Exploring the potential of pantomime games in medical education: Non-verbal exercise.

The primary educational challenge in medical education is the lack of focus on non-verbal communication skills, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. This gap is crucial, particularly in multicultural and multilingual contexts where non-verbal cues can bridge language barriers and enhance understanding between healthcare professionals and patients. To address this, our wave explores the potential of integrating art, specifically pantomime games, into medical education as a non-verbal exercise. Inspired by ancient drama and role-play, pantomime games offer an innovative methodology for enhancing non-verbal communication skills. These games help students develop observation, empathy, and ambiguity tolerance-skills essential for effective healthcare delivery. Incorporating art and game-based learning into medical curricula has improved visual perception, personal reflection, and student engagement. The benefits of this integration extend globally, fostering emotional intelligence, creative thinking, and cross-cultural understanding. Educational games create a safe environment for students to experiment, learn from mistakes, and gain practical experience, ultimately reducing training time and instructor load. Moreover, non-verbal communication training can enhance professor-student interactions, improving feedback quality and learning outcomes. To implement these innovations, clear guidelines and effective facilitation are crucial. Educators should provide supportive environments for experimentation and learning, using minimal materials such as open spaces and simple props. High-resource settings can leverage AI technologies for feedback and create mobile applications to modernize the approach. This wave advocates for a student-centered, multimodal communication and learning environment, highlighting the transformative potential of integrating performing arts into medical education to prepare future healthcare providers better.

The effect of peer mentoring program on clinical academic progress and psychological characteristics of operating room students: a parallel randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the new educational systems is the mentorship method. This study aimed to investigate the effect of peer mentoring program on clinical academic progress and psychological characteristics of operating room students. METHODS: This research was a randomized controlled trial that was conducted on undergraduate students in the operating room department of Khomein Faculty of Medical Sciences, Markazi Province in Iran. The number of operating room students were 70 that were divided into intervention and control groups by random allocation using Permuted Block Randomization. Inclusion criteria included all operating room students who were in internship, and exclusion criteria included failure to complete the questionnaires. The data collection tools were the demographic questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Situational Motivational Scale. In the control group, clinical training was done in the traditional way. In the intervention group, training was done by peer mentoring method. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square test, ANCOVA, univariable and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS: The study revealed significant differences between the intervention and control groups. Post-intervention, the intervention group demonstrated substantial increases in self-confidence (mean difference = 5.97, p < 0.001) and significant reductions in stress levels (mean difference = -3.22, p < 0.001). Conversely, minimal changes were noted in the control group for both self-confidence (mean difference = 0.057, p = 0.934) and stress levels (mean difference = 0.142, p = 0.656). Although both groups experienced decreases in anxiety and depression levels, these changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the intervention significantly enhanced academic progress in the intervention group compared to the control group (mean difference = 20.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that the implementation of the peer mentoring program was effective in improving academic progress, self-confidence, and reducing the stress of operating room students. Therefore, this educational method can be used in addition to the usual methods to improve the education of operating room students.

Propolis add-on therapy alleviates depressive symptoms; A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Almost half of the treatments with common antidepressants are failed or result in a relapse of symptoms after cessation. Moreover, the antidepressants side effects rationalize the use of complementary medicine as an adjunctive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of propolis in complementary therapy of depressive disorder. Chromatography technics were used to detect propolis components. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was designed, and 54 participants were randomly assigned to receive either propolis or Placebo for 6 weeks. Treatment was defined as a decrease in 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-17) and Beck depression inventory (BDI). On D42, there was a significant reduction in HAMD score in the propolis group compared with the placebo group (p < .0001). HAMD score significantly decreased in the propolis group from 20.92 ± 3.77 on D0 to 10.03 ± 5.55 on D42, and BDI score was improved from 29.25 ± 3.06 on D0 to 14.17 ± 4.86 on D42. Our findings confirmed that complementary treatment of propolis with SSRIs could safely attenuate symptoms of moderate-severe MDD. These antidepressant effects might result from the rich phenolic acids and flavonoids content of Azerbaijan propolis.

Prognostic implication of CD57, CD16, and TGF-ß expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells are important immune effector cells against tumors especially in the absence or reducing MHC class I antigen. Downregulation of CD16 receptor is accompanied by decreasing NK cell-killing activity. It has also been shown that some of tumor cells can evade from immune system through producing transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and affect prognosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of CD57(+) and CD16(+) cells and TGF-ß expression in samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: CD57, CD16, and TGF-ß expressions were examined immunohistochemically in 57 cases of OSCC. The relationship between markers' expression and clinicopathologic data using bivariate and multivariate analysis was assessed. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that CD57 expression [HR 17.34 (95% CI 3.815-78.830); P < 0.001] and mode of invasion [HR 0.362 (95% CI 0.138-0.947); P = 0.038] correlated with survival rate, but no relation between CD57 expression and mode of invasion was seen (P = 0.96). Furthermore, no correlation between CD57, CD16, and TGF-ß expression was found. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CD57 expression and mode of invasion are independent prognostic factors of survival in OSCC patients.

Tailoring topology and bio-interactions of triazine frameworks.

The construction of covalent organic frameworks with special geometery and optical properties is of high interest, due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. In this work, we report on a new method for the construction of triazine frameworks with defined topologies using coordination chemistry. Ball milling and wet chemical reactions between cyanuric chloride and melamine were directed in spatial arrangements and opposite optical activity. Cobalt was used as a directing agent to drive reactions into special morphologies, optical properties and biological activity. The enantiorecognition ability of triazine frameworks that was manifested in their activities against bacteria, demonstrated a new way for the construction of materials with specific interactions at biointerfaces.

Investigation of Different Nutritional Effects of Dietary Chromium in Fish: A Literature Review.

The supply of food for the world population that is increasing is one of the concerns of governments. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations assessment shows that the aquaculture industry could help meet food needs for human communities. The aquaculture industry also relies on providing a feed of high quality. Minerals are one essential component of an aquatic diet. Chromium (Cr) is a trace element that finds the form of Cr+3 (trivalent) and Cr+6 (hexavalent) in nature and food items. Studies show that exposure to Cr waterborne have toxicity effects on fish. However, oral exposure to Cr has a different impact on fish. Cr is usually involved in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, growth function, enzyme functions, etc. This element could play a significant role in fish nutrition and physiology. Cr as a dietary supplement can improve growth performance and adjust the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. However, high concentrations of Cr can be toxic to fish. Although the physiological effects of Cr on aquatic organisms are well known, there are still ambiguities in determining the appropriate concentration in the diet of some species. Maybe, the physiological response of fish depends on the concentration, origin, and chemical composition of Cr, as well as the biological and individual characteristics of the fish. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the appropriate concentration of Cr in fish diets. This article aims to summarize the available information about the effect of Cr on various physiological indicators and fish growth. Therefore, this information may help to find the appropriate concentration of Cr in the diet.

Hepatic encephalopathy complications are diminished by piracetam via the interaction between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and locomotor activity.

Background: of the study: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication in which brain ammonia (NH4+) levels reach critically high concentrations because of liver failure. HE could lead to a range of neurological complications from locomotor and behavioral disturbances to coma. Several tactics have been established for subsiding blood and brain NH4+. However, there is no precise intervention to mitigate the direct neurological complications of NH4+. Purpose: It has been found that oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and neuro-inflammation play a fundamental role in NH4+ neurotoxicity. Piracetam is a drug used clinically in neurological complications such as stroke and head trauma. Piracetam could significantly diminish oxidative stress and improve brain mitochondrial function. Research methods: In the current study, piracetam (100 and 500 mg/kg, oral) was used in a mice model of HE induced by thioacetamide (TA, 800 mg/kg, single dose, i.p). Results: Significant disturbances in animals' locomotor activity, along with increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including reactive oxygen species formation, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, depleted tissue glutathione, and decreased antioxidant capacity, were evident in the brain of TA-treated mice. Meanwhile, mitochondrial permeabilization, mitochondrial depolarization, suppression of dehydrogenases activity, and decreased ATP levels were found in the brain of the TA group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly high in the brain of HE animals. Conclusion: It was found that piracetam significantly enhanced mice's locomotor activity, blunted oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial indices in hyperammonemic mice. These data suggest piracetam as a neuroprotective agent which could be repurposed for the management of HE.

Control of cellular adhesiveness in hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel through varying degrees of phenol moiety cross-linking.

Current hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels often cause cytotoxicity to encapsulated cells and lack the adhesive property required for effective biomedical and tissue engineering applications. Provision of the cell-adhesive surface is an important requirement to improve its biocompatibility. An aqueous solution of hyaluronic acid possessing phenolic hydroxyl (HA-Ph) moieties is gellable via a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed oxidative cross-linking reaction. This study evaluates the effect of different degrees of cross-linked Ph moieties on cellular adhesiveness and proliferation on the resultant enzymatically cross-linked HA-Ph hydrogels. Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the compression force of engineered hydrogels could be tuned in the range of 0.05-35 N by changing conjugated Ph moieties in the precursor formulation. The water contact angle and water content show hydrophobicity of hydrogels increased with increasing content of cross-linked Ph groups. The seeded mouse embryo fibroblast-like cell line and human cervical cancer cell line, on the HA-Ph hydrogel, proved cell attachment and spreading with a high content of cross-linked Ph groups. The HA-Ph with a higher degree of Ph moieties shows the maximum degree of cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation which presents this hydrogel as a suitable biomaterial for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.

Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extract improved reproduction capacity and behavioral activity in rats exposed to immobilization stress.

This study was conducted to evaluate the Salvia officinalis hydroalcoholic extract on fertility capacity and behavioral features in rats exposed to immobilization stress. Male rats were randomly divided into five groups; Control; Stressed rats; and Stressed rats received 50, 100 and/or 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis hydroalcoholic extract. To induce stress, rats were immobilized for 49 days and received S. officinalis extract orally. On day 56, we analyzed behavioral tests and evaluated reproduction capacity by measuring LH, FSH, and testosterone. Sperm parameters such as motility, viability, and total count were also determined. Bodyweight changes were also calculated on day 56. Male rats from different groups were mated with healthy female rats. Data showed that the use of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis extract in stressed rats increased bodyweight gain and improved behavioral disorders compared to control-matched groups (p < .05). Besides, administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg bw S. officinalis extract had the potential to improve sperm parameters and fertility capacity in stressed rats (p < .05). Decreased testosterone levels were blunted in the stressed rats that received plant extract coincided with the reduction of LH and FSH compared to control-matched stressed rats (p < .05). We found neutral effects in stressed rats that received 50 mg/kg bw plant extract. Collectively, the hydroalcoholic extract of S. officinalis could improve the fertility capacity and behavioral features under stressful conditions in a dose-dependent manner.

A review on 5-aminosalicylic acid colon-targeted oral drug delivery systems.

Site-specific colon drug delivery is a practical approach for the treatment of local diseases of the colon with several advantages such as rapid onset of action and reduction of the dosage of the drug as well as minimization of harmful side effects. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is a drug of choice in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colitis. For the efficient delivery of this drug, it is vital to prevent 5-ASA release in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract and to promote its release in the proximal colon. Different approaches including chemical manipulation of drug molecule for production of prodrugs or modification of drug delivery systems using pH-dependent, time-dependent and/or bacterially biodegradable materials have been tried to optimize 5-ASA delivery to the colon. In the current review, the different strategies utilized in the design and development of an oral colonic delivery dosage form of 5-ASA are presented and discussed.

2,6-Diamino-pyridinium bis-(4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato-κO,N,O)chromate(III) dihydrate.

The reaction of chromium(III) nitrate hexa-hydrate, pyridine-2,6-diamine and 4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid in a 1:2:2 molar ratio in aqueous solution resulted in the formation of the title compound, (C(5)H(8)N(3))[Cr(C(7)H(3)NO(5))(2)]·2H(2)O or (pydaH)[Cr(hypydc)(2)]·2H(2)O (where pyda is pyridine-2,6-diamine and hypydcH(2) is 4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid). Each Cr(III )atom is hexa-coordinated by four O and two N atoms from two (hypydc)(2-) fragments, which act as tridentate ligands, in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The O-Cr-O-C torsion angles between the two planes of the (hypydc)(2-) fragments [-99.81 (17) and 97.77 (17)°] indicate that these two units are almost perpendicular to one another. In the crystal structure, extensive O-H⋯O, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds with D⋯A distances ranging from 2.560 (2) to 3.279 (3) Å, ion pairing, C-O⋯π [O⋯π = 3.166 (2) Å] and π-π stacking inter-actions between (hypydc)(2-) and (pydaH)(+) rings [with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.3353 (14) Å] contribute to the formation of a three-dimensional supra-molecular structure.

Propane-1,2-diammonium bis-(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato-κO,N,O')nickelate(II) tetra-hydrate.

The reaction of nickel(II) nitrate hexa-hydrate, propane-1,2-diamine and pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid in a 1:2:2 molar ratio in aqueous solution resulted in the formation of the title compound, (C(3)H(12)N(2))[Ni(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(2)]·4H(2)O or (p-1,2-daH(2))[Ni(pydc)(2)]·4H(2)O (where p-1,2-da is propane-1,2-diamine and pydcH(2) is pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid). The geometry of the resulting NiN(2)O(4) coordination can be described as distorted octa-hedral. Considerable C=O⋯π stacking inter-actions are observed between the carboxyl-ate C=O groups and the pyridine rings of the (pydc)(2-) fragments, with O⋯π distances of 3.1563 (12) and 3.2523 (12) Šand C=O⋯π angles of 95.14 (8) and 94.64 (8)°. In the crystal structure, a wide range of non-covalent inter-actions, consisting of hydrogen bonding [O-H⋯O, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O, with D⋯A distances ranging from 2.712 (2) to 3.484 (2) Å], ion pairing, π-π [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.4825 (8) Å] and C=O⋯π stacking, connect the various components to form a supra-molecular structure.

Propane-1,3-diammonium bis-[aqua-chlorido(4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-di-carboxyl-ato-κO,N,O)mercurate(II)] tetra-hydrate.

The reaction of mercury(II) chloride dihydrate, propane-1,3-diamine and 4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid in a 1:1:1 molar ratio in aqueous solution, resulted in the formation of the title compound, (C(3)H(12)N(2))[Hg(C(7)H(3)NO(5))Cl(H(2)O)](2)·4H(2)O or (pnH(2))[Hg(hypydc)Cl(H(2)O)](2)·4H(2)O (where pn is propane-1,3-diamine and hypydcH(2) is 4-hydroxy-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid). The metal atom is coordinated by one chloride group, one water mol-ecule cis to the chloride ligand and one (hypydc)(2-) ligand. The coordinated water mol-ecule is almost perpendicular to the plane of the aromatic ring of (hypydc)(2-). The geometry of the resulting HgClNO(3) coordination can be described as distorted square-pyramidal. This structure also contains propane-1,3-diammonium (site symmetry 2) as a counter-ion and four uncoordinated water mol-ecules. There is a wide range of non-covalent inter-actions consisting of hydrogen bonding [of the types O-H⋯O, N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O, with D⋯A ranging from 2.548 (5) to 3.393 (6) Å] and ion pairing.

Truncated JFH1 E2 Protein: Is it Reliable to be Used in Diagnostic ELISA Test and as a Protein-Based Vaccine Candidate?

BACKGROUND: HCV E2 glycoprotein is one of the most attractive proteins for designing an effective vaccine. Deletion of hydrophobic carboxyl-terminal region of this protein is necessary for its secretion, especially when it is expressed in E-coli. In this study we expressed this protein in truncated form and evaluated its application in developing an ELISA test and induction of humoral response in immunized mice. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was expression of HCV truncated E2 protein from JFH1 strain in E-coli BL21(DE3) and evaluation of its antigenicity. METHODS: Truncated E2 region from HCV genotype 2a (JFH1) was amplified by PCR and cloned into a pET28a (+) vector and was used to transform the E-coli DH5α strain. The recombinant E2 protein was evaluated both in an ELISA test and induction of humoral immunity in mice. RESULTS: Truncated E2 protein was expressed in BL21(DE3). Its specific antibody was detected in serum samples from HCV infected patients. Also, it could elicit a significant humoral immunity in mice. CONCLUSION: Truncated form of E2 protein which has been expressed in E-coli could be used as an effective antigen both in diagnostic tests such as ELISA and also, as a protein-based vaccine candidate.