Olivine-Type Fe2GeX4 (X = S, Se, and Te): A Novel Class of Anode Materials for Exceptional Sodium Storage Performance.

The introduction of abundant metals to form ternary germanium-based chalcogenides can dilute the high price and effectively buffer the volume variation of germanium. Herein, olivine-structured Fe2GeX4 (X = S, Se, and Te) are synthesized by a chemical vapor transport method to compare their sodium storage properties. A series of in situ and ex situ measurements validate a combined intercalation-conversion-alloying reaction mechanism of Fe2GeX4. Fe2GeS4 exhibits a high capacity of 477.9 mA h g-1 after 2660 cycles at 8 A g-1, and excellent rate capability. Furthermore, the Na3V2(PO4)3//Fe2GeS4 full cell delivers a capacity of 375.5 mA h g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, which is more than three times that of commercial hard carbon, with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 93.23%. Capacity-contribution and kinetic analyses reveal that the alloying reaction significantly contributes to the overall capacity and serves as the rate-determining step within the reaction for both Fe2GeS4 and Fe2GeSe4. Upon reaching a specific cycle threshold, the assessment of the kinetic properties of Fe2GeX4 primarily relies on the ion diffusion process that occurs during charging. This work demonstrates that Fe2GeX4 possesses promising practical potential to outperform hard carbon, offering valuable insights and impetus for the advancement of ternary germanium-based anodes.

The mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi-1 protected organ function and extended the treatment window in rats with uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock.

AIM: To elucidate whether the application of the mitochondrial division inhibitor Mdivi-1 can protect organ function and prolong the treatment window for traumatic hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Before definitive haemostasis treatment, Mdivi-1 (0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg) was administered to uncontrolled haemorrhagic shock (UHS) model rats. Lactate Ringer's solution plus hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) was used as a control. The effects of Mdivi-1 on blood loss, fluid demand, survival time, vital organ function, myocardial mitochondrial structure, and mitochondrial function of the heart, liver, kidney and intestine, and oxidative stress at 1 hour after hypotensive resuscitation (50-60 mmHg) were investigated. In addition, we investigated the effect of varying doses of Mdivi-1 on the maintenance time of hypotensive resuscitation without definitive haemostasis and the beneficial effect of Mdivi-1 after prolonging the duration of hypotensive resuscitation to 2 hours. RESULTS: Compared to conventional resuscitative fluid, Mdivi-1 significantly reduced blood loss and fluid demand, improved important organ functions during hypotensive resuscitation, improved animal survival and reduced the incidence of early death. Mdivi-1 significantly alleviated oxidative stress injury, reduced mitochondrial damage and restored myocardial mitochondrial structure and mitochondrial function of the heart, liver, kidney and intestine. In addition, Mdivi-1 increased the maintenance time of hypotensive resuscitation and improved rat survival after the duration of hypotensive resuscitation was prolonged to 2 h. CONCLUSIONS: Mdivi-1 significantly prolonged the treatment window for traumatic hemorrhagic shock to 2 hours in UHS model rats. The underlying mechanism may be that Mdivi-1 inhibits excessive mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress and improves the structure and function of mitochondria.

Safety evaluation of recombinant Newcastle disease virus expressing IBV multi-epitope chimeric live vaccine.

Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bronchitis (IB) are two significant diseases that pose threats to the poultry industry, caused by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), respectively. Currently, the control and prevention of these diseases primarily rely on vaccination. However, commercial ND and IB vaccines face challenges such as poor cross-protection of inactivated IBV strains and interference from live vaccines when used together, leading to immunization failures. Previously, we reported the successful rescue of a recombinant NDV expressing multiple epitopes of IBV, named rNDV-IBV-T/B, which showed promising immunoprotective efficacy against both NDV and IBV. This study focuses on the biosafety of the genetically modified recombinant vaccine candidate rNDV-IBV-T/B. Immunization was performed on day-old chicks, ducklings, goslings, and ICR mice. Observations were recorded on clinical symptoms, body weight changes, and post-mortem examination of organs, as well as histopathological preparations of tissue samples. The results indicated that the rNDV-IBV-T/B vaccine candidate had no adverse effects on the growth of targeted animals (chickens) and non-target species (ducks, geese) as well as in mammals (mice). Additionally, histopathological slides confirmed that the vaccine is safe for all tested species. Further studies evaluated the potential of rNDV-IBV-T/B to spread horizontally and vertically post-immunization, and its environmental safety. The findings revealed that the vaccine candidate lacks the capability for both horizontal and vertical transmission and does not survive in the environment. In conclusion, the rNDV-IBV-T/B strain is safe and holds potential as a new chimeric live vaccine for ND and IB.

Impact of COVID-19 on temporal trends and health risks of urinary metal concentrations among residents of Guangzhou, China.

Long-term biomonitoring of urinary metal ions is an essential tool for the epidemiological assessment of chronic exposure levels, enabling us to track changes in metal exposure over time and better understand its health implications. In this study, we evaluated the temporal trends of urinary metal ions among 1962 residents of Guangzhou, China, from 2018 to 2022. The total metal ion concentrations in the urine of the population did not change significantly between 2018 and 2019. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, urinary total metal ion concentrations began to decline dramatically, reaching their lowest level in 2021. A rebound in concentrations was observed in 2022, which returned to the initial levels observed in 2018. Urine chromium and cadmium concentrations peaked in 2020, while urinary lead levels were the highest in 2021, and urinary nickel concentrations were the highest in 2022. Males consistently displayed higher urinary concentrations of lead and arsenic throughout each year of the study. Furthermore, minors consistently had higher urinary nickel levels than adults, whereas adults consistently had higher urinary cadmium concentrations than minors. Cluster analyses were conducted annually on urinary metal ions to examine the differences in their distribution and to evaluate changes in metal exposure patterns over time. The Monte Carlo simulations indicate that the whole population exhibits a high non-carcinogenic risk from arsenic exposure and significant carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to nickel, arsenic, chromium, and cadmium. The next two years were predicted by a gray prediction model, and the results are tested using mean absolute percentage error which demonstrating high accuracy.

The Guanxi mediating role linking organizational justice to contextual performance with age as a moderator.

Guanxi, a distinctive Chinese concept, reflects a shared vision of relationships and connections that include mutual understanding, trust, and a deep bond between individuals. Recognized for its potency in shaping the relationships that facilitate business undertakings and access to key resources, Guanxi is postulated as a potential mediator in the nexus between organizational justice and contextual work performance. The depth of Guanxi, intertwined with Chinese culture and values, may be perceived differently across age groups. Specifically, as Chinese millennials usually interact with global paradigms, generational disparities might emerge in valuing these traditional constructs. This study delves into how the dimensions of Guanxi-Ganqing (emotional connection), Renqing (reciprocity), and Xinren (loyalty)-mediate the relationship between organizational justice and contextual work performance, with chronological age as a moderator. The present study includes a convenience sample of 630 Chinese employees, aged 22-67 years, who participated in a quantitative online survey. The findings endorse the mediation role of Guanxi. The total influence of justice was found to be significant, as well as the indirect impacts, that were statistically salient. Although the age-moderated mediation was not wholly substantiated, the age-specific indirect effects of Renqing and Xinren did present significant variances between millennials and those above 42 years. The relevance of this study extends beyond the academic field, shedding light on the cultural dynamics at play within Chinese organizational settings. By unveiling the relationships between Guanxi, organizational justice, and performance, and by elucidating the age-specific variations therein, this research provides insights for organizational leaders and human resource professionals. Based on these findings, businesses can craft targeted interventions that capitalize on the strengths of Guanxi, ensuring fair practices and enhancing performance across diverse age groups. Further, recognizing the unique attributes and values of different generational cohorts can aid in fostering a harmonious, culturally attuned, and efficient workplace environment.

Human biomonitoring of serum polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated derivatives by gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry.

While polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are well-known for their potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the health implications of exposure to oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), which are significant substitutes with increased persistence and bioaccumulation, are less understood. In this work, we compared the background levels of liquid-liquid, solid-phase, and supported-liquid extraction for the determination of serum PAHs and OPAHs. Liquid-liquid extraction demonstrated minimal background interference and was validated and used for human biomonitoring of PAHs and OPAHs in 240 participants using gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We observed significant positive correlations between these compounds using Spearman correlation analysis. Furthermore, we investigated the concentration levels and compositions of PAHs and OPAHs among different demographic characteristics, including gender, age, and body mass index. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a weak but significant correlation between total concentrations of PAHs and OPAHs and age and body mass index. A multivariate linear regression analysis was then conducted to examine the association of exposure to individual PAHs and OPAHs with the body mass index. Naphthalene exposure and body mass index showed a statistically significant positive correlation, suggesting that higher levels of naphthalene exposure are associated with higher body mass index values. This study establishes a robust method for biomonitoring PAHs and OPAHs in serum, evaluating the exposure levels of these compounds in healthy adults and highlighting their associations with demographic characteristics.

Interleukin-1ß stimulated macrophage derived exosomes improve myocardial injury in sepsis via regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis: Experimental research.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) stimulation on the protection of macrophage derived exosomes miR-146a (M-IL-exo-146a) on sepsis induced myocardial injury (SMI) in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: Macrophage derived exosomes (M-exo) and IL-1ß stimulated macrophage exosomes (M-IL-exo) were isolated from macrophages of sepsis with or without IL-1ß. The expressions of miR-146a in M-exo and M- IL-exo were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Related molecular biology technologies were used to evaluate the role and mechanism of M-exo-146a and M-IL-exo-146a on SMI and the enhancing effect of IL-1ß. RESULTS: Compared with M-exo, the expression of miR-146a in M-IL-exo was significantly increased. M-IL-exo-146a significantly alleviated SMI by decreasing the level of serum myocardial enzymes, serum and myocardial oxidative stress and cytokines, and improved myocardial mitochondrial imbalance. The mechanism responsible for IL-1ß enhancing the production of IL-M-exo miR-146a was via JNK-1/2 signal pathway. The mechanism responsible for M-exo-IL-miR-146a protecting SMI was related to miR-146a inhibiting inflammatory response and mitochondrial function via MAPK4/Drp1 signal pathway. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a new strategy for the treatment of SMI by delivering IL-1ß stimulated macrophage derived exosomes.

Identification of formation mechanism and key elements of quality geriatric care behavior of nursing assistants in nursing homes: a grounded theory study.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the key elements and develop a formation mechanism model of quality geriatric care behavior for nursing assistants. Methods: This qualitative research employed the strategy of grounded theory proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Furthermore, the data was collected by participatory observation and semi-structured interviews. A total of 12 nursing managers, 63 nursing assistants, and 36 older people from 9 nursing homes in 6 cities were interviewed, whereas for the observatory survey, participants were recruited from 2 nursing homes. Results: The comparative and analysis process revealed 5 key elements of quality geriatric care behavior, including holistic care, personalized care, respect, positive interaction, and empowerment. Based on the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model, key elements and the 3 stages of quality geriatric care behavior (negative behavior cognition stage, practice exchange run-in stage, and positive behavior reinforcement stage), the theoretical framework of the formation mechanism was established. Conclusion: The results indicated that nursing assistants' capabilities, motivation, and organizational and environmental support are vital for quality care behaviors. The theoretical framework established in this study provides theoretical support and practical reference to policymakers, institutional administrators, and healthcare professionals for improving nursing assistant's care behaviors.

Self-powered triboelectric-responsive microneedles with controllable release of optogenetically engineered extracellular vesicles for intervertebral disc degeneration repair.

Excessive exercise is an etiological factor of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) exhibit excellent therapeutic potential for disease-modifying treatments. Herein, we fabricate an exercise self-powered triboelectric-responsive microneedle (MN) assay with the sustainable release of optogenetically engineered EVs for IVDD repair. Mechanically, exercise promotes cytosolic DNA sensing-mediated inflammatory activation in senescent nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (the master cell population for IVD homeostasis maintenance), which accelerates IVDD. TREX1 serves as a crucial nuclease, and disassembly of TRAM1-TREX1 complex disrupts the subcellular localization of TREX1, triggering TREX1-dependent genomic DNA damage during NP cell senescence. Optogenetically engineered EVs deliver TRAM1 protein into senescent NP cells, which effectively reconstructs the elimination function of TREX1. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) harvests mechanical energy and triggers the controllable release of engineered EVs. Notably, an optogenetically engineered EV-based targeting treatment strategy is used for the treatment of IVDD, showing promising clinical potential for the treatment of degeneration-associated disorders.

Current knowledge on the epidemiology and prevention of Avian leukosis virus in China.

Avian leukosis virus (ALV) is an enveloped retrovirus with a single-stranded RNA genome, belonging to the genus Alpharetrovirus within the family Retroviridae. The disease (Avian leukosis, AL) caused by ALV is mainly characterized by tumor development and immunosuppression in chickens, which increases susceptibility to other pathogens and leads to significant economic losses in the Chinese poultry industry. The government and poultry industry have made lots of efforts to eradicate ALV, but the threat of which remains not vanished. This review provides a summary of the updated understanding of ALV in China, which mainly focuses on genetic and molecular biology, epidemiology, and diagnostic methods. Additionally, promising antiviral agents and ALV eradication strategies performed in China are also included.

Revealing metabolic alterations in brucellosis patients by targeted metabolomics.

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease caused by brucella infection, presents metabolic profile changes in patients that have not been extensively explored. This study utilized an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry based targeted metabolomic approach to comprehensively investigated metabolic changes in Brucella patients. Serum samples of brucellosis 50 patients and 50 well-matched healthy controls were analyzed for 228 metabolites, revealing significant alterations in 83 metabolites in brucellosis patients. Notably, disruptions were observed in key metabolite pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, urea cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and fatty acid metabolism. Patients diagnosed with Brucellosis exhibited distinct differences in the levels of aspartate, glutamate, ß-alanine, and asparagine when compared to controls. Within the urea cycle, a significant downregulation of arginine was observed, whereas ornithine levels were considerably upregulated. In the TCA cycle, concentrations of 2-oxoglutarate, succinate, and malate were significantly elevated, while citrate levels demonstrated a notable decrease. Due to the interruption of the TCA cycle, glycolysis was accelerated to compensate for the resultant energy deficit in Brucella patients. Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the levels of short and medium-chain fatty acids, while long-chain fatty acids showed a marked decrease. The study systematically revealed significant metabolic alterations in Brucellosis patients and further explored the potential correlation between these changes and clinic symptoms, including fatigue, muscle soreness and prolonged fever. The results enhanced our understanding of Brucellosis, offering valuable insights potentially beneficial in formulating more effective treatment strategies and improving prognostic approaches.

The New Nano-Resuscitation Solution (TPP-MR) Attenuated Myocardial Injury in Hemorrhagic Shock Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis.

Background: Hemorrhagic shock was a leading cause of death worldwide, with myocardial injury being a primary affected organ. As commonly used solutions in fluid resuscitation, acetated Ringer's (AR) and Lactate Ringer's solution (LR) were far from perfect for their adverse reactions such as lactic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. In previous studies, TPP@PAMAM-MR (TPP-MR), a novel nanocrystal resuscitation fluid has been found to protect against myocardial injury in septic rats. However, its role in myocardial injury in rats with hemorrhagic shock and underlying mechanism is unclear. Methods: The hemorrhagic shock rats and hypoxia-treated cardiomyocytes (H9C2) were utilized to investigate the impact of TPP-MR on cardiac function, mitochondrial function, and lipid peroxidation. The expressions of ferritin-related proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), Acyl CoA Synthase Long Chain Family Member 4 (ACSL4), and Cyclooxygenase-2(COX2) were analyzed through Western blotting to explore the mechanism of TPP-MR on hemorrhagic myocardial injury. Results: TPP-MR, a novel nanocrystalline resuscitation fluid, was synthesized using TPP@PAMAM@MA as a substitute for L-malic acid. We found that TPP-MR resuscitation significantly reduced myocardial injury reflected by enhancing cardiac output, elevating mean arterial pressure (MAP), and improving perfusion. Moreover, TPP-MR substantially prolonged hemorrhagic shock rats' survival time and survival rate. Further investigations indicated that TPP-MR improved the mitochondrial function of myocardial cells, mitigated the production of oxidative stress agents (ROS) and increased the glutathione (GSH) content. Additionally, TPP-MR inhibited the expression of the ferroptosis-associated GPX4 protein, ACSL4 and COX2, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: The results showed that TPP-MR had a protective effect on myocardial injury in rats with hemorrhagic shock, and its mechanism might be related to improving the mitochondrial function of myocardial cells and inhibiting the process of ferroptosis.

Excavation of Biomarker Candidates for the Diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei Infection via Genome-Wide Prediction and Functional Annotation of Secreted Proteins.

Talaromyces marneffei is the third most common infectious pathogen in AIDS patients and leads to the highest death rate in Guangxi, China. The lack of reliable biomarkers is one of the major obstacles in current clinical diagnosis, which largely contributes to this high mortality. Here, we present a study that aimed at identifying diagnostic biomarker candidates through genome-wide prediction and functional annotation of Talaromyces marneffei secreted proteins. A total of 584 secreted proteins then emerged, including 382 classical and 202 nonclassical ones. Among them, there were 87 newly obtained functional annotations in this study. The annotated proteins were further evaluated by combining RNA profiling and a homology comparison. Three proteins were ultimately highlighted as biomarker candidates with robust expression and remarkable specificity. The predicted phosphoinositide phospholipase C and the galactomannoprotein were suggested to play an interactive immune game through metabolism of arachidonic acid. Therefore, they hold promise in developing new tools for clinical diagnosis of Talaromyces marneffei and also possibly serve as molecular targets for future therapy.

Synthesis and Characterization of Emulsifiers Based on the Maillard Reaction and Its Application in Stabilized DHA Algal Oil Nanoemulsions.

The aim of this study was to optimize the formation of sodium caseinate (CS) and gum arabic (GA) complexes through the Maillard reaction and to evaluate their effectiveness in improving the emulsification properties and stability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) nanoemulsions. First, the best target polysaccharides were selected, and the best modification conditions were determined using orthogonal experiments. Secondly, the response surface experiments were used to optimize the preparation process of the emulsion. The stability, in vitro digestion characteristics, and rheological characteristics of the emulsion prepared by means of CS-GA were compared with the emulsion prepared using a whey protein isolate (WPI). After the orthogonal test, the optimal modification conditions were determined to be a reaction time of 96 h, a CS-GA mass ratio of 1:2, a reaction temperature of 60 °C, and a degree of grafting of 44.91%. Changes in the infrared (IR), Raman, ultraviolet (UV), and endogenous fluorescence spectra also indicated that the complex structure was modified. The response surface test identified the optimal preparation process as follows: an emulsifier concentration of 5 g/L, an oil-phase concentration of 5 g/L, and a homogenization frequency of five, and the emulsion showed good stability. Therefore, the use of a nanoemulsion as a nanoscale DHA algal oil delivery system is very promising for extending the shelf life and improving the stability of food.

Chaperone- and PTM-mediated activation of IRF1 tames radiation-induced cell death and the inflammatory response.

The key role of structural cells in immune modulation has been revealed with the advent of single-cell multiomics, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we revealed that the transcriptional activation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) in response to ionizing radiation, cytotoxic chemicals and SARS-CoV-2 viral infection determines the fate of structural cells and regulates communication between structural and immune cells. Radiation-induced leakage of mtDNA initiates the nuclear translocation of IRF1, enabling it to regulate the transcription of inflammation- and cell death-related genes. Novel posttranslational modification (PTM) sites in the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) of IRF1 were identified. Functional analysis revealed that mutation of the acetylation site and the phosphorylation sites in the NLS blocked the transcriptional activation of IRF1 and reduced cell death in response to ionizing radiation. Mechanistically, reciprocal regulation between the single-stranded DNA sensors SSBP1 and IRF1, which restrains radiation-induced and STING/p300-mediated PTMs of IRF1, was revealed. In addition, genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of IRF1 tempered radiation-induced inflammatory cell death, and radiation mitigators also suppressed SARS-CoV-2 NSP-10-mediated activation of IRF1. Thus, we revealed a novel cytoplasm-oriented mechanism of IRF1 activation in structural cells that promotes inflammation and highlighted the potential effectiveness of IRF1 inhibitors against immune disorders.

Biomonitoring urinary organophosphorus flame retardant metabolites by liquid-liquid extraction and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and their association with oxidative stress.

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are widely used as substitutes for traditional brominated flame retardants, necessitating a reliable and sensitive method for biomonitoring their urinary metabolites to assess human exposure. This study conducted biomonitoring of 10 metabolites of OPFRs in 152 adults and assessed their association with oxidative stress biomarkers 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and 8-hydroxyguanosine. Urinary metabolites of OPFRs were released via enzymatic deconjugation. The addition of sodium chloride to the urine samples increases the ionic strength, inducing a salting-out effect that reduces the solubility of these compounds, thereby facilitating their extraction with a mixture of ethyl acetate and acetonitrile. Then, the metabolites of OPFRs were quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and we validated the method for linear range, precision, matrix effect, and method detection limit. The detection limit of the metabolites of OPFRs ranged from 0.01 to 0.2 µg/L, and these metabolites were detected with high frequencies ranging from 25.0 to 98.68% in the urine samples. The concentration of bis (2-chloroethyl) phosphate was significantly higher in males than in females, with the geometric mean concentration of 0.88 µg/L for males and 0.53 µg/L for females, respectively. Spearman correlation analysis revealed weak but statistically significant positive correlations among the urinary metabolites. Bayesian kernel machine regression analysis showed a significant positive association between elevated urinary concentrations of metabolites of OPFRs and increased oxidative stress levels. Di-n-butyl phosphate was identified as the metabolite that significantly contributed to the elevated level of 8-hydroxyguanosine.

Virus infection and sphingolipid metabolism.

Cellular sphingolipids have vital roles in human virus replication and spread as they are exploited by viruses for cell entry, membrane fusion, genome replication, assembly, budding, and propagation. Intracellular sphingolipid biosynthesis triggers conformational changes in viral receptors and facilitates endosomal escape. However, our current understanding of how sphingolipids precisely regulate viral replication is limited, and further research is required to comprehensively understand the relationships between viral replication and endogenous sphingolipid species. Emerging evidence now suggests that targeting and manipulating sphingolipid metabolism enzymes in host cells is a promising strategy to effectively combat viral infections. Additionally, serum sphingolipid species and concentrations could function as potential serum biomarkers to help monitor viral infection status in different patients. In this work, we comprehensively review the literature to clarify how viruses exploit host sphingolipid metabolism to accommodate viral replication and disrupt host innate immune responses. We also provide valuable insights on the development and use of antiviral drugs in this area.

Regulatory distance and corporate environmental performance: From the perspective of rent-seeking distance.

This paper investigates the impact of regulatory distance on corporate environmental performance using data from Chinese A-share listed companies. The results demonstrate that staying away from regulatory agencies significantly improves corporate environmental performance. The potential impact mechanism is that the increase in regulatory distance significantly suppresses rent-seeking activities. The above impacts are particularly pronounced in companies with weak CEO political and financial connections, state-owned enterprises, and firms in regions with low levels of marketization, owing to the fact that these company characteristics influence firms' ability or inclination to participate in rent-seeking. Further evidence indicates that the effect of regulatory distance on environmental performance will be significantly enhanced by strengthening media regulation and anti-corruption efforts.

Delayed femoral artery injury caused by heterotopic ossification: a rare case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Arterial injury caused by heterotopic ossification (HO) following fractures is rarely reported, yet it can have catastrophic consequences. This case report presents a unique instance of femoral artery injury and hematoma organization, occurring a decade after intramedullary nail fixation for a femoral shaft fracture complicated by HO. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old male presented with right femoral artery injury and organized hematoma, a decade after suffering bilateral femoral shaft fractures with mild head injury in a traffic accident. He had received intramedullary nailing for the right femoral shaft fracture and plate fixation for the left side in a local hospital. Physical examination revealed two firm, palpable masses with clear boundaries, limited mobility, and no tenderness. Peripheral arterial pulses were intact. Radiography demonstrated satisfactory fracture healing, while a continuous high-density shadow was evident along the inner and posterior aspect of the right thigh. Computed tomography angiography identified a large mixed-density mass (16.8 × 14.8 × 20.7 cm) on the right thigh's medial side, featuring central calcification and multiple internal calcifications. The right deep femoral artery coursed within this mass, with a smaller lesion noted on the posterior thigh. Surgical consultation with a vascular surgeon led to planned intervention. The smaller mass was completely excised, but the larger one partially, as it encased the femoral artery. The inability to remove all HO was due to excessive bleeding. Postoperatively, the patient experienced no complications, and one-year follow-up revealed a favorable recovery with restoration of full right lower limb mobility. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the potential gravity of vascular injury associated with heterotopic ossification. Surgeons should remain vigilant regarding the risk of vascular injury during HO excision.

Causal impact of DNA methylation on refracture in elderly individuals with osteoporosis - a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) in the elderly increase refracture risk post-surgery, leading to higher mortality rates. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified susceptibility genes for osteoporosis, but the phenotypic variance explained by these genes has been limited, indicating the need to explore additional causal factors. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may influence osteoporosis and refracture risk. However, prospective cohorts for assessing epigenetic alterations in Chinese elderly patients are lacking. Here, we propose to conduct a prospective cohort study to investigate the causal network of DNA polymorphisms, DNA methylation, and environmental factors on the development of osteoporosis and the risk of refracture. METHODS: We will collect vertebral and peripheral blood from 500 elderly OVCF patients undergoing surgery, extract DNA, and generate whole genome genotype data and DNA methylation data. Observation indicators will be collected and combined with one-year follow-up data. A healthy control group will be selected from a natural population cohort. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of osteoporosis and bone mineral density will be conducted. Differential methylation analysis will compare candidate gene methylation patterns in patients with and without refracture. Multi-omics prediction models using genetic variants and DNA methylation sites will be built to predict OVCF risk. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first large-scale population-based study of osteoporosis and bone mineral density phenotypes based on genome-wide data, multi-time point methylation data, and phenotype data. By analyzing methylation changes related to osteoporosis and bone mineral density in OVCF patients, the study will explore the feasibility of DNA methylation in evaluating postoperative osteoporosis intervention effects. The findings may identify new molecular markers for effective anti-osteoporosis treatment and inform individualized prevention and treatment strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION: chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2200065316, 02/11/2022.