The factors for the undergraduate thesis design in biomedical engineering specialty were analyzed from the as-pects of tutor, student and administration, and some suggestions were proposed accordingly to enhance the undergraduate thesis design in biomedical engineering specialty.

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human brucellosis in Ulanqab of Inner Mongolia.Methods Three hundred and twenty patients with suspected brucellosis were selected,who had registered in the Ulanqab Center for Endemic Disease Control of Inner Mongolia from April to June 2011.The investigation covered general situation,such as gender,age,occupation and main clinical symptoms and so on.Blood samples were collected,and Rose Bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) was used for serum screening.Those who were tested positive in RBPT were confirmed with tube agglutination test (SAT).Brucellosis was diagnosed according to Diagnostic criteria for Brucellosis (WS 269-2007).Data were analyzed with statistical software(SPSS 17.0).Results One hundred and thirty-four cases were positive in RBPT of the 320 people surveyed,of which 93 cases were positive in SAT; antibody titers were higher than 1 ∶ 100(++),therefore they were diagnosed as brucellosis,and the ratio was 29.1％(93/320).The number of patients with suspected brucellosis who were negative in SAT test was 41,and the ratio was 12.8％ (41/320).Among the 93 people who were infected,the constituent ratio of farmers and herdsmen who engaged in livestock was the highest,accounted for 63.4％(59/93) and 24.7％ (23/93) of the total number of patients ; infection rate of male (30.9％,55/178) was higher than that of females (26.7％,38/142) ; the number(39) of brucellosis patients who were over the age of 51 was the highest,and the ratio is 42.0％.The onset season mainly in May and August; main route of exposure was bare hands lambing,midwifery and contact with infected sheep pollutants.Conclusions Sheep is the main source of human Brucella infection in Ulanqab.It is the key to control the spreading of brucellosis through improving awareness of disease prevention among farmers and herdsmen as well intensifying the prevention and control of Brucella infection between livestock.

English for science and technology (EST) is the language medium for academic communication among scientists and technologists. The expression of EST is characterized by concise-ness, correctness, objectiveness and understandability. The EST course is regarded as a key process for the undergraduate students to reinforce the English foundation and improve the capacity of English application after their College English study. In this paper, the authors introduced an interest-motivated, output-dominated, snowballing and interactive teaching strategy, according to the accumulated experi-ence of EST teaching in the past few years coupled with the unique medicine-engineering combined characteristics for the major of biomedical engineering.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the CT image characteristics of liver secondary lymphoma.

METHODSThe medical records of 13 patients were reviewed. There were 12 non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases and 1 Hodgkin lymphoma case. Abdomen CT scan was performed in all cases, plain scan and enhanced CT scan were performed in 11 cases, plain CT scan was performed in 2 cases.

RESULTSOf the 13 cases, 11 were nodular type, 1 was diffuse type, and 1 was mixed type. Plain CT scan showed low density, enhanced CT showed circular enhancement in 1 case, mild to midrange delayed enhancement in 1 case, midrange enhancement in 1 case, mild enhancement in 2 cases, blood vessel floating sign in 3 cases, no enhancement in 6 cases.

CONCLUSIONSThe characteristics of liver secondary lymphoma CT image of liver secondary lymphoma includes blood vessel floating sign and enhancement.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Hodgkin Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; diagnostic imaging ; secondary ; Lymphoma ; diagnostic imaging ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; diagnostic imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVETo prepare a glypican-3 (GPC3)-targeting hepatocellular carcinoma MR molecular probe and to evaluate its targeting specificity using HepG2 cells.

METHODSPoly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the surfaces were connected with anti-GPC3 mono-antibody and paramagnetic substance Gd3+. The physical properties of the probes were investigated using fluorescence microscopy, electron microscopy, Malvern particle size analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and 1.5T MR imaging. The specificity of the probes to target cultured HepG2 cells was determined by laser confocal microscopy. The signal characteristics, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), after co-incubation with HepG2 cells were analyzed by 1.5T MR imaging. Significance of differences between multiple groups (target group, non-target group, and control group) was assessed by one-way analysis of variance, and between two groups was assessed by the LSD-t test. A difference was considered to be statistically significant at P less than 0.05.

RESULTSThe GPC3-targeting hepatocellular carcinoma MR molecular probes were successfully prepared. The nanoparticles had a spherical shape, size of 495 +/- 17.5 nm, uniform size distribution, good dispersibility, no obvious aggregation, and could significantly increase the T1 signal. Using the ICP-AES measurement, 1 mol PLGA carried about 12 mol Gd3+, and as the Gd3+ concentration increased, the T1 signal increased. The prepared MR molecular probes could specifically target HepG2 cells, and could increase the T1 signal. The SNR value of the target group was 3.45 +/- 0.21, of the non-target group was 1.43 +/- 0.07, and of the control group was 1.12 +/- 0.03. The SNR value of the target group was significantly higher than that of the non-target group and the control group (P less than 0.05); there was no significant difference between the non-target group and the control group (P more than 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPLGA nanoparticles, anti-GPC3 mono-antibody and paramagnetic Gd3+ can be used to successfully prepare GPC3-targeting hepatocellular carcinoma MR molecular probes which are capable of specifically targeting HepG2 cells in vitro and being detected by 1.5T MR imaging. These MR molecular probes may represent a useful noninvasive imaging method for detecting early hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo.

OBJECTIVETo prepare a specific high molecular weight polymer contrast agent capable of specifically targeting hepatocarcinoma cells (HCC) and to investigate its affinity in vitro using HepG2 cells.

METHODSThe high molecular weight polymer polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLAG)-COOH was prepared by the double emulsion technique. PLAG-COOH microbubbles were combined with glypican-3 (GPC3) antibody to generate HCC targeting high molecular polymer ultrasound contrast agents by the carbodiimide method. The affinity for HCC cells was confirmed by measuring attachment to cultured HepG2 cells by flow cytometry and comparing the results with the properties observed for non-targeted high molecular weight polymer ultrasound contrast agents.

RESULTSThe average diameter of the targeted high molecular weight polymer ultrasound contrast agents was (800+/-10) nm. In vitro targeting of HepG2 cells showed that many of the targeted high molecular weight polymer ultrasound contrast agents attached tightly to the cell surface and that the GPC3-PLGA has a particularly strong targeting ability.

CONCLUSIONA HCC-specific high molecular contrast agent, GPC3-PLGA, was synthesized and evidenced a strong targeting ability towards HepG2 cells in vitro. This new agent may be exploited to improve diagnosis of liver cancer at the molecular level.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Contrast Media ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; Microbubbles ; Molecular Weight

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of echocardiography in the diagnosis of noncompaction of the ventricular myocardium (NCVM) and to elucidate the echocardiographic characteristics of NCVM.

METHODSThis study included 53 patients (28 boys and 25 girls), with an age for initial diagnosis of 15 days to 18 years, who were diagnosed with NCVM by echocardiography between May 2006 and May 2015. Transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography and color Doppler were performed for qualitative diagnosis, and the end-diastolic non-compacted layer/compacted layer (N/C) ratio measured in the parasternal ventricular short-axis sectional view was selected as the criterion for quantitative diagnosis.

RESULTSThe excessively prominent ventricular trabeculae and deep inter-trabecular recesses were all seen in 53 cases, and the blood flow in the cardiac chambers was connected to the inter-trabecular recesses. The areas involved in NCVM were mainly the apex (100%) and the middle segment of the left ventricular lateral wall (98%), followed by the middle segment of the left ventricular posterior wall (49%) and the middle segment of the left ventricular inferior wall (42%). In 53 children with NCVM, the N/C ratio was 4.3±1.9 (2.1-10.0). Cardiac insufficiency was found in 83% (44/53) of the children with NCVM, and the left ventricular ejection fraction for these children was (43±9)%.

CONCLUSIONSEchocardiography can be used in the qualitative and quantitative diagnosis of NCVM and in the evaluation of cardiac function. The apex and the middle segment of the left ventricular lateral wall are often involved in NCVM, accompanied by decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Ventricles ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Stroke Volume ; Ventricular Function, Left

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of OPCML gene in ovarian epithelial carcinoma and determine the relationship between mRNA expression and methylation of their promoters.

METHODTwenty normal ovarian tissues and 89 ovarian epithelial tumor specimens (72 malignant, 17 benign), as well as 3 ovarian carcinoma cell lines (SKOV-3, CAOV3, and 3AO), were collected for detection of OPCML gene expression by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and for detection of promoter methylation by restriction enzyme cut analysis from 7. 1999 to 7. 2003.

RESULTSAmong ovarian epithelial carcinoma 19.4% expressed OPCML mRNA, while 85% of normal ovarian tissue and 76.5% of benign ovarian tumor. The ratio of expression of OPCML mRNA in ovarian epithelial carcinoma was significantly lower than those of normal (chi2 = 30.108, P = 0.0000) and benign tumors (chi2 = 21.162, P = 0.000). No OPCML mRNA expression was found in SKOV-3 and CAOV3, but was found in 3AO. Methylations were detected in 44.4% of cancer cells promoter, while 0% in normal ovarian tissue and benign ovarian tumors. The ratio of methylation of ovarian epithelial carcinoma was significantly higher than those of normal (chi2 = 13.630, P = 0.0000) and benign tumors (chi2 = 11.797, P = 0.000). Methylation was found in SKOV-3 and CAOV3, but not in 3AO. The relationship between gene expression and promoter methylation was correlated (r = 11.589, P = 0.002), especially at Hap I1 site (r = 11.640, P = 0.004). Methylation was also found in SKOV-3 and CAOV3 cell lines, but not in 3AO cell line.

CONCLUSIONDeletion of OPCML gene exists in ovarian epithelial carcinoma cell. The gene promoter methylations, especially Hap II motif, may be one of pathways that contribute the inhibition of OPCML expression.

Adult ; Aged ; Cell Adhesion Molecules ; genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; CpG Islands ; genetics ; DNA Methylation ; Female ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Promoter Regions, Genetic ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

OBJECTIVETo study the protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity of natural products from algae aiming at searching for new way for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity.

METHODBromophenols derivatives from algae were screened against the PTP1B by the colorimetric assay with GST/PTP1B fusion protein. The Me2SO was distributed as the full enzyme activity, and Na3VO4 (IC50 2 micromol L(-1)) was distributed as the positive control. Inhibition rate was assayed and IC50 were calculated by LOGIT method.

RESULTThree bromophenols from Rhodomela confervoides and Leathesia nana, 3, 4-dibromo-5-(methoxymethyl)-1, 2-benzenediol (1), 2-methyl-3-(2, 3-dibromo4, 5-dihydroxy)-propylaldehyde (2) and 3-(2, 3-dibromo-4, 5-dihydroxy-phenyl)-4-bromo-5, 6-dihydroxy-1, 3-dihydroiso-benzofuran (3) showed significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B. IC50 values were 3.4 +/- micromol L(-1), 4.5 micromol L(-1) and 2.8 micromol L(-1), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe results prove that three bromophenol derivatives from algae with significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B were potential and effective therapeutic agents for treatment of T2DM and obesity.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Eukaryota ; chemistry ; Phaeophyta ; chemistry ; Phenols ; chemistry ; therapeutic use ; Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 1 ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Rhodophyta ; chemistry

OBJECTIVEBy means of the detection of the numbers of CD34(+) cells and eosinophils (EOS), and the level of IL-5 in peripheral blood from normal controls and patients with allergic rhinitis pre- or post-treatment, the role of EOS-stem cells paths for treatment effect in allergic rhinitis (AR) was studied so as to find the convenient and quick indicators which could be used to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect and adjust the methods of the hormone therapy.

METHODSThere were 2 groups. (1) experimental group: 44 patients, including 24 males and 20 females with a age range of 7 to 68 years old. The patients received the treatment of fluticasone spurt for four weeks. (2) CONTROL GROUP: 30 cases, from normal health examination. The EOS numbers, CD4(+) cell numbers and the IL-5 level were examined in control group as well as before and after therapy in experimental group.

RESULTSThe IL-5 level and CD numbers before therapy in experimental group were (88.25 +/- 33.47) ng/L, (9.24 +/- 2.15)/10(5), significantly higher than that after therapy and experimental group which were (44.34 +/- 16.32) ng/L, (6.31 +/- 1.83)/10(5) and (31.24 +/- 8.43) ng/L, (3.47 +/- 1.32)/10(5) respectively. The IL-5 level was positively correlated with the CD34(+) number pre-and post treatment in experimental group (r = 0.64, P <0.01; (r = 0.61, P <0.01). The EOS number was positively correlated with the level of IL-5 (r = 0.64, P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONSIL-5 and CD34(+) cells can be regarded as indicators to evaluate the therapeutic effect. The EOS, CD34(+) cells and the level of IL-5 in the peripheral blood are correlated with the pathogenesis of AR, suggesting that there is a related path between the local nasal tissue of AR patients and the marrow.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Androstadienes ; therapeutic use ; Anti-Allergic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Antigens, CD34 ; metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Eosinophils ; immunology ; Female ; Fluticasone ; Humans ; Interleukin-5 ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; blood ; drug therapy ; Stem Cells ; Young Adult