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This study aimed to examine the effects of Seated Baduanjin combined with elastic band resistance training on basic psychological needs and sleep quality in older adults using wheelchairs. Forty elderly individuals in wheelchairs were randomized; 34 completed the study (experimental group n  = 17, control group n  = 17; 15% attrition). The experimental group received a 12-week intervention training (from June to September 2024), which included seated Baduanjin exercises and resistance training with elastic bands, three times a week, 40 min each session, at a moderate intensity (RPE 13–15); the control group did not receive any intervention. All participants completed the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (BPNS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis revealed a significant time (pre-post) × group (experimental vs. control) interaction effect. Further analysis demonstrated significant between-group differences post-intervention, with distinct within-group change patterns. with divergent within-group changes: the experimental group improved (PSQI: 7.9 ± 4.2 to 5.6 ± 4.2) while the control group worsened (PSQI: 7.5 ± 3.9 to 8.7 ± 4.1). Preliminary evidence suggests seated Baduanjin combined with elastic band training may improve basic psychological needs and sleep quality in wheelchair-bound older adults. Further validation with larger samples is warranted before clinical recommendation. Trial registration : This study was registered at the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (No. ITMCTR202600039) on January 13, 2026.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance and the moderating role of earnings management on the relationship between CSR and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study used the updated data set (3,481 unbalanced observations for period 2009–2015) from Chinese listed companies on Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges. The generalized method of moments (GMM) statistical approach has been used for the analysis. The authors utilized STATA to test GMM on a sample of Chinese listed firms data over the period 2009–2015. The unbalanced sample obtained 3,481 observations from China stock market and accounting research database and CSR ratings provided by Rankins (RKS). Findings The results demonstrated that CSR has a positive and significant relationship with firm’s performance; also, earnings management has a negatively moderate relationship between CSR and firm performance. These results imply that a high value of earnings management, which results in high level of symbolic CSR, converts to low firm performance of the Chinese firms. CSR actions (only as symbolic measures) promoted by managers as a means to cover their profit management incite an adverse effect on the company’s performance. This study has highlighted the impact of two different corporate social responsibilities: substantive and symbolic (genuine CSR vs greenwashing) on firm performance. Research limitations/implications The results of this investigation will be of distinct interest to company owners who wish to ascertain the effectiveness of the sustainability decisions of directors and managers, and also to investors and public authorities to estimate the positive relationship between CSR and company’s reputation and image, and thus, the positive influence on firm performance. Originality/value Previous studies have generally focused on the relationship between CSR and firm performance. This study provides the impact of earnings management (measurement of both aspects of accrual-based earnings management and real earnings management) on this relationship. Furthermore, this study examines the state of CSR in the Chinese market and provides empirical evidence of this relationship in emerging markets.

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of tumour-related death with late diagnoses and high recurrences. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays crucial roles in human malignancies. However, despite the potential as therapeutic target, the role of circRNA and their regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Methods Comprehensive bioinformatics approaches were utilized to systematically identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) from multiple databases. The ceRNA regulatory network was constructed and the prognostic analysis was performed to screen out hub genes. Pan-cancer, bulk tissue RNA-sequences and single-cell sequences analysis were applied to explore the genetic characteristics and immune landscape of hub genes. By a series of functional assays, the effect of hub circRNA on HCC proliferation, migration and autophagy was assayed both in vitro and in vivo. Dual luciferase reporter and rescue assay were performed for the mechanistic study. Results A total of 36 DEcircRNAs were identified and 20 of them were predicted binding with miRNAs binding sites potentially. After establishing the ceRNA regulatory network, functional enrichment, PPI network and prognostic analysis, YWHAZ was discovered as a hub gene in HCC and the subnetwork of hsa_(c)irc₀016662/hsa-miR-22-3p/YWHAZ was recognized. Pan-cancer analysis revealed that YWHAZ was overexpressed and correlated with poor prognosis in most cancers with a 15% frequency of genetic alterations. Multiomics analysis from bulk RNA-sequencing and single-cell RNA-sequencing showed that YWHAZ was a preferable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in HCC. YWHAZ was associated with suppressive immune microenvironment via positively correlated with the enrichment of macrophages and Tregs, as well as the immunosuppression genes. Real-word cohort validated that hsa_(c)irc₀016662 and YWHAZ were upregulated in HCC while hsa-miR-22-3p was downregulated. Knockdown of hsa_(c)irc₀016662 suppressed HCC malignant progression both in vitro and in vivo. Autophagy participated in hsa_(c)irc₀016662-regulated HCC progression via sponging with hsa-miR-22-3p. Conclusions Our study identified hsa_(c)irc₀016662 as a novel prognostic biomarker of HCC, promoting HCC progression by sponging with hsa-miR-22-3p via autophagy regulation. Targeting hsa_(c)irc₀016662 might be a potential therapeutic strategy for HCC. Keywords: Circular RNA, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Autophagy, Biomarker, Prognosis

The economic and health significance of quinoa is steadily growing on a global scale. Nevertheless, the primary obstacle to achieving high yields in quinoa cultivation is pre-harvest sprouting (PHS), which is intricately linked to seed dormancy. However, there exists a dearth of research concerning the regulatory mechanisms governing PHS. The regulation of seed germination by various plant hormones has been extensively studied. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms underlying the role of endogenous hormones in the germination process of quinoa seeds and developing strategies to mitigate PHS in quinoa cultivation are of significant research importance. This study employed the HPLC-ESI-MS/MS internal standard and ELISA method to quantify 8 endogenous hormones. The investigation of gene expression changes before and after germination was conducted using RNA-seq analysis, leading to the discovery of 280 differentially expressed genes associated with the regulatory pathway of endogenous hormones. Additionally, a correlation analysis of 99 genes with significant differences identified 14 potential genes that may act as crucial “transportation hubs” in hormonal interactions. Through the performance of an analysis on the modifications in hormone composition and the expression of associated regulatory genes, we posit a prediction that implies the presence of a negative feedback regulatory mechanism of endogenous hormones during the germination of quinoa seeds. This mechanism is potentially influenced by the unique structure of quinoa seeds. To shed light on the involvement of endogenous hormones in the process of quinoa seed germination, we have established a regulatory network. This study aims to offer innovative perspectives on the breeding of quinoa varieties that exhibit resistance to PHS, as well as strategies for preventing PHS.

Aim To analyse the epidemiological characteristics of bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in hospitalized children aged 0–14 years in Hanzhong Central Hospital, China, and to provide evidence for empirical treatment and infection control. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on bacterial detection (excluding Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae ), seasonal variation, gender distribution, and age distribution among RTI paediatric patients admitted to Hanzhong Central Hospital from January 2023 to July 2024. Results Among 5,463 respiratory specimens from children clinically diagnosed with lower respiratory tract infections, 2093 bacterial strains were isolated, yielding a culture positivity rate of 38.30%. A total of 3413 specimens (62.88%) exhibited mixed growth of normal respiratory flora and were classified as culture-negative for pathogenic bacteria, based on standard microbiological criteria. The identified bacterial pathogens included Haemophilus influenzae (a recognized common cause of respiratory tract infections), as well as Staphylococcus aureus , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Escherichia coli , which are typically associated with more severe or hospital-acquired lower respiratory tract infections rather than community-acquired cases. Bacterial infections showed seasonal variation, being more prevalent in spring (first quarter) and summer (second quarter), with variations in dominant bacterial strains across different quarters. The infection rate in male children was higher than in females in all quarters, with statistically significant differences observed particularly in the infection rates of Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Children aged 0–3 years were the highest risk group for Staphylococcus aureus infection (11.61%), while the detection rates of various pathogens declined with increasing age. Conclusion Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were identified as the predominant pathogens responsible for paediatric respiratory infections in Hanzhong, exhibiting peak prevalence during spring and summer and the greatest burden among children under 3 years of age. The marked male predominance and age-specific pathogen distribution patterns highlight the necessity for seasonal surveillance, age-tailored empiric treatment strategies, and strengthened infection control measures in childcare environments. These findings offer evidence-based insights to inform clinical management and public health interventions in northwest China. Both family caregivers and healthcare providers should remain vigilant to these epidemiological characteristics in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

The progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is strongly associated with a chronic inflammatory microenvironment, with macrophage polarization imbalance recognized as a pivotal driver. Maresin 1 (MaR1), a specialized proresolving lipid mediator, plays a crucial role in restoring immune homeostasis across various inflammatory conditions. However, its precise role in ameliorating kidney injury through macrophage polarization in DKD remains unclear. The type 2 diabetes mouse model was established using a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin induction. The therapeutic efficacy of MaR1 was assessed by evaluating metabolic parameters (blood glucose, lipid profile), renal function (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio [ACR], serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen [BUN]), and renal pathology (HE staining and Masson staining). In vitro, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were exposed to high glucose, and the modulatory effect of MaR1 on M1/M2 polarization was assessed using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. MaR1 treatment significantly ameliorated metabolic abnormalities in diabetic mice (lower blood glucose and cholesterol), improved renal function (reduced ACR, serum creatinine, and BUN), and attenuated renal fibrosis (all p  < 0.05). Mechanistically, MaR1 reversed macrophage polarization imbalance both in vivo and in vitro, promoting a shift from the M1 phenotype (downregulation of iNOS and TNF-α) to the M2 phenotype (upregulation of Arg-1 and IL-10). MaR1 improves metabolic disturbances and renal injury in DKD by driving macrophage polarization toward the M2 phenotype and restoring immune homeostasis. These findings highlight MaR1 as a promising candidate for targeted immunomodulatory therapies in DKD.

Near-fault ground motions significantly threaten bridges due to their distinct features, which are often inadequately considered in current seismic codes based mainly on far-field records. This study analyzes 941 near-fault records to evaluate the effects of site class, pulse-like motions, and vertical components on the peak acceleration ratio and normalized response spectra. A finite element model of a typical simply supported girder bridge is developed to examine how these factors affect pier internal forces. Results show that the peak acceleration ratio increases with softer sites and exhibits large scatter in near-fault regions, indicating that the conventional vertical-to-horizontal ratio of 0.65 may significantly underestimate vertical seismic actions. Pulse motions shift and broaden response spectra, raising seismic demands for medium- to long-period structures. Additionally, pulse effects combined with soft sites cause coupled amplification of internal forces. This work offers a theoretical basis for seismic design and assessment of similar bridges.

Purpose This study aims to explore the possibility of a two-way relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings management (accruals and real EM) with the moderating role of female and independent directors. Design/methodology/approach The authors use STATA to test the generalized method of moments on a sample of Chinese listed firms data over the period 2009-2015. The unbalanced sample obtained 3,481 observations from China stock market and accounting research database and CSR rating provided by Rankins. Findings The results indicate a significant negative relationship between two-way CSR and accrual-based EM. Moreover, female and independent directors moderate the two-way relationship between CSR and EM. Research limitations/implications The present study does not include all financial, insurance and investment firms to impact on CSR and EM. Further research might consist of family ownership to enhance the evidence for an emerging market. Originality/value This study primarily contributes to the literature on CSR, female and independent directors, and EM by providing evidence for the moderating role of female and independent directors on the two-way association between CSR and EM.

Rock burst is a catastrophic phenomenon that often occurs in underground rock mass engineering. In order to reveal the essence of rock burst of a hard roof in the process of roadway excavation, the particle discrete element method is used to establish a roadway model and simulate the disturbance of harmonic dynamic load based on the analysis of a rock burst accident in a deep mine. The crack field, stress field, displacement field, and kinetic energy of roadway surrounding rock disturbed by cyclic dynamic load were analyzed, and the disaster mechanism of roadway impacting roof instability was discussed. The results show that, compared with the roadway support structure under static load that can give full play to its control function of surrounding rock, the roadway surrounding rock will collapse and lose stability in a large area under the roof cyclic dynamic load, and the ordinary supporting structure cannot give full play to its control function of surrounding rock, resulting in the surrounding rock destruction and supporting structure failure. In addition, the essence of rock burst in a hard thick roof is due to the instantaneous superposition of static stress and dynamic load, leading to the instantaneous instability and collapse of roadway roof in a large area. The research is of great significance to further understand the deformation and failure mechanism of roadway surrounding rock under strong impact load, to guide the safe production and prevent the occurrence of rock burst hazard in underground rock mass engineering.

Background and Objectives: Vitamin A is involved in immune function, vision, reproduction, and cell differentiation and is essential for child growth. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity in developing countries. This study assessed the current vitamin A status in Chinese children. Methods and Study Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 26 provinces in China between 2015 and 2018, and 277,064 children aged 0-14 years were enrolled. Data on sociodemographic factors and dietary supplements were obtained through interviews with their parents. Serum vitamin A concentrations were measured using HPLC. To reduce the sampling error, a weighted distribution was produced to estimate the distribution of serum vitamin A concentration in Chinese children. A new method was used calculate the CI. Results: The results revealed that 10.4% (23.9 million) (95% CI: 10.1%-10.8%) of Chinese children aged 0-14 years were at risk of suffering from subclinical VAD (SVAD) (<0.2 mg/L). Sick children, especially those with recurrent respiratory infections (21.3%, 95% CI: 20.5%-22.2%), were vulnerable to SVAD. A high prevalence of SVAD was observed in western and northeastern areas in China. Serum vitamin A concentrations in ethnic minority groups were significantly lower than those in Han Chinese children (p<0.01). Conclusions: VAD is still a moderate public health problem in Chinese children, especially in those with respiratory symptoms. Regular consumption of vitamin A-rich foods should be promoted through nutrition education for parents.