Comparison of Autolumo A2000 Plus and Architect i2000 for detection of hepatitis B virus serological markers.

Serological detection of hepatitis B virus markers plays a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and therapeutic surveillance of hepatitis B. To compare the diagnostic performance of Autolumo A2000Plus and Abbott Architect i2000 systems in the detection of hepatitis B infection markers. A total of 6 HBV seroconversion panels and 743 participants were enrolled in this study, including 383 HBV-infected patients and 360 healthy adults. Clinical diagnostic information, laboratory results, and HBV genotyping were collected to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the A2000Plus and i2000 systems in detecting HBV infection markers. The results showed that the total percent agreement of HBV markers was all >90 % in both detection systems among the six seroconversion panels and 743 serum samples from the population. The χ2 values of the Chi-square test among hepatitis B virus serological markers in both analyzers were between 550.7 and 743.0, p < 0.0001. HBV marker consistency test results show perfect consistency between the two analyzers, with Kappa values ranging from 0.854 to 1.000. For specific samples, including Hepatitis B patients with Genotype C, chronic hepatitis B, hepatitis B-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, spearman correlation analysis showed HBsAg correlation coefficients ranging from 0.8532 to 0.9745, p < 0.001 in both analyzers. In conclusion, Autolumo A2000Plus diagnostic performance in consistency and correlation is comparable to Abbott Architect i2000 when detecting markers of hepatitis B infection. The Autolumo A2000Plus system can be used as a reliable instrument for HBV marker detection.

Finite immune imprinting on neutralizing antibody responses to Omicron subvariants by repeated vaccinations.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of repeated vaccination with ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (Wuhan-hu-1)-based inactivated, recombinant protein subunit or vector-based vaccines on the neutralizing antibody response to Omicron subvariants. METHODS: Individuals who received four-dose vaccinations with the Wuhan-hu-1 strain, individuals who were infected with the BA.5 variant alone without prior vaccination, and individuals who experienced a BA.5 breakthrough infection following receiving 2-4 doses of the Wuhan-hu-1 vaccine were enrolled. Neutralizing antibodies against D614G, BA.5, XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86 were detected using a pseudovirus-based neutralization assay. Antigenic cartography was used to analyze cross-reactivity patterns among D614G, BA.5, XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86 and sera from individuals. RESULTS: The highest neutralizing antibody titers against D614G were observed in individuals who only received four-dose vaccination and those who experienced BA.5 breakthrough infection, which was also significantly higher than the antibody titers against XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86. In contrast, only BA.5 infection elicited comparable neutralizing antibody titers against the tested variants. While neutralizing antibody titers against D614G or BA.5 were similar across the cohorts, the neutralizing capacity of antibodies against XBB.1.5, EG.5.1, and BA.2.86 was significantly reduced. BA.5 breakthrough infection following heterologous booster induced significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers against the variants, particularly against XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1, than uninfected vaccinated individuals, only BA.5 infected individuals, or those with BA.5 breakthrough infection after primary vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that repeated vaccination with the Wuhan-hu-1 strain imprinted a neutralizing antibody response toward the Wuhan-hu-1 strain with limited effects on the antibody response to the Omicron subvariants.

FTO promotes the progression of bladder cancer via demethylating m6A modifications in PTPN6 mRNA.

Bladder cancer (BC), a highly prevalent malignancy of the urinary system, necessitates further investigation into its progression mechanisms. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, a prevalent modification in cellular RNA, has been implicated in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of various cancers. In this study, the upregulation of FTO in human BC samples and its association with poor prognosis were demonstrated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue sections collected from BC patients. The functional role of FTO in promoting the proliferation and metastasis abilities of BC cells was determined using a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays. In vitro, we conducted cell proliferation assays, such as the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and metastasis assays, including the wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. In vivo, we employed xenograft models to assess tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, our investigation into potential FTO targets in BC cells revealed that FTO modifies PTPN6 mRNA, leading to increased stability and expression of PTPN6, thereby enhancing proliferation and metastasis abilities. In conclusion, our findings indicate that FTO serves as an oncogenic factor in BC, suggesting its potential utility as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker for bladder cancer.

Prevalence of infection and reinfection among healthcare workers in a hospital of Northern China between BA.5/BF. 7 and XBB.1.5 wave.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role as frontline responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the first SARS-CoV-2 infection and reinfection associated with the emergence of Omicron variant in HCWs. METHODS: We enrolled 760 HCWs who received 2-4 vaccination doses of COVID-19 and followed by BA.5/BF.7 and/or XBB.1.5 breakthrough infections between December 2022 and July 2023. Serum sample from each individual were collected approximately 1,3 and 6 months after last exposure. IgM, IgG and Total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay. Meanwhile, we created an Enterprise WeChat link for HCWs to self-report SARS-CoV-2 infections, symptoms and post COVID-19 conditions. RESULTS: Our study revealed that the reinfection rate among HCWs reached 26.1%. The main symptoms were fever (91.2% vs. 60.1%), cough (78.8% vs. 58.0%), and sore throat (75.4% vs. 59.6%) during infection and reinfection in Omicron BA.5/BF.7 and XBB.1.5 wave, and the interval for reinfection ranged from 91 to 210 days (median 152 days). Fatigue (23.6%), memory loss (18.8%) and coughing (18.6%) were the most prevalent long COVID symptoms in HCWs, with a higher prevalence among female HCWs. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 causes milder symptoms, but high reinfection rate and short intervals. Enhancing prevention strategies, protection and training is crucial to mitigating HCW infection risk and improving health services.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Varicocele in Patients with Varicoceles: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Patients.

Objective: To explore patients' knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward varicocele in China and the relationship between treatment selection and KAP. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled varicocele patients at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (September to October 2023). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the relationship between clinical factors and KAP. A score >mean score for each dimension was defined as adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice. The patients were grouped according to varicocelectomy vs no surgery. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors independently associated with KAP. A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to examine how the KAP dimensions influenced each other. Results: Among 502 patients, 44.02%, 35.86%, and 20.12% were ≤30, 31-40, and >40 years old, respectively. Those who underwent varicocelectomy (n=407) had significantly higher knowledge (20 (15-22) vs 0 (0-6), P<0.001), attitude (26 (24-26) vs 14 (10-18), P<0.001), and practice (20 (17-24) vs 8 (6-16), P<0.001) than those who did not. A higher proportion of patients with varicocelectomy were <40 years old, more educated, had higher income, and were unmarried compared with those without surgery (all P<0.001). High school or higher education level and varicocelectomy (irrespective of type) were independently associated with adequate knowledge (all P<0.001). Knowledge, college/bachelor's degree education, and varicocelectomy type (irrespective of type) were associated with positive attitudes (all P<0.05). In the SEM, knowledge directly influenced attitude, knowledge directly influenced practice, and attitude directly influenced practice (all P<0.001). Having knowledge of the subject may direct varicocele patients to varicocelectomy. Conclusion: Chinese patients who underwent varicocelectomy exhibit appropriate KAP regarding varicocele, while non-surgery patients have poorer KAP. These results suggest that patients who did not undergo surgery should nevertheless be properly informed about their disease.

Genetic architecture of long-distance migration and population genomics of the endangered Japanese eel.

The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica), a flagship anguillid species for conservation, is known for its long-distance-oriented migration. However, our understanding of the genetic architecture underlying long-distance migration and population genomic characteristics of A. japonica is still limited. Here, we generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly and conducted whole-genome resequencing of 218 individuals to explore these aspects. Strong signals of selection were found on genes involved in long-distance aerobic exercise and navigation, which might be associated with evolutionary adaptation to long-distance migrations. Low genetic diversity was detected, which might result from genetic drift associated with demographic declines. Both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic datasets supported the existence of a single panmictic population for Japanese eel, despite signals of single-generation selection. Candidate genes for local selection involved in functions like development and circadian rhythm. The findings can provide insights to adaptative evolution to long-distance migration and inform conservation efforts for A. japonica.

Photoinduced Multicomponent Heteroarylation of [1.1.1]Propellane with Katritzky Pyridinium Salts.

(Hetero)arylated bicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes (BCPs) are important for the construction of complex druglike target molecules. Herein, we developed a method for light-induced, Cs2CO3-promoted homolytic cleavage of pyridinium C-N bonds for generating alkyl radicals from amino acid-derived Katritzky salts and use of the radicals for functionalization of [1.1.1]propellane to rapidly generate (hetero)arylated BCPs. The method features excellent functional group tolerance and a broad substrate scope and can be used to functionalize structurally complex natural products.

Programmable in-situ co-assembly of organic multi-block nanowires for cascade optical waveguides.

Organic heterostructures (OHs) with multi-segments exhibit special optoelectronic properties compared with monomeric structures. Nevertheless, the synthesis of multi-block heterostructures remains challenging due to compatibility issues between segment parts, which restricts their application in optical waveguides and integrated optics. Herein, we demonstrate programmable in-situ co-assembly engineering, combining multi-step spontaneous self-assembly processes to promote the synthesis of multi-block heterostructures with a rational arrangement of three or more segments. The rational design of segments enables exciton manipulation and ensures optical waveguides and proper output among the multi-segment OHs. This work enables the controllable growth of segments within multi-block OHs, providing a pathway to construct complex OHs for the rational development of future optical applications.

Fermented tea leave extract against oxidative stress and ageing of skin in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop a natural and stable anti-oxidative stress and anti-ageing ingredient. In this study, we evaluated the changes in white tea leaves fermented with Eurotium cristatum PLT-PE and Saccharomyces boulardii PLT-HZ and their efficacy against skin oxidative stress. METHODS: We employed untargeted metabolomics technology to analyse the differential metabolites between tea extract (TE) and fermented tea extract (FTE). In vitro, using H2O2-induced HaCaT cells, we evaluated cell vitality, ROS, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6). Additionally, we verified the effects on the extracellular matrix and nuclear DNA using fibroblasts or reconstructed skin models. We measured skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle area, wrinkle area ratio, erythema area, and erythema area ratio in volunteers after using an emulsion containing 3% FTE for 28 and 56 days. RESULTS: Targeted metabolomics analysis of white tea leaves yielded more than 20 differential metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, including amino acids, polypeptides, quercetin, and liquiritin post-fermentation. FTE, compared to TE, can significantly reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect against oxidative stress-induced skin damage in H2O2-induced HaCaT cells. FTE can inhibit H2O2-induced collagen degradation by suppressing the MAPK/c-Jun signalling pathway and can also mitigate the reactive oxygen species damage to nuclear DNA. Clinical studies showed that the volunteers' stratum corneum water content, skin elasticity, wrinkle area, wrinkle area ratio, erythema area, and erythema area ratio significantly improved from the baseline after 28 and 56 days of FTE use. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the growing body of literature supporting the protective effects against skin oxidative stress and ageing from fermented plant extracts. Moreover, our findings might inspire multidisciplinary efforts to investigate new fermentation techniques that could produce even more potent anti-ageing solutions.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif est de développer un ingrédient naturel et stable contre le stress oxydatif et anti­âge. Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué les modifications dans les feuilles de thé blanc fermentées avec la PLT­PE Eurotium cristatum et la PLT­HZ Saccharomyces boulardii et leur efficacité contre le stress oxydatif cutané. MÉTHODES: Nous avons utilisé une technologie de métabolomique non ciblée pour analyser les métabolites différentiels entre l'extrait de thé (ET) et l'extrait de thé fermenté (ETF). In vitro, à l'aide de cellules HaCaT induites par l'H2O2, nous avons évalué la vitalité cellulaire, les ERO et les facteurs inflammatoires (TNF­α, IL­1ß, and IL­6). Nous avons également vérifié les effets sur la matrice extracellulaire et l'ADN nucléaire à l'aide de fibroblastes ou de modèles cutanés reconstruits. Nous avons mesuré l'hydratation de la peau, l'élasticité, la surface de rides, le rapport des surfaces de rides, la surface d'érythème, et le rapport des surfaces d'érythème chez des volontaires ayant utilisé une émulsion contenant 3% d'ETF pendant 28 et 56 jours. RÉSULTATS: L'analyse métabolomique ciblée des feuilles de thé blanc a révélé plus de 20 métabolites différentiels ayant des activités antioxydantes et anti­inflammatoires, notamment des acides aminés, des polypeptides, de la quercétine et de la liquiritine après fermentation. Par rapport à l'ET, l'ETF peut réduire significativement les espèces réactives de l'oxygène (ERO) et protéger contre les lésions cutanées induites par le stress oxydatif dans les cellules HaCaT induites par l'H2O2. L'ETF peut inhiber la dégradation du collagène induite par l'H2O2 en supprimant la voie de signalization MAPK/c­Jun et peut également atténuer les dommages causés par les espèces réactives de l'oxygène à l'ADN nucléaire. Les études cliniques ont montré que la teneur en eau de la couche cornée des volontaires, l'élasticité de la peau, la surface de rides, le rapport des surfaces de rides, la surface d'érythème et le rapport des surfaces d'érythème se sont significativement améliorés par rapport à la référence après 28 et 56 jours d'utilisation d'ETF. CONCLUSION: Cette étude contribue au corpus croissant de littérature soutenant les effets protecteurs des extraits de plantes fermentées contre le stress oxydatif cutané et le vieillissement. En outre, nos résultats pourraient inspirer des efforts pluridisciplinaires pour étudier de nouvelles techniques de fermentation susceptibles de produire des solutions anti­âge encore plus puissantes.

Conduction system pacing upgrade versus biventricular pacing on pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy: a retrospective observational study.

Objective: The feasibility of the conduction system pacing (CSP) upgrade as an alternative modality to the traditional biventricular pacing (BiVP) upgrade in patients with pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) remains uncertain. This study sought to compare two modalities of CSP (His bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP)) with BiVP and no upgrades in patients with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy. Methods: This retrospective analysis comprised consecutive patients who underwent either BiVP or CSP upgrade for PICM at the cardiac department from 2017 to 2021. Patients with a follow-up period exceeding 12 months were considered for the final analysis. Results: The final group of patients who underwent upgrades included 48 individuals: 11 with BiVP upgrades, 24 with HBP upgrades, and 13 with LBBP upgrades. Compared to the baseline data, there were significant improvements in cardiac performance at the last follow-up. After the upgrade, the QRS duration (127.81 ± 31.89 vs 177.08 ± 34.35 ms, p < 0.001), NYHA class (2.28 ± 0.70 vs 3.04 ± 0.54, p < 0.05), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (54.08 ± 4.80 vs 57.50 ± 4.85 mm, p < 0.05), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (44.46% ± 6.39% vs 33.15% ± 5.25%, p < 0.001) were improved. There was a noticeable improvement in LVEF in the CSP group (32.15% ± 3.22% vs 44.95% ± 3.99% (p < 0.001)) and the BiVP group (33.90% ± 3.09% vs 40.83% ± 2.99% (p < 0.001)). The changes in QRS duration were more evident in CSP than in BiVP (56.65 ± 11.71 vs 34.67 ± 13.32, p < 0.001). Similarly, the changes in LVEF (12.8 ± 3.66 vs 6.93 ± 3.04, p < 0.001) and LVEDD (5.80 ± 1.71 vs 3.16 ± 1.35, p < 0.001) were greater in CSP than in BiVP. The changes in LVEDD (p = 0.549) and LVEF (p = 0.570) were similar in the LBBP and HBP groups. The threshold in LBBP was also lower than that in HBP (1.01 ± 0.43 vs 1.33 ± 0.32 V, p = 0.019). Conclusion: The improvement of clinical outcomes in CSP was more significant than in BiVP. CSP may be an alternative therapy to CRT for patients with PICM. LBBP would be a better choice than HBP due to its lower thresholds.

Photochemical Synthesis of Nitriles from Alcohols.

Nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of 1,3-butadiene with hydrogen cyanide gas is the predominant method for the synthesis of adiponitrile, which is an important precursor for polymer production. However, the use of fossil-derived alkenes raises environmental concerns, and hydrogen cyanide is highly volatile and extremely toxic. Herein, we report the use of biomass-derived 1,4-butanediol, as well as other primary alcohols, for photochemical synthesis of linear and branched nitriles and dinitriles, including adiponitrile, with 1,4-dicyanobenzene as the CN source. This mild, sustainable method does not require hydrogen cyanide gas or an air- or moisture-sensitive metal catalyst and is applicable for the production of dinitriles as precursors of diamines, which have potential utility for the development of novel polyamides.

Ezetimibe ketone protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and attenuates oxidative stress via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Recently, ezetimibe (EZM) has been suggested to be a potent Nrf2 activator that is important for preventing oxidative stress. Interestingly, we found that its metabolite ezetimibe ketone (EZM-K) also has antioxidant effects. Thus, we investigated the role of EZM-K in preventing renal ischemia‒reperfusion injury (RIRI). Cultured NRK-52E cells were subjected to simulated IR with or without EZM-K. Rats were used to simulate in vivo experiments. EZM-K alleviated H2O2-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 levels in NRK-52E cells. A HO-1 and a Nrf2 inhibitor reversed the protective effects of EZM-K. In the rat RIRI model, pretreatment with EZM-K activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, suppressed tubular injury and inflammation, and improved renal function. EZM-K significantly prevented renal injury caused by ischemia‒reperfusion via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis both in vivo and in vitro. The other metabolite of EZM, ezetimibe glucuronide (EZM-G) had no protective effects against ROS in RIRI. EZM-G also had no antioxidant effects and could not activate Nrf2/HO-1 signal pathway. Our findings also indicated the therapeutic potential of EZM-K in preventing RIRI.

Impact and migration behavior of triclosan on waste-activated sludge anaerobic digestion.

Triclosan (TCS), a hydrophobic antibacterial agent, is extensive application in daily life. Despite a low biodegradability rate, its hydrophobicity results in its accumulation in waste-activated sludge (WAS) during domestic and industrial wastewater treatment. While anaerobic digestion is the foremost strategy for WAS treatment, limited research has explored the interphase migration behavior and impacts of TCS on WAS degradation during anaerobic digestion. This study revealed TCS migration between solid- and liquid-phase in WAS digestion. The solid-liquid distribution coefficients of TCS were negative for proteins and polysaccharides and positive for ammonium. High TCS levels promoted volatile-fatty-acid accumulation and reduced methane production. Enzyme activity tests and functional prediction indicated that TCS increased enzyme activity associated with acid production, in contrast to the inhibition of key methanogenic enzymes. The findings of the TCS migration behavior and its impacts on WAS anaerobic digestion provide an in-depth understanding of the evolution of enhanced TCS-removing technology.

A Propeller-Like Ligand-Directed Construction of a Tetranuclear Cerium-Organic Framework for Single-Step Ethylene Purification from Ternary C2 Mixtures.

The efficient single-step purification of ethylene from ternary C2 mixtures containing ethane and acetylene is challenging and demanding. Herein, we introduce a novel cerium-based metal-organic framework (MOF) of Ce-NTB-rtk synthesized via a ligand-conformer strategy. The Ce-NTB-rtk features a rare tetranuclear cerium cluster and 2D kgd layers pillared by a 3D rtl framework concomitant with an extraordinary (3,3,12)-c network. The compound encompasses microporous cavities replete with a nonpolar microenvironment. Gas sorption and breakthrough experiments demonstrate its superior affinity for C2H6 and C2H2 over C2H4, enabling effective single-step ethylene purification. Computational simulations reveal that preferential adsorptions are facilitated by different interaction strengths of C-H···O hydrogen bonds. The performance of Ce-NTB-rtk in separation selectivity and regeneration capacity makes it a promising candidate for sustainable and cost-effective ethylene purification, showcasing the potential of MOFs in advanced gas separation applications.

Light-Induced, Cs2CO3 Promoted C-S Cleavage of Heteroaryl Sulfones for Benzyl Heteroarylation of [1.1.1]Propellane.

In this study, we developed a light-induced difunctionalization of [1.1.1]propellane with heteroaryl sulfones acting as difunctional reagents, allowing the introduction of alkyl and heteroaryl units across bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane frameworks. It features a broad substrate scope and can be used to functionalize structurally complex natural products. Mechanistic investigations indicate the Cs2CO3 promoted homolytic cleavage of heteroaryl sulfone C-S bonds by light. Moreover, the benzothiazolyl moiety in the products can serve as a formyl precursor, indicating the robust transformability of the products, owing to the ability of aldehydes to undergo a wide variety of organic transformations.

Association between life's essential 8 and testosterone deficiency in US men: findings from national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2011-2016.

Background: Testosterone deficiency (TD) is closely associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). We intended to explore the association of Life's Essential 8 (LE8), the recently updated measurement of cardiovascular health, with the prevalence of TD among US male adults. Methods: The population-based cross-sectional study selected male adults aged 20 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016. According to the American Heart Association definitions, the LE8 score was measured on a scale of 0-100, and divided into health behavior and health factor scores, simultaneously. Furthermore, these scores were categorized into low (0-49), moderate (50-79), and high (80-100) classifications. TD is defined as a total testosterone level below 300ng/dL. Correlations were investigated by weighted multivariable logistic regression, and the robustness of the results were verified by subgroup analysis. Results: A total of 4971 male adults with an average age of 47.46 ± 0.41 years were eligible for the final analyses, of whom 1372 were determined to have TD. The weighted mean LE8 score of the study population was 68.11 ± 0.41. After fully adjusting potential confounders, higher LE8 scores were significantly associated with low risk of TD (odd ratio [OR] for each 10-point increase, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.88) in a linear dose-response relationship. Similar patterns were also identified in the association of health factor scores with TD (OR for each 10-point increase, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.83). These results persisted when LE8 and health factor scores was categorized into low, moderate, and high groups. The inversed association of LE8 classifications and TD remained statistically significant among older, obese, and men without CVD. Conclusions: LE8 and its health factor subscales scores were negatively associated with the presence of TD in linear fashions. Promoting adherence to optimal cardiovascular health levels may be advantageous to alleviate the burden of TD.

Research progress on GPX4 targeted compounds.

Blocking the System Xc-_ GSH_GPX4 pathway to induce ferroptosis in tumor cells is a novel strategy for cancer treatment. GPX4 serves as the core of the System Xc-/GSH/GPX4 pathway and is a predominant target for inducing ferroptosis in tumor cells. This article summarizes compounds identified in current research that directly target the GPX4 protein, including inhibitors, activators, small molecule degraders, chimeric degraders, and the application of combination therapies with other drugs, aiming to promote further research on the target and related diseases.

Genomics of hybrid parallel origin in Aquilegia ecalcarata.

BACKGROUND: The parallel evolution of similar traits or species provides strong evidence for the role of natural selection in evolution. Traits or species that evolved repeatedly can be driven by separate de novo mutations or interspecific gene flow. Although parallel evolution has been reported in many studies, documented cases of parallel evolution caused by gene flow are scarce by comparison. Aquilegia ecalcarata and A. kansuensis belong to the genus of Aquilegia, and are the closest related sister species. Mutiple origins of A. ecalcarata have been reported in previous studies, but whether they have been driven by separate de novo mutations or gene flow remains unclear. RESULTS: In this study, We conducted genomic analysis from 158 individuals of two repeatedly evolving pairs of A. ecalcarata and A. kansuensis. All samples were divided into two distinct clades with obvious geographical distribution based on phylogeny and population structure. Demographic modeling revealed that the origin of the A. ecalcarata in the Eastern of China was caused by gene flow, and the Eastern A. ecalcarata occurred following introgression from Western A. ecalcarata population. Analysis of Treemix and D-statistic also revealed that a strong signal of gene flow was detected from Western A. ecalcarata to Eastern A. ecalcarata. Genetic divergence and selective sweep analyses inferred parallel regions of genomic divergence and identified many candidate genes associated with ecologically adaptive divergence between species pair. Comparative analysis of parallel diverged regions and gene introgression confirms that gene flow contributed to the parallel evolution of A. ecalcarata. CONCLUSIONS: Our results further confirmed the multiple origins of A. ecalcarata and highlighted the roles of gene flow. These findings provide new evidence for parallel origin after hybridization as well as insights into the ecological adaptation mechanisms underlying the parallel origins of species.

Effects of the Addition of Tin Powder to Perovskite Precursor Solutions on Band Bending at PEDOT:PSS/Perovskite Interfaces in Mixed-Cation Mixed-Halide Tin Perovskite Solar Cells.

Using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy, we investigated the effects of the addition of tin (Sn) powder to perovskite layers on band bending at the perovskite surface near poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole-transport layers in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) involving formamidinium (FA)-methylammonium (MA)-mixed-cation I-Br-mixed-halide tin perovskites. We performed dark ESR spectroscopy measurements of a PEDOT:PSS/FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 stack and of a PEDOT:PSS/Sn-powder-added FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 stack. The results indicate that FA0.75MA0.25Sn(I0.75Br0.25)3 layers have significant downward band bending near PEDOT:PSS layers. Such downward band bending is unfavorable for hole selectivity and surface passivation at the interface. However, the addition of Sn powder to the tin perovskite precursor solution was found to significantly prevent the downward band bending and rather cause upward band bending, which can improve the hole selectivity and field-effect passivation quality. This can be due to prevented oxidation of perovskite layers by Sn powder addition. These findings are crucial for developing highly efficient and stable tin perovskite solar cells.