• 한국전기전자재료학회논문지
• /
• 제32권3호
• /
• pp.187-191
• /
• 2019

Advances in laser technology have enabled ultra-high-speed ultra-precise processing, thus expanding potential applications to the semiconductor, medical, and photovoltaic industries. In particular, laser scribing technology has been applied to the production of shingled solar modules. In this work, we analyze the effect of laser scribing conditions, e.g., scribing depth, on the characteristics of the resulting divided solar cells. When the scribing depth was greater than $100{\mu}m$, the solar cells were well separated. In addition, the desired scribing depths were reached in fewer scans when the laser spot overlap was 100%. The efficiency of the divided cells decreased due to the high series resistance at scribing depths of less than $100{\mu}m$. However, at scribing depths of approximately $100{\mu}m$, the series resistance was low and efficiency reduction was minimized.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• 제10권3호
• /
• pp.146-152
• /
• 2021

Background and Objectives Although lasers have been widely applied in tissue treatment, the light penetration depth in tissues is limited by the tissue turbidity and affected by its absorption and scattering characteristics. This study investigated the effect of using an optical clearing agent (OCA) on tissue to improve the therapeutic effect of 1064 nm wavelength laser light by reducing the heat generated on the skin surface and increasing the penetration depth. Materials and Methods A diode laser (λ = 1064 nm) was applied to a porcine specimen with and without OCA to investigate the penetration depth of the laser light and temperature distribution. A numerical simulation using the finite element method was performed to investigate the temperature distribution of the specimen compared to ex-vivo experiments using a thermocouple and double-integrating sphere to measure the temperature profile and optical properties of the tissue, respectively. Results Simulation results showed a decrease in tissue surface temperature with increased penetration depth when the OCA was applied. Furthermore, both absorption and scattering coefficients decreased with the application of OCA. In ex-vivo experiments, temperatures decreased for the tissue surface and the fat layer with the OCA, but not for the muscle layer. Conclusion The use of an OCA may be helpful for reducing surface heat generation and enhance the light penetration depth in various near-infrared laser treatments.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• 제10권1호
• /
• pp.45-48
• /
• 2021

Background and Objectives Among the numerous available therapies, the usefulness of laser treatment has been proven in melasma, especially for refractory to topical agents or chemical peels. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 694-nm wavelength fractional toning ruby laser in melasma presenting on the malar area. Materials and Methods This was a retrospective study of 40 melasma patients treated with 694-nm wavelength ruby fractional toning laser for a total of 8 cycles at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks. Two independent investigators assessed the photographic findings and evaluated the severity of melasma by applying the Melasma Severity Scale (MSS). Subject satisfaction score was also surveyed at every visit. Results After the 4th treatment, subjects were continuously satisfied with their results. At the 8th visit and 1-month after the last treatment, MSS was determined to be significantly improved as compared to the first visit. One case of minor hypopigmentation was reported, but was resolved after one month. Conclusion Application of 694-nm wavelength fractional toning ruby laser for treating melasma on the malar area showed significant improvement in the MSS. Moreover, the treatment could be repeatedly applied, with low complication rate and significant patient satisfaction.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• 제8권2호
• /
• pp.90-93
• /
• 2019

The treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars (HTSs) remains one of the most difficult challenges, with a high recurrence rate regardless of the method of treatment. The latest trend in scar management is a combined approach using multiple modalities that are individualized to the patient and that would provide successful results for keloid and HTSs. There are previous reports that stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is effective for scar remodeling. Based on these reports, we introduced the concept of a combination treatment using SVF injection and fractional ablative CO₂ laser. In this report, we present a 21-year-old woman who was involved in a car accident. A defect on her foot was covered with a skin graft, but the scars became elevated, which turned out to be HTSs. She was treated with a fractional ablative CO₂ laser for five sessions. A month later, SVF injection and fractional ablative CO₂ laser were conducted simultaneously. The result of a year's follow-up showed a flattened scar with resolution of pigment deposition. In conclusion, the combination treatment for HTSs with SVF injection and ablative fractional CO₂ laser is one of the modalities to achieve an excellent outcome for treating HTS.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
• /
• 제17권4호
• /
• pp.289-295
• /
• 2013

Although low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been a valuable therapeutic technology in the clinic, its efficacy may be reduced in deep tissue layers due to strong light scattering which limits the photon density. In order to enhance the photon density in deep tissue layers, this study developed an optical tissue clearing (OTC) laser probe (OTCLP) system which can utilize four different OTC methods: 1) tissue temperature control from 40 to $10^{\circ}C$; 2) laser pulse frequency from 5 to 30 Hz; 3) glycerol injection at a local region; and 4) a combination of the aforementioned three methods. The efficacy of the OTC methods was evaluated and compared by investigating laser beam profiles in ex-vivo porcine skin samples. Results demonstrated that total (peak) intensity at full width at half maximum of laser beam profile when compared to control data was increased: 1) 1.21(1.39)-fold at $10^{\circ}C$; 2) 1.22 (1.49)-fold at a laser pulse frequency of 5 Hz; 3) 1.64 (2.41)-fold with 95% glycerol injection; 4) 1.86 (3.4)-fold with the combination method. In conclusion, the OTCLP system successfully improved the laser photon density in deep tissue layers and may be utilized as a useful tool in LLLT by increasing laser photon density.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• 제7권1호
• /
• pp.6-12
• /
• 2018

Introduction Energy-based devices allow for a more rapid and efficient ligation of blood vessels during operations. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of a laser as an alternative energy source for the vessel sealing system and determined the optimal condition of laser for an effective vessel sealing through histologic examination. Materials and Methods The arteries (5 mm diameter) harvested from porcine legs were compressed between two glass-slides to eliminate its luminal space and were irradiated with 1,470-nm diode laser under various sealing conditions, including laser power (5-30 W), irradiation time (5 or 10 seconds), and focus mode (focus or defocus). Subsequently, the irradiated vessels were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and then processed to paraffin block. The paraffinized sample was sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological evaluation. Results The extent of tissue change was positively correlated with duration and power of laser. In defocus mode, the irradiated vessels showed sufficient tissue denaturation for sealing effect without severe tissue destruction. Moreover, among the various conditions of irradiation, laser power between 15 and 20 W, as well as exposure time of 5 seconds were appropriate for sealing the blood vessels. Conclusion Adequate power and irradiation duration of laser can render blood vessels to be sealed effectively, although the higher power of laser may be required to cut the vessels.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제30권2호
• /
• pp.151-163
• /
• 2003

연구목적: Estrogen은 포유류의 생리주기와 착상과정에서 중요한 조절인자로 작용한다. 본 연구에서는 난소 절제된 생쥐의 자궁에서 estrogen에 의해 직접 또는 간접적으로 조절되어 발현하는 유전자를 분석하고자 하였다. 연구재료 및 방법: 생후 8주된 생쥐의 양쪽 난소를 절제하고 14일 동안 회복기간이 지난 후, estrogen (300 ng/mouse)을 피하로 주사하였다. Estrogen 주사 후 6, 12시간째 자궁을 적출하여 cDNA microarray와 laser capture microdissection (LCM) 기술을 이용하여 estrogen에 의해 조절되는 유전자의 시공간적인 발현 양상을 조사하였다. 결 과: Estrogen 주사 후 6시간째에는 조사된 전체 유전자 가운데 0.9% (증가 22, 감소 49), 12시간째에는 8.4% (증가 351, 감소 287)에 해당되는 유전자가 두 배 이상 증가 혹은 감소하는 결과를 보였다. 또한 일부 증감된 유전자를 선택한 후 LCM 기술을 이용하여 시공간적인 발현양상을 확인한 결과 자궁내막상피세포에서만 estrogen에 의해 유전자의 발현이 증가되는 일부 유전자를 선별하였다. 결 론: 이상의 결과들을 종합해보면 1) estrogen에 의해 조절되는 유전자의 수나 증감의 정도는 12시간 이후에 더 많고, 크게 조절되며, 2) 유전자의 조절부위가 자궁의 특이적인 세포층에서 시공간적으로 조절됨을 의미한다. 이러한 유전자의 정보는 생리주기 또는 착상과정의 분자생물학적 기작을 이해하는 데 도움이 될 것이다.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• 제6권3호
• /
• pp.165-170
• /
• 2014

PURPOSE. This study was aimed to evaluate effect of the desensitizing pretreatments on the micro-tensile bond strengths (${\mu}TBS$) to eroded dentin and sound dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty-two extracted molars were prepared to form a flat dentin surface, and then they were divided into two groups. Group I was stored in distilled water while group II was subjected to a pH cycling. Each group was then subdivided into three subgroups according to desensitizing pretreatment used: a) pretreatment with desensitizer (Gluma); b) pretreatment with $CO_2$ Laser (Ultra Dream Pluse); c) without any pretreatment. All prepared surfaces were bonded with Single Bond 2 and built up with resin composite (Filtek Z250). The micro-tensile bond test was performed. Fracture modes were evaluated by stereomicroscopy. Pretreated surfaces and bonded interfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data obtained was analyzed by two-way ANOVA (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS. For both sound and eroded dentin, samples treated with desensitizer showed the greatest ${\mu}TBS$, followed by samples without any treatment. And samples treated with $CO_2$ laser showed the lowest ${\mu}TBS$. SEM study indicated that teeth with eroded dentin appeared prone to debonding, as demonstrated by existence of large gaps between adhesive layers and dentin. CONCLUSION. Pretreatment with Gluma increased the ${\mu}TBS$ of Single Bond 2 for eroded and sound teeth. $CO_2$ laser irradiation weakened bond performance for sound teeth but had no effect on eroded teeth.

• Medical Lasers
• /
• 제9권2호
• /
• pp.150-158
• /
• 2020

Background and Objectives Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used widely to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study examined the clinical efficacy and safety of a home-use LLLT device with a newly designed array of light sources and software optimized for individual types of AGA. Materials and Methods The study was a randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. Forty-eight subjects (39 men and nine women) were assigned randomly in a 2:1 ratio to use either the test device (LG Pra'L HGN1, LG electronics, Korea) or sham device. The subjects used the LLLT device three times a week for 16 weeks. Phototrichogram was used to measure the hair density and hair thickness at 0, 8, and 16-weeks. Adverse events were closely monitored. Results After 16 weeks of using the device, the test group showed a significant increase in hair density and hair thickness compared to the control. In the test group, the hair density increased 6.96 counts/cm² at eight weeks and 13.67 counts/cm² at 16 weeks from the baseline. The hair thickness increased 7.21 ㎛ at eight weeks and 11.80 ㎛ at 16 weeks compared to the baseline. Conclusion The home-use LLLT device with a novel array of light sources and an individualized program according to the types of hair loss appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality for both male and female AGA patients.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
• /
• 제57권3호
• /
• pp.419-430
• /
• 2024

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition considered by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, resultant in motor dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Despite current treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals and various therapies, a definitive cure remains elusive. Therefore, this study investigates the therapeutic potential effect of Apelin-13 in HD management. Thirty male Wistar rats were allocated into three groups: a control group, a group with HD, and a group with both HD and administered Apelin-13. Apelin-13 was administered continuously over a 28-day period at a dosage of around 30 mg/kg to mitigate inflammation in rats subjected to 3-NP injection within an experimental HD model. Behavioral tests, such as rotarod, electromyography (EMG), elevated plus maze, and open field assessments, demonstrated that Apelin-13 improved motor function and coordination in rats injected with 3-NP. Apelin-13 treatment significantly increased neuronal density and decreased glial cell counts compared to the control group. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed reduced gliosis and expression of inflammatory factors in the treatment group. Moreover, Apelin-13 administration led to elevated levels of glutathione and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the treated group. Apelin-13 demonstrates neuroprotective effects, leading to improved movement and reduced inflammatory and fibrotic factors in the HD model.