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This study performed an input-output structural decomposition analysis on changes in COD, ammonia nitrogen, SO 2 , NOx, soot and dust, industrial solid waste, and CO 2 emission multipliers for 41 final products over the period 2007–2012 in China. The results show that during the examined period, emission multipliers were, in general, decreasing. The main driver of this was technical effects. The effects that made a significant contribution were concentrated in eight sectors: coal mining and washing; metals mining and quarrying; food and tobacco products; paper printing manufacturing; the chemical industry; non-metallic mineral products; metal smelting and rolling processing; and electricity, heat production, and supply. Moreover, the technical effects presented an obvious spillover. Although the contribution of the structural effects was far less than the technical ones, there were still some structural adjustments that led to significant synergistic mitigation. For example, the decrease in the direct demand of the agriculture products, electricity, and heat for food and tobacco products commonly reduced SO 2 , NOx, and CO 2 . In addition, four technical effects and most of the structural effects with high efficiency made small contributions. More than one third of the structural effects that showed obvious contributions played a positive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum is a high-yield crop with strong resistance, which has the potential to support the development of the forage farming industry in China where vast salt-affected lands are potentially arable. Nutrient management is imperative for sweet sorghum growing on salt-affected lands. Although nitrogen (N) synthetic fertilizers have long been recognized as a key factor for increasing crop yields, their effects on sweet sorghum cultivation are under debate. Consequently, this study integrated the current available observations of yield (n = 255) and partial factor productivity of nitrogen (NPFP, n = 242) of sweet sorghum in salt-affected lands, which included both inland (n = 189) and coastal (n = 66) areas. We quantitatively analyzed the effects of climatic, soil properties and management measures on biomass yield and NPFP of sweet sorghum, comparing the differences between inland and coastal salt-affected lands. We found that average biomass yield and NPFP of sweet sorghum in coastal areas were 19,082.48 ± 8262.75 kg/ha and 107.29 ± 51.44 kg/kg respectively, both significantly lower than that in inland areas (p < 0.05). The N application rate did not have significant promoting effect on the biomass yield of sweet sorghum in inland salt-affected areas (p > 0.05), whereas in coastal salt-affected areas, N application significantly increased the biomass yield of sweet sorghum. Increasing soil organic matter content could promote NPFP in inland areas. The recommended N application rate for inland salt-affected and coastal salt-affected areas were 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha respectively. The results indicate that it is crucial to apply nutrient management measures based on the local climatic and soil conditions, since the causes of salinity differ in coastal and inland salt-affected lands. More systematic field studies are required in the future to optimize the management of water and nutrients for sweet sorghum planting in salt-affected lands. • The dominant drivers for the growth of sweet sorghum differed in inland and coastal salt-affected regions in China. • N management is useful for sweet sorghum production in coastal salt-affected areas but it is less influential in inland salt-affected areas. • Low N application rate combined with organic materials application is recommended for sweet sorghum production in inland salt-affected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered a main public health issue as it remarkably adds the risk of cardiovascular disease, leading to a heavy burden of disease. There is growing evidence linking fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure to MetS. However, the influences of PM 2.5 constituents, especially in children and adolescents, remain unclear. Our study was according to a national analysis among Chinese children and adolescents to examine the associations between long-term exposure to PM 2.5 main constituents and MetS. A total of 10,066 children and adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited in 7 provinces in China, with blood tests, health exams, and questionnaire surveys. We estimated long-term exposures to PM 2.5 mass and its five constituents, containing black carbon (BC), organic matter (OM), inorganic nitrate (NO 3 −), sulfate (SO 4 2−), and soil particles (SOIL) from multi-source data fusion models. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used with the adjustment of a variety of covariates. In the surveyed populations, 2.9% were classified as MetS. From the single-pollutant models, we discovered that long-term exposures to PM 2.5 mass, BC, OM, NO 3 −, as well as SO 4 2−, were significantly associated with the prevalence of MetS, with odds ratios (ORs) per 1 μg/m3 that were 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.03) for PM 2.5 mass, 1.24 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.35) for BC, 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.11) for OM, 1.09 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) for NO 3 −, and 1.14 (95% CI:1.04, 1.24) for SO 4 2−. The influence of BC on the prevalence of MetS was robust in both the multi-pollutant model and the PM 2.5 -constituent joint model. The paper indicates long-term exposure to PM 2.5 mass and specific PM 2.5 constituents, particularly for BC, was significantly associated with a higher MetS prevalence among children and adolescents in China. Our results highlight the significance of establishing further regulations on PM 2.5 constituents. • 10,066 children and adolescents from 7 province with blood tests were involved. • Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 mass was significantly associated with the childhood MetS. • Black carbon exposure has a robust positive association with childhood MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) could increase both susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19 disease. Prior studies investigating associations between PM and COVID-19 morbidity have only considered PM 2.5 or PM 10 , rather than PM 1. We investigated the associations between daily-diagnosed COVID-19 morbidity and average exposures to ambient PM 1 starting at 0 through 21 days before the day of diagnosis in 12 cities in China using a two-step analysis: a time-series quasi-Poisson analysis to analyze the associations in each city; and then a meta-analysis to estimate the overall association. Diagnosed morbidities and PM 1 data were obtained from National Health Commission in China and China Meteorological Administration, respectively. We found association between short-term exposures to ambient PM 1 with COVID-19 morbidity was significantly positive, and larger than the associations with PM 2.5 and PM 10. Percent increases in daily-diagnosed COVID-19 morbidity per IQR/10 PM 1 for different moving averages ranged from 1.50% (−1.20%, 4.30%) to 241% (95%CI: 80.7%, 545%), with largest values for exposure windows starting at 17 days before diagnosis. Our results indicate that smaller particles are more highly associated with COVID-19 morbidity, and most of the effects from PM 2.5 and PM 10 on COVID-19 may be primarily due to the PM 1. This study will be helpful for implementing measures and policies to control the spread of COVID-19. • The first attempt to examine the association between PM1 and COVID-19 morbidity. • Short-term exposure to ambient PM1 is associated with COVID-19 morbidity. • Smaller particles are more highly associated with COVID-19 morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific literature has reported that participation in agricultural cooperatives has positive effects on small farmers' preference for organic fertilisers over chemical fertilisers. However, there is limited focus on enhancing the voluntary use of organic fertilisers by small farmers who have joined an agricultural cooperative. This paper describes an agent-based model for simulating small farmers' decision-making with regard to fertiliser selection. Ninety six farmers (members) of one of the largest strawberry production cooperatives in China were assessed to understand their willingness to use different fertilisers and their socioeconomic characteristics. Simulation results showed that for farmers belonging to the agricultural cooperative who earn higher marginal profits, variations in the prices of the agricultural produce had no significant effect on their behaviour in terms of the use of organic fertilisers. The number of farmers using organic fertilisers at the beginning of the first year has a positive relationship with the increase in the rate at which farmers use organic fertilisers. However, the count does not alter the final number of farmers who use organic fertilisers after several years. Moreover, farmers' willingness to use organic fertilisers enhances the increasing speed and final number of farmers using organic fertilisers simultaneously. The design of strategies (increasing the number of farmers using organic fertilisers at the beginning of the first year and enhancing farmers' willingness to use organic fertilisers) has a significant effect on the promotion of organic fertiliser application by agricultural cooperatives in China. • We identify the factors that motivate members of agricultural cooperatives to use OFs. • Prices had no effect on the farmers' behavior of using OFs in agricultural cooperatives. • The number of farmers using OFs at the beginning has positive effects on the use of OFs. • Farmers' willingness to use OFs enhances the increasing speed of farmers using OFs. • Farmers' willingness to use OFs enhances the final number of farmers using OFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast development of farming practices in China is projected to result in additional carbon emissions and thus affect farmland ecosystems' environmental performance. Based on 454 farm surveys on the North and Northeast China Plain, the carbon footprint (CF) of two farmland ecosystems (irrigated system for wheat and maize on the North China Plain and rainfed system for maize on the Northeast Plain) were assessed and emission reduction pathways explored by quantifying greenhouse gas emissions of agricultural inputs and farm practices during the entire crop growing seasons with an agricultural footprint model. The results demonstrated that the GHG emissions from wheat and maize rotation in the irrigated system were 7.63 t CO 2 eq ha−1 and 3.17 t CO 2 eq ha−1 for single season maize in the rainfed system. While energy consumption accounted for 12.5%–21.3% of the carbon footprint in both systems, the group assessment found that the largest difference in GHG emissions between the high and low emission groups came from mechanical energy consumption. Approximately 50.6% and 39.2% of the mechanical carbon footprint of wheat and maize, respectively, were caused by irrigation practices in the irrigated system. Regarding the rainfed system, where 46.6% of mechanical carbon emissions were generated by maize tillage operations. In addition, scenario analysis indicated that the mechanical carbon footprint could be reduced to 56 kg CO 2 eq t−1 for NCP-wheat and 26 kg CO 2 eq t−1 for NCP-maize, respectively, by optimizing yields and irrigation practices in irrigated systems and that the mechanical carbon footprint of NEP-maize could be reduced to 25 kg CO 2 eq t−1 by optimizing yields and tillage practices in rainfed systems. Therefore, improvement in mechanization in irrigation and tillage practices can contribute to reduce GHG emissions in China. Water-saving irrigation technology is recommended in irrigated area and conservation tillage is recommended in rainfed agricultural area to reduce carbon footprints. [Display omitted] • Carbon footprint of farming practices was studied on the North and Northeast China Plains. • Irrigation practice affects the carbon footprint of the winter wheat–summer maize system. • Tillage practice determines the carbon footprint of the rain-fed spring maize system. • Promoting drip irrigation in irrigated system and strip-tillage in rainfed system could reduce the carbon intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal area of Yancheng, China, is one of the hotspots for ecological research. Under the coupling of human and natural ecosystems, the region has gradually evolved into a coexistence of aquatic, agricultural and mudflat ecosystems. What are the patterns of natural and artificial resource inputs and patterns of change in ecosystems? How can ecological flows be analyzed at a uniform scale? Here, we selected six typical local ecosystems, namely, rice‒wheat for enterprises (RWE), rice‒wheat for smallholder households (RWS), chrysanthemum‒wheat (CW), fish polyculture (FP), juvenile crab farming (JF) and clam polyculture (CP), and analyzed their energy flow flux and sustainability based on emergy theory. The results showed that anthropogenic resource inputs were higher than natural resource inputs in all ecosystems, and the inputs of aquatic ecosystems were greater than those of agroecosystems. The greatest total input was 2.0 E+17 seJ/ha/yr for FP, and the lowest was 1.9 E+16 seJ/ha/yr for RWE. The proportions of renewable and artificial inputs for RWE, RWS, CW, FP, JF and CP were 32.8% vs. 96.1%, 40.3% vs. 96.5%, 34.7% vs. 97.0%, 32.6% vs. 99.4%, 55.1% vs. 98.5%, and 62.5% vs. 98.6%, respectively. The highest input to agroecosystems was nitrogen fertilizer, while in JF and CP, it was water, and feed (63.3%) accounted for the highest percentage of input in FP. JF and CP had lower environmental loads and higher sustainability than other ecosystems, but this still represents a high input compared to agroecosystems. Human-led resource coupling profoundly affects ecosystem sustainability, and various thresholds of energy use and ecological sustainability need to be studied in depth. Continuous exploration of methods and mechanisms for the maintenance and evolution of ecosystems with low total inputs and low inputs of non-renewable resources can contribute to high-quality sustainable development of an area or region. • Multi-systems are sustained by various forms of natural and artificial resources. • The total emergy input to the aquatic ecosystem is 1.9 E+16∼2.4 E+16 seJ/ha/yr. • Agroecosystems have a total emergy input of 7.7 E+16∼2.0 E+17 seJ/ha/yr. • The range of renewable resources in aquatic ecosystems of coastal area is 34.7–47.4%. • The percentage of renewable resources in agricultural systems is 32.6–62.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no epidemiological evidence on the effects of maternal exposure to ambient particulate matter 10 μm or less in diameter (PM 10) and anencephaly risk in offspring. We conducted a population-based case-control study in Liaoning Province, China. The case group consisted of 663 cases with anencephaly and the control group consisted of 7950 healthy infants from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province that were born between 2010 and 2015. Daily PM 10 concentrations were obtained from 77 monitoring stations located within the study area. A multivariable logistic regression model was established to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Maternal PM 10 exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of anencephaly at three months before conception (highest versus lowest tertile: OR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.29–2.34; per 10 μg/m3 increment: OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.06–1.20) and three months after conception (highest versus lowest tertile: OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.44–2.60; per 10 μg/m3 increment: OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.95–1.08). The evaluation of shorter exposure windows revealed similar associations for PM 10 exposure from the third month before pregnancy to the third month after pregnancy. Maternal PM 10 exposure is positively associated with anencephaly risk during the critical period of neural system development. • There is no epidemiological evidence of maternal exposure to PM 10 and anencephaly risk. • Maternal exposure to PM 10 before and after pregnancy increases anencephaly risk. • Environmental health policies and actions should be adopted to reduce PM 10 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may lead to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and pose public health challenges to human health and the already overloaded healthcare system. It is therefore important to review current knowledge and identify further directions in China, the largest developing country in the world. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the relationship between climate variability and infectious disease transmission in China in the new millennium. Literature was identified using the following MeSH terms and keywords: climatic variables [temperature, precipitation, rainfall, humidity, etc.] and infectious disease [viral, bacterial and parasitic diseases]. Fifty-eight articles published from January 1, 2000 to May 30, 2018 were included in the final analysis, including bacterial diarrhea, dengue, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, HFRS, HFMD, Schistosomiasis. Each 1 °C rise may lead to 3.6%–14.8% increase in the incidence of bacillary dysentery disease in south China. A 1 °C rise was corresponded to an increase of 1.8%–5.9% in the weekly notified HFMD cases in west China. Each 1 °C rise of temperature, 1％ rise in relative humidity and one hour rise in sunshine led to an increase of 0.90%, 3.99% and 0.68% in the monthly malaria cases, respectively. Climate change with the increased temperature and irregular patterns of rainfall may affect the pathogen reproduction rate, their spread and geographical distribution, change human behavior and influence the ecology of vectors, and increase the rate of disease transmission in different regions of China. Exploring relevant adaptation strategies and the health burden of climate change will assist public health authorities to develop an early warning system and protect China's population health, especially in the new 1.5 °C scenario of the newly released IPCC special report. • Many infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are mostly affected by climate variability and climate change. • The impact of climate change on infectious disease transmission may be more prevalent in southern cities of China. • More infectious studies with multiple-locations and a long study period as well as adaptation strategies are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High PM 2.5 concentration threats ecosystem functions but limited quantitative studies have recognized PM 2.5 pollution as an individual stressor in evaluating ecological risk. In this study, we applied a machine-learning-based simulation model incorporating full-coverage satellite-driven PM 2.5 dataset to estimate high-resolution ground PM 2.5 concentration for the Golden Triangle of Southern Fujian Province, China (GTSF) in 2030 under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). Based on the simulation output, the ecological risk's spatiotemporal change and the risk for different land cover types, which were caused by PM 2.5 pollution, were assessed. We found that the PM 2.5 levels and ecological risk in the GTSF under RCP 4.5 would be reduced while those under RCP 8.5 would continue to increase. The regions with the highest ecological risk under RCP 4.5 are the most urbanized and industrialized districts, while those with the highest ecological risk under RCP 8.5 are of the highest rate in urbanization and the greatest decrease in planetary potential layer height. For both base years and 2030 under two RCPs, the ecological risk on developed land is the highest, while that on the forest is the lowest. Our study can provide useful information for environmental policy risk assessment. • Model simulations captured spatio-temporal trends of PM 2.5 in 2030 under two RCPs. • We assessed the ecological risk of PM 2.5 considering regional disparities. • The variation of land cover, population and climate change will induce polarized ecological risk under two RCPs. • The developed land in the GTSF has the highest ecological risk and the forest the lowest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor air pollution (IAP) exposure and psychological status have been recognized as important risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, but their mediating effects on recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) have not been analyzed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the association between IAP and RSA and to examine the mediating effect of psychological status on their association. This study included 830 RSA cases and 2156 controls in Gansu province, China. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) questionnaires were used to collect information on participants' psychological status. The IAP exposure was collected by the survey on cooking fuel use, kitchen ventilation characteristics, cooking styles, and indoor smoking, etc. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between IAP exposure and RSA. The mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediation effects of IAP and psychological status on RSA while controlling for confounding. Among these cases, 16.87% cooked with unclean cooking fuel (UCF) and 37.00% lacked cooking ventilation, which was much higher than the controls. Active smoking and the use of UCF were associated with RSA, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.374 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.510–7.541] and 1.822 (95% CI: 1.328–2.500), respectively. We found that the use of a range hood was a protective factor for RSA, with an OR of 0.590 (95% CI: 0.463–0.752). There was a significant mediation effect of depression on the association between IAP and RSA, which accounted for 5.61%–9.22% of the total effect of IAP on RSA. The IAP may be an important risk factor for RSA, which may be intensified by the poor psychological status, and the use of ventilation equipment when cooking is a protective factor for RSA. [Display omitted] • Indoor air pollution due to cooking and smoking affects RSA. • Depression and anxiety were associated with indoor air pollution and RSA. • The psychological status mediates the effect of indoor air pollution on RSA. • Use of ventilation equipment is a protective factor for RSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are associated with hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) in China. Early detection of HCC can significantly improve prognosis but is not yet fully clinically feasible. This study aims to develop methods for detecting HCC and studying the carcinogenesis of HBV using plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Low coverage WGS was performed for 452 participants, including healthy individuals, hepatitis B patients, cirrhosis patients, and HCC patients. Then the sequencing data were processed using various machine learning models based on cfDNA fragmentation profiles for cancer detection. Our best model achieved a sensitivity of 87.10% and a specificity of 88.37%, and it showed an increased sensitivity with higher BCLC stages of HCC. Overall, this study proves the potential of a non-invasive assay based on cfDNA fragmentation profiles for the detection and prognosis of HCC and provides preliminary data on the carcinogenic mechanism of HBV. • Each of four cohorts harbours unique cfDNA fragmentation profile, indicating potential biomarker for cancer early detection. • cfDNA fragmentation profiles vary between relapse and non-relapse groups of HCC patients. • HBV integration cause specific cfDNA epigenomic alterations to host genome, which can be eased after antiviral therapy. • cfDNA fragmentation profiles predict significant portion of hepatitis B and cirrhosis patient have early signs of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind erosion causes significant dust emissions in northwest China, resulting in large amounts of soil organic matter and nutrient losses. It has a significant impact on air quality, climate change, vegetation growth, and economic growth at the regional scale. In this work, the Weather Research Forecasting with Chemistry atmospheric chemical transport model was used to simulate the temporal and spatial processes of dust emissions in northwest China from 1980 to 2015. The temporal and spatial variation characteristics of the loss of soil organic matter and nutrients (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) due to dust emissions, and the economic damage from wind erosion, were simulated and calculated. Spatial patterns of soil organic matter and nutrient losses are consistent with dust emission rates across the research region. The average annual dust emissions were approximately 65.17 million tons, with losses of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus resulting from dust emissions of 531,494 tons, 30,754 tons, and 37,095 tons, respectively. In addition, the average annual economic loss caused by wind erosion was 309.25 million yuan in northwest China during the entire study period. This research is valuable for understanding the role of wind erosion on the carbon and nutrient cycles and the mechanism of soil degradation in northwest China and estimating the economic impacts of wind erosion. • A comprehensive evaluation of economic damage due to wind erosion in dust emissions source areas was performed. • The spatiotemporal variation of dust emissions under wind erosion in Northwest China was simulated and analyzed. • The intensity of dust emissions is higher where soil organic matter and nutrient losses are more severe. • The change in economic losses due to wind erosion in Northwest China fluctuates widely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taihe silky chicken (TSC) has been consumed as a specialty food in China for over 2200 years. In this study, LC/MS-based lipidomics and GC/MS-based volatilomics were used to compare lipids and volatile compounds of Cobb chicken (CC) and TSC to investigate the differences in meat quality between them. TSC showed higher intramuscular fat content, linoleic acid (C18:2), arachidonic acid (C20:4), and dococsahexaenoic acid (C22:6, DHA) (p < 0.05). Lipidomic analysis revealed significant differences between CC and TSC lipids at class and molecular levels. We found that 106 and 69 lipid molecules could be used as potential biomarkers to distinguish TSC in positive and negative modes, respectively. The volatile compounds in CC and TSC were clearly different. We screened 24 volatiles that can be used as potential biomarkers. Our study revealed exhaustive TSC profiles of lipidomic and volatilomic and can help to distinguish and evaluate Chinese black-bone chicken. • Lipidomics and volatilomics profiling of Cobb chicken (CC) and Taihe black-boned silky chicken (TSC) was performed. • Volatilomic profiles from Chinese black-bone chicken were characterized by Q Exactive GC-Orbitrap-MS. • Two kinds of chicken were distinguished based on 53 volatiles identified. • The potential lipid and volatile markers for chicken discrimination were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) is an important part of forest healthcare effect, while it has not received enough attention in urban greenspace construction. Consequently, the aim of this study was to analyze BVOC emission rates and compositions released from leaves and flowers of landscape species in urban greenspace and to make suggestions for species selection and planting configuration in urban greenspace construction. BVOC emissions were collected and analyzed using dynamic flow enclosure technique with GC-MS in summer months (for leaf) and spring months (for flower) from 14 woody landscape species in northern China, which are 2 coniferous species (Pinus tabuliformis and Sabina vulgaris) and 12 broad-leaved species (Viburnum opulus , Kolkwitzia amabilis , Philadelphus pekinensis , Lonicera maackii , Cercis chinensis , Deutzia parviflora , Berberis thunbergia , Kerria japonica , Rosa xanthina , Syringa oblata , Syringa reticulata , and Cerasus serrulata). We found leaf emission rates of coniferous species were more than 20 μg∙g−1Dw∙h−1 and mainly consisted of monoterpenes, while that of sampled broad-leaved species were less than 10 μg∙g−1Dw∙h−1 and mainly consisted of fatty acid derivatives. Most broad-leaved species had relatively high emission rates of flowers, ranging from 15 to 115 μg∙g−1Dw∙h−1. Flower emissions of Syringa oblata and Syringa reticulata contained large amounts of aldehydes, and that of other broad-leaved species mainly contained terpenes, alcohols, and esters. We suggest the species with leaves that release large amounts of monoterpenes, and species with flowers that release large amounts of fragrant compounds are classified as healthcare species, while species with a dense crown and low emission rates of pungent compounds are classified as space-creation species. Based on this, planners could design urban greenspace with healthcare effects, and develop multi-functional, innovative, and sustainable urban greenspaces. • Biogenic volatile organic compounds can play a significant role in healthcare effects urban greenspace. • Pinus tabuliformis and Sabina vulgaris emit large amounts of compounds with healthcare effects. • Lonicera maackii and Philadelphus pekinensis emit large amounts of pleasant odorous compounds. • Syringa oblata and Syringa reticulata emit large amounts of pungent compounds. • Analysis of flower and leaf emissions should be performed for tree selection in the construction of urban greenspace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's coastal wetlands are critically important to shorebirds. Substantial loss of tidal flats, shorebirds' primary foraging grounds, has occurred from land claim and other processes, and is driving population declines in multiple species. Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora was intentionally introduced to the coast of China in 1979 to promote conversion of tidal flats into dry land and has since spread rapidly. The occurrence of S. alterniflora reduces the availability of foraging and roosting habitat for shorebirds, and may be particularly detrimental in places that have experienced other tidal flat loss. However, the extent to which S. alterniflora is encroaching upon important shorebird habitat throughout coastal mainland China, and its intersection with tidal flat loss, has not been quantified. Here, we i) estimate change in the spatial extent of tidal flats between 2000 and 2015 in coastal mainland China where internationally important numbers of shorebirds have been recorded; ii) map the extent of S. alterniflora coverage in 2015 at the same set of sites; and, iii) investigate where these two threats to important shorebird habitat intersect. Our analysis of remote sensing data indicated a 15% net loss in tidal flat area between 2000 and 2015 across all sites, including a net loss in tidal flat area in 39 of 53 individual sites (74%). Spartina alterniflora occurred at 28 of 53 sites (53%) in 2015, of which 22 sites (79%) also had a net loss in tidal flat area between 2000 and 2015. Combined pressures from tidal flat loss and S. alterniflora invasion were most severe in eastern coastal China. Species highly dependent on migrating through this region, which include the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Endangered Nordmann's Greenshank and Far Eastern Curlew, may be particularly impacted. Our results underscore the urgent need to arrest tidal flat declines and develop a comprehensive control program for S. alterniflora in coastal areas of mainland China that are important for shorebirds. • Tidal flat loss and introduced Spartina alterniflora impact coastal ecosystems. • Many coastal shorebirds are threatened and declining from habitat loss. • Tidal flat loss occurred at ¾ of important coastal shorebird sites in mainland China (2000–2015). • Spartina has invaded > ½ of important coastal shorebird sites in mainland China. • Tidal flat protection and spartina control are needed to avert further shorebird declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's coastal wetlands are critically important to shorebirds. Substantial loss of tidal flats, shorebirds' primary foraging grounds, has occurred from land claim and other processes, and is driving population declines in multiple species. Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora was intentionally introduced to the coast of China in 1979 to promote conversion of tidal flats into dry land and has since spread rapidly. The occurrence of S. alterniflora reduces the availability of foraging and roosting habitat for shorebirds, and may be particularly detrimental in places that have experienced other tidal flat loss. However, the extent to which S. alterniflora is encroaching upon important shorebird habitat throughout coastal mainland China, and its intersection with tidal flat loss, has not been quantified. Here, we i) estimate change in the spatial extent of tidal flats between 2000 and 2015 in coastal mainland China where internationally important numbers of shorebirds have been recorded; ii) map the extent of S. alterniflora coverage in 2015 at the same set of sites; and, iii) investigate where these two threats to important shorebird habitat intersect. Our analysis of remote sensing data indicated a 15% net loss in tidal flat area between 2000 and 2015 across all sites, including a net loss in tidal flat area in 39 of 53 individual sites (74%). Spartina alterniflora occurred at 28 of 53 sites (53%) in 2015, of which 22 sites (79%) also had a net loss in tidal flat area between 2000 and 2015. Combined pressures from tidal flat loss and S. alterniflora invasion were most severe in eastern coastal China. Species highly dependent on migrating through this region, which include the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Endangered Nordmann's Greenshank and Far Eastern Curlew, may be particularly impacted. Our results underscore the urgent need to arrest tidal flat declines and develop a comprehensive control program for S. alterniflora in coastal areas of mainland China that are important for shorebirds. • Tidal flat loss and introduced Spartina alterniflora impact coastal ecosystems. • Many coastal shorebirds are threatened and declining from habitat loss. • Tidal flat loss occurred at ¾ of important coastal shorebird sites in mainland China (2000–2015). • Spartina has invaded > ½ of important coastal shorebird sites in mainland China. • Tidal flat protection and spartina control are needed to avert further shorebird declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of studies on air pollution with birth defects as the primary outcome has increased dramatically over the past two decades, but the potential role of specific air pollutants in congenital limb anomalies remains unclear. To evaluate associations between preconception and first-trimester PM 10 exposure and polydactyly and syndactyly in a population-based case-control study. Polydactyly cases (n = 2605), syndactyly cases (n = 595), and controls without any birth defects (n = 7950) born between 2010 and 2015 were selected from the Maternal and Child Health Certificate Registry of Liaoning Province. The monthly mean PM 10 concentrations were obtained from 75 air monitoring stations, and the exposure assessment was based on the mean concentration of all stations in mother's residential city. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). PM 10 exposure was positively associated with the risks of polydactyly (preconception: aOR T3 vs. T1 = 1.95, 95% CI 1.56–2.45, aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10 [per 10-μg/m3 increment]; first-trimester: aOR T3 vs. T1 = 2.51, 95% CI 2.00–3.15) and syndactyly (preconception: aOR T3 vs. T1 = 2.86, 95% CI 1.98–4.13, aOR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.03–1.20 [per 10-μg/m3 increment]; first-trimester: aOR T3 vs. T1 = 3.10, 95% CI 2.11–4.56). Analyses based on single month exposure windows basically showed similar positive associations. Additionally, these findings were robust in sensitivity analyses and broadly consistent across subgroups. Our study suggest that preconception and first-trimester PM 10 exposures are related to increased risks of polydactyly and syndactyly. • This is the largest population-based case-control study investigat associations between PM 10 and polydactyly/syndactyly. • Preconception and first-trimester PM 10 exposure may increase risks of polydactyly/syndactyly in offspring. • Gravidae should be encouraged to take protective measures against air pollution as early as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the relationship between climate variables, East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) and large outbreaks of dengue in China. We constructed ecological niche models (ENMs) to analyse the influence of climate factors on dengue occurrence and predict dengue outbreak areas in China. Furthermore, we formulated a generalised additive model (GAM) to quantify the impact of the EASM on dengue occurrence in mainland China from 1980 to 2016. Mean Temperature of Coldest Quarter had a 62.6% contribution to dengue outbreaks. Southern China including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Yunnan provinces are more vulnerable to dengue emergence and resurgence. In addition, we found population density had a 68.7% contribution to dengue widely distribution in China using ENMs. Statistical analysis indicated a dome-shaped association between EASM and dengue outbreak using GAM, with the greatest impact in the South-East of China. Besides, there was a positive nonlinear association between monthly average temperature and dengue occurrence. We demonstrated the influence of climate factors and East Asian summer monsoon on dengue outbreaks, providing a framework for future studies on the association between climate change and vector-borne diseases. • The temperature explained 62.6% of the variation in dengue outbreak risk. • The south of China areas including Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Yunnan provinces were more vulnerable to a high risk of dengue infection. • Climate factors and EASM influenced on dengue outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]