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Background The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by reactive oxygen species (ROS) causes inflammation, which results in the expression of adhesion molecules and monocyte adhesion and migration. This eventually leads to the progression of atherosclerosis. Erythroxylum cuneatum(EC), locally known as “Chinta mula,”is used as traditional medicine in certain countries. However, the scientific evidence of its medicinal properties, particularly related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still limited.Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of EC leaf extract in protecting against atherosclerosis in vitro.Materials and Methods Human aortic endothelial cells (HAoECs) induced by oxidized LDL (oxLDL) were treated with comparable concentrations (40 and 80 µg/ml) of EC ethanol and acetone leaf extracts. The antioxidant activities were determined by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), ROS, and nitric oxide (NO) production assays. The anti-inflammatory effects of EC leaf extract were evaluated using monocyte adhesion and migration assays and the expression of adhesion molecules, namely, intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and human vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1).Results Both EC extracts possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities against oxLDL-induced HAoECs, which were concentration-dependent. Acetone extract showed significant reduced TBARS levels and increased NO production compared to ethanol extract. It also caused a significant decrease in monocyte adhesion and expression of ICAM-1 as compared to ethanol extract.Conclusion These findings suggest that EC leaf extract is valuable in preventing atherogenesis. The superior effect of EC acetone extract warrants future studies to elucidate its mechanisms in the prevention of CVDs, particularly atherosclerosis.

Purpose: Peer-assisted learning (PAL) in formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is an approach used to evaluate the students' clinical competence. This study aims to determine the PAL effectiveness in the formative OSCE in improving clinical competencies and the students' perception and satisfaction of PAL. Design/methodology/approach: Sixty-seven Year 2 medical students experienced PAL in a formative OSCE setting. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to evaluate their perception and satisfaction on PAL. The effectiveness of the sessions was determined by comparing their OSCE scores between the pre- and post-intervention. Findings: Forty-three students completed the intervention and had the experience to assess their peers as well as being assessed during formative OSCE. However, only 26 students managed to attend both pre- and post-intervention OSCE. It was found that there was a significant improvement of OSCE score after the PAL sessions. Over 97% of these students perceived positively and were satisfied with the sessions and thought that formative OSCE gave an opportunity to improve their learning and develop self-confidence in clinical skills. Originality/value: The findings suggested that PAL in the formative OSCE is a good opportunity to help in students' learning and improve their clinical competencies apart from learning with experts.

To observe the effects of consuming repeatedly heated soy oil on the aortic tissues of estrogen-deficient rats.