Faculty Of Biochemistry Research Articles

Dieter Wolf (1941–2023): a life dedicated to understanding protein quality control and the ubiquitin‐proteasome system

Dieter Wolf (1941–2023): a life dedicated to understanding protein quality control and the ubiquitin‐proteasome system

Evaluating ChatGPT's Ability to Solve Higher-Order Questions on the Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum in Medical Biochemistry.

Background Healthcare-related artificial intelligence (AI) is developing. The capacity of the system to carry out sophisticated cognitive processes, such as problem-solving, decision-making, reasoning, and perceiving, is referred to as higher cognitive thinking in AI. This kind of thinking requires more than just processing facts; it also entails comprehending and working with abstract ideas, evaluating and applying data relevant to the context, and producing new insights based on prior learning and experience. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence-based conversational software that can engage with people to answer questions and uses natural languageprocessing models. The platform has created a worldwide buzz and keeps setting an ongoing trend in solving many complex problems in various dimensions. Nevertheless, ChatGPT's capacity to correctly respond to queries requiring higher-level thinking in medical biochemistry has not yet been investigated. So, this research aimed to evaluate ChatGPT's aptitude for responding to higher-order questions on medical biochemistry. Objective In this study, our objective was to determine whether ChatGPT can address higher-order problems related to medical biochemistry.​​​​​​ Methods​​​ This cross-sectional study was done online by conversing with the current version of ChatGPT (14 March 2023, which is presently free for registered users).It was presented with 200 medical biochemistry reasoning questions that require higher-order thinking. These questions were randomly picked from the institution's question bank and classified according to the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum's competency modules. The responses were collected and archived for subsequent research. Two expert biochemistry academicians examined the replies on a zero to five scale. The score's accuracy was determined by a one-sample Wilcoxon signed rank test using hypothetical values. Result The AI software answered 200 questions requiring higher-order thinking with a median score of 4.0(Q1=3.50, Q3=4.50). Using a single sample Wilcoxon signed rank test, the result was less than the hypothetical maximum of five (p=0.001) and comparable to four (p=0.16). There was no difference in the replies to questions from different CBME modules in medical biochemistry (Kruskal-Wallis p=0.39). The inter-rater reliability of the scores scored by two biochemistry faculty members was outstanding (ICC=0.926 (95% CI: 0.814-0.971); F=19; p=0.001)​​​​​​ Conclusion The results of this research indicate that ChatGPT has the potential to be a successful tool for answering questions requiring higher-order thinking in medical biochemistry, with a median score of four out of five. However, continuous training and development with data of recent advances are essential to improve performance and make it functional for the ever-growing field of academic medical usage.

Innovation in teaching-learning methods with an effective application of adult learning principles for the first year of allied health science courses

Background: In Indian context, most of the allied health science (AHS) courses are taught using an “apprenticeship model” rather than, structured, planned teaching methodologies. Aims and Objectives: This study was focused to reform the teaching methodology guidelines for faculty, to afford enthusiastic learning of AHS students in the classroom environment and evaluating their performance through formative and summative assessments. Materials and Methods: AHS students from Christian Medical College, Vellore, India (n = 33) were inducted into the study. The traditional lectures for gastro-intestinal tract had completed by physiology faculty. The diet-nutrition topic chose for horizontal integration between physiology and biochemistry subjects. This integrated module was handled by one of the biochemistry faculty and sessions were observed by two other faculties as observers from departments of physiology and biochemistry. The observers followed the guidelines to evaluate the teaching methodology through prevalidated checklist used a modified Likert scale. The degree of agreement between two observers was determined using Cohen’s kappa statistics. The students’ performance was evaluated with students paired “t” test for written test and viva voce marks based. Results: The results demonstrated that the inter-rater reliability calculated by the observers for teaching methodology on integrated session of the biochemistry faculty was significant with a score of 93%, with total criterion score of 28 and a matched criteria score of 26. As well proved an improvement in the students’ learning process, evidenced by better performance in the post-test and structured viva voce. Conclusion: The new innovative teaching methods exercised by the faculty, demonstrated enhanced performance of the students with horizontal integration, proving the robustness of this module.

The latest achievements in biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology-50 years of history of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.

The latest achievements in biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology-50 years of history of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.

Cytosolic dsRNA sensors as regulators of transgene expression from AAV vectors in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

Abstract Background Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) are safe and efficient tools for delivery of therapeutic genes in numerous applications. Although they elicit only limited immune response in host cells, a recent study has demonstrated an association between decreasing transgene expression in the liver and induction of the immune response to cytoplasmic dsRNA. While AAVs are DNA vectors, it appears that their unique genome structure allows the generation of dsRNA in transduced cells. Since the expression cassette is flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs), which can function as bidirectional promoters, assembly of sense and antisense transcripts can potentially result in formation of dsRNA structures, especially in cells exhibiting high transgene expression. Purpose In this study, we explored the mechanism of dsRNA recognition in cardiomyocytes, to unravel its role in the regulation of transgene expression from AAV vectors. Methods For this purpose, we utilised human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes transduced with self-complementary AAV6 or AAV9 vectors encoding GFP. Since we focused on the long-term effects of transgene expression, all the analyses were performed 7–9 days after AAV transduction. Results We confirmed that ITR serves as a functional promoter in the cells, capable of maintaining approximately half of the fluorescence signal compared to the CMV promoter. Long-term transgene expression was associated with elevated expression of dsRNA sensors (MDA5, RIG-I, LGP2 and TLR3) and the appearance of small foci of dsRNA in the perinuclear region. Unlike an artificial ligand for dsRNA sensors, poly (I:C), dsRNA in AAV-transduced cells did not interact with the LGP2 protein. To induce dsRNA recognition, we stimulated the cells with IFNβ for 1 week, starting from day 1 after transduction. We found that transgene expression is significantly hampered in such conditions. Furthermore, IFNβ induced the direct interaction of dsRNA with the OAS1 protein in transduced cells. During viral infections, OAS1 and its effector nuclease RNAse L promote the degradation of mRNA to restrict the production of viral proteins. Since RNAse L is not specific for particular transcripts, we hypothesize that activation of the OAS1 pathway in transduced cells is responsible for downregulation of transgene expression. While IFNβ induced OAS1-dsRNA recognition, we did not observe such an event in cells transduced with AAV and maintained under standard conditions. In turn, AAV transduction resulted in a reduction in OAS1 expression at the mRNA and protein level, suggesting a possible reason for tolerance to dsRNA in transduced cardiomyocytes. Conclusions Our data present a novel mechanism of regulation of transgene expression in AAV-transduced cells involving OAS1–RNAse L pathway and provide deeper insight into the general signal transduction routes activated in response to cytosolic dsRNA in human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Science Centre - PRELUDUM grant 2019/33/N/NZ1/03066Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology - grant for young scientists MNS 6/2020

From the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Jagiellonian University to the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology UJ 52 years of history

Abstract The article presents the history of the establishment and development of the Institute of Molecular Biology at the Jagiellonian University, describes the reasons for the transformation of the Institute into the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, and provides information on the current scientific and teaching potential of the Faculty and prospects for further development.

Terminal glycosylation pattern as a determinant of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes transduction with AAV vectors

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Young scientists grant MNS9/2021 Polish National Science Centre PRELUDIUM grant 2019/33/N/NZ1/03066 Introduction Although gene therapy has become a feasible alternative to regular treatment in numerous disorders, efficient targeting of human heart still seems out of reach. So far, adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) have been the most promising transgene carriers in in vivo applications. Transduction with AAVs relies on serotype-specific binding to the glycan residues on the cell surface. While AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) - binding galactose - was successfully used for delivery of therapeutic genes to cardiac muscle in murine models, its effect was underwhelming in large animals. Switching the serotype to AAV1 or AAV6 – binding sialic acids – enabled transduction of porcine hearts, and cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) in 2D in vitro culture. But, as evidenced in clinical trials where less than 1% of heart cells contained delivered transgene, such strategy was not suitable for in vivo application in humans. Purpose Taking into account differences in glycosylation patterns between humans and other mammals, we aimed to investigate the role of surface glycans in AAV6 and AAV9 transduction mechanism in 2D and 3D cultures of human cardiomyocytes. Methods We generated hiPSC- derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and epicardial fibroblasts (hiPSC-CFs). Cells were cultured in regular 2D conditions or 3D co-cultures (as spheroids), since direct cells interaction may influence the availability of terminal sugar residues. Surface glycans were stained with lectins and imaged using confocal microscope. Results While in 2D conditions AAV6 transduces hiPSC-CMs very efficiently, it is significantly less potent in 3D culture. Conversely, AAV9 maintains most of its functionality in 3D model. Our data collected from spheroids, indicate that cells in such 3D cultures undergo significant changes in terminal glycosylation pattern. While the level of galactose (AAV9 receptor) increased from day 1 to day 7, the signal from sialic acids attached to galactose (AAV6 receptor) decreased. This effect was accompanied by the upregulation of sialidase-3 expression, that regulates availability of galactose residues on the cell surface. As a result, transduction efficiency was improved in spheroids exposed to AAV9 on day 7 of 3D culture, in comparison to those transduced on day 1. Inhibition of sialidases activity with NADNA reduced the level of terminal galactose in both, hiPSC-CMs and hiPSC-CFs, and was associated with more efficient transduction of cardiomyocytes with AAV6, and less efficient transduction with AAV9. Additionally, we observed that galactosylation of collagen can be another factor that influences cell-vector interaction in 2D and 3D culture. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the availability of terminal sugar residues is a key factor regulating transduction of hiPSC-CMs with AAV vectors, and underline the need for development of appropriate models for testing of AAV functionality in preclinical studies.

Identifying Needs of Research Faculty Based on the Characteristics of Their Publications and Their Cited References at a Research Institution

ABSTRACT This paper provides information on the characteristics of the research output from the chemistry and biochemistry faculty publications at the University of Arkansas over a ten-year period (2011–2020). The faculty publications were used to identify (a) a core set of journals and other resources they are publishing in and citing over this period; (b) the characteristics of the journals in which they publish and cite (i.e., scatter of publications, Bradford distribution, major publishers, ranking and subject categories based on the Journal citation Reports (JCR); (3) the degree of openness of their publications; their citation advantage, if any, using both the Web of Science and SciFinder; and (4) the age of resources that are referenced. Based on the findings, the authors were able to gain a very good overview of the characteristics of the research publications and were able to identify how well the library is catering to those needs. We were able to demonstrate based on information obtained from both Web of Science and SciFinder, that the non-OA papers from this department had higher citations.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CASE BASED LEARNING WITH TRADITIONAL TEACHING METHODS IN BIOCHEMISTRY FOR FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS

Background: Case based learning (CBL), is a learning method aids learner to reorganize, elaborate their information and provide connection between current and new information. Moreover CBL is student centered, taken in small groups where teacher acts as facilitator or guide. This study was planned to perceive the need for initiating CBL, this study aimed to compare the biochemistry teaching among rst year medical students with that of traditional teaching. Methods This is an observational study conducted from August 2021 to December 2021. This research study was conducted on 99 students of First year MBBS students. Ten ideal case scenarios on the topic of protein energy malnutrition(PEM) in children and acid base balance were prepared, and pre validated by the faculty of Biochemistry, Paediatrics and Surgery medical education department in our institution. CBL was introduced and total three sessions were conducted and compared with traditional teaching. Results The mean (±SD) value of the score of gain in knowledge was 3.90±1.86 (n=99) for the batch of students who attended case based learning while the mean (±SD) gain in knowledge for the batch who underwent, traditional learning ( TL) was 2.60±2.29 (n=99). A paired t-test comparing didactic lectures with self-directed learning showed that the scores following didactic lectures were more compared to SDL and the results were statistically signicant. An unpaired t-test comparing case based learning to SDL also showed statistically signicant gain in knowledge following didactic lectures. Conclusion This study clearly showed that CBL is more effective over traditional teaching for our rst year MBBS students and for covering a wider area.

Gender Differences in Faculty Rank and Leadership Positions Among Physician Biochemistry Faculty in North America: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeThis study sought to assess gender differences among physician faculty in medical biochemistry and genetics programs in North America. It compared the distribution of academic and leadership ranks, years of active research, number of citations and publications, and Hirsch-index (h-index) by gender. Variable associations with the h-index were assessed.MethodThis was a cross-sectional retrospective study for which data was collected from June 2019 to October 2019 on academic and administrative physician faculty members for medical biochemistry and genetics programs. The website of Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database, Canadian Resident Matching Service website, and the medical biochemistry profile from the Canadian Medical Association to identify relevant programs and SCOPUS was used to gather faculty data.ResultsThe analyses included 147 faculty members. More male faculty held higher academic rank positions and first-in-command leadership positions than female faculty. Men had more median years of active research, citation numbers, publication numbers, and h-index than women across all academic ranks. Upon performing multivariable linear regression, female faculty showed 0.39 times the odds of having a higher h-index than male faculty, keeping all other variables constant (p<0.01). ConclusionsIn our study, it was shown that male physician faculty surveyed had higher performance than female faculty in academic rank and research productivity. Certain barriers may be contributing factors, including lack of mentorship or flexible institutional policies, women choosing clinical educator tracks, or gender bias. Considering the low retention rates of women in academic research, there is a need to address barriers in order to achieve gender parity.

The Jubilee Conference entitled: The latest achievements in biochemistry, biophysics and biotechnology – 50 years of history of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków

The Jubilee Conference of the Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology of the Jagiellonian University(FBBB JU) was held in Kraków on September 23–24, 2021. The honorary patronage of the Conference was givenby Professor Jacek Popiel, Rector of the Jagiellonian University.

OSPE in Biochemistry –A step towards implementation of competency based undergraduate curriculum

Competency based undergraduate curriculum stresses on objectivity, uniformity, validity and reliability of the assessment tools since assessment drives learning. Conventional Practical Examination (CPE) in Biochemistry is subjective and associated with examiner variability and raises concerns over its validity and reliability. Objective Structured Practical Examination(OSPE) addresses this problem as it includes objective testing through direct observation, assessment of knowledge, comprehension and skills.In this study the performance of 1 MBBS students in CPE &amp; OSPE was compared &amp; perception of students and faculty towards OSPE as Formative Assessment was evaluated. Study included total of 150 Phase 1 MBBS students of 2019-20 batch &amp; faculty of Biochemistry were included. CPE and OSPE was conducted on topic “Estimation of Blood Glucose” and marks were awarded.OSPE was conducted with 2 procedure &amp; 4 response stations. Statistical Analysis: Percentage graphs &amp; Student’s’ test using MS Excel were used. There was statistically significant difference between the mean scores of CPE and OSPE (P &amp;#60; 0.01). Our study concludes that the scores of OSPE were better than that of CPE. OSPE eliminated examiner bias by integration of cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains. Therefore OSPE can be introduced as Formative Assessment &amp; Summative Assessment.

Fibromyalgia: How is His Impact on Family Life?

Rodríguez Pérez M* Author Affiliations Faculty of Biochemistry and Envieronmental Sciences, Spain Received: November 17, 2019 | Published: January 06, 2020 Corresponding author: Rodríguez-Pérez M, Faculty of Biochemistry and Envieronmental Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III S/N. 45071, Toledo, Spain DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.24.004023

Is case based learning (CBL) an effective tool for clinico-biochemical correlation among undergraduate medical students? Perceptive evaluation of students and faculty

Aims and Objectives: Aim of this study is to create interest in medical students towards the subject of biochemistry and making them understand the clinical topics in biochemistry better. Objective of this study is to incorporate CBL teaching in “schedule time limit” assigned to teach a topic in biochemistry and assess the perception of student and faculty after teaching them a clinical topic in CBL mode. Materials and Methods: After getting inform written consent total 64 students enrolled for the study. Total 4 days were allotted to teach “Calcium and Iron metabolism” as per curriculum plan of Biochemistry. Didactic lecture was delivered on Tues/Wed /Thu. One CBL module was given to each group students were motivated to do self-directed learning (SDL). On consecutive Monday one student from each group was randomly selected to present the CBL in 10 minutes. Faculty then asked relevant question regarding the topic of CBL and all students were encouraged to respond. Each CBL was thus presented turn wise and faculty guided the discussion as to stream line the thought process of students. Next to presentation and discussion feedback form were distributed and were collected after 5 minutes. Data analysis was done. Result: Majority of students were of opinion that teaching biochemistry in CBL mode is more interesting and more satisfying. They feel more confident and motivated to do SDL. Even faculty were of opinion that student participation was more in CBL mode of teaching. Lesser percentage of faculty felt that extra effort and time required for implementing CBL in routine teaching. Conclusion: Large majority of students found that incorporation of CBL is an interesting approach to learn biochemistry Faculty found that CBL can be introduced for certain selective topics and felt that students will be more oriented towards the subjects. It can be very well incorporated in teaching biochemistry within the specified time limit and can be quite effective as shown in this study. Keyword: Case Based Learning, Biochemistry, Medical Education.

1948P - Effect of docetaxel-resistance on the reactivity of prostate cancer cells to metformin

BackgroundMetronomic approach represent a promising strategy for the chemotherapy of drug-resistant tumors, because it can reduce the effective doses and adverse effects of chemotherapeutics. In particular, metabolic blockers reduce energy supply for multi-drug resistance systems, thus increasing tumor cells’ reactivity to chemotherapeutics. Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug that blocks mitochondrial respiration, interferes with ATP production and with proliferation of cancer cells. However, the effect of drug-resistance of prostate cancer cells on their reactivity to metformin has not yet been evaluated. MethodsHere, we analysed short- and long-term cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of metformin on the phenotype of human prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells and their docetaxel (DCX)-resistant lineages (PC-3-DCX20 and DU145_DCX20; obtained after long-term treatment with 20nM DCX). We concentrated on their DCX-resistance pattern and compared their epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related phenotype, invasive potential and the activity of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in the presence of metformin and/or DCX. ResultsMetformin increased the sensitivity of drug-resistant PC-3 and DU145 cells to DCX; even though PC-3_DCX20 cells displayed reduced sensitivity to combined metformin/DCX treatment. When administered alone, metformin exerted less prominent cytostatic effects on PC_DCX20 cells than on their DU145_DCX20 counterparts. This effect was accompanied by EMT-related morphological changes, accompanied by the up-regulation of connexin (Cx)43. ConclusionsThese data indicate that reactivity of drug-resistant prostate cancer cells to metformin may depend on the efficiency of metabolic stress-induced EMT. EMT-related metabolic elasticity that apparently increases invasive potential of PC3 cells in the absence of DCX may limit the application of metformin in therapy of drug-resistant prostate tumors. Legal entity responsible for the studyJagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology. FundingHas not received any funding. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

1947P - Fenofibrate impairs pro-tumorigenic potential of cancer stem cell-like cells within drug-resistant prostate cancer cell populations

BackgroundMultipotent cancer stem cells (CSC) are involved in micro-evolutionary tumor adaptation to therapeutic regimens. Due to their drug-resistance, they represent a promising target for treatment strategies of advanced prostate tumors. Fenofibrate (FF) has recently been pinpointed as a potential metronomic agent that augments the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Here, we hypothesized that FF interferes with the drug-resistance of prostate cancer cell populations through the interference with the functions of cancer stem cell-like (SCL) cells. MethodsNaïve and drug-resistant DU145 cells cultivated in control conditions and in the presence of DCX and/or FF were immunostained against pluripotency markers and analyzed with fluorescent microscopy, fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) and image stream. ResultsFACS analyses of naïve and docetaxel (DCX)-resistant DU145 cells revealed minute sub-populations of CD133+/CD44-, CD133+/CD44+ and CD133-/CD44+ SCL cells. SCL fractions were elevated within DCX-treated naïve and DCX-resistant DU145 cell line populations. More prominent increase of SCL-fraction was also observed in naïve, and to lower extent, in drug-resistant DU145 lineages upon combined DCX/FF treatment, which confirms their drug-resistance. CD44+ cells formed the aggregates of round and loosely attached cells, surrounded by morphologically diverse cellular clusters. These SCL cells offspring displayed neoplastic and invasive phenotype similar to that of parental cells; however, they showed increased, P-gp-dependent DCX- but not DCX/FF resistance. Loss of drug-resistance over time of SCL cells offspring was accompanied by induction of their EMT and invasive potential, and combined DCX/FF treatment interfered with this process. ConclusionsThese observations confirm the phenotypic plasticity of SCL cells and its role in the maintenance of prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and drug-resistance. FF can enhance the efficiency of palliative prostate cancer therapies through the interference with the function of cancer stem cells. Legal entity responsible for the studyJagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology. FundingNational Science Centre Poland. DisclosureAll authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

VITAMIN D;

Background: Present study was designed by keeping in view the importance of vitamin D in adolescents’ age group. Objectives: To explore the cases of low vitamin D status (&lt;50 nmol/l) with respect to age &amp; sex factors in school students. Study Design: Observation cross-sectional study. Setting: Department of Biochemistry faculty of Health Sciences, Hazara University Mansehra, Ayub Medical College and Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Period: June 2014 to June 2015. Subject &amp; Methods: We recorded daily intake of vitamin D of each individual and measured serum 25 hydrxoy vitamin D in a school based cross sectional sample of adolescents girls (n=93) and boys (n=96) students. Results: Results of this study reflected that, out of total boys and girls students, 16% and 39% of the sample respectively showed low serum vitamin D status(&lt;50 nmol/l). Number of cases had low vitamin D level increased with age in girls and decreased with age in boys. Serum vitamin D concentration was decreased with increase in age of girls and found significantly low (p=0.0087) in higher age group (&gt;13-≤16). No significant difference (p=0.29) was noted regarding daily intake of vitamin D between lower &amp; higher age. Conclusion: It is concluded that, age and sex might be contributory factors in the occurrence of low vitamin D status.

Adding Spice to the Lab with BASIL: Combining Wet‐Lab Protein Biochemistry with Computational Analysis to Analyze Proteins of Unknown Function

Most undergraduates studying biochemistry and molecular biology get their broadest exposure to wet‐lab techniques in protein and nucleic acid chemistry (and, increasingly, computer/visualization) in their upper‐level laboratory courses. Students in these classes are juniors and seniors with well‐defined career goals. Many will have already had a research background in a traditional one‐to‐one (or one‐to‐few) research mentoring setting, for example a summer research program – an experience known to increase student learning and persistence in the sciences. At the same time, extended full‐time PI‐directed research is limited in the number of students served, and can even present a barrier. To broaden the impact of teaching through research, many practitioners have adopted the CURE, or Course‐based Undergraduate Research Experience, approach.This presentation reports on BASIL (Biochemical Authentic Scientific Inquiry Laboratory), the result of a team of faculty who have worked to bring computational and wet‐lab protein science to the biochemistry teaching lab. Together, we have developed a protein biochemistry CURE to determine enzymatic function of proteins of unknown activity. With eleven modules available online (basiliuse.blogspot.com), the BASIL curriculum represents a one‐semester upper level biochemistry laboratory course; five of the modules are computational/structural, while six are wet‐lab protein expression, isolation, and analysis experiments. Because the computational tools may be more challenging for biochemistry faculty and students to adopt than typical bench methods, we have developed a suite of analysis tools available on a USB stick. This presentation summarizes the status of BASIL on multiple campuses and seeks to promote further adaptation of this CURE.Support or Funding InformationNSF IUSE Awards 1709278, 1503710This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

"COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY IN ADOLESCENT WOMEN WHO COME TO CONSULT THE RURAL MEDICAL UNIT ICH-EK.

08Dec 2018 "COMPLICATIONS OF PREGNANCY IN ADOLESCENT WOMEN WHO COME TO CONSULT THE RURAL MEDICAL UNIT ICH-EK. Betty Sarabia Alcocer , Luis Alberto Nunez Oreza , Betty Monica Velazquez Sarabia , Priscilla Karmina Velazquez Sarabia , Julio Antonio Gutierrez Gonzalez , Lidia Maria Maas Ortegon , Paulino Tamay Segovia , Selene Blum Dominguez , Patricia Margarita Garma Quen , Rafael Manuel de Jesus Mex Alvarez and Angel Arturo Ake Ordonez. Professor and researcher at the Faculty of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Campeche. Center for Biomedical Research. Autonomous University of Campeche. Doctor Surgeon graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the U.A.C. Law graduate and researcher. Professor and researcher of the engineering Faculty of the Autonomous University of Campeche. Professor and researcher of the Faculty of Law of the Autonomous University of Campeche. Professor and researcher at the Faculty of Biochemistry of the U.A.C. Student of the Licentiate Medical Surgeon.

Developing a conversation: A strategy to engage faculty in pedagogical change.

Personal interviews were conducted with biochemistry faculty during which they were presented with student performances on a content survey. From these interviews, four themes that reflect faculty responses to the surveys emerged: awareness of student understanding, self-reflection on teaching practice, planned collaboration with colleagues, and emotional reactions. Here, we discuss these themes and their implications for creating conversation designed to promote reflection on biochemistry teaching. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46:382-389, 2018.