UNASSIGNED: To conduct a comparative analysis of the efficacy, safety, and impact on quality of life outcomes between thermal ablation and surgical interventions in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
UNASSIGNED: A prospective study was undertaken, enrolling patients with PTC ≤5mm who underwent radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), or surgery, for analysis of efficacy and safety outcomes. The Thyroid Cancer-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire was administered to all patients before treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment.
UNASSIGNED: A total of 162 eligible patients were included in the study. Major complications were not observed in the RFA and LA groups, while five cases were reported in the surgery group, although no statistically significant differences were observed. Minor complications were documented in two, three, and 14 patients in the RFA, LA, and surgery groups, respectively, with no significant variances noted. Surgical duration and hospitalization time were notably shorter in the thermal ablation groups. At the final follow-up, complete disappearance of nodules was seen in 71.4% of cases treated with RFA and 71.0% of cases managed with LA, with no significant disparities between the groups. Both RFA and LA exhibited similar effects on quality of life, with thermal ablation techniques showing better functional outcomes in comparison to surgery. Across all groups, adverse effects were most pronounced at the 3-month post-treatment mark but gradually reverted to baseline levels in the thermal ablation group, contrasting with the surgery group.
UNASSIGNED: For PTC ≤5mm, both RFA and LA exhibited similar cancer control outcomes and superior quality of life on par with surgery, while minimizing complications. These findings underscore the promise of RFA and LA as potential standard treatments for small PTCs, subject to further confirmation in future studies.

This study aimed to design a standardised bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation for the treatment of airway stenosis caused by tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation and to retrospectively analyse its safety and feasibility. We collected the data of patients who had undergone bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation due to airway stenosis caused by tracheal mucosal tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation. The patients\' baseline characteristics, ablation effects, surgical complications and other data were analysed. In total, 16 patients were enrolled in this study. On average, airway stenosis occurred 96.00 (interquartile range, 69.75-152.50) days after tracheal intubation and bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation took an average of 90.38 minutes (standard deviation: 16.78). After the first continuous cryoablation, 75.0% (12/16) of the patients had complete ablation of hyperplastic tissue, and 25.0% (4/16) had most of the hyperplastic tissue (>50%) removed. Altogether, 18.75% (3/16) and 6.25% (1/16) of the patients had complete ablation of hyperplastic tissue after the second and third cryoablation, respectively. Moreover, one patient (6.25%) had minimal wound bleeding postoperatively, and no other surgical complications occurred. No airway stenosis was found in all enrolled patients during follow-up 1 and 6 months after the last cryoablation. According to the above results of our small sample study indicated that bronchoscopic holmium laser ablation continuous cryoablation seems safe and effective for treating airway stenosis caused by tissue hyperplasia after tracheal intubation.

Elemental analysis at the single-cell level is an emerging technique in the field of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In comparison to the analysis of cell suspensions by fast time-resolved analysis, single-cell sampling by laser ablation (LA) allows the discriminatory analysis of single cells according to their size and morphology. In this study, we evaluated the changes in elemental contents in a single cell through differentiation of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma into neuron-like cells by LA-ICP-MS. The contents of seven essential minerals were increased about 2-3 times after the differentiation. In addition, we evaluated the degree of differentiation at the single-cell level by means of imaging cytometry after immunofluorescence staining of microtubule-associated protein 2 (Map2), a neuron-specific protein. The fluorescence intensities of Alexa Fluor 488-conjugated secondary antibody against the anti-Map2 primary antibody showed large variations among the cells after the onset of differentiation. Although the average fluorescence intensity was increased through the differentiation, there were still less-matured neuron-like cells that exhibited a lower fluorescence intensity after 5 days of differentiation. Since a positive correlation between the fluorescence intensity and the cell size in area was found, we separately measured the elemental contents in the less-matured smaller cells and well-matured larger cells by LA-ICP-MS. The larger cells had higher elemental contents than the smaller cells, indicating that the essential minerals are highly required at a later stage of differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRg-LITT) is a promising new technique to ablate epileptic foci in patients with hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). We aim to systematically synthesize all available evidence and determine the effectiveness of MRg-LITT in reducing seizures in patients with HH.
METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, and Google Scholar for all relevant articles. We used Open[Meta]Analyst to pool the number of seizure free patients after MRg-LITT treatment in a Random Effects model. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated, and subgroups were analyzed. Comprehensive Meta Analysis was used to assess publication bias via funnel plots, Egger\'s regression test and Begg\'s correlation test. This review complies with the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS: After screening the titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included seventeen articles in our meta-analysis, which revealed a 77.1% rate of seizure freedom (95% CI 0.696 to 0.837, p < 0.001), with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 49.46%). Subgroup analysis by study design and sensitivity analyses excluding one study at a time did not impact the results substantially, and we found no evidence of publication bias. Adverse effects included electrolyte imbalances, weight gain, and transient neurologic disturbances.
CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy might be a feasible and effective technique for ablation of epileptic foci, leading to seizure freedom in a large proportion of patients with hypothalamic hamartoma. However, there is a paucity of literature on the topic, and prospective clinical trials with larger number of participants, comparing MRg-LITT to open surgery, are needed.

Metallic nanoparticles have gained attention in technological fields, particularly photonics. The creation of silver/gold (Ag/Au) alloy NPs upon laser exposure of an assembly of these NPs was described. First, using the Nd: YAG pulsed laser ablation\'s second harmonic at the same average power and exposure time, Ag and Au NPs in distilled water were created individually. Next, the assembly of Ag and Au NP colloids was exposed again to the pulsed laser, and the effects were examined at different average powers and exposure times. Furthermore, Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles were synthesized with by raising the average power and exposure time. The absorption spectrum, average size, and shape of alloy NPs were obtained by using an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscope instrument. Ag/Au alloy NPs have been obtained in the limit of quantum dots (<10 nm). The optical band gap energies of the Ag/Au alloy colloidal solutions were assessed for different Ag/Au alloy NP concentrations and NP sizes as a function of the exposure time and average power. The experimental data showed a trend toward an increasing bandgap with decreasing nanoparticle size. The nonlinear optical characteristics of Ag/Au NPs were evaluated and measured by the Z-scan technique using high repetition rate (80 MHz), femtosecond (100 fs), and near-infrared (NIR) (750-850 nm) laser pulses. In open aperture (OA) Z-scan measurements, Ag, Au, and Ag/AuNPs present reverse saturation absorption (RSA) behavior, indicating a positive nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient. In the close-aperture (CA) measurements, the nonlinear refractive (NLR) indices (n2) of the Ag, Au, and Ag/Au NP samples were ascribed to the self-defocusing effect, indicating an effective negative nonlinearity for the nanoparticles. The NLA and NLR characteristics of the Ag/Au NPs colloids were found to be influenced by the incident power and excitation wavelength. The optical limiting (OL) effects of the Ag/Au alloy solution at various excitation wavelengths were studied. The OL effect of alloy NPs is greater than that of monometallic NPs. The Ag/Au bimetallic nanoparticles were found to be more suitable for optical-limiting applications.

BACKGROUND: One of the most debatable phlebology community\'s issue is the choice of the optimal tactics for endovenous varicose tributaries correction after truncal ablation. Which tactic will be most effective? There is practically no data concerning treatment tactics\' choice for varicose tributary depending on its diameter. Therefore, the comparison of staged versus one-stage treatment of varicose veins is relevant problem in modern phlebology. Research on this topic will make possible determination of advantages and potential disadvantages of the proposed tactics.
METHODS: The study included a prospective analysis of the combined treatment of 295 patients with primary varicose veins who underwent outpatient treatment.
RESULTS: Simultaneous EVLA of saphenous trunks and ligation (gentle phlebectomy) of visible large-diameter tributaries (6 mm or more) with staged sclerotherapy after a month, has significant potential benefits.
CONCLUSIONS: The use of staged varicose veins treatment minimizes the traumatic intervention and discomfort for the patient, while achieving satisfactory treatment results without affecting the quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of different thermal ablation and conventional surgery for the treatment of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma, using a systematic review including traditional pooling and Bayesian network meta-analysis.
METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases identified retrospective studies evaluating the tumor volume change after different thermal ablation or conventional surgery. Studies from the date of their inception to January 6, 2024, were included. A review of 4463 potential papers, including a full-text review of 23, identified 10 eligible papers covering a total of 2658 patients for meta-analysis. The tumor volume change over a 12-month follow-up was compared between different thermal ablations. Tumor diameter change, complications, recurrence, operation and hospitalization time were evaluated by network meta-analysis.
RESULTS: Based on the traditional frequentist approach, the overall pooled estimates for the standardized mean difference (SMD) in tumor volume change of radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation (LA), and microwave ablation (MWA) were 1.38 (95 % credibility interval (CI), 0.62-2.13), 1.94 (95%CI, 0.78-3.10) and 1.38 (95%CI, 1.01-1.75), respectively. Based on the Bayesian network meta-analysis, in examining the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) ranking, RFA (SUCRA, 76.6), MWA (SUCRA, 66.6), and LA (SUCRA, 39.8) were identified as the three interventions that were associated with the greatest reduction in risk for complications compared with conventional surgery (CS), with RFA (SUCRA, 76.6) being ranked as the highest in safety. MWA, SMD 4.43 [95%CI, 2.68-6.17], RFA SMD 4.24 [95 % CI, 1.66-6.82], and LA SMD 4.24 [95 % CI, 1.48-7.00] were associated with the shorter operation time compared with CS. LA SMD 4.61 [95 % CI, 1.79-7.44] and MWA SMD 3.07 [95 % CI, 1.32-4.83] were associated with the shorter hospitalization time compared with CS, with LA (SUCRA, 86.5) yielding the highest ranking. MWA was associated with a reduced risk for tumor recurrence RR 0.02 [95 % CI, -0.44-0.49], compared with CS.
CONCLUSIONS: We conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature on the effectiveness and safety of different thermal ablation techniques and conventional surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Important research gaps persist due to a lack of long-term data and high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

To understand the function of cells such as neurons within an organism, it can be instrumental to inhibit cellular function, or to remove the cell (type) from the organism, and thus to observe the consequences on organismic and/or circuit function and animal behavior. A range of approaches and tools were developed and used over the past few decades that act either constitutively or acutely and reversibly, in systemic or local fashion. These approaches make use of either drugs or genetically encoded tools. Also, there are acutely acting inhibitory tools that require an exogenous trigger like light. Here, we give an overview of such methods developed and used in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

Microneedles are an innovation in the field of medicine that have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery, diagnostics, and cosmetic treatments. This innovation provides a minimally invasive means to deliver drugs, vaccines, and other therapeutic substances into the skin. This research investigates the design and manufacture of customized microneedle arrays using laser ablation. Laser ablation was performed using an ytterbium laser on a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) substrate to create a mold for casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microneedles. An experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effect of process parameters including laser pulse power, pulse width, pulse repetition, interval between pulses, and laser profile on the desired geometry of the microneedles. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) model showed that lasing interval, laser power, and pulse width had the highest influence on the output metrics (diameter and height) of the microneedle. The microneedle dimensions showed an increase with higher pulse width and vice versa with an increase in pulse interval. A response surface model indicated that the laser pulse width and interval (independent variables) significantly affect the response diameter and height (dependent variable). A predictive model was generated to predict the microneedle topology and aspect ratio varying from 0.8 to 1.5 based on the variation in critical input process parameters. This research lays the foundation for the design and fabrication of customized microneedles based on variations in specific input parameters for therapeutic applications in dermal sensors, drug delivery, and vaccine delivery.

OBJECTIVE: Keloids cannot be effectively treated using monotherapy regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ablation (a novel needle-assisted electrocoagulation technique) combined with pharmacotherapy (corticosteroid and 5-fluorouracil [5-FU] injections) in removing keloids and to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms.
METHODS: The effects of energy consumption and duration of needle-assisted electrocoagulation on the ablation zone were tested in porcine liver tissue, which simulates human skin. The regulatory effects of ablation combined with pharmacotherapy on collagen deposition, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis were analyzed in a keloid-bearing nude mouse model in vivo. In a clinical trial involving six patients with keloids, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores were graded before treatment and 1 month after one cycle of ablation combined with corticosteroid and 5-FU therapy.
RESULTS: Higher energy consumption and longer duration of electrocoagulation resulted in a larger ablation zone and higher surface temperature. Ablation combined with pharmacotherapy significantly reduced keloid volume in nude mice, upregulated MMP-1 and MMP-3, downregulated COL I and COL III, and inhibited angiogenesis and proliferation. This combination also significantly reduced the VSS and POSAS scores in patients with keloids after treatment without any obvious adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that electroablation combined with pharmacotherapy effectively reduces keloid volume by inhibiting collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Thus, this novel combination may serve as a safe therapeutic approach for keloid removal.