High-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and ultrasound (US) are widely used for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but comparative efficacy data remain scarce. This study compared HILT and US as exercise adjuncts in patients with KOA. In this single-center, assessor-blinded RCT, 66 adults with KOA were randomized 1:1 to HILT or US twice weekly for 6 weeks as exercise adjuncts. The primary outcome was WOMAC total score change from baseline to 12 weeks post-treatment (minimum important change [MIC] = 10 points, applied as an approximation). Secondary outcomes included VAS, OKS, KOOS, and EQ-5D-5L. In ITT analysis (N = 66), the HILT group achieved a mean WOMAC reduction of 40.0 vs 8.2 points (adjusted between-group difference: -27.7 points, 95
Scarring caused by trauma, burns, surgery, and other dermal fibrotic conditions can lead to functional limitation and cosmetic distress. The comparative effectiveness of fractional laser therapy and microneedling for non-acne scars remains uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing fractional laser therapy with microneedling for non-acne scars and scar-like dermal fibrotic lesions. Following a PROSPERO-registered protocol and PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to May 2026 without language restrictions. Parallel-group and split-body randomized trials were eligible. Random-effects models were used to calculate standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) for dichotomous outcomes. Nine randomized controlled trials were included. Fractional laser therapy showed a statistically significant advantage over microneedling in scar scores (SMD = -0.99, 95
Periodontal diseases and temporomandibular disorders are characterized by chronic inflammation and progressive destruction of supporting tissues, leading to functional and aesthetic impairments. In this context, regenerative dentistry has increasingly focused on minimally invasive strategies capable of restoring tissue structure and function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as central elements of regenerative approaches due to their multilineage differentiation potential, immunomodulatory properties, and paracrine activity. Concurrently, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has gained relevance as a non-invasive modality capable of modulating cellular behavior, inflammation, and tissue repair. This scoping review synthesizes current evidence on the combined application of MSCs and light-based therapies, emphasizing how laser-mediated metabolic modulation influences MSC fate and regenerative outcomes. Overall, the findings demonstrate that PBM enhances MSC proliferation, viability, migration, and lineage-specific differentiation, osteogenic, chondrogenic, angiogenic, and adipogenic, in a wavelength-, energy-, and dose-dependent manner. Emerging evidence indicates that the mitochondrial function represents a critical mechanistic link between laser irradiation and MSC responses. Photobiomodulation modulates mitochondrial bioenergetics primarily through activation of cytochrome c oxidase, resulting in increased ATP production, controlled reactive oxygen species signaling, and regulation of key transcription factors such as RUNX2, Sox9, and PPARγ. These mitochondrial-mediated effects act as metabolic checkpoints that integrate microenvironmental cues with lineage commitment and tissue-specific regeneration. Collectively, the data support the concept that precise modulation of mitochondrial activity by PBM optimizes the regenerative potential of MSCs. A deeper understanding of the interplay between laser strategies and parameters, mitochondrial metabolism, MSC source, and the cellular microenvironment is essential for the development of safe, effective, and reproducible regenerative protocols in dentistry and regenerative medicine.
The high incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a big challenge in human medicine. Along with several available therapies, specific modalities, e.g., low-level laser irradiation (LLLI), have been introduced to achieve proper regenerative outcomes. Unfortunately, most studies have investigated the tumoricidal effects of LLLI on cancer cells using a 2D culture system with less comparable capacity to in vivo conditions. Here, the detrimental impacts of LLLI were studied in human CRC cells encapsulated inside alginate-gelatin (Alg-Gel) microspheres after 48 h. Alg (1
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignancy in Caucasians. Surgical excision is the gold standard for treating BCC; however, poorly defined borders often challenge complete removal. Therefore, there is a need for efficient imaging techniques to enable visual and quantitative evaluation of BCC tumor borders before and during surgery. In this study, we aimed to develop a mathematical algorithm for tumor border delineation using nonlinear optical microscopy. Two-photon excitation auto-fluorescence (2PEF) and second-harmonic generation (SHG) images were acquired from nodular, micronodular, and infiltrative BCC skin sections. Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis was executed on two-dimensional SHG images, to characterize the collagen fibre structure. Based on differences in the collagen fiber network between healthy tissue and the tumor microenvironment, a heatmap was generated to visualize the predicted tumor borders of BCC skin sections. Spatial grid resolution proved to be a critical parameter for FFT analysis, with the highest border delineation accuracy achieved using a unit cell size of 0.14 × 0.14 mm². Smaller unit cells led to the omission of small tumor nests, whereas larger unit cells reduced sensitivity by including normal anatomical structures, such as hair follicles, within the predicted tumor border.
Fungal infections caused by Candida albicans and Candida auris represent an increasing clinical challenge, particularly due to biofilm formation and rising antifungal resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has emerged as a potential alternative strategy, with phenothiazine-based photosensitizers being among the most extensively investigated compounds. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the application of phenothiazine-mediated aPDT in in vitro studies against C. albicans and C. auris. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including studies published within the last 10 years. Forty in vitro studies met the eligibility criteria and were synthesized descriptively due to substantial methodological heterogeneity. Overall, aPDT was associated with reductions in fungal viability, with generally greater effects reported in planktonic models compared with biofilms. Methylene blue was the most frequently investigated photosensitizer, applied across a broad range of concentrations and dosimetric parameters, resulting in variable antifungal responses. Other phenothiazine derivatives, including toluidine blue O, dimethyl methylene blue, new methylene blue, and S137, were also associated with antifungal activity under specific experimental conditions but remain comparatively underexplored. Studies involving C. auris were less frequent and suggested lower susceptibility compared with C. albicans, particularly in biofilm models. Given the substantial variability in experimental protocols, especially regarding photosensitizer concentration, light parameters, and biofilm maturation, the findings should be interpreted with caution and limit direct comparison across studies. These findings support the antifungal potential of phenothiazine-mediated aPDT while emphasizing the need for methodological standardization and expanded investigation of C. auris.
To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different cleaning protocols for removing AH Plus root canal sealer remnants from coronal dentine surfaces before adhesive restorative procedures using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Forty-nine dentine specimens prepared from extracted human molars were randomly allocated to seven groups according to the cleaning protocol: negative control, positive control, dry cotton pellet, ethanol with cotton pellet, ethanol followed by 37
Pro-Xylane is a potent anti-aging ingredient; however, there is limited knowledge regarding whether a comprehensive post-procedure regimen incorporating a combination of Pro-Xylane, niacinamide, and panthenol alongside other active agents can deliver synergistic benefits for both skin barrier repair and anti-aging. This study assesses the effectiveness of the REGENMEDIC cream (anti-aging cream) and REGENMEDIC serum (anti-aging serum) in promoting skin barrier recovery and enhancing anti-aging effects following PicoWay laser treatment. A 112-day randomized controlled trial was conducted with 88 Chinese females, who were divided into two groups: the test group, using REGENMEDIC cream and Serum following PicoWay laser treatment, and the control group, using standard care regimen consisting of a standard cream. Skin barrier-repairing effects were assessed during the initial 14 days following a single use of REGENMEDIC cream, while skin elasticity, firmness, wrinkles and skin tone were evaluated over the 112-day study period after the combined use of REGENMEDIC cream and Serum. The test group exhibited lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and higher hydration after 14 days compared to the control group, along with a more significant reduction in skin redness. After 112-day use of REGENMEDIC cream and serum, test group showed increased skin elasticity and firmness, reduced wrinkles, and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. Dermatologists reported excellent tolerability, with minimal adverse events. Initial application of the REGENMEDIC cream facilitated rapid skin barrier repair, while the subsequent sequential regimen incorporating the serum yielded significant long-term anti-aging benefits following PicoWay laser treatment. This study demonstrates that targeting multiple physiological pathways—specifically hydration, barrier integrity, and cellular senescence—provides a robust therapeutic option for amplifying the anti-aging outcomes of aesthetic procedures.
Although laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) technology is well established, its clinical application has now expanded to include a broader range of energy-based devices (EBDs). This review aims to evaluate the use of energy-based device-assisted drug delivery (EADD) in the treatment of hypertrophic scars (HTS) and keloids. Following a comprehensive search of English and Chinese databases, 30 relevant studies were included. These studies evaluated the combined application of various EBDs—including ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers, micro-plasma radiofrequency (MPR), ultrasound, and thermomechanical fractional injury—with pharmacological agents such as corticosteroids, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), verapamil, botulinum toxin type A (BTXA), and photosensitizers (5-aminolevulinic acid). The results indicate that for corticosteroids, EADD achieves efficacy comparable to that of intralesional injection while significantly reducing pain and lowering the risk of skin atrophy and telangiectasia, offering particular benefits for pediatric patients. The combination of EADD with 5-FU effectively improves scar thickness, whereas CO2 AFL-assisted photosensitizers delivery shows an exceptionally low recurrence rate in the treatment of acne-induced HTS. In contrast, for keloids, intralesional BTXA injections remain superior to CO2 AFL-assisted BTXA delivery. Furthermore, emerging strategies such as the triple-modality “light–light–sound” therapy, which combines intense pulsed light, CO₂ ablative fractional laser, and ultrasound, provide promising prospects for recalcitrant cases. In summary, EBDs enhance drug delivery through micropore formation or acoustic effects, establishing it as a key therapeutic strategy that balances efficacy with improved safety and patient compliance compared to monotherapy. However, standardized treatment protocols still require further validation through future research.
To compare the efficacy and safety of a 755-nm picosecond laser with a diffractive lens array (P-DLA) and a 1565-nm nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Twenty-seven patients with atrophic acne scars underwent three sessions of randomized split-face treatment with P-DLA and NAFL at 4-week intervals. Patients were followed up at 1, 2, and 3 months after the final treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the Échelle d’Évaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d’Acné (ECCA) grading scale, the Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score, patients’ self-rated improvement, and overall satisfaction. Treatment-related adverse reactions were recorded daily by patients until resolution. Both modalities demonstrated significant improvements in scar appearance based on ECCA score, IGA score, and patients’ self-rated improvement (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences in efficacy were observed between the two treatments. However, the P-DLA group showed higher patient satisfaction (P = 0.035) and a more favorable safety profile, including shorter durations of erythema and edema and the absence of crusting. Both P-DLA and NAFL were effective and safe for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, with similar efficacy. P-DLA offered better tolerability.
Fistula Tract Laser Closure (FiLaC) represents a minimally invasive technique for the management of fistula in ano. However, no data exists on the success rates of FiLaC for the different fistula types. This systematic analysis and meta-analysis were performed following the PICOS and PRISMA guidelines. A systematic literature review was conducted for articles published in Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed using search terms ‘Anal fistula OR fistula in ano OR anorectal fistula’ (Mesh term), ‘Laser’, ‘Park´s classification, ‘complex fistula (Mesh term), and ‘Clinical Trial’ (Mesh term), ‘healing rate’, and ‘closure rate’ from inception until February 2025. Pooled results for 16 studies indicated higher healing rates for simple fistula (60.8
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a neurological condition that leads to motor and sensory dysfunction. Emerging data indicate that combination therapies are promising, as they target multiple mechanisms. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has demonstrated the capacity to reduce inflammation, promote axonal regeneration, and improve motor function recovery. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has shown neuroprotective effects and supports motor recovery following SCI. Here, we evaluated the effects of 660 nm PBMT and PEG-600, as monotherapies and in combination, on motor function recovery, axonal integrity, apoptosis, and inflammation in male and female rats following SCI. Male and female rats were randomized and assigned to PBMT, PEG-600, combination treatment, or vehicle groups. PBMT was initiated 30 min following injury and continued daily, while PEG-600 (10 µL) was injected locally at the injury site immediately after injury. Motor function was evaluated using BBB scores, and histological analyses were used to assess axonal integrity and neuronal survival, synaptic density, inflammation, and apoptosis. In male rats, PBMT and PEG monotherapies resulted in greater motor function recovery compared to the combined treatment. PBMT also enhanced markers of synaptic density and axonal integrity in male rats. In female rats, PBMT reduced apoptosis, while both PBMT and PEG monotherapies reduced microglial activation. Astrocyte activation was lower in PBMT-treated male rats compared to the vehicle group. PBMT as a monotherapy was more efficacious as a monotherapy than when combined with PEG-600. These data indicate that treatment response patterns may differ between male and female rats and suggest that combination of 660 nm PBMT and PEG-600 was less efficacious than each monotherapy.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) modulates inflammation and promotes tissue repair. S100A8/A9 is a neutrophil-derived calcium-binding heterodimer that acts as a pro‑inflammatory damage‑associated molecular pattern, serving as a biomarker of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBM at 660 nm and 808 nm wavelengths on S100A8/A9 levels in pulp blood (PB) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Patients diagnosed with SIP were block-randomised into three groups: Group 1 received 660 nm PBM (n = 14), Group 2 received 808 nm PBM (n = 13), and Group 3 received sham irradiation (n = 8). PB and GCF samples were collected pre- and post-irradiation. Laser activation lasted 60 s, delivering energy densities of 17.26 J/cm² (660 nm) and 33.16 J/cm² (808 nm). S100A8/A9 levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and analysed using fold change from baseline, Spearman non-linear correlation analysis for age effects, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (α = 0.05). There was inter‑individual variation in baseline S100A8/A9 levels in both PB and GCF. Baseline S100A8/A9 levels were higher in GCF than in PB at the individual level, with no age effect in PB, whereas GCF levels were lower in the 60–80‑year group than in the 45–59‑year group. PBM at 660 nm and 808 nm produced numerically greater fold increases in S100A8/A9 in PB and GCF than sham, particularly for 660 nm in older participants, but these effects did not reach the threshold for statistical significance. This study is the first clinical trial to explore the effect of S100A8/A9 expression in PB and GCF following a single PBM treatment at wavelengths of 660 nm and 808 nm. This pilot study demonstrated that S100A8/A9 can be detected in pulp blood and GCF from patients with SIP and may serve as a potential biomarker for PBM response, although no statistically significant differences were found. Given the cumulative and time-dependent nature of PBM effects, future research should investigate multi-dose protocols to better define its role in managing pulpal inflammation.
This retrospective study investigated the key clinical factors influencing the success of vital pulp therapy (VPT) by analyzing failed cases and evaluated the adjunctive role of a semiconductor laser in cases with different pulp exposure sizes. We included 103 VPT cases on mature permanent teeth with caries-induced pulp exposure, dividing them into four groups based on laser use and exposure size (< 0.5 mm or ≥ 0.5 mm). We graded factors including preoperative pulp vitality, intraoperative hemostasis time, and restoration quality. Treatment outcomes were assessed clinically and radiographically at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The overall failure rate was 5.83
Purpose: Despite the growing clinical application of diode lasers in oral surgery, laser training remains underrepresented in dental curricula. This study evaluated the feasibility of structured preclinical diode-laser training and characterized the early learning curve of undergraduate dental students without prior laser experience, using target-based accuracy of laser incisions compared with a familiar scalpel reference condition. Methods: 22 dental students performed standardized linear incisions on porcine skin at three time points. Each session comprised five incisions (target: 10 mm length, 2 mm depth, minimal width): four diode-laser settings (1 W/pulsed, 3 W/pulsed, 1 W/continuous, 3 W/continuous; 445 nm wavelength; 320 μm fiber) and one scalpel incision. Incision morphology was assessed by micro-computed tomography. Operative time was recorded per incision, and subjective workload was evaluated using the NASA-TLX questionnaire. Results: Total operative time decreased significantly across sessions (p = 0.006). Per-method reductions were significant only for the two pulsed settings. Four of six NASA-TLX subscales improved (all p ≤ 0.013). Length accuracy improved significantly over time (main effect of time p < 0.001) with no method-time interaction and comparable, significant within-method gains for all methods. Depth accuracy showed only a small overall time effect and a significant within-method gain for a single laser setting (1 W pulsed). Incision width did not change significantly over sessions for any method. Laser incisions were consistently wider than scalpel incisions. Conclusion: Structured preclinical laser training on porcine skin is feasible and is associated with early gains in operative efficiency, perceived workload and length accuracy. These gains largely reflect general task familiarisation rather than a laser-specific learning advantage. The findings support integrating structured laser training using animal-tissue models into dental education but cannot establish clinical competence, equivalence to scalpel surgery, or transfer to intraoral patient care.
Purpose: Root-canal anatomy can limit irrigant access. Bubble dynamics in distilled water were examined for plasma-mediated 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) and thermally driven 2940-nm Er: YAG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) to guide confined-model testing. Methods: LIOB was tested at 100, 200 and 300 mJ/pulse and LAI at 10, 15 and 20 mJ/pulse. Ten independent bubble events per setting were imaged at 50,000 frames/s. Projected size, lifetime, frame-averaged apparent expansion rates, aspect ratio and first rebound were compared using Kruskal–Wallis and Holm-adjusted Mann–Whitney U tests. Results: Chain-like plasma luminescence preceded LIOB bubble formation. Median primary equivalent diameters were 3.21, 4.39 and 4.72 mm in LIOB and 2.24, 2.60 and 2.89 mm in LAI. The LIOB increment was smaller at 200–300 mJ than at 100–200 mJ. Axial apparent expansion was lower and transverse expansion generally higher with LIOB. Rebound-to-primary ratios were 0.65–0.74 for LAI and 0.57–0.61 for LIOB, while absolute rebounds were larger with 200/300-mJ LIOB. Conclusion: Under the tested, non-energy-matched configurations, LIOB and LAI produced different bubble sequences and growth patterns. The results provide a free-water benchmark for confined-model experiments, but do not establish pressure safety, cleaning efficacy or superiority.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance, characterized by chronic sympathetic overactivity and diminished parasympathetic tone, has increasingly been recognized as an important contributor to the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction [1–3]. ANS dysfunction not only affects hemodynamics directly, but also triggers a harmful chain of events. These include insulin resistance, the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) activation, systemic inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction [4–6]. Crucially, ANS dysregulation often manifests as a spectrum of prodromal symptoms including altered heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure lability, visceral discomfort, and functional pain syndromes which provide an identifiable clinical window for early intervention. Targeted modulation of the ANS has thus emerged as a promising strategy for primary prevention [7, 8]. Among non-invasive approaches, photobiomodulation (PBM), particularly in the form of laser acupuncture, represents a novel neuromodulatory tool capable of rebalancing autonomic function [9, 10]. PBM acts through dual pathways: peripherally, by stimulating sensory afferents to reflexively modulate autonomic output, and centrally, by enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing neuroinflammation, and promoting neural plasticity within key brainstem and hypothalamic regulatory centers. These mechanisms may translate into measurable improvements in HRV, reductions in heart rate and blood pressure, attenuation of inflammatory markers, and enhanced vascular function [11,12]. This review proposes autonomic dysfunction as a potential modifiable preclinical window for myocardial infarction (MI) prevention. It positions photobiomodulation (PBM) as a systems-level, non-invasive strategy for autonomic rebalancing and cardiovascular risk reduction, warranting future prospective validation and protocol optimization.
This study aimed to investigate the association between conventional MRI features and TNM staging in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs), as well as to evaluate their ability to differentiate early-stage from advanced-stage disease. Clinical data and MRI features of 69 patients with pathologically confirmed TETs were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into early-stage (stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ) and advanced-stage (stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ) groups according to the 9th edition TNM staging system. Between-group comparisons were used to evaluate differences in MRI features between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify MRI features associated with advanced-stage disease, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to assess diagnostic performance. Progression-free survival (PFS)-related factors were explored using univariable Cox regression analysis. Advanced-stage TETs showed a larger maximum tumor diameter and more frequent aggressive MRI features, including pleural effusion, heterogeneous T2WI signal intensity, restricted diffusion, heterogeneous enhancement, internal septation, fat space invasion, pleural/pericardial invasion, and major vascular invasion, than early-stage TETs (all P < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression model, fat space invasion and major vascular invasion were independently associated with advanced-stage disease (P < 0.05). The combined model based on these two features achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.895, with a sensitivity of 85.7
Hair loss, though often dismissed as cosmetic, reflects complex vascular, metabolic, structural, and inflammatory changes within the scalp microenvironment. Conventional diagnostic tools such as visual inspection, dermoscopy, trichoscopy, and biopsy remain limited in their ability to determine these evolving processes non-invasively. Recent advances in optical physics and biomedical engineering have introduced light- and wave-based imaging approaches that may expand scalp diagnostics beyond surface visualization. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and terahertz (THz) imaging have demonstrated comparable capabilities for assessing tissue biochemistry, microstructure, hydration dynamics, pigmentation, and vascular signatures in related dermatologic applications and may support exploratory investigation of scalp assessment after validation. However, direct clinical evidence supporting HSI and THz imaging specifically in hair-loss patients remains limited. Therefore, this review integrates available alopecia-related imaging evidence, mechanistic and modeling evidence relevant to hair biology, and extrapolated findings from broader dermatologic applications, including oncology and wound-healing research. Relevant literature was identified by structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from June 2008 to March 2026. The review analyzes how these technologies may identify indirect, non-invasive scalp-tissue indicators associated with follicular miniaturization, perifollicular inflammation, fibrosis, vascular compromise, hydration imbalance, and treatment response. By merging spectral and wave-derived data with AI-based analytics and quantitative biomarkers, HSI and THz imaging may, upon validation, contribute to a shift from subjective grading to dynamic exploratory physiological mapping of superficial scalp tissue. Nevertheless, clinical translation will require scalp-specific validation, standardized acquisition protocols, normative datasets among different hair types, and correlation with established trichoscopic, histological, and clinical endpoints. Overall, these technologies constitute promising but investigational frontiers in precision alopecia diagnostics and data-guided hair-loss management.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of chamomile extract irrigant activated with a diode laser 980 nm against Enterococcus faecalis. Sixty extracted human single-rooted teeth were chosen. Their roots were mechanically prepared using ProTaper rotary system till size F4 taper 0.06, and their crowns were resected at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ). After sterilization, they were infected for three weeks with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) obtained from the microbiology laboratory. Based on the kind of final treatment used, they were split into six groups at random. Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F are saline, 5.25
