Immunostimulatory Activity of Cordyceps militaris Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 Isolated from a Salted Small Octopus in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunocompromised Mice and Its Inhibitory Activity against SARS-CoV 3CL Protease.

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing and anti-viral effects of germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 (GRC-SC11) isolated from a salted small octopus. The cordycepin, ß-glucan, and total flavonoid contents increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 inhibits 3CL protease activity in severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). GRC-SC11 significantly increased thymus and spleen indices in immunocompromised mice. The rate of splenocyte proliferation was higher in GRC-SC11-treated immunocompromised mice than that in GRC-treated immunocompromised mice in the presence or absence of concanavalin A. In addition, GRC-SC11 increased the phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in immunocompromised mice. The mRNA expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was up-regulated in GRC-SC11 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compared to GRC. Our study indicates that GRC-SC11 might be a potential therapeutic agent for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV infection.

Exploring medical students' perception of non-face-to-face theory and face-to-face laboratory classes during COVID-19 pandemic: focusing on anatomy course.

PURPOSE: This study investigated students' perceptions of non-face-to-face theory classes and face-to-face laboratory classes conducted in anatomy courses at medical schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHODS: This study utilized a questionnaire to assess self-reported academic achievement level, satisfaction with non-face-to-face theory classes, satisfaction with face-to-face laboratory classes, and self-directed learning level, and conducted difference verification and regression analysis for 51 students who took anatomy courses from the fall semester of 2020 to the spring semester of 2021. RESULTS: The group with a high self-reported academic achievement level was more satisfied with the non-face-to-face theory classes than the group with a low self-reported academic achievement level. The group with a high self-reported academic achievement level had a higher self-directed learning level than the group with a low self-reported academic achievement level. In addition, it was found that the higher the self-directed learning level, the higher the satisfaction with non-face-to-face theory classes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that to enhance satisfaction with non-face-to-face theory classes in an anatomy course, a favorable class environment that can increase the self-directed learning level is needed. In particular, careful concern is required when designing non-face-to-face classes for students with a low self-reported academic achievement.

A study on the mental health of students at a medical school during COVID-19 outbreak: a retrospective study.

BACKGRUOUND: In this study, the degree of anxiety, depression, and stress caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified, as well as the need for psychological prevention measures among medical students in the Daegu region that was designated the first special disaster area due to the spread of COVID-19. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 318 medical students in Daegu who voluntarily participated in an online test using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Impact of Event Scale-Revised Korean version. As a result of the test, risk students received immediate telephone counseling, and the effect of this telephone counseling was analyzed. RESULTS: There were no differences in depression, anxiety, or stress according to gender and grade. As a result of immediate telephone counseling for risk students, significant differences were found in depression, anxiety, and stress, and the counseling was found to be effective. CONCLUSION: For medical students who are easily exposed to stress, the importance of psychological prevention measures and effectiveness of non-face-to-face counseling should be recognized. In the field of medical education, we must do our best to build a system that can be used immediately at the appropriate time for these programs.