The tree peony DREB transcription factor PrDREB2D regulates seed α-linolenic acid accumulation.

α-Linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid (FA) for human health, serves as the precursor of 2 nutritional benefits, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, and can only be obtained from plant foods. We previously found that phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (PrPDAT2) derived from ALA-rich tree peony (Paeonia rockii) can promote seed ALA accumulation. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying its promoting effect on ALA accumulation remains unknown. Here, we revealed a tree peony dehydration-responsive element binding transcription factor, PrDREB2D, as an upstream regulator of PrPDAT2, which is involved in regulating seed ALA accumulation. Our findings demonstrated that PrDREB2D serves as a nucleus-localized transcriptional activator that directly activates PrPDAT2 expression. PrDREB2D altered the FA composition in transient overexpression Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and stable transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds. Repressing PrDREB2D expression in P. rockii resulted in decreased PrPDAT2 expression and ALA accumulation. In addition, PrDREB2D strengthened its regulation of ALA accumulation by recruiting the cofactor ABA-response element binding factor PrABF2b. Collectively, the study findings provide insights into the mechanism of seed ALA accumulation and avenues for enhancing ALA yield via biotechnological manipulation.

Abscisic acid-induced transcription factor PsMYB306 negatively regulates tree peony bud dormancy release.

Bud dormancy is a crucial strategy for perennial plants to withstand adverse winter conditions. However, the regulatory mechanism of bud dormancy in tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) remains largely unknown. Here, we observed dramatically reduced and increased accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and bioactive gibberellins (GAs) GA1 and GA3, respectively, during bud endodormancy release of tree peony under prolonged chilling treatment. An Illumina RNA sequencing study was performed to identify potential genes involved in the bud endodormancy regulation in tree peony. Correlation matrix, principal component, and interaction network analyses identified a downregulated MYB transcription factor gene, PsMYB306, the expression of which positively correlated with 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE 3 (PsNCED3) expression. Protein modeling analysis revealed 4 residues within the R2R3 domain of PsMYB306 to possess DNA binding capability. Transcription of PsMYB306 was increased by ABA treatment. Overexpression of PsMYB306 in petunia (Petunia hybrida) inhibited seed germination and plant growth, concomitant with elevated ABA and decreased GA contents. Silencing of PsMYB306 accelerated cold-triggered tree peony bud burst and influenced the production of ABA and GAs and the expression of their biosynthetic genes. ABA application reduced bud dormancy release and transcription of ENT-KAURENOIC ACID OXIDASE 1 (PsKAO1), GA20-OXIDASE 1 (PsGA20ox1), and GA3-OXIDASE 1 (PsGA3ox1) associated with GA biosynthesis in PsMYB306-silenced buds. In vivo and in vitro binding assays confirmed that PsMYB306 specifically transactivated the promoter of PsNCED3. Silencing of PsNCED3 also promoted bud break and growth. Altogether, our findings suggest that PsMYB306 negatively modulates cold-induced bud endodormancy release by regulating ABA production.

The tree peony nuclear factor Y transcription factor PrNF-YC2 promotes seed oil accumulation.

Seed oil not only provides energy for seed postgermination development but also provides essential nutrients and raw materials for human products. However, the transcriptional regulatory mechanism controlling seed oil accumulation remains largely unknown. Tree peony (Paeonia rockii) is an emerging woody oilseed crop in China that is known for its high-quality seed oil. Here, we revealed that a tree peony nuclear factor Y transcription factor, PrNF-YC2, is expressed predominantly in developing seeds and functions as an essential positive regulator of seed oil accumulation. PrNF-YC2 promoted oil accumulation in both transient ectopic overexpression Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seeds, globally upregulating the expression of genes involved in oil accumulation. In contrast, PrNF-YC2-silenced tree peony leaves using a virus-induced gene silencing system showed reduced oil content and expression of oil synthesis-related genes, including four master positive regulators contributing to oil accumulation, namely, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1), ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3), FUSCA3 (FUS3), and WRINKLED1 (WRI1). We demonstrated that PrNF-YC2 directly activates PrLEC1 and PrABI3 alone and indirectly activates PrFUS3 and PrWRI1 by interacting with PrLEC1. Moreover, interaction with PrLEC1 also enhances the activation capacity of PrNF-YC2. The activation of these four master positive regulators by PrNF-YC2 triggered the upregulation of numerous oil synthesis-related genes, thus promoting oil accumulation. These findings provide new insights into the regulatory mechanism of seed oil accumulation and manipulation of PrNF-YC2 may be beneficial for enhancing oil yield in tree peony and other oilseed crops.

The Diagnostic Value of miR-124a Expression in Peripheral Blood and Synovial Fluid of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disorder, is currently a severe health threat. Previous studies have documented the altered expression of various miRNAs in RA patients. This study determined the expression of miR-124a in RA patients and estimated its diagnostic value for RA. METHODS: A total of 80 RA patients were enrolled as the study subjects, and 36 patients with osteoarthritis were included, with another 36 healthy people as the controls. miR-124a expression levels in peripheral blood plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and synovial fluid were measured using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. Additionally, the association between miR-124a and major clinical indicators was assessed, such as rheumatoid factor (RF), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28). The diagnostic efficacy of miR-124a expression in plasma, PBMCs, and synovial fluid for RA was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the difference in the area under the curve (AUC) was analyzed. RESULTS: miR-124a was downregulated in RA patients, and the expression levels of miR-124a in plasma, PBMCs, and synovial fluid showed a certain degree of positive correlation. miR-124a was inversely linked with RF, ESR, and DAS28. For the diagnosis of RA patients, the AUC of plasma miR-124a was 0.899 and the cut-off value was 0.800, with 68.75% sensitivity and 94.44% specificity; the AUC of miR-124a in PBMCs was 0.937 and the cut-off value was 0.805, with 82.50% sensitivity and 91.67% specificity; the AUC of miR-124a in plasma combined with PBMCs was 0.961, with a higher diagnostic value than independent plasma or PBMCs; the AUC of miR-124a in synovial fluid was 0.929 and the cut-off value was 0.835, with 80.00% sensitivity and 88.89% specificity. CONCLUSION: miR-124a expression is downregulated in the plasma, PBMCs, and synovial fluid of RA patients and has a high diagnostic value for RA.

Refracture-related bone transport of tibia: technical notes and preliminary clinical results in nineteen cases.

PURPOSE: Refracture is one of the main complications of bone transport, which brings additional physical and mental burden to surgeries and patients. We aimed to raise a new classification system of refracture-related bone transport based on the Simpson classification and to present our experience on treatment. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 19 patients with refracture-related bone transport (average age of 37.7 years; 18 men). We developed a modified Simpson classification system to assist decision-making (conservative versus surgical). The ASAMI criteria were used to assess the outcomes at last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 12.3 ± 3.2 months. Complete union was achieved in all patients, with no reinfection. Based on the modified Simpson classification, refracture was Ia type (within regeneration area) in three cases, Ib (collapsed fracture at the regeneration area) in one case, Ic (stress fracture) in three cases, II (at the junction between the regenerate and original bone) in one case, III (at the docking site) in nine cases, and V (at distant site) in two cases. Refracture was managed conservatively in six cases and surgically in 13 cases. Average time to bone union was 2.8 ± 1.2 months in the conservative group versus 4.4 ± 1.4 months in the surgery group. Assessment at the final follow-up using the ASAMI criteria revealed excellent bone result in all patients, excellent functional results in six patients (31.6%), and good functional results in 13 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Simpson classification could include refracture at the docking site and stress fracture in the regeneration zone and provide some guidance in determining the appropriate treatment strategy.

Metabolite Profiling and Biological Activity Assessment of Paeonia ostii Anthers and Pollen Using UPLC-QTOF-MS.

Paeonia ostii is an important economic oil and medicinal crop. Its anthers are often used to make tea in China with beneficial effects on human health. However, the metabolite profiles, as well as potential biological activities of P. ostii anthers and the pollen within anthers have not been systematically analyzed, which hinders the improvement of P. ostii utilization. With comprehensive untargeted metabolomic analysis using UPLC-QTOF-MS, we identified a total of 105 metabolites in anthers and pollen, mainly including phenylpropanoids, polyketides, organic acids, benzenoids, lipids, and organic oxygen compounds. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed the metabolite differences between anthers and pollen, with higher carbohydrates and flavonoids content in pollen and higher phenolic content in anthers. Meanwhile, both anthers and pollen extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activity. In general, the anther stage of S4 showed the highest biological activity among all samples. This study illuminated the metabolites and biological activities of anthers and pollen of P. ostii, which supports the further utilization of them.

Integrated Metabolomics Approach Reveals the Dynamic Variations of Metabolites and Bioactivities in Paeonia ostii 'Feng Dan' Leaves during Development.

Paeonia ostii 'Feng Dan' is widely cultivated in China for its ornamental, medicinal, and edible properties. The whole plant of tree peony is rich in bioactive substances, while the comprehensive understanding of metabolites in the leaves is limited. In this study, an untargeted metabolomics strategy based on UPLC-ESI-TOF-MS was conducted to analyze the dynamic variations of bioactive metabolites in P. ostii 'Feng Dan' leaves during development. A total of 321 metabolites were rapidly annotated based on the GNPS platform, in-house database, and publications. To accurately quantify the selected metabolites, a targeted method of HPLC-ESI-QQQ-MS was used. Albiflorin, paeoniflorin, pentagalloylglucose, luteolin 7-glucoside, and benzoylpaeoniflorin were recognized as the dominant bioactive compounds with significant content variations during leaf development. Metabolite variations during the development of P. ostii 'Feng Dan' leaves are greatly attributed to the variations in antioxidant activities. Among all tested bacteria, the leaf extract exhibited exceptional inhibitory effects against Streptococcus hemolytis-ß. This research firstly provides new insights into tree peony leaves during development. The stages of S1-S2 may be the most promising harvesting time for potential use in food or pharmaceutical purposes.

Dual-edged effects and mechanisms of hydroxylamine in partial denitrification-anaerobic ammonium oxidation system.

The combination of partial denitrification (PD) and anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) is a novel and promising nitrogen removal process. Regulating the synergistic reaction between denitrifiers and anammox bacteria (AnAOB) is the key to achieving stable and efficient PD-anammox performance. In this study, 10 mg/L of hydroxylamine (NH2OH) was considered to efficiently promote the bacterial activity, microbial energy flow, and the synergy of functional microflora. As a result, the nitrogen removal rate (NRR) significantly increased from 0.05 to 0.30 g N/L/d in parallel with an increase in the nitrogen loading rate (NLR) from 0.10 to 0.40 g N/L/d. However, the dual-edged effect of NH2OH was also confirmed. The long-term presence of NH2OH caused overgrowth of complete-denitrifying bacteria and decreased the NRR to 0.11 g N/L/d. Additionally, NH2OH enhanced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions via chemical pathways as well as enhanced denitrification Fortunately, the inhibition caused by NH2OH was reversible by stopping the dosing, the reactor restored to stable operation with an NRR of 0.27 g N/L/d. Analysis of metabolic intensity and pathways revealed the effecting process and mechanism of NH2OH on the PD-anammox system. This study verified the dual-edged effects and mechanisms of NH2OH, therefore proving a theoretical basis and technical reference for the application of PD-anammox.

Comparison of antibiotic-impregnated bone cement coverage versus vacuum sealing drainage in semi-open bone grafting using for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare antibiotic-impregnated bone cement coverage (bone cement surface technique; BCS-T) versus vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect. METHOD: This retrospective analysis compared the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing BCS-T (n = 16) versus VSD (n = 15) for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from March 2014 to August 2019. For BCS-T group, osseous cavity was filled with autograft bone graft after debridement, and then the wound was covered with a 3-mm layer of bone cement impregnated with vancomycin and gentamycin. The dressing was changed every day in the first week, and every 2 ~ 3 days in the second week. For VSD group, a negative pressure of -150 ~ -350 mmHg was maintained, and the dressing was changed every 5-7 days. All patients received antibiotics treatment based on bacterial culture results for 2 weeks. RESULTS: The 2 groups did not differ in age, sex and key baseline characteristics, including type of Gustilo-Anderson classification, size of the bone and soft tissue defect, the percentage of primary debridement, bone transport, and the time from injury to bone grafting. The median follow-up was 18.9 months (range:12-40). The time to complete coverage of bone graft by granulation tissue was 21.2 (15.0-44.0) and 20.3 (15.0-24.0) days in the BCS-T and VSD groups, respectively (p = 0.412). The 2 groups also did not differ in wound healing time (3.3 (1.5-5.5) versus 3.2(1.5-6.5) months; p = 0.229) and bone defect healing time (5.4(3.0-9.6) versus 5.9(3.2-11.5) months; p = 0.402). However, the cost of covering material was significantly reduced in the BCS-T group (2071 ± 134 versus 5542 ± 905 yuan; p = 0.026). Paley functional classification at 12 months did not differ between the 2 groups (excellent in 87.5% versus 93.3% in the 2 groups; p = 0.306). CONCLUSION: BCS-T could achieve clinical outcomes similar to VSD in patients receiving bone graft for tibial fracture with infected bone and soft tissue defect, but material cost was significantly reduced. Randomized controlled trials are needed to verify our finding.

Introduction of 3D-classification and its derived surgical sequence of Schatzker type IV tibial plateau fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures usually have a worse prognosis due to their high variability and the accompanied bony and soft tissue injuries. This study aimed to introduce an injury mechanism-based new classification of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures and evaluate its reliability. Additionally, this study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of operative Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures treated according to the surgical sequences determined by the new classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 63 cases of operative Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures that were treated following the new surgical sequences were enrolled in our study. The CT images of these patients were reviewed and classified twice according to the new 3D classification by 4 independent observers. The reliability of the classification was calculated through kappa analysis. The classification-determined surgical sequence was evaluated by observing the postoperative efficacy during the follow-up. RESULTS: Both the intra-observer (the mean k = 0.897, CI 0.806-0.971) and inter-observer (the mean k = 0.883, CI 0.786-0.961) reliability of 3D-classification showed excellent agreement according to Landis and Koch. All the patients were followed up for 6-28 months (average 12.8 months). As for the evaluation of the postoperative efficacy, according to KSS, 53 cases were rated as excellent, 8 cases as good, and 2 cases as fair results. CONCLUSIONS: The new proposed classification showed high intra-observer and inter-observer reliability in our study. The surgical sequence determined by the classification can help surgeons to acquire good reduction and rigid internal fixation. Therefore the new classification of Schatzker IV tibial plateau fractures and the derived surgical sequences are worthy of further popularization and application in clinical trials.

Comprehensive Metabolite Profile Uncovers the Bioactive Components, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities in Wild Tree Peony Leaves.

Tree peonies (Paeonia Section Moutan)-including nine wild species, which belong to subsections Vaginatae and Delavayanae-are economically important plants with ornamental, nutritional, and medicinal applications. In this study, for the first time, we determined the bioactive components and antioxidant activities and antibacterial activities of the newly grown leaves of nine wild tree peony species (WTPS). A total of 276 bioactive components were identified through non-targeted metabolomics; more than 80% of the 276 metabolites identified are terpenoids and flavonoids. A total of 42 differential metabolites were quantitatively determined. The main differential metabolites were Paeoniflorin, Luteoloside, Hyperin, Apigenin-7-glucoside, Rhoifolin, and Cantharidin. Such a high terpenoid and flavonoid content of the leaf extracts renders them as species with strong antibacterial capacities, and most of the bacteria tested showed greater sensitivity derived from the members of subsection Vaginatae than those of subsection Delavayanae. All WTPS have significant antioxidant activity; this activity is attributed to high levels of the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), of which, among the nine WTPS, P. lutea has the strongest antioxidant capacity. Our results provided a theoretical basis for the in-deep application of tree peony leaves for food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Volatile Composition and Classification of Paeonia lactiflora Flower Aroma Types and Identification of the Fragrance-Related Genes.

Flower scent is one of the main ornamental characteristics of herbaceous peony, and the improvement of flower fragrance is a vital objective of herbaceous peony breeding. In this study, 87 herbaceous peony cultivars were divided into three groups (no/light fragrance, medium fragrance, and strong fragrance) based on their sensory evaluation scores, and 16 strong fragrance cultivars and one no fragrance cultivar were selected for subsequent analysis. Sixty-eight volatile components were detected in these 17 cultivars based on solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 26 types were identified as important scent components. They were composed of terpenoids, benzenoids/phenylpropanoids, and fatty acid derivatives. According to the content and odor threshold of these main aroma components, the characteristic aroma substances of herbaceous peony were identified, including linalool, geraniol, citronellol, and phenylethyl alcohol (2-PE). The cultivars of strong scented herbaceous peony were divided into three types: rose scent, lily scent, and mixed scent. We explored the possible key genes of characteristic aroma substances in herbaceous peony petals with different odors through the qRT-PCR. The key genes encoding monoterpene biosynthesis were found to be PlDXS2, PlDXR1, PlMDS1, PlHDR1, PlGPPS3, and PlGPPS4. In addition, the linalool synthase (LIS) gene and the geraniol synthase (GES) gene were also found. PlAADC1, PlPAR1, and PlMAO1, related to the biosynthesis of 2-PE were detected, and the synthetic pathway of 2-PE was speculated. In conclusion, these findings revealed that the difference in gene expression of monoterpene and 2-PE synthesis pathway was related to the difference in the fragrance of herbaceous peony. This study explored the releasing pathway of herbaceous peony characteristic aroma substances and provided key genetic resources for fragrance improvement.

Investigation of Volatile Components and Assessment of Antioxidant Potential in Seven Lamiaceae Plant Hydrosols.

Aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, especially of the genus Thymus, have promising antioxidant applications in pharmacology, medicine, food, cosmetology, and aromatherapy. Hydrosols (HDs) were extracted by hydrodistillation from seven species of Lamiaceae, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus mongolicus, Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinali, Salvia elegans, and Leonurus artemisia. In total, 369 volatile components were determined and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Among them, alcohols (2.86-28.48%), ethers (2.46-10.69%), and phenols (0.11-21.78%) constituted a large proportion, mainly linalool (0.28-19.27%), eucalyptol (0.16-6.97%), thymol (0-19.54%), and carvacrol (0-26.82%). Multivariate statistical analyses were performed and 27 differential metabolites were screened. Three different methods (ABTS+•, DPPH•, and FRAP) were used to determine the in vitro antioxidant activity of seven HDs. Thymus vulgaris hydrosols (Tv HDs) and Thymus mongolicus hydrosols (Tm HDs) had the strongest antioxidant activity and their stronger antioxidant capacity was related to their high levels of phenolic constituents, mainly thymol. The antioxidant activity of the other five Lamiaceae HDs was associated with their high alcohol (mainly linalool and eucalyptol) content, and the alcohol constituents may synergistically affect their antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the present study suggests that Lamiaceae plants can be utilized as antioxidant products or antioxidants in different industrial sectors including pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and agrochemicals.

Environment-friendly, efficient process for mechanical recovery of waste lithium iron phosphate batteries.

Technology for recycling retired lithium batteries has become increasingly environment-friendly and efficient. In traditional recovery methods, pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy is often used as an auxiliary treatment method, which results in secondary pollution and increases the cost of harmless treatment. In this article, a new method for combined mechanical recycling of waste lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries is proposed to realize the classification and recycling of materials. Appearance inspections and performance tests were conducted on 1000 retired LFP batteries. After discharging and disassembling the defective batteries, the physical structure of the cathode binder was destroyed under ball-milling cycle stress, and the electrode material and metal foil were separated using ultrasonic cleaning technology. After treating the anode sheet with 100 W of ultrasonic power for 2 minutes, the anode material was completely stripped from the copper foil, and no cross-contamination between the copper foil and graphite was observed. After the cathode plate was ball-milled for 60 seconds with an abrasive particle size of 20 mm and then ultrasonically treated for 20 minutes with a power of 300 W, the stripping rate of the cathode material reached 99.0%, and the purities of the aluminium foil and LFP reached 100% and 98.1%, respectively.

Atomic Engineering Catalyzed Redox Kinetics of Nix Co1-x (OH)2 on Nanoporous Phosphide Electrode for Efficient Ni-Zn Batteries.

Aqueous nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) batteries with excellent safety and environmental benignity are promising candidates for sustainable energy storage. However, the inferior conductivity and inevitable phase transition of trditional Ni-based cathodes limit the redox kinetics and lead to restricted electrode specific capacity and device energy density. Here, a Nix Co1-x (OH)2 electrode doped with Pd, Ag, and Au atoms is constructed for catalyzing the redox kinetics on the conductive nanoporous phosphide. Density functional theory calculations and experimental results reveal that the introduction of the Ag atomic dopants can effectively modulate the electron structure and optimize the OH- adsorption energy, thereby accelerating the catalyzed redox kinetics of Nix Co1-x (OH)2 by the facilitated charge transfer at the active sites around metal dopants. Consequently, the assembled Ni-Zn battery delivers an ultrahigh power density of 7.85 W cm-3 and energy density of 49.53 mW h cm-3 , with a long-term cycling stability. The cooperation of atomic catalysis and redox kinetics will inspire more exploration of efficient energy materials and devices.

Nanoporous Intermetallic SnTe Enables Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction into Formate via Promoting the Fracture of Metal-Oxygen Bonding.

Electrochemical reduction of CO2 into formate product is considered the most practical significance link in the carbon cycle. Developing cheap and efficient electrocatalysts with high selectivity for formate on a wide operated potential window is desirable yet challenging. Herein, nanoporous ordered intermetallic tin-tellurium (SnTe) is synthesized with a greater reduction performance for electrochemical CO2 to formate reduction compared to bare Sn. This nanoporous SnTe achieves 93% Faradaic efficiency for formate production and maintains over 90% Faradaic efficiency at a wide voltage range from -1.0 to -1.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), together with 60 h stability. Combining operando Raman spectroscopy studies with density functional theory calculations reveals that strong orbital interaction between Sn and neighboring tellurium (Te) in the intermetallic SnTe can lower the barriers of the oxygen cutoff hydrogenation and desorption steps by promoting the fracture of bond between metal and oxygen, leading to the significant enhancement of formate production.

Malice at the Gates of Eden: current and future distribution of Agrilus mali threatening wild and domestic apples.

The apple buprestid, Agrilus mali Matsumura, that was widespread in north-eastern China, was accidently introduced to the wild apple forest ecosystem in mountainous areas of Xinjiang, China. This invasive beetle feeds on domesticated apples and many species of Malus and presents a serious threat to ancestral apple germplasm sources and apple production worldwide. Estimating the potential area at risk of colonization by A. mali is crucial for instigating appropriate preventative management strategies, especially under global warming. We developed a CLIMEX model of A. mali to project this pest's potential distribution under current and future climatic scenarios in 2100 using CSIRO-Mk 3.0 GCM running the SRES A1B emissions scenario. Under current climate, A. mali could potentially invade neighbouring central Asia and eventually the mid-latitude temperate zone, and some subtropical areas and Pampas Steppe in the Southern Hemisphere. This potential distribution encompasses wild apples species, the ancestral germplasm for domesticated apples. With global warming, the potential distribution shifts to higher latitudes, with the potential range expanding slightly, though the overall suitability could decline in both hemispheres. In 2100, the length of the growing season of this pest in the mid-latitude temperature zone could increase by 1-2 weeks, with higher growth rates in most sites compared with current climate in mid-latitudes, at least in China. Our work highlights the need for strategies to prevent the spread of this pest, managing the threats to wild apples in Tian Shan Mountain forests in Central Asia, and commercial apple production globally. We discuss practical management tactics to reduce the spread of this pest and mitigate its impacts.

Spontaneously Sn-Doped Bi/BiOx Core-Shell Nanowires Toward High-Performance CO2 Electroreduction to Liquid Fuel.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction provides a promising strategy to product value-added fuels and chemical feedstocks. However, it remains a grand challenge to further reduce the overpotentials and increase current density for large-scale applications. Here, spontaneously Sn doped Bi/BiOx nanowires (denoted as Bi/Bi(Sn)Ox NWs) with a core-shell structure were synthesized by an electrochemical dealloying strategy. The Bi/Bi(Sn)Ox NWs exhibit impressive formate selectivity over 92% from -0.5 to -0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and achieve a current density of 301.4 mA cm-2 at -1.0 V vs RHE. In-situ Raman spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that the introduction of Sn atoms into BiOx species can promote the stabilization of the *OCHO intermediate on the Bi(Sn)Ox surface and suppress the competitive H2/CO production. This work provides effective in situ construction of the metal/metal oxide hybrid composites with heteroatom doping and new insights in promoting electrochemical CO2 conversion into formate for practical applications.

Epithelium-Penetrable Nanoplatform with Enhanced Antibiotic Internalization for Management of Bacterial Keratitis.

A standardized regimen for addressing the adverse effects of bacterial keratitis on vision remains an intractable challenge due to poor epithelial penetration and a short corneal retention time. In this study, a new strategy is proposed to implement the direct transport of antibiotics to bacteria-infected corneas via topical administration of an epithelium-penetrable biodriven nanoplatform, thereby enabling the efficacious treatment of bacterial keratitis. The nanoplatforms were composed of amphiphilic glycopolymers containing boron dipyrromethene and boronic acid moieties with stable fluorescence characteristics and the ability to potentiate epithelial penetration deep into the cornea. The boronic acid-derived nanoplatforms enabled efficient cellular internalization through the high affinity of boric acid groups for the diol-containing bacterial cell wall, resulting in enhanced drug penetration and retention inside the pathogenic bacteria. The bacterial cells formed agglomerations after incorporating the nanoplatforms along with a special mechanism to release the encapsulated cargo in response to in situ bacteria. Compared with the drug alone, this smart system achieved enhanced bacterial mortality and attenuated inflammation associated with Staphylococcus aureus-induced keratitis in rats, demonstrating a paradigm for targeted ocular drug delivery and an alternative strategy for managing bacterial keratitis or other bacterial infections by heightening corneal permeability and transcorneal bioavailability.

A Targeted Photosensitizer Mediated by Visible Light for Efficient Therapy of Bacterial Keratitis.

Bacterial keratitis is a serious bacterial infection of the cornea that can cause sight loss in severe cases because of the sharp decline of efficacious antibiotics. Herein, a targeted photosensitizer based on BODIPY severing as a photobactericidal agent was developed for treating bacterial keratitis. The water solubility of the material was as high as 10 mg/mL, which was attributable to the introduction of pathogen-targeting galactose and fucose. The photosensitizer was able to preferentially bind Pseudomonas aeruginosa instead of mammalian cells and trigger the aggregation of bacteria, which ultimately facilitated effective pathogen ablation upon the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via laser irradiation. Photoexcited targeted photosensitizers can promote wound healing by eradicating P. aeruginosa in rat eyes and reducing the inflammatory response, thus exhibiting the significant therapeutic effect on bacterial keratitis. We also performed molecular level mechanistic studies using the unique field-induced droplet ionization mass spectrometry methodology and confirmed that the generated ROS were mainly singlet oxygen that caused lipid peroxidation (Type II mechanism). We anticipate that the targeted photosensitizer will have great potential in the application of clinical photodynamic therapy to ocular infection.