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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]