Chilblain lupus erythematosus associated with systemic lupus erythematosus: A classic diagnosis in a current epidemiological context

Objectives: Chilblain lupus erythematosus (LE) is a rare chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE) characterized by the appearance of violaceous plaques in acral regions most exposed to cold. The isolated form affects middle-aged women, while the familial form manifests in early childhood and is associated with mutations in the TREX1 gene. Result(s): A 13-year-old adolescent, with no relevant family history, was referred in March 2021 for suspected chilblain-like lesions associated with COVID-19 infection. The patient presented with multiple violaceous papules on hands and feet. The lesions were slightly painful. Small hyperkeratotic papules were also observed on finger pads. Physical examination also revealed some aphthae affecting the lips. No other systemic symptoms were reported. A skin biopsy and blood tests were performed due to presumed chilblain LE with probable systemic involvement. Histology revealed basal vacuolar damage and intense perivascular and periadnexal lymphocytic inflammatory dermal infiltrate. Remarkably, mucin was noted among the collagen bundles. Leukopenia and positive ANA antibodies (titre 1:320) were detected. Complement levels were normal. SARS-CoV2 infection was ruled out. Skin lesions disappeared within 1 month under topical corticosteroids. Hydroxychloroquine was afterwards started by Rheumatology without recurrence of skin symptoms until last follow-up. Discussion(s): We present an uncommon case of an adolescent with systemic LE presenting as chilblain LE. Chilblain LE can be accompanied by other discoid CCLE. It can progress to systemic LE in up to 20% of patients, especially when concomitant CCLE is present. This rare presentation of CCLE should be differentiated from typical chilblain and other resembling lesions, such as SARS-CoV2-associated chilblain and acral purpuric lesions (COVID toes). The Mayo Clinic diagnostic criteria can be helpful, particularly in this last SARS-CoV2 outbreak scenario, when the reporting of similar skin lesions has been significant.

Mental health intervention program during the COVID-19 for mexican adults

Introduction: The current pandemic caused by COVID-19 is a public health emergency with serious economic, educational, and social consequences. Its consequences are not only manifested in physical aspects, it is increasingly evident that this crisis is producing alterations in the mental health of the population, which is why it is of utmost importance to analyze the repercussions that COVID-19 could cause on mental health and the measures for its prevention and control, as well as the strategies to favor it. Objective: To evaluate an intervention program in times of COVID-19 and the positive impact on mental health through strategies, to reduce sequelae caused by the pandemic. Methods: The study participants were 34 people from the city of Léon, Guanajuato, the Kessler Scale (K-10) α = 0.901 was applied, with an experimental design, with an explanatory scope, and the Students T-test for related samples was used. Results: There is a significant difference in the results obtained before and after the application of the intervention carried out (p=0.0001), the COVID-19 begins to be identified as a problem of major difficulty when observing the havoc caused, as the new normality is installed, and people begin to identify the prevalence of anxiety, fear, insecurity, own before the unknown, therefore, it is necessary to take measures aimed at favoring mental health. Conclusions: It is recommended the creation and dissemination of intervention strategies to reduce psychological distress in people impacted by COVID-19, as well as the prevention and diagnosis of mental disorders. Brief psychotherapy is a tool currently in vogue because it focuses on solving and providing solutions to complex problems through simple, planned, and intentional tools. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.

Relationship between ABO blood groups and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients

This study aimed to determine the relationship between ABO blood groups and mortality in patients hospitalized for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. An observational and retrospective research was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Lima, Peru. A total of 203 patients with a mean age of 62.58 ± 16.45 years were included in the research, out of whom 71.92 % were males. The frequency of O, A and B blood groups were 75.37 %, 17.24 % and 7.39 %, respectively. An association with mortality from severe COVID-19 infection was found with non-A blood groups (O group or B group), with a PR (prevalence ratio) of 2.25 and 95% CI (confidence interval) of 1.07 – 4.71. When adjusting the main variables, the association with PR remained in 2.78 and 95% CI in 1.06 – 7.24. In conclusion, patients hospitalized for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection with O and B blood groups seem to be associated with higher mortality rates than those with A blood group.

Cellulose, nanocellulose, and antimicrobial materials for the manufacture of disposable face masks: a review

Cellulose is among the most promising renewable and biodegradable materials that can help meet the challenge of replacing synthetic fibers currently used in disposable N95 respirators and medical face masks. Cellulose also offers key functionalities that can be valued in filtration applications using approaches such as nanofiltration, membrane technologies, and composite structures, either through the use of nanocellulose or the design of functional composite filters. This paper presents a review of the structures and compositions of N95 respirators and medical face masks, their properties, and regulatory standards. It also reviews the use of cellulose and nanocellulose materials for mask manufacturing, along with other (nano)materials and composites that can add antimicrobial functionality to the material. A discussion of the most recent technologies providing antimicrobial properties to protective masks (by the introduction of natural bioactive compounds, metal-containing materials, metal-organic frameworks, inorganic salts, synthetic polymers, and carbon-based 2D nanomaterials) is presented. This review demonstrates that cellulose can be a solution for producing biodegradable masks from local resources in response to the high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic and for producing antimicrobial filters to provide greater protection to the wearer and the environment, reducing cross-contamination risks during use and handling, and environmental concerns regarding disposal after use.

Online self-help programs to reduce psychological distress in mexican college students

Introduction: University students are a key group in society, in terms of human capital and social development. They constitute a risk group in the development of anxiety due to their psychological, social,andacademicdemands,thereforeitisnecessary to propose intervention alternatives in this population. Objective: To test the effectiveness of online self-help programs on psychological discomfort in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a secondary objective;to associate difficulties and physical situation with emotional problems. Methods: Undergraduate and postgraduate students participated in a 6-month prospective, two-measure longitudinal cohort study from a private university. In Wave I, the participants was n = 641 (evaluated on May 2020) and in Wave II n = 304 (evaluated on November 2020). A school survey composed of 5 subscales with α = 0.91 was used. Results: Begin a woman, older age and postgraduate students had a greater risk of persistence of psychological distress in comparison with all of their peers (RRs ranging from 1.89 to 2.19). In contrast, those students who received self-help strategy and/ or healthcare professional showed a lower risk for persistence of psychological distress (RR 0.31-0.87). Conclusions: The interventions online and the implementation of a protocol that includes the work of a health professional seem to improve psychological well-being and decrease depression and anxiety problems in university students. Also, avenues will be opened for new research on the effectiveness of these interventions focused on the prevention and promotion of mental health. © Universidad De La Salle Bajío (México).

Organizational selection: SMEs resilience and performance in COVID-19 age

This article aimed to analyze the current perspective of SMEs facing the COVID-19 crisis, as well as to analyze the impact of organizational resilience on their performance during the critical phase. To test the hypotheses, a cross-sectional study was performed through a sample of 112 SMEs attendants in two Latin American countries (Mexico and Chile). The methods performed were descriptive data analysis, bivariate correlation, and artificial neural network. The results show the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on companies;furthermore, the results support the positive relationship and impact of resilience on SMEs performance.