Department Of Biology Research Articles

Predictors of Global Scientific Literacy of Pre-Service Teachers: A Structural Equation Modeling Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among pre-service science teachers' global scientific literacy and various variables within the scope of the structural equation model. Since the relations among the variables were investigated in the structural model established for this study, correlational research methodology was applied. The application was carried out with 294 pre-service teachers studying in the departments of chemistry, physics, biology and elementary science education of a state university. The data of the study were obtained with the scales of global scientific literacy, the perception of science process skills, the inquiry skills, the self-directed learning readiness in laboratory, the attitude scale towards the laboratory and the personal information questionnaire. Within the framework of structural equation modeling, the causal and relational analyses of the data were examined. The results showed that the proposed model of the relationship among global scientific literacy and the variables predicting global scientific literacy was also found to be compatible with the data, and the entire model was confirmed except for the attitude towards the laboratory. In this context, it can be claimed that these variables play an essential role in pre-service teachers’ being global scientifically literate.

Morphometric studies of the skin of calfs

Relevance. Previously, we conducted comparative morphometric studies of skin samples from different topographic sites in adult cows obtained in winter. At the same time, morphological features of the skin of different topographic areas were established. In this paper, the purpose of our study was to conduct comparative morphometric studies of the skin of different topographic areas in calves.Methods. Morphometric studies of histological preparations were carried out at the Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Veterinary Medicine and at the Department of Biology, Ecology and Histology. Morphometric studies of histological preparations were used to study the thickness of the dermis proper, as well as bundles of collagen fibers of the mesh layer of the dermis. The research results were statistically processed using the "Biostat" program.Results. Morphological features of the skin of different topographic areas in calves have been established, manifested by different thicknesses of skin layers and bundles of collagen fibers of the dermis. The morphometry performed made it possible to supplement the data on the morphological structure of the skin of cattle and can also be used in the study of morpho- and pathogenesis of skin diseases.

Developing Supplementary Books on Mangroves in Aceh Tamiang for Biology Students

This study aimed to produce supplementary books on mangroves in Aceh Tamiang for undergraduate students in the Ecology course. Research and Development (R&D) adapted from the Thiagarajan (4D) model consisting of defining, designing, developing and disseminating stages were used. Field research was employed to develop the product. Material expert lecturers, learning design experts, and layout design experts validated the supplement book developed. Ecology lecturers and students of the Biology department at the State University of Medan assessed it. The results of the assessment by the material experts had a mean score of 86.6% in the very good/feasible category. Meanwhile, learning design experts had a mean score of 93.2% in the very good/feasible category. Likewise, the layout design experts had a mean score of 91.3% in the very good/feasible category. Responses towards the books by lecturers had a high very good/feasible category with an overall percentage of 90.26%. The students’ results based on individual, small group and limited field tests obtained the mean scores of 97.9%, 89% and 90.95%, respectively, in the very good/feasible category. These results indicated that the supplementary books that have been developed were very good/feasible. This product’s effectiveness could be seen from the gain score of 0.52 in the moderate category and the results of the Wilcoxon test t-count 0.000 < t-table 0.05. It can be concluded that using the supplement books effectively increases students’ knowledge of mangrove ecosystems with significant differences in pretest and posttest scores so that supplement books can be used as additional teaching materials for lecturers, students and readers.
 Keywords: supplementary books, mangroves, ecology course

Transitions in development – an interview with Rajendhran Rajakumar

Rajendhran Rajakumar is a cross-appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Rajendhran's lab uses multiple integrative approaches to understand how environmental factors act on evolution and development (eco-evo-devo) and how this leads to the evolution of biodiversity. We spoke to Rajee over Teams to learn more about his passion for emerging and model systems, most notably ants, and the importance of serendipity in research.

The 2024 IUPAC-Richter Award Goes to Craig M. Crews

Abstract Craig M. Crews has been awarded the 2024 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry. Crews is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Yale University. His discovery and implementation of the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology for removing specific unwanted proteins revolutionized the field by identifying a new method for affecting protein function. The fact that this technology has been widely adapted and investigated not only within the pharmaceutical industry, but also in academia, demonstrates the significance and impact of this work. While no drugs have yet been approved, several are in development and these molecules are progressing, because they are effective and safe. He also played a key role in the discovery of carfilzomib, an approved proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The acceptance lecture will be held in Rome, Italy (1-5 September 2024) at the XXVIII EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry.

An interview with Sandra Schmid – Chief Scientific Officer of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub

ABSTRACT Sandra Schmid is the Chief Scientific Officer of the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub in San Francisco, USA. She was previously Professor and Chair of the Cell Biology Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and Chair of the Department of Cell Biology at Scripps Research Institute, CA, USA. Sandra's research over the years has focused on the biochemical dissection of the endocytic pathway, in particular the role of dynamin and the mechanisms of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. We chatted to Sandy to find out more about her career, her role as an advocate for women in science, and her recent transition to the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.

Memories of Professor François Gros.

I joined the laboratory of Professor Francois Gros in 1987 and worked there as a postdoc with Robert Whalen until 1992. I recount the research we carried out and mention that of the other scientists also working on skeletal muscle on the 6th floor of the Molecular Biology Department of the Institut Pasteur at that time. I then present my subsequent research when I returned to Japan. I pay tribute to the influence of Professor Gros and to his support in establishing Japanese/French meetings on muscle biology and muscular dystrophy. I also invoke personal memories of Robert Whalen and Margaret Buckingham and remember the occasions when I returned to Paris to honour François Gros.

Needs Analysis of Education for Sustainable Development-Oriented Textbooks in Biotechnology Courses

Sustainability competencies can be developed through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) whose implementation will be helped by appropriate teaching materials. The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions and initial knowledge of students, conditions, and difficulties experienced, as well as the form of teaching materials that can facilitate students to achieve competence in biotechnology courses. This descriptive quantitative research was conducted on 30 students who had taken biotechnology courses at the Department of Biology, Universitas Negeri Malang purposively. Data collection using survey techniques and review of Semester Learning Plan documents. The survey results were analyzed descriptively using percentages. The results showed that 83.3% of students ranked biotechnology in the field of biorefinery as the most difficult material to understand in biotechnology, 83.3% of students thought that textbooks were teaching materials that were considered to make it easier to understand biotechnology material, and the main problem felt by 53.3% of students while undergoing biotechnology courses was difficulty in accessing appropriate teaching materials. In addition, the low number of students (13.3%) who apply the knowledge they have obtained during college to support sustainability in the community around their place of residence. So, it can be concluded that ESD-oriented textbooks with material content of fermentation technology applications in the biorefinery field need to be developed.

Implementing the Concept of Integration of Science and Islamic Values at Islamic University

The integration of scientific principles within Islamic religious universities governed by the Ministry of Religion is a widespread practice. However, the application of this concept across universities offering programs under the auspices of both the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Religion remains unexplored. This study delineates the framework for integrating scientific knowledge at an Islamic University in Madura, focusing on the execution and assessment of education that amalgamates scientific insights and Islamic values. Employing observational techniques on policy documents and teaching resources of instructors, alongside semi-structured interviews with fifteen educators from the physics, biology, and mathematics departments, this investigation reveals a unique five-pillar knowledge integration concept. These pillars encompass Islam, Indonesia, Islamic Boarding School, Madura, and Aswajaan perspectives. The formal documentation supporting this integration at Madura Islamic University is encapsulated within its Statutes and chancellor's guidelines for curriculum enhancement. Evidence of implementation is observed in instructors' Syllabi and teaching materials, albeit only 53.3% have successfully linked scientific content with Qur'anic verses. The primary challenge identified is the considerable time required to develop materials that effectively integrate Islamic values. Solutions proposed include the creation of a comprehensive guide for integrating the five knowledge pillars and extensive training for all faculty members to facilitate this integration process.

Pengaruh Tinggi Muka Air Tanah Gambut terhadap Evolusi Gas CO2

This study aims to determine the effect of the groundwater level on the evolution of CO2 in peat soils if the groundwater table is lowered from a depth of 40 cm (PP No. 57 of 2016 concerning protection and management of peat ecosystems) to a depth of 60 cm. This study was conducted in a greenhouse and Laboratory of Physics, Chemistry and Biology Department of Soil, Agriculture Faculty, ULM. This study was began in October 2021 and continued until February 2022. The research method used was a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The factors tested were the water table of the peat at a depth of 0 cm just above the soil surface (T1), 20 cm below the soil surface (T2), 40 cm below the soil surface (T3), and 60 cm below the soil surface (T4). The results of this study showed that the CO2 evolution of peat soil during incubation for 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days at a depth of 20 cm was not significantly different from a depth of 40 cm and 60 cm, but significantly different when the groundwater level was right at the surface soil. The CO2 evolution of peat soils at groundwater levels at the soil surface was lower than water levels 20, 40, and 60 cm below the ground.

Antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract of Acacia (Acacia nilotica) in inhibiting the growth of some pathogenic bacterial strains

The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Department of Biology at the College of Science and Arts in Baljurashi- Baha Region-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The aim of the research was studying the effectiveness of the aqueous extract of the Acacia plant Acacia Nilotica on the growth of some of pathogenic bacteria strains and comparing it with Myrrha essential oil (Commiphora Myrrha). The result indicated that the aqueous extract of the Acacia plant (Acacia Nilotica) has a potent antimicrobial activity against all tested organisms expect Pseudomonas spp. which showed resistance against it. The inhibitory level among all tested organisms (Stenotrophomona spp., Achromobacter spp., Shewa Nell spp., Pseudoxanthomas spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp. were   14 , 28, 16, 20, 0 and 12 mm  respectively. The highest antibacterial effect was against Achromobacter spp. where the inhibition zone (28mm) and the lowest antimicrobial effect was against Bacillus spp. where the inhibition zone (12mm). By the other hand Myrrha (Commiphora Myrrha) essential oil was very weak or did not cause any inhibition in the tested strains. More studies are needed to determine the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of the Acacia plant on other organisms which cause food spoilage, poisoning and food borne diseases.

Acceptance of team-based learning by students and faculty: A pilot study

Background & Objective: Team-Based Learning (TBL) is an interactive instructional approach characterized by collaborative peer teaching in both large and small group settings. The study aims to assess usefulness of the TBL in enhancing student learning outcomes and engagement in graduate classes.
 Methods: This mixed method study was conducted from January 2023 till July 2023 at the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan, a questionnaire was distributed to graduate students in Endocrine and Reproductive course after TBL on ‘Hormonal changes in Pregnancy’. Focus group discussion (FGD) was held with facilitator of this TBL and the students; results of both arms were then triangulated.
 Results: All (four) students responded affirmatively regarding guided self-preparation, quality of application exercises, satisfaction in terms of student’s engagement, a positive attitude and self-accountability. Themes identified by FGD of both students and facilitators were ‘Students Engagement in Peer Learning, ‘Conducive Learning Environment’, “Time is Capital in TBL’ and ‘Conceptual learning.’
 Conclusion: The pilot study confirmed the utility of TBL by students as well as the facilitators. Students came with prior preparation, got engaged in problem-solving activities and received feedback from peers and the expert facilitators. The conducive environment enhanced their engagement, enabled them to actively apply the content and benefit from guided supervision.
 doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8515
 How to cite this: Rehman R, Ahmad S, Nasir SP, Ali R. Acceptance of team-based learning by students and faculty: A pilot study. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8515
 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Effect of different Potting Mixtures on Acclimatization of In vitro Developed Plants on Survival Percentage under Glass House Condition

The experiment was conducted during the years 2020-22, all of the experiments for the current research were carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (M. P.). Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa plantlets were placed in polythene bags containing various potting mixtures, such as soil, FYM, and Vermicompost, alone and in various combinations. The hardened plantlets were then exposed to direct sunshine to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. The percentage of tissue culture plantlets that survived was calculated. Experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications of each treatment and each replication contain three explants. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test whereas the survival percentages were analysed by arc-sine transformation. On the basis of present study it is concluded that cocopeat soil combination had the highest survival rate (95.00%), followed by cocopeat (85%). In the case of pomegranate, sand, perlite, vermiculite, vermiculite soil and perlite sand alone were not shown to be effective hardening materials because all of the plants withered within a week. After two months of hardening under polyhouse circumstances, cocopeat soil showed the greatest growth with a notable increase in plant height (37.23 cm), followed by cocopeat (33.03 cm). Therefore, we may conclude that cocopeat is the ideal material for pomegranate plants that have been produced in vitro.

Parasitological, Bacterial and Fungal Evaluation of Some Ready-to-Eat Foods Sold by Vendors in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

Aims: To determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, bacteria and fungi in Date, Wet Tiger nut, Dry Tiger nut, Kuli-kuli and kola nuts sold by roadside vendors in nine locations in Rivers State. Study Design: A total of 270 samples were procured randomly from roadside sellers. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology [parasitology unit), University of Port Harcourt, between March and July 2022. Methodology: The 270 samples were examined for gastrointestinal parasites using direct wet preparation and sedimentation techniques, while 135 of the samples selected based on type and location were examined for bacteria and fungi using standard microbial techniques. Results: Out of the 270 samples examined, 124(49.9%) were positive for gastrointestinal parasites as follows; Ascaris lumbricoides 52(19.3%), Ancylostoma spp 39(14.4%), Trichuris trichiura 19(7.0%) and Giardia lamblia 14(5.2%). dry Tiger nut recorded the highest prevalence 39(72.2%) and Kola nut 11(20.4%) had the least prevalence. Aluu had the highest prevalence 21(70.0%) while Rumuokoro recorded the least 3(10.0%) p=05. Of the 135 samples, 96(71.1%) was positive for bacteria while 19(14.1%) was positive for Candida species (fungi). The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli 48(35.5%), Klebsiella species 32(23.7%) and Staphylococcus aureus 16(11.9%). Kola nut recorded the highest bacterial contamination 26(96.3%) and Date the lowest 10 (37.0). Samples from Choba had the highest bacterial contamination 12(80%) while Alakahia had the least bacterial contamination 7(46.7%) p=05. Dry Tiger nut 12(44.4%) and Wet Tiger nut 7(25.9%) were the only sample types with fungal contamination. Conclusion: Vendors and consumers should be educated on the possible health implications of poorly handled RTE foods, and government should implement and enforce sanitary rules to preserve the environmental quality of areas where RTE foods are being processed and sold.

First person – Emily D. McParland and T. Amber Butcher

ABSTRACT First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Emily D. McParland and T. Amber Butcher are co-first authors on ‘ The Dilute domain in Canoe is not essential for linking cell junctions to the cytoskeleton but supports morphogenesis robustness’, published in JCS. Emily and Amber conducted the research described in this article while they were postbaccalaureate research assistants in the labs of Dr Mark Peifer (E.D.M. and T.A.B.) and Dr Kevin Slep (T.A.B.) at Chapel Hill Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, USA. Emily is now a PhD student in the lab of Dr Thomas Roberts at Brown University, Providence, USA, where she is broadly interested in functional morphology and muscle biomechanics, and focuses on the function of the collagenous extracellular matrix in muscle force production. Amber is a PhD student in the lab of Dr Eric Greene at Columbia University Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, New York, USA, where she uses biochemical and biophysical techniques to investigate protein function, most recently within the context of homologous recombination.

Ecology, ethology, and evolution in the Anthropocene.

The 53rd Ontario Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution Colloquium (OE3C 2023) took place at Western University (London, Canada) on 25-27 May 2023, attracting 160 participants. This Meeting Review aims not only to recapitulate what was discussed during the event, but also to provide a brief synthesis of how biologists can move forward. The event was organised and run by graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the Department of Biology at Western University. With three international keynote speakers, seventy talks, and fifty poster presentations, the OE3C 2023 spanned a wide range of contemporary research in Ecology, Ethology, and Evolution ("the 3 E's"). The colloquium theme was "Surviving the Anthropocene: future steps for the 3 E's under pressing planetary issues", which was complemented by illustrations depicting the fauna and flora of the "Canadian Anthropocene". Participants discussed what biologists and researchers can do regarding future climate and environmental catastrophes. The meeting culminated in a panel discussion comprising three climate change specialists who examined topics such as the Anthropocene and the Great acceleration, the living planet index, and carbon bombs. Although not exhaustive, these topics served as a starting point for the necessary discussions about how biologists can contribute to the fight for the survival of life on Earth.

Association of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Risk with GSTM1 and GSTT1 Gene Polymorphisms.

To determine the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). A case-control study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, de Montmorency, College of Dentistry/ Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from 1st April 2019 to 31st April 2020. OSF patients were diagnosed with different clinical staging of mouth opening by Vernier caliper with the help of a professional dentist in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial, de Montmorency, College of Dentistry, Lahore. One hundred and eight blood samples of OSF patients and 108 samples of normal controls were collected. Genomic DNA was obtained from whole-blood extraction. Multiplex PCR amplification using GSTM1, GSTT1, and β -Globin gene primers was performed. GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes frequencies were found in 43.5% (47/108) and 13.9% (15/108) of controls, whereas 54.6% (59/108) and 25.9% (28/108) of OSF patients, respectively. OSF patients had a greater frequency rate of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes than controls [OR 1.56, 95% CI 0.91-2.67 (p=0.13)]and [OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.08-4.34 (p=0.04)], respectively. The GSTT1 genotype was found statistically significant with OSF (p=0.05), and risk was also determined. The cumulative effect of null genotypes of GSTM1/GSTT1 did not show any association with the controls and in OSF patients. Proportions of active and null alleles of the patient group were; 86.1%/13.9%; and in control, it was 92.6%/7.4% (OR = 2.01; CI: 0.82-4.97; p=0.18), respectively. The study determined a statistically significant association of GSTT1 gene polymorphism with OSF. Oral submucous fibrosis, GSTM1, GSTT1, Gene polymorphisms, Genetic risk.

Abstract 1385 Crosstalk between V-ATPase and PI(3,5)P2 lipid in Osmotic Stress. How, When, and Where? Kalaivani Saravanan and Patricia Kane Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States

Abstract 1385 Crosstalk between V-ATPase and PI(3,5)P2 lipid in Osmotic Stress. How, When, and Where? Kalaivani Saravanan and Patricia Kane Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States

Association of Socio-demographic factors with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; A Comparative Study

Objective: To compare the association of Socio-demographic factors in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) patients with healthy controls. Study Design: Comparative cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, in collaboration with Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics PEMH, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from Apr to Aug 2023. Methodology: The study comprised 300 females within reproductive age groups. Participants were separated into two groups. Group-I included 150 diagnosed PCOS patients, and Group-II had 150 healthy females selected by non-probability purposive sampling. Results: The PCOS patients exhibit a higher mean weight than the control Group (p-value; 0.017). The comparison of PCOS patients and controls showed significant association with physical activity (p-value: 0.038), hirsutism (p-value: 0.010) and Ferriman-Gallwey score (p-value: 0.001) and consanguineous marriages (p-value:  0.076). Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of socio-demographic factors in the manifestation of PCOS in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis, intervention, and tailored healthcare strategies, particularly among young women.

Peer mentorship and academic supports build sense of community and improve outcomes for transfer students

ABSTRACT The experience of transferring to a 4-year college, especially in STEM programs, can be particularly challenging for students. While much of the onus for preparing students for transfer has been placed on community colleges, the 4-year institutions to which students transfer have critical roles to play. With this in mind, we established the Pre-transfer Interventions, Mentoring, and Experience in Research (PRIMER) program to support students transferring into the biology department at our university. The design of this program is based around the key elements of Schlossberg’s Transition Theory, focusing on the support and strategies elements of the theory. Through a weekly academic skill course, peer mentoring, and informal academic and social supports, our goals were for students to increase their involvement in the campus community and to increase their use of academic support resources. We used qualitative and quantitative assessments to compare sense of community and use of campus resources between students who participated in our program and others. We found that students in our program strongly increased their sense of community during the semester compared to other students and used campus resources at a higher rate. Our insights from the PRIMER program can help others in developing programs to support transfer students in biology departments.