Optical fiber with YPO:Pr nanocrystals (NCs) is presented for the first time using the glass powder-NCs doping method. The method's advantage is separate preparation of NCs and glass to preserve luminescent and optical properties of NCs once they are incorporated into optical fiber. The YPO:Pr nanocrystals were synthesized by the co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods, optimized for size (< 100 nm), shape, Pr ions concentration (0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAn investigation of fluoroindate glass and fiber co-doped with Yb/Er ions as a potential temperature sensor was assessed using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique. Analysis of thermally coupled levels (TCLs-H and S), non-thermally coupled levels (non-TCLs-F and F), and their combination were examined. Additionally, the luminescent stability of the samples under constant NIR excitation using different density power at three different temperatures was carried out.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe effect of BaF, MgF, and AlF on the structural and luminescent properties of gallo-germanate glass (BGG) doped with erbium ions was investigated. A detailed analysis of infrared and Raman spectra shows that the local environment of erbium ions in the glass was influenced mainly by [GeO] and [GeO] units. Moreover, the highest number of non-bridging oxygens was found in the network of the BGG glass modified by MgF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: We evaluate the impact of COVID-epidemic in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis during Spain's state of emergency.
Methods: We compared newly diagnosed patients with patients diagnosed in the same period of 2019.
Results: A new diagnosis of CRC decreased 48% with a higher rate of patients diagnosed in the emergency setting (12.
A 69-year-old Hispanic woman presented for the evaluation of nodules on the head and back. In the past, she had been treated for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the face; the referring physician was concerned that the new lesions might also be BCC. The patient had an extensive past medical history.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), sometimes referred to as adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC), is a common malignant tumor of the salivary glands that can also develop from the esophagus, lacrimal passages, lung, upper respiratory tract, pancreas, prostate and thyroid. Rarely, MEC will present primarily in the skin.
Case: We present a case of primary MEC of the lower eyelid treated successfully with Mohs micrographic surgery.
Background: Cryosurgery is a method of treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Despite numerous studies reporting excellent cure rates with cryosurgery, there are no studies in the literature that have shown a histologic cure of BCC.
Objective: We sought to show histologically that cryosurgery is an effective cure for well-defined, noduloulcerative BCC of the trunk and upper extremities.
Background: The treatment of striae distensae has recently been reported with various lasers such as the 585-nm pulsed dye laser. At lower fluences (2.0 to 4.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The optimal time frame to improve the quality and cosmetic appearance of scars by laser therapy has not been clearly elucidated by prior controlled clinical trials.
Objective: To determine the efficacy of the 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) in the treatment of surgical scars starting on the day of suture removal.
Methods: Eleven patients (skin types I-IV) with 12 postoperative linear scars that were greater than 2 cm were treated three times on monthly intervals with the 585-nm PDL (450 micro s, 10-mm spot size, 3.
Background: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a relatively rare cutaneous malignancy with the potential for significant local destruction and morbidity. This neoplasm has a tendency for recurrence following excision due to its infiltrative nature. Surgical excision with wide margins has been considered the standard therapy for DFSP but has had reported recurrence rates of up to 60%.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Pigmented hypertrophic scars are a difficult condition to treat. They may result from traumatic injuries or from surgical and cosmetic procedures. The 585 nm flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (FLPDL) has been used to treat this condition, with significant improvement of varying degrees.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Even though basal cell carcinomas (BCC) are the most common skin cancers in the world, they rarely appear in the African-American, Hispanic, and Asian populations. BCCs most commonly present on the head and neck of elderly, light-skinned individuals who have received an excessive amount of sun exposure. However, it has been hypothesized that the development of BCCs in unusual populations is a result of an alteration in tumor surveillance or an impairment in cellular immunity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS) is an inherited condition marked by multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) associated with several other abnormalities. Various treatment modalities have been used to eradicate these tumors. However, recurrences and scarring limit their use.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: To emphasize the wisdom of small test areas when treating cosmetic tattoos and the need for multiple laser systems.
Methods: A 48-year-old woman requested removal of permanent makeup (cosmetic tattoos) of her eyebrows and around her lips. Physical examination revealed a brown tattoo of both eyebrows and dark red lip liner around both lips.