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Background. Pyogenic granuloma (PG) or lobular capillary hemangioma, ICD10 code: L98.0. appears as a single bright red or violet papule up to 20 mm in size, on the face, fingers, skull surface, arms, and intergluteal fold, as well as on the oral mucous membranes. Surgical removal of facial PG is not always possible due to insufficient thickness of the dermis. Treatment of PG with a pulsed dye laser (PDL) or neodymium laser (Nd:YAG) can achieve a noticeable elimination of the lesion but is reported to be accompanied by such side effects as purpura or scarring. It determines the feasibility of introducing into clinical practice the methods of laser treatment of PG using the radiation of a copper vapor laser (CVL) with a wavelength of 578 nm, which effectively absorbed by the blood. Aim. The assessment of the clinical efficacy and safety of the CVL treating PG. Methods. 26 adult patients with PG in various parts of the face, including the lips, limbs, and trunk, were included in this study. PG treatment was carried out in one session with CVL (Yakhroma-Med, FIAN) at an average power of 0.71.0 W, at a wavelength of 578 nm, exposure time 0.20.3 s. The diameter of the light spot is 1 mm. Results. Immediately after the single laser treatment, the PG involved area became grey. In 710 days, the irradiated area was utterly similar to the adjacent intact skin. No postoperative bleeding or infection was noted. Side effects included mild skin atrophy. During the follow-up observation for five years, no side effects were found. Conclusion. The high efficiency of PG elimination using CVL in the absence of pronounced side effects allows suggesting this method for introducing into dermatologists and cosmetologists' clinical practice as a highly effective and inexpensive method of treatment.

Introduction.Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is detected at birth or shortly after birth in 1% of infants. The localization of CMN in aesthetically significant areas causes a decline in child self-esteem and causes concern for his parents. Surgical excision of skin areas with CMN is associated with an increased risk of cosmetic side effects and is often followed by long-term stress conditions after the invasive intervention. Aim of the study.To evaluate the efficacy of the CMN removal in infants, children and adolescents with the dual-wavelengths copper vapor laser (CVL) radiation. Patients and Methods.Medium-sized (up to 9 cm) single CMN was treated in nine fair-skinned patients: seven girls and two boys, aged from 2 months to 16 years. The procedures were carried out at an average CVL power of 0.61.0 W, with a power ratio of 3:2 at 511 nm and 578 nm wavelengths, and an exposure time of 0.20.3 s. Light spot diameter 1 mm. The treatment was carried out during 210 sessions with an interval of 12 months between sessions. Results.In children and adolescents, the treatment of CMN with CVL dual-wavelengths radiation made it possible to achieve significant clarification of the involved area without hypertrophic scars. The duration of the healing of the irradiated area lasted 23 weeks. Side effects were manifested with subtle skin atrophy. Conclusion.The high efficacy of CVL removal of medium-sized CMN in infants and children using the dual-wavelengths CVL radiation without pronounced side effects allows introducing such an approach in the clinical practice of pediatric dermatologists and cosmetologists.

The new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is a serious threat to humanity. Although its pathogenesis has not been fully studied, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) has recently been identified as a receptor for entry into the cell of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, thereby contributing to the spread of infection in the body. The goal of the review was to study the significance of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the pathogenesis of the action of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the function and regulation of ACE 2, and the effects of RAAS inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases. ACE 2 promotes the transformation of angiotensin (AT) I into AT 1–7, which have a number of beneficial effects on the state of endothelium and cardiomyocytes (vasodilation, inhibition of cell growth, inhibition of cell proliferation and inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy). SARS-CoV-2 virus, in addition to interaction with ACE 2 on the surface cells in the lungs and vascular wall, leads to dysregulation of ACE 2, which in turn leads to a shift in the balance of RAAS towards activation of ACE 1 receptors, which have the opposite effects. ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) play a key role in the treatment of major cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and chronic heart failure, and today there is no evidence that ACE inhibitors or ARBs worsen severity of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is not recommended to discontinue these drugs in patients with stable cardiovascular diseases and afflicted by COVID-19. The human recombinant hrACE 2 protein may be a potential therapy for CVI by blocking virus entry and eliminating the imbalance in RAAS.

Purpose Iron is an important component of the oxygen-binding proteins and may be critical to optimal athletic performance. Previous studies have suggested that the G allele of C/G rare variant (rs1799945), which causes H63D amino acid replacement, in the HFE is associated with elevated iron indexes and may give some advantage in endurance-oriented sports. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the HFE H63D polymorphism and elite endurance athlete status in Japanese and Russian populations, aerobic capacity and to perform a meta-analysis using current findings and three previous studies. Methods The study involved 315 international-level endurance athletes (255 Russian and 60 Japanese) and 809 healthy controls (405 Russian and 404 Japanese). Genotyping was performed using micro-array analysis or by PCR. VO2max in 46 male Russian endurance athletes was determined using gas analysis system. Results The frequency of the iron-increasing CG/GG genotypes was significantly higher in Russian (38.0 vs 24.9%; OR 1.85, P = 0.0003) and Japanese (13.3 vs 5.0%; OR 2.95, P = 0.011) endurance athletes compared to ethnically matched controls. The meta-analysis using five cohorts (two French, Japanese, Spanish, and Russian; 586 athletes and 1416 controls) showed significant prevalence of the CG/GG genotypes in endurance athletes compared to controls (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.58–2.45; P = 1.7 × 10–9). Furthermore, the HFE G allele was associated with high V̇O2max in male athletes [CC: 61.8 (6.1), CG/GG: 66.3 (7.8) ml/min/kg; P = 0.036]. Conclusions We have shown that the HFE H63D polymorphism is strongly associated with elite endurance athlete status, regardless ethnicities and aerobic capacity in Russian athletes.

Introduction: Many clinical studies and protocols have been written about laser treatment for fair skin phototypes. However, for dark-skinned phototypes, information is limited, and the risk of burns is higher, especially if the same settings are recommended for fair skin. Competitive epidermal melanin absorption decreases the light energy reaching dysplastic vessels in a port-wine stain (PWS), preventing the vessel from achieving the temperature of the desired clinical result. Therefore, the choice of safe laser settings for different skin phototypes can be realized using numerical modeling of PWS vessel heating. This study aimed to demonstrate the algorithm for choosing both effective and safe photodestruction of dilated dermal vessels in PWS with the copper vapor laser (CVL) at 578 nm for different skin phototypes. Methods: We used the multilayered skin model with different melanin content for detecting the safe laser parameters for PWS treatment. The calculation of the selective heating of the vascular component with CVL radiation at yellow 578-nm wavelengths for different skin phototypes was performed via Matlab mathematical programming system and its application Femlab for solving partial differential equations using the Finite element method. Results: We determined the location, depth, and size of blood vessels that could be selectively heated to coagulation temperature for different skin prototypes. CVL fluence values need to be reduced almost two times for skin phototype IV than for skin phototype II to provide safe CVL treatment. The maximum depth of the location of the vessels, which can be selectively heated to coagulation temperature, also decreased for dark skin phototypes. Histological and histochemical findings validated the results of our calculations. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the use of numerical simulation to optimize has not yet been considered. According to our calculations, CVL could selectively heat the dilated vessel, which occurred in purple and proliferative-type PWS for dark skin at the reduced fluence range and depth.

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent form of non-melanoma skin cancer commonly arising in elderly patients. Currently, many laser systems are applied for the treatment of BCC. However, up to the present, there have been several reports concerning ocular side effects due to the laser procedure in the borders of the periorbital area. This determines the feasibility of testing new laser surgical modes for the management of periorbital BCC. This stuay aimed to estimate both the efficacy, the early post-radiated side effects and long-term outcomes of the CVL treatment of periorbital BCC. Patients and Methods: Two men and 6 women aged 50 to 77 years were diagnosed with periorbital BCC according to the data of both the clinical evaluation and histological examination of the tissue samples taken from the involved area. Six months after the laser treatment, the histological examination of skin samples from the borderline of the irradiated area was made again. All patients were followed for 24 months after the laser treatment of BCC. The laser treatment was administered during one session of copper vapor laser (CVL) (Yakhroma-Med model). The treatment included CVL radiation with a wavelength of 511 nm and 578 nm, in the ratio of 3:2. The power level was set up to 3 W, and the exposure time was equal from 200 to 600 ms. The pulse duration accounted for 15 ns. The diameter of the light spot on the skin surface amounted to 1 mm. Results: Dual-wavelengths CVL treatment of periorbital BCC provided a complete elimination of malignant cells and dysplastic vessels during one procedure. The duration of skin healing amounted to 2-4 weeks. There were neither ocular injuries or pronounced skin side effects nor relapses within 24 months after the laser procedure. Conclusion: CVL treatment of periorbital BCC provides relevant cosmetic results without ocular injuries and relapses.

Introduction: Rhinophyma is recognized as a common and severe skin disease manifested as progressive thickening of the nasal skin due to hypertrophy of the soft tissue. The most severe complication of rhinophyma is telangiectasis. So far the pathogenetic approach for the treatment of rhinophyma should be based on the removal of the dysplastic vessels to provide the appropriate revascularization of the involved skin area. Case Report: This study presented the experience of the treatment of rhinophyma with the copper vapor laser (CVL) designed with the computerized scanner device. A 52-year-old elderly Caucasian male patient with typical clinical signs of rhinophyma was successfully managed during three sessions of CVL treatment. CVL emits light with a wavelength of 578 nm, exposure time of 0.2 seconds. The settings used for the CVL in scanner mode were set at 1.2 W. The scanner device has a hexagonal frame with a maximum width of 12 mm with the distance of 1 mm between centers of laser spots. The CVL treatment resulted in a restoration of the natural appearance of the nose without side effect during 18 months after treatment. Conclusion: The described clinical case demonstrates excellent results of the management of rhinophyma by means of the scanned CVL. CVL treatment was associated with the removal both of dysplastic superficial skin vessels, the solution of the inflammation, decline of the sebum production and the disappearance of the nasal hypertrophy.

In the near future, mega-long-span structures will be required for creating stable microclimate over large areas, regardless of the natural conditions, for comfortable living of people. Thin-walled shell structures made of carbon materials with high strength properties are best suited for this purpose. The problem with thin-walled shells resides in vibrations caused by the action of external forces, which can lead to structural failure. The paper presents and experimental study of influence of the multilayer nature of reinforcement of open thin-walled cylindrical carbon shells on their natural vibrations. Experimental data have been compared to the theoretical calculations of open thin-walled cylindrical shell vibrations taking into account the frequency spectrum splitting. It has been found that with the increase in the number of carbon fabric reinforcement layers, vibration frequency deviation in open thin-walled cylindrical carbon shells increases at the initial stage as compared to the analytic model.

Background. Rhinophyma is considered to be the most severe stage of rosacea, associated with the proliferation of the nose skin epithelium, hyperproduction of the sebaceous glands and telangiectasia. The treatment of rhinophyma remains a difficult task. One of the problems associated with rhinophyma is thickened and lumpy skin, penetrated with telangiectasias. The use of laser radiation in the treatment of rhinophyma seems to be promising, since this method allows blood vessels to be selectively heated. For the first time, we describe the treatment of rhinophyma using a copper vapour laser (CVL) equipped with a computerized scanner. Patient description. A 63-year-old male with Fitzpatrick skin type II was treated using an CVL (‘Yakhroma-med' model, RaS P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute). The clinical manifestations of the disease were typical of the phymatous or hypertrophic rhinophyma type, including significant thickening of the tissues and an uneven roughness of the skin surface. The treatment was carried out using a radiation wavelength of 578 nm, exposure duration of 0.2 s and energy exposure (fluence) of 15-30 J/cm 2 . Operational parameters used for the CVL in the scanner mode were the average power of 0.6-1.2 W and the focusing size of the light spot on the skin of 0.6 mm. The hexagonal mode of the scanning head was used with a maximum size of 12 mm and 1 mm distance between the centres of the laser spots. The treatment resulted in the restoration of the natural nose shape without redness. No side effects were noted. Conclusion: CVL radiation provided a selective photodisruption of the vessels with increased diameter. Due to the remodelling of the vasculature, the described method showed excellent results in the treatment of rhinophyma without side effects.

Aim. Comparison of effectiveness of the application of copper vapor laser (CVL) and pulsed dye laser (PDL) in clinical practice. Development of choice criteria of the more effective method of treatment.Materials and methods. The clinical data using CVL and PDL in the treatment of skin vascular malformations are presented. The treatment gave good results in removing of dysplastic skin vessels in 2 and 6 months. The treatment was not painful, and patients did not need general and local anesthesia. The results were presented concerning computer modeling of selective heating of vessels in tissue with CVL and PDL radiation. These results allowed to determine the depth of location and dimensions of vessels for selective and secure removing and the safe dosage ranges were found.Results. On the base of the calculated data, one could conclude that the mode of heating of dysplastic vessels with micropulse series of CVL is more safe and effective than the mode of powerful short pulses in the case of PDL.

Introduction: Congenital melanocytic nevus (CMN) is a severe challenge for dermatology. This pigmented skin lesion is undesirable for patients because of its localization in open areas of the body. Various visible and near-infrared laser systems and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources have been applied for CMN treatment. However, post-traumatic hyperpigmentation, structural changes, atrophy, and scarring due to non-specific thermal damage have been observed. Many patients have shown recurrence after treatment. Therefore, it highlights the need for testing new laser modalities for the management of CMN. Methods: Two adult II Fitzpatrick phototype patients (a 55-year-old male and a 30-year-old female) with middle-sized facial CMN (on the forehead and lower eyelid) are presented. All patients were treated with dual-wavelength copper vapor laser (CVL) radiation at 511 nm and 578 nm wavelengths with a power ratio of 3:2. The average power was 0.7-0.85 W with an exposure time of 0.3 seconds. The spot size amounted to 1 mm. Results: Both patients showed complete resolution of CMN after CVL treatments. CMN became crusted within a few days after the laser treatment and peeled off within seven days. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up period up to 24 months. Conclusion: The middle-sized CMN can be successfully treated with dual-wavelength CVL radiation.

Introduction: Different yellow lasers have been successfully used for the treatment of vascular lesions. This study is aimed to ascertain the role and efficiency of copper vapor lasers (CVLs) and pulsed dye lasers (PDLs) for the treatment of vascular lesions using numerical modeling and to compare results with our clinical experience. In this study we aimed to develop criteria for the choice of more efficient laser exposure mode, investigate more relevant modes of laser irradiation to ensure selective photothermolysis of target vessels, and compare the CVL and PDL efficiency in the course of patients with skin vascular lesions (SVL) treatment. Methods: We performed numerical simulation of the processes of heating a vessel with CVL and PDL to temperatures at which its coagulation could occur. Calculated fluencies were compared with clinical results of laser therapy performed on 1242 patients with skin hemangiomas and vascular malformations (SHVM), including 635 patients treated with CVL and 607 patients treated with PDL. PDL and CVL provided excellent results in 40 and ten days after treatment. The treatment was not painful. Patients did not need anesthesia. Postoperative crusts were greater with PDL than with CVL. Results: Results of computer simulation of a selective vessel heating using PDL and CVL radiation are presented. By results obtained, depth of the location and sizes of vessels that could be selectively heated to more than 75°C are determined. Conclusion: Based on calculated and clinical data, the heating mode for dysplastic vessels using a series of CVL micropulses could be regarded to be safer and more efficient than the mode of a PDL short, powerful pulse.

The aim of this study was to use microchannels drilled by an Er:YAG laser into a human tooth through the enamel into the dentin for direct injection of hydrogen peroxide (HP) to produce a minimally invasive, rapid, tooth bleaching effect. The experiments were conducted in vitro. Five microchannels with a diameter of ∼200 μm and a depth of ∼2 mm were drilled through the palatal side of a human tooth crown using the microbeam of an Er:YAG-laser with a wavelength of 2.94 μm. After injection of an aqueous solution of 31%-HP through the microchannels, the tooth color was evaluated using a VITA shade guide and International Commission on Illumination L*ab color parameters. A tooth model used for the evaluation of the distribution of HP concentration was created and the amount of HP which can be injected into tooth dentin to bleach it safely was estimated. Injection of 1.5±0.1 mm3 of 31%-HP into the tooth led to noticeable bleaching within 3 h and significant improvement of tooth color within 24 h.

International audience; Skeletal muscle strength and mass, major contributors to sprint/power athletic performance, are influenced by genetics. However, to date, only a handful of genetic variants have been associated with sprint/power performance. The ACVR1B A allele (rs rs2854464) has previously been associated with increased muscle-strength in non-athletic cohort. However, no follow-up and/or replications studies have since been conducted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the genotype distribution of ACVR1B rs2854464 between endurance athletes (E), sprint/power (S/P) athletes, mixed athletes (M), and non-athletic control participants in 1672 athletes (endurance athletes, n = 482; sprint/power athletes, n = 578; mixed athletes, n = 498) and 1089 controls (C) of both European Caucasians (Italian, Polish and Russians) and Brazilians. We have also compared the genotype distribution according to the athlete's level of competition (elite vs. sub-elite). DNA extraction and genotyping were performed using various methods. Fisher's exact test (adjusted for multiple comparisons) was used to test whether the genotype distribution of rs2854464 (AA, AG and GG) differs between groups. The A allele was overrepresented in S/P athletes compared with C in the Caucasian sample (adjusted p = 0.048), whereas there were no differences in genotype distribution between E athletes and C, in neither the Brazilian nor the Caucasian samples (adjusted p > 0.05). When comparing all Caucasian athletes regardless of their sporting discipline to C, we found that the A allele was overrepresented in athletes compared to C (adjusted p = 0.024). This association was even more pronounced when only elite-level athletes were considered (adjusted p = 0.00017). In conclusion, in a relatively large cohort of athletes from Europe and South America we have shown that the ACVR1B rs2854464 A allele is associated with sprint/power performance in Caucasians but not in Brazilian athletes. This reinforces the notion that phenotype-genotype associations may be ethnicity-dependent.

Background Genetic variants may predispose humans to elevated risk of common metabolic morbidities such as obesity and Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Some of these variants have also been shown to influence elite athletic performance and the response to exercise training. We compared the genotype distribution of five genetic Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) known to be associated with obesity and obesity co-morbidities (IGF2BP2 rs4402960, LPL rs320, LPL rs328, KCJN rs5219, and MTHFR rs1801133) between athletes (all male, n = 461; endurance athletes n = 254, sprint/power athletes n = 207), and controls (all male, n = 544) in Polish and Russian samples. We also examined the association between these SNPs and the athletes’ competition level (‘elite’ and ‘national’ level). Genotypes were analysed by Single-Base Extension and Real-Time PCR. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between genotypes and athletic status/competition level. Results IGF2BP2 rs4402960 and LPL rs320 were significantly associated with athletic status; sprint/power athletes were twice more likely to have the IGF2BP2 rs4402960 risk (T) allele compared to endurance athletes (OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.03-4.30, P