Conocimiento de los estudiantes de medicina sobre los cuidados paliativos / Medical students’ knowledge of palliative care

Introducción: La historia de los cuidados paliativos es extensa, pues se remonta a los hospicios medievales de la Europa antigua, para posteriormente centrarse en su desarrollo como lugares de acompañamiento para los enfermos en la etapa final de la vida; son considerados como un derecho y parte fundamental de la salud al estar entrelazados con los conceptos de dignidad humana, los principios de autonomía humana y de calidad de vida. Objetivo: Se buscó la realización de un estudio relativo al conocimiento de la disciplina de Cuidados Paliativos por parte de los estudiantes de la carrera de médico cirujano y partero de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, además de la percepción hacia esta disciplina. Metodología: Estudio del tipo transversal y descriptivo, utilizando un cuestionario a partir del Palliative Care Knowledge Test (Prueba de Conocimiento de Cuidados Paliativos, PCKT) distribuido por medios electrónicos, requiriendo del consentimiento informado de los estudiantes para ser incluidos; aquellos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión fueron divididos en 3 grupos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 201 estudiantes; 115 se encontraban en el grupo de 10.o > semestre, 26 en el grupo de 1-5.o y el resto en el de 6-9.o; 84 habían recibido alguna formación en cuidados paliativos como materia optativa al no encontrarse dentro del marco curricular. Los temas de farmacología fueron los más desconocidos para los estudiantes de los 3 grupos, además de existir inexperiencia sobre cuándo debe iniciarse este tipo de cuidados. Conclusión: Se encontró la necesidad de incluir los cuidados paliativos dentro de las materias de tipo curricular para la adquisición de competencias de la disciplina como las relativas a dar malas noticias y cuidados al final de la vida, con el objetivo de establecer mejores áreas de preparación para los futuros profesionales médicos. (AU)

Introduction: The history of palliative care is extensive, dating back to the medieval hospices of ancient Europe, to later focus on its development as a place of accompaniment for the sick at the end of life; it is considered a right and a fundamental part of health as it is intertwined with the concepts of human dignity, the principles of human autonomy and quality of life. Objective: The aim was to carry out a study on the knowledge of the discipline of Palliative Care by students of the “médico cirujano y partero” career of the Medicine Faculty from the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, in addition to the perception towards this discipline. Methodology: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, using a questionnaire based on the Palliative Care Knowledge Test (PCKT) distributed electronically, requiring the informed consent of the students to be included; those meeting the inclusion criteria were divided into 3 groups. Results: A total of 201 students were included; 115 were in the 10th > semester group, 26 in the 1st-5th group and the rest in 6th-9th; 84 had received some training in palliative care as an elective subject as it was not within the curricular framework. Pharmacology topics were the most unfamiliar to the students in the 3 groups, in addition to inexperience about when this type of care should be initiated. Conclusion: It was found necessary to include palliative care within the curricular subjects for the acquisition of competencies of the discipline such as those related to giving bad news and end-of-life care; with the aim of establishing better areas of preparation for future medical professionals. (AU)

Predictors of sleep pattern disturbances. Results from a third-level university hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is considered an epidemic condition. It is related to the increased prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases, but there are no studies in the Mexican paediatric population on its relationship with sleep disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: We sought to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in paediatrics, as well as factors for their development. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational, analytical, retrospective study, was performed including patients aged 2 to 16 years, between March 2019-2021. The Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire was used to assess the presence of sleep disorders. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were included, 27 (42.18%) of whom had sleep disorder criteria. Among these, obesity, i.e. weight percentile ≥ 75 and body mass index percentile ≥ 93.5, was a risk factor. Normal weight was protective. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in paediatric patients may favour the appearance of sleep disorders; screening could favour early diagnosis, correct treatment, and better life quality.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Allium sativum L. and its Constituents against Viral Infections and Metabolic Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Allium sativum L., or garlic, is one of the most studied plants worldwide within the field of traditional medicine. Current interests lie in the potential use of garlic as a preventive measure and adjuvant treatment for viral infections, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Even though it cannot be presented as a single treatment, its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. The World Health Organization has deemed it an essential part of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of garlic compounds and preparations on immunomodulation and viral infection management, with emphasis on SARS-CoV- -2. METHODS: Exhaustive literature search has been carried out on electronic databases. CONCLUSION: Garlic is a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet which helps maintain general good health. The reported information regarding garlic's ability to beneficially modulate inflammation and the immune system is encouraging. Nonetheless, more efforts must be made to understand the actual medicinal properties and mechanisms of action of the compounds found in this plant to inhibit or diminish viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Based on our findings, we propose a series of innovative strategies to achieve such a challenge in the near future.

Psychosocial impact on health-related and non-health related university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of an electronic survey.

INTRODUCTION: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused feelings of anxiety, confusion, and panic among the world population. Due to these psychological changes resulting from the stress produced by the disease, we sought to investigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on the university student community. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1,283 students were surveyed, of which 1,149 students were selected. The majority of the subjects were female, and the overall average age was of 20 years. They were provided with an 82-question online questionnaire divided into four sections; looking for the prevalence of significant symptomatology of major depression and generalised anxiety using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales; and factors that potentially affect the mental health of our university population. RESULTS: We found a high prevalence of significant depression (47.08%) and anxiety (27.06%) symptomatology, considering a score of 10 or more as cut-off point. There was no significant difference in depression and anxiety symptomatology between the health-care students and non-health-care students. CONCLUSIONS: Our results, together with what is observed in the literature, allow us to conclude that the college student population has a high risk of mental illness, and these should be taken into consideration for the search of effective strategies for detection and control of mental health illnesses. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic is a red flag that shows the need to upgrade mental health programmes in universities and to validate virtual instruments.

Psychosocial impact on health-related and non-health related university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of an electronic survey / Impacto psicosocial en estudiantes universitarios de ciencias de la salud y otros durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Resultados de una encuesta electrónica

ABSTRACT Introduction: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused feelings of anxiety, confusion, and panic among the world population. Due to these psychological changes resulting from the stress produced by the disease, we sought to investigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on the university student community. Material and methods: 1,283 students were surveyed, of which 1,149 students were selected. The majority of the subjects were female, and the overall average age was of 20 years. They were provided with an 82-question online questionnaire divided into four sections; looking for the prevalence of significant symptomatology of major depression and generalised anxiety using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales; and factors that potentially affect the mental health of our university population. Results: We found a high prevalence of significant depression (47.08%) and anxiety (27.06%) symptomatology, considering a score of 10 or more as cut-off point. There was no significant difference in depression and anxiety symptomatology between the health-care students and non-health-care students. Conclusions: Our results, together with what is observed in the literature, allow us to conclude that the college student population has a high risk of mental illness, and these should be taken into consideration for the search of effective strategies for detection and control of mental health illnesses. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic is a red flag that shows the need to upgrade mental health programmes in universities and to validate virtual instruments.

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: La actual pandemia de SARS-CoV-2ha causado sentimientos de ansiedad, confusión y pánico entre la población mundial. Debido a estos cambios psi cológicos derivados del estrés que produce la enfermedad, se buscó investigar el impacto psicológico de la pandemia en la comunidad estudiantil universitaria. Material y métodos: Se encuestó a 1.283 estudiantes, de los que se seleccionó a 1.149. La mayoría eran mujeres y la media de edad fue 20 anos. Se les proporcionó un cuestionario en línea de 82 preguntas divididas en 4 secciones para indagar la prevalencia de síntomas signi ficativos de depresión mayor y ansiedad generalizada utilizando las escalas PHQ-9 y GAD-7, además factores que pueden afectar a la salud mental de nuestra población universitaria. Resultados: Se halló una alta prevalencia de síntomas significativos de depresión (47,08%) y ansiedad (27,06%), considerando como umbral un total de 10 o más puntos. No hubo difer encias significativas entre los estudiantes relacionados con la salud y los no relacionados con la salud. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados, en conjunto con lo observado en la literatura, muestran que la comunidad universitaria es una población en riesgo de enfermedades mentales, por lo que el Gobierno debería considerar la creación de estrategias efectivas para la detección de problemas de salud mental; sin duda alguna, la actual pandemia de COVID-19 es un foco rojo sobre las necesidad de mejores programas de salud mental en universidades y validación de instrumentos virtuales.

Covid-19, impacto psicosocial en estudiantes de medicina.

No disponible.

Congenital medulloblastoma presented in the neonatal period.

Congenital medulloblastoma is a rare brain tumor that appears in less than 1% of pediatric patients. Congenital medulloblastoma has a poor prognosis and should be suspected in patients with clinical manifestations of hyporeactivity, slow suction reflexes, and the presence of hydrocephalus. Herein we present the case of a 12-day-old female newborn who developed non-communicative hydrocephalus, hyporeactivity, and hyporeflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain showed a heterogeneous and cystic mass on the posterior cranial fossa. A suboccipital craniotomy was performed. The histopathologic analysis reported a congenital medulloblastoma. She remained in hospital until her death at 112 days old. This is one of the first case reports with clinical-radiological and pathological documentation. Awareness of this diagnosis can allow prenatal intervention, rendering a better prognosis. This case report exemplifies the importance of good prenatal follow-up.

Cuidados paliativos, su importancia y falta de diseminación en el pregrado de medicina.

No disponible.

Psychosocial impact on health-related and non-health related university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of an electronic survey.

Introduction: The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused feelings of anxiety, confusion, and panic among the world population. Due to these psychological changes resulting from the stress produced by the disease, we sought to investigate the psychological impact of the pandemic on the university student community. Material and methods: 1,283 students were surveyed, of which 1,149 students were selected. The majority of the subjects were female, and the overall average age was of 20 years. They were provided with an 82-question online questionnaire divided into four sections; looking for the prevalence of significant symptomatology of major depression and generalised anxiety using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales; and factors that potentially affect the mental health of our university population. Results: We found a high prevalence of significant depression (47.08%) and anxiety (27.06%) symptomatology, considering a score of 10 or more as cut-off point. There was no significant difference in depression and anxiety symptomatology between the health-care students and non-health-care students. Conclusions: Our results, together with what is observed in the literature, allow us to conclude that the college student population has a high risk of mental illness, and these should be taken into consideration for the search of effective strategies for detection and control of mental health illnesses. Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic is a red flag that shows the need to upgrade mental health programmes in universities and to validate virtual instruments.

Introducción y objetivos: La actual pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 ha causado sentimientos de ansiedad, confusión y pánico entre la población mundial. Debido a estos cambios psicológicos derivados del estrés que produce la enfermedad, se buscó investigar el impacto psicológico de la pandemia en la comunidad estudiantil universitaria. Material y métodos: Se encuestó a 1.283 estudiantes, de los que se seleccionó a 1.149. La mayoría eran mujeres y la media de edad fue 20 años. Se les proporcionó un cuestionario en línea de 82 preguntas divididas en 4 secciones para indagar la prevalencia de síntomas significativos de depresión mayor y ansiedad generalizada utilizando las escalas PHQ-9 y GAD-7, además factores que pueden afectar a la salud mental de nuestra población universitaria. Resultados: Se halló una alta prevalencia de síntomas significativos de depresión (47,08%) y ansiedad (27,06%), considerando como umbral un total de 10 o más puntos. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los estudiantes relacionados con la salud y los no relacionados con la salud. Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados, en conjunto con lo observado en la literatura, muestran que la comunidad universitaria es una población en riesgo de enfermedades mentales, por lo que el Gobierno debería considerar la creación de estrategias efectivas para la detección de problemas de salud mental; sin duda alguna, la actual pandemia de COVID-19 es un foco rojo sobre las necesidad de mejores programas de salud mental en universidades y validación de instrumentos virtuales.

Congenital medulloblastoma presented in the neonatal period

Congenital medulloblastoma is a rare brain tumor that appears in less than 1% of pediatric patients. Congenital medulloblastoma has a poor prognosis and should be suspected in patients with clinical manifestations of hyporeactivity, slow suction reflexes, and the presence of hydrocephalus. Herein we present the case of a 12-day-old female newborn who developed non-communicative hydrocephalus, hyporeactivity, and hyporeflexia. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain showed a heterogeneous and cystic mass on the posterior cranial fossa. A suboccipital craniotomy was performed. The histopathologic analysis reported a congenital medulloblastoma. She remained in hospital until her death at 112 days old. This is one of the first case reports with clinical-radiological and pathological documentation. Awareness of this diagnosis can allow prenatal intervention, rendering a better prognosis. This case report exemplifies the importance of good prenatal follow-up.