Search

Natural wetlands are mostly nitrogen-limited ecosystems, while reclamation stimulates the loss of nitrogen (N) in soils by shifting the N regime. To investigate the microbial mechanisms of the N regime shift, we first conducted a global meta-analysis to quantify the wetland reclamation impacts on soil mineral N pools and then a field campaign to sample 24 soil cores up to 100 cm depth in a natural wetland and a 23-year cultivated soybean field from the Sanjiang Plain in northeastern China. After wetland reclamation, the N regime was shifted to cause a potential risk of massive N loss in soils; their microbial mechanisms were revealed through metagenomic data. In cropland, the relative abundance of genes involved in nitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (ANRA) were enriched while those in N fixation, mineralization, denitrification, and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonia (DNRA) were diminished. Wetland reclamation substantially enhanced the relative abundance of genes involved in nitrification (except for genes for ammonia oxidation to NH2OH) and denitrification in surface (0–30 cm) soils but decreased them in subsurface (30–100 cm) soils. After wetland reclamation, the relative abundance of genes involved in denitrification and DNRA significantly reduced in spring and summer, but such patterns were not found in autumn and winter. This change enhanced potential microbial-driven N loss in spring and summer. The metagenomic data serve as surrogate data sources for quantifying soil roles on soil N cycles under land use change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water rights transactions are an important way for countries to use market mechanisms to optimize the allocation of water resources. Taking the South-North Water Transfer East Project (SNWDP-ER) in China as an example, a full cost pricing model (FCPM) is used to construct an accounting framework for water rights transactions. Water quality factors are innovatively introduced into the model to carry out a study on water rights trading pricing (WRTP) from the perspective of combining water quantity and quality. The results show that: (1) the actual WRTP (1.25 yuan/m3) for the first phase of the SNWDP-ER was low and in fact not sufficient to cover the corresponding costs. (2) By calculating the ability of water users to pay, and comparing this situation with advanced overseas cases, the conclusion was reached that the FCPM of WRTP (1.63 yuan/m3) is reasonable. (3) The method of accounting for the WRTP for major projects that take into account water quantity and quality and that are conducive to strengthening ecological protection in river basins is generally feasible. Reasonable WRTP for major projects can promote water market reform by bringing user fees, improving the competition mechanism in the water market, and reducing the financial payments pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As driving forces in agricultural development, science and technology, along with innovation in agricultural science and technology, are crucial to food security and socioeconomic development. The National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone is a major initiative of the Chinese government to promote the modernization of agriculture with Chinese characteristics and aims to improve the level of regional agricultural development through policy guidance and financial support. However, few studies have explored the impact of the National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone on agricultural science and technology innovation from a policy perspective. In this context, this study is based on the panel data of 696 regions in China from 2007 to 2017. Difference-in-differences is used to study the impact and mechanism of the National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone on agricultural science and technology innovation. The results show that the National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone policy can significantly improve the level of agricultural science and technology innovation, and the impact effect is more significant in regions with high fiscal autonomy, western regions, and those with better transportation infrastructure. Mechanism analysis shows that the National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone enhances agricultural science and technology innovation mainly through increasing financial resource allocation, improving financial support for agriculture, and increasing human capital. This study evaluates the policy effects, provides theoretical support for the public value of the National Modern Agricultural Demonstration Zone, and offers lessons for agricultural science and technology innovation in similar economies in China and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the relationship between modern pollen, vegetation, and climate is essential for the reconstruction of paleoenvironments and human land use from fossil pollen spectra. In this study, we collected modern pollen data from natural vegetation and human-disturbed vegetation in eastern China. Results reveal that modern pollen assemblages reflect their natural or human-disturbed vegetation, and differ between northern and southern sample sites in eastern China. Natural vegetation communities are dominated by arboreal taxa, mainly Pinus , Castanopsis , Quercus, and Betula. Farmland, which is the dominant type of human-disturbed vegetation, is dominated by herbaceous taxa particularly Cerealia Poaceae (>35 μm), Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Brassicaceae. In eastern China, pollen assemblages of north China are mainly Betula , Artemisia , Chenopodiaceae, Cerealia Poaceae, Brassicaceae, and Ranunculaceae, while pollen assemblages of south China are mainly Castanopsis , Quercus , Poaceae, Cyperaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. Poaceae, Cerealia Poaceae, Brassicaceae, and Chenopodiaceae from human-disturbed vegetation is mainly distributed at low elevations and has a smaller elevational range than natural vegetation. Pollen assemblages from natural vegetation perform better at reconstructing climate than pollen assemblages from human-disturbed vegetation in eastern China. Mean annual precipitation (P ann) is a better predictor than mean temperature of the coldest month (Mt co) and mean temperature of the warmest month (Mt wa). In this study, surface pollen assemblages from human-disturbed vegetation still reflect the characteristics of the local vegetation and can still be used to reconstruct climate. Nonetheless, for more accurate results, pollen assemblages from natural vegetation communities should preferentially be used in reconstructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands account for up to 70% of the natural source of methane (CH4) in terrestrial ecosystems on a global scale. Soil microbes are the ultimate producers and biological consumers of CH4 in wetlands. Therefore, simulating microbial mechanisms of CH4 production and consumptionwould improve the predictability of CH4 flux in wetland ecosystems. In this study, we applied a microbial-explicit model, the CLM-Microbe, to simulate CH4 flux in three major natural wetlands in northeastern China. The CLM-Microbe model was able to capture the seasonal variation of gross primary productivity (GPP), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and CH4 flux. The CLM-Microbe model explained more than 40% of the variation in GPP and CH4 flux across sites. Marsh wetlands had higher CH4 flux than mountain peatlands. Ebullition dominated the CH4 transport pathway in all three wetlands. The methanogenesis dominates while methanotroph makes a minor contribution to the CH4 flux, making all wetlands a CH4 source. Sensitivity analysis indicated that microbial growth and death rates are the key factors governing CH4 emission and vegetation physiological properties (flnr) and maintenance respiration predominate GPP variation. Explicitly simulating microbial processes allows genomic information to be incorporated, laying a foundation for better predicting CH4 dynamics under the changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: The pathogenic mechanism of anti‐tuberculosis drug‐induced liver injury (AT‐DILI) is still largely unknown. Recent studies have indicated that rifampicin and isoniazid cotreatment causes the accumulation of endogenous protoporphyrin IX in the liver through the haem biosynthesis pathway. Alanine synthase 1 (ALAS1) and ferrochelatase (FECH) are the rate‐limiting enzymes in the production of haem. The present study aimed to investigate the genetic contribution of the ALAS1 and FECH genes to the risk of AT‐DILI in an Eastern Chinese Han population. Methods: A 1:4 matched case–control study was conducted, and eight SNPs in the ALAS1 and FECH genes were detected and assessed. A multivariate conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between genotypes and the risk of AT‐DILI by the odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with liver disease history, hepatoprotectant use, smoking and drinking history as covariates. Results and discussion: Overall, 202 AT‐DILI cases and 808 controls were included in this study. The female patients carrying polymorphisms of rs11660001 in FECH had an increased risk of AT‐DILI under the dominant and additive models (OR = 1.831, 95% CI: 1.014–3.307, p = 0.045; OR = 1.673, 95% CI: 1.015–2.760, p = 0.044, respectively). The peak aspartate transaminase level was significantly higher in female patients carrying the GA+AA genotype of rs11660001 than in those with the GG genotype during anti‐TB treatment (p = 0.032). What is new and conclusion: Based on this 1:4 individual matched case–control study, SNP rs11660001 in the FECH gene may be associated with susceptibility to AT‐DILI in Chinese female anti‐TB treatment patients. Further studies in larger varied populations are needed to validate our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: We aimed to investigate the anxiety of nurses who are supporting Wuhan in fighting against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and explore relevant influencing factors. Background: The COVID‐19 outbreak poses a major threat to public health worldwide. Nurses play an important role in this epidemic. However, available data on the mental health among these nurses are limited. Design: A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey was performed. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 200 nurses who went to Wuhan to help to fight against COVID‐19 from another province. Data collection tools include the Chinese version of the Stress Overload Scale (SOS), the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES). Descriptive, single‐factor correlation and multiple regression analyses were used in exploring related influencing factors. Reporting followed the STROBE guidelines. Results: The scores of SAS, SOS and GSES range from 20 to 80, 22 to 110 and 10 to 40, respectively, and the SAS (31.79 ± 7.32) and SOS (40.19 ± 12.92) and GSES scores (24.83 ± 6.60) were obtained. Anxiety was positively correlated with stress (r =.679, p <.001) but negatively correlated with self‐efficacy (r = −.326, p <.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that professional qualification, sleep, stress and self‐efficacy were the main factors affecting nurse anxiety (p =.006, <.001, <.001,.039, respectively). Conclusions: Nurses who are supporting Wuhan in fighting against COVID‐19 were under a low level of anxiety. Relevance to clinical practice: The current study suggests work stress reduction might be a key factor in reducing anxiety and maintaining mental health to support nurses who are fighting against COVID‐19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop productivity in Albic soil is poor, owing to poor soil physicochemical properties. Mixing of Aw layers, representing Albic soil, with B layers, could improve the physicochemical properties of Albic soil, which is characterized by poor humus on the topsoil and high penetration resistance. The objective of the present study conducted in 2015–2016 in an Albic soil region in Heilongjiang province, China, was to explore the effects of different soil mixing strategies on the physicochemical properties of Albic soil and crop yield. There were four soil mixing treatments: conventional subsoiler (CS), three-stage subsoil mixing plough (TSMP), four-stage subsoil mixing plough (FSMP), and three-stage subsoil interval mixing plough (TSIMP). Our results demonstrated that the Aw layer bulk density of Albic soil under TSMP, FSMP, and TSIMP decreased significantly compared to that under CS. In addition, the total porosity of the soil under these treatments increased significantly in 2 years. Compared to the water holding capacity under the CS treatment, other treatments increased significantly in the Aw layer. Furthermore, soil penetration resistance of the Aw layer decreased following Aw and B layer mixing. All three soil mixing treatments also increased soil aggregate stability and cation exchange capacity but reduced soil organic carbon content in the Aw layer. Soil mixing increased soybean and maize seed yield. Overall, Aw and B layer mixing improved Albic soil structure and physiochemical properties and increased crop yield; thus, this mixing is a feasible approach for Albic soil improvement, with optimal improvements observed under the FMSP strategy, which also added organic substances to the Aw layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the work stress among Chinese nurses who are supporting Wuhan in fighting against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and to explore the relevant influencing factors. Background: The COVID‐19 epidemic has posed a major threat to public health. Nurses have always played an important role in infection prevention, infection control, isolation, containment and public health. However, available data on the work stress among these nurses are limited. Methods: A cross‐sectional survey. An online questionnaire was completed by 180 anti‐epidemic nurses from Guangxi. Data collection tools, including the Chinese version of the Stress Overload Scale (SOS) and the Self‐rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), were used. Descriptive single factor correlation and multiple regression analyses were used in exploring the related influencing factors. Results: The SOS (39.91 ± 12.92) and SAS (32.19 ± 7.56) scores of this nurse group were positively correlated (r = 0.676, p <.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that only children, working hours per week and anxiety were the main factors affecting nurse stress (p =.000,.048,.000, respectively). Conclusions: Nurses who fight against COVID‐19 were generally under pressure. Implications for Nursing Management: Nurse leaders should pay attention to the work stress and the influencing factors of the nurses who are fighting against COVID‐19 infection, and offer solutions to retain mental health among these nurses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virioplankton is an important component of the aquatic ecosystem and plays multiple ecological and biogeochemical roles. Although the spatial and temporal distributions and dynamics of virioplankton have been well investigated in riverine and marine environments, little is known about the dynamics and environmental controlling mechanisms of virioplankton in estuaries. In this study, viral abundance, production and decay were examined in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), one of the largest estuaries in China. The influences of freshwater and seawater mixing on viral ecological dynamics were evaluated with several cross-transplant experiments. In PRE, viral abundance, production and decay rates varied from 2.72 ± 0.09 to 27.5 ± 1.07 × 106 viruses ml−1, 7.98 ± 2.33 to 16.27 ± 2.85% h−1 and 0.80 ± 0.23 to 3.74 ± 0.98% h−1, respectively. When the riverine and marine microbial community were transferred into simulated brackish water, viral production rates were markedly inhibited by 83.8% and 47.3%, respectively. The decay of riverine and marine virioplankton was inhibited by 21.1% and 34.2%, respectively, in simulated brackish water. These results indicate change of estuarine environmental factors significantly alters the dynamics of riverine and marine virioplankton. In addition, the effects of mixing on viral production and decay differed between high- and low-fluorescence viruses. High-fluorescence viruses seemed more resistant to decay than low-fluorescence viruses, whereas the production of marine low-fluorescence viruses seemed more resistant to inhibition than that of marine high-fluorescence viruses. Together, these results provide new insights into the ecological dynamics of virioplankton in estuarine environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding soil fertility and leaf nutrients provides the basis for optimizing fertilization for fruit crop production. However, for central Shaanxi province of China, the largest kiwifruit-producing region in the world, limited information is available on soil fertility and leaf nutrients of these orchards. Here, we assessed 17 soil fertility parameters and 12 leaf elements for 116 kiwifruit orchards in central Shaanxi. The investigated region included five locations: Zhouzhi, Mei, Yangling, Wugong and Qishan. The soils in this region had an average pH of 7.54 and exchangeable Ca of 5.68 g/kg, indicating that the soils were calcareous. Over a quarter of the orchards were deficient in soil organic matter. Although over 50% of the soils were excessive in NO3–-N and over 25% both deficient and excessive in P and K, more than 65.0% of the orchards were deficient in leaf N, P and K, implying the low NPK use efficiency in central Shaanxi. Moreover, Cl and Zn deficiencies as well as Cu and Ca excesses were found in both soil and leaf diagnosis. Analysis of variance showed that, among the study locations, Zhouzhi was characterized by low soil pH, low soil/leaf Ca and high soil/leaf N, whereas Wugong was featured by high soil/leaf Na. Correlation analysis indicated that soil pH positively correlated with soil Ca, and both parameters negatively correlated with soil N, P, Fe, Mn, Cu and Cl (P < 0.01). Additionally, soil N, Ca, Mn and Cl positively correlated with the corresponding leaf elements (P < 0.001). These results could be used to guide the sustainable nutrient management of kiwifruit production in central Shaanxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the construction industry is an important economic pillar for a nation, and contributes greatly to the improvement of the citizens' standards of living; it is criticized for intensive pollution and resource consumption during the operational process of construction projects. The stricter regulations of the government and the raising awareness of public on environmental protection bring more challenge and conflict to government funded construction projects for cleaner production. This research intends to investigate the conflicts the construction projects experienced in the changing social and political environment, and how the project teams resolve these conflicts. Through multiple case studies on six government funded projects, there are 17 types of conflict identified, linking to six groups of external stakeholders of the government funded projects. The causes and solutions of the conflicts are discussed with the help of site observation, document review and interview survey. Strategies and suggestions are provided for conflict management of government funded projects. The findings will benefit researchers and practitioners involved in construction industry by providing better perception and management of conflicts, therefore to promote cleaner production. • The construction projects are found facing new challenges under the increasing requirement on cleaner production. • Exploring conflict of construction projects with external stakeholders in the changing environment of China. • Causes and resolution strategies for conflicts revealed for improving the project performance in cleaner production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal power industry, the cement industry and the iron & steel industry are among the top energy consumers and air-polluters in China, which have significant impacts on climate change. The annual productions of these three industry sectors are all ranked as the top one in the world. In order to assist the short-term policy making for the development of critical LCTs in China, an evaluation of the performance of low carbon technologies (LCTs) for the top three energy-intensive industries in China is conducted in this paper through multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method. There are 31 LCTs identified for these three industries based on the criteria including environmental performance, technological performance, and economic performance. Based on the experts’ evaluation, top 10 LCTs are selected as the critical LCTs which should be given priority in the short-term technology diffusion in China. Suggestions are provided for policy-makers on the carbon mitigation and cleaner production in the main energy-intensive industries in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Nitrogen (N) ammonification and nitrification are two primary microbial processes controlling the availability of soil ammonium (NH4+), a key nutrient for vegetative growth. The large‐scale patterns of gross ammonification (GA) and gross nitrification (GN) rates represent soil microbial adaptations to different vegetative and environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated GA and GN rates in nine forest soils along a 3,700‐km north–south transect in eastern China. We used 15N‐labelling techniques, along with field experiments and laboratory incubations, to assess in situ and potential rates of the GA and GN. The mean in situ GA rate was 4.9 ± 0.5 mg N kg−1 day−1, whereas the mean potential rate of GA was 32.0 ± 8.6 mg N kg−1 day−1. The mean in situ GN rate was 1.7 ± 0.3 mg N kg−1 day−1 (potential GN rate: 3.2 ± 0.6 mg N kg−1 day−1). GA was significantly higher than GN along the transect, and there were high variations in GA and GN among different forests. Significant relationships were identified between meteorological factors (temperature and precipitation) and the GA and GN rates during the sampling month (August 2013). However, the mean GA rate in primary forest was significantly lower in the Huzhong (HZ), Dongling (DL), Taiyue (TY) and Dinghu (DH) sites compared with other sites, whereas with the exception of the Liangshui (LS) sampling site, the mean GN rate in primary and secondary forests showed the same trends. Significant differences in GA rates were found between primary and secondary forests at the LS and Changbai (CB) sites, and differences were detected in GN rate at the HZ, LS and Jiulian (JL) sites. Structural equation modelling analysis suggested that soil N contents, microbial biomass N pool sizes and bacterial abundance are the primary determinants of the in situ rates of GA and GN. The strong control of edaphic factors on GA and GN indicates a need to improve soil N models with more explicit representation of edaphic factors and their control on soil N transformations. A plain language summary is available for this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there is no specific legal basis for the development and utilisation of marine renewable energy, nor legal protection for the developers in China. The consequence is that the Chinese Government is unable to provide institutional support for the substantive development of marine renewable energy, resulting in slow development of China's marine energy industry. This paper provides an institutional framework for the establishment of relevant laws in China and legislative proposals in legal perspective, for the better development of marine renewable energy. The Chinese Government should optimise the administrative management system, strengthen financial regulation such as tax and emphasise sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Loess paleosol sequence S 5 SS 1 (top layer of S 5 paleosol layers; marine isotope stage (MIS) 13) has been extensively studied because it is the most developed paleosol layer among all Quaternary soils in the China loess and represents the greatest humidity since the past 2.5 Ma. The question of whether forests occurred on the Loess Plateau tablelands when these paleosols were deposited is still a controversial scientific issue. This research provides a quantitative reconstruction of the past climate and forest cover between 544 and 480 ka based on a high-resolution pollen record together with magnetic susceptibility (χ fd) and L*a*b* color parameters. Results suggest that the Luochuan area (central Loess Plateau) was sparsely covered by temperate deciduous forest under warm and humid conditions with a strong East Asian summer monsoon. The precipitation and woody cover during 544 and 531 ka were similar to those today and much greater than modern from 531 to 480 ka. Our findings are supported by paleosol profile research and modern vegetation studies. This study confirms that MIS 13 was a warm and humid period and that sparse forest developed on the tablelands of the central Loess Plateau, which provides new thinking on the ecosystem restoration program of the Loess Plateau. • A high temporal-resolution pollen record of the Loess Plateau during MIS13 was established. • Pollen-based quantitative reconstructions infer a warm and humid climate during MIS 13. • Temperate deciduous forest occurred on the tablelands in the central Loess Plateau during MIS 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wetland cultivation turned a CH 4 source to a CH 4 sink. • Methanogenesis suppression and methanotrophy enhancement led to the transition. • A global synthesis supported the microbial mechanism for source-to-sink transition. • Cultivation suppressed methanogenesis and mcr genes throughout four seasons. • The CH 4 -related genes decreased along soil depth in both wetland and cropland. Wetland conversion to cropland substantially reduces methane (CH 4) emission, turning a source into a sink on many occasions; how various microbial processes contribute to this source-to-sink transition remains elusive. We addressed this issue by examining the net CH 4 flux, CH 4 production potential, CH 4 oxidation potential, and functional genes associated with methanogenesis and methanotrophy in a pristine wetland and a 23-year cultivated cropland in the Sanjiang Plain, China. The study confirmed that wetland conversion to cropland turned a CH 4 source of 44.93 ± 10.17 g CH 4 ·m−2·yr−1 to a small CH 4 sink of −0.056 ± 0.051 g·CH 4 m−2·yr−1. The proportion of total CH 4 -related genes, methanogenesis genes, as well as the CH 4 production marker genes – mcr were significantly decreased by 24.14 %, 32.10 %, and 97.89 %, respectively in cropland. The proportions of methanotrophic marker genes, pMMO, and the sum of sMMO and pMMO were significantly increased by 48.74 % and 22.79 % after wetland cultivation. The 23-year cultivation yielded suppressing impacts on methanogenesis and mcr genes throughout the four seasons while stimulating effects on the functional genes of sMMO , pMMO, and MMO in spring and summer. The proportions of CH 4 -related genes decreased along soil depth in wetland and cropland, while pMMO and MMO slightly increased in the depth of 20–60 cm in cropland. A global synthesis supported this microbial mechanism for the CH 4 source-to-sink transition, indicating the strong methanogenesis suppression and slight methanotrophy enhancement in explaining the source-to-sink transition after wetland conversion to cropland. This mechanism should be incorporated into CH 4 models to predict CH 4 dynamics under land-use change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is a large energy consumer and carbon emitter. Although the Chinese government has had sustainable development on the agenda for some years, the construction industry has seemed to respond more slowly than other sectors. As a result the construction industry in China suffered from low competitiveness in the global market, skill shortage and lack of initiatives toward technology innovation. This research reviewed the role of the construction industry in China's sustainable urban development. The social, economic and environmental impacts of the construction industry on China's sustainable urban development are also analysed. The results show that the construction in China plays both positive and negative roles in China's sustainable urban development. Suggestions including establishment of standard measures, strictly regulating the tendering process and improvement of law enforcement, technical innovation, and encouraging the collaboration between the construction industry and the education and professional institutes, are provided for the future development of the construction industry in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper examines the development of policy instruments that support the low-carbon governance in China. The instruments are analysed in five aspects in relation to the key policies in low-carbon governance in China, including: energy conservation, developing new energy, reforestry, developing circular economy, and industry restructuring. Each aspect is discussed in three instrument groups which are (1) law and regulations, (2) industry standard and (3) finance and taxation. This research suggests that law enforcement for the new established laws should be further strengthened and stricter supervision systems should be in place to safeguard effective implementation of low carbon policies, measures and standards, especially for those energy condensed sectors. More rigorous industry standards regarding energy efficiency should be considered to help eliminate outdated equipments in industries and promote the introduction of more climate-friendly technologies. The industrial standards should be given strong legal support in accountability, in order to enforce their complete application once in operation. New policies and instruments need to be introduced in order to reduce carbon print by landfill. The backward law and industrial standards in China should be upgraded more regularly, therefore to support the low carbon development strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviewed the history of the evolution of low-carbon development strategies and the establishment of low-carbon targets in China, over the past 30 years. The climate policy development in China has been classified into four stages and the key strategies of the Chinese government adopted towards low-carbon development were analysed. The results showed the changing view of the government regarding the climate issue, was the underlying reason for the establishment of low-carbon development targets, whilst a low-carbon economy is now receiving increasing attention in the governance of China. Some recommendations for future improvement were given at the end of the paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A holistic approach to ocean governance in mainland China has yet to be fully developed and thus, improved. In terms of marine legislation, mainland China should concentrate on this neglected aspect, to formulate a “Coastal Bill.” Additionally, a comprehensive functional-zoning-based “Oceans Bill” should be suitably drafted, on the basis of the current, “Law on the Administration of the Use of Sea Areas.” In terms of marine administration, the State Oceanic Administration should be transformed into a department, which would be responsible for coordinating the scattered central marine administrative bodies and the relationship between the central and local governments in terms of marine affairs. In terms of marine law enforcement, mainland China could start with the establishing of a coordinating body to improve the communication and cooperation of the marine law enforcement bodies and gradually build up an integrated body, enforcing laws at sea. The most recent development in China is the establishment of the “blue economic areas,” which put together all the maritime sectors within specific areas. A “joint-up” effort is subject to further observation and would be expected in the forthcoming future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentration, source, and risk of PAHs were investigated in 31 sites from surface soils of Liaohe estuarine wetland. Total PAHs concentrations ranged from 293.4 to 1735.9 ng/g with a mean of 675.4 ng/g. The 3- and 4-ring PAHs were the dominant species. The ratios of high-molecular weight PAHs to low-molecular weight PAHs and anthracene/(anthracene+phenanthrene) were calculated to apportion sources of PAHs. It was found that both pyrogenic and petrogenic PAHs sources were important. Effect range low and effect range median showed that the PAHs would occasionally cause adverse effects. The nemerow composite index revealed that about 41.9% soil sampling sites were safety; about 58.1% sites had different grades of PAHs pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper discusses the historical background, structure and enforcement of the ‘2009 Hong Kong International Convention on the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.’ the 2009 Hong Kong Convention establishes control and enforcement instruments related to ship recycling, determining the control rights of Port States and the obligations of Flag States, Parties and recycling facilities under its jurisdiction. The Convention also controls the communication and exchange of information procedures, establishes a reporting system to be used upon the completion of recycling, and outlines an auditing system for detecting violations. The Convention, however, also contains some deficiencies. This paper concludes these deficiencies will eventually influence the final acceptance of this Convention by the international community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Buildings are long-lasting products which have huge impacts on the environment during their whole lives. The design of buildings should take into consideration long-term environmental and economic benefits. A life cycle assessment approach is developed and demonstrated in a case study—the strategic design of a Flagship Store in Shanghai. Industrial practitioners were invited to the feasibility study. Their opinions were included in the life cycle assessment for the first time. The economic analysis takes account of not only the capital costs of the design options but also the running costs during the building''s economic life cycle. The methodology adopted is an integrated life cycle assessment process including life cycle costing, multi-criteria decision making and group decision making methods. The workshops are successful in terms of educational opportunity for the practitioners and have obtained good feedbacks. The top 10 sustainable design options after the life cycle assessment process were chosen by the practitioners as the compulsory design strategies in their global environmental development agenda, whilst the other 32 design options as optional design solution for the international retailer''s future stores. The life cycle assessment tool demonstrated by a case study was proven to be a simple and efficient design tool in practice, and therefore it can be adopted in other projects to assist the decision makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The recently published building energy conservation regulation of China (GB50189-2005, 2005 ) was compared with the latest UK building energy conservation regulation (Part L) (Building Regulation Approved Document L2A, 2006 ). The UK regulation appeared stricter in its requirements and standards than the Chinese regulation. In two case studies, the design of a sample building is altered to fulfil the minimum requirements of the two regulations. The energy consumption and Carbon print of the virtual building under the two set of regulations are estimated by computer based models in the two case studies based on a building in the Cold regions. The building under the UK regulation showed higher energy efficiency and less Carbon emissions per year. The high level estimate in the case studies discovered a potential energy savings of 29% by strengthening the design requirements in the Chinese regulation to the UK level. The improvement on energy efficiency of buildings can be achieved in strengthening the proactive design aspects on building envelope, efficient HVAC, lighting and lighting control system. The software used was SBEM which is the default tool in the UK Part L regulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The construction industry is considered as backwards and lack of innovation. The main driving power of technological innovation in the construction industry is large construction companies. However, the driving process of technological innovation in them has not been fully investigated in previous studies. This study constructs a quantitative model to explore the technological innovation driving process of large construction companies considering the key influencing factors for technological innovation. The sample data are the 57 large construction companies selected from the world's largest construction market – China. The results show significant positive correlation between innovation input and innovation output, and between innovation output and performance. The operational capacity of the companies is positively correlated with innovation input, whilst the capital structure is negatively correlated with innovation input. The technical employees have a positive impact on the performance. The underlying reasons are discussed and suggestions are given for the construction industry to improve the technological innovation capacity of construction companies. This research contributes to the literature of construction innovation and benefits practitioners by providing a quantitative approach to demonstrate the driving power of large construction companies for technological innovation. • Technological innovation process in large construction companies. • Significant positive correlation between innovation input and output, and between innovation output and performance. • Suggestions for the construction industry provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Akituki' (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai.) is a very popular and profitable pear cultivar in China. However, its high susceptibility to cork spot disorder has limited its expansion of cultivated area. The mechanisms of cork spot disorder have been discussed extensively, focusing on Ca2+ deficiency, yet no consensus has been made. In this study, we applied nitrendipine (NI) as a Ca2+ uptake inhibitor to explore the role of calcium in cork spot disorder occurrence. Results showed that NI treatment on the fruit remarkably increased the incidence of cork spot disorder; alteration of mineral contents happened at the early developmental stage of the fruit, especially on the outer flesh and the peel of the fruit; and this gap was filled gradually along with the expansion of the fruit. Significant differences in the expression levels of Ca2+ transport-related genes were found in the inner flesh, outer flesh and peel during the fruit growth period. The observation of free Ca2+ localization indicated the intracellular imbalance of Ca2+ in the NI-treated fruit. In conclusion, NI treatment reduced the calcium content in the fruit at an early developmental stage, altered the related expression of genes and influenced the cellular Ca2+ balance in the fruit, which prompted the occurrence of cork spot disorder. Measures for the prevention and control of cork spot disorder should be taken at the early stage of the fruit development in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gross ammonification (GA) and gross nitrification (GN) are key regulators of the bioavailability of nitrogen (N) in terrestrial ecosystems. In arid and semi-arid grassland ecosystems, the impacts of precipitation change on in situ GA and GN and their seasonal variations are understudied. A manipulative experiment with five precipitation levels (−60%, −30%, unchanged ambient precipitation as control, +30%, +60% of ambient precipitation) was set up in May 2012. After a 2-year equilibration period, the 15N pool dilution technique was applied to determine GA and GN rates in surface soil (0–5 cm) within 8 sampling dates ranging from the onset to the end of the growing season. Pronounced temporal variability of GA and GN rates were observed with the highest GA and GN rates in the mid-growing season (August) and the lowest in the post-growing season (October). GA rates during the growing season were primarily controlled by precipitation and soil water availability, while this effect diminished at the onset and end of the growing season when the temperature dropped. In contrast, GN was predominately controlled by ammonium (NH 4 +) production through GA. In the peak-growing season, the +60% precipitation treatment enhanced GA and GN rates by up to 4-fold, while the −30% precipitation treatment marginally suppressed GA and GN rates. The −60% precipitation treatment suppressed GA and GN rates to below detection limits across the entire study period, suggesting that extreme and persistent droughts greatly inhibited N turnover in the surface soil, thereby forcing plants to mobilize and access nutrients from deeper soil layers. Our findings provide a season-specific mechanistic insight into precipitation impacts on topsoil gross N turnover and suggest that the N cycling represented in ecosystem models needs to consider a mechanism that allows a strong suppression of microbial functions under extreme droughts. • Gross ammonification/nitrification (GA/GN) was strengthened by precipitation. • Temperature is limiting GA before and after the growing season. • GN is tightly coupled to substrate supply by GA. • Extreme drought with 60% precipitation reduction might terminate GA and GN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have been widely implemented in a number of countries, their development and governance contexts are different. This research investigates PPPs through the lens of governmentality and develops a systematic and innovative analytical framework to evaluate and compare the PPP governance in China and the United Kingdom. Based on the findings, a conceptual model is proposed to illustrate the conducting of PPP governance, by the governments involved. The research contributes to the literature on the governance of PPP by providing a clear framework and an assessment tool. The result can benefit the policymakers in different countries, in assessing and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their PPP governance in practice, hence helping the decision-making of government in identifying and targeting loopholes in their PPP market. • Investigating PPP governance through the lens of governmentality. • A systematic and innovative analytical framework to evaluate and compare the PPP governance between China and the UK. • A conceptual model is developed to illustrates the conduct of PPP governance. • Contribute to the literature on the governance of PPP and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of PPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two key drivers, ocean warming and ocean acidification, affect the oceans and adds to the climate change adversely. International legal and policy instruments contain certain measures to tackle these growing effects. China is also committed to addressing the effects of climate change on the oceans. The overlapping of different systems has, however, created some difficulties in practice and further coordination is urgently required. This paper uses qualitative methods to investigate China's legal practices in addressing the effects of climate change and their impact on the oceans. The study considers newly introduced policies and recent actions launched by the Chinese Government to chart a clearer picture of the current practices. To this end, it is concluded that the ultimate solution in avoiding the worsening effects of climate change on the oceans would be to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases worldwide, and China aims to take advantage of playing leading role in such efforts. • International legal and policy instruments contain certain measures to tackle the effects of climate change on the oceans. • China has also committed to addressing the effects of climate change on the oceans. • The overlapping of different systems has, however, created some difficulties in practice and further coordination is urgently required. • The ultimate solution in avoiding the worsening effects of climate change on the oceans would be to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases worldwide and China wishes to take a leading role in such efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of National Forest Park (NFP) is mainly used in mainland China. Originating in 1982, NFP embodies a "top-down" concept and associated program launched by the Chinese government. It is aimed at promoting forest-based tourism and economic development under the premise of protecting forest resources. After 30 years of development, NFPs have made great achievements in protecting specific forest resources, promoting forest-based tourists, promoting regional economic development, and they have gained popularity worldwide. However, due to the fast pace of NFP expansion, lack of predictable planning and innovative thinking, and ineffective governance, some problems like overexploitation, scenic pollution, monotonous development patterns, and ecological degradation associated with NFP constrain its sustainable development. In order to solve these problems effectively, a holistic review of the status of NFPs in China is needed. To help meet this need, the origin, evolution, and current status of NFPs in China were analyzed. The presented research also included retrospective analyses of challenges and opportunities for NFPs sustainable development in China. Results show that from 1982 to 2015, the number of NFPs grew dramatically, and this development occurred in four phases. In addition, NFP development has been unbalanced in regional distribution. When analyzing the evolution of NFPs, the main issues to date have included failure to implement Master Plans in practice, unclear supervisory responsibilities, ambiguous classification, unbalanced distribution, destruction of natural resource and ecosystems, insufficient cultural protection, weak awareness of nature education, lack of resource statistics, monotonous planning, and weak marketing. Study findings can contribute to promoting the sustainable future development of NFPs and support the forest-based tourism industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most countries are experiencing growth in the number and proportion of their ageing populations and this issue is posing challenges for economies and societies worldwide. The most populated country in the world, China, is experiencing a dramatic increase in its ageing population. As China is the world's largest developing country, its serious ageing issue may have far-reaching effects not only domestically but also in other countries and even globally.Methods: In order to overcome the weaknesses of traditional statistical models and reveal further detail regarding the local area evolution, an improved Bayesian space-time model is presented in this paper and used to estimate the spatiotemporal evolution of Chinese ageing from 1992 to 2015.Results: The six eastern provinces with high levels of ageing have been experiencing an almost steady state, while Jiangsu, Shanghai and Zhejiang have weak increased trends of ageing, and the weak increased trend is decreasing. Although the northern and western provinces belong to the low ageing area, five of them have strong local growth trends and therefore strong potential to exacerbate ageing. Under the background of the "comprehensive two children" policy, the forecast value of China's ageing rate is 13.80% (95% CI:11.24%,18.83% is) in 2030.Conclusions: Considering developments over the past 24 years, it has been determined that the areas of the Chinese mainland that are experiencing the highest levels of growth in ageing populations are the two central provinces, which are connected to seven eastern provinces and five southwestern provinces. High ageing areas are not only concentrated in the eastern provinces, but also include Sichuan and Chongqing in the southwest region and Hubei and Hunan of the central region. The seven provinces (municipalities or autonomous regions) of the central and western regions have both high ageing levels and strong growth rates, but the growth rate is decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methane (CH 4) is a potent greenhouse gas, and it is well established that low nitrogen (N) stimulates- and high N suppresses CH 4 oxidation in grassland ecosystems. In this study, we examined the response of CH 4 uptake to long-term (>10 years) multi-level N additions in a temperate steppe of northern China. The N impacts on CH 4 uptake transitioned from positive to negative at the N addition rate of 4 g N m−2 y−1. However, the high-N suppression on CH 4 uptake was partially relieved when the continuous (>10 years) high N inputs (16 g N m−2 y−1 to 64 g N m−2 y−1) caused soil pH drop to < 5.7. Further experiments revealed that continuous high-N inputs acidified soil to pH < 5.7 that released metal ions to stimulate monooxygenase enzyme activity; therefore, the CH 4 oxidation suppression was partially relieved under continuous N loading. Structural equation model results confirmed that metal ions, such as Iron (Fe3+), Manganese (Mn4+), and Copper (Cu) desorbed by soil particles, were negatively correlated with soil pH while positively correlated with CH 4 oxidation under high N inputs. These analyses suggested that continuous high N inputs-induced soil acidification can release previously bounded metal elements that partially alleviated the N suppression on CH 4 uptake. The N-induced soil acidification impacts on CH 4 uptake might play a critical role in global CH 4 cycling and deserve further investigation as external N inputs continue climbing. • N suppression on CH 4 uptake shifted after 10 years of continuous high N addition. • The high-N suppression was partially relieved when N inputs caused soil pH to drop to 5.7. • The N-induced soil acidification released previously bounded metal ions, partially alleviating the N suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of nutritional status (the prevalence of nutritional risk, malnutrition, overweight and obesity) and the nutritional support of the hospitalized patients from admission to discharge or over a two-week period in orthopedics/ spinal surgery of a teaching hospital in Hohhot were investigated. 432 patients from two wards of the orthopedics/spinal surgery from Jan to Dec 2013, the traditional spinal surgery and the minimally invasive spinal surgery, were selected and detected in this study. The Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002) was used to determine the patients' nutritional status within 48 h after admission and during their hospitalization. The overall prevalence of nutritional risk, malnutrition, overweight and obesity at admission was 11.6%, 12.7%, 35.9% and 7.41%, respectively. Overall, there were 88.0% of the patients who were at nutritional risk received nutritional support, while 14.1% of non-risk patients received a redundant nutritional support. The overall prevalence of nutritional risk changed from 11.6% at admission to 19.4% upon discharge (p<0.05), and the prevalence of malnutrition changed from 12.7% to 20.6% (p<0.05). The prevalence of overweight and obesity, which changed from 35.9% to 31.0% and from 7.41% to 5.79% respectively, didn't experience statistically significant evolution. NRS 2002 was a feasible nutritional risk screening tool for patients in spinal surgery of orthopedics department. Patients' prevalence of nutritional risk and malnutrition increased significantly in spinal surgery of this hospital. Some inappropriate uses of nutritional support were observed in orthopedics/spinal surgery, and nutritional support guidelines or protocols should be promoted by a professional committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The impacts of wetland conversion on soil microbes vary over season and along soil profile. • The homogenization impact is the strongest in summer and weakest in winter. • Wetland reclamation suppresses microbial diversity in winter, spring, and summer. • The input of fresh carbon in autumn enhances microbial diversity. Soil microbes drive biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C) and nutrients, and land conversion alters soil microbes and thus, affects C and nutrient cycling at the ecosystem level. To evaluate the impacts of wetland reclamation on microbes along soil profiles and over seasons, soil cores (0–100 cm) were collected from a natural wetland and an adjacent cropland that has been continuously cultivated for 23 years in the Sanjiang Plain, northeastern China. Wetland conversion to cropland generally homogenized the microbial abundance along the soil profiles in four seasons (May of spring, July of summer, October of autumn, and December of winter), while the vertical homogenization was the strongest in summer and weakest in winter. After 23 years of cultivation, the abundances of fungi and bacteria in surface soils were significantly reduced by approximately 90% and 80%, respectively, whereas the bacterial abundances increased and fungal abundances decreased in middle and deep soils, suggesting that cultivation impacts on microbial community structure varied along soil layers. Compared to the wetland, total phospholipid fatty acids in the middle and deep soils of the cropland were enhanced by approximately 60–367% in autumn and winter and 30–137 % in spring and summer. Wetland reclamation suppressed the microbial diversity in the surface soils in winter, spring, and summer but stimulated that in autumn, indicating robust enhancements on microbial diversity by the inputs of fresh litter C. The quantifications of microbial abundance and community structure showed the non-uniform impacts of wetland reclamation on microbes along the soil profile and over seasons, which provides valuable information for benchmarking models in simulating microbial roles on C cycling in deep soils at the seasonal scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Wetland reclamation homogenized microbial biomass along soil profile. • Cultivation narrowed the C:N:P:S stoichiometry in soils and microbial biomass. • Cultivation promoted bacterial abundance in 30–80 cm soil profile. Wetlands store approximately one-third of soil carbon (C) in terrestrial ecosystems, and the loss of C in wetlands has been accelerated by reclamation. However, how wetland reclamation affects microbial properties along soil profiles remains unclear. In this study, we sampled 100 cm soil cores from a wetland and an adjacent cropland that has been cultivated for 23 years to evaluate the impacts of land conversion on soil microbial community structure and soil element concentrations in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeastern China. The C and nitrogen (N) concentrations in microbial biomass declined exponentially with depth in both the wetland and cropland with different magnitudes. Continuous cultivation for 23 years tended to homogenized C, N, phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) contents in soils and microbial biomass along the soil profile. Compared with the wetland, C and N in cropland soils were lower, and microbial biomass C, N, P and S were lower in surface soils (0–30 cm), while higher in both middle soils (40–70 cm) and deep soils (70–100 cm). Cultivation narrowed the C:N:P:S stoichiometry in soils and microbial biomass, with large changes in surface soils and minor changes in deep soils. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity test confirmed the large changes in surface soils while minor changes in deep soils. After 23-years of cultivation the abundances of fungi and bacteria were significantly reduced by approximately 90% and 78% in surface soils, but the bacterial abundance was enhanced by approximately 2–3 times in middle soils, leading to a decreasing fungi:bacteria ratio along soil profile in cropland. Soil TC and pH were the predominant factors controlling the microbial composition in wetland. The homogenizing impact of wetland reclamation on microbial properties along soil profiles suggests the different responses of microbial and soil elements to human activities, indicating a critical need of differentiating microbes from soils when examining soil elements under a changing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction sector plays an important role in environmental sustainable development and the green economy. Green technology innovation in the construction sector can improve the energy, cost, and environmental performance of the industry. The lagging effects of influential factors for green technology innovation have yet to be fully understood. This study aims to explore the process of green technology innovation in large construction companies based on the innovation value chain theory and through a system dynamics (SD) approach. The results revealed the dynamic interaction between various influencing factors of green technology innovation in the construction industry. The effects of different knowledge bases and market shares show heterogeneity when the influencing factors are considered as an integrated system. The study helps researchers and practitioners gain a better understanding of the nature of green technology innovation from a systematic view. Suggestions are provided for decision-makers and practitioners to better manage green technology innovation., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common spinal cord injury in clinic, however its mechanism is still not fully understood., Design: We constructed the rabbit spinal cord hemisection (SCH) model and used RT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence experiments to explore the potential mechanism of SCI., Setting: The sham operation (SH) group, the observation (OB, which is the SCH) group, the OB+ substance p (SP) inhibitor group, the OB + NK1R inhibitor group, the OB + NK1R agonist group and the OB + SP inhibitor + NK1R agonist group., Participants: New Zealand white rabbits., Interventions: Use NK1R inhibitors, NK1R agonists, SP inhibitors to treat the SCH model., Outcome Measures: IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB., Results: The results showed that nissl bodies, inflammatory cells and SP increased notably in the spinal cord cells of the rabbit SCH model. Through in vivo experiments with SP or NK1R inhibitors or NK1R agonists, we found that inhibiting SP/NK1R signaling can help improve SCH by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IKKγ, IL-6 and NF-κB., Registered Trials: Animal experiments were approved by Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.

Soil microbial responses to environmental stress remain a critical question in microbial ecology. The content of cyclopropane fatty acid (CFA) in cytomembrane has been widely used to evaluate environmental stress on microorganisms. Here, we used CFA to investigate the ecological suitability of microbial communities and found a stimulating impact of CFA on microbial activities during wetland reclamation in Sanjiang Plain, Northeastern China. The seasonality of environmental stress resulted in the fluctuation of CFA content in the soil, which suppressed microbial activities due to nutrient loss upon wetland reclamation. After land conversion, the aggravation of temperature stress to microbes increased the CFA content by 5 % (autumn) to 163 % (winter), which led to the suppression of microbial activities by 7 %-47 %. By contrast, the warmer soil temperature and permeability decreased the CFA content by 3 % to 41 % and consequently aggravated the microbial reduction by 15 %-72 % in spring and summer. Complex microbial communities of 1300 CFA-produced species were identified using a sequencing approach, suggesting that soil nutrients dominated the differentiation in these microbial community structures. Further analysis with structural equation modeling highlighted the important function of CFA content to environmental stress and the stimulating influence of CFA induced by environmental stress on microbial activities. Our study shows the biological mechanisms of seasonal CFA content for microbial adaption to environmental stress under wetland reclamation. It advances our knowledge of microbial physiology affecting soil element cycling caused by anthropogenic activities., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The accumulation of endogenous hepatotoxin protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in the liver was proposed to be a novel mechanism of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH). ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 (ABCG2) plays an important role in modulating PPIX concentrations. This study aimed to explore the role of ABCG2 genetic polymorphisms in the risk of ATDH in Chinese patients.A 1:4 matched case-control study was performed among 202 ATDH cases and 808 controls. Conditional logistic regression model was used to estimate the association between genotypes and the risk of ATDH by odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Male patients with CC genotype of rs2622605 had an increased risk of ATDH (adjusted OR = 1.615, 95% CI: 1.119-2.332, p  = 0.011). The peak value of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly higher in male patients with CC genotype of rs2622605 than in those with TT + TC genotype during antituberculosis treatment (102.0 U/L vs. 98.0 U/L, p  = 0.029).This is the first attempt to evaluate the association between ABCG2 genetic variants and the risk of ATDH. Based on the 1:4 matched case-control study, the polymorphism at rs2622605 in the ABCG2 gene may be associated with the susceptibility to ATDH in Chinese male patients.

The evolution of nutritional status (the prevalence of nutritional risk, malnutrition, overweight and obesity) and the nutritional support of the hospitalized patients from admission to discharge or over a two-week period in orthopedics/ spinal surgery of a teaching hospital in Hohhot were investigated. 432 patients from two wards of the orthopedics/spinal surgery from Jan to Dec 2013, the traditional spinal surgery and the minimally invasive spinal surgery, were selected and detected in this study. The Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002) was used to determine the patients' nutritional status within 48 h after admission and during their hospitalization. The overall prevalence of nutritional risk, malnutrition, overweight and obesity at admission was 11.6%, 12.7%, 35.9% and 7.41%, respectively. Overall, there were 88.0% of the patients who were at nutritional risk received nutritional support, while 14.1% of non-risk patients received a redundant nutritional support. The overall prevalence of nutritional risk changed from 11.6% at admission to 19.4% upon discharge (p<0.05), and the prevalence of malnutrition changed from 12.7% to 20.6% (p<0.05). The prevalence of overweight and obesity, which changed from 35.9% to 31.0% and from 7.41% to 5.79% respectively, didn't experience statistically significant evolution. NRS 2002 was a feasible nutritional risk screening tool for patients in spinal surgery of orthopedics department. Patients' prevalence of nutritional risk and malnutrition increased significantly in spinal surgery of this hospital. Some inappropriate uses of nutritional support were observed in orthopedics/spinal surgery, and nutritional support guidelines or protocols should be promoted by a professional committee.