Hydrophobization of metal surfaces by laser treatment and subsequent heat treatment of hydrocarbon liquids

An Integrated Chemical, Molecular, Elemental, Structural, and Mechanical Analysis of Er;Cr:YSGG versus Diode Laser-induced Changes in Root Dentin.

To assess the 12-month efficacy of a novel non-ablative dual Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy for vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) and to evaluate the impact of crossover laser treatment following initial topical corticosteroid therapy. This study presents the 1-year data of a prospective observational trial. Between baseline and 6months, women with vulvar LS were randomized to receive either dual Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy or topical clobetasol propionate. Between 6 and 12months, optional steroid or laser therapies were offered. In the laser group, 34 of 44 patients (77%) required no additional treatment between 6 and 12months, indicating sustained treatment effects. The total LS score improved significantly during this period (mean change -0.35 ± 0.60; 95% CI -0.56 to -0.14; p = 0.004), while other parameters showed non-significant improvements. In the corticosteroid group, 20 of 22 patients (91%) opted for a crossover to laser therapy. Following three laser sessions, the total LS score improved markedly (mean change -1.50 ± 0.83; 95% CI -1.89 to -1.11; p < 0.001), primarily driven by a reduction in atrophy (p < 0.001). Patient-reported improvement (PGI-I) increased from 45 to 77% (p = 0.008). At the 12-month follow-up, outcomes were comparable between the two study groups. Non-ablative dual Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy resulted in significant and sustained clinical improvement in vulvar LS over 12months. Crossover to laser therapy after initial corticosteroid treatment further enhanced both objective and subjective outcomes. NCT03926299; date of registration: 24 April 2019.

Lasers for Melasma.

To evaluate the feasibility of single-port illuminated endolaser photocoagulation using wide-angle visualization with BIOM as a nonvitrectomy approach for treating peripheral large retinal tears with localized retinal detachment. A 60-year-old patient presented with a peripheral large retinal tear and localized retinal detachment (RD). Owing to media opacity and far peripheral location, barrier laser could not be completed with conventional laser delivery systems. Because of the potential risk of aggravating RD in the setting of a large retinal break with overlying vitreoretinal traction, external cryotherapy was not used. Instead, we used 25g single-port illuminated endolaser probe to complete the barrier laser photocoagulation around the retinal break and localized RD area with the assistance of scleral indentation using a 150° wide-angle BIOM system without vitrectomy. The single-port illuminated endolaser approach provided enhanced visualization including extreme peripheral location of the retina while depressing the sclera, allowing for comprehensive laser coverage of the lesion. This effectively prevented the progression of RD and facilitated fluid absorption, ultimately leading to the resolution of the localized RD. At 4 months postlaser treatment, the patient's retina is stable with well-formed chorioretinal adhesion. When retinal breaks are located in the far periphery with severe VR traction and media opacity is present, completion of conventional laser treatment may be challenging. A 25 g single-port illuminated endolaser photocoagulation without vitrectomy under BIOM may serve as an effective treatment option.

Histological study to assess CO2 laser therapy for the treatment of vaginal atrophy.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the presence of port-wine stains (PWS) and ophthalmologic complications, including glaucoma and choroidal hemangiomas. These manifestations result from somatic mutations in the GNAQ gene, leading to vascular malformations that affect both the skin and ocular tissues. This review aims to evaluate the impact of laser treatment for PWS on ocular manifestations in SWS, considering both clinical outcomes and underlying biological mechanisms. PWS are common in SWS patients and significantly impair quality of life (QoL) and necessitate effective treatment strategies. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy, which targets the abnormal blood vessels within PWS, has been established as an effective method for reducing the size and appearance of these stains. Clinical studies suggest that PDL therapy not only improves dermatologic outcomes but may also have possible association with ocular vascular dynamics such as reducing intraocular pressure and ameliorating choroidal hemangiomas. The review evaluates data from various studies and highlights changes in intraocular pressure, the incidence of glaucoma, and modifications in choroidal hemangiomas following laser treatment. Mechanistic insights suggest that laser therapy may improve dermatologic and ocular symptoms by modulating sebaceous gland activity and enhancing the skin’s barrier function, thereby indirectly affecting ocular health. Additionally, the review discusses the safety profiles of different laser systems, the importance of multidisciplinary care, and the need for standardized treatment protocols to minimize risks and optimize patient outcomes. Integrated dermatologic and ophthalmologic care remains crucial in improving the overall health and QoL for patients with SWS.

Surface treatment enhances bonding to ceramic restorations but may alter their optical properties. Lithium disilicate and zirconia respond differently to surface treatments due to variations in their microstructure. This study evaluated how sandblasting, hydrofluoric acid with silane, and laser treatment affect the color stability and translucency of these ceramics. This study aimed to evaluate the individual and combined effects of ceramic material type and surface treatment on the color stability and translucency of lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramics. Forty samples were constructed in the form of discs form lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramic (n = 20 for each). Samples from each material were divided into four subgroups according to the surface treatment used as following: (Ctrl); control with no surface treatment, (S.B); sandblasting using AL2O3, (H.F); hydrofluoric acid etching with silane coupling agent, (L.A); laser treatment. Each subgroup from each material was undergoing color and translucency test using spectrophotometer. The data were statistically analysed using a Two-Way ANOVA, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons using Tukey's HSD for each individual factor. Among the tested surface treatments only laser showed color change within the clinical accepted range with lithium disilicate ceramic (1.04 ± 0.15), also hydrofluoric acid etching with silane application showed that with zirconia (0.41 ± 0.10). Sandblasting showed the lower translucency value with lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramic with a significant difference with the control samples (p value ˂0.001). Surface treatments affected the optical properties of both ceramics in a material-dependent manner. Laser conditioning preserved color acceptably in lithium disilicate, while hydrofluoric acid with silane did so for zirconia. Sandblasting significantly reduced translucency in both materials, indicating its potential to compromise esthetic outcomes.

To compare clinical outcomes of a 445-nm blue light (BL) laser with the established 532-nm potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser for office-based treatment of benign vocal fold lesions. In this parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial, adults (≥ 18 years) with benign vocal fold lesions underwent baseline VHI-10 and laryngeal stroboscopy, followed by in-office laser treatment. Pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were collected at baseline and daily for 7 days after the procedure. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the change in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) scores. Secondary outcomes included between-group comparisons of post-procedural pain and stroboscopic parameters at 90 days after treatment. Linear mixed-effects model assessed changes in VHI-10 and pain VAS over time, while Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel and logistic regression tests compared stroboscopy outcomes. Ninety-eight patients were enrolled (49 per group). Baseline characteristics were similar aside from a slightly younger age in the KTP group (p = 0.048). VHI-10 scores improved significantly in both groups at postoperative day (POD)7 (-5.98), POD30 (-9.28), and POD90 (-12.43) (all p ≤ 0.001), with no between-group differences (p = 0.596). Pain decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), without group differences (p = 0.47). At POD90, complete vocal fold closure occurred in 91.2% (BL) and 85.7% (KTP) of patients (p = 0.74). Normal mucosal wave was observed in 79.4% (BL) and 81.0% (KTP), with no significant differences. BL laser demonstrated clinical outcomes comparable to KTP, with similar voice improvement, pain reduction, and stroboscopic results.

Laser treatment is rapidly becoming a staple of hypertrophic scar management, but literature reviews have identified significant heterogeneity in laser protocols. Mapping laser operative practices can help to share clinical expertise and identify new research directions. A questionnaire to characterize laser treatment techniques for hypertrophic scars was conducted. The questionnaire was developed with a multidisciplinary team of burns clinicians and researchers and translated into Spanish, Chinese and German. It was distributed internationally to burns clinicians between December 2021 and June 2023. Forty-three clinicians participated in the questionnaire. Respondents used laser to treat both immature (n = 36, 84%) and mature (n = 42, 98%) scars, with varying approaches to how soon therapy should commence post-injury, and how frequently it should be repeated. Almost all respondents used CO2 fractional ablative laser (n = 41, 95%) for scar treatment, one-third used pulsed dye laser (n = 14, 33%), and approximately one-half reported using more than one laser during a single procedure (n = 21, 49%). Respondents used scar thickness to assist with setting laser parameters (n = 29, 67%), chiefly determining this by estimation (n = 25, 58%). 60% of respondents performed scar reconstruction (n = 26), and 91% (n = 39) used adjunct therapies, such as corticosteroids, concurrently with laser treatment. Choices of anesthetic, analgesia and dressings varied widely. While there are similarities in the broad aspects of how burns clinicians use laser to treat hypertrophic scars, there are several differences in practice. These variations highlight potential research directions to optimize patient outcomes from this treatment modality.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of diode laser and combined treatment protocols, applied in addition to mechanical debridement, in the treatment of peri-implantitis on clinical periodontal parameters and S100A8 levels in peri-implant sulcus fluid (PISF). A total of 39 patients diagnosed with peri-implantitis were divided into three groups based on the treatment protocols used: Mechanical Debridement, Diode Laser, and Combined Treatment. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, modified plaque index, gingival index, and PISF volume measurements were recorded at baseline and at weeks 4 and 12. S100A8 levels in PISF samples were measured by ELISA. During the 12-week follow-up period, statistically significant improvements in clinical parameters were observed in all groups compared with baseline (p < 0.05). In the intergroup comparison, the most significant decrease and statistical superiority in mPI and GI values were observed in the combined treatment group (p < 0.001). Although there was no statistically significant difference among the groups in probing depth and clinical attachment gain, the greatest numerical improvement was observed in the combined group. Despite clinical improvement, no significant change in total S100A8 levels was detected between groups or over time (p > 0.05). The combined use of mechanical debridement and a diode laser in the treatment of peri-implantitis is more effective at reducing clinical signs of inflammation than either method used alone. However, the lack of correlation between S100A8 levels and clinical improvement suggests that this biomarker may not be sensitive in short-term follow-up of treatment.

Demodicosis: update and treatment with laser and other light sources.

Laser treatments are widely applied in aesthetic and clinical dermatology to promote skin rejuvenation by inducing controlled tissue disruption, activating repair processes involving keratinocyte proliferation, fibroblast migration, and extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the cellular specialization and intercellular communication mechanisms, particularly in the early stages following laser treatment, remain poorly understood. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we analyzed laser-treated and untreated skin, revealing significant differences in cell populations and functions. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts displayed the most prominent shifts in cell number and transcriptional diversity following laser exposure. In early-stage laser-induced skin remodeling, distinct keratinocyte subpopulations actively orchestrated skin repair, immune responses, and regenerative signaling. Cell-cell communication analysis uncovered a dynamic crosstalk between keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Functional validation through co-culture revealed this crosstalk was mediated by exosomes derived from laser-treated keratinocytes, which were enriched with CEBPA. Mechanistically, these exosomes enhanced keratinocyte proliferation through YAP/TAZ activation, while concurrently suppressing fibroblast activity by upregulating IGFBP3 expression during the early phase of laser-induced skin remodeling. Our findings provide new insights into how laser treatments modulate cellular behavior and intercellular signaling, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of exosome-based strategies for promoting skin regeneration and rejuvenation.

Controlling biofilm formation is crucial for maintaining aesthetically healthy teeth during clear aligner treatment. In this study, we use a femtosecond laser to prepare porous micro/nanostructures on the surface of invisible aligner for loading silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to create an anticaries aligner. Femtosecond laser technology was used to fabricate porous micro-nanostructures on invisible aligner, after which the micro-nanostructures were loaded with green synthesized silver nanoparticles. Physical properties, chemical properties, antimicrobial properties against S. mutans, and biocompatibility were evaluated. Laser treatment significantly increased the wettability of the aligner (water contact angle reduced from 86.5° to 38.7°, P < 0.05), while preserving salivary absorption rate and flexural elastic moduli. In addition, the results of in vitro antimicrobial tests showed that the laser/Ag group had a high inhibition rate of 62.89% against Streptococcus mutans. All treatment groups exhibited excellent biocompatibility with both mouse fibroblast (L-929) and human gingival fibroblast (HGF) cells. Our strategy provides a promising avenue for improving the antimicrobial properties of invisible orthodontic appliances. Laser treatment enhances the loading of silver nanoparticles onto aligners while having no adverse effect on the physicochemical properties of clear aligner. This innovative drug delivery platform demonstrates versatile applicability with broad material compatibility for hydrophilic nano-antimicrobials, establishing a clinically translatable framework for orthodontic infection control.

BackgroundStasis dermatitis with hyperpigmented skin lesions is a distressing condition for patients with chronic venous hypertension. There are no randomized studies evaluating lasers for the treatment of these patients. Lasers can be an attractive option for treating hyperpigmentation associated with stasis dermatitis.MethodsThis prospective, randomized, 3-arm, open-label, vehicle-controlled study will enroll patients scheduled to undergo treatment for stasis dermatitis with hyperpigmented skin lesions. Patients will be allocated to either Q-switched Nd: YAG 1064nm short-pulse nanoseconds, Nd: YAG 1064nm ultra-short-pulse picoseconds, or cold cream vehicle control. All treatments are scheduled for six visits with pre-defined dates, with a final follow-up visit at 28- to 35-days intervals. Primary outcomes include colorimetry analysis, secondary outcomes pre- and post-photographic analysis, and DLQI quality-of-life assessment.ConclusionsThe results of this trial will provide high-quality evidence to guide clinical practice on optimal management of hyperpigmented skin lesions secondary to stasis dermatitis.

This study aimed to assess the clinical and histopathological effects of maximal available and supramaximal energy exposure in direct selective laser trabeculoplasty (DSLT®) on target and nontarget ocular tissues compared with selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and sham treatments. Thirty eyes of 16 Dutch Belted Rabbits were allocated into seven groups: (A) Maximal energy DSLT exposure (2.6 mJ), (B) supramaximal energy DSLT exposure (3.5 mJ) with double nominal density spot spacing, (C and D) nontarget DSLT on sclera and iris at maximal and supramaximal energy, (E) SLT treatment at maximal energy (2.6 mJ), (F) SLT treatment with two overlapping shots at maximal energy (2.6mJ), and (G) sham control. The eyes were examined using a biomicroscope slit lamp, anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT), and a specular microscope at baseline, Day 1, and Weeks 1, 2, and 4 post-treatments. Histopathological evaluation was conducted on eyes enucleated on Days 1 and 29 posttreatment. The study was conducted at the Harlan laboratory, Ness-Ziona, Israel. All DSLT and SLT laser treatments were uneventful. Minor acute responses were observed 1-day posttreatment at the slit lamp biomicroscopy exam, with similar DSLT and SLT responses. No significant clinical or histopathological findings were observed in any treatment groups at 29 days posttreatment. No notable findings indicative of damage to nontarget tissues were noted, including damage to the limbal stem cells. DSLT treatment at the limbus, iris, and sclera yielded no significant clinical or histopathological changes compared to SLT or sham eyes, even with supramaximal energy and double-density exposures.

Outcomes of Laser Retinopexy for Retinal Tears by Fellow-Eye Detachment History.

IntroductionThe treatment of chronic non-healing wounds represents a great challenge in healthcare, especially in rehabilitation medicine, as it contributes significantly to increased patient mortality and morbidity. Various types of laser therapies have shown to enhance wound- healing potential while remaining safe and easy to administer.ObjectiveThis prospective comparative study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Safe Laser 1800 Infra therapy compared with conventional wound treatment protocols in cases of patient with impaired wound healing.MethodsPatients in the control group received conventional wound care, consisting of wound toilette and the application of hydro- responsive wound dressings (Hydro- Clean Advance, Hartmann) for both groups. Patients in the Safe Laser group received laser treatment at least three times per week, with 1-3 minof exposure per treatment point.ResultsIn the Safe Laser group 7 out of 10 patients became free of inflammation, while inflammation was markedly reduced in the remaining 3 cases. In 90% of patients in the Safe Laser group wound dimensions were substantially reduced or complete wound healing was achieved. Wound depth decreased in all cases. In contrast, in the control group inflammation did not improve, while wound dimensions showed only minimal reduction in only one case.ConclusionDespite the small sample size and heterogeneous wound characteristics, Safe Laser 1800 Infra therapy demonstrated significant benefits in reducing both wound dimensions and inflammation when compared to conventional treatment protocols used in our facility.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy and safety outcomes of argon laser treatment for trichiasis, a common eye condition that can lead to blindness. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched for studies on argon laser treatment of trichiasis, without language restriction, up to March 2025. We computed random-effect meta-analysis and meta-regressions on putative influencing factors. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42024546074). Twenty-seven articles were included in the systematic review, and 20 in the meta-analysis, for a total of 1044 patients. The prevalence of trichiasis recurrence at the end of follow-up was 4.1% (95% CI 2.7 to 5.5%), ranging from 0% to 37.7%, reflecting substantial heterogeneity between studies (I2 91.5%). After only one session, the prevalence of trichiasis recurrence was 35.8% (25.9 to 45.7%, I2 91.5%). The prevalence of lid complications was 0.1% (-0.2 to 0.5%). Reported complications included notching (0.1%; 95% CI, -0.2% to 0.5%), hypopigmentation (0.0%; 95% CI, -0.1% to 0.2%), and rash (0.0%; 95% CI, -0.3% to 0.3%). The prevalence of pain was 0.0% (-0.1 to 0.2%). The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach, and most outcomes were rated as low certainty due to limitations in study design and heterogeneity. Argon laser for trichiasis is an effective procedure, but several sessions may be necessary. The safety profile of this technique is very good with few and mild complications.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent condition that negatively affects women's quality of life. Fractional CO2 laser (FxCO2) therapy is an emerging energy-based treatment, but its long-term efficacy and optimal patient selection remain unclear. To evaluate the 12-month efficacy and safety of FxCO2 for female SUI and to explore the relationship between outcomes and baseline disease severity. In this prospective self-controlled study, 66 women with SUI received three sessions of FxCO2 therapy. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12months posttreatment, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), 1-h pad test, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7, Patient Global Impression of Improvement, and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) strength evaluation. ICIQ-UI SF scores, urine leakage, and pelvic floor muscle strength improved significantly at all follow-ups (p < 0.001). Mild cases maintained benefits, while moderate-to-severe cases showed reduced long-term effects. MCID analysis revealed that overall improvements did not meet clinical significance, except in severe cases, which showed MCID-level improvements in ICIQ-UI SF at 3months and UDI-6 at 3 and 6months, indicating clear clinical benefits for this group. Fractional CO2 laser treatment alleviates symptoms and enhances pelvic floor function in women with SUI, with effectiveness linked to initial disease severity. Significant improvements were seen only in severe cases, while mild-to-moderate cases showed only statistical changes. Personalized management is advised, and combined therapy should be considered for moderate-to-severe cases to maximize benefits.