Predictive value of the trans-perineal three-dimensional ultrasound measurement of the pubic arch angle for vaginal delivery

BACKGROUND Numerous variables are linked to the success of vaginal delivery,including the subpubic arch angle(SPAA)during labor,the importance of which has not yet been fully elucidated.AIM To examine the SPAA distributional characteristics and to ascertain SPAA’s ability to predict the type and duration of labor.METHODS We determined the SPAA and analyzed the corresponding data.We also evaluated the relationship between the SPAA and the mode of delivery and the duration of labor by regression.The present study comprised a total of 301 pregnant women who had given birth at Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University between January and December of 2021.RESULTS Our analysis of 301 pregnant women revealed that the SPAA measured using three-dimensional trans-perineal ultrasound had a minimum angle of 81°and a maximum angle of 122.2°.The angle in the normal vaginal delivery group was greater than that in the labor cesarean group(P=0.000).The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery(P=0.000)with an area under the curve of 0.782(P=0.000;95%CI:0.717-0.848).We found the length of the second stage of labor to be positively influenced by the SPAA using linear regression analysis(P=0.045).CONCLUSION The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery.The length of the second stage of labor and normal vaginal birth were predicted by SPAA.

Detection of Congenital Uterine Malformation by Using Transvaginal Three-dimensional Ultrasound

This study assessed the clinical application of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound （3D TVUS） in the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformation. A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with congenital uterine malformation confirmed hysteroscopically and/or laparoscopically. The patients were subjected to transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound （2D TVUS） and 3D TVUS. The accuracy rate was compared between the two methods. The accuracy rate of 3D TVUS was （98.38%, 61/62）, higher than that of 2D TVUS （80.65%, 50/62）. 3D TVUS coronal plane imaging could demon- strate the internal shape of the endometrial cavity and the external contour of the uterine fundus. It al- lowed accurate measurement on the coronary plane, and could three-dimensionally show the image of cervical tube, thereby providing information for the diagnosis of some complex uterine malformation. 3D TVUS imaging can obtain comprehensive information of the uterus malformation, and it is superior to 2D TVUS for the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformations, especially complex uterine anomaly.

Sequential transcatheter arterial chemoembolization,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy,and high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC） treated by sequential therapy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization（TACE）,three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy（3-DCRT） and high-intensity focused ultrasound（HIFU）.From October,2005 to September,2010,120 patients with unresectable HCC received the sequential treatments of several courses of TACE followed in 2-4 weeks by 3-DCRT and then a single session of HIFU with a curative intent.The median tumor irradiation dose was 40 Gy.Tumor response,toxicity and overall survival rate were analyzed.Clinicopathologic factors affecting the primary technique effectiveness and overall survival rates were investigated by univariate analysis or multivariate analysis.All 120 HCC patients were followed up by the last follow-up time.Among these patients,hepatic toxicities due to treatment were notable in 9 cases.Gastrointestinal bleeding after the overall treatment occurred in 2 cases,leukopenia of grade III was detected in 1 case,radiation-induced liver disease（RILD） was observed in 2 patients,and first-and second-degree skin burn around the HIFU treatment zone were observed in 2 patients and 1 patient,respectively.Among 120 patients,23,83 and 14 cases achieved partial response,stable disease and progressive disease,respectively.The overall survival rates at 1 year,3 years and 5 years were 70%,35% and 15%,respectively,with a median survival time of 26 months.Both Child-Pugh liver function grading and radiation dose were determined to be independent predictors for overall survival revealed by the multivariate analysis.It is concluded that the sequential therapy of TACE,3-DCRT and HIFU is a promising therapeutic regimen for unresectable HCC.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Sirenomelia by Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Skeletal Imaging Ultrasound

Summary： This study sought to evaluate the contribution of two-dimensional ultrasound （2D-US） and three-dimensional skeletal imaging ultrasound （3D-SUIS） in the prenatal diagnosis of sirenomelia. Be- tween September 2010 and April 2014, a prospective study was conducted in a single referral center using 3D-SU1S performed after 2D-US in 10 cases of sirenomelia. Diagnostic accuracy and detailed findings were compared with postnatal three-dimensional helical computed tomography （3D-HCT）, radiological findings and autopsy. Pregnancy was terminated in all 10 sirenomelia cases, including 9 singletons and I conjoined twin pregnancy, for a total of 5 males and 5 females. These cases of sirenomelia were deter- mined by autopsy and/or chromosomal examination. Initial 2D-US showed that there were 10 cases of oligohydranmios, bilateral renal agenesis, bladder agenesis, single umbilical artery, fusion of the lower limbs and spinal abnormalities; 8 cases of dipus or monopus; 2 cases of apus; and 8 cases of cardiac abnormalities. Subsequent 3D-SUIS showed that there were 9 cases of scoliosis, l0 cases of sacrococ- cygeal vertebra dysplasia, 3 cases of hemivertebra, 1 case of vertebral fusion, 3 cases of spina bifida, and 5 cases of rib abnormalities. 3D-SUIS identified significantly more skeletal abnormalities than did 2D-US, and its accuracy was 79.5% （70/88） compared with 3D-HCT and radiography. 3D-SUIS seems to be a useful complementary method to 2D-US and may improve the accuracy of identifying prenatal skeletal abnormalities related to sirenomelia.

Transperineal core-needle biopsy of a rectal subepithelial lesion guided by endorectal ultrasound after contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report

BACKGROUND Rectal subepithelial lesions(SELs) are commonly seen in endoscopic examination, generally manifested as bumps with a smooth surface. Precise preoperative diagnoses for rectal SELs are difficult because abnormal tissues are not easily to be obtained by regular endoscopic forceps biopsy. Traditional guidance modalities of preoperative biopsy, including endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography, and transabdominal ultrasound, are often unsatisfactory. An updated, safe, and effective biopsy guidance method is required. We herein report a new biopsy guidance modality—endorectal ultrasound(ERUS) combined with contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS).CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old woman complained of a mass inside the rectovaginal space for 9 years, which became enlarged within 1 year. A rectal SEL detected by endoscopy was suspected to be a gastrointestinal stromal tumor or exophytic uterine fibroid. Pathological diagnosis was difficult because of unsuccessful transabdominal core needle biopsy with insufficient tissues, as well as vaginal hemorrhage. A second biopsy was suggested after multiple disciplinary treatment discussion, which referred to a transperineal core needle biopsy(CNB) guided by ERUS combined with CEUS. Adequate samples were procured and rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was proved to be the pathological diagnosis. Imatinib was recommended for first-line therapy by multiple disciplinary treatment discussion. After the tumor shrunk, resection of the rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor was performed through the posterior vaginal wall. Adjuvant therapy was applied and no recurrence or metastasis has been found by the last follow-up on December 13, 2019.CONCLUSION Transperineal CNB guided by ERUS and CEUS is a safe and effective preoperative biopsy of rectal SELs yet with some limitations.

Three-dimensional psychological guidance combined with evidencebased health intervention in patients with liver abscess treated with ultrasound

BACKGROUND Liver abscess is a common clinical liver disease mainly caused by suppurative bacteria or amoebae,with early clinical signs of chills,high fever,jaundice,and other symptoms.Establishing its early diagnosis is difficult,which may lead to misdiagnosis.AIM To observe the effects of psychological guidance combined with evidence-based health intervention in patients with liver abscess treated with ultrasound.METHODS A total of 120 patients with bacterial liver abscess admitted to our hospital from May 2018 to February 2021 were selected and divided into groups according to their intervention plan.RESULTS After the intervention,Self-Rating Depression Scale,Self-Rating Anxiety Scale,Self-Perceived Burden Scale(SPBS),and quality of life scores(physical functioning,role physical,bodily pain,general health,vitality,social functioning,role emotional,mental health)were lower than before the intervention in the two groups.The observation group had lower negative sentiment,SPBS,and quality of life scores than the control group.In the observation group,31 and 24 patients had good and general compliance,respectively,with a compliance rate of 91.67%,which was significantly higher than that in the control group.The observation group had significantly lower total incidence of incision infection,abdominal abscess,hemorrhage,and severe abdominal pain than the control group.CONCLUSION Three-dimensional psychological guidance combined with evidence-based health intervention in treating liver abscess can reduce patients’burden and negative emotions,improve patient compliance and quality of life,and reduce complications.

Changes in three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound features before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer and their relationship with malignant molecule expression

Objective:To study the changes in three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound features before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer and their relationship with malignant molecule expression.Methods: The patients who were diagnosed with cervical cancer and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in Wuhan Red Cross Hospital between March 2015 and October 2017 were selected as the cervical cancer group, and the patients who received cervical biopsy and were diagnosed with stage I cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by pathological findings during the same period were selected as the control group. Before biopsy, three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography was performed to measure VI, FI and VFI;the tissues of cervical cancer group before and after chemotherapy as well as the biopsy tissues of control group were collected to measure the expression of proliferation genes, invasion genes and angiogenesis genes.Results: The VI, FI and VFI levels as well as the Piwil2 gene (Piwil2), CyclinD1, N-Myc downstream regulated gene 3 (NDRG3), CXC chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), cathepsin-L (CAT-L), EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1), angiotensin (Ang)1, Ang2 and angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) mRNA expression levels in the tissues of cervical cancer group before and after chemotherapy were all significantly higher than those of control group whereas the thrombospondin 2 (THBS2), Smac gene (Smac), large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1), reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with kazal motifs (RECK) and plas minogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression levels in the tissues were all significantly lower than those of control group, and the VI, FI and VFI levels as well as the Piwil2, CyclinD1, NDRG3, CXCL5, CAT-L, EFEMP1, Ang1, Ang2 and ANGPTL4 mRNA expression levels in the tissues of cervical cancer group after chemotherapy were all significantly lower than those before chemotherapy whereas the THBS2, Smac, LATS1, RECK and PAI-1 mRNA expression levels were all significantly higher than those before chemotherapy;the VI, FI and VFI levels in cervical cancer tissues were positively correlated with the Piwil2, CyclinD1, NDRG3, CXCL5, CAT-L, EFEMP1, Ang1, Ang2 and ANGPTL4 mRNA expression levels, and negatively correlated with the THBS2, Smac, LATS1, RECK and PAI-1 mRNA expression levels.Conclusion: The changes in the three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound parameters before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for cervical cancer can reflect the changes in proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis gene expression in the lesions.

Value of myocardial function in children with Kawasaki disease by two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking

Objective:To investigate the value of two-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking(2D-STI)and three-dimensional ultrasound speckle tracking(3D-STI)in evaluating myocardial function in children with Kawasaki disease.Methods 92 children with Kawasaki disease admitted to our hospital from February 2017 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.50 children who underwent 3D-STI examination were taken as observation group and 42 children who underwent 2D-STI examination were taken as control group.The left ventricular systolic function index,storage time and analysis time of the image,the diameter of coronary artery,the strain difference of left ventricular basal segment,middle segment,apical segment and whole segment were observed.Results The levels of left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV),left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV),left ventricular myocardial mass(LVMI)in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),but there was no statistical difference in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)between the two groups(P>0.05).The storage time and analysis time of the image in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The left coronary artery(LCA)and right coronary artery(RCA)in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference between left anterior descending(LAD)in the two groups(P>0.05).The longitudinal peak systolic strain(LS),circumferential peak systolic strain(CS)and radial peak systolic strain(RS)in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The global longitudinal peak strain(GLS),global circumferential peak strain(GCS)and global radial peak strain(GRS)in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).LS and CS in the middle segment of the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions Compared with 2D-STI,3D-STI can objectively and accurately reflect the myocardial function of children with Kawasaki disease.

Correlation analysis of real-time three-dimensional ultrasound in diagnosis of left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and severity of liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis

Objective:To analyze the correlation between real-time three-dimensional ultrasound in diagnosis of left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and severity of liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: 90 patients with cirrhosis admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled in the cirrhosis group, and the cirrhosis components were group A, B and C according to the Child-Pauh classification criteria. During the same period, 90 healthy subjects who underwent physical examination were selected as the control group;real-time three-dimensional ultrasonography was performed to examine left ventricular function and portal hemodynamic parameters;Pearson correlation was used to analyze left ventricular function, portal hemodynamics and liver. Functional severity relationship.Results: The left heart E and E/A levels in the cirrhosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the A level was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The Dpv and Q levels in the cirrhosis group were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), and the level of Vpv was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (P<0.05). There were significant differences in E, A and E/A levels between different Child-Paugh patients (P<0.05). There were significant differences in portal hemodynamics Dpv, Vpv and Q between the different Child-Paugh grades, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05);left heart function E and E/A and liver function severity There was a significant negative correlation (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between left cardiac function A and liver function severity (P<0.05). Portal vein hemodynamics Dpv, Vpv and QE were significantly associated with liver function severity. Positive correlation (P<0.05). Conclusion: Real-time three-dimensional ultrasound can effectively detect left ventricular function and portal hemodynamics changes in patients with cirrhosis, and left heart function, portal hemodynamics and liver function severity are significantly correlated.

Antidiastole Value of Three-dimensional Ultrasonography and Power Doppler between Uterine Parenchyma Lumps and Endometrial Cancer:A Retrospective Study

Sometimes endometrial polyps,submucosal myomas,and endometrial cancer show similar findings under ultrasonography.The aim of this study was to assess the antidiastole value of blood flow parameters using three-dimensional(3D)power Doppler ultrasonography angiography(PDA)between endometrial cancer and uterine parenchyma lumps.The data of the blood flow indices in 3D-PDA including the vascularization index(VI),flow index(FI),and vascularization flow index(VFI)in 40 patients with endometrial cancer and 41 patients with uterine parenchyma lumps(endometrial polyps and submucosal myomas)were retrospectively analysed and compared utilizing Virtual Organ Computer-aided AnaLysis(VOCAL)software.The results showed that all the blood flow parameters(VI,FI,VFI)were significantly higher in women with endometrial cancer than in those with uterine parenchyma lumps(P<0.001).The area under the curve of ROC of VI,FI,and VFI was 0.98,0.84,and 0.97,respectively.Thus,the best predictor of endometrial carcinoma was VI with a sensitivity of 97.0% and a specificity of 91.0%.The optimal cutoff value of VI was 4.06%.Our data demonstrated that all of the blood flow signal parameters(including VI,FI,and VFI)in 3D power Doppler ultrasonography had significant antidiastole values between endometrial cancer and uterine parenchyma lumps to assist clinicians in properly diagnosing patients.

Three-dimensional imaging of the uterus:The value of the coronal plane

Advent in three-dimensional(3D) imaging technology has seen 3D ultrasound establish itself as a useful adjunct complementary to traditional two-dimensional imaging of the female pelvis. This advantage largely arises from its ability to reconstruct the coronal plane of the uterus, which allows further delineation of many gynecological disorders. 3D imaging of the uterus is now the preferred imaging modality for assessing congenital uterine anomalies and intrauterine device localization. Newer indications include the diagnosis of adenomyosis. It can also add invaluable information to delineate other endometrial and myometrial pathology such as fibroids and endometrial polyps.

Era of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound

It is an era of diagnostic and interventional ultrasound (US).Various new techniques such as three-dimensional US(3D US),interventional US,and contrastenhanced US(CEUS)have been introduced into clinical practice.Dr.Xu and his colleagues have taken advantage of these techniques and carried out a series of relevant studies.Their use of 3D US in the liver,gallbladder,liver tumor volumetry,guidance for ablation,and 3D CEUS has widened the application of 3D US in the clinic.They found that prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after thermal ablation with curative intent was determined by treatment response to ablation,pretreatment serum AFP,and liver function reserve.Tumor response to treatment was the most predictive factor for long-term survival.They compared the use of percutaneous microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of HCC and found that both are effective methods in treating HCCs.The local tumor control,complications related to treatment, and long-term survival were equivalent for the two modalities.They first compared the enhancement patterns of HCC and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC)and proposed the diagnostic clues for ICC,liver angiomyolipoma(AML),gallbladder cancer,renal carcinoma,and renal AML,which have greatly enhanced the role ofCEUS in the clinic.They also evaluated the diagnostic performance of CEUS in characterizing complex cystic focal liver lesions and the agreement between two investigators with different experience levels;and found that CEUS is especially useful for the young investigator.They assessed the effect of anti-angiogenic gene therapy for HCC treated by microbubble-enhanced US exposure and concluded that gene therapy mediated by US exposure enhanced by a microbubble contrast agent may become a new treatment option for HCC.

Ultrasound virtual endoscopy: Polyp detection and reliability of measurement in an in vitro study with pig intestine specimens

AIM: To present our initial experience regarding the feasibility of ultrasound virtual endoscopy(USVE) and its measurement reliability for polyp detection in an in vitro study using pig intestine specimens.METHODS: Six porcine intestine specimens containing 30 synthetic polyps underwent USVE, computed tomography colonography(CTC) and optical colonoscopy(OC) for polyp detection. The polyp measurement defined as the maximum polyp diameter on twodimensional(2D) multiplanar reformatted(MPR) planes was obtained by USVE, and the absolute measurement error was analyzed using the direct measurement as the reference standard.RESULTS: USVE detected 29(96.7%) of 30 polyps, remaining a 7-mm one missed. There was one falsepositive finding. Twenty-six(89.7%) of 29 reconstructedimages were clearly depicted, while 29(96.7%) of 30 polyps were displayed on CTC with one false-negative finding. In OC, all the polyps were detected. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.876(95%CI: 0.745-0.940) for measurements obtained with USVE. The pooled absolute measurement errors ± the standard deviations of the depicted polyps with actual sizes ≤ 5 mm, 6-9 mm, and ≥ 10 mm were 1.9 ± 0.8 mm, 0.9 ± 1.2 mm, and 1.0 ± 1.4 mm, respectively.CONCLUSION: USVE is reliable for polyp detection and measurement in in vitro study.

Clinical Value of Transperineal 3D Volume Ultrasound Combined with 2D High Frequency Ultrasound in Anal Fistula

Objective: To explore the clinical diagnostic value of transperineal volume ultrasound combined with two-dimensional high-frequency ultrasound for anal fistula. Methods: A total of 52 patients with anal fistula admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2017 to July 2018 were selected. They were all undergoing transperineal 3D volume ultrasound combined with 2D high-frequency ultrasound examination, and the diagnosis results were analyzed. The results of ultrasonography and surgical pathology were compared. Results: Among 52 patients, 3D volume ultrasound combined with 2D high-frequency ultrasound were used to diagnose 32 cases of anal fistula intersphincteric type, 14 cases of transsphincter type, 5 cases of supra-sphincter type, and 1 case of extra-sphincter type. T supervisor classification accuracy rate is 90%. The detection rate of branch pipes was 92%, and the compliance rate of internal fistula was 95%. Two-dimensional high-frequency ultrasound was used to diagnose 34 cases of anal fistula intersphincteric type, 14 cases of transsphincter type, 4 cases of supra-sphincter type, and 0 cases of extra-sphincter type. The detection rate of branch canals was 42%, and the accuracy of type classification was 90%. The coincidence rate was 95%. There was a statistically significant difference in the detection rate of the anal fistula branch and the coincidence rate of the internal fistula between the two methods (both P Conclusion: 1) The overall coincidence rate of three-dimensional volumetric ultrasound combined with two-dimensional high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of anal fistula is high;2) Three-dimensional volumetric ultrasound technology has great application prospects in infants and anal fistulas.

The correlation of vascularization index and flow index of thyroid cancer ultrasound with tumor malignancy

Objective:To study the correlation of ultrasound vascularization index and flow index of thyroid cancer with tumor malignancy.Methods: A total of 140 patients with thyroid nodule who accepted surgical resection in our hospital between May 2013 and June 2016 were selected as the research subjects, the patients with malignant thyroid nodule were included in the malignant group of the research and patients with benign thyroid nodule were included in the benign group of research. Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasonography was conducted before operation to determine vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI);tumor tissues were collected after operation to detect the expression of angiogenesis as well as cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion-related molecules.Results:VI, FI and VFI levels of tumor tissue of malignant group were significantly higher than those of benign group;VEGF, MK, Ang-2, IGF-Ⅱ, Bcl-2, Livin, Wip1, S100A4, TCF,β-catenin and SATB1 protein expression in tumor tissue of malignant group were significantly higher than those of benign group and positively correlated with VI, FI and VFI levels while CCNG2 and p27 protein expression were significantly lower than those of benign group and negatively correlated with VI, FI and VFI levels.Conclusion:Ultrasound vascularization index and flow index of thyroid cancer increase significantly and are closely related to the angiogenesis as well as cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion.

直肠磁共振成像联合腔内超声检测在直肠癌新辅助化疗后完全缓解诊断中的应用效果

目的探讨直肠磁共振成像(MRI)联合腔内超声(ERUS)检测在直肠癌新辅助化疗后完全缓解诊断中的应用效果。方法选取2020年1月至2021年12月河北北方学院附属第一医院接受新辅助化疗及根治性手术的直肠癌患者66例,于患者新辅助化疗前及治疗后第7周进行直肠MRI和ERUS检查,评价其是否完全缓解,以病理检查为金标准,比较不同检查手段诊断完全缓解与金标准的一致性。结果病理学结果显示,66例直肠癌患者新辅助化疗后完全缓解22例。MRI、ERUS诊断直肠癌患者新辅助化疗后完全缓解与金标准的一致性无统计学意义(P>0.05),MRI联合ERUS诊断与金标准具有一致性(Kappa=0.400,P<0.05)。MRI联合ERUS诊断直肠癌患者新辅助化疗后完全缓解的准确率为75.76%,特异度为90.91%,灵敏度为45.45%。结论在直肠癌新辅助化疗后,单纯MRI、ERUS对完全缓解诊断准确率并不高,联合诊断相对单一诊断特异度更高,灵敏度较低;针对检测中非完全缓解患者简易采取根治性手术,完全缓解患者则建议结合结肠镜、指诊进行检查,谨慎实施后续治疗。

Restaging rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy

Correct tumour restaging is pivotal for identifying the most personalised surgical treatment for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy,and works to avoid both poor oncological outcome and overtreatment.Digital rectal examination,endoscopy,and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are the recommended modalities for local tumour restaging,while chest and abdominal computed tomography are utilised for the assessment of distant disease.The optimal length of time between neoadjuvant treatment and restaging,in terms of both oncological safety and clinical effectiveness of treatment,remains unclear,especially for patients receiving prolonged total neoadjuvant therapy.The timely identification of patients who are radioresistant and at risk of disease progression remains challenging.

Predicting fetal weight by three-dimensional limb volume ultrasound (AVol/TVol) and abdominal circumference

Background:Fetal weight is an important parameter to ensure maternal and child safety.The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional(3D)limb volume ultrasound combined with fetal abdominal circumference(AC)measurement to establish a model to predict fetal weight and evaluate its efficiency.Methods:A total of 211 participants with single pregnancy(28-42 weeks)were selected between September 2017 and December 2018 in the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Capital Medical University.The upper arm(AVol)/thigh volume(TVol)of fetuses was measured by the 3D limb volume technique.Fetal AC was measured by two-dimensional ultrasound.Nine cases were excluded due to incomplete information or the interval between examination and delivery>7 days.The enrolled 202 participants were divided into a model group(134 cases,70%)and a verification group(68 cases,30%)by mechanical sampling method.The linear relationship between limb volume and fetal weight was evaluated using Pearson Chi-squared test.The prediction model formula was established by multivariate regression with data from the model group.Accuracy of the model formula was evaluated with verification group data and compared with traditional formulas(Hadlock,Lee2009,and INTERGROWTH-21st)by paired t-test and residual analysis.Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to predict macrosomia.Results:AC,AVol,and TVol were linearly related to fetal weight.Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.866,0.862,and 0.910,respectively.The prediction model based on AVol/TVol and AC was established as follows:Y=-481.965+12.194TVol+15.358AVol+67.998AC,R2adj=0.868.The scatter plot showed that when birth weight fluctuated by 5%(i.e.,95%to 105%),the difference between the predicted fetal weight by the model and the actual weight was small.A paired t-test showed that there was no significant difference between the predicted fetal weight and the actual birth weight(t=-1.015,P=0.314).Moreover,the residual analysis showed that the model formula’s prediction efficiency was better than the traditional formulas with a mean residual of 35,360.170.The combined model of AVol/TVol and AC was superior to the Lee2009 and INTERGROWTH-21st formulas in the diagnosis of macrosomia.Its predictive sensitivity and specificity were 87.5%and 91.7%,respectively.Conclusion:Fetal weight prediction model established by semi-automatic 3D limb volume combined with AC is of high accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity.The prediction model formula shows higher predictive efficiency,especially for the diagnosis of macrosomia.

Three-dimensional ultrasound subwavelength arbitrary focusing with broadband sparse metalens

Ultrasound focusing in three-dimensional(3 D)space is of crucial and enduring significance in a variety of biomedical and industrial applications.Conventional ultrasound focusing based on active phase array or passive geometry of bulky size is unable to realize the 3 D arbitrary focusing with subwavelength resolution.Acoustic metamaterial of complex deep-subwavelength microstructure has facilitated the advanced airborne-sound-focusing but is inevitably not applicable for underwater ultrasound,restricted by the law between the multi-modes coupling/thermal viscosity and the feature size of the structure.Here,we aim to circumvent the restriction by increasing the feature size of the metamaterial while keeping the compact overall geometry,and realize the robust subwavelength ultrasound focusing with the sparse metalens of the wavelength-scale meta-atom.We theoretically propose and demonstrate numerically and experimentally the broadband arbitrary ultrasound focusing in 3 D space.The axial and off-axis ultrasound focusing with the subwavelength resolution(FWHM<0.58λ)are achieved by the spatially sparse and compact metalens within one-octave bandwidth.With advantages of 3 D freewheeling focusing,subwavelength resolution,spatial sparsity,geometric simplicity,and broadband,the sparse metalens would offer more initiatives to advanced researches in ultrasound focusing and empower applications such as precise biomedical imaging and therapy,nondestructive evaluation,integrated and multiplexed ultrasound devices.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL RECONSTRUCTION OF TWODIMENSIONAL INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGES

The purpose of the study is to reconstruct the coronary arteries in 3 dimension (3D) from serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images generated during a pullback of IVUS catheter. Slowly pullback. real-time, cross-sectional IVUS images of 18 patients (2 with normal coronary arteries. 1 with coronary aneurysm. and 15 post PTCA) were obtained by using a 20 MHz. 3.5F IVUS catheter and recorded on video tape. A series of 90-frame consecutive IVUS images were digitized into a SUN Spare 11 workstation. Digitized data were reconstructed to 3D images with use of voxel space modeling and were generated in both sagittal and cylindrical formats. The sagittal format results in a longitudinal