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Laser treatments have become popular in Dermatology. In parallel to technologic development enabling the availability of different laser wavelengths, non-invasive skin imaging techniques, such as reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), have been used to explore morphologic and qualitative skin characteristics. Specifically, RCM can be applied to cosmetically sensitive skin areas such as the face, without the need for skin biopsies. For these reasons, apart from its current use in skin cancer diagnosis, our systematic review reveals how RCM can be employed in the field of laser treatment monitoring, being particularly suitable for the evaluation of variations in epidermis and dermis, and pigmentary and vascular characteristics of the skin. This systematic review article aims to provide an overview on current applications of RCM laser treatment monitoring, while describing RCM features identified for different applications. Studies on human subjects treated with laser treatments, monitored with RCM, were included in the current systematic review. Five groups of treatments were identified and described: skin rejuvenation, scar tissue, pigmentary disorders, vascular disorders and other. Interestingly, RCM can assist treatments with lasers targeting all chromophores in the skin and exploiting laser induced optical breakdown. Treatment monitoring encompasses assessment at baseline and examination of changes after treatment, therefore revealing details in morphologic alterations underlying different skin conditions and mechanisms of actions of laser therapy, as well as objectify results after treatment.

Age-related muscle mass and force reduction may ultimately pave the way for loss of independence, reduced quality of life (QoL) and increased falls, which represents one of the primary causes of hospitalization and death among the elderly. Physical exercise (PE) is widely proposed to reduce the risk of falls (RoF) in the elderly, and Taekwondo (TKD) seems a particularly suitable activity for this purpose. Therefore, this single-arm longitudinal observational study aims to evaluate (a) the effects of a six-month adapted TKD course on RoF by means of an instrumented version of the timed up and go test (TUG) and (b) differences after six months of TKD on TUG temporal and kinematic variables. Twenty elderly participants of both sexes (age: 64.6 ± 4.2 years; mass: 76.0 ± 15.0 kg; stature: 1.63 ± 0.10 m) were assessed before (T0) and after (T6) six months of adapted TKD by means of the i-TUG test. TUG, walking phases and time to sit duration were shorter than at T0. Furthermore, during walking phases, antero-posterior linear acceleration increased significantly. The adapted TKD course was suitable to improve functional mobility in the elderly, and the use of the instrumented TUG allowed us to further our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these improvements.

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is a widely used training method to increase muscle strength and power. However, its working mechanisms are still poorly understood, and studies investigating the effects of WBV on muscle stiffness are scant. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the acute effects of WBV on stiffness and countermovement jump (CMJ). Twenty-four recreationally active males, on separate days and in random order, performed a static squat under two different conditions: with WBV (WBV) or without vibration (CC). Muscle stiffness was assessed through the Wartenberg pendulum test, and CMJ was recorded. RM-ANOVA was employed to test differences between conditions in the above-mentioned variables. In the CC condition, stiffness was significantly lower after the exposure to the static squat (p = 0.006), whereas no difference was observed after the exposure to WBV. WBV and CC did not affect CMJ. No significant correlation was observed between changes in CMJ and changes in stiffness. Our results show that WBV may mitigate the reduction in muscle stiffness observed after static squats. However, current results do not support the notion that WBV exposure may account for an increase in CMJ performance.

This study analysed the acute effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) on quadriceps isometric muscular endurance. Fifteen healthy middle-aged males performed an endurance isometric strength test after three different warm-up conditions: static half squat plus WBV (HSV), static half squat without WBV (HS), and control condition (CC). The endurance isometric strength test consisted of 10 maximal isometric contractions held for 4 s and interspersed by 2 s of rest between each repetition. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was assessed after warm-up (RPE1) and at the end of the testing session (RPE2). During each testing session, participant’s heart rate (HR) was continuously recorded. For each trial, the mean force across the 10 repetitions and fatigue index were evaluated. Mean force was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in CC than in the other two conditions. Both RPE1 and RPE2 were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in CC than HSV and HS condition. Warm-up HR and the mean testing session HR were significantly lower in CC than the other two conditions (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed in fatigue index between conditions (p > 0.05) or in HR during the endurance protocol. Performing half-squat with or without vibration stimuli does not increase isometric muscular endurance and does not influence fatigue index.

Purpose To determine whether stress–rest myocardial perfusion single-photon emission (MPS) computed tomography improves coronary heart disease (CHD) risk classification in diabetic patients. Methods In 822 consecutive diabetic patients, risk estimates for a CHD event were categorized as 0% to <3%, 3% to <5%, and ≥5% per year using Cox proportional hazards models. Model 1 used traditional CHD risk factors and electrocardiography (ECG) stress test data and model 2 used these variables plus MPS imaging data. We calculated the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and compared the distribution of risk using model 2 vs. model 1. CHD death, myocardial infarction and unstable angina requiring coronary revascularization were the outcome measures. Results During follow-up (58 ± 11 months), 148 events occurred. Model 2 improved risk prediction compared to model 1 (NRI 0.25, 95% confidence interval, CI, 0.15-0.34; p  < 0.001). Overall, 301 patients were reclassified to a higher risk category, with an event rate of 28%, and 26 to a lower risk category, with an event rate of 15%. Among patients at 3% to <5% risk, 53% were reclassified at higher risk and 25% at lower risk (NRI 0.42, 95% CI 0.07–0.76; p  < 0.05). The cost per NRI was $880.80 for MPS imaging as compared to an outpatient visit with an ECG stress test. Conclusion The addition of MPS imaging data to a prediction model based on traditional risk factors and ECG stress test data significantly improved CHD risk classification in patients with diabetes.

Background: A subset of patients affected by cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) can exhibit locally invasive or metastatic tumors. Different staging classification systems are currently in use for cSCC. However, precise patient risk stratification has yet to be reached in clinical practice. The study aims to identify specific histological and molecular parameters characterizing metastatic cSCC. Methods: Patients affected by metastatic and non-metastatic cSCC (controls) were included in the present study and matched for clinical and histological characteristics. Skin samples from primary tumors were revised for several histological parameters and also underwent gene expression profiling with a commercially available panel testing 770 different genes. Results: In total, 48 subjects were enrolled in the study (24 cases, 24 controls); 67 genes were found to be differentially expressed between metastatic and non-metastatic cSCC. Most such genes were involved in immune regulation, skin integrity, angiogenesis, cell migration and proliferation. Conclusion: The combination of histological and molecular profiles of cSCCs allows the identification of features specific to metastatic cSCC, with potential implications for more precise patient risk stratification.

Skin cancer, particularly cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), is becoming more common, and advanced cases often require complex surgery that can affect both aesthetics and anatomical functionality. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy, which enhances the immune system to fight cancer before surgery, has recently shown promising results in improving outcomes. This systematic review evaluated studies on this topic to describe the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in high-risk cSCC. Our review suggests that this approach not only reduces tumor burden but also leads to higher survival rates. However, the development of standardized treatment methods and further studies on this topic are needed to achieve better results in patient therapeutic management and a higher quality of life.

A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is one of the most frequent computed tomography (CT) incidental findings. Its characterization is of paramount relevance, since prognosis of malignant pulmonary lesions is strictly related to a tumors dimension at diagnosis [1, 2]. Actually, although lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, a favorable 5-year survival rate up to 80 % [3] after surgical resection at an earlier stage, has been observed. Thus, it appears mandatory to define appropriate diagnostic strategies for an early characterization of SPN, and diagnostic imaging plays a major role in this process.