Universidad de los Andes (Chile)

Sarcopenia, characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength in older adults, is a key factor in health deterioration. It affects 15% of people between 65 and 80 years old and over 50% of those over 80, compromising autonomy and increasing the risk of diseases. Sarcopenia not only impacts muscle function but also bone health, mobility, and is associated with cardiometabolic diseases and cognitive decline.
It has been proposed that changes in the gut microbiota in aging individuals, known as gut dysbiosis, contribute to sarcopenia. Species diversity decreases, and bacterial representation is altered, which could impair muscle function through various pathways, such as mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and disruption of protein synthesis. Muscle function loss is strongly associated with cognitive and metabolic impairment in older adults.
Recently, it has been demonstrated that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective procedure for modulating gut microbiota and has proven highly effective in managing cases of Clostridium difficile-associated chronic diarrhea. The main objective of this project is to carry out FMT from young, physically active donors to a cohort of older adults to evaluate its effect on muscle, cognitive, and metabolic function.
Why donors who exercise? There is growing evidence that gut microbiota diversity is increased in young, physically active individuals. The FMT is planned to be administered through lyophilized microbiota capsules. By restoring microbial diversity, it is expected to improve the quality and function of skeletal muscles, leading to greater cognitive and metabolic resilience.
This project has great potential to develop an innovative approach for treating highly debilitating diseases that affect older adults, based on the lyophilization and encapsulation of gut microbiota from young, trained donors, which can be easily stored in a conventional freezer. Due to the high percentage of older adults worldwide and the high prevalence of sarcopenia within this age group, the aim of the project is to address a significant public health issue with a large target population eager for options to promote muscle health, functional autonomy, as well as cognitive and metabolic well-being.

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined virtual and clinical simulation strategy compared to virtual simulation alone and clinical simulation alone in the development of theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment among midwifery students, specifically in the management of preeclampsia.
Study Population:
75 undergraduate midwifery students in the second cycle of their studies at the Universidad de Los Andes, Chile.
Interventions:
Group 1: Virtual and Clinical Simulation combined (VSim® case on preeclampsia followed by hands-on clinical simulation with a manikin).
Group 2: Virtual Simulation only (VSim® case on preeclampsia).
Primary Outcomes:
Development of theoretical knowledge (measured by a test) on preeclampsia. Improvement in clinical judgment skills (assessed using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric).
Secondary Outcomes:
Student satisfaction with the training. Perceived self-efficacy in managing preeclampsia. Usability of simulation platform
Duration:
The intervention lasts for 4 days. Pre- and post-tests will assess knowledge, clinical judgment, satisfaction, and self-efficacy.
Methodology:
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 35 participants divided equally into two groups. Each group will undergo either virtual simulation, or both. Data analysis will involve repeated measures ANOVA to assess the differences in learning outcomes between the groups.

Mental health among university students has emerged as a significant global issue. Recent meta-analyses reveal that 25% of students experience depressive symptoms and 14% exhibit suicidal behaviors. A study involving 19 universities across 8 countries found that 31.4% reported psychiatric disorders in the past year, particularly major depressive episodes and anxiety disorders.
In Chile, research on university mental health is limited. A 2014 study at Universidad Austral reported a 27% prevalence of depression and a 5.3% risk of moderate to severe suicide risk. The "First National Survey of University Mental Health" in 2019 revealed that 46% of students had depressive symptoms, while health surveys from Universidad de los Andes in 2020 and 2022 showed a decrease in these symptoms, although suicide risk remained high.
Given this situation, preventive interventions are urgently needed. "Mindfulness-Based Interventions" (MBIs) have shown effectiveness in university settings. Mindfulness, defined by Jon Kabat-Zinn, involves deliberate, non-judgmental attention to the present moment. Programs like "Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" (MBSR) have proven effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Studies indicate that MBIs can effectively alleviate mental health symptoms in university populations.
Some of the MBIs include "Mindful Mood Balance" (MMB) and "Mindfulness Skills for Students". The latter has shown effectiveness in reducing depressive and anxious symptoms among university students.
A 2021 pilot study at Universidad de los Andes on an online 8-session intervention combining mindfulness with cognitive-behavioral techniques yielded positive results in reducing symptoms and enhancing students' quality of life.
In the current proposal we want to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the "Mindfulness Skills for Students" program delivered in-person by two trained facilitators. Additionally, we want to explore the efficacy of this intervention in reducing depressive, anxious, and stress symptoms among undergraduate students at Universidad de los Andes, using a quasi-experimental study design.