Introduction: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, identifying the infected individuals has become key to limiting its spread. Virus nucleic acid real-time RT-PCR testing has become the current standard diagnostic method but high demand could lead to shortages. Therefore, we propose a detection strategy using a one-step nested RT-PCR. Methodology: The nucleotide region in the ORF1ab gene that has the greatest differences between the human coronavirus and the bat coronavirus was selected. Primers were designed after that sequence. All diagnostic primers are species-specific since the 3´ end of the sequence differs from that of other species. A primer set also creates a synthetic positive control. Amplified products were seen in a 2.5% agarose gel, as well as in an SYBR Green-Based Real-Time RT-PCR. Results: Amplification was achieved for the positive control and specific regions in both techniques. Conclusions: This new technique is flexible and easy to implement. It does not require a real-time thermocycler and can be interpreted in agarose gels, as well as adapted to quantify the viral genome. It has the advantage that if the coronavirus mutates in one of the key amplification nucleotides, at least one pair can still amplify, thanks to the four diagnostic primers.

Moringa oleifera (MO) is a native tree of Asia and is cultivated in some areas of Mexico as part of traditional horticulture. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of MO infusion vs. MO ethanolic extract for the simultaneous treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD), hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in a murine model fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). BALB/c mice were fed a balanced diet (healthy control) or an HFD for 6months. With this, the NAFLD model was established before starting a therapeutic intervention with MO for two months. The phytochemical analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance in ¹H and ¹³C experiments showed signals for pyrrole alkaloids and triterpenes as the main constituents of the extract and infusion preparation. A significant reduction of SGPT, SGOT, lipids, urea, and glucose in blood among NAFLD groups treated with MO (infusion or extract) was found, when compared to the NAFLD-placebo group. Steatosis and liver inflammation were found to be decreased in the MO groups, as infusion or ethanolic extract. Infusion produced a better therapeutic effect than the extract in all parameters, except glycemic control, where the extract was better. As an additional finding, it is noteworthy that treatment with MO, particularly through infusion, resulted in improved motor activity. Moreover, a reduction in anxiety-like behavior was observed exclusively with the administration of infusion. These observations provide valuable insights into the potential broader effects of Moringa oleifera beyond the primary aim of the study.

Background/Objectives: The semi-school-based model (SSBM) has gained momentum in Mexico post-COVID-19, providing flexibility for students managing work, family, and academics. However, little is known about how high-stakes academic evaluations affect the emotional well-being and lifestyle habits of students in this alternative setting. This study aims to assess two key research questions: (1) Does exposure to a high-stakes academic exam increase anxiety and depression levels in SSBM students? (2) Does exam-related stress affect dietary habits and physiological stress markers in these students? Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, quantitative study was conducted in September 2023 with 94 fourth-term high school students in an SSBM program in Mexico Assessments. Evaluations were conducted at two specific time points; Pre-exam Assessment Day (RCD): ~30–50 min before normal Saturday classes, and Exam-day Assessment (ED): ~30–50 min before the mathematics exam. Data included sociodemographic, HADS scores, dietary habits, and physiological measures (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation). Analyses were conducted in SPSS v28. Normality was tested using Kolmogorov–Smirnov. Paired continuous and categorical variables were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank and McNemar’s or Fisher’s exact tests, respectively. Relative risks (RR) and multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with anxiety and depression. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Anxiety prevalence increased significantly on the exam day (from 22.3% to 59.6%, p < 0.001; RR = 14.281, 95% CI: 2.620–161.296), with no significant change in depression. Wilcoxon tests confirmed higher anxiety scores across both sexes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly, particularly among females (p < 0.001), whereas oxygen saturation remained stable. Eating patterns shifted on ED, with higher consumption of fried foods, sweet bread, and sugar-sweetened beverages (p < 0.001), especially among males, and decreased intake of meat protein and vegetables, particularly among females. Meat consumption was significantly associated with increased anxiety (adjusted RR = 3.405; 95% CI: 1.035–11.194; p = 0.044). Conclusions: High-stakes academic exams in SSBM settings are associated with acute increases in anxiety and unhealthy dietary changes, even without significant depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the need for interventions supporting emotional regulation and healthy lifestyle behaviors among students facing academic stress in non-traditional educational environments.