Structure, optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of solution-processed Li-doped NiO films grown by SILAR

The article presents a new facial synthesis of Li-doped NiO films (NiO:Li) via an easy and cost-effective method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) with the processing of the obtained NiO films in a lithium-containing aqueous solution for their transformation after annealing into NiO:Li layers. Comparative analysis of crystal structure, optical, electrical and thermoelectric properties of the obtained NiO and NiO:Li 420-1050 nm thick films have reveiled a cubic rock-salt NiO structure, at that, NiO:Li samples are nanocrystalline single phased Li-NiO solid solutions. The fabricated NiO and NiO:Li films are p-type semiconductors with activation energy Ea = 0.1 eV and Ea = 0.25‒0.31 eV, respectively. The obtained in-plane Seebeck coefficients Z are in the range 0.20–0.33 mV/К. Notwithstanding the fact that the maximum values of the thermoelectric power factors P=2.2 μW/K2·m, are rather small, they were achieved if the hot end of the NiO:Li film was heated only to 115 °C. Thus, the produced in this work new low cost thermoelectric thin film material is suitable for a production of electrical energy for low-power devices due to absorption of low-potential heat

Solution-processed flexible broadband ZnO photodetector modified by Ag nanoparticles

In this work, we present flexible broadband photodetectors (PDs) fabricated by a deposition of nanostructured zinc oxide (ZnO) films on polyimide (PI) substrates by using cheap and scalable aqueous method Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR). In order to increase the long-wavelength absorption of the nanostructured ZnO layer, we created its intrinsic defects, including oxygen vacancies by post-treatment at 300 °C in vacuum and thus the light-sensitive material ZnO/PI was obtained. Then we applied silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) from a silver sol onto a nanostructured ZnO film, which were visualized using SEM in the form of spheres up to 100 nm in size that increased the photocurrent and figures of merit of thus obtained light-sensitive material ZnO_Ag/PI due to localized surface plasmon resonance and double Schottky barriers at the Ag-ZnO interface. To fabricate photodetectors based on a photoconductive effect, these ZnO/PI and ZnO_Ag/PI materials were equipped with ohmic aluminum contacts. The spectral responsivity (Rλ up to 275 A/W to UV light) of solution-processed flexible broadband photodetector based on ZnO_Ag/PI material at different wavelengths of light and light power densities is better than Rλ of the ZnO/PI photodetector, and at least an order of magnitude higher than Rλ of photodetectors based on nanostructured zinc oxide described in recent articles. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of both PDs in this study in UV–Vis-NIR spectra is very high in the range from 1∙102 to 9∙104 % and is better or of the same order of magnitude as the EQE data of modern flexible broadband high-sensitivity PDs based on nanostructured heterostructures containing ZnO. The specific detectivity in UV–Vis-NIR spectra is large for ZnO/PI (from 3.5∙1010 to 1∙1012 Jones) and especially for ZnO_Ag/PI (from 1.6∙1011 to 8.6∙1013 Jones), which indicates the ability of the PDs based on light-sensitive materials ZnO/PI and ZnO_Ag/PI to recognize a very weak light signal

Prevention of rebleeding in patients with portal hypertension and esophageal variceal bleeding

Department of Endoscopic and Cardiovascular Surgery, National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine, Al XIII-lea Congres al Asociației Chirurgilor „Nicolae Anestiadi” și al III-lea Congres al Societății de Endoscopie, Chirurgie miniminvazivă și Ultrasonografie ”V.M.Guțu” din Republica MoldovaBackground: Despite the development of medicine esophageal variceal bleeding remain an urgent problem. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of embolization of the splenic artery in order to prevent portal bleeding. Methods and materials: The study included 96 patients, who had cirrhosis classes B and C (Child-Pugh) and esophageal variceal bleeding. Patients were divided into 2 groups: main group (n=71, 73.95%) – endoscopic ligating of bleeding and embolization of the splenic artery; comparison group (n=25, 26.05%) – only drug therapy. Results: In comparison group we stopped bleeding in 54 (76.1%) patients. 17 (23.9%) patients died. The duration of treatment was 10.1±2.4 days. In main group we stopped bleeding in 23 (92.0%) patients. 2 (8.0%) patients died. The duration of treatment was 6.5±2.7 days. A statistical analysis of mortality and duration of treatment revealed a significant difference (p<0.01) between the groups in both indicators. After splenic artery embolizationin all cases managed to achieve a reduction in blood flow of 60–80%. After 6 months among 54 patients in the comparison group, bleeding relapse occurred in 12 (22.2%) cases; in the main group – 2 (8.7%). Conclusion: Splenic artery embolization in patients after endoscopic hemostasis of variceal bleeding allows to reduce the pressure in the portal system, which in turn leads to a decrease in the frequency of bleeding recurrences

Synonymous Codon Ordering: A Subtle but Prevalent Strategy of Bacteria to Improve Translational Efficiency

Background: In yeast coding sequences, once a particular codon has been used, subsequent occurrence of the same amino acid tends to use codons sharing the same tRNA. Such a phenomenon of co-tRNA codons pairing bias (CTCPB) is also found in some other eukaryotes but it is not known whether it occurs in prokaryotes. Methodology/Principal Findings: In this study, we focused on a total of 773 bacterial genomes to investigate their synonymous codon pairing preferences. After calculating the actual frequencies of synonymous codon pairs and comparing them with their expected values, we detected an obvious pairing bias towards identical codon pairs. This seems consistent with the previously reported CTCPB phenomenon, since identical codons are certainly read by the same tRNA. However, among co-tRNA but non-identical codon pairs, only 22 were often found overrepresented, suggesting that many co-tRNA codons actually do not preferentially pair together in prokaryotes. Therefore, the previously reported co-tRNA codons pairing rule needs to be more rigorously defined. The affinity differences between a tRNA anticodon and its readable codons should be taken into account. Moreover, both within-gene-shuffling tests and phylogenetic analyses support the idea that translational selection played an important role in shaping the observed synonymous codon pairing pattern in prokaryotes. Conclusions: Overall, a high level of synonymous codon pairing bias was detected in 73 % investigated bacterial species

Inner Size Effect in Layered Films with Eutectic Interaction of Components

The results of the study of melting of Bi-Sn and Pb-Sn polycrystalline layered film systems with the thickness of 200-400 nm on a substrate with temperature gradient are given. Multilayer (each layer is of 10-20 nm) and bilayer films (layers are of 100-200 nm) of the same total thickness have been investigated. Broadening of the melting range in all films and lowering of melting point in multilayer samples compared to the bilayer ones have been observed. The observed phenomena are discussed within existing thermodynamic concepts in consideration of interfacial energy of contacting layers of components and energy of grain boundaries in polycrystalline films

Population-based biobank for analyzing the frequencies of clinically relevant DNA markers in the Russian population: bioinformatic aspects

One of the tasks of population-based biobanks is to determine the frequencies of clinically relevant genetic polymorphisms in the population. The population of Russia is very heterogeneous both ethnically and genetically. Therefore, the frequencies of genetic markers are in demand not in one sample, but in a series of samples reflecting the heterogeneity of the gene pool of different peoples and regions.Aim. To divide the population of Russia and neighboring countries into population groups meeting certain conditions, as well as having a representative sample in existing data and biobanks.Material and methods. We developed a method for combining populations into larger groups with maintaining intragroup homogeneity based on the principal components analysis with K-means clustering, followed by refinement of clustering for higher homogeneity and a more equal distribution of group sizes using FST distances. The technology has been adjusted using the example of the Biobank of Northern Eurasia. Therefore, the material was the genome-wide data on 4.5 million genetic markers for 1,883 samples representing 247 populations of Russia and neighboring countries from this biobank. The developed approach, the resulting set of populations and related map can be applied for other collections of biomaterials from Russian populations.Results. Application of this approach made it possible to divide the entire population of Russia and neighboring countries into 29 ethnogeographic groups, characterized by relative genetic homogeneity. This set of populations is recommended as a baseline for population screenings to identify the frequency of any genetic markers among the population of Russia. A map has been constructed showing the division of population into 29 ethnogeographic areas.Conclusion. On the basis of a reliable genome-wide data, the zoning of gene pool of the Russian population was carried out. We identified ethnogeographic groups with intergroup contrasting allele frequencies, but at the same time with relatively homogeneous intragroup parameters. The resulting map and register of groups can be used in population genetic, medical genetic and pharmacogenetic studies

ЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ЕНДОСКОПІЧНОГО ГЕМОСТАЗУ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ВИСОКИМ РИЗИКОМ РЕЦИДИВУ ГАСТРО-ДУОДЕНАЛЬНИХ КРОВОТЕЧ ВИРАЗКОВОГО ҐЕНЕЗУ

The aim of the study was to evaluate of endoscopic hemostasis efficiency in patients with high risk of rebleeding after gastroduodenal peptic ulcer hemorrhage. The analysis of medical cards of 139 patients who were admitted to the center for gastrointestinal bleeding with hemorrhagic shock was conducted. All patients had high risk of rebleedingwhich was estimated using Rockall scale. All patients were divided into groups: the first group consisted of 40 patients who underwent endoscopic hemostasis; the second group included 99 patients who received drug therapy; the third group consisted of 30 patients who were operated. The compare criterion was the frequency of rebleeding, treatment outcome, and its duration.Цель исследования – оценка эффективности разных методов эндоскопического гемостаза у пациентов с высоким риском рецидива гастродуоденальных кровотечений язвенного генеза. Проведен анализ карт стационарных больных 139 пациентов, госпитализированных в центр желудочно–кишечных кровотечений в состоянии геморрагического шока. У всех пациентов был высокий риск рецидива кровотечения, который оценивался при помощи прогностической шкалы Rockall. Все больные были разделены на группы (статистический анализ проводился в два этапа): первую группу составили 40 пациентов, которым проведен эндоскопический гемостаз; во вторую группу вошли 99 пациентов, которые получали консервативное противоязвенное лечение; третью группу составили 30 пациентов, прооперированных по поводу профузного язвенного кровотечения или его рецидива. Критериями сравнения были частота рецидива кровотечения, результат лечения, а также его длительность.Метою дослідження було оцінити ефективність різних методів ендоскопічного гемостазу у пацієнтів з високим ризиком рецидиву гастродуоденальних кровотеч виразкового ґенезу. Проаналізовано карти стаціонарних хворих 139 пацієнтів, які госпіталізовані в центр шлунково–кишкових кровотеч у стані геморагічного шоку. Усі пацієнти мали високий ризик рецидиву кровотечі, який оцінювався за допомогою прогностичної шкали Rockall. Пацієнтів розподілено на групи (статистичний аналіз проводився у два етапи: першу групу становили 40 пацієнтів, яким проведено ендоскопічний гемостаз; до другої групи було включено 99 пацієнтів, які отримували консервативну противиразкову терапію; група 3 містила 30 пацієнтів, яким з приводу профузної кровотечі або її рецидиву було проведено оперативне лікування. Критеріями порівняння були частота рецидиву кровотечі, результат лікування, а також його тривалість

НОВІ ПОГЛЯДИ НА ЕЛЕКТРОХІРУРГІЧНЕ ЛІКУВАННЯ ЕХІНОКОКОВИХ КІСТ ПЕЧІНКИ

Modern tendencies in reducing liver tissue lesion during surgery require the introduction of less-traumatic methods of hemostasis in everyday practice. For today, electrosurgical technologies are among the most effective in the implementation of reliable hemostasis, and devices based on contactless convection and infra-red effects on tissue, in addition to a reliable hemostasis, can disinfect wound. And devices based on contactless convection-infrared effects on a fabric, in addition to a reliable hemostasis, allow to disinfect wounds. Surgery with APC was performed on 45 (68,2 %) patients (experimental group), and conventional open surgry using MPC – on 21 (31,8 %) patients (comparison group). In the postoperative period the nature of complication, dynamics of index functional condition of the liver, duration of stay in hospital were assessed. Results of the study demonstrated that under conditions of ultrasound cavitator application with APC of hepatic echinococcal cysts as compared to traditional surgery treatment using mono-polar coagulation the indices after operation rehabilitation improved, and the level of early and distant postoperative complications decreases. Moreover, positive dynamics of the functional state of the liver and index of the stenting system of blood were found.Современные тенденции к уменьшению повреждения ткани печени при оперативных вмешательствах требуют внедрения в повседневную практику малотравматичных методов осуществления гемостаза. На сегодняшний день термохирургические технологии являются одними из самых эффективных в осуществлении надёжного гемостаза, а аппараты, основанные на бесконтактном конвекционно–инфракрасном воздействии на ткань, дополнительно к надежному гемостазу позволяют осуществить дезинфекцию  ран. Хирургические вмешательства с использованием АПК были выполнены 45 (68,2%) больным (опытная группа), а общепринятые оперативные вмешательства с использованием МПК – 21 (31,8%) больным (группа сравнения). В послеоперационном периоде оценивали характер осложнений, динамику показателей функционального состояния печени, продолжительность пребывания в стационаре. Результаты исследования показали, что в условиях использования ультразвукового кавитатора с АПК эхинококковых кист печени, по сравнению с традиционным хирургическим лечением с использованием монополярной коагуляции, у пациентов улучшаются показатели послеоперационной реабилитации и уменьшается уровень ранних и отдалённых послеоперационных осложнений. Также было отмечено положительную динамику показателей функционального состояния печени и показателей системы свёртывания крови.Робота базується на результатах спостереження, лікування та опрацювання матеріалів 32 пацієнтів із політравмою, які лікувалися у клініках хірургії протягом 2010 – 2017 рр. Виявлені особливості хірургічної тактики у потерпілих з політравмою залежно від значення показника індексу маси тіла. Використання тактики програмованих етапних релапаротомій було обов’язковим у процесі хірургічного лікування політравми, особливо у людей із ІІ-ІІІ ступенем ожирінням. Отриманні результати дослідження формують підґрунтя для диференційованого підходу у виборі тактики хірургічного лікування потерпілих із політравмою залежно від значення індексу маси тіла

Beijing, China: Summer Palace [020]

Photograph of Summer Palace, Beijing, ChinaSummer Palace, Peking, China