Depth-resolved water temperature measurements using Raman LiDAR.

We present the retrieval of depth-resolved temperature measurements in water using Raman LiDAR. Using a 5 m pipe of laboratory water, we recover non-homogeneous temperature profiles with a temperature accuracy ranging between 0.35°C and 0.85°C, and a position resolution of 28 cm.

Genomics of pain in osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) accounts for the majority of the disease burden for musculoskeletal disorders and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. This disability is the result not of the cartilage loss that defines OA radiographically, but of the chronic pain whose presence defines symptomatic OA. It is becoming clear that many genes, each with a small effect size, contribute to the risk of developing OA. However, the genetics of OA pain are only just starting to be explored. This review will describe the first genes to have been identified in genomic studies of OA pain, as well as the possible dual roles of genes previously identified in genomic studies of OA in the context of pain. Difficulties associated with attempting to characterise the genetics of OA pain will be discussed and promising future avenues of research into genetic and epigenetic factors affecting OA pain described.

Single photon emission from diamond nanocrystals in an opal photonic crystal.

We present the first optical measurement of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in a three-dimensional photonic crystal. The photonic crystal, fabricated by self-assembly of polystyrene microspheres, exhibits a photonic stopband that overlaps the NV photoluminescence spectrum. A modified emission spectrum and photon antibunching were measured from the NV centers. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements revealed a 30% increase in the source lifetime. Encapsulation of single NV centers in a three-dimensional photonic crystal is a step towards controlling emission properties of a single photon source.

Preoperative ultraviolet B inflammation in skin: Modelling individual differences in acute postoperative pain and neuro-immune interactions.

BACKGROUND: Neuroimmune interactions play a vital role in many of the most common pain conditions, such as arthritis. There have been many attempts to derive clinically predictive information from an individual's inflammatory response in order to gauge subsequent pain perception. OBJECTIVES: Here, we wanted to test whether this effort could be enhanced and complemented by the use of a model system which takes into account the function of not just circulating, but also tissue-resident immune cells: ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation of the skin. METHODS: We conducted psychophysical and transcriptional analysis of hyperalgesia arising as a result of UVB-induced inflammation in patients before total knee arthroplasty (TKA, n = 23). Levels of acute postoperative pain were assessed and correlated with preoperative data. RESULTS: Cytokine and chemokine responses after UVB irradiation were found to be inversely correlated with the level of pain experienced after surgery (Spearman's ρ = -0.498). CONCLUSION: It may be possible to use this simple model to study and predict the nature of neuro-immune responses at more remote, clinically relevant sites. SIGNIFICANCE: A simple model of UVB inflammation in the skin might predict the degree of a patient's neuro-immune response and the extent of their postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty.

Manipulation of spontaneous emission in a tapered photonic crystal fibre.

We characterize the spontaneous emission of dye that is introduced into the central core of a tapered photonic crystal fiber. Since the photonic crystal period in the fibre cladding varies along the taper, the transmission and spontaneous emission spectra over a wide range of relative frequencies can be observed. The spontaneous emission spectra of the fibre transverse to the fiber axis show suppression due to partial band-gaps of the structure, and also enhancement of spontaneous emission near the band edges. We associate these with van Hove features, as well as finite cluster size effects.

Photothermal effects of laser tissue soldering.

Low-strength anastomoses and thermal damage of tissue are major concerns in laser tissue welding techniques where laser energy is used to induce thermal changes in the molecular structure of the tissues being joined, hence allowing them to bond together. Laser tissue soldering, on the other hand, is a bonding technique in which a protein solder is applied to the tissue surfaces to be joined, and laser energy is used to bond the solder to the tissue surfaces. The addition of protein solders to augment tissue repair procedures significantly reduces the problems of low strength and thermal damage associated with laser tissue welding techniques. Investigations were conducted to determine optimal solder and laser parameters for tissue repair in terms of tensile strength, temperature rise and damage and the microscopic nature of the bonds formed. An in vitro study was performed using an 808 nm diode laser in conjunction with indocyanine green (ICG)-doped albumin protein solders to repair bovine aorta specimens. Liquid and solid protein solders prepared from 25% and 60% bovine serum albumin (BSA), respectively, were compared. The efficacy of temperature feedback control in enhancing the soldering process was also investigated. Increasing the BSA concentration from 25% to 60% greatly increased the tensile strength of the repairs. A reduction in dye concentration from 2.5 mg ml(-1) to 0.25 mg ml(-1) was also found to result in an increase in tensile strength. Increasing the laser irradiance and thus surface temperature resulted in an increased severity of histological injury. Thermal denaturation of tissue collagen and necrosis of the intimal layer smooth muscle cells increased laterally and in depth with higher temperatures. The strongest repairs were produced with an irradiance of 6.4 W cm(-2) using a solid protein solder composed of 60% BSA and 0.25 mg ml(-1) ICG. Using this combination of laser and solder parameters, surface temperatures were observed to reach 85+/-5 degrees C with a maximum temperature difference through the 150 microm thick solder strips of about 15 degrees C. Histological examination of the repairs formed using these parameters showed negligible evidence of collateral thermal damage to the underlying tissue. Scanning electron microscopy suggested albumin intertwining within the tissue collagen matrix and subsequent fusion with the collagen as the mechanism for laser tissue soldering. The laser tissue soldering technique is shown to be an effective method for producing repairs with improved tensile strength and minimal collateral thermal damage over conventional laser tissue welding techniques.

Sutureless microvascular anastomoses by a biodegradable laser-activated solid protein solder.

A new sutureless technique to successfully anastomose the abdominal aorta of rats (1.3 mm in diameter) by using a fully biodegradable, laser-activated protein solder is presented. A total of 90 rats were divided into two groups randomly. In group one, the anastomoses were performed by using conventional microsuturing technique, whereas in group two, the anastomoses were performed by using a new laser welding technique. In addition, each of the two groups were divided into five subgroups and evaluated at different follow-up periods (10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 6 weeks). At these intervals, the anastomoses were evaluated for patency and tensile strength. Three anastomoses in each subgroup were processed for light and electron microscopy. All anastomoses were found to be patent. The mean clamp time of the anastomoses performed with conventional suturing was 20.6 minutes compared with 7.2 minutes for the laser-activated welded anastomoses (p < 0.001). The strain measurements showed a stronger mechanical bond of the sutured anastomoses in the initial phase. However, at 6 weeks the tensile strength of the laser-welded anastomoses was higher compared with the conventional suture technique. Histologic evaluations revealed a near complete resorption of the solder after 6 weeks. The junction site of the vessel ends cannot be determined on the luminal side of the artery. In conclusion, a resorbable protein used as a solder, activated by a diode laser, can provide a reliable, safe, and rapid arterial anastomosis, which could be performed by any microsurgeon faster than conventional suturing after a short learning curve.

In vitro laser nerve repair: protein solder strip irradiation or irradiation alone?

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the potential of sutureless nerve repair using two promising laser fusion methods: direct 2 microns irradiation of the epineurium, and protein solder assisted epineurial fusion using a 800 nm laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser anastomosis of the rat sciatic nerve was performed in vitro without stay sutures in two groups of six animals. In the first group, direct laser fusion used a pulsed Cr, Tm: YAG laser. In the second group an albumin-based fluid solder containing the dye indocyanine green was applied to the epineurium, then irradiated with a diode laser. These two techniques were compared with regards to coaptation success and axonal damage. RESULTS: Direct laser welding produced weak bonds despite microscopic investigation of the irradiated nerves showing fusion of the epineurium. The unsatisfactory bonding can be attributed to poor tissue overlap and insufficient protein in the thin epineurium denaturation of underlying axons was also observed. In contrast, the laser solder method produced successful welds with greatly reduced axonal damage, and significantly improved the tensile strength. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the technical possibilities of sutureless nerve anastomosis. Laser activated solders enable stronger bonds, by the addition of protein to the anastomosis site, and less thermal damage to underlying tissue through selective absorption of laser energy by dye in the solder. Further in vivo studies are required before drawing final conclusions.

Dye-assisted diode laser ablation of carious enamel and dentine.

Carious dentine and enamel from extracted human teeth were ablated using a semiconductor diode laser in conjunction with an applied dye, indocyanine green. This technique offers selective ablation with minimal risk of thermal damage to surrounding dental tissues because uptake of the dye and its irradiation by the laser together control the ablation. In this study, various laser powers and dye concentrations were used to ablate previously extracted human teeth with moderate caries. The mass of material ablated and the temperature rise in the pulp and at the surface were recorded, and the ablated surface was examined by microscopy. The ablation was efficient and the rise in the pulp temperature slight. Ablation efficiency and surface temperature were both found to increase with laser irradiance and with dye concentration. No surface cracks or fissures were seen in electron microscope examination and the hardness of the laser-treated surfaces was comparable to that of healthy tissue. The dye-assisted laser ablation technique offers considerable potential for clinical caries removal and dentine, enamel and pulp sterilization, whilst leaving healthy tissue intact. The diode laser can deliver its energy via simple optical fibre and is cheaper and much smaller than the conventional high power lasers used in other studies.

Precision ablation of dental enamel using a subpicosecond pulsed laser.

In this study we report the use of ultra-short-pulsed near-infrared lasers for precision laser ablation of freshly extracted human teeth. The laser wavelength was approximately 800nm, with pulsewidths of 95 and 150fs, and pulse repetition rates of 1kHz. The laser beam was focused to an approximate diameter of 50microm and was scanned over the tooth surface. The rise in the intrapulpal temperature was monitored by embedded thermocouples, and was shown to remain below 5 degrees C when the tooth was air-cooled during laser treatment. The surface preparation of the ablated teeth, observed by optical and electron microscopy, showed no apparent cracking or heat effects, and the hardness and Raman spectra of the laser-treated enamel were not distinguishable from those of native enamel. This study indicates the potential for ultra-short-pulsed lasers to effect precision ablation of dental enamel.

Methane detection with a narrow-band source at 3.4 µm based on a Nd:YAG pump laser and a combination of stimulated Raman scattering and difference frequency mixing.

We report the characterization of a 10-Hz pulsed, narrow-band source that is coincident with a fundamental ν(3) rovibrational absorption of methane at 3.43 µm. To generate this midinfrared wavelength, an injection-seeded 1.06-µm Nd:YAG laser is difference frequency mixed with first Stokes light generated in a high-pressure methane cell (1.06 ? 1.54 µm) to result in light at a wavelength of 3.43 µm, that is, the ν(1) Raman active frequency of methane (~2916.2 cm(-1)). With a modest-energy Nd:YAG laser (200 mJ), a few millijoules of this midinfrared energy can be generated with a pulse width of ~7 ns (FWHM). The methane ν(1) frequency can be pressure tuned over 8-32 atm (corresponding to ~13 GHz) and scanned across part of the ν(3)P(10) rovibrational level of methane, resulting in a peak measured methane absorption coefficient of 4.2 cm(-1) atm(-1).

Efficient continuous-wave self-frequency-doubling green diode-pumped Yb:YAl(3)(BO(3))(4) lasers.

Efficient cw self-frequency-doubled green laser output of 160 mW has been obtained from Yb:YAl(3)(BO(3))(4) crystal pumped by 1.4-W incident power from a fiber-coupled 976-nm laser diode. The incident-pump-power-green-output-power conversion efficiency is greater than 11.3%, and the electrical-input-green conversion efficiency is 3.9%. Tunable green output from 513.0 to 545.8 nm is also demonstrated with a quartz birefringent filter.

Laser-activated solid protein bands for peripheral nerve repair: an vivo study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Severed tibial nerves in rats were repaired using a novel technique, utilizing a semiconductor diode-laser-activated protein solder applied longitudinally across the join. Welding was produced by selective laser denaturation of solid solder bands containing the dye indocyanine green. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vivo study, using 48 adult male Wistar rats, compared conventional microsuture-repaired tibial nerves with laser solder-repaired nerves. Nerve repairs were characterised immediately after surgery and after 3 months. RESULTS: Successful regeneration with average compound muscle action potentials of 2.5 +/- 0.5 mV and 2.7 +/- 0.3 mV (mean and standard deviation) was demonstrated for the laser-soldered nerves and the sutured nerves, respectively. Histopathology confirmed comparable regeneration of axons in laser- and suture-operated nerves. CONCLUSION: The laser-based nerve repair technique was easier and faster than microsuture repair, minimising manipulation damage to the nerve.

Laser nerve repair by solid protein band technique. I: identification of optimal laser dose, power, and solder surface area.

Thirty-four tibial nerves in 17 adult male wistar rats were repaired by applying protein bands longitudinally across the nerve join. The bands were then irradiated with a fibre-coupled diode laser (lambda = 810 nm). The relations among the laser weld breaking force, the power, and the solder surface area were investigated, while maintaining a consistent ratio between the total mass of protein solder in a band and total laser energy delivered (the laser energy dose). When this laser energy dose was held constant, the average breaking force of the laser welds irradiated by 72 mW laser output power was weaker than that reached after 90 mW laser radiation. There is a linear relation between the solder breaking force and the solder surface area when band thickness, laser power, and laser dose are unvaried.

Laser nerve repair by solid protein band technique. II: assessment of long-term nerve regeneration.

A total of 18 adult male Wistar rats had left tibial nerve repaired by either the laser-solder technique or a more conventional microsuture technique. The diode laser power was 90 mW and the radiation dose 16 J/mg. Three months postoperatively electrophysiology showed that the average compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the laser repair group was not significantly different from the CMAP of the sutured nerves. Light microscopy confirmed regeneration of myelinated axons in both groups of animals. The laser-solder technique, when used with such parameters, proved to be a reliable method to achieve satisfactory peripheral nerve anastomosis and nerve regeneration.

Optimal parameters for laser tissue soldering: II. Premixed versus separate dye-solder techniques.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Laser tissue soldering by using an indocyanine green (ICG)-doped protein solder applied topically to the tissue surface and denatured with a diode laser was investigated in Part I of this study. The depth of light absorption was predominantly determined by the concentration of the ICG dye added to the solder. This study builds on that work with an in vitro investigation of the effects of limiting the zone of heat generation to the solder-tissue interface to determine whether more stable solder-tissue fusion can be achieved. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: An alternative laser tissue soldering technique was investigated, which increased light absorption at the vital solder-tissue interface. A thin layer of ICG dye was smeared over the surface to be treated, the protein solder was then placed directly on top of the dye, and the solder was denatured with an 808-nm diode laser. Because laser light at approximately 800 nm is absorbed primarily by the ICG dye, this thin layer of ICG solution restricted the heat source to the space between the solder and the tissue surfaces. A tensile strength analysis was conducted to compare the separate dye-solder technique with conventional techniques of laser tissue soldering for which a premixed dye-solder is applied directly to the tissue surface. The effect of hydration on bond stability of repairs formed by using both techniques was also investigated using tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: Equivalent results in terms of tensile strength were obtained for the premixed dye-solder technique using protein solders containing 0.25 mg/ml ICG (liquid solder, 220 +/- 35 N/cm(2); solid solder, 602 +/- 32 N/cm(2)) and for the separate dye-solder technique (liquid solder, 228 +/- 41 N/cm(2); solid solder, 578 +/- 29 N/cm(2)). The tensile strength of native bovine thoracic aorta was 596 +/- 31 N/cm(2). Repairs created by using the separate dye-solder technique were more stable during hydration than their premixed dye-solder counterparts. The conventional premixed dye-solder was simpler and approximately twice as fast to apply. The separate dye-solder technique, however, increased the shelf-life of the solder, because the dye was mixed at the time of the experiment, thus conserving its spectral absorbency properties. CONCLUSION: Two laser-assisted tissue soldering techniques have been evaluated for repairing aorta incisions in vitro. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques are discussed.

Thermal conductivity of a self-frequency-doubling laser crystal measured by use of optical methods.

We present a new all-optical technique to measure the thermal conductivity of laser crystals. This technique can be used for crystals that are too small for direct measurement of thermal conductivity. We used this technique to measure the thermal conductivities of Nd:LYAB, with the result of 44 +/- 6% compared with that of Nd:YAG thermal conductivity.

Optimal parameters for laser tissue soldering. Part I: tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The use of liquid and solid albumin protein solders to enhance laser tissue repairs has been shown to significantly improve postoperative results. The published results of laser-solder tissue repair studies have, however, indicated inconsistent success rates. This can be attributed to variations in laser irradiance, exposure time, solder composition, chromophore type, and concentration. An in vitro study was performed using indocyanine green-doped albumin protein solders in conjunction with an 808 nm diode laser to determine optimal laser and solder parameters for tissue repair in terms of tensile strength and stability during hydration. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five different combinations of laser irradiance (6.4, 12.7, 19.1, 25.5, 31.8 W/cm2) and exposure time (20, 30, 40, 50, 100 or 40, 60, 80, 100, 200 seconds) were used. The effect of changing bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentration (25% and 60%) and indocyanine green (ICG) dye concentration (2.5 mg/ml and 0.25 mg/ml) of the protein solder on the tensile strength of the resulting bonds was investigated. The effect of hydration on bond stability was also investigated using both tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy analysis. RESULTS: Tensile strength was observed to decrease significantly with increasing irradiance. An optimum exposure time was found to exist where further irradiation did not improve the tensile strength of the bond. Tensile strength was found to be greatly improved by increasing the BSA concentration. Finally, the lower ICG dye concentration increased the penetration depth of the laser light in the protein solder leading to higher tensile strengths. The strongest repairs were formed by using 6.4 W/cm2 irradiation for 50 seconds with a protein solder composed of 60% BSA and 0.25mg/ml ICG. In addition, the solid protein solder provided more stable adhesion to the tissue than did the liquid protein solder when the tissue was submerged in a hydrated environment. CONCLUSIONS: This study greatly enhances the current understanding of the various factors affecting the soldering process. It provides a strong basis for optimization of the laser light delivery parameters and the solder constituents to achieve strong and reliable laser tissue repairs.

Optical and thermal characterization of albumin protein solders.

The effect of temperature on the optical and thermal properties of pure and indocyanine green-doped albumin protein solders as a function of wavelength has been studied between 25 degrees C and 100 degrees C. An increase in the group refractive index by up to 4% and a decrease in absorption coefficient (approximately 800 nm) by up to 8%, after denaturing the solder specimens in a constant-temperature water bath at temperatures of 60-100 degrees C, were not significant. The reduced scattering coefficient, however, increased rapidly with temperature as the solder changed from being a highly nonscattering medium at room temperature to a highly scattering medium at temperatures close to 70 degrees C. The thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and heat capacity increased by up to 30%, 15%, and 10%, respectively. Finally, the frequency factor and activation energy were measured to be 3.17 x 10(56) s(-1) and 3.79 x 10(5) J mol(-1), respectively, for liquid protein solders (25% bovine serum albumin) and 3.50 x 10(57) s(-1) and 3.85 x 10(5) J mol(-1), respectively, for solid protein solders (60% bovine serum albumin). Incorporation of dynamic optical and thermal properties into modeling studies of laser tissue interactions could have a significant influence on the determination of the expected zone of damage.