Prevalence Of Skin Lesions Research Articles

Welfare in Swiss dairy heifers: Comparative assessment of skin lesions in two housing systems

During summer, dairy heifers are often managed extensively in Switzerland. This applies to 2 different types of husbandry systems across the country, i.e., to heifers on alpine transhumance pastures and to heifers on pastures belonging to a year-round lowland farm. In contrast to heifers, dairy cows are more intensively farmed and spend more time in confinement. The prevalence of skin lesions (e.g., hock injuries) in dairy cows is high. The aim of this study was to record the prevalence of skin lesions in heifers and to possibly determine the time of occurrence of these lesions. To this end, heifers from both husbandry systems (alpine pastures vs. year-round lowland farm pastures) were inspected both visually and through palpation, and findings were compared. Inspection took place in fall, i.e., at the end of the alpine pasturing season before descent to the lowlands. Of the 480 heifers included on a total of 28 farms, skin lesions were found in 13.1% of individuals. Skin lesions commonly associated with barn design (e.g., injuries on the dewlap or hock injuries) and skin lesions on the pelvis were most frequently detected, equally distributed among husbandry systems. In conclusion, the prevalence of skin lesions among Swiss dairy heifers appears to be lower for compared with dairy cows, at least as measured in the fall before heifers transition to the main dairy herd. Accordingly, deploying measures to reduce skin lesions is more efficient on dairy farms than in heifer raising systems.

Seasonal Prevalence of Skin Lesions on Dolphins across a Natural Salinity Gradient

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabit waters across a broad natural salinity gradient and exhibit changes in skin condition based on the quality of their environment. Prolonged exposure to low salinities (≤10–20 ppt) degenerates the epidermal barrier and causes cutaneous lesions in dolphins, while the role of high salinity exposure (>35 ppt) in lesion development remains unknown. We assessed seasonal lesion prevalence in three free-ranging dolphin stocks inhabiting coastal Gulf of Mexico (GoM) waters of different salinities (0–30 ppt, 22–35 ppt, and 36+ ppt) using images of dolphin bodies. Lesions were documented on 44% of the dolphins photographed (n = 432), and lesion occurrence was significantly related to cold seasons and water temperatures but not salinity. Cold water temperatures may heighten dolphin susceptibility to infectious pathogens and disease and compound the effects of anthropogenic pollutants in the GoM. As dolphins are a bioindicator species of marine habitat welfare, natural studies assessing dolphin skin may reveal environmental degradation with potential impacts on marine ecosystems and human health.

The Frequency of Skin Lesions in Guilan Province, Iran

Introduction Skin tumors as one of the patient's most concerning health issues have a varied spectrum, some of which can be fatal. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the frequency of various skin lesions and the associated risk factors among patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2021 on 559 skin lesions diagnosed by dermatology specialists. Demographical and clinical data and various skin lesions (skin malformations, benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors) were recorded and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 21 based on a significance level < .05. Results The findings indicated an age-dependent increase in the prevalence of skin lesions. Females had a higher frequency of benign tumors, whereas males represented a higher rate of malignant tumors. About 53%, 6.8%, and 40.1% of skin lesions were benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors, respectively. Among detected tumors, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma were the most prevalent as benign, premalignant, and malignant tumors, respectively. The high level of diagnostic accuracy among clinical and histopathological findings illustrated a significant agreement (p < .05). Conclusion Our findings showed that malignant skin tumors were more prevalent in males and in patients with an upper age, which suggests more consideration for better preventive policies in these populations.

Photo-Identification and Skin Lesion Prevalence of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the Waters of New York and New Jersey

Cetaceans can serve as sentinel species in marine environments as long-lived, apex predators that can concentrate environmental contaminants with potential health consequences. Thus, monitoring the well-being of these species may provide an additional indicator of ecosystem health. In cetaceans, one method for assessing individual and population health is by examining skin conditions. For decades, skin lesions have been increasingly documented in coastal populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) worldwide. Lesion presence can indicate diminished health and may reflect environmental stressors. Herein, we document the prevalence of epidermal lesions/marks in bottlenose dolphins from the waters off New York and New Jersey during their seasonal presence from spring to fall. Photographs of distinct individuals sighted from May to October 2017 to 2021 were compiled into a catalog, and skin lesions were categorized and counted. Annually, the lowest skin lesion prevalence was in 2021 (p = 0.31), and the highest was in 2017 (p = 0.81). By month, prevalence generally decreased from spring to fall. Overall lesion prevalence in this population was higher than reported estimates for other populations in the coastal waters of the United States. The five most common categories were cloudy white spots, dark spots, white amorphous lesions, tattoo lesions, and dark fringe lesions; and the three most common groups were potentially pathogenic lesions, hypopigmentation, and rake mark-associated potentially pathogenic lesions. Some of the observed lesions have been associated with viral infections that may be exacerbated by environmental stressors. This research establishes an important baseline for further studies into bottlenose dolphin population health in and around the New York–New Jersey Harbor Estuary, particularly given the continued expansion of anthropogenic activities, including those related to forthcoming offshore wind development.

Skin lesions associated with the use of N95 respirators among health professionals in Brazil in 2020.

to investigate the prevalence of skin lesions and factors associated with the use of N95 respirators among health professionals in Brazil. cross-sectional study conducted with 11,368 health professionals using a respondent-driven sampling method adapted for online environments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between the "skin lesions with the use of N95 respirators" variable and gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and high-quality Personal Protective Equipment. the prevalence of skin lesions was 61.8%. Women were 1.203 times (95% CI: 1.154-1.255) more likely to develop a lesion than men. The chances of skin lesions in psychologists (PR=0.805; 95% CI: 0.678-0.956) and dentists (PR=0.884; 95% CI: 0.788-0.992), were lower when compared to Nursing professionals. Professionals with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and working in the Intensive Care Unit have an increased chance of presenting skin lesions (PR=1.074; 95% CI: 1.042-1.107); (PR=1.203; 95% CI: 1.168-1.241), respectively. the prevalence of skin lesions caused by the use of N95 respirators was 61.8% and was associated with female gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and highquality Personal Protective Equipment. (1) The overall prevalence of skin lesions was 61.8%. (2) The most affected professional category was Nursing. (3) Women were more likely to develop skin lesions than men.

Lesões de pele associadas ao uso de respiradores N95 entre profissionais de saúde no Brasil em 2020

Objective: to investigate the prevalence of skin lesions and factors associated with the use of N95 respirators among health professionals in Brazil. Method: cross-sectional study conducted with 11,368 health professionals using a respondent-driven sampling method adapted for online environments. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between the “skin lesions with the use of N95 respirators” variable and gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and high-quality Personal Protective Equipment. Results: the prevalence of skin lesions was 61.8%. Women were 1.203 times (95% CI: 1.154-1.255) more likely to develop a lesion than men. The chances of skin lesions in psychologists (PR=0.805; 95% CI: 0.678-0.956) and dentists (PR=0.884; 95% CI: 0.788-0.992), were lower when compared to Nursing professionals. Professionals with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and working in the Intensive Care Unit have an increased chance of presenting skin lesions (PR=1.074; 95% CI: 1.042-1.107); (PR=1.203; 95% CI: 1.168-1.241), respectively. Conclusion: the prevalence of skin lesions caused by the use of N95 respirators was 61.8% and was associated with female gender, professional category, workplace, training, COVID-19 diagnosis, and availability of sufficient and highquality Personal Protective Equipment.

"Preparation of Copper/Aloe Vera-Based Hand Sanitizer: A Mini Overview"

New hand sanitizer designs with eco-friendly components such as aloe vera and copper can allow pharmaceutical companies to bring enhanced applications onto the market while demonstrating simple and inexpensive preparations associated with improved microbial effectiveness. Alcoholic or non-alcoholic hand rubs are distinctively major classes of hand sanitizer platforms that can be prepared into hydrogels to address solutions for improved formulations. The innovative-utility of these hydrogels seems to be limited only by their ingredients and thus novel materials like copper or aloe vera can lead to optimization of anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of sanitizers, and therefore a diversified product that may aid further research related to high demands of safe and sustainable materials to combat the current pandemic of COVID-19. The customized designs of starch or cellulosic hydrogels may ensure the diversity and right quality of incorporating these components needed for biocidal activity against microbes in the suggested hand sanitizers. Furthermore, the discussed sanitizer of copper and aloe vera combined in starch or cellulosic hydrogels are believed to exert enhanced texture, tone, and elasticity upon topical application due to their properties that may delve into the enzymatic activities required for less prevalence of skin lesions commonly known in traditional hand sanitizers.

Assessing the health risks of coal-burning arsenic-induced skin damage: A 22-year follow-up study in Guizhou, China

Risk assessment of arsenic-induced skin damage has always received significant global attention. Theories derived from arsenic exposure in drinking water may not be applicable to the coal-burning type to arsenic-exposed area. Furthermore, very few studies have successfully determined the reference value of cumulative arsenic (CA) exposure that leads to specific skin lesions. In this study, we conducted a 22-year follow-up investigation to assess the risk of skin lesions and cancer resulting from long-term, multi-channel arsenic exposure from hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment, and risk characterization. The results show that the arsenic exposure can significantly increase the prevalence of skin lesions. For each interquartile range increase of hair arsenic (HA) and CA, the risk of skin damage increased by 1.91 and 3.90 times, respectively. The lower confidence limit of the benchmark dose of HA of arsenic-induced various skin lesions ranged from 0.07 to 0.12 μg·g−1, and 932.57 to 1368.92 mg for CA. The chronic daily intake, lifetime average daily dose in the arsenic-exposed area after the comprehensive prevention and control measures have decreased significantly, but remained higher than the daily baseline level of 3.0 μg·kg−1·d−1. Even as recently as 2020, the hazard quotients and hazard index still exceeded 1, measuring 155.33 and 55.20, and the lifetime excess risk of skin cancer (2.80 × 10−3) remains significantly higher than the acceptable level of 10−6. Our study underscores the effectiveness of comprehensive prevention and control measures in managing high arsenic exposure in coal-burning arsenic poisoning areas. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects on the skin remains substantially higher than the acceptable level. We recommend setting reference limits for monitoring skin damage among individuals exposed to arsenic, with a recommended upper limit of 0.07 μg·g−1 for HA and a maximum acceptable level of 935.57 mg for CA.

Pediatric obesity and skin disease: cutaneous findings and associated quality-of-life impairments in 103 children and adolescents with obesity.

Little is known about specific cutaneous findings in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. This study assessed the association of skin signs with pivotal auxological and endocrinological parameters and their influence on the quality of life (QoL) of young people with obesity. All patients initially recruited for a tertiary hospital's weight control program were offered participation in this interdisciplinary, single-center, cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a detailed dermatological examination, anthropometric measurements and laboratory examinations. QoL was assessed with validated questionnaires. A total of 103 children and adolescents (age 11.6 ±2.5 years, 41% female, 25% prepubertal, BMI SDS 2.6 ± 0.5, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) score 3.3 ± 4.2; mean ± s.d.) were recruited in a 12-month study period. Skin affections were linearly associated with increasing BMI and higher age. The most common skin findings were (%) striae distensae (71.0), keratosis pilaris (64.7), acanthosis nigricans (45.0), acne vulgaris (39.2), acrochordons (25.5) and plantar hyperkeratosis (17.6). The HOMA score was associated with acanthosis nigricans (P = 0.047), keratosis pilaris (P = 0.019) and acne vulgaris (P < 0.001). The general mean QoL(QoL) score, as assessed by the WHO-5, was 70 out of 100. A total of 38.9% of participants reported impaired dermatological QoL. This study shows the high prevalence of skin lesions in children and adolescents with obesity. The association between skin lesions and the HOMA score indicates that skin manifestations are a marker of insulin resistance. To prevent secondary diseases and improve QoL, thorough skin examinations and interdisciplinary cooperation are necessary.

Circulating endothelial cells as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis

Abstract. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease that involves damage of the skin and joints and leads to the development of cardiopulmonary diseases. Mortality among this cohort is 1.28 times higher than the population level. The presence of a prolonged systemic inflammatory process is a significant predictor of the development of cardiovascular (CV) diseases due to the progression of endothelial dysfunction (ED). Objective. To evaluate the role of circulating endothelial cell (CEC) levels as a marker of endothelial dysfunction in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Materials and Methods. We examined 97 patients diagnosed with PsA and 25 clinically healthy patients who formed the control group. All patients underwent diagnostic methods characterizing the course of the disease, assessment of endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDVD) in response to reactive hyperaemia and CEC levels. Results. The results of the study of endothelial function in patients with PsA demonstrated that reduced EDVD (less than 10 %) was more common among patients with PsA compared to the control group (75.3 % vs. 11.8 %, respectively). The analysis of the CEC content in peripheral blood showed a significant difference (7.15 ± 0.19 and 4.05 ± 0.11, respectively, p &lt; 0.001) between patients with PsA and the control group. In addition, were established the relationships between endothelial dysfunction and the state of endothelial vasodilatory function (rs = -0.91, p &lt; 0.05), disease duration (rs = 0.69, p &lt; 0.05), disease activity (DAPSA (rs = 0.65, p &lt; 0.05), inflammatory process itself (ESR (rs = 0.39, p &lt; 0.05), CRP (rs = 0.52, p &lt; 0.05) and skin lesion prevalence (PASI (rs = - 0.42, p &lt; 0.05)). Conclusions. Our studies suggest a significant prevalence of ED in patients with PsA. The high values of negative correlation between EDVD and CEC are quite expected and comparable to modern studies and allow us to consider desquamated endothelial cells as an independent marker for assessing the state of the endothelium in patients with PsA and are consistent with the literature.

A multi-level assessment of biological effects associated with mercury concentrations in smallmouth bass, Micropterus dolomieu

Total mercury (THg) was measured in muscle (fillet) and liver tissue of adult smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu collected at multiple sites in the Potomac and Susquehanna River drainages within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Smallmouth bass in these drainages have experienced episodic mortality events, a high prevalence of skin lesions and reproductive endocrine disruption (intersex or testicular oocytes and plasma vitellogenin in males). A multi-level assessment of general and reproductive health including indicators at the organismal, organ, cellular and molecular levels was conducted on adult smallmouth bass during the spring (prespawn) season. Concentrations of THg were correlated with increased visible abnormalities, increased macrophage aggregates and tissue parasite burdens. In male bass positive correlations of THg were observed with plasma vitellogenin and hepatic transcript abundance of estrogen receptor β1 and androgen receptor α, while there was a negative association with estrogen receptors α and β2 and androgen receptors β. In female bass there was a negative correlation between THg and plasma vitellogenin as well as hepatic transcript abundance of vitellogenin, choriogenin, estrogen receptor β2 and 17β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Associations of THg concentrations with various biological indicators suggest mercury may be an important environmental stressor contributing to the observed adverse effects in smallmouth bass populations.

Epidemiological survey of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis cases in the municipality of São Luís in the period from 2019 to 2020

The objective was to describe the epidemiological profile of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão. To this end, a descriptive study was carried out from 2019 to 2020, using secondary data obtained from the Information System of Notifiable Diseases and provided by the São Luís Zoonoses Surveillance Unit. General and clinical characteristics of the disease were analyzed in cases registered in humans and dogs. The results showed that 78 cases of VL in humans were reported, with the following profile: male (74.36%), mixed race (73.08%), 20 to 29 and 40 to 49 years old (35.90%), incomplete elementary school education (37.18%), urban area (44.87%). Most were new cases (84.62%), with co-infection with the HIV virus (41.03%) and with evolution towards cure (82.50%). Among the dogs, 401 cases were reported, 49.63% male, without defined breed (56.86%), age between 1 and 3 years (38.15%). Most dogs were symptomatic (90.27%), with a prevalence of skin lesions (39.90%) and weight loss (15.96%). It is concluded that VL has a frequent occurrence in the city of São Luís, therefore it is necessary to intensify sanitary measures in particular the education of the local population to reach the desired effect.

Dermatological conditions associated with dental professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Dental professionals and students are commonly exposed to occupation-related skin lesions, characterized as contact dermatitis (like allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, contact urticaria), that are commonly observed on hands and fingers. The present study evaluated the prevalence of skin lesions, knowledge about risk factors, and prevention of dermatological lesions among dental students and dental professionals. The present observational study was carried out on 100 study subjects, including dental students and staff, using a self-administered and structured questionnaire to assess demographic variables, awareness information, and knowledge about work-related skin lesions. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM's Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Sixty percent of the total number of subjects were dental students and 40% were dentists. 56.8% of the subjects were female and 43.2% were male, with a maximum of 0-5 years of practice/experience. The most common symptoms of skin lesions were itching and erythema, especially on the hands and fingers. Only 15.6% had their treatment done by dermatologists, and 7% underwent skin prick tests. Latex allergy was most familiar with feature of facial edema. The use of hand sanitizers, soaps, and protective cream was limited among the subjects. There was a lack of awareness among both the dentists and students regarding work-related skin lesions and getting them treated by dermatologists at the earliest, though the dentists' level of knowledge was better than that of the students. Thus, various educational programs on dermatological lesions should be implemented so that dental professionals and students take necessary precautions and seek treatment for skin disorders.

The dermatology life quality index among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a peak of occupational dermatoses associated with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among healthcare workers (HCWs). The resulting dermatological damage might have an impact on the quality of life.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the dermatological life quality of the HCWs due to PPE use.MethodsThe study was conducted in a group of HCWs from Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Data were gathered between march and may 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, evaluation of skin lesions, evaluation of the infection-prevention practices and the Arabic version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).ResultsOur sample was composed of 190 HCWs. The respondents’ mean age was 32.5 ± 6.5 years and 54.7% were female. The average job tenure was 6.6 ± 5.8 years. Doctors represented 22.1 %, nurses 13.6% and cleaning staff 64.3 % of participants. The prevalence of skin lesions due to PPE among HCWs was 51.6%. The mean time of mask use was 15.4 ± 9.1 hours. The daily hand washing frequency was &gt;10 times/day in 85.3 % of participants. The mean DLQI score was 3.3 ± 4.3. According to this index, it was found that these skin lesions had no effect, small effects, moderate effects and very large effects on the lives of 43.9%, 34.7%, 12.2%, and 9.2% of participants, respectively. The DLQI was correlated with hand washing frequency (p = 0.014, r = 0.204) and the time of mask use ( p = 0.038, r = 0.172).ConclusionsSkin lesions among HCWs are frequent during the covid-19 pandemic. These lesions influence the quality of life of the HCWs. This risk gets higher with excessive preventive measures. It is critical to provide training on the prevention of skin lesions associated with PPE wearing and hand hygiene before and during the period of use of preventive measures.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Skin Marks in Critically Endangered Taiwanese Humpback Dolphins (Sousa chinensis taiwanensis).

As long-lived apex predators, Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are key indicators of marine coastal environmental health. Skin marks can be observed on dorsal body surfaces that are visible during mark-recapture studies that rely on photo-identification (photo-ID) methods. Skin mark prevalence may be an indicator of environmental or anthropogenic stressors in the ecosystem, which may lead to individual and/or population-level health concerns. The prevalence of marks of anthropogenic origin was assessed in the Critically Endangered S. chinensis taiwanensis population along the coasts of central Taiwan. Fifty, twenty-eight, and thirty-four individuals were identified in 2018, 2019, and 2021, respectively. At least one category of injuries was observed in 47 of 57 distinctive individuals (82%), and adults showed a higher prevalence of deep injuries than the other coloration stages. At least one category of skin lesion was observed in 33 of 57 distinctive individuals (58%), and high prevalence of skin lesions was found in mature individuals. Given the difficulty in taking direct observations, skin mark prevalence is proposed as a proxy for estimating habitat health and anthropogenic stressors upon S. chinensis taiwanensis. The moderate-to-high prevalence of skin marks in this study was designated as a warning of risks. This study provides important updated information for the assessment of the health and survival of this population. More effective management measures are urgently needed to reverse the observed population decline.

P866 Skin lesions among consecutive Inflammatory bowel disease patients in outpatient setting

Abstract Background It is well known that skin lesions may be frequent extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). During literature analysis we found out that there is an obvious lack of epidemiological data regarding this issue. Therefore, the aim of our study was to establish the prevalence of skin lesions among consecutive IBD patients in outpatient department. Methods Prospective study included out-patients with IBD who were managed in the hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences from January to October of 2022. Patients completed the questionnaires including the demographic and the IBD data and history or present state of cutaneous lesions. We considered skin lesions related to IBD or its treatment if they were diagnosed following the diagnosis of IBD. Skin lesions which were reported before the diagnosis of IBD were considered as not related to IBD. Results 152 patients were included, mean age (MA) – 42.0±13.9 years. There were 88 (57.9%) males and 64 (42.1%) females. Ulcerative colitis (UC) was diagnosed in 110 (72.4%) patients, Crohn’s disease (CD) – in 42 (27.6%) patients. MA of UC patients was 42.3±13.6, CD – 41.1±14.9, p&amp;gt;0.05. In total, skin lesions were indicated by 65 (42.8%) subjects. According to our criteria, in 46 (30.3%; 95% CI: 23-38%) cases, skin lesions were considered as obviously related to IBD or its treatment. We further analyzed latter cases. Among UC patients, 32 (29.1%; 95% CI: 20-38%) had skin lesions related to IBD, among CD patients – 14 (33.3%; 95% CI: 18-48%), p&amp;gt;0.05. Erythema nodosum was diagnosed in 6 (3.9%) patients, pyoderma gangrenosum – 5 (3.3%), acne – 1 (0.7%), psoriasis – 9 (5.9%), vitiligo – 2 (1.3%), epidermolysis bullosa acquisita – 1 (0.7%), hemorrhagic vasculitis – 1 (0.7%), eczema – 9 (5.9%), allergic rash – 4 (2.6%). The comparison of different skin lesions among UC and CD patients is presented in table 1. Among the patients with UC proctitis, skin lesions were reported in 2 of 15 (13.3%) patients; among left-sided colitis – in 8 of 27 (29.6%); among pancolitis – in 22 of 67 (32.8%), p=0.03 between the groups of proctitis and pancolitis. Comparing the different forms of CD, skin lesions were reported in 3 of 15 (20.0%) patients with ileitis, 4 of 10 (40.0%) patients with colitis and 7 of 17 (41.2%) patients with ileocolitis; p&amp;gt;0.05 between different groups. Conclusion In our series the prevalence of skin lesions obviously related to IBD or its treatment is 30.3%. There were no differences in the prevalence of skin lesions between the UC and CD patients. The most common skin lesions in UC were psoriasis and skin eczema, in CD – erythema nodosum and skin eczema. Cutaneous lesions were significantly more prevalent in extensive UC compared to distal disease.

Clinical significance of plasma markers of angiogenesis in patients with psoriasis

BACKGROUND: Currently, many researchers attach great importance in psoriasis pathogenesis to hyperproduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endothelin-1, which leads to increased angiogenesis in dermis and mediates processes of immune inflammation. At the same time, possibility of using these angiogenesis biomarkers as additional indicators of immune inflammation activity and disease activity has been poorly studied.&#x0D; AIMS: the purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between serum concentrations of VEGF and endothelin-1, structural changes in the capillary bed according to videodermatoscopy, and severity and prevalence of skin lesions in patients with psoriasis, duration of disease, presence of nail lesions, synovitis, enthesitis and spondylitis, as well as concomitant diseases of the cardiovascular system.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The work is based on examination data analysis of 132 patients with moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris for the period 20202022. Patients were determined the levels of VEGF and endothelin-1 in blood plasma and underwent digital dermatoscopy to study the characteristics of angiogenesis vascular loci (vascular glomeruli) in the papillary dermis. All psoriasis patients with symptoms of musculoskeletal system lesions were examined by a rheumatologist, which was supplemented by ultrasonography of the joints.&#x0D; RESULTS: According to the results of enzyme immunoassay, it was found that the examined patients had an increased concentration of VEGF and endothelin-1 in blood plasma compared to the control group (respectively 19.5 [4.7; 48.1] pg/ml and 274.5 [146; 439] pg/ml versus 5.2 [0.5; 9.8] pg/ml and 96.5 [32; 188] pg/ml, p=0.004 and p=0.002). It was found that an increase in plasma concentrations of VEGF and endothelin-1 correlates with an increase in density of vascular glomeruli (respectively r=0.65 and r=0.74) and the average diameter of the glomerulus (respectively r=0.58 and r=0.56). A more pronounced increase in plasma concentrations of VEGF and endothelin-1 in patients with psoriasis was noted in patients with psoriatic arthritis and in the presence of synovitis. VEGF levels were higher in patients with severe psoriasis and in patients with nail lesions. Correlation analysis showed the strongest relationship between VEGF concentration and DAS28, DLQI, PASI and NAPSI values, as well as endothelin-1 concentration and PASI, BSA and DLQI values.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The work showed that the plasma concentration of VEGF and endothelin-1 characterizes the degree of angiogenesis expression in the psoriasis pathogenesis, reflects morphology changes in capillaries of the affected skin, and can also be used as a marker of severe psoriasis and an increased risk of developing damage to the nails and synovial membranes of the joints.

Prevalence of skin lesions in a sample of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel diseases may have extra intestinal manifestations such as those affecting the skin. This study aimed to study skin manifestations in a cohort of Brazilian patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained through a cross-sectional study of 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients and a control group comprising 50 healthy individuals. All patients were subjected to dermatological examination and photography of skin lesions. Out of the 70 inflammatory bowel diseases patients, 50 had ulcerative colitis and 20 had Crohn's disease. Skin lesions occurred in 95.7% of the inflammatory bowel diseases patients and in 88% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Alopecia (p<0.0001), xerosis (p=0.03), striae (p=0.02), and acne (p=0.04) were more common in inflammatory bowel diseases patients than in the control group. Alopecia was more frequent in females (p=0.01) than in males. Two male patients, one with ulcerative colitis and the other with Crohn's disease, had pyoderma gangrenosum. Erythema nodosum was not observed in both groups. There was a high prevalence of skin lesions in the Brazilian inflammatory bowel diseases patients. Additionally, alopecia, xerosis, striae, and acne were more common in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases than in those in the control group.

Skin lesions resulting from use of personal protective equipment in the context of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, to prevent the transmission of the virus, the use of personal protection products and equipment were recommended by international and national organisations. The need to use it more frequently and for a long time can damage the skin of health professionals. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with skin lesions in health professionals resulting from the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This was a cross-sectional exploratory study through an online questionnaire. The first part of the questionnaire collected socio-labour characterisation data and the second part related to exposure factors. The variables were analysed according to the prevalence and the odds ratio (OR), within a 95% confidence interval (CI). Of the 398 participants who met the inclusion criteria, 65.3% were self-diagnosed with skin lesions: 37.3% with pressure injury, 25.8% with contact/allergic dermatitis and 2.7% with acne. Regarding the use of PPE, of the 240 professionals who reported using an N95 mask, 80.4% developed injuries, 70.4% of which related to a work regime of >6 hours per day (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.79-2.42). The results of this study showed a significant prevalence of skin lesions in health professionals. Among exposure factors, the N95 mask and goggles stand out. Longer or more frequent exposure time to personal protective products and equipment proved to be important factors to be considered.

The prevalence of skin lesions and associated factors in hospitalised adult patients with cancer.

To assess the prevalence of skin lesions and evaluate the clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with their presence in hospitalised patients. This descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was performed in inpatient units and intensive care units of a cancer hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, after approval by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Data from hospitalised adult patients with cancer were collected during physical examinations and from medical records. A Chi-squared test, univariate analysis, a logistic regression model with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis were used to evaluate the data. Of 341 patients, 80 had skin lesions, equating to an overall prevalence of 23.5%. The skin lesions included pressure injuries (10%), incontinence-associated dermatitis (6.7%), skin tears (6.5%), malignant wounds (3.8%) and complicated surgical wounds (3.2%). The factors associated with skin lesions in cancer patients were the use of disposable nappies (OR: 4.436) and age (59.1±15.1 years), according to the CART analysis, and the wearing of nappies (OR: 4.466, p<0.001), presence of ecchymosis (OR: 2.532, p<0.001) and infection (OR: 6.449, p=0.040), according to multiple regression analysis. This study contributed to knowledge about prevalence and associated factors of skin lesions in hospitalised patients with cancer, allowing the implementation of preventive measures.