Conferences, and webinars attendance 2023

Prize winners

54th Faculty Forum, University of the Free State, 24 – 25 August 2023

Winner laboratory papers: Best in the Senior category: Dr P Maass.

Title: Skeletal profiling: introducing the Free State collection for anthropological research.

Student Faculty of Health Sciences Faculty Forum, University of the Free State, 22-24 August 2023

MSSM student research project: First place School of Clinical Medicine; 2^nd place Overall FoHS.

Title: Burnout and mindful self-care in undergraduate nursing students at the University of the Free State”

A. Els, M. Grové, C. Kruger, J. Le Roux, J. Steyl, E. Van Der Spuy, N. van Tonder

Supervisor: A. Mostert

Attendance of congresses/courses and papers presented (Papers and poster presentations)

54^rd Faculty Forum, University of the Free State, 24 – 25 August 2023

Title: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF TENOFOVIR IN HEPG2 HUMAN LIVER. Presenter: S Vazi (paper); Authors: S Vazi, S van Zyl, R Vorster-de Wet and C Tiloke

Title: CHRONIC DISEASES OF LIFESTYLE: A RISK ASSESSMENT AND HEALTH PROMOTION FRAMEWORK FOR A RURAL AND URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SETTING IN THE FREE

STATE PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA Presenter: S van Zyl (poster); Authors: S van Zyl, WH Kruger and CM Walsh

Title: EFFECT OF RECEIVING MOBILE TEXT MESSAGES ON CORTISOL CONCENTRATIONS IN

STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE. Presenter: R Vorster-de Wet (poster); Authors: R Vorster-de Wet, AM Gerber and JE Raubenheimer

Title: THE ANTIPROLIFERATIVE EFFECT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT IN

MCF-7 BREAST CANCER CELLS Presenter: MM Moremane (poster); Authors: MM Moremane, BA Abrahams and C Tiloke

Title: THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF MORINGA OLEIFERA AGAINST ANTIRETROVIRAL INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY IN HEPG2 CELLS. Presenter: M Saki (paper); Authors: M Saki, H De Villiers, C Ntsapi and C Tiloke

Title: SKELETAL PROFILING: INTRODUCING THE FREE STATE COLLECTION FOR ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESEARCH. Presenter: P Maass (paper) Authors: P Maass

Title: ASSESSING CRANIOFACIAL SYMMETRY IN A FREE STATE POPULATION

Presenter: E Anirudh (Paper); Authors: D van der Merwe, E Anirudh and P Maass

Title: A PROFILE OF SKELETAL LESIONS THAT ARE ASSOCIATED WITH TUBERCULOSIS IN SOUTH AFRICA. Presenter: R Masiu (Paper); Authors: R Masiu, D Botha and M Steyn

Title: AUTOPHAGY ACTIVITY IN A IN VIVO BRAIN INJURY MODEL: EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF INTERMITTENT FASTING. Presenter: C Ntsapi (Paper); Authors: C Ntsapi and B Loos Authors: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, UFS

11^th Annual Free State Provincial Health Research Day, 23 November 2023.

Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle: a risk assessment and health promotion framework for a rural and urban primary health care setting in the Free State Province, South Africa. Presenter: S van Zyl (Paper); Authors: S van Zyl, WH Kruger, CM Walsh

2nd International conference on Pharmaceutics and Novel Drug Delivery Systems, Rome in Italy, September 21-22, 2023

Title: Niazimicin and its phytonanoparticle modulate Caspase-9 splice variants, IAP’s and NFκB signalling in lung cancer cells Presenter: C Tiloke (invited speaker); Authors: C Tiloke, K Anand, RM Gengan, AA Chuturgoon

European association of cancer research congress 2023, Torino, Italy 12-15 June 2023

Title: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor and Doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation and drug efflux in MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 cells in vitro." Presenter: B Abrahams (paper); Authors: B Abrahams and DC Hiss

International conference for future teaching and education (ICFTE), Vienna, Austria, 16-18 June 2023. Presenter: Rone Vorster De Wet (highlighted speaker)

Women in Autophagy Beth Levine’s Legacy Network 4^th Annual Symposium Webinar, October 26-27, 27 October 2023. Title: Regulation of autophagy and cellular energetics. Presenter: C Ntsapi (invited panellist)

South African Education Research Association (SAERA) conference, 31 October 2023, East London. Presenter: Rone Vorster (paper)

4th World Anatomy Day Online Symposium. 13 October 2023. Virtual symposium hosted by the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA)

Title: Morphology and branching pattern of the internal iliac artery in a Free State male cadaveric sample. Presenter: Nkoi, M.J. (paper); Authors: Nkoi, M.J., Maass, P. and Govender, S.

Title: A profile of skeletal lesions that are associated with tuberculosis in South Africa. Presenter: Masiu R (paper).

SAAHE Conference, Nelson Mandela University, 19-21 June 2023.

Title: Gender differences in quality of life among first-year medical students. Presenter (paper): A Mostert; Authors: A Mostert; MP Jama, G Joubert, LJ van der Merwe

International Symposium on Morphological Sciences (ISMS XXVIII). 5-8 August 2023. Attended: R Masiu

Society for Advanced Cell Culture Modelling in Africa, SACCMA 2^nd conference, Potchefstroom, 9-11 October 2023. Attended: B Abrahams attended in the capacity of vice-chairperson of the society.

Virtual Webinar. Digitalization & Education ‘’Current & Emerging Technology in Education. 19-20 October 2023. Attended: R Masiu

Bone Pathology and Paleopathology Workshop, 18-20 April 2023. Attended: R Masiu

13th Annual Brip Symposium, 16 - 17 October 2023. Attendance: Dr C Ntsapi (Session Chair)

Conferences, and webinars attendance 2022

Prize winners

Runner-up, Junior Educational Paper at the Faculty Forum. Does residing on- or off-campus make a difference to first-year health sciences students' quality of life? Arnelle Mostert, MP Jama; G Joubert and LJ van der Merwe

Presenters:

53^rd Faculty Forum, University of the Free State, 25 – 26 August 2022

Title: Does residing on-or off-campus make a difference to first-year health sciences students’ quality of life. Authors: Dr A Mostert, Prof MP Jama, G Joubert, LJ van der Merwe (paper)

Title: Perceived barriers and challenges to the implementation of Chronic Diseases of Lifestyle programs experienced by patients and primary health care teams in primary health care settings in South Africa. Authors: Dr S van Zyl, Prof W Kruger and C M Walsh (paper)

Title: An anatomical perspective of the histological prevalence of intracranial meningiomas within a select South African population Authors: EE Anirudh, R Harrichandparsad and L Lazarus (paper)

Title: Student self-efficacy in the teaching and learning environment of undergraduate natural sciences. Authors: PC de Wet; LJ Van der Merwe and L Nel (paper)

Title: The effects of nutrient deprivation on macroautophagic flux in an in vitro model of Alzheimer's disease. Authors: C Ntsapi, B Loos (paper)

34^th EORTC/AACR/NCI symposium, Barcelona, Spain, 26-28 October 2022

Title: Combination treatment with egfr inhibitors and doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of mda-mb 231 breast cancer cells. Presenter: Dr B Abrahams (poster)

10^th Annual Free State Provincial Health Research Day, 17 November 2022

Title: Chronic diseases of lifestyle programme implementation in South African primary health care settings: perceived barriers and challenges experienced by patients and primary health teams. Presenter: Dr S van Zyl (paper)

49^th annual Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) virtual symposium, 19-21 April 2022.

Title: The association between skeletal lesions and tuberculosis in a pre-antibiotic South African sample. Presenter: R Masiu (poster)

The Africa Microscopy Initiative Symposium. Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 20 October 2022

Title: Virtual Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (CLEM) of amyloid precursor protein (APP) localization in response to APP overexpression over time. Presenter: Dr C Ntsapi (paper)

3^rd Annual Symposium Webinar. 14-15 November 2022.

Chaperone-mediated autophagy modulates regulatory T-cell differentiation and function. Women in Autophagy. Beth Levine Legacy Network. Presenter: Dr C Ntsapi (paper)

6th World Conference of Qualitative research on 27 January 2022. Dr PC de Wet (paper)

Attendees:

McGraw-Hill Virtual Symposium. Innovative Medical Education in the Digital Era: Virtual Symposium. 8 February 2022.

Dr S van Zyl, Dr A Mostert, Dr R Vorster

Cengage Conference, Cengage event “Empowered Educator Conference” , 5-6 April 2022.

Dr A Mostert

SAAHE (Southern African Association for Health Educationalists) “The Reality of Virtual Reality in Health Professions Education: The Endless Possibilities”, 8 February 2022

Dr A Mostert

1^st Society of advance cell culture models of Africa (SACCMA) conference, October 2022.

Dr B Abrahams

6th World Qualitative Conference Jan 2022 (Online) and 6^th World Conference of Qualitative research. Higher Education Learning Management (HELM) summit 16-17 November 2022.

Dr R de Wet

AMEE conference, 27 – 31 August 2022.

Dr S van Zyl

UFS Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, UFS, 13-14 September 2022.

Dr S van Zyl, Dr R de Wet, Dr. A Mostert, S Singh.

Faculty Forum, University of the Free State, 25 – 26 August 2022.

Dr S van Zyl, Dr C Tiloke (online), Dr R de Wet, Dr A Mostert, Dr C Ntsapi, G van Zyl, EE Anirudh, Z Mvelase.

10^th Annual Free State Provincial Health Research Day, 17 November 2022.

Dr S van Zyl, Dr S Gordon

49^th Annual Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) virtual symposium, 19-21 April 2022.

R Masiu, S Singh, Dr S van Zyl, Dr P Maass, Dr A Mostert, A Kalicharan

ASSA world anatomy day symposium, 13 October 2022.

S Singh, Dr A Mostert, A Kalicharan, R Masiu, Dr S van Zyl, Dr P Maass.

49^th Physiology Society of Southern Africa (PSSA) Conference. A New Beginning: Research after COVID. 4-9 September 2022.

Dr. C Ntsapi:

Conferences, and webinars attendance 2021

PAPERS AND POSTER PRESENTATIONS

48^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa:

Several staff members attended the 48^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa virtual conference from the 19 – 21 April 2021. Dr Petra Maass presented research results: Title “Leading from the Front: Sex & Ancestry Variation of the Frontal Bone in a South African Cadaveric Sample” at the conference.

SAAHE conference:

Dr Arnelle Mostert, Dr Rone De Wet and Dr Sanet van Zyl presented research at the SAAHE conference, 21 – 25 of June 2021

Cardio-oncology and Anesthesiology joint symposium:

Dr Yogeshni Govender presented research results at the symposium that took place on the 26^th of May 2021.

Faculty of Health Sciences annual Faculty Research Forum on the 25 – 27 August 2021:

Best poster in the Senior category: Educational posters

LJ van der Merwe, S van Zyl, G Joubert

School of Clinical Medicine, Basic Medical Sciences, Biostatistics

Title of presentation: How did academic staff experience online learning in the MBChB programme during covid-19 lockdown in 2020?

Research topics presented at the Faculty Research Forum:

Beynon Abrahams: Combination treatment of Tyrosine kinase inhibitor EGFRi and Doxorubicin synergistically inhibits proliferation of MDA-MB 231 cells

Tshegofatso Ramphaleng: Clinal variation of population in the Raymond Dart life and death mask collection

Rone Vorster de Wet: Guidelines for student self-efficacy in the teaching and learning environment of

undergraduate natural sciences

Sanet Van Zyl: Medical students’ perceptions of the chronic diseases of lifestyle curriculum and related experiences in primary health care settings in central South Africa

Dr Petra Maass served as session chair during the main forum, and as chairperson for the associated student forum.

The African Association of Physiological Sciences (AAPS) and the Physiological Society of Southern Africa (PSSA) 2021 virtual congress 2021, 12- 15 September 2021. Theme: “Bridging the gap between science and policy practice”

The following research results were presented at the congress:

Dr Rone Vorster-de Wet: Guidelines for student self-efficacy in the teaching and learning environment of undergraduate natural sciences

Faith Moichela: Moringa oleifera (MO) antioxidants induce in vitro reductive state which inhibits sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in normozoospermic donors

The following staff members acted as chairs/adjudicators at the African Association of Physiological Sciences (AAPS) and the Physiological Society of Southern Africa (PSSA) 2021virtual congress 2021, 12- 15 September 2021.

Chairperson: Sanet van Zyl, Session: Johny vd Walt Poster Competition;

Adjudicators: Dr Rone Vorster-de Wet and Dr Charlette Tiloke

Dr Rone Vorster-de Wet attended the PSSA (CARMA) virtual quarterly symposium on “Student mental health”.

SAERA conference 2021

Dr Roné De Wet presented research results at the conference. Title: Guidelines for student self-efficacy in the teaching and learning environment of undergraduate natural sciences, 11-12 November 2021.

Taking a Breath: Reflecting on Respiratory Disease in Bioarchaeology Online Symposium and “(Un)natural Lives Bioarchaeology of Urbanization Research Group (BURG) 2021 Conference and 9th Face Science Symposium

Dr Petra Maass attended the “Taking a Breath: Reflecting on Respiratory Disease in Bioarchaeology Online Symposium” on 7-8 June 2021, and the “(Un)natural Lives Bioarchaeology of Urbanization Research Group (BURG) 2021 Conference” on 19 – 20 October 2021. Both meetings were presented by the British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology. She also attended the 9th Face Science Symposium (Virtual edition) on 3 November 2021, which was hosted in collaboration with the University of Cape Town, University of Stellenbosch, University of the Western Cape, and the South African Police Service.

Inaugural South African Clinicians Scientist conference

Dr Claudia Ntsapi attended the Inaugural South African Clinicians Scientist conference (transforming healthcare through clinical science conference) on the 25 -16 October 2021 and acted as session chair (sessions 2 and 6).

South African Academy of Science (SAAFS) meetings

Dr Petra Maass, Shivani Govender and the Anatomy honours students attended the following sessions of the South African Academy of Science (SAAFS) meetings:

So You Have To Testify – Now What? Presented by J Jordaan.
An Introduction to Digital Forensics: No Magic Buttons. Presented by S Kuschke.
The Dose Makes the Poison – the Role of Forensic Toxicology in Investigating Drug-Related Impairment & Death. Presented by B Davies.
Crime Scene Reconstruction – Science from Scene to Courtroom. Presented by Dr M Reynolds.
Regulation of the Forensic Science Profession in South Africa. Presented by the board of directors of the South African Academy of Forensic Science.
A Risk-Based Approach to Cognitive Bias in Forensic Science. Presented by A Camilleri.
Autopsy – Life in the Trenches with a Forensic Pathologist in Africa. Presented by Prof R Blumenthal.

Annual UFS Learning and Teaching conference

The following staff members attend the Annual UFS Learning and Teaching conference: Dr Arnelle Mostert, Dr Sanet van Zyl, Dr Carol-Lynn van der Merwe, Dr Simone Gordon, Dr Tshego Ramphaleng, Dr Mada Ferreira, Dr Rone de Wet, Dr Helena de Villiers

Research activities 2019

Recent master’s graduate, Dr Arnelle Mostert, presented research results at the 12th South African Association of Health Educationalists (SAAHE) Conference hosted by the University of the Free State in June 2019 and at the 51st Faculty Research Forum, hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences (UFS)., She was awarded the prize for Best Educational Paper – Junior Category. Dr Sanet van Zyl also presented research results at the Faculty Research Forum. As part of the presentation titled “Multiple risk factors and inflammatory markers for chronic diseases of lifestyle in urban and rural communities in the Free State”, Dr Van Zyl highlighted some of the key findings of her collaborative research with colleagues from the departments of Nutrition and Dietetics and Biostatistics. Dr van Zyl also presented research results at the Free State Research day on the 7th and 8th of November 2019, with the presentation title “Chronic diseases of lifestyle: similarities and differences in the socio-behavioural-metabolic risk profiles of urban and rural communities in the Free State”.

The department was well represented at the 47th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA), hosted in the Pilanesberg. Dr Carina Vorster and Shivani Govender gave an oral presentation on “The potential harmful effects of exposure to embalmed cadavers on first-year medical students at the University of the Free State”, while Tshegofatso Ramphaleng gave an oral presentation on “The face mask collection: the face forms of the living and the dead”.

Research activities 2018

Symposium on “Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutic” 2018

B Abrahams attended the 30th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on “Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutic” from the 13-16th November 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. The symposium is organised by the European organisation for research and treatment of cancer, the National cancer institute (USA) and the American Association of Cancer Research. This event discussed the latest developments in molecular targets and cancer therapeutics. The symposium was attended by many delegates of different fields of expertise (clinical radiologists, pathologist, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, pharmacologist, academics, etc.). Workshop topics included managing immunological toxicities, targeting cancer stem cells, molecular targets in radiation oncology, new targets in metabolism and the tumour microenvironment, and mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies. B Abrahams successfully applied for the Knowledge, Interchange and Collaboration (KIC) travel grant in 2018. He will have the opportunity to work with Dr Kevin Lam in 2019. Dr Lam currently holds a reader position in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Greenwich in the U.K. His research group is currently studying the syntheses of a variety of biologically active molecules with important pharmacological properties. They are particularly interested in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are one of the anticancer compounds that Abrahams is using in his PhD research project.
Dr C Vorster and K Mpolokeng (MSc student) attended the 46th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa 2018, held at Muldersdrift, Gauteng, South Africa from 22 April to 25 April 2018 and presented research results at the conference.

Drs S van Zyl, A Vorster, C Larson attended a Nutrition Symposium, Bloemfontein, South Africa, 21 June 2018. Dr M Ferreira presented GCP workshops in 2018 and was an invited speaker at a CLIC (Clinical Investigator Certification) course, 17 -19 July 2018 in Cape Town.

Research collaboration between UFS and Groningen 2018

Research collaboration between Dr AM Gerber, Mr R Botes, and Prof. E Busken from the Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands on the Quality of Life research project continued in 2018. The collaboration resulted in a co-authored publication in the journal Patient Preference and Adherence in 2018.

Awards, Visits abroad, Symposium and Conference 2018

Dr A Vorster received the award for the Best Senior Clinical Poster Presentation at the Faculty Forum, School of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, August 2018. Dr A Vorster again served as UFS Faculty Adviser for IMPULSE, an undergraduate, international and inter-institutional journal for neuroscience publications. The UFS IMPULSE site is one of 37 peer review sites worldwide that has been established since 2010. Student research manuscripts are submitted and distributed from the Appalachian State University in the US to associate editors and their student reviewers at institutions around the world, who then participate in the peer-reviewing process according to specific guidelines and standards. Twenty-two medical students ranging from second to fifth year students form part of the UFS IMPULSE team.

Ms R Van Zyl was a recipient of the European and South African Partnership on Heritage and Past Erasmus Mundus Programme (AESOP) and visited the Department of Anatomy at the University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland for four weeks in May 2018. She had exposure to techniques and methods used for blended learning and computer based learning, various imaging modalities in Anatomy and exposure to new technical skills (for example the genelyn embalming technique). She also visited the UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, a research facility on the UCD campus. This institute officially opened in 2003 with the aim of promoting interaction between research groups. The CORE technology labs at the Institute are closed isolated laboratories and include genomics, proteomics, imaging, and flow cytometry laboratories. Atomic force microscopy and immunohistochemistry are also performed at the Institute. Gene expression, gene sequencing, and Real-time PCR technology are also available.

Mr B Abrahams attended the 30^thEORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on “Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutic” from the 13-16^th November 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. The symposium is organised by the European organisation for research and treatment of cancer, the National cancer institute (USA) and the American Association of Cancer Research. This event discussed the latest developments in molecular targets and cancer therapeutics. The symposium was attended by many delegates of different fields of expertise (clinical radiologists, pathologist, medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, pharmacologist, academics, etc.). Workshop topics included managing immunological toxicities, targeting cancer stem cells, molecular targets in radiation oncology, new targets in metabolism and the tumour microenvironment, and mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies. Mr B Abrahams successfully applied for the Knowledge, Interchange and Collaboration (KIC) travel grant in 2018. He will have the opportunity to work with Dr Kevin Lam in 2019. Dr Lam currently holds a reader position in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Greenwich in the U.K. His research group is currently studying the syntheses of a variety of biologically active molecules with important pharmacological properties. They are particularly interested in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are one of the anticancer compounds that Mr Abrahams is using in his PhD research project.

Dr C Vorster and Miss K Mpolokeng (MSc student) attended the 46^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa 2018, held at Muldersdrift, Gauteng, South Africa from 22 April to 25 April 2018 and presented research results at the conference.

First conference of Biomedical and Natural Sciences and therapeutics

Dr S van Zyl, Mr B Abrahams, and Miss M du Toit attended the First conference of Biomedical and Natural Sciences and therapeutics. The first Conference of Biomedical and Natural Sciences and Therapeutics (CoBNeST) convened at the Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch from 7-10 October 2018. The conference titled “Interdisciplinary Scientific Excellence” served as a platform for some independent learned societies with shared interests in basic, translational and clinical biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences in South Africa. This includes the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APSSA), Physiology Society of Southern Africa (PSSA), South African Association for Laboratory Animal Science (SAALAS), South African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (SASBCP), Southern African Neurosciences Society (SANS) and Toxicology Society of South Africa (TOXSA). The conference offered an interesting, multi-facetted, well balanced and full programme, presented by highly distinguished international and South African speakers. Mr Abrahams presented research results at the conference.

Photo: Dr AM Gerber recipient of the award for the best presentation at the 2018 International Conference on Education technology Management (ICETM) in Barcelona, Spain.

Beynon Abrahams PSSA-2

Photo: Mr Abrahams presented research results at the 2018 PSSA conference

2018 Faculty Forum

Dr C Vorster and Dr A Vorster presented research results at the 2018 Faculty Forum. Dr Vorster’s presentation was rewarded the prize for the best clinical poster. Title of the presentation: Second- and third-year medical students’ self-reported alcohol- and substance use and smoking habits at a south african medical school. Co-authors: AM Gerber, A Vorster, LJ van der Merwe, S van Zyl.

Various personnel members were involved in research-related activities during 2017

Dr Ntsidi Moopela, Dr Petra Maass, and Dr Carina Vorster attended the 6^th Annual Conference of The African Society of Forensic Medicine held in Bloemfontein, 6-10 March 2017. The conference was themed “Conflict and violence in Africa: the role of forensic medicine and science towards better public health”. Ms Ramphaleng delivered an oral presentation at the conference. The conference was themed “Conflict and violence in Africa: the role of forensic medicine and science towards better public health”. Ms Reinette van Zyl presented research results and Dr S van Zyl attended the 45^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa 2017, Cape Town, South Africa (23-26 May 2017). Dr S van Zyl, Ms R Vorster, Ms M du Toit and Mr B Abrahams attended the 45^th Conference of the Physiology Society of Southern Africa that was held in Pretoria (27-31 August 2017).

LIMSC (Leiden International (Bio-) Medical Student Conference, Leiden, Amsterdam, 15-19 March 2017.

Dr T Gerber attended an International Conference on Education, Teaching and Learning, Dubrovnik (Croatia), 27-30 September 2017. Mr Beynon Abrahams attended the LIMSC (Leiden International (Bio-) Medical Student Conference and a range of daily workshops, Leiden, Amsterdam, 15-19 March 2017.

The conference is known as the largest biennial student conference in the world with close to 800 students attending from across the world. The programme included a number of internationally acclaimed speakers such as Prof Dr Jon van Rood (Chairperson of the Eurotransplant and Europdonor Foundation) and Prof Dr Harry Büller (Chairperson of the Vascular Medicine Working Group). Mr B Abrams also attended the Newton Fund Workshop for nGAP lecturers that was held 6-9 August 2017 in Port Elizabeth.

LIMSC conference attended by Mr Abrahams

44th Annual Conference Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) 8-11 May 2016

ASSA group 2016

ASSA conference group 2016

The Department of Basic Medical Sciences was privileged to host the 44th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA). The Bloemfontein Hotel Spa and Conference Centre served as venue for this event from 8-11 May 2016. A total of 123 national and international delegates attended the conference, had the opportunity to present research results and to exchange ideas and key developments in the field of Anatomy, while enjoying the warm atmosphere among colleagues. This year’s conference theme was ‘Anatomy – Inspiring Life into Learning’. The academic programme stretched over a period of two and a half days and showcased research from which selected papers will be published in the journal, Clinical Anatomy. The scientific programme included forty-nine oral presentations and thirty-three poster presentations. Presentations covered a broad spectrum of interesting topics, including clinical and comparative anatomy, physical and forensic anthropology, cell and molecular biology, histology, embryology and medical education. Forty-one students presented their research to the scientific anatomy community present at the conference, thus providing an excellent opportunity for students to gain experience and interact with colleagues.

Two workshops, a Forensic Anthropology and a Clinical Anatomy workshop formed part of the preconference activities. The theme of the FAIG (Forensic Anthropology Interest Group) workshop was ‘Standard operating procedures in the laboratory’. The guest speaker, Col L Rossouw from the South African Police Services (SAPS), provided valuable insights into the service of the police with regard to victim identification. Prof M Steyn provided useful insights into establishing a forensic anthropology laboratory. Dr Myburgh provided clear-cut and practical guidelines on standard operating procedures in a Forensic Anthropology laboratory, including all the aspects of running such a laboratory. The CAIG (Clinical Anatomy Interest Group) workshop was titled ‘Modern trends in Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology’. The workshop was arranged and chaired by Prof G Lebona, Mrs P Pillay and Dr S van Zyl. Keynote speakers included Prof CS de Vries and Dr SF Otto from the Department of Clinical Imaging Sciences (UFS), and Dr J Basson from the Department of Neurosurgery (UFS). Dr S van Zyl was the Chair of the local organising committee of the 44^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) in 2016. She was also elected as Vice-Chair of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa. Dr D Raubenheimer acted as Vice-Chair of the local organising ASSA committee.

Oral and poster presentations at the ASSA conference 2016

Activities at the ASSA conference 2016

Oral presentations at the ASSA conference 2016

Faculty Research Forum, University of the Free State (Thursday 25 and Friday 26 August 2016)

Senior winner Educational poster

The bare bones: What students really need for learning osteology. Poster presentation: D Raubenheimer, A Nel, A Mostert.

Best Junior Clinical Poster Presentation at Faculty Forum 2016

Alcohol and substance use among nursing students at the University of the Free State Poster presentation: A Vorster.

Other Presentations

Anatomical variations in celiac trunk branching patterns. Oral presentation: R Ebersohn

The effects of various combinations of different classes of anticancer drugs and thyrosine kinase inhibitors on the human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line. Oral presentation: B Abrahams

An inferential comparison between the capabilities and achievements of first year medical and nursing students at the University of the Free State. Oral presentation : AM Gerber

5th Annual Free State Provincial Health Research Day, 27-28 October 2016

A cohort study of Bloemfontein elderly to determine health-related quality of life and functional abilities. Oral presentation: A Mostert.

Poster presentations at the 44th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA)

Faculty Research Forum 2015

The association between lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) and surgery, in patients with low back problems. Presentation: C Vorster
Postcraniometric analysis of ancestry among modern South Africans. Presentation: L Liebenberg
Anatomy competence: Is the goal scored? Presentation: Drs D Raubenheimer, S van Zyl and JE Raubenheimer

Faculty Forum Winners

Faculty Forum (2009) Kerneels Nel Medal Runner-up: educational and qualitative discipline. Guidelines for group work in an undergraduate learning programme. Raubenheimer, D
Faculty Forum (2010) Winner: Best junior education / qualitative paper. Learning styles and needs of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Van der Merwe, LJ, Van Zyl, GJ, Nel, MM, Joubert, G
Faculty Forum (2011) Senior Runner-up: clinical paper. Risk-factor profiles for chronic diseases of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in an urban and rural setting in South Africa. Van Zyl, S, Van der Merwe, LJ, Walsh, CM, Van Rooyen, CM, Groenewald, AJ
Faculty Forum (2012) Winner: best senior education / qualitative paper. An educational approach for the generation profile of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State. Van der Merwe, LJ
Faculty Forum (2012) Winner: best senior education / poster. Evidence regarding information communication technology use by generation Y students in Health Sciences education. Van der Merwe, LJ
Faculty Forum (2012) Junior Runner-up: laboratory poster. Effect of embalming on the viability of M. Tuberculosis in human cadaver lung. Correia, J
Faculty Forum (2013) Clinical poster, senior winner: A rare variation of N. ischiadicus: A case study. D Raubenheimer, E Botha.
Faculty Forum (2013) Clinical paper, senior runner-up: Relationship between obesity, pro and anti-inflammatory markers and the risk factors for Metabolic syndrome in urban African women with Metabolic syndrome. S van Zyl, LJ van der Merwe, FC van Rooyen, G Joubert, CM Walsh.
Faculty Forum (2013) John van der Riet medalje/medal: Awarded to the first author of the best research article in a clinical discipline, that has appeared in a scientific publication. Risk-factor profiles for chronic diseases of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome in an urban and rural setting in South Africa. S van Zyl, LJ van der Merwe, CM Walsh, AJ Groenewald, FC van Rooyen. Afr J Prm Health Care Fam Med, 2012, 4(1), Art #346:1-10.
Faculty Forum (2014) Dr CO Larsen was appointed as runner-up in the category Junior Educational presentations.

Annual conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) 2015

The 43^nd annual congress of the Anatomy Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) was held in Parys, Free State in May 2015.

Imaging of the dual ophthalmic arteries and identification of the central retinal artery: A case report. Poster presentation: Drs D Raubenheimer, L Louw, JL Steyl, E Loggenberg
Clinical anatomy and comparison of the anterior cruciate and patellar ligaments. Oral presentation: R Ebersohn
Estimating Ancestry from the Postcrania of modern South Africans. Oral presentation: L Liebenberg

American Academy of Forensic Science 67thConference, Orlando, Florida, USA

Me L Liebenberg presented the results of her research at the American Academy of Forensic Science 67thconference, Orlando, Florida, USA held from 16 -21 February 2015
Estimating Ancestry from the Postcrania of modern South Africans. Oral presentation: L Liebenberg

Winter Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Clinical Anatomists, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London. December 2015

The bare bones: What students really need for learning Osteology.
Dr Larson presented research results at the SAAHE Conference in Johannesburg on 12 September 2015

Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) 2014

Drs D Raubenheimer, S van Zyl, C Vorster and Ms A Nel attended the 42nd annual conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa (ASSA) in Stellenbosch from 13-16 April 2014.

The conference was presented by the Clinical Anatomy Department of the Medical School of the University of Stellenbosch.

Two poster presentations were presented at the congress by Dr D Raubenheimer and Ms A Nel.

Dr D Raubenheimer and Mrs A Nel presented the following poster: Towards an Anatomy competence score: A preliminary study and Raubenheimer, D, Van Zyl, S & Raubenheimer, JE presented the poster: Clinically relevant ex vivo fatty acid profiles from a lipid model for colorectal adenocarcinoma. Me A Nel en Prof L Louw.

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Congress 2014-3

Dr D Raubenheimer

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Congress 2014-2

Mrs A Nel

Anatomy Association of Southern Africa (AVSA/ASSA) 41st Annual Conference 2013

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: SAAHE 2012 Dr D Raubenheimer attended the 41^st annual congress of the Anatomy Association of Southern Africa (AVSA/ASSA) from 20-24 April 2013 in Durban. The congress was presented by the Clinical Anatomy Department of the Medical School of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She had presented a poster entitled “A rare variation of N. ischiadicus: A case study”, for which she obtained the third place. She also had the privilege of acting as one of the judges for presentations in the medical education session.

Fifth SAAHE National Conference, HELTASA Conference in Stellenbosch 2012 / Asia-Pacific Medical Education Conference 2013

Dr L van der Merwe presented results of her PhD study (Health Sciences Education) at the Fifth SAAHE National Conference, HELTASA conference in Stellenbosch (2012), as well as at the APMEC congress in Singapore from 16 – 19 January 2013. Title of presentation: What to do with Y? An educational approach for a new generation of healthcare professionals at the University of the Free State, South Africa. Title of presentation: Evidence and guidelines regarding information communication technology use by Generation Y students in Health Sciences Education.

1st Global Conference: 21st Century Science: Health, Agency and Well-Being, Sydney, Australia, 2013

Dr A Gerber en Mnr R Botes lewer ‘n voordrag by die kongres getiteld “Correlations and Differences in the perceived achievements and capabilities of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year Medical students at the University of the Free State.”

Zimbabwe National Youth Games Scientific Conference 2013

Mr Martin Muller attended the Zimbabwe National Youth Games Scientific Conference from 16 - 17 August 2013 and presented the following paper: “Effect of b-HYDROXY-b-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on body-composition and muscle power output on non competitive sporting males between 19 and 24 years who performed resistance training three times a week for 8 weeks”.

Eskom Regional Science EXPO for Young Scientists 2012

Prof Arnold Crous and Dr Stephanie Smith of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences acted as evaluators at the annual Eskom Science Expo where learners from Grade 5 to Grade 12 were afforded the opportunity to exhibit and present their projects.

They were also the convenors of Gr. 8-9 and Gr. 10-12 in two separate medical research categories. Prof Crous was also the convenor of the judges for the best Grade 8-9 project. The exhibition was of good quality and is a good basis for learners in the Free State to show and develop their potential.

Anatomy Association of Southern Africa's 40th Annual Congress 2012

Dr D Raubenheimer and Ms JC Correia of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences each delivered a poster presentation during the Anatomy Association of Southern Africa's 40th annual congress in Namibia. The titles of the various poster presentations were "How students see themselves after an Anatomy Course" and "The effect of embalming on the viability of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis in human cadaver lung tissue."

SAAHE Congress 2012

Dr L van der Merwe and Dr S Smith delivered poster presentations at the SAAHE congress from 21-23 June 2012 in Bloemfontein.

The titles of the various poster presentations were "Evidence regarding information communication technology use by Generation Y students in Health Sciences Education" presented by Dr Van der Merwe, and "Using IMPULSE Reviewer Training Sites to Engage Students in Basic Research" presented by Dr Smith. Dr Van der Merwe also delivered a presentation entitled "An educational approach for the generation profile of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State."

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