Dielectric barrier discharge-induced chemical vapor generation for highly sensitive analysis of iodine in seawater by ICP-MS.

BACKGROUND: The accurate determination of iodine in seawater is essential to understanding its impact on the environment and human health. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a widely used technique for elemental analysis due to its high sensitivity, speed, and low limit of detection (LOD). However, its capability in the detection of iodine in complex matrix samples is still limited by the low sample introduction efficiency of pneumatic nebulization and the high ionization energy of iodine. Dielectric barrier discharge microplasma-induced vapor generation (DBD-µPIVG) is a sample introduction technique that has been widely coupled with atomic spectrometry due to its high vapor generation efficiency, rapid reaction speed, high anti-interference capability, and environmental friendliness. RESULTS: A new method was developed for the rapid and sensitive determination of iodine using DBD-µPIVG coupled with ICP-MS. The DBD-µPIVG sample introduction technique can convert both iodide and iodate to their volatiles with a vapor generation efficiency of 70 %. The experimental conditions were optimized in detail, and the LOD for iodine was 0.04 µg L-1, which was lower compared to pneumatic nebulization and comparable to that after the extraction treatment. The relative standard deviation (RSD) obtained after 11 replicate determinations was 2.4%. Furthermore, the potential mechanism and anti-interference performance of the proposed method were also carefully investigated. SIGNIFICANCE: Compared to other analytical methods for iodine analysis, this approach is environmentally friendly, exhibits high anti-interference capability and enables accurate determination of iodine in complex matrix samples. The high vapor generation efficiency of DBD-µPIVG improves the sensitivity for iodine detection and expands the applicable elemental range of DBD-µPIVG. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to analyze the iodine content in seawater samples obtained from the Chinese coastal waters and retains great potential for assessing the distribution of iodine in different sea areas.

Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scarring with Fractional Microplasma Radiofrequency: A Multicentric Experience.

Background: Atrophic scarring is a severe form-disfiguring sequela of acne, which can lead to negative effect on patients' life. Fractional microplasma radiofrequency (RF) has emerged as a promising modality, leveraging dermal fibroblast remodeling to enhance aesthetic results for scars and hyperpigmentation. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of high-power fractional microplasma RF for atrophic acne scars, considering patient tolerance to procedural discomfort. Methods: In this prospective study, 95 Chinese patients with atrophic facial acne scars underwent three sessions of fractional microplasma RF treatment, with assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Patients were categorized based on treatment power: Group A (50-70 W) and Group B (70-85 W). Efficacy was determined by three independent dermatologists using digital photographs and Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné (ECCA) scores, and patient-reported outcomes gauged satisfaction levels. Results: Eighty-six patients completed the study. Significant improvements were observed, with a reduction in ECCA scores from 107.21 to 42.27 (P<0.05), demonstrating notable scar amelioration across both groups, albeit with a superior outcome in Group B. All patients experienced transient side effects such as pain, erythema, and edema, deemed tolerable with no long-term adverse effects reported. The treatment was well-received, with high satisfaction rates, underscoring its efficacy and acceptable safety profile. Conclusion: Fractional microplasma RF therapy, particularly at higher power settings, is an effective and safe option for treating atrophic acne scars, offering significant aesthetic improvement with manageable discomfort. This modality presents a valuable addition to acne scar management strategies, especially for patients with darker skin tones seeking minimal downtime and reduced risk of hyperpigmentation.

Synergistic effect of Silver-Nanodiamond composite as an efficient antibacterial agent against E. coli and S. aureus.

Bacterial antimicrobial resistance (BAMR) seems to pose the greatest threat to public health, food safety, and agriculture in this century. The development of novel efficient antimicrobial agents to combat bacterial infections has become a global issue. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) appeared as a feasible alternative to antibiotics. However, Ag NPs face cost, toxicity, and aggregation issues which limit their antibacterial activity. This work aims to stabilize Ag NPs with enhanced antimicrobial activity at comparatively lower Ag concentrations to prevent bacterial infections. For this purpose, the Ag core was covered with nanodiamonds (NDs). Ag-NDs composite have been synthesized by microplasma technique. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of both Ag and NDs in the Ag-NDs composite. A particle size (∼19 nm) was reported for Ag-NDs at the highest concentration as compared to Ag NPs (∼3 nm). The conduction band of the diamond acted as an extremely strong reducing agent for Ag NPs. The large surface area of NDs stabilized the Ag NPs. A redshift (∼400 nm-406 nm) in UV-visible spectra of the Ag-NDs composite indicated the formation of bigger-sized Ag NPs after incorporating NDs. XRD and LIBS analysis verified the increase in intensity of Ag-NPs by increasing ND concentration. The presence of functional groups including OH, CH, and Ag/Ag2O was confirmed by FTIR. Bacterial inhibition growth appeared to be a dose-dependent process. The minimum inhibition concentration value of Ag-NDs composite at the highest NDs concentration against E. coli (∼ 0.69 µg/ml) and S. aureus (∼44 µg/ml). This is the first study to report the smallest MIC for E. coli (<1 µg/ml). Ag-ND composites emerged to be more efficient than Ag NPs and preferred to be used against BAMR. The enhanced antibacterial activity of the Ag-NDs composite makes it a potential candidate for antibiotics, food products, and pesticides.

Efficacy of Fractional Micro-plasma Radio Frequency Technology in Treating Hypertrophic Burn Scars in Asian Patients Under General Anesthesia: A Retrospective Study of 104 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Laser and other energy devices have been widely used in the minimally invasive treatment of scars. Among various technologies, Fractional Micro-Plasma Radio Frequency Technology (FMRT) has gained extensive consensus in the treatment of various types of scars and skin disorders, such as wrinkles, skin laxity, and pigmentation. OBJECTIVE: This study is a retrospective clinical trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness and safety of FMRT for hypertrophic burn scars treatment in the Asian population under different anesthesia methods. METHODS: A total of 104 patients with hypertrophic burn scars treated in our department from May 2018 to May 2022 were selected. Scar assessment scales were applied to observe changes in scars before and after FMRT treatment. RESULTS: A prospective study of 104 patients found that female patients were more likely to undergo laser treatment under general anesthesia (P < 0.05). Postoperative VSS total score, VSS total score difference, and immediate postoperative pain score were all better with general anesthesia compared to local anesthesia (P < 0.05). There were more significant improvements in scar color, vascular distribution, and flexibility (P < 0.05). When comparing the treatment outcomes between females and males, it was found that general anesthesia patients were superior to local anesthesia patients in terms of color score, vascular distribution score, flexibility score, and postoperative VSS total score 6 months after the final treatment. General anesthesia patients had a shorter hospital stay. Overall treatment evaluation was better for female general anesthesia patients than male patients. CONCLUSION: General anesthesia combined with FMRT is an effective, safe, and more acceptable treatment method for hypertrophic burn scars in the Asian population. BULLET POINTS: In the Asian population, the combined use of general anesthesia and Fractional Micro-Plasma Radio Frequency Technology (FMRT) is an effective, safe, and accepted method for treating skin scars. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Betamethasone transdermal administration combined with fractional Er:YAG lasers or microplasma radiofrequency technology improved hypertrophic scars: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study aims to compare the efficacy rates in treating hypertrophic scars among four distinct groups of patients who either underwent fractional Erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser or microplasma radiofrequency technology as standalone treatments or in combination with compound betamethasone transdermal administration. METHOD: The study retrospectively examined 208 patients treated at our institution from April 2011 to December 2022 for hypertrophic scars, receiving no less than three treatments (with an interval of 8 weeks between each). The patients were categorized into four groups: the F group (treated with fractional Er:YAG laser), the F + B group (treated with fractional Er:YAG laser combined with compound betamethasone transdermal administration), the P group (treated with microplasma radiofrequency technology), and the P + B group (treated with microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with compound betamethasone transdermal administration). The therapeutic effects were evaluated based on the changes in the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores before and after treatment in these groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the VSS scores among the four groups before treatment. After undergoing three sessions of the aforementioned four types of treatment, all groups showed a decrease in VSS scores, with average posttreatment VSS scores for the F group scored 5.15 ± 2.084, F + B group scored 3.7 ± 1.781, P group scored 4.41 ± 1.933, and P + B group scored 3.16 ± 1.775, respectively. With an increasing number of treatments, the total effective rate gradually increased in all four groups, and the combination treatment using compound betamethasone transdermal administration proved more effective than the standalone treatment. CONCLUSION: All four treatments yielded favorable outcomes, with the combined therapy involving compound betamethasone transdermal administration proving more effective than the standalone treatments, meriting further clinical attention.

Portable purge and trap-microplasma optical emission spectrometric device for field detection of iodine in water.

Iodine is essential for human growth and can enter the body through food, water, and air. Analyzing its presence in the environment is crucial for ensuring healthy human development. However, current large-scale instruments have limitations in the field analysis of iodine. Herein, a miniaturized purge and trap point discharge microplasma optical emission spectrometric (P&T-µPD-OES) device was developed for the field analysis of iodine in water. Volatile iodine molecules were produced from total inorganic iodine (TII) through a basic redox reaction under acidic conditions, then the purge and trap module effectively separated and preconcentrated iodine molecules. The iodine molecules were subsequently atomized and excited by the integrated point discharge microplasma and an iodine atomic emission line at 206.24 nm was monitored by the spectrometer. Under optimal conditions, this proposed method had a detection limit of 16.2 µg L-1 for iodine and a precision better than 4.8%. Besides, the accuracy of the portable device was validated by successful analysis of surface and groundwater samples and a comparison of the mass spectrometry method. This proposed portable, low-power device is expected to support rapid access to iodine levels and distribution in water.

Multifunctional bimetallic MOF with oxygen vacancy synthesized by microplasma for rapid total antioxidant capacity assessment in agricultural products.

The assessment of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is crucial for evaluating overall antioxidant potential, predicting the risk of chronic diseases, guiding dietary and nutritional interventions, and studying the effectiveness of antioxidants. However, achieving rapid TAC assessment with high sensitivity and stability remains a challenge. In this study, Ce/Fe-MOF with abundant oxygen vacancies was synthesized using microplasma for TAC determination. The microplasma synthesis method was rapid (30 min) and cost-effective. The presence of oxygen vacancies and the collaboration between iron and cerium in Ce/Fe-MOF not only enhanced the catalyst's efficiency but also conferred multiple enzyme-like properties: peroxidase-like, oxidase-like, and superoxide dismutase mimetic activities. Consequently, a simple colorimetric assay was established for TAC determination in vegetables and fruits, featuring a short analysis time of 15 min, a good linear range of 5-60 µM, a low detection limit of 1.3 µM and a good recovery of 91 %-107 %. This method holds promise for rapid TAC assessment in agricultural products.

Degradation of Stains from Metal Surfaces Using a DBD Plasma Microreactor.

The surface cleaning of metals plays a pivotal role in ensuring their overall performance and functionality. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, due to its unique properties, has been considered to be a good alternative to traditional cleaning methods. The confinement of DBD plasma in microreactors brings additional benefits, including excellent stability at high pressures, enhanced density of reactive species, reduced safety risks, and less gas and energy consumption. In the present work, we demonstrated a DBD plasma-based method for the degradation of stains from metal surfaces in a microreactor. Aluminum plates with capsanthin stains were used to investigate the influence of operational parameters on the decolorization efficiency, including plasma discharge power, plasma processing time, and O2 content in the atmosphere. The results revealed that an increase in plasma discharge power and plasma processing time together with an appropriate amount of O2 in the atmosphere promote the degradation of capsanthin stains. The optimum processing condition was determined to be the following: plasma power of 11.3 W, processing time of 3 min, and Ar/O2 flow rate of 48/2 sccm. The evolution of composition, morphology, bonding configuration, and wettability of aluminum plates with capsanthin and lycopene stains before and after plasma treatment were systematically investigated, indicating DBD plasma can efficiently degrade stains from the surface of metals without damage. On this basis, the DBD plasma cleaning approach was extended to degrade rhodamine B and malachite green stains from different metals, suggesting it has good versatility. Our work provides a simple, efficient, and solvent-free approach for the surface cleaning of metals.

Microplasma radio frequency technology using stationary tips on pig skin: A histological study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histological properties of microplasma radiofrequency (MPRF) using a stationary tip in different treatment strategies on porcine skin. METHODS: Two Bama miniature pigs received MPRF treatment with two types of stationary tips in eight groups of parameters (power, duration, and pass) on dorsal skin. Skin samples were collected from each treatment zone immediately, at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining were performed to assess histologic changes as well as neocollagenesis. The dynamic changes of heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) and heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) were also detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Skin damage increased with pulse energy, duration, and pass. Longer durations or repeated treatments may cause particularly severe skin damage. During the wound healing process, the newborn collagen of the dermis is rearranged. The distribution of HSP47 and HSP72 was consistent with the extent of collagen remodeling. It peaked 1 month after treatment. CONCLUSION: MPRF can effectively cause epidermal ablation, dermal collagen hyperplasia, and remodeling. Increasing power should be the first choice when increasing treatment intensity. For longer durations or repeated treatments, caution should be taken to avoid excessive skin trauma.

Clinical factors influencing the effectiveness of microplasma fractional radiofrequency treatment for atrophic acne scars: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microplasma fractional radiofrequency (MP FRF) technology has been increasingly used for acne scars. Nevertheless, little evidence has analyzed the factors influencing its effectiveness before and during treatment. AIMS: To evaluate the clinical factors affecting the effectiveness of MP FRF therapy for atrophic acne scars. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the clinical data of 79 acne scar patients treated with MP FRF technology. The outcome of interest included the effectiveness and adverse events after MP FRF treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to evaluate clinical factors associated with effectiveness after the initial session. RESULTS: All patients received 115 sessions of MP FRF therapy (average: 1.5 sessions). Twenty-eight (35.4%) patients improved moderately to excellently after one session. We found that the severe grade before treatment was negatively correlated with the effectiveness according to Goodman-Baron qualitative scores (OR = 0.02, 95% CI [0.001, 0.37], p = 0.009). The presence of icepick scars was also a negative correlation factor for the effectiveness (OR = 0.06, 95% CI [0.004, 1.00], p = 0.049). Furthermore, after excluding the effects of icepick scars and Goodman-Baron scores before treatment, ECCA scores were also correlated with effectiveness (OR = 1.04, 95% CI [1.01, 1.06], p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: MP FRF therapy was effective in treating atrophic acne scars with no permanent adverse events. The severity of Goodman-Baron qualitative scores and icepick scars were independent clinical factors affecting effectiveness, suggesting the possible requirement for additional treatments other than MP FRF for severe acne scars and icepick scars.

Portable Pyrolysis-Point Discharge Optical Spectrometer for In Situ Plastic Polymer Identification by Coupling with Machine Learning.

Rapid and in situ identification of specific polymers is a challenging and crucial step in plastic recycling. However, conventional techniques continue to exhibit significant limitations in the rapid and field classification of plastic products, especially with the wide range of commercially available color polymers because of their large size, high energy consumption, and slow and complicated analysis procedures. In this work, a simple analytical system integrating a miniature and low power consumption (22.3 W) pyrolyzer (Pyr) and a low temperature, atmospheric pressure point discharge optical emission spectrometer (µPD-OES) was fabricated for rapidly identifying polymer types. Plastic debris is decomposed in the portable pyrolyzer to yield volatile products, which are then swept into the µPD-OES instrument for monitoring the optical emission patterns of the thermal pyrolysis products. With machine learning, five extensively used raw polymers and their consumer plastics were classified with an accuracy of ≥97.8%. Furthermore, the proposed method was applied to the identification of the aged polymers and plastic samples collected from a garbage recycling station, indicating its great potential for identification of environmentally weathered plastics. This portable Pyr-µPD-OES system provides a cost-effective tool for rapid and field identification of polymer types of recycled plastic for proper management and resource recycling.

Advances in the research of techniques for traumatic scars intervention with photoelectric acoustic therapy / 中华烧伤杂志

Traumatic scar is a common complication of skin injury, such as burn, trauma, and surgery. The mechanism for scar formation still remains unclear. Traumatic scar has a negative impact on the quality of patients′ life, due to the appearance of scar always causes physical or/and psychological problems to patients. The treatments for scar include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and pressure, depending on the kind of scar present. Recently, a great progress in treating scar has been achieved by novel techniques with laser, intense pulsed light, micro-plasma radiofrequency, and ultrasound. The aim of this review is introducing the advances of these techniques for traumatic scars intervention.

Clinical efficacy of micro-plasma radiofrequency combined with local electron-beam radiation therapy in treatment of keloids / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of micro-plasma radiofrequency with joint electron-beam radiation treatment for keloids.Methods A total of 15 patients with keloids over half a year were treated with single time micro-plasma radiofrequency technology by roller tip at 80-100 watts.The hypofractionated electron-beam was used,with 9 Gy dose per time covering the scar with a 1 cm margin,within 24 hours and 1 week after the micro-plasma treatment.The Vancouver Scar Scales (VSS) were assessed before and 6 months after the treatment.Patients' satisfaction and the adverse reactions were evaluated 6 months after the treatment.Results There was astatistically significant difference between the mean VSS of 15 patients pre-and 6 months posttreatment (from 11.73± 1.12 to 3.87±2.53,P＜0.05).The degree of improvement was:excellent in 1 case,good 10 cases,fair 3 cases,and poor 1 case.Patients' assessment was:extremely satisfied in 6 cases,satisfied 6 cases,approximately satisfied 2 cases and dissatisfied 1 case.The adverse reactions included hyperpigmentation within the radiation field on the anterior chest wall in 1 case and delayed healing of 1 patient 's scar wound.Conclusions Micro-plasma radiofrequency combined with electron-beam radiation therapy is highly effective and safe on keloids with good clinical application value.

Clinical research of micro-plasma technology in the treatment of stable scars / 中华整形外科杂志

Objective@#To observe the efficacy and safety of micro-plasma technology for the treatment of stable scars.@*Methods@#63 cases were divided into 4 groups, including burn scar group (28 cases), traumatic scar group(15 cases), acne scar group(10 cases), and hemangioma scar group (10 cases). Micro-plasma was performed every 2 months, 4 times as one session. Vancouver scar scale(VSS) was used to record the scar score and evaluate its clinical efficacy.@*Results@#All of the scar points in four groups dropped significantly after treatment, showing significant difference between groups(P<0.05). The point decrease rate in acne scar group and burn scar group was significantly higher than that in traumatic scar group and hemangioma scar group (P<0.05). Efficacy evaluation also showed obvious better effect in acne and burn scar than in traumatic scar (P<0.05).@*Conclusions@#The micro-plasma has a good effect on burn, trauma, acne and hemangioma scar, especially for burn and acne scar.

Recent Progress of Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Atomic Spectrometric Analysis / 分析化学

In recent years, dielectric barrier discharge has been well developed in analytical chemistry, especially in spectrometric analysis. This review emphasizes its applications in atomic spectrometry, including atomic emission spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, and chemical vapor generation for sample introduction to atomic spectrometry.

Clinical efficacy of isotopes radiotherapy with micro-plasma on atrophic scars of facial hemangioma / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To study the clinical efficacy of treatment of atrophic scars of facial hemangioma after isotopes radiotherapy with micro-plasma.Methods A total of 52 patients with atrophic scars were selected under micro-plasma treatment for 4 times,one time every six weeks.And their efficacies were evaluated by compared with single standard of that before and after the treatment.Results By means of rate of clinical index,the total effective rate of atrophic scars was 82.7％.The degree of improvement was as follows:cured in 53.8％,marked effective in 28.9％,effective in 17.3％ and no case ineffective.The total effective rate of hyperpigmentation was 90.3％,including cured in 59.6％,marked effective in 30.8％,effective in 9.6％ and no ineffective cases.Conclusions Micro-plasma is an effective therapy for atrophic scars of facial hemangioma after isotopes radiotherapy,which can significantly improve the depression degree of scars,eliminate the hyperpigmentation and improve the color of scars,but it only has adverse reactions of wound pain and postoperative wound erythema.

Clinical effectiveness of micro-plasma combined with radio frequency in treatment of stretch marks / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To study the clinical effect and application value of micro-plasma beam joint radiofrequency treatment for the striae of pregnancy.Methods 21 female patients with the striae of pregnancy were included in this study,treated from the July 2012 to March 2014,aged 25-37 years;and time of the striae was from 3 months to 7 years.Micro-plasma radiofrequency technology was used to treat the striae,with interval of 30 days each time for total seven months.The total effective rate,satisfaction,and the adverse reaction were evaluated after the treatment.Results 21 patients included grade 4 in 6 cases,grade 6 in 10 cases,grade 2 in 4 cases and grade 1 in 1 case;the total effective rate was 95.2％ (20/21).Satisfactory degree was for the level C in 6 cases,B in 14 cases,and A in 1 case,with total satisfactory rate of 95.2％ (20/21).Adverse reactions included mild pigmentation in 2 patients after scab skin falling off,and disappeared at the end of the treatment course.Conclusions Micro-plasma beam combined with radio frequency in treating the striae of pregnancy has clear curative effect and good clinical application value.

Impact of micro-plasma radio-frequency on animal skin tissue / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To investigate the structural and ultrastructural changes of the skin induced by micro-plasma radio-frequency technology,and to preliminarily discuss this novel technology mechanism.Methods Thirty guinea pigs were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups.They were radiated by different dose parameters 40 W,10 kJ; 60 W,10 kJ and 80 W,10 kJ.Every guinea pig's back was divided into two parts which was removed after immediately,one week and one month,and dermatopathology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed.Results The different dose setting could make different skin change of immediately effect.When dose setting was 40 W,10 kJ,skin showed that epidermal cells were integrity and the superficial layer of dermis collagen tissue was light homogenization.When dose setting was 60 W,10 kJ,epidermal tissue showed focal emergence of fractional shape change and obvious homogenization.When dose setting was 80 W,10 kJ,epidermal showed complete vaporization loss or degeneration necrosis,and dermal superficial and middle layer of collagen tissue showed a large area of homogenization.Skin superficial collagen tissue's structure gradually showed dense and arranged in an orderly manner after one week and markedly thickened and arranged in compact manner after one month.TEM showed that epidermal cells were relatively complete,intercellular structure was normal,but the dermal collagen lost originally normal structure and cell structure disappeared and obviously showed massive apoptosis.A small amount of apoptosis was showed but collagen structure gradually restored after one month.Conclusions The novel micro-plasma radio-frequency has obvious dose effect to skin,and its main target tissues are dermal collagen tissue.It can stimulate skin collagen hyperplasia in certain degree.

Comparison of effectiveness between micro-plasma technology and 2940 nm Er ∶ YAG laser in treatment of burn scar / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To compare the effectiveness,indications and side effect between microplasma technology (MPT) and 2940 nm Er ∶ YAG laser for treatment of burn scar.Methods 265 patients with hypertrophic scar were treated with MPT (MPT group,N=136) and Er ∶ YAG laser (Er ∶ YAG laser group,N=129).The patients were treated 2-6 times.Results The significant response rate was 73.52 ％ and 44.95 ％ in MPT group and Er ∶ YAG laser group; the cure rate was 28.67 ％ and 15.50 ％ in MPT group and Er ∶ YAG group,respectively.There was no statistically significant difference between two groups (P＞0.05).For moderate burn scar patients (93 cases),the significant response rate was 62.79 ％ and 10.00 ％ in MPT group and Er ∶ YAG laser group,respectively.There was significant difference between two groups (P＜0.05).Conclusions MPT and Er ∶ YAG laser has been proven to be effective and safe for the treatment of burn scar.The effectiveness of MPT is superior to Er ∶ YAG laser in treatment of moderate burn scar.

Comparison of a fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency technology versus fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scars / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy of and adverse reactions to a fractional micro-plasma radio-frequency technology versus fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.Methods Twenty-one patients with atrophic acne scars were enrolled in this study.Half of each subject's face was treated with micro-plasma,and the other half with fractional ultrapulsed CO2 laser,for one session.Treatments were randomly administered in a split-face manner.The efficacy and adverse effects were evaluated 6 months after the treatment by using the following outcome parameters:ECCA grading scale (échelle d' évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné),degrees of post-treatment pain and edema,time taken for crusting and durations of inflammatory erythema,patients' subjective rating of improvement in scar by using a quartile grading scale.A non-parametric rank test was conducted to compare the efficacy and adverse effects between the two treatments.A scar model was established on both ears of a New Zealand big ear rabbit,and treated with the CO2 laser and micro-plasma respectively,immediately followed by the resection of scar tissue for the observation of histological changes.Results A decrease of ECCAscore was observed in 90.5％ (19/21) of the patients after micro-plasma treatment,and in 86.7％ (18/21) after CO2 laser treatment; no significant difference was observed in the response rate (P ＞ 0.05).In detail,ECCA score decreased by 31.5％ (from 50.71 to 34.76 ) after micro-plasma treatment,compared to 29.9％ (from 53.57 to 38.10) after CO2 laser treatmet.Mild edema was observed after micro-plasma treatment,with the duration of erythema and crusting being 13.95 days and 6.95 days,respectively,compared to 45.81 days and 10.10 days respectively,after CO2 laser treatment.Pigmentation occurred in none of the patients after micro-plasma treatment,but in 19％ after CO2 laser treatment.Animal experiment showed that microscopic ablation zones were broad and shallow after micro-plasma treatment,but narrow and deep after CO2 laser treatment.Conclusions Fractional micro-plasma and CO2 laser are both effective for the treatment of atrophic acne scars,but the former seems to have less side effects with a lower incidence of pigmentation.