Building resilience among undergraduate health professions students: identifying influencing factors.

BACKGROUND: Resilience contributes to mental well-being, hence expediting recovery from stressful events. Health professions students, in particular, often experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety due to academic demands and other stressors. This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to resilience and identify support systems that universities can implement to help undergraduate health professions students build resilience and manage their mental well-being. METHODS: A total of 28 students from the fields of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and Dietetics and Nutrition participated in semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interviews were stopped when data saturation was achieved. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the interviews identified five key themes contributing to resilience: life experience, socioeconomic factors, personal attributes, support resources, and role modelling. Universities play a crucial role in fostering resilience among health professions students through soft skills training, workplace-oriented training, mentoring, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities enable students to develop and strengthen resilience in both formal and informal settings. Such initiatives not only equip students to manage future career challenges but also support their overall personal and professional development. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors to health professions students' resilience. The availability of support resources together with a nurturing environment provided by university are crucial. By fostering resilience, students are better prepared to navigate the challenges of the demanding professions and develop the emotional fortitude necessary for long-term success in healthcare.

Natural Bioactive Compounds from Macroalgae and Microalgae for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease: A Review.

Neuroinflammation, toxic protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key pathways in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targeting these mechanisms with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and inhibitors of Aß formation and aggregation is crucial for treatment. Marine algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds, including carbohydrates, phenolics, fatty acids, phycobiliproteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins. In recent years, they have attracted interest from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to their exceptional biological activities, which include anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-apoptosis properties. Multiple lines of evidence have unveiled the potential neuroprotective effects of these multifunctional algal compounds for application in treating and managing AD. This article will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of bioactive compounds derived from algae based on in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation and AD. We will also discuss their potential as disease-modifying and symptomatic treatment strategies for AD.

Distribution of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Impacts on Aquatic Organisms, with Emphasis on Microalgae.

Plastics, with their many useful physical and chemical properties, are widely used in various industries and activities of daily living. Yet, the insidious effects of plastics, particularly long-term effects on aquatic organisms, are not properly understood. Plastics have been shown to degrade to micro- and nanosize particles known as microplastics and nanoplastics, respectively. These minute particles have been shown to cause various adverse effects on aquatic organisms, ranging from growth inhibition, developmental delay and altered feeding behaviour in aquatic animals to decrease of photosynthetic efficiency and induction of oxidative stress in microalgae. This review paper covers the distribution of microplastics and nanoplastics in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their effects on microalgae as well as co-toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics with other pollutants. Besides that, this review paper also discusses future research directions which could be taken to gain a better understanding of the impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics on aquatic ecosystems.

Prospecting bioactivity in Antarctic algae: A review of extracts, isolated compounds and their effects.

Algae and its metabolites have been a popular subject of research in numerous fields over the years. Various reviews have been written on algal bioactive components, but a specific focus on Antarctic-derived algae is seldom reviewed. Due to the extreme climate conditions of Antarctica, it is hypothesized that the acclimatized algae may have given rise to a new set of bioactive compounds as a result of adaptation. Although most studies done on Antarctic algae are based on ecological and physiological studies, as well as in the field of nanomaterial synthesis, some studies point out the potential therapeutic properties of these compounds. As an effort to shed light on a different application of Antarctic algae, this review focuses on evaluating its different medicinal properties, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and skin protective effects.

Comparison of Cell-based and Nanoparticle-based Therapeutics in Treating Atherosclerosis.

Today, cardiovascular diseases are among the biggest public health threats worldwide. Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease with complex aetiology and pathogenesis, predispose many of these conditions, including the high mortality rate-causing ischaemic heart disease and stroke. Nevertheless, despite the alarming prevalence and absolute death rate, established treatments for atherosclerosis are unsatisfactory in terms of efficacy, safety, and patient acceptance. The rapid advancement of technologies in healthcare research has paved new treatment approaches, namely cell-based and nanoparticle-based therapies, to overcome the limitations of conventional therapeutics. This paper examines the different facets of each approach, discusses their principles, strengths, and weaknesses, analyses the main targeted pathways and their contradictions, provides insights on current trends as well as highlights any unique mechanisms taken in recent years to combat the progression of atherosclerosis.

Harnessing Diesel-Degrading Potential of an Antarctic Microalga from Greenwich Island and Its Physiological Adaptation.

Microalgae are well known for their metal sorption capacities, but their potential in the remediation of hydrophobic organic compounds has received little attention in polar regions. We evaluated in the laboratory the ability of an Antarctic microalga to remediate diesel hydrocarbons and also investigated physiological changes consequent upon diesel exposure. Using a polyphasic taxonomic approach, the microalgal isolate, WCY_AQ5_1, originally sampled from Greenwich Island (South Shetland Islands, maritime Antarctica) was identified as Tritostichococcus sp. (OQ225631), a recently erected lineage within the redefined Stichococcus clade. Over a nine-day experimental incubation, 57.6% of diesel (~3.47 g/L) was removed via biosorption and biodegradation, demonstrating the strain's potential for phytoremediation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the adsorption of oil in accordance with its hydrophobic characteristics. Overall, degradation predominated over sorption of diesel. Chromatographic analysis confirmed that the strain efficiently metabolised medium-chain length n-alkanes (C-7 to C-21), particularly n-heneicosane. Mixotrophic cultivation using diesel as the organic carbon source under a constant light regime altered the car/chl-a ratio and triggered vacuolar activities. A small number of intracellular lipid droplets were observed on the seventh day of cultivation in transmission electron microscopic imaging. This is the first confirmation of diesel remediation ability in an Antarctic green microalga.

Anti-tumour promoting activity and antioxidant properties of girinimbine isolated from the stem bark of Murraya koenigii S.

Girinimbine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from the stem bark of Murraya koenigii was tested for the in vitro anti-tumour promoting and antioxidant activities. Anti-tumour promoting activity was determined by assaying the capability of this compound to inhibit the expression of early antigen of Epstein-Barr virus (EA-EBV) in Raji cells that was induced by the tumour promoter, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. The concentration of this compound that gave an inhibition rate at fifty percent was 6.0 µg/mL and was not cytotoxic to the cells. Immunoblotting analysis of the expression of EA-EBV showed that girinimbine was able to suppress restricted early antigen (EA-R). However, diffused early antigen (EA-D) was partially suppressed when used at 32.0 µg/mL. Girinimbine exhibited a very strong antioxidant activity as compared to a-tocopherol and was able to inhibit superoxide generation in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced differentiated premyelocytic HL-60 cells more than 95%, when treated with the compound at 5.3 and 26.3 µg/mL, respectively. However girinimbine failed to scavenge the stable diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH)-free radical.

An Analysis of Health Science Students' Preparedness and Perception of Interactive Virtual Laboratory Simulation.

The achievement of learning goals via laboratory practical depends on both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. They could be limited by laboratory time, incurred cost, safety, self-efficacy, inadequate prior preparation by learners, and different learning styles. Hence, virtual laboratory simulation (vLAB) may be an appropriate e-learning tool to overcome these restrictions. In this study, student's perception of the usefulness of vLAB was determined by using deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) gel electrophoresis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as case examples. The perception of Year 2 and 3 health science undergraduate students' (N = 87) was studied using a questionnaire consisting of 12 items, rated on a 5-point Likert-scale. The attainment of learning outcomes was assessed using pre-and post-tests containing multiple-choice questions (MCQs). In addition, student's experience and learning from the vLAB were further explored using qualitative analysis. Although there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the pre-and post-tests, results showed that all participants perceived vLAB well, with a median score of 4 (Agree) for all items in the questionnaire. It provides a meaningful learning experience and an authentic environment where students feel safe to practice what they have learnt in lectures. Moreover, vLAB facilitates individualised learning and enhances self-efficacy among students. In conclusion, vLAB prepares students for physical laboratory sessions by activating the prehension dimension of Kolb's learning cycle, therefore complementing and strengthening the attainments of health sciences laboratory learning goals and outcomes.

Influence of polystyrene microplastic and nanoplastic on copper toxicity in two freshwater microalgae.

There has been increasing concern over the toxic effects of microplastics (MP), nanoplastics (NP), and copper (Cu) on microalgae. However, the combined toxicity of the metal in the presence of polystyrene (PS) MP/NP on microalgae has not been well studied, particularly after long-term exposure (i.e., longer than 4 days). The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of PS MP and NP on Cu toxicity on two freshwater microalgae, namely Chlorella sp. TJ6-5 and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata NIES-35 after acute exposure for 4 days and up to 16 days. The results showed that both microalgae were sensitive to Cu, but tolerant to MP/NP. However, MP/NP increased the toxicity of Cu at EC50 in both microalgae, which was only noticeable in chronic exposure. Single and combined treatment of MP/NP and Cu induced higher oxidative stress and caused morphological and ultrastructural changes in both microalgae. The adsorption of Cu to MP and NP was low (0.23-14.9%), with most of the Cu present in free ionic form (81.6-105.8%). The findings on different sensitivity of microalgae to Cu in the presence of MP/NP may have significant implication as microalgae are likely to be exposed to a mixture of both MP/NP and Cu in the environment. For example, in air-blasting technology, MP and NP are used as abrasive medium to remove Cu-containing antifouling paints on hulls of ship and submerged surfaces. Wastewater treatment plants receive household wastes containing MP and NP, as well as stormwater runoffs and industrial wastes contaminated with heavy metals.

Evaluating Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Effects of Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis and Gamma-Tocotrienol Supplementation in a Syngeneic Mouse Model of Breast Cancer.

Nutrition can modulate host immune responses as well as promote anticancer effects. In this study, two nutritional supplements, namely gamma-tocotrienol (γT3) and Spirulina, were evaluated for their immune-enhancing and anticancer effects in a syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer (BC). Five-week-old female BALB/c mice were fed Spirulina, γT3, or a combination of Spirulina and γT3 (Spirulina + γT3) for 56 days. The mice were inoculated with 4T1 cells into their mammary fat pad on day 28 to induce BC. The animals were culled on day 56 for various analyses. A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in tumor volume was only observed on day 37 and 49 in animals fed with the combination of γT3 + Spirulina. There was a marked increase (p < 0.05) of CD4/CD127+ T-cells and decrease (p < 0.05) of T-regulatory cells in peripheral blood from mice fed with either γT3 or Spirulina. The breast tissue of the combined group showed abundant areas of necrosis, but did not prevent metastasis to the liver. Although there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) of MIG-6 and Cadherin 13 expression in tumors from γT3-fed animals, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the expression of MIG-6, Cadherin 13, BIRC5, and Serpine1 upon combined feeding. This showed that combined γT3 + Spirulina treatment did not show any synergistic anticancer effects in this study model.

Impact of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Human Health.

Plastics have enormous impacts to every aspect of daily life including technology, medicine and treatments, and domestic appliances. Most of the used plastics are thrown away by consumers after a single use, which has become a huge environmental problem as they will end up in landfill, oceans and other waterways. These plastics are discarded in vast numbers each day, and the breaking down of the plastics from micro- to nano-sizes has led to worries about how toxic these plastics are to the environment and humans. While, there are several earlier studies reported the effects of micro- and nano-plastics have on the environment, there is scant research into their impact on the human body at subcellular or molecular levels. In particular, the potential of how nano-plastics move through the gut, lungs and skin epithelia in causing systemic exposure has not been examined thoroughly. This review explores thoroughly on how nanoplastics are created, how they behave/breakdown within the environment, levels of toxicity and pollution of these nanoplastics, and the possible health impacts on humans, as well as suggestions for additional research. This paper aims to inspire future studies into core elements of micro- and nano-plastics, the biological reactions caused by their specific and unusual qualities.

Potential Application of Algae in Biodegradation of Phenol: A Review and Bibliometric Study.

One of the most severe environmental issues affecting the sustainable growth of human society is water pollution. Phenolic compounds are toxic, hazardous and carcinogenic to humans and animals even at low concentrations. Thus, it is compulsory to remove the compounds from polluted wastewater before being discharged into the ecosystem. Biotechnology has been coping with environmental problems using a broad spectrum of microorganisms and biocatalysts to establish innovative techniques for biodegradation. Biological treatment is preferable as it is cost-effective in removing organic pollutants, including phenol. The advantages and the enzymes involved in the metabolic degradation of phenol render the efficiency of microalgae in the degradation process. The focus of this review is to explore the trends in publication (within the year of 2000-2020) through bibliometric analysis and the mechanisms involved in algae phenol degradation. Current studies and publications on the use of algae in bioremediation have been observed to expand due to environmental problems and the versatility of microalgae. VOSviewer and SciMAT software were used in this review to further analyse the links and interaction of the selected keywords. It was noted that publication is advancing, with China, Spain and the United States dominating the studies with total publications of 36, 28 and 22, respectively. Hence, this review will provide an insight into the trends and potential use of algae in degradation.

Green synthesis of graphene-silver nanocomposites and its application as a potent marine antifouling agent.

Fouling of marine surfaces has been a perpetual problem ever since the days of the early sailors. The tenacious attachment of seaweed and invertebrates to man-made surfaces, notably on ship hulls, has incurred undesirable economic losses. Graphene receives great attention in the materials world for its unique combination of physical and chemical properties. Herein, we present a novel 2-step synthesis method of graphene-silver nanocomposites which bypasses the formation of graphene oxide (GO), and produces silver nanoparticles supported on graphene sheets through a mild hydrothermal reduction process. The graphene-Ag (GAg) nanocomposite combines the antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles and the unique structure of graphene as a support material, with potent marine antifouling properties. The GAg nanocomposite was composed of micron-scaled graphene flakes with clusters of silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles were estimated to be between 72 and 86nm (SEM observations) while the crystallite size of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was estimated between 1 and 5nm. The nanocomposite also exhibited the SERS effect. GAg was able to inhibit Halomonas pacifica, a model biofilm-causing microbe, from forming biofilms with as little as 1.3wt.% loading of Ag. All GAg samples displayed significant biofilm inhibition property, with the sample recording the highest Ag loading (4.9wt.% Ag) associated with a biofilm inhibition of 99.6%. Moreover, GAg displayed antiproliferative effects on marine microalgae, Dunaliella tertiolecta and Isochrysis sp. and inhibited the growth of the organisms by more than 80% after 96h. The marine antifouling properties of GAg were a synergy of the biocidal AgNPs anchored on the stable yet flexible graphene sheets, providing maximum active contact surface areas to the target organisms.

Inhibitory activities of microalgal extracts against Epstein-Barr virus DNA release from lymphoblastoid cells.

This study aimed to assess the inhibitory activities of methanol extracts from the microalgae Ankistrodesmus convolutus, Synechococcus elongatus, and Spirulina platensis against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in three Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, namely Akata, B95-8, and P3HR-1. The antiviral activity was assessed by quantifying the cell-free EBV DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The methanol extracts from Ankistrodesmus convolutus and Synechococcus elongatus displayed low cytotoxicity and potent effect in reducing cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)<0.01 µg/ml) with a high therapeutic index (>28000). After fractionation by column chromatography, the fraction from Synechococcus elongatus (SEF1) reduced the cell-free EBV DNA most effectively (EC(50)=2.9 µg/ml, therapeutic index>69). Upon further fractionation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the sub-fraction SEF1'a was most active in reducing the cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)=1.38 µg/ml, therapeutic index>14.5). This study suggests that microalgae could be a potential source of antiviral compounds that can be used against EBV.