coli.Synthetic biology utilizes the Design-Build-Test-Learn pipeline for the engineering of biological systems. Typically, this requires the construction of specifically designed, large and complex DNA assemblies. The availability of cheap DNA synthesis and automation enables high-throughput assembly approaches, which generates a heavy demand for DNA sequencing to verify correctly assembled constructs. Next-generation sequencing is ideally positioned to perform this task, however with expensive hardware costs and bespoke data analysis requirements few laboratories utilize this technology in-house. Here a workflow for highly multiplexed sequencing is presented, capable of fast and accurate sequence verification of DNA assemblies using nanopore technology. A novel sample barcoding system using polymerase chain reaction is introduced, and sequencing data are analyzed through a bespoke analysis algorithm. Crucially, this algorithm overcomes the problem of high-error rate nanopore data (which typically prevents identification of single nucleotide variants) through statistical analysis of strand bias, permitting accurate sequence analysis with single-base resolution. As an example, 576 constructs (6 × 96 well plates) were processed in a single workflow in 72 h (from Escherichia coli colonies to analyzed data). Given our procedure’s low hardware costs and highly multiplexed capability, this provides cost-effective access to powerful DNA sequencing for any laboratory, with applications beyond synthetic biology including directed evolution, single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and gene synthesis.Online video resources have increasingly become a common way to effectively share scientific research ideas and engage viewers at many levels of interest or expertise. While synthetic biology is a comparatively young field, it has accumulated online videos across a spectrum of content and technical depth. Such video content can be used to introduce viewers to synthetic biology, supplement college course content, teach new lab skills and entertain. Here, we compile online videos concerning synthetic biology into public YouTube playlists tailored for six different, though potentially overlapping, audiences those wanting an introduction to synthetic biology, those wanting to get quick overviews of specific topics within synthetic biology, those wanting teaching or public lectures, those wanting more technical research lectures, those wanting to learn lab protocols and those interested in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.

To determine the effect of povidone iodine (PI), an antiseptic commonly used prior to ocular surgery, on viability of mixed populations of conjunctival stratified squamous and goblet cells, purified conjunctival goblet cells and purified conjunctival stromal fibroblasts in primary culture.

Mixed population of epithelial cells (stratified squamous and goblet cells), goblet cells and fibroblasts were grown in culture from pieces of human conjunctiva using either supplemented DMEM/F12 or RPMI. #link# Cell type was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Cells were treated for 5 min with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); 0.25%, 2.5%, 5% or 10% PI in PBS; or a positive control of 30% H

O

. Cell viability was determined using Alamar Blue fluorescence and a live/dead kit using calcein/AM and ethidium homodimer-1 (EH-1).

Mixed populations of epithelial cells, goblet cells and fibroblasts were characterised by immunofluorescence microscopy. As determined with Alamar Blue fluorescence, all concentrations of PI significantly decreased the number of cells from all three preparation types compared with PBS. As determined by calcein/EH-1 viability test, mixed populations of cells and fibroblasts were less sensitive to PI treatment than goblet cells. All concentrations of PI, except for 0.25% used with goblet cells, substantially increased the number of dead cells for all cell populations. The H

O

control also significantly decreased the number and viability of all three types of cells in both tests.

We conclude that PI, which is commonly used prior to ocular surgeries, is detrimental to human conjunctival stratified squamous cells, goblet cells and fibroblasts in culture.

We conclude that PI, which is commonly used prior to ocular surgeries, is detrimental to human conjunctival stratified squamous cells, goblet cells and fibroblasts in culture.

Metabolism antagonist are offering a transition-to-intern-year course to better prepare graduates for residency. Sessions where students simulate receiving cross-cover calls are frequently included and highly rated. However, simulated sessions are often resource intensive and therefore challenging to implement in all schools. We developed a case-based exercise to address this need.

In 2009, our school implemented a required course focused on the transition-to-intern year, including a common overnight calls (COC) module. Students rotated through different stations in small groups which were each led by a facilitator. Topics have evolved in response to feedback, and current topics included altered mental status, chest pain, and other frequent calls.

Over 1,000 students have participated in the module. The students consistently reported that they perceived themselves to be more prepared for internship. Between 2009 and 2016, the mean rating of “the COC module helped prepare me for internship” was 6.29 on a 7-point Likert scale (1 =

and 7 =

). The 2017 data are limited. In 2018 and 2019, students continued to feel more prepared for their intern year, 4.72 in 2018 and 4.71 in 2019 on a 5-point Likert scale (1 =

and 5 =

). The students perceived the COC format as effective.

Small-group case-based classroom simulations are an effective way to improve students’ perceived preparedness for responding to common overnight calls during intern year.

Small-group case-based classroom simulations are an effective way to improve students’ perceived preparedness for responding to common overnight calls during intern year.

Given the substantial variability in endoscopy teaching that gastroenterology fellows can be expected to encounter over the course of their fellowship, it is important to identify a standard set of behaviors that faculty can adopt to help trainees gain competence in endoscopy at an efficient rate. There remains a scarcity of easily distributed, effective tools for faculty development in regard to teaching endoscopy.

Based on a prior qualitative study, we developed a three-part trigger video to be used for discussion during a faculty development session. We utilized three role-play scenarios between a fellow and supervisor managing a gastrointestinal bleed in the endoscopy suite. We summarized the implementation and instructions in a faculty guide. We used a postsession survey to measure effectiveness of the faculty development session.

This workshop has been successfully administered twice in 2018 with over 30 gastroenterologists and hepatologists involved in endoscopic teaching. Overall, all faculty have found the workshop useful in learning about endoscopic teaching behaviors and helpful in adjusting their own behaviors in endoscopic teaching.