Photoacoustic removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms from titanium surface with an Er:YAG laser using super short pulses.

Biofilms that grow on implant surfaces pose a great risk and challenge for the dental implant survival. In this work, we have applied Er:YAG photoacoustic irrigation using super short pulses (Er:YAG-SSP) to remove biofilms from the titanium surfaces in the non-contact mode. Mature Enterococcus faecalis biofilms were treated with saline solution, chlorhexidine, and hydrogen peroxide, or photoacoustically with Er:YAG-SSP for 10 or 60 s. The number of total and viable bacteria as well as biofilm surface coverage was determined prior and after different treatments. Er:YAG-SSP photoacoustic treatment significantly increases the biofilm removal rate compared to saline or chemically treated biofilms. Up to 92% of biofilm-covered surface can be cleaned in non-contact mode during 10 s without the use of abrasives or chemicals. In addition, Er:YAG-SSP photoacoustic irrigation significantly decreases the number of viable bacteria that remained on the titanium surface. Within the limitations of the present in vitro model, the ER:YAG-SSP seems to constitute an efficient therapeutic option for quick debridement and decontamination of titanium implants without using abrasives or chemicals.

The thermal tolerance of crayfish could be estimated from respiratory electron transport system activity.

Whether electron transport system (ETS) activity could be used as an estimator of crayfish thermal tolerance has been investigated experimentally. Food consumption rate, respiration rates in the air and water, the difference between energy consumption and respiration costs at a given temperature ('potential growth scope', PGS), and ETS activity of Orconectes limosus and Pacifastacus leniusculus were determined over a temperature range of 5-30°C. All concerned parameters were found to be temperature dependent. The significant correlation between ETS activity and PGS indicates that they respond similarly to temperature change. The regression analysis of ETS activity as an estimator of thermal tolerance at the mitochondrial level and PGS as an indicator of thermal tolerance at the organismic level showed the shift of optimum temperature ranges of ETS activity to the right for 2° in O. limosus and for 3° in P. leniusculus. Thus, lower estimated temperature optima and temperatures of optimum ranges of PGS compared to ETS activity could indicate higher thermal sensitivity at the organismic level than at a lower level of complexity (i.e. at the mitochondrial level). The response of ETS activity to temperature change, especially at lower and higher temperatures, indicates differences in the characteristics of the ETSs in O. limosus and P. leniusculus. O. limosus is less sensitive to high temperature. The significant correlation between PGS and ETS activity supports our assumption that ETS activity could be used for the rapid estimation of thermal tolerance in crayfish species.

Biofilm Removal from In Vitro Narrow Geometries Using Single and Dual Pulse Er:YAG Laser Photoacoustic Irrigation.

The disinfection and removal of biofilm from titanium dental implants remains a great challenge in oral medicine. Here we present results of novel photoacoustic irrigation laser modalities for biofilm removal in model geometries mimicking the peri-implant pocket. The efficacy of single pulse (Er:YAG-SSP) and dual pulse (Er:YAG-AutoSWEEPS) photoacoustic irrigation modalities were determined for Enterococcus faecalis biofilm decontamination from titanium surfaces in narrow cylindrical and square gap geometries. The density of bacteria as well as the number of live bacteria were determined prior and after different photoacoustic treatments. Both SSP and AutoSWEEPS photoacoustic irrigation techniques removed at least 92% of biofilm bacteria during the 10 s photoacoustic treatment. The effectiveness of cleaning was better in the narrow square gap geometry compared to the cylindrical geometry. The dual pulse Er:YAG-AutoSWEEPS photoacoustic irrigation showed better results compared to SSP modality. No chemical adjuvants were needed to boost the effectiveness of the photoacoustic irrigation in the saline solution. The results imply that photoacoustic irrigation is an efficient cleaning method for debridement and decontamination in narrow geometries and should be considered as a new therapeutic option for the treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Full-face skin resurfacing using a combination of fractional and full spot ablative 2940 nm erbium laser.

BACKGROUND: Full-field deep ablative laser resurfacing is a popular method for skin rejuvenation due to maximum improvement in a single treatment. However, it is associated with disadvantages such as pain, prolonged erythema, swelling, crusting, infections, pigmentary changes, and scarring. Patients are increasingly seeking less invasive options with comparable effect. AIMS: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of full-face resurfacing using a combination of full spot and fractional erbium (Er:YAG) laser resurfacing. PATIENTS/METHODS: About 109 patients, mostly females over 50 years old, were treated with a two-phase protocol: full spot ablation (5 J/cm2 , three passes) and fractional ablation (132 J/cm2 , 5% coverage, three passes). We recorded time to re-epithelization and duration of post-treatment erythema. Any side effects observed at follow-up or reported by the patient were recorded. Patient satisfaction questionnaire and blinded evaluation of pre- and post-treatment photographs were used to assess efficacy. RESULTS: A single session was performed in 96% of cases. Postoperative re-epithelization lasted on average 6.4 ± 2.9 days. Post-treatment erythema lasted on average 13.8 ± 15.2 days. One patient had hyperpigmentation, one infection, one hypo-pigmentation, and one ulcer. All side effects resolved without complications. According to the blinded assessment of photographs, 78% of patients showed improvement. About 97% of patients were satisfied with the results of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of fractional and full spot ablative Er:YAG laser is a safe and effective option for full-face resurfacing.

The effect of post-extraction socket preservation laser treatment on bone density 4 months after extraction: Randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Post-extraction bone resorption may affect the outcome of ensuing restorations. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate a comprehensive laser post-extraction protocol by comparing resulting alveolar bone regeneration with that obtained after standard extraction procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 53 simple extractions were randomized to either laser or control group. In the laser group, erbium (Er:YAG; 2940 nm) and neodymium (Nd:YAG; 1064 nm) lasers were used for degranulation, disinfection, de-epithelialization of the surrounding gingiva, clot stabilization, and photobiomodulation. The primary outcome measure was change in bone density in the extraction area between day 1 and 4 months after extraction. Patients were monitored for potential side effects. RESULTS: Increase in bone density at the follow-up CBCT was significantly higher in laser than in control group (p < 0.001). No post-operative pain, bleeding, or swelling was present in the laser group. In the control group, one patient had bleeding 3-5 days after extraction, two patients had swelling and three patients reported post-operative pain rated 3-5 on a 0-10 pain scale up to 3 days after extraction. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed laser post-extraction procedure is a safe and effective method to improve post-extraction bone healing.

The mitochondrial genome of Diaphanosoma excisum Sars, 1885 (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Cladocera) from Hainan Island, China.

Diaphanosoma excisum is the only Cladoceran in tropical freshwaters and parapatrically occurs with Diaphanosoma dubium in the transition between the tropics and subtropics. Here, we present the complete mitochondrial genome (MG) determined by next-generation sequencing and offer a phylogenetic analysis of D. excisum. The MG of D. excisum is 17,615 bp in size, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA, 23 tRNA, and 2 putative control regions. The MG has a biased A + T of 65.34% for base composition. Compared to D. dubium, the MG of D. excisum has one more tRNA-Met, one unknown extra putative control region and is different in the arrangement of its tRNAs. The MG sequence and tRNA order provide valuable molecular data for understanding the phylogeny and speciation of Diaphanosoma.

Non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy effect on stress urinary incontinence related to quality of life and sexual function: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common complaint in women after childbirth. It affects their quality of life and sexual satisfaction and is one of the major reasons for gynaecological surgery. There is a need for effective non-invasive treatment alternatives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy in the treatment of SUI and improvement of sexual gratification in parous women. STUDY DESIGN: 114 premenopausal parous women with SUI were randomized in two groups of 57 women; a laser intervention group and sham group. Both groups were treated according to the IncontiLase® clinical treatment protocol for SUI with non-ablative thermal-only Er:YAG laser, except that there was no energy output when treating the sham group. Patients were blinded to the allocation. At baseline and 3 months after treatment patients were clinically examined, answered questionnaires for SUI severity and sexual function assessment and their pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function was assessed with perineometry. Validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire - Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used as the primary outcome measure. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire short form (PISQ-12) and The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to assess the sexual function. Patients were monitored for discomfort and side-effects during treatment and follow-up period. RESULTS: 3 months after treatment the ICIQ-UI SF (p < 0.001), PISQ-12 (p = 0.014) and FSFI (p = 0.025) scores were significantly more improved in the laser group than in the sham control group. All perineometry variables improved in the laser group after treatment; duration and maximum pressure had statistically significantly better improvement than the sham group, whereas average pressure did not. 21% of laser treated patients were dry (ICIQ-UI SF = 0) at follow up compared to only 4% of the sham control patients. No serious adverse effects were observed or reported. The treatment was well tolerated by patients. CONCLUSIONS: The non-ablative Er:YAG laser therapy improves the impact of SUI symptoms on quality of life and sexual function in premenopausal parous women significantly better than placebo. It provides a promising minimally-invasive safe treatment alternative for SUI.