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Month: February 2022

Tomsk researchers prove drug safety for ultraprecise diagnostics of breast cancer

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

The Саnсеr Rеsеаrсh Institute of Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences has completed phase I of clinical trials of radiopharmaceutical containing technetium-99 (99Tc).

This drug most accurately identifies specific breast cancer that is sensitive only to certain types of treatment. The drug was developed by researchers of the TPU Oncotheranostics Research Center jointly with doctors of the Саnсеr Rеsеаrсh Institute. Phase I of the conducted clinical trials proved drug safety.

The upcoming phases of the clinical trials and studies will also be supported by the Priority 2030 program won by the university.

The drug is unique due to its structure. It contains scaffold protein and an isotope of 99Tc. The protein detects cancer cells and the isotope illuminates the precise location of diseased cells. The main works on drug development were conducted within a TPU mega-grant.

“We have successfully completed phase I out of three phases of clinical trials, in the course of which drug safety to diagnose breast cancer was proved. Moreover, during the trials we detected metastases even there where conventional methods of diagnostics were not able to detect them,” says Olga Bragina, Senior Research Fellow of the Саnсеr Rеsеаrсh Institute.

This drug reduces the time of medical examination of patients from several days to several hours as it detects a neoplasm faster.

“Our goal is to create a line of domestic highly effective drugs both for detection and treatment of cancer and implement them in a real life. The support of Priority 2030 allows us to go further. In particular, we are intending to modify the drug into a treatment drug. To achieve this goal, we will substitute the isotope of 99Tc with rhenium,” notes Mekhman Yusubov, TPU Professor and Head of the Healthcare Engineering Strategic Office.

“If we speak globally, then in nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals, the participation in Priority 2030 will provide us resources in order that we jointly with our partners united in the Healthcare Engineering consortium will be able to conduct an overall complex of biotechnological, pre-clinical and clinical trials of each developed drug. After obtaining a packet of these data and results, we will give technology to the industrial partners for large-scale production. In other words, the research which will be conducted within Priority 2030 will be that research that no one drug producer will be able to complete.”

Scientists demonstrate utility of bilateral tumor model for evaluating anti-cancer T-cell responses

Posted on by Tokyo University of Science

Scientists demonstrate that a bilateral tumor model could be useful to investigate the relationship between T-cell repertoire and the therapeutic effects of cancer immunotherapy.

A temporal analysis of T-cell receptors (TCRs) can be used to track changes in tumor-reactive T-cells of cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. Now, a team of scientists from Japan has confirmed that this investigation may be conducted using their “bilateral tumor model.” In this model, T-cells with specific TCRs are distributed proportionally between the two inoculated tumors, which makes it ideal for examining T-cell-induced anti-cancer responses in tumor biopsies before and after treatment.

T-cell receptors (TCRs), found on the surface of antigen specific T-lymphocytes, are incredibly diverse proteins that are programmed to recognize foreign bodies or “antigens,” and alert T-cells about their presence in our body. Immunological check points generally keep lymphocytes in an “off” state, so that they don’t attack our own cells.

However, if T-cells encounter a foreign body, they “switch on” to identify and destroy it. Sometimes, cancer cells may be able to camouflage themselves to breeze past our check points, thereby avoiding identification and destruction. Immunological check point inhibitors (ICIs) were developed as a solution to this problem. These drugs block our immune check points, allowing T-cells to effectively identify and phagocytose (“eat up” and destroy) cancer cells.

In theory, ICI immune therapy can be effective in enhancing our T-cells’ anti-cancer activity. However, in practice, it exhibits low response rates and severe immune-related side effects in some patients. Hence, identifying which tumors are responsive to ICI therapy is important, and this can be done with a global analysis of receptor sequences, known as the TCR repertoire analysis, which can help predict anti-tumor T-cell responses.
The only roadblock to this? Conventional TCR repertoire analysis requires repeated sampling of blood and tumor tissue from patients and experimental mice, which poses ethical problems for patients and invasive problems for mice.

Therefore, a team of scientists from Japan, led by Associate Professor Satoshi Ueha from Tokyo University of Science, tried to make the TCR repertoire analysis in mice feasible. In their new study, which was published online in Frontiers in Immunology on 25th October 2021, the team demonstrated that an bilateral tumor model can be used to examine the TCR repertoire, using one side of the tumor as a biopsy sample. The team also included Professor Kouji Matsushima and Mr. Mikiya Tsunoda from Tokyo University of Science, and Mr. Hiroyasu Aoki from The University of Tokyo.

Using samples from 8-week-old mice with induced bilateral tumors on the left and right sides of their bodies, the scientists isolated the tumors and draining lymph nodes (dLNs) and examined their T-cell population and repertoire, using techniques such as cell sorting and “next-generation sequencing.”

They were amazed to find that the T-cell profiles of both tumors (left and right) were almost identical, with strikingly similar T-cell clonal abundance (the proportions of different subtypes of T-cells) and repertoire, which indicate a similar anti-tumor response in a single mouse. “This proves that the T cell responses on one side reflects those on the other side in our bilateral tumor model”, Dr. Ueha mentions, motivated by the findings.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the T-cell repertoires of separate mice differed dramatically, and the variance between two tumors and within a single tumor was identical. Dr. Ueha and his colleagues speculated that the T-cells from the dLNs infiltrate both tumors after their distribution via blood circulation. “This was important to investigate since the anticancer immune responses in clinical studies are studied longitudinally using biopsies from the same tumor, but our model uses two different tumors”, Prof. Matsushima explains.

To test their hypothesis, the team examined the T-cell population in the two dLNs and their corresponding tumors, each on the left and right side, and found that the overlaps between dLNs and the tumor were seemingly high, but that between two dLNs was poor. “In clinical practice, cancers often invade or metastasize to multiple sites, and our results suggest that even independent tumors may have similar immune responses occurring at the tumor site,” Dr. Ueha suggests.

When asked about their future research plans, Dr. Ueha says, “We have plans to combine the single-cell TCR repertoire analysis and bilateral tumor model to understand the fate and immunological significance of T-cells with various tumor-reactivity in response to cancer immunotherapy. Our model would be applicable to other tumor models since the conserved TCR repertoire appears to be based on a mechanism that is conserved across individuals and species.

The group assumes that TCRs, like unique barcodes, can be read by high-throughput sequencing to develop “biomarkers” for tumor-specific immune responses, and optimize ICI-based immunotherapy. “The TCR repertoire analysis using our bilateral mouse model is expected to contribute to the development of new cancer immunotherapies for quantitative analysis of tumor-specific T cell responses,” Dr. Ueha concludes.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.744381

St Petersburg University’s Pirogov Clinic doctors save lives of patients with rare vascular pathologies

Posted on by Alina Perevizintsova

Surgeons at St Petersburg University’s Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies have carried out yet another complex operation on the aorta – the largest blood vessel in the human circulatory system.

Because of the size and length of what is the main artery in the body, such operations are classified as highly complex, high-risk surgery, but they are often the only way to save a patient. The primary indication for such an operation is an aneurysm of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch – a vascular distension of more than twofold – or its dissection.

These malformations are very rare – they are encountered in no more than 15 people out of 100,000, but they are very dangerous. In such cases, a sharp rise in blood pressure or overly strenuous exercise can be fatal.

In order to perform aortic surgery, doctors at the University Clinic bring cardiac function and circulation of the blood throughout the body to a full stop. This manipulation is called circulatory arrest. They then cool the patient’s body down to a deep hypothermia, ranging from 18-24 ⁰С, and they constantly provide blood supply to the brain and make sure that it is getting enough oxygen. Only after they have completed the main stage of this surgery do they reactivate the circulation of blood and the functioning of the heart.

A whole team of doctors works with a patient at all stages of diagnosis and treatment: cardiovascular surgeons, X-ray endovascular surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthesiologists and critical care physicians, perfusionists, specialists in functional and diagnostic radiology, and pathomorphologists.

‘Each of them has several hundred successful operations and diagnostic procedures behind them,’ commented cardiovascular surgeon Dmitrii Shmatov, who is the head of the Centre for Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology.

‘What’s more, our treatment methods are continually being improved through regular advanced training of clinicians and exchange of experience with world-class specialists.’

Aortic surgery has been performed at the Centre for Cardiac Surgery and Interventional Cardiology at St Petersburg University’s Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies since 2015. In the past six years, more than 100 thoracic aorta operations have been carried out with zero mortality, and, with each passing year, they have grown in number and complexity.

Depending on the extent of changes to the aorta and its branches, clinicians develop several treatment strategies and draw up a basic pre-operation plan.

‘Our doctors need to take a host of factors into account: the age and clinical condition of the patient, the presence of serious concomitant pathologies, and the degree of changes to the aorta and heart, the blood vessels in the head, arms and legs, and also other internal organs. Whenever possible, surgeons try to preserve the natural anatomy of the heart, but not to the detriment of the operation they are performing,’ noted Dmitrii Shmatov.

Aortic surgery can be performed free of charge at the St Petersburg University Clinic on any citizen of the Russian Federation in keeping with the federal quotas for high-technology medical care.

HKBU research reveals bisphenol S exposure may increase cancer risk

Posted on by HKBUCPRO

A study led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has revealed that different degrees of exposure to bisphenol S (BPS), an industrial chemical widely used in paper products and plastic containers, are associated with the growth and deterioration of breast tumours in a mouse model. The research results suggest the need for more in-depth and comprehensive research on the potential negative impact of BPS on human health, and the ongoing search for a safer alternative for use in industrial production may be warranted.

Apart from the HKBU scientists, the research team also included researchers from the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Xi’an Jiaotong University. The research results have been published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, an international scientific journal.

Association between BPS and breast cancer under-researched
In the past, bisphenol A (BPA) was widely used in the production of a diverse range of products, such as baby bottles, food and beverage containers, and the thermal paper used for printing receipts. As previous research has shown an association between BPA exposure and human endocrine system disruption, metabolic disease and an increased risk of breast cancer in recent years, scientists have looked for alternatives to BPA, and BPS has been used as one of the substitutes. Despite reports on the adverse effects of BPS on human health, its impact on tumour progression and how it disrupts the relevant metabolic processes in breast cancer remain poorly understood.

A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, carried out several experiments to explore how BPS exposure at environmentally relevant levels affects the development of breast tumours, including the tumour’s morphological characteristics as well as lipid and protein distribution, with the aid of mass spectrometry imaging technology.

BPS exposure increases tumour volume and weight

The research team conducted experiments on three groups of mice model that had been transplanted with human breast cancer cells. In the first dosing group (BPS-10 group), the mice were fed daily with a lower dosage of 10 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight for eight weeks. In the second group (BPS-100 group), the mice were fed with a higher dosage of 100 micrograms of BPS per kilogram of body weight. The mice in the control group were fed olive oil.

Tumour proliferation in the mice was then investigated, and the team used morphological analysis to study the breast tumour tissue. In general, increases in tumour volume and weight represent proliferation of tumour tissues. When a tumour further develops, the condition of its necrotic region and its peripheral tissues will change. However, the volume and weight of the tumour may reduce as a result of changes in the conditions of the tissues.

After the eight-week experiment, the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-10 group were 13 times and 11 times higher than that of the control group respectively, and the average volume and weight of the tumours in the BPS-100 group were 4 times and 4.5 times higher than that of the control group respectively. Therefore, the results show that exposure to BPS was closely related to the proliferation and deterioration of breast tumours.

Different dosages associated with tumour proliferation and deterioration

The research team analysed the necrotic region and neoplastic region of the breast tumours in the three groups of mice. The two regions are common pathological features of solid tumours. An increase in the relative proportion of the necrotic region reflects the proliferation of the tumour, while an extended neoplastic region indicates the deterioration of the tumour.

 

In the control group, the status of tumour cells in the necrotic region and the neoplastic region was stable, and the mice from the group showed no significant tumour proliferation and deterioration after the experimental period. However, in the two BPS treated groups, an increase in tumour size was observed along with changes in the arrangement and distribution of tumour cells conducive to tumour proliferation and deterioration.

 

After the experiment, the necrotic regions in the BPS-10 and the BPS-100 groups accounted for 54.7% and 11.5% of the average section area of the tumours respectively. The results indicate that a low dosage of BPS induces faster tumour growth, and a high dosage of BPS may ultimately lead to deterioration of the tumour, as shown by the relatively small average size of the necrotic region and the extended neoplastic tissue in the BPS-100 group.

BPS affects the distribution of tumour-related lipids and proteins

The research team identified six lipid biomarkers that regulate tumour growth. With the analysis of tumour tissues’ morphological characteristics and the use of mass spectrometry imaging, it was found that in the two BPS-exposed groups, these lipids were highly abundant in the necrotic regions of breast tumours when compared with the control group. The team inferred that the metabolism of these tumour-regulating lipids was interrupted in the breast tumours following exposure to BPS.

The team also discovered the distribution of twelve protein biomarkers, including the proteins associated with breast tumour proliferation and deterioration. The results demonstrate the important function of BPS exposure-related lipids and proteins, and future research will further explore their role in breast cancer.

BPS may increase human breast cancer risk

The research team then compared the distribution of lipids and proteins in the BPS-exposed mice groups with those observed in human breast cancer tissue samples, and similar patterns were identified. While not all tumours will become cancerous, based on the benchmark results, the team deduced that exposure to BPS will increase the risk of breast cancer in humans.

“BPA was replaced by the less studied chemical BPS in industrial production. Our research findings show that BPS may potentially be associated with breast tumour proliferation, and further study is deemed necessary to unveil more about the chemical’s possible negative impact on human health. In the long run, industry may need to identify safer substitutes for both BPA and BPS. Policymakers should also establish relevant safety standards and regulations for the use of BPS,” said Professor Cai.

SFU researcher fights drug-resistant tuberculosis with artificial intelligence

Posted on by Editorial Team

Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious killer but Simon Fraser University computing science professor Maxwell Libbrecht is determined to fight it — using artificial intelligence.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when the TB bacterium evolves its ability to fight against the antibiotics meant to cure the patient. This poses an increasing challenge for healthcare practitioners. The WHO estimates that by 2050, TB will be responsible for more than 25 per cent of the 10 million annual deaths from drug-resistant infections. And while recent efforts to improve access and adherence to TB treatment have shown some promise, drug resistance could thwart these efforts by limiting the pool of effective treatment options.

The project will combine the researchers’ expertise in infectious disease, machine learning, and genomics to create a new, artificial intelligence platform for understanding and predicting drug resistance in TB. To do this, the team will develop a new computer algorithm that, when given information about the genomics of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB bacteria, will learn from the data and make predictions about new samples of the bacteria based on their genetic traits alone.

Libbrecht and his research collaborators are combining their expertise in infectious disease, machine learning and genomics to create an artificial intelligence platform for understanding and predicting drug resistance in TB. To do this, the team is developing a computer algorithm that, when given information about the genomics of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB bacteria, will learn from the data and make predictions about new samples of the bacteria based on their genetic traits alone.

Investigating the genomic mechanisms of TB

“We have a lot of information about the human genome, however we do not have the same depth of information about bacteria. We do not necessarily know what gene or gene combination is getting mutated that is granting the TB its resistance. This study may help us better understand these mechanisms,” says Libbrecht.

And, just as the bacteria will continue to evolve over time, so too will the predictions made by the computer algorithm as it learns from new data given to it. New data sets with the genomes of drug-resistant and drug-sensitive TB and other bacteria provided by researchers from the Harvard Medical School and University College London, among others, will advance the algorithm, improve its reliability, and inform the predictions it makes.

It is an important example of applying the latest in artificial intelligence to a pressing public health challenge.

The study could also have important implications for other types of drug-resistant infections such as malaria, gonorrhea, and diarrheal diseases such as Clostridium difficile (also known as C. diff).

TPU to lead on proficiency enhancement for decommissioning of nuclear reactors

Posted on by Tomsk Polytechnic University

Tomsk Polytechnic University will become a coordinator of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite, an international project uniting universities and enterprises of the nuclear industry of Russia and some European countries. This project will allow using an operating university reactor, which is considered to be a TPU unique research site, to train world-class professionals in the area of radioactive waste management and decommissioning of old nuclear reactors.

“For over 70 years, Tomsk Polytechnic University has been training highly-qualified professionals for the nuclear industry since 1950 when the TPU Physics and Engineering Institute was set up. During this period, TPU has become an anchor university of the Rosatom State Corporation, a leading Russian and global center in radiation physics, engineering and technology. Moreover, there is the only one in Russia operating university nuclear research reactor at TPU, which conducts not only advanced fundamental and applied research to create new materials and technology in energy engineering, nuclear medicine, but also gives an opportunity to TPU students, including international ones complete training. There is a pool of international nuclear educational programs at the university to train staff for the Rosatom projects in some overseas countries, such as Egypt, Ghana, Bolivia, Tanzania and others.

Accumulated educational and research experience allows TPU not only to be satisfied with what has already been achieved but also shares knowledge and opportunities of the facilities with partners to jointly make a contribution to developing the industry,”

says Dmitry Sednev, TPU Acting Rector.

The European Nuclear Energy Agency (ENEA) and the Rosatom State Corporation took the initiative in the project. It has united Tomsk Polytechnic University, Lomonosov Moscow State University, National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Rosatom, the Intra-University Consortium for Nuclear Technology Research (Italy), the Sogin Italian state corporation, which is in charge of decommissioning Italian nuclear reactors and radioactive waste management. Besides, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Électricité de France S.A. (EDF), the French largest energy generating company and largest in the world operator company of nuclear power plants and University of Cologne (Germany) are intending to join the project.

According to the project organizers, many countries are facing a challenging and large-scale task related to decommissioning of nuclear facilities. At the same moment, the industry is struggling with the development of practical expertise of staff involved in this area. It applies to both students of master’s, PhD degrees and young engineers, researchers who already started to work in the industry. A response to this challenge can become an arrangement of the practice-oriented training based on the TPU Nuclear Research Reactor. A training program will include a theoretical course and practicals for attendees, including those from European countries.

“This is a unique project, which unites the universities and the industry, as well as offers a new educational model to train young professionals. This is crucial as at the moment, the industry is frequently not so much involved in the educational process remaining this task to universities.

After graduation, companies recruiting young professionals take all responsibility for them. The universities and the industry jointly will take all duties to train students and already recruited young professionals in practice at the operating nuclear facilities. This task is directly aligned with New Engineering Education, one of the strategic areas of the TPU development within the Priority 2030 program,” adds Dmitry Sednev.

Vera Verkhoturova, Head of International Nuclear Education Programs and Deputy Director the TPU School of Nuclear Science and Engineering, told about the experience of cooperation development between the universities to provide the world-class practice-oriented engineering education based on the case of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite at the plenary session of Modes of International Cooperation to Promote Engineering Education and Development of Career in Nuclear Industry within the High-Tech for Sustainable Development theme week by Rosatom at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The attendees of NEST Radioactive Waste Management of I-graphite will study some key problems of radioactive waste management, which include, for instance, qualification of the decommissioning process, processing and conditioning of i-graphite, characteristics of graphite and shallow ground disposal of radioactive waste.

Leading PEI LSBF Singapore extends offer and launches platform LSBFx

Posted on by Global University Systems

The London School of Business and Finance in Singapore (LSBF Singapore) is happy to announce the launch of LSBFx.com, its new online learning platform for students and professionals anywhere around the world.

LSBFx.com allows learners from across the globe to upskill themselves and have access to professional programmes at their fingertips. The platform provides information on each programme including what it outlines and who it is for as well as the learning outcome. Learners have also an option to choose programmes that are delivered live online or access the pre-recorded, on-demand courses.

The platform features an easy-access interface offering a convenient enrolling process from browsing to checkout. Users can see programme details, their duration, and lecturer profiles as well as enrolling directly on the website. Additionally, students are also given the opportunity to ask questions directly via the LSBF WhatsApp channel.

LSBFx.com provides professional courses in accountancy and nano certificates in law, management, IT, language, executive education and communication. The platform also features student testimonials and reviews to aid the decision-making process.

As an introductory offer, LSBF offers learners complimentary courses as well as an 10% discount on programmes on the LSBFx platform.

Commenting on the launch, Rathakrishnan Govind, CEO of LSBF Global, says: “At LSBF Singapore, we understand the fast-changing and challenging professional world and the importance to continuously develop a relevant skillset. We are delighted to extend our offer with LSBFx and make high-quality education as accessible as possible.”

A better black hole laser may prove a circuitous ‘Theory of Everything’

Posted on by Hiroshima University

The fundamental forces of physics govern the matter comprising the Universe, yet exactly how these forces work together is still not fully understood. The existence of Hawking radiation — the particle emission from near black holes — indicates that general relativity and quantum mechanics must cooperate. But directly observing Hawking radiation from a black hole is nearly impossible. So how can researchers study it to better understand how the forces integrate into a “Theory of Everything”?

According to Hiroshima University doctoral student Haruna Katayama, since researchers cannot go to the Hawking radiation, it must be brought to them. She proposed a quantum circuit that acts as a black hole laser using an analogue black hole and a white hole as a resonator to amplify weak Hawking radiation. The proposal was published in Scientific Reports.

“In the proposed circuit, the metamaterial element makes it possible for Hawking radiation to travel back and forth between horizons, and the Josephson effect plays an important role in amplifying Hawking radiation through the mode conversion at the horizons, mimicking the behavior between the black and white holes,” Katayama said.

The proposed laser also provides a future light source for quantum information technology.

Alcohol-free medical antiseptic and moisturizing spray

Posted on by Chulalongkorn University

Chula researchers recently launched a fast-acting, alcohol-free disinfectant for viruses and bacteria that is gentle on the hands. Nationally patented, the innovation was selected as a souvenir for the Thailand Research Expo 2021.

Frequently applying alcohol spray or gel helps reduce your chance of contracting the COVID-19 virus but at the cost of dry and itchy hands. This was the problem that Assistant Professor Dr. Rojrit Rojanathanes, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University determined to solve, and succeeded in developing “Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray” that can kill the COVID-19 virus, and bacteria within one minute.

“As a replacement for alcohol spray, we invented this product that has no side effects, is non-irritating, and non-flammable. More importantly, it is cheaper than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit.

With this special feature, the innovative Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray were selected as a souvenir at the Thailand Research Expo 2021 at Centara Grand Hotel, and Central World’s Bangkok Convention Center, Bangkok, November 22-26, 2021.

Assistant Professor Amornpun Sereemaspun, M.D., Head of the Nanomedicine Research Unit and Director of the Chula Medical Innovation Center (CMIC) who proposed the alcohol-free disinfectant idea to Asst Prof.Dr.Rojrit to develop it into a product added that “healthcare workers and the general public need to use disinfectant products several times daily. This irritates the skin making it very dry, and even develops open wounds. So, we think non-alcohol disinfectant is much needed.”

Medical Antiseptic and Moisturizing Spray, a new all-over-body solution
This antiseptic product is nothing new. It is a combination of existing items to create a new product that is more effective and affordable.

“We use a substance whose membrane has positively charged ions to destroy the cell membrane of the coronavirus. A certain compound is also added to the solution to inhibit the enzyme activity of the virus, enhancing the efficacy of the spray,” Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit explained while adding that the various compounds used in the product are certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for their ability to kill various microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and are harmless to users.

Another outstanding feature of the product apart from killing pathogens is its moisturizing property.

“The alcohol used for disinfection is highly concentrated, and may cause irritation to the user’s skin and it is flammable. We, therefore, invented a water-based disinfectant as a substitute. Apart from its non-irritating quality, it is also not as volatile as alcohol, so the solution can stay on the skin for a long time. It also sticks to the face mask or clothing when sprayed, and remains effective longer than alcohol,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Rojrit. “The product comes in spray form that can be used on the body where moisturization and disinfectant are needed. There is no need to rinse and it can be reapplied every four hours, but avoid eye, mouth, and nasal cavity areas. The spray can be stored for up to two years.”

At present, the product is registered as a national patent and is in the process of technology transfer to SCG Chemicals Co., Ltd. for distribution. The technology is also open to any entrepreneurs who are interested in commercializing the product.

Yessenov University’s English Philology Department partners with US Embassy

Posted on by maral.zhakypbekova

As a part of continuous professional development, English language teachers of the Department of English Philology, Yessenov University have taken three stages of the advanced training course “Pedagogical University Development Project” from the US Embassy in Kazakhstan and RELO Office.

Phase I was about digital tools used in FLT Classroom. English teachers had great opportunity to learn about useful tools to use in their online classes which was actual previous years.

Phase II was the Curriculum Development stage. Participants have chosen two courses to create a curriculum: English Language A2 and Methodology of FLT. During this course, teachers developed a full curriculum for these two courses.

Phase III was Curriculum Revision Stage and additional teacher workshops with different topics related to FLT. This stage of the course lasts two months, which allows teachers not only to obtain the necessary information, but also to delve into the practical application of the acquired skills.

The course sessions are interactive and include relevant topics that will allow teachers to improve the learning process, introduce modern language teaching technologies, integrate them with related disciplines, as well as improve the use of digital technologies aimed at in-depth study of the English language by students (future teachers and translators).