Study on the Consistency of Angiogenesis in Carotid Plaque Evaluated by Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and Superb Microvascular Imaging and Its Correlation With Stroke Occurrence.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) in evaluating angiogenesis in carotid artery plaques and prognosis in stroke patients. METHODS: Sixty-one patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were selected. All patients received conventional ultrasound, CEUS, and SMI examination, including 32 patients with cerebral infarction and 29 patients without cerebral infarction. The results of CEUS and SMI neovascularization of patients were graded 0, 1, and 2 points according to the image characteristics. The consistency between SMI results and CEUS results was evaluated, and the differences in neovascularization in carotid plaques between patients with cerebral infarction and those without cerebral infarction were compared. RESULTS: SMI showed that the neovascularization score in plaque was 0 point in 13 cases, 1 point in 24 cases, and 2 points in 24 cases. There were no significant differences in age, sex, plaque size, or echo between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the SMI and CEUS results, P > .05. The CEUS neovascularization grade of patients with cerebral infarction had a higher score, which was significantly different from that of patients without cerebral infarction, P < .05. The SMI neovascularization grade of patients with cerebral infarction had a higher score, which was significantly different from that of patients without cerebral infarction, P < .05. CONCLUSION: SMI can show neovascularization in plaques, with a significantly higher grade of neovascularization in those of patients with cerebral infarction than in those without cerebral infarction.

The role of ultrasonographic findings for PIK3CA-mutated, hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative breast cancer.

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.

Elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound to assess the effect of varicocelectomy: A case-controlled study.

To evaluate the changes in testicular stiffness and microcirculation caused by spermatic vein ligation in patients with varicocele, we conducted a case-controlled study. A total of 27 grade III left varicocele cases were enrolled. Testicular stiffness and perfusion were evaluated by shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound during subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. The external and the internal parenchyma of bilateral testes were selected to compare the shear wave velocity of bilateral testes during the spermatic vein ligation. We mapped and compared the intensity-time curves following bolus contrast injection three times in the same region of interest. Initially, the shear wave velocity of the left internal parenchyma was higher than the right side (1.10 ± 0.06 m/s vs. 1.00 ± 0.03 m/s). It decreased (1.09 ± 0.06 m/s) (p < 0.05) after ligation. Meanwhile, the left epididymis had the higher agent peak intensity (0.90 × 10E-5 AU), the largest area under the curve (80.20 × 10E-5 AU s), and the longest washout area (54.35 × 10E-5 AU s). In addition, the left internal parenchyma presented a sharper slope (0.18 × 10E-5 AU/s) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the spermatic vein ligation improved the perfusion of the internal testicular parenchyma, but it could temporally deteriorate the stasis of the epididymis. These changes caused softer testicular parenchyma.

Elasticity change of the paravertebral fascia and muscle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after posterior selective fusion surgery.

BACKGROUND: We sought to assess the elasticity change of the paravertebral fascia and muscle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with Lenke Type 1, 2, or 3 curves after posterior selective fusion surgery. METHODS: The shear wave elasticity imaging system was used to assess the elasticity of the thoracic paravertebral muscles and fascia both on the concave and convex sides. Three regions of interest, including the apex, upper end, and lower end of the main curve, were tested. FINDINGS: Ten female patients, with an average age of 16.6 ± 2.7 years old, were included. The average post-operation follow-up period was 9.0 ± 2.4 months. The Cobb angle was significantly corrected from 63.6 ± 12.0° to 10.7 ± 5.4° (p < 0.05). The length of the trunk increased from 40.4 ± 2.5 cm to 46.0 ± 2.8 cm (p < 0.05). The elasticity of deep fascia didn't show a significant change post-operation (p > 0.05). The elasticity of the paravertebral muscle on the concave side had a significant increase at the final follow-up (p < 0.05). The elasticity of the paravertebral muscle on the convex side also increased at the upper end (p < 0.05). The elasticity asymmetry of the deep fascia decreased, but the elasticity asymmetry of the paravertebral muscle increased at the upper end of the curve (p < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: The paravertebral muscle on the concave side is stiffer after surgery. Elastic asymmetry of paravertebral muscle increased and elastic asymmetry of the deep fascia decreased at the upper end of the curvature. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism by which the paravertebral soft tissue responds after surgery.

Defect-Free Arbitrary-Geometry Assembly of Mixed-Species Atom Arrays.

Optically trapped mixed-species single atom arrays with arbitrary geometry are an attractive and promising platform for various applications, because tunable quantum systems with multiple components provide extra degrees of freedom for experimental control. Here, we report the first demonstration of two-dimensional 6×4 dual-species atom assembly of ^{85}Rb (^{87}Rb) atoms with a filling fraction of 0.88 (0.89). This mixed-species atomic synthesis is achieved via rearranging initially randomly distributed atoms by a sorting algorithm (heuristic heteronuclear algorithm) which is designed for bottom-up atom assembly with both user-defined geometries and two-species atom number ratios. Our fully tunable hybrid-atom systems with scalable advantages are a good starting point for high-fidelity quantum logic, many-body quantum simulation, and single molecule array formation.

Validation of two risk assessment models for venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery.

BACKGROUND: According to published guidelines, gynecologic surgical patients should be stratified into different risk level groups to receive prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the applicability of available risk assessment models (RAMs) in common gynecologic surgical patients remained to be confirmed. We aimed to validate the use of the Caprini RAM and gynecologic Caprini (G-Caprini) RAM for assessing postoperative VTE risk in gynecologic surgical patients. METHODS: The database of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was used to select patients who underwent gynecologic surgeries for benignant and malignant diseases in five institutions in China between 2011 and 2018. The Caprini RAM version recommended by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) was adopted. Participants were divided into four risk levels based on the Caprini and G-Caprini scores. For each risk level group, the incidence of VTE was calculated. The correlation between VET incidence and risk levels was assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (RS) value. RESULTS: As a result, 800 patients in the data base were analyzed with an overall VTE incidence of 5.8%. Caprini RAM showed that the percentage of patients at very low risk, low risk, moderate risk, and high risk were 0%, 4.3%, 44.4%, and 51.4%, respectively, and the VTE incidence was 2.9%, 2.3%, and 9.0%, respectively. RS value between the risk stratification and VTE incidence was 0.500 (P=0.667). G-Caprini RAM showed that the percentage of patients at very low risk, low risk, moderate risk, and high risk were 7.8%, 28.0%, 32.0%, and 32.3%, respectively, and the VTE incidence was 0.0%, 2.9%, 2.3%, and 9.0%, respectively. RS value between the risk stratification and VTE incidence was 1.000 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The G-Caprini RAM was as suitable as the Caprini RAM for VTE risk assessment in gynecologic surgical patients. The gynecologic model has the advantages of ease of use and more accurate identification of low-risk groups.

Application of laparoscopic ultrasound in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the application value of laparoscopic ultrasound (LU) in retroperitoneal radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma with Type II inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy (RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT). Methods: The clinical data (operative time, length of tumor thrombus, tumor length, intraoperative bleeding, clinical stage, histological type, residual tumor tissue, and postoperative follow-up) of 6 patients who underwent LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT were retrospectively analyzed, and the intraoperative experience of LU was also summarized. Results: All 6 patients recovered well with liver and kidney functions returning to normal, and no tumor recurrence, metastasis, or vena cava tumor thrombus. Conclusions: LU-guided RRN-RCC-TII-IVCTT is a feasible treatment option, which locates the tumor accurately by retroperitoneal approach and provides the additional benefit of reduced intraoperative bleeding and shortened operative time, also achieving the much sought-after goal of precision.

The Value of Preoperative and Intraoperative Ultrasound in the Localization of Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenomas.

AIM: Intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma (IPA) is rare and may easily be mistaken for thyroid nodule in ultrasonography. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristic features of IPA and explore the value of preoperative and intraoperative ultrasound in the diagnosis and localization of IPA. METHODS: 13 of 216 patients who were found to have intrathyroidal parathyroid lesions underwent parathyroidectomy in our hospital because of PHPT. According to the relationship between parathyroid adenoma and thyroid gland, parathyroid adenoma was divided into extra-thyroid type or intra-thyroid type (partial or complete) and the results were compared with surgical and histopathological reports as gold standard. The sonographic features of intrathyroidal parathyroid lesions were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 12 intrathyroidal lesions showed profoundly hypoechoic solid nodules with well-defined border, abundant blood flow and polar feeding vessels originating from the superior or inferior thyroid artery (92.3%, 12/13). These nodules were finally confirmed as IPA (or IPAC) after surgery. Polar feeding vessel was not detected in one case of parathyroid hyperplasia confirmed by pathology (7.7%, 1/13). 12 cases were diagnosed and localized on ultrasonography before operation and 10 cases were localized on Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT. CONCLUSIONS: The color Doppler ultrasound findings of IPA were confirmed as profoundly hypoechoic nodules with clear boundary and abundant internal blood flow. The presence of polar feeding vessels which originate from thyroid artery were identified as characteristic features of US for IPA. Preoperative and intraoperative ultrasound could be helpful in the localization and treatment of intrathyroidal parathyroid diseases.

Specification and guideline for technical aspects and scanning parameter settings of neonatal lung ultrasound examination.

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.

Quantitative evaluation and significance of ultrasound in bronchoalveolar lavage for lung consolidation in children with severe mycoplasma pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lung ultrasound on bronchoalveolar lavage in the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia in children. METHODS: Thirty children with mycoplasma pneumonia who were treated with medication and bronchial lavage were selected. We collected the results of laboratory and imaging examinations after admission, and the changes in lung consolidation area were examined by ultrasound before, immediately upon completion, and at 1, 3, and 7 days after bronchoalveolar lavage. The effective factors affecting bronchial lavage were analyzed through logistic regression. RESULTS: Univariate regression analysis showed significant differences in the lung consolidation area at admission, before, immediately upon completion, and at 1 and 7 days after lavage, as well as in the disease course and atelectasis (or not). Multivariate analysis showed that there were statistical differences in the lung consolidation area at admission, atelectasis (or not), and disease course: lung consolidation area at admission [odds ratio (OR): 2.31512, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.00182, 0.031775), P=0.029474], atelectasis [OR: 2.695742, 95% CI: (0.079281, 0.597218), P=0.012629], and disease course [OR: -2.43347, 95% CI: (-0.02568, -0.00211), P=0.022773]. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound can evaluate the effect of bronchial lavage through lung consolidation and atelectasis, which can provide a reference for clinical treatment.

New application of multimodal ultrasound imaging for identification of myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to quantify the characteristics of trapezius myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and explore the application value of the new ultrasound techniques in identifying MTrPs. METHODS: Forty patients participated in this study. MTrPs in the trapezius muscle were determined by palpation, and SWE and CEUS were used to quantify the focal and adjacent areas. The elastic modulus values and CEUS parameters between the focal area of MTrPs and adjacent areas were evaluated and compared. Pathological biopsy was performed according to the above two methods, and the pathological tissues were observed by Masson staining, immunohistochemistry and electron microscope. RESULTS: The elastic modulus values were significantly higher for the focal area of MTrPs compared to those for adjacent areas (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in MTrP parameters, including peak intensity, mean transit time, and area between the focal and adjacent areas (P<0.05). Masson staining showed that there were inflammatory cell infiltration dominated by lymphocytes in the vascular wall. Electron microscopy showed a large number of fibroblast proliferation, lamellar collagen proliferation and lysosomal deposition; immunohistochemical results: the expression of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD68+, mhc-1+, dys+, CD8 was more than that of CD20 (F=4.385, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of SWE and CEUS provides a new detection approach for quantitative identification of MTrPs in the trapezius muscle, which has high application value and is a method worthy of wider use in clinical practice.

The value of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) scoring assignment method in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules by conventional ultrasound.

PURPOSE: To explore the application value of SMI scoring assignment method combined with 2017 American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: According to the 2017 ACR TI-RADS classification, the enrolled nodules were divided into 3 points group, 4 points group, 5 points group, 6 points group and≥7 points group. The nodules were assigned scores according to the echocity of the nodules and the microvessels detected by SMI and their distribution patterns based on ACR TI-RADS. Accompany with the scores increased or decreased after assignment, the thyroid nodules were re-grouped. RESULTS: The AUC after the scores assignment is better than before (Z = 3.881, P < 0.001). The specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy after score assigned are better than those of before (Z = 8.323, P < 0.001; Z = 8.619, P < 0.001; Z = 5.345, P < 0.001), there is no statistical difference in sensitivity before and after score assigned (Z = -0.513, P = 0.60), and the negative predictive value before assigned score is better than that of after (Z = -3.826, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The diagnostic efficacy after scoring was better than that of before.

The role of ultrasound in determining the amount of pleural effusion.

BACKGROUND: There is no standardized system to evaluate pleural effusion size on ultrasound (US). We aimed to explore the role of US in determining the amount of pleural effusion, with an attempt to provide evidence for clinical efficacy evaluation and treatment program selection. METHODS: A total of 98 patients undergoing thoracoscopy at our center were enrolled in this study. The patients take a sitting position, then the maximum depths of the pleural effusion by US at the subscapular line, posterior axillary line, midaxillary line, anterior axillary line, and midclavicular line, as well as the maximum thickness of the pleural effusion at the subscapular line, were measured before pleural effusion drainage. Then, the corresponding values in the lateral position were also measured. The relationships between the actual pleural effusion amounts and the measurements at these lines were analyzed using the multivariate linear regression model (MLRM). RESULTS: The regression equation of the group with a pleural effusion amount of 500-1,000 mL in the sitting position showed statistical significance (P=0.001). The P values of the maximum depths at the subscapular line (X1) and midclavicular line (X5) and the maximum thickness at the subscapular line (X6) were below 0.05. Thus, a final model was established using X1, X5, and X6 as the independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of US examination and MLRM enables the quantitative determination of pleural effusion.

Efficacy of ultrasonography and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas causing primary hyperthyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) results from an excess of parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced from an overactive parathyroid gland. The study aimed to explore the sonographic features of parathyroid adenomas and assess the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography (US) and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas. METHODS: A total of 107 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study who had PHPT and underwent parathyroidectomy. Of the 107 patients, 97 performed US and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT examinations for preoperative localization of parathyroid nodules. The sensitivity and accuracy of each modality were calculated. RESULTS: In this study, residual parathyroid sign and polar vascular sign were identified as characteristic US features of parathyroid adenomas. These manifestations were closely related to the size of the abnormal parathyroid lesions. Among the 108 parathyroid nodules from 97 patients with PHPT, the sensitivity and accuracy of US for locating the parathyroid nodules were significantly higher than those of Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT (93.0% vs. 63.0% and 88.0% vs. 63.0% respectively; χ2 = 26.224, 18.227 respectively, P < 0.001). The differences between US + Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT-alone were statistically significant (χ2 = 33.410, 21.587 respectively, P < 0.001), yet there were no significant differences in the sensitivity or accuracy between US + Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT and US-alone (χ2 = 0.866, 0.187 respectively, P = 0.352 and 0.665). CONCLUSIONS: US shows significantly better sensitivity and accuracy for localization of parathyroid adenomas than Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT. However, US combined with Tc-99m MIBI SPECT/CT is of great clinical value in the preoperative localization of parathyroid nodules in patients with PHPT.

Comparison between radiofrequency ablation combined with mifepristone and radiofrequency ablation for large uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided (US-guided) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with mifepristone for the treatment of large uterine fibroids. METHODS: Between June 2016 and December 2018, a total of 30 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (≥5cm) who underwent transvaginal US-guided RFA combined with mifepristone were included in this retrospective study. A matching cohort of 30 patients underwent transvaginal US-guided RFA without mifepristone as controls. The technical efficacy, complications and mid-term treatment effectiveness were assessed and compared with the controls. RESULTS: The mean volume of uterine fibroid was 168.3 ± 40.1 cm3. The mean ablation time was 23.5 ± 11.3 min in the combined treatment group, which was demonstrably less than that of the RFA group, which was 45.7 ± 6.8 min. The mean number of punctures was 2.2 ± 0.6 in the combined treatment group, which was significantly less than that of the RFA group. No major complications occurred. The mean percentages of regression of fibroid at 3 and 12 months after the course of the combined treatment were 73.3% and 90.1%, respectively, which were significantly more than those of the RFA group. Quality of life and symptom scores improved in both groups but to a greater extent in the combined treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: US-guided RFA combined with mifepristone might be a simple, safe and effective alternative for the treatment of large uterine fibroids.

Ultrasound-guided transvaginal radiofrequency ablation combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for symptomatic uterine adenomyosis treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine adenomyosis. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis treated with ultrasound-guided RFA in combined with an LNG-IUS from January 2013 to January 2016 and followed up for 3 years after treatment were selected. Assessment endpoints included the uterine volume reduction rate, dysmenorrheal score, symptom severity score and adverse events. RESULTS: Among the 72 patients, 64 completed the 3-year follow-up evaluations after treatment. No LNG-IUS expulsion was reported. Dysmenorrhea and symptom severity scores statistically significantly declined after the combined treatment of RFA and LNG-IUS was administered. The uterine volume significantly decreased, and the average reduction rate was 55%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided RFA combined with an LNG-IUS might be a simple, safe and effective alternative for the treatment of symptomatic adenomyosis.

Coherently forming a single molecule in an optical trap.

Ultracold single molecules have wide-ranging potential applications, such as ultracold chemistry, precision measurements, quantum simulation, and quantum computation. However, given the difficulty of achieving full control of a complex atom-molecule system, the coherent formation of single molecules remains a challenge. Here, we report an alternative route to coherently bind two atoms into a weakly bound molecule at megahertz levels by coupling atomic spins to their two-body relative motion in a strongly focused laser with inherent polarization gradients. The coherent nature is demonstrated by long-lived atom-molecule Rabi oscillations. We further manipulate the motional levels of the molecules and measure the binding energy precisely. This work opens the door to full control of all degrees of freedom in atom-molecule systems.

Application of lung ultrasonography in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

PURPOSE: Lung ultrasonography (LU) is useful to assess lung lesions and variations at bedside. To investigate the results of LU in severe and critical patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we performed a single-institution study to evaluate the related lung lesions and variations, and prophylactic strategies, in a large referral and treatment center. METHODS: We included 91 adult patients with severe and critical COVID-19, namely 62 males and 29 females, with an average age of 59 ± 11 years, who underwent LU. We collected the following patient information: sex, age, days in hospital, and days in ICU. In the ultrasound examinations, we recorded the presence of discrete B lines, confluent B lines, consolidation, pleural thickening, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax (PTX). RESULTS: Among the 91 severe and critical patients, 59 cases had scattered B lines, 56 cases had confluent B lines, 58 cases had alveolar-interstitial syndrome (AIS), 48 cases had lung consolidation, six cases had pleural thickening, 39 cases had pleural effusion (average depth of the pleural effusion: 1.0 ± 1.5 cm), and 20 patients developed PTX. In the Cox multivariate analysis, there were significant differences in age, hospitalization days, ICU days, and lung consolidation. CONCLUSION: Lung ultrasonography performed at the bedside can detect lung diseases, such as B lines, PTX, pulmonary edema, lung consolidation, pleural effusion, and variations of these findings. Our findings support the use of LU and measurements for estimating factors, and monitoring response to therapy in severe and critical COVID-19 patients.

Applicability of bedside ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in patients with COVID-19 and treatment with low molecular weight heparin.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of bedside ultrasonography for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in patients infected with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with and without treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of deceased and surviving patients in whom ultrasonography detected or not a DVT, and in whom LMWH was or not prescribed. RESULTS: The incidence of DVT is higher in the deceased (33/35) than in the surviving (22/46) patients. LMWH was administered in a larger proportion of surviving (18/22) than of deceased (18/33) patients. D-dimer concentrations decreased in patients who received LMWH in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was a high incidence of DVT in patients who succumbed to COVID-19. Bedside ultrasonography can detect the presence of DVT as early as possible and help assessing the risk of venous thromboembolism, allowing early and reasonable use of LMWH.

Balanced Coherence Times of Atomic Qubits of Different Species in a Dual 3×3 Magic-Intensity Optical Dipole Trap Array.

We construct a polarization-mediated magic-intensity (MI) optical dipole trap (ODT) array, in which the detrimental effects of light shifts on the mixed-species qubits are efficiently mitigated so that the coherence times of the mixed-species qubits are both substantially enhanced and balanced for the first time. This mixed-species magic trapping technique relies on the tunability of the coefficient of the third-order cross term and ground state hyperpolarizability, which are inherently dependent on the degree of circular polarization of the trapping laser. Experimentally, polarization of the ODT array for ^{85}Rb qubits is finely adjusted to a definite value so that its working magnetic field required for magic trapping amounts to the one required for magically trapping ^{87}Rb qubits in another ODT array with fully circular polarization. Ultimately, in such a polarization-mediated MI-ODT array, the coherence times of ^{87}Rb and ^{85}Rb qubits are, respectively, enhanced up to 891±47 ms and 943±35 ms. Moreover, we reveal that the noise of the elliptic polarization causes dephasing effect on the ^{85}Rb qubits but it could be efficiently mitigated by choosing the dynamical range of active polarization device. We also show that light shifts seen by qubits in an elliptically polarized MI-ODT can be more efficiently compensated due to the decrease in the ground state hyperpolarizability. It is anticipated that the novel mixed-species MI-ODT array is a versatile platform for building scalable quantum computers with neutral atoms.