Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus from 1,668 Individuals of Sichuan Area in China.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the main causes of liver fibrosis, chronic hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of HCV, age-dependent prevalence and genotypes distribution in a large number of clinical samples in Sichuan area of China. METHODS: In the past five years from 2014 to 2018, a total number of 4,508 individuals received the serum HCV-RNA analysis in the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. Viral nucleic acid was extracted from the serum samples and amplified using COBAS AmpliPre/COBAS TaqMan Detection Platform. Five HCV genotypes (1b, 2a, 3a, 3b, and 6a) of serum samples from 469 HCV positive individuals collected from 2016 to 2018 were analyzed using the PCR-fluorescence probe technique. RESULTS: A total of 1,668 individuals had positive results by high precision HCV-RNA quantitative technique, corresponding to a crude prevalence of 37.0% (95% confidence interval: 33.6 - 40.3%). The majority of HCV positive individuals were aged over 41 years, accounting for 80.7% (1,346/1,668, CI: 72.3 - 87.1%). Among the nine age groups, the 41 - 50-year age group had the highest HCV prevalence of 29.8% (497/1,668, CI: 25.6 - 32.3%). Of the 469 HCV-RNA positive serum samples collected in 2016 - 2018, genotype 1b was the most frequent type found in 357 individuals, corresponding to a prevalence of 76.1% (CI: 72.3 - 80.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Positive rates of HCV in the years of 2014 to 2018 showed a downward trend year by year, of which a majority of positive cases were aged over 41 years. HCV was distributed with multi-genotype features while genotype 1b yielded a very high prevalence in the Sichuan area. The results have potential for prevention and treatment of HCV infection, as well as epidemiological research.

Open peroral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia: a case series of 82 cases.

During peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), creation of the tunnel is highly technically demanding and mucosal injury is one of the most common potential complications. We explored a method without a submucosal tunnel, which we call open peroral endoscopic myotomy (O-POEM). This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of O-POEM. O-POEM was performed on 82 patients with achalasia. Treatment success was defined as an Eckardt score of less than or equal to 3 after the myotomy. Adverse events including operative and postoperative adverse events were recorded. Treatment success and procedure-related adverse events were analyzed. After a median follow-up of 18 months (range: 6-26 months), the treatment success (Eckhart score ≤3) was achieved in 96.3% of cases (mean score pre- vs. post-treatment (7.4 vs. 1.8); P < 0.001) with a recurrence of 3 cases. Ten patients (12.2%) had adverse events consisting of 2 cases of mediastinitis, 1 case of post-O-POEM bleeding, 1 case of subcutaneous emphysema, 6 cases of pleural effusion. Two cases of mediastinitis required intraprocedural drainage, and other patients were managed by endoscopy and conservative medical treatment. There were no deaths. No patients required surgical conversion. Clinical reflux occurred in 15.9% of patients (13/82). O-POEM was reliable and effective for the treatment of achalasia. In addition, O-POEM might be a better option for patients with severe submucosal fibrosis.

Knockdown of CERB expression inhibits proliferation and migration of glioma cells line U251.

BACKGROUND: Glioma is a type of tumor that occurs in the brain and accounts for almost 30 % of all brain and central nervous system tumors and 80 % of all malignant brain tumors. In this study, we investigate the role of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the progression of glioma. METHODS: Tissue samples from glioma patients were collected and examined for expression of CREB and its correlation with tumor grades. CREB was then knocked down via siRNA to see if reduced expression of CREB affects cell proliferation and migration. Factors involved in cell cycles, adhesion and apoptosis were examined as well. Moreover, CRESP/CAS9 mediated knockout of CREB was conducted and athymic Nude mice model was used to investigate CREB's role in vivo. RESULTS: The evaluated expression level of CREB in glioma patients was correlated with tumor grades. Knockdown of CREB via siRNA in glioma cell line U251 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Moreover, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 expression were reduced, as well as phosphorylation of IRK1/2 and AKT. Additionally, knockout of CREB via CRESP/CAS9 inhibited tumor formation of U251 cells in athymic Nude mice model. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our data suggest that over expression of CREB may contribute to progression of glioma and knockdown of CREB expression may serve as a novel target for therapy (Tab. 1, Fig. 6, Ref. 25).

Efficient production of trans-4-Hydroxy-l-proline from glucose by metabolic engineering of recombinant Escherichia coli.

Trans-4-Hydroxy-l-proline (trans-Hyp) is a valuable chiral building block for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. Bioconversion of l-proline using recombinant strain with proline-4-hydroxylase (P4H) is a preferred biocatalytic process in the economical production of trans-Hyp. In this study, a recombinant E. coli overexpressing hydroxylase (P4H), γ-glutamyl kinase and glutamate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ProBA) genes were constructed by knocking out the key genes in the metabolism. These key genes contained putA encoding proline dehydrogenase (PutA) in the l-proline metabolism and other catalytic enzyme genes, sucAB encoding α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (SucAB), aceAK encoding isocitratelyase (AceA) and isocitrate dehydrogenase kinase/phosphatase (AceK) in the TCA cycle. This recombinant strain coupled the synthetic pathway of trans-Hyp with TCA cycle of the host strain. It inhibited the consumption of l-proline completely and promoted the accumulation of 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG) as a co-substrate, which realized the highest conversion of glucose to trans-Hyp. A fed-batch strategy was designed, capable of producing 31·0 g l-1 trans-Hyp from glucose. It provided a theoretical basis for commercial conversion of glucose to trans-Hyp. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Trans-4-Hydroxy-l-proline (trans-Hyp) is a valuable chiral building block for the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. Unsatisfactory microbial bioconversion resulted in a low yield of trans-Hyp. In this study, we blocked the unwanted blunting pathways of host strain and make the cell growth couple with the trans-Hyp synthesis from glucose. Finally, a recombinant Escherichia coli with short-cut and efficient trans-Hyp biosynthetic pathway was obtained. It provided a theoretical basis for commercial production of trans-Hyp.

Molecular detection and genetic diversity of porcine bocavirus in piglets in China.

Porcine bocavirus (PBoV) is a recently discovered, non-enveloped and single-stranded DNA virus that can infect pigs. In order to understand PBoV infection and its genetic characterization in piglets in Xinjiang China, PBoV was detected by PCR in 156 clinical samples from 1-month-old piglets. PBoV was detected in 9 clinical samples, with a prevalence rate of 5.77% (9/156). Then nonstructural protein NS1 gene was amplified, sequenced and used for phylogenetic analysis. The results showed that the prevalence rate in the sick piglets was 9.33% (7/75), which is significantly higher than that in the healthy piglets (2.47%, 2/81). The nucleotide sequences of NS1 gene share high identities (96.1-99.2%) within the same groups of PBoVs. Phylogenetic analysis based on complete nucleotide sequence of NS1 gene showed that PBoV strains can be classified into three genetic groups, among which group I contains PBoV1 strains, group II contains PBoV2 strains, and group III contains PBoV3, PBoV4 and PBoV5 strains. Porcine/XJ-12, porcine/XJ-27, porcine/XJ-65, and porcine/XJ-145 had close genetic distance with subgroup 1, belonging to group I; strains porcine/XJ-79 and porcine/XJ-134 were clustered with subgroup 2, belonging to group II, while porcine/XJ-8, porcine/XJ-52 and porcine/XJ-96 were clustered with subgroup 3, which belonged to group III. This study demonstrated for the first time that PBoV strains in Xinjiang belong to three subgroups of three different genetic groups, indicating a substantial genetic diversity of the epidemic strains circulating in China, which provided the useful epidemiological data for scientific control and prevention of this disease in farm pigs. Keywords: porcine bocavirus; molecular detection; genetic characterization; piglets.

An anatomical study of the origin, structure and insertion of the medial patellofemoral ligament.

BACKGROUND: Repair and reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has been undertaken for the treatment of patellar instability. For successful surgery detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the ligament is required. The aim of this study was to describe the origin, structure and insertion of the MPFL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied cadaveric knees from 30 Chinese adults. We studied the origin, course and insertion of the MPFL. RESULTS: We found that the MPFL was composed of two main strands, superficial and deep. We also found that the insertion of the MPFL into the femur had three common patterns. All three were located between the adductor tubercle and the proximal part of superficial medial collateral ligament. CONCLUSIONS: We have added to the anatomical knowledge of the structure of the MPFL. Our study has implications for guiding bone tunnel positioning during MPFL reconstruction surgery. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 2: 356-361).

Comparison of the first three waves of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus circulation in the mainland of the People's Republic of China.

BACKGROUND: H7N9 human cases were first detected in mainland China in March 2013. Circulation of this virus has continued each year shifting to typical winter months. We compared the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics for the first three waves of virus circulation. METHODS: The first wave was defined as reported cases with onset dates between March 31-September 30, 2013, the second wave was defined as October 1, 2013-September 30, 2014 and the third wave was defined as October 1, 2014-September 30, 2015. We used simple descriptive statistics to compare characteristics of the three distinct waves of virus circulation. RESULTS: In mainland China, 134 cases, 306 cases and 219 cases were detected and reported in first three waves, respectively. The median age of cases was statistically significantly older in the first wave (61 years vs. 56 years, 56 years, p < 0.001) compared to the following two waves. Most reported cases were among men in all three waves. There was no statistically significant difference between case fatality proportions (33, 42 and 45%, respectively, p = 0.08). There were no significant statistical differences for time from illness onset to first seeking healthcare, hospitalization, lab confirmation, initiation antiviral treatment and death between the three waves. A similar percentage of cases in all waves reported exposure to poultry or live poultry markets (87%, 88%, 90%, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of severe disease between the each of the first three waves of virus circulation. Twenty-one clusters were reported during these three waves (4, 11 and 6 clusters, respectively), of which, 14 were considered to be possible human-to-human transmission. CONCLUSION: Though our case investigation for the first three waves found few differences between the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics, there is continued international concern about the pandemic potential of this virus. Since the virus continues to circulate, causes more severe disease, has the ability to mutate and become transmissible from human-to-human, and there is limited natural protection from infection in communities, it is critical that surveillance systems in China and elsewhere are alert to the influenza H7N9 virus.

Effects of Lysiphlebia japonica (Ashmead) on cotton-melon aphid Aphis gossypii Glover lipid synthesis.

The cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a major insect pest worldwide. The wasp Lysiphlebia japonica (Ashmead) is the predominant parasitoid of cotton-melon aphids in north China. Parasitization has been reported to affect host lipids in several systems, but the lipid synthesis-related genes and transcription changes in the cotton-melon aphid-parasitoid interaction are not clear. In this study, 36 lipid synthesis-related genes were cloned and their transcription changes in parasitized aphids were studied by quantitative real-time PCR. In parasitized cotton-melon aphids, almost all key genes in the glycerolipid synthesis pathway were up-regulated, the rate-limiting enzyme diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase by 3.24-fold. The rate-limiting enzyme of the glycolytic pathway, pyruvate kinase, and the pace-making enzyme in citrate synthesis were 1.69-fold and 1.75-fold less in parasitized aphids than in unparasitized aphids, respectively. These results suggest increased glycerolipid synthesis in parasitized aphids but that citrate production from sucrose was decreased. Aconitate hydratase (aco), in the pathway that converts amino acids into citrate, was up-regulated. The number of fragments per kilobase per million mapped reads of the mitochondrial aco2 gene was only 4.6, whereas that of the cytoplasmic aco1 was 41.5, indicating that the citrate comes from amino acids in the cytoplasm of parasitized cotton-melon aphids.

Increased risk of glomerulonephritis and chronic kidney disease in relation to the severity of psoriasis, concomitant medication, and comorbidity: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the association between psoriasis and glomerulonephritis (GN) as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD). OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of CKD in patients with psoriasis and evaluate the impact of the severity of psoriasis, comorbidities and concomitant drugs on the risk of GN and CKD in patients with psoriasis. METHODS: We identified 4344 patients with psoriasis for the study cohort and randomly selected 13,032 subjects as a control cohort. Each subject was individually followed for up for 5 years to identify those who subsequently developed GN and CKD. RESULTS: After adjustment for traditional CKD risk factors, psoriasis was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of CKD during the follow-up period [hazard ratio (HR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.44]. The increased incidence of GN in patients with psoriasis (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.24-1.81) may contribute to the positive association between psoriasis and CKD. Patients with mild and severe psoriasis had an increased risk of CKD and GN compared with the control cohort; the risk increased with severity. Patients with psoriasis and arthritis exhibited a higher risk of CKD than patients without arthritis (HR 1.62 vs. 1.26). Among drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have the strongest association with CKD in patients with psoriasis (adjusted odds ratio 1.69, 95% CI 1.14-2.49). CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis was associated with a higher risk of developing CKD and GN. High severity, psoriatic arthritis involvement and concomitant NSAIDs use further increased the risk of CKD in patients with psoriasis.

A twenty-four-week, open-label study on ziprasidone's efficacy and influence on glucolipid metabolism in patients with schizophrenia and metabolic disorder.

BACKGROUND: The risks of antipsychotic drugs on metabolic syndrome (MS) present many challenges for psychiatrists. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and influences on glucolipid metabolism in patients with schizophrenia and metabolic disorders switched from clozapine to ziprasidone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Schizophrenic patients with metabolic syndrome who had been treated with clozapine for ≥ 2 years were enrolled in the open-label study. All the patients were switched to ziprasidone from clozapine and followed up for 24-week. The primary endpoints included body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose (FG), triglycerides (TG), HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and systolic pressure (SP)/diastolic pressure (DP). Secondary endpoints included scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS). RESULTS: A total of 213 cases satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, but only 194 cases eventually completed the 24-week follow-up and were divided into ziprasidone group (n=68, complete substitution) and combined treatment group (n=126, partial substitution). In the ziprasidone group, TG at 4th and 24th week, BMI and HDL-c at 24th week were significantly improved (p < 0.05), while cognitive scores and total score of the PANSS at 4th and 24th week, negative factor, the factor of anxiety and depression at 24th week were significantly lower than those at the baseline (p < 0.05); In the combined group, cognitive factor scores (4 weekend, 24 weekends) and total score of PANSS (24 weeks) was significantly lower than baseline (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the TESS score (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ziprasidone completely or partially substituting clozapine can improve both glucolipid metabolism disorders, and cognitive disorders and affective disorders of schizophrenia.

Complete genome sequence of an isolate of papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus from commercialized PRSV-resistant transgenic papaya in China.

Papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus is highly destructive to commercial papaya production. Here, the complete genome sequence was determined for an isolate of papaya leaf distortion mosaic virus, designated PLDMV-DF, infecting the commercialized papaya ringspot virus (PRSV)-resistant transgenic papaya from China. Excluding the 3'-poly (A) tail, the sequence shares high sequence identity to several PLDMV isolates from Taiwan and Japan and is phylogenetically most closely related to the isolate from Japan. Infection of PLDMV-DF in transgenic PRSV-resistant papaya may indicate emergence of this disease in genetically engineered plants. The reported sequence for this isolate may help generate bi-transgenic papaya resistant to PRSV and PLDMV.

Safety and efficacy of the Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support stent in treating intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis.

PURPOSE: The performance of the Low-Profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) stent deployed following balloon angioplasty is unknown in treating intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, and this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the LVIS stent in treating intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in the middle cerebral artery M1 segment. METHODS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled with 35 atherosclerotic stenoses at the M1 segment. The stenosis was about 75% in 16 patients, 80% in 15, and 90% in the rest four. The LVIS stent was used to treat these patients. RESULTS: The success rate of stenting was 97.1%. The stenting procedure was failed in one patient because of intraprocedural dissection of the stenotic (75%) segment, resulting in a 30-day periprocedural complication rate of 2.9% (1/35). Before stenting, the stenosis rate ranged 75%-90% (mean 78.9%±4.7%), and after stenting, the diameter of the stented segment was significantly (P<0.0001) increased to 1.5-3.4mm (mean 2.1±0.32mm) ranging 68.2%-100% (mean 94.0%±5.8%) of the normal arterial diameter, with the residual stenosis ranging 0-31.8% (median 4.8%, IQR 2.4%-7.3%). Follow-up was performed at 6-20 months (mean 8.5) after stenting. One patient (2.9%) had occlusion of the stented M1 segment with no symptoms, and two patients (5.7%) had slight asymptomatic instent stenosis (40%) at the M1 segment, with the instent restenosis and occlusion rate of 8.6% (3/35). CONCLUSION: The braided LVIS stent can be safely applied for treatment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis in the middle cerebral artery with good safety and efficacy immediately after stenting and at follow-up.

Association study of C1qA polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus in a Han population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the C1qA gene region with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: Chinese SLE patients (n = 748) and ethnically- and geographically-matched healthy controls (n = 750) were genotyped for the C1qA region SNPs, rs172378 and rs665691, by using the Sequenom MassArray system. RESULTS: The Chinese Han SLE patients and controls had statistically similar frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of C1qA polymorphisms. Moreover, no association signal was detected on different genetic models (additive, dominant, and recessive) or in SLE subgroups stratified by various clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: The C1qA SNPs, rs172378 and rs665691, confer no genetic predisposition to SLE in a Chinese Han population.

Biocontrol of verticillium wilt and colonization of cotton plants by an endophytic bacterial isolate.

AIMS: To explore biocontrol potential of 39 DAEB isolates (doubly antagonistic towards both Verticillium dahliae Kleb and Fusarium oxysporum) against verticillium wilt of cotton and to elucidate colonization and category characteristics of an endophytic bacterium with significant biocontrol activity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-nine antagonistic endophytic bacteria strains were tested for their ability to control verticillium wilt in cotton plants caused by a defoliating pathotype of V. dahliae 107 in cotton under controlled conditions. The biocontrol trial revealed that an endophytic bacterium, designated HA02, showed a significant biocontrol activity to V. dahliae 107. After cotton seedlings were inoculated with a gfp gene-tagged HA02 (HA02-gfp), HA02-gfp populations were higher in the root than in the stem; in addition, the HA02-gfp was distributed in the maturation zone of cotton root. Furthermore, HA02-gfp also colonized seedlings of maize, rape and soybean after the bacteria inoculation. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rDNA sequences combined with morphological, physiological and identification showed that the bacterium belongs to the Enterobacter genus. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that only 1 of 39 DAEB isolates demonstrated more efficient biocontrol potential towards V. dahliae 107 in greenhouse and field trials. HA02-gfp mainly colonized cotton in roots. In addition, we quantitatively observed HA02 colonization in other hosts. HA02 belongs to the Enterobacter genus. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first study on biocontrol to defoliating pathotype of V. dahliae Kleb by endophytic bacteria. The HA02 showed effective biocontrol to V. dahliae 107 in greenhouse and field trials. Furthermore, we assessed the quantitative and qualitative colonization of HA02 in cotton seedlings. Our study provides basic information to further explore managing strategies to control this critical disease.

No association between the G196A and C270T polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene and male infertility.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in neuronal development and reproductive action. Abnormal expression of BDNF gene has been detected in human sperm and seminal serum. In the present study, we investigated the possible association of G196A and C270T polymorphism of BDNF gene with male infertility. The genotypes of the G196A and C270T polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium both in fertile and infertile group. The genotype distribution frequencies were similar between infertile and fertile group. The results showed that the G196A and C270T polymorphism of the BDNF gene is unrelated to the male infertility, at least in a Chinese population.

Solution-Processed, Inverted AgBiS2 Nanocrystal Solar Cells.

AgBiS2 nanocrystals are a promising nontoxic alternative to PbS, CsPbI3, and CdS quantum dots for solution-fabricated nanocrystal photovoltaics. In this work, we fabricated the first inverted (p-i-n) structure AgBiS2 nanocrystal solar cells. We selected spray-coated NiO as the hole-transporting material and used PCBM/BCP as the electron-transporting material. Combining transient photocurrent and photovoltage measurements with femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, we investigated the charge collection process on metal oxide/AgBiS2 interfaces and demonstrated that the NiO/AgBiS2 NC junction in the p-i-n configuration is more efficient for charge carrier collection. The fabricated p-i-n solar cells exhibited a 4.3% power conversion efficiency (PCE), which was higher than that of conventional n-i-p solar cells fabricated using the same sample. Additionally, inverted devices showed an ultrahigh short-circuit current (JSC) over 20.7 mA cm-2 and 0.38 V open-circuit voltage (VOC), suggesting their potential for further improvements in efficiency and, eventually, for large-scale production.

Antioxidant responses, hepatic intermediary metabolism, histology and ultrastructure in Synechogobius hasta exposed to waterborne cadmium.

The present study was conducted to determine antioxidant responses, hepatic intermediary metabolism, histology and ultrastructure in Synechogobius hasta after a 15-days of waterborne cadmium (Cd) exposure at the concentrations of 0 (control), 0.10, 0.17 and 0.29 mg Cd/l (corresponding to 0, 12.6%, 21.5% and 36.7% of 96 h LC50), respectively. Growth performance and survival declined, but hepatosomatic index (HSI) increased with increasing waterborne Cd levels (P < 0.05). Waterborne Cd exposure also significantly increased lipid contents in whole body and liver (P < 0.05), and Cd accumulation in whole body, muscle and vertebrae. Waterborne Cd exposure changed hepatic enzymatic activities involved in intermediary metabolism, induced antioxidant responses and increased lipid peroxidation level in the gill, liver and spleen. Waterborne Cd exposure also caused considerable histological alterations of gill, liver and spleen, led ultrastructures damage of liver and spleen of fish, and induced fatty liver for this fish species.

Cytogenetic study of three edible chrysanthemum cultivars.

During past decades, edible chrysanthemum (Dendranthema x grandiflorum) has become a popular dietary supplement. However, only numberable cultivars are available, cytogenetic studies especially meiotic behaviour in them remaind largely unexplored. In the present study, we analyzed the karyotype and meiotic behaviour during microsporogenesis in accessions of edible chrysanthemum. This information can be useful in cultivar improvement, as well as in elucidation of the evolution of the species. The three edible cultivars studied all had an intermediate type of interphase nucleus, and their mitotic prophase chromosomes were of the interstitial type. The chromosome number of "Baohuatangyijin" (Bn) varies from 55 to 62. "Zifengmudan" (Zn) has the karyotype 2n = 54 = 38m + + 12sm + 4st, while "Jingxingxiying" (Jg) has 2n = 55 = 38m + 15sm + 2st. Male meiosis was largely normal. Mean pairing configuration ofZn at diakinesis and metaphase I was 0.941 + + 25.07II + 0.14III + 0.63IV, while for Jg, the equivalent was 1.32I + 24.64II + 0.16III + 0.85IV + 0.05V + + 0.04VI. Chromatid separation was normal during anaphase I and anaphase II in most meiocytes. All three edible chrysanthemums appear to be allopolyploid, and the edible type is probably more primitive than the ornamental type. However, the edible type is probably more closely related to the ornamental than to the medicinal type.

Optically Clear Films of Formamidinium Lead Bromide Perovskite for Wide-Band-Gap, Solution-Processed, Semitransparent Solar Cells.

Solvent engineering and antisolvent methods have been used extensively to achieve high-quality, homogeneous, and crystalline perovskite thin films. Usually, highly concentrated (>1.1 M) precursor solutions are used to achieve the maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE), and most fabrication studies focus on iodide-based metal halide perovskites (MHPs). However, high concentrations of precursors are not suitable for semitransparent (ST) MHP solar cells (STPSCs), which require thinner films to achieve a high average visible transmittance (AVT). The deposition of high-quality perovskites with variable concentrations in a one-step method is challenging due to the complexity of the antisolvent crystallization process. Here, we have developed an in situ technique based on photoluminescence (PL) measurements to identify the optimum delay time for antisolvent crystallization in formamidinium lead bromide (FAPbBr3). By monitoring the in situ PL, the nucleation, crystal growth, and early perovskite formation phases are easily identified for a range of concentrations. Subsequently, we fabricated opaque and ST solar cells with optically clear, ST perovskite films formed from precursors with varying concentrations. These all-solution-processed STPSCs achieved AVTs of up to 35.6, 42.5, and 49.2%, with the corresponding PCEs of 5.71, 3.25, and 1.86% in p-i-n type, FAPbBr3 perovskite solar cells with transparent Ag nanowire electrodes. These devices show good stability over several weeks and an impressive Voc as high as 1.24 V for STPSCs and 1.38 V for opaque cells produced with a thick Ag electrode. This work demonstrates the potential use of in situ spectroscopy to tailor the film growth of halide perovskites with varying concentrations and the feasibility of using wide-band-gap perovskites for ST solar cells with exceptional clarity and higher Voc.