scholarly journals Evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of photodynamic skin therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-196
Author(s):  
Larisa S. Kruglova ◽  
Sergey I. Surkichin ◽  
Natalya V. Griazeva ◽  
Lyudmila Sergeevna Kholupova ◽  
Roman Yuryevich Mayorov

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy is an innovative technique for non-invasive skin rejuvenation by stimulating neocollagenogenesis. AIMS: The aim of our study was to assess the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy on the skin using a wavelength of 660 nm, as a photosensitizer (PS) Spherometallochlorin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was divided into 2 stages. The first stage of the study involved 5 female laboratory rats. The first stage was divided into 2 substages: 1A the oral mucosa of 5 rats were irradiated for 30 minutes with 5 wavelengths of 660 nm (energy 100 J/cm2, power 100 mW/cm2). 1B FS Spherometallochlorin was applied to the skin of the back of rats after preliminary shaving in the form of 0.4% gel. Before applying the topical agent, after 15 minutes of exposure, after 30 minutes of exposure, after 45 minutes of exposure, in order to assess the penetration of the PS, a punch biopsy was taken in the area of application of the gel. The second stage of the study involved 15 female volunteers aged 21 to 65 years. At stage 2A, the skin behind the ear of 5 women was irradiated for 30 minutes at a wavelength of 660 nm (energy 100 J/cm2, power 100 mW/cm2) using a PS 0.4% gel containing Spherometallochlorin. Stage 2B evaluated the effectiveness of the effect of PDT procedures on the skin of 15 women. Skin condition was assessed using cutometry, corneometry, measurement of transepidermal water loss, and punch biopsy samples of the parotid skin (before and after the course of procedures), photographing and assessment of unwanted effects were also carried out. RESULTS: The histological picture before and after the study was similar. The preparation usually contained small fragments of the oral mucosa. The superficial squamous non-keratinizing epithelium was of normal morphology. On the surface of some fragments, hemorrhages (artifact of material sampling) were present. No inflammation, edema or hyperemia was observed in the underlying mucosa. Thus, no signs of inflammation or burns were found. CONCLUSION: The used radiation with a wavelength of 660 nm is completely safe, does not cause pathological changes in the skin. The course of PDT procedures is a safe, effective method causing remodeling of the dermis. PDT using 660 nm radiation and Spherometallochlorin as a PS can be recommended for use in practical health care.

2021 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Olejnik ◽  
Aleksandra Galarda ◽  
Joanna Goscianska

Background: Cannabis Sativa seed oil has become more and more popular in cosmetic industry mainly due to the high content of antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids that are desirable in formulations because they prevent moisture loss and reduce the occurrence of dry skin. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Cannabis Sativa seed oil on skin parameters such as hydration and transepidermal water loss. Methods: The in vivo tests on volunteers with combination skin were performed by using non-invasive methods by using corneometer and tewameter. Results: The obtained results proved that Cannabis Sativa seed oil improved skin condition. The transepidermal water loss decreased because the lipophilic components of the oil formulation tend to form an occlusive layer on the epidermis surface. The highest increase in skin hydration was observed after one week of treatment. Conclusion: These results confirmed that Cannabis Sativa seed oil has strong moisturizing properties and can be recommended as a natural based skin conditioning agent.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 859-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.P. Szczepanik ◽  
P.M. Wilkołek ◽  
Ł.R. Adamek ◽  
M. Pluta ◽  
M. Gołyński ◽  
...  

Abstract Non-invasive methods of skin condition assessment include, among others, the evaluation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the study was to examine whether TEWL values depend on horse breed. The study was conducted on four breeds: “Felin” ponies (FP) (n=16), Polish koniks (PK) (n=15), Polish cold-blooded horses (PcbH) (n=11) and Wielkopolska horses (WH) (n=12). It was found that horse breed influences TEWL values. In the neck region, statistically significant differences were found between PK and FP (p=0.006), and PK and WH (p=0.0005). In the lumbar region, there were statistically significant differences between FP and PK (p=0.0009), FP and PcbH (p=0.0016) as well as between PK and WH (p=0.000037), and PcbH and WH (p=0.0006). In the inguinal region statistically significant differences were found between FP and PK (p=0.0003), FP and PcbH (p=0.0005), PK and WH (p=0.009) and PcbH and WH (p=0.006). In the lip region statistically significant differences were observed between FP and PK (p=0.013) as well as between PK and PcbH (p=0.029) and PK and WH (p=0.009). In the examination of TEWL animal breed should be taken into consideration. The non-significant differences found in three of the examined body regions may suggest that these regions are the most adequate for TEWL assessment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Oksana K. Melekhovets ◽  
Tetyana O. Kharchenko ◽  
Victor F. Orlovskiy ◽  
Iuirii V. Melekhovets ◽  
Alevtina S. Radko ◽  
...  

Introduction: Trophic ulcers of the lower extremities are an unresolved problem of modern medicine. The treatment of this pathology requires new methods that optimize care regimens and improve patients’ quality of life. Aim: The study to improve efficacy of treatment of the patients with trophic ulcers of the lower limbs with consideration to pathogenesis. M aterials and Methods: The study included 32 patients with chronic venous disease C6 (1st group) and 31 with diabetes mellitus type 2, moderate severity, compensation stage with diabetic foot syndrome II stage according to Wagner’s classification (2nd group). In addition to basic therapy in both groups photodynamic therapy was added at the first stage of the study, and at the second stage plasma rich in growth factors was prescribed. Results: At baseline evaluating of the chronic venous disease demonstrates that a total score in patient of the 1st group was 20,9 points on a modified VCSS scale; after two weeks – 15,71 points (improvement by 24.83%), and 6 weeks after–9,72 points (improvement by 53.49%). In patients with DM (2nd group) at the baseline a total score average was 13,91 points according to S(AD)SAD-1 scale; after 2 weeks – 12,29 (improvement by 11,65%), after 6 weeks – 6,39 points (improvement by 54,06%). Conclusions: The inclusion of photodynamic therapy and plasmatherapy in complex therapy in both groups led to a significant improvement of the healing process and helps to reduce the depth and area of the wound surface. However, the wound healing in patients in group 2 was slower.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Pilotto ◽  
Maria Cristina Rizzetti ◽  
Alberto Lombardi ◽  
Clint Hansen ◽  
Michele Biggi ◽  
...  

AbstractThere are no effective treatments in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of theta burst repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on postural instability in PSP. Twenty PSP patients underwent a session of sham or real cerebellar rTMS in a crossover design. Before and after stimulation, static balance was evaluated with instrumented (lower back accelerometer, Rehagait®, Hasomed, Germany) 30-s trials in semitandem and tandem positions. In tandem and semitandem tasks, active stimulation was associated with increase in time without falls (both p=0.04). In the same tasks, device-extracted parameters revealed significant improvement in area (p=0.007), velocity (p=0.005), acceleration and jerkiness of sway (p=0.008) in real versus sham stimulation. Cerebellar rTMS showed a significant effect on stability in PSP patients, when assessed with mobile digital technology, in a double-blind design. These results should motivate larger and longer trials using non-invasive brain stimulation for PSP patients.


Author(s):  
Christine E Wamsley ◽  
Mikaela Kislevitz ◽  
Jennifer Barillas ◽  
Deniz Basci ◽  
Vishal Kandagatla ◽  
...  

Abstract Background While ablative techniques have been standard of care for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, microneedling is a minimally invasive alternative. Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of microneedling on facial and neck fine lines and wrinkles. Methods 35 subjects between 44 and 65 years old with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV received four monthly microneedling treatments over the face and neck. Subjects returned one and three months post-treatment. At every visit, high-resolution ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, transepidermal water loss and BTC-2000 were performed. 0.33mm microbiopsies were collected pre-treatment, before the fourth treatment and three months post-treatment. Results 32 subjects (93.75% female, 6.25% male) completed all seven visits. Facial dermal and epidermal density increased 101.86% and 19.28%, respectively from baseline at three months post-treatment. Facial elasticity increased 28.2% from baseline three months post-treatment. Facial attenuation coefficient increased 15.65% and 17.33% one and three months post-treatment. At study completion, blood flow 300µm deep decreased 25.8% in the face and 42.3% in the neck. Relative collagen type III and elastin gene expression was statistically higher three months post-treatment. However, total elastin protein levels unchanged compared to baseline. 58% of biopsies extracted three months post-treatment showed dermal muscle formation, compared to baseline 15.3%. Conclusions The results illustrate the effects of microneedling treatments. Non-invasive measurements and biopsy data showed changes in skin architecture and collagen/elastin gene expression suggesting skin rejuvenation, with new extracellular matrix production and muscle formation.


Author(s):  
Patrick Veit-Haibach ◽  
Martin W. Huellner ◽  
Martin Banyai ◽  
Sebastian Mafeld ◽  
Johannes Heverhagen ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was the assessment of volumetric CT perfusion (CTP) of the lower leg musculature in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) before and after interventional revascularisation. Methods Twenty-nine consecutive patients with symptomatic PAD of the lower extremities requiring interventional revascularisation were assessed prospectively. All patients underwent a CTP scan of the lower leg, and hemodynamic and angiographic assessment, before and after intervention. Ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) was determined. CTP parameters were calculated with a perfusion software, acting on a no outflow assumption. A sequential two-compartment model was used. Differences in CTP parameters were assessed with non-parametric tests. Results The cohort consisted of 24 subjects with an occlusion, and five with a high-grade stenosis. The mean blood flow before/after (BFpre and BFpost, respectively) was 7.42 ± 2.66 and 10.95 ± 6.64 ml/100 ml*min−1. The mean blood volume before/after (BVpre and BVpost, respectively) was 0.71 ± 0.35 and 1.25 ± 1.07 ml/100 ml. BFpost and BVpost were significantly higher than BFpre and BVpre in the treated limb (p = 0.003 and 0.02, respectively), but not in the untreated limb (p = 0.641 and 0.719, respectively). Conclusions CTP seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences in calf muscles before and after revascularisation in patients with symptomatic PAD. We could show that CTP parameters BF and BV are significantly increased after revascularisation of the symptomatic limb. In the future, this quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method for surveillance and therapy control of patients with peripheral arterial disease. Key Points • CTP imaging of the lower limb in patients with symptomatic PAD seems feasible for assessing hemodynamic differences before and after revascularisation in PAD patients. • This quantitative method might serve as a non-invasive method, for surveillance and therapy control of patients with PAD.


Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 298
Author(s):  
Miriam Truffa Giachet ◽  
Julie Schröter ◽  
Laura Brambilla

The application of varnishes on the surface of metal objects has been a very common practice since antiquity, both for protective and aesthetic purposes. One specific case concerns the use of tinted varnishes on copper alloys in order to mimic gilding. This practice, especially flourishing in the 19th century for scientific instruments, decorative objects, and liturgical items, results in large museum collections of varnished copper alloys that need to be preserved. One of the main challenges for conservators and restorers deals with the identification of the varnishes through non-invasive and affordable analytical techniques. We hereby present the experimental methodology developed in the framework of the LacCA and VERILOR projects at the Haute École ARC of Neuchâtel for the identification of gold varnishes on brass. After extensive documentary research and analytical campaigns on varnished museum objects, various historic shellac-based varnishes were created and applied by different methods on a range of brass substrates with different finishes. The samples were then characterized by UV imaging and infrared spectroscopy before and after artificial ageing. The comparative study of these two techniques was performed for different thicknesses of the same varnish and for different shellac grades in order to implement an identification methodology based on simple non-invasive examination and analytical tools, which are accessible to conservators.


Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 877 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neslihan Doğan-Sağlamtimur ◽  
Ahmet Bilgil ◽  
Magdalena Szechyńska-Hebda ◽  
Sławomir Parzych ◽  
Marek Hebda

Bottom ash (BA) is an industrial solid waste formed by the burning of coal. The environmental problems and storage costs caused by this waste increase with every passing day. In this study, the use of BA as an additive (clay substitute) in fired brick production was investigated. The study consisted of two stages. In the first stage, cylinder blocks were produced from clay used in brick production. The second stage was the examination of the experimental substitution of clay with 10, 20, 30 and 40% BA. Samples were fired at 900, 1000, 1100 and 1150 °C to produce fired brick samples. The unit weight, compressive strength (before and after freeze–thawing) and water absorption were analyzed for the samples. The unit weight values decreased in the samples containing BA. The mechanical properties met the conditions prescribed in the relevant standards; i.e., all of the samples fired at 1100 and 1150 °C had a sufficient compressive strength over 20 MPa. The high potential of fired bricks for the construction industry was proved. BA can be used as a clay substitute, while the developed protocol can be used to effectively produce fired bricks.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Coppolino ◽  
Adriano Carnevali ◽  
Valentina Gatti ◽  
Caterina Battaglia ◽  
Giorgio Randazzo ◽  
...  

AbstractIn chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients, intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is a complication that increases mortality risk. We run a pilot study to analyzing possible relationships between optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) metrics and IDH with the aim of evaluating if OCT-A could represent a useful tool to stratify the hypotensive risk in dialysis patients. A total of 35 eyes (35 patients) were analyzed. OCT-A was performed before and after a single dialysis session. We performed OCT-A 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm scanning area focused on the fovea centralis. Patients were then followed up to 30 days (10 HD sessions) and a total of 73 IDHs were recorded, with 12 patients (60%) experiencing at least one IDH. Different OCT-A parameters were reduced after dialysis: central choroid thickness (CCT), 6 × 6 mm foveal whole vessel density (VD) of superficial capillary plexus (SPC) and 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of deep capillary plexus (DCP). At logistic regression analysis, IDH was positively associated with baseline foveal VD of SCP and DCP, while an inverse association was found with the choroid. In Kaplan–Meier analyses of patients categorized according to the ROC-derived optimal thresholds, CCT, the 3 × 3 foveal VD of SCP, the 3 × 3 mm and 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of DCP and the 6 × 6 mm foveal VD of SCP were strongly associated with a higher risk of IDH over the 30-days follow-up. In HD patients, a single OCT-A measurement may represent a non-invasive, rapid tool to evaluate the compliance of vascular bed to HD stress and to stratify the risk of IDH in the short term.


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