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Using the equations of scalar diffraction theory we consider the formation of an optical vortex on a diffractive optical element. The algorithms are proposed for simulating the processes of propagation of spiral wavefronts in free space and their reflections from surfaces with different roughness parameters. The given approach is illustrated by the results of numerical simulations.

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Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of calcified human heart-valve tissue and LIF spectra of macroscopic calcinosis fragments dissected from human heart valves were compared with LIF spectra of pig myocardium tissues. Excitation was provided by an excimer laser with wavelength lambda = 248 nm. Fluorescence bands that were due to mineral and organic tissue components were identified by measurement of LIF spectra of macroscopic fragments of calcified tissues that had been heat treated at 700 degrees C. The studies showed that LIF spectra of calcified tissues include fluorescence emission from tryptophan, collagen, elastin, and a mineral component of tissue, hydroxylapatite. The observed differences in LIF spectra of normal and calcified tissues with different pathologies may result not only from calcification-induced changes in relative collagen and elastin concentrations but also from additional (absent in normal heart tissue) fluorescence of hydroxylapatite. The calcification-induced changes in the LIF spectra of human heart-valve tissues, characterized by a 330/450 nm ratio, were found to be quite appreciable, which suggests that this ratio can be used with LIF measurements to evaluate the degree of heart-tissue calcification.

We performed a fluorescent microscopic examination of human and animal aortic grafts at different stages of decellularization. Treatment of aortic grafts with trypsin/EDTA solution for 48 h leads to their complete decellularization and preserved the connective tissue fiber backbone, which gains a netlike structure. The use of this protocol of decellularization leads to disappearance of subintimal calcium deposits in human aortic grafts. Differences in laser-induced fluorescence spectra of aortas before decellularization and at different stages of this process were revealed. Our findings suggest that the use of fluorescence induced by excimer lasers is promising for identification of the composition of biological tissues, analysis of their state, and the presence of changes.