Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

Purpose: Interviews play a crucial role in the medical school selection process, although little is known about interviewers’ non-verbal observable communications (NoVOC) during the interviews. This study investigates how interviewers perceive NoVOC exhibited by interviewees in two medical schools, one in Taiwan and the other in Australia. The study also explores potential cross-cultural differences in these perceptions. Methods: A 26-item questionnaire was developed using a Delphi-like method to identify NoVOC. Interviewers from the University of New South Wales, Australia, and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (n=47 and N=78, respectively) rated these NoVOC between 2018 and 2021. Factor analyses identified and validated underlying factors. Measurement invariance across countries and genders was examined. Results: A total of 125 interviewers completed the questionnaire, including 78 from Taiwan and 47 from Australia. Using exploratory factor analysis, 14 items yielded reliable three factors “charming,” “disengaged,” and “anxious” (Cronbach’s α=0.853, 0.714, and 0.628, respectively). The measurement invariance analysis indicated that the factor models were invariant across genders but significantly different between the two countries. Further analysis revealed inconsistencies in interpreting the “anxious” factor between Taiwan and Australia. Conclusion The three distinct factors revealed in this study provide valuable insights into the NoVOC that interviewers perceive and evaluate during the interview process. The findings highlight the importance of considering non-verbal communication in selecting medical students and emphasize the need for training and awareness among interviewers. Understanding the impact of non-verbal behaviors can improve selection processes to mitigate bias and enhance the fairness and reliability of medical student selection.

OBJECTIVE：To investigate the role of clinical pharmacists in the diagnosis and treatment of liposome-induced hand-food syndrome （HFS），and to provide reference for rational use of liposome preparation in clinic. METHODS ：One case of elderly female patient with breast cancer ，admitted to our hospital suffered from HFS （grade 2）after treated with Doxorubicin hydrochloride liposome ；after successful therapy ，the patient had skin symptoms （grade 3）again due to Paclitaxel liposome ，and clinical pharmacist judged the recurrence of HFS. For symptomatic treatment ，stopping the treatment and external use of hormone was suggested ，and whole-process pharmaceutical care was provided. The pathogenesis ，differential diagnosis ，risk factors and therapeutic drugs of HFS were summarized based on literature review and 2 case reports in the database. RESULTS ：The physicians adopted the suggestion of clinical pharmacists ；the patient ’s symptoms improved significantly on the third day and disappeared after 1 week. Combined with literature analysis and 2 case reports ，doxorubicin liposome metabolized more slowly than non liposomes in palms and soles of feet ，resulting in accumulation of doxorubicin in sweat duct and stratum corneum ，aggravating skin damage and leading to HFS. Sequential paclitaxel in liposome form may also lead to the accumulation in eccrine duct ，further caused skin damage and induced HFS. CONCLUSIONS ：Clinical pharmacists actively participate in the diagnosis and treatment of ADR ， which is conducive to the rehabilitation of patients. At same time ，combination or sequential of Paclitaxel liposome with PLD should be avoided ，as it can lead to ADR as HFS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of irbesartan on myocardial injury in diabetic rats, and to analyze the changes of Notch1 signaling pathway in it. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into four groups:normal control group (CON, =6), high calorie group (HC, =6) and diabetes mellitus group (DM, =9), irbesartan + diabetes group (Ir + DM, =9). After modeling 8 weeks later, the body weight ratio and left ventricular weight index were measured and the serum levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The changes of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in myocardium of rats were determined by the kit and the expressions of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 assaciated X protein (Bax) protein in myocardium were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of Notch1, Hes-1 and jagged-1 in myocardium of rats were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with CON group, the levels of heart weight/body weight (H/B), left ventricular weight index(LVWI) and fasting blood glucose(FBG) in HC group were not significantly changed, while the levels of blood lipids, MDA and Bax were increased significantly, and the expressions of SOD, Bcl-2 and Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 were decreased. Compared with HC group, the levels of H/B, LVWI, FBG, MDA and Bax in DM group were increased significantly, and the levels of SOD, Bcl-2 and Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 were decreased. The expression of H/B, LVWI, Notch1, Hes-1 and Jagged-1 in Ir+DM group were increased, but there was no significant difference between the other indexes. The H/B and LVWI in Ir + DM group were significantly lower than those in DM group, the levels of blood lipid and blood glucose did not change significantly, but the incidence of oxidative stress and apoptosis was reduced. While Notch1, Hes-1, Jagged -1 protein expressions were increased. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes can induce myocardial injury, and irbesartan has myocardial protective effects through activation of Notch1.
Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; Irbesartan ; Myocardium ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptor, Notch1 ; Signal Transduction

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of simvastatin on vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and Bcl-2 protein expression in the aorta in a rat model of atherosclerosis.

METHODSThirty-six rats were randomized into control group (n=10), atherosclerosis model group (n=13) and simvastatin intervention group (n=13). In the latter two groups, rat models of atherosclerosis were established by intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 combined with high-fat feeding for 6 weeks, and the control rats were fed with regular diet. In the intervention group, the rats were further fed with high-fat diet with daily simvastatin treatment for 4 weeks. After the treatments, the pathological changes and plaque in the thoracic aorta were observed, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was detected with immunohistochemistry. TUNEL assay was used to determine the apoptosis index (AI) of the vascular endothelial cells.

RESULTSCompared with that in the control group, Bcl-2 protein expression in the aorta of atherosclerotic rats was significantly decreased (P<0.05); simvastatin treatment obviously increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein in atherosclerotic rats (P<0.05) to a level similar to that in the control group. The AI was the highest in the model group (P<0.05) and comparable between the control and simvastatin treatment group.

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of simvastatin against atherosclerosis is probably mediated by up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein, which inhibits vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in rats with aortic atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between plasma cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) 894C>T gene polymorphism and the risk of recurrence of adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODSA total of 275 patients with ACS received standard dual antiplatelet therapy and PCI. Platelet aggregation rate (PAR) was detected in each patient before and 7 days after administration of the anti-platelet drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP3A4 gene 894C>T was detected with PCR and microarray technique. The number of coronary artery lesions was determined by PCI and the Gensini score was calculated. The patients were followed up for 3-12 months after discharge.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in CYP3A4 gene polymorphism between patients with clopidogrel resistance (CR group) and those without CR (NCR group) (P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism was not correlated with CR in patients with ACS (OR 1.359, P>0.05). During the follow-up, the incidence of cardiovascular events was significantly higher in CR group than in NCR group (P<0.05), but this difference was not related to the mutation type of 894C>T locus of CYP3A4 gene.

CONCLUSIONThe CYP3A4 gene 894C>T polymorphism is not associated with the effect of anti-platelet therapy and the risk of cardiovascular event in patients with ACS following PCI.

Acute Coronary Syndrome ; therapy ; Alleles ; Blood Platelets ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A ; genetics ; Humans ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Platelet Aggregation ; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Platelet Function Tests ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Ticlopidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of activation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) by ethanol on the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the kidney of diabetic rats.

METHODSEightheen healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 6): normal control group, diabetes group and ethanol + diabetes group. After 8 weeks, 24 h urine samples from rats were collected to detect urinary protein content. The kidney was isolated and the ratio of kidney weight/body weight (index of kidney weight) was detected. The levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin serum urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were measured. Morphological changes of renal tissue were observed by optical microscope. The protein expressions of ALDH2 and JNK in renal tissue were detected by Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the normal control rats, the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the index of kidney weight were increased markedly in diabetic rats. The expression of ALDH2 protein was decreased, while p-JNK, JNK protein expressions and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were increased. The morphological observation was shown that the amount of glomerular mesangial matrix were increased, basement membrane were thickened and capillary lumen were narrowed. However,in ethanol + diabetes group, renal function was improved and the damage of renal structure was attenuated. The expression of ALDH2 protein was increased, while p-JNK, JNK and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK were decreased.

CONCLUSIONEnhanced ALDH2 expression can protect kidney in diabetic rats, which may be relevant with inhibitting the activity of JNK pathway.

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase ; metabolism ; physiology ; Aldehyde Dehydrogenase, Mitochondrial ; Animals ; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental ; enzymology ; Ethanol ; pharmacology ; JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism ; Kidney ; enzymology ; Male ; Mitochondrial Proteins ; metabolism ; physiology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley