Lasers in Medical Science最新文献

This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of transurethral blue laser prostate vaporization (BVP) for elderly patients (≥80 years) with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on clinical outcomes, recovery, and complications. A retrospective analysis was performed on 157 BPH patients aged ≥ 80 years who underwent BVP at a single center between May 2023 and May 2025. The patients' general condition was assessed through comorbidities and concurrent surgeries, postoperative outcomes were evaluated through the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and surgical safety was evaluated based on operative time and postoperative blood tests. The mean age was 83.97 ± 3.63 years, with an average prostate volume of 63.34 ± 34.95 ml. Patients had an average of 2.5 comorbidities, and 26.1% required additional surgical interventions. The average procedure time was 28.2 ± 12.1 min, with a median hospital stay of 9 days. Postoperative IPSS scores decreased significantly to 4.3 ± 3.5. Mild red blood cell loss (hemoglobin decreased by 6.1%, p < 0.001) and a significant inflammatory response (neutrophils increased by 26.5%, p < 0.001) were observed, but no transfusion was needed. Transurethral blue laser prostate vaporization is a safe and effective option for elderly BPH patients with multiple comorbidities, offering significant symptom improvement with minimal postoperative complications.

Vocal fatigue (VF) is a significant occupational burden for professional voice users, such as teachers, for whom rapid and effective interventions remain limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a noninvasive therapy that uses low-intensity light to mitigate inflammation and promote tissue repair, is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this study, we investigated the immediate effects of a single PBM session on key acoustic and respiratory parameters in female teachers with VF. In this single-arm, pre-post clinical trial, we enrolled 41 female primary school teachers (age range: 28-40 years) with symptoms of vocal fatigue classified as mild (n = 19), moderate (n = 18), or severe (n = 4). A single 5-minute PBM session was administered to the laryngeal region using a light-emitting diode (LED) device delivering 1 W of optical power across two wavelengths (640 and 940 nm). Acoustic parameters (jitter, shimmer, and connected speech frequency) and respiratory capacity were measured before and immediately after the intervention. In the severe subgroup, jitter decreased (p = 0.005) and mean autocorrelation increased (p = 0.024), while connected speech (p = 0.056) and respiratory capacity (p = 0.058) showed trends toward improvement. In the moderate subgroup, peak flow increased (p = 0.002). No meaningful changes were observed in the mild subgroup. A single session of photobiomodulation therapy resulted in immediate and significant improvements in vocal quality and respiratory function, particularly in teachers with severe vocal fatigue. These findings position PBM as a promising non-invasive tool for rapid vocal rehabilitation in individuals with pronounced phonatory deficits. However, these findings should be interpreted in consideration of several limitations, including the small sample size, particularly in the severe subgroup, the absence of a control group, and the short, immediate follow-up period. The uneven distribution of participants across severity levels may also limit generalizability. Despite these constraints, the pronounced improvement observed in the severe vocal-fatigue subgroup underscores the clinical relevance of PBM as a rapid, non-invasive option for individuals with substantial phonatory impairment.

LED photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is widely recognized for its beneficial effects in several clinical conditions; however, its potential in modulating vascular function is not yet fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the application of PBMT by LED (light-emittion diode) using a combined red and near-infrared light spectrum, with a focus on improving the vascular function of the radial artery in vitro. A total of 40 radial artery segments were studied and divided into Four groups of 10 segments, including the control (C), red (R), infrared (IR), and combined red + infrared (R + IR). Prior to light irradiation at wavelengths of 650 nm and 940 nm, vascular function in these segments was pharmacologically inhibited using L-NAME. The drugs phenylephrine, acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside were used to determine if irradiation could restore the inhibited vascular functions. Superoxide anion levels, an important reactive oxygen specie (ROS), were measured using a chemiluminescence assay with lucigenin. The bioavailability of nitric oxide was evaluated using a Griess Reagent Kit assay. The vascular inflammation was determined by the Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression. The results indicate that combined PBMT improved vascular function compared to PBMT with isolated light spectra, promoting greater vascular relaxation by increasing nitric oxide by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and decreasing the superoxide anion production. Additionally, the combined light spectrum and the red spectrum decreased the ICAM-1 expression. Combined spectrum LED photobiomodulation therapy improves vascular function by promoting vasodilation, reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and attenuating inflammatory responses.

Eyelid laxity is a visible sign of aging that can significantly affect appearance and comfort; however, many patients remain reluctant to undergo surgical blepharoplasty. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) offers a non-invasive alternative. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 0.25 cm² monopolar RF tip for upper eyelid tightening in Asians. Fourteen subjects received a single session of treatment with a 0.25 cm² tip monopolar RF device. Multiple passes were applied to the upper eyelid and lateral orbital regions. Topical anesthesia was applied 30 min before treatment, and a protective plastic contact lens was used during the procedure. Standardized digital photography, physician assessments, and patient-reported outcomes were obtained at each visit. All subjects demonstrated clinical improvement. At 2 months, 73% of patients reported more than 50% improvement in eyelid tightening, increasing to 86% at 6 months. Physician Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) ratings corresponded to "much improved" at both time-points. Mid-pupillary brow elevation increased by 1.18 mm at 2 months and 1.45 mm at 6 months. Lateral canthal brow elevation increased by 1.23 mm and 1.21 mm, respectively. Superior palpebral crease elevation improved by 0.54 mm and 0.41 mm, while the eyebrow angle decreased by - 4.12° and - 5.67°, indicating a more elevated brow contour. No adverse events were observed. In conclusion, monopolar RF treatment with a 0.25 cm² tip appears to be a safe and effective non-surgical option for upper eyelid tightening in Asians.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of the long-pulse 1064 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (LP1064 nm) laser and picosecond 755 nm alexandrite (P755 nm) laser with a diffractive lens array (DLA) in improving skin photoaging. This prospective, randomized, split-face trial was conducted between April 2024 and February 2025 at two centers. A total of 22 healthy volunteers with facial photoaging symptoms aged 30-65 years were enrolled. The full face was treated with the LP1064 nm laser, and one side was treated with the P755 nm laser with DLA for three sessions at 1-month intervals. Efficacy and safety were assessed before each treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. The primary outcome was the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score. A total of 21 patients completed the study. The combined treatment side demonstrated further improvement in GAIS scores compared with the monotherapy side at 3 (85.7% vs. 66.7%) and 6 months (66.7% vs. 57.1%). Significant changes in the facial regions were observed. Volumetric analysis using 3D assessment revealed that the combined treatment had a more pronounced effect on the nasolabial folds and suborbital areas. VISIA analysis found significantly improved pigmentation and pore size at 1 and 3 months after treatment. No adverse events were observed on either side during or after treatment period. The combination of the LP1064 nm and P755 nm lasers with DLA can enhance skin rejuvenation by addressing the structural and pigmentary aspects of photoaging. These preliminary findings support the safety and efficacy of this combination approach. Further studies are needed to optimize this approach.

To evaluate and compare the effect of 15, 20, 45 and 60 s of diode laser irradiation on the In Ovo Chick Embryo Yolk Sac Membrane (YSM) for Angiogenic differentiation. 15 fertile White Leghorn eggs incubated under controlled conditions were used in the study. Eggs were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 3) and exposed to 980 nm diode laser (0.7 W) for 15, 20, 45 and 60 s, with a control group receiving no irradiation. On day 10, the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) vasculature was imaged and analysed using IKOSA CAM assay software to quantify blood vessel branching. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. The mean values of vascular branching points, total vessel length, and vessel area showed statistically significant differences across all groups (p < 0.02, < 0.001, and < 0.04, respectively). Intergroup comparisons revealed significant increases in branching points for the 45-seconds (p < 0.04) and 60-seconds (p < 0.003) groups versus control, and between 15- and 60-seconds (p < 0.006), and 20- and 60-seconds (p < 0.02) groups. Total vessel length differed significantly between control and the 15-second (p < 0.02), 45-seconds (p < 0.001), and 60-second (p < 0.04) groups. For vessel area, a significant increase was noted in the 45-seconds group compared to control (p < 0.04). These results suggest that diode laser irradiation significantly enhances angiogenesis, with 45 s producing the most pronounced effect across all parameters. Diode laser irradiation enhances angiogenesis, with 45 s being the optimal exposure time for angiogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that highlight LLLT may accelerate healing and tissue repair, warranting further research for clinical applications.

The 808-nm wavelength laser has emerged as a promising non-invasive tool with significant therapeutic potential in various medical fields. This review highlights its biological mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory effects, tissue repair, and pain modulation. The laser inhibits the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10), an anti-inflammatory mediator that accelerates healing. The laser also activates the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway to stimulate collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity, enhancing tissue regeneration. Additionally, by promoting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, and improves neovascularization and tissue oxygenation as well. The modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channels, increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) pathways further support neuroprotection and cellular recovery. Importantly, recent insights suggest the laser's interaction with glial cells particularly astrocytes and microglia plays a critical role in managing neuro-inflammation and improving outcomes in neurological disorders such as hydrocephalus. The ability to influence cerebrospinal fluid regulation and enhance brain barrier permeability positions the 808-nm laser as a potential therapeutic option for improving life quality in affected individuals. Despite its potential, further clinical studies are required to validate and standardize its application across medical protocols.

This study compared conventional needle irrigation (CNI), shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS), EDDY sonic-powered irrigation, and the XP-endo Finisher for organic tissue removal in simulated internal root resorption (IRR) cavities using 2.5% and 5% NaOCl. One hundred and twenty single-rooted mandibular first premolars were instrumented, split longitudinally, and standardized semicircular IRR cavities were prepared in the canal walls. Bovine muscle tissue samples were weighed and adapted into the cavities. The reassembled root segments were divided into three irrigant groups (distilled water, 2.5% NaOCl, or 5% NaOCl) and four activation subgroups (CNI, SWEEPS, EDDY, and XP-endo Finisher) (n = 10 per group). A total of 7 mL of irrigant (3 mL NaOCl + 1 mL EDTA + 3 mL NaOCl) was applied with a total activation time of 2 min, the roots were disassembled, and tissue dissolution was assessed by calculating the difference between the initial and final tissue weights. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni Correction. Under laboratory conditions, the use of SWEEPS and XP-endo Finisher with 2.5% and 5% NaOCl resulted in higher tissue weight loss compared to CNI and EDDY (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between them (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between 2.5% and 5% NaOCl, with or without activation methods (p > 0.05). Complete removal of organic tissue could not be achieved with any of the techniques. SWEEPS technology and XP-endo Finisher demonstrated higher efficiency in removing organic tissue from IRR cavities compared with the CNI and EDDY systems.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) are localized aggressive necrotic bone complications occurring post-tooth avulsion in patients receiving bone antiresorptive agents. Photobiomodulation is used in the medical field for its ability to accelerate wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation in the prevention or management of MRONJ. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed across the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane, Lilacs, and Google Scholar. The review was registered on Prospero under the number CRD42024581951. A total of 947 articles were screened, from which 10 were included in this systematic review. For Group A, the 5 cohorts found a MRONJ incidence of 0,93% (IC[1,3%-3,4%]) at a mean follow-up of 15 months. For Group B, the 3 cohorts identified clinical improvement for all lesions, with complete healing rates reaching up to 91.67% (IC[54.57%-68.34%]). The 3 non-randomized studies found a significant difference favoring photobiomodulation for clinical improvement, but only 2 studies reported a significant difference for complete healing. The studies presented various clinical application protocols, yet converged on the use of a laser with a wavelength greater than 980 nanometers, continuous emission, single-point application, over 8 sessions, with a session duration of 5 min. No adverse effects were reported. Photobiomodulation may reduce the incidence of MRONJ following tooth avulsions, and could improve their treatment (decreasing treatment time and improving prognosis). Further randomized, double-blind, studies are necessary to consolidate these results.

Onychomycosis is a persistent nail infection often caused by dermatophytes or yeasts, with conventional treatments limited by long durations, poor compliance, and resistance. The long-pulsed Nd: YAG 1064 nm laser (NDYL) has emerged as a potential adjunct; however, its effects in combination with antifungals against yeast-related cases are unclear. This study examined the in vitro synergistic effect of NDYL with four antifungal agents-Ketoconazole (KET), Itraconazole (ITK), Voriconazole (VRC), and Terbinafine(TRB)-on clinical yeasts isolates from patients with onychomycosis. Yeast isolates were identified through ITS PCR sequencing. Susceptibility testing was conducted using the CLSI disk diffusion method (document M44-A2). Two experimental series-vital nail scrapings and cultured colonies-were exposed to standardized NDYL laser parameters. Antifungal activity was assessed by measuring inhibition zone diameters, and statistical comparisons were performed using paired t-tests. NDYL significantly enhanced antifungal activity, with the most pronounced effects observed for KET and ITC (p < 0.05). KET achieved up to 100% sensitivity improvement in nail scraping samples. VRC and TRB demonstrated moderate but consistent enhancements. Recorded irradiation temperatures remained below 42 °C, suggesting primarily non-thermal mechanisms. The relative frequencies of increased inhibition zone diameters in nail scrapings, yeast colonies, and combined datasets were: ITC (83.3%, 50.0%, 66.7%), VRC (66.7%, 50.0%, 58.3%), TRB (33.3%, 16.7%, 25.0%), and KET (100%, 66.7%, 83.3%). These findings support NDYL as a potential adjunctive tool for enhancing antifungal efficacy in yeast-associated onychomycosis. Further in vivo research is warranted to confirm clinical applicability and refine treatment protocols.