The Influence of Skin Parameters and Body Composition on the Tolerance of Pain Stimulus Generated During Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) in Women - Pilot Study.

Purpose: This pilot study aims to explore how skin parameters and body composition impact the tolerance to EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) stimuli in women, particularly focusing on pain tolerance in response to varying intensities of EMS. This research seeks to understand what is essential for optimizing EMS applications. Patients and Methods: The study involved 16 females (age 35.9 ± 12.3). Body composition and anthropometric measurements were taken, including BMI (Body Mass Index), weight percentage, WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio), WHR (Waist-Hip Ratio), and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. High-frequency ultrasound scans were conducted to assess skin parameters. The EMS stimulation was performed using an Evolvex (InMode, Israel), with applicators placed around the abdomen and intensity adjusted according to patient tolerance, recorded at the pain threshold. Results: The maximum tolerated EMS stimulus varied from 12V to 55V, with a median of 33V. Body weight showed a strong positive correlation (R=0.76, p<0.001) and hip circumference (R=0.66, p<0.001) with EMS intensity. Body fat mass (R=0.61, p=0.012) and visceral fat area (R=0.55, p=0.029) were positively correlated with EMS intensity. However, no significant correlations were observed between EMS tolerance and muscle tissue parameters or total body water content. The study also found that skin structure parameters showed no significant impact on EMS tolerance. Conclusion: The study reveals that women's tolerance to EMS stimuli is influenced by various factors. Anthropometric parameters like hip circumference, body weight, skinfold, and BMI are strongly correlated with EMS tolerance. Body composition factors, particularly adipose tissue characteristics such as body fat mass and percentage, also significantly impact EMS intensity requirements, with no notable correlation to muscle tissue or water content. However, variations in skin structure, including thickness and density, do not significantly affect EMS tolerance. These insights are crucial for tailoring personalized EMS therapy to enhance effectiveness and comfort in both aesthetic and rehabilitative applications.

Hemoglobin Concentration as an Indicator of Skin Radiation Damage During Radiation Therapy Treatments.

PURPOSE: Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is the most common side effect reported by patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT). Currently, the assessment of the severity of the reaction is based on the visual assessment of the skin, which is a subjective method, depending on many factors. The main aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in the assessment of ARD and find physiological factors that could be correlated with ARD. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this clinical pilot trial, weekly acquisitions of hyperspectral camera images of irradiated skin were performed for 5 weeks of RT and at the posttreatment follow-up visit which took place 30 to 40 days after the last fraction of RT. At the same time, the severity of radiodermatitis was assessed based on the criteria of the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). The content and concentration of chromophores in irradiated skin were quantitatively determined using a hyperspectral camera. RESULTS: The use of HSI supported by image analysis and processing methods allowed for the determination of the content and distribution of hemoglobin and melanin in the irradiated skin. It was found that the hemoglobin concentration is correlated with the subjective assessment made according to the CTCAE protocol. CONCLUSIONS: HSI is a sensitive and specific method of analyzing the concentration of chromophores in the skin, including hemoglobin. A clear correlation was found between hemoglobin concentration and CTCAE v.5 scale because of which HSI can be considered as an objective method of skin assessment during RT.

Analysis of the Surface of Historic Fabric from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum after Treatment with Ethanol Mist Used to Eliminate Microorganisms Harmful to Human Health.

AIM: the aim of the work was to present the changes occurring on the model and historical cotton surface of cotton resulting from disinfection with 90% ethanol mist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of historical materials consisted of fabric elements from suitcases stored in A-BSM. A mist of 90% ethanol was applied for 15 s at a distance of 16 cm from the surface. The spectra of cotton samples before and after ethanol application were recorded using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR). Analyses of the surface layers were performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). RESULTS: the decontamination performed did not show any significant differences in the chemical composition and surface structure of cotton before and after the use of 90% ethanol mist. CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol mist, which eliminates microorganisms from the historical surface, does not cause significant changes to the surface of historical objects.

The role of the beautician in reducing striae.

INTRODUCTION: Striae distensae are a permanent skin defect that can affect 50%-90% of the population. The appearance of the changes resembles spindle-shaped skin bands. The skin in this area is wrinkled, thin and looks like a scar. Most often, the changes are found on the skin of the abdomen, buttocks, breasts, thighs, and back. The appearance of striae means that the skin in this area has no hair follicles, sebaceous, and sweat glands. This skin is flabby, not very elastic and, what is very characteristic, the pigmentation of the skin affected by striae is much lower than in healthy skin. Cosmetology in the 21st century is developing very dynamically, new technologies are being developed, new cosmetological devices are being created and combined with treatments that have been known for a long time. Today's science offers hope for people who have struggled with reducing striae for many years and nowadays, nothing is impossible. AIMS: The objective of this article is to provide information about cosmetological treatment used to reduce striae. METHODS: In this article, we reviewed the published literature, article published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Today's cosmetology offers a wide range of numerous treatments, but the best results are achieved through a synergy of two or more treatments. But we should not forget that we should respond to each customer individually. CONCLUSION: The striae are not a problem that should be ignored. The beauty therapist is able to reduce them and help the client to improve the appearance of their skin.

Assessment of the photoprotection properties of hair cosmetics using the hemispherical directional reflectance method.

BACKGROUND: Solar radiation is responsible for changes in the structure of human hair, the damages include proteins (65%-95%), lipids, and melanin. The aim was to examine the effectiveness of sunscreen in hair cosmetics and whether hair color affects it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included nine women, divided according to hair color to three groups: light, dark, and gray hair. The 410-Solar reflectometer was used in five time points. The hair was divided into three strands, one product applied to each. RESULTS: Dark hair showed the highest absorption of radiation in all wavelength ranges, the reflectance before products application was significantly higher than the hair reflectance immediately after application. The effect of sunscreens on light hair reflectance was found at wavelengths 400 and 720 nm and between 1000 and 2500 nm, the reflectance before application was significantly higher than the reflectance after. The use of products on gray hair did not have a significant effect on hair reflectance at wavelengths 400-1100 nm, the effect of sunscreens on the gray hair reflectance was observed in the UV and infrared range, the reflectance before application was significantly higher than immediately after. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the 410-Solar reflectometer is useful to assess the effectiveness of hair sunscreens. All three tested hair products do not show the expected protection properties. Dark hair showed the highest absorption of radiation in all wavelength ranges, suggesting that dark hair should be more protected against radiation than light and gray hair.

The Use of Hemispheric Directional Reflectance Method to Verify the Usefulness of Filters Protecting the Skin Against Infrared Radiation.

Introduction: Infrared radiation (IR) has a wide spectrum of both positive and harmful effects on the human body. Negative properties, manifested by increasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), affect the skin ageing acceleration. Other adverse effect of infrared exposure is related to its ability to significantly penetrate deep into the skin, between its layers, up to blood vessels and other tissues and warm them up. Due to its harmful effects, protecting the skin against infrared radiation becomes an important issue. Aim: The aim of the research was verifying the usefulness of filters available on the market with protection against infrared radiation declared by the manufacturers, by examining their impact on the directional reflectance of the human skin. Methods: A group of 27 people was gathered, to obtain the results. Four products were applied on the participant's forearm skin, and then measurements of the directional reflectance of the skin were made at successive time points, using the 410-Solar reflectometer. The collected data was analyzed, and showed changes in reflectance under the influence of the applied protective products. Results: The products used in the study showed a statistically significant effect on the directional reflectance of the human skin in near infrared radiation range and little effectiveness for higher wavelengths. Discussion: The results indicate that the selected products show radiation protection against IR radiation only after several dozen minutes of application, which may suggest that they must penetrate deeper skin layers to be effective. Hemispheric directional reflectance turned out to be an effective method allows to assess the effectiveness of protective properties of cosmetics.

Hydrogel Formulations for Topical Insulin Application: Preparation, Characterization and In Vitro Permeation across the Strat-M® Membrane.

Insulin has shown efficacy in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds, which is mainly due to its role in regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to develop an insulin-hydrogel carrier based on Sepineo™ P 600 and Sepineo™ PHD 100 for application to lesional skin. Preformulation studies of the developed formulations were performed in terms of analysis of the pharmaceutical availability of insulin from the hydrogels through the Strat-M® membrane, and rheological and texture measurements. Insulin is released in a prolonged manner; after a time of 6.5 h, 4.01 IU/cm2 (53.36%) and 3.69 IU/cm2 (47.4%) of the hormone were released from the hydrogel based on Sepineo™ P 600 and Sepineo™ PHD 100, respectively. Rheological analysis showed that the hydrogels tested belong to non-Newtonian, shear-thinning systems with yield stress. The insulin-hydrogel based on Sepineo™ P 600 and Sepineo™ PHD 100 shows optimal application properties. The results obtained provide a basis for further preclinical and clinical studies.

Quantitative Assessment of Hyperpigmentation Changes in Human Skin after Microneedle Mesotherapy Using the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) Method.

AIM: The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of microneedle mesotherapy in reducing skin discoloration. The results were analyzed using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The skin of the forearm (7 × 7 cm) of 12 women aged 29 to 68 was examined. Microneedle mesotherapy was performed using a dermapen with a preparation containing 12% ascorbic acid. Each of the volunteers underwent a series of four microneedle mesotherapy treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment was quantified using the methods of image analysis and processing. A series of clinical images were taken in cross-polarized light before and after a series of cosmetic procedures. Then, the treated areas were analyzed by determining the parameters of the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithm: contrast and homogeneity. RESULTS: During image pre-processing, the volunteers' clinical images were separated into red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channels. The photos taken after the procedure show an increase in skin brightness compared to the photos taken before the procedure. The average increase in skin brightness after the treatment was 10.6%, the average decrease in GLCM contrast was 10.7%, and the average homogeneity increased by 14.5%. Based on the analysis, the greatest differences in the GLCM contrast were observed during tests performed in the B channel of the RGB scale. With a decrease in GLCM contrast, an increase in postoperative homogeneity of 0.1 was noted, which is 14.5%.

Hyperspectral assessment of acne skin exposed to intense pulsed light (IPL) intense pulsed light in acne treatment.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism of intense pulsed light action on the skin is based on selective photothermolysis. The light delivered to the tissue is scattered and absorbed by chromophores that absorb a beam of radiation of a specific length. The skin reflectance changes depending on the physiological state of the tissue, as shown by the hyperspectral camera. The aim of the study was to assess the hyperspectral reflectance of acne skin before and after intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy and to compare it with the reflectance of healthy skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 27 volunteers with diagnosed moderate acne. The control group consisted of 20 people without acne lesions. All acne volunteers underwent a series of four treatments using IPL at weekly intervals. The volunteers with acne lesions were photographed before the series of treatments and a week after the 4th treatment. RESULTS: Acne skin shows lower reflectance than healthy skin. Acne skin after IPL therapy is characterized by a higher reflectance compared to acne skin before the therapy and resembles the reflectance of the skin of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the acne skin before the treatments and the skin of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of IPL therapy on acne skin is the increase of its reflectance by reducing the number of chromophores, which brings it closer to the reflectance value of healthy skin. Hyperspectral imaging allows for: the evaluation of the treated skin at each stage, a precise selection of the light wavelength depending on the problem, and therefore, for optimizing the number of irradiations and increasing the safety of the therapy.

The assessment of moderate acne vulgaris face skin using blood perfusion and hyperspectral imaging-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Microcirculation is the flow of blood through the smallest vessels in the circulatory system. Capillaries respond to various pathologies much earlier than arteries and veins, the changes which indicate that the disease is already developing. Careful monitoring of the functioning of the capillary system often allows the detection of in vivo disorders at an early stage. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate the microcirculation within acne lesions. A noninvasive method of semi-quantitative blood perfusion measurement based on laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) and a quantitative assessment of the acne severity using the hyperspectral imaging method supported by image analysis and processing methods were used. PATIENTS/METHOD: The acne lesion perfusion was compared to the healthy skin perfusion of the control group. The reflectance in the range from 400 to 1000 nm was also compared for acne lesions and healthy skin. A dedicated version of the algorithm based on the gray-level co-occurrence matrix was used to compare differences between acne lesions and healthy skin. RESULTS: Blood perfusion in acne lesions is on average 117% higher than in healthy skin. The reflectance of acne lesions was lower in the range of 400-600 nm compared to the healthy skin. A statistically significant decrease in the reflectance of acne lesions was demonstrated for wavelengths: 434, 549, and 588 nm. CONCLUSIONS: Increased blood perfusion in acne lesions compared to healthy skin suggests increased chemotaxis of inflammatory cells and wound healing. Decrease points in skin reflectance resemble the absorption peaks for hemoglobin and coproporphyrin III produced by Cutibacterium acnes. Thus, the proposed methods may serve not only for the early detection of acne lesions, before they manifest themselves clinically for the naked eye, but may also be a tool for quantifying the effectiveness of acne treatment.

Evaluation of the Reduction of Skin Hyperpigmentation Changes under the Influence of a Preparation Containing Kojic Acid Using Hyperspectral Imaging-Preliminary Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of using a preparation containing kojic acid on skin hyperpigmentation using hyperspectral imaging, which enables a quantitative assessment of the effect of the preparation used on the reduction of skin discoloration. Materials and methods: Preliminary studies were carried out on 12 patients with post-acne skin. A hyperspectral camera with a spectral range of 400-1000 nm was used to image skin hyperpigmentation before and after the application of 3% kojic acid. Hyperspectral profiles were analyzed, and image analysis and processing methods were applied. Results: Studies performed using a hyperspectral camera have shown that kojic acid reduces skin discoloration by increasing skin brightness in 75% of patients tested, reducing skin contrast in approximately 83% and increasing skin homogeneity in approximately 67% of patients.

Optimization of the Process of Eliminating Microorganisms Harmful to Human Health and Threatening Objects Isolated from Historical Materials from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland (A-BSM) Collection with the Use of Ethanol in the Form of Mist.

The aim of the study was to assess the biocidal effectiveness and the effect of 80% and 90% ethanol applied in the form of mist on the surface of textile materials from historical A-BSM objects. The microorganisms used for the tests, namely, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium chrysogenum, were isolated from the surface of textile objects in the A-BSM. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger were also used from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Fabric samples were inoculated with microorganisms at a concentration of 105-106 CFU/ml. Ethanol in the form of mist was applied in concentrations of 80% and 90%. Airbrushes VL 0819 and VE 0707 were used for this purpose, where the pressure was 0.2 MPa and the PA HEAD VLH-5 nozzle with a tip of 1.05 mm in diameter was used. In order to achieve more effective disinfection after applying the ethanol mist, samples were stored in PE foil in the conditions of 21 °C ± 1 °C for 22 ± 1 h. After applying the ethanol mist, changes in the properties of the materials were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The reduction in the number of microorganisms on modern cotton fabric after the use of ethanol in the form of mist at concentrations of 80% and 90% ranged from 93.27% to 99.91% for fungi and from 94.96% to 100% for bacteria, except for 74.24% for B. subtillis. On the historical fabric, after the time of application of 90% ethanol was shortened to 4 s, the microorganisms were reduced by over 99.93% and S. aureus was completely eliminated. After applying the tested disinfection technique, no changes in fiber morphology were observed on the surface of the model and historical cotton.

In vitro hyperspectral analysis of tattoo dyes.

BACKGROUND: There is no method that can guarantee effective, quick, and noninvasive removal of tattoo dyes. Laser methods are considered to be the method of choice. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the in vitro spectral characteristics of selected dyes used in permanent makeup and tattoos and to analyze the obtained parameters in terms of laser treatments optimization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hyperspectral analysis was performed to determine the spectral characteristics of the dye on the entire surface of the slide. Seven dyes used in permanent makeup and tattoos were analyzed in vitro. The maximum reflectance and the wavelength for a given dye were determined for the maximum reflectance in the studied wavelength range: 400-1000 nm. The optical properties of the dyes were determined based on visible light imaging using camera. RESULTS: The maximum radiation reflectance ranges from 634 to 732 nm for the tested dyes. Visually very similar colors may differ significantly in the wavelength for which the maximum absorption of the radiation occurs. White and yellow dyes are characterized by the highest reflectance value. The black dye is characterized by the lowest reflectance coefficient. Low reflectance of black dye results in more safe and effective removal treatments. CONCLUSION: The homogeneity of radiation absorption can be identified using methods of analysis and processing of images in visible light. Optimization of the wavelength of which the maximum absorption/reflectance of radiation occurs may allow us to increase the effectiveness of laser treatments for removing permanent makeup and tattoos.

Dynamics Changes in Basal Area Increment, Carbon Isotopes Composition and Water Use Efficiency in Pine as Response to Water and Heat Stress in Silesia, Poland.

Trees can be used as archives of changes in the environment. In this paper, we present the results of the analysis of the impact of water stress and increase in air temperature on BAI and carbon stable isotopic composition and water use efficiency of pine. Dendrochronological methods together with mass spectrometry techniques give a possibility to conduct a detailed investigation of pine growing in four industrial forests in Silesia (Poland). Detailed analysis-based bootstrap and moving correlation between climatic indices (temperature, precipitation, and Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index) and tree parameters give the chance to check if the climatic signals recorded by trees can be hidden or modified over a longer period of time. Trees have been found to be very sensitive to weather conditions, but their sensitivity can be modified and masked by the effect of pollution. Scots pine trees at all sites systematically increased the basal area increment (BAI) and the intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) and decreased δ13C in the last century. Furthermore, their sensitivity to the climatic factor remained at a relatively high level. Industrial pollution caused a small reduction in the wood growth of pines and an increase in the heterogeneity of annual growth responses of trees. The main factors influencing the formation of wood in the pines were thermal conditions in the winter season and pluvial conditions in the previous autumn, and also in spring and summer in the year of tree ring formation. The impact of thermal and pluvial conditions in the year of tree ring formation has also been reflected in the isotopic composition of tree rings and water use efficiency. Three different scenarios of trees' reaction link to the reduction of stomata conductance or changes in photosynthesis rate as the response to climate changes in the last 40 years have been proposed.

The Influence of Carboxytherapy on Scar Reduction.

Introduction: Although it is not a new method, a carboxytherapy, which is based on intradermal or subcutaneous administration of controlled doses of CO2, is gaining more and more recognition among aesthetic medicine doctors, dermatologists and cosmetologists around the world. The consequence of applying carbon dioxide directly into tissues is associated with an immediate expansion of blood vessels, improvement of local blood supply, and, thus, tissue metabolism. It does also support natural regenerative processes. Oxygen and growth factors released from blood, within the area which undergoes treatment, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and formation of new blood vessels also known as neovascularization. In addition to biochemical mechanisms, CO2 injection into the dermis or subcutaneous tissue leads to a mechanical effect exerted by pressure and flow of CO2 which is injected. It is of particular importance in scar treatments. Methods: Twelve mature scars were subjected to the carboxytherapy which was performed in people aged 23-45 years. A small amount of heated, medical CO2 was injected till the moment a scar turns white. The applied flow rate equalled 100 mL/min (cc/min). Before and after a series of four treatments, the level of hydration, elasticity and colour of the skin were measured. A structured-light 3D scanner was used to determine an exact morphology of the examined scars. The 3D scanning device is seen as a sensitive and precise method of qualitative and quantitative assessment of a morphology of scars. Results: The results of the measurements performed showed a reduction in the surface of the analyzed changes, as well as proved the ability of CO2 to rebuild collagen fibres. The decrease in value of parameters, which have been obtained thanks to the kutometric examination, indicates softening and loosening of connective tissue. It does confirm the effectiveness of carboxytherapy.

Evaluation of the Tooth Surface after Irradiation with Diode Laser Applied for Removal of Dental Microorganisms from Teeth of Patients with Gingivitis, Using X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) and Optical Profilometry (OP).

Gingivitis is accompanied by microorganisms, including pathogens, which must be eliminated to speed up the treatment of inflammation. Laser irradiation may be one of the safe methods for reducing tissue contamination on the tooth surface. The aim of the study was the assessment of the tooth surface in patients with gingivitis after the use of a diode laser to eliminate microorganisms living there. In the first stage of the research, microorganisms were isolated (Candida albicans, C. guilliermondii, Escherichia coli, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Neisseria subflava, Rothia dentocariosa, Rothia mucilaginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae) from three patients with gingivitis, their identification confirmed using the MALDI-TOF MS technique (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry). Then, the irradiation process with a diode laser was optimized to a wavelength of 810 nm ± 10 nm in five variants to reduce microorganisms on the tooth. The tooth surface was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and optical profilometry (OP) before and after irradiation. 103 to 106 CFU were detected on a 0.4 cm2 tooth area. Nine types of bacteria and two types of fungi dominated among the microorganisms. The laser at the most effective biocidal dose of 25 W/15.000 Hz/10 µs, average = 3.84 W, with three uses after 15 s, increased the reduction of fungi from 57.97% to 93.80%, and bacteria from 30.67% to 100%. This dose also caused a decrease in the degree of oxidation and in the effect of smoothing on the treated surfaces.

A Split Face Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of 40% Pyruvic Acid vs. Microdermabrasion with 40% Pyruvic Acid on Biomechanical Skin Parameters in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris.

The synergy of cosmetic acids, with their keratolytic and antibacterial properties, with the mechanical exfoliation of the epidermis brings faster and better treatment results. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of using only pyruvic acid and the synergy of microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation. In total, 14 women diagnosed with acne took part in the study. Two areas were marked on the participants' faces: the right side (microdermabrasion treatment and a preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) and the left side (preparation containing pyruvic acid 40%) without mechanical exfoliation. A series of four treatments was performed at 2-week intervals. Skin parameters such as stratum corneum hydration and sebum secretion were measured. Before the treatments, all patients had moderate acne according to GAGS (Min: 19, Max: 22, Md: 20), and after the treatments, it decreased to mild acne according to GAGS (Min: 13, Max: 17, Md: 140). On the right side of the face, there was a statistically significant reduction in sebum secretion in all the examined areas of the face and increase in the hydration of the stratum corneum. On the left side of the face, the differences were also observed in the decrease of sebum value and increase of hydration level; however, they were smaller than on the right side. The use of microdermabrasion in combination with pyruvic acid led to better results in the case of increased hydration and reduction of sebum secretion than using only pyruvic acid treatment.

Analysis of the Microbiome on the Surface of Corroded Titanium Dental Implants in Patients with Periimplantitis and Diode Laser Irradiation as an Aid in the Implant Prosthetic Treatment: An Ex Vivo Study.

The paper presents the optimization of diode laser irradiation of corroded dental implants in order to reduce the number of microorganisms associated peri-implantitis. The research included the identification of microorganisms on the surface of removed dental implants in patients with peri-implantitis and the assessment of the biocidal effectiveness of the diode laser against these microorganisms. Laser desorption/mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to identify microorganisms and metagens were examined by next generation sequencing (NGS). Irradiation was performed with a diode laser with a wavelength of λ = 810, operating mode: 25 W/15.000 Hz/10 µs, average = 3.84 W with the number of repetitions t = 2 × 15 s and t = 3 × 15 s. The structure and surface roughness of the implants were analysed before and after laser irradiation by optical profilometry and optical microscopy with confocal fixation. In total, 16 species of Gram-positive bacteria and 23 species of Gram-negative bacteria were identified on the surface of the implants. A total of 25 species of anaerobic bacteria and 12 species with corrosive potential were detected. After diode laser irradiation, the reduction in bacteria on the implants ranged from 88.85% to 100%, and the reduction in fungi from 87.75% to 96.77%. The reduction in microorganisms in the abutment was greater than in the endosseous fixture. The applied laser doses did not damage, but only cleaned the surface of the titanium implants. After 8 years of embedding, the removed titanium implant showed greater roughness than the 25-year-old implant, which was not exposed to direct influence of the oral cavity environment. The use of a diode laser in an optimised irradiation dose safely reduces the number of microorganisms identified on corroded dental implants in patients with peri-implantitis.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Chemical Peelings in Reducing Acne Lesions Based on Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM).

Purpose: Acne vulgaris is a chronic, inflammatory disease accompanied by lesions affecting the structure of the skin. Chemical peels are one of the methods of reducing acne vulgaris. There is still a lack of quantitative methods of assessing impact of cosmetic procedure on the skin. Skin condition depends on skin texture characterization; therefore, the analysis that provides data about the textures can be helpful in assessing the effectiveness of cosmetic treatments. Patients and Methods: The study involved 24 volunteers with acne lesions. Each participant underwent 4 treatments using chemical peels at two-week intervals. Before, during and after procedure clinical photography were made. To assess effectiveness of chemical peeling in acne lesion reduction, we were used gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis. Qualitative assessment of acne severity was made by 12 experts in dermatology. Results: After a series of treatments, the GLCM contrast value decreased in each area of the face, and the GLCM homogeneity value increased, which means that the number of acne lesions was reduced. Expert assessment according to the IGA scale confirms the effectiveness of therapy with both salicylic and glycolic acid and pyruvic acid. Conclusion: The results of this study prove that GLCM analysis is a useful tool for assessing the effectiveness of chemical peel treatments. It can also be used for quantitative assessment of skin texture.

Are There Differences in the Homogeneity of the Parts of Tablets Obtained after Subdivision?-A Preliminary Assessment Using an X-ray Microtomography.

Aim: The study aimed to analyze the weight and homogeneity of the parts of tablets containing carbamazepine and tablets with trazodone hydrochloride, obtained after subdivision with a kitchen knife. X-ray microtomography was used for homogeneity analysis. Methods: 30 tablets with carbamazepine and 30 tablets with trazodone hydrochloride were analyzed in terms of weight uniformity after subdivision. Then, seven tablets of each type were analyzed using an X-ray microtomography (Phoenix vǀtomeǀx, General Electric). The absorption of X-rays by an object is proportional to its density. In turn, measurement of the density of the analyzed object in a microtomographic image is the grayscale level. Based on the correlation between the grayscale value and the reference density, from the calibration phantom, we were able to determine the density of any area of the tablet's scan. Results: During the subdivision, the weight loss exceeded 3% for two carbamazepine tablets, while for trazodone tablets, none lost more than 3%, which is the limit recommended by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As to the density of the tablets resulting from the microtomographic analysis, two of the whole tablets containing trazodone hydrochloride had a significantly higher density than the remainder (p < 0.001). Similarly, some differences in density were observed in the analysis of the density of tablets of carbamazepine (p = 0.008). Parts of one of the analyzed tablets with trazodone obtained after subdivision differed in terms of pixel brightness, thus density. On the other hand, the uniform density was observed for parts of the split tablets containing carbamazepine. Conclusions: Parts of the trazodone hydrochloride tablets obtained after subdivision differed in terms of homogeneity and weight. Microtomographic methods may be an interesting and useful method for evaluating the uniformity of compounds in solid dosage forms.