Fractional CO2 Research Articles

Combined fractional CO2 laser with topical tioconazole versus Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in the treatment of onychomycosis; a randomized comparative trial.

Treatment of onychomycosis includes topical and systemic agents. However, prolonged use of oral treatment could cause adverse effects and topical antifungal agents have limited penetration. To compare the clinical efficacy and the safety of fractional CO2 laser combined with topical tioconazole nail solution versus Q-switched 1064 Nd: YAG laser in the treatment of fingernail onychomycosis. This randomized comparative clinical trial was conducted on 13 patients (47 nails) with fingernail onychomycosis. Patients were randomized to receive either fractional CO2 laser combined with topical tioconazole or Q-Switched Nd: YAG 1064nm laser every 2 weeks for 3 months followed by a 1-month follow up assessment. Onychomycosis severity index (OSI) score, Dermatology life Quality Index (DLQI) score, patient satisfaction score, dermoscopic evaluation and KOH examination were used for assessment of improvement. OSI showed improvement after treatment in both arms (from 16.17 to 10.92 in fractional CO2 arm (p = 0.026) and 23.13 to 22.43 (p = 0.92)). When comparing both groups OSI score significantly reduced in the fractional CO2 laser combined with tioconazole more than the Q-switched laser group (p = 0.002). The mean DLQI score significantly improved in both groups but no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Significant improvement in patient satisfaction score was noted in both groups. Mycological cure using KOH examination was detected in both groups (44.4% in the CO2 group and 56.5% in the Q-switched group) with no significant difference (P value < 0.05). Ruin pattern keratosis found to be the most dermoscopic pattern to be associated with poor OSI score improvement. Fractional CO2 laser combined with topical tioconazole is more efficient in treatment of onychomycosis than Q-Switched Nd: YAG 1064nm laser group as regards clinical improvement but both have comparable effect on mycological cure. Their use as adjuvant treatment rather than alone is recommended to ensure mycological cure in onychomycosis.

Study of Physiological Adaptations in Vertical Kilometer Runners: Focus on Cardiorespiratory and Local Muscle Demands

Background: Research into key performance factors in trail running, particularly in vertical kilometer (VK) races, is crucial for effective training and periodization. However, recent studies on metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses during VK races, especially using field tests, are limited. Objectives: Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses during a VK field test, identifying differences based on sex and performance level, as well as key performance factors and their deterioration due to fatigue. Fifteen trained trail runners (ten males and five females, 19 to 38 years old) perform a VK race. Methods: The global physiological response is evaluated using the portable gas analyzer Cosmed K5 and the local response using near-infrared spectroscopy technology. Results: In gender comparisons, the ANCOVA test shows significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the ventilation, tidal volume, expiratory time-to-inspiratory time ratio, inspiratory flow rate, end-tidal CO2 partial pressure, heart rate, oxygen pulse, and total hemoglobin. Additionally, the performance comparison reveals significant differences in the variables’ velocity, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, ventilation, dead space-to-tidal volume ratio, total time of the breathing cycle, expiratory time-to-inspiratory time ratio, inspiratory duty cycle, expiratory fractions of CO2, quadriceps saturation index, and VE/VCO2 ratio. Finally, the correlation analysis shows oxygen consumption (r = −0.80 mean; r = −0.72 peak), carbon dioxide production (r = −0.91 mean; r = −0.75 peak), expiratory time-to-inspiratory time ratio (r = 0.68 peak), ventilation (r = −0.58 mean), and quadriceps saturation index (r = 0.54 mean; r = −0.76 coefficient of variation) as the key performance factors in the VK race. Conclusions: Overall, the physiological analysis indicates the importance of local muscular adaptations and respiratory system capacity in this type of short-duration race.

Numerical Study on Combustion Characteristics of a 600 MW Boiler Under Low-Load Conditions

Under the background of achieving carbon dioxide peaking and carbon neutrality, the rapid development of renewable energy power generation poses new challenges to the flexible adjustment capabilities of traditional power plants. To explore the furnace combustion stability and optimal operation modes during deep peak shaving, a simulation of the combustion process under low-load conditions for a 600 MW wall-fired boiler is performed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. The impact of burner combination modes on the combustion process within the furnace is explored at 25% and 35% boiler maximum continuous ratings (BMCRs). This study investigates two configurations of burner combinations. One mode operates burners in layers A, B, and C, which include the lower layers of burners on the front and rear walls of the boiler, as well as the middle-layer burners on the rear wall, referred to as OM1. The other mode operates burners in layers A and C, which include the lower layers of burners on the front and rear walls of the boiler, referred to as OM2. The results indicate that OM2 exhibits superior capabilities in orchestrating the distribution of the airflow velocity field and temperature field under the premise of ensuring no more than a 1% decrease in the pulverized coal burnout rate. When OM1 is employed, the airflow ejected from the middle-level burners hinders the upward movement of pulverized coal sprayed from the lower-level burners, causing a larger proportion of pulverized coal to enter the ash hopper for combustion. Consequently, the ash hopper attains a peak mole fraction of CO2 at 0.163. OM2 delays the blending of pulverized coal with air by enhancing the injection quantity of pulverized coal per burner. As a result, the generation of CO in the ash hopper reaches a notable mole fraction of up to 0.108. The decreased furnace temperature promotes the formation of fuel-based NOx during low-load operation. Taking the 25% BMCR as an example, the NOx emissions measured at the furnace outlet are 743 and 1083 ppm for OM1 and OM2, respectively. This study focuses on the impact of combustion combinations on the combustion stability when the boiler is operating at low loads. The findings could enrich previous research on combustion stability and contribute to the optimization of combustion schemes for power plant boilers operating at low loads.

Comparing fractional microneedle radiofrequency and fractional CO2 laser for striae distensae treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Striae distensae (SD) are a prevalent dermatological concern of women and approximately 90% of pregnant women experience these stretch marks. Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) and fractional CO2 laser (FCL) have gained substantial attention in the treatment of SD. In clinical studies, a clear superiority between FMR and FCL treatments is not found due to limited studies and sample sizes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, a search of English-language articles was performed on PubMed, employing various combinations of keywords "fractional CO2 laser," "microneedle radiofrequency," and "striae". Studies that compared the treatments of FMR and FCL for SD and provided data regarding professional evaluation of improvement, patient self-assessment, and/or the presence of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were included. We analyzed the incorporated studies utilizing both random and fixed-effects models to estimate pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Professional assessments of improvement showed no statistically significant difference between the FMR and FCL groups (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 0.49-3.31). Similarly, patient self-assessments of improvement did not exhibit a significant difference (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.13-3.90). However, the development of PIH was significantly less frequent in the FMR group when compared to the FCL group (OR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08-0.70). Both FMR and FCL demonstrate comparable performance in terms of improving lesions, as assessed by both healthcare professionals and patients. However, FCL is associated with a higher risk of developing PIH. This finding can guide clinicians especially who prefer a single treatment.

Efficacy and safety of sequential treatment with botulinum toxin type A, fractional CO2 laser, and topical growth factor for hypertrophic scar management: a retrospective analysis

Hypertrophic scars arise from aberrant wound healing and can lead to functional and aesthetic impairments. One of the common interventions for treating hypertrophic scars is fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, which employs narrow laser beams to stimulate dermal collagen deposition. Recent studies and reports have suggested that combining laser therapy with other interventions such as botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) and topical growth factors may enhance treatment outcomes. Here, we examine the efficacy and safety of a sequential combination of BTX-A, fractional CO2 laser, and topical growth factors, referred to as combined therapy, for treating hypertrophic scars compared with only using fractional CO2 laser and topical growth factors, referred to as monotherapy. Our retrospective study includes 128 patients with hypertrophic scars (56 underwent monotherapy and 72 underwent combined therapy), which were followed-up for up to 15 months after the initiation of treatment to collect demographic and clinical data. Our analysis showed that the combined therapy significantly outperformed monotherapy in improving Vancouver scar scale scores (P < 0.05) and in the reduction of scar thickness (P < 0.05), without increasing adverse complications. Repeated treatments further augmented the efficacy of the combined therapy. Subgroup analysis revealed that combined therapy was notably more effective in reducing Vancouver scar scale scores and scar thickness in early-stage scars compared to late-stage (P = 0.023 and P = 0.045, respectively). Our study suggests that including BTX-A treatment before fractional CO2 laser and topical growth factors offers superior efficacy in reducing hypertrophic scars. We encourage early intervention and repeated treatments for optimal treatment outcomes.

Evaluation of the efficacy of NB-UVB phototherapy and topical decapeptide versus NB-UVB phototherapy, topical decapeptide, and carbon dioxide laser in the treatment of stable vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired disorder of autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. The management challenges include stabilizing the disease and devising methods for inducing repigmentation. Phototherapy and laser therapy offer promising results, along with topical treatments such as Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF)-related topical decapeptide. Aims: This prospective interventional study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of a triple combination therapy of fractional CO2 laser, Narrow Band-Ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, and topical decapeptide with dual combination of NB-UVB phototherapy and topical decapeptide in the treatment of stable vitiligo. Methods: Patients with stable vitiligo were enrolled for 15 months and divided into two groups: one receiving dual combination therapy and the other the triple combination therapy. Lesions were evaluated using a quartile-grading scale at regular intervals over 16 weeks. Vitiligo noticeability scale (VNS) was used by an independent observer (who was not a part of the study) and by the patient/attendant to eliminate any observation bias. Statistical analysis was done using Pearson chi-square test. Results: Of the 32 enrolled patients, the triple combination therapy demonstrated superior repigmentation outcomes compared to dual therapy, with statistically significant differences observed at all assessment intervals. Side effects were mild and transient. Conclusion: The study highlights the efficacy of triple combination therapy in treating stable vitiligo, particularly for patients with refractory vitiligo. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to validate these findings and optimize treatment protocols.

Fractional CO2 Laser-Assisted Delivery of Botulinum Toxin-A Versus Aluminum Chloride in Treatment of Primary Palmar Hyperhidrosis.

Primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PPH) constitutes a distressing dermatologic condition that greatly affects patients' quality of life. Its management still needs to be addressed to find a suitable therapeutic modality that is readily available, cost effective, and gives patients a quite long disease-free period. To assess the efficacy of fractional CO2 laser as a delivery method for botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) and aluminum chloride in treating PPH. Twenty-four subjects with PPH were treated on both hands with fractional CO2 laser followed on the right hand with topical BTX-A and on the left hand with topical aluminum chloride. Minor's starch-iodine test and Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) were used for evaluation of treatment response and for follow-up. There was a significant improvement in HDSS in both groups, but there was no statistically significant difference in the therapeutic response for both modalities. There was a statistically significant longer disease-free period in the BTX-A-treated hands. Fractional CO2 laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) represents a safe, minimally invasive procedure that enhances the delivery of BTX-A and aluminum chloride, the two most widely used agents for treating PPH, with a comparable anhidrotic response.

Effect of CO2 on the explosion limit parameters and kinetic characteristics of ammonia-hydrogen-air mixtures

To explore the effect of CO2 on the explosion limit parameters and kinetic characteristics of the NH3-H2-air mixtures, the standard combustible gases explosion limits device was utilized to test and analyze the explosion limit, critical oxygen concentration, and explosion triangle. Based on the CHEMKIN software, the suppression mechanism of CO2 on NH3-H2-air mixtures explosion with 0.4 R (hydrogen ratio) and a near-inerting critical concentration was simulated and analyzed. The results indicated that increasing F (volume fraction of CO2) led to a decrease in the upper explosion limit (UEL) of NH3-H2-air mixtures and an increase in the lower explosion limit (LEL). When F increased to 36%, the explosion of the NH3-H2-air mixtures with 0.4 R was completely suppressed. As R increased, the UEL and LEL decreased and increased linearly, respectively, the critical explosion-suppression concentration of CO2 increased, the critical oxygen concentration decreased, and the explosive zone area also increased. In addition, based on the analysis of the changing characteristics of the UEL and LEL, prediction models for the UEL and LEL of NH3-H2-air mixtures with different hydrogen ratios under the effect of CO2 were provided. Reaction kinetics analysis found that less CO2 had a more pronounced impact on ·H and ·OH. However, when F increased to 20-30%, the maximum mole fraction of ·O decreased the most. At this point, the sensitivity of·NH2 towards decreasing oxygen concentrations became comparable to that of ·H and ·OH. When F increased to a near-critical explosion-suppression concentration of 30%, ·H, ·OH, ·O, and ·NH2 were in a critical state of disappearing, and the chain initiation of the explosion was destroyed. Sensitivity analysis indicated that ·H+O2(+M)<=>HO2(+M) and ·NH2+·NH=N2H3 performed a more significant inerting effect on ·H and ·NH2, which ultimately led to the termination of the explosive chain reactions.

Study on suppression of bituminous coal explosion by inert powder in cylindrical space

In order to understand how to control the spread of bituminous coal explosion, a cylindrical explosion tube is used for research. The results indicate that within 60 ms, the flame develops to the top of the tube. When 10 % inert powder is mixed in, the flame spreads to 1.2 cm at 10 ms, which is 0.4 cm shorter than the spread distance without adding inert powder. The time point for ending preheating and entering heating will be advanced with the increase of the mass of inert dust added. As the proportion of inert dust mixed decreases, the maximum impact airflow velocity of explosion gradually increases, the acceleration time interval gradually extends. When 10 % inert powder is mixed in, the maximum impact airflow velocity is 17 m/s, but it is delayed to 52 ms. The mixing of inert dust can reduce the mass fraction of CO inside the tube without changing the mass fraction of other gases, especially O2. As the mass of inert dust increases, the mass fraction of CO2 gradually increases and the range gradually expands.

Application of Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Fractional CO2 Laser for the Management of Recalcitrant Plantar Warts

Application of Photodynamic Therapy with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Fractional CO2 Laser for the Management of Recalcitrant Plantar Warts

A case of resistant granuloma faciale successfully treated with ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser

ABSTRACT Granuloma faciale is a benign and rare skin disease, which usually presents as well-defined red-purple asymptomatic plaques or nodules on the face but can also present extra-facially. It poses a significant therapeutic challenge, with varying degrees of success reported by a range of medical and surgical treatments. We describe a 41-year-old lady with biopsy-confirmed facial granuloma faciale, affecting her nose, cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, who had failed a variety of medical treatments, UVB phototherapy, and pulsed dye laser. She was successfully treated with ablative fractional CO2 laser, with a sustained response, without recurrence or complications maintained for 1 year.

Numerical modelling of CO2-in-water emulsion injection into a water-saturated core

Depressurization method shows promise for methane hydrate (MH) reservoir production, but the reformation of hydrates due to a lack of geothermal heat presents a significant challenge for commercial production. This study proposes a novel approach for MH gas recovery by injecting a CO2-in-water (C/W) emulsion into an MH reservoir aquifer. The exothermic nature of CO2 hydrate formation and liquid CO2 dissolution in water in this method provides heat to the MH layer, effectively preventing hydrate reformation. Subsequently, 1-D numerical models were developed and implemented using the MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST). These models were rigorously validated against experimental data under homogeneous conditions and varying injection schemes. The investigation indicated that the average volume fraction of CO2 hydrate within the hydrate particles was found to be 55% of the volume of liquid CO2 droplets. The alternating C/W emulsion injection increased the driving force for CO2 dissolution in water, thereby promoting subsequent hydrate particle decomposition and CO2 hydrate dissolution in water, which effectively mitigated blockage within the porous medium. In conclusion, water alternating C/W emulsion injection, along with the continuous injection of a low volume fraction of liquid CO2 within the C/W emulsion, exhibits promising potential for sustained injection and provides adequate heat to the MH layer, preventing hydrate reformation. Furthermore, the developed numerical model reasonably predicts the behavior of various injection schemes. This developed model can be used for devising long term sub-seabed carbon capture and storage development plan.

Treatment of Alopecia Areata using Transdermal Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil by Fractional CO2 Laser versus Intralesional Injection of 5-Fluorouracil

Treatment of Alopecia Areata using Transdermal Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil by Fractional CO2 Laser versus Intralesional Injection of 5-Fluorouracil

Recommended coupling to global meteorological fields for long-term tracer simulations with WRF-GHG

Abstract. Atmospheric transport models are often used to simulate the distribution of greenhouse gases (GHGs). This can be in the context of forward modeling of tracer transport using surface–atmosphere fluxes or flux estimation through inverse modeling, whereby atmospheric tracer measurements are used in combination with simulated transport. In both of these contexts, transport errors can bias the results and should therefore be minimized. Here, we analyze transport uncertainties in the commonly used Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the greenhouse gas module (WRF-GHG), enabling passive tracer transport simulation of CO2 and CH4. As a mesoscale numerical weather prediction model, WRF's transport is constrained by global meteorological fields via initialization and at the lateral boundaries of the domain of interest. These global fields were generated by assimilating various meteorological data to increase the accuracy of modeled fields. However, in limited-domain models like WRF, the winds in the center of the domain can deviate considerably from these driving fields. As the accuracy of the wind speed and direction is critical to the prediction of tracer transport, maintaining a close link to the observations across the simulation domain is desired. On the other hand, a link that is too close to the global meteorological fields can degrade performance at smaller spatial scales that are better represented by the mesoscale model. In this work, we evaluated the performance of strategies for keeping WRF's meteorology compatible with meteorological observations. To avoid the complexity of assimilating meteorological observations directly, two main strategies of coupling WRF-GHG with ERA5 meteorological reanalysis data were tested over a 2-month-long simulation over the European domain: (a) restarting the model daily with fresh initial conditions (ICs) from ERA5 and (b) nudging the atmospheric winds, temperatures, and moisture to those of ERA5 continuously throughout the simulation period, using WRF's built-in four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) in grid-nudging mode. Meteorological variables and simulated mole fractions of CO2 and CH4 were compared against observations to assess the performance of the different strategies. We also compared planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) with radiosonde-derived estimates. Either nudging or daily restarts similarly improved the meteorology and GHG transport in our simulations, with a small advantage of using both methods in combination. However, notable differences in soil moisture were found that accumulated over the course of the simulation when not using frequent restarts. The soil moisture drift had an impact on the simulated PBLH, presumably via changing the Bowen ratio. This is partially mitigated through nudging without requiring daily restarts, although not entirely alleviated. Soil moisture drift did not have a noticeable impact on GHG performance in our case, likely because it was dominated by other errors. However, since the PBLH is critical for accurately simulating GHG transport, we recommend transport model setups that tie soil moisture to observations. Our method of frequently re-initializing simulations with meteorological reanalysis fields proved suitable for this purpose.

Effectiveness and safety of the modified multiple mode procedures versus traditional multiple mode procedures on treating facial atrophic acne scars: a propensity score matching retrospective cohort study.

Multiple mode procedures (MMP) of fractional CO2 laser provide higher efficacy and shorter downtime in treating acne scars, compared to traditional fractional CO2 laser therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of modified MMP integrated with fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR), ultra-pulse CO2 laser and fractional CO2 laser in treating acne scars. A retrospective analysis of 162 acne scar patients treated with MMP or modified MMP was conducted. Acne scars were evaluated using the Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) grading scale, modified Manchester Scar Scale (mMSS), and Global Assessment Scale (GAS). Baseline variables were balanced with propensity score matching (PSM) to improve the comparability of treatment effectiveness and safety between groups. Among 162 patients with facial acne scars, 68 were treated with modified MMP and 94 with traditional MMP. After PSM, both groups had 55 patients with comparable baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). The ECCA score decreased more significantly in the modified MMP group (60%±11%) than in the MMP group (45%±16.6%, P < 0.001). The modified MMP group also had higher mMSS color score (2.6 ± 0.7 vs. 2.1 ± 0.9, P = 0.005), greater reduction in pore size and skin laxity (P < 0.001), shorter postoperative erythema duration (22.2 ± 4.0 vs. 31.3 ± 3.7 days, P < 0.001), but higher pain scores (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS: 6.7 ± 1.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). Modified MMP is more effective than traditional MMP in treating acne scars, especially for patients with large pores and skin laxity.

Influence of Absorbent Composition and Operating Parameters on CO2 Removal Efficiency Using Aqueous Blends of 1-Dimethylamino-2-propanol in Tray Column

The CO2 absorption performance in aqueous blends of monoethanolamine (MEA)—1-dimethylamino-2-propanol (DMA2P) and piperazine (PZ)—DMA2P was investigated using a bench-scale tray column under atmospheric pressure. The removal efficiency of CO2 (ηCO2) and the overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KGav) in DMA2P-MEA and DMA2P-PZ solutions were determined at 313.2 K. The simulated flue gas was composed of 15% (mole fraction) CO2 and 85% N2. The effects of inlet gas flow rate (G), absorbent composition (w), inlet liquid flow rate (L), and plate number (NP) on ηCO2 and KGav were demonstrated. Our results showed that the absorption of CO2 in DMA2P aqueous solution can be accelerated by the addition of MEA/PZ in a tray column, and both ηCO2 and KGav can be significantly improved.

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.

Efficacy of Topical Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate-Peptide Product Versus Fractional CO2 Laser in Facial Aging.

Many people are interested in addressing visible signs of aging with non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Development of effective topical products will provide options to delay or support cosmetic procedures. This study assessed and compared the efficacy and tolerance of a topical product used over the course of 16 weeks to a single ablative laser treatment on women with moderate global photodamage on the face. Subjects in Cell 1 (Laser Cell) were treated over the entire face with a fractional CO2 laser system. Subjects in Cell 2 (Topical Serum Cell) were treated with a topical serum containing hydroxypinacolone retinoate and peptides over the entire face, twice per day for 16 weeks. The study was composed of 71 women, with 29 in the Laser Cell (mean age 56.2) and 42 in the Topical Serum Cell (mean age 55.0), between 40 and 65 years old. Expert grading was used to determine efficacy parameters. Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved more significant improvement (p < 0.05) in Marionette lines, fine lines (global face), wrinkles (global face), wrinkles (crow's feet), nasolabial folds, texture, smoothness (tactile), global hyperpigmentation, lift, and photodamage compared to participants in the Laser Cell. Participants in the Topical Serum Cell achieved parity in the look of fine lines (crow's feet), forehead lines, glabella, firmness/bounce (tactile), skin tone evenness, radiance. While no statistically significant differences in tolerability were observed, treatment with the topical cosmetic product achieved parity or statistically better improvement in parameters compared to laser treatment at 16 weeks.

Comprehensive investigation of flue gas component separation and CO2 sequestration in water-saturated porous media of subsurface formation

Flue gas poses subsurface direct storage inefficiency due to its high non-CO2 content, while surface separation, desulfurization and denitrification processes require additional equipment and financial resources. To address these challenges, flue gas subsurface component separation and CO2 sequestration within aquifer were proposed in this paper. CO2 migrates notably slower than N2, leading to the gathering of N2 at gas flooding front and the occurrence of CO2 hysteresis during flue gas filtration within the aquifer. The phenomenon, characterized by gas composition deviations from the original injection mole fractions of N2 and CO2, is referred to as the flue gas component separation. Numerical simulation results indicate that the solubility difference between N2 and CO2 is the primary force driving the separation of components, and the asynchronous filtration velocities of the gas and aqueous phases further promote the separation. Thus, simultaneous N2 separation and CO2 storage can achieve by the optimized gas-water alternate injection, and the efficiencies of N2 separation and CO2 storage are inversely correlated. Increasing N2 mole fraction within the injected flue gas enhances the efficiency of N2 separation, while having a slight effect on CO2 storage. Water vapor in flue gas condenses and integrates into the liquid phase, while O₂ component is produced slightly later than N₂, leading to a marginal reduction in N₂ separation efficiency. The synergistic influences of aquifer temperature and pressure exhibit bidirectionality, stemming from the shift between the dominant factors between CO2 dissolution and gas sweep efficiency. Conditions of relatively lower aquifer temperatures and moderate pressures, particularly in medium permeability aquifers, are more favorable for enhancing N₂ separation and CO₂ storage. This proposal method holds the potential for efficient subsurface separation of flue gas components and concurrent underground storage of CO2, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation of climate change.

Fractional CO2 laser for the treatment of Peyronie's disease: A pilot clinical trial.

Introduction: Fractional CO2 laser therapy is used to treat fibrosing conditions similar to Peyronie’s disease (PD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a fractional CO2 laser in the management of chronic phase PD. Methods: This was a single-site, non-randomized, open-label study using a fractional CO2 laser. Subjects underwent three treatment sessions every six weeks with a fractional CO2 device. Topical triamcinolone was applied immediately after each treatment. Between treatments, patients performed penile modeling three times daily. Penile curvature assessments, self-reported questionnaires, and adverse event screenings were completed at baseline, 24 weeks, and at 52 weeks. Results: Five patients were included in the study. The median baseline penile curvature was 37.0° (interquartile range [IQR] 33.0°, 53.0°), and at 52 weeks, this had reduced to a median curvature to 28.0° (IQR 17.50°, 44.0°, p=0.03), representing a median reduction in penile curvature by 24.3% (IQR 17.0%, 47.5%). The International Index of Erectile Function Overall scores were comparable at baseline and at 52 weeks (median: 59.0, IQR: 42.5, 66.5 vs. median: 60.0, IQR 53.5, 70.0 respectively, p=0.81). Patients did report significant improvement in overall Peyronies’ disease questionnaire (PDQ) scores from baseline to 52 weeks after laser treatment (median 26.0, IQR15.0, 29.5, vs. median: 14.0, IQR 7.0, 22.50, respectively, p=0.03). Four patients reported self-limiting side effects immediately after laser therapy that resolved spontaneously within two weeks. Conclusions: Fractional CO2 laser therapy may serve as a well-tolerated and minimally invasive therapy for PD in the future, with results at 52 weeks being encouraging.