Amino acids are the basic units of proteins and are essential organic compounds in life. There are about 500 different amino acids in nature, but among the amino acids that make up the proteins of living organisms, 20 are standard amino acids, which are connected in different sequences to form proteinaceous proteins that perform various physiological functions in living organisms. Amino Acids,Taurine,L-Tyrosine, Food additives Xi'an Day Natural Inc. , https://herb.dayqc.com
Amino acids can be divided into the following categories according to their location and function in proteins
1.Essential amino acids
9 amino acids that the body cannot synthesize by itself or the synthesis speed cannot meet the needs, and must be ingest through food, including lysine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, valine and histidine (infants also need histidine).
2.Non-essential amino acids
The human body can synthesize by itself and does not need to obtain directly from food, including glutamic acid, aspartate, alanine, serine, glycine, proline, cysteine, etc.
3.Conditional essential amino acids
Under specific conditions (such as disease, stress), the human body's synthetic ability is reduced, and additional supplements are needed, such as arginine, glutamine, etc.
Amino acids are also widely used in the field of skin care, as skin care ingredients, they mainly have the following effects
1.Moisturizing
Some amino acids such as glycine, alanine, etc. have good hygroscopic properties, which can help the skin retain moisture and enhance its moisturizing ability.
2.Repair
Such as arginine, glutamic acid, etc. participate in the repair and regeneration process of skin cells, promoting wound healing.
3.Anti-aging
Certain amino acids have antioxidant effects that can help fight free radical damage and slow down skin aging.
4.Cleansing
Amino acid surfactants, such as sodium lauryl sarcosine, are commonly used in cleansing products for sensitive skin due to their mild, non-irritating properties.
Therefore, amino acids are not only essential for human health, but also play an important role in beauty and skin care products.
Portable ultrasound diagnostic equipment is in the ascendant
In the spring of 2007, in a remote African town, a young Liberian woman in her early 20s was told by local doctors that she had passed her due date and needed to undergo induced labor. However, volunteer doctor Simon Kohler, seeking further confirmation, used a laptop-sized portable ultrasound device equipped with a new system. The scan revealed that the woman was only 32 weeks pregnant, not the 40 weeks previously assumed. This accurate diagnosis prevented unnecessary medical intervention. At the time, local medical facilities were still recovering from the destruction caused by the civil war in 2003. Dr. Kohler noted that the woman was deeply grateful for the on-site ultrasound service.
Portable ultrasound technology has seen significant growth over the years. As these devices have become smaller, more accurate, and more user-friendly, they are increasingly being used in rural hospitals and developing countries. Unlike traditional ultrasound machines that require stable power sources and dedicated rooms, portable models offer greater flexibility. The industry is thriving, with strong market growth and promising future prospects.
Leading companies in this space include SonoSite from Washington and General Health Products from Milwaukee, each holding about 40% of the global market share. Although the concept of portable ultrasound dates back over 30 years, SonoSite launched the first portable diagnostic device in 1999, followed by General Health Products in 2002. While these devices cannot fully replace large, console-based systems, they are highly valued in areas such as emergency care, obstetrics, and cardiology.
There are over 20 specialized fields where portable ultrasound is proving useful, including anesthesiology and emergency medicine. As one doctor put it, “This is truly impactful. Ultrasound provides clear images of a beating heart and a developing fetus.†Compared to other imaging methods like MRI or X-rays, ultrasound is safer and more accessible. However, its effectiveness depends on the operator’s skill in positioning the probe correctly.
The market for portable ultrasound is driven by image quality and efficiency. Newer models now produce images comparable to high-end systems, while saving around 10% of time. In 2003, pediatrician Sable used a portable device in Uganda to diagnose a two-year-old girl with heart disease, enabling her to receive life-saving treatment in the U.S.
According to GM data, the portable ultrasound market reached $174 million in 2006, up 74% from 2005. This represented 10% of all ultrasound sales. SonoSite’s technology was also used in military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as in disaster response after Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, the company reported sales of $171.1 million, a 16% increase.
Current portable models weigh between 3 to 7 pounds and cost between $25,000 and $90,000. Experts predict that the global ultrasound market will reach $4 billion in 2006, with portable devices making up 10%. By 2011, these figures are expected to rise to $5 billion and 20%, respectively.