OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to remove occlusal veneers of varied thicknesses and compositions by Er:Yag laser in vitro and analyze the interfacial microstructure between veneers and tooth that irradiated by laser, by which experimental evidence could be provided to support the non-invasive removal of occlusal veneerby laser. METHODS: Fresh mandibular premolars extracted for orthodontic requirements were collected for tooth preparation. Three kinds of ceramic materials (Vita Suprinity, Vita Mark Ⅱ, and Upcera Hyramic) were selected to fabricate occlusal veneer with different thicknesses (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm). One week later, Er:Yag laser (2.5 W and 3.5 W) was used to irradiate and remove the occlusal veneer and recorded the timespan. After the removal operation, the micro-morphologies of samples were examined by scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Upcera Hyramic veneer failed to be removed (>20 min); the operation span at 2.5 W, Vita Suprinity (96.0 s±16.0 s) was longer than Vita MarkⅡ(84.5 s±19.5 s) in the 1.0 mm group (P<0.05), and Vita Suprinity (246.5 s±13.5 s) was longer than Vita MarkⅡ(170.0 s±14.0 s) in the 1.5 mm group (P<0.05). At 3.5 W, Vita Suprinity (381.0 s±24.0 s) was longer than Vita MarkⅡ(341.5 s±26.5 s) in the 2.0 mm group. CONCLUSIONS Increasing laser power could shorten the operation span and facilitate the removal of occlusal veneers with the same thickness and composition. The occlusal veneer was sustained when insufficient laser power was applied. With the same laser power and ceramic thickness, laser penetration could interfere with the integral of the ceramic structure when the laser interacted with the bonding layer. With the same ceramic composition and laser power, the operation span and laser power increased with the thickness of the occlusal veneer. However, the laser was incapable of removing occlusal resin veneer directly.
Lasers, Solid-State ; Materials Testing ; Dental Porcelain/chemistry* ; Ceramics/chemistry* ; Bicuspid ; Dental Veneers

Objective To assess the effects of different application sequences of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet(Nd∶YAG)laser and the desensitizing toothpaste containing stannous fluoride on dentinal tubule occlusion.Methods Twelve intact third molars freshly extracted from human were selected and prepared into dentin slices with a thickness of 0.8 mm.Each dentin slice was subdivided into four small slices,three of which were etched with 6% citric acid and randomly assigned to the following three groups(n=12):(1)control group:no treatment;(2)Nd∶YAG+toothbrushing(TB)group:first irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser and then brushed with desensitizing toothpaste;(3)TB+Nd∶YAG group:first brushed with desensitizing toothpaste and then irradiated with Nd∶YAG laser.The Nd∶YAG laser irradiation were carried out at 1 W,15 pulses/s,and the pulse width of 150 μs for 10 s(for a total of 6 cycles).After the above treatment,the 12 dentin slices from the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were randomly assigned to four subgroups(n=3)and subjected to acid etching in the Coca-Cola solution for 0,5,10,and 15 min.A scanning electron microscope was used to observe and photograph the dentin slices in each group,and eight single-blinded examiners scored the slices according to uniform criteria.The analysis of variance was carried out to compared the scores between groups.Results Before acid etching,the dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB and TB+Nd∶YAG groups were(4.83±0.09) scores and(3.85±0.66) scores,respectively,which had no significant difference between each other(P=0.0590)and were higher than that[(0.10±0.07)scores]of the control group(both P<0.0001).The dentin tubule occlusion scores of the Nd∶YAG+TB group after acid etching for 5,10,and 15 min were(4.33±0.60)scores,(4.27±0.24)scores,and(3.63±0.07)scores,respectively,which were not significantly different from those[(4.04±0.10)scores,(3.76±0.59)scores,and(3.17±0.29)scores,respectively]of the TB+Nd∶YAG group(all P>0.05).In the Nd∶YAG+TB subgroup,the dentin tubule occlusion score after acid etching for 15 min was significantly lower than that before acid etching(P=0.0011).In the TB+Nd∶YAG group,there was no statistically significant difference in the score between before and after acid etching(P>0.05).Conclusions Nd∶YAG laser irradiation with appropriate parameters combined with the use of desensitizing toothpaste could produce an excellent occluding effect on dentinal tubules regardless of the sequence.However,brushing with desensitizing toothpaste followed by Nd∶YAG laser irradiation produced more consistent dentin sealing after acid etching.
Humans ; Dentin ; Dentin Sensitivity/therapy* ; Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use* ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Toothpastes/pharmacology*

The aim of this study was to explore the optimal timing of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients presenting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the perioperative and postoperative outcome data of 1212 patients who underwent HoLEP in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (Shanghai, China) between January 2009 and December 2018. According to the preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), all patients whom we analyzed were divided into Group A (IPSS of 8-18) and Group B (IPSS of 19-35). Peri- and postoperative outcome data were obtained during the 1-year follow-up. IPSS changes were the main postoperative outcomes. The postoperative IPSS, quality of life, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual, and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) improved significantly. The IPSS improved further in the group with severe LUTS symptoms, but the postoperative IPSS was still higher than that in the moderate LUTS group. OABSSs showing moderate and severe cases after follow-up were more frequent in Group B (9.1%) than in Group A (5.2%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in the intraoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists or hospitalization expense scores, and the medication costs, as well as the total costs, were significantly higher in Group B. In this retrospective study, HoLEP was an effective treatment for symptomatic BPH. For patients with LUTS, earlier surgery in patients with moderate severity may result in a marginally better 12-month IPSS than that in men with severe symptoms.
Male ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Holmium ; Quality of Life ; China ; Treatment Outcome ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/surgery* ; Laser Therapy ; Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical effect of Er:YAG laser combined with ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) on three-walled periodontal intrabony defects adjacent to implant sites. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with three-walled periodontal intrabony defects adjacent to implant sites were treated with the combination therapy. Patients with three-walled intrabony defects were divided into two groups according to the depth of the intrabony pocket between the implant and natural teeth. Evaluation of wound healing was performed 10 days after the operation, and bone augmentation was evaluated 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: Primary healing in group 1 was 92.31%, primary healing in group 2 was 82.35%. No significant difference was observed between the two groups ( CONCLUSIONS The effect of bone augmentation with combination therapy was more ideal in group 2 than in group 1. Implant placement with combination therapy may be a viable technique to reconstruct three-walled intrabony defects due to the space maintenance provided by implants and bone grafts and the good root surface biocompatibility provided by the Er:YAG laser and EDTA.
Acetic Acid ; Alveolar Bone Loss ; Dental Implants ; Ethylenediamines ; Follow-Up Studies ; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State ; Periodontal Attachment Loss ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: To evaluate the safety and clinical efficiency of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in the treatment of small-volume BPH (SBPH) complicated by severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 82 cases of SBPH with severe LUTS treated by HoLEP from January 2017 to December 2018. The patients were aged (65.5 ± 7.6) years, with a mean prostate volume of <40 ml, a total IPSS of 24.8 ± 4.6, a QOL score of 5.2 ± 0.8, the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) of (7.6 ± 3.7) ml/s, and a mean PSA level of (1.8 ± 1.4) μg/L. RESULTS: All the operations were successfully completed, the mean operation time averaging (30.2 ± 5.0) min, enucleation time (26.7 ± 5.6) min and comminution time (3.5 ± 1.1) min, and the enucleated tissue weighing (20.3 ± 4.9) g. After surgery, the bladders were irrigated for (3.5 ± 1.9) h, with (3.0 ± 1.7) L of rinse solution, and catheterization lasted (24.8 ± 9.7) h. Histopathology revealed moderate or severe lymphocytic infiltration in 69 cases (84.1%). At 6 months after operation, significant improvement was observed in the IPSS, QOL, Qmax and PSA level compared with the baseline (P < 0.05). To date, no urethral stricture-related reoperation was ever necessitated. CONCLUSIONS HoLEP is safe and effective for the treatment of SBPH complicated by severe LUTS and can be employed after adequate preoperative evaluation of the patient.《.
Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/surgery* ; Male ; Prostate/surgery* ; Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery* ; Quality of Life ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anti-caries effect and safety of Er:YAG laser combined with fluoride and methylene blue-photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT). METHODS: A total of 28 rat dental caries models were established and randomly divided into seven groups: photodynamic therapy (PDT) group, laser combined with fluoride group, laser group, sodium fluoride group, and 0.9% saline control group. Spectrophotometric optical density was used to reflect the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Laser-induced fluorescence diagnostic (LF) instrument was utilized to detect the demineralization degree of dental caries. Histopathological sections were employed to observe the damage of dental pulp and buccal mucosa. RESULTS: The optical density (OD) value of the PDT and combination groups was significantly lower than that of other treatment groups (P<0.05). An increase in LF value and demineralization occurred in varying degrees with different treatment methods. Histopathological observation showed that pulp and buccal mucosa injury was more obvious in the combination group of 70 mw·cm⁻² and Er:YAG laser group compared with other groups. CONCLUSIONS Under the same parameters, the combined group and PDT have good germicidal efficacy, but PDT has fewer adverse reactions and less damage. It is an effective and safe method for caries prevention.
Cariostatic Agents ; Dental Caries/prevention & control* ; Fluorides ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Lasers, Solid-State ; Methylene Blue ; Photochemotherapy

Holmium laser lithotripsy (HLL) is one of the common surgical methods for urolithiasis. It causes minor surgical trauma, but complications are not rare. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment of sepsis is common, but venoarterial (VA)-ECMO treatment of urosepsis has not been reported yet. In this article, we reported a 67-year-old female patient with refractory septic shock caused by HLL under percutaneous nephroscope, involving breathing, heart, kidney and other organs, and organs support treatment was ineffective for the patient. Finally, we successfully treated the patient under VA-ECMO with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Combined ECMO and CRRT may provide a solution for addressing refractory sepsis. Here we present the case and review relevant literature, so as to provide a treatment strategy for patients with refractory urogenic sepsis and to reduce the mortality rate.
Aged ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation/methods* ; Female ; Humans ; Lasers, Solid-State/adverse effects* ; Lithotripsy, Laser/methods* ; Postoperative Complications/therapy* ; Renal Replacement Therapy/methods* ; Shock, Septic/therapy* ; Treatment Outcome ; Urinary Tract Infections/therapy* ; Urolithiasis/surgery*

Objective: To investigate the advantages and disadvantages of point electro-cauterization (PEC) and holmium laser cauterization (HLC) in the treatment of post-ejaculation hematuria. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2018, 73 patients with post-ejaculation hematuria, aged 24－63 (36.8 ± 4.2) years, underwent PEC (n = 35) or HLC (n = 38) after failure to respond to 3 months of conservative treatment. We compared the hospital days, total hospitalization expenses, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), average urinary flow rate (Qavg), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) score, postoperative duration of hematuria, and recurrence rate at 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: All the patients experienced first ejaculation but no post-ejaculation hematuria at 1 month after operation. The recurrence rates were lower in the PEC than in the HLC group at 3 months (5.71% vs 2.63%, P > 0.05) and 6 months postoperatively (8.57% vs 5.26%, P > 0.05). Compared with the baseline, the Qmax was decreased from (18.56 ± 2.53) ml/s to (13.68 ± 3.31) ml/s (P < 0.05) and the Qavg from (14.35 ± 2.26) ml/s to (9.69±1.84) ml/s in the PEC group at 1 month after surgery (P < 0.01), but neither showed any statistically significant difference in the HLC group. Mild to moderate anxiety was prevalent in the patients preoperatively, particularly in those without job or regular income and those with a long disease course or frequent onset, the severity of which was not correlated with age, education or marital status. The HAMA score was decreased from18.65 ± 4.33 before to 12.35 ± 3.63 after surgery in the PEC group (P < 0.01), and from 16.88 ± 2.11 to 6.87 ± 4.36 in the HLC group (P < 0.01). The mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the former than in the latter group (［5.2 + 1.3］ vs ［3.4 ± 0.5］ d, P < 0.01), while the total cost markedly lower (［6.35 ± 1.20］ vs ［12.72 ± 2.15］ thousand RMB ¥, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both PEC and HLC are safe and effective for the treatment of post-ejaculation hematuria, with no significant difference in the recurrence rate at 3 and 6 months after operation, but their long-term effect needs further follow-up studies. PEC may increase the risk of negative outcomes of the postoperative urinary flow rate, while HLC has the advantages of better relieving the patient's anxiety, sooner discharge from hospital and earlier recovery from postoperative hematuria, though with a higher total cost than the former.
Adult ; Cautery ; Ejaculation ; Hematuria/surgery* ; Holmium ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

INTRODUCTION: Pigmented contact dermatitis (PCD) is characterized by non-eczematous pigmentation associated with contact sensitizers, usually without any active or preceding pruritus and erythema. PCD was first described by Riehl, who identified patients with brown to gray facial pigmentation concentrated on the face most commonly associated with sensitizing chemical such as cosmetics, fragrances, and textiles. CASE REPORT: This is a case of a 48-year-old female Filipino who presents with blue-grey to brown patches on the forehead of 1-year duration with no significant pathologic history. Clinical examination, dermoscopy and histology were consistent with a variant of pigmented contact dermatitis known as Riehl melanosis. Since anamnesis was unremarkable, patch testing was done to identify the contact allergen triggering the symptom. Results obtained a positive reaction to nickel, potassium dichromate, and textile dye. CONCLUSION:Treatment includes the elimination of trigger factors, hence the importance of patch testing in the investigation of its cause. Alongside adequate photoprotection, a combination treatment of 1,064 nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, 20% tricholoacetic acid (TCA) peel and oral retinoids, were found safe and effective in the management of facial melanosis. Three-dimensional imaging and dermoscopy were utilized to obtain a more standard and objective pre- and post-treatment comparison.
Lasers, Solid-State ; Patch Tests ; Melanosis ; Skin Abnormalities ; Dermatitis, Contact

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pars plana posterior capsulectomy (PPPC) during phacovitrectomy. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 76 patients (76 eyes) who underwent phacovitrectomy were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether PPPC was performed during phacovitrectomy. In group A, PPPC using a vitreous cutter was combined with phacovitrectomy; in group B, only phacovitrectomy was performed. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), predicted and actual refractive errors, adverse events, and posterior capsular opacity (PCO) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Age, sex, and pre- and postoperative BCVA were not significantly different between group A (n = 37) and group B (n = 39). No intraoperative complications were identified in either group. In group A, the actual refraction (postoperative 2 months) was −0.44 ± 0.88 diopters (D) and a mild hyperopic shift was found compared to the preoperative predicted refraction (−0.56 ± 0.40 D). In group B, the actual refraction was −0.70 ± 0.72 D and a mild myopic shift was found compared to the preoperative predicted refraction (−0.60 ± 0.81 D). The difference in refraction shifts between the two groups was not significant but very close to it (p = 0.050). In group A, yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy was not required. However, PCO was observed in 10 eyes in group B, 6 of which subsequently underwent YAG laser posterior capsulotomy at the last follow-up. Lens instability such as dislocation or subluxations was not observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: PPPC combined with phacovitrectomy may lead to hyperopic refractive changes. However, this was a safe and effective approach to prevent PCO and additional YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.
Capsule Opacification ; Dislocations ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Intraoperative Complications ; Lasers, Solid-State ; Phacoemulsification ; Posterior Capsulotomy ; Refractive Errors ; Retrospective Studies ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy