Lasers in Medical Science最新文献

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common oral ulcer, causing pain, impaired function, and reduced quality of life. Conventional treatments offer only partial relief and frequent recurrence. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of LLLT in minor recurrent aphthous ulcers (mRAU). A systematic search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed up to January 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LLLT with sham laser or conventional medication were included. Pain relief was the primary outcome; healing time, ulcer size, and functional recovery were secondary outcomes. Meta-analyses, subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. Twenty-one RCTs involving 810 patients were analyzed. LLLT significantly reduced pain immediately and at days 1-3, with stronger effects in split-mouth designs, sham-controlled groups, and single-session trials. Healing time was also significantly shortened. No consistent benefits were observed for ulcer size or functional recovery. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robust results despite heterogeneity. Several studies applied CO₂laser at low power and short exposure, classified as "quasi-low intensity laser therapy.". LLLT is effective in reducing pain and accelerating healing in mRAU, and a single session may be clinically adequate. However, its impact on ulcer size and functional recovery remain unclear. Well-designed RCTs with standardized protocols and sham controls are needed.

Peri-implantitis is one of the most important complications related to dental implants, and there is still no consensus about a protocol for treatment. This study aimed to compare an antimicrobial photodynamic therapy protocol using methylene blue or toluidine blue O, and the efficacy of these two dyes without light activation against human oral biofilm associated with peri-implantitis. Twenty-four dental implants (Classic-CI^®, Systhex Dental Implants) were divided into six groups (n = 4): NC - sterile implants (negative control); PC - contaminated implants (positive control); MB - contaminated implants, decontaminated with methylene blue (0.01%, 1 min); aPDT MB - contaminated implants, decontaminated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (MB + red laser); TBO - contaminated implants, decontaminated with toluidine blue O (0.01%, 1 min); aPDT TBO - contaminated implants, decontaminated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (TBO + red laser). Microbiologic analysis was performed by counting the colony-forming units (CFUs). Statistical analysis used One-way ANOVA test and Tukey post-test to compare the experimental groups, with a significant level of 5%. Both groups treated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy were similarly effective against the biofilm, compared to group C (p < 0.001). Dyes alone were similar (p = 0.518) and had no antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial photodynamic therapy protocol was effective in implant decontamination in vitro regardless of the photosensitizer used, and the dyes without light activation do not seem to be an indicated method for this purpose.

Purpose: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that significantly impacts global health. This study aims to comprehensively analyze global trends and research hotspots in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for computed tomography (CT) detection of COPD.  METHODS: Publications related to AI applications for CT detection in COPD from 2012 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package "bibliometrix".

Result: The field has experienced publications growth, with 189 publications and an annual growth rate of 37.83%. The United States led with 53 publications, followed by China (51) and Germany (13). The University of Iowa was the most prolific institution (69), followed by Harvard University (47) and Brigham and Women's Hospital (37). Hoffman Eric A. is the most prolific author with 16 publications, and journals such as Scientific Reports and Radiology were key contributors to the field. Emerging topics included "quantitative imaging", "low dose CT", "pulmonary disease", "body mass index", "subpopulations", and "prevalence", suggested growing interest in comprehensive patient assessment and population studies.  CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of research on AI applications for CT detection of COPD from 2012 to 2024, identifying key contributors, research hotspots, and emerging trends. Future research should focus on differentiating COPD from other lung diseases or COPD subpopulations for personalized treatment.

Clinical trial number: not applicable.

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength of four different bioactive restorative materials to dentin prepared using either a high-speed bur or Er, Cr: YSGG laser. A total of 120 extracted human molars were divided into two groups (n = 60) based on dentin surface preparation: high-speed diamond bur or Er,Cr:YSGG laser (3 W, 20 Hz, 70% H₂O, 60% air). Each group was further divided into four subgroups (n = 15) according to the restorative material: Group I-glass hybrid (EQUIA Forte HT), Group II-bioactive resin composite (Activa BioActive-Restorative), Group III-giomer (Beautifil II), and Group IV-alkasite (Cention Forte). Materials were applied per manufacturers' instructions using a standardized Teflon mold system. After 24 h, shear bond strength was tested with a universal testing machine at 1.0 mm/min. One sample per group was examined under SEM to assess the resin-dentin interface. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Games Howell post hoc test (p < 0.05). Group IV showed the highest bond strength in both surface treatments, while Group I had the lowest (p < 0.05). In Group II, laser treatment resulted in a statistically significant reduction in bond strength compared to bur-prepared surfaces (p < 0.05), whereas surface preparation had no significant effect on the bond strength of the remaining groups. Adhesive failures were most common, though cohesive failures were more frequent in Group II-Bur and Group I-Laser. The bonding performance of bioactive restorative materials was influenced by both their composition and the dentin surface preparation method. Cention Forte showed the most reliable adhesion on both bur- and laser-prepared dentin, whereas EQUIA Forte HT exhibited lower bonding performance.

While fractional CO₂ laser and concentrated growth factor (CGF) have been individually applied in scar management, their combined therapeutic potential remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of fractional CO₂ laser combined with CGF in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model, with a focus on inflammatory modulation and collagen remodeling. Hypertrophic scars were induced on both ears of six rabbits. The scars were divided into three groups: combined CO₂ laser + CGF, CO₂ laser + saline, and untreated control. Scar tissues were assessed via macroscopic observation, H&E staining, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry for CD34, IL-6, and TGF-β1. The combined treatment group exhibited significantly improved scar appearance, collagen organization, and reduced microvessel density compared to both the laser-only and control groups. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a marked downregulation of IL-6 and TGF-β1 in the combined group, indicating enhanced anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects. The combination of fractional CO₂ laser and CGF synergistically promotes scar regression through dual mechanisms of physical ablation and biological regulation. This approach represents a promising strategy for enhancing scar treatment outcomes, with potential for clinical translation.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by intense, short-lasting pain, triggered by dentin exposure to different stimuli. It is often associated with hypomineralized teeth due to increased enamel porosity and exposed dentinal tubules. The high-power Er: YAG laser has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of this condition. The aim of this in vitro study was to test different protocols for managing dentin hypersensitivity in hypomineralized teeth using a high-power Er: YAG laser. Six protocols were evaluated, varying in power, frequency, application mode, and the use of cooling. Qualitative analysis of morphological changes were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further, the most promising protocol - 20 mJ, 10 Hz, 0.20 watts, applied in focused mode, without cooling - was selected for assessing intrapulpal temperature variation using thermocouples connected to a monitoring system. The SEM images showed that this protocol promoted homogeneous surface melting of dentin, effectively sealing the dentinal tubules without inducing a thermal increase greater than 2 °C. These findings support the feasibility of using the Er: YAG laser with conservative parameters and no cooling as a safe and effective alternative for the management of DH in hypomineralized teeth. However, clinical trials are recommended to validate its applicability in pediatric dentistry.

This study is aimed to explore the direct effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) at different wavelengths on lymphatic motility int healthy individuals. The goal was to identify the most effective protocol and assess the potential application of LLLT in managing lymphedema. The study included 32 healthy participants (12 males, and 20 females), divided into two groups. Each participant underwent a single session of unilateral upper extremity manual lymphatic drainage (UE MLD), followed by two types of LLLT applied to the ipsilateral axilla region to promote lymphatic drainage. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was used during each treatment session to evaluate the immediate effect of LLLT on lymphatic motility. Additionally, extracellular fluid (ECF) and local tissue water level were assessed before and after the intervention using multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) and tissue dielectric constant (TDC). The overall reduction in body water content post-intervention was observed across multiple areas in both groups but without consistent statistical significance between groups. After UE MLD, the number of lymph packets significantly increased in both groups (Group A: from 3.20 ± 0.76 to 6.00 ± 1.38; Group B: from 2.80 ± 0.95 to 5.38 ± 1.44). However, during LLLT, the lymph packet count decreased significantly (Group A: to 1.73 ± 0.51; Group B: to 1.96 ± 0.67). Linear mixed model analysis showed that LLLT was associated with a reduction in lymph packet velocity (Estimate = - 1.22, 95% CI: - 2.08 to - 0.36, p = 0.006) and count (Estimate = - 1.11, 95% CI: - 1.57 to - 0.66, p < 0.001), while UE MLD significantly increased packet count (Estimate = 2.73, 95% CI: 2.28 to 3.19, p < 0.001). No significant intergroup differences were observed in lymphatic motility. This study quantitatively assessed lymphatic motility and tissue water content following different types of LLLT in healthy individuals. The findings suggest the need for further clinical studies to evaluate the effect of various LLLT parameters in lymphedema patients.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

To evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) of muscular versus articular origin, drawing from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing pain reduction and improvement in mandibular function. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251029633). Comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library for articles published up to March 31, 2025. Eligible studies were RCTs examining PBM in patients with muscular or articular TMDs, reporting outcomes on pain (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]) and/or mandibular function (Maximum Mouth Opening [MMO]). Risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool, and meta-analyses employed random-effects models with subgroup analyses based on TMD subtype. Eighteen randomized controlled trials (n = 1038 participants) were included: 11 focused on muscular TMD, 4 on articular TMD, and 3 on mixed types. PBM demonstrated significant improvements in pain and mandibular function across all subtypes. Meta-analysis revealed consistent benefits for pain (SMD = - 0.84; 95% CI: -1.18 to - 0.51) and function (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.05). Trials involving articular TMD showed the most robust and homogeneous effects, suggesting greater PBM efficacy in intra-articular conditions. Photobiomodulation is an effective modality for the management of both muscular and articular TMDs. The data indicate superior and more consistent outcomes in articular presentations, potentially due to PBM's anti-inflammatory properties. These findings support the implementation of subtype-specific PBM protocols in clinical practice.

Combined nevi are defined as the presence of 2 or more melanocytic cell groups within one lesion. They now refer to all cases of combinations of benign melanocytic nevus, including nevus cell nevi, Spitz nevi, and other melanocytic tumors, as well as blue nevi. In previous reports, treatment options for combined nevus primarily include surgical excision, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and combination therapy. However, there are no established guidelines for selecting the most appropriate treatment. A treatment for a combined nevus should be selected based on the histopathological structure of the combined nevus. On the other hand, laser therapy for combined nevi affects only blue nevus with melanocytosis and nevus spilus. Considering this background, we devise a treatment flowchart for a combined nevus against a blue nevus background. And we adapted this flowchart to two cases of combined nevus and underwent a combination therapy of excision and laser treatment, and neither case appeared to have any complications(e.g., postoperative hyperpigmentation, ectropion) and didn't recur. The combination therapy of surgical excision and laser treatment is one of the best treatments for combined nevus, considering the cosmetic aspect. We propose a treatment selection flowchart for combined nevus against a blue nevus background.

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs) are increasingly recognized for their regenerative properties, particularly in the context of pulp regeneration. Among the various treatment's diode laser irradiation, has gained more attention for its potential to promote stem cell differentiation, particularly osteogenic differentiation. To evaluate the effect of diode laser irradiation on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. A comprehensive search was performed between January 2025 to June 2025 across five databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACA, Google scholar and ScienceDirect. Only in vitro studies that assessed cellular or osteogenic differentiation of DMSCS were included. The risk of bias for was assessed using the QUIN tool. A total of 21 studies were included in the review, encompassing various DMSC types, The studies explored a range of diode laser wavelengths (420-980 nm) and energy densities. Findings indicate that diode laser irradiation, particularly at wavelengths of 660 nm, 810 nm, and 980 nm, promotes osteogenic differentiation by enhancing the expression of osteogenic markers such as RUNX2, ALP, and OCN. The effect of diode laser irradiation on stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation was found to be dose-dependent, with lower energy densities promoting proliferation and higher energy densities favoring differentiation. Diode laser irradiation at wavelengths of 660 nm, 810 nm, and 980 nm demonstrates potential for enhancing osteogenic differentiation of DMSCs. However, variability in laser parameters led to inconsistencies in the results, and no consensus could be reached regarding the optimal laser settings for maximum differentiation efficiency.