Utilization of Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy in the Management of Denture-Induced Hyperplasia and Vestibuloplasty in a Medically Compromised Patient: A Case Report

This case history reports the treatment of a Caucasian woman in her mid-70s who was medically compromised and on anticoagulant medication. She presented with three lesions: the first was located in the mandibular buccal mucosa, extending into the regions of the mandibular left and right second premolars, the second in the maxillary right region, and the third in the junction between the hard and soft palates. Carbon dioxide laser therapy was chosen as a treatment modality and was utilized at a lower power setting of 1.62 W in a gated mode (50% on, 50% off) for excision of these lesions and for increasing the depth of the mandibular buccal vestibule. The average power was 0.81 W, and the spot area was 0.8 mm. In terms of pain, infection, and bleeding, minimal to no postoperative complications were reported, and better healing was observed within 2 weeks. Carbon dioxide laser therapy at a lower power setting is a minimally invasive tool that proved in the present case to have greater benefits in the management of oral soft tissue lesions in a medically compromised patient.

CO2 laser application in stomatology

The CO2 laser has found great acceptance in the stomatologic field of dentistry. This article gives an overview of the most important bene fits. The absorption of the laser light produces photothermal effects such as coagulation, vaporization and photoablation. The main indications in stomatology are pain alleviation and prevention of recurences in aphthae and cold sores (minor aphthae, herpes simplex), ablation of benign and irritant tissue excess (stimulus fibroma), lip and tongue band correction and soft tissue hemostasis. One great advantage is the minimal bleeding in the surgical field, which allows for optimal visibility. In addition, the CO2 laser offers high patient comfort since no primary wound closure with sutures are required. However, in suspect of malignancy a sharp excision with a scalpel is still preferred due to possible compromisation of the histopathologic evaluation.

Combination of Fractional Resurfacing and Dermabrasion Techniques to Improve Aesthetic Outcomes of Facial Grafts

The use of full-thickness skin grafts (FTSG) in facial reconstruction during dermatologic surgery is well-established. Surgical sites that commonly receive a skin graft include the scalp, nose and ear

The impact of CO2 laser for treatment of Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess on female sexual function: a pilot study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the sexual functionality before and after treatment of Bartholin's gland diseases (BGD) with CO₂ laser and to compare our results to patients who underwent surgical cold knife and to a healthy control group (HCG). Consecutive patients (n = 15) affected by BG cyst or abscess who underwent CO₂ laser treatment were evaluated. Patients were asked to complete the Italian translation of the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) before and 4 weeks after treatment. Results after CO₂ laser were compared with two control groups: patients affected by BG cyst (n = 15) or abscess treated with surgical cold knife treatment and a HCG (n = 18). A statistically significant advantage of CO₂ laser versus cold knife treatment in terms of lubrication, pain and global score were recorded. Both the single scores of five domains and total score of FSFI were globally higher after any treatment compared to before (CO₂ and cold knife) of BGD. According to our data, CO₂ laser therapy is often well tolerated by patients and correlated with a favorable sexual health recovery.

Surface engineering of spongy bacterial cellulose via constructing crossed groove/column micropattern by low-energy CO2 laser photolithography toward scar-free wound healing

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a bio-derived polymer, and it has been considered as an excellent candidate material for tissue engineering. In this study, a crossed groove/column micropattern was constructed on spongy, porous BC using low-energy CO₂ laser photolithography. Applying the targeted immobilization of a tetrapeptide consisting of Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid-Serine (H-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-OH, RGDS) as a fibronectin onto the column platform surface, the resulting micropatterned BC (RGDS-MPBC) exhibited dual affinities to fibroblasts and collagen. Material characterization of RGDS-MPBC revealed that the micropattern was built by the column part with size of ~100 × 100 μm wide and ~100 μm deep, and the groove part with size of ~150 μm wide. Hydrating the MPBC did not result in the collapse of the integrity of the micropattern, suggesting its potential application in a highly hydrated wound environment. Cell culture assays revealed that the RGDS-MPBC exhibited an improved cytotoxicity to mouse fibroblasts L929, as compared to the pristine BC. Meanwhile, it was observed that the RGDS-MPBC was able to guide the ordered aggregation of human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells on the column platform surface, and no HSF cells were found in the groove channels. Over time, it was found that a dense network of collagen was gradually established across the groove channels. Furthermore, the in-vivo animal study preliminarily demonstrated the scar-free healing potential of the micropatterned BC materials. Therefore, this RGDS-MPBC material exhibited its advantages in guiding cell migration and collagen distribution, which could present a prospect in the establishment of "basket-woven" organization of collagen in normal skin tissue against the formation of dense, parallel aggregation of collagen fibers in scar tissue toward scar-free wound healing outcome.

Simple, low-cost fabrication of acrylic based droplet microfluidics and its use to generate DNA-coated particles

Hydrogel microparticles were copolymerized with surface-immobilized DNA. Particles derived from a microfluidic device and particles derived from mechanical homogenization were compared. The hypothesis was tested that a controlled droplet generation mechanism would produce more homogeneous particles. Surprisingly, the DNA content of both particle types was similarly inhomogeneous. To make this test possible, a simple, low cost, and rapid method was developed to fabricate a microfluidic chip for droplet generation and in-line polymerization. This method used a low-cost laser cutter ($400) and direct heat bonding (no adhesives or intermediate layers). The flow focusing droplet generator produced droplets and hydrogel particles 10-200 μm in diameter.

Responses of He-Ne laser on agronomic traits and the crosstalk between UVR8 signaling and phytochrome B signaling pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to supplementary ultraviolet-B (UV-B) stress

UV-B acclimation effects and UV-B damage repair induced by a 632.8-nm He-Ne laser were investigated in Arabidopsis thaliana plants in response to supplementary UV-B stress. There was an increasing trend in growth parameters in the combination-treated plants with He-Ne laser and UV-B light compared to those stressed with enhanced UV-B light alone during different developmental stages of plants. The photosynthetic efficiency (Pn) and survival rates of seedlings were significantly higher in the combination treatments than UV-B stress alone. The expression of UVR8, phytochrome B (PhyB), and their mediated signal responsive genes such as COP1, HY5, and CHS were also significantly upregulated in plants with the laser irradiation compared with other groups without the laser. Levels of flavonol accumulation in leaves and capsule yield of He-Ne laser-treated plants were increased. The phyB-9 mutants were more sensitive to enhanced UV-B stress and had no obvious improvements in plant phenotypic development and physiological damage caused by enhanced UV-B stress after He-Ne laser irradiation. Our results suggested that UVR8 and its mediated signaling pathway via interaction with COP1 can be induced by He-Ne laser, and these processes were dependent on cytoplasmic PhyB levels in plant cells, which might be one of the most important mechanisms of He-Ne laser on UV-B protection and UV-B damage repair. These current data have also elucidated that the biostimulatory effects of He-Ne laser on Arabidopsis thaliana plants would happen not only during the early growth stage but also during the entire late developmental stage.

Decontamination of Customized Laser-Microtextured Titanium Abutments: A Comparative in Vitro Study of Different Cleaning Procedures

The aim of this study was to evaluate different cleaning procedures for customized laser-microtextured titanium abutments. A total of 20 customized laser-microtextured abutments were randomized into four groups: no cleaning (control group), ultrasonic treatments + autoclave cycle (group 1), ultrasonic treatments + argon plasma (group 2), and only argon plasma (group 3). Surface contaminants were assessed through scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy microanalysis. In the control group, 99.96% of the abutment surfaces were contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. Group 3 showed the second highest contamination percentage, with almost 23% of the analyzed surfaces polluted. Samples in groups 1 and 2 were almost clean, with negligible traces of microparticles (0.009% and 0.047% of the surfaces were contaminated, respectively). These results were statistically significant for differences between control and test groups, and between groups 1 and 2 in comparison to 3 (P < .001). Abutment decontamination with argon plasma alone might not be as effective on laser-microtextured surfaces as other cleaning protocols.

Lymphangioma Circumscriptum Post Radiotherapy for Penile Cancer Treated with CO₂ Laser

Lymphangioma circumscriptum (LC) is a rare, benign condition, predominantly characterized by the malformation of lymphatic skin vessels. Its onset may be congenital or due to secondary causes such as radiotherapy, infections, or surgical procedures. We present the case of a 55-year-old patient with a pathologic history of squamous cell carcinoma of the penis followed by radical penectomy. Due to metastasis to the locoregional lymph nodes, the entire affected area was subsequently treated with radiation therapy, receiving a total dose of 55.8 Gray. Eight years after this treatment, translucent vesicles filled with a clear liquid appeared on the scrotum. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of LC and therapy with CO2 laser was applied, resulting in a favorable outcome. LC of the scrotum may present a long-term radiotherapy-induced complication of this site. Our clinical experience showed that the CO2 laser was the therapy of choice as the vesicles entirely disappeared and healed as white scar-like lesions.

Measuring heavy metal stress in ryegrass using helium-cadmium excitation-based photoluminescence

As the chemical analysis of heavy metal uptake and toxicity in plants is time-consuming, expensive, and destructive, a simple and reliable method for detecting heavy metal transfer from the soil to plants is thus necessary. We aimed to measure copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) stress in ryegrass in vivo using plant photoluminescence based on a helium (He)-cadmium excitation source (wavelength 325 nm). The soils were combined with Cu, Pb and Cd, respectively. Fifteen ryegrass seedlings (Lolium multiflorum) were planted in each pot. After 30 days, leaves from seedlings at the fourth-leaf stage were collected and the fluorescence excitation spectra were detected using a He-Cd laser at an excitation wavelength of 325 nm. Three emission peaks that constitute known chlorophyll wavelengths, namely 450, 690, and 735 nm, were detected. These three peaks were strongly influenced by Cu, Pb, and Cd concentrations in the soil. Higher peak heights at 450 nm were observed with increasing Cu, Pb, and Cd concentrations in the soil, whereas no changes were noted at 690 and 735 nm. The P450/P690 and P450/P735 ratios were positively correlated with Cu, Pb, and Cd soil concentrations, ryegrass uptake, and DTPA-extractable Cu, Pb, and Cd in the soil. The related coefficients were all greater than 0.9. However, no correlation between the P690/P735 ratio, Cu, Pb, and Cd ryegrass uptake, and DTPA-extractable Cu, Pb, and Cd in the soil was observed. The measurement of plant photoluminescence in vivo using a He-Cd excitation source (wavelength 325 nm) may be utilized as an approach for monitoring the response of plants to specific stressors.

[The application of the modern technologies for the treatment of precancerous diseases of the larynx]

This article deals with the endolaryngeal methods for the surgical treatment of pre-cancerous diseases of the larynx with the use of up-to-date technologies and anesthetic support. The authors describe the original methods for endolaryngeal interventions based on the use of the CO₂-laser. In addition, the results of the analysis of the data obtained during the immediate and delayed postoperative periods are presented.

Ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser combined with intense pulsed light for the treatment of photoaging skin in Chinese population: A split-face study

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is effective for the treatment of lentigines, telangiectasia, and generalized erythema, but is less effective in the removal of skin wrinkles. Fractional laser is effective on skin wrinkles and textural irregularities, but can induce postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), especially in Asians. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ablative fractional laser (AFL) in combination with IPL in the treatment of photoaging skin in Asians.This study included 28 Chinese women with Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV. The side of the face to be treated with IPL alone (3 times) or AFL in combination with IPL (2 IPL treatments and 1 AFL treatment) was randomly selected. Skin conditions including hydration, transepidermal water loss, elasticity, spots, ultraviolet spots, brown spots, wrinkle, texture, pore size and red areas, as well as adverse effects were evaluated before the treatment and at 30 days after the treatment.Compared with IPL treatment alone, AFL in combination with IPL significantly increased elasticity, decreased pore size, reduced skin wrinkles, and improved skin texture (P = .004, P = .039, P = .015, and P = .035, respectively). Both treatment protocols produced similar effects in relation to the improvement of photoaging-induced pigmentation. The combined therapy did not impair epidermal barrier function. No postoperative infection, hypopigmentation, or scarring occurred after IPL and AFL treatments. PIH occurred at 1 month after AFL treatment and disappeared at 30 days after completion of the combined therapy.AFL in combination with IPL is safe and effective for photoaging skin in Asians.

Feasibility and its characteristics of CO2 laser micromachining-based PMMA anti-scattering grid estimated by MCNP code simulation

BACKGROUND

Anti-scattering grid has been used to improve the image quality. However, applying a commonly used linear or parallel grid would cause image distortion, and focusing grid also requires a precise fabrication technology, which is expensive.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate and analyze whether using CO2 laser micromachining-based PMMA anti-scattering grid can improve the performance of the grid at a lower cost. Thus, improvement of grid performance would result in improvement of image quality.

METHODS

The cross-sectional shape of CO2 laser machined PMMA is similar to alphabet 'V'. The performance was characterized by contrast improvement factor (CIF) and Bucky. Four types of grid were tested, which include thin parallel, thick parallel, 'V'-type and 'inverse V'-type of grid.

RESULTS

For a Bucky factor of 2.1, the CIF of the grid with both the "V" and inverse "V" had a value of 1.53, while the thick and thick parallel types had values of 1.43 and 1.65, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The 'V' shape grid manufacture by CO2 laser micromachining showed higher CIF than parallel one, which had same shielding material channel width. It was thought that the 'V' shape grid would be replacement to the conventional parallel grid if it is hard to fabricate the high-aspect-ratio grid.

The healing effect of Pistacia lentiscus fruit oil on laser burn

CONTEXT

Since antiquity, Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae) fruit oil (PLFO) has been used as a remedy for primary health care such as burn treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the healing effect of PLFO on CO₂ laser fractional burn in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was carried out on 18 adult male Wistar rats. A second-degree laser burn (wound area = 2.2 cm²) was inflicted in the dorsal region by the application of CO₂ fractional laser within the following parameters; Energy level: 25 MJ and Depth level: 4. After applying laser, the rats were divided into three groups: the first was treated with saline solution, the second with a reference cream 'CYTOL BASIC^®' (0.13 μg/mm²) and the third with PLFO (0.52 μL/mm²). All treatments were topically administered for eight days. The healing effect was assessed using macroscopic, histological and biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

After eight days, the higher percentage of wound healing contraction was observed among the PLFO-treated group (100%) followed by the 'CYTOL BASIC^®' treated group (61.36%) and untreated group (32.27%). During the treatment, the PLFO-treated group showed less erythema, less crusting/scabbing, higher general wound appearance scores and a high content of collagen (220.67 ± 7.48 mg/g of tissue) than the other groups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The current study has shown, for the first time, the healing effect of PLFO on CO₂ laser fractional burn. Their wound healing effect could be attributed to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

In-Vivo Histological Analysis of a Fractional CO2 Laser System Intended for Treatment of Soft Tissue

<p>BACKGROUND: Fractional ablative lasers have been shown to be safe and effective for improving wrinkles, scars, skin texture, and dyspigmentation. However, the exact effects of this technology in vivo on epidermal and dermal skin constituents have not been delineated. This study evaluated the in vivo histological effects over time of treatment with a fractional ablative CO2 system, using different treatment parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Healthy adult volunteers were enrolled in this multicenter clinical study. Study participants, previously scheduled for abdominoplasty, received fractional CO2 laser treatment on the abdomen at a predetermined time prior to surgery. Biopsies were taken at baseline and after CO2 treatment. Morphological and morphometric analyses were performed in the ablated and coagulated tissue areas.

RESULTS

Nine healthy adult volunteers were treated. Histologic evaluation showed 800-900 micron diameter zones of ablation and coagulation confined to the upper most layer of the skin in the mode with the greatest fractional skin coverage using Light Mode 30 - 50% (spot diameter of 150 microns, 30-60 millijoules fluence), while ablation to levels of up to 900 microns in depth using the Deep Mode (spot diameter 150 microns, 50-80 millijoules). Healing times of treated tissue varied from 1-day post-treatment with the Light Mode, and up to 10 days post-treatment with the Deep Mode. No remnants of ablation or coagulation were seen after 30 days post CO2 treatment with either mode. There were no adverse events associated with treatments.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of the skin using the fractional CO2 device leads to skin resurfacing via ablation and coagulation of the treated area at a depth proportional to the delivered energy. The higher the energy used, the greater the degree of ablation and coagulation in tissue, which can lead to a greater tissue response in terms of fibroblast activity, collagen remodeling, and new collagen formation.</p> <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(11):1085-1090.</em></p>.

Lasers, Light, and the Treatment of Acne: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

INTRODUCTION

Acne vulgaris is common dermatologic condition with an estimated prevalence of 70 to 87%. Acne has been shown to have a significant impact on patient quality of life and mental health, especially as inflammatory lesions typically occur on cosmetically sensitive areas with the potential for permanent scarring. There have been numerous advances in the treatment of inflammatory acne with light-based and laser devices.

OBJECTIVE

To review the current evidence for light-based and laser treatments in the management of inflammatory acne.

METHODS

An analysis was conducted of PubMed indexed English language literature regarding management of inflammatory acne using light-based and laser treatments.

RESULTS

Evidence for the utilization of laser and light-based therapy for acne was summarized in a comprehensive review. Laser and light-based treatment holds the advantages of improved patient compliance and safety profiles in comparison to pharmacologic therapy. Efficacy of device based treatment varied in comparison to standard topical treatment regimens, often more effective when used in combination therapy. Adverse effects reported were generally self-limited.

DISCUSSION

These treatments do and will continue to play an important and enlarging role in the management of acne. Larger scale studies with standardization of treatment protocols are warranted. <p><em>J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(11):1095-1102.</em></p>.

Sexual Function in Women Suffering From Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Treated With Fractionated CO2 Laser

INTRODUCTION

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has a significant impact on the trophism of the genital and lower urinary tracts and can considerably impair sexual function. Fractional CO₂ laser has a regenerative effect on vulvovaginal tissue trophism after menopause.

AIM

To review the available literature on the effect of fractional CO₂ laser on the sexual function of postmenopausal women affected by GSM.

METHODS

A database search was carried out using the terms CO₂laser, vaginal atrophy, sexual function, dyspareunia, and genitourinary syndrome of menopause and excluding studies using other types of laser or including breast cancer survivors with vulvovaginal atrophy. For statistical analysis, the estimated overall laser effect was computed (when at least two studies were involved) and data type of generic inverse variance was computed using inverse variance as the statistical method, a random-effects model, and the difference in means as an effect measurement.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Different methods of evaluating sexual function were reported and studies were grouped and analyzed accordingly. Subjective assessment for dyspareunia was evaluated with a 10-point visual analog scale. Patient-reported outcome for an overall perception of sexual function was evaluated with a Likert scale. The Female Sexual Function Index was used as a condition-specific questionnaire.

RESULTS

Six articles were considered for this review. A total of 273 women (mean age = 57.8 years) were treated with the same protocol in all studies. Compared with baseline, at the end of the treatment, dyspareunia significantly decreased in severity (P < .001), and the patient's perception of overall sexual function showed a statistically significant improvement (P < .001). At the last follow-up visit, the Female Sexual Function Index score for each single domain and overall score was significantly better than at entry (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Fractional CO₂ laser can improve sexual function in postmenopausal women affected by GSM by restoring a better trophism in the lower genitourinary tract. Salvatore S, Pitsouni E, Del Deo F, et al. Sexual Function in Women Suffering From Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause Treated With Fractionated CO₂Laser. Sex Med Rev 2017;5:486-494.

Laser and light-based therapy for cutaneous and soft-tissue metastases of malignant melanoma: a systematic review

Invasive cutaneous melanoma is a growing health concern. Although surgical excision can effectively treat in situ tumors, use for metastatic melanoma is limited. Laser and light-based therapies may be a valuable palliative treatment option for patients with stage III and stage IV cutaneous metastatic melanoma. Our goal is to review the published literature and provide evidence-based recommendations on laser and light-based palliative therapies for metastatic melanoma. A search of the databases Pubmed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL was performed on March 10, 2016. Key search terms were related to melanoma, laser, and light-based modalities. Our search initially identified 13,923 articles and 27 original articles met inclusion criteria for our review. Grade of recommendation: C for non-fractionated carbon dioxide laser, Grade of recommendation: D for fractionated carbon dioxide laser, ruby laser, neodymium laser, near-infrared diode laser, and photodynamic therapy. Non-fractionated carbon dioxide laser had the best palliative efficacy of the reviewed laser and light-based therapies, while other treatment modalities may have potential as adjunctive therapy to standard of care.

Very accurate temperature control of bones by a CO2 laser for medical applications

In this paper, we show that the temperature of porcine bone samples can be maintained to a constant value within the range of 40°C-75°C. For this temperature range, it was also shown that a porcine bone sample could be kept at a given temperature within a fraction of a degree Celsius. This method relies on a real-time feedback computer control between a noncontact sensor and a CO₂ laser operating at a typical repetition rate within the 5-20 kHz range. Results are shown for domesticated porcine bones that strongly absorb the CO₂ radiation at λ=10.6  μm.

Gas Cluster Ion Beam Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry High-Resolution Imaging of Cardiolipin Speciation in the Brain: Identification of Molecular Losses after Traumatic Injury

Gas cluster ion beam-secondary ion mass spectrometry (GCIB-SIMS) has shown the full potential of mapping intact lipids in biological systems with better than 10 μm lateral resolution. This study investigated further the capability of GCIB-SIMS in imaging high-mass signals from intact cardiolipin (CL) and gangliosides in normal brain and the effect of a controlled cortical impact model (CCI) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on their distribution. A combination of enzymatic and chemical treatments was employed to suppress the signals from the most abundant phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)) and enhance the signals from the low-abundance CLs and gangliosides to allow their GCIB-SIMS detection at 8 and 16 μm spatial resolution. Brain CLs have not been observed previously using other contemporary imaging mass spectrometry techniques at better than 50 μm spatial resolution. High-resolution images of naive and injured brain tissue facilitated the comparison of CL species across three multicell layers in the CA1, CA3, and DG regions of the hippocampus. GCIB-SIMS also reliably mapped losses of oxidizable polyunsaturated CL species (but not the oxidation-resistant saturated and monounsaturated gangliosides) to regions including the CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus after CCI. This work extends the detection range for SIMS measurements of intact lipids to above m/z 2000, bridging the mass range gap compared with MALDI. Further advances in high-resolution SIMS of CLs, with the potential for single cell or supra-cellular imaging, will be essential for the understanding of CL's functional and structural organization in normal and injured brain.