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Natural compounds such as gallic acid (GA) have attracted more attention in cosmetic and pharmaceutical skin care products. However, the low solubility and poor stability of GA have limited its application. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize the GA niosomal dispersion (GAN) and investigate the potential of an optimal formulation as a skin drug delivery system for GA. For this purpose, GAN formulations were synthesized using the thin layer evaporation method with different molar ratios of Tween 60/Span 60, along with a constant molar ratio of polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG-4000) and cholesterol in a methanol and chloroform solvent (1:4 v/v). The physicochemical properties of nanosystems in terms of size, zeta potential, drug entrapment, drug release, morphology, and system-drug interaction were characterized using different methods. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity, anti-tyrosinase activity, and antibacterial activity were evaluated by MTT assay, the spectrophotometric method, and micro-well dilution assay. All formulations revealed a size of 80-276 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) values below 0.35, and zeta potential values below-9.7 mV. F2 was selected as the optimal formulation due to its smaller size and high stability. The optimal formulation of GAN (F2) was as follows: a 1:1 molar ratio of Span 60 to cholesterol and 1.5 mM GA. The release of the F2 drug showed a biphasic pattern, which was fast in the first 12 h until 58% was released. Our results showed the high antibacterial activity of GAN against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MTT assay showed that GA encapsulation increased its effect on B6F10 cancer cells. The F2 formulation exhibited potent anti-tyrosinase activity and inhibited melanin synthesis. These findings suggest that it can be used in dermatological skin care products in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries due to its significant antibacterial, anti-melanoma, and anti-tyrosinase activity.
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BACKGROUND: Incivility is one of the significant challenges that affect nursing education. Uncivil behaviors have a significant upward trend compared to the past in nursing education. This study was conducted to explore academic incivility from the perspective of nursing students and faculty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in 2021 using a descriptive qualitative method. Fifteen baccalaureate nursing students and six faculty were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, and a qualitative content analysis was applied for data analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed four categories, namely, ineffective teaching-learning, inapposite/unreasonable requests, behaviors disrupting mutually respectful environment, and academic dishonesty, and 14 subcategories. CONCLUSION: To reduce incivility, closer attention needs to be paid to the admission of faculty as well as training them to use effective communication techniques and interactive teaching methods. In addition, nursing students must be provided with the training about uncivil behaviors. Furthermore, clear and precise rules and regulations concerning incivility incidence should be developed and implemented in the universities.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Incivility has been raised as a growing concern and a hot topic in nursing education. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a context-based educational intervention on the nursing students' civility index and their perception of uncivil behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was done from 2019 to 2020 in Khorramabad, Iran. A context-based educational intervention focusing on problem-based scenarios was conducted for 4 weeks. Clark Civility Index for Students and Classmates (2017) and Clark Incivility Scale in the University Environment (2014) were used. Data were analyzed using Stata, descriptive statistics, and paired t-test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the mean score of students' civility index before and after the intervention (8.31 points increase, P = 0.004). However, there was no significant difference between the mean score of the civility index for classmates before and after the intervention. Furthermore, the mean score of students' perception of incivility after the intervention increased by 5.88 points, which confirmed the significant effect of the intervention in improving students' understanding of uncivil behaviors (P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the effectiveness of the problem-based scenario along with other strategies such as journal club and self-learning in increasing the awareness of civility and improving the civility index, the use of these strategies is recommended in order to reduce incivility.
