Search Results (277)

A Streptococcus suis strain isolated from the blood of a patient in Zhejiang Province, China, was analysed using whole-genome sequencing and tested for antimicrobial resistance. The isolated strain was identified as S. suis serotype 2, and classified to ST25 on multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The minimum core genome group of the strain was identified as Group 4, and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) assigned it as type 2, 4.4, 0, 9, 3, 2, 0, 0. An antimicrobial resistance analysis showed that the strain was resistant to clindamycin, tetracycline, azithromycin, and erythromycin but sensitive to 11 other antibiotics. In a genomic evolution analysis, this isolate clustered on the same branch as North American pig isolate, Chinese pig isolates from Tianjin, and Hubei pig isolates. Full article

The present study investigates how US Southerners perceive second language (L2) speech by recruiting 170 undergraduate students who spoke Southern American English to listen to recordings of four speakers (US, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and Saudi Arabian) and evaluate their attributes. The listeners were grouped based on their ethnic affiliation: African American, Anglo-American, and Asian/Hispanic/multi-racial. A random half were primed, being asked questions about whether/how other people had negatively commented on their accents. Results showed no effect of priming on speech ratings. Moreover, whilst African American and Anglo-American listeners rated L2 speakers lower than the L1 speaker in almost all aspects, Asian/Hispanic/multi-racial listeners did not. Full article

Background: Lifestyle modifications are pivotal to preventing the progression of prediabetes and associated cardiometabolic diseases. Recent evidence from cross-sectional analysis of community-dwelling Chinese adults suggests that regular consumption of tea, particularly dark tea, is associated with a reduced risk of both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. However, the effects of tea consumption on prediabetes progression and regression remain uncertain. This study investigated the associations of tea consumption with prediabetes progression and regression in Chinese adults with prediabetes. Methods: A cohort of 2662 Chinese adults with prediabetes was followed over ~3 years. Baseline tea consumption, including the type (green, black, dark, or other) and frequency (daily, sometimes, or nil), was assessed using standardized questionnaires. Prediabetes was defined according to the American Diabetes Association criteria. Multinomial logistic and linear regression analyses with multivariable adjustment was performed to evaluate associations. Results: Compared to non-tea drinkers, dark tea consumers were less likely to progress to type 2 diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.11, 0.72, p = 0.01), whereas green tea consumption was associated with a reduced probability of regressing to normoglycemia (OR: 0.73, 95 CI%: 0.59, 0.90, p = 0.01). Conclusions: These findings support further exploration of dark tea consumption as a strategy to reduce prediabetes progression, and suggest that effects of green tea consumption should also be examined more closely in this population. Full article

Background and Objectives: International guidelines differ on short-term (4-week) oral anticoagulation (OAC) indication after acute cardioversion for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (AF < 12–48 h) in low-risk patients (CHA₂DS₂-VA = 0). While Canadian and Chinese guidelines recommend OAC for all, European, Australian and New Zealand, and American guidelines state that such treatment is optional due to the absence of high-quality evidence supporting its indication in this specific scenario. This study aimed to assess physicians’ management of a simple clinical case at an international level, focusing on how they balance ischemic and bleeding risks in a setting lacking any strong evidence-based recommendations. Materials and Methods: Six different AF guidelines were evaluated regarding the recommendation for and scientific evidence justifying short-term OAC in this specific setting. Following review, an international questionnaire was developed with Google Forms 2024 (Mountain View, CA, USA) and circulated among physicians working in the fields of cardiology, internal medicine, intensive care unit, geriatrics, and emergency medicine at 17 centres in Italy, France, and Canada. Results: A total of 78 responses were obtained. Younger physicians and cardiologists appeared to administer OAC more frequently compared to older physicians or those working in other specialties (95% CI Fisher’s Exact Test p = 0.049 and 0.029, respectively). Significant differences were observed in the use of periprocedural imaging, with transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE) prior to cardioversion being performed more often in Europe vs. Canada (p = 0.006) and in long-term rhythm control, with first-line pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) being offered more frequently by European cardiologists (p = 0.013). No statistically significant association was found regarding guideline adherence for OAC administration (p = 0.120). Conclusions: The real-world antithrombotic management of low-risk (CHA₂DS₂-VA = 0), acutely cardioverted AF patients varies significantly among different healthcare systems. Particularly in cardiology departments, reducing the time limit for safely not prescribing OAC to < 12 h, ensuring local access to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and considering regional stroke risk profiles, as well as actively preventing haemorrhage in patients receiving short-term OAC could all limit cardioversion-related complications in this low-risk population. Full article

To address the inefficiencies and limited spatial resolution of traditional single-point monitoring techniques, this study proposes a multi-scale analysis method that integrates the Multi-Scale Model-to-Model Cloud Comparison (M3C2) algorithm with least-squares plane fitting. This approach employs the M3C2 algorithm for qualitative full-field deformation detection and utilizes least-squares plane fitting for quantitative feature extraction. When applied to the approach span of a cross-river bridge in Hubei Province, China, this method leverages dense point clouds (greater than 500 points per square meter) acquired using a Leica RTC360 scanner. Data preprocessing incorporates curvature-adaptive cascade denoising, achieving over 98% noise removal while retaining more than 95% of structural features, along with octree-based simplification. By extracting multi-level slice features from bridge decks and piers, this method enables the simultaneous analysis of global trends and local deformations. The results revealed significant deformation, with an average settlement of 8.2 mm in the left deck area. The bridge deck exhibited a deformation trend characterized by left and higher right in the vertical direction, while the bridge piers displayed noticeable tilting, particularly with the maximum offset of the rear pier columns reaching 182.2 mm, which exceeded the deformation of the front pier. The bridge deck’s micro-settlement error was ±1.2 mm, and the pier inclination error was ±2.8 mm, meeting the Chinese Highway Bridge Maintenance Code (JTG H11-2004) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards, and the multi-scale algorithm achieved engineering-level accuracy. Utilizing point cloud densities >500 pt/m², the M3C2 algorithm achieved a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm, enabling sub-millimeter full-field analysis for complex scenarios. This method significantly enhances bridge safety monitoring precision, enhances the precision of intelligent systems monitoring, and supports the development of targeted systems as pile foundation reinforcement efforts and as improvements to foundations. Full article

Through a critical analysis of one section of a 17th century Chinese manuscript, this article examines the formation of pragmatic identity of non-elite Roman Catholic Chinese converts, who simultaneously identified themselves as Confucians and Catholics within the culture of “Three Teachings synthesized into one system” (sanjiao heyi 三教合一) in traditional Chinese society. This investigation explores how these converts formed their pragmatic identity during their adaptation of Catholic beliefs and practices into a complex and dynamic context of interreligious interactions. The texts under examination are two essays in the Bian chizhai (辨持齋, Debating on Fasting) section in the Bingyin huike (丙寅會課, Teaching Sessions in 1686), composed in a Chinese Catholic seminarian community established and administered by Jesuit missionaries in Nanjing (南京). This interdisciplinary study not only provides a critical examination of the manuscript, which has not yet been extensively researched, but also offers a novel understanding of non-elite converts’ identity formation through the lens of pragmatic identity theory, drawing inspiration from American Pragmatism. It contributes to our contemporary understanding of non-elite Chinese Christian converts’ quest for identity amidst intercultural interactions between mainstream and marginal religions in 17th century Qing China. Full article

Climate warming and nitrogen (N) deposition have already occurred and will continue to occur, profoundly affecting exotic plant invasion. Most studies on the effects of climate change focus on plant growth, biomass, and leaf traits, with limited reports on reproductive responses. We selected Solidago canadensis from North America and China as focal species and conducted a long-term common garden experiment simulating climate warming and N deposition to examine how climate warming, N addition, and plant origin influence its reproductive traits. Chinese Solidago canadensis exhibited significantly greater ramet height, more robust ramet diameters, longer and wider inflorescences, and higher seed mass compared to North American Solidago canadensis. Long-term warming and plant origin alone or in combination significantly influenced reproductive traits, while N addition did not influence these traits. The vegetative propagation of a native population was sensitive to warming and N addition, while the generative propagation of an invasive population was sensitive to their combined effects. These findings suggest that the reproductive strategies of Solidago canadensis varied with their origin, and plant origin might be important in mediating climate change effects on their reproduction under plant invasion. Full article

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a very virulent virus of the genus Lagovirus causing severe and fatal hepatitis in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). RHDV has two distinct genotypes: GI.1 (RHDV) and GI.2 (RHDV2). The first RHDV2/GI.2 strain was identified as a recombinant virus between a non-pathogenic (GI.3P) and a pathogenic (GI.2) lagovirus, and the recombination is thought to have been a key mechanism in the emergence and evolution of RHDV2. Here, a new variant of RHDV2 was identified affecting domestic rabbits on Chinese farms, with a mortality rate of 70–80%. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the nonstructural portion of this newly identified strain’s genome clustered with the GI.1a variants. In contrast, the capsid gene shared the highest nucleotide identity of 97.9% with the North American GI.2 strains, suggesting a possible introduction in China of North American strains and recombination with the GI.1a strains circulating in China. We have produced a recombinant vaccine using the first Chinese GI.2 strain, SC2020/0401, by cloning the vp60 gene into a baculovirus expression vector. Virus-like particles (VLPs) were then produced in Sf9 insect cells, and a challenge study was performed. Rabbits immunized with the VLP vaccine survived 7 d after being challenged with the new virus. The results indicate that commercial vaccines are urgently required in China to control the circulation of RHDV2 variants. Full article

Responsible innovation originated from concerns about the responsibilities of technological innovation from a strategic and policy perspective in European and American countries in the early 21st century and has expanded to developing countries in recent years, becoming an essential path for global innovation transformation and sustainable development. However, with the deepening of enterprises’ positioning as the “main body of technological innovation”, theoretical research focusing on corporate responsible innovation (CRI) remains inadequate, and its driving mechanisms have yet to be clarified. Addressing this gap, we adopt an exploratory multiple-case study method, selecting three Chinese technology-innovative enterprises for grounded theory analysis, constructing a driving factor model through three-level coding. The findings reveal that instrumental motivation, relational motivation, and moral motivation constitute the internal driving factors of CRI; market pressure, policy pressure, and normative pressure constitute the external driving factors. When external pressure levels are high, they significantly enhance the effectiveness of internal motivations in driving responsible innovation. This study unveils the synergistic mechanism of multi-dimensional motivations and pressures, providing a theoretical framework and practical implications for guiding and driving enterprises to practice responsible innovation. Full article

In recent years, there has been a growing use of cold-formed steel (CFS) structures in the field of civil engineering. The objective of this study is to utilize gene expression programming (GEP) in order to forecast the ultimate bearing capacity of cold-formed steel columns. The buckling resistance of built-up back-to-back cold-formed (BCF) thin-walled tube columns under axial compression, and of cold-formed thick-walled steel columns under combined axial compression and bending, is examined in this paper. The data were collected from various studies to develop and verify the proposed model, with training and testing sets of 160 and 14, and 2000 and 500, respectively. The performance of the genetically developed GEP models was evaluated and compared with that of the mechanical models specified in American and Chinese specifications. The GEP models demonstrated significantly better performance compared with that of the code-specified models. The results generated by the GEP models demonstrate stronger alignment with both experimental data and analytical predictions. This study also demonstrates the capability of the GEP models to calculate the ultimate bearing capacity, with the proposed mechanical models being used as a reference for calculations. Full article

Hong Kong-born British writer Timothy Mo’s novel An Insular Possession (1986) focuses on the First Opium War (1839–1842) and critically examines global inequalities. This article explores cosmopolitanism as a potential framework for mitigating cross-cultural conflicts. Instead of embracing cosmopolitanism as an inherently positive vision, the novel critiques two cosmopolitan worldviews—British colonialism and the Chinese Tianxia concept—and reveals the potential complicity of cosmopolitanism in consolidating hierarchical world orders. Through the protagonist Gideon Chase, an American expatriate engaged in studying Chinese language and culture, Mo envisions a de-colonial cosmopolitan vision that seeks to transcend the center/margin dynamic and fosters more equitable cross-cultural interactions. Gideon’s ultimate failure to alleviate Sino–British tensions prompts reflections on global justice and underscores the urgent need to establish a cosmopolitan world order marked by peace, mutual respect and tolerance of difference. Full article

Background: Chinese Americans, the largest Asian American subgroup in the U.S., face linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic barriers to dementia prevention. To promote brain health in this population, a culturally tailored community approach is essential. This study evaluates a culturally tailored community brain health education program to enhance brain health knowledge and motivate lifestyle changes to prevent the risk of dementia among Chinese Americans aged 50 or older. Methods: The program was developed and evaluated in four phases. First, we assessed participants’ interests in brain health topics, availability, and preferred delivery modes. Next, experts on the identified topics developed educational content and outcome assessments. The third phase focused on implementing a six-session program covering general knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, diet, sleep, physical exercise, health checks, and mindfulness. Finally, we evaluated the program’s feasibility and effectiveness using pre–post surveys, feedback questionnaires, and focus groups. Results: Seventy-seven participants registered for the program, and sixty-nine (90%) attended at least four sessions. The quantitative results, based on paired t-tests, showed significant increases in brain health knowledge, sleep quality, and behavioral motivation for lifestyle changes, and a decrease in depressive symptoms, with two-tailed p-values lower than 0.05. The qualitative results further revealed promising feasibility and acceptability, as well as the perceived benefits of the program. Conclusions: The findings highlight the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of a culturally tailored community education approach for promoting brain health and lifestyle changes. Sustained community outreach and education efforts among Chinese Americans are needed. Full article

Objective: Because of the evolving nature of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI), the current study was carried out to evaluate the research productivity of tissue engineering scaffolds in the treatment of SCI. Methods: Studies published from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection with topics of spinal cord injury and tissue engineering scaffolds. The data were analyzed and visualized using the VOSviewer network analysis software. Results: Among 1542 articles analyzed, annual publications surged from 2000 to 2019, stabilizing thereafter. The U.S., China, and Canada led in productivity, with Northwestern University and the Biomaterials journal being top contributors. Keyword analysis revealed research hotspots such as functional recovery, axonal regeneration, stem cells, and hydrogels. Notably, hydrogels embedded with genetically engineered cells emerged as a pivotal trend, reflecting a shift toward biomimetic and combinatorial therapies. Collaboration networks highlighted intensified partnerships between Chinese and North American institutions, signaling global interdisciplinary efforts. Conclusions: This study provides the first bibliometric roadmap for tissue engineering scaffolds in SCI, identifying key trends, influential entities, and underexplored areas. The rise in hydrogels and international collaborations underscores opportunities for targeted research. These findings guide researchers in prioritizing high-impact journals, fostering partnerships, and advancing novel scaffold designs to bridge translational gaps in SCI treatment. Full article

This study analyzes the behavioral characteristics of interactions between an experienced Chinese teacher and students in an elementary Chinese classroom through a case analysis, aiming to provide insights for novice teachers. Using the Flanders Interaction Analysis System (FIAS), this research evaluated interaction patterns in a 45 min Chinese demonstration class involving eight students from European, American, and Southeast Asian countries. The results showed the following: (1) The teacher’s speech accounted for 44.72% of class time, and they mainly used direct language to guide students. (2) Students’ speech accounted for 41.27%, showing their active participation but limited autonomy in self-initiated talk and independent engagement. Improvements are needed in students’ ability to initiate more speech and engage independently without teacher prompts. (3) Classroom structure reflects “student-centered, teacher-led” principles through open questioning and peer interaction. This study proposes some practical recommendations, advocating for increasing opportunities for student-initiated discourse, implementing structured questioning techniques, and strengthening collaborative group work. These findings provide empirical insights into balancing teacher–student interaction dynamics in cross-cultural language classrooms. Full article

Between 1871 and 1969, Native Americans (American Indians) endured the U.S. Federal Indian Boarding School system, while Chinese Americans faced enduring impacts from the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882–1943). Drawing on historical sources, this paper examines literary works by and about Native Americans and Chinese Americans, focusing on their sufferings under forced isolation policies. Through works like Ceremony and Gardens in the Dunes by Leslie Marmon Silko and Eat a Bowl of Tea by Louis Chu, this study illustrates how systematic oppression, characterized by erasure of cultural identity, manifested through institutions such as “boarding school” and “bachelor society”. It explores how forced policies (like assimilation and isolation) and institutional oppression, through cultural erasure and the severing of family ties, dismantled family structures, weakened cultural transmission, and led to identity crises, inter-generational alienation, and psychological trauma in marginalized communities. These ethnic narratives not only document histories of oppression but also highlight the ethnic groups’ resilience and their efforts to reconstruct multicultural identity through cultural heritage and community ties under multifaceted pressures. Full article