Adding SWE features, especially the stiff rim sign at the display setting (<180 kPa), to conventional US has the potential to improve the differentiation of breast lesions.

Background: Among discharged COVID-19 patients, the health-related quality of life is poor, and patients suffer from significant physical and psychological impairment. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Liuzijue exercise on the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. Methods: Thirty three eligible patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in the study after discharge. All the participants practiced Liuzijue exercise once per day for 20 minutes over 4 weeks. Data were collected at baseline and the end of the intervention. Primary outcomes involved functional capacity and secondary outcomes involved quality of life. Results: The maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), peak inspiratory flow (PIF), and diaphragm movement in deep breathing (DM-DB) of patients increased significantly after 4 weeks of intervention. The dyspnea was also alleviated and exercise capacity was significantly improved. In terms of quality of life, physical functioning and role-physical scores were significantly increased. Moreover, Liuzijue could significantly alleviate the depression and anxiety status of the patients. Conclusion: Liuzijue exercise is a viable alternative home exercise program that produced better functional capacity and quality of life in discharged patients with COVID-19. These findings also showed the necessity of rehabilitation intervention for cured COVID-19 patients.

• Stiffness of the surrounding tissue of malignant breast lesions was increased. • Stiffness of the surrounding tissue correlated with stiffness of breast lesions. • Stiffness of the surrounding tissue has potential use in diagnosis of breast lesions.

FLR was higher than GLR in both malignant and benign breast lesions. Both FLR and GLR were higher in malignant than in benign breast lesions. FLR yielded better diagnostic performance than GLR in breast lesions.

Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging has potential to characterize breast lesions, both internally and within the boundary zone, and to reflect changes in stiffness within surrounding glandular and subcutaneous fatty tissues caused by malignant tumors.