Vernix caseosa reveals mechanistic clues linking maternal obesity to atopic dermatitis pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Maternal overweight and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in the offspring, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Vernix caseosa (VC) is a proteolipid material covering the fetus produced during skin development. However, whether maternal prepregnancy weight excess influences fetal skin development is unknown. Characterizing the VC of newborns from mothers with prepregnancy overweight and obesity might reveal AD-prone alterations during fetal skin development. OBJECTIVE: We sought to explore AD biomarkers and staphylococcal loads in VC from the offspring of mothers who were overweight/obese (O/O) before pregnancy versus in those from offspring of normal weight mothers. METHODS: The VC of newborns of 14 O/O and 12 normal weight mothers were collected immediately after birth. Biomarkers were determined by ELISA and staphylococcal species by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The VC from the O/O group showed decreased expression of skin barrier proteins (filaggrin and loricrin) and increased levels of proinflammatory biomarkers (IgA, thymic stromal lymphopoietin [TSLP], S100A8, IL-25, and IL-33). No differences in concentrations of antimicrobial peptides and enzymes were detected. The VC from the O/O group had a lower Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis commensal bacterial load, whereas Staphylococcus aureus bacterial load was not significantly different between the 2 groups. Maternal body mass index was negatively correlated with VC filaggrin expression and S epidermidis load and was positively associated with TSLP concentration. One-year follow-up established that the offspring of O/O mothers had a higher incidence of AD that was specifically linked with decreased VC filaggrin expression and lower S epidermidis load. CONCLUSIONS: VC from neonates of mothers with prepregnancy overweight and obesity exhibit skin barrier molecular alterations and staphylococcal dysbiosis that suggest early mechanistic clues to this population's increased risk of AD.

Physical violence and verbal abuse against nurses working with risk stratification: characteristics, related factors, and consequences.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the characteristics, related factors, and consequences of physical violence and verbal abuse against nurses working with risk stratification. METHODS: a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study carried out with 80 nurses who work with risk stratification in emergency services. Data were collected using an adapted instrument and analyzed using (uni)bivariate inferential statistics. RESULTS: companions were the main perpetrators of verbal abuse (86.1%); and patients inflicted physical violence (100%). Professionals with up to five years of experience are 74% less likely to suffer physical violence (p=0.029). Women suffer 5.83 times more verbal abuse than men (p=0.026). Sadness (15.8%) and fear of the aggressor (15.3%) were the main consequences of verbal abuse; and fear of the aggressor (22.2%) and stress (22.2%) were results of physical violence. CONCLUSION: violence is influenced by institutional, professional and client aspects. Therefore, coping with it requires multidimensional strategies.

Physical violence and verbal abuse against nurses working with risk stratification: characteristics, related factors, and consequences / Violencia física y verbal contra enfermeras de clasificación de riesgo: características, factores relacionados y consecuencias / Violência física e verbal contra enfermeiros da classificação de risco: características, fatores relacionados e consequências

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the characteristics, related factors, and consequences of physical violence and verbal abuse against nurses working with risk stratification. Methods: a cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study carried out with 80 nurses who work with risk stratification in emergency services. Data were collected using an adapted instrument and analyzed using (uni)bivariate inferential statistics. Results: companions were the main perpetrators of verbal abuse (86.1%); and patients inflicted physical violence (100%). Professionals with up to five years of experience are 74% less likely to suffer physical violence (p=0.029). Women suffer 5.83 times more verbal abuse than men (p=0.026). Sadness (15.8%) and fear of the aggressor (15.3%) were the main consequences of verbal abuse; and fear of the aggressor (22.2%) and stress (22.2%) were results of physical violence. Conclusion: violence is influenced by institutional, professional and client aspects. Therefore, coping with it requires multidimensional strategies.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar las características, los factores relacionados y las consecuencias de la violencia física y verbal contra las enfermeras que trabajan en la clasificación de riesgos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo, realizado con 80 enfermeras que trabajan en la clasificación de riesgos en los servicios de urgencias. Los datos fueron recolectados usando un instrumento adaptado, y analizados usando estadísticas (uni)bivariadas inferenciales. Resultados: los compañeros fueron los principales autores de la violencia verbal (86,1%) y los pacientes, físicos (100%). Los profesionales con hasta cinco años de experiencia tienen un 74% menos de probabilidades de sufrir violencia física (p=0.029). Las mujeres sufren 5.83 veces más violencia verbal que los hombres (p=0.026). La tristeza (15.8%) y el miedo al agresor (15.3%) fueron las principales consecuencias de la violencia verbal; el miedo al agresor (22.2%) y el estrés (22.2%) fueron los resultados de la violencia física. Conclusión: la violencia está influenciada por aspectos institucionales, profesionales y del cliente. Por lo tanto, enfrentarlo requiere estrategias multidimensionales.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as características, os fatores relacionados e as consequências da violência física e verbal contra enfermeiros que atuam na classificação de risco. Métodos: estudo transversal, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 80 enfermeiros que atuam na classificação de risco em serviços de emergência. Os dados foram coletados por meio de instrumento adaptado, e analisados por estatística inferencial (uni)bivariada. Resultados: os acompanhantes foram os principais perpetradores de violência verbal (86,1%), e os pacientes, de física (100%). Profissionais com até cinco anos de atuação têm 74% menos chances de sofrer violência física (p=0,029). Mulheres sofrerem 5,83 vezes mais violência verbal do que homens (p=0,026). Tristeza (15,8%) e medo do agressor (15,3%) foram as principais consequências da violência verbal; medo do agressor (22,2%) e estresse (22,2%) foram resultado da violência física. Conclusão: a violência sofre influência de aspectos institucionais, profissionais e da clientela. Portanto, seu enfrentamento requer estratégias multidimensionais.

Avian Influenza in wild birds from Chile, 2007-2009.

Aquatic and migratory birds, the main reservoir hosts of avian influenza viruses including those with high pathogenic potential, are the wildlife species with the highest risk for viral dissemination across countries and continents. In 2002, the Chilean poultry industry was affected with a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain, which created economic loss and triggered the establishment of a surveillance program in wild birds. This effort consisted of periodic samplings of sick or suspicious animals found along the coast and analyses with standardized techniques for detection of influenza A virus. The aim of this work is to report the detection of three avian influenza strains (H13N2, H5N9, H13N9) in gulls from Chile between 2007-2009, which nucleotide sequences showed highest similitudes to viruses detected in wild birds from North America. These results suggest a dissemination route for influenza viruses along the coasts of Americas. Migratory and synanthropic behaviors of birds included in this study support continued monitoring of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds in The Americas and the establishment of biosecurity practices in farms.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in breeding turkeys, Valparaiso, Chile.

Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus was detected in breeding turkeys on 2 farms in Valparaiso, Chile. Infection was associated with measurable declines in egg production and shell quality. Although the source of infection is not yet known, the outbreak was controlled, and the virus was eliminated from the birds.

[Risk factors and frequency of positive antibodies for leptospirosis in a sub urban population near Santiago]. / Prevalencia y presencia de factores de riesgo de leptospirosis en una población de riesgo de la Región Metropolitana.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and its incidence is known in Chile since 2002, when it was incorporated as a disease that must be reported to health authorities. A serologic survey for leptospirosis was performed in humans and animals from a farm in a semi urban area in Santiago Chile, after the death of a farmer due to Weil disease in that place. AIM: To report the prevalence of antibodies against leptospirosis and to determine exposure to infection risk factors in the humans and domestic animals studied in this survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antibodies were detected by IgM immunodot and indirect haemagglutination test in 61 humans (43 male, aged 5 to 70 years) and by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) in 44 animals. A questionnaire was applied to determine their exposure to risk factors for infection with Leptospira. RESULTS: Seventy two percent of the studied population were farm workers and 70% had activities that required contact with water from canals, 41% cleaned closed places where rodents were present. Other risk factors detected were lack of sewage and waste disposal, high level of rodent infestation and disposal of faeces into canals used for watering. Two humans (3.3%) and six animals (1 bovine and 5 rodents) had positive antibodies. Among animals, antibodies against Leptospira serovar pomona and icterohaemorragiae were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, leptospirosis exists not only in rural areas but semi urban ones close to Santiago, although the prevalence is low. Education is necessary among semi urban population to avoid infection.

Prevalencia y presencia de factores de riesgo de leptospirosis en una población de riesgo de la Región Metropolitana / Risk factors and frequency of positive antibodies for leptospirosis in a sub urban population near Santiago

Background:Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and its incidence is known in Chile since 2002, when it was incorporated as a disease that must be reported to health authorities. A serologic survey for leptospirosis was performed in humans and animals from a farm in a semi urban area in Santiago Chile, after the death of a farmer due to Weil disease in that place. Aim: To report the prevalence of antibodies against leptospirosis and to determine exposure to infection risk factors in the humans and domestic animals studied in this survey. Material and methods: Antibodies were detected by IgM immunodot and indirect haemagglutination test in 61 humans (43 male, aged 5 to 70 years) and by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) in 44 animals. A questionnaire was applied to determine their exposure to risk factors for infection with Leptospira. Results: Seventy two percent of the studied population were farm workers and 70 percent had activities that required contact with water from canals, 41 percent cleaned closed places where rodents were present. Other risk factors detected were lack of sewage and waste disposal, high level of rodent infestation and disposal of faeces into canals used for watering. Two humans (3.3 percent) and six animals (1 bovine and 5 rodents) had positive antibodies. Among animals, antibodies against Leptospira serovar pomona and icterohaemorragiae were detected. Conclusions: In Chile, leptospirosis exists not only in rural areas but semi urban ones close to Santiago, although the prevalence is low. Education is necessary among semi urban population to avoid infection.

Quiste broncogénico cutáneo / Cutaneous bronchogenic cyst

Los quistes broncogénicos afectan raramente a la superficie cutánea, por lo que son difíciles de diagnosticar clínicamente y, a menudo, se confunden con otros tipos de quistes. Presentamos un caso de un adulto joven a quien extirpamos una lesión quística en la región superior del tórax que mostró características de quiste broncogénico. Cabe destacar que, en casi todos los casos, el diagnóstico de esta patología se realiza por estudio histopatológico y hacemos especial referencia a los diagnósticos diferenciales

Bronchogenic cysts rarely affect the cutaneous surface, so they are difficult to diagnose clinically and are often confused with other types of cysts. We present the case of a young adult in whom a cystic lesion showing characteristics of a bronchogenic cyst was excised from the upper thorax area. We emphasize the fact that, in nearly all cases, the diagnosis of this pathology is made through a histopathological study, and we make special reference to the differential diagnoses

[Cutaneous bronchogenic cyst]. / Quiste broncogénico cutáneo.

Bronchogenic cysts rarely affect the cutaneous surface, so they are difficult to diagnose clinically and are often confused with other types of cysts. We present the case of a young adult in whom a cystic lesion showing characteristics of a bronchogenic cyst was excised from the upper thorax area. We emphasize the fact that, in nearly all cases, the diagnosis of this pathology is made through a histopathological study, and we make special reference to the differential diagnoses.