Flipped classroom teaching as a tool to enhance self-directed learning among first MBBS students

Background: Medical education shifts from a teacher-centered to a student-centered which fosters self-directed learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, especially in the scenario of a large classroom. Flipped classroom is a blended learning to increases student engagement with content, improves faculty contact time with students, and enhances learning. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the flipped classroom method and didactic lecture on students’ performance and to obtain students’ and teachers’ perceptions in teaching-learning biochemistry. Methods: All participant students were randomly divided into two groups and subjected to the FC method and TDC method in module A and a crossover of groups was done in module B. Both groups were subjected to pre and post-tests after intervention in modules. Feedback was obtained from students and teachers on both learning methods. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) after applying independent t-test in pre and post-test scores and module completion test in both learning methods. About 91% of participants were satisfied with using a flipped classroom and found it more enjoyable, creates interest in the subject, whereas faculties’ feedback shows it requires more efforts and time. Conclusions: Considering responses and results of the assessment, it can be concluded that the FC approach, effectively engage students in the learning process, inculcation the attributes to develop self-directed and lifelong learning skills. Also improved the students’ performance and perceptions of the learning experience. Most of the students indicate that this approach is worth to use in future

Site-specific terminal and internal labeling of RNA by poly(A) polymerase tailing and copper-catalyzed or copper-free strain-promoted click chemistry

The modification of RNA with fluorophores, affinity tags and reactive moieties is of enormous utility for studying RNA localization, structure and dynamics as well as diverse biological phenomena involving RNA as an interacting partner. Here we report a labeling approach in which the RNA of interest—of either synthetic or biological origin—is modified at its 3′-end by a poly(A) polymerase with an azido-derivatized nucleotide. The azide is later on conjugated via copper-catalyzed or strain-promoted azide–alkyne click reaction. Under optimized conditions, a single modified nucleotide of choice (A, C, G, U) containing an azide at the 2′-position can be incorporated site-specifically. We have identified ligases that tolerate the presence of a 2′-azido group at the ligation site. This azide is subsequently reacted with a fluorophore alkyne. With this stepwise approach, we are able to achieve site-specific, internal backbone-labeling of de novo synthesized RNA molecules

Selective agonist of TRPML2 reveals direct role in chemokine release from innate immune cells

Cytokines and chemokines are produced and secreted by a broad range of immune cells including macrophages. Remarkably, little is known about how these inflammatory mediators are released from the various immune cells. Here, the endolysosomal cation channel TRPML2 is shown to play a direct role in chemokine trafficking and secretion from murine macrophages. To demonstrate acute and direct involvement of TRPML2 in these processes, the first isoform-selective TRPML2 channel agonist was generated, ML2-SA1. ML2-SA1 was not only found to directly stimulate release of the chemokine CCL2 from macrophages but also to stimulate macrophage migration, thus mimicking CCL2 function. Endogenous TRPML2 is expressed in early/recycling endosomes as demonstrated by endolysosomal patch-clamp experimentation and ML2-SA1 promotes trafficking through early/recycling endosomes, suggesting CCL2 being transported and secreted via this pathway. These data provide a direct link between TRPML2 activation, CCL2 release and stimulation of macrophage migration in the innate immune response

Synthesis of isoxazoles by hypervalent iodine-induced cycloaddition of nitrile oxides to alkynes

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