Comparison between 308-nm excimer light alone versus 308-nm excimer light and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment for localized vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Monochromatic excimer light (MEL) is a safe and effective treatment for localized stable vitiligo. Previous reports of the combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) or excimer laser yielded conflicting results. AIMS: This prospective, self-controlled, randomized, comparative study aimed to assess whether the addition of PRP to MEL therapy would be of an additive benefit in the treatment for localized stable vitiligo. Patients/Methods The current study included 36 patients with at least 2 more or less symmetrical patches of localized stable vitiligo (72 patches). For each patient, each of the 2 vitiligo patches was randomly assigned to receive either MEL therapy (twice weekly) with bi-weekly intradermal PRP (group A) or MEL therapy alone (group B) for a maximum of 4 months or till complete repigmentation. The degree of repigmentation was categorized as absent (0%), poor (1-25%), moderate (26-50%), good (51-75%), or excellent (>75%). Patients were asked about their level of satisfaction (not satisfied at all, partially satisfied, satisfied, or completely satisfied). Side effects were recorded, and follow-up for 3 months was done. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding the degree of repigmentation, the patients' level of satisfaction, and the frequency of side effects (p = 0.504, 0.490, and 0.912, respectively). At the end of the follow-up period, recurrence was observed in only 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed no statistically significant difference between using MEL alone or with intradermal PRP in the treatment for localized stable vitiligo.

Accuracy improvement capability of advanced projectile based on course correction fuze concept.

Improvement in terminal accuracy is an important objective for future artillery projectiles. Generally it is often associated with range extension. Various concepts and modifications are proposed to correct the range and drift of artillery projectile like course correction fuze. The course correction fuze concepts could provide an attractive and cost-effective solution for munitions accuracy improvement. In this paper, the trajectory correction has been obtained using two kinds of course correction modules, one is devoted to range correction (drag ring brake) and the second is devoted to drift correction (canard based-correction fuze). The course correction modules have been characterized by aerodynamic computations and flight dynamic investigations in order to analyze the effects on deflection of the projectile aerodynamic parameters. The simulation results show that the impact accuracy of a conventional projectile using these course correction modules can be improved. The drag ring brake is found to be highly capable for range correction. The deploying of the drag brake in early stage of trajectory results in large range correction. The correction occasion time can be predefined depending on required correction of range. On the other hand, the canard based-correction fuze is found to have a higher effect on the projectile drift by modifying its roll rate. In addition, the canard extension induces a high-frequency incidence angle as canards reciprocate at the roll motion.