Matrix learning: an innovative development in large group experiential teaching and learning.

The article describes an innovative method of large group teaching that seems appropriate to the aims of higher education and especially well-suited to nursing and social work programmes. The author offers a brief rationale for the approach, which is illustrated with reference to the author's experience of using it with a large (64) group of social work students. Issues are raised for further research and developmental testing.

Synthesis and antiinflammatory evaluation of substituted isophthalonitriles, trimesonitriles, benzonitriles, and terephthalonitriles.

In an effort to develop nonacidic, nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory agents without gastrointestinal complications, a series of cyanobenzenes was synthesized for antiinflammatory evaluation. Twenty-seven substituted isophthalonitriles, 19 trimesonitriles, 30 benzonitriles, and 16 terephthalonitriles were tested in the rat utilizing the carrageenan-induced pedal edema assay. Based on the performance of phenylbutazone in this assay (43.8% reduction at 100 mg/kg), six compounds, dosed at 50 mg/kg, produced reductions in inflammation comparable to this standard. However, the LD50 value of each compound dosed at this level was in the range of 40--56 mg/kg in the mouse; therefore, further the LD50 value of each compound dosed at this level was in the range of 40--56 mg/kg in the mouse; therefore, further study was not warranted. Fifteen compounds possessed activity in excess of 20% reduction at 200 mg/kg and also possessed LD50 values greater than 300 mg/kg. Of these cyanobenzenes, trimesonitrile (16), 4-chlorobenzonitrile, 2-chloroterephthalonitrile, and 2-fluoroterephthalonitrile with reductions in edema of 32, 30, 46, and 49%, respectively, represent the best candidates for subsequent study.