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To determine whether ultrasound (US) features of breast cancer are associated with Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System molecular subtype, histologic grade, and hormone receptor status as well as to assess the predictive value of these features. Retrospective analysis of the medical records of 220 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer was reviewed according to the PIK3CA-mutated molecular tumor subtype. US findings of all patients were analyzed. Breast tumors harboring a PIK3CA-mutation were large and exhibited liquefied necrosis and posterior echo attenuation in the nodule. Moreover, such tumors were lobulated and calcified. The aspect ratio of the PIK3CA-mutant was more likely >1. The average nodule elasticity (7.479 ± 0.993 m/s) was measured using US shear wave elastography. Microcalcification was easier to detect inside the nodule using a fluorescence technique. Measurement of the nodule blood flow spectrum showed that the internal blood flow resistance index of nodules was lower than that of other types of breast cancer. The sonographic features of PIK3CA-mutated breast cancers were strongly associated with extensive and liquefied necrosis. The ability to predict molecular subtypes, particularly using US to detect the triple-negative subtype, may play an important role in early management and treatment.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effect of Pediococcus pentosaceus J8 fermented kiwifruit on bread baking and flavor profile characteristics of wheat bread. Methods: The changes in β-glucosidase enzyme activity, organic acids and flavor compounds during kiwifruit fermentation were analyzed. The physical and chemical properties of wheat dough incorporated with fermented kiwifruit were determined. Moreover, the changes in total dietary fiber and total amino acid content, bread quality and flavor characteristics of the resulted bread were also determined. Results: After 15.5 hours of fermentation, the β-glucosidase activity reached 55.13 U/L, and the content of lactic acid and acetic acid significantly increased. A total of 110 flavor compounds were detected by GC-TOF/MS in kiwifruit. After fermentation, the content of acids, esters, alcohols and terpenes increased, while the content of aldehydes and ketones decreased. For the first time, α-angelica lactone, furfuryl acetate and pantolactone were found in kiwifruit. In dough, compared with the unfermented group, the α-amylase and protease activities increased by 14.86% and 18.63%, respectively after incorporation of fermented kiwifruit. In bread, compared with the unfermented group, the hardness （11.58%） decreased, while the soluble dietary fiber, total amino acids and specific volume increased by 12.54%, 41.02% and 18.59%, respectively. In addition, bread incorporated with fermented kiwifruit tasted better, had an increased content （27.78%） and type （45.10%） of flavor compounds and a higher overall acceptability than bread incorporated with unfermented kiwifruit. Conclusion: Fermenting kiwifruit with Pediococcus pentosaceuscan improve the flavor and baking characteristics of bread.

Lung ultrasound (LUS) is now widely used in the diagnosis and monitor of neonatal lung diseases. Nevertheless, in the published literatures, the LUS images may display a significant variation in technical execution, while scanning parameters may influence diagnostic accuracy. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of ultrasound exam have been extensively studied in general and in LUS. As expected, the reliability declines in the hands of novices when they perform the point-of-care ultrasound (POC US). Consequently, having appropriate guidelines regarding to technical aspects of neonatal LUS exam is very important especially because diagnosis is mainly based on interpretation of artifacts produced by the pleural line and the lungs. The present work aimed to create an instrument operation specification and parameter setting guidelines for neonatal LUS. Technical aspects and scanning parameter settings that allow for standardization in obtaining LUS images include (1) select a high-end equipment with high-frequency linear array transducer (12–14 MHz). (2) Choose preset suitable for lung examination or small organs. (3) Keep the probe perpendicular to the ribs or parallel to the intercostal space. (4) Set the scanning depth at 4–5 cm. (5) Set 1–2 focal zones and adjust them close to the pleural line. (6) Use fundamental frequency with speckle reduction 2–3 or similar techniques. (7) Turn off spatial compounding imaging. (8) Adjust the time-gain compensation to get uniform image from the near-to far-field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The changes in the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon are related to tendinopathy. Therefore, constructing a data model in the healthy population is essential to understanding the key factors affecting the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon. The purpose of our research was to obtain large sample data, construct a data model, and determine parameters that affect the elastic modulus of the Achilles tendon in healthy Chinese adults. Methods: We designed a prospective multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the viscoelasticity of the Achilles tendon by using shear wave elastography. A total of 1165 healthy adult participants from 17 Chinese hospitals were recruited for the assessment. The necessary parameters (age, height, weight, and body mass index) were recorded. The elastic modulus (Young modulus) was obtained from the middle of the Achilles tendon and calculated with feet in naturally relaxed, dorsal, and plantar positions. The thickness and perimeter of the Achilles tendon were measured via cross section on the same site. A multiple linear regression was performed to find the key factors affecting the Young modulus of the Achilles tendon. Results: The Young modulus of the left Achilles tendon in the natural relaxed position followed a normal distribution (P > .05) with a mean ± SD of 374.24 ± 106.12 kPa. The regression equations showed a positive correlation between the Young modulus and weight and a negative correlation between the Young modulus and the circumference or thickness of the left Achilles tendon (P < .05). Conclusions: The Young modulus of the Achilles tendon as measured by shear wave elastography is related to body weight as well as the perimeter or thickness of the tendon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial nerve paralysis that occurs primarily in young adults. Previously, various methods were used to assess outcomes in facial nerve disease. The aim of the present study was to characterize the main branches of the normal and abnormal facial nerve using high-frequency ultrasonography (HFUS). A total of 104 healthy volunteers, 40 patients with acute onset of Bell's palsy and 30 patients who underwent 3-month routine therapy for Bell's palsy disease were included in the study. The healthy volunteers and patients were selected for HFUS examination and VII nerve conduction. The results showed significant differences in nerve diameter, echogenicity, delitescence and amplitude in different groups. Statistically significant correlations were identified for severity grading in one of the experimental groups during HFUS examinations. In conclusion, HFUS as a complementary technique paired with neural electrophysiology may establish the normal values of facial nerve. Additionally, HFUS was beneficial in the process of evaluation and prognosis of Bell's palsy disease.