Selective photothermolysis with a novel 1726 nm laser beam: A safe and effective solution for acne vulgaris.

BACKGROUND: Selective photothermolysis on sebaceous glands is an effective method for treating acne vulgaris (AV); however, safety, efficacy, and discomfort hinder its utilization in clinical settings. AIMS: The primary objective is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel 1726 nm laser with contact cooling to treat AV. METHODS: Seventeen patients aged 18 to 36 were enrolled and treated in this IRB-approved, single-center, open-label study. Patients received up to three facial laser sessions up to seven weeks apart. Follow-up visits happened ten days post-session and at the 4 and 12 weeks following the final session. The investigator assessed the severity of device-related adverse events (AEs). Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) and inflammatory lesion counts (ILC) were used as metrics to evaluate acne resolution and skin condition enhancement. Patients' perspectives on satisfaction and comfort using this technology were assessed using Subject Experience Questionnaires (SEQ). RESULTS: Safety assessment showed mild and transient AEs. All subjects tolerated anesthetics-free treatments well, with a mean treatment discomfort score of 4.9 ± 1.5. Compared to baseline, a statistically significant reduction in ILC (p = 0.003) of 52% to 56% is achieved four to twelve weeks following treatment. Long-term follow-ups showed progressive improvement 24 months post-treatment with a 97% reduction in ILC. SEQs revealed high subject satisfaction (71%) with psychosocial improvement three months post-treatment. CONCLUSION: The novel 1726 nm laser appears safe and effective for treating mild-to-severe acne. Acne resolution is apparent within the first month and progresses beyond the study duration.

A Multi-Site, Single-Blinded, Prospective Pilot Clinical Trial for Non-Invasive Fat Reduction of the Abdomen and Flanks Using a Monopolar 2 MHz Radiofrequency Device.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Demand for non-invasive body sculpting procedures has been steadily increasing, spurring the development of new energy-based technologies. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a new monopolar 2 MHz radiofrequency (RF) device for fat reduction of the flanks and abdomen. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen subjects from two clinical sites were enrolled in this study and received a single 15-minute treatment with the 2 MHz RF device. Up to six applicators were placed on the abdomen and/or flanks during the treatment. Follow-up assessments were scheduled 12 weeks after treatment. Efficacy evaluations included live ratings and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) ratings by blinded investigators, ultrasound measurements of fat thickness, and patient-reported outcomes before and after treatment. RESULTS: Investigator assessments showed more than one-point change in the GAIS scale at the 12-week follow-up visit. Ultrasound measurements revealed a significant reduction in fat thickness in both the abdomen (average 24%) and the flanks (22%). The majority of the patients were satisfied with the treatment and mild self-resolving side effects were observed. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of local adiposities with a new monopolar 2 MHz radiofrequency device leads to improvement of body contour with no downtime or side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Histologic Characterization of Polymethylmethacrylate Dermal Filler Biostimulatory Properties in Human Skin.

BACKGROUND: Little literature exits on the mechanism of action of implanted polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filler. OBJECTIVE: To characterize PMMA-induced dermal extracellular matrix production in the skin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center, open-label prospective study in healthy volunteers undergoing removal of redundant skin was injected intradermally and subdermally with PMMA dermal filler (Bellafill). Punch biopsies were harvested over a time course and evaluated for the deposition of collagen-3 and procollagen-1, proteoglycans and elastin using immunohistochemistry. Blinded histopathologic readings were performed by a dermatopathologist to characterize the nature of the dermal extracellular matrix findings. RESULTS: Normal inflammatory infiltrate was exhibited at all timepoints after PMMA injection with an influx of fibroblasts and new vasculature. Tissue proteoglycans were noted within the injectate beginning at Week 1 and persisted through the study end point. Increased collagen Type 3 was evident following the first week after injection, peaked at Month 2 and diminished through Months 3 through 6. Procollagen-1 was noted at Month 1 and continued to increase in intensity and organization through the study end point (6 months). Elastin staining was inconclusive. Polymethylmethacrylate microspheres remained within the initial injection area and became encapsulated within new collagen fibers. The growth and pattern of new connective tissue mimicked a normal wound healing response. CONCLUSION: Polymethylmethacrylate-collagen gel filler stimulates collagen-3 and procollagen-1 when injected into human skin. This combination of neocollagenesis followed by microencapsulation of PMMA microspheres in the new tissue provides for long-lasting results.

Hyperthermic injury to adipocyte cells by selective heating of subcutaneous fat with a novel radiofrequency device: feasibility studies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The main objective of the present study is to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing a novel non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) device to induce lethal thermal damage to subcutaneous adipose tissue only by establishing a controlled electric field that heats up fat preferentially. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adipocyte cells in six-well plates were subjected to hyperthermic conditions: 45, 50, 55, 60, and 65 degrees C during 1, 2, and 3 minutes. Cell viability was assessed 72 hours after exposure. Two groups of abdominoplasty patients were treated with the RF device during and days before their surgical procedure. Temperatures of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues were measured during treatment (3 minutes) of the first group. The immediate tissue response to heating was assessed by acute histology. The delayed tissue response was assessed by histology analysis of the second group, 4, 9, 10, 17, and 24 days after treatment (22 minutes). A mathematical model was used to estimate treatment temperatures of the second group. The model uses patient-based diagnostic measurements as input and was validated with in vivo clinical temperature measurements. RESULTS: Cell viability dropped from 89% to 20% when temperature increased from 45 to 50 degrees C during 1 minute exposures. Three minutes at 45 degrees C resulted in 40% viability. In vivo, the temperature of adipose tissue at 7-12 mm depth from the surface increased to 50 degrees C while the temperature of cutaneous tissues was <30 degrees C during RF exposure. Acute and longitudinal histology evaluations show normal epidermal and dermal layers. Subcutaneous tissues were also normal acutely. Subcutaneous vascular alterations, starting at day 4, and fat necrosis, starting at day 9, were consistently observed within 4.5-19 mm depth from the skin surface. Subcutaneous tissue temperatures were estimated to be 43-45 degrees C for 15 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: A controlled internal electric field perpendicular to the skin-fat interface is selective in heating up fat and, consequently, has the ability to induce lethal thermal damage to subcutaneous adipose tissues while sparing overlying and underlying tissues. In vitro adipocyte cells are heat sensitive to thermal exposures of 50 and 45 degrees C on the order of minutes, 1 and 3 minutes, respectively. In vivo, 15 minutes thermal exposures to 43-45 degrees C result in a delayed adipocyte cellular death response-in this study, 9 days. The novel RF device presented herein effectively delivers therapeutic thermal exposures to subcutaneous adipose tissues while protecting epidermal and dermal layers.

Arsenic in the hair of the individuals in Santana-AP-Brazil: significance of residence location.

The concentration of arsenic in the hair of the individuals living in Santana city was measured. 121 donors in urban and the periphery area were studied. The periphery of the city shows the highest levels of arsenic (5.94 +/- 6.54 mg kg(-1) - mean; 0.27-23.85 mg kg(-1)). 47.83% in the urban area showed arsenic concentrations of less than 1.00 mg kg(-1), while in the periphery only 11.22% had results below this value. The results showing the influence of residence location. The Principal Component Analysis showed that the variable residence location were responsible for the correct formation of the periphery group.