Efficacy of Google Form-based MCQ tests for formative assessment in medical biochemistry education.

BACKGROUND: Biochemistry, being a vast and complex subject, can be challenging for Phase I MBBS students to comprehend and retain. Embracing rapidly evolving technology can facilitate a more accessible learning experience. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of using Google Form-based multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests as a formative assessment tool after each biochemistry lecture series. The aim was to assess the improvement and gather feedback of Phase I MBBS students on the utility of this assessment tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This educational prospective longitudinal study was conducted by the Department of Biochemistry at a university-affiliated medical college and tertiary care hospital. The study included 150 Phase I MBBS students as participants. Google Form-based MCQ tests were implemented as educational interventions after each lecture series during the study period. The study compared the internal assessment (IA) MCQ marks of students before and after the implementation of the intervention. In addition, feedback questionnaires were collected from the students. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in students' scores between the first IA (mean ± standard deviation [SD], 8.16 ± 3.08) and second IA (mean ± SD, 17.64 ± 2.02) (P < 0.0001). According to students' feedback, 149 out of 150 (99.3%) students found the use of Google Form-based MCQ tests as a formative assessment tool in the teaching-learning process to be highly beneficial and motivated them to engage in their biochemistry studies. CONCLUSION: With the shift toward competency-based medical education (CBME) in India, it is crucial for educators to embrace novel teaching-learning and evaluation approaches. Our study highlighted the efficacy of employing Google Form-based MCQ tests in enhancing students' comprehension of the biochemistry subject, evaluating their scores and improving the overall quality of learning. Through this mode of assessment, teachers were able to provide targeted feedback on areas that required improvement, thereby enhancing the learning experience.

Improving newborn screening in India: Disease gaps and quality control.

In India, newborn screening (NBS) is essential for detecting health problems in infants. Despite significant progress, significant gaps and challenges persist. India has made great strides in genomics dueto the existence of the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in West Bengal. The work emphasizes the challenges NBS programs confront with technology, budgetary constraints, insufficient counseling, inequality in illness panels, and a lack of awareness. Advancements in technology, such as genetic testing and next-generation sequencing, are expected to significantly transform the process. The integration of analytical tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms could improve the efficiency of newborn screening programs, offering a personalized healthcare approach. It is critical to address gaps in information, inequities in illness incidence, budgetary restrictions, and inadequate counseling. Strengthening national NBS programs requires increased public awareness and coordinated efforts between state and central agencies. Quality control procedures must be used at every level for implementation to be successful. Additional studies endeavor to enhance NBS in India through public education, illness screening expansion, enhanced quality control, government incentive implementation, partnership promotion, and expert training. Improved neonatal health outcomes and the viability of the program across the country will depend heavily on new technology and counseling techniques.

Association of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) Polymorphisms with Serum Homocysteine, Folate and Vitamin B12 in Patients with Young Coronary Artery Disease.

C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) MTHFR gene polymorphisms and/or nutritional deficiency of folate/vitamin B12 leading to hyperhomocysteinemia is an established risk factor for CAD. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of association between MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms with serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in addition to conventional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with young CAD. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole blood. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms in young CAD patients and healthy controls was performed by ARMS-PCR method. Serum homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate were estimated by CMIA and lipid profile parameters were measured by automated chemistry analyzers. Serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher but serum folate and vitamin B12 levels were not significantly different among young CAD group as compared to control group. Statistically significant hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in carriers of T allele for MTHFR 677C/T (rs1801133) genotype in young CAD group but this association was not significant for MTHFR 1298A/C (rs1801131) polymorphism. The association between hyperhomocysteinemia and CAD in young group was not independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Risk of hyperhomocysteinemia and young CAD could be monitored by MTHFR polymorphism detection followed by serum homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 measurements. The findings could help to prevent or delay the occurrence of young CAD through appropriate measures.

Apoptosis Markers in Breast Cancer Therapy.

Cancer is a disease characterized by a very little apoptosis, ie, genetically programmed cell death. Aberrations in apoptotic pathways are central to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and overall tumor growth and regression in response to chemotherapy. It is now increasingly accepted that chemotherapeutic drug efficacy is partially related to its ability to induce apoptosis. Apoptosis, therefore, represents not only a vital target in cancer therapy but also a unique biomarker opportunity that has thus far been largely unexploited. In response to therapy, tumor cells undergo apoptosis and release their cellular components in the circulation. As such, these materials may serve as biomarkers to assess response. Apoptosis markers in breast cancer include circulating soluble FasL, granzyme B, and cytochrome c that increase following chemotherapy. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of information in the literature with respect to this approach. As such, large-scale prospective studies are clearly needed to validate this approach and more fully elucidate clinical usefulness.

Role of oxidative stress in various stages of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory, proliferative skin disease characterized by pathological skin lesions due to various exogenous and endogenous factors. It is associated with a number of biochemical and immunological disturbances. Recently, it has been suggested that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and compromised function of antioxidant system may be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. In the present study, 90 psoriasis patients were selected. Disease severity was assessed by psoriasis area severity index score and grouped as mild, moderate and severe (each group consists of 30 subjects) and compared with 30 healthy controls. Serum levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide end products and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as erythrocyte-superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant status were investigated in these groups/subjects. As compared to controls, we found severitywise significantly increased serum malondialdehyde, nitric oxide end products with decrease in erythrocyte-superoxide dismutase activity, catalase activity and total antioxidant status in patients with psoriasis suggesting worsening of the disease. It seems to be linked with the enhancement of Reactive Oxygen Species production and decreased antioxidant potential in psoriasis.