Specific features of Tm3+ doped BiB3O6 glasses fluorescence spectra and their kinetics.

Synthesis and spectral fluorescent features of the thulium-doped BiB(3)O(6) glasses are presented. All spectra were recorded using a pulsed (pulse energy ca. 1µJ, pulse duration 10ns) 355nm third harmonic of 10kHz Nd:YAG laser as an excitation source. A laser beam was focused in a backscattering geometry onto about 1mm(2) spot on the surface of a sample. The Andor SR-303i spectrograph equipped with an Andor DH-501 intensified charge coupled device with spectral resolution up to 1nm was used as a spectra recorder. The time-resolution of this system can be as low as 5ns. The decay kinetics was derived from integrated time-resolved spectra. Additionally the absorption and excitation spectra were measured. The main parameters of the Judd-Ofelt analysis were calculated and comparison of the obtained results with corresponding data for other materials was carried out.

[Use of thermographic methods for estimation of skin prick test results. II. Evaluation of skin prick test results with histamine solutions of different concentration using liquid crystal mixtures]. / Zastosowanie metod termograficznych do oceny wyników punktowych testów skórnych. II. Ocena wyników punktowych testów skórnych z roztworami histaminy o róznych stezeniach przy uzyciu mieszanin cieklokrystalicznych.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of liquid crystal thermography in interpretation of skin prick tests with selected allergens and different solutions of histamine. The study group consisted of 35 young adults with indications for skin prick tests, and in whom skin tests with different solutions of histamine were also carried out (10 mg of histamine per 1 ml diluted to a concentration of 1:1, 1:10, 1:100). The skin reaction was assessed visually after 15 minutes, measuring flare and wheal diameter and utilizing the liquid crystal thermographic method--assessing the diameter of each colour green, blue, violet. For statistical purposes the area was also calculated. A correlation of each area was performed with the wheal and flare diameter. The area of the skin reaction was largest for both methods using the undiluted solution of histamine, the smallest using the 1:100 dilution. The liquid crystal thermographic method showed larger areas of skin lesions than those using only the visual method by analyzing the size of the wheal and flare. Due to this fact skin tests should be carried out at lest 9 cm apart from each other. The largest correlation was found between diameter of the flare and area of blue colour of the liquid crystal thermographic method (registering the temperature of 34.3 degrees C-36.3 degrees C). Using the thermographic method a joint temperature analysis of the wheal and flare lesions are performed. The results of this study correspond with the earlier, preliminary studies showing the usefulness of the liquid crystal thermographic method in assessing skin reactions to different allergens and histamine solutions.

[Use of thermography methods for evaluating skin prick tests. I. Background temperature of area where skin prick tests are performed. Optimal color scale of temperature differences registered by liquid crystals and conditions of their use]. / Zastosowanie metod termograficznych do oceny wyników punktowych testów skórnych. I. Tlo temperaturowe obszarów wykonywania punktowych testów skórnych, optymalne zakresy temperaturowej odpowiedzi barwnej mieszanin cieklokrystalicznych oraz warunki ich stosowania.

The aim of the study was to estimate the value in visualization of temperature gradients in assessing results of skin prick tests. The study group consisted of 10 patients suspected of having allergic diseases in whom skin prick tests were carried out. They were performed typically using the Bencard allergens kits. A positive control was performed using different solutions of histamine (10 mg/ml, 1 mg/ml, 0.1 mg/ml). The traditional method comprising of measurement of erythema, and whed was compared with visual thermography and open liquid crystal themography. The background temperature of typical areas chosen for skin prick tests were compared under condition of thermographic evaluation. The skin of the upper region of the back was chosen for uniform temperature background. Basing on the analysis of the background temperature and in areas of high reaction to histamine and allergens the temperature and in areas of high reaction to histamine and allergens the temperature gradient was calculated to be 2.2 degrees--2.5 degrees C. In order to visualize this gradient in composition of liquid crystals was made of a working range of 34.3 degrees--36.3 degrees C. Criteria for a correct thermographic evaluation of skin prick tests were established after studying the effect of manipulation of the area examined, local lowering of the temperature, use of cold solutions of allergens. Further studies are planned in order to assess the practical use of this thermographic analytical method.