Comparison of 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond laser using fractional micro-lens array vs. ablative fractional 2940-nm Er:YAG laser for the treatment of atrophic acne scar in Asians: a 20-week prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled pilot study

BackgroundThe 1064-nm Nd:YAG picosecond lasers using fractional micro-lens array (P-MLA) was a promising therapy for skin resurfacing. However, no studies have compared P-MLA with ablative fractional 2940-nm Er:YAG lasers (AF-Er) in the treatment of atrophic acne scars.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of P-MLA and AF-Er for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized, split-face, controlled pilot study. Thirty-one Asian patients with mild to moderate atrophic acne scars underwent four consecutive sessions of randomized split-face treatment with P-MLA and AF-Fr at 4-week intervals. The efficacy of the two devices were evaluated by Echelle d’Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d’acne (ECCA) grading scale, Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score and patient’s satisfaction. VISIA analysis was also performed to evaluate the pore and skin texture. Adverse events were recorded at each follow-up.ResultsThe P-MLA afforded comparable clinical responses in scar appearance as AF-Er based on the investigator’s assessments (ECCA percent reduction: 39.11% vs. 43.73%; IGA score: 2.97 ± 0.65 vs. 3.16 ± 0.68; P > 0.05 for both). However, the result of patient satisfaction indicated the AF-Er-treated side achieved a slightly greater improvement in scar appearance (3.97 ± 0.78 vs. 3.55 ± 0.71; P < 0.05). Overall, the two devices did not differ largely in terms of efficacy. VISIA analysis revealed similar changing patterns of the pore and skin texture between two devices. For safety profiles, no serious side effects were reported on both sides. The P-MLA showed lower pain level, shortened duration of crust shed and edema, and less occurrence of PIH (P < 0.05 for all).ConclusionCompared with AF-Er, P-MLA afforded comparable effect and more safety profiles in treating atrophic acne scars in Asian patients.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT 05686603

Integrative mRNA profiling comparing cultured primary cells with clinical samples reveals PLK1 and C20orf20 as therapeutic targets in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

This work was funded by DebRA, the dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa research association (http:// www.debra.org.uk

Treatment of dissecting cellulitis of the scalp with erbium: YAG laser: a case series

Dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS) is a rare recurrent inflammatory disease of unknown etiology. Ideal treatment of DCS remains unclear. We treated DCS with 2940-nm erbium Yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser in 12 patients and assessed the efficacy by Physicians Global Assessment (PGA), number of inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and area of alopecia. After a mean treating session of 2.2 months, 10 patients reached PGA 0 (initial PGA 1) or 1 (initial PGA ≥2). At the end of treatment, there was 84%, 100%, and 74% regression in nodules, abscesses, and alopecia area, respectively. No severe adverse effect was observed. 2940-nm erbium: YAG laser may be an effective and safe way to treat DCS resistant to other therapies

Targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway in cancer: Role of synthetic and natural inhibitors

10.1016/j.bbcan.2013.12.005Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Reviews on Cancer18452136-154BBAC