Anode is an important part of microbial fuel cell, its performance significantly affects the electricity generation of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Nanomaterials have excellent properties, such as good conductivity and large surface area. Therefore, nanomaterials modified anode can effectively reduce the electrode resistance, increase the amount of microbial adhesion and improve the electricity generation of MFCs. In this paper, we introduced various nanomaterials modified anodes and summarized their effects on the output performance of MFCs. Finally, the prospect of modifying nanomaterials and technologies were discussed.
Bioelectric Energy Sources ; Electricity ; Electrodes ; Nanostructures

Objective To explore the effect ofrosiglitazone (RGZ), a ligand of peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor γ (PPARγ), on the invasiveness of A375 cells in vitro and its mechanism of action.Methods A375 human melanoma cells were cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of RGZ. The proliferation of the cells, mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 2, protein expression of MMP2 in A375 cells were detected by MTT assay, semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western-blot, respectively. The invasiveness of A375 cells was detected by Matrigel invasion assay. Results MTT assay showed that the proliferation of A375 cells was inhibited by (4.86±0.31 )% and (5.15±0.52)% under the 24-hour treatment with RGZ of 10 and 25 μmol/L, respectively, and no evident cytotoxity was observed for RGZ. Compared with untreated A375 ceils, a significant decrease was observed in the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2 in A375 ceils treated with RGZ of 10 and 25 μmol/L (all P < 0.05), along with an increase in the mRNA expression of TIMP2 (both P < 0.01 ).The count of A375 cells transmigrating through matrigel was 154.1±7.7 and 87.3±8.1 under the treatment with RGZ of 10 and 25 μmol/L, significantly lower than that of those without treatment (210.7±14.9,both P < 0.01 ). Conclusions RGZ could inhibit the transmigration of A375 ceils, likely by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of MMP2.

Alcoholism ; therapy ; Humans ; Methanol ; poisoning

Accidents, Occupational ; Adult ; Arsenic Poisoning ; Critical Illness ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Humans

BACKGROUND:The functional reconstruction of large maxillary defects is a significant challenge due to the lack of bony support.In this paper.a new approach for segmental maxillary reconstruction and bony support foundation is put forward and tested by animal experiment.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the possibility of segmental maxillary regeneration by internal curve distraction osteogenesis of zygoma with the self-developed distractor.DESIGN:Animal experiment.SETTING:Department of Stomatology.the 252 Hospital of Chinese PLA.MATERIALS: Two healthy female hybrid canines of 1-1.5 years old and 20-25 kg were selected. Internal curve distractor was composed of three parts:curve track,movable part and a flexible central thread bar fixed at the center of the curve track.The former two parts,which was made of TC4,(Ti-6AI-4V),and the flexible central thread bar was made of nickel titanium wire. A 360° of counter clockwise rotation of the distraction activator achieved an advancement of 0.35 mm for the movable part;the maximum distraction length allowed by the distractor was 25 mm.METHODS: The experiment was carried out in the animal experimental center of Fourth Military Medical University of Chinese PLA from October 2003 to February 2004. The segmental defect of 18-20 mm in width was made in maxilla and zygoma to simulate maxillary defects.Then an osteotomy distal to the defect was performed to create the variable transport disk. The distractor was fixed to the residual zygoma and zygomatic arch for internal curve distraction osteogenesis.After a latency period of 5 days,the distraction started at a ratio of 1.05 mm per day (0.35 mm once,3 times per day) for 13 consecutive days. Before and after distraction and at the second, fourth and eighth week of consolidation, the bone radiographs of residual zygoma and zygomatic arch were taken routinely.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The general condition of the animals and distractor, and the quality and quantity of new formation bone in the distracted gap.RESULTS:Canines and distractor were in good condition during the experimental period.X-ray film showed that at the end of distraction, the bony transport disks were distracted about 12 mm around arc.At the 8th week of consolidation,the density of new bone was close to that of normal bone,and the curved bony regeneration was almost completed.CONCLUSION: The serf-designed curve internal distractor is fit the condition of major maxillary defects,and could be used for the internal curve distraction of zygoma.

ObjectiveTo study the changes of related hormone levels using hormone replacement therapy in patients with perimenopausal syndrome,and its clinical significance.Methods Eighty-five patients with perimenopausal syndrome received continuous sequential estrogen and progesterone treatment.Daily oral conjugated estrogen 0.625 mg,28 days as one cycle.In each cycle the 19-28th d combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate 4 mg,once a day,a total of 3 cycles.Observed the changes of hormone levels before and after treatment.ResultsThe levels of estradiol and progesterone were obviously increased after treatment compared with those before treatment [ (83.6 ± 1.9) ng/L vs.(10.0 ± 1.1 ) rng/L,(0.32 ± 0.10)μ g/L vs.(0.22 ± 0.20) μ g/L,P ＜ 0.05 ],and follicles stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,total cholesterol and triglyceride were obviously decreased [ (40.8 ± 11.0) U/L vs. (57.1 ± 10.8) U/L, (24.9 ±13.6) U/L vs.(46.2 ± 13.8) U/L,(4.6 ±0.9) mmol/L vs.(6.1 ± 1.0) mmol/L,(1.1 ±0.2) mmol/L vs.( 1.6 ± 0.1 ) mmol/L,P ＜ 0.05 ].Body mass index was no obviously different[ (23.9 ± 1.9) kg/m2 vs.(22.5 ± 2.2)kg/m2,P ＞ 0.05 ].ConclusionApplication of hormone replacement in treatment of perimenopausal syndrome is safe.

Objective:　To explore the therapeutic effect and safety of thrombolysis and pure anticoagulation therapy in patients with acute submassive pulmonary embolism. Methods: A total of 63 patients with acute submassive pulmonary embolism were randomly divided into thrombolysis group (n=32) and pure anticoagulation group (n=31). Arterial blood gas index and right heart functional index changes of two groups were observed before treatment and after two-week treatment, and their therapeutic effects were compared and analyzed. Incidence of bleeding and thrombocytopenia were counted in two groups. Results: Compared with before treatment, there were significant improvements in arterial blood gas and right heart functional indexes after treatment in two groups, P<0.05 or <0.01; compared with pure anticoagulation group, there were significant rise in partial pressure of oxygen in artery [PaO2,（77.8±7.3）mmHg vs. (83.4±8.7) mmHg], right ventricular anterior wall motion [RVAWM, (4.9±1.7) mm vs. (5.8±2.2) mm]; and significant descent in alveolar-arterial oxygen difference [P (A-a)O2, (23.1±2.8) mmHg vs. (16.5±2.4) mmHg mmHg], pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP, (54.6±7.9) mmHg vs. (34.2±7.5) mmHg] in thrombolysis group, P<0.05 or <0.01. Total effective rate of thrombolysis group (100%) was significantly higher than that of pure anticoagulation group (80.6%), P=0.002. There were no significant difference in incidence rates of bleeding and thrombocytopenia between two groups, P>0.05. Conclusion:　Thrombolysis therapy can significantly lower pulmonary artery pressure and improve oxygenation and right ventricular function indexes in patients with acute submassive pulmonary embolism. It may be a preferred recommendation for patients without contraindications.

Objective To investigate CT features of subconjunctival fat prolapse and choristoma. Methods Thirty-eight patients, including 18 with subconjunctival fat prolapse and 20 with choristoma, were retrospectively analyzed. Transverse plain CT scan was performed in all the patients, and then coronal plane images was reconstructed at CT workstation. Results CT features of subconjunctival fat prolapse revealed a crescent-shaped or horn-shaped fat density mass continuous with the orbital fat in the superior temporal quadrant of the orbit. CT features of choristoma revealed a crescent-shaped or triangle fat density mass incontinuous with the orbital fat in the temporal side. Conclusion Subconjunctival fat prolapse typically occurs in bilateral superior temporal quadrant of the orbit in elderly males. Subconjunctival choristoma occurs in the unilateral temporal side in adolescent. CT is helpful to distinguish subconjunctival fat prolapse and choristoma.

Adult ; Bone Transplantation ; Fibula ; transplantation ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; surgery ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Zygoma ; transplantation

Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Hot Flashes ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Isoflavones ; therapeutic use ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Postmenopause ; blood ; drug effects ; Prospective Studies ; Soybean Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Soybeans ; chemistry ; Sweating ; drug effects ; Syndrome