Eleven adults suffering from drug-resistant epilepsies were given meditation practice, while another nine adults acted as waiting list controls. All patients were on antiepileptic drugs and their serum drug levels were monitored regularly. Patients in the intervention group were given training in meditation, and they practiced meditation 20 minutes a day for one year. They showed a significant reduction in seizure frequency and duration, an increase in the dominant background EEG frequency, a reduction in mean spectral intensity of the 0.7-7.7 Hz segment, and an increment in mean spectral intensity in the 8-12 Hz segment of the EEG. All changes were statistically significant. Control patients did not show significant changes in seizure frequency and duration during the observation period of one year. The results indicate that continued meditation practice is of substantial help in improving the clinicoelectrographic picture in drug-resistant epileptics.

The thymus is a lymphatic organ that undergoes dynamic changes with age and disease. It is important to be familiar with these physiological changes in the thymus gland to be able to identify pathology and make an accurate diagnosis. The thymus may be involved in multisystem disorders or show focal isolated lesions. The aim of this article is to review the radiological anatomy of the thymus, normal variants, and pathology including hyperplasia and benign/malignant lesions involving the thymus gland in the pediatric age group. We also propose an algorithmic approach for imaging evaluation of a suspected thymic mass on the basis of morphologic features.

The objective structured practical examination (OSPE) together with the classical practical examination (CPE) form the basis for evaluation of laboratory teaching at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Students' attitudes to OSPE and CPE were assessed by preparing a questionnaire containing 32 item statements on Likert's 5-point scale (LS) and 11 bipolar adjectives on Osgood's 7-point Semantic Differential Scale (OSDS). The questionnaire was administered to 50 medical undergraduates before their final examination. Forty-two (84%) students responded to the questionnaire. The LS showed high internal consistency and validity. Attitude scoring on LS and OSDS revealed a high degree of correlation. The majority of students showed a positive attitude to OSPE, and high-rank students had a greater intensity of positive attitude. OSPE was rated as a reliable, effective, useful, interesting and challenging examination, although considered taxing, mentally and physically. The students preferred a combination of OSPE and CPE as in the present system to a complete change-over to the OSPE. The item analysis of the questionnaire is discussed.

The formalin test has been used in monkeys for assessing pain. After formalin injection in the palmar surface of the hand just proximal to the base of the fingers, the monkey's responses are rated for 1 h according to objective behavioral criteria. The present 'tonic' pain model has a fair degree of objectivity, validity, reproducibility and quantifiability. The analgesic effects of morphine and pethidine have been evaluated.

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Mouse embryos (4\p=n-\8cells) were cultured for 48 h in vitro in medium containing 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD). The inhibition of embryo development by ATD was overcome by oestradiol-17\g=b\ but not by oestradiol-17\g=a\. Culture with ATD for the first and second 24 h led to normal numbers of blastocysts. The results show that preimplantation mouse embryos contain the enzymic machinery for synthesis of oestrogen.