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Iacob R, Iacob ER, Stoicescu ER, Ghenciu DM, Cocolea DM, Constantinescu A, Ghenciu LA, Manolescu DL. Evaluating the Role of Breast Ultrasound in Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:262. [PMID: 38534536 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer, affecting both genders, but mostly females, exhibits shifting demographic patterns, with an increasing incidence in younger age groups. Early identification through mammography, clinical examinations, and breast self-exams enhances treatment efficacy, but challenges persist in low- and medium-income countries due to limited imaging resources. This review assesses the feasibility of employing breast ultrasound as the primary breast cancer screening method, particularly in resource-constrained regions. Following the PRISMA guidelines, this study examines 52 publications from the last five years. Breast ultrasound, distinct from mammography, offers advantages like radiation-free imaging, suitability for repeated screenings, and preference for younger populations. Real-time imaging and dense breast tissue evaluation enhance sensitivity, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness. However, limitations include reduced specificity, operator dependence, and challenges in detecting microcalcifications. Automatic breast ultrasound (ABUS) addresses some issues but faces constraints like potential inaccuracies and limited microcalcification detection. The analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to breast cancer screening, emphasizing international collaboration and addressing limitations, especially in resource-constrained settings. Despite advancements, notably with ABUS, the primary goal is to contribute insights for optimizing breast cancer screening globally, improving outcomes, and mitigating the impact of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Iacob
- Department of Anatomy and Embriology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Doctoral School, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Faculty of Mechanics, Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, 'Politehnica' University Timișoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Emil Radu Iacob
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Emil Robert Stoicescu
- Doctoral School, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Faculty of Mechanics, Field of Applied Engineering Sciences, Specialization Statistical Methods and Techniques in Health and Clinical Research, 'Politehnica' University Timișoara, Mihai Viteazul Boulevard No. 1, 300222 Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Delius Mario Ghenciu
- Doctoral School, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daiana Marina Cocolea
- Doctoral School, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Amalia Constantinescu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Laura Andreea Ghenciu
- Discipline of Pathophysiology, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Diana Luminita Manolescu
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Center for Research and Innovation in Precision Medicine of Respiratory Diseases (CRIPMRD), 'Victor Babeș' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
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Zhang L, Du W, Kim JH, Yu CC, Dagdeviren C. An Emerging Era: Conformable Ultrasound Electronics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307664. [PMID: 37792426 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Conformable electronics are regarded as the next generation of personal healthcare monitoring and remote diagnosis devices. In recent years, piezoelectric-based conformable ultrasound electronics (cUSE) have been intensively studied due to their unique capabilities, including nonradiative monitoring, soft tissue imaging, deep signal decoding, wireless power transfer, portability, and compatibility. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of cUSE for use in biomedical and healthcare monitoring systems and a summary of their recent advancements. Following an introduction to the fundamentals of piezoelectrics and ultrasound transducers, the critical parameters for transducer design are discussed. Next, five types of cUSE with their advantages and limitations are highlighted, and the fabrication of cUSE using advanced technologies is discussed. In addition, the working function, acoustic performance, and accomplishments in various applications are thoroughly summarized. It is noted that application considerations must be given to the tradeoffs between material selection, manufacturing processes, acoustic performance, mechanical integrity, and the entire integrated system. Finally, current challenges and directions for the development of cUSE are highlighted, and research flow is provided as the roadmap for future research. In conclusion, these advances in the fields of piezoelectric materials, ultrasound transducers, and conformable electronics spark an emerging era of biomedicine and personal healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Wenya Du
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jin-Hoon Kim
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Yu
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Canan Dagdeviren
- Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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