Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advanced materials for flexible solar cell applications

Abstract The solar power is one of the most promising renewable energy resources, but the high cost and complicated preparation technology of solar cells become the bottleneck of the wide application in many fields. The most important parameter for solar cells is the conversion efficiency, while at the same time more efficient preparation technologies and flexible structures should also be taken under significant consideration [1]. Especially with the rapid development of wearable devices, people are looking forward to the applications of solar cell technology in various areas of life. In this article the flexible solar cells, which have gained increasing attention in the field of flexibility in recent years, are introduced. The latest progress in flexible solar cells materials and manufacturing technologies is overviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of different manufacturing processes are systematically discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous carbon spheres

Abstract A three-step method was used for the synthesis of mesoporous carbon sphere (MCS) material: firstly, silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were synthesized by the modified Stöber procedure; secondly, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) were grafted onto SiO2 core nanoparticles to prepare SiO2@SiO2-CTAC hard templates; lastly, MCS material was fabricated by carbonizing and selective leaching SiO2/resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) composites. The influence of the mass ratio of R-F/silica on the structure, morphology and crystal form was studied. The results indicate that the MCS materials have a uniform morphology. The increase of the mass ratio of R-F/silica can increase the specific surface area and pore volume. The three-step method provides a cost-effective procedure for the fabrication of MCS materials with uniform morphology.
Identification of in vitro and in vivo potential metabolites of novel cardiovascular and adrenolytic drugs by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with the aid of experimental design

Abstract Drug metabolism in liver microsomes was studied in vitro using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Relevant drug was incubated with dog, human and rat liver microsomes (DLMs, HLMs, RLMs) along with NADPH, and the reaction mixture was analyzed by LC-MS/MS to obtain specific metabolic profile. GRACE analytical C18 column, Vision HT (50 × 2 mm, 1.5 μm) was implemented with acetonitrile and water (+ 5 mM ammonium acetate) in a gradient mode as the mobile phase at a flow 0.4 mL.min−1. Different phase I and phase II metabolites were detected and structurally described. The metabolism of the studied drugs occurred via oxidation, hydroxylation and oxidative deamination processes. Conjugates with the glucuronic acid and sulfate were also observed as phase II biotransformation. The central composite design (CCD) showed that factors, such as time incubation, liver microsomal enzymes concentration and NADPH concentration, along with drying gas temperature, nebulizer gas pressure and capillary voltage significantly affected the final response of the method. This study describes the novel information about the chemical structure of the potential metabolites of selected biologically active compounds, which provide vital data for further pharmacokinetic and in vivo metabolism studies.
Application of DNA Barcoding in Taxonomy and Phylogeny: An Individual Case of COI Partial Gene Sequencing from Seven Animal Species

Abstract A part of the COI mitochondrial barcoding gene was sequenced from seven species of different taxonomical groups: Ambystoma mexicanum (Amphibia, Ambystomatidae), Darevskia lindholmi, Lacerta agilis exigua (Reptilia, Lacertidae), Erinaceus roumanicus (Mammalia, Erinaceidae), Macrobiotus sp. 1 and 2 (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae) and Cameraria ohridella (Insecta, Gracillariidae). The sequences were compared with available sequences from databases and positioned on phylogenetic trees when the taxa had not yet been sequenced. The presence of Mexican axolotls in herpetoculture in Ukraine was confirmed. The partial COI genes of the Crimean rock lizard and an eastern sub-species of the sand lizard were sequenced. We demonstrated the presence of two tardigrade mitochondrial lineages of the Macrobiotus hufelandi group in the same sample from the Zeya Natural Reserve in the Far East: one was nearly identical to the Italian M. macrocalix, and the other one is similar to M. persimilis and M. vladimiri. We also confirmed the presence of the invasive haplotype “A” of the horse chestnut leaf miner in Ukraine, in line with the hypothesized route of invasion from Central Europe.
Unpacking the Potential of 360degree Video to Support Pre-Service Teacher Development

Abstract Video has become a useful tool in Initial Teacher Education for self-evaluation and reflection by pre-service teachers (PSTs). The availability of 360degree video cameras and web-based applications, to review and annotate 360degree videos, allows PSTs greater flexibility to view and review their practice from a variety of perspectives. This study explores PSTs’ use of 360degree video for reflection on their teaching practice. 360degree video provides PSTs with the capacity to pan ‘around’ the video, and in doing so has supported PSTs to detach and reflect on their own practice. The findings suggest that the PSTs valued the additional perspectives afforded by the 360degree nature of the video, which had a particular impact on their understanding of their presence, interactions and explanations. Peer video viewing was also found to be a useful tool in supporting PSTs to ‘notice’ additional areas for improvement in their own practice.
Second-Trimester Maternal Serum Beta-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Lipid Profile as a Predictor of Gestational Hypertension, Preeclampsia, and Eclampsia: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are important complications of pregnancy and are associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Early diagnosis may improve maternal and perinatal outcome by ensuring appropriate management. Aim: Our aim is to assess the serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and serum lipid profile in the early and late trimesters of at-risk mothers and to analyze whether these parameters can be used to predict pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and its time of onset. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur, India. Two hundred antenatal women were screened for serum beta-hCG and lipid profile in their early (14–18 weeks) and late (24–28 weeks) second trimesters. All patients were followed up till delivery and observed for the development of PIH. Results were evaluated and analyzed statistically. Results: The incidence of PIH in our study was 14.67% (n = 27). Most of the patients had late-onset PIH (88.88%, n = 27), whereas 11.12% (n = 3) had an early onset of the disease. Of 27 patients, 6 patients developed preeclampsia and none had eclampsia. The mean beta-hCG level in the study population at the early second trimester was 91,723.97, whereas in the late second trimester, it was 22,456.25. In PIH patients, a significant increase in the level of serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein was noted in both the early and late second trimesters. Conclusion: This study showed that serum beta-hCG and lipid profile in the second trimester are useful indicators to identify women who are likely to develop PIH, preeclampsia, or eclampsia.
Intrafamilial Infection of Helicobacter Pylori: Abnormal Gastric Epithelial Cells, Pedestal-Rich H. Pylori Adherence, and a Gene Mutation in a Child with Protein-Losing Gastroenteropathy

Abstract Helicobacter pylori, one of the most prevalent human pathogens, colonizes the gastric mucosa and is associated with gastric diseases, such as gastritis and peptic ulcers, and is also a bacterial risk factor for gastric cancer. Cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) protein, a major virulence factor of H. pylori, is phosphorylated in cells at its Glu-Pro-IIe-Tyr-Ala (EPIYA) motif and is considered to trigger gastric cancer. CagA is classified into two forms, Western CagA with EPIYA-ABC and East Asian CagA with EPIYA-ABD, with the latter associated with a high risk of developing gastric cancer. CagA causes morphological transformation of cells, yielding the “hummingbird” phenotype in AGS cells and possibly membranous pedestals in the gastric epithelium, albeit rarely. H. pylori adherence to the gastric mucosa is not yet fully understood. Here, we describe an intrafamilial infection case of H. pylori, focusing on the gastric epithelium, H. pylori adherence, and a gene mutation in a child with protein-losing gastroenteropathy (characterized by excessive loss of plasma proteins into the gastrointestinal tract). H. pylori, which also infected family members (mother and father), was genetically a single clone with the virulence genes of an East Asian type. The patient’ gastric mucosa exhibited some unique features. Endoscopy revealed the presence of protein plugs on the mucosal surface, which were immunoelectrophoretically similar to serum proteins. Electron microscopy revealed abnormal gastric epithelial cells, totally covered with the secretions or possessing small swollen structures and irregular microvilli. The patient’s H. pylori infection was characterized by frequently occurring thick pedestals, formed along adherent H. pylori. The serum protein level returned to normal and the protein plugs disappeared after the successful eradication of H. pylori, albeit with lag periods for healing. He had a mutation in the OCRL1 gene, associated with Dent disease (asymptomatic proteinuria). Thus, in the patient’s gastric mucosa, we found the abnormal gastric epithelial cells, which may be caused by an OCRL1 mutation or H. pylori, and pedestal-rich H. pylori infection, possibly caused by a higher level of action of CagA in the abnormal epithelial cells. The data suggests a novel H. pylori virulence factor associated with “excessive plasma protein release”.
Intraoperative Surgical Margin Clearance – Correlation of Touch Imprint Cytology, Frozen Section Diagnosis, and Histopathological Diagnosis

Introduction: Touch imprint cytology (TIC) and frozen section diagnosis are valuable intraoperative guides for the management of malignancies as they make a prompt therapeutic decision that may prevent surgical re-intervention. The present study emphasizes on the correlation of TIC and frozen section for the evaluation of surgical margins considering histopathological diagnosis as the gold standard. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the accuracy of frozen section diagnosis and TIC in the evaluation of surgical margin clearance. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective analytical study of 103 patients carried in the histopathology section of department of pathology for 1 year from July 2017 to July 2018. Specimens were received in the frozen section room, grossed by the standard protocol. Touch imprints of margins were taken, and frozen sections were stained by rapid hematoxylin and eosin stain. The same margins were sent for permanent histopathology sections. Results: Of 103 patients, 51 (49.51%) were oral squamous cell carcinoma, 35 (33.98%) carcinoma breast, 9 (8.74%) carcinoma colon, 4 (3.88%) squamous cell carcinoma of skin, 3 (2.91%) basal cell carcinoma, and 1 (0.97%) malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor. Frozen section diagnosis for margin clearance of the above organs showed that the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were found to be 100%, 98.71%, 100%, 100%, and 99.02%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of TIC for surgical margin clearance were 46.15%, 100%, 100%, 84.62%, and 86.40%, respectively. Conclusion: Frozen section diagnosis is an accurate method for the assessment of surgical margin clearance as compared to TIC. This study evaluated predominantly epithelial malignancies than mesenchymal malignancies, thus emphasizing its utility in it. More research needs to be done for the assessment of the utility of these lesions.
Pulmonary dysfunction among adolescents and adults with sickle cell disease in Nigeria: Implications for monitoring

Sir, I refer to the interesting case–control study by Ozoh et al.[1] published in the October–December 2019 issue of the Annals of Thoracic Medicine. The authors nicely studied the frequency and pattern of spirometric abnormalities in a cohort of Nigerian adults with sickle cell anemia (SCA). They found that the median forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC were significantly lower in SCD as compared to controls (P = 0.000 in all instances). The frequency of abnormal pulmonary patterns was higher in SCD as compared to controls with abnormal spirometric pattern in 71% and 31.5% of participants with SCD and controls, respectively (P = 0.000). The restrictive pattern was predominant (48% vs. 23%), but obstructive (11.8% vs. 7.4%) and mixed patterns (11% vs. 0.9%) were also found among SCD versus controls. [1] The authors addressed few study limitations. I presume that the following methodological limitation could shadow more suspicions on the study results. The authors stated in the methodology that they referred to the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) reference equations[2] for the characterization of spirometric pattern. It is explicit that using population‐specific spirometric standard could describe better the pulmonary function status than using a foreign population standard. Actually, GLI reference is old dated back to 2012 and it was constructed based on over 160,000 data points from 72 centers in 33 countries in collaboration with the European Respiratory Society global Lung function initiative. [2] It is not worthy to be specifically employed for Nigerian adult population. This is centered on the notion that applying prediction formula derived for other populations always overestimated the values for the African ethnic population. [3] Importantly, spirometric standards for healthy Nigerian adults have been already formulated to be employed in the clinical fields and researches institutions. [4] I wonder why Ozoh et al.[1] did not refer to that national standard in the study methodology. I suppose that if they employed that standard, more accurate results might be yielded. Despite the study limitations, the reported high burden of pulmonary dysfunction in the studied SCA cohort (71%)[1] is worrying. It requires regular monitoring of lung function to maintain pulmonary health status on one hand and improve the quality of life on the other.
The safety and efficacy of adjunctive 20-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia: A double-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled study

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment strategy for negative symptoms. However, the evidence for its efficacy is mixed, with contradictory results between studies due to lack of consensus about the optimal stimulation parameters. Aim: The present study was planned to assess the safety and efficacy of 20-Hz rTMS over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Lt-DLPFC) with more robust stimulation parameters for adjunctive treatment of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS] negative subscore ≥15) were randomized to receive a 4-week treatment with either real-rTMS (n = 15) or sham-rTMS (n = 15). The study outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 5th and 20th rTMS sessions with PANSS, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia, Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of illness scale, and rTMS side-effect checklist. Results: There was significantly greater reduction in negative symptoms assessed by SANS score in the real rTMS group, compared with the sham rTMS group. There was no significant difference in the rate of side-effects reported between the two groups. The rTMS treatment was well-tolerated by all the patients, except one seizure episode reported in the active group. Conclusion: The high-frequency rTMS protocol was safe and well-tolerated, provided patients prone to developing seizure were excluded by baseline electroencephalography prior to starting of the treatment. The 20-Hz rTMS over Lt-DLPFC with more robust stimulation parameters (100% motor threshold and 40,000 pulses) might be an effective augmentation strategy for the treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
Atomoxetine-related bruxism in a 7-year-old boy: A case report

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Genetic and Agronomic Analysis of Latvian Fescue (Festuca Spp.), Ryegrass (Lolium Spp.) Accessions and their Hybrids

Abstract The development of ecologically adaptable fodder crop varieties is of increasing importance, particularly in the context of climate change. New varieties should be phenotypically and ecologically plastic and able to adapt to differing climactic and soil conditions, ensuring high yields and persistence. Combining Festuca and Lolium species and the development of hybrid (Festulolium) cultivars can be a promising method of combining high yield, high feed quality, persistence, as well as cold, frost and drought tolerance. Breeders at the Institute of Agriculture of Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies have been utilizing Festulolium germplasm for several decades. Currently, in cooperation with the molecular genetics laboratory and Latvian gene bank at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute “Silava”, analysis of Festuca, Lolium and their hybrids with DNA markers has been initiated, in order to gain additional knowledge about the breeding material and to increase the efficiency of the breeding process. Results of the assessment of morphological and agronomic traits in long-term field trials are combined with DNA markers analyses in order to determine the correlation of genetic and phenotypic traits.
Carrier rate analysis of single-gene disorders based on 1000 genome project and exome aggregation consortium data

Objective: Screening variants underlying the single-gene disorder in the general population can help reduce the incidences of birth defects. To determine the most prevalent pathogenic variants causing autosomal recessive diseases, we investigated the frequencies of these variants in six major geographic ancestry groups from Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) database and 26 populations from the 1,000 Genome Project, including three Chinese ethnic groups. Methods: We selected 64 autosomal recessive diseases and collected corresponding causal genes and variants from ClinVar for the analysis. The RS (reference single-nucleotide polymorphism) IDs of these variants were used to search the corresponding VCF file from the 1,000 Genomes Project and ExAC databases. We calculated the frequencies of heterozygotes of each disease variants in the 1,000 Genomes Project and ExAC samples and compared the distribution of disease alleles among different populations. Results: Our analysis revealed that 1,151/212 variants were carried by 60,706/2,504 individuals sequenced in the ExAC/1,000 Genomes Project. The average number of autosomal recessive disease alleles carried by samples from ExAC and 1,000 Genomes Project were 0.53 and 0.68, respectively. These disease alleles showed differential distribution among populations, and some disease alleles were significantly enriched in certain ethnic groups. In addition, 1–2 main pathogenic variants were identified in each disease. Meanwhile, several ClinVar variants with relatively high frequency (>1%) in the samples were found to be benign instead of “conflicting evaluations of pathogenicity. ” Conclusions: Our observations revealed that main pathogenic variants existed in certain autosomal recessive disease, suggesting that screening of disease hypermutations in different populations is valuable in reducing the occurrence of birth defects.