Many people suffer from aches all over their bodies, whether be it through an injury, inherited features or certain forms of diseases. Going to see a therapist or a specialist can be time consuming and extremely costly. Which is why we’ve decided to develop an automatic system capable of relieving pain in certain areas of the body, all through using reflexology: a form of therapy used to access most of the body using certain parts in the legs, hands and ears. The problematic this project revolves around is that a high percentage of the world’s population don’t know what to do when they feel aches, as they are oblivious to easy and simple massage techniques. Thus, they will resort to taking therapist appointments which most have neither the time nor the money for. Our main focus in this project is developing a system that will help decrease the amount of pain people feel in certain areas, mainly the sinus, the back and also relieving some forms of stress. Our device will function by performing massage on pre-determined parts in the foot; the system will also be automatic meaning it will bring comfort to the user without them ever doing any effort, all at the push of a button or through a remote command from their mobile phones. Our system will also be much cheaper than going to a therapist and a lot faster and more comfortable. To conclude our system offers a modernized version of a therapy technique that has been improved upon and perfected over the years, relieving back pains, sinus pains, stress and many forms of body aches all through our easy to use reflexology system.

a. PURPOSE: Do babies between 0 – 3 months have certain sound reflexes that can be interpreted as a language? Can parents be helped to understand their newborn babies better? Are parents aware of infantile speech patterns and language acquisition in babies? b. PROCEDURES: 70 Babies of different cultures were tested to determine if the 5 crying-sounds can be an indication of the baby's need. Questionnaires and information were given out at hospitals and clinics. Doctors, paediatricians, sisters and parents were involved in my project. DVD's were made to show and explain the different sounds. c. DATA: I obtained my data from the questionnaires, interviews with parents, doctors, paediatricians and the staff working in the labour-wards. 70 Babies were tested (68 responded) and I listened to every cryingsound to make sure that there are only 5 different sounds. I made a DVD from all the sounds of the babies that I've tested. Data were also gathered from science. d. CONCLUSIONS: According to all the research and sources, I can positively say that a person can identify the reason why babies (0-3 months) are crying. Babies of any culture, have universal sounds that indicate their needs. The different sounds are: EH – upper gas, EAIRH – lower gas, HEH – discomfort, OWH –tired, NEH – hungry.

動脈硬化是個致病率和致死率相當高的慢性發炎疾病。HMG-CoA 還原酵素抑制劑 纇藥物，簡稱statin, 是一類強效的降血脂藥物，而且在臨床上對於心血管疾病有廣泛的 治療效果。然而近年來的研究報導指出，statin 會有如此廣效治療效果，其原因不僅僅 是因為它的降血脂能力，而是statin 也具有抑制發炎作用的效果。雖然臨床上已經證實 statin 可以減緩動脈硬化的病程，但是statin 對於誘發型一氧化氮合成酵素(iNOS)表現的 調控機制還不明確。有文獻指出NOS 代謝產物nitric oxide (NO)可以改善血流，而可能 在動脈硬化上扮演保護角色。值得一提的是雖然適量 NO 有維持血管恆定的功能，過 量時則會造成血壓過低休克的現象，這就是細菌感染後因內毒素 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 作用引發敗血性休克的主要原因之一。在本實驗中，我們使用fluvastatin、lovastatin、 pravastatin 和 atorvastatin 這四種statins 來探討它們對於血管平滑肌細胞由LPS 及IL-1β 誘導iNOS 基因表現的影響。我們發現，statin 可以抑制LPS 所誘發的NO 和iNOS 表現， 但卻會促進IL-1β所誘發的反應。NF-κB 在iNOS 的基因調控上扮演重要的角色，而在 探討NF-κB 被LPS 和IL-1β活化的情形中，statin 同樣會促進IL-1β活化NF-κB，但抑制 LPS 活化NF-κB。我們也發現fluvastatin 對於IL-1β所引發NO 的產生、iNOS 的表現、 NF-κB 的活化，以及p65 向細胞核移動的促進作用，在ROCK 抑制劑Y-27632 的處理後 可以看到相同的現象。IKK kinase assay 顯示Y-27632 對於LPS 所促進的IKK 活性影響 很小，但是會促進IL-1β的活化作用。接著，在ROCK 的活性方面，LPS 會抑制原本已 表現的ROCK 活性， 而相反的，IL-1β會增加ROCK 的活性。總括來說，這些結果顯示 ROCK 在血管平滑肌細胞中扮演IKK/NF-κB 的負向訊息調控者角色，而這個機制在LPS 和IL-1β的訊息傳遞路徑中有不同的調控。即ROCK 以負向調控機制角色影響IL-1β的 訊息傳遞，卻不存在於LPS 的情況中。就是因為透過反轉這個負向調控的機制，statins 3 和ROCK 抑制劑對於LPS 及IL-1β引發血管平滑肌細胞的iNOS 表現，呈現相反的調控 結果。這些作用可能參與statin 預防血管再阻塞，抗發炎，抗動脈硬化的作用。此外Statin 抑制LPS 的iNOS 表現作用或許將來可運用於治療敗血性休克。利用基因微陣列分析也 偵測到一些受fluvastatin 正向或負向調控的基因，目前我們正朝鑑定基因的表現改變及 確認其功能，生理意義進行實驗中。 The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, are potent inhibitors of cholesterol synthesis and have wide therapeutic use in cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence, however, suggests that the beneficial effects of statins may extend beyond their action on serum cholesterol levels. Although statins have been shown to reduce progression of atherosclerosis, little is known about mechanism by which statins affect iNOS expression. Optimal level of NOS product, NO, possesses the anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation effects in atherosclerosis, while large amount of NO contributes to the septic shock in response to bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we investigated the effects of fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin and atorvastatin on IL-1β- and LPS-induced NO production in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). We found statins can inhibit LPS-induced iNOS expression and NO production, while they can potentiate IL-1β-elicited responses. In studying the activity of NF-κB, which plays an important role for iNOS gene induction, we found that fluvastatin can increase IL-1β-induced p65 nuclear translocation and NF-κB activity, while inhibit those induced by LPS. The potentiation effects of fluvastatin on IL-1β-induced NO production, iNOS expression, NF-κB activation and p65 nuclear translocation were all mimicked by a ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632. IKK kinase assay showed that Y-27632 itself has minimal effect on LPS-induced IKK activation, while enhances the response of IL-1β. Studies on examining ROCK activity showed LPS can downregulate constitutive ROCK activity, while IL-1β oppositely increases ROCK activity. Taken together these data suggest ROCK is a crucial negative regulator of IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway in VSMC, and this negative control is existing in the action IL-1β, but is absent in the action of LPS. Through abrogating the function of this negative regulator, statins and ROCK inhibitor thus differentially regulate iNOS expression induced by LPS and IL-1β in VSMC. These results suggest that stimulation of iNOS expression in the presence of IL-1β might contribute to the beneficial effects of statins in atherosclerotic process in terms of vasodilation, anti-inflammation and inhibition of smooth muscle cell proliferation. In contrast, the diminishing effect on LPS-induced NO response possibly may provide new therapeutic strategy in sepsis. Al these results strengthen the pleiotropic actions of statins in anti-inflammation and anti-atherosclerosis. Preliminary microarray analysis further revealed several genes either upregulated or downregulated by fluvastatin. The identification of these genes and studying their functional roles in atherosclerosis are currently in progress.

超音波應用於臨床已行之有年，而以穿透式超音波打入腦部的想法也已提出，本實驗目的即為測試低強度間歇性超音波達到腦部受傷後治療的可能。本實驗採用星狀細胞培養模式來探討，首先以腫瘤壞死因子α(Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, TNF-α)模擬中風缺氧的狀態，並利用低強度間歇性超音波刺激星狀細胞，然後檢測其培養液中一氧化氮(nitric oxide, NO)的濃度變化，以及大腦衍生神經營養因子(Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF)、神經膠質衍生神經營養因子(Glial-derived Neurotrophic Factor, GDNF)之mRNA 表現的情形。由實驗結果顯示，在TNF-α存在狀況下則能使NO 濃度上升，施打低強度間歇性超音波可促使NO 增加，並提升上述BDNF、GDNF 兩種蛋白質之mRNA 表現，BDNF 可幫助支持神經元生存，促使新神經元和突觸的發展及分化；GDNF 可有效提昇許多類型神經元生存率；而適當之NO 濃度可以調節神經傳遞物質釋放和腦血流，乃至於影響到記憶的產生。我們初步的結果也顯示在TNF-α存在下，超音波可以增加BDNF 及GDNF 蛋白之產生，因此本研究成果顯示低強度間歇性超音波可提供有利於神經元的環境。The ultrasound technology has been widely applied in the clinical practice for many years, such as monitoring of fetus, lithotripsy, rehabilitation after fracture, as well as the ultrasound stimulation of brain tissue, etc. The purpose of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the injured brain. In this study, we adopted the in vitro model of astrocyte cultures. The tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) was used to simulate the condition of ischemic stroke. We used LIPUS to stimulate the cultured astrocytes, then we ssessed the concentration of nitric oride (NO) in the culture medium. We also assessed the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) of both brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). The results showed that NO increased after the addition of TNF- α. In addition, treatment of LIPUS increased the expression of NO, as well as the mRNA of both BDNF and GDNF. The BDNF is able to support the survival of neuron, as well as stimulate differentiation of neurons and synapses. GDNF can also increase the survival of various kinds of neurons. Furthermore, NO may regulate the secretion of neurotransmitters, increase the blood flow in the brain, as well as enhance the processing of memory. Our preliminary results also demonstrated that both BDNF and GDNF protein increased in response to LIPUS in the presence of TNF-α. Therefore, treatment with LIPUS implicated an environment favoring the protection of neurons.

The purpose of investigation was to find and test an inexpensive and effective remedy against malaria. After a great deal of research, I learnt that an effective herbal remedy against malaria may be extracted from Neem (Azadirachta indica)leaves. This remedy is not very well known about all around the world, however, the Neem tree is found in many parts around the world and is therefore a very accessible and inexpensive remedy against malaria. The purpose of my project was also to inform people about the harmful effects of malaria on the human body, as well as to advise people on how to protect themselves.

The pharmaceutical industry is constantly searching for methods that allow drugs to be delivered as a direct response to a specific stimulus, in which the locus of delivery is in the vicinity of required region. A unique thermo?reversible hydrogel,F127 modified with dimethacrylate (DMA), that can deliver drugs at physiological temperatures was synthesized. Nanoparticles which are specific for targeting human body cancer cell were absorbed by this hydrogel. The toxicity of nanoparticles with different diameters and coating was measured using the MTT assay. It was found that nanoparticles with smaller diameters and folate coating were most toxic to the cancer cells. The release rate of the nanoparticles from the hydrogel was measured as a function of temperature with the hydrogel releasing approximately 3 L nanoparticles per hour. Exposing this drug delivery system to cancer cells would effectively inhibit MCF7 cell proliferation. By grafting this nanoparticle?loaded hydrogel onto a thermoelectric module, the release of the drug would be controlled. Thus, a successful temperature sensitive hydrogel was synthesized that releases cancer?targeting nanoparticles which inhibit cancer cell proliferation, thereby engineering a controlled drug delivery system.

The main reason for the creation of the project was looking for the uncondutuinal support for the entire handicap people that reside in the whole world. \r In all the communities there are barriers that oppse the total development of these people, and what currently exists can not help achieve a full lige for example: it's hard to have a basic education, a productive employment, or in their case to have a simple normal life.\r at the present time there is a serious problem of inequality, this is presented beacuse there has not been a mechanism that has been albe to please 100% of its real demand. That's way what we seek with this prototype, to be able to help them to have and live a better quality of life, it has the function of warning them when an object is near or before them emitting a brief sound that dose not cease until the way is completely free of obstacles, it is also sought to prevent accidents lkie falls, trips, among other, and also to help create more accsess possibilities to help any people that suffer any kind of handicap.\r This is a prototype that is able to help blind people, by heping them become able to move from one place to an other more faster and more securely, these is trying to make them more sure and reliable on them self, also the project is very economical and it was created due to the high quantity of blind men and women that exist in the whole world

古籍上記載山藥益肺氣，養肺陰，且最近研究報告發現山藥含有珍貴的dioscorin，其為山藥貯存養分的重要蛋白質，有抑制胰蛋白水解?之活性。而塵?糞便、屍體中的消化蛋白?會破壞呼吸道上皮細胞緊密連接處引起過敏氣喘反應。我對此甚感興趣，進而利用山藥的萃取蛋白dioscorin、塵?粗萃取蛋白及呼吸道上皮癌細胞A549，藉細胞培養、免疫螢光染色、螢光顯微攝影來實驗山藥是否真能保護上皮細胞緊密連接處。再利用膠體電泳、西方墨點法中抗體的高專一性、二抗的高靈敏度來確知我之前的實驗。另外也用ELISA 來實驗dioscorin或塵?引起A549 發炎的情況是如何。由實驗得知，dioscorin 可抑制及預防塵?引起的過敏氣喘反應；而經由ELISA 實驗發現，dioscorin 對於塵?刺激A549分泌發炎物質Eotaxin 並沒有助長或是降低的效果。It was believed that Chinese yam have benefits in treating asthma. Recently, it was found that the valuable dioscorin can be isolated from Chinese yam. The major function of dioscorin is nutrition-storage, however, it also have activities in inhibiting trypsin-like protease. This inhibitory activities trigger my interests. Because the major allergens, mites, and their stool may destroy the tight junctions of airway epithelium cells through their trypsin-protease activities. I therefore carry out an in vitro study to identify whether dioscorin can be used in protecting epithelium from the attack of mites. My results showed that dioscorin can protect the tight junctions of A549 cells from the attack of mite crude extract protein. I believed that dioscorin can be a good candidate in pharmacology application. The genetic and proteomic information are my further focus. On the other hand, we also investigated the possible activity of dioscorin in inhibiting mites-induced inflammation through using A549 as a model and employing ELISA. We found dioscorin neither inhibited nor enhanced the eotaxin being secreted from A549 under the stimulation of mites.

Purpose Although Body Mass Index (BMI) is accepted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the standard method of measuring a person’s obesity or lack thereof, it is restriction to the two measurements of height and weight. This makes its accuracy questionable. By using other easily obtainable body measurements, a better way of evaluating Body Mass Index is possible. The purpose of this project was to show that the BMI formula is only accurate to a certain degree and that its validity varies depending on certain factors used in my project. Procedure 50 Adolescent female aged 16-20 and 50 women aged 40-56 none of whom were noticeably obese or underweight volunteered. Using a simple questionnaire, several measurements were taken – age in months, caliper measurement of tricep and hip bone, shoe size, height in metres, hip waist and wrist measurements (cm), exercise per week, heart rate and body type. Results were tabulated and graphs drawn using EXCEL. BAI (Body Adiposity Index) measurements were calculated for all volunteers. Results The girls and women with pear and hourglass figures were classified by BMI as overweight or obese. The girls and women who exercised a lot were also unfairly classified by their BMI readings. Many of the graphs show that BMI is not accurate, however, others show that there is merit to the formula. Conclusions The results while interesting require a larger sample group to be conclusive. It would appear that the BMI formula needs to be extended in order to improve its accuracy. Further research includes: 1. Larger sample group, 2. Representative age groups, 3. Investigate males, 4. Look at data for different ethnic groups, 5. Research into BAI formula as a possible substitute, 6. Develop an improvement on BMI. Although, there is some merit to BMI formula, it could be greatly improved with the use of other measurements including those used in this project.

脊髓性肌內萎縮症為常見之體染色體隱性遺傳性疾病，在台灣罹病率約為萬分之一，罹病者會造成幼兒期致死或因肌肉萎縮導致殘障。大多罹病者致病成因為SMN基因突變，脊髓前角運動神經元凋亡退化，導致上下肢肌肉發生漸進性萎縮