approach for safe and long-term anesthesia in clinical applications.
文摘The occurrence of difficult arteriovenous fistulas makes the use of vascular access in hemodialysis patients face great challenges.With the widespread application of point-of-care ultrasound,POCUS technology,it provides a new solution for clinical practice.This article reviews the principle,basic process,application status,current clinical challenges and development direction of difficult arteriovenous fistulas cannulation guided by POCUS technology,in order to provide reference for the standardized clinical application and future research direction of this technology.
文摘BACKGROUND The treatment technology of liver cancer is progressing.In addition to traditional surgical resection,combined therapies of immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors,chemotherapy,and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma are more and more widely used.Accurate preoperative diagnosis of liver cancer will provide important information for comprehensive treatment and prognosis evaluation of liver cancer.Sonazoidcontrast-enhanced ultrasound is not only helpful for the qualitative diagnosis of liver lesions,but also has great potential in the diagnosis of histological differentiation of liver cancer.AIM To assess the differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)by utilizing the parameters and imaging features of Sonazoid-contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS).METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on the CEUS data of 239 lesions through case-control study.These patients received Sonazoid-CEUS within one week before surgery and were confirmed as HCC by postoperative pathology.Within the cases,patients were further categorized into well-differentiated and poorlydifferentiated group.Time-intensity curves of the region of interest in both arterial and Kupffer phases were generated,allowing for the acquisition of quantitative parameters to assess the diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing lesions between these two groups and determining an appropriate cut-off value.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that the absolute value of enhancement intensity(EIAV),intensity ratio(IR)and intensity difference(ID)in Kupffer phase were statistically different between the groups with different degree(P=0.015,P=0.000,P=0.000).The sensitivity and specificity were 40.2%,82.4%,80.4% and 78.1%,86.9% and 74.5%,respectively,for differentiating HCC lesions with EIAV≥56.384 dB,IR≥1.215 and ID≥9.184 dB.The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.590,0.877,0.815.There was no significant difference in the parameters of arterial phase,including peak time,initial growth time,rise time and the absolute value of peak intensity of lesions between the two groups(P>0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that the level of alphafetoprotein(AFP)and IR were risk factors for poor differentiation(P=0.001).CONCLUSION Among the parameters of Sonazoid-CEUS,IR in Kupffer phase exhibits superior diagnostic efficacy with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnose of pathological differentiation of HCC.Combined with preoperative AFP level,a more accurate diagnosis will be obtained.Compared with portal vein phase,Kupffer phase showed the ability to identify HCC lesions more sensitive.These findings hold significant guiding implications and reference value for clinical practice.
基金the support from the start-up of the University of Missouri-Columbia。
文摘Wearable ultrasound devices represent a transformative advancement in therapeutic applications,offering noninvasive,continuous,and targeted treatment for deep tissues.These systems leverage flexible materials(e.g.,piezoelectric composites,biodegradable polymers)and conformable designs to enable stable integration with dynamic anatomical surfaces.Key innovations include ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery through cavitation-mediated transdermal penetration,accelerated tissue regeneration via mechanical and electrical stimulation,and precise neuromodulation using focused acoustic waves.Recent developments demonstrate wireless operation,real-time monitoring,and closed-loop therapy,facilitated by energy-efficient transducers and AI-driven adaptive control.Despite progress,challenges persist in material durability,clinical validation,and scalable manufacturing.Future directions highlight the integration of nanomaterials,3D-printed architectures,and multimodal sensing for personalized medicine.This technology holds significant potential to redefine chronic disease management,postoperative recovery,and neurorehabilitation,bridging the gap between clinical and home-based care.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22375101)the Natural Science of Colleges and Universities in Jiangsu Province(24KJB430027).
文摘Background:The bacterial biofilm poses a significant challenge to traditional antibiotic therapy.There is a great need to develop novel antibiofilm agents combined with biofilm disrupting and bacteria-killing without the dependence of antibiotic.Methods:Herein,we prepared ultrasound/magnetic field-responsive ferroferric oxide nanoparticles(Fe_(3)O_(4))/glucose oxidase microbubbles(FGMB)to form a cascade catalytic system for effective removing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms.FGMB were prepared through interfacial self-assembly of Fe_(3)O_(4) nanoparticles(NPs)and glucose oxidase(GOx)at the gas-liquid interface stabilized by surfactants.Under ultrasound/magnetic field stimulation,FGMB disrupted biofilm architecture through microbubble collapse-induced microjets and magnetically driven displacement.Simultaneously,ultrasound-triggered rupture of FGMB released GOx and Fe_(3)O_(4) NPs.Glucose can be oxidized by GOx to generate gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide which was subsequently catalyzed into hydroxyl radicals by Fe_(3)O_(4) NPs,enabling chemical eradication of biofilm-embedded bacteria.Results:Optical microscopy images demonstrated that FGMB have spherical structure with average size of approximately 17μm.FGMB showed a 65.4%decrease in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm biomass and 1.1 log bacterial inactivation efficiency(91.2%),suggesting effective biofilm elimination.In vitro experimental results also indicate that FGMB have good biocompatibility.Conclusion:This antibiofilm strategy integrated dual modes of physical biofilm disruption with chemical bacteria-killing shows great potential as a versatile,non-resistant strategy for bacterial biofilm elimination.
文摘Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of musculoskeletal ultrasound in diagnosing rotator cuff injuries. Methods: A total of 80 patients with suspected rotator cuff injuries who were admitted and diagnosed between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, were selected. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was performed on these patients, and the diagnostic efficacy of musculoskeletal ultrasound was evaluated by comparing the results with those of MRI. Results: The detection rates of musculoskeletal ultrasound for the location and extent of injury were similar to those of MRI (p > 0.05). Based on the MRI diagnosis results, the diagnostic accuracy rate of musculoskeletal ultrasound was 92.50%, with a sensitivity of 93.06% and a specificity of 87.50%. The morphological and signal characteristics, as well as ultrasound indicators, of patients with positive musculoskeletal ultrasound results differed significantly from those of patients with negative results (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal ultrasound can effectively detect the location and extent of rotator cuff injuries, comprehensively assess the damage, and demonstrate high diagnostic efficacy. Furthermore, the morphological and signal characteristics, as well as ultrasound indicators, of musculoskeletal ultrasound can serve as diagnostic criteria for rotator cuff injuries, improving disease detection efficiency.
基金supported by the National Key Research&Development Program of China(2022YFC3602700,2022YFC3602702)the Science and Technology Innovation 2030-Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Project(2021ZD0201301)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12034015,62088101,32170688,323B1004)Program of Shanghai Academic Research Leader(21XD1403600)Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2021SHZDZX0100,2018SHZDZX01).
文摘Ultrasound neuromodulation shows promise for treating neurological disorders,but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we developed an integrated surface acoustic wave(SAW)ultrasound chip enabling simultaneous electrophysiological recording and Ca^(2+) imaging of cultured hippocampal neurons to investigate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission during ultrasound stimulation.This study revealed,for the first time,three distinct neuronal response patterns induced by SAW ultrasound:an immediate response showing rapid activation,a delayed response exhibiting facilitation after several minutes,and a non-response maintaining baseline activity.Ultrasound stimulation increased action potential firing,enhanced excitatory postsynaptic currents,and elevated intracellular Ca^(2+) levels.These effects were dependent on extracellular Ca^(2+) influx and primarily dominated by L-type Ca^(2+) channels.Our findings suggest that individual neurons exhibit heterogeneous responses to SAW ultrasound stimulation based on their intracellular Ca^(2+) levels and L-type Ca^(2+) channel activity.This integrated approach provides new insights into the cellular mechanisms of ultrasound neuromodulation while highlighting the potential of SAW technology for precise,cell-type-specific neural control.
基金supported by the Ministry of Higher Education under the Fundamentals Research Grant Scheme(FRGS/1/2024/ICT02/UPM/02/5).
文摘Currently,thyroid diseases are prevalent worldwide;therefore,it is necessary to develop techniques that help doctors improve their diagnostic skills for such diseases.In previous studies,2-dimensional convolutional neural network(2D CNN)techniques were employed to classify thyroid nodules as benign and malignant without detecting the presence of thyroid nodules in the obtained ultrasound images.To address this issue,we propose a 3-dimensional convolutional neural network(3D CNN)for thyroid nodule detection.The proposed CNN exploits the 3D information and spatial features contained in ultrasound images and generates distinctive features during its training using multiple samples,even for small nodules.In contrast,a 2D CNN only depends on spatial features.In this study,we used two datasets of 2210 ultrasound images obtained from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Hospital in Malaysia,and a public open dataset,Digital Database Thyroid Image(DDTI).We created folders containing three images each,processed the images and extracted volumetric features suitable for the 3-dimensional convolutional neural network(3D CNN).The proposed model was assessed using four metrics:accuracy,recall,precision and F1 score.The results showed that the accuracy of the model in predicting the presence of thyroid nodules in ultrasound images was 96%.In conclusion,this study could help radiologists in hospitals and medical centres in classifying ultrasound images and detecting thyroid nodules.
文摘In complex geological environments,the analysis of drill cores to determine rock strength can be challenging due to the wide variability in the degree of fracturing,leading to subjectivity in the collection of representative samples for uniaxial compressive strength testing.This study evaluates non-destructive techniques on calcareous rocks with different tectonic deformations,including Equotip hardness,ultrasound P-wave velocity,thin section analysis,and calcimetry,integrated with photogrammetric fracture analysis.The investigated carbonate rock samples are sourced from drill cores derived from the Umbria-Marche fold and thrust belt(northern Apennines,Italy),including a gently dipping limb of an anticline,a hinge zone of an anticline,and a fault zone associated with a thrust.Fracture intensity,quantified by the P21 parameter using photogrammetric techniques on pre-loading rock samples,is assessed alongside macroscopic identification of discontinuities(such as stylolites,veins,and joints)using marker colours to monitor failures during uniaxial compression testing.Empirical correlations depicted by single and multi-linear relationships indicate a strong dependence between the mechanical and physical properties of limestones.Both Equotip and P-wave velocity are influenced by fracture intensity,but P-wave velocity varies significantly with discontinuity orientation,especially at 45°-90°.To refine uniaxial compressive strength predictions and mitigate multicollinearity,statistical approaches,including linear and multilinear regression,Principal Component Analysis and Gaussian Process Regression,were tested.Findings improve the reliability of non-destructive techniques for assessing rock strength in structurally complex settings,with implications for geotechnical applications.
文摘AIM:To investigate age-related differences in the irislens angle(ILA)among patients with age-related cortical cataracts and elucidate the impact of age on lens stability.METHODS:A prospective observational study was conducted on patients with age-related cortical cataracts scheduled for phacoemulsification surgery.Preoperative ultrasound biomicroscopy(UBM)images were collected and analyzed.Initially,patients were stratified into two age groups:<60y and≥60y,with no significant intergroup differences in sex or eye laterality.For further analysis,participants were subdivided into three age strata:<60y,60-75y,and>75y.The ILA was measured in four quadrants(superior,inferior,nasal,and temporal).Intergroup differences in ILA were compared,and correlations between age and ILA parameters were analyzed using statistical methods.RESULTS:The sample data were categorized into three groups according to age,<60y(113 patients;55.8%female),60–75y(245 patients;61.0%female),and>75y(70 patients;50.2%female).The superior quadrant ILA increased progressively with age stratification(P=0.02),and the maximum ILA difference(ΔILA)was significantly higher in patients over 75y(P<0.01).Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between age and ILA in the superior(Y=7.487+0.096X,R=0.191,P<0.001)and temporal(Y=10.254+0.052X,R=0.104,P=0.032)quadrants.Additionally,the mean ILA across all quadrants(ILAmean)andΔILA were positively correlated with age(ILAmean:Y=9.721+0.055X,R=0.138,P=0.004;ΔILA:Y=3.267+0.044X,R=0.006,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:In patients with age-related cortical cataracts,ILA increases with age,particularly in the superior and temporal quadrants,suggesting that advanced age is associated with greater lens deviation and decreased lens stability.UBM imaging can effectively evaluate the status of the zonule and lens stability,providing crucial evidence for personalized surgical planning based on patients’age.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFC2904900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52204392,52274385,52204347)the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST,China(No.2022QNRC001)。
文摘The leaching mechanism of gallium(Ga)and germanium(Ge)from zinc powder replacement residue(ZPRR)was investigated through ultrasonic-assisted sulfuric acid leaching.Characterization via XRD,SEM,XPS,and FT-IR revealed that ultrasonic treatment promotes the dehydration of H_(4)SiO_(4)colloids,thereby reducing their adsorption capacities for Ga and Ge complexes.Additionally,ultrasound enhances the dissolution of CaS in H_(2)SO_(4),increasing H_(2)S production,which aids in the reduction of Fe^(3+)and mitigates iron precipitate formation.Process parameters including ultrasonic power(0-450 W),temperature(100-120℃),and leaching time(30-120 min)were systematically optimized,achieving optimal leaching efficiencies of Ga and Ge at 95.7%and 94.5%,respectively.
文摘Artificial intelligence(AI)is revolutionizing medical imaging,particularly in chronic liver diseases assessment.AI technologies,including machine learning and deep learning,are increasingly integrated with multiparametric ultrasound(US)techniques to provide more accurate,objective,and non-invasive evaluations of liver fibrosis and steatosis.Analyzing large datasets from US images,AI enhances diagnostic precision,enabling better quantification of liver stiffness and fat content,which are essential for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis and steatosis.Combining advanced US modalities,such as elastography and doppler imaging with AI,has demonstrated improved sensitivity in identifying different stages of liver disease and distinguishing various degrees of steatotic liver.These advancements also contribute to greater reproducibility and reduced operator dependency,addressing some of the limitations of traditional methods.The clinical implications of AI in liver disease are vast,ranging from early detection to predicting disease progression and evaluating treatment response.Despite these promising developments,challenges such as the need for large-scale datasets,algorithm transparency,and clinical validation remain.The aim of this review is to explore the current applications and future potential of AI in liver fibrosis and steatosis assessment using multiparametric US,highlighting the technological advances and clinical relevance of this emerging field.
基金supported by the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Nos.G2021KY05107,G2021KY05101the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32071316,32211530049+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province,No.2022-JM482the Education and Teaching Reform Funds for the Central Universities,No.23GZ230102(all to LL and HH).
文摘Although previous studies have demonstrated that transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation protects the ischemic brain,clear criteria for the stimulation time window and intensity are lacking.Electrical impedance tomography enables real-time monitoring of changes in cerebral blood perfusion within the ischemic brain,but investigating the feasibility of using this method to assess post-stroke rehabilitation in vivo remains critical.In this study,ischemic stroke was induced in rats through middle cerebral artery occlusion surgery.Transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation was used to treat the rat model of ischemia,and electrical impedance tomography was used to measure impedance during both the acute stage of ischemia and the rehabilitation stage following the stimulation.Electrical impedance tomography results indicated that cerebral impedance increased after the onset of ischemia and decreased following transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation.Furthermore,the stimulation promoted motor function recovery,reduced cerebral infarction volume in the rat model of ischemic stroke,and induced the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the ischemic brain.Our results also revealed a significant correlation between the impedance of the ischemic brain post-intervention and improvements in behavioral scores and infarct volume.This study shows that daily administration of transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation for 20 minutes to the ischemic hemisphere 24 hours after cerebral ischemia enhanced motor recovery in a rat model of ischemia.Additionally,our findings indicate that electrical impedance tomography can serve as a valuable tool for quantitatively evaluating rehabilitation after ischemic stroke in vivo.These findings suggest the feasibility of using impedance data collected via electrical impedance tomography to clinically assess the effects of rehabilitatory interventions for patients with ischemic stroke.
