An Innovative Dual-Wavelength Laser Technique for Atrophic Acne Scar Management: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: Acne scars are one of the most disturbing and long-term symptoms of acne vulgaris, having a negative impact on a person's physical, emotional, and social well-being. Aim: the purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and post-treatment outcomes of a dual-wavelength system combining the irradiation of two wavelengths at 10,600 nm and 1540 nm in the management of facial atrophic acne scars. Materials and Methods: Four healthy adult volunteers aged 24-53 years were enrolled. The areas treated were the full face (two patients), cheeks (one patient), and forehead (one patient). A dual-wavelength system (1540 nm and 10,600 nm) was used for this study. Patients underwent 2-4 treatment sessions, and the treatments were performed once every 45-90 days. All possible side effects such as burning sensation, dyschromia, mild to moderate post-treatment erythema, bleeding, itching, edema, and crusting were checked. The index to assess edema and erythema was based on a four-point scale (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and was applied before and at 3-month follow-up (3 MFU) after the last treatment session. In addition, a patient assessment was conducted before treatment and at 3 MFU after the last treatment session. Results: For all patients examined, the edema index was mild, while for the erythema index, 3/4 patients experienced moderate and 1/4 patients experienced mild symptoms. The mean patient downtime was 5.8 ± 0.5 days. Concerning the patient assessment, 2/4 subjects showed excellent improvement, 1/4 patients showed good improvement, and 1/4 patients showed slight improvement. As shown by the photographic assessment, a noticeable improvement in skin texture and a substantial reduction in acne scars were observed at the end of treatment. Conclusions: This dual-wavelength laser technology has the potential to be an interesting and safe approach for acne scar treatment, with a low risk of scarring/hypopigmentation and a shorter healing time.

Laser Impacts on Skin Rejuvenation: The Use of a Synergistic Emission of CO2 and 1540 nm Wavelengths

Background and Objectives: For nearly 15 years, carbon dioxide (CO2) laser has been the gold standard in skin rejuvenation. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a new laser device which combines CO2 and 1540 nm wavelengths in wrinkles reduction, using a recently developed scanning unit named the µScan DOT scanner. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 female patients underwent from two to four laser treatment sessions performed once every 45-90 days. Wrinkles reduction was evaluated using the Fitzpatrick Wrinkle Classification System (FWCS). Evaluations of five-point Global Patient's Assessment (PGA) and an Oedema and Erythema index based on a four-point scale were carried out. A careful photographic evaluation was performed to observe the patients' aesthetic improvements. All the assessments were performed before and at 3 months follow up (3 MFU) after the last treatment session. Results: The mean FWCS score significantly (p < 0.01) decreased from 5.45 ± 2.21 at baseline to 3.3 ± 1.78 at 3 MFU after the last treatment session. In total, 8/20 (40%) subjects reported excellent improvement, 7/20 (35%) subjects showed good improvement, 5/20 (25%) subjects showed slight improvement, and 0/20 (0%) subjects showed no improvement. Concerning the Oedema index, 15/20 subjects experienced a mild one, 5/20 subjects experienced a moderate one, and none of 20 experienced a severe one, while for the Erythema index, 1/20 patients experienced mild, 18/20 patients experienced moderate, and only 1/20 patient experienced severe erythema. No severe adverse events were observed. Conclusions: This dual-wavelength laser technique may become a promising new option for safe, nonsurgical improvement for skin rejuvenation with an extremely low risk of scarring or hypopigmentation and shorter healing times.

Clinical application of 675 nm laser therapy for dorsal hand skin hyperpigmentation

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive skin rejuvenation treatment is growing in recognition to aesthetic medicine.

AIM

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of the 675-nm laser source treatment of photodamaged hands.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 21 patients (6 males and 15 females) with a mean age of 63 (± 9) years. Patients were treated with -two to three sessions of the 675-nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. Photos of each patient were collected at baseline, and 3 months after the last laser session. The 5-point Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was recorded with their final assessment session (3 months).

RESULTS

The total GAIS scores showed satisfactory results: 15 patients (71%) experienced 4 score (excellent improvement) changes and 6 patients (29%) experienced 3 score (good improvement) changes. Clinical images showed good efficacy and visible aesthetic results for the management of photodamaged skin. No serious adverse effects were recorded.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of for the aesthetic improvement of skin pigmentation and texture for photodamaged hands.

Efficacy and Safety of Carbon Dioxide Laser System in the Treatment of Scalp Sebaceous Adenoma With the Use of a New Scanner Unit

Sebaceous adenoma (SA) is a rare solitary tumor that preferentially affects the forehead and scalp. The objective of this case report was to determine the efficacy and safety of a 10,600-nm carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device in the treatment of large scalp SA, using a new scanning system which allows to speed up the removal of the lesion. A 65-year-old male with SA on the scalp area underwent one session with the CO2 laser system. For this procedure, a new scanner system with 7-inch or 4-inch focal handpieces were used. A local anesthesia with lidocaine was performed before laser treatment. Some possible side effects such as dyschromia, burning sensation, bleeding and mild to moderate post-treatment erythema, itching, crusting, and edema, were checked. In order to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment, clinical photos that documented the patient lesion were captured before treatment and at 1 month of follow-up. The clinical and aesthetic results observed after laser procedure were excellent, with a complete remission of patient's scalp SA lesion at 4 weeks' follow-up. Patient satisfaction was very high, and no side effects were observed. This laser system technology allows for precise, effective, and targeted action on the lesions treated while simultaneously protecting the surrounding areas, ensuring the best possible re-epithelialization.

Ex Vivo Human Histology Fractional Treatment with a New CO2 Scanner: A Potential Application on Deep Scarring

Background and Objectives: For many years, fully ablative laser treatments, particularly those performed with a carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser, were regarded as the gold standard for resurfacing. This study's goal is to assess the depth that can be reached by a new CO₂ scanner system, through a skin model with greater dermal thickness, to use in the treatment of deep scarring. Materials and Methods: Male human skin tissue was laser-treated using a CO₂ fractional laser and a new scanning system, and all samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, dehydrated using a series of crescent alcohol, embedded in paraffin, sectioned in series (4-5 µm thick), stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and then analysed under an optical microscope. Results: From the epidermis through the underlying papillary and reticular dermis to various depths of the dermis, microablation columns of damage and coagulated microcolumns of collagen were observed. The reticular dermis was fully penetrated up to 6 mm at higher energy levels (210 mJ/DOT), resulting in deeper tissue injury. Although the laser might penetrate further, the skin stops there, leaving just the fat and muscular tissue. Conclusions: The deep layers of the dermis can be penetrated by the CO₂ laser system throughout the entire dermal thickness when using the new scanning system, suggesting that this laser's potential impact, at the selected settings, covers all skin targets required to perform superficial or deep treatments on any dermatological issue. Finally, patients who have problems, such as morbid scar-deep complications, which affect their quality of life, are more likely to profit from this innovative technique.

Experience of Novelty Laser Therapy Emission with 675 nm Wavelength for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Male and Female Patients: A Case Series Study

Background: Alopecia androgenetica is the most common type of hair loss. It is estimated that 60-70% of the world's population is affected, with men having a slight advantage. This condition supports a progressive hair thinning in androgen-sensitive zones, as defined by the Hamilton and Norwood classifications for men and Ludwig classifications for women. There are numerous published studies that show the effect of red light (650-675 nm) on hair growth biostimulation. Objective: To validate this correlation, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of 675 nm laser emission for the management of alopecia androgenetica in female and male subjects. Methods: A total of 17 subjects (6 women and 11 men) aged from 18 to 65 years, without other comorbidities, with an alopecia androgenetica grade ranges between I-II in women (according to Ludvig scale) and I-II-III in men (according to Hamilton scale) were enrolled in the study between October and December 2021. All patients underwent 10 sessions of 675 nm laser treatment, each lasting 20 min, without the use of concomitant systemic or topical therapies. Results: The results verified at epiluminescence stage, and at the third month of follow-up and at the end of treatment, showed a significant increase in the density of the hair shafts and a reduction of yellow dots and telangiectasias characteristic of alopecia androgenetica. Conclusions: The 675 nm laser showed excellent outcomes resulting in a 60% reduction of the miniaturization process in the treated areas without side effect.

Laser-assisted blepharoplasty: An innovative safe and effective technique

BACKGROUND

Blepharoplasty is one of the most popular esthetic procedures with an acceptable risk profile and a relatively quick procedure.

METHODS

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new CO2 and 1540-nm laser-assisted blepharoplasty technique applied to the upper and lower eyelids. A total of 38 patients were enrolled. Photographs were taken before the treatment and at 6-month follow-up. One "blind" observer assessed the performance of this technique by ranking the results in four categories of eyelid esthetic: 1 = no or poor results (0%-25%), 2 = slight improvement (25%-50%), 3 = moderate improvement (50%-75%) and 4 = marked improvement (75%-100%). All possible complications were monitored.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients (84 %) achieved marked improvement, four patients (11%) moderate improvement, two patients (5 %) slight improvement, while zero subjects (0%) poor or no improvement. No serious adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results from clinical evaluations suggest that the CO2 and 1540-nm laser assisted blepharoplasty is proved to be a sophisticate intervention efficacious in improving the treatment of patients with various degrees of eyelid and periocular aging and also in reducing downtime.

Striae Distensae: Clinical Results and Evidence-Based Evaluation of a Novel 675 nm Laser Wavelength

Background: A current popular aesthetic problem, especially among younger women, is striae distensae (SD), also referred to as "stretch marks.". Aim: The potential use of the 675 nm laser has been investigated in the treatment of SD. Methods: Patients underwent three sessions of the 675 nm laser with a 1-month interval between sessions. A total of three sessions were performed. The Manchester Scar Scale was used to assess stretch mark changes, and the mean scores related to each parameter at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were measured. A clinical photographic evaluation was performed to show the aesthetic improvement of SD. Results: The patients' treated areas were the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and breasts. Mean scores related to each Manchester Scar Scale parameter, with their relative percentage change, at baseline and 6M FU after the last treatment session were significantly improved. The total mean Manchester Scar Scale score significantly diminished from 14.16 (±1.30) to 10.06 (±1.32) at 6M FU (p < 0.01). The clinical photographs showed promising aesthetic SD improvement. Conclusions: 675 nm laser therapy demonstrated a good tolerance for the treatment of stretch marks applied to various body areas preventing any discomfort for the patient and with a significant improvement in skin texture.

Laser emission at 675 nm: In vitro study evidence of a promising role in skin rejuvenation

Light-based therapies have been proven to influence and perhaps reverse skin ageing at clinical, molecular and histologic levels. Laser technology decreases photodamage by promoting collagen type I and III synthesis and enhancing the expression of heat shock protein. Aims: This study aims to assess different doses of 675 nm irradiation on human dermal fibroblast cells to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects on the rejuvenation process. Methods: This study employed a laser system that emits 675 nm wavelength: 260, 390, 520 and 650 J/cm² doses were tested on adult human dermal fibroblast cells. Cellular viability, proliferation, and synthesis of type I and III collagen were studied. Results: No dose tested showed effects on cell viability and proliferation at 24 and 48 h from the irradiation. Doses of 260 and 520 J/cm² causes a significant decrease in type I collagen fluorescence intensity, while 390 J/cm² elicits a significant increase in type III collagen expression. Conclusions: Our results showed that 675 nm laser irradiation does not affect cell viability while modulating cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in human adult cultured fibroblasts in vitro. These findings suggest that 675 nm laser irradiation potentially plays a role in skin rejuvenation.

Cancer diagnosis and suicide outcomes: prevalence and risk meta-analysis

Introduction

Available meta-analytic evidence suggests an increased risk of suicide among cancer patients, although most of the reports focused on the sole suicide death (SD) outcome and they are usually hampered by significant between-study heterogeneity.

Objectives

The present meta-analysis aimed at assessing the prevalence and risk rates of SD, suicide attempt (SA), and suicidal ideation (SI) among cancer patients.

Methods

Systematic search up to April 2021 of observational studies documenting cancer and suicide outcomes associations. Pooled prevalence estimates, odd ratios (ORs), risk ratios (RRs), and hazard ratios (HRs) of SD, SA, and SI were computed according to the random-effects model. SD prevalence underwent cumulative and sub-group analyses for different variables. Risk estimates underwent sensitivity analysis for study design.

Results

Overall, thirty-nine studies were included. A higher risk of SD based on HR, SA based on OR and HR, and SI based on each measure was recorded among cancer patients versus controls. OR and RR of SD were not significant. Pooled prevalence rates of SD, SA and SI among cancer patients were 1.9% (1.1-3.1%), 1.4% (0.3-7.1%), and 9.1% (5.8-14.0%), respectively. Although high between-study heterogeneity held upon sensitivity and sub-group analyses, the overall message brought by risk analyses likewise held true. Age, country, study design, cancer type, sample size, cases type and comparison affected SD prevalence estimates in cancer patients. SD prevalence decreased over time.

Conclusions

Cancer patients face higher risk for SA and SI versus controls. SD’ results were controversial. Cancer patients have higher prevalence rates of suicide outcomes compared to the general population.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

The association between self-esteem and suicidal risk: a meta-analysis

Introduction

Background: Existing evidence poses low self-esteem as a risk factor for both suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs) in the general population.

Objectives

The present study assesses the relationship between self-esteem level and SI/SA, considering across the lifespan. Two separate meta-analyses, one for SI and the other for SA are herein reported since they substantially overlap in terms of eligibility procedures and search strategies.

Methods

Eligible studies documented at least one suicidal, and a non-suicidal group. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software (RevMan, version 5.4.1) under the random-effects models. Values were standardized owing to the anticipated heterogeneity of self-esteem rating tools. Sensitivity analyses were performed to control for heterogeneity.

Results

Out of 3,310 initial hits, 24 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. The meta-analyses showed that individuals with lower levels of self-esteem, compared to those with higher levels, were more likely to endorse both SI and SA. SI reached a standardized mean difference of -0.43 (CI: -0.81, -0.05), while SA reduced by -0.89 (CI: -1.02, -0.76), overall. Limitations: The herein presented results rely on standardized mean differences rather than odds of either SI or SA since the original studies failed to systematically fetch rates of the events.

Conclusions

Lower levels of self-esteem represent a risk factor for both SI and SA across the lifespan. Forthcoming studies should systematically account for multiple moderators to allow meta-analytic synthesis including sub-group and meta-regression analyses assuming high-heterogeneity would still be concerned.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Physical pain-suicidality association in all ages: a complete and updated meta-analysis

Introduction

This work represents the continuation of the studies presented in two e-posters during the EPA 2021 conference (De Filippi et al., 2021; Rignanese et al., 2021), which addressed the physical pain-suicidality association (k=44 studies).

Objectives

The aim of this meta-analysis is to provide an update of those studies, integrating data relating to adolescents, adults, and olders.

Methods

We started with the analysis of three papers, in particular a meta-analysis (Calati et al., 2015) and two systematic reviews (Hinze et al., 2019; Santos et al., 2019). After searching on Pubmed (until September 2020), data were extracted from articles comparing the rates of current and lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviours (death wish, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, suicide attempt and suicide death: DW, SI, SP, SA, and SD) in adolescents, adults, and olders with any type of physical pain and in individuals who did not report this condition. Data were analysed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA) version 2.

Results

67 studies were included, of which 16 on adolescents, 29 on adults, 16 on olders, and 6 on mixed ages. Although quite high between-study heterogeneity was detected in most analyses, results suggested that individuals with physical pain are more likely to report any form of suicidal outcome if compared to those not affected by pain.

Conclusions

Collected data are therefore in line with previous literature on this topic, which considered physical pain an extremely predictive risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. However, further research on this topic would be extremely useful.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness and Fearlessness About Death in Italian university students: validation of the INQ-15 and the ACSS-FAD

Introduction

The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15) and the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale - Fearlessness About Death (ACSS-FAD) have been introduced to evaluate the theoretical constructs posit by Joiner’s Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS).

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the INQ-15 (which measures Thwarted Belongingness, TB, and Perceived Burdensomeness, PB) and the ACSS-FAD (measurement of Fearlessness About Death, FAD, dimension of the acquired capability) in a population of Italian university students.

Methods

Since there was no Italian version of the ACSS-FAD, we have translated it through an accurate multistage procedure. ACSS-FAD and INQ-15 have been administered to a sample of 1,665 Italian university students. We analyzed the factorial structure of the INQ-15 and the ACSS-FAD, their reliability, criterion, convergent and discriminant validity.

Results

Principal Component Analysis confirmed a two-dimensional structure for INQ-15 and a one-factor structure for ACSS-FAD. Internal consistency reliability of the scales was good, respectively TB: α = .85; PB: α = .90; and FAD: α = .85. The INQ-15 demonstrated concurrent associations with suicidal ideation, while the ACSS-FAD with a history of suicidal planning/suicide attempt. Convergent and discriminant validity were also in line with previous studies.

Conclusions

Both INQ-15 and ACSS-FAD appropriately capture the respective constructs, proving to be valid measures for the assessment of suicide risk factors among Italian university students according to the IPTS. The valuable psychometric properties of the two scales established with this study in the Italian context encourages their use to advance the clinical understanding and prevention of suicide.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Italian validation of the interpersonal needs questionnaire (INQ-15-I) in a sample of university students

Introduction

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide posits that thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) are proximal causes of current suicidal desire, while the acquired capability predicts suicide attempts (Joiner, 2005).

Objectives

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15-I), as a measure of the two constructs, on a sample of 458 Italian university students.

Methods

After examining the socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics of the sample, we tested the differences in current suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide risk among students. We conducted a confirmatory factor analyses to identify the latent structure of the INQ-15-I and we tested the reliability, criterion concurrent validity and convergent/discriminant validity.

Results

The socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial features of the sample are in line with the literature on the topic. A two-factor related model with 15 item, showed a good fit to the data and subscales showed excellent internal consistencies (α ≥ 0.84). TB, but mostly PB, were mainly correlated with concurrent suicidal ideation and less with suicidal risk. Divergent validity has emerged with the constructs of the acquired capability. Convergent validity is supported for similar constructs such as depression, low reasons for living, anxiety, interoceptive awareness, psychological pain, loneliness, absence of social support and low self-esteem.

Conclusions

INQ-15-I provides a valid measure of the interpersonal needs among Italian university students by indirectly investigating suicidal risk factors. It also suggest specific clinical intervention areas in suicide prevention. Thus it may be included in suicide risk assessment protocols in Italy.

The relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents: A meta-analysis

Introduction

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents (15-19 years). Physical pain is an important risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in a delicate phase as adolescence.

Objectives

Several studies investigated this association and the aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize data in literature about this topic in adolescents (11-20 years).

Methods

We started from a systematic review published by Hinze and colleagues in 2019 and we searched on PubMed (January 2019-June 2020) studies comparing rates of suicidal outcomes (Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plan, Attempt, Self-Harm: SI, SP, SA, SH) in individuals with any type of physical pain (head, back, neck, chest, stomach, abdomen, muscle, joint, arthritis) vs. those without it. Data were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA, version 3).

Results

Of the 16 included studies, eleven focused on SI (68.8%), six (37.5%) on SA, four (25%) on SH and two (12.5%) on SP. Adolescents with physical pain were more likely to report SI (p < .001), SH (p < .001), SA (p = .004) and SP (p = .006). In all analyses, the between study heterogeneity was high. The presence of publication bias has been detected in SI (k≥10).

Conclusions

Results are in line with previous literature on this topic. Future research should investigate the specific impact of: acute vs. chronic pain; different types and intensities of pain; planned vs. impulsive action and therefore suicidal intent; role of psychological factors (in particular sensitivity and tolerance to physical pain).

Can narcissism be considered a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors? A systematic review of the literature

Introduction

Although suicide showed an association with personality disorders, few studies focused on narcissism. This association is interesting, especially in what authors called a “narcissism epidemic”, considering narcissistic wounds to which subjects could be subjected.

Objectives

To systematically review studies investigating the association between narcissism and suicidal risk.

Methods

We focused on the association between narcissism (NPD, narcissistic traits) and suicide (Suicidal Ideation (SI), Non-suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH), Suicide Attempt (SA) and Suicide (S)). Studies were identified through a PubMed-based search. Reference lists were examined to extract additional articles. This review was performed according to PRISMA Statement.

Results

We included 33 studies. Most studies evaluated narcissism through DSM, showing heterogeneous results. NPD was associated with low impulsivity and high planning, but also with a higher number of SAs. Studies evaluating narcissism as a trait were more coherent. SI, NSSI and DSH showed an association with vulnerable narcissism. These associations were explained by mediation and moderation models including shame and dissociation. The grandiose component was associated with severe repetitive NSSIs and S in high suicidal risk samples. Impulsivity showed no effect.

Conclusions

It is possible to develop hypothesis, even if not causal relationships, on the association between narcissism and suicidal risk. Grandiose narcissism seemed to be protective for suicidal outcomes with low intent to die, while vulnerable narcissism seemed to be associated. However grandiose narcissism seemed to be a risk factor for suicidal outcomes with high intent to die, showing low impulsivity and high planning and severity. New studies, differentiating between narcissistic components, are needed.

Physical pain – suicidality association in adults: A meta-analysis

Introduction

Multiple epidemiologic and clinical studies have explored the relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Objectives

The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an update of the data already present in literature about this specific association in adults.

Methods

Starting from a meta-analysis published by Calati and colleagues in 2015, 28 studies were included in this work. After searching on Pubmed (until March 2020), data were extracted from articles comparing the rates of current and lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviours (death wish, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, suicide attempt and suicide death: DW, SI, SP, SA, and SD) in adults with any type of physical pain and in individuals who did not report this condition. Data were analysed using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan, version 5.4).

Results

Although high between-study heterogeneity was detected in most analyses, results suggested that adults with physical pain are more likely to report any form of suicidal outcome, except for death by suicide, compared to individuals not affected by pain. No evidence of publication bias was reported in the main analysis (lifetime SA).

Conclusions

Collected data are therefore in line with previous literature on this topic, which considered physical pain an extremely relevant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Future studies should specifically focus on alternative types of physical pain (such as medically unexplained pain or psychogenic pain) or explore the different impact of acute versus chronic pain in terms of increased suicide risk.

Italian validation of the ACSS-FAD in a sample of university students

Introduction

Suicide is one of the most relevant cause of death especially in young populations. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005) is an important contribution tends to explain variability in suicidal behavior, particularly the difference between suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.

Objectives

This study aimed at the Italian validation of the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale – Fearlessness About Death (ACSS-FAD), assessing fearlessness about death, one of the facets of the acquired capability (AC) to commit suicide as postulated by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide by Thomas Joiner.

Methods

This cross-sectional research was conducted on a sample of university students (n = 458) assessed with a battery including ACSS-FAD. The sample was evaluated for the presence of suicidal ideation and suicide risk. Factor structure, internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity of the scale were assessed.

Results

One-factor structure with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.84) was derived. ACSS-FAD correlated with suicidal ideation and suicidal risk, and there was a tendency towards significance considering its capacity to discriminate between those who had a history of suicide attempts and those who did not. 4.1% of the sample attempted suicide at least one time. The tool showed good convergent/discriminant validity results, but the relationship between ACSS-FAD and pain needs further investigations.

Conclusions

ACSS-FAD seems to be a useful and valid measure of fearlessness about death especially in young adults, which could be really important to enhance suicide risk assessment.

Conflict of interest

No significant relationships.

Self-injury, psychiatric symptoms, and defense mechanisms: Findings in an Italian nonclinical sample

Introduction

This study provides data on the rates, characteristics, and correlates of self-injury (SI) in an Italian nonclinical sample, a population previously unexamined within the SI literature. This study examined the associations between SI and defense mechanisms, as well as the differences between self-injurers (episodic and recurrent) and non self-injurers with regard to the severity and variety of their psychiatric symptoms and psychological distress.

Materials and methods

Five hundred and seventy-eight university students (82.5% female; mean age = 22.3; S.D. = 3.4) were administered a battery of self-report questionnaires, including the “Deliberate Self Harm Inventory” for SI, the Response Evaluation Measure-71 for defense mechanisms, and the “Symptom Checklist-90-Revised” for psychological distress and psychiatric symptoms.

Results

One hundred and nineteen participants (20.6%) reported having engaged in SI at least once during their lifetime. Individuals with recurrent SI (SI ≥ 5) reported significantly higher levels of all psychiatric symptoms and many maladaptive defense mechanisms than individuals without SI. Results also provided evidence for differences between individuals with recurrent and episodic SI.

Conclusion

Results suggest that recurrent self-injurers are distinguished from both episodic self-injurers and non self-injurers by their greater use of maladaptive defense mechanisms, rather than their lesser use of adaptive defenses. Further, results suggest that recurrent self-injurers differ from episodic self-injurers not in terms of the severity of their psychiatric symptoms, but the variety and number of these symptoms.

HNF1(beta) is required for mesoderm induction in the Xenopus embryo

XHNF1(β) is a homeobox-containing gene initially expressed at the blastula stage in the vegetal part of the Xenopus embryo. We investigated its early role by functional ablation, through mRNA injection of an XHNF1(beta)/engrailed repressor fusion construct (XHNF1(beta)/EngR). Dorsal injections of XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA abolish dorsal mesoderm formation, leading to axial deficiencies; ventral injections disrupt ventral mesoderm formation without affecting axial development. XHNF1(beta)/EngR phenotypic effects specifically depend on the DNA-binding activity of its homeodomain and are fully rescued by coinjection of XHNF1(beta) mRNA. Vegetal injection of XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA blocks the mesoderm-inducing ability of vegetal explants. Both B-Vg1 and VegT maternal determinants trigger XHNF1(beta) expression in animal caps. XHNF1(beta)/EngR mRNA blocks B-Vg1-mediated, but not by eFGF-mediated, mesoderm induction in animals caps. However, wild-type XHNF1(beta) mRNA does not trigger Xbra expression in animal caps. We conclude that XHNF1(beta) function is essential, though not sufficient, for mesoderm induction in the Xenopus embryo.

Borderline Personality Disorder and childhood sexual abuse: a meta-analytic study

A meta-analysis of the published literature was performed to evaluate the common effect size (r) of the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). An online search from 1980 to 1995 was used to gather published papers. r coefficient was used as an effect size measure, and 21 studies were retrieved. A moderate pooled r (.279) for the association between CSA and BPD was observed. Pooled effect size estimates were also obtained for CSA parameters. No significant effect of moderators was evidenced. The results of this study did not support the hypothesis that CSA is a major psychological risk factor or a causal antecedent of BPD.

DSM-III-R brief reactive psychosis and personality disorders

DSM-III and DSM-III-R defined the diagnostic criteria of brief reactive psychosis (BRP) identifying some personality disorders (PDs) as predisposing factors: up to now no experimental data support this hypothesis. In this research, the authors studied the link between BRP and PDs, assessing axis II diagnosis (SIDP-R), after recovery of BRP in a group of 23 patients. Eighty-seven percent of the patients (n = 19) received at least one diagnosis of PDs. The widespread presence of PDs and, particularly, the high prevalence of cluster C (n = 11, 47.8%), are only partially in accordance with the hypothesis of DSM-III. A possible alternative model of interaction is suggested.

[Childhood trauma and personality disorders]

The influence of the model of object relations on modern psychodynamic research has led to increased emphasis on the importance of relations and traumatic events in the genesis of some psychic disorders, especially with regard to personality disorders. The development of axis II in the DSM-III system has increased the number of empiric studies in this field. In this paper, the Authors report data relating to a sample of 49 subjects with personality disorders (DSM-III-R) in which the presence of sexual abuse, physical maltreatment and negative family atmosphere was examined using a self-administered questionnaire (CAT). The results suggest a significant presence of these events throughout the sample and reveal a correlation between some personality disorders and specific traumatic events. It may therefore be hypothesized that the presence of these events represents an important factor from the point of treatment, both in technical and in prognostic terms.