The 1450-nm Diode Laser Reduces Redness and Porphyrin Density: An Image-Based, Patient-Oriented Appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris remains the leading dermatological condition. The efficacy of laser treatment has been supported by many clinical studies, but studies investigating its multidimensional action are lacking. AIM: To comprehensively investigate the efficacy of 1450-nm diode laser treatment in patients with inflammatory acne and provide objective and subjective data for doctors in clinical practice. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with inflammatory acne lesions who underwent three courses of 1450-nm diode laser treatment between October 2019 and August 2020. Facial surface analysis was performed via objective computer assessments using the Canfield VISIA imaging system. Post-treatment subjective assessments were retrieved and analyzed using the clinical global impression-improvement index (CGI-I) and patient global impression of improvement scales (PGI-I). RESULTS: The final analysis included 20 patients. The changes in the porphyrin VISIA system scores demonstrated significant improvement, with median scores being 35.83, 48.83, and 54.83, respectively. The changes in the red area VISIA scores also showed improvement, with the median scores being 48, 50.33, and 58.83, respectively. The average CGI-I scale scores were 2.2 ± 1.01, 1.70 ± 0.80, and 1.50 ± 0.76, respectively (p = 0.001), and the average PGI-I scale scores were 3.10 ± 0.85, 3.10 ± 0.97, and 3.05 ± 0.95, respectively (p = 0.727), with no significant changes observed in sebum production. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first to provide objective and subjective evidence proving that the 1450-nm diode laser can reduce inflammatory acne lesions.

Second-to-fourth digit ratio and age predicting the severity of androgenetic alopecia: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common type of hair loss. Previous studies indicated that the relative length of the index and ring finger (2D:4D ratio) of AGA patients was lower than control. However, the correlation between 2D:4D ratio and disease severity is unclear. In this study, we sought to evaluate the relationship between digit ratio of the right hand and AGA severity in male patients.Materials and methods: The cross-sectional study was performed. Hamilton-Norwood scale was used to assess severity. The finger lengths of the right hand were measured using a digital caliper.Results: Our study found that the lower the right-handed 2D:4D ratio, the greater the risk of developing AGA and that the severity of AGA increases with age. Patients with moderate and severe AGA (grade 3 and above) had lower 2D:4D ratios and higher average age compared with patients with mild AGA (Norwood grade 2). Patients aged ≥37.5 with a 2D:4D ratio <0.947 were six times more likely to have moderate-to-severe androgenetic alopecia compared with the reference group (OR: 6.11; 95% CI: 1.96-19.04).Conclusions: Combining 2D:4D ratio and older age may help predict the severity risk of AGA, and offer a clinically accessible, non-invasive approach for patients to easily predict their future severity.

Maternal diabetes or hypertension and lifestyle factors may be associated with metabolic syndrome: a population-based study in Taiwan.

Early detection and interventions for metabolic syndrome (MetS) are the most cost-effective methods for preventing many chronic diseases. There have been discordant findings in various countries due to different genetics and lifestyles. The goal of this study was to investigate the association of MetS with parental diseases, a Chinese-style diet, and rural-urban regional differences with a large-scale epidemiological survey in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwanese Survey on Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia (TwSHHH), a cross-sectional population-based study with multistage stratified random sampling conducted by the Taiwan Bureau of Health Promotion in 2002. Public health nurses visited homes to conduct the survey, including blood drawing and an interview. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used for exploring the factors associated with MetS. A total of 6591 people completed data for analysis. Our results revealed that older age, male sex, and maternal diabetes or hypertension, were significantly associated with MetS. Eating poultry with skin and fat and eating a bean-free diet may be associated with a higher risk of MetS. People who exercised regularly and the residents of the Taipei metropolitan area had a lower prevalence of MetS. As a result, people with maternal diabetes or hypertension should pay attention to their cardiovascular health and prevention of MetS. We suggest that eating skinless and low-fat poultry, eating more beans, and exercising regularly, may decrease the risk of MetS. We should make an effort to advocate for health promotion, including lifestyle modification, especially among the high-risk population and among residents in rural areas with limited medical resources.