3-month Follow-up Visit Research Articles

The effect of breastfeeding education given through the teach-back method on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success: a randomized controlled study

BackgroundAn individualized education using visual aids, allowing the woman to demonstrate what she has learned, and providing the opportunity for the woman to ask questions are important in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy, breastfeeding success, and the sustainability of the education. This study is original in evaluating the effectiveness and sustainability of breastfeeding education provided through the teach-back method in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and success in a short period of time. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the impact of teach-back method on mothers’ breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success.Materials and methodsThis is a randomized controlled study. The population of this study consisted of women who gave birth in the obstetrics and gynecology department of a state hospital located in Çorlu, in the northwest region of Turkey, between March 2022 and August 2022. The sample of this study consisted of a total of 100 postpartum women, with 50 participants in the experimental group and 50 participants in the control group, who gave birth in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Çorlu State Hospital. Computer-assisted simple randomization was employed to ensure the homogeneous distribution of the women into the experimental and control groups. The women in the experimental group received education and counseling services using the Teach-Back Method, based on the content of the prepared Breastfeeding Education Guide. The control group mothers, on the other hand, received standard breastfeeding education and counseling services. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews during the first 24 h postpartum and at the 1-month follow-up visits. In the study, the data collection tools used were a Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment and Evaluation Scale, Postpartum Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (short form), and the Teach-Back Observation Tool. In the evaluation of the research findings, the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) program was used for statistical analyses. Descriptive, graphical, and statistical methods were employed to examine whether the scores obtained from each continuous variable followed a normal distribution. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the scores derived from a continuous variable using statistical methods.ResultsIn the study, no significant difference was found in the distribution of the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants according to the study groups. In the experimental group, which received training with the tell-what-you-learned method, the mothers’ average EÖYÖ scores before the training, at the 24th hour after the training and at the 1st month after the training were 46.41 ± 11.26, respectively; It was determined to be 66.23 ± 6.94 and 67.84 ± 6.27. In the measurements made during the follow-up, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the study group’s EÖYÖ score averages (p < 0,001). For mothers in the experimental group, the average LATCH score of the mothers before training, 24 h after training and 1 month after training was 7.73 ± 1.81, respectively; It was determined that these values were 8.66 ± 1.61 and 9.95 ± 0.30, and there was a significant difference in the mean LATCH scores of the study group in the measurements made during the follow-up (p < 0.001).ConclusionsBreastfeeding education provided through the teach-back method is more effective in increasing both breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy when compared to standard breastfeeding education.Trial registrationIran Randomized Clinical Trial Center IRCT20220509054795N2 Date of first registration: 10/11/2022.

Superior vena cava isolation using a pentaspline pulsed-field ablation catheter: feasibility and safety in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation.

Superior vena cava (SVC) isolation during atrial fibrillation catheter ablation is limited by the risk of collateral damage to the sinus node and/or the phrenic nerve. Due to its tissue-specificity, we hypothesized the feasibility and safety of pulsed-field ablation (PFA)-based SVC isolation. One hundred and five consecutive patients undergoing PFA-based AF catheter ablation were prospectively included. After pulmonary vein isolation (±posterior wall isolation and electrical cardioversion), SVC isolation was performed using a standardized workflow. Acute SVC isolation was achieved in 105/105 (100%) patients after 6 ± 1 applications. Transient phrenic nerve stunning occurred in 67/105 (64%) patients but without phrenic nerve palsy at the end of the procedure and at hospital discharge. Transient high-degree sinus node dysfunction occurred in 5/105 (4.7%) patients, with no recurrence at the end of the procedure and until discharge. At the 3-month follow-up visit, no complication occurred. SVC isolation using a pentaspline PFA catheter is feasible and safe.

A phase III randomized, open-label study to establish the superiority of triple oral metronomic therapy (OMCT) used in addition to chemotherapy regimen (paclitaxel + carboplatin) over chemotherapy alone for the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck cancer squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).

LBA6053 Background: Advanced HNSCC has poor outcomes and limited treatment options, especially in resource-constrained settings. Immunotherapy is affordable for less than 5% of patients in lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). Triple OMCT, employing low-dose continuous chemotherapy, shows promise, but its safety and efficacy along with chemotherapy remain unproven. We aimed to assess whether the addition of OMCT to first-line chemotherapy can improve overall survival (OS) as compared to chemotherapy alone. Methods: This phase 3 randomized, prospective, open-label, superiority design study enrolled patients with advanced HNSCC who were planned for palliative intent platinum-based chemotherapy. The patients were stratified for the site of the tumor and ECOG PS, and were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either triple OMCT (Erlotinib 150 mg OD, Celecoxib 200 mg BD and Methotrexate 9mg/m2 once weekly) in addition to 3-weekly paclitaxel carboplatin (PC) chemotherapy (Arm A) or, PC chemotherapy alone (Arm B). Sample size calculation assumed no OS improvement with OMCT+PC (5% type I error, 80% type II error). The primary endpoint was OS, while secondary endpoints included PFS, quality of life (QoL) assessments, and safety. OS and PFS were analyzed via Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test; HR estimated via Cox proportional hazard models. QoL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30. The study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee and registered with the Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2022/10/046520). Results: Between Nov 02, 2022, and Dec 20, 2023, 238 patients were randomly assigned with 119 in each arm. Median age was 47 years, with 97.8% being males, and 78% of patients had ECOG PS 0-1. The median OS for patients in Arm A was 8.3 months (95% CI, 6.3-10.4) while it was 6.1 months (95% CI, 4.7-7.4), in Arm B (HR 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47–0.83; p=0.00011). The corresponding median PFS was 7.6 months (95% CI, 6.3-8.8) and 3.5 months (95% CI, 2.2-4.7) (HR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.98-3.93; P&lt;0.000). Significant differences in EORTC-C30 were found for the physical functioning domain between baseline and 1-month follow-up visit. PC chemotherapy combined with triple OMCT showed good tolerability, with common toxicities including fatigue (40.3%), and hyponatremia (25.4%), similar to the incidence observed with PC chemotherapy alone. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the addition of triple OMCT to paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with advanced HNSCC in platinum-sensitive settings. This treatment option is particularly valuable in LMICs, where cetuximab and pembrolizumab are not feasible. Clinical trial information: CTRI/2022/10/046520 . [Table: see text]

Mycophenolate Mofetil with Steroid, a Reasonable Alternative to Current First-line Therapy, for Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy in Resource-constrained Settings: A Randomized, Open-label Study.

The modified Ponticelli regimen (mPR) is a first-line therapy in patients with idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN); however, it has a less favorable safety profile. Though mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) + steroid (S) is not recommended by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines, it can be used as an alternative to mPR due to higher tolerability and steroid-sparing effect. Thus, we compared the safety and effectiveness of MMF + S and mPR regimens in patients with IMN. This randomized, open-label study enrolled patients with adult-onset nephrotic syndrome (NS) and biopsy-proven IMN. Forty-two patients were allocated to MMF + S group (MMF 1 gm twice daily + oral prednisolone 0.5 mg/kg/day; n = 21) and mPR group [methylprednisolone (1 gm intravenous) for 3 days followed by alternating monthly cycles of oral prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day) for the next 27 days and cyclophosphamide (2 mg/kg/day) for 6 months; n = 21]. The primary outcome measure was change in urinary protein creatinine ratio (UPCR). At 6 months, both groups demonstrated a significant increase in serum albumin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (both p-values <0.0001) as well as a decrease in 24-hour proteinuria (MMF + S group: p-value = 0.003, and mPR group: p-value <0.0001) and UPCR (both p-values <0.0001). However, the groups did not differ in any of these parameters at any of the monthly follow-up visits. Moreover, the groups did not differ significantly in terms of the composite remission rates (61.91% for MMF + S group and 71.43% for mPR group). MMF + S and mPR had comparable tolerability and effectiveness, with MMF-associated advantage of reduced steroid exposure.

Incidence of complications among operative pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures using medial and lateral pins: a safe technique for percutaneous medial pin placement.

Cross-pinning of displaced pediatric supracondylar elbow fractures offers a superior stability construct. However, there is a reluctance to use this construct by closed means because of the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injuries associated with percutaneous medial pin placement. This study describes a safe technique for closed reduction percutaneous with medial pin placement. This study reviewed the clinical charts of 232 pediatric patients who underwent closed reduction with cross-pinning of Gartland type II and III supracondylar fractures from 2000 to 2022 at a single institution. All surgeries were performed by the same attending surgeon at the same institution, with the same technique of medial pin placement. The inpatient and outpatient notes were used to record patient demographic information, fracture classification, and postoperative complications. A total of 232 pediatric patients [114 boys, 118 girls; mean age: 5.8 (range: 1-14) years] with Gartland type II (n = 97) and III (n = 135) supracondylar fractures were included in the study. There were a total of seven (3.02%) postoperative complications: four (1.7%) ulnar neuropathies, two (0.86%) pin site infections, and one (0.43%) anterior interosseous nerve palsy. All documented postoperative complications were resolved by the 3-month follow-up visit. There were no complications of deep infection, malunion, or nonunion. With the proper technique, closed reduction with percutaneous medial pin fixation of pediatric supracondylar fractures is safe and produces excellent postoperative outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

The Impact of Back Optic Zone Design in Orthokeratology on Visual Performance.

To evaluate the visual performance in adolescents undergoing orthokeratology (OrthoK) treatment with two different optical zone diameters (OZDs). This randomized, double-masked, self-controlled prospective study was conducted at Tianjin Eye Hospital (Tianjin, China) in June 2022. Thirty-six eligible schoolchildren were enrolled and fitted with corneal refractive therapy lenses with two sizes of OZDs (5 mm [5OZ] and 6 mm [6OZ]). Each participant was randomized to wear the 5OZ in one eye and the 6OZ in the contralateral eye. Subjective visual quality was assessed using visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity function, and visual symptoms, and the objective optical quality was assessed using ocular higher order aberrations (HOAs) and modulation transfer function (MTF). Thirty-five myopic children completed a 1-month follow-up visit. The 5OZ lens induced significantly smaller treatment zone diameters than the 6OZ lens (P < 0.001). Subjective visual quality did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared to baseline, aberrations of Z40, coma-like, spherical-like, and total HOAs in both groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). For the 3-mm pupils, spherical aberration in the 5OZ group was significantly higher than that in the 6OZ group (P < 0.05). The MTF value of the 6OZ group was significantly higher than that of 5OZ group for 0.3 and 1.5 cycles per degree for the 3-mm pupils (P = 0.006 and P = 0.026, respectively). However, HOAs or MTF did not differ significantly between the two groups for the 5-mm pupils. The difference induced by varying OZD was significant only in the smaller pupil condition. The selection of OZD in OrthoK designs in real-world patient management should be done while considering individual pupil size. This study revealed that the objective visual quality of small OZD lenses was only slightly affected for the small pupil size.

Targeted microwave ablation for prostate cancer (FOSTINE1b): a prospective 'ablate-and-resect' study.

To assess histopathological outcomes, as well as feasibility and safety of targeted microwave ablation (TMA) via the Trinity® system (KOELIS, La Tronche, France). Prospective, single-institution, interventional Phase IIa study with an 'ablate-and-resect' design. In all, 11 patients diagnosed with localised prostate cancer (PCa) underwent TMA via the Trinity system under conscious sedation in an outpatient setting using a single transrectal TATO® 18-G antenna with different treatment regimens. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were conducted at 7 days and 1 month after TMA, respectively. Nine patients received RARP, and two patients chose to withdraw their consent following TMA. These men chose an active surveillance protocol upon confirmation of a low-risk prostate cancer diagnosis. Functional outcomes and adverse events were evaluated at baseline and follow-up visits using validated questionnaires. Prostate volumetry and confirmation of necrosis were carried out through MRI and whole-mount histopathological examination. The TMA was successfully executed, and all patients were discharged on the same day. No severe adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade ≥3) were reported at the 7-day and 1-month follow-up visits. Additionally, no declines were observed in urinary, sexual and ejaculation functional outcomes. T1-weighted MRI revealed clear and well-defined ablation zones. The RARP was executed without difficulty, particularly during the dissection of the posterior plane. As a result, no intraoperative complications were encountered. Histopathological assessment on surgical specimens confirmed the absence of viable cells, indicating complete necrosis of the ablative zone if a power intensity >10 W was used during TMA. Ablation zone volumetry revealed no notable distinctions between the three-dimensional segmentation of the virtual ablation zone at TMA (median volume: 2 mL) and MRI (median volume: 1.923 mL). Conversely, a significant reduction was noted in the surgical specimen (median volume: 0.221 mL). Targeted microwave ablation via the Trinity system for localised PCa treatment proves to be a secure and feasible procedure, with complete necrosis evidence within the ablation zone on surgical specimens.

Peanut oral immunotherapy using an extensively heated and baked novel composition of peanuts.

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) is an increasingly acceptable therapeutic option for peanut-allergic (PA) children, despite significant side effects. Major peanut allergenic proteins are heat-resistant and are not rendered hypoallergenic after baking or cooking. Lyophilized peanut protein-MH (LPP-MH) is a novel composition from developing peanuts, enabling cooking-induced reduction in allergenicity. We aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of OIT, with extensively heated and baked (EHEB) LPP-MH in PA children. In a single-arm, single-center, pilot study, PA children with a single highest tolerated dose of <100 mg peanut protein were placed on a 40-week OIT protocol with 300 mg daily of heat-treated LPP-MH. A repeat open peanut food challenge was performed after 40 weeks of treatment and at a 6-12 months of follow-up visit. Thirty-three children with PA were enrolled, with a mean cumulative tolerated dose (MCTD) of 71.2 mg PP (95% CI 45-100 mg). After 40 weeks, 32/33 patients were able to consume more than 300 mg of natural PP, with MCTD of 1709 mg (CI 365-3675 mg). There were no severe allergic reactions requiring epinephrine, during any of the observed LPP-MH challenges or any treatment related doses at home. After 6-12 months on daily maintenance, the MCTD was 8821 mg (95% CI 1930-13,500 mg). This enabled most children age-appropriate dietary inclusion of peanuts. An OIT protocol with heat-treated LPP-MH, a novel composition from developing peanuts, seems a potentially safe and efficacious OIT modality for PA children, enabling the introduction of dietary levels of peanut proteins in highly allergic PA children. Validation in randomized controlled studies is mandated.

Left bundle branch area pacing using a stylet-driven, retractable-helix lead: Short-term results from a prospective multicenter IDE trial (the BIO-CONDUCT study)

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has swiftly emerged as a safe and effective alternative to right ventricular pacing. Limited data exist on the use of retractable-helix, stylet-driven leads for LBBAP. The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance and safety of the Solia S stylet-driven pacing lead in a rigorously controlled multicenter trial to support US market application. A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized trial enrolled patients with standard pacing indications. Implant procedure and lead data, including threshold, sensing, impedance, and capture type, were collected through 3 months. Primary end points were freedom from LBBAP lead-related serious complications through 3 months and LBBAP implant success according to prespecified criteria. A blinded clinical events committee adjudicated all potential end point complications. A total of 186 patients were included from 14 US sites. LBBAP implants were successful in 95.7% (178 of 186; 95% confidence interval 91.7%-98.1%; P < .0001 for comparison to the performance goal of 88%). Through the 3-month follow-up visit, 3 patients experienced a serious LBBAP complication (all lead dislodgments), resulting in a LBBAP lead-related complication-free rate of 98.3%. A total of 13 patients (7.8%) experienced any system- or procedure-related complication. The mean threshold was 0.89 V at 0.4 ms, the sensing value was 10.8 mV, and impedance was 608 Ω. The short-term results from this prospective trial demonstrate both high implant success and freedom from LBBAP lead-related complications using this stylet-driven retractable helix lead. This trial supports the safety, use, and effectiveness of stylet-driven leads for performing contemporary physiologic pacing.

Baltimore oral epidemiology, disease effects, and HIV evaluation study (BEEHIVE) study protocol: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundAs antiretroviral therapy has become widely available and highly effective, HIV has evolved to a manageable, chronic disease. Despite this health advancement, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk for age-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. Similarly, PLWH are at an increased risk for selected oral diseases. PLWH with a history of injecting drugs experience an even greater burden of disease than their counterparts. The overall objective of the Baltimore Oral Epidemiology, Disease Effects, and HIV Evaluation (BEEHIVE) study is to determine the combined effects of HIV infection and NCDs on oral health status. The specific aims of the study are to: (1) determine to what extent HIV status influences access to and utilization of oral health care services; (2) determine to what extent HIV status affects self-reported and clinical oral health status; (3) determine to what extent HIV status influences the progression of periodontitis; and (4) determine to what extent HIV status impacts the periodontitis-associated oral microbiome signature.MethodsThe BEEHIVE study uses a prospective cohort study design to collect data from participants at baseline and at a 24-month follow-up visit. Data are collected through questionnaire assessments, clinical examinations, and evaluation of oral microbiological samples to determine the drivers of oral disease among a high-risk population of PLWH with a history of injection drug use and prevalent comorbid NCDs. The established AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort serves as the source of participants for the BEEHIVE Study.DiscussionUpon completion of the BEEHIVE study, the knowledge gained will be important in informing future clinical and preventive interventions that can be implemented into medical and dental practice to ultimately help eliminate long-standing oral health inequities that PLWH experience.

Long-term efficacy and safety of a bioresorbable polycaprolactone-based injectable in female stress incontinence

A fully bioresorbable polycaprolactone (PCL)-based bulking agent was evaluated for safety and efficacy in female patients with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence (SUI) who attempted and failed prior pelvic floor muscle training. A total of 44 adult female subjects with mild or moderate SUI (median age 60 and 57, respectively) were treated by transurethral sub-mucosal injection. Safety was evaluated at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits. Efficacy was assessed at the same intervals with the Stamey grading system (SGS). SGS improvement was shown in both the mild and moderate SUI groups. At 24 months, most participants were continent: 78.1% in the mild SUI group and 66.7% in the moderate SUI group. All participants in the moderate SUI group showed an improvement in the SGS grade, and most participants were continent. The study shows that the PCL-based bioresorbable bulking agent treatment seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for women with mild to moderate SUI who attempted and failed prior pelvic floor exercises.

A Randomised Controlled Trial on the Effect of Hamulectomy on Hearing Outcomes in Cleft Palate Patients - A Comparative Study.

Cleft palate, a common congenital craniofacial defect, requires surgical repair and many surgical approaches have been employed for the same to reduce the risk of post-operative complications and improve outcomes. In order to achieve tension free closure, fracture of pterygoid hamulus has been advised. However, the effect of this manoeuvre on auditory functions remains debatable. The study was designed to evaluate the effect of hamulectomy on auditory function during the post-operative period after palatoplasty. The present study enrolled 100 participants aged 10 months-2 years with isolated cleft palate defect. They were randomly divided into two groups: palatoplasty with hamulectomy (n = 50) and palatoplasty without hamulectomy (n = 50). Hearing outcomes were evaluated using objective measures (otoscopy, tympanometry, and otoacoustic emission [OAE] tests) at 1-month and 6-month post-operative follow-up visits. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the data and significance level was kept at P ≤ 0.05. The findings of otoscopy, tympanometry and OAE tests were statistically similar between the two study groups (P > 0.05; Chi-square test) at both one month and six months follow-up visits. Another noteworthy observation was improvement in auditory function during follow-up period indicating recovery of middle ear function following palatoplasty. The addition of hamulectomy to the palatoplasty treatment may improve the hearing outcomes for cleft palate patients and can be adopted to achieve tension free closure.

Financial incentive interventions for smoking cessation among Chinese smokers: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionThere is an urgent issue to relieve the burdens caused by tobacco use through feasible and effective smoking cessation interventions, particularly in a middle-income country with less accessible smoking cessation...

A case report of extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma involving upper limb soft tissue in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy

An 80-year-old woman affected by rheumatoid arthritis on immunosuppressive therapy was evaluated for an 11-month history of swelling of her left upper limb. The patient did not report systemic symptoms. Ultrasonographic examination showed hypoechoic masses in the upper limb soft tissue, brachial vein thrombosis, and suspected malignant axillary lymphadenopathy. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy of the lymphadenopathy for histologic examination; a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was made. The patient started anticoagulation therapy and chemotherapy, with a follow-up at a hematology clinic. At a 3-month follow-up visit in our clinic, the swelling of her left upper limb decreased, and an ultrasonographic control demonstrated a reduction in the size and number of the soft tissue masses and resolution of vein thrombosis.

The Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire: Is It Possible to Predict a Satisfactory Result After Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

As oculofacial surgeons performing esthetic surgery, the most valuable result is a satisfied patient. It can be extremely frustrating to have an unhappy patient with, what we believe is, a satisfactory result. Therefore, the ability to predict satisfaction is of extreme importance. We studied our cosmetic eyelid surgery patients to try to find factors that can predict satisfaction. We retrospectively studied 454 consecutive patients, who underwent any combination of 7 cosmetic surgical procedures. Patients answered the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) before surgery. We studied age, gender, type and number of procedures performed, DCQ score, presence of complications, and history of previous fillers. At the 3-month follow-up visit, patients were given an outcome report survey to graduate their surgical results on a scale from 1 to 5. Results were evaluated using a model of binary logistic regression in which the outcome variable was divided into 2 groups. Three hundred eighty-six patients (85%) were female and the median age was 54.8 years old. The median for the number of procedures was 2 (range, 1-5). Two hundred two of the 454 patients (44.5%) had a history of fillers. Twenty-five patients had complications. DCQ score was significantly lower in the satisfied group (median score, 3) versus the unsatisfied group (median, 6), p = 0.007. In the multiple binary logistical model, the variables age, male gender, DCQ, presence of complications, and upper eyelid blepharoplasty resulted as significant. We found a significant positive association with upper lid blepharoplasty and a negative association with increasing age, male gender, occurrence of complications, and DCQ score, as predictors of patient satisfaction. We routinely administer the DCQ to all cosmetic patients: It is a brief, sensitive, and specific screening instrument for body dysmorphic disorder.

Effects of liquid nicotine concentration and flavour on the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among people who smoke participating in a randomised controlled trial to reduce cigarette consumption

BackgroundResearch is needed to understand the acceptability of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) as a smoking reduction aid. This study examines the acceptability of ENDS by liquid nicotine concentration and...

Treatment with synchronized radiofrequency and facial muscle stimulation: Histologic analysis of human skin for changes in collagen and elastin fibers.

Skin's exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic factors causes age-related changes, leading to a lower amount of dermal collagen and elastin. This study investigated the effects of a novel facial muscle stimulation technology combined with radiofrequency (RF) heating on dermal collagen and elastin content for the treatment of facial wrinkles and skin laxity. The active group subjects (N = 6) received four 20-min facial treatments with simultaneous RF and facial muscle stimulation, once weekly. The control subject (N = 1) was untreated. Skin biopsies obtained at baseline, 1-month and 3-month follow-up were evaluated histologically to determine collagen and elastin fibers content. A group of independent aestheticians evaluated facial skin appearance and wrinkle severity. Patient safety was followed. In the active group, collagen-occupied area reached 11.91 ± 1.80 × 106 μm2 (+25.32%, p < 0.05) and 12.35 ± 1.44 × 105 μm2 (+30.00%, p < 0.05) at 1-month and 3-month follow-up visits. Elastin-occupied area at 1-month and 3-month follow-up was 1.64 ± 0.14 × 105 μm2 (+67.23%, p < 0.05), and 1.99 ± 0.21 × 105 μm2 (+102.80%, p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in collagen and elastin fibers. Active group wrinkle scores decreased from 5 (moderate, class II) to 3 (mild, class I). All subjects, except the control, improved in appearance posttreatment. No adverse events or side effects occurred. Decreased dermal collagen and elastin levels contributes to a gradual decline in skin elasticity, leading to facial wrinkles and unfirm skin. Study results showed noticeable improvement in facial appearance and increased dermal collagen and elastin content subsequent to simultaneous, noninvasive RF, and facial muscle stimulation treatments.

Virtual Reality and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder that is particularly difficult to treat in military veterans. Noninvasive brain stimulation has significant potential as a novel treatment to reduce PTSD symptoms. To test whether active transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus virtual reality (VR) is superior to sham tDCS plus VR for warzone-related PTSD. This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted among US military veterans enrolled from April 2018 to May 2023 at a secondary care Department of Veterans Affairs hospital and included 1- and 3-month follow-up visits. Participants included US military veterans with chronic PTSD and warzone-related exposure, recruited via referral and advertisement. Patients in psychiatric treatment had to be on a stable regimen for at least 6 weeks to be eligible for enrollment. Data were analyzed from May to September 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 2-mA anodal tDCS or sham tDCS targeted to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, during six 25-minute sessions of standardized warzone VR exposure, delivered over 2 to 3 weeks. The co-primary outcomes were self-reported PTSD symptoms, measured via the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), alongside quality of life. Other outcomes included psychophysiological arousal, clinician-assessed PTSD, depression, and social/occupational function. A total of 54 participants (mean [SD] age, 45.7 [10.5] years; 51 [94%] males) were assessed, including 26 in the active tDCS group and 28 in the sham tDCS group. Participants in the active tDCS group reported a superior reduction in self-reported PTSD symptom severity at 1 month (t = -2.27, P = .02; Cohen d = -0.82). There were no significant differences in quality of life between active and sham tDCS groups. Active tDCS significantly accelerated psychophysiological habituation to VR events between sessions compared with sham tDCS (F5,7689.8 = 4.65; P < .001). Adverse effects were consistent with the known safety profile of the corresponding interventions. These findings suggest that combined tDCS plus VR may be a promising strategy for PTSD reduction and underscore the innovative potential of these combined technologies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03372460.

Evaluation of Esthetic Results after Mass Removal with Elliptical Skin Excision Using Ultrasonography to Measure Skin Thickness.

Background: The growth of benign cutaneous masses causes the overlaying skin to expand and become thinner, especially at the central, most projected point. In this retrospective study, a surgical technique comprising an elliptical skin excision was employed to account for these skin changes. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 980 patients with benign masses. Preoperatively, all patients underwent ultrasonography to evaluate the mass depth and thickness of the attached skin, and mass excision was performed using the elliptical skin-excision method. The operative time was recorded, and complications and esthetic outcomes were assessed using the Cutometer® and the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) during 1- and 3-month follow-up visits. Results: The mean operative time (17.48 ± 3.46 min) was significantly shorter than that of conventional methods (p < 0.05). Cutometer parameters showed no significant differences from those of intact skin. The average mVSS scores were 5.21 ± 1.42 and 3.50 ± 1.79 at 1- and 3-month follow-ups, respectively. Conclusions: Mass excision with an elliptical skin attachment resulted in improved esthetic results and easy removal. The attached skin enabled convenient handling without damaging the capsule or other adjacent structures, leaving a thick dermis on both wound edges. Thus, this technique resulted in minimal scarring.

Pilot Study to Demonstrate Improvement in Skin Tone and Texture by Treatment with a 1064 nm Q-Switched Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser.

The 1064 nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (QS Nd:YAG) laser was developed to treat unwanted pigmentation in the skin such as lentigines caused by photoaging, and tattoos from dye/ink insertion. This laser has also been used for non-ablative epidermal rejuvenation (skin toning). To evaluate changes in skin tone, skin texture and overall improvement after a series of treatments with the QS Nd:YAG laser. Participants received seven full-face treatments with M22 or Stellar M22, a 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser, at 2-week intervals. The investigators and participants evaluated the improvement in skin tone and texture at 1, 3 and 6 months after the last treatment. Patient satisfaction, patient discomfort, downtime and adverse events were recorded. Histological changes in the treated area were also evaluated. Thirteen women with a median age of 45 years (range, 34-61 years) were included in the study. The majority of the participants (53.9%) had skin type VI. One month after the last treatment session, 38% of participants reported good to very good improvement. This value increased to 100% participant improvement at both the 3-month and 6-month follow-up visits. The reduction in melanin index and the histological analysis demonstrated that the laser procedure contributed to a reduction in epidermal melanin content. Treatments were not associated with high levels of pain or discomfort. The most common immediate post-treatment response was erythema and edema. Most participants were satisfied with the resulting treatment outcome. Skin treatment with the 1064 nm QS Nd:YAG laser module on the M22 and Stellar M22 devices, using a large spot size, low fluence, moderately high repetition rate, improves skin tone and texture in patients with skin types II-VI.