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This article introduced the design and application of the ultrasound probe holder for ultrasound-guided venipuncture. The ultrasound probe holder has been designed to hold a variety of probes in different angles, and to provide more comfort with less fatigue for the operator. The components of the probe holder can be dismantled for cleaning or sterilization. (本文介绍一种用于超声引导静脉穿刺的超声探头固定装置的设计与应用。该装置操作简便, 能够灵活调整并固定超声探头, 提高操作者舒适度, 且可拆卸进行清洗或消毒。)

In this study, an efficient preconcentration method was presented that is based on dispersive liquid‐liquid microextraction taking the advantage of newly synthesized phosphonium deep eutectic solvents used as extractants and ultrasound probe as a dispersing agent. The extracts obtained were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. To optimize the five most important factors for the microextraction procedure a central composite design plan was used. Under optimal conditions (140 μl of extractant, 60 mg of NaCl, pH = 2.0, 120 s of extraction time with ultrasound probe as the dispersing agent, 16 min of centrifugation for phase separation), the proposed method allowed to achieve good precision with RSD between 3.2% and 9.7% at 1.0, 5.0 and 40.0 ng ml levels. The preconcentration factors were equal to 42, 39, and 41, and the limits of detection 0.128, 0.103, and 0.135 ng/ml for dicamba, 2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxyacetic acid, and 2‐methyl‐4‐chlorophenoxypropionic acid, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of chlorophenoxy acid herbicides in water samples from drainage ditches with a good recovery in the range of 70%–93%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of β 2 -adrenergic agonists are illicitly used for growth promoting and lean meat increasing in animal husbandry in recent years, but the development of analytical methods has lagged behind these emerging drugs. Here, we designed and developed an ultrasound probe enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis reactor for quick separation and simultaneously quantification of 22 β 2 -adrenergic agonists in animal urine and livestock wastewater. Owing to the enhancement of the conventional enzymatic digestion through the ultrasound acoustic probe power, only 2 min was required for the comprehensively separation of β 2 -adrenergic agonists from the sample matrices, making it a much more desirable alternative tool for high-throughput investigation. The swine, bovine and sheep urines (n = 287), and livestock wastewater (n = 15) samples, collected from both the north and south China, were examined to demonstrate the feasibility and capability of the proposed approach. Six kinds of β 2 -adrenergic agonists (clenbuterol, salbutamol, ractopamine, terbutaline, clorprenaline and cimaterol) were found in animal urines, with concentrations ranged between 0.056 μg/L (terbutaline) and 5.79 μg/L (clenbuterol). Up to nine β 2 -adrenergic agonists were detected in wastewater samples, of which four were found in swine farms and nine in cattle/sheep farms, with concentration levels from 0.069 μg/L (tulobuterol) to 2470 μg/L (clenbuterol). Interestingly, since β 2 -adrenergic agonists are usually considered to be abused mainly in the pig farms, our data indicate that both the detection frequencies and concentrations of these agonists in the ruminant farms were higher than the pig farms. Furthermore, the findings of this work indicated that there is a widespread occurrence of β 2 -adrenergic agonists in livestock farms, especially for clenbuterol and salbutamol, which may pose both food safety and potential ecological risks. We recommend that stricter controls should be adopted to prevent the illegally usage of these β 2 -adrenergic agonists in agricultural animals, especially ruminants, and they should also be removed before discharging to the environment. [Display omitted] • Ultrasound probe enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis for rapid separation of β-agonists. • Only 120 s was adequate for exhaustively separation of β-agonists from urine and wastewater. • Up to nine β-agonists were found in wastewater with the detection frequency of 100 %. • Both β-agonists' concentrations and detection rates in ruminant farms were higher than the swine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 'Incarcerated gravid uterus' is a morbid complication that occurs in 1 in 3000 pregnancies. It is characterized by failure of a retropositioned uterus to become an abdominal organ between 12 to 14 weeks of gestation. If maternal symptoms develop or gestational age surpasses 14 to 16 weeks, replacement of a retropositioned uterus is recommended to reduce adverse outcomes. Previously described techniques for management include passive reduction, digital replacement, or more invasive methods such as laparoscopy, laparotomy, or sigmoidoscopy. These methods are either minimally effective, painful, or risky., Objective: The objective of this report is to describe our clinical experience with a new minimally invasive technique that uses the transvaginal ultrasound probe for uterine replacement in cases of incarceration, to conduct a narrative literature review on 'incarcerated gravid uterus,' and to propose an algorithm for management of this condition., Study Design: This is a case series of 8 patients with an incarcerated gravid uterus who were managed with the transvaginal ultrasound probe technique at one academic medical institution between March 2020 and July 2023, as well as a narrative review of the literature on 'incarcerated gravid uterus.' PubMed, Google Scholar, and Ovid MEDLINE databases were searched for the terms "incarcerated gravid uterus," "uterine incarceration," "uterine sacculation," and "retroverted uterus" up to April 2024., Results: The transvaginal ultrasound probe technique resulted in successful uterine replacement, with resolution of symptoms, in all 8 patients. All pregnancies resulted in live births with good neonatal outcomes-7 out of 8 patients delivered at term, and 1 delivered in the late preterm period., Conclusion: Our proposed technique for treatment of an incarcerated gravid uterus with the transvaginal ultrasound probe is simple, minimally invasive and effective. Based on our experience and the narrative literature review, an algorithm for the management of an incarcerated gravid uterus is proposed., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Featured Application: This research represents a key-study devoted to the continuous improvement of manufacturing processes leading to a concrete advantage for companies. The proposed guideline allows to enhance the process capability and the product quality, including the achievement of a robust process by limiting the variability and the scraps. The suggested guideline is also illustrated through a pilot study related to US probes for medical imaging, although it can be applied to any manufacturing product/process. In the industrial production scenario, the goal of engineering is focused on the continuous improvement of the process performance by maximizing the effectiveness of the manufacturing and the quality of the products. In order to address these aims, the advanced robust process optimization techniques have been designed, implemented, and applied to the manufacturing process of ultrasound (US) probes for medical imaging. The suggested guideline plays a key role for improving a complex multi-stage manufacturing process; it consists of statistical methods applied for improving the product quality, and for achieving a higher productivity, jointly with engineering techniques oriented to problem solving. Starting from the Six Sigma approach, the high definition of the production process was analyzed through a risk analysis, and thus providing a successful implementation of the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) methodology. Therefore, the multidisciplinary analysis is carried out by applying statistical models and by detecting the latent failures by means of NDT (non-destructive testing), i.e., scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM). The presented approach, driven by the statistical analysis, allows the engineers to distinguish the potential weak points of the complex manufacturing, in order to implement the corrective actions. Furthermore, in this paper we illustrate this approach by considering a pilot study, e.g., a process of US probes for medical imaging, by detailing all the guideline steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ultrasound diagnosis and treatment is easy to perform and takes little time. It is widely used in clinical practice thanks to its non-invasive, real-time, and dynamic characteristics. In the process of ultrasound diagnosis and treatment, the probe may come into contact with the skin, the mucous membranes, and even the sterile parts of the body. However, it is difficult to achieve effective real-time disinfection of the probes after use and the probes are often reused, leading to the possibility of the probes carrying multiple pathogenic bacteria. At present, the processing methods for probes at home and abroad mainly include probe cleaning, probe disinfection, and physical isolation (using probe covers or sheaths). Yet, each approach has its limitations and cannot completely prevent probe contamination and infections caused by ultrasound diagnosis and treatment. For example, when condoms are used as the probe sheath, the rate of condom breakage is relatively high. The cutting and fixing of cling film or freezer bags involves complicated procedures and is difficult to perform. Disposable plastic gloves are prone to falling off and causing contamination and are hence not in compliance with the principles of sterility. Furthermore, the imaging effect of disposable plastic gloves is poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore new materials to make probe covers that can not only wrap tightly around the ultrasound probe, but also help achieve effective protection and rapid reuse. Based on the concept of physical barriers, we developed in this study a heat sealing system for the rapid reuse of ultrasound probes. The system uses a heat sealing device to shrink the protective film so that it wraps tightly against the surface of the ultrasound probe, allowing for the rapid reuse of the probe while reducing the risk of nosocomial infections. The purpose of this study is to design a heat sealing system for the rapid reuse of ultrasound probes and to verify its application effect on the rapid reuse of ultrasound probes., Methods: 1) The heat sealing system for the rapid reuse of ultrasound probes was designed and tested by integrating medical and engineering methods. The system included a protective film (a multilayer co-extruded polyolefin thermal shrinkable film) and a heat sealing device, which included heating wire components, a blower, a photoelectric switch, temperature sensors, a control and drive circuit board, etc. According to the principle of thermal shrinkage, the ultrasound probe equipped with thermal shrinkable film was rapidly heated and the film would wrap closely around the ultrasound probe placed on the top of the heat sealing machine. The ultrasound probe was ready for use after the thermal shrinkage process finished. Temperature sensors were installed on the surface of the probe to test the thermal insulation performance of the system. The operation procedures of the system are as follows: placing the ultrasound probe covered with the protective film in a certain space above the protective air vent, which is detected by the photoelectric switch; the heating device heats the thermal shrinkable film with a constant flow of hot air at a set temperature value. Then, the probe is rotated so that the thermal shrinkable film will quickly wrap around the ultrasound probe. After the heat shrinking is completed, the probe can be used directly. 2) Using the convenience sampling method, 90 patients from the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were included as the research subjects. All patients were going to undergo arterial puncture under ultrasound guidance. The subjects were divided into 3 groups, with 30 patients in each group. Three measures commonly applied in clinical practice were used to process the probes in the three groups and water-soluble fluorescent labeling was applied around the puncture site before use. In the experimental group, the probes were processed with the heat sealing system. The standard operating procedures of the heat sealing system for rapid reuse of ultrasonic probes were performed to cover the ultrasonic probe and form a physical barrier to prevent probe contamination. There were two control groups. In control group 1, disinfection wipes containing double-chain quaternary ammonium salt were used to repeatedly wipe the surface of the probe for 10-15 times, and then the probe was ready for use once it dried up. In the control group 2, a disposable protective sheath was used to cover the front end of the probe and the handle end of the sheath was tied up with threads. Comparison of the water-soluble fluorescent labeling on the surface of the probe (which reflected the colony residues on the surface of the probe) before and after use and the reuse time (i.e., the lapse of time from the end of the first use to the beginning of the second use) were made between the experimental group and the two control groups., Results: 1) The temperature inside the ultrasound probe was below 40 ℃ and the heat sealing system for rapid reuse did not affect the performance of the ultrasound probe. 2) The reuse time in the heat sealing system group, as represented by (median [P 25 , P 75 ]), was (8.00 [7.00, 10.00]) s, which was significantly lower than those of the disinfection wipe group at (95.50 [8.00, 214.00]) s and the protective sleeve group at (25.00 [8.00, 51.00]) s, with the differences being statistically significant ( P <0.05). No fluorescence residue was found on the probe in either the heat sealing system group or the protective sheath group after use. The fluorescence residue in the heat sealing system group was significantly lower than that in the disinfection wipes group, showing statistically significant differences ( χ 2 =45.882, P <0.05)., Conclusion: The thermal shrinkable film designed and developed in this study can be cut and trimmed according to the size of the equipment. When the film is heated, it shrinks and wraps tightly around the equipment, forming a sturdy protective layer. With the heat sealing system for rapid reuse of ultrasonic probes, we have realized the semi-automatic connection between the thermal shrinkable film and the heating device, reducing the amount of time-consuming and complicated manual operation. Furthermore, the average reuse time is shortened and the system is easy to use, which contributes to improvements in the reuse and operation efficiency of ultrasound probes. The heat sealing system reduces colony residues on the surface of the probe and forms an effective physical barrier on the probe. No probes were damaged in the study. The heat sealing system for rapid reuse of ultrasonic probes can be used as a new method to process the ultrasonic probes., Competing Interests: 利益冲突　所有作者均声明不存在利益冲突, (© 2024《四川大学学报（医学版）》编辑部 版权所有Copyright ©2024 Editorial Office of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences).)

Traditional hand-held ultrasound probe has some limitations in prostate biopsy. Improving the localization and accuracy of ultrasound probe will increase the detection rate of prostate cancer while biopsy techniques remain unchanged. This paper designs a manipulator for transrectal ultrasound probe, which assists doctors in performing prostate biopsy and improves the efficiency and accuracy of biopsy procedure. The ultrasound probe manipulator includes a position adjustment module that can lock four joints at the same time. It reduces operating time and improves the stability of the mechanism. We use the attitude adjustment module designed by double parallelogram RCM mechanism, the ultrasound probe can realize centering and prevent its radial motion. The self-weight balance design helps doctors operate ultrasound probe without weight. Using MATLAB to analyze the manipulator, the results show that the workspace of the mechanism can meet the biopsy requirements. And simulate the centering effect of the ultrasound probe when the attitude is adjusted at different feeding distances, the results show that the ultrasound probe is centering stability. Finally, the centering and joint interlocking tests of the physical prototype are completed. In this paper, a 7-DOF manipulator for transrectal ultrasound probe is designed. The mechanism is analyzed for kinematics, workspace analysis, simulation of centering effects, development of a physical prototype and related experimental research. The results show that the surgical demand workspace is located inside the reachable workspace of the mechanism and the joint locking of the manipulator is reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser pulse simulation of the surface waves and its receiving by contact piezoelectric probes is perspective direction to detect surface defects. The aim of this work was to determine optimal conditions for detection of the real fatigue cracks of nearly microns width and surface pores by moving depending on the position of the center of a laser beam laser beam spot. The objects of research were metal specimens with crack’s width of 8 m up to 0,5 mm and depth ≈ 400– 500 mm up to ≈ 200 mm. Cylindrical hole by ≈ 1 mm diameter used as a model pore. An experimental installation used consisted of the pulse laser light emission source with laser wavelength of 1.06 m and laser pulse duration of ≈ 20 ns. An arrangement to adjust the laser beam spot geometry in the form of a long strip and a circle was applied. Surface waves were received by the 2.7 MHz frequency probe, and processed with use of a «Spectronic» TDS 3052B oscilloscope. The laws of acoustical signal amplitude and its form changes vs. the laser beam spot geometry and its position in regard to defect were determined. We discovered that optimal conditions for flaw detection took place when the laser beam spot moving trough the defect’s range – crack and pore. In the first case amplitude growth of the signal was up to 7–8 time – like as resonance conditions realized. And the ratio of the laser’s beam spot width (as long strip) to wave length were ≈ 1.8–2.2. The more informative parameter to find crack with small width (≈ 0.5mm) was the acoustical pulse spectrum or the pulse entrance part. Thus, the further increasing of the surface flaw detection may be realized by laser simulation of the surface waves controlling the form of the moving spot of laser beam. New possibilities to increase sensitivity and reliability of ultrasonic evaluation surfaces in objects with complicated profile and fare accessible places are to be arise.

In the current prostate biopsy procedure, it is necessary for the doctor to hold the ultrasonic probe during the entire process. This increases the fatigue degree of the doctor, and the motion of the ultrasonic probe is more likely to cause damage to the anus of the patient. A medical device that can assist doctors in prostate scans and biopsy puncture devices was developed. We focused on the passive interlocking transrectal ultrasonic probe posture adjustment mechanism. Based on the posture adjustment mechanism, a passive interlocking transrectal ultrasound probe position and posture adjustment mechanism capable of assisting the doctor in prostate scanning and puncture intervention was designed. The passive interlocking posture adjustment mechanism with a seven-degree-of-freedom (DOF) interlocking mechanism was designed and can meet the requirements of doctors. The physical prototype of the passive interlocking transrectal ultrasonic probe posture adjustment mechanism was developed and commissioned. The locking torque and braking torque of the mechanism were measured. The results showed that the ultrasonic probe can achieve reliable locking and effectively meet the operation requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a virtual learning environment for ultrasonography gestures based on an ultrasound (US) learning database. The learning database is comprised of US probe position and orientation, US images and force applied on the skin for each image. The intermediate images were inferred using the set of two-dimensional (2D) US images acquired at various force levels by the mean of interpolation method. A force feedback joystick with three degrees of freedom is used to monitor the applied forces. The proposed virtual environment was able to overcome the lack of immersion of the learner in the existing systems, especially, the US image deformation and force feedback feeling. In addition to the low cost, our system simulates, accurately, the US exam ensuring a good immersion to the learner with all senses involved in the US exam. An intelligent agent supervises the learner through the whole process. The virtual environment was evaluated by experts and trainees, and the results are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the industrial production scenario, the goal of engineering is focused on the continuous improvement of the process performance by maximizing the effectiveness of the manufacturing and the quality of the products. In order to address these aims, the advanced robust process optimization techniques have been designed, implemented, and applied to the manufacturing process of ultrasound (US) probes for medical imaging. The suggested guideline plays a key role for improving a complex multi-stage manufacturing process; it consists of statistical methods applied for improving the product quality, and for achieving a higher productivity, jointly with engineering techniques oriented to problem solving. Starting from the Six Sigma approach, the high definition of the production process was analyzed through a risk analysis, and thus providing a successful implementation of the PDCA (plan-do-check-act) methodology. Therefore, the multidisciplinary analysis is carried out by applying statistical models and by detecting the latent failures by means of NDT (non-destructive testing), i.e., scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM). The presented approach, driven by the statistical analysis, allows the engineers to distinguish the potential weak points of the complex manufacturing, in order to implement the corrective actions. Furthermore, in this paper we illustrate this approach by considering a pilot study, e.g., a process of US probes for medical imaging, by detailing all the guideline steps.

We propose an integrated front-end data acquisition circuit for a hybrid ultrasound (US)-gamma probe. The proposed circuit consists of three main parts: (1) a preamplifier for the gamma probe, (2) a preprocessing analog circuit for the US, and (3) a digitally controlled analog switch. By exploiting the long idle time of the US system, an analog switch can be used to acquire data of both systems using a single output channel simultaneously. On the nuclear medicine (NM) gamma probe side, energy resolutions of 18.4% and 17.5% were acquired with the standalone system and with the proposed switching circuit, respectively, when irradiated with a Co-57 radiation source. Similarly, signal-to-noise ratios of 14.89 and 13.12 dB were achieved when US echo signals were acquired with the standalone system and with the proposed switching circuit, respectively. Lastly, a combined US-gamma probe was used to scan a glass target and a sealed radiation source placed in a water tank. The results confirmed that, by using a hybrid US-gamma probe system, it is possible to distinguish between the two objects and acquire structural information (ultrasound) alongside molecular information (gamma radiation source).

The application of ultrasound within advanced or emerging technologies requires selecting parameters that depend on the target application. This study evaluated pulse and amplitude parameters of oil/water emulsions (20:80% w/w) using low frequency probe ultrasound equipment (20 KHz). A categorical multilevel factorial design was used with Design Expert® in which the following pulse treatments were defined: continuous, pulse 20:20 (on:off) and pulse 30:30 (on:off), for five minutes. Six amplitudes (30, 36, 42, 48, 54 and 60 μm) were evaluated for the following response variables: separation of phases in emulsion, temperature and accumulated power. The results showed that the best condition to obtain an emulsion with less phase separation was the 20:20 (on:off) treatment with an amplitude of 42 μm. The ultrasound probe application parameters that were obtained will enable the design of stable products from low-fat emulsions.

In order to enhance the extraction efficiency of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds from fresh purple eggplant parts (peels and pulps), conventional extraction, grinding process and assisted ultrasonic probe were used. The effects of both ultrasonic time and maceration conditions including pH medium, ethanol/water mixture, temperature and nature of particles (square and ground) were evaluated. Among the examined parts, the peels were found to be rich in anthocyanins. The obtained results showed that the most efficient factors for the extraction of polyphenols are pH medium, nature of particles and temperature. It was found that a temperature of 75 °C and pH 2.0 were the best values to achieve high yield of polyphenols from the ground peels treated for 60 min. Under these optimal conditions, the total yield of phenolic compounds was 23.101 mg GAE/g DM. However, an ultrasonic time of 30 min produced 29.011 mg GAE/g DM in square peel extracts using acidified water as solvent. Further, in terms of total phenolic content, both colorimetric and HPLC analyses confirmed the beneficial effects of the increase of ultrasonic time on the yield of anthocyanins from square peels. In addition, five anthocyanins extracted from eggplant peels were identified as delphinidin-3-rutinoside, delphinidin-3-rutinoside-5-glucoside, petunidin-3-rutinoside, where malvidin-3-rutinoside-5-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside were detected for the first time in eggplant peel extracts. Microscopic evaluation proved that ultrasonic processing and its contact time have significant effects on the structure changes, which caused damage in cells for pretreated samples in comparison with untreated ones. These results indicated that suitable ultrasonic pretreatment, can reduce the extraction time with high yield of phenolic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast ultrasound-assisted sequential extraction (UASE) procedure for the determination of cadmium, lead and nickel fractions in soil was developed and fully validated. The working parameters of an ultrasound probe were optimized by comparing the content of metals in soil extracts obtained by the UASE procedure with that obtained by the conventional (with the aid of a vertical rotor) modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) procedure. The content of metals in soil fractions was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The total time of extraction of metals from soil was shorten from 48 h to 27 min (total sonication time). The trueness of the developed method was confirmed by analysis of the certified reference material BCR-701. In order to indicate critical points of the developed UASE method, uncertainties of fractionation results were calculated and compared with those calculated for conventional modified BCR procedure. The method usefulness was tested for the determination of metal fractions in different types of soil collected in the Podlasie Province (Poland). The proposed procedure could be used for fast screening of mobile fractions of several heavy metals in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many causes of liver disease that can lead to progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver; chronic liver disease is the third most common cause of death for people under 65 in the UK. Advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis can be asymptomatic, making diagnosis difficult without the aid of the 'gold standard' biopsy to assess liver architecture. However, there are many disadvantages associated with this invasive procedure, and so researchers, over the past 15 years, have developed and patented a noninvasive device for measuring liver stiffness and scarring called a FibroScan. This device uses vibration-controlled transient elastography to send sound waves through the liver, from which a reading is taken. A higher reading correlates with an increased likelihood of fibrosis and cirrhosis. This technology is efficient, easy to use and provides immediate results. It allows clinicians to estimate the degree of liver damage, aiding management, treatment and prognosis. It is also an effective monitoring tool that allows liver health to be checked at allotted periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to use ultrasound pre-treatment as a potential method prior to the subsequent processing in the food industry, for button mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower in order to observe the impact of ultrasound on the vegetable surrounding media properties in the processing conditions. The samples treated with 20 kHz probe and 40 kHz bath for 3 and 10 min were compared with blanched (80°C/3 min) and untreated samples. The effect was followed of ultrasound and blanching treatments on pH, electrical conductivity, and temperature changes. The effect of ultrasound on the sample tissue surface was also studied. The pH decreased after the ultrasound treatment with the probe, the largest change having been observed after using a 20 kHz probe for 10 min in all samples as compared with the blanching treatment, whereas it increased in mushroom and cauliflower and decreased in Brussels sprouts. Electric conductivity of the surrounding water before and after the ultrasound and blanching treatments of vegetables increased with all the treatments suggesting the loss of electrolyte. The highest increase was observed with the blanching treatment in all samples, followed by the treatments using an ultrasonic bath (10 min > 3 min) and an ultrasonic probe (3 min > 10 min). The temperature increase in the surrounding water during the ultrasonic treatments was by 1°C using the bath, and by 25&des;C using the probe. Staining of cauliflower and button mushroom tissues surfaces carried out for the damage determination showed that cavitation damage (blue spots) was present after the ultrasonical treatment with 20 kHz probe for 3 min, followed by 20 kHz probe for 10 min, while very little cavitational damage occurred after sonication with 40 kHz bath for 3 and 10 min. In Brussels sprouts, the results showed cavitation after sonication with 20 kHz probe for 3 min, followed by 20 kHz probe for 10 min, but no cavitation was present after sonication with 40 kHz bath.

This paper investigates the effects of ultrasound (UTS) energy at different temperatures on the zeolitization of aluminosilicate constituents of coal fly ash. UTS energy irradiated directly into the reaction mixture utilizing a probe immersed into the reaction mixture, unlike previously reported works that have used UTS baths. Controlled synthesis was also conducted at constant stirring and at the same temperatures using conventional heating. The precursor reaction solution was obtained by first fusing the coal fly ash with sodium hydroxide at 550 °C followed by dissolution in water and filtration. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRF, XRD, SEM and TGA. The crystallinity of crystals produced with UTS assisted conversion compared to conventional conversion at 85 °C was twice as high. UTS energy also reduced the induction time from 60 min to 40 min and from 80 min to 60 min for reaction temperatures of 95 °C and 85 °C, respectively. Prolonging the UTS irradiation at 95 °C resulted in the conversion of zeolite-A crystals to hydroxysodalite, which is a more stable zeolitic phase. It was found that at 85 °C coupled with ultrasound energy produced the best crystalline structure with a pure single phase of zeolite-A. It has been shown that crystallization using UTS energy can produce zeolitic crystals at lower temperatures and within 1 h, dramatically cutting the synthesis time of zeolite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fast method for determination of mobile zinc fractions in soil is proposed in this work. The three-stage modified BCR procedure used for fractionation of zinc in soil was accelerated by using ultrasounds. The working parameters of an ultrasound probe, a power and a time of sonication, were optimized in order to acquire the content of analyte in soil extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted sequential extraction (USE) consistent with that obtained by conventional modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) procedure. The content of zinc in extracts was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The developed USE procedure allowed for shortening the total extraction time from 48 h to 27 min in comparison to conventionalmodified BCR procedure. The methodwas fully validated, and the uncertainty budget was evaluated. The trueness and reproducibility of the developed method was confirmed by analysis of certified reference material of lake sediment BCR-701. The applicability of the procedure for fast, low costs and reliable determination of mobile zinc fraction in soil, which may be useful for assessing of anthropogenic impacts on natural resources and environmental monitoring purposes, was proved by analysis of different types of soil collected from Podlaskie Province (Poland). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Process optimization in ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization was examined. • Sodium phosphotungstate (NaPW) catalyst was used with the hydrogen peroxide. • Amplitude, catalyst dosage, and reaction temperature were extremely significant. • Optimal conditions were achieved at 27.1 min, 39.9%, 320.9 mg NaPW, and 69.7 °C. • Optimum sulfur conversion parameter reached 95.0% for the untreated diesel oil. In this research, a process system optimization in the ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) with the NaPW/H 2 O 2 system was investigated to determine its sustainability to produce clean diesel. The UAOD process was used to identify the effect of sulfur conversion with ultrasound time (6 to 30 min), amplitude (20 to 60%), catalyst dosage (10 to 500 mg), and temperature (30 to 70 °C). Results showed that the variables of amplitude, catalyst dosage, and temperature were extremely significant (p-value < 0.0001). Strong statistical significance (p-value < 0.0001 and F-value = 24.8) has been displayed for the generated model. The optimum sulfur conversion of 99.6% (theoretical) and 95.0% (verified) in diesel was attained at 27.1 min, 39.9% amplitude, 320.9 mg catalyst, and 69.7 °C. Thus, the results of this study indicated the novel applicability of the UAOD as a desulfurization technology in industrial practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physalis peruviana Linnaeus belongs to the family Solanaceae, and its potential cultivation is currently being explored due to its high productivity, sensory aspects and presence of several bioactive compounds. The shelf life of fresh physalis after harvesting is short, and its water content is high; therefore, osmotic dehydration, an alternative technology, could reduce the postharvest loss of this fruit. However, one factor that has hindered the application of this technology is the waxy skin of the fruit; in this context, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of the pretreatment using an ultrasound probe (frequency, 20 kHz; amplitude, 80 %; for 30 min) on mass transfer during osmotic dehydration (ODU) and compare the results of the osmotic dehydration process without ultrasound (OD). The results showed that after 10 h, the loss of moisture was 47.6 ± 3.8 % and 46.1 ± 0.9 % for OD and ODU, respectively. The results for total sugar (normalized) showed a gain of 2.01 ± 0.22 and 2.05 ± 0.26 (g glucose g of fruit) for OD and ODU, respectively. The carotenoid values were not observed to be influenced significantly by pretreatment; the ratios between the initial and final values of carotenoids were 0.74 ± 0.04 and 0.78 ± 0.06 for OD and ODU, respectively. The effective mass diffusivity of water calculated was 3.24 ± 0.49 × 10 m s for OD and 3.34 ± 0.11 × 10 m s for ODU, and the values founded were statistically equal (Tukey; p > 0.05). Additionally, the water activity and total color difference were measured for both the OD and ODU processes after 10 h, and statistically equal results were observed. Thus, for the conditions analyzed in this work, osmotic dehydration without and with an ultrasound probe as pretreatment showed no influence on the parameters studied. However, the food industry is constantly investigating new preservation technologies to improve and/or to replace of traditional food preservation techniques, and the treatment using ultrasonic waves has been used in conservation of fruits because it modifies the structure of the fruit increasing the water loss in the processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smartphones are one of the most widely used cell phones in the United States today. They perform multiple functions, and in April 2009, another capability was added to that list. Smartphones are now able to display sonographic images of the human body and organs through use of a smartphone-compatible ultrasound probe. The probe can be plugged into the USB slot of a smartphone and used to allow gray-scale image visualization. This article discusses the function and structure of this new and emerging technology while looking at the impact of this technology on the field of sonography. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To effectively improve treatment precision in conformal radiotherapy, ultrasound sensing is employed to detect tumors in real time. In order to implement this new configuration, the physician operating the ultrasound probe must not stay in the radiotherapy room. This motivates the development of a physician-commanded robotic manipulation system for target localization in conformal radiotherapy. The proposed robotic control system is in eye-to-hand configuration with binocular vision and force sensing. The ultrasound probe mounted on the end-effector of the manipulator is controlled to follow the pose commanded by the physician. Based on the measurements from a six-axis force sensor, the probe can be controlled further to maintain the desired contact force against the possibly-deforming treatment surface. The proposed hybrid force and vision-based control approach has been validated by experimenting with a six-degrees-of-freedom industrial manipulator to allow clear ultrasound images. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical ultrasound imaging is a well-known technique to gather live views of the interior of the human body. It is totally safe, it provides high spatial and temporal resolution, and it is nowadays available at any hospital. This suggests that it could be used as a human-computer interface. In this paper, we use ultrasound images of the human forearm to predict the finger positions, including thumb adduction and thumb rotation. Our experimental results show that there is a clear linear relationship between the features we extract from the images, and finger positions, expressed as angles at the metacarpo-phalangeal joints. The method is uniformly valid for all subjects considered. The unavoidable movements of the ultrasound probe with respect to the skin and of the skin with respect to the inner musculoskeletal structure are compensated for using the optical flow. Typical applications of this system range from teleoperated fine manipulation to finger stiffness estimation to ergonomy. If successfully applied to transradial amputees, it could be also used to reconstruct the imaginary limb, paving the way to, e.g., fine control of hand prostheses, treatment of neuropathic/phantom limb pain and visualization of the imaginary limb as a tool for the neuroscientist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine suitable procedures for decontaminating ultrasound probes. Methods: We investigated bacterial transmission via ultrasound probes that were not wiped, wiped with a plain paper towel, or wiped with an ethanol-soaked paper towel. Results: The unwiped probes transmitted large numbers of bacteria, which were markedly reduced by wiping the probes with a plain paper towel, and almost completely eliminated by wiping with an ethanol-soaked paper towel. Conclusion: Improperly decontaminated ultrasound probes can transmit bacteria among patients. Ultrasound probes should be decontaminated by wiping with a paper towel after examinations to prevent bacterial transmission. Plain or ethanol-soaked paper towels should be used depending on the situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction method of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) has become a popular issue due to the emergence of PPCPs as contaminants. In this work, polycyclic musks, a typical type of PPCPs, were selected to test various techniques including microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), simultaneous distillation-solvent extraction (SDSE), Soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasound probe (UP). MAE and UP proved to be more effective pretreatment techniques than SE and SDSE, with high recovery, repeatability, accuracy, efficiency, little solvent consumption, and acceptable matrix effects. Notably, the chemical methods usually did not work well for the determination of bioavailability and the environmental fate of pollutants was overestimated. In this work, wheat ( Triticum aestivum L .) was used as the ecological receptor to evaluate the bioavailability of chemical pollutants. The concentrations of polycyclic musks in sediments by way of UP extraction had a significant correlation ( R > 0.9, P < 0.01) with the concentrations in roots of wheat and the changes of chlorophyll, malondialdehyde and peroxidase in leaves of wheat. These changes suggest that the concentrations of polycyclic musks in sediments using UP extraction were comparable with the level of those in vivo. Through this work, it was discovered that using UP with a different solvent was suitable for determining total concentrations and the bioavailable fractions in sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ording to the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), alkylphenols, such as octylphenols and nonylphenols, and 17β-oestradiol are considered as priority or emerging pollutants, respectively, mainly due to their possible properties as endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs are accumulated in liver, fat, kidney and bile in the glucuronide form. In order to determine the concentration of these compounds in bile, an enzymatic hydrolysis step is necessary. This step is usually long (∼16 h), and in this sense, ultrasound probes were studied as a possible alternative energy source to accelerate this process. Enzymatic hydrolysis was reduced to 20 min using an ultrasound probe at one cycle and 10% of amplitude. For validation of analytical procedure, nonylphenol glucuronide (4NP-G), 4- tert-octylphenol glucuronide (4tOP-G) and 4- n-octylphenol glucuronide (4nOP-G) were synthesised while 17β-oestradiol glucuronide (E2-G) was commercially available. Bile from thick-lip grey mullets ( Chelon labrosus) was spiked with known amounts of 4NP-G, 4tOP-G, 4nOP-G and E2-G and submitted to the optimised procedure. Good recoveries (77-122%), precision in the 5% to 12% range and limits of detection, ranging from the low nanogramme per gramme level for 4tOP, 4nOP and E2 to the low microgramme per gramme level for nonylphenols, were obtained. The optimised method was applied for the determination of alkylphenol in the bile of thick-lip grey mullets fish bile from the Urdaibai estuary (UNESCO reserve of the Biosphere, Bay of Biscay), and high concentrations (2.3-14.2 μg/g), such as those obtained in polluted areas, were measured. E2 was determined in the bile of thick-lip grey mullets, intraperitoneally injected with E2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine suitable methods for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes. We compared probe imprinting, swab streaking, and swab suspension methods for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes. Experimental and clinical investigations showed that the sensitivity for detecting bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes was higher with probe imprinting than with swab methods. Probe imprinting was very simple and required only agar plates. Probe imprinting was the most suitable method for evaluating bacterial contamination of ultrasound probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A fast extraction procedure has been developed for Sb(III) and Sb(V) oxoanions speciation in airborne particulate matter samples. Different extraction media (diammonium tartrate, hidroxilammonium clorhidrate, citric acid+ascorbic acid, phosphoric acid and citrate solutions) were tried, with assistance of an ultrasonic probe. The operation power and time of extraction were also optimized. The higher extraction recoveries were obtained with a 100mmolL−1 hidroxilammonium clorhidrate aqueous solution assisted by the ultrasound probe operated at 50W during 3min. The extracts were analyzed by HPLC-HG-AFS. The chromatographic separation of Sb(III) and Sb(V) was also optimized using diammonium tartrate and phthalic acid as mobile phases. The separation of both Sb species was performed in less than 3min under isocratic conditions, using a 200mmolL−1 diammonium tartrate solution. The proposed extraction procedure and the HPLC-HG-AFS instrumental coupling have been successfully applied to airborne particulate matter samples, with high Sb content, collected in heavy traffic streets from Buenos Aires (Argentina). The results showed the presence of both Sb species at similar concentrations in the ngm−3 level. The extraction yield was higher than 90% for all the analyzed samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this paper was to examine how muscle architecture parameter (MAP) measurements made using brightness-mode ultrasonography (BMU) differ based on probe orientation. The human tibialis anterior muscle was imaged from nine different probe orientations during concentric contractions at four joint angles to determine the effect of probe orientation on the measurement of muscle architecture parameters. Ankle dorsi-flexion torque, tibialis anterior electromyography (EMG), and measures of MAP including fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) were collected. Statistically significant differences were found between joint angles for measures of FL and PA and between probe orientations for measures of FL and MT. A comparison of actual MAP values to a geometric model used by researchers to determine an ideal probe orientation show that the actual values vary to a greater extent and do not follow the trend predicted by the model. The results suggest that ultrasound probe orientation affects measures of MAP but the effect either cannot be predicted from a geometric model and/or the error in the measurement technique does not allow a comparison. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this work was to use ultrasound as a pre-treatment method prior drying of mushrooms, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower in order to achieve reduction in drying time and to understand the effect of the ultrasound in mass transfer process, where diffusivity is the limiting step in the process. Pre-treatment with 20kHz probe and 40kHz bath for 3 and 10min have been compared with blanched (80°C/3min) and untreated samples. The procedures used were either freeze drying or conventional drying at a temperature of 60°C and air velocity (v =0.3m/s) for sonicated, blanched and untreated samples. The effect of ultrasound and blanching pre-treatments on weight and moisture loss/gain, upon drying and rehydration were investigated. The drying time after ultrasound treatment was shortened for all samples, as compared to untreated. The rehydration properties (weight gain, %) were found to be the best for freeze-dried samples which showed weight gains for mushrooms (45.3%), Brussels sprouts (21.4%) and cauliflower (51%). The rehydration properties for ultrasound treated samples were higher than those for untreated samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently it has become very important to diagnose more precisely the invasion depth of submucosal carcinoma prior to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) whether selecting lesion is with or without indications for EMR. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of high-frequency ultrasound probes (HFUP) for preoperative diagnosis of vertical invasion depth<1000 µm or not in superficial and sessile type submucosal colorectal carcinomas. Twenty-seven cases of superficial and sessile type submucosal colorectal carcinoma were examined with high-frequency ultrasound probes (HFUP; 15 or 20 MHz radial-scan ultrasound probes; Olympus Optical, Tokyo, Japan and Fujinon Omiya, Saitama, Japan) at Hiroshima University Hospital and analyzed. Diagnostic accuracy was confirmed by comparing the ultrasonic with the pathologic vertical invasion depth of specimens resected either by EMR or surgical resection. Histologic depth of submucosal invasion was defined as the distance from muscularis mucosae measured microscopically with a micrometer. When muscularis mucosae in the tumor could not be detected, we measured the invasion depth from the surface of the carcinoma to the apex of the deepest invasive portion. As a result, invasion depth between ultrasonic image and histologic findings showed a significantly close correlation. HFUP diagnosis was demonstrated as useful in determining the distance of vertical invasion and for planning a therapeutic strategy against submucosal colorectal carcinomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose an integrated front-end data acquisition circuit for a hybrid ultrasound (US)-gamma probe. The proposed circuit consists of three main parts: (1) a preamplifier for the gamma probe, (2) a preprocessing analog circuit for the US, and (3) a digitally controlled analog switch. By exploiting the long idle time of the US system, an analog switch can be used to acquire data of both systems using a single output channel simultaneously. On the nuclear medicine (NM) gamma probe side, energy resolutions of 18.4% and 17.5% were acquired with the standalone system and with the proposed switching circuit, respectively, when irradiated with a Co-57 radiation source. Similarly, signal-to-noise ratios of 14.89 and 13.12 dB were achieved when US echo signals were acquired with the standalone system and with the proposed switching circuit, respectively. Lastly, a combined US-gamma probe was used to scan a glass target and a sealed radiation source placed in a water tank. The results confirmed that, by using a hybrid US-gamma probe system, it is possible to distinguish between the two objects and acquire structural information (ultrasound) alongside molecular information (gamma radiation source). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles have been synthesized by direct sonoelectrochemical method. • Direct sonoelectrochemistry increases the synthesis rate up to 15-fold. • Direct sonoelectrochemical synthesis method enhances the saturation magnetization. • The coercivity value of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles decreases in this method. The direct sonoelectrochemical method is a new combination of electrochemical and ultrasonic synthesis, in which an iron rod is used as both an ultrasound probe and a sacrificial anode. In the specified pulse of time, the iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized during the electrolysis process, and in the subsequent time pulse, ultrasound radiation dissociates the Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles from the surface. In this paper, iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and characterized by conventional electrochemical and direct sonoelectrochemical methods under low and high current density. The results showed that the use of the direct sonoelectrochemical method could increase the synthesis rate up to 15-fold without altering the purity and phase of the nanoparticles. In the direct sonoelectrochemical method, smaller nanoparticles have been produced. The saturation magnetization in the sonoelectrochemical method is 24.9% and 7.9% more than the conventional electrochemical method at high and low current densities, respectively. Also, the coercivity value in the sonoelectrochemical method is 40.27% and 64.54% lower than the conventional electrochemical method at high and low current densities, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensity of backscattered ultrasound signal from heart muscle is known to be related to the angle between cardiac fibers and the insonification direction. In this work, a GPU-based method of simulating three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic images from an empirically derived angle-to-backscatter relationship is developed and validated. Images of a rotating fiber phantom are simulated, and it is validated that the angle-to-backscatter relationship is accurately reflected by the simulated envelope data. In a second experiment, echocardiography images are simulated from a diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) volume of a canine heart to demonstrate that the method produces view-dependent speckle. 3D volumes of a parametrically generated ideal left ventricle phantom are also simulated and processed into fiber orientation maps using the underlying quantitative parameters. Images are simulated based on the characteristics of a 35-by-32 two-dimensional (2D) matrix array probe and a clinical one-dimensional (1D) phased array probe. The processed fiber volumes exhibit good agreement with the virtual phantom's ground truth, having an average acute angle error (AAE) of less than 10 degrees for both probes. The simulation method is fast and opens a new approach for ultrasound fiber imaging., Competing Interests: DISCLOSURES The authors have no relevant financial interests in this article and no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Abstract A highly porous film composed of a three-dimensional network of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), also known as buckypaper (BP), was prepared by vacuum filtration of a well-dispersed suspension of MWCNT/H 2 0 with the aid Triton X-100 surfactant. The key contribution of this work is to achieve the best parameters during the preparation of the suspension and find the best way to remove the excess triton X-100 from the nanotube network. The stability of suspension in different pH, the adsorption capacity, and the reusability of MWCNT was also evaluated. The effects of ultrasound parameters on the BP properties were systematically investigated and characterized by Raman Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and electric resistivity using a four-point probe technique. In addition, the results of using different solvents to wash the BP after filtration process were analyzed by Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM). The optimum condition employed in this work (25 min–40%) exhibited the I D /I G ratio of 2.17 and L 002 of 5.597 nm, which suggests less damage to MWCNT. This study confirms that MWCNT-BP can be used to fabricate high-loading CNT/polymer composites with improved electrical properties. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The optimum ultrasound parameters for the carbon nanotube buckypaper preparation were obtained. • Acid treated carbon nanotubes present better results in terms of dispersion during the buckypaper fabrication. • The more efficient combination of solvents to wash the triton X-100 out of the carbon nanotube network was found. • Porous and conductive buckypapers were successfully fabricated by vacuum filtration process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circulators are often used in RF systems; however, their size, cost, and weight increase greatly at lower frequencies (<300 MHz). The development of a load‐insensitive active quasi‐circulator is presented as an alternative for the traditional circulators to be used in low‐frequency systems such as Doppler ultrasound. Major challenges to these active devices are limited power and low isolation between non‐consecutive ports. The use of current‐feedback operational amplifiers allowed higher‐power delivery to the load. Simulations using Monte Carlo method showed an isolation >19 dB for 20% of variation of the load impedance. The circuit was implemented and tested with an ultrasound probe in a water tank. The results show that the circuit was able to send and receive signals simultaneously from a single ultrasound transducer element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasound guidance for epidural block has improved clinical blind-trial problems but the design of present ultrasonic probes poses operating difficulty of ultrasound-guided catheterization, increasing the failure rate. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel ultrasonic probe to avoid needle contact with vertebral bone during epidural catheterization. The probe has a central circular passage for needle insertion. Two focused annular transducers are deployed around the passage for on-axis guidance. A 17-gauge insulated Tuohy needle containing the self-developed fiber-optic-modified stylet was inserted into the back of the anesthetized pig, in the lumbar region under the guidance of our ultrasonic probe. The inner transducer of the probe detected the shallow echo signals of the peak-peak amplitude of 2.8 V over L3 at the depth of 2.4 cm, and the amplitude was decreased to 0.8 V directly over the L3 to L4 interspace. The outer transducer could detect the echoes from the deeper bone at the depth of 4.5 cm, which did not appear for the inner transducer. The operator tilted the probe slightly in left-right and cranial-caudal directions until the echoes at the depth of 4.5 cm disappeared, and the epidural needle was inserted through the central passage of the probe. The needle was advanced and stopped when the epidural space was identified by optical technique. The needle passed without bone contact. Designs of the hollow probe for needle pass and dual transducers with different focal lengths for detection of shallow and deep vertebrae may benefit operation, bone/nonbone identification, and cost.

Point-of-care ultrasound (US) has become a cornerstone in the diagnosis and treatment of patients in the emergency department (ED). Despite the beneficial impact on patient care, concern exists over repeat use of probes and the role as a vector for pathogen transmission. US probes are used for various applications, with the level of infection risk, based on the Spaulding Classification, ranging from noncritical with common practice to semicritical with endocavitary probes. To date, the most closely studied organisms are Staphylococcus aureus and human papilloma virus. Current evidence does confirm probe colonization but has not established a causative role in human infection. Based on current literature, US use during invasive procedures remains an infection control concern, but routine use on intact skin does not appear to cause significant risk to patients. Various barrier methods are available, each with indications based on extent of procedure and likelihood of contact with mucosal surfaces. Additionally, chemical cleansing methods have been shown to be effective in limiting probe contamination after use. New technologies utilizing ultraviolet light are available and effective but not widely used in the ED setting. As our understanding of the critical factors in US probe cleaning and disinfection improves, it is important to assess the challenges found in our current practice and to identify potential solutions to improve practices and procedures in infection control across the spectrum of US probe use in various applications in the ED. This article serves as a summary of the current literature available on infection control topics with the utilization of point-of-care US, and discusses challenges and potential solutions to improve the current practice of probe-related infection control.

This paper describes the advances in the development and subsequent testing of an imaging device for three-dimensional ultrasound measurement of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery. The embolization from the atherosclerotic carotid plaque is one of the most common causes of ischemic stroke and, therefore, we consider the measurement of the plaque as extremely important. The paper describes the proposed hardware for enhancing the standard ultrasonic probe to provide a possibility of accurate probe positioning and synchronization with the cardiac activity, allowing the precise plaque measurements that were impossible with the standard equipment. The synchronization signal is derived from the output signal of the patient monitor (electrocardiogram (ECG)), processed by a microcontroller-based system, generating the control commands for the linear motion moving the probe. The controlling algorithm synchronizes the movement with the ECG waveform to obtain clear images not disturbed by the heart activity.

Ultrasound offers great potential in development of a noninvasive periodontal assessment tool that would offer great yield real time information, regarding clinical features such as pocket depth, attachment level, tissue thickness, histological change, calculus, bone morphology, as well as evaluation of tooth structure for fracture cracks. In therapeutics, ultrasonic instrumentation is proven effective and efficient in treating periodontal disease. When used properly, ultrasound-based instrument is kind to the soft tissues, require less healing time, and are less tiring for the operator. Microultrasonic instruments have been developed with the aim of improving root-surface debridement. The dye/paper method of mapping ultrasound fields demonstrated cavitational activity in an ultrasonic cleaning bath. Piezosurgery resulted in more favorable osseous repair and remodeling in comparison with carbide and diamond burs. The effect of ultrasound is not limited to fracture healing, but that bone healing after osteotomy or osteodistraction could be stimulated as well.