Ultra Plus Research Articles

Effects of titanium (Ti) contents on the wear resistance of low-alloy steel alloys

In this study, the impact of titanium (Ti) on low-alloy steel alloys is examined, focusing on the mechanical properties of the alloy with varying Ti content levels. Heat treatment was conducted to enhance the mechanical properties and performance indicators of the casting samples. The elemental volume distribution mapping and microstructure analysis of the research samples were performed using SEM - Carl Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission. Subsequently, the hardness and wear resistance characteristics of samples containing Ti contents of 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.8, and 1.1 were evaluated post heat treatment. Notably, steel samples containing 0.3% and 0.5% Ti, exhibiting structures of ferrite, martensite, and limited bainite, demonstrated superior hardness and wear resistance properties. Abrasive wear resistance tests were conducted using a specialized device with a horizontal diamond disc. The primary objective of this research is to introduce the developed technology for the rolling mill rolls at a prominent metal manufacturing enterprise in the republic, resulting in enhanced economic efficiency through increased production volume. Consequently, achieving a hardness of HB 323 and improving wear resistance by 1.2 times were notable outcomes of the study.

In Vitro Analysis of Dissolution of 18 HA-based Dermal Fillers with Tailored Hyaluronidase Dosing to Achieve Urgent Reversal of Vascular Complications

Introduction: Hyaluronidase (HYAL), a hyaluronic acid-degrading enzyme, is commonly used “off-label” as part of the gold standard management of hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal filler complications. It is paramount that injectors be cognizant to diagnose and treat filler complications, particularly vascular emboli, where there may be a narrow window for timely treatment. There is a paucity of studies, however, that provide HYAL dosage guidelines in the setting of acute vascular obstruction that are specific to each of the 18 reversible HA-based dermal fillers commercially available on the current US market. Differences in resistance to HYAL degradation is based on variation in cross-linking technique, concentration of HA, and cohesive properties that each filler may possess. This in vitro study investigates optimal dosage parameters of HYAL to achieve gross dissolution of every reversible HA-based filler commercially available to better improve outcomes after filler-induced vascular complications. Methods: Standardized in vitro analysis using 0.5-mL aliquots of all 18 commercially available HA-based fillers included all Restylane products (Lyft, Restylane-L, Silk, Refyne, Defyne, Kysse, Contour), Juvederm products (Volbella, Vollure, Voluma, Ultra XC, Ultra Plus XC), Revanesse products (Versa+, Lips+), Teoxane products (RHA 2, RHA 3, RHA 4), and Belotero. Hylenex, recombinant human HYAL, was used in 150 IU increments for total quantities of either 300, 450, 600, or 750 IU to achieve timed assessment of the gross dissolution of filler using photographic and videographic documentation. Inert dye was used to improve filler visibility against the HYAL. Mechanical integration of HYAL into the filler mimicked massage technique commonly implemented to incorporate HYAL into the perivascular soft tissue to help relieve a filler-induced vascular obstruction. Results: The cross-linking technology utilized by each HA-filler manufacturer played a significant role in the readiness of filler dissolution with HYAL. Fastest dissolution times ranged from 11 seconds to approximately 32 minutes, with a strong correlation with Restylane products dissolving the fastest, followed by Juvederm & Revanesse products. The slowest to achieve gross dissolution were Belotero and the RHA series. Discussion: All 18 HA-based fillers achieved complete gross dissolution within the first 32 minutes, however, due to differences in cross-linking technology and molecular properties, there was large variation in in vitro HYAL-induced degradation that can be extrapolated clinically to help reverse urgent vascular obstruction. This may also help beginner injectors strategically choose the HA-based dermal fillers that have the fastest degradation response to HYAL. Further in vivo studies are necessary to integrate these into clinical practice.

Biogas sweetening using new sorbent derived from soda ash from Lake Natron, Tanzania

Biogas is among the renewable and sustainable energy sources that could overcome the problems associated with conventional energy sources. The presence of impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, which harm biogas user's purification, is a major concern. Soda ash from Lake Natron was used for the desulfurization of raw biogas; it was ground and sieved to obtain particle sizes of 280 and 400 μm. The adsorbent mass was varied (25 g, 50 g, and 75 g), and gas flow rates were (0.03 m3/h and 0.04 m3/h). The Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, pore size distribution, and multipoint BET surface area were determined. The Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) characterized surface morphology. The sample sieved at 280 μm packed with a mass of 75 g, and a flow rate of 0.03 m3/h showed a removal efficiency of 94% with a sorption capacity of 0.02g/100g. The spent sample was successfully regenerated for 1, 5, and 7 days, where 7 days of exposure showed the highest removal efficiency of 90%. The sorption capacity was 0.01g/100g at the breakthrough time with five cycles. This is the first study to demonstrate the application of soda ash for biogas purification. The high removal efficiency, sorption capacity obtained, and regenerative ability make the soda ash sorbent a promising material for biogas purification.

Juvéderm: What we know now

AbstractIntroduction: The Juvéderm family of dermal fillers are injectable, long‐lasting, homogenous, monophasic, monodensified hyaluronic acid fillers which are cross‐linked with varying amounts of 1,4‐butanediol‐diglycidyl‐ether (BBDE). Several formulations of Juvéderm exist, including the original Juvéderm Ultra® and Juvéderm Ultra Plus®, and the newer Juvéderm Voluma® XC. Differences in the Juvéderm product line stem from the hyaluronic acid (HA) concentration, gel hardness (G star (G*)), elastic properties (G prime (G′)), amount of molecular cross‐linking (BBDE percentage), and technology utilized for cross‐linking. Discussion: The Juvéderm filler lineup is such that each product is uniquely formulated for a specific indication. The lineup together has shown to be efficacious in treating superficial lines to deep‐seated wrinkles. These fillers are unlikely to cause adverse immune reactions, and as with other HAFs, their effects can be reversed with the injection of hyaluronidase. Conclusion: This chapter discusses the variety of fillers currently in the market within the Juvéderm family, as well as several new products on the horizon. We detail product FDA approvals, indications, safety, and adverse events.

User Performance Evaluation and System Accuracy Assessment of Four Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems With Color Coding of Measurement Results.

Blood glucose monitoring systems (BGMSs) are a cornerstone in diabetes management. They have to provide sufficiently accurate results in the hands of lay users, particularly in insulin-treated patients. The aim of this study was user performance evaluation and system accuracy assessment of four BGMSs with color coding of results. Study procedures were based on ISO 15197:2013. User performance evaluation included data from 100 participants, each of whom used every system with one reagent lot. Study personnel observed user techniques. For the system accuracy assessment, 100 capillary samples were obtained for measurement in duplicate with each of three reagent system lots per system, resulting in 600 results per system. All assessed BGMSs exhibited a sufficient level of accuracy, with small differences between them. In the user performance evaluation, study personnel observed the smallest total number of user errors with Contour Next (Ascensia), followed by Accu-Chek Instant (Roche), Medisafe Fit Smile (Terumo), and OneTouch Ultra Plus Reflect (LifeScan). Approximately 90% of participants stated that a consistent color scheme, eg, for low blood glucose (BG) values, should be used across all BGMSs. There was no clear preference among the four tested BGMSs regarding the specific way of displaying color coding. The four BGMSs assessed in this study showed only small differences in an overall sufficient level of accuracy. User handling errors, as observed by study personnel, differed between the systems.

The adverse impact of herbicide Roundup Ultra Plus in human spermatozoa plasma membrane is caused by its surfactant

The scarce research about the worldwide used glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup is controversial in human reproduction, especially spermatozoa. This study investigates the in vitro effect in human spermatozoa of Roundup Ultra Plus (RUP), its active ingredient glyphosate and its non-active, surfactant. Human spermatozoa were incubated (1 h, 37 °C) in presence/absence of RUP 0.01%, glyphosate, or equivalent surfactant concentration. Motility and sperm parameters were analyzed by C.A.S.A and flow cytometry, respectively. RUP significantly increases sperm plasma membrane lipid disorganization in a concentration-dependent manner while it decreases plasma membrane integrity. RUP significantly increases the death spermatozoa population after A23187-induced acrosome reaction, without affecting sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS content, acrosome membrane damage, phosphatidylserine exposure, A23187-induced acrosome reaction or GSK3 phosphorylation. RUP also significantly decreases motile and the a + b sperm populations. Interestingly, all sperm effects caused by RUP 0.01% are mimicked by its surfactant POEA at equivalent concentration. However, glyphosate does not affect any sperm parameter, even using 10-times higher concentration than the RUP 0.01% equivalent. RUP disturbs lipid organization and integrity of human sperm plasma membrane and reduces motility, without affecting viability or functional parameters. Importantly, RUP adverse effects in human spermatozoa are caused by the surfactant and no by glyphosate.

Impaired mammalian sperm function and lower phosphorylation signaling caused by the herbicide Roundup® Ultra Plus are due to its surfactant component

The use of worldwide glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup® is growing and to date its effects on mammalian spermatozoa are controversial. This study aims to investigate the functional impact of in vitro exposure of pig spermatozoa to low concentrations of Roundup® Ultra Plus (RUP), similar to those present as environment contaminants, to its active ingredient glyphosate, and to the non-active component, surfactant polyoxyethyleneamine (POEA). Pig spermatozoa were incubated in Tyrode's basal medium (TBM) or Tyrode's complete medium (TCM) (1 h at 38.5 °C) with several RUP dilutions or equivalent concentrations of glyphosate or POEA. RUP treatment causes a significant dilution-dependent decrease in sperm motility, a significant increase in plasma membrane disorganization and reduction in GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and in two PKA substrates (TBM and TCM), whereas does not affect sperm viability or mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Equivalent glyphosate concentrations do not affect any functional sperm parameters. However, POEA concentrations equivalent to RUP dilutions mimic all RUP sperm effects: decrease sperm motility in a concentration-dependent manner, increase sperm plasma membrane lipid disorder and significantly inhibit GSK3β phosphorylation (TBM) and two PKA substrates without affecting sperm viability or MMP. In summary, low concentrations RUP herbicide cause sperm motility impairment without affecting sperm viability. This adverse effect could be likely due to a detrimental effect in the plasma membrane lipid organization and to inhibition of phosphorylation of both, GSK3β and specific PKA substrates. Importantly, our results indicate that negative effects of low RUP concentrations in pig spermatozoa function are likely caused by the surfactant included in its formulation and no by its active ingredient glyphosate.

Response of twelve different hyaluronic acid gels to varying doses of recombinant human hyaluronidase

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers can be reversed with hyaluronidase, but their dose responses are not well-characterized. We evaluated 12 fillers' in vitro responses to varying doses of recombinant human hyaluronidase (RHH). For the 12 HA gels, 0.2 mL aliquots were placed on six slides. Samples received no injection, saline injection, or RHH (2.5, 5, 10, or 20 units). The most resistant gels received 40 units of RHH on a seventh slide. Photos of gels were taken from bird's-eye and lateral views with a ruler at multiple time points. Restylane-L and Restylane Lyft were the most easily dissolvable HA fillers. Both demonstrated a significant response to 2.5 units RHH/0.2 mL. Juvéderm Ultra, Belotero, Restylane Silk, and Restylane Defyne had moderate resistance to RHH. Restylane Refyne, Juvéderm Ultra Plus, Vollure, Versa, and Voluma were most resistant, requiring more than 20 units RHH/0.2 mL for complete dissolution. Volbella was moderately resistant up to 20 units RHH but demonstrated pronounced dissolution with 40 units RHH. This study visually and objectively demonstrates the in vitro response of HA to dissolution by hyaluronidase. Fillers were categorized into least, moderate, and most resistant to RHH. Interesting findings include markedly different degrees of liquefaction for products used for similar indications (such as Restylane Lyft being more liquefied than Voluma), and Belotero easily flattening but retaining texture. Combined with in vivo data, this may help calculate hyaluronidase doses needed for controlled, partial reversal of commercially available HA gels.

Physiological Performance of White Oat Seeds Treated with Phosphite-based Products

Aims: White oats are considered one of the most important cereals in the world. Currently, fertilizers based on phosphorus and silicon are being studied as inductors of resistance in the treatment of seeds, since they have as advantages such as low costs and excellent absorption by plants. The effects of seed treatment with phosphite resistance inducers are still unknown, being necessary the study in relation to interact with the seed at the time of twinning. 
 Study Design: The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications, two commercial products based on phosphite FullTec Mais and Ultra Plus and five doses. 
 Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted at the Didactic Laboratory of Seed Analysis of the Faculty of Agronomy Eliseu Maciel of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Pelotas-RS, in 2019.
 Methodology: White oat seeds were used, produced in the 2018/2019 agricultural kharif and treated with commercial products based on FullTec Mais and Ultra Plus phosphites, in five doses: 0; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.5 mL for each 100 kg of seeds. The variables evaluated were first germination count (CP), germination (G), shoot length (CA), root length (CR), total length (CT), accelerated aging (EV) and total dry mass (MST). The data expressed as a percentage were subjected to analysis of variance to verify the effect of treatments. Then, the Duncan means test (P=0.5) was performed, for the discrimination between the treatment means. Statistical analyzes were performed using the R Core Team (2020).
 Results: The results showed that the FullTec Mais product stimulates the physiological performance of white oat seeds for the variables first germination count (CP), germination (G) and shoot length (CA), with a dose of 2 mL of the product per 100 kg of seeds that showed the highest expression. For the Ultra Plus product at a dose of 1 mL of the product per 100 kg of seeds it is more efficient in the accelerated aging test (EV), for the other variables it did not show significant differences.
 Conclusion: It is possible to use phosphite-based micronutrients in seed treatment, without causing physiological damage to the seed during the twinning process.

Water Molecule-Triggered Anisotropic Deformation of Carbon Nitride Nanoribbons Enabling Contactless Respiratory Inspection

The exploitation of the interaction between nanostructured matter and small molecules, such as H2O at interfaces via dynamic hydrogen bonding, is essentially the key for smart, responsive nanodevic...

Synthesis, Structure and Electrochemical Properties of Ca Doped Lanthanum Manganite Powders As Supercapacitor Electrode Material

The rapidly increasing energy demand due to the depletion of fossil fuels and worsening environmental pollution have led to recent research interests on clean energy sources, energy conversion, and energy-storage systems. Therefore, supercapacitors also referred as electrochemical capacitors have gained a great deal of attention in industry as well as academia compared with the batteries and fuel cells because of the significant properties such as high power density produced by fast charge/discharge rate and long cycle life. Generally, conducting polymers, carbon-based materials and metal oxides have been extensively investigated to develop the most efficient electrode material for supercapacitors. Among the metal oxides, the perovskite oxides with ABO3 crystal structure has drawn lots of interest owing to exhibiting reversible faradaic surface reactions, their high intrinsic capacity, excellent thermal stability and also low cost among pseudocapacitive materials. On the other hand, LaMnO3 perovskite is a promising material in terms of accessibility, environmental friendliness, and also its capability to store charges through intercalation and reversible faradaic surface reactions in vacancies (both oxygen and cation).Considering chemical states and type of defects are influenced by introduction of the dopant elements to main structure, in this study we have synthesized calcium doped LaMnO3 perovskites. The LaMnO3 (LMO) and La1-xCaxMnO3 (LCM-x) (x=0.1, 0.3, 0.5) nanocrystalline powders have prepared via the modified pechini method to obtain nanoparticles with high surface area, and the effect of calcium content on electrochemical properties studied with respect to pure LaMnO3. The crystalline structures of the nanopowders have characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD, Bruker D8 Advance) and also elemental compositions of the samples have identified by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF, Bruker Tiger S8). The surface morphologies have determined with the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM, Zeiss Ultra Plus). The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method (BET, Micromeritics ASAP 2020) has been used for examination of the surface area. For surface electronic states of powders, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, Thermo K-Alpha) have performed with Al K-alpha radiation source.To evaluate the electrochemical properties of prepared samples, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge measurements (GCD) have carried out with three electrode system in 1M KOH electrolyte at the potential window of -0.1 to 1.4 V (vs RHE), and at different scan rates ranging from 2 to 100 mV. s-1. According to assessment of CV results, specific capacitance of LCM-0.3 has been found as 1114.3 F. g-1 nearly 5 times higher than that of pure LaMnO3 sample (238.1 F. g-1) at the scan rate of 2 mV. s-1. Compatible with the CV results, the LCM-0.3 sample have also performed the highest capacitance with 1499.2 F. g-1 at current density of 0.5 A. g- 1. The results have revealed that calcium doped lanthanum manganite based perovskites could be promising in the supercapacitor electrode materials area. Effect of chemical composition on structure, particle size, surface area and electrochemical performance will be discussed in detail.

Removal of Hydrogen Sulfide from Biogas Using a Red Rock

The potential of red rock (RR) materials for the removal of H2S from biogas was studied. The rock samples were collected, sieved, and organized in various particle size ranges such as 0.32-250 μm, 250-500 μm, 500-750 μm, 750 μm-1 mm, and 1-1.5 mm. These samples were calcinated at the various temperatures as 500°C, 750°C, and 1000°C and then characterized for phase composition by energy-dispersive X-ray florescent technique, surface morphology by Zeiss Ultra Plus Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and surface area by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The calcinated RR was filled in the bed reactor, and biogas was allowed to pass through the adsorbent while recording the inlet and exit concentration of H2S. The results show that particle size, calcination temperature, adsorbent mass, and biogas flow rate were parameters that influenced the removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of RR. The sample sieved at 0.32-250 μm and calcinated at a temperature of 1000°C showed 95% high removal efficiency and adsorption capacity of 0.37 g/100 g of the sorbent. Regeneration of spent materials when exposed to air, keep on by reuse in the column, appeared to have nearly similar removal efficiency as the original calcined sample. Thus, the overall performance of the material is promising, which is due to the presence of metals such as iron and magnesium, among others. Therefore, proving the successful elimination of contaminant, RR is an available material for biogas purification.

Гостра токсичність та гіпоглікемічна активність 7-хлоро-4-тіозаміщених хіноліну

The search for effective and safe pharmacological drugs for the treatment of diabetes is remaining highly valuable issue due to the chronic course of the disease and the need to use antipyretic drugs during the rest of life. Currently, various hypoglycemic agents are presented in the pharmaceutical market and the safety of their application is in priority. The activity of 4-thio-7-chloroquinoline derivatives as potential hypoglycemic drugs was studied here. The hypoglycemic activity was determined using a One Touch Ultra Plus Flex meter. The approach to glucose determination by this method is based on the reaction of glucose contained in the blood sample with flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase in the test strip, with the formation of a small electric current. The strength of this current calculates the level of glucose in the blood serum. Sodium 3-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylthio)propionate demonstrates a high hypoglycemic activity after its intragastric administration. This compound significantly reduces glucose levels in rats up to 18.1% when compared with baseline and other compounds. 2-(7-Chloroquinoline-4-ylthio)propane and 2-acetamido-3-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylthio)propanoic acid had little or no effect on serum glucose. The administration of compound 3 3-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylthio)propionic acid in experimental animals increases the serum glucose on 19,6% comparing to the basic level. Acute toxicity of 4-thio7-chloro-substituted quinoline was determined with the Prozorovsky express method. The substances were administered once intraperitoneally as a thin aqueous suspension in saline solution (stabilizer - Twin 80) or as a solution of not more than 1 ml. The relationship between the structure of the test compounds and their toxicity is analyzed. It has been established that the mean lethal dose (LD50) of these compounds ranges from 200-800 mg/kg and is classified as low toxic that corresponds to the fourth class of toxicity.

The effect of shot peening on the corrosion behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy made by DMLS

Abstract Additive Manufacturing processes are being used increasingly in the scope of medicine and dentistry. As indicated by literature data, the durability and quality of medical implants is decisively influenced by surface modification. Insufficient quality of surface finishing leads, among others, to reduced service life of applied implants and to increased number of necessary revision surgeries. Furthermore, various types of finishing processes e.g. cleaning, shot peening or abrasive techniques are suggested by the manufacturers of products made by means of DMLS processes. Due to this fact, the analysis of proper formation of the surface layer of titanium products made by means of the method consisting in the direct laser sintering of metal powders (DMLS) was the subject matter of our research. Therefore, Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy has been used for tests. The samples have been produced by means of EOSINT M280 system dedicated for laser sintering of metal powders. The surfaces of prepared samples have been subjected to shot peening process at three different values of working pressure (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 MPa) by means of three different working media i.e. CrNi steel shot, crushed nut shells and ceramic balls. The characteristics of the materials used for shot peening process have been determined by means of Zeiss Ultra Plus scanning electron microscope. The samples have been subjected to profilometric measurements on Bruker Contour GT optical profilometer and the corrosion behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy in Ringer solution has been determined in electrode impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements by means of Atlas 0531 set dedicated for corrosion testing. The overall results of all tests indicate to favourable influence of the shot peening process on the corrosion behaviour of titanium alloy.

The Kinetics of Reversible Hyaluronic Acid Filler Injection Treated With Hyaluronidase.

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme capable of dissolution of hyaluronic acid (HA). There is a lack of evidence-based research defining time- and concentration-dependent reversal of HA filler using hyaluronidase. To explore the efficacy of different concentrations of hyaluronidase in digesting commercially available HA-based reversible fillers-Belotero Balance (BEL), Juvederm Ultra XC (JUVXC), Juvederm Ultra Plus (JUVX+), Juvederm Voluma XC (JUVV), Restylane-L (RESL), Restylane Silk (RESS), and Perlane/Restylane Lyft (RESLYFT). This was a blinded randomized study involving 15 participants. Participants received HA filler injection into their back, followed by no secondary injection, or injection with normal saline, 20 or 40 units of hyaluronidase. Using a 5-point palpation scale, the degradation of HA filler was monitored over 14 days. In the authors' study, there is a significant decrease in HA filler degradation using 20 and 40 units of hyaluronidase compared with no secondary injection or normal saline. There is no significant difference in HA filler dissolution when comparing 20 to 40 units of hyaluronidase. Lower concentrations of hyaluronidase may be just as effective as higher concentrations to degrade HA filler in situations where the reversal of cutaneous augmentation with HA filler arises.

Safety and Effectiveness of Juvéderm Ultra Plus Injectable Gel in Correcting Severe Nasolabial Folds in Chinese Subjects

Background:Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are effective in correcting severe nasolabial folds (NLFs) in non-Asian populations. We assessed safety and effectiveness of Juvéderm Ultra Plus in a Chinese population.Methods:This double-blind study randomized Chinese subjects with severe NLFs to Juvéderm Ultra Plus (24 mg/mL) in 1 NLF and Restylane injectable gel (20 mg/mL) in the other NLF. NLFs were evaluated using the validated 5-point photonumeric Allergan NLF Severity Scale (0 is “no wrinkle” and 4 is “very deep wrinkle”). Investigator-assessed responder rates (primary outcome at 6 months), NLF mean improvements, and subject-assessed responder rates and preference were assessed.Results:Of 124 subjects randomized, 122 completed the 6-month visit. NLFs treated with Juvéderm Ultra Plus required less volume than those treated with Restylane (median [range]: 0.80 [0.3–2.0] vs 1.00 [0.3–1.9]; P<0.001). Investigator-assessed responder rates were 90.4% for Juvéderm Ultra Plus and 89.6% for Restylane, establishing noninferiority of Juvéderm Ultra Plus. Mean (SD) improvements in NLF Severity Scale scores from baseline at 6 months were 1.5 (0.75) for Juvéderm Ultra Plus and 1.6 (0.73) for Restylane. Subject-assessed responder rates were similar to investigator-assessed rates (87.3%, Juvéderm Ultra Plus; 83.9%, Restylane). Of subjects reporting a preference, 62.1% preferred Juvéderm Ultra Plus. The most common treatment site responses were swelling and tenderness; most were mild or moderate in severity and resolved without intervention. Juvéderm Ultra Plus had fewer severe treatment site responses than Restylane.Conclusion:In this study in Chinese subjects, Juvéderm Ultra Plus was safe and effective for correcting severe NLFs.

Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal Systems: A Randomized In Vitro Comparison

Study ObjectiveTo compare polyp resection time and myoma resection rate using 2 hysteroscopic tissue removal systems. DesignProspective randomized in vitro trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SettingClinical skills laboratory of a non-university teaching hospital. SamplesPolyp surrogate and myoma tissue. InterventionsHysteroscopic tissue removal with the TRUCLEAR system, using the TRUCLEAR INCISOR 2.9 (TI), TRUCLEAR INCISOR Plus (TIP), or TRUCLEAR ULTRA Plus (TUP) device, and the MyoSure system, using the MyoSure Lite (ML), MyoSure Classic (MC), or MyoSure XL (MXL) device. Measurements and Main ResultsForty-two fragments of umbilical cord weighing 5 g, as a surrogate for polyps, were randomly allocated to 4 types of devices (TI, TIP, ML, and MC). Three consecutive fragments were removed using a single device. In addition, 18 pieces of myoma tissue were divided into 2 equal parts and randomly allocated to 2 types of devices (TUP and MXL). A new device was used for each fragment. Each type of device was tested at 2 vacuum settings. When removing 1 polyp, the TIP (median time, 2:33 minutes [interquartile range (IQR), 1:32–3:27 minutes]), the MC (median time, 3:15 minutes [IQR, 2:42–3:42 minutes]), and the ML (median time, 3:00 minutes [IQR, 2:16–3:25 minutes]) performed significantly faster than the TI (median time, 14:09 minutes [IQR, 13:44–14:36 minutes]), by 84%, 78%, and 82% respectively (p < .001). The TIP performed 80% faster than the TI (median time, 2:27 minutes [IQR, 1:45–2:46 minutes] vs 10:37 minutes [IQR, 8:38–13:44 minutes]; p < .001) when removing a second polyp. For removal of a third polyp, the TIP performed significantly faster (median time, 2:22 minutes [IQR, 1:32–3:07 minutes]) than the TI (median time, 8:35 minutes [IQR, 7:37–9:03 minutes]) and the ML (median time, 10:02 minutes [IQR, 9:51–10:18 minutes]), by 74% and 78%, respectively (p < .001). The performance of the ML decreased (p < .001) during removal of 3 consecutive tissue samples. For myoma tissue, the estimated mean resection rate of the TUP (2.96 g/min [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.32–3.77 g/min]) was 24% (95% CI 0.2%–52.4%) higher than the mean resection rate of the MXL (2.39 g/min [95% CI 1.87–3.05 g/min]; p = .048). The resection rate of the MXL adjusted for vacuum setting declined by 3% per unit increase in myoma volume (95% CI, −0.6% to −5.7%; p = .02). For the TUP, no linear association was found (0.4%; 95% CI, −2.1% to 3.0%; p = .72). ConclusionIn vitro comparison of the removal of surrogate polyps showed that although the larger TIP, MC, and ML devices were significantly faster than the TI for removal of 1 polyp, only the TIP was consistently faster than the TI for consecutive removal of polyps. The performance of the ML decreased significantly during removal of 3 consecutive tissue samples, making it slower than the TIP with a similar window size in the third run. For removal of myoma tissue, the resection rate of the TUP was significantly higher than that of the MXL, and the resection rate of the MXL decreased with increasing myoma volume. In vitro testing can provide useful information on the time and rate of hysteroscopic tissue removal.

A Comprehensive Approach to Multimodal Facial Aesthetic Treatment

The HARMONY study is the first clinical trial to assess the impact of a global approach to facial rejuvenation with several minimally invasive modalities, using patient-reported outcome measures. Provide details of this treatment approach and describe investigators' experiences and recommendations based on this study. This multicenter, 4-month study evaluated subject satisfaction with and psychological impact of combined treatment with VYC-20L (Juvéderm Voluma XC), HYC-24L (Juvéderm Ultra XC), HYC-24L+ (Juvéderm Ultra Plus XC), onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox), and bimatoprost 0.3% ophthalmic solution (Latisse). Treatment-naive adults with moderate-to-severe facial lines and folds and eyelash hypotrichosis received on-label, staged treatment with fillers. Bimatoprost was self-administered once daily for 17 weeks from day 1. OnabotulinumtoxinA was administered for glabellar lines, crow's feet lines, or both at month 3. Overall, 100 subjects received bimatoprost for eyelash hypotrichosis, 96 received onabotulinumtoxinA for glabellar lines and/or crow's feet lines, and 96 received VYC-20L for midface volume deficit. From 17 to 96 subjects received HYC-24L and/or HYC-24L+ for nasolabial folds, oral commissures, marionette lines, perioral lines, or radial cheek lines. Injections of filler generally progressed from cranial to caudal, with midface injected first. Investigator-reported factors that may have contributed to the potential benefits of this approach include the critical role of the midface in facial aesthetics, use of lower volumes of filler in individual facial areas, and anesthetic effects. The investigators' perspectives and experience with the injection pattern, sequencing, volumes, and techniques may provide valuable guidance for a multimodal approach to facial aesthetic treatment.

Análise da rugosidade de superfície e da microdureza de 6 resinas compostas

ObjectiveCharacterize and compare the enamel and dentin resin composites of three different commercial brands (XRV Herculite®, Herculite® XRV Ultra and Enamel Plus HRi®) through the analysis of its microhardness and surface roughness. MethodsUsing a silicone mould, 60 resin composite discs were prepared and analysed with a rugosimeter. Additionally, 72 other discs were prepared using a plastic caster. Of these, 60 were submitted to microhardness evaluation (n=10), and the remaining 12 were analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) (n=2). The specimens prepared for surface evaluation were finished and polished with the Jiffy® Polisher system, consisting of a sequence of three polishing rubber points; each rubber was used for 90seconds under water refrigeration. The Knoop test was chosen for the microhardness assessment. Five indentations were performed by specimen with a load of 50g for 5seconds. The surface was examined with a rugosimeter and an atomic force microscope. The data, except for the AFM, were subjected to a one‐way ANOVA with p ≤0.05. ResultsIn the analysis of microhardness, there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the dentin Enamel Plus Hri® and XRV Herculite®. On the other hand, the difference found between the dentin Enamel Plus Hri® and the other composites was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the roughness values obtained. ConclusionThe Enamel Plus Hri® had a higher microhardness than the other composites evaluated. All of them presented roughness values higher than those mentioned in the literature as ideal.

Single-pulse laser ablation threshold of borosilicate, fused silica, sapphire, and soda-lime glass for pulse widths of 500 fs, 10 ps, 20 ns.

In this work, we report a comparative study of the laser ablation threshold of borosilicate, fused silica, sapphire, and soda-lime glass as a function of the pulse width and for IR laser wavelengths. We determine the ablation threshold for three different pulse durations: τ=500 fs, 10 ps, and 20 ns. Experiments have been performed using a single laser pulse per shot in an ambient (air) environment. The results show a significant difference, of two orders of magnitude, between the group of ablation thresholds obtained for femtosecond, picosecond, and nanosecond pulses. This difference is reduced to 1 order of magnitude in the soda-lime substrate with tin impurities, pointing out the importance of the incubation effect. The morphology of the marks generated over the different glass materials by one single pulse of different pulse durations has been analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (FESEM ULTRA Plus). Our results are important for practical purposes, providing the ablation threshold data of four commonly used substrates at three different pulse durations in the infrared regime (1030-1064 nm) and complete data for increasing the understanding of the differences in the mechanism's leading ablation in the nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond regimes.