The Principle of Biotechnology is a compulsory course for undergraduates majoring in bioengineering at Zhejiang University of Technology. In response to the "Double First-Class" initiative and in order to improve the teaching effect of this course and the quality of talent training, we reformed the teaching of Principle of Biotechnology, the core course in bioengineering. Specifically, we reorganized the teaching contents, improved the process management of teaching and learning, and implemented multi-dimensional teaching practice. These measures improved teaching quality and promoted the achievement of training goals, which was of great significance for developing "First-Class" disciplines.
Biotechnology/education* ; Teaching ; China ; Curriculum ; Bioengineering/education* ; Universities

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovitis and damage of bone and cartilage. The major goals of therapy in RA are to relieve pain, swelling of joints; improve joint function; stop joint damage, and prevent disability and disease-related morbidity. The past decade has seen a major transformation in the treatment of RA in terms of approach and choice of drugs. The previous therapeutic approach, termed the therapeutic pyramid, penerally involved initial conservative management with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for several years; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were withheld until clear evidence of erosions was seen. DMARDs were then added individually in slow succession as the disease progressed. This form of treatment has been supplanted by early initiation of DMARDs and combination DMARD therapy in patients with the potential for progressive disease. The idea of early intervention with DMARDs has been validated in several randomised trials. This paradigm shift partly resulted from unsatisfactory outcomes with the pyramid approach, and an increased awareness of the cost, lost productivity, morbidity, and decreased life expectancy associated with RA. These findings are the consequences of progressive disease, and have provided the impetus for development of more effective therapies to prevent joint destruction and maintain functional status. The continuing elucidation of pathophysiological pathways relevant in RA, coupled with advanced in biotechnology, offer substantial hopes for the development of potent and specific pharmacotherapy for RA.
Antirheumatic Agents ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Biotechnology ; Cartilage ; Drug Therapy ; Early Intervention (Education) ; Efficiency ; Hope ; Humans ; Joints ; Life Expectancy ; Synovitis

Medical mycology has gone through five distinct eras: 1) Fungi causing dermatophytoses, 2) Discovery of rare and fatal systemic mycoses, 3) Realization that fungi cause common and subclinical diseases, 4) AIDS and the era of the compromised host, 5) Broad-spectrum antifungals with few side effects. I think that most would agree that the developed countries are in stages 4 & 5. But which one of these eras are we in now in the Orient? From my 35 years experience of working and living here I believe we still live in all of these eras. In developing countries we have a few very advanced medical centers that are on the cutting edge of technology. But, what about the rural and poorer sections of our countries? The places where modern medicine is not available at a price our citizens can afford. Are we by passing these areas in our excitement to join the biotechnology race in the world? I know that in many places this is true. National pride can cover national shame. For the remaining time I will discuss some of the diseases that we should be looking at from a different perspective. What is needed in these areas of our countries? How can we approach these problems so that all our citizens gain from our advanced technology? How can we use the modern high technology advances in medicine to the best advantage of all our people? It is very difficult to know where we are going until we know from where we came.
Biotechnology ; Continental Population Groups ; Developed Countries ; Developing Countries ; Education, Medical ; Fungi ; History, Modern 1601- ; Humans ; Mycology* ; Mycoses ; Shame ; Tinea