Which Laser System Is Optimal for Cystolithotripsy of Large Bladder Calculi?

Introduction and Objective: A variety of laser sources are available to treat bladder stones. The aim of this study was to compare time and cost efficiency of the thulium fiber laser (TFL) to four holmium lasers (HLs) with different powers or technologies, including MOSES™ during simulated cystolithotripsy. Materials and Methods: In a benchtop simulation of laser cystolithotripsy, 25 identical 4-cm BegoStones (calcium oxalate monohydrate consistency) were placed on a grid within a 3D-printed bladder model. Lasers were operated at maximal energy, using a 550 µm fiber. Lasers compared were as follows: 60 W TFL, 120 W HL with MOSES, and conventional 120, 100, and 30 W HLs. Five trials were performed for each laser with endpoints of laser time, total time, number of fiber strippings, and total energy. Cost-effectiveness was modeled using laser purchase price, fiber, and operating room (OR) time cost. ANOVA with Tukey's B post hoc was performed to compare outcomes. Spearman's test was used to assess correlation between laser power and procedure time. Results: The laser and total operating times were significantly different between the five systems (p < 0.001). The 120 W HL with MOSES was the fastest with 60.9 minutes of laser and 68.3 minutes of procedure times, while the 30 W HL was the slowest with 281.2 minutes of laser and 297.5 minutes of procedure times. The 60 W TFL was faster than the 30 W HL, but slower than the higher power HLs. Higher laser power was associated with shorter procedure time (Rs = -0.98; p = 0.002). When estimating cost per procedure, the MOSES HL was the cheapest, but had the highest purchase cost. The TFL was not cost-effective for large bladder stones compared with the 100 W HL. Conclusions: When treating large bladder stones, total laser power was highly correlated with laser and procedure times and the TFL was limited by its total power. The most cost-effective laser for use will depend on the case volume.

Adaptación marginal e interna de cofias fabricadas por métodos convencionales, CAD/CAM de fresado y sinterizado por láser / Marginal and internal adaptation of copings manufactured by conventional methods, CAD/CAM milling and laser sintering

Introducción: la adaptación marginal e interna de nuestras restauraciones fabricadas por fundición sistemas de fresado y sinterización láser es uno de los factores clínicos más importantes para el éxito de las prótesis fijas, previniendo el riesgo de microfiltración y enfermedad periodontal. Objetivo: evaluar la adaptación marginal e interna de cofias metálicas en aleación Cr-Co confeccionadas por técnicas convencionales, CAD/ CAM de fresado y sinterizado por láser. Material y métodos: estudio de tipo experimental, comparativo e in vitro. Se imprimió un modelo maestro en Cr-Co, proveniente del escaneo de un premolar preparado para corona completa, sobre el cual se diseñaron 30 cofias divididas en tres grupos: el primero que corresponde al grupo cofias fundidas fresadas en disco de cera A (A = 10), el segundo grupo cofias fresadas en disco de metal presinterizado B (B = 10) y el tercer grupo cofias impresas por sinterización láser C (C = 10). Se empleó la réplica de silicona, colocando silicona al interior de cada cofia, sobre el modelo maestro, simulando al cemento, mediante una máquina de ensayo universal se realizó una compresión de 50 N. Luego de retirar cada cofia se rellenaron con silicona pesada de adición, obteniendo una réplica de silicona. Se efectuaron dos cortes transversales en sentido vestíbulolingual y mesiodistal. Se observó el espesor de silicona VPS (vinil poliéter silicona) mediante un estereomicroscopio (Nikon SMZ745T), obteniendo valores en micrómetros. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS 25 con el fin de realizar la prueba de normalidad y ANOVA de dos vías bajo un nivel de confianza del 95%. Resultados: el menor gap lo obtuvo el grupo de fresadas, seguido de las impresas y por último las fundidas por métodos convencionales. ANOVA de dos vías reveló diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los tres grupos (p < 0.0001). Conclusiones: se encontró que el gap varía con cada método de fabricación, la técnica convencional de fundido mostró un mayor gap, ninguna excediendo el rango clínicamente aceptable (AU)

Introduction: the marginal and internal adaptation of our restorations manufactured by casting, milling systems and laser sintering is one of the most important clinical factors for the success of fixed prostheses, preventing the risk of microleakage and periodontal disease. Objective: evaluate the marginal and internal adaptation of metal copings in Cr-Co alloy made by conventional techniques, CAD/CAM milling and laser sintering. Material and methods: an experimental, comparative and in vitro study, a Cr-Co master model was printed from the scan of a premolar prepared for a full crown. An experimental, comparative and in vitro study, a Cr-Co master model was printed from the scan of a premolar prepared for a full crown, on which 30 caps divided into three groups were designed; the first group corresponds to the cast copings milled on a wax disc A (A = 10), the second group milled copings on a presintered metal disc B (B = 10) and the third group printed by laser sintering copings C (C = 10). The silicone replica was used, placing silicone inside each coping, on the master model, simulating cement, using a universal testing machine, a 50 N compression was performed. After removing each coping, they were filled with heavy addition silicone, obtaining a silicone replica. Two cross-sections were made in the buccolingual and mesiodistal direction., observing the thickness of the VPS (vinyl polyeter silicone) silicone using a stereomicroscope (Nikon SMZ745T), obtaining values in micrometers. For the statistical analysis, the SPSS 25 software was used in order to perform the normality and two-way ANOVA tests under a 95% confidence level. Results: the smallest gap was obtained by the milled group, followed by the printed ones and finally those cast by conventional methods. Two-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: the gap was found to vary with each fabrication method, the conventional casting technique showed a larger gap, none exceeding the clinically acceptable range (AU)

Achievements and Future Perspectives of the Trivalent Thulium-Ion-Doped Mixed-Sesquioxide Ceramics for Laser Applications.

This paper is devoted to reviewing the latest results achieved in solid-state lasers based on thulium-doped mixed-sesquioxide ceramics, i.e., (Lu,Sc,Y)2O3. The near- and mid-infrared regions are of interest for many applications, from medicine to remote sensing, as they match molecular fingerprints and cover several atmospheric transparency windows. These matrices are characterized by a strong electron-phonon interaction-which results in a large splitting of the ground state-and by a spectral broadening of the optical transition suitable for developing tunable and short-pulse lasers. In particular, the manuscript reports on the trivalent thulium laser transitions at 1.5, 1.9, and 2.3 µm, along with the thermal and optical characteristics of the (Lu,Sc,Y)2O3 ceramics, including the fabrication techniques, spectroscopic and optical properties, and laser performances achieved in different pumping regimes, such as continuous-wave (CW), quasi-CW, and pulsed modes. A comparison of the performance obtained with these mixed-sesquioxide ceramics and with the corresponding crystals is reported.

Morcellation After Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: Efficiency and Safety of Currently Available Devices.

CONTEXT: Although several studies have compared different morcellators and enucleation techniques for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), there is sparse literature on morcellation, so further experimental and clinical research is required for its optimization. OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise the contemporary literature on prostate morcellation and to evaluate the safety and efficiency of currently available morcellators for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) in the context of BPH. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive review of the English and French literature relevant to prostate morcellation was performed using the PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Wiley Online Library database from 1998 to 2020 using PICOS (patient population, intervention, comparison, outcome, and study design) criteria. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: We retrieved 26 studies involving 5652 patients treated with a morcellator that were eligible for data extraction and analysis. The mean patient age was 67.4 (range 61.4-72.8) yr. The weighted mean efficiency of Piranha, VersaCut, and DrillCut morcellators was 5.29, 3.95, and 5.3 g/min, respectively. Several approaches, such as en bloc, two-lobe, inverse, and improved techniques, may increase morcellation efficiency and safety. The lowest weighted mean rate of bladder wall injury was 1.24% for Piranha, followed by 1.98% for DrillCut, and 5.23% for VersaCut, while the VersaCut morcellator had the lowest weighted mean rate of device malfunction at 0.74%, compared to 2.07% for Piranha and 7.86% for DrillCut. CONCLUSIONS: All three morcellators are efficient and safe for prostatic morcellation after EEP. Further development of devices and techniques may improve the efficiency and safety profile of morcellation. To increase safety, surgeon expertise, technical equipment, and patient characteristics should be considered. Therefore, interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge and further technological innovations are strongly encouraged. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed the safety and efficacy of devices called morcellators. These devices cut tissue into small pieces that are easier to remove from the body, and are used during laser surgery for benign enlargement of the prostate. Three morcellators are currently available on the market and are comparable in safety and efficacy.

Comparison of the Effect of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser and Halita Mouthwash on Oral Malodor in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Periodontal disease and tongue coatings are among the major factors associated with oral malodor. The present study, comparatively evaluated the effects of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Halita mouthwash as adjunctive treatments to nonsurgical periodontal debridement on oral malodor reduction in chronic periodontitis patients. Methods: Sixty patients with stage II and III chronic periodontitis and bad breath. The patients were randomly divided into two groups (n=30). After conventional scaling and root planing, patients in group 1 underwent Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase; Biolase, San Clemente, CA, USA) irradiation of the internal surface of the pockets (1.5 W, 30 Hz, 20% A, 40% W) and the dorsum of the tongue (1 W, 30 Hz, 20% A, 40% W) immediately after SRP and on the third and seventh days. Group 2 patients were asked to use Halita mouthwash twice daily for one week. Baseline, 1 and 3-month post-treatment measurements of plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and organoleptic assessment of Halitosis severity were performed. Results: Significant improvement in all parameters was noted in both groups after 1 and 3 months, compared with baseline (P < 0.05). The two groups had significant reductions which occurred in PPD, CAL and BOP levels and the organoleptic score in 1 and 3 months after the intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation and Halita mouthwash as adjuncts to non-surgical periodontal therapy are both effective in the treatment of oral malodor and improvement of periodontal parameters.

Short-term results of the combined application of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers have been previously used as an adjunct in periodontal therapy. The aim of this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation in periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with at least one site of ≥ 6 mm periodontal probing depth (PPD) after mechanical debridement with curettes and sonic instruments at periodontal reevaluation were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to either a combined Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy (test group) or a "turned off" laser therapy (control group). The Nd:YAG laser was used for periodontal pocket deepithelialization and to stabilize the resulting blood clot. The Er:YAG laser was primarily used for root surface modification. PPD (mm), clinical attachment level (CAL, mm), and bleeding on probing (BOP, +/-) at the site of laser treatment were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after treatment. RESULTS: The mean improvements from baseline to 2-month follow-up for PPD were significantly better in the laser group (2.05 ± 0.82 mm) compared to the control group (0.64 ± 0.90 mm; p = 0.001). Likewise, the gain in CAL was significantly better in the laser group (1.50 ± 1.10 mm) than in the control group (0.55 ± 1.01mm; p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy showed a significant beneficial effect on periodontal treatment results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation could be a useful procedure additionally to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy to improve periodontal treatment results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry #ISRCTN32132076.

Cascaded Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Towards Near-Infrared Organic Lasers Beyond 850†nm.

Near-infrared (NIR) organic solid-state lasers play an essential role in applications ranging from laser communication to infrared night vision, but progress in this area is restricted by the lack of effective excited-state gain processes. Herein, we originally proposed and demonstrated the cascaded occurrence of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer for constructing the completely new energy-level systems. Cascading by the first ultrafast proton transfer of <430 fs and the subsequent irreversible second proton transfer of ca. 1.6 ps, the stepwise proton transfer process favors the true six-level photophysical cycle, which supports efficient population inversion and thus NIR single-mode lasing at 854 nm. This work realizes longest wavelength beyond 850 nm of organic single-crystal lasing to date and originally exploits the cascaded excited-state molecular proton transfer energy-level systems for organic solid-state lasers.

Deep Red Tunability and Output Power Performances of Visible Laser Emission in a Pr:Ba(Y1-xLux)2F8 Single Crystal.

The demand for tunable visible laser sources with high power and high beam quality, for application ranging from metrology to remote sensing, is constantly increasing. In this work, we report on the details of crystal growth, via the Czochralski method, and laser characterization of a Pr-doped Ba(Y1-xLux)2F8 (BYLF) single crystal, which is a promising candidate for fulfilling these requirements, both in terms of tunability and high-power capabilities. We measured for the first time the laser tunability curve in the deep red region obtaining a continuous range of 17 nm. The laser emission of the three main Pr3+ lines in the visible (orange, red, and deep red) was tested under increased pump power with respect to previous studies on this material, demonstrating output powers of more than 360 mW and no thermal rolloff, up to 1.9 W of absorbed power.

Adaptación de cofias Co-Cr fabricadas por colado por inducción y fusión selectiva láser en CAD/CAM con escaneo clínico / Adaptation of Co-Cr copings made by induction casting and selective laser melting in CAD/CAM with clinical scanning

RESUMEN La técnica de cera perdida colada por centrifugación por inducción (CPCI) y fusión selectiva láser (SLM) en diseño y fabricación asistida por computador (CAD/CAM) con escaneo clínico, son técnicas para fabricar cofias de Cobalto-Cromo (Co-Cr), poseen diferentes procesos de elaboración. Objetivo: Evaluar in vitro la adaptación marginal e interna de cofias metálicas de Co-Cr confeccionadas sobre una línea de terminación chámfer con la técnica CPCI y SLM en CAD/CAM con escaneo clínico. Material y Métodos: Se confeccionó un modelo maestro de forma de premolar de Co-Cr en CAD/CAM con línea de terminación chamfer. Con un escáner clínico se escaneó el modelo maestro y se obtuvo 13 cofias Co-Cr fabricadas en SLM. Se tomaron impresiones para obtener modelos en yeso tipo IV donde se fabricaron 13 cofias de Co-Cr con técnica CPCI. La adaptación marginal e interna se evaluó usando la técnica de réplica de silicona, las muestras fueron divididas en segmentos: vestíbulo-palatino y mesio-distal y fueron evaluadas mediante estéreomicroscopio. Resultados: La discrepancia marginal e interna fueron menores para el grupo de CPCI en comparación a la técnica SLM en CAD/CAM con escaneo clínico. Además los resultados obtenidos para la adaptación marginal fueron menores a 120 μm y la adaptación interna menor a 350 μm para ambas técnicas. Conclusiones: La adaptación marginal e interna en la técnica CPCI en comparación con SLM en CAD/CAM con escaneo clínico fueron mejores con diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p<0.05). Además los resultados obtenidos se encontraban dentro de los parámetros clínicamente aceptables.

SUMMARY The technique of lost wax cast by induction centrifugation (CPCI) and selective laser fusion (SLM) in design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD / CAM) with clinical scanning, are techniques for manufacturing cobalt-chromium copings (Co-Cr), have different production processes. Objective: To evaluate, in vitro, the marginal and internal adaptation of Co-Cr metal copings made on a chamfer termination line with the CPCI and SLM technique in CAD / CAM with clinical scanning. Material and Methods: A master model of Co-Cr premolar shape was made in CAD / CAM with chamfer termination line. With a clinical scanner, the master model was scanned and 13 Co-Cr copings manufactured in SLM were obtained. Impressions were taken to obtain models in type IV plaster where 13 Co-Cr copings with CPCI technique were manufactured. The marginal and internal adaptation was evaluated using the silicone replica technique, the samples were divided into segments: vestibulo-palatal and mesio-distal and were evaluated by stereo microscope. Results: The marginal and internal discrepancies were lower for the CPCI group compared to the SLM technique in CAD / CAM with clinical scanning. In addition, the results obtained for the marginal adaptation were less than 120 μm and the internal adaptation less than 350 μm for both techniques. Conclusions: The marginal and internal adaptation in the CPCI technique compared to SLM in CAD/CAM with clinical scan were better with statistically significant difference (p <0.05). In addition, the results obtained were within the clinically acceptable paramenters.

Electrically controlled white laser emission through liquid crystal/polymer multiphases.

White lasers are becoming increasingly relevant in various fields since they exhibit unprecedented properties in terms of beam brightness and intensity modulation. Here we introduce a white laser based on a polymer matrix encompassing liquid crystals and multiple organic chromophores in a multifunctional phase-separation system. The separation of the hydrophilic matrix and the hydrophobic liquid crystals leads to the formation of a complex optically active layer, featuring lasing emission tuneable from blue to red. White laser emission is found with an optical excitation threshold of approximately 12 mJ/cm2. Importantly, an external electric field can be used to control the device emission intensity. White lasers with low-voltage (≤10 V) controllable emission might pave the way for a new generation of broadband light sources for analytical, computational, and communication applications.

Nanolaminate-based design for UV laser mirror coatings.

With ever-increasing laser power, the requirements for ultraviolet (UV) coatings increase continuously. The fundamental challenge for UV laser-resistant mirror coatings is to simultaneously exhibit a high reflectivity with a large bandwidth and high laser resistance. These characteristics are traditionally achieved by the deposition of laser-resistant layers on highly reflective layers. We propose a "reflectivity and laser resistance in one" design by using tunable nanolaminate layers that serve as an effective layer with a high refractive index and a large optical bandgap. An Al2O3-HfO2 nanolaminate-based mirror coating for UV laser applications is experimentally demonstrated using e-beam deposition. The bandwidth, over which the reflectance is >99.5%, is more than twice that of a traditional mirror with a comparable overall thickness. The laser-induced damage threshold is increased by a factor of ~1.3 for 7.6 ns pulses at a wavelength of 355 nm. This tunable, nanolaminate-based new design strategy paves the way toward a new generation of UV coatings for high-power laser applications.

Orbiting and In-Situ Lidars for Earth and Planetary Applications.

At NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, we have been developing spaceborne lidar instruments for space sciences. We have successfully flown several missions in the past based on mature diode pumped solid-state laser transmitters. In recent years, we have been developing advanced laser technologies for applications such as laser spectroscopy, laser communications, and interferometry. In this article, we will discuss recent experimental progress on these systems and instrument prototypes for ongoing development.

Effect of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG Lasers on Ceramic Bracket Debonding from Composite Blocks.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effect of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) and erbium, chromium: yttrium, scandium, gallium, garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) lasers on the shear bond strength (SBS) of ceramic brackets debonding from the surface of composite blocks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six composite blocks were fabricated using Filtek Z250 light-cure composite. Block surfaces were etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 30 seconds and then rinsed with water for 20 seconds and dried. Maxillary right central incisor ceramic orthodontic brackets were bonded to the surfaces of composite blocks using Transbond XT adhesive and were cured for 40 seconds. Twelve samples were irradiated with Er:YAG laser, while 12 samples were irradiated with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and the brackets were then debonded using a universal testing machine. Twelve samples served as controls (debonding using the universal testing machine without using a laser). The adhesive remnant index (ARI) score and bracket or composite cracks were evaluated under a stereomicroscope. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the comparison of the three groups. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the ARI scores. RESULTS: The mean SBS was 17.01±5.22 MPa with Er:YAG laser, 18.03±6.46 MPa with Er,Cr:YSGG laser, and 16.61±6.73 MPa in the control group; the difference of the three groups was not significant (P=0.835). The difference in the ARI scores and enamel and composite cracks was not significant either (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study did not show any reduction in the bond strength of ceramic bracket to composite blocks after Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation.

Oriented zinc oxide nanorods: A novel saturable absorber for lasers in the near-infrared.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) oriented along the crystallographic [001] axis are grown by the hydrothermal method on glass substrates. The ZnO NRs exhibit a broadband (1-2 µm) near-IR absorption ascribed to the singly charged zinc vacancy VZn -1. The saturable absorption of the ZnO NRs is studied at ≈1 µm under picosecond excitation, revealing a low saturation intensity, ≈10 kW/cm2, and high fraction of the saturable losses. The ZnO NRs are applied as saturable absorbers in diode-pumped Yb (≈1.03 µm) and Tm (≈1.94 µm) lasers generating nanosecond pulses. The ZnO NRs grown on various optical surfaces are promising broadband saturable absorbers for nanosecond near-IR lasers in bulk and waveguide geometries.

Fluorooxoborates: Ushering in a New Era of Deep Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Materials.

Borates are one of the most important classes of functional materials, and several hundreds of artificial borates have been synthesized. The substitution of oxygen by fluorine leads to manifold classes of borates. Fluorooxoborates (also known as fluoroborates), in which the F atoms covalently connect with the B atoms, show additional compositional and structural diversity compared to classic borates. Recently, owing to the large polarizability anisotropy, large HOMO-LUMO gaps, and high hyperpolarizability of the oxyfluoride BOx F4-x building blocks, fluorooxoborates have received unprecedented attention in the search for new ultraviolet (UV) and deep-UV (DUV) nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Specifically, some compounds have excellent NLO properties that are comparable or superior to KBe2 BO3 F2 , which is the only usable crystal that generates coherent light below 200 nm through a direct second harmonic generation (SHG) process. This Minireview illustrates recent progress on the synthesis, crystal structures, structure-properties relationships and applications of fluorooxoborates. This paper concludes by highlighting the outstanding opportunities offered by NLO fluorooxoborate crystals as an innovative avenue for DUV all solid-state coherent light generation.

The Antibacterial Effect of Nd:YAG Laser Treatment of Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this blind, in vivo, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation in endodontic treatment of single-rooted teeth with apical periodontitis. The hypothesis was that mechanical enlargement of the root canal and Nd:YAG laser irradiation would yield more negative bacterial samples than conventional treatment. METHODS: Forty-one patients (45 teeth) were allocated to the laser (n = 22) or control (n = 23) group. The teeth in the laser group were instrumented, irrigated with saline, and irradiated with Nd:YAG laser according to a standard protocol. The teeth in the control group were similarly instrumented but irrigated with 1% unbuffered sodium hypochlorite and 15% EDTA solution. Bacterial samples were taken before and after treatment, blinded, and immediately sent for culturing and analysis. RESULTS: The initial bacterial samples were positive in 20 of 22 teeth in the laser group and 18 of 23 (P = .414) in the control group. After the initial treatment, negative bacterial samples were found in 11 teeth in the laser group and 13 (P = .768) in the control group. After 2 to 4 days with no antibacterial dressing in the root canals, 5 teeth in the laser group and 9 (P = .337) in the control group yielded negative bacterial samples. CONCLUSIONS: After intervention, neither the test group nor the control group yielded predictable negative bacterial samples. Thus, the results failed to verify the hypothesis that Nd:YAG laser irradiation would yield significantly more negative bacterial samples than conventional irrigation with 1% unbuffered sodium hypochlorite solution.

Influence of Laser Activated Irrigation with two Erbium Lasers on Bond Strength of Inidividually Formed Fiber Reinforced Composite Posts to Root Canal Dentin.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effect of laser activated irrigation (LAI) using two erbium lasers on bond strength of individually formed fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts to root canal dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven single-rooted human teeth were endodontically treated and after post space preparation divided into three groups (n=9 per group), according to the pre-treatment of post space preparation: 1) Conventional syringe irrigation (CSI) and saline; 2) Er.YAG photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique and saline; 3) Er,Cr:YSGG activated irrigation with RFT2 tip. Two specimens from each group were used for SEM analysis. The remaining specimens (n=7 per group) received individually formed FRC post, everStick POST, luted with self-adhesive cement, G-CEM LinkAce. After cementation, the roots were perpendicularly sectioned into 1 mm thin sections and a push-out test was carried out (0.5 mm/min). The data were calculated as megapascals and were log transformed and statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA at the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: In the control group, the smear layer was still present. In the Er:YAG group, the smear layer was removed. In the Er,Cr:YSGG group, the smear layer was partially removed. The Er,Cr:YSGG group achieved the highest bond strength values, followed by the control group and then the Er:YAG group, but no statistically significant difference was found in bond strength values in the tested group of post space pretreatment (p=0.564). CONCLUSIONS: LAI using two erbium lasers, with PIPS or RFT2 tip, did not affect the bond strength of individually formed FRC posts to root canal dentin.

A Prospective, Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 1,444 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A New Modality for Treating Axillary Bromhidrosis.

BACKGROUND: Surgery for bromhidrosis has a high risk of complications such as hematoma and necrosis. New nonsurgical methods may reduce the burden on surgery and the risks for the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of the 1,444 nm Nd:YAG interstitial laser for treating axillary bromhidrosis. METHODS: Eighteen bromhidrosis patients were treated with a 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser at Korea University Ansan Hospital. The post-treatment follow-up was 6 months. After the procedure, we confirmed apocrine gland destruction through histopathological examination. At each follow-up, we measured the severity of the remaining odor, postoperative pain, degree of mobility restriction, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: After 180 days of follow-up, malodor elimination was good in 20 axillae, fair in 12 axillae, and poor in four axillae. At the end point of the study, 14 patients were totally satisfied with the laser treatment, three patients were partially satisfied, and one patient was disatisfied. Pain and limitation of mobility were significantly reduced within 1 week post-operatively, and were almost resolved within 4 weeks post-operatively. A histopathological examination revealed decreased density and significant alterations to the apocrine glands. CONCLUSION: Subdermal coagulation treatment with a 1,444 nm Nd:YAG interstitial laser may be a less invasive and effective therapy for axillary bromhidrosis.

A Prospective, Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 1,444 nm Nd:YAG Laser: A New Modality for Treating Axillary Bromhidrosis

BACKGROUND: Surgery for bromhidrosis has a high risk of complications such as hematoma and necrosis. New nonsurgical methods may reduce the burden on surgery and the risks for the patient. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and side-effects of the 1,444 nm Nd:YAG interstitial laser for treating axillary bromhidrosis. METHODS: Eighteen bromhidrosis patients were treated with a 1,444 nm Nd:YAG laser at Korea University Ansan Hospital. The post-treatment follow-up was 6 months. After the procedure, we confirmed apocrine gland destruction through histopathological examination. At each follow-up, we measured the severity of the remaining odor, postoperative pain, degree of mobility restriction, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: After 180 days of follow-up, malodor elimination was good in 20 axillae, fair in 12 axillae, and poor in four axillae. At the end point of the study, 14 patients were totally satisfied with the laser treatment, three patients were partially satisfied, and one patient was disatisfied. Pain and limitation of mobility were significantly reduced within 1 week post-operatively, and were almost resolved within 4 weeks post-operatively. A histopathological examination revealed decreased density and significant alterations to the apocrine glands. CONCLUSION: Subdermal coagulation treatment with a 1,444 nm Nd:YAG interstitial laser may be a less invasive and effective therapy for axillary bromhidrosis.

Lasers for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: a meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of lasers in reducing dentin hypersensitivity (DH) as compared with placebo or no treatment. Seven electronic databases and a manual search resulted in 2,538 unique publications. After selection, 13 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A CONSORT-based quality assessment revealed that 3 and 10 studies were at low and high risk of bias, respectively. A random-effects model with the generic inverse variance standardized mean difference (SMD) was used because of expected heterogeneity. Meta-analyses of the baseline-end of follow-up changes in pain revealed no differences for Er,Cr:YSSG vs. placebo (SMD = 2.49; 95% CI, -0.25 to 5.22; p = .07) but did reveal differences in favor of lasers for Er:YAG vs. placebo (SMD, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.25 to 4.05; p = .0002), Nd:YAG vs. placebo (SMD, 3.59; 95% CI, 0.49 to 6.69; p = .02), and GaAlAs vs. placebo (SMD, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.93 to 4.87; p < .00001). High and significant heterogeneity was found for all comparisons. In conclusion, Er:YAG, Nd:YAG, and GaAlAs lasers appear to be efficacious in reducing DH. However, given the high heterogeneity of the included studies, future randomized controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.