Abstract: 2-[3’- Aminoacetyl amino-2’-methyl-6-monosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’H)-onyl-imino]-4-thiazolidinones 5-6 were synthesised by cyclisation of 1-[3’-Aminoacetyl-2’-methyl-6’-monosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’H)-onyl]-thiosemicarbazide 3-4 . 7-18 were synthesised by condensation of various substituted aldehydes at the 5th position of thiazolidinones 5-6. The newly synthesised compounds showed anticonvulsant activity ranging from 50%-90% (seizure protection). Compound 18, 2-[3’-aminoacetyl amino-2’-methyl-6’-bromosubstituted quinazolin-4’(3’)-onyl imino]-5-methyl-(p-N,N-dimethyl benzyl) -4-thiazolidinone showed maximum activity being more potent than the reference drug phenytoin sodium.

Abstract: Anthelmintics derived from plant source can be an answer to this world wide problem as they form secure and non-toxic with a modified site of action. Ocimum sanctum Linn known as Tulsi in India is a sacred plant for hindus known from centuries and being used in Ayurveda for its varied healing properties belonging to the Labiateae family. To this purpose we have studied in vitro antihelminthic activity of osmium in comparison with albendazole. The leaves of Ocimum sanctum was taken from the Institute staff quarter’s garden, which was endorsed by certified Taxonomist. The study was done using earth worms’ adult type due to their anatomical resemblance with the intestinal roundworm parasites of humans. The suspension of aqueous extract of leaves of Ocimum sanctum Linn, concentration 100 mg/ml was prepared. Albendazole was used as standard reference drug and its 20 mg/ml concentration was prepared by as per the prescribed method. The anthelmintic activity was performed according to standard screening methods. Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum took145±14 minutes to paralyze and 223+11 minutes to death of the worm, whereas Albendazole took 92±18 minutes to paralyse and 165±17 minutes to death of the worm with significant (P<0.05) value. Aqueous extract is more potent than control (NS) and lesser antihelmintic acvitity than albendazole. Time to paralysis and consequent death were significantly higher in aqueous extract of Ocimum that of Albendazole at same concentrations. Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn is more potent than control (NS) and lesser antihelmintic acvitity than albendazole. Time to paralysis and consequent death were significantly higher in aqueous extract of Ocimum that of Albendazole at same concentrations.

Abstract: Assessment drives education programmes. Objective Structured Clinical Examination(OSCE) assesses clinical competencies more efficiently than MCQ or essay questions. However OSCE demand intensive preparation, logistics and resource input. Senior medical students were recruited as assessors for the formative OSCE conducted after the introductory clinical appointment. Feedback of participating students was considered vital to evaluate the OSCE. The objective is to evaluate perceptions of 3rd year medical students undergoing and OSCE regarding fairness, suitability, acceptability and comprehensiveness when senior medical students assess and role-playas simulated patients. Fourteen stations OSCE for the 3rd years medical students was developed by senior academics of all clinical departments. Final year (5th Year) students were trained to perform as simulated patients and assessors. The entire batch of third year medical students was given a pre tested self-administered questionnaire within two weeks of completion of the OSCE. The questionnaire was designed with adaptations from a similar study done by Russell B Pierre et al. Majority of students felt that the OSCE was fair (87.5%), comprehensive (78%), motivate learning (88%)and gives an opportunity to identify their weaknesses (72%). However 38% found it a very stressful experience and 38% of students felt that having senior students as simulated patients hindered their performance. On a par with the Jamaican students, our students also felt that the OSCE was fair and comprehensive. Compared to 67% of Jamaican students, only 38% of our students found the OSCE very stressful. Reasons for reported concern about senior students’ performing as simulated patients by some students should evaluated further in order to make use of advantages of senior students involvement in OSCE. Our students reiterated fairness, suitability, acceptability and comprehensiveness of OSCE as a method of assessment. Careful planning should foster students’ acceptance of senior students as assessors. The faculty should use OSCE more often in evaluating students.

Abstract: Individuals suffering from impaired masticatory function (MF) may adapt food consistency to their existing dental status or rely on the digestive system to compensate for the lack of oral preparation of food. These circumstances further leads to deficient nutrient intake or increase the likelihood of digestive diseases and decrease gut absorption. Dysfunction of masticatory efficiency thus may be detrimental to general health. This article reviews evidence of the effects of masticatory deficiency on nutrition. It is difficult to draw conclusions from many of the reviewed studies due to issues related to study design, confounding variables, and the subjective nature of the measurements. The reviewed evidences supporting an association between MF and deficient dietary intake often are based on relatively weak correlations and cannot confer a causal relationship between the reviewed variables.

Abstract: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of ethanolic leaf extract Annona muricata (soursop) on N,N-dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Four groups of Wistar albino rats (12 rats/group) were used for the study. One group received intra-peritoneal injection of 10mg of DMN/kg body wt. thrice a week (on the first three days) for 14 days, in addition to the extract at a dose of 200mg/kg body wt. given by gavage. A second group received the same dose of DMN but without extract, while rats in the third group were administered the same dose of extract without DMN. Members of the fourth group were given physiological saline (vehicle), and served as controls. After 14 days, the rats were sacrificed by cardiac puncture. Blood samples were collected from the ocular vein, and the sera were analysed for aspartate transaminase, AST; alanine transaminase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase, ALP; while collagen, malondialdehyde, MDA; reduced glutathione, GSH, superoxide dismutase, SOD and catalase, CAT levels were assayed in liver tissue. All assays were done using standard methods. Liver sections were also fixed in formol-saline and subjected to histological analysis. DMN administration resulted in significant increases in serum AST, ALT and ALP; and in liver MDA and total collagen content (P 0.05). On the other hand, liver SOD and CAT activities were significantly reduced by the DMN treatment. Histological examination of liver sections from the DMN rats showed severe degenerative changes such as congestion, haemorrhagic necrosis and deposition of thick collagen fibers. These biochemical and histological changes were reversed significantly by the Annona muricata leaf extract.These results suggest that Annona muricata leaves may reverse hepatic fibrosis probably through maintenance/restoration of liver antioxidant status.