Depleted uranium (DU) is a dense heavy metal used primarily in military applications. Although the health effects of occupational uranium exposure are well known, limited data exist regarding the long-term health effects of internalized DU in humans. We established an in vitro cellular model to study DU exposure. Microdosimetric assessment, determined using a Monte Carlo computer simulation based on measured intracellular and extracellular uranium levels, showed that few (0.0014%) cell nuclei were hit by alpha particles. We report the ability of DU-uranyl chloride to transform immortalized human osteoblastic cells (HOS) to the tumorigenic phenotype. DU-uranyl chloride-transformants are characterized by anchorage-independent growth, tumor formation in nude mice, expression of high levels of the k-ras oncogene, reduced production of the Rb tumor-suppressor protein, and elevated levels of sister chromatid exchanges per cell. DU-uranyl chloride treatment resulted in a 9.6 (+/- 2.8)-fold increase in transformation frequency compared to untreated cells. In comparison, nickel sulfate resulted in a 7.1 (+/- 2.1)-fold increase in transformation frequency. This is the first report showing that a DU compound caused human cell transformation to the neoplastic phenotype. Although additional studies are needed to determine if protracted DU exposure produces tumors in vivo, the implication from these in vitro results is that the risk of cancer induction from internalized DU exposure may be comparable to other biologically reactive and carcinogenic heavy-metal compounds (e.g., nickel).ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. The advent of laser-assisted liposuction is the next evolutionary step in the market of body contouring. The goal of laser-assisted liposuction is to facilitate liposuctioning, enhance tissue tightening, and reduce downtime and morbidity. Several different protocols using different devices and wavelengths generate variable results. Current laser-assisted lipolysis technology and techniques are reviewed with respective expectations. As laser lipolysis technology and coinciding experience grow, so will the ability to achieve the aims of more efficient, safer, and cosmetically pleasing body sculpting.

No abstract

Background: Leg veins can be effectively treated with lasers. However, the optimal pulse duration for small leg veins has not been established in human studies with a Nd:YAG laser. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate a range of pulse durations to determine an optimal pulse duration for clearance of leg veins. Study Design/Materials and Methods: After mapping and photo documentation of the leg veins to be treated, a variable pulse duration Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (3-100 milliseconds) was used in a single test site session. Pulse durations of 3, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 milliseconds were used. At the 3-week follow-up, the optimal pulse duration was defined as that pulse duration which resulted in the most complete clearance of vessels with the least side effects. Up to 20 vessels were then treated using the established ''optimal'' pulse duration. Final evaluation was at 16 weeks after the initial visit. Three blinded observers rated the percent of vessels completely cleared based on initial and final photographs. Results: Eighteen patients completed the study. Fluence thresholds for immediate vessel changes varied depending on spot size and vessel diameter, with larger fluences required for smaller spot sizes and smaller vessels. Shorter pulse durations ( 20 milliseconds) were associated with occasional spot sized purpura and spot sized post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Longer pulse durations (40-60 milliseconds) achieved superior vessel elimination with less post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. With a single laser treatment, 71% of the treated vessels cleared. Conclusions: Compared to shorter pulses (<20 milliseconds), longer pulses may provide gentler heating of thevessel and a greater ratio of contraction to thrombosis.

A small-spot size Nd:YAG laser using a pulse width of 20 ms or higher appears to be effective in clearing a significant percentage of facial telangectasias with a single pass. The side effects were minimal.

Depleted uranium (DU) is a dense heavy metal used primarily in military applications. Although the health effects of occupational uranium exposure are well known, limited data enxst rding the long-term health effects of internaized DU in humans. We established an in viuro cellular model to study DU exposure. Microdosimetric assessment, determined using a Monte Carlo computer simulation based on measured intracelular and etacelular u m levels, showed that few (0.0014%) cell nuldei were hit by alph partidles. We report the ability of DU-uranyl chloride to tansform immortalized human osteoblastic cells (HOS) to the tumoriWnic phenotype. DU-uranyl chloride-transformants are characterized by anchorage-independent growth, tumor formation in nude mice, expression of high levels of the k-ras oncogene, reduced production of the Rb tumorsuppressor protein, and elevated levels of sister chromatid nges per cell. DU-uranyl

Based on the optical properties of light in skin, the Nd:YAG laser is the best for laser depilation in dark individuals.

Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with an increasing incidence. Melanoma in situ is an early, non-invasive form in which the tumor is confined to the epidermis. Treatment of melanoma in situ is challenging due to the frequent subclinical microscopic spread and to the presentation on the head and neck in cosmetically sensitive areas with chronic sun damage. Optimizing tumor eradication is imperative to reduce the potential progression into invasive disease and metastasis, all while maintaining cosmesis. Multiple treatment regimens have been implemented for managing difficult melanoma in situ tumors. We provide a thorough review of surgical, and non-surgical, management of melanoma in situ which can pose therapeutic dilemmas due to size, anatomic location, and subclinical spread.