[Effect of white mulberry leaves hydro-alcoholic extract on carrageenan-induced inflammation in male rat's hind paw]

Reviews of literature indicate that hydro- alcoholic extract of white mulberry leaves, possesses anti-inflammatory effects such as inhibition of nitric oxide, PGE2 and cytokines, which urged us to examine the anti-inflammatory effect of this leaves hydro-alholic extract on carrageenan- induced paw edema in rat. Hydroalcoholic extract of white mulberry [Morus alba] leaves was prepared by ethanol [70% V/V] and soxhlet's method. The rats grouped as: Intraperitoneal [ip] extract receiving [200, 400, 600 mg/kg], positive control [aspirin 300 mg/kg] and group that received saline. Thirty minutes folio wing the ip injection of materials, carrageenan [1% W/V] was injected into the rat's hind paw and the changes in rat's paw edema was assessed by plethysmometer for five hours at intervals of one hour. Compared with aspirin, 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of extract had lower effect on reduction of rat's paw edema [P<0.001]. However, there was no significant difference between the group that received 600 mg/kg extract and aspirin group. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Morus alba leaves at 600 mg/kg dose similar to aspirin [300 mg/kg], significantly reduced the paw edema of rats and showed effective anti-inflammatory activity

new approach to information technology instruction for medical students

Active learning, combined with computer-assisted instruction, can enhance medical students' performance and learning. This article is an attempt to introduce a new web-based approach to information technology instruction for medical students. Eight topics were selected to be instructed in Web-based workshops. PHPBB Forum was used for web-based collaborative learning. One oral lecture session was held to make the students familiar with the Forum and their duties. For each topic, groups of 6-9 students had to search the Web, based on a search strategy to find answers for the questions. The students could discuss their findings in their group Forum under the supervision of a tutor. Direct [face-to-face] and indirect [Web-based] interactions among students was considerably increased. The students showed greater interest in participating in class activities. Students' attitude toward Web-based learning was improved. Adding collaborative learning to computer-assisted instruction, along with constant supervision by the tutor, can enhance students' learning, since they can have free discussion and express their opinions