Influence Analysis of Polyvinyl Alcohol on the Degradation of Artificial Leather with Cellulose Nitrate Coating Originating from a Suitcase Stored in the Collection of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oswiecim, Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of a protective layer of polyvinyl alcohol on the degradation process of artificial leather based on cellulose nitrate. Samples of the artificial leather were obtained from a suitcase dating back to the first half of the 20th century, not considered a historical artifact. The analysis involved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Artificial aging was employed for the study. The artificial leather sample with a protective coating of polyvinyl alcohol on a cellulose nitrate base exhibited the lowest degree of degradation due to minimal chemical changes in cellulose esters. The obtained FTIR-ATR spectrum indicated significantly higher nitration of cellulose and, consequently, a lower degree of polymer degradation. The sample without the protective polyvinyl alcohol coating and the sample with the coating removed before artificial aging showed similar reactions.

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%.

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.

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.

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.

The Use of the Diode Laser against the Microbiome on Composites Closing the Screw Access Hall (Sah) in the Reconstruction of Dental Implants: Ex Vivo Studies.

Patients undergoing implant treatment are at risk of peri-implant bone loss, which is most often caused by the adverse effects of microorganisms, but there are few proven procedures for their reduction. The aim of the research was to identify the microorganisms inhabiting the composites used to close the screw access hole (SAH), compare them numerically with those present on the surface of crowns and teeth, and optimize the doses of the diode laser, which will reduce microorganisms and will not deteriorate the roughness of polished composites. Patients were swabbed from the surface of SAH composites, from porcelain and zirconium restorations, and from teeth, and then the number of microorganisms was determined by using a culture technique. Microorganisms were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and NGS sequencing. The effectiveness of diode laser irradiation was achieved by using four variants of exposure. After polishing and laser irradiation, the surface roughness of the composites was studied by using optical profilometry. On the surface of SAH, 106 to 108 microorganisms were identified at 0.4 cm2, including many pathogenic species. Among the materials used for the reconstruction of dental implants, the greatest microbiological contamination was found on the composites used to close the SAH. The diode laser with a wavelength of 810 nm with an average power of 3.84 W, during 60 s and 2 × 30 s, has a biocidal effect and does not significantly change the surface roughness of composites. The best reduction of microorganisms was achieved on a composite polished with a polishing rubber and then with a Sof-Lex™ Pre-Polishing Spiral beige (3M ESPE, Ave. St. Paul., MN, USA). Studies have shown that using the optimal laser dose can help treat periimplantitis. These studies provide important information on the possibility of the effective elimination of microorganisms by using a diode laser in the treatment of peri-implant bone loss.

The Efficacy of a Diode Laser on Titanium Implants for the Reduction of Microorganisms That Cause Periimplantitis.

The paper presents the optimisation of a safe diode laser irradiation process applied to the surface of titanium implants in order to reduce microbial numbers in the treatment of inflammation classified as periimplantitis. The study comprised isolation and identification of microorganisms inhabiting surfaces of dental implants, crowns, teeth and saliva from patients with fully symptomatic periimplantitis. Microorganisms were detected by a culture-dependent method and identified with the use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The isolated microorganisms were inoculated on the surface of a new implant and then irradiated by a diode laser (wavelength of 810 ± 10 nm) in one, two or three repetitions and biocidal efficacy was assessed. To evaluate impact of laser irradiation on roughness, morphology and structure of the implant surface, optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used. Examination of the tested surfaces and saliva revealed the presence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and one fungal species. In all patients, cultures from the endosseous part of the implant revealed the presence of the pathogenic and pyogenic bacterium Streptococcus constellatus. In 13 out of 20 samples laser-irradiated in duplicate and triplicate, all microorganisms were eliminated. The irradiation used did not cause any changes in the properties of the implant surface.

The Use of a Diode Laser for Removal of Microorganisms from the Surfaces of Zirconia and Porcelain Applied to Superstructure Dental Implants.

The aim of this paper was to study the effectiveness of a diode laser (LD) for removal of microorganisms isolated from porcelain and zirconia crown surfaces used in implantoprosthetics in order to minimize infections around dental implants. In order to optimize biocidal efficacy of the process (at the same time, avoiding increasing the surface roughness during decontamination) the effects of diode laser doses were investigated. The irradiation was performed with a diode laser at the wavelength of λ = 810 nm in three variants with a different number of repetitions (1 × 15 s, 2 × 15 s, 3 × 15 s). The quantitative microbial contamination of the surface of teeth, porcelain and zirconia crowns assessment was made using the culture-dependent method. The identification of microorganisms took place using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The studies of the surface morphology and roughness were carried out by means of the optical profilometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy with the C1 confocal attachment. The most important conclusion from the research is the fact that the laser operation, regardless of the exposure time, effectively eliminates the microorganisms from the surfaces used for dental implant rebuilding and does not have a destructive effect on the tested material.

Corrigendum: Application of a Medical Diode Laser (810 nm) for Disinfecting Small Microbiologically Contaminated Spots on Degraded Collagenous Materials for Improved Biosafety in Objects of Exceptional Historical Value From the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Protection of Human Health.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.596852.].

Effective microbiological decontamination of dental healing abutments colonised with Rothia aeria by a diode laser as a helpful step towards successful implantoprosthetic therapy.

The aim of the study was to find variant of diode laser (λ = 810 nm) irradiation, which ensures elimination of unwanted microorganisms, including Rothia aeria, from dental healing abutments, and consequently accelerates process of wound healing in implantologically treated patients. The scope of the study included identification of the most contaminated areas on healing abutments, identification of microorganisms inhabiting various environments of oral cavities, assessment of effectiveness of various laser decontamination parameters against detected microorganisms (preliminary studies) and assessment of wound healing in patients after applying abutments with low roughness and optimal variant of laser irradiation (clinical studies). Imaging of surfaces of the healing abutments was performed using vertical scanning interferometry, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. Microorganisms inhabiting the healing abutments, teeth and saliva from tested patients were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Three programmes of near-infrared diode laser at average powers of 1.00-3.84 W with two variants of exposure time were used for optimisation of laser parameters. Observation of wound healing was performed for 100 patients during 20 days after installation of abutments. On surfaces of the used healing abutments, a large number of microorganisms, with a predominance of R. aeria, were found. Irradiation with periimplantitis surgical programme for 30 s resulted in 99-100% reduction in the number of R. aeria and other microorganisms, depending on type of abutment (in vivo). The use of diode laser in the selected variant accelerates wound healing and provides complete elimination of pathogenic R. aeria and other microorganisms inhabiting surfaces of the healing abutments without marks.

Decontamination of microbiologically contaminated abiotic porous surfaces in an oral surgery clinic using vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP).

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to identify microorganisms, including those in the VBNC state, inhabiting porous surfaces in oral surgery offices and to assess the biocidal effectiveness and impact of 300 ppm vaporised hydrogen peroxide (VHP) for 20 min on decontaminated materials. METHODS: From the surfaces of textured armrests of dental chairs, pinewood doors and window frames and cotton medical aprons, 30 swabs were taken with moistened sponges. The identification of isolated microorganisms was performed using molecular methods with MALDI-TOF MS, DNA Sanger sequencer and Illumina MiSeq. To evaluate the impact of VHP decontamination (independent variable) on the number of microorganisms (response variable) ANOVA and LSD tests were used. After application of 10 processes of VHP decontamination, changes in the properties of the materials were assessed using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM microscopy and XPS spectrometry. RESULTS: The concentration of microorganisms was 101-104 CFU/100 cm2 on the tested surfaces and 102 CFU/m3 in the air. Twenty species of bacteria, one yeast and 16 filamentous fungi were identified, with the predominance of Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium. Moreover, Janthinobacterium, Acremonium, Aureobasidium, Coprinellus and Cosmospora in the VBNC state were metagenomically detected. VHP decontamination resulted in a reduction in the majority of tested microbial strains by a minimum of 3 log, and all tested mixed cultures inhabiting porous surfaces were above 98% and in the air, 100%. VHP decontamination did not affect the structural and morphological properties of cotton fibres, wood or stainless steel. CONCLUSIONS: VHP decontamination at a concentration of 300 ppm for 20 min can be used for the holistic disinfection of air, surfaces and equipment in oral surgery offices.

Prevention of SARS-COV-2 coronavirus spread at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Poland. The most visited Memorial site in the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: At the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (A-BSM) actions have been undertaken to effectively protect employees and minimise risk of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus spreading from the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic. AIM OF THE ARTICLE: The aim was to present the actions, instructions and procedures introduced at the A-BSM to provide information how to deal with pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus in institutions taking care of cultural heritage before and after closure of the Museum for visitors and after reopening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The described activities were developed at the Museum by a specially established Expert Team. RESULTS: Groups of employees and places in which they were most exposed to contact with visitors and, as a consequence, at the highest risk of getting infected, were characterised. The employees were provided with personal protective equipment, and at the Museum site, devices essential for maintaining the microbiological cleanliness of the rooms, were placed. In the next stage, instructions and procedures for particular groups of employees were prepared. Visitors were educated about the need of taking precautions and were allowed to disinfect in several places at the Memorial Site. Steps to reduce attendance at this time has also been taken. Procedures for employees of the A-BSM were developed in such way that they can also be used after reopening of the Museum for visitors. CONCLUSIONS: The actions which ensured the microbiological safety of the A-BSM employees, brought satisfying results. In more than 21 days after closing of the Museum for visitors, no cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 were found among employees, despite a very high threat.

Application of a Medical Diode Laser (810 nm) for Disinfecting Small Microbiologically Contaminated Spots on Degraded Collagenous Materials for Improved Biosafety in Objects of Exceptional Historical Value From the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and Protection of Human Health.

The research aim was to optimize the operating parameters of a diode laser irradiation for the effective disinfection of degraded collagenous materials. Historical leather shoes stored at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oswiecim (Poland) were the main study objects. Surfaces of contaminated small spots occurring on the degraded materials were sampled with moistened swabs and microbiologically examined using the molecular techniques MALDI-TOF MS, 16S rRNA, and NGS sequencing. The surfaces were colonized by bacteria with 106 CFU/100 cm2 and 104 CFU/100 cm2 by fungi, on average. Microorganisms of the genera Bacillus and Penicillium were predominant. The effectiveness of the laser treatment was assessed for the new and degraded collagenous materials against isolated environmental strains using four variants of exposure time and number of repetitions. 0.3 W/CW 2 × 2 min variant was the most effective and also did not noticeably change the color of the treated samples. The variant caused a reduction in the numbers of microorganisms by 96-100%. After 1 month, four types of leather were subjected to comprehensive physico-chemical analyses. SEM and FTIR techniques confirmed that laser irradiation in the selected optimal variant did not affect the surface morphology and collagen structure, while XPS technique enabled detection of subtle changes in non-historical protective coatings on the surfaces of tested degraded historical materials.