Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anshuman Dasgupta, Tao Sun, Roberto Palomba, Elena Rama, Yongzhi Zhang, Chanikarn Power, Diana Moeckel, Mengjiao Liu, Apoorva Sarode, Marek Weiler, Alessandro Motta, Celine Porte, Zuzanna Magnuska, Asmaa Said Elshafei, Roman Barmin, Adam Graham, Arthur McClelland, Dirk Rommel, Elmar Stickeler, Fabian Kiessling, Roger M. Pallares, Laura De Laporte, Paolo Decuzzi, Nathan McDannold, Samir Mitragotri, Twan Lammers
Summary: Surface tension allows microbubbles (MB) to have a perfect spherical shape. By stretching spherical poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) MB above their glass transition temperature, anisotropic MB can be generated, giving them unique features for biomedical applications. Compared to spherical MB, nonspherical polymeric MB exhibited superior performance including increased margination behavior, reduced macrophage uptake, prolonged circulation time, and enhanced blood-brain barrier permeation when combined with transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS). The study identifies shape as a design parameter in the MB landscape and provides a rational and robust framework for exploring the application of anisotropic MB in ultrasound-enhanced drug delivery and imaging applications.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yunfan Pan, Yongjian Li, Yan Li, Xiaobing Zheng, Chenghong Zou, Jiang Li, Haosheng Chen
Summary: Thrombosis is a critical medical condition that can result in severe consequences. This study proposes a novel approach called sonothrombolysis, which uses nanodroplet-coated microbubbles and a two-step cavitation strategy to accelerate the dissolution of blood clots. The results demonstrate that this method shows promise in improving thrombolytic efficiency and can serve as an effective drug carrier for targeted drug delivery.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martynas Maciulevicius, Diana Navickaite, Sonam Chopra, Baltramiejus Jakstys, Saulius Satkauskas
Summary: Research has shown that different calcium concentrations affect cell membrane permeability and cell viability during sonoporation, with ultrasound-microbubble cavitation playing a significant role. The study also indicates that inertial cavitation activities are directly involved in calcium delivery via sonoporation, leading to rapid cell death.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Benjamin van Elburg, Joke Deprez, Martin van den Broek, Stefaan C. De Smedt, Michel Versluis, Guillaume Lajoinie, Ine Lentacker, Tim Segers
Summary: Sonoporation is a process facilitated by ultrasound-driven microbubble oscillations that enhances intracellular drug delivery. This study aimed to investigate the role of microbubble size on sonoporation and the relevant mechanism(s). The results showed that sonoporation efficiency strongly depended on the equilibrium bubble size, with bubbles of approximately 4.7 μm radius being the most efficient. Shear stress was unlikely to be the mechanism of action, while normal stress correlated well with sonoporation efficiency.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Vertika Pathak, Teresa Nolte, Elena Rama, Anne Rix, Seyed Mohammadali Dadfar, Vera Paefgen, Srinivas Banala, Eva Miriam Buhl, Marek Weiler, Volkmar Schulz, Twan Lammers, Fabian Kiessling
Summary: This study investigated the use of microbubbles containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles as molecular MRI contrast agents targeted against angiogenesis in breast cancer. Results indicated that RGD-SPION-MB showed higher retention in angiogenic vessels compared to SPION-MB and RAD-SPION-MB, demonstrating their potential as effective molecular MR/US contrast agents for assessing integrin expression in neovasculature.
Article
Oncology
Chanjuan Peng, Yong Wu, Yang Yang, Ningning Li, Xi Chen, Linhui Gu, Dong Xu, Chen Yang
Summary: The study demonstrated the enhanced destructive effect of UTMD combined with 4 Gy radiotherapy on glioblastoma, likely achieved through increased ability of DNA damage of tumor cells.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Baorong Duan, Xuefeng Shao, Yan Han, Yi Li, Yuanjun Zhao
Summary: This article details the latest research progress on ultrasound-enhanced bacteriostasis methods, analyzing the mechanisms of each method and pointing out the existing problems and challenges in the development of the technology.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lei Dong, Nana Li, Xixi Wei, Yongling Wang, Liansheng Chang, Hongwei Wu, Liujiang Song, Kang Guo, Yuqiao Chang, Yaling Yin, Min Pan, Yuanyuan Shen, Feng Wang
Summary: A new drug-loaded microbubble complex based on PLGA was developed to target GA to brain tumors through UTMD. The combination of GA/PLGA-CMB with FUS demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on glioblastoma cell lines and effectively opened the BBB for targeted treatment of glioblastoma in a mouse model.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Oystein Eikrem, Spiros Kotopoulis, Mihaela Popa, Mireia Mayoral Safont, Kjell Ove Fossan, Sabine Leh, Lea Landolt, Janka Babickova, Oddrun Anita Gudbrandsen, Odd Helge Gilja, Bettina Riedel, Jan Schjott, Emmet McCormack, Hans-Peter Marti
Summary: The use of ultrasound and microbubble-enhanced drug delivery, known as sonoporation, has shown promising results in numerous clinical trials. However, further studies are needed to assess the impact on healthy tissues. This study focused on testing the feasibility of low-intensity sonoporation on healthy kidneys and found that it has the potential to enhance drug uptake without causing long-standing damage to the kidneys.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yi Zhang, Najiao Tang, Leidan Huang, Wei Qiao, Qiong Zhu, Zheng Liu
Summary: The study found that the combination therapy of UTMD and chemotherapy did not significantly increase the risk of metastasis or affect tumor growth inhibition compared to chemotherapy alone.
Article
Optics
Ziyu Hua, Kaiyi Zhu, Yifan Wang, Zhaoli Zeng, Yidong Tan
Summary: A contrast-enhanced ultrasound-modulated laser feedback imaging system is proposed, which exhibits high sensitivity and contrast-to-noise ratio. By using laser feedback technique and clinical microbubbles, the system reduces photon consumption in imaging and enhances contrast. Experimental results show that with higher microbubble concentration and thinner depth, the contrast-to-noise ratio increases.
OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arvin Honari, Shashank R. Sirsi
Summary: Despite recent advancements in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery, no platform utilizing ultrasound contrast agents has received FDA approval. The sonoporation effect has promising applications in clinical settings, but there are safety concerns. Clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate sonoporation's efficacy in treating tumors.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziyao Wang, Ziyan Feng, Fangxue Du, Xi Xiang, Xinyi Tang, Li Qiu, Zhiyong Qian
Summary: Ultrasonography is an important complement to clinical diagnosis, and the application of microbubbles effectively improved diagnostic accuracy in echography. In scientific research, the sizes of microbubbles range from nanometers to microns. By optimizing the fabrication process, bubble sizes and ultrasound parameters, microbubbles can also be used for drug delivery and therapeutic monitoring.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chao Zhang, Shuyuan Chen, Qunying Li, Jiao Wu, Fuqiang Qiu, Zhiyi Chen, Yang Sun, Jieli Luo, Raul A. Bastarrachea, Paul A. Grayburn, Ralph A. DeFronzo, Yajing Liu, Kun Qian, Pintong Huang
Summary: The study demonstrated successful gene delivery of GLP-1 in macaques using UTMD, leading to enhanced GLP-1 expression and improvement in pancreatic beta cell regeneration and plasma glucose regulation. This approach shows promising alternatives for treating type 2 diabetes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei-Chen Lo, Ching-Hsiang Fan, Yi-Ju Ho, Chia-Wei Lin, Chih-Kuang Yeh
Summary: The AVT technique, inspired by tornadoes, successfully captures and increases the local concentration of MBs. This compact, easy-to-use, and biocompatible method enables systemic drug administration with extremely low doses.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbara Ruaro, Elisa Baratella, Gaetano Caforio, Paola Confalonieri, Barbara Wade, Cristina Marrocchio, Pietro Geri, Riccardo Pozzan, Alessia Giovanna Andrisano, Maria Assunta Cova, Maurizio Cortale, Marco Confalonieri, Francesco Salton
Summary: Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disease associated with acute pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the preferred treatment option, but not suitable for all patients. This review provides an overview of the risk factors, diagnostic tools, and treatment options for CTEPH.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paolo Pelosi, Roberto Tonelli, Chiara Torregiani, Elisa Baratella, Marco Confalonieri, Denise Battaglini, Alessandro Marchioni, Paola Confalonieri, Enrico Clini, Francesco Salton, Barbara Ruaro
Summary: The latest guidelines for the hospital care of patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure recommend the use of noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) instead of early intubation. Different clinical-radiological phenotypes of severe COVID-19 pneumonia have been categorized, which can benefit from the application of external positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Excessive negative pleural pressure swings (P-pl) can play a critical role in lung and diaphragm damage in patients treated with noninvasive respiratory support. Routine respiratory monitoring is necessary to prevent the worsening of respiratory condition and consider early initiation of invasive mechanical ventilation. Further research is needed to apply different monitoring methods in clinical practice and optimize ventilatory management for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Barbara Ruaro, Francesco Salton, Elisa Baratella, Paola Confalonieri, Pietro Geri, Riccardo Pozzan, Chiara Torregiani, Roberta Bulla, Marco Confalonieri, Marco Matucci-Cerinic, Michael Hughes
Summary: In systemic sclerosis (SSc), lung involvement, specifically interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), is the main cause of mortality. PH in SSc can have various etiologies, including ILD, chronic thromboembolic disease, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the main tool for screening PAH with a sensitivity of 90%, although a definitive diagnosis requires right heart catheterization (RHC). Radiological evaluation, such as high-resolution CT (HRTC), is important for identifying potential causes and monitoring lung damage progression. It is crucial to appropriately manage and follow individuals with borderline elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure in cases of PAH. The management strategy for PAH has evolved significantly in recent years, and new trials are being conducted to test alternative therapies.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Elisa Baratella, Ilaria Fiorese, Pierluca Minelli, Alberto Veiluva, Cristina Marrocchio, Barbara Ruaro, Maria Assunta Cova
Summary: The purpose of this review is to describe the main features of the aging chest, studied through different imaging modalities. Aging-related changes of the respiratory system are inevitable. The role of the radiologist is fundamental in evaluating aging-related processes affecting the respiratory system and distinguishing them from frank diseases.
CURRENT RADIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marco Gambato, Nicola Scotti, Giacomo Borsari, Jacopo Zambon Bertoja, Joseph-Domenico Gabrieli, Alessandro De Cassai, Giacomo Cester, Paolo Navalesi, Emilio Quaia, Francesco Causin
Summary: This short review aims to help radiologists identify medical devices and their most common complications when interpreting a chest X-ray. Nowadays, a variety of medical devices are frequently used, especially in critical patients. It is crucial for radiologists to be knowledgeable about what to look for and to consider the technical factors associated with each device's positioning.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elisa Baratella, Emilio Quaia, Filippo Crimi, Pierluca Minelli, Vincenzo Cioffi, Barbara Ruaro, Maria Assunta Cova
Summary: This study evaluates the capability of digital tomosynthesis (DTS) to characterize suspected pulmonary lesions in hidden areas of the chest. DTS shows increased sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy compared to chest X-ray (CXR) alone, allowing for confirmation or exclusion of true pulmonary lesions in hidden areas.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Barbara Ruaro, Ilaria Gandin, Riccardo Pozzan, Stefano Tavano, Chiara Bozzi, Michael Hughes, Metka Kodric, Rossella Cifaldi, Selene Lerda, Marco Confalonieri, Elisa Baratella, Paola Confalonieri, Francesco Salton
Summary: This study examines the safety and efficacy of Nintedanib in treating IPF in a real-life setting. The results show that NTD may stabilize FVC values in IPF patients, but frequent gastrointestinal side effects and dose adjustments may be necessary. The study also confirms the safety of NTD in patients treated with anticoagulant drugs.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alessia Pepe, Filippo Crimi, Federica Vernuccio, Giulio Cabrelle, Amalia Lupi, Chiara Zanon, Sebastiano Gambato, Anna Perazzolo, Emilio Quaia
Summary: Recently, advancements in image acquisition, data processing, and artificial intelligence have greatly improved patient management in medical radiology. Cardiovascular imaging is experiencing rapid growth due to these improvements. This study focuses on the reasons and impact behind the I class indication of CT and MR in most cardiovascular diseases, as well as the potential of CT photon counting, quantitative MR mapping, and 4-D flow in tissue and functional characterization. Additionally, advances in rectal imaging for cancer identification and high-resolution data in oncological patients were discussed. The study also highlights the importance of database development and the role of specialized radiologists in patient-centered precision medicine.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Filippo Crimi, Chiara Zanon, Alberto Crimi, Giulio Cabrelle, Emilio Quaia
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rossella Cifaldi, Francesco Salton, Paola Confalonieri, Liliana Trotta, Mariangela Barbieri, Luca Ruggero, Gianmaria Valeri, Riccardo Pozzan, Rossana Della Porta, Metka Kodric, Elisa Baratella, Mattia Bellan, Selene Lerda, Michael Hughes, Marco Confalonieri, Maria Assunta Cova, Ilaria Gandin, Lucrezia Mondini, Barbara Ruaro
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate whether immune system alterations detected by lymphocyte typing in peripheral blood correlate with the severity of sarcoidosis. The results showed that lymphocyte subpopulation values at the time of diagnosis do not appear to correlate with disease severity at onset.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco Bozzao, Paola Tomietto, Elisa Baratella, Metka Kodric, Rossella Cifaldi, Rossana Della Porta, Ilaria Prearo, Silvia Maria Grazia Pirronello, Paola Confalonieri, Barbara Ruaro, Fabio Fischetti, Bruno Fabris
Summary: This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and predictive factors for progression of ILD patients with autoimmune features. The results showed that IPAF patients had a lower prevalence of UIP pattern compared to CTD-ILD and UIPAF patients. ILD progression was less frequent in the IPAF group compared to CTD-ILD and UIPAF groups. The definition of UIPAF should be separated from ILD classification and include sicca syndrome for better prognosis prediction.
MEDICINA-LITHUANIA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Filippo Crimi, Elena Agostini, Alessandro Toniolo, Francesca Torresan, Maurizio Iacobone, Irene Tizianel, Carla Scaroni, Emilio Quaia, Cristina Campi, Filippo Ceccato
Summary: Radiomics is a promising research field that combines big data analysis from tissue texture analysis with clinical questions. We studied the application of CT texture analysis in adrenal pheochromocytomas to define the correlation between the extracted features and the secretory pattern, histopathological data, and natural history of the disease.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppe Di Maggio, Paola Confalonieri, Francesco Salton, Liliana Trotta, Luca Ruggero, Metka Kodric, Pietro Geri, Michael Hughes, Mattia Bellan, Michele Gilio, Selene Lerda, Elisa Baratella, Marco Confalonieri, Lucrezia Mondini, Barbara Ruaro
Summary: Systemic sclerosis is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. It affects multiple organs, including the lungs, kidneys, heart, esophagus, and intestines. Biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of SSc.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Antonella Meloni, Laura Pistoia, Amalia Lupi, Riccardo Righi, Antonino Vallone, Massimiliano Missere, Stefania Renne, Priscilla Fina, Ada Riva, Maria Rita Gamberini, Valerio Cecinati, Francesco Sorrentino, Rosamaria Rosso, Giuseppe Messina, Paolo Ricchi, Vincenzo Positano, Sophie Mavrogeni, Emilio Quaia, Filippo Cademartiri, Alessia Pepe
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong negative impact on MRI services for patients with hemoglobinopathies in the Italian E-MIOT Network. The total number of MRI scans significantly declined, and some patients refused MRI exams due to fear of the virus.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Hila Tal Tamir, Dana Stav, Yitzhac Hadad, Rivka Kessner
Summary: This study aimed to characterize thyroid nodules seen on Spectral Detector computed tomography (SDCT) and compare them with their Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) category on Ultrasound (US). The results showed that the spectral results of SDCT can assist in differentiating thyroid nodules of different risk levels.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Volha Nizhnikava, Ursula Reiter, Gabor Kovacs, Clemens Reiter, Corina Kraeuter, Horst Olschewski, Michael Fuchsjaeger, Gert Reiter
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking-derived myocardial strain parameters and volumetric function and hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The results showed that impairment of myocardial strains was more strongly associated with alterations in ventricular function parameters than elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, limiting the diagnostic information of myocardial strain parameters in pulmonary hypertension.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yu-ling Qian, Rui-lin Quan, Xiao-xi Chen, Yang-yi Lin, Xiao-li Jing, Qing Gu, Chang-ming Xiong, Jian-guo He, Ai-hua Zhi
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate the imaging characteristics and prognostic factors for the long-term survival of Behcet's disease (BD) with arterial involvement. The results showed that arterial lesions associated with BD usually involve multiple arteries and manifest differently in different types of arteries. Cardiac involvement and pulmonary artery aneurysm/dilation were independent prognostic factors for the survival of BD patients with arterial involvement.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Letter
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yong Xie, Jian Wang, Yinghua Zou
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Daria Kifjak, Maximilian Hochmair, Daniel Sobotka, Alexander R. Haug, Raphael Ambros, Florian Prayer, Benedikt H. Heidinger, Sebastian Roehrich, Ruxandra-Iulia Milos, Wolfgang Wadsak, Thorsten Fuereder, Dagmar Krenbek, Andreas Fazekas, Michael Meilinger, Marius E. Mayerhoefer, Georg Langs, Christian Herold, Helmut Prosch, Lucian Beer
Summary: The ability of pretreatment PET parameters and peripheral blood biomarkers to predict PFS and OS in NSCLC patients treated with ICIT was assessed. The study found that MTV and the number of SOI were independent risk factors for progression and overall survival, and the combination of these factors improved risk stratification.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Theresa Sophie Patzer, Jan-Peter Grunz, Henner Huflage, Jan-Lucca Hennes, Pauline Pannenbecker, Philipp Gruschwitz, Saif Afat, Judith Herrmann, Thorsten Alexander Bley, Andreas Steven Kunz
Summary: This study investigated the potential of tin prefiltration and virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI) in suppressing metal artifacts in high-resolution CT images of the lower extremities. The results showed that VMI reconstructions had better artifact reduction compared to T3D. VMI110keV had the least image noise. In terms of image quality, interpretability of bone-metal interface, and overall image quality, VMI110keV performed the best.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yue Li, Huan Zhang, Lei Yue, Caixia Fu, Robert Grimm, Wenhua Li, Weijian Guo, Tong Tong
Summary: This study evaluated and compared the diagnostic value of diffusion-related texture analysis parameters from different magnetic resonance diffusion models in predicting the clinical response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases. Among the models, DKI-derived parameters showed the best performance for early prediction, followed by IVIM-derived parameters and DWI baseline features.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Lu Wang, ShiXiong Zhang, Jun Xin
Summary: This study aimed to determine if sex differences in abdominal visceral fat composition and metabolism can help predict the prognosis of DLBCL patients. The results showed that females with certain fat composition and metabolism characteristics had worse progression-free survival, while no significant differences were found in males with DLBCL.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Yu-ping Wu, Lan Wu, Jing Ou, Jin-ming Cao, Mao-yong Fu, Tian-wu Chen, Erika Ouchi, Jiani Hu
Summary: This study aimed to develop CT radiomics models to preoperatively identify lymph node (LN) status in resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. The results showed that the combined model, integrating ESCC and LN radiomics features with clinical features, had the highest predictive ability among the three models. The combined model's predictive ability was validated in both the test and external validation cohorts.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY
(2024)
