Assessing Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness: An Observational Study Using Quantitative Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography of the Rectus Femoris and Vastus Intermedius.

Introduction: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) is associated with unfavorable outcomes. The current diagnostic tools for ICUAW are invasive, yield delayed results, and lack precision. This study explored the potential of shear wave elastography (SWE), an innovative ultrasound technique, to evaluate the quality changes in the lower extremity muscles of ICU patients, potentially aiding the early detection of ICUAW.

Application of conventional ultrasound coupled with shear wave elastography in the assessment of muscle strength in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a decrease in muscle function may be related to changes in the biomechanical properties of skeletal muscles. However, the correlations between muscle function and the characteristics of muscle size and stiffness as measured by ultrasound in patients with T2DM are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the abilities of conventional ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) to assess muscle properties in patients with T2DM and to correlate the findings with isokinetic muscle testing and functional tests.

Optimizing classroom modularity and combinations to enhance daylighting performance and outdoor platform through ANN acceleration in the post-epidemic era.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has increased attention to the relationship between the built environment and health, particularly in educational settings where students spend a significant amount of their time. Traditional side daylighting used in schools, while cost-effective and easy to construct, can result in uneven indoor daylighting. To address this issue, this paper proposes a terraced teaching building design model for primary and secondary schools in Guangzhou based on the design experience of an "open-air school movement" during a historical respiratory epidemic in the early 20th century.