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In recent decades, spectral clustering has found widespread applications in various real-world scenarios, showcasing its effectiveness. Traditional spectral clustering typically follows a two-step procedure to address the optimization problem. However, this approach may result in substantial information loss and performance decline. Furthermore, the eigenvalue decomposition, a key step in spectral clustering, entails cubic computational complexity. This paper incorporates linear embedding into the objective function of spectral clustering and proposes a direct method to solve the indicator matrix. Moreover, our method achieves a linear time complexity with respect to the input data size. Our method, referred to as Spectral Clustering with Linear Embedding (SCLE), achieves a direct and efficient solution and naturally handles out-of-sample data. SCLE initiates the process with balanced and hierarchical K-means, effectively partitioning the input data into balanced clusters. After generating anchors, we compute a similarity matrix based on the distances between the input data points and the generated anchors. In contrast to the conventional two-step spectral clustering approach, we directly solve the cluster indicator matrix at a linear time complexity. Extensive experiments across multiple datasets underscore the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed SCLE method. • Addressing spectral clustering time issues with a faster graph construction method. • Eliminating eigendecomposition, our approach saves computational time. • Avoiding intermediate variables, our method prevents information loss in updates. • Our algorithm achieves direct clustering matrix solution in linear time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three structures: free-standing Ta 2 O 5 nanotube membranes, adhered Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays and spark discharge Ta 2 O 5 films, have been fabricated respectively by anodizing pure Ta for one hour in three different using stages of the same original concentration electrolyte consisting of 96 vol% H 2 SO 4 (95–98%) and 4 vol% HF (48%) in this work. Stage I: In the 0–10 hours used electrolyte, patchy free-standing Ta 2 O 5 nanotube membranes formed within the potential range of 10 V–70 V; Stage II: In the 30–50 hours used solution, highly ordered amorphous adhered Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays with top diameter of 40 nm–270 nm and length of 5 μm–122 μm were fabricated during 10 V–170 V; Stage III: When the using time of electrolyte exceeded 50 hours, spark discharge films with Ta 2 O 5 crystal phase formed at 180 V–200 V, and nanotube structure still remained partially in the spark discharge films. The diameter of Ta 2 O 5 nanotubes increases with the increasing of voltage. In addition to Ta and O elements, adhered Ta 2 O 5 nanotube array films contain a small amount of S and F elements, but the spark discharge Ta 2 O 5 films do not consist of S element. Adhered Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays and spark discharge Ta 2 O 5 films show excellent hydrophilicity. The current density-time curves of adhered Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays obtained at high voltage (70 V–170 V) exhibit unique fluctuation phenomena and the current oscillation behaviors have a significant influence on the morphologies of nanotube array. Moreover, irritating gases emission on anode and light yellow sediment on cathode occur in the anodization process of Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays. This work obtains Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays with various structure parameters and expands anodic Ta 2 O 5 film fabrication windows using HF/H 2 SO 4 electrolyte at different stages, meanwhile provides the detailed analyses for growth mechanism of Ta 2 O 5 nanotube arrays. Our results are expected to provide references for the nanostructure preparation on the surface of other metals and alloys by anodization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cells based on Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) absorber layers have owned the highest energy conversion efficiency among thin film solar cells and it is reported that the efficiency of CIGS solar cells is above 21% at present. In this paper, the performances of monolayer CIGS thin film solar cells with conventional ZnO/CdS/CIGS structure are calculated by using wxAMPS simulative software. The optimum values of the thicknesses of CdS/CIGS layers and carrier density of CIGS layer have been calculated and it is shown that the performances of solar cells have been improved by optimizing the parameters of solar cells. The temperature dependence of performances for CIGS solar cells has been simulated to guide the fabricated devices to obtain higher efficiency in the different temperature conditions. As a result of calculation, it is shown that excellent performance can be obtained by adjusting the parameters, and that the highest efficiency of solar cell can be achieved under certain conditions, where the thicknesses of ZnO, CdS and CIGS are 100 nm, 30 nm and 3 μm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the incidence and severity of adverse reactions to ultrasound-guided ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids through a multicenter, large-scale retrospective study. Methods Between July 2006 and June 2007, 9988 patients with uterine fibroids or adenomyosis were enrolled and received ultrasound ablation treatment under conscious sedation. Forty-two doctors administrated the treatment following a standardized clinical protocol. In-treatment and post-treatment side effects and complications were monitored and each patient was followed up for at least 6 months after the treatment. Complications were classified and graded according to the SIR classification system. The technical success and safety of the treatment were evaluated. Results The mean age of the 9988 patients was 40.4 ± 5.8 years (range, 20–56 years). Among them, 7438 had uterine fibroids and 2549 had adenomyosis. Specifically, 6545 patients had solitary uterine fibroid, 818 had multiple uterine fibroids, and 76 had fibroids complicated with adenomyosis. There were mainly three types of fibroids: submucous myoma in 89 patients (12.0%), intramural myoma in 5059 patients (68.0%) and subserosal myoma in 1478 patients (20.0%). In terms of fibroid location, 3496 fibroids were found in the anterior wall (47.0%), 2306 in the posterior wall (31.0%), 447 in the lateral wall (6.0%), and 1190 in fundus (16.0%). The length of treatment for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis averaged 84.2 ± 38.8 min (range, 30.0–240.0 min) and 93.3 ± 55.4 min (range, 15.0–240.0 min), respectively; and the lengths of sonication were 1243.8 ± 725.2 s (range, 506.0–2658.0 s) and 1169.7 ± 707.7 s (range, 185.0–3600.0 s), respectively. Of the uterine fibroids patients, 98.38% (7319/7439) underwent successful ablation with a mean volume ablation rate of 83.1% ± 15.6% (range, 25–100%). Of the adenomyosis patients, 94.59% (2411/2549) underwent successful ablation with a mean volume ablation rate of 73.2% ± 23.6% (range, 21–100%). A total of 1062 patients (10.6%) presented with 1305 events of adverse reactions. According to the SIR classification system, 1228 (94.1%) of these reactions fell under Class A; 45 (3.4%) fell under Class B; 24 (1.8%) fell under Class C; and the rest 8 (0.6%) fell under Class D. Adverse reactions included 874 cases (8.67%) of vaginal secretion, 225 cases (2.23%) of lower abdominal pain 24 h after the treatment but requiring no painkillers, 76 cases (0.76%) of melosalgia or buttock pain, 52 cases (0.52%) of odynuria, 20 cases (0.20%) of menstruation-like vaginal bleeding, 2 cases (0.2%) of temporary blurred vision, 26 cases (0.26%) of blisters or tangerine pericarp-like burns in the abdominal skin, 16 cases (0.16%) of urinary retention, 4 cases (0.4%) of fever of 38.5 °C, 3 cases (0.3%) of acute renal insufficiency, 2 cases (0.2%) of intestinal perforation, and 1 case (0.01%) of long-term lateral ventral syndrome. No permanent injury or fatal complication occurred. Conclusions Based on our observations from 9988 cases, ultrasound ablation treatment for uterine fibroid and adenomyosis is highly effective and safe. Adverse reactions to ultrasound ablation under conscious sedation are slight and temporary for both conditions. Hence, this clinically effective and safe treatment is an alternative treatment for women with uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Various direct and indirect mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ALS. • Protein misfolding and abnormal aggregation induce and exacerbate ALS. • An epigenetic perspective on the pathogenesis of ALS is presented. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with multiple complex mechanisms involved. Among them, mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in ALS. Multiple studies have shown that mitochondria are closely associated with reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress and exhibit different functional states in different genetic backgrounds. In this review we explored the roles of Ca2+, autophagy, mitochondrial quality control in the regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis and their relationship with ALS. In addition, we also summarized and analyzed the roles of protein misfolding and abnormal aggregation in the pathogenesis of ALS. Moreover, we also discussed how epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and protein post-translational modification affect initiation and progression of ALS. Nevertheless, existing events still cannot fully explain the pathogenesis of ALS at present, more studies are required to explore pathological mechanisms of ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crystallized single-phase Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 thin films were fabricated using a simple single-target sputtering technique followed by low-cost sulfurization treatment with sulfur powder. The effects of sulfurization temperature (ranging from 400 to 550 °C) on the structure, morphology, composition, optical and electrical properties of the synthesized CZTS thin film were investigated systematically. The increased sulfurization temperature was found to affect the elemental composition slightly but significantly improve crystallinity, carrier mobility and optical band gap of CZTS films. In particular, the CZTS film sulfurized at 500 °C had excellent optical and electrical properties (an optical band gap of 1.53 eV, a hole concentration of 3.2 × 10 15 cm −3 , and a carrier mobility of 57.6 cm 2 (V.s) −1 ). Furthermore, CZTS-based solar cells were successfully fabricated. Current-voltage (J-V) characteristics indicated that the current density had a tendency of increase with the increase of sulfurization temperature, which was attributed to the relatively large grains and high mobility achieved at a high sulfurization temperature. Importantly, the solar cell based on the CZTS thin film sulfurized at 500 °C had the best performance with a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.4%, open-circuit voltage of 650 mV, short-circuit current density of 19.2 mA/cm 2 , and fill factor of 37%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Growth hormone (GH) and its receptors are critical regulators of somatic growth and metabolism. It has been shown in mammals that the methylation of cytosines within the GH promoter plays a key role in regulating transcripts expression. In the present study, the GH, GHR1 and GHR2 proximal promoters were identified and the methylation levels of these genes in corresponding tissues were assayed. The results suggested that significant arising of GH putative promoter methylation levels in pituitary was observed in females compared with males. However, no such sex-specific changes were found in GHR1 and GHR2 promoters. The GH mRNA expression also was influenced by GH promoter methylation levels in pituitary, which resulted in the higher growth rate of Nile tilapia males. Meanwhile, the methylation levels of GH putative promoter were negatively correlated with growth rate as well as mRNA expression of GH. Furthermore, the methylation of specific E-Box CpG site is also negatively related to the mRNA expression of GH in pituitary. Taken together, our data provide an epigenetic mechanism of explicating the sex duality in phenotypic plasticity of growth rate in male and female of Nile tilapia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was aimed at evaluating the feasibility, safety and therapeutic effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation (HIFUA) in the treatment of post-operative recurrent desmoid tumors. From September 2017 to May 2020, 42 consecutive patients with pathologically proven desmoid tumors treated with HIFUA for the first time were enrolled. These were divided into two groups: post-operative recurrent group (30 cases) and non-surgery group (12 cases). The basic characteristics, treatment parameters, ablation efficacy, tolerance and adverse events were recorded and compared between groups. The minimum distance between the tumor and skin surface in the post-operative recurrent group was significantly smaller than that in the non-surgery group (6.9 mm vs. 10.8 mm, p = 0.011), but there was no significant difference in the other basic characteristics (p > 0.05). The average acoustic power and intensity of treatment in the post-operative recurrent group were significantly lower than those in the non-surgery group (p = 0.006 and 0.036, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the remaining parameters or in ablation efficacy between groups (p > 0.05). HIFUA was successfully performed, and a large volume of coagulation necrosis was obtained from all patients without serious or life-threatening adverse events. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the incidence of moderate adverse events and average length of stay between groups (p > 0.05). The average power and intensity of HIFUA treatment were adversely affected by surgical scar and tumor infiltration along the surgical path. However, HIFUA can still be used as an effective minimally invasive therapy for the local control of post-operative recurrent desmoid tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: To test the feasibility of MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound ablation for adenomyosis. Materials and methods: Patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were treated with MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRIgHIFU). Under conscious sedation, MRIgHIFU was performed by a clinical MRI-compatible focused ultrasound tumour therapeutic system (JM15100, Haifu® Technology Co. Ltd., Chongqing, China) which is combined with a 1.5T MRI system (Magnetom Symphony, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). MRI was used to calculate the volume of the uterus and lesion. Non-perfused volume of the targeted lesions was evaluated immediately after MRIgHIFU. Patient symptoms were assessed using symptom severity score (SSS) and uterine fibroids symptoms and quality of life questionnaire (UFS-QOL). Results: Ten patients with mean age of 40.3±4 years with an average lesion size of 56.9±12.7mm in diameter were treated. Non-perfused volume and the percentage of non-perfused volume obtained from contrast-enhanced T1 Magnetic resonance images immediately post-treatment were 66.6±49.4cm3 and 62.5±21.6%, respectively. The mean SSS and UFS-QOL showed significant improvements of 25%, 16% and 25% at 3, 6 and 12 months follow up, respectively, to pre-treatment scores. No serious complications were observed. Conclusion: Based on the results from this study, MRIgHIFU treatment appears to be a safe and feasible modality to ablate adenomyosis lesion and alleviate its symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Using 5 kinds of environment audio data collected by mobile phone. • The sound environment classification system stacking 7 audio frames into a block. • The sound environment classification system integrating 30 rows into an audio unit. • Transplantation of sound environment classification system on mobile phone. In general, a hearing aid app is very useful for the persons having either partial or complete inability to hear. At present, there is no special provision available in the hearing aid app for the classification of different environmental sounds. This paper proposes an algorithm for environmental sound classification based on Superimposed Audio Blocks using Deep Neural Networks (SAB - DNN) and also to implement it on the hearing aid app. The system can recognize five kinds of different sound fields automatically: bus, subway, street, indoor, car. In this system, 512 sampling points are taken as an audio frame and several audio frames are stacked up into an Audio Block (AB). when 7 audio frames are stacked up into an Audio Block (AB), the accuracy rate of sound environment classification using (AB - DNN) tends to be the best (96.18%). Based on this, the experiment integrates multiple Audio Block (AB) into an audio unit called Superimposed Audio Blocks(SAB) and classify it using DNN. Optimally, 30 sound blocks are integrated into a SAB which results in the classification accuracy up to 98.8%. As far as we know, it is the first time on the hearing aid app to implement an improved Deep Neural Network (DNN) based classification system and superposition of multi-audio frames and blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing availability of various optical and laser scanners, it is easy to capture different kinds of mesh models which are inevitably corrupted with noise. Although many mesh denoising methods proposed in recent years can produce encouraging results, most of them still suffer from their computational efficiencies. In this paper, we propose a highly efficient approach for mesh denoising while preserving geometric features. Specifically, our method consists of three steps: initial vertex filtering, normal estimation, and vertex update. At the initial vertex filtering step, we introduce a fast iterative vertex filter to substantially reduce noise interference. With the initially filtered mesh from the above step, we then estimate face and vertex normals: an unstandardized bilateral filter to efficiently smooth face normals, and an efficient scheme to estimate vertex normals with the filtered face normals. Finally, at the vertex update step, by utilizing both the filtered face normals and estimated vertex normals obtained from the previous step, we propose a novel iterative vertex update algorithm to efficiently update vertex positions. The qualitative and quantitative comparisons show that our method can outperform the selected state of the art methods, in particular, its computational efficiency (up to about 32 times faster). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Dy 3+ -doped NaBaBO 3 white-emitting phosphor has been prepared by high temperature solid-state reaction method. The phase structure and luminescence properties of NaBaBO 3 :Dy 3+ ,K + samples were investigated. Photoluminescence results show that the as-prepared samples could be effectively excited by near-ultraviolet (NUV) light and generate white light emission due to the 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 15/2 (blue) transition and 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2 (yellow) transition of Dy 3+ ions, respectively. The optimum doping concentration of Dy 3+ ions in the NaBaBO 3 host was determined to be 5.0 mol% and the CIE chromaticity of the sample was determined to be (0.301, 0.308). Moreover, the mechanism of K + ion as a charge compensator on the improvement of photoluminescence property and the effect of temperature on the photoluminescence property of NaBaBO 3 :Dy 3+ ,K + were investigated. Furthermore, photoluminescence decay and quantum efficiency behaviors of NaBaBO 3 :Dy 3+ ,K + were also studied. The present work demonstrates that the NaBaBO 3 :Dy 3+ ,K + phosphor is a potential candidate for NUV white light emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated whether focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (FLIPUS) affects extracellular matrix (ECM) production in osteoarthritic (OA) rabbits by decreasing chondrocyte apoptosis and pro-inflammatory mediators. An OA model using New Zealand White rabbits (N = 30) and 30 normal rabbits were randomized into three groups (2-, 4- and 8-wk groups; n = 10 knees each). A knee from each rabbit was randomly selected to receive FLIPUS and the other knee received a sham treatment as a control. Another 30 normal rabbits were blank controls. We measured ECM degradation, joint effusion volume and levels of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide. Also, ratios of chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis were calculated. Compared with sham stimulation, FLIPUS attenuated release of type II collagen and proteoglycans and reduced chondrocyte apoptosis as well as total joint effusion volume and significantly alleviated OA-induced accretion of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide in the synovial fluid. FLIPUS application promoted ECM production in OA through down regulation inflammatory mediators, joint effusion volume and chondrocyte apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of focused ultrasound (FU) therapy in patients with symptomatic cervical ectopy. 4677 patients with symptomatic cervical ectopy were enrolled and treated with FU. Three months after treatment, we analyzed the therapeutic effects and the adverse reactions in 4014 cases with complete records. All influential factors were also analyzed with logistic regression analysis. For the treatment of symptomatic cervical ectopy, the effective rate of FU was 99.8%, and the cure rate was 72.52%. Bleeding that either reached or exceeded normal menstrual volume occurred in 12 cases. Logistic regression analysis showed that the degree of illness, vaginal cleanliness, economic level, occupation, age and artificial abortion frequency were all influential factors. Focused ultrasound is a promising new therapeutic option for the treatment of symptomatic cervical ectopy. Additionally, it can be widely used for a variety of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical value of the contrast agent SonoVue in the treatment of uterine fibroids with ultrasound-guided high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapeutic ablation. Materials and Methods: A total of 291 patients with solitary uterine fibroid from three centers were treated with ultrasound-guided HIFU. Among them, 129 patients from Suining Central Hospital of Sichuan were treated without using SonoVue. 162 patients from the First Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and Chongqing Haifu Hospital were treated with using SonoVue before, during and after HIFU procedure to assess the extent of HIFU. Results: The non-perfused volume (indicative of successful ablation) was observed in all treated uterine fibroids immediately after HIFU ablation; median fractional ablation, defined as non-perfused volume divided by the fibroid volume immediately after HIFU treatment, was 86.0% (range, 28.8-100.0%) in the group with using SonoVue, and 83.0% (8.7-100.0%) without SonoVue. The rate of massive gray scale changes was higher with SonoVue than without the agent. The sonication time to achieve massive gray scale changes was shorter with SonoVue than without. The sonication time for ablating 1cm(3) of fibroid volume was significantly shorter with using SonoVue than without. No major complications were observed in any patients. Conclusions: Based on our results, SonoVue may enhance the outcome of HIFU ablation and can be used to assess the extent of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been used to treat unresectable HCC, but its long-term effects and major prognostic factors remain to be determined. The purpose of this study was to assess its long-term effects and find major prognostic factors to help us select eligible patients in the future. Methods: 73 patients with unresectable HCC received follow-up after HIFU+TACE. The variables of sex, age, AFP level, liver function, tumor location, tumor number, tumor size, TNM staging (5th edition), TNM staging (6th edition), portal vein invasion, ultrasonic pathway of HIFU, TACE session and ablation response were evaluated by univariate analysis. Those variables with significant difference were assessed by multivariate analysis. Results: The mean follow-up time was 11.7±11.1 months (range, 1–60 months). The median survival time and overall survival rates of 1, 2, 3-year were 12 months, 49.1%, 18.8%, 8.4%, respectively. 45.2% patients achieved complete ablation. At the end of follow-up, 51 patients (69.9%) died from tumor progression (27 patients), liver function failure (18 patients), hemorrhage of upper digestive tract (3 patients) and infection (3 patients). 1 with liver abscess, 2 with serious skin burns and 2 with rib fracture were observed after HIFU. On univariate analysis, age (P =0.017), tumor size (P =0.000), tumor number (P =0.039), the 5th edition of TNM staging (P =0.023), portal vein invasion (P =0.02) and ablation response (P =0.000) had significant difference. On multivariate analysis, ablation response (P =0.001) and tumor size (P =0.013) were major prognostic factors. Conclusion: HIFU combined with TACE is a safe method with a low rate of severe complications. As major prognostic factors, ablation response and tumor size may help us predict the survival and select eligible patients clinically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pathologic changes of human breast cancer specimens ablated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in vitro. Twenty specimens of pathologically confirmed breast cancer tissue were ablated with ultrasound-guided HIFU. The evaluation methods include histopathologic observation using hematoxylin-eosin staining, electron microscopic imaging, enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical examination on tumor antigens. Vacuole-like structures in cytoplasm were observed by histopathologic observation but there were no significant changes in cell morphology and nucleus karyotype. Typical phenomena related to coagulation necrosis were observed in electron microscopic studies; the contour of cell structure was still preserved but the structures of cell (all kinds of organelles and nucleus) were damaged or disappeared. Acid phosphatase and succinate dehydrogenase staining showed that tumor cells were inactivated. In immunohistochemical evaluations, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, cerbB-2 and P53 expression changed from 85%, 82%, 75% and 80% in nonablation tissue to no expression in ablated tumor tissue, respectively. We, therefore, conclude that breast cancer cells appear normal contour immediately after ablation with HIFU under light microscopic but they were evaluated to be dead by electron microscopic imaging, enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical examinations. (E-mail:wangzbpaper@haifu.com.cn) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: It has long been known that high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can kill tissue through coagulative necrosis. However, it is only in recent years that practical clinical applications are becoming possible. Since the ribs have strong reflections to ultrasonic beams, they may affect the deposition of ultrasound energy, decreasing the efficacy of HIFU treatment and increasing the chance of adverse events when the intra-abdominal tumours concealed by ribs are treated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of partial rib resection on the efficacy and safety of HIFU treatment. Methods: This prospective study was approved by the ethics committee at Chongqing University of Medical Sciences. An informed consent form was obtained from each patient and family member. A total of 16 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), consisting of 13 males and 3 females, were studied. All patients had the successful HIFU treatment. To create a better acoustic pathway for HIFU treatment, all of the 16 patients had the ribs that shield the tumour mass to be removed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to evaluate the efficacy of HIFU treatment. Results: Sixteen cases had 23 nodules, including 12 cases with a single nodule, 1 case with 2 nodules, 3 cases with 3 nodules. The mean diameter of tumours was 7.0±2.1cm (5–10cm). According to TNM classification, 9 patients were diagnosed as stage II, 4 patients were stage III, and 3 patients were stage IV. Follow-up imaging showed an absence of tumour blood supply and shrinkage of all treated lesions. The survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 100%, 83.3%, 69.4%, 55.6%, and 55.6%, respectively. No serious complications were observed in the patients treated with HIFU. Conclusion: Partial rib resection can create a better acoustic pathway of HIFU therapy. Even though it is an invasive treatment, this measure offers patients an improved prospect of complete tumour ablation when no other treatment is available. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of ultrasound (US) therapy and laser therapy in patients with symptomatic benign ectopy of the uterine cervix. Patients with symptomatic benign ectopy of the cervix (n = 200) were enrolled in this study. Abundant leukorrhea, contact bleeding, recurrent cervicitis and pelvic pain were also evaluated. Patients were allocated alternately to the US and laser groups. In the laser group, Nd: YAG laser was used for tissue vaporization destruction. In the US group, the therapeutic US device Seapostar (Chongqing Haifu [HIFU] Technology, Co. Ltd., Chongqing, China) was applied. Neither anesthesia nor analgesia was used. Results showed that patients in both groups tolerated the procedure well and had excellent treatment outcomes. A symptomatic cure rate of 97.33% was obtained in the US group, and 98.81% was obtained in the laser group (p > 0.05). Ectopy areas were managed with a success rate of 95.95% in the US group, and 96.43% in the laser group (p > 0.05). The rate of side effects (including vaginal reactive discharge and colporrhagia) was found to be lower in the US group than that in the laser group. Mild-to-moderate bleeding occurred in US group (8.42%) and laser group (45.56%). The bleeding rate in the US group is significantly lower than that in the laser group (p < 0.01). We conclude that focused US can treat symptomatic ectopy of the cervix successfully, with excellent clinical results and minimal risk. Focused US therapy appears to be a promising new treatment method for symptomatic ectopy of the uterine cervix. (E-mail: wangzhibiao@haifu.com.cn) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to explore a law of energy deposition of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in various tissues and the expression of such a law. A focused ultrasound (US) tumor therapeutic system was used to apply a focused US beam to tissues both in vivo and in vitro. The formation of individual ellipsoid-shaped regions of coagulative necrosis has been observed. Results showed that the volume of the ellipsoid-shaped coagulative necrosis region was different from that of the acoustic focal region (AFR), both in vitro and in vivo. Acoustic intensities ranging from 7 × 103 W/cm2 to 27.7 × 103 W/cm2 and exposure times from 1 to 20 s gave volumes of ellipsoid-shaped coagulative necrosis of 0.2 to 2000 mm3. Although the HIFU doses applied were identical, the volumes of individual ellipsoid-shaped coagulative necrotic regions varied with the structures of tissues, their functional status and the irradiation depths. Individual ellipsoid-shaped regions of coagulative necrosis induced by HIFU can be added to produce coagulative necrosis of an entire tumor. We define the individual ellipsoid-shaped coagulative necrosis produced by the US energy deposition of a single exposure as the “biological focal region” (BFR) of HIFU. This serves as the basic unit for HIFU ablation of tumors, and is plotted as a function of AFR, acoustic intensity, exposure time, irradiation depth, the tissue structure and its functional status. (E-mail: wangzhibiao@netease.com) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]