Preliminary investigations into the use of the ancient pigments Han blue and Han purple as luminescent dusting powders for the detection of latent fingermarks.

Here we present our preliminary studies into the inorganic pigments Han blue (BaCuSi4O10) and Han purple (BaCuSi2O6) as near-infrared luminescent fingerprint dusting powders. These pigments were developed in ancient China around 800 BCE and both show luminescence in the NIR region. There remains, however, ambiguity in the literature concerning their photophysical properties. Samples of Han blue and Han purple artist's pigments were characterized by optical microscopy, infrared, ultraviolet-visible absorbance and luminescence spectroscopy. Their performance as fingerprint dusting powders, without any further treatment, on non-porous surfaces were compared to exfoliated lipophilic coated Egyptian blue and commercial fluorescent powders in a pilot study. These results demonstrate for the first time that both ancient pigments show promise as alternative dusting powders for latent fingermarks.

Comparison of high and low pulse energy dusting protocols using holmium: YAG laser in flexible ureteroscopy for treatment of renal stones.

Objectives: The management of renal stones, particularly those less than 2 cm in diameter, has changed with the development of endourological techniques, among which flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) using laser for lithotripsy has become a cornerstone. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of high pulse energy versus low pulse energy laser settings in renal stone dusting by Holmium YAG laser. Patients and Methods: This prospective randomized study was conducted between September 2021 and November 2023 to compare the efficacy and safety of high energy versus low-energy pulse settings using a Holmium: YAG laser dusting of renal stones less than 2 cm in diameter. A total of 174 adult patients were included, divided equally into high- and low-pulse energy groups, based on the energy settings of the laser high energy (ranged from 1.2-2.5 Joules and frequency of 8 hz) and low energy (less than 0.5 Joules and frequency ≥ 15 hz) using the dusting technique with non-touch non-stop approach. The study sought to evaluate the impact of these settings on stone fragmentation efficiency, operative time, laser energy consumption, and postoperative outcomes, including stone-free rates and complications. Results: The study involved 174 patients who underwent renal stone lithotripsy and showed that using high pulse energy laser dusting settings significantly reduced operative times and more rapid dusting compared to low pulse energy settings, without affecting the stone-free rate. The study observed no significant differences in stone size or location between both groups. Minor postoperative complications were similar between both groups, indicating high pulse energy settings for lithotripsy dusting. Conclusion: The efficacy of high pulse energy dusting in enhancing stone removal during surgery, potentially reducing operative time. Further validation through larger-scale studies is needed to solidify these findings. This technique presents a promising solution, particularly in regions with limited resources where acquiring expensive laser equipment is challenging.

Actively extracting kidney stones combined dusting technique can improve SFR of moderate-complexity kidney stones in fURL.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of actively extracting kidney stones with different complexity that have been visually dusted in flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy (fURL). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent fURL with dusting technique in established hospitals. A total of 535 cases were divided into the dusting group or the dusting plus basketing group according to the use of stone basket. Their characteristics and operative parameters were collected and analyzed. We used the R.I.R.S. scoring system to classify the complexity of kidney stones and divided these kidney stones into three subgroups, namely, mild-, moderate-, and severe-complexity group. And then, the effectiveness of stone basket in these subgroups was analyzed. RESULTS: Although using a stone basket significantly reduced re-operation rate (17.8% in dusting group versus 10.2% in dusting plus basketing group, p = 0.013), no significant difference on stone-free rate (SFR) and overall incidence of complications were noticed between groups. After we classified the complexity of kidney stones using the R.I.R.S. scoring system, we found a stone basket was helpful to improve SFR in kidney stones with moderate-complexity that had been visually dusted in fURL (73.5% in dusting group versus 87.3% in dusting plus basketing group, p = 0.002) but had limited influence on SFR in mild (93.8% in dusting group versus 92.6% in dusting plus basketing group, p = 0.783) or severe (28.5% in dusting group versus 34.0% in dusting plus basketing group, p = 0.598)-complexity kidney stones. CONCLUSION: The use of stone basket should be encouraged in moderate-complexity kidney stones which can be visually dusted in fURL.

A historical comparison of thulium fiber laser systems for stone lithotripsy: navigating toward safe and effective parameters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Medical device companies have introduced new TFL machines, including Soltive (Olympus, Japan), Fiber Dust (Quanta System, Italy), and TFLDrive (Coloplast, France). The primary objective of this study is to compare our initial clinical experiences with TFL using those devices. Through this historical comparison of Thulium Fiber Laser systems for stone lithotripsy, we aim to advance our understanding and approach toward achieving safe and effective TFL parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for this comparative analysis were extracted from three distinct prospective series that were previously published, outlining our initial clinical experience with the Soltive (Olympus, Japan), FiberDust laser (Quanta System, Italy), and TFLDrive laser (Coloplast, France). Parameters such as stone size, stone density, laser-on time (LOT), and laser settings were meticulously recorded. Additionally, we assessed critical variables such as ablation speed (expressed in mm3/s) and Joules/mm3 for each lithotripsy procedure. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 120 patients were subjected to analysis concerning renal stones. Statistically significant differences were observed in the median (IQR) stone volume: 650 (127-6027) mm3 for TFLDrive, 1800 (682.8-2760) mm3 for Soltive, and 1125 (294-4000) mm3 for FiberDust (p: 0.007); while there were no differences regarding stone density among the groups. Significant variations were identified in median (IQR) pulse energy, frequency, and total power. The Soltive group exhibited lower energy levels (0.3 J vs. 0.6 J, p: 0.002) but significantly higher pulse frequency (100 Hz vs. 17.5 Hz, p: 0.003) and total power (24 W vs. 11W, p: 0.001) compared to the other groups. Laser-on time showed no substantial differences across all three groups. Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in median J/mm3, with the TFLDrive group using higher values (24 J/mm3, p: 0.001), while the Soltive group demonstrated a higher median ablation speed of 1.16 mm3/s (p: 0.001). The overall complication rate remained low for all groups, with comparable stone-free rates. CONCLUSION: By reducing pulsed frequency, we improved laser efficiency, but smaller volumes lead to decreased efficiency due to increased retropulsion and fragment movement. Further studies are needed to identify and establish the appropriate laser settings for this new technology.

Safety and Efficacy of "Dusting and Pop-Dusting" with High-Power Laser for Treatment of Large Pediatric Stones with Ureteroscopy and Lasertripsy: Prospective Outcomes from a University Teaching Hospital.

Introduction: The wide use of high-power laser has changed the landscape of ureteroscopy and lasertripsy (URSL). We wanted to look at the role and outcomes of high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for URSL in pediatric stone disease. Methods: A prospective analysis of consecutive pediatric patients treated with "Dusting and Pop-dusting" using a high-power laser was done between January 2016 and March 2022. The project was registered with our audit committee. Data were analyzed for patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative details, procedural outcomes, and complications. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as fragments ≤2 mm on postoperative ultrasound imaging 2-3 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 35 patients underwent 43 procedures (1.2 procedure/patient) during the study period with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 1-16 years) and a male:female ratio of 13:22. The stone location was in the kidney in 32 (91.4%) patients of which 8 were in multiple renal locations. The mean stone size was 18 mm (range 10-39 mm), with the pre- and post-stent rates of 37% and 56%, respectively. An access sheath was used in 19 (44%) procedures. The overall SFR on ultrasound scan was 94% (n = 33) with no procedural complications noted in our series and a mean length of stay of 0.9 days. Conclusion: Pediatric URSL using a high-power laser achieves a high SFR even for large and multiple renal stones with no complications noted in our prospective series. Parents must, however, be counseled about the need for staged procedures, which might be needed for large stones.

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare Dusting vs Fragmentation Using Thulium Fiber Laser in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery.

Objective: To compare the dusting vs fragmentation modes with thulium fiber laser (TFL) in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for upper tract stones using the same fixed low-power settings in both the arms. The primary objective was to compare the stone-free rate (SFR) and secondary objectives were to compare mean operating times, hospital stay duration, complication rates, need for secondary procedures, and laser efficacy. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized trial, with patients having proximal ureteral or renal stones of 10-20 mm and planned for RIRS was done at a single institute. A total of 60 consecutively admitted patients with signed consent were included for randomization with 30 patients in each arm of dusting and fragmentation modes. Results: Median age in dusting and fragmentation arms of 41.5 and 45.5 years, median stone size of 10.45 and 12.25 mm, median stone volume of 351.6 and 490.7 mm3, and median stone density of 1263.5 HU in both arms with comparable hospital stay of median of 2 days in both arms. Lasing time was significantly lesser in the fragmentation group (20.5 minutes; interquartile range [IQR] 15.12-31.62) than in the dusting group (34.25 minutes, IQR 26.62-38.62, p < 0.001). Higher ablation speed for fragmentation mode (0.405 mm3/sec, IQR 0.337-0.635) than for dusting mode (0.17 mm3/sec, IQR 0.135-0.325, p < 0.001). SFRs and complication rates were comparable in both the arms. Conclusion: TFL in fragmentation mode has shorter lasing times and better laser efficacy than dusting mode with comparable minimal complications, SFRs, and hospital stay duration. Clinical Trial Registration number: CTRI050827.

Dual-Emissive Mn-Doped Lead Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals as Background-Suppressed Latent Fingerprint Detection Probes.

Diverse strategies have been developed to visualize latent fingerprints (LFPs) that are undetectable by the naked eye. Among them, fluorescence-based approaches have emerged as an attractive method for enabling high-resolution LFP imaging. However, the use of fluorescent probes for LFP detection remains challenging due to cumbersome processing, low selectivity, and high background interference. Here, we demonstrate highly efficient, sensitive, and background-free LFP detection with dual-color emission arising from manganese (Mn)-doped lead halide perovskite (CsPb(Cl1-yBry)3) nanocrystals (NCs). The resulting bright, fluorescent, solid-state nanopowder (NP) permits the visualization of LFP ridge structures and the resolution of level 1-3 LFP features. The dual-color emission of the Mn-doped perovskite NP provides a simple, robust, and effective route to overcome background interference, thereby increasing the resolution and sensitivity of the LFP detection. The combination of the high quantum efficiency and dual emission of Mn-doped perovskite NP offers great potential for forensic science.

How I Do It: Ureteroscopy and high-power holmium laser lithotripsy to treat renal stones.

In North America, ureteroscopy has become the most popular treatment modality for upper urinary tract urinary calculi. Herein we describe our technique for the treatment of renal stones with flexible ureteroscopy and high-power holmium laser lithotripsy. We discuss preoperative planning, intraoperative strategies, and laser settings for a high-frequency dusting technique with the goal to provide optimal patient outcomes.

Ureteroscopy and lasertripsy with pop dusting using high power holmium laser for large urinary stones > 15 mm: 6.5-year prospective outcomes from a high-volume stone center.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroscopy and stone lasertripsy (URSL) is a recognized technique for treatment of urinary tract stones. Holmium:Yag laser has been successfully used for this purpose for the last two decades. More lately, pulse modulation with Moses technology and high power lasers have been introduced with the result of faster and more efficient stone lasertripsy. Pop dusting is a two-stage combined treatment using a long pulse Ho:YAG laser, initially in contact mode with the stone 'dusting' (0.2-0.5 J/40-50 Hz) followed by non-contact mode 'pop-dusting' (0.5-0.7 J/20-50 Hz). We wanted to look at the outcomes of lasertripsy for renal and ureteric stones using a high-power laser machine. METHODS: Over a period of 6.5 years (January 2016-May 2022), we prospectively collected data for patients undergoing URSL for stones larger than 15 mm treated using high power Ho:YAG laser (60W Moses or 100W laser). Patient parameters, stone demographics and outcomes of URSL were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 201 patients, underwent URSL for large urinary stones. In 136 patients (61.6%) stones were multiple and the mean single and cumulative stone size was 18 mm and 22.4 mm respectively. A pre- and post-operative stent was placed in 92 (41.4%) and 169 (76%) respectively. The initial and final stone free rate (SFR) were 84.5% and 94% respectively and 10% patients underwent additional procedure to achieve stone free status. 7 (3.9%) complications were recorded, all related to UTI/sepsis, with 6 Clavien II and 1 Clavien IVa complication. CONCLUSION: Dusting and pop-dusting has shown to be successful and safe with the ability to treat large, bilateral or multiple stones with low retreatment and complication rates.

Comparison of Superpulse Thulium Fiber Laser vs Holmium Laser for Ablation of Renal Calculi in an In Vivo Porcine Model.

Introduction and Objectives: We sought to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of the superpulse thulium fiber laser (sTFL to the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet [Ho:YAG] laser for ureteroscopic "dusting" of implanted renal stones in an in vivo porcine model. Methods: Twenty-four porcine kidneys (12 juvenile female Yorkshire pigs) were randomized to Ho:YAG or sTFL treatment groups. Canine calcium oxalate stones were scanned with computed tomography to calculate stone volume and stone density; the stones were randomized and implanted into each renal pelvis via an open pyelotomy. In all trials, a 14F, 35 cm ureteral access sheath was placed. With a 9.9F dual lumen flexible ureteroscope, laser lithotripsy was performed using dusting settings: Ho:YAG 200 µm laser fiber at 16 W (0.4 J, 40 Hz) or sTFL 200 µm laser fiber at 16 W (0.2 J, 80 Hz). Lithotripsy continued until no fragments over 1 mm were observed. No stone basketing was performed. Throughout the procedures, intrarenal and renal pelvis temperatures were measured using two percutaneously positioned K-type thermocouples, one in the upper pole calyx and one in the renal pelvis. After the lithotripsy, the ureteropelvic junction was occluded, the kidneys were bivalved, and all residual fragments were collected, dried, weighed, and then measured with an optical laser particle sizer. Results: Implanted stones were similar in volume and density in both groups. Intraoperative collecting system temperatures were similar for both groups (all <44°C). Compared to Ho:YAG, sTFL ablated stones faster (9 vs 27 minutes, p < 0.001) with less energy expenditure (8 vs 26 kJ, p < 0.001), and a greater stone clearance rate (73% vs 45%, p = 0.001). After sTFL lithotripsy, 77% of the remaining fragments were ≤1 mm vs 17% of fragments ≤1 mm after Ho:YAG treatment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In an in vivo porcine kidney, using dusting settings, sTFL lithotripsy resulted in shorter ablation times, higher stone clearance rates, and markedly smaller stone fragments than Ho:YAG lithotripsy.

Comparison of dusting and fragmentation methods in the flexible ureteroscopic treatment of kidney lower calyx stones.

To compare the long-term stone-free status of patients who underwent fragmentation of stones followed by active basketing versus stone dusting and spontaneous passage following flexible ureteroscopic treatment for lower calyceal stones. The dusting or fragmentation methods were randomly assigned to patients who were scheduled to undergo RIRS for only renal lower calyceal stones between February 2019 and May 2022, prospectively. Stone-free rates were determined after 3 months by non-contrast computed tomography and patient demography; preoperative and postoperative follow-up data of both groups were evaluated comparatively. While the fragmentation method was applied in 32 patients, the dusting method was applied in the remaining 31 cases. The two groups did not differ significantly regarding the demographic data and laboratory findings. Mean stone size was similar in both groups of cases. Operation time was significantly longer for fragmentation (93.23 ± 27.20 vs 78.43 ± 30.08, p = 0.045) and evaluation of the success rates after 3 months did show that patients in the dusting group had a higher rate of stone-free status when compared with the other group of cases (65.6 vs 87.1%, p = 0.043). Lastly, postoperative fever rates were not significantly different between the two groups (12.5 vs 9.7%, p = 0.518). Our findings showed that dusting the lower calyceal stones during fURS would reveal higher stone-free rates during long-term follow-up periods, and the mean operation time will be shorter in these patients.

Comparison and outcomes of dusting versus stone fragmentation and extraction in retrograde intrarenal surgery: results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Lithotripsy during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) can be achieved either by fragmentation and extraction or dusting with spontaneous passage. We aimed to perform a systematic review on the safety and stone-free rate after RIRS by comparing the techniques of dusting vs fragmentation/extraction. Material and methods: This review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The inverse variance of the mean difference and 95% Confidence Interval (CI), Categorical variables were assessed using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel Method with the random effect model and reported as Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% CI. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results: There were 1141 patients included in 10 studies. Stone size was up to 2.5 cm All studies used holmium laser for lithotripsy. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference in surgical time (MD -5.39 minutes 95% CI -13.92-2.31, p = 0.16), postoperative length of stay (MD -0.19 days 95% CI -0.60 - -0.22, p=0.36), overall complications (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.58-1.66, p = 0.95), hematuria (OR 1.01 95% CI 0.30-3.42, p = 0.99), postoperative fever (OR 0.70 95% CI 0.41-1.19, p = 0.19) and sepsis (OR 1.03 95% CI 0.10-10.35, p = 0.98), immediate (OR 0.40 95% CI 0.13-1.24, p = 0.11) and overall stone-free rate (OR 0.76 95% CI 0.43-1.32, p = 0.33), and retreatment rate (OR 1.35 95% CI 0.57-3.20, p = 0.49) between the groups. Conclusions: This systematic review infers that urologists can safely use either option of fragmentation and basket extraction or dusting without extraction to achieve similar outcomes as both techniques are similar for efficacy and safety.

The Effects of Scanning Speed and Standoff Distance of the Fiber on Dusting Efficiency during Short Pulse Holmium: YAG Laser Lithotripsy.

To investigate the effects of fiber lateral scanning speed across the stone surface (vfiber) and fiber standoff distance (SD) on dusting efficiency during short pulse holmium (Ho): YAG laser lithotripsy (LL), pre-soaked BegoStone samples were treated in water using 0.2 J/20 Hz at SD of 0.10~0.50 mm with vfiber in the range of 0~10 mm/s. Bubble dynamics, pressure transients, and stone damage were analyzed. To differentiate photothermal ablation vs. cavitation damage, experiments were repeated in air, or in water with the fiber tip at 0.25 mm proximity from the ureteroscope end to mitigate cavitation damage. At SD = 0.10 mm, the maximum dusting efficiency was produced at vfiber = 3.5 mm/s, resulting in long (17.5 mm), shallow (0.15 mm), and narrow (0.4 mm) troughs. In contrast, at SD = 0.50 mm, the maximum efficiency was produced at vfiber = 0.5 mm/s, with much shorter (2.5 mm), yet deeper (0.35 mm) and wider (1.4 mm), troughs. With the ureteroscope end near the fiber tip, stone damage was significantly reduced in water compared to those produced without the ureteroscope. Under clinically relevant vfiber (1~3 mm/s), dusting at SD = 0.5 mm that promotes cavitation damage may leverage the higher frequency of the laser (e.g., 40 to 120 Hz) and, thus, significantly reduces the procedure time, compared to at SD = 0.1 mm that promotes photothermal ablation. Dusting efficiency during short pulse Ho: YAG LL may be substantially improved by utilizing an optimal combination of vfiber, SD, and frequency.

Comparison of Fragmentation and Dusting Modality Using Holmium YAG Laser during Ureteroscopy for the Treatment of Ureteral Stone: A Single-Center's Experience.

Laser ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) is an efficacious treatment for ureteral stones. There have been few previous studies comparing the different energy and frequency settings for URSL in a single center. We compared these two laser modalities, which were simultaneously used in our medical center for the treatment of ureteral stones. Patients who underwent fragmentation or dusting laser URSL between September 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. We compared patients who underwent fragmentation and dusting laser and assessed the enhancing factors for stone free rate. There were a total of 421 patients with ureteral stones who met the study criteria. There was no significant difference between the characteristics of both groups. The fragmentation group had a better stone free rate and a lower retropulsion rate compared with the dusting group. Multivariate analysis revealed that stone basket use, no upper ureteral stone or pyuria significantly improved the stone free rate. Both laser modes were effective and safe for ureteral lithotripsy although the fragmentation system showed slightly higher effectiveness and lower complication rate.

Design of Dust-Filtering Algorithms for LiDAR Sensors Using Intensity and Range Information in Off-Road Vehicles.

Although the LiDAR sensor provides high-resolution point cloud data, its performance degrades when exposed to dust environments, which may cause a failure in perception for robotics applications. To address this issue, our study designed an intensity-based filter that can remove dust particles from LiDAR data in two steps. In the first step, it identifies potential points that are likely to be dust by using intensity information. The second step involves analyzing the point density around selected points and removing them if they do not meet the threshold criterion. To test the proposed filter, we collected experimental data sets under the existence of dust and manually labeled them. Using these data, the de-dusting performance of the designed filter was evaluated and compared to several types of conventional filters. The proposed filter outperforms the conventional ones in achieving the best performance with the highest F1 score and removing dust without sacrificing the original surrounding data.

Comparison of low power and high power holmium YAG laser settings in flexible ureteroscopy.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of conventional low power and high power holmium: yttrium aluminum-garnet (Ho: YAG) laser lithotripsy settings during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).  METHODS: The prospective study was conducted in patients undergoing RIRS for renal stones less than 2 cm diameter. Pulsed Ho:YAG laser (Lumenis® Pulse TM P120 H) was used for laser lithotripsy and the patients were randomized into low power (LP) and high power (HP) laser lithotripsy settings groups. The lasing duration, total laser energy used (Joules), laser energy used to ablate 1 mm3 of stone (Joules/mm3), operative duration, stone ablation speed (mm3/s) and stone free rate were compared. RESULTS: A total of 120 underwent RIRS with 63 and 57 patients in LP and HP group, respectively. Median stone volume and stone density were comparable between the groups. The total energy used and laser energy used to ablate 1mm3 of stone (Joules/mm3) were significantly higher in the HP group than in LP group (27.9 (16.4-46.2) J/ mm3 vs 9.7 (5.3-17.7) J/ mm3) (p < 0.01). Median (IQR) ablation speed were 0.8 (0.5-1.3) mm3/s and 0.6 (0.4-1) mm3/s in the LP and HP groups, respectively. The median lasing time, operative time and stone free rate were similar in both the groups. CONCLUSION: The total energy used and J/mm3 were lower in the LP group than in HP group with similar lasing duration, operative duration, ablation speed and stone free rate for renal stones less than 2 cm.

The effect of prolonged laser activation on irrigation fluid temperature: an in vitro experimental study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of prolonged laser activation on irrigation fluid temperature by varying the power settings flow rate (10-30 ml/min). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study using a 20 ml syringe, 12/14 ureteral access sheath, a dual-lumen catheter and a thermocouple was performed. The laser was fired with 12 W (0.3 J × 40 Hz), 40 W (1 J × 40 Hz), 60 W (1.5 J × 40 Hz) using Quanta Ho 150 W (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy). All trials were performed with fluid outflow rate of 10, 20 and 30 ml/min with the fixed fluid volume at 10 ml. RESULTS: Continuous laser activation for 10 min with the outflow rate of 10 ml/min using only 12 W resulted to continuous temperature rise to as high as 83 °C. Similar rise of temperatures were observed for 40 W and 60 W with 10 ml/min outflow rate with intermittent laser activation. With 20 and 30 ml/min outflow rates the maximum temperatures for all power settings were below the threshold (< 43 °C). However, the time to reach the same total emitted energy was 60% and 40% shorter 60 W and 40 W, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study found that continuous laser activation with as less as 12 W using 10 ml/min outflow rate increased the irrigation fluid temperature above the threshold only after 1 min. In the current experimental setup, with the fluid outflow rate of 20 and 30 ml/min safe laser activation with 60 W and 40 W (temperature < 43 °C) can be achieved reaching the same total emitted energy as with 12 W in significantly shorter time period.

Microfiber shedding from nonwoven materials including wipes and meltblown nonwovens in air and water environments.

Nonwoven products are widely used in disposable products, such as wipes, diapers, and masks. Microfibers shed from these products in the aquatic and air environment have not been fully described. In the present study, 15 commercial single-use nonwoven products (wipes) and 16 meltblown nonwoven materials produced in a pilot plant were investigated regarding their microfiber generation in aquatic and air environments and compared to selected textile materials and paper tissue materials. Microfibers shed in water were studied using a Launder Ometer equipment (1-65 mg of microfibers per gram material), and microfibers shed in air were evaluated using a dusting testing machine that shakes a piece of the nonwoven back and forth (~ 4 mg of microfibers per gram material). The raw materials and bonding technologies affected the microfiber generation both in water and air conditions. When the commercial nonwovens contained less natural cellulosic fibers, less microfibers were generated. Bonding with hydroentangling and/or double bonding by two different bonding methods could improve the resistance to microfiber generation. Meltblown nonwoven fabrics generated fewer microfibers compared to the other commercial nonwovens studied here, and the manufacturing factors, such as DCD (die-to-collector distance) and air flow rate, affected the tendency of microfiber generation. The results suggest that it is possible to control the tendency of microfiber shedding through the choice of operating parameters during nonwoven manufacturing processes.

Could the High-Power Laser Increase the Efficacy of Stone Lithotripsy During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery?

Objective: To compare a high-power setting in holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser lithotripsy with the established low-power setting approach during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). Materials and Methods: Our study analyzed the data of consecutive patients managed with RIRS. The patients were divided into two groups according to the employed laser settings of power, energy, and frequency; dusting (20 W = 0.5 J × 40 Hz) (group 1) and stone self-popping (60 W = 1.5-2 J × 30-40 Hz) (group 2). Perioperative outcomes, including operative time (OT) and stone disintegration time (SDT), were compared between groups. The stone-free rate (SFR) was evaluated 1 month after the surgery. Results: Overall, 174 patients with 179 renal units were included. The dusting mode was utilized in 98 patients (100 renal units), whereas 76 patients (79 renal units) underwent the stone self-popping technique. The SFR was 82.1% for both groups. The OT and SDT were 60.1 ± 18.6 and 32.6 ± 9.4 minutes, respectively, for group 1 and 44.9 ± 15.5 and 16.5 ± 4.7 minutes, respectively, for group 2. According to the final analysis, laser lithotripsy using the stone self-popping technique was significantly faster compared with the dusting technique with coefficient values of 14.12 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.8-19.44) and 15.84 minutes (95% CI = 13.44-18.2) for OT and SDT, respectively. Conclusions: The stone self-popping technique with power at 60 W, frequency at 30 to 40 Hz, and energy at 1.5 to 2.0 J is a safe and effective modality for active treatment of renal stones. In comparison with the dusting mode, it resulted in significantly faster procedures (14.12 minutes) with similar SFRs.