Resumen Introducción Derivado de la pandemia del COVID-19, la prevalencia de estrés, ansiedad, depresión y consumo de alcohol ha incrementado entre los estudiantes de medicina. La intervención por Mindfulness ha reportado disminuir estas psicopatologías y el consumo de alcohol; no obstante, la evidencia muestra resultados poco claros respecto a su eficacia. Objetivo Evaluar la eficacia de la intervención basada en Mindfulness online (IBM) sobre los niveles de sintomatología de estrés, ansiedad y depresión, así como en el consumo de alcohol y el estado de atención plena en estudiantes de medicina durante la pandemia por COVID-19. Método Se realizó una investigación cuasi-experimental en 237 estudiantes de medicina, de los cuales se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos; además, se midieron los niveles de psicopatologías, consumo de alcohol, y el estado de atención plena pre y post intervención a través de los instrumentos DASS-21, AUDIT, y MASS. Se llevaron a cabo ocho sesiones de Mindfulness online, una vez por semana, de aproximadamente una hora cada una. Resultados La IBM no redujo los niveles de psicopatologías ni de consumo de alcohol ni mejoró el estado de atención plena. Los altos niveles de psicopatologías, la tasa de abandono y la falta de participación voluntaria, fueron los principales factores que limitan la eficacia del IBM online. Discusión y conclusión La IBM online no fue efectiva entre la población estudiada: se recomienda la generación de estrategias en las que los estudiantes se involucren y completen los programas de intervención, los resultados de esta investigación ayudarán a mejorar futuras intervenciones de mindfulness online.

Abstract Introduction As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and alcohol consumption has increased among medical students. Mindfulness is an intervention to decrease these psychopathologies and alcohol consumption; however, evidence has shown unclear results regarding its efficacy. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of an online Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on stress, anxiety, and depression symptomatology levels, as well as on alcohol consumption and mindfulness status in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 237 students, obtaining sociodemographic data. In addition the levels of psychopathology, alcohol consumption, and state of mindfulness: were measured pre-and post-intervention through the DASS-21, AUDIT, and MASS instruments. Eight online Mindfulness sessions were conducted once a week for approximately one hour each. Results MBI did not reduce levels of psychopathologies or alcohol consumption, nor did the mindfulness status improve. High levels of psychopathologies, dropout rate, and lack of voluntary participation were the main factors limiting the effectiveness of the online MBI. Discussion and conclusion The online MBI wasn’t effective among the population under study: we recommend generation strategies where students are involved in and complete intervention programs. Results from this research will help enhance future online mindfulness interventions.

Abstract: Introduction: intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) mainly affect school-age children; these infections constitute a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of primary school children with IPI. Material and methods: prospective and cross-sectional study carried out in four elementary schools in Minatitlán, Veracruz. Three serial samples were analyzed by coproparasitoscopic, by direct and Faust flotation methods In addition, a survey was conducted to record clinical data and lifestyle habits. Results: 112 students, aged from six to 12 years, from different grades of primary education were included. IPI frequency was 30.3%. Five species of parasites were identified, with a predominance of Blastocystis sp. (76.4%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (11.7%). Main symptoms were diarrhea and nausea. Conclusion: the high frequency of IPI in school children observed in this study should be useful to carry-out strategies for its prevention.

Resumen: Introducción: las parasitosis intestinales (PI) afectan principalmente a niños en edad escolar y constituyen un problema de salud pública, particularmente los países en vías de desarrollo. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia y características clínicas de los alumnos de escuelas primarias con PI. Material y métodos: estudio prospectivo y transversal de cuatro escuelas en la localidad de Minatitlán, Veracruz. Se analizaron tres muestras seriadas mediante coproparasitoscópico, por el método directo y de flotación de Faust. Además, se realizó una encuesta para registrar los datos clínicos y los hábitos de vida. Resultados: se incluyeron 112 alumnos, con edades de seis a 12 años, de diferentes grados de instrucción primaria. La frecuencia de PI fue de 30.3%, se identificaron cinco especies de parásitos, predominó Blastocystis sp. (76.4%) y Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (11.7%). Los síntomas principales fueron diarrea y náuseas. Conclusión: la frecuencia elevada de PI en niños escolares debe ayudar a implementar estrategias para su prevención.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder is associated with alterations in GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here, we aimed to determine the concentration of GABA, glutamate, glutamine, aspartate, taurine, and glycine in brain tissue and plasma of rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), a well-characterized experimental model of autism. Pregnant rats were injected with VPA (600mg/Kg) during the twelfth-embryonic-day. Control rats were injected with saline. On the fourteen-postnatal-day, rats from both groups (males and females) were anesthetized, euthanized by decapitation and their brain dissected out. The frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, brain stem and cerebellum were dissected and homogenized. Homogenates were centrifuged and supernatants were used to quantify amino acid concentrations by HPLC coupled with fluorometric detection. Blood samples were obtained by a cardiac puncture; plasma was separated and deproteinized to quantify amino acid concentration by HPLC. We found that, in VPA rats, glutamate and glutamine concentrations were increased in hippocampus and glycine concentration was increased in cortex. We did not find changes in other regions or in plasma amino acid concentration in the VPA group with respect to control group. Our results suggest that VPA exposure in utero may impair inhibitory and excitatory amino acid transmission in the infant brain.