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Since the economic reform, China has actively participated in the global market with rapid industrialization and gradually dominated the utilization and consumption of some critical materials, one of which is copper. China has reigned the global anthropogenic cycle of copper since 2004. We explore copper flows along with the international trade of China during 1975–2015, through life cycle lens, from ore to final products. Our main finding is that China has become more active in the copper-related trade, indicated by its great increase in trade volume and the number of trade partners. The physical volume of copper flows through trade increased over 119 times between 1975 and 2015, mainly because of more imported raw materials of copper and exported copper products. Generally, China is a net importer of copper, with increasing import dependence through the study period, whereas the degree of dependence slightly decreased from 2010 to 2015. The indicator of Export Support Rate took a decreasing percentage, which has fallen about 35% since 2010. It suggests China's changing position in the global resource and manufacturing market. In terms of trade price of different copper products, the price of imported copper concentrate was noticeably higher than that of exported one, revealing the poor copper resource endowment of China; while the different trend of copper semis in recent years signifies that China is in urgent need to improve its capability of producing high value-added semis. From international trade perspective, the copper resource of China presented stable supply as well as demand. The One Belt One Road strategy proposed by the state will further expand both the resource and market of copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term irrigation using wastewater from paper industry may cause seriously problems to the receiving soil. This work surveyed and monitored the soil quality of a wastewater irrigation wetland system in Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province in China in 2014 and 2015. Τhe wetland soil showed different soil properties and TX, AOX, heavy metal contents after long-term wastewater irrigation. Long-term irrigation also accumulated the heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb in the wetland soil. Compared to the control, TX in the irrigated soil increased by 47.7–69.8% (2014) and 61.5–83.1% (2015). AOX varied in concentration from 1.7 to 55.0 mg kg−1(2014) and 11.0 to 53.0 mg kg−1(2015). The long-term irrigation of wastewater to wetland systems caused the accumulations of heavy metals, TX, and AOX in the soil and the levels of accumulations were related to several factors including soil properties, wastewater quality, and irrigation time. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Biocathode systems could be used for in-situ bioremediation of chlorophenols (CPs) in constructed wetland (CW) sediments. However, little is known regarding whether or how cathode burial depths affect the dechlorination of CPs in sediments. Here, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP)-dechlorinating biocathode systems were constructed under a cathode potential of − 0.7 V (vs. a saturated calomel electrode, SCE) at three different cathode burial depths (5, 10, and 15 cm). The 2,4,6-TCP removal efficiency and average transformation rate with the biocathode increased by 21.46–36.86% and 14.63–34.88% compared to those in the non-electrode groups. Deeper cathode burial depths enhanced the 2,4,6-TCP dechlorination performance. Furthermore, the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the sediment decreased with sediment depth and the applied potential created a more favorable redox environment for the enrichment of functional bacteria. Deeper cathode burial depths also promoted the selective enrichment of electro-active and dechlorinating bacteria (e.g., Bacillus and Dehalobacter , respectively). The biocathode thus served as the carrier, electron source, and regulator of functional bacteria to accelerate the transformation of 2,4,6-TCP (2,4,6-TCP → 2,4-dichlorophenol → 4-chlorophenol → phenol) in sediments. These results offer insights into the effects of cathode burial depth on 2,4,6-TCP dechlorination in sediments from a redox environment and microbial community structure standpoint. [Display omitted] • Response of TCP dechlorination to cathode burial depth in sediments was studied. • Biocathode system created a more suitable redox environment for dechlorination. • Dechlorination performance was enhanced with the deeper cathode burial depth. • Functional genera were positively correlated with the cathode burial depth. • Roles of biocathode in accelerating TCP transformation in sediments were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

11 RC beam-square CFT column joint specimens were designed, considering the influences of joint form, ring beam dimension, ring beam reinforcement, diameter and number of shear rings and slab participation, etc. Monotonic static tests were carried out to investigate the macro mechanical behavior of the beam-column joints and the influences of various design parameters. The test observations and strain development in rebars were analyzed. The test results indicate; the longitudinal and transverse reinforcement of ring beam have significant influence on the load carrying capacity of the specimens. By changing adjusting the reinforcement ratios of the ring beam, the frame beams can be designed to fail prior to the failure of the ring beams to fulfill the strong joint requirement. Using ring reinforcement is convenient in terms of fabrication and construction and reasonable and reliable for the shear transfer. Based on the test results and the equilibrium of the surface forces of the ring beam at failure, the practical design method of the ring beam joint was derived. The calculation results agreed well with the test results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid increase of solid wastes is a global challenge and organic waste takes the majority part. Composting is an efficient and effective way of converting solid organic wastes to fertilizers, which could be returned to agricultural lands and at the same time, mitigating pollutions. But by far, composting of solid organic wastes has not been widely used. It is determined by complicated factors and one of them is the low adoption level of composting products, which would hinder the upstream composting practices, but has not been sufficiently studied yet. This review paper tried to identify the main factors that may affect people's adoption of composting products from solid organic wastes, by carefully reviewing 10 related papers. It is found that efforts could be made in three aspects to encourage people's adoption of food waste derived fertilizers. The first one is to supply sufficient information about the fertilizers, including nutrient content, trace metal concentration, salinity and pathogen condition to reassure the users about the fertilizers' quality. The second one is the effective pricing system, which could fully reflect the value of re-using food waste and at the same time make the price of food waste composting products competitive compared to the price of chemical fertilizer. The third one is related regulation, which should encourage and facilitate the market of organic waste-based fertilizers. Those findings point to the directions of empirical studies in future. Image 1 • The adoption level of solid organic waste composting products is low, which would inhibit the application of composting. • The uncertainty of the composting products would inhibit people's adoption, including their content of nutrient, pathogen, trace metals and so on and their supply volume. • Unawareness of full benefits embedded in utilizing solid organic waste composting products would discourage people's adoption. • Positive policies would encourage people's adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on sow nursing behavior plays an important role in improving the survival rate of weaned piglets. To obtain more information on sow nursing processing, it is necessary to introduce beginning- and end-stage nursing behavior recognition. This is defined as fine-grained nursing behavior recognition. In this paper, we attempt to automate fine-grained nursing behavior recognition with surveillance video. First, nursing behavior is divided into three subbehaviors: before piglet sucking, piglet sucking and end piglet sucking. Then, a deep neural network model with a dual-stream structure, named SlowFast, is introduced to realize preliminary sow nursing behavior recognition by extracting spatiotemporal features. Finally, for some erroneous results in behavior recognition and the recognition ambiguity in behavior transition, a hidden Markov model (HMM) is introduced to modify the behavioral label sequence by using the Viterbi algorithm. To verify the effectiveness of our method, all experiments are carried out on sow nursing videos collected in an actual breeding environment. The results show that our method achieves a 90.50% sequence coincidence degree for the recognition results on long videos containing the whole nursing behavior, and the accuracy of behavior transition times reaches 87.05%. In summary, this study refines the automatic sow nursing behavior monitoring content to provide more information for precision livestock farming. • Fine-grained nursing behavior recognition classifies three stages in nursing. • Spatiotemporal features are extracted using the Slow Fast mode for behavior recognition. • Sequences of recognition results in long videos are optimized with HMM. • Over 90% sequence coincidence degrees are achieved on long videos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pediatric patient suffered from renal and hepatic abscesses (through hepatorenal space) and recovered by antibiotics and other therapies. By clinical analysis, the multi-organ abscesses might be caused by bloodstream-disseminated infection. In order to identify the pathogen, we collected kidney biopsy tissue, swabs, and plasma samples, and used metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and some traditional methods. The results revealed that polymicrobial especially anaerobic bacteremia (Bacteroides fragilis, et al.) contributed to the abscess formation. What is more, systematic human adenovirus C (HAdV-C) infection was shown, and the virus was isolated. The titer of HAdV-2 neutralizing antibodies was 1/4 in the plasma after symptoms onset. Although the exact mechanism of HAdV-2 infection in multiple abscess formation has not been clarified, the case of multi-organ abscesses in the context of polymicrobial especially anaerobic bacteremia and HAdV infection in healthy children is infrequent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central nervous system candidiasis due to Candida albicans (CNSC) in children is easily misdiagnosed and is associated with poor outcomes and a high mortality rate. There is no big data research or systematic review of CNSC. Methods: Patients diagnosed as CNSC with positive culture results of Candida albicans in Beijing Children's Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from March 2010 to March 2019 were included. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy or transplantation, or with malignant tumours were excluded. We analysed the clinical characteristics, follow-up results, drug susceptibility tests and whole-exome sequencing (WES) results. Results: Thirty-three definitive patients were enrolled, including 22 males and 11 females. Twenty-five patients suffered from CNSC when they were less than 1 year old, and a total of 29 patients had high-risk factors. The main clinical manifestations were fever, convulsions, and positive neurological signs. Twenty-two patients had CNS infections alone, and 11 patients had CNS infections combined with invasive infections involving multiple sites. Twenty-seven cases had a positive CSF and/or blood culture at our hospital. All strains were susceptible to fluconazole, and 2 strains had intermediate susceptibility to voriconazole. As for amphotericin B, all the strains were wild type (WT). WES of 16 patients revealed 2 cases with CARD9 mutations, who suffered from recurrent onychomycosis or thrush before. Conclusion: CNSC mostly existed in children younger than 1 year old, who all had underlying risk factors. CNSC patients with onset at an older age or with recurrent superficial fungal infections might have primary immunodeficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the value of combination of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and procalcitonin (PCT) for prediction of septic shock after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). A total of 1328 patients receiving PCNL for renal calculi were allocated into control group (without septic shock) and septic shock group, and related data were retrospectively collected. Univariate analysis was firstly performed, and the variables with two sided P < 0.10 were then included in logistic regression analysis to determine independent risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to evaluate the predictive values. Area under curve (AUC) was compared using Z test. Postoperative septic shock was developed in 61 patients (4.6%) and not developed in 1267 patients (95.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SOFA score (OR: 1.316, 95% CI 1.125–1.922), PCT (OR: 1.205, 95% CI 1.071–1.696) and operative time (OR: 1.108, 95% CI 1.032–1.441) were independent risk factors for septic shock with adjustment for sex, history of urolithiasis surgery, positive history of urine culture and history of PCNL. The ROC curves demonstrated that the AUCs of SOFA score and PCT for predicting septic shock after PCNL were 0.896 (95% CI 0.866–0.927) and 0.792 (95% CI 0.744–0.839), respectively. The AUC of their combination was 0.971 (95% CI 0.949–0.990), which was higher than those of individual predictions (vs 0.896, Z = 4.086, P < 0.001; vs 0.792, Z = 6.983, P < 0.001). Both the SOFA score and PCT could be applied in predicting septic shock after PCNL, and their combination could further elevate the diagnostic ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants with significant ecological and human health implications. This study examines the abundance, characteristics, and distribution of MPs in the Yangtze River estuary, focusing on seasonal variations, tidal cycles, and anthropogenic influences. Surface samples were collected using the Manta trawl method to ensure consistency with previous marine MP research. The study found an average MP concentration of 1.01 (± 0.65) n m−3, predominantly comprising low-density polymers such as polystyrene (38 %), polypropylene (33 %), and polyethylene (29 %). MPs were mainly fragments (34.9 %) and foam (30.7 %), with a prevalence of white particles. Seasonal analysis indicated significantly higher MP concentrations during flood seasons (1.32 ± 1.09 n m−3), nearly 1.9 times higher than during non-flood seasons (0.70 ± 0.28 n m−3). Tidal cycles also impacted MP distribution, with ebb tides showing increased concentrations (2.44 ± 1.30 n m−3) compared to flood tides (1.48 ± 2.07 n m−3). Furthermore, MP abundance showed a decreasing trend with increasing distance from urban centers, with significant correlations (0.52 < R2 < 0.65, P < 0.001). These findings underscore the necessity for seasonally adjusted monitoring and robust management strategies to combat MP pollution. The study advocates for the integration of diverse sampling methods and the consideration of environmental factors in future MP assessments, laying the groundwork for understanding the MP transport mechanism in the Yangtze River estuary and similar estuarine systems worldwide. [Display omitted] • MPs were widely present in the Yangtze River estuary. • MP concentrations were greater during flood season than nonflood season. • MP concentrations were greater during ebb tide than flood tide. • MP abundance is negatively correlated with the distance of the anthropogenic activities. • Aquatic plant transport as the potential mechanism for MP transport in the Yangtze River estuary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alternating current (AC)-driven bioelectrochemical process, in-situ coupling cathodic reduction and anodic oxidation in a single electrode, offers a promising way for the mineralization of refractory aromatic pollutants (RAPs). Frequency modulation is vital for aligning reduction and oxidation phases in AC-driven bioelectrodes, potentially enhancing their capability to mineralize RAPs. Herein, a frequency-modulated AC-driven bioelectrode was developed to enhance RAP mineralization, exemplified by the degradation of Alizarin Yellow R (AYR). Optimal performance was achieved at a frequency of 1.67 mHz, resulting in the highest efficiency for AYR decolorization and subsequent mineralization of intermediates. Performance declined at both higher (3.33 and 8.30 mHz) and lower (0.83 mHz) frequencies. The bioelectrode exhibited superior electron utilization, bidirectional electron transfer, and redox bifunctionality, effectively aligning reduction and oxidation processes to enhance AYR mineralization. The 1.67 mHz frequency facilitated the assembly of a collaborative microbiome dedicated to AYR bio-mineralization, characterized by an increased abundance of functional consortia proficient in azo dye reduction (e.g., Stenotrophomonas and Shinella), aromatic intermediates oxidation (e.g., Sphingopyxis and Sphingomonas), and electron transfer (e.g., Geobacter and Pseudomonas). This study reveals the role of frequency modulation in AC-driven bioelectrodes for enhanced RAP mineralization, offering a novel and sustainable approach for treating RAP-bearing wastewater. [Display omitted] • A frequency-modulated alternating current-driven bioelectrode was proposed. • Impact of varying frequencies on azo dye degradation process was elucidated. • Efficient decolorization and mineralization were obtained at optimized frequency. • Frequency modulation altered the microbial diversity and community structure. • Multi-pathway mechanisms of frequency-modulated bioelectrode were revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Intermittent electrical mode raised CH 4 yield by 21.0 ± 0.1 % in sulfate conditions. • Intermittent electrostimulation increased substrate competition among methanogens. • Electro-biofilm exhibited excellent electron transfer and electrochemical activity. • Cytochrome gene abundance increased by 67.3 ± 2.5 % in intermittent electrical mode. • Enhanced DIET-induced syntrophic methanogenesis outcompeted sulfidogenesis. Methane recovery and organics removal in sulfate (SO 4 2−)-rich wastewater anaerobic digestion are hindered by electron competition between methanogenesis and sulfidogenesis. Here, intermittently electrostimulated bioelectrodes were developed to facilitate direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET)-driven syntrophic methanogenesis, increasing substrate competition among methanogenic archaea (MA). By optimising the electrochemical environment, MA was able to employ electron transfer more efficiently than sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), resulting in significant methane accumulation (58.1 ± 1.0 mL-CH 4 /m3 reactor) and COD removal (90.5 ± 0.5 %) at lower COD/SO 4 2− ratio. Intermittent electrostimulation improved the metabolic pathway for electroactive bacteria to utilize acetate and direct electrons to electrotrophic MA, decreasing SRB abundance and affecting the sulfate reduction pathway. Intermittently electrostimulated biofilms significantly increased gene levels of key enzymes in electron transport for cytochrome and e-pili biosynthesis, crucial for DIET, demonstrating enhanced DIET-driven syntrophic methanogenesis. This study provides a strategic approach to optimize methanogenesis in sulfate-rich wastewater anaerobic digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elucidation of the mechanism for the growth and secondary metabolites in Aspergillus oryzae is important for industrial production and utilization. Here, we found that the expression of a novel gene Aokap1 was induced during the growth of A. oryzae. Sequence analysis revealed that AoKap1 has four transmembrane regions and is conserved in Aspergillus species. Disruption of Aokap1 caused the inhibition in mycelium growth and conidia formation, corresponding with reduced expression of brlA and abaA. Furthermore, deletion of Aokap1 resulted in elevated production of kojic acid, and the expression of kojA, kojR and kojT was up-regulated in Aokap1-disrupted strain. Meanwhile, overexpression of kojR resulted in the decreased expression of Aokap1, suggesting that disruption of Aokap1 increased kojic acid production by affecting the expression of kojA, kojR and kojT. The discovery of Aokap1 provides a new target for genetic modification of the growth and kojic acid production in A. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CRISPR/Cas9 system has become a great tool for target gene knock-out in filamentous fungi. It is laborious and time-consuming that identification mutants from a large number of transformants through PCR or enzyme-cut method. Here, we first developed a CRISPR/Cas9 system in Aspergillus oryzae using AMA1-based autonomously replicating plasmid and Cas9 under the control of the Aspergillus nidulans gpdA promoter. By the genome editing technique, we successfully obtained mutations within each target gene in Aspergillus oryzae. Then, we put the protospacer sequence of a target gene and its protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) behind the start codon "ATG" of DsRed, yielding the non‑functional DsRed (nDsRed) reporter gene, and the nDsRed reporter gene could be rescued after successful targeted editing. Moreover, this method was also applied by targeting the kojic acid synthesis gene kojA, and the transformants with DsRed activity were found to harbor targeted mutations in kojA. These results suggest that the nDsRed can be used as a powerful tool to facilitate the identification of mutants generated by CRISPR/Cas9 in Aspergillus oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • E–TiO 2 @rGO with OVs were prepared through crystal defect engineering. • Mixed crystal and OVs enhanced electron-hole pairs separation efficiency. • E–TiO 2 @rGO improved 2,4,6-TCP dichlorination process and degradation efficiency. • The toxicity of 2,4,6-TCP and its intermediates was evaluated via ECOSAR and DFT. Chlorophenolic pollutants pose serious threats to the aquatic ecosystem. Photocatalysis technology has broad prospects for decontamination. In this work, MXene-derived TiO 2 nanocomposites with mixed-crystal characteristics and oxygen vacancies (OVs) (E–TiO 2 @rGO) were successfully synthesized by atmosphere modulation. Compared with commercial TiO 2 and N 2 –TiO 2 @rGO (anatase phase), the rate constants of E–TiO 2 @rGO (0.06874 min−1) over 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) degradation increased 4 and 1.3 times, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the co-existence of anatase and rutile phases. On the one hand, the mixed-crystal phase narrowed the band gap, broadening the light absorption range. On the other hand, it induced the generation of OVs, which has been demonstrated by DFT calculation. The presence of OVs improved the adsorption and activation of O 2 and H 2 O molecules, beneficial for the formation of active free radicals. In addition, the incorporation of rGO promoted the separation of electron-hole pairs. The Gibbs free energy of 2,4,6-TCP degradation revealed that the OVs and mixed-crystal could reduce the energy barrier of the rate-determining step, thereby boosting the dichlorination efficiency of 2,4,6-TCP. The superoxide free radical (O 2 −) was determined as the dominant active species. Finally, a possible mechanism of 2,4,6-TCP degradation with E–TiO 2 @rGO was clarified clearly. The proposed mixed-crystal defect engineering represents a novel strategy in the design and synthesis of photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The induction of chronic inflammation, perforation, and abscess by foreign bodies (FBs) in adults is uncommon. We present a delayed diagnosis case for a patient who had a fishbone stuck in the duodenal bulb, resulting in chronic abdominal pain for nearly 3 months. We present the diagnosis and treatment procedures for chronic patients, which differ from those for acute and emergency FB ingestion, and also summarize the characteristics of such patients through a systematic literature review.Case Presentation: A 68-year-old woman was brought to our hospital with repeated right upper abdominal pain lasting for 3 months and aggravation for 9 h. Computed tomography (CT) showed a streaky high-density shadow (approximately 3 cm in length) on the posterior wall of the gastric antrum extending outside the wall. Endoscopic ultrasonography showed hyperechoic space with a cross-section of approximately 0.1 × 0.1 cm in the deep submucosal layer of the local stomach, accompanied by an acoustic shadow in the rear. The possibility of a fishbone as well as perforation was considered and the object was removed using FB forceps. Fasting as well as acid inhibition and anti-infection medication were prescribed for the patient. She eventually recovered and was discharged from the hospital.Conclusion: Endoscopic intervention can be recommended as the first option for patients with gastrointestinal FBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, atmospheric emission inventory that includes multi-type pollutants and sources is still limited at the city level. This study developed a high-resolution emission inventory of eight pollutants based on detailed investigated data for Wuxi city in 2015. Results show that the total emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen oxides (NO x), total suspended particulates (TSP), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm or less (PM 10), particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM 2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), ammonia (NH 3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were 36.9 kt, 95.2 kt, 287.3 kt, 127.8 kt, 46.0 kt, 626.4 kt, 10.9 kt, and 104.9 kt, respectively. Power plants were the major contributors of SO 2 and NO x , accounting for 34.6% and 36.3% of the total emissions, respectively. Road dust was the dominant source of particulate matter, contributing 63.1%, 57.8% and 38.2% to the total TSP, PM 10 and PM 2.5 emissions, respectively. Around 67.0% of CO emissions were from iron and steel plants, while 50.1% of NH 3 emissions were from livestock and poultry sectors. VOCs emissions largely came from oil refinery and chemical industry, with a share of 41.3%. High NH 3 emissions were found in the southwest and northeast of Wuxi where high-intensity agriculture was located, while other pollutants were mainly concentrated on the eastern Wuxi where heavy industries, crowded traffic and highly dense population were located. Most pollutants from the industrial source exhibited the lowest value in February due to the Chinese Spring Festival with the exception of CO and NH 3. This study helps to formulate the targeted air pollution control measures for Wuxi city by providing detailed information regarding the spatial-temporal distribution of multi-type air pollutants. Image 1 • A high-resolution emission inventory was established for Wuxi in 2015. • Eight conventional air pollutants were estimated based on local investigated data. • Industry, agriculture and fugitive dust were the main sources of air emissions. • High emissions were around the populous east areas with heavy industry and traffic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying the key nodes of the phosphorus flows in animal raising system is fundamental to improve P utilization efficiency and reduce the P contamination. This study established a phosphorus flow analysis model for livestock and poultry raising, depicted P flows for major livestock and poultry under two raising modes, and further analyzed their spatial and temporal distributions. We find that around 15% of P input was transferred into the products, and in P output around 40% lost into the environment in 2015. The P flows have been increasing since 2000, and the main contributor is pigs followed by beef cattle. It should be noticed that P loss from livestock and poultry raising is huge with extensive prospect of recycling in some central provinces of China, and western region where ecological environment is fragile, has a higher P loss rate which need to change the dietary preference and adjust raising structure. As for diets, pork and eggs are better choices than milk or other kinds of meat in terms of reducing the P load, when producing per unit protein or energy. This study contributes to the understanding of P management in husbandry industry, the quantification of environmental loads of animal-based food and the identification of the potential of reducing P loss to realize sustainable utilization of P. Image 1 • The P resources input had increased 51% from 2000 to 2015 in the system. • P losses into environment had increased 72% from 1052 Gg in 2000 to 1805 Gg in 2015. • Central provinces of China have extensive prospect of P waste utilization. • PUE ranked as dairy cattle > layer poultry > pigs > broiler poultry > beef cattle > sheep. • Pork and eggs are recommended animal-based food to reduce the P load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Disruption of Aokap5 contributes to mycelium growth, but represses conidia formation. • AoKap5 is required for oxidative stress and cell wall tolerance, but not osmotic stress. • AoKap5 regulates kojic acid synthesis through directly binding to the kojT promoter. Aspergillus oryzae is an important filamentous fungus widely used for the industrial production of fermented foods and secondary metabolites. The clarifying of the mechanism of the growth and secondary metabolites in A. oryzae is important for its industrial production and utilization. Here, the C 2 H 2 -type zinc-finger protein AoKap5 was characterized to be involved in the growth and kojic acid production in A. oryzae. The Aokap5 -disrupted mutants were constructed by the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which displayed increased colony growth but decreased conidial formation. Deletion of Aokap5 enhanced the tolerance to cell-wall and oxidative but not osmotic stress. The transcriptional activation assay revealed that AoKap5 itself didn't have transcriptional activation activity. Disruption of Aokap5 resulted in the reduced production of kojic acid, coupled with the reduced expression of the kojic acid synthesis genes kojA and kojT. Meanwhile, overexpression of kojT could rescue the decreased production of kojic acid in Aokap5 -deletion strain, indicating that Aokap5 serves upstream of kojT. Furthermore, the yeast one-hybrid assay demonstrated that AoKap5 could directly bind to the kojT promoter. These findings suggest that AoKap5 regulates kojic acid production through binding to the kojT promoter. This study provides an insight into the role of zinc finger protein in the growth and kojic acid biosynthesis of A. oryzae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]