Combined Laser Research Articles

Assessment of retinal pigment epithelium tears in eyes with submacular hemorrhage secondary to age-related macular degeneration

To assess retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears in eyes which underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for submacular hemorrhage (SMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration and to investigate the prognostic factors of visual outcomes. This study was a retrospective, observational case series that included 24 eyes of 24 patients who underwent PPV with subretinal tissue plasminogen activator and air for SMH. RPE tears were investigated using spectral-domain or swept-source optical coherence tomography images with raster scan, combined confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope near-infrared images and color fundus photographs. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of visual outcome at month 3 and 6 after surgery. In 21 eyes out of 24 eyes (87.5%), RPE tear was detected in the posterior pole. Eight eyes (33.3%) had large RPE tears ( ≧ 1 disc diameter (DD)). Out of the 8 eyes, 5 eyes progressed fibrotic scars within 3 months despite successful SMH removal and showed decrease in their visual acuity (VA). The ratio of eyes with large RPE tears ( ≧ 1DD) were significantly higher in eyes which had undergone anti-VEGF therapy within 3 months than in treatment-naïve eyes (71.4% vs. 25.0%, p = 0.048). The multiple regression analysis revealed that a small RPE tear (< 1DD) and treatment-naïve condition were associated with better VA at month 3 and 6. SMH within 3 months after anti-VEGF therapy might be accompanied by a large RPE tear. An RPE tear which was smaller than 1DD and treatment-naïve condition were associated with better prognosis.

A novel two-stage and combined treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and cataract: comparative efficacy and complications

Background. The approach to the treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and cataract is still a subject of debate, because when choosing a particular type of procedure, as well as determining the timing of its performance, it is necessary to consider a significant number of factors that may affect success of treatment. There are limited data on the outcomes of combined treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and complicated cataract, which includes phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (MP-TSCPC). The purpose is to compare efficacy and to study the nature and frequency of complications when using novel, two-stage and combined surgical and laser methods for treating primary open-angle glaucoma with cataract. Materials and methods. The study includes 112 patients (112 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma stage I–IV and complicated cataract. There were 3 observation groups. In the first one (n = 34), phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was performed 1 month prior to MP-TSCPC. The second group (n = 36) included patients who underwent phacoemulsification with IOL implantation a month after MP-TSCPC. In the third group (n = 42), phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and MP-TSCPC were performed in one procedure. These groups did not statistically differ in terms of age, gender, baseline intraocular pressure, stage of primary open-angle glaucoma and nuclear lens density. The primary outcome measure was the normalization of intraocular pressure with or without the use of antiglaucoma medications and without need for repeated laser and incisional procedures after 1, 3 and 6 months. The secondary outcome measure was stabilization or expansion of visual fields 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. The complication nature and rates were evaluated. Results. In the third group, where combined treatment was performed, the incidence of transient hypertension and inflammatory complications was statistically higher. There was a tendency to a higher incidence of corneal edema, cystoid macular edema, and hypotony as well; 7.1 % of patients required repeated MP-TSCPC, but this was statistically insignificant. According to the survival analysis, a statistically significant difference was found between the three groups in functional (p = 0.036) and hypotensive outcomes (p = 0.046), with the best result in the second group at 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions. The efficacy assessed by hypotensive and functional outcomes at a follow-up period of 6 months appeared to be statistically lower in the group of combined treatment compared to the groups in which two-stage treatment was conducted.

Efficient coupling of dual beam combined laser into micro water jet for deep processing

In order to improve the power and energy of water-jet-guided laser, this paper introduces a double beam water-jet-guided laser (DWJL) technology. Based spatially polarized light combination and temporal phase modulation, two lasers are effectively coupled into a water jet with diameter of 100 μm. The maximum output peak power reaches 100 kW and the maximum pulse energy is 4.63 mJ with an operation frequency range from 1 to 20 kHz. The coupling efficiency is as high as 90.4%. Its efficient energy utilization offers new solutions for precision cutting and processing of thick materials. Ultimately, the machining capability of high-power/high-energy DWJL was demonstrated by cutting through 7075 aluminum alloys of varying thicknesses. The cutting depth reaches 10.61 mm, corresponding to a depth-to-width ratio of the cutting gap exceeds 90:1, and the taper is only approximately 0.23°. There is no heat-affected ablation zone on the processed surface. For deep micro holes processing, a minimum radius is 248.54 μm with a depth-to-diameter ratio of 21:1. As the ongoing development of DWJL technology, this innovation is anticipated to find broader applications in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and high-end equipment manufacturing in the future.

Safety and Efficacy of Combination Therapy with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Laser for Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined laser and anti-VEGF therapy for (retinopathy of prematurity ROP), focusing on both structural and functional outcomes. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated combination therapy for ROP. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data were extracted and analyzed using risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Three RCTs involving a total of 162 premature infants were included in the meta-analysis. Combination therapy of anti-VEGF and laser photocoagulation was compared with other interventions. The pooled analysis of favorable structural outcomes did not show a statistically significant difference between combination therapy with anti-VEGFs and laser therapy compared to the interventions in the control groups (P=0.25). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between the combination therapy group and other intervention groups. This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that risk ratio of combination therapy with anti-VEGF and laser for ROP is associated with favorable outcomes, albeit insignificant. The safety profile of combination therapy appears to be similar to other interventions. However, due to the limited number of included studies, further research is needed.

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation Therapy Utilizing 808 nm and 660 nm Alone and in Combination for Treatment of Paresthesia in Rats.

Background/Objectives: This study assessed the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) by 808 nm and 660 nm alone and in combination for the treatment of paresthesia in rats. Methods: This animal study was conducted on 36 adult male Wistar rats. After general anesthesia, the facial nerve of the right side of the face of rats was surgically exposed and pinched, returned in place, and sutured. The rats were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 6) of (I) no-intervention (control), (II) no-laser, (III) 808 nm laser (250 mW, 4 W/cm2, 20 s, 8 J/cm2, (IV) 660 nm laser (150 mW, 0.25 W/cm2, 32 s, 8 J/cm2, (V) 808 nm plus 660 nm laser with the original settings, and (VI) 808 nm plus 660 nm laser with half of the time and energy density. After 16 days, a biopsy sample was taken from the nerve injury site and underwent histological, histometric, and immunohistochemical assessments. Results: Significantly lower edema and congestion were seen in the combined laser group with original settings (p < 0.05); this group had no significant difference with the control group regarding degenerative changes of the nerve fibers and Schwann cells (p > 0.05). The 660 nm, and combined laser groups, had a significantly lower accumulation of inflammatory cells (p < 0.05). The number of blood vessels in combined laser groups was significantly lower than that in the no-laser group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results showed the positive efficacy of PBM by 808 nm and 660 nm lasers in resolution of inflammation and reduction of degenerative changes of Schwann cells and nerve fibers.

Combined fractional CO2 laser 10,600nm with methotrexate 1% gel versus methotrexate 1% gel alone in the treatment of nail psoriasis: a randomized comparative study.

Methotrexate injections intralesionally as a treatment for psoriatic nails proved to be effective in large-scale studies as well as individual case reports, but the process is painful and time-consuming. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of combined fractional CO2 laser (Fr. CO2) 10,600nm and methotrexate gel versus methotrexate 1% gel alone in treatment of nail psoriasis. In this intra-patient randomized comparative study, 36 patients were treated for finger nail psoriasis. One hand was randomly selected to be treated with a Fr. CO2 laser at 10,600nm in monthly sessions in addition to the daily application of methotrexate 1% gel for 4 months (Fr. CO2 group). The other hand was treated with daily application of methotrexate 1% gel alone for the same period (non-laser group). Evaluation was done at the end of 4 months treatment and 3 months after treatment both clinically and dermoscopically. In addition, histopathological evaluation was done 3 months after treatment. At the end of treatment, both hands experienced significant improvement in total nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI) (P = 0.001,for each hand) with no significant difference between both (p = 0.593). Three months after treatment, the improvement in NAPSI score in Fr. CO2 group was significantly greater than that in non-laser group (p = 0.001). The dermoscopic evaluation showed significant improvement in both hands at the end of treatment and 3 months after treatment. Regarding microscopic examination of nail psoriatic, the mean value of nail plate thickness and subungual thickness significantly decreased, three months after treatment in both groups with significant higher improvement in Fr. CO2 group compared with non-laser group (p = 0.011, 0.000), respectively. Nail plate serous lake, subungual serous lake, parakeratosis and Munro's abscess significantly improved 3 months after treatment. with no significant difference between both sides. Although minimal pain during the session was in 20% and erythema in 37.1% of patients that last less than 24h were noticed in Fr. CO2 group, patient satisfaction was still higher among patients in this group (p = 0.02). It is concluded that topical methotrexate 1% gel is an effective topical treatment for nail psoriasis. However, Fr. CO2 laser-assisted delivery of methotrexate 1% gel is superior to unassisted methotrexate 1% gel application.

Combination Checkpoint Blockade and Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Radiographically Progressive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases

Abstract Background Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive surgical treatment being employed frequently for radiographically progressive brain metastases. Considerable interest exists in combining LITT-mediated in situ vaccination to license immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). No studies have examined the clinical feasibility of this combination in brain metastases. Methods All patients receiving LITT for radiographically progressive non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) brain metastases at a single center from 2015 – 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Combination therapy was defined as ICB within 6 weeks of LITT. Clinical data, post-LITT freedom from local progression (FFLP), and overall survival (OS) were collected. Adverse events (AEs) were evaluated according to Common Terminology Criteria. Results Eighteen patients received LITT + ICB to a total of 19 lesions. Median time between therapies was 2.29 weeks (range 0.85 – 5.98). In comparison to NSCLC patients receiving LITT alone or with targeted therapy (LITT only) (n = 25), there was no decrement in procedural outcomes. Patients receiving LITT + ICB discontinued steroids at a median of 11 (4 – 147) days post-LITT vs. 24 (3 – 242) days for patients receiving LITT only (P = 0.62). At study cutoff, the local control rate was 18/19 (94.7%) lesions in the LITT + ICB group and 22/25 (88.0%) in the LITT only group. There were 3 and 5 AEs ≥ Grade 3 in the LITT + ICB and LITT only group, respectively. Conclusions Combination LITT and ICB does not compromise procedural outcomes or time to steroid discontinuation in NSCLC. Prospective studies are needed to assess biomarkers of immune response.

THERMOMECHANICAL COUPLED MODEL OF COATING SYNTHESIS ON A SUBSTRATE

Among modern combined laser and electron-beam technologies, special attention is paid to those in which composition formation takes place directly in the process of product creation or coating synthesis. In the present work, a coupled model of coating synthesis on a substrate is constructed. When building the model, a sequential transition was carried out from a three-dimensional model of the coating synthesis process on the substrate to a one-dimensional model, which is useful for qualitative analysis. The one-dimensional model takes into account the main physical features of the physical and chemical processes during the synthesis, as well as the coupled nature of the heat transfer and deformation at the same time taking into account the differences in thermophysical and mechanical properties of different materials. When constructing the intermediate analytical solution, it is assumed that the system "substrate-coating" is in a plane stress state. As a result, explicit expressions for the components of stress and strain tensors connected with changes in temperature and composition are obtained. With the help of the obtained analytical solution, the thermokinetic part of the problem is modified and reduced to a more convenient form. Further, the experience accumulated in the field of macrokinetics is used, which allows us to model the processes of creating new materials (e.g., intermetallic or metal matrix composites) in modern technologies from the point of view of controlling the processes of phase formation in the reaction zone by a moving external source. The transition to dimensionless variables revealed complexes and parameters representing relations of characteristic scales of different processes. The parametric study of the model allowed us to establish interesting qualitative effects. It is demonstrated that the quasi-stationary regime is accompanied by physical and chemical processes in the region, which the laser beam had left, due to the heat accumulated in the materials. It is shown that the coupled nature of different processes significantly affects the dynamics of synthesis and the parameters of the quasi-stationary regime.

Experimental investigation on enhanced ablation of silicon with the combined pulse laser

The combined pulse laser (CPL) based on long-pulsed lasers has been proven to be an effective way of improving laser processing efficiency by combining their processing advantages. In this Letter, a CPL with a 500 mJ millisecond pulse and a 150 mJ nanosecond pulse is utilized to study the interaction process between laser and silicon. Based on high-speed images of plasma distribution and laser supported detonation wave (LSDW), as well as the height characteristics of ablation morphology, the energy coupling of plasma with variable delay time is analyzed. The irradiation of the material by millisecond pulse within the delay time enhances the strong coupling process between nanosecond pulse and the target.

Time-division multiplexing cascaded active phase-locking method for an all-fiber coherent beam combining system

Coherent beam combining (CBC) is an effective approach to exceed the power limitation of fiber lasers by combining multiple laser sources. Phase-locking is one of the important steps in an active CBC system. Many phase-locking methods have already been developed and have effectively achieved phase control. Generally, the phase control bandwidth decreases accordingly as the number of combined lasers increases. This will hamper the development of CBC systems to larger scales. At the same time, the structure of traditional tiled-aperture CBC systems is also a potential limiting factor in the aspect of feedback configuration. An all-fiber CBC structure based on active phase control can avoid physical size limitations on traditional structures and greatly expand the scale of tiled-aperture CBC arrays to over tens of thousands of sub-beams. In such a large array scale, existing phase control methods will inevitably encounter the problem of bandwidth reduction. To solve this problem, we propose a time-division multiplexing cascaded (TDMC) active phase-locking method in this paper. Simulation studies on phase control of over 10,000 laser beams are conducted. The method shows huge bandwidth enhancement in control phases of a large number of lasers. This will lay the technological foundation for further expanding the number of an all-fiber tiled-aperture array.

Role of combined Z-plasty and fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy in improving severe scar contracture of the fingers after burns in children: a retrospective study

Role of combined Z-plasty and fractional carbon dioxide laser therapy in improving severe scar contracture of the fingers after burns in children: a retrospective study

Fiber-integrated hybrid achromatic microlenses by combined femtosecond laser 3D printing

Compact achromats for visible wavelengths are crucial for miniaturized and lightweight full-color endoscopes. Emerging femtosecond laser 3D printing technology offers new possibilities for enhancing the optical performance of miniature imaging lenses on fibers. In this work, we combine refractive and diffractive elements with complementary dispersive properties to create thin, high-performance hybrid achromatic lenses within the visible spectrum, avoiding the use of different optical materials. Using a fiber-integrated hybrid achromatic lens array, clear images are captured across different wavelengths. The fabrication process is carried out using femtosecond laser direct writing (DLW) assisted by femtosecond projection lithography based on a digital micromirror device (DMD). Our work is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of integrated and miniaturized biomedical imaging devices.

Investigating Quantum Confinement and Enhanced Luminescence in Nanoporous Silicon: A Photoelectrochemical Etching Approach Using Multispectral Laser Irradiation

This study explores electrochemical etching to form porous silicon (PS), which has diverse biomedical and energy applications. Our objective is to gain new insights and drive significant scientific and technological advancements. Specifically, we study the effect of electrochemical etching of P-type silicon using laser irradiation in a hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution. The formation of the nanoscale PS structure can be successfully controlled by incorporating laser irradiation into the electrochemical etching process. The wavelength and power of the laser influence the formation of nanoporous silicon (NPS) on the surface during the electrochemical etching process. The luminous flux is monitored with the help of a customized integrating sphere system and an LED-based excitation source to find the light flux values distributed across the P-type nanolayer PS wafers. Analysis of the NPS and luminescence characteristics shows that the laser bandwidth controls the band gap energy absorption (BEA) phenomenon during the electrothermal reaction. It is demonstrated that formation of the NPS layer can be controlled in this combined laser irradiation and electrochemical etching technique by adjusting the range of the laser wavelength. This also allows for further precise control of the numerical trend of the luminous flux.

Dynamic characterization of plasma and combustion wave interactions during millisecond-nanosecond combined laser-induced enhanced damage on fused silica

Fused silica, which is widely used in optical systems, limits the load capacity of the optical system when it is damaged by laser irradiation. In this paper, a combined millisecond-nanosecond pulsed laser induced triple combustion wave dynamics model for fused silica generation is developed. The relationship between pulse delay and the dynamic propagation of plasma and combustion waves induced by combined laser-induced fused silica was studied from three aspects: theory, simulation, and experiment. The results show that the energy deposition of the nanosecond laser injects energy into the dilute plasma, which increases the speed of the double-burning wave to form a triple-burning wave. In addition, it was found that the combined effect of viscous shear between the plasma plume and the air exacerbates the degree of imbalance in the Knudsen layer instantaneously releasing pressure and increasing the complexity of plasma and combustion wave propagation, recoil pressure produces a more complex crack network on the fused silica surface. The results provide a better understanding of the propagation properties of plasma and triple-burning waves during combined millisecond-nanosecond induced fused silica damage.

Shear Bond Strength of Ceramic Brackets on Enamel Conditioned With CO2 Laser.

Objective This study evaluated the shear bond strength of ceramic brackets on enamel conditioned using three methods: CO2 laser, 37% phosphoric acid, and a combination of both, and analyzed the adhesive remnant index (ARI) to determine the amount of residual adhesive after bracket removal. Material and methods A total of 120 human premolars were stored in 0.2% thymol (Wt/vol) and divided into four groups (n=30/group): Group I was enamel conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid; Group II was irradiated with a CO2 laser at 0.5W power; Groups III and IV, 37% phosphoric acid; and CO2 laser wascombined at powers of 0.5W and 3W, respectively. Brackets were bonded using Transbond Plus CC resin. Samples were light-cured for 15 seconds and stored (37°C, 24 h). ARI assessment: The amount of adhesive remaining on the enamel surface was determined using a scale of 0 to 3. The analysis of shear bond strength and ARI was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between some groups. Group III, which combined acid etching and CO2 laser conditioning, showed lower bond strength than the control group, although not significantly. On the other hand, Group II (CO2laser only) showed the lowest bond strength and significant differences compared to the different groups, indicating that the exclusive use of laser is ineffective for conditioning. Significant differences were also observed between Groups III and IV, with Group IV exhibiting higher bond strength. However, the average value (GIII: 10.59±5.66 and GIV: 18.01±8.95 MPa) exceeded the recommended range (5.9 - 7.8 MPa). Regarding the ARI, Group II showed the lowest value, with significant differences compared to the other groups. Although Group IV had a higher ARI value than Group III, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions The combined use of phosphoric acid and CO2 laser provides adequate bond strength for ceramic brackets, with a lower amount of residual adhesive, which facilitates their removal and reduces the risk of damage to the enamel. Although laser irradiation alone does not provide sufficient bond strength, its use in combination with 37% phosphoric acid optimizes retention and minimizes the negative effects associated with conventional acid etching.

Combined fractional CO2 laser with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 50% versus fractional CO2 Laser alone in the treatment of macular amyloidosis: clinical and histopathological assessment.

Macular amyloidosis (MA) could be of cosmetic concern with a significant psychological impact for patients, and its treatment is challenging. To compare the efficacy and safety of combined fractional CO2 laser with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) 50% versus fractional CO2 laser alone in the treatment of macular amyloidosis. Twenty patients with macular amyloidosis were treated with monthly session of fractional CO2 laser only in one side of the lesion (area A), and fractional laser followed by application of DMSO 50% solution in the other side of the lesion (area B). All patients were evaluated clinically, by dermoscope and histopathology before and 3months after the end of 4 treatment sessions. Both treatments showed significant decrease of pigmentation after treatment (p < 0.001). There was non-significant decrease in rippling on both sides (p = 0.06). The median itching score dropped significantly after treatment from 9 to 3.5 in area A (laser only) and to 2 in area B (laser and DMSO), with non-significant difference between both areas (P = 0.244). Dermoscopic features after treatment showed fading and decreasing in multiple features in both areas A and B, with non-significant difference between the 2 areas. Histopathologically, there was significant reduction in the amyloid deposition after treatment in both areas A and B without significant difference between both areas. both fractional CO2 laser combined with topical DMSO 50% and fractional CO2 laser alone are safe and effective treatment options for MA with significant clinical improvement.

Rapid and environmentally friendly reconstruction of airport runways under combined laser and liquid energy fields: Ushering a new era of low-carbon and efficient rubber removal in the aviation industry

When the aircraft takes off or lands, the tread rubber melts and adheres to the airport runway and its embedded ground lights, forming black pavement rubber marks, affecting the smoothness of the pavement, reducing the lighting degree and friction coefficient of the pavement, and directly affecting the safety of the aircraft take-off and landing. There are many shortcomings in the standard rubber removal methods. The multi-energy field composite laser cleaning technology comprehensively utilizes the laser field and auxiliary hydrodynamic field. It leverages the high-efficiency advantages of laser processing and avoids the shortcomings of its thermal energy surplus, achieving efficient, accurate, and green material removal. Based on this, this article presents for the first time the composite energy-field laser cleaning process mechanism and related performance of rubber mud layer from the surface of cement/asphalt runway and embedded grounding light cover (aluminum alloy)/light window (tempered glass). Pulse laser single energy-field cleaning is suitable for removing rubber marks from cement runways, grounding lamp covers, and light window surfaces. The cleaning mechanism is divided into two types based on the substrate: ablation and thermal stress peeling. Composite energy-field laser cleaning is suitable for removing rubber marks from asphalt runway surfaces, and the phase explosion of the liquid film is the cleaning mechanism. Under appropriate process parameters, laser cleaning can improve the runway's skid resistance, enhance the grounding light cover's corrosion resistance, and increase the grounding light window's transparency. This study can provide a reference for the laser cleaning behavior of different materials and solve the problem of rubber removal on international civil aviation airport pavement, promoting the construction of "safe, green, and smart" airports.

Evaluating the efficacy of combining fractional CO2 laser and topical tranexamic acid for burn scar and hyperpigmentation treatment: A prospective, randomized, single-blinded, split-body study

Abstract Background: A fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser can improve the appearance of burn scars. In addition, tranexamic acid (TXA) inhibits melanin production for whitening effects. Laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) technology utilizes lasers to enhance the percutaneous absorption of drugs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of a fractional CO2 laser in combination with TXA can further improve pigmentation in burn scars. Methods: This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, split-body study included patients aged 20 years and older who had burn scars with associated hyperpigmentation for more than 6 months. A total of 12 patients were included between September 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020. For each patient, their pigmented burn scar was divided into two sides along the midline. One scar side received fractional CO2 laser alone, and the other combined fractional CO2 laser and topically applied TXA solution. Treatment sessions were conducted monthly for a total of three times. Photographs were captured at baseline and 3 months after completing the 3 monthly treatment sessions. Four plastic surgeons, blinded to the treatment sides, compared the improvement on both sides of each patient based on the photographs. The patients’ reported satisfaction levels were also recorded. Results: In the physician assessments, both methods showed a noticeable improvement in scar appearance and pigmentation. On a scale of 1 to 10, physicians rated the overall improvement in scar appearance between 4.6 and 5.6 points, while the improvement in overall hyperpigmentation ranged from 6.0 to 6.9 points. The average patient satisfaction score was 8.4 ± 1.6 points. However, there was no significant difference in the improvement of outcomes between the two methods, with or without the addition of TXA treatment. Conclusion: This study shows that fractional CO2 laser treatment significantly improves burn scars and hyperpigmentation. However, adding TXA shows no clear additional benefits. Before making the final conclusion based on the results from the small patient sample size, further research is encouraged to clarify the delivery pathways in applying TXA and explore the mechanisms behind LADD.

A Review of Energy-Based Device Interventions to Treat Keloid Scars.

Keloids are thickened raised scars that develop due to injury and grow beyond the boundaries of their original wound, mostly affecting individuals with skin of color. This review explores the use of energy-based devices to treat keloids, both using laser monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Laser therapy alone has shown efficacy in treating keloids. Combination laser therapy has better keloid reduction when administered with steroids, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and verapamil. However, monotherapy has had less adverse reactions including dermal atrophy and local pain. Therefore, physician discretion is essential when considering treatment. This review highlights the efficacy of energy-based devices (EBDs), alone and in combination. It also reveals the need to have tailored approaches with patients. Further research is needed to develop more comprehensive treatment standards for keloids using EBDs alone or in combination. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(11):998-1002. doi:10.36849/JDD.8210R1.

The chromatograph evaluation of white spot lesion treated with magnesium gel and diode laser: an in vitro study

Objective. White spot lesions are one of the most common concerns of orthodontic therapy. The present study was accomplished to evaluate the ability of Magnesium gel at different concentration and diode laser in combination compared with commercially available 1.23% APF in color restoring of WSL on permanent teeth. Methods. 42 extracted sound upper premolar teeth were recruited for this study. WSL was artificially induced, until it appears in wet and dry condition on buccal surface of each tooth. Different approaches have been utilized for treatment WSL. 6 experimental groups were involved: Group A: Control, Group B: 0.5%MgCl2 gel, Group C: 1%MgCl2 gel, Group D: 0.5%MgCl2 gel and Diode laser, Group E: 1%MgCl2 gel and Diode laser and Group F: 1.23%APF. The difference between the displayed color and the original color standard (ΔE) was assessed by colorimeter. The surface topography of teeth samples from each tested group was examined by a SEM. Collected data were investigated using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan post hoc test at p ≤0.05. Result. A significant difference in (ΔE) was noticed among groups (p = 0.006). Group (B) showed the lowest ΔE value (9.4 ± 1.6), followed by group (D) (10.2 ± 1.1), group (F) (10.4±2.6), group (A) (11.6 ± 1.3), group (C) (12.9 ± 2.3) and group (E) (13.2 ± 1.3). Conclusion. In present study, topical application of 0.5% MgCl2 gel ensure color reinstating compared to other groups.