Picosecond q-switched 1064/532 nm laser in tattoo removal. our single center experience

Background: Tattoo removal is becoming increasingly popular, and Q-switched lasers represent the gold standard in the treatment of this condition. In this study, we report our experience with a new Q-switched picosecond laser device, evaluating its effectiveness and safety. Methods: A total of 34 patients asking for tattoo removal were consecutively enrolled in this open study. The clinicians decided on operating settings based on the Fitzpatrick phototype, the type of tattoo, and the tattoo location. A maximum of seven sessions, with a minimum interval of eight weeks between each session, were performed. At the six month follow-up visit following the last treatment session, patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale and two dermatologists evaluated the aesthetic outcome based on pictures taken before and after treatment. Results: A total of 34 patients were included and analyzed: 17 females (50%) and 17 males (50%). The mean patient age was 43.6 ± 11 years. Participants’ Fitzpatrick skin type ranged from II to IV. The mean number of treatment sessions performed was 3.3 ± 2.0 per patient. Over 40% of patients showed complete removal of the tattoo, with most of the patients indicating satisfaction with the treatment. Conclusions: The Q-switched 1064/532 nm laser may be considered the gold standard treatment for tattoo removal. Picosecond pulses seem to guarantee fewer sessions and excellent results when compared to other laser systems in tattoo removal

Lp-PLA 2 , a new biomarker of vascular disorders in metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases are chronic disorders correlated to a greater risk of cardiovascular event and death. Recently, many data have sustained the biological link between microvascular dysfunction, oxidative stress, vascular inflammation, and metabolic diseases. The determination of new and specific blood biomarkers of vascular inflammation associated with obesity-related metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes such as lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) could be useful to identify subject with high risk of cardiovascular events. Lp-PLA 2 participates by a crucial role in microvascular dysfunction and oxidative stress showing positive association with metabolic disorders. In this review, we will argue the evolving role of Lp-PLA 2 in predicting cardiovascular events in metabolic disease patients

Centro Nazionale della Fondazione Lega del Filo d’Oro Osimo. Architettura per la cura delle disabilità / Architecture for disability care

La Fondazione Lega del Filo d’Oro, con oltre dieci sedi in Italia, è un punto di riferimento unico per l’assistenza, l’educazione, la riabilitazione e il sostegno all’autonomia delle persone sordocieche e pluriminorate psicosensoriali. Questo libro descrive l’architettura, la costruzione e la definizione degli spazi del nuovo Centro Nazionale di Osimo, in rapporto alle metodologie di cura e assistenza. La storia, l’impegno e la filosofia di lavoro della Lega del Filo d’Oro sono raccontati nei contributi di Rossano Bartoli e di Patrizia Ceccarani; il progetto è descritto nei testi di Stefano Guidarini (architettura), Maria Raffaella Tamburi (impianti, strutture e costruzione) e Alfredo Zengiaro (arredi). Un testo di Marco Biraghi inquadra il progetto nell’ambito dell’architettura italiana contemporanea

PARS PLANITIS AND AUTOIMMUNE ENDOTHELIOPATHY

[No abstract available

Effectiveness of IPL treatment of hyperpigmented lesions associated to cutaneous ageing through confocal microscopy imaging: results of an open study

Photoaging is the most common indication for intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments. 28 patients with hyperpigmentation due to photodamaged facial skin were included in this open study, treated with 3 to 6 sessions of a 550nm wavelenght IPL and assessed through dermatoscopic evaluation supported by confocal microscopy. The results of the study evidenced safety and effectiveness of the procedures. Dermatoscopy and confocal microscopy, in our opinion, can help clinical assessment through the detailed analysis of minor details that could not be evidenced by traditional photograph