Inquiry-based laboratory investigations and student performance on standardized tests in biological science

Achievement data from the 3rd International Mathematics and Sciences Study and Program for International Student Assessment in science have indicated that Black students from economically disadvantaged families underachieve at alarming rates in comparison to White and economically advantaged peer groups. The study site was a predominately Black, urban school district experiencing underachievement. The purpose of this correlational study was to examine the relationship between students\u27 use of inquiry-based laboratory investigations and their performance on the Biology End of Course Test, as well as to examine the relationship while partialling out the effects of student gender. Constructivist theory formed the theoretical foundation of the study. Students\u27 perceived levels of experience with inquiry-based laboratory investigations were measured using the Laboratory Program Variable Inventory (LPVI) survey. LPVI scores of 256 students were correlated with test scores and were examined by student gender. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a small direct correlation between students\u27 experience in inquiry-based laboratory investigation classes and standardized test scores on the Biology EOCT. A partial correlational analysis indicated that the correlation remained after controlling for gender. This study may prompt a change from teacher-centered to student-centered pedagogy at the local site in order to increase academic achievement for all students. The results of this study may also influence administrators and policy makers to initiate local, state, or nationwide curricular development. A change in curriculum may promote social change as students become more competent, and more able, to succeed in life beyond secondary school

Antidepressant activity of Simvastatin in behavioral models of depression in rats

Background: There is evidence, that statins can augment the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine in rats. Hence the present experimental study was designed to evaluate the effect of Simvastatin on duration of immobility in acute forced swim test (Acute FST) and Chronic forced swim test (Chronic FST), as models of behavioral despair in rats.Methods: In acute FST and Chronic FST models, effects of simvastatin (Smv) and fluoxetine (Flx) per se and in combination, on immobility of rats were compared. Open field test was performed to discriminate between the general behavioral stimulation and antidepressant effect of study drugs. Results: In Acute FST, duration of immobility decreased (171.33 ± 6.15 sec) non-significantly in simvastatin group, & decreased significantly in the groups of rats which received fluoxetine alone (161.33 ± 8.68, P < 0.01) or in combination with simvastatin (167.66 ± 7.71 sec, P < 0.001). The 3 treatment groups did not differ from each other. In chronic FST duration of immobility lowered significantly in both, the fluoxetine treated group (147.66 ± 8.73) and the combination treated group (130.5 ± 5.68 sec) with significant fall in the combination group (P < 0.001) compared to the individual therapy groups.Conclusions: Lowering cholesterol levels with statins not only reduces risks for cardiovascular events, but also affect serotonergic neurotransmission, leading to clinical efficacy of standard antidepressants. Simvastatin can augment the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine in rats, raising the possibility that statins could be used to facilitate the effects of antidepressants in humans.

Erythrocyte enzymes of Glyoxalase system as indicators of beneficial effects of antihyperglycemic agents in Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Methylglyoxal (MG), a product of sustained hyperglycemia, is a reactive carbonyl toxin responsible for development of complications in diabetes. Glyoxalase system detoxify MG to prevent complications. Some antihyperglycemic agents, may inhibit deleterious effects of MG by independent mechanisms. It was considered worthwhile to identify such agents and to find out whether changes observed in the erythrocyte levels of Glyoxalase I, Glyoxalase II, Aldose Reductase & D-Lactate are indicators of the beneficial effects through their direct action on MG, or merely a result of good glycemic control in response to treatment.Methods: The glyoxalase system was characterized in erythrocytes of blood samples from patients with Type 2 Diabetes (n = 147), and normal healthy control subjects (n = 40). Diabetics were divided into groups based on presence or absence of complications; & further divided into subgroups based on medication with sulphonylurea, metformin, insulin and combination therapy.Results: Erythrocyte Glyoxalase I, Glyoxalase II, Aldose Reductase, and D-Lactate levels significantly increased in all diabetics, (p<0.001) relative to controls. A maximum rise of enzymes in T2D with complications was observed as compared to patients without complications (p<0.001). Inadequate glycemic control was observed in all diabetics, and enzyme levels significantly declined in groups treated with metformin, either as monotherapy or in combination with insulin.Conclusions: Enzymes of Glyoxalase system indicate beneficial effects of metformin. Metformin reduces MG and minimizes worsening glycemic control leading to complications. Metformin renders protection through mechanism independent of its antihyperglycemic action.

The role of enzymes of the glyoxalase system in relation to complications in type II diabetes mellitus

Background: Metabolism of methylglyoxal by the glyoxalase system may be linked to the development of diabetic complications. It was considered worthwhile to find out whether changes observed in the levels of glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, aldose reductase & D-lactate are prognostic indicators for the development of complications of diabetes or merely reflect the result of changes associated with complications.Methods: The glyoxalase system was characterized in erythrocytes of blood samples from patients with type II diabetes mellitus (n=177), and normal healthy control subjects (n=40). Diabetics were divided into 3 main groups based on presence or absence of complications.Results: The concentrations of RBC glyoxalase I, glyoxalase II, aldose reductase, and D-lactate were significantly increased in all groups of diabetic patients, (P <0.001) relative to controls. Comparison between groups showed maximum rise of enzymes in group I and group III (P <0.001); and maximum rise of D-lactate in group III (P <0.001). Within the groups of patients with complications, enzyme levels were markedly increased in patients with IHD/PVD (ischaemic heart disease/peripheral vascular disease) and decreased in patients with nephropathy.  Conclusion: Results of this study suggests a positive relationship between increased activity of erythrocyte enzymes of glyoxalase system and poor or moderate glycemic control. The increased enzyme levels in patients without complications indicate their role as prognostic markers for development of complications. Molecular mechanisms for development of Nephropathy appear to be different from those of Neuropathy and Retinopathy.

Evaluation of quality of MBBS Biochemistry theory question papers of medical institutions in Maharashtra

Background: In medical curricula, the assessment of cognitive domain of learning is through written theory examination. At present questions are prepared casually just before the examination and are not put through any quality check to assess reliability, validity, educational impact, and acceptability.Methods: This study was conducted to retrospectively review and evaluate question items in Biochemistry examination question paper, according to specified criteria with the intention to determine its quality and design. A total of 14 preliminary examination question papers were collected by request from medical colleges affiliated to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik; to evaluate selection of topics, their weightage, cognitive level, difficulty level and types of MCQ, SAQ and LAQ items, as per prescribed structure and protocol of question setting. The data was compiled in Microsoft excel, and coefficient of variation was calculated for each parameter tested.Results: There was variation in the topic wise distribution of marks in relation to lecture hours and weightage assigned to each topic. In general, there was inconsistency and nonconformity with respect to the characteristics for maintaining quality. Inadequacy of testing higher cognitive levels and lack of case based and application type of questions was observed.Conclusions: The quality of question paper setting can be improved by introducing blue print in assessment system. The use of the blue print will ensure consistent high standard of question presentation, which will help students to understand the questions better and to answer them correctly

Effect of training on formulation of multiple choice questions: a cross-sectional study amongst faculty in the department of biochemistry of a Medical Institution in India

Background: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are an important tool for assessing whether learning objectives are being achieved. A formal training is necessary to have high standards in preparing MCQs. the effect of a training program on the quality of MCQs, amongst the faculty of Department of Biochemistry was assessed.Methods: A training program was designed with the main focus on how to construct appropriate MCQs’ by participants based on sound scientific standards and guidelines. Topics from biochemistry syllabus for first year MBBS course were selected for the study. All the study participants were newly appointed lecturers and had not undergone any formal training program in medical education technology. Training was carried out by three experts who were formally trained in medical education and were fellows of foundation for advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). Knowledge gained by the study participants was tested by pre-test post-test comprising objective questions. The quality of MCQs before and after intervention was assessed with a validated (checklist) containing 60 items.Results: Eight faculty members participated in the study. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the knowledge of appropriate formulation of MCQs (P<0.05) and the overall quality of MCQs (P=0.004), following training of the study participants. Especially, marked improvements were observed in providing directions for MCQs, highlighting of negative stems in the MCQs and providing keys to MCQs after the training. No significant changes were observed either in the quality of subject content or in the types of formulation of MCQs.Conclusions: A significant improvement in knowledge of how to construct appropriate MCQ items and the quality of MCQs following training program was noted. Such training program to be administered to the teaching staff early in their career was recommended

The Obstinate Gaze: Derrida Looking at Pictures

This paper surveys all of Derrida’s numerous and occasional discourses on the visual arts with a view to describing both the history of his interest in the visual arts and its relations to visuality. The argument begins with recognition that his responses to art are self-consciously affective. Derrida’s early treatment of Kant and his qualified defense of Heidegger on Van Gogh are analyzed in detail, followed by an account of his fascination with Artaud and the significance of the exhibition Derrida curated at the Louvre on drawings and paintings that represent blindness. The argument concludes with the inference that three motifs recur throughout Derrida’s writing on the visual arts: the displacement of the gaze by the sense of touch in the structure of experience; the appositional-oppositional relation of the pictural to the verbal; and the need, in looking (at pictures), to see nothing that is not there, and to keep seeing the nothing that is

BAFF controls B cell metabolic fitness through a PKCβ- and Akt-dependent mechanism

B cell life depends critically on the cytokine B cell–activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF). Lack of BAFF signaling leads to B cell death and immunodeficiency. Excessive BAFF signaling promotes lupus-like autoimmunity. Despite the great importance of BAFF to B cell biology, its signaling mechanism is not well characterized. We show that BAFF initiates signaling and transcriptional programs, which support B cell survival, metabolic fitness, and readiness for antigen-induced proliferation. We further identify a BAFF-specific protein kinase C β–Akt signaling axis, which provides a connection between BAFF and generic growth factor–induced cellular responses