http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11772 1-54 2026-04-08T23:00:33Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11846 Title: Navigating the 2024 revised guidelines for Undergraduate Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum: Newer insights and implications for biochemistry education Authors: Mohan Surapaneni, Krishna Abstract: The recent release of the 2024 revised guidelines for the Competency Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum by the National Medical Commission (NMC) marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of medical education in India. Building upon the foundation established in 2019, this revised curriculum introduces critical advancements designed to align medical training with contemporary global standards. These updates not only enhance the educational experience but also ensure that future medical professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to thrive in modern healthcare environments. This article focuses on the significant changes within the biochemistry curriculum, highlighting its importance and the shift towards integrating clinical relevance, innovative teaching methodologies, and robust assessment strategies. Educators are encouraged to prioritize tailoring their teaching approaches according to these expected standards. The article also provides strategies for incorporating these changes into teaching methodologies, offering educators evidence-informed guidance. Keywords: Assessment strategies, biochemistry curriculum, clinical relevance, Competency Based Medical Education (CBME), teaching methods 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11845 Title: Investigation of a number of rare deletional mutations in the alpha globin gene cluster Authors: Arash, Majid Abstract: Alpha thalassemia is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world. This disease is prevalent in various parts of the world, such as India, the Middle East, Africa, and many other countries. Several clinical conditions can result from mutations. In the condition where only one of the alpha globin genes is expressed, hemoglobin H disease (Hb H) occurs. Alpha thalassemia trait and silent carrier are milder forms of the disease, caused by the deletion of one and two alpha globin genes, respectively. Several mutations result in the deletion of alpha-globin. Seven common deletional mutations include -α4.2, -α3.7, -(α)20.5, --MED, --SEA, --Fil, and --THAI. The deletional mutations -α4.2 and -α3.7 remove only one of the alpha globin genes, while others remove both α1 and α2 globin genes from the gene cluster. Nowadays, laboratories identify these mutations using the Gap PCR method and other advanced methods. In addition to these mutations, some deletional mutations are found only in certain families or certain regions. Keywords: Alpha thalassemia, deletional mutation, globin, hydrops fetalis 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11844 Title: Evaluation of the hemolysis threshold for the measurement of serum lipase on Roche Cobas systems Authors: Ilardo, Claudio; Al Muhanna, Batricia Abstract: Objectives: Following the release of an informational bulletin, Roche Diagnostics adopted a more restrictive hemolysis index (100 HI) for the release of serum lipase results on all Cobas systems. This study aimed to evaluate the interference threshold for serum lipase hemolysis on Cobas C501/311/701/Integra 400 systems using a total allowable error set by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). Methods: To assess the influence of hemolysis on lipase, the parameter was quantified in serum pools spiked with escalating concentrations of a hemolysis interferent. The lipase assay was performed using the colorimetric lipase method (LIPC), and the HI was determined by absorbance measurements of diluted samples in accordance with the system protocol. Results: The Cobas Integra 400 and Cobas C311 showed the greatest interference of lipase with hemolysis (≤300 HI). The Cobas C501 and C701 demonstrated less sensitivity to hemolysis (≤1300 HI). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that interference limits may vary between different Roche systems, even when the same reagent is used. Our study indicated that the lipase hemolysis threshold (100 HI) currently set by the manufacturer was excessively restrictive. This finding highlights the necessity of verifying manufacturers' information bulletins to provide better medical care. Keywords: Hemolysis, interference, lipase, threshold 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/11843 Title: Diagnostic accuracy of the combination of fecal calprotectin and occult blood tests in inflammatory bowel disease Authors: Unal, Kubranur; Karatas, Ali; Gulbahar, Ozlem; Ozbas, Cansu Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), fecal calprotectin (FC), and the combination of these markers in patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, FC levels were compared between patients monitored for IBD and those newly diagnosed with IBD. Methods: Conducted at Gazi University Application and Research Hospital, this retrospective study reviewed demographic, clinical, colonoscopy reports, and laboratory data (FC and FOBT) of IBD patients. The final analysis included 153 patients with suspected IBD to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of FOBT, FC, and their combination. FC was analyzed using the Quantum Blue® fCAL extended test. The ROC curve was drawn to determine the diagnostic ability of FC, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were determined for FC and FOBT. Results: The AUC was determined as 0.827 (95% CI:0.742–0.913) for FC (p<0.001). FC showed a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 62.4%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 30.6%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 95.8%. FOBT had a sensitivity of 81.3%, specificity of 78.1%, PPV of 30.2%, and NPV of 97.3%. The combination of FOBT and FC, with positivity in at least one of the tests, had a sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity of 63.5%, PPV of 23.1%, and NPV of 98.9%. The combined use of FOBT and FC demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy than either test alone. Conclusion: The combination of FOBT and FC provides superior diagnostic accuracy for identifying suspected IBD patients compared to each test alone. This combined approach could serve as a cost-effective strategy to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. Keywords: Diagnostic accuracy, fecal calprotectin, fecal occult blood test, inflammatory bowel diseases 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z