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Introduction and purpose In recent years, there has been notable progress in the role of light-emitting technologies, including lasers and other energy-based devices, across various medical disciplines. Dermatology stands out as one of the prominent fields where laser treatments have gained significant popularity. In the clinical setting, a variety of laser types are utilized. A fundamental aspect of ensuring the safe use of laser devices involves comprehending their mechanisms at the tissue level. This knowledge enables practitioners to attain the desired outcomes effectively while minimizing the risk of complications. Lasers have demonstrated effectiveness in treating cutaneous vascular conditions because of their capacity to selectively target intravascular oxyhemoglobin. Rosacea, juvenile hemangioma, and port wine stains are among the vascular skin conditions for which laser therapy has shown notable success. Laser therapy is employed in treating hypertrophic scars, keloids, and acne scars because it facilitates the restructuring of the skin's architecture at the scar site, with the goal of minimizing its size and visibility. Laser therapy stands as the gold standard for removing tattoos. Materials and methods The methodology for conducting literature search involved utilizing medical subject headings terms to explore PubMed. Search terms included: “lasers”, “intense pulsed light”, “dermatology”, “rosacea”, “acne”, “scars”, “tattoo removal”. Conclusions Laser dermatological treatments are gaining popularity worldwide, driving new innovations and clinical applications. This review highlights the significant role and diverse clinical applications of lasers and intense pulsed light in dermatological practice. Improving the quality of skin in patients suffering from skin diseases can significantly increase their quality of life.

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: La calcificación coronaria es uno de los principales factores que inciden negativamente en la seguridad y la eficacia del intervencionismo coronario percutáneo. Existen varias técnicas de modificación del calcio, pero falta evidencia de estudios aleatorizados sobre la terapia de elección en este escenario. Métodos: El ROLLERCOASTR es un estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico y aleatorizado, diseñado para comparar la seguridad y la eficacia de 3 técnicas de modificación de la placa en el contexto de calcificación coronaria moderada o grave: aterectomía rotacional (AR), aterectomía coronaria con láser láser excimer (ACLE) y litotricia intracoronaria (LIC). El objetivo primario es la expansión del stent evaluada mediante tomografía de coherencia óptica. Su análisis se hará por intención de tratar, con un α de 0,05 entre el grupo de referencia (AR) y cada uno de los otros grupos (ACLE y LIC). Se realizará también un análisis del objetivo primario por protocolo para mantener la coherencia. Si se confirma la hipótesis de no inferioridad, se realizará un análisis bilateral de superioridad. El comité de eventos clínicos y el laboratorio central independiente no conocerán la rama de tratamiento. Asumiendo un error α de 0,05, un error β de 0,2 (80% de potencia), un margen de irrelevancia (ε) del 7% y un 10% de pérdidas por dificultad de medición o imposibilidad de completar la intervención, se estima un tamaño de muestra de 56 casos en cada grupo. Los objetivos secundarios son el éxito del dispositivo, el éxito del procedimiento, la tasa de cruce entre técnicas y la presentación de eventos cardiovasculares adversos importantes al año de seguimiento. Conclusiones: El estudio ROLLERCOASTR evaluará y comparará la seguridad y la eficacia, en pacientes con estenosis coronaria calcificada, de 3 técnicas de modificación de placa: AR, ACLE y LIC. Este ensayo se ha registrado en Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04181268.

ABSTRACT Introduction and objectives: Coronary calcification is one of the leading factors that affect negatively the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous coronary intervention. Several calcium modification techniques exist. However, there is a lack of randomized evidence on the therapy of choice in this scenario. Methods: The ROLLERCOASTR is a prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trial designed to compare the safety and efficacy profile of 3 plaque modification techniques in the moderate-to-severe coronary calcification setting: rotational atherectomy (RA), excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA), and intravascular lithotripsy (IVL). The study primary endpoint is stent expansion evaluated by optical coherence tomography. An intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted with an alpha coefficient of 0.05 between the reference group (RA) and the remaining 2 groups (ELCA and IVL). An analysis of the study primary endpoint per protocol will be conducted for consistency purposes. If the non-inferiority hypothesis is confirmed, a superiority 2-sided analysis will be conducted. Both the clinical events committee and the independent core laboratory will be blinded to the treatment arm. Assuming an α error of 0.05, an β error of 0.2 (80% power), a margin of irrelevance (ε) of 7, and losses of 10% due to measurement difficulty or impossibility to complete the intervention, we estimate a sample size of 56 cases per group. The study secondary endpoints are device success, procedural success, crossover rate among the different techniques used, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: The ROLLERCOASTR trial will evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of 3 plaque modification techniques: RA, ELCA, and IVL in patients with calcified coronary stenosis. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT04181268.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo. Una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en grandes quemados es la cicatrización hipertrófica. Son múltiples los tratamientos que se aplican, pero hasta la fecha no hay claridad respecto a la eficacia de uno sobre otro para el manejo de las secuelas de quemaduras. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la evidencia acerca del uso del láser de CO2 en cicatrices secundarias a quemaduras. Material y método. Para la búsqueda bibliográfica en LILACS y PubMed utilizamos los términos MESH: Laser therapy and/or burns or scars seleccionando metaanálisis, series prospectivas, revisiones sistemáticas y revisiones de ensayos clínicos. Resultados. Tras agrupar todas las publicaciones de los artículos y eliminar los duplicados, analizamos un total de 24 publicaciones. Conclusiones. Respecto a la evidencia analizada, el uso de láser CO2 en cicatrices postquemaduras, parece ser prometedor y seguro, sin embargo, no todos los artículos son de buena calidad y no todos los protocolos de uso de láser son extrapolables a todos los pacientes, por lo que falta evidencia de mejor calidad para concluir respecto a los verdaderos alcances de esta terapia. En relación a los protocolos analizados, estos varían en duración, factores evaluados y cantidad de sesiones realizadas. Nivel de evidencia científica 5c Terapéutico

PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS (PCA) FOR CHEMICAL DATA EVALUATION AND HEAT MAPS PREPARATION: A TUTORIAL. This tutorial shows a step-by-step guide on handling big datasets using principal component analysis (PCA). A dataset of chemical elements’ concentration, emission spectrum, and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) of e-waste were used as examples. Five routines were proposed to apply data processing and PCA calculation focusing data from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), EDXRF, and heat maps preparation. These routines can be used in various softwares such as MatLab, Octave, R, and Python. PCA was applied in three examples; the first was for concentrations, and the other two were for spectra. An example of heat maps assembling a hyperspectral image of a printed circuit was also described. In addition, a playlist was created on YouTube using the available examples. Therefore, with this tutorial, it may be possible to learn how to deal with a large volume of data by applying PCA. The authors hope to contribute to those researching in the area.

Resumen: El implante de dispositivos electrónicos implantables cardíacos ha aumentado significativamente en respuesta al incremento de sus indicaciones basadas en la evidencia y, paralelamente, ha asociado también un ascenso en el número de dispositivos electrónicos implantables cardíacos a extraer por diferentes causas. Los electrodos de dispositivos electrónicos implantables cardíacos crónicamente implantados desarrollan frecuentemente tejido fibroso a nivel de la interfase entre electrodos adyacentes, endotelio venoso y endocardio, lo que implica una extracción de electrodos transvenosa facilitada por herramientas especializadas para liberar dichas adherencias.La extracción de electrodos transvenosa con láser excimer proporciona excelentes tasas de éxito completo del procedimiento y de éxito clínico, permitiendo tratar algunos pacientes que difícilmente podrían ser abordados con las otras técnicas existentes.El abordaje multidisciplinar «Heart Team» en un entorno apropiado para el procedimiento, con adecuado entrenamiento del personal, es fundamental para la detección precoz y el manejo exitoso de las complicaciones cardiovasculares de la extracción de electrodos transvenosa facilitada con láser. Abstract: The increase in the implantation rate of cardiac implantable electronic devices in the last decade has given rise to the need for transvenous lead extraction techniques, frequently in high-risk patients. Chronically implanted cardiac leads tend to develop a fibrous scar tissue surrounding them and among the venous endothelium and cardiac endocardium. This phenomenon makes necessary to resort to powered sheaths for TLE procedures.Laser-facilitated transvenous lead extraction of cardiac implantable electronic devices is a safe and highly effective procedure even in high-risk patients.A multidisciplinary “Heart Team” approach and an appropriate surgical work-up are mandatory for early identification and treatment of major cardiovascular complications.

n cavity optomechanics experiments with ultrashort laser pulses, the temporal dynamics of the optical modes of the system play a fundamental role in the generation and detection of coherent phonons. In this work, we analyze the feasibility of using a second continuous emission laser to optimize the detection efficiency, by setting the fundamentalótical mode to a specific spectral position. Under certain conditions, and through this continuum excitation, it is possible to modify the recovery dynamics of the optical modes after an ultrafast pulsed excitation, to the point of stopping it on a quasiequilibrium. This phenomenon is directly related to the optical bistability of the resonator.

Artículo que describe las experimentaciones y descubrimientos llevados a cabo en 2022 en torno a técnicas y procesos artesanales como la marquetería y su adecuación a la práctica contemporánea mediante el uso de tecnologías para el mecanizado de piezas con sistemas de corte CNC.

Los queloides son cicatrices que presentan elevación por encima del nivel normal de la piel, por una producción mayor de colágeno, sobrepasando los límites de la lesión original. Objetivo: evaluar un caso clínico con cicatriz queloides, tratado con láser y plasma rico en plaquetas, para lo cual se utilizará el Instrumento de Evaluación (acrónimo TIGRE). Se presenta como caso un paciente masculino de 30 años de edad, quien acude a la consulta por mostrar cicatriz queloides en región cervical posterior de 10 cm de largo por 4 cm de ancho, producto de herida abierta con objeto cortante (rasuradora), en el año 2018, sin procedimientos invasivos infiltrativos, ni quirúrgicos previos, también se observaron cambios de coloración en tendencia violácea-negruzca, sin signos de flogosis, textura lisa, no turgente, con áreas induradas, no doloroso a la palpación. Fitzpatrick biotipo III-IV. Se realizó plan terapéutico que contempló: exéresis a través de abordaje sutura extra queloides, tres sesiones a través del plasma rico en plaquetas y Láser Picosecond no ablativo de luz azul. La evaluación inicial 58 puntos, primera sesión 68 puntos, segunda sesión 70 puntos, tercera sesión 73 puntos. Se concluye que el plan de tratamiento aplicado en el caso de estudio de queloides, fue efectivo de acuerdo a la valoración realizada por medio del Instrumento de Evaluación TIGRE. Keloids are scars that present elevation above the normal level of the skin, due to a greater production of collagen, exceeding the limits of the original lesion. Objective: to evaluate a clinical case with keloid scar, treated with laser and platelet-rich plasma, for which the Evaluation Instrument (acronym TIGRE) will be used. A 30-year-old male patient is presented as a case, who comes to the consultation for showing a keloid scar in the posterior cervical region of 10 cm long by 4 cm wide, product of an open wound with a sharp object (razor), in the year 2018, without invasive infiltrative procedures, or previous surgical procedures, color changes were also observed in a purplish-blackish tendency, without signs of phlogosis, smooth texture, not turgid, with indurated areas, not painful on palpation. Fitzpatrick biotype III-IV. A therapeutic plan was carried out that included: exeresis through an extra keloid suture approach, three sessions through platelet-rich plasma and a non-ablative blue light Picosecond laser. The initial evaluation 58 points, first session 68 points, second session 70 points, third session 73 points. It is concluded that the treatment plan applied in the keloid study case was effective according to the assessment made through the TIGRE Assessment Instrument.

Due to the advantages of short treatment period, no wastewater and oil produced, the CO2 laser is applied as an environment friendly thermal treatment for wood materials to improve the wood properties, such as appearance, color and wettability, etc. However, the morphological features of treated wood surface are also changed, which have negative effects on wooden product properties. To reveal the change tendency of surface roughness during laser irradiation, the common indexes of average roughness (Ra) and mean peak-to-valley height (Rz) were chosen to evaluate the surface roughness. The response surface methodology was selected to arrange the experiments and analyze the influences of laser parameters on surface roughness. The results showed that the poplar wood got rougher with the increased laser power, but the surface roughness decreased with increased feed speed and path spacing, due to the total heat absorption varied under different combination of laser parameters. The ANOVA results showed that the selected quadratic models for Ra∥, Rz∥, Ra⊥ and Rz⊥were significant due to the values of probability value (“Prob>F”) less than 0,05. In this case, all the input laser parameters were also the significant model terms for variation of surface roughness. The values of correlation coefficient were very close to 1, which meant the selected quadratic models could give accurate prediction of surface roughness for laser treated wood. Therefore, it is of great significance to predict the surface roughness of the modified wood surface scientifically and to guide the selection of reasonable modification process parameters.

Introducción: La hiperestesia dentinaria es una sensación dolorosa de intensidad variable, que va de leve a moderada y, al encontrarse la dentina expuesta, puede convertirse en una molestia constante. Objetivo: Determinar la alternativa menos costosa en el tratamiento de pacientes con hiperestesia dentinaria. Método: Se realizó una evaluación económica completa del tipo minimización de costo, en la Clínica Estomatológica Provincial Docente Mártires del Moncada de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta mayo de 2019. Se revisaron 40 historias clínicas, escogidas a conveniencia, ya que contaban con los datos necesarios para la investigación. Se crearon 2 grupos de estudios, cuyos integrantes fueron tratados con laca flúor y láser, respectivamente. Se analizaron las variables de edad, sexo, efectividad de los tratamientos, costo directo e indirecto y costo unitario. Resultados: En la serie predominaron el grupo etario de 15-24 años (30,0 %), seguido por el de 25- 34 (25,0 %), así como el sexo femenino (70,0 %). El costo unitario del tratamiento con laca flúor fue de $7,77 y con láser de $5,74, para una diferencia de $2,03. Conclusión: La alternativa menos costosa en el tratamiento de pacientes con hiperestesia dentinaria resultó ser la aplicación de láser; mientras que la evaluación económica realizada demostró ser apropiada en materia de eficiencia económica.

La soldadura de materiales disímiles hace que los procesos de soldadura convencional no sean factibles de ser utilizados. La soldadura por fricción, por otro lado, ha demostrado ser una tecnología prometedora capaz de unir materiales sin que la temperatura supere su punto de fusión. Sin embargo, la obtención de las propiedades mecánicas de la junta soldada con características similares a los materiales base sigue siendo un desafío. En el desarrollo de este trabajo se diseñó y fabricó un equipo de soldadura por fricción rotatoria con asistencia láser. Para proporcionar el movimiento rotatorio se empleó un torno convencional de 3 HP de potencia y para generar fricción se diseñó un sistema hidráulico de presión el cual aplica fuerza axial mediante un cilindro de simple efecto para obtener la unión entre los materiales base. En el equipo implementado se realizaron uniones de ejes de acero AISI 1045 con aluminio 2017-T6; las uniones soldadas se evaluaron metalúrgicamente, haciendo hincapié en la composición química en la interfaz de la soldadura. Para la caracterización de la microestructura se empleó microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM), espectroscopía de dispersión de energía (EDS) y espectrometría de emisión óptica de descarga luminiscente (GDOES) para medir la composición inicial de los materiales que se soldaron. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una adecuada unión entre los materiales base, denotando la utilidad del equipo fabricado para la unión de materiales disimiles.

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate has rapidly become the gold standard for the surgical treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia, although thulium fiber laser (TFL) has also been postulated as an effective and safe alternative for prostate enucleation. The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience with the TFL for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate., Material and Methods: All patients proposed to TFL prostate enucleation were included in the analysis, regardless their prostate volume, catheter status and severity of symptoms, in 3 centers. Preoperative characteristics, intraoperative times and functional 3-months follow-up variables were collected, along with complications., Results: Fifty-six patients were available, with a mean age of 68.7 years. Enucleation and morcellation efficiencies were 2.04 and 7.47 g/min, respectively. Median hospital stay was one day. Comparable functional data, pre and 3-month post-surgery was: mean prostate volume 88.9 vs 21.3 g, maximum urinary flow 13.2 vs 27.3 ml/s, post-void residual volume 149 vs 7.8 ml, prostatic specific antigen level 11.2 vs 1 ng/ml, and International Prostate Symptom Score 20.75 vs 3.96. Fourteen out of 56 (25%) patients presented with complications grade ≤2, according to the Clavien-Dindo classification., Discussion: With wider evidence for other urological indications, very recent evidence about the suitability of TFL for prostate enucleation has arisen, since the first case described in 2021. Our results seem to back up these previous successful experiences as long as we obtained good intraoperative and short term follow-up functional results. However, there is still a need of longer follow-up data., Conclusions: TFL represents a novel technology for prostate enucleation, with a good intraoperative and short follow-up functional results, and a safety profile similar to the observed for those techniques that have been wider used for this indication. Further studies with longer follow-up periods and comparative with these other techniques are necessary., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the effects of venous ulcer healing in patients after six months of conventional treatment and adjuvant low-power laser therapy. Methods: prospective cohort study nested in a randomized clinical trial with 38 patients, allocated into an intervention group (conventional treatment and adjuvant laser therapy) and a control group (conventional treatment). Patients were followed up as outpatients, sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, and indicators of the outcomes Wound healing: secondary intention (1103) and Tissue integrity: skin and mucous membranes(1101) of the Nursing Outcomes Classification. Generalized estimating equations, Kaplan-Meier tests, and robust Poisson regression were used in the analysis. Results: the clinical indicators Decreased wound size and Scar formation showed a statistically significant difference in the intervention group, higher number of healed wounds, lower rate, longer time to relapse. Conclusions: laser therapy adjuvant to conventional treatment returned better results in healing and lower recurrence rates after six months of intervention.

Tattoo is one of the most frequently used techniques of permanent body decoration, it is a graphic sign obtained on the skin as a result of the introduction of dye into the skin tissue. It happens that the tattoo begins to disturb, life circumstances change, the tattoo reminds you of something you would like to forget. The development of tattoo removal methods is the expression of a search for a method to completely remove it without damaging the tissue. The methods used so far include: lasers, surgery, peels, dermabrasion (chemical and mechanical), cryosurgery, electrosurgery, light coagulation in the infrared range, salabrasia (use of sodium chloride), camouflage, etc., however, no method guarantees complete removal of the tattoo.

Introducción: el síndrome de disfunción temporomandibular, es una alteración que comprende un conjunto de signos y síntomas relacionados con las estructuras del sistema estomatognático. Objetivo: determinar la efectividad del tratamiento conjunto de láser y terapia de apoyo medicamentosa, aplicadas a los pacientes con el síndrome dolor disfunción de la articulación temporomandibular. Método: se realizó una intervención terapéutica en 84 pacientes que asistieron a la consulta de prótesis de la Clínica Estomatológica “Julio Antonio Mella” de Guantánamo, en el período comprendido entre septiembre de 2014 al mismo mes de 2015. Se conformaron dos grupos terapéuticos: uno recibió láser y terapia de apoyo medicamentosa y, el otro, terapia de apoyo medicamentosa, cada grupo con 42 pacientes que fueron evaluados a los 5, 10 y 15 días. Se tomaron en cuenta variables generales y clínicas: edad, grado de severidad, comportamiento del dolor y criterios de evaluación. Resultados: la terapia combinada de láser y terapia medicamentosa resultó ser más efectivo que la terapia medicamentosa, al desaparecer la sintomatología en un período de tiempo menor. Conclusiones: se validó que el tratamiento combinado de láser y terapia de apoyo medicamentosa resultó más efectivo al desaparecer progresivamente la sintomatología en un periodo de tiempo menor, en relación a los que se les aplicó el tratamiento convencional y por tanto es factible su aplicación.

Introduction: When performing a surgical intervention, the cutting instrument used is especially important, since it is associated with intraoperative and postoperative signs and symptoms and to the time of tissue repair. In response to this, new instruments have been proposed over time, particularly laser technology has been undergoing rapid and significant advancement and is currently used for countless dental treatments. Laser has been attributed different advantages in periodontal cosmetic surgery: from facilitating the hemostasis process, to stimulating the tissue repair process. However, it is pertinent to carry out studies that prove, at histological level, the changes in the oral mucosa and obtain information that allows us to know how it influences the tissue repair process. Objective: To describe the histological findings associated with the Er, Cr: YSGG (2780 nm) laser cut in gum samples obtained by gingivectomy. Case presentation: Female patient, 21 years old, systemically healthy. She attended the consultation for presenting aesthetic dissatisfaction when smiling. She was diagnosed with exposure of keratinized gum band greater than 4 mm. As part of the treatment plan, Er, Cr: YSGG (Waterlase®, BIOLASE®, 2780 nm) laser gingivectomy was indicated. The procedure was performed only under topical anesthesia. Histological samples of gingival tissue were taken for histological analysis. Conclusions: The Er, Cr: YSGG (2780 nm) laser preserved the morphology of the fibroblasts after the cut. There was no evidence of carbonization or deepening of the thermal injury in the tissue. In this case, this instrument was a very useful tool for the performance of the treatment. It had important advantages, such as the absence of postoperative pain, good hemostasis, and almost complete epithelial repair in just four days.

Three-dimensional (3D) surface scanning includes techniques of image acquisition and image processing. Among the former, hardware devices (e.g., portable and non- portable scanners, camera) capture images from the target, whereas image processing is conducted via specialized software, in which acquired images are processed to merge them into a single 3D model. Image surface scanning include a wide variety of devices which incorporate different image acquisition techniques, all of them with potential high standards results. We describe different scanning devices and techniques commonly used in Vertebrate Paleontology in order to compare them in terms of pros and cons, considering different variables, such as scanning time, post-processing time, costs and image resolution. The decision on which device to choose will depend on the budget available, the portability as well as the nature of the fossil material being analyzed (e.g., size, weight, accessibility). In the light of this, photogrammetry constitutes the image surface technique which fulfils these requirements, having the best cost-benefit relationship.

Abstract The classification and selection of agricultural products are very important to assure post-harvest quality processes. However, most of physical and chemical analyses are destructive. It means those products turn useless after these analyses. Moisture is one of the most important parameters to assure the storage quality and as well to facilitate product processing. This research offers an alternative method to determine that parameter through an indirect and non-destructive way, using the image analysis based on the Biospeckle phenomenon. This method consists in get a 10 seconds video of a laser focused on the object. This video is divided in frames, using a computational routine in Matlab and, then, the sequence of images is processed using the computational program named ImageJ. The results are expressed in terms of modified correlation matrix and Moment of Inertia (MI). At the same time, a moisture analysis is carried out using the traditional methodology employing conventional heater equipment set at 130 ºC. By correlating MI and moisture values, it was possible to determine the moisture content by means of an indirect method. To this research, it was employed grains of Moringa oleifera.

Se presenta el caso de una paciente con 6 meses de embarazo con múltiples lesiones de aspecto granulomatoso en cavidad bucal acompañadas de gingivorragia severa, de varios meses de evolución, con carácter altamente recidivante y a las que se les había realizado exéresis en múltiples ocasiones sin evidencia de mejoría y con diagnóstico de granuloma gravídico múltiple recidivante, razón por la cual se decide tratar con un enfoque alternativo como el láser de diodo, sin suturas, analgésicos y antibiótico postratamiento. El láser de diodo es una excelente opción de tratamiento de tendencia actual, proporciona buena respuesta biológica, fácil aplicación y genera una mejor aceptación en los pacientes frente a las técnicas quirúrgicas tradicionales.