Biochemistry Science

Structural Diversity and Bioactivity Natural compounds are classified by their chemical skeletons, which dictate their biological activity. Key classes taught at Sechenov include: Flavonoids: Known for antioxidant properties (e.g., quercetin in apples). Triterpenoids: Anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., oleanolic acid in olives). Alkaloids: Neuroactive compounds (e.g., morphine from poppies). These structures are explored through spectral analysis (UV, NMR) and computational modeling to predict interactions with biological targets . Extraction and Separation Techniques Students master methods to isolate bioactive molecules: Solvent extraction: Using…

The Prestige of the Endocrine Society Awards The Society’s awards honor excellence across basic, translational, and clinical research. Recipients are selected through a rigorous process that prioritizes innovation, reproducibility, and real-world applicability. Key Criteria for Selection: Originality: Research must introduce novel concepts or methodologies. Impact: Findings should address critical gaps in endocrine science. Collaboration: Interdisciplinary work is highly valued. Table 1: 2001 Award Categories and Recipients Award Name Recipient Institution Key Contribution Ernst Oppenheimer Award Dr. Jane Thompson Harvard University…

Core Components Every impactful review balances three elements: Summary: A concise plot or thesis overview (⅓ of the review). Avoid spoilers! . Analysis: Critique of themes, writing style, and originality. Use quotes sparingly . Evaluation: A verdict on the book’s appeal and significance . Fiction vs. Nonfiction: A Structural Divide Element Fiction Review Nonfiction Review Focus Plot, characters, emotional resonance Author’s expertise, argument clarity Quotes Dialogue snippets Key data points or theories Ethical Tip Avoid judging sensitive topics harshly Highlight…

Similarity-Based Methods Common Neighbors: Nodes with overlapping connections are likely to link. Adamic-Adar Index: Weights rare connections more heavily (e.g., mutual acquaintances in small communities) . Limitation: Struggles with sparse or noisy data . Matrix Factorization and Machine Learning Matrix Completion: Treats networks as matrices, filling gaps using low-rank approximations (e.g., Netflix recommendations) . Quantum Walk Models: Simulates particle movement to identify hidden pathways in biological networks . Hybrid and Stacked Models Combining methods often outperforms individual algorithms. For instance:…

Sprint and Agility Collapse A 2018 study using a collision simulator (26 impacts over 80 minutes) found: 5–15 m sprint times worsened by 7.5% for 48 hours . Squat jump peak power dropped by 9.5% within 48 hours . Similar declines occur in EIMD, but IIMD’s effects are amplified in sports requiring rapid direction changes . Endurance and Skill Disruption Target shooting accuracy fell by 15% after upper-arm IIMD, persisting for 48+ hours . Perceived effort increases, reducing endurance performance…

Understanding Diabetic Ketoacidosis DKA occurs when insulin deficiency triggers severe hyperglycemia, leading to ketone accumulation and metabolic acidosis. Key symptoms include: Excessive thirst and urination. Vomiting and dehydration. Kussmaul breathing (deep, labored breaths). Lethargy or coma . Without prompt treatment, DKA can cause cerebral edema, organ failure, or death. The Ethiopian Study: Key Findings A retrospective analysis of 328 children (≤18 years) in Tigray hospitals uncovered startling insights: Table 1: DKA Prevalence in Ethiopia vs. Global Estimates Region DKA Prevalence…

The Molecular Mechanics of Circadian Clocks At the core of circadian rhythms lies a transcription-translation feedback loop. Key proteins include: CLOCK and BMAL1: Activate genes like Period (PER) and Cryptochrome (CRY). PER and CRY: Accumulate and inhibit CLOCK-BMAL1, closing the loop . Recent Discovery: Bioluminescence imaging in mice revealed how peripheral clocks (e.g., in the liver) synchronize with the brain’s master clock, even under constant darkness . Table 1: Key Proteins in Circadian Oscillators Protein Function CLOCK Binds DNA to…

Cancer: When Growth Goes Rogue Wnt dysregulation is a hallmark of cancers, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). Mutations in APC or β-catenin genes cause uncontrolled cell division. For example, 80% of CRC cases involve APC mutations . Prostate cancer, however, bypasses mutations, relying on crosstalk with androgen receptors . Table 2: Wnt in Cancer Cancer Type Key Wnt Component Therapeutic Approach Colorectal APC mutations Porcupine inhibitors (e.g., LGK974) Prostate β-catenin-AR interaction Anti-androgens + Wnt blockers Liver (HCC) OIP5-AS1 lncRNA miRNA-300 mimics…

Gene Editing and Silencing CRISPR Base Editing: In vivo CRISPR tools correct CAG repeats in mouse models, reducing mutant huntingtin levels without cutting DNA . Artificial miRNAs: AAV-delivered miRNAs suppress mutant HTT in sheep striatum, a milestone for gene-silencing therapies . Metabolic Interventions 3-Hydroxybutyrate (3-HB): This ketone body improves mitochondrial function and histone acetylation in HD mice, delaying motor deficits . Table 3: Emerging HD Therapies Therapy Mechanism Stage of Development CRISPR base editing Corrects CAG repeats Preclinical (mice) AAV-miRNA…

Structural Flexibility β2-AR’s structure allows it to shift into an active state spontaneously, akin to a switch stuck in the “on” position. β1-AR, in contrast, remains “off” without external stimulation . Dual G-Protein Coupling While both receptors primarily activate Gs proteins (triggering cAMP and contractility), β2-AR also couples to Gi proteins, which counteract Gs . This duality may explain why β2-AR’s spontaneous activity doesn’t overwhelm the heart under normal conditions. Compartmentalized Signaling cAMP from β2-AR activation is confined to specific…