Evaluating a formative feedback intervention for international students

Assessment is too often concerned with measurement, rather than learning; however, there is a growing interest in research into formative assessment, which appears justified by studies into its effects on learning. Changes in higher education have led to increased numbers of students, many of whom are from non-traditional backgrounds. This has highlighted the need for transparency and student involvement in assessment. However, the corresponding pressures on staff and on resources mean that many desirable innovations are not easy to implement. The overall aim of this formative feedback intervention (FFI) was to provide timely and helpful feedback to international students who are final-year direct entrants in a large business school. Timeliness of feedback and the development of academic literacy were key concerns. The study concludes that although the FFI did not have a significant impact on module grades, the intervention was successful in getting students to engage in academic writing at an early stage. Most respondents perceived the feedback to be helpful and the feedback messages were clearly received and internalised. Whether appropriate actions were taken by the students to close the gap between their current and their target level requires further investigation

Formative Feedback First – does it really work for International Students?

This study presents a small scale study, which focuses on the impact of “Formative Feedback First” a collaborative intervention made on a final year module undertaken by all one year “top up” students. The majority of these students are international, many of whom are not only new to the university but also to the country. The “Formative Feedback First” intervention is twofold in nature, the initial stage is to provide formative feedback on a 600-800 word proposal supported by a minimum of three journals / authoritative sources; the second stage is to capture the student’s reflection on the intervention via the use of Gibbs (1988) reflective cycle. This intervention is regarded as low risk as the proposal is not formally marked but timely feedback is provided via the use of a “Formative Feedback First” matrix which has been specifically developed for this purpose. The matrix consists of indicative degree classifications, across four criteria which are knowledge and understanding, theory and practice recognition, use of resources and references and presentation, structure and language. The written feedback is to be returned to the student during a one to one tutorial which will permit verbal clarification of points raised and questions to be raised by both parties. It is anticipated that the intervention will provide the opportunity to give formative feedback in a low risk setting prior to any summative feedback. This aims to give the international students the chance to develop the necessary skills and culturally adjust, i.e. close any gap (Sadler, 1989) between their actual performance and that of a desired standard, in time before the assessments are done in a high risk setting

Proteomic analysis identifies interleukin 11 regulated plasma membrane proteins in human endometrial epithelial cells in vitro

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During the peri-implantation period, the embryo adheres to an adequately prepared or receptive endometrial surface epithelium. Abnormal embryo adhesion to the endometrium results in embryo implantation failure and infertility. Endometrial epithelial cell plasma membrane proteins critical in regulating adhesion may potentially be infertility biomarkers or targets for treating infertility. Interleukin (IL) 11 regulates human endometrial epithelial cells (hEEC) adhesion. Its production is abnormal in women with infertility. The objective of the study was to identify IL11 regulated plasma membrane proteins in hEEC <it>in vitro </it>using a proteomic approach.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Using a 2D-differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) electrophoresis combined with LCMS/MS mass spectrometry approach, we identified 20 unique plasma membrane proteins differentially regulated by IL11 in ECC-1 cells, a hEEC derived cell line. Two IL11 regulated proteins with known roles in cell adhesion, annexin A2 (ANXA2) and flotillin-1 (FLOT1), were validated by Western blot and immunocytochemistry in hEEC lines (ECC-1 and an additional cell line, Ishikawa) and primary hEEC. Flotilin-1 was further validated by immunohistochemistry in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle (<it>n = 6-8/cycle</it>).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>2D-DIGE analysis identified 4 spots that were significantly different between control and IL11 treated group. Of these 4 spots, there were 20 proteins that were identified with LCMS/MS. Two proteins; ANXA2 and FLOT1 were chosen for further analyses and have found to be significantly up-regulated following IL11 treatment. Western blot analysis showed a 2-fold and a 2.5-fold increase of ANXA2 in hEEC membrane fraction of ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells respectively. Similarly, a 1.8-fold and a 2.3/2.4-fold increase was also observed for FLOT1 in hEEC membrane fraction of ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells respectively. <it>In vitro</it>, IL11 induced stronger ANXA2 expression on cell surface of primary hEEC and ECC-1 whilst, the lipid-raft protein FLOT1 demonstrated punctate staining in the apical surface of ECC-1 plasma membranes and was upregulated in the epithelium in the receptive phase of the menstrual cycle (p lower or equal 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first study to use a proteomics approach to identify hEEC plasma membrane proteins that may be useful as infertility markers or pharmacological targets for fertility regulation.</p

Claudin-11 expression and localisation is regulated by androgens in rat Sertoli cells in vitro

Claudin-11 and occludin are protein components in tight junctions (TJs) between Sertoli cells which are important for the maintenance of the blood–testis barrier. Barrier formation occurs during puberty, with evidence suggesting hormonal regulation of both claudin-11 and occludin. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of claudin-11 and occludin mRNA expression by testosterone (T) and FSH and their immunolocalisation at rat Sertoli cell TJs in vitro, and to correlate any steroid regulation with the functional capacity of TJs. Sertoli cells formed functional TJs within 3 days as assessed by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Both T and dihydrotestosterone significantly (P < 0.01) increased TER twofold and claudin-11 mRNA two- to threefold within 3 days. FSH partially stimulated TER and claudin-11 mRNA, but estradiol had no effect. T also promoted claudin-11 localisation into extensive intercellular contacts. In contrast to claudin-11, Tand FSH did not change occludin mRNA expression, however, T promoted localisation of occludin at cell contacts in a similar manner to claudin-11. Addition of flutamide to T-stimulated cells caused a twofold decrease in both TER and claudin-11 mRNA expression, and resulted in the loss of both proteins from cell contacts. This effect was reversible following flutamide removal. It is concluded that androgens i) co-regulate claudin-11 mRNA expression and TER, implicating claudin-11 in TJ formation and ii) promote the localisation of claudin-11 and occludin at Sertoli cell contacts. Hence, the ability of androgens to maintain spermatogenesis in vivo is partly via their effects on TJ proteins and regulation of the blood–testis barrier

A prospective cohort study assessing clinical referral management & workforce allocation within a UK regional medical genetics service

Abstract Ensuring patient access to genomic information in the face of increasing demand requires clinicians to develop innovative ways of working. This paper presents the first empirical prospective observational cohort study of UK multi-disciplinary genetic service delivery. It describes and explores collaborative working practices including the utilisation and role of clinical geneticists and non-medical genetic counsellors. Six hundred and fifty new patients referred to a regional genetics service were tracked through 850 clinical contacts until discharge. Referral decisions regarding allocation of lead health professional assigned to the case were monitored, including the use of initial clinical contact guidelines. Significant differences were found in the cases led by genetic counsellors and those led by clinical geneticists. Around a sixth, 16.8% (109/650) of referrals were dealt with by a letter back to the referrer or re-directed to another service provider and 14.8% (80/541) of the remaining patients chose not to schedule an appointment. Of the remaining 461 patients, genetic counsellors were allocated as lead health professional for 46.2% (213/461). A further 61 patients did not attend. Of those who did, 86% (345/400) were discharged after one or two appointments. Genetic counsellors contributed to 95% (784/825) of total patient contacts. They provided 93.7% (395/432) of initial contacts and 26.8% (106/395) of patients were discharged at that point. The information from this study informed a planned service re-design. More research is needed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of different models of collaborative multi-disciplinary working within genetics services. Keywords (MeSH terms) Genetic Services, Genetic Counseling, Interdisciplinary Communication, Cohort Studies, Delivery of Healthcare, Referral and Consultation

A highly potent antibody effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Control of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is endangered by the emergence of viral variants with increased transmission efficiency, resistance to marketed therapeutic antibodies, and reduced sensitivity to vaccine-induced immunity. Here, we screen B cells from COVID-19 donors and identify P5C3, a highly potent and broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibody with picomolar neutralizing activity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) identified to date. Structural characterization of P5C3 Fab in complex with the spike demonstrates a neutralizing activity defined by a large buried surface area, highly overlapping with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) surface necessary for ACE2 interaction. We further demonstrate that P5C3 shows complete prophylactic protection in the SARS-CoV-2-infected hamster challenge model. These results indicate that P5C3 opens exciting perspectives either as a prophylactic agent in immunocompromised individuals with poor response to vaccination or as combination therapy in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals

Effects of choral singing versus health education on cognitive decline and aging: a randomized controlled trial.

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine choral singing's effect on cognitive decline in aging. Older Singaporeans who were at high risk of future dementia were recruited: 47 were assigned to choral singing intervention (CSI) and 46 were assigned to health education program (HEP). Participants attended weekly one-hour choral singing or weekly one-hour health education for two years. Change in cognitive function was measured by a composite cognitive test score (CCTS) derived from raw scores of neuropsychological tests; biomarkers included brain magnetic resonance imaging, oxidative damage and immunosenescence. The average age of the participants were 70 years and 73/93 (78.5%) were female. The change of CCTS from baseline to 24 months was 0.05 among participants in the CSI group and -0.1 among participants in the HEP group. The between-group difference (0.15, p=0.042) became smaller (0.12, p=0.09) after adjusting for baseline CCTS. No between-group differences on biomarkers were observed. Our data support the role of choral singing in improving cognitive health in aging. The beneficial effect is at least comparable than that of health education in preventing cognitive decline in a community of elderly people. Biological mechanisms underlying the observed efficacy should be further studied