Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Sedative and antinociceptive activities of two new sesquiterpenes isolated from Ricinus communis / 中国天然药物

Two new sesquiterpenes, trivially named ricinusoids A (1) and ricinusoids B (2), were isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of Ricinus communis. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, UV, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The compounds (1-2) were also assessed for in-vivo sedative and analgesic like effects in open field and acetic acid induced writhing tests respectively at 5, 10, and 20 mg·kg i.p. Pretreatment of both test compounds caused significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in locomotive activity like sedative agents and abdominal constrictions like analgesics. Both compounds (1-2) possessed marked sedative and antinociceptive effects in animal models.

Three new anthraquinone derivatives isolated from Symplocos racemosa and their antibiofilm activity / 中国天然药物

Three new alkyl substituted anthraquinone derivatives, trivially named as symploquinones A-C (Compounds 1-3) were isolated from Symplocos racemosa. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses (UV, IR, Mass, H- and C-NMR, and two-dimensional (2D) NMR techniques). The resulting data were also compared with the reported literature. These compounds were then subjected to antibacterial or antibiofilm testing. Compounds 1 and 3 exhibited good antibacterial activity in the concentration range of 160-83 μg·mL against Streptococcus mutans, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. Both compounds were further screened for anti-biofilm activity, which revealed promising activities at sub-MIC concentrations. None of the compounds were found to be active against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Trends in medical education from traditional to integrated system: valued by first year MBBS students at a private medical college of Peshawar

Introduction: Rehman Medical College Peshawar implemented a new modular integrated hybrid curriculum and modern mode of teaching strategies since its inception in 2010. The present study aimed to explore the viewpoints of students about the usefulness of the principles of integrated medical curriculum and teaching strategies and evaluation methods adopted

Material and Methods: A survey of first year MBBS students was conducted in 2011 using self-administered questionnaire which included quantitative and qualitative parts. Enough space was provided for the qualitative response. The qualitative part of the study entailed in self-response open ended format. Universal sampling approach was employed. Quantitative data analysis were done using SPSS version 15.0 while qualitative data were manually analyzed

Results: Fifty-eight students [58%] completed the questionnaires. Regarding the usefulness of integrated medical curriculum of basic medical subjects, 36 [62.1%] found it very useful, 15 [25.8%] found it useful. For preference of teaching methods, 50[87.7%] found small group format [SGF] very useful; also 34[58.6%] found large group format [LGF] very useful and 15[25.9%] found it useful; 30[51.7%] reported that mini-seminars are useful whereas 21[36.2%] students found self-directed learning [SDL] useful. Students' responses to the end of lesson examination were evaluated; 32[55.2%] students were in favor of these exams; 38[65.5%] were in favor of end of week evaluation while 49[84.5%] were in favor of end of module examinations. Similarly 41[70.7%] supported mid-term; 38[65.5%] favored inclusion of medical research in the undergraduate curriculum. Most of the students were in favor of current system with small reservations. According to them the current system should be continued with improvement in areas like; decrease in end of lesson exam, teacher student relationship, availability of reading materials, strict follow up of lesson plan

Conclusion: Majority of students prefer the new modular integrated system of teaching. A few areas of the previous system are still popular and may be continued by integrating them in suitable places in the new system. Based on evidence, diversity of teaching and evaluation method is a good thing and to be encouraged. The strategy [SGF] that promotes interaction is likely to be the most effective