Vapor Channel Oscillations in Laser Lithotripsy.

Objectives: Laser-based endoscopic procedures present special challenges to deliver energy for ablation or coagulation of target tissues. When optical fiber-target quasi-contact (< 0.5 mm distance) cannot be maintained or is undesirable, the creation of intervening vapor bubbles and channels provide for the necessary transmission of laser energy to the target.

Novel 40 µm spot size 3050/3200 nm DFG laser versus CO laser for laser-assisted drug delivery.

Background And Objectives: The use of ablative fractional lasers to enhance the delivery of topical drugs through the skin is known as laser-assisted drug delivery. Here, we compare a novel 3050/3200 nm difference frequency generation (DFG) fiber laser (spot size: 40 µm) to a commercially used CO laser (spot size: 120 µm). The objective is to determine whether differences in spot size and coagulation zone (CZ) thickness influence drug uptake.

Assessment of a 3050/3200 nm fiber laser system for ablative fractional laser treatments in dermatology.

Background And Objectives: Mid-infrared (IR) ablative fractional laser treatments are highly efficacious for improving the appearance of a variety of dermatological conditions such as photo-aged skin. However, articulated arms are necessary to transmit the mid-IR light to the skin, which restricts practicality and clinical use. Here, we have assessed and characterized a novel fiber laser-pumped difference frequency generation (DFG) system that generates ablative fractional lesions and compared it to clinically and commercially available thulium fiber, Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG), and CO lasers.

Management of Phytophthora parasitica causing gummosis in citrus using biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles.

Aim: The main aim of the present study was to develop nanotechnology-based solutions for the management of a fungus, Phytophthora parasitica causing gummosis in citrus.

Methods And Results: Biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized using two different biocontrol agents, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride and characterized using different analytical techniques. Furthermore, in vitro (at the concentrations of 10, 15, 30, 50, 70, 100 and 150 mg/L) and in vivo (at the concentration of 100 mg/L) activities of these nanoparticles were evaluated for their antifungal efficacy against P.

Acne Treatment Based on Selective Photothermolysis of Sebaceous Follicles with Topically Delivered Light-Absorbing Gold Microparticles.

The pathophysiology of acne vulgaris depends on active sebaceous glands, implying that selective destruction of sebaceous glands could be an effective treatment. We hypothesized that light-absorbing microparticles could be delivered into sebaceous glands, enabling local injury by optical pulses. A suspension of topically applied gold-coated silica microparticles exhibiting plasmon resonance with strong absorption at 800 nm was delivered into human pre-auricular and swine sebaceous glands in vivo, using mechanical vibration.