This paper presents a multi-field meshfree method based on a semi-Lagrangian reproducing kernel particle method for simulation of landslide processes. In the proposed method, the approximation functions of field variables are constructed based on particles, without the need of grids or structured mesh, and the discrete state variables follow the particles, thus Lagrangian description; while the interpolation function of each particle is continually updated during deformation. The formulation naturally handles extremely large deformation and material separation, thus the method is well-suited to capture the deformation of geomaterials transitioning from elastic to an almost fluid-like deformation mode during a landslide event. The general Biot theory is incorporated in the multi-field semi-Lagrangian formulation to describe the behaviors of porous geomaterials. Several numerical examples are presented for verification of the proposed method and a landslide simulation is validated against experimental results.

Over the past few years, there has been an increase on the application of Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) techniques to measure mechanical properties of musculoskeletal tissues for clinical applications. Imaging soft musculoskeletal tissues often requires the use of high frequency probes for high resolution at lower depths. The objective of this study is to measure the effect of frequency and focal depth on the acoustic output parameters (ISPPA , ISPTA and MI) as well as the amplitude of the generated shear waves by a ‘push’ pulse. To do this, acoustic output parameters were measured following NEMA guidelines. The frequency range used for the push pulses was 5-10MHz. The effect of frequency and focal depth on the amplitude of shear waves was evaluated on ultrasound phantom as well as on muscle and Achilles tendon. Acoustic output parameters and shear wave amplitude decreased as function of focal depth. However, the maximum acoustical intensity and the maximum displacement occurred at different frequencies. The maximum acoustic intensity was found at the center frequency of the transducer. These results shed light into the relationships between the properties of the ultrasound probe, acoustic output parameters, and shear wave amplitude for elastography applications.

Mechanical characterization of cells may be used to distinguish and to select certain types of cells and, more importantly, to discriminate between healthy and diseased cells. This means that mechanical properties of cells could be used as markers to screen and diagnose for diseases like cancer, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases, without the need for biochemical assaying. Conventional cell mechanical characterization methods are not suitable for practical clinical application since they are tedious and have a low throughput. Microfluidic technology holds great promise to realize single cell mechanical characterization devices that are suitable for clinical use. In recent years, many devices based on different microfluidic principles for characterizing cell mechanical properties have been introduced in the literature and science has developed up to a point at which the next steps must be taken to enable the actual translation into the clinic. In this paper, we review the different methods discussing advantages and disadvantages, and we conclude on the major challenges that need to be tackled next to enable the translation towards clinical application.

Irradiation of surrounding tissues during breast Radiotherapy (RT) may cause secondary cancers to develop within these tissues. Here we report a case of non-small cell lung cancer developed within irradiated field of right lung after RT of right breast cancer 20 years later which was detected with Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT).

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and often fatal disease that usually manifests with dyspnea, cough and/or fatigue. The diagnosis of IPF requires the exclusion of known causes of pulmonary f ibrosis. The diagnosis and management of patients with IPF ideally should be done in specialized interstitial lung disease centers in order to provide patients with the best possible care; this includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic options to slow down the progression of the disease, to manage symptoms and to improve the quality of life of patients with IPF. The main treatment options include antifibrotic drugs, opioids, supplementary oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation and lung transplantation. This review summarizes the guidelines and scientific evidence that support the various therapeutic options currently used in the management of patients with IPF. We also summarize the evidence on the therapeutic options for pulmonary hypertension and acute exacerbations of IPF, two complications associated with increased risk of death in IPF patients.