Han Chinese Research Articles

Need for belonging: Exploring subcultural identity in the Chinese Lolita online community

This study explores the evolution of the Chinese Lolita fashion online communities. The inception of Lolita fashion in China began in the early 2000s and Lolita dressing culture has gained popularity with the development of digital media. We draw on 53 qualitative interviews, alongside ethnographic research, to understand Lolita participants’ perception of Lolita dressing culture and their experience with the Lolita online communities. We critique existing studies that classify Lolita dressing practice as a fashion or popular culture, and we argue that Chinese Lolita participants identify Lolita fashion participation as a subculture, with evidence of community building and identity construction involving rebellion against mainstream culture. This inquiry into the dynamics of digitally mediated communities formed by dedicated Lolita participants uncovers the evolution of Lolita online communities which exhibit a three-type typology: cohesive community, loose community and deconstructed community. We further critique the existing definitions and understanding of online communities. We argue that components such as a sense of belonging, alongside clear boundaries and rules, should still be integral to the definition of online communities. Lolita participants persistently desire a cohesive online community to attain a sense of belonging and to exhibit their subcultural identity.

A diffusion tensor imaging-based multidimensional study of brain structural changes after long-term high-altitude exposure and their relationships with cognitive function

BackgroundBrain structure changes after long-term adaptation to the high-altitude environment; however, related studies are few, results are in consistent, and long-term effects on cognitive function and pathophysiological mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to investigate the damage to white matter fiber tracts and correlations between brain structural abnormalities and cognitive function.MethodsForty healthy Han people living on the high-altitude and 40 healthy Han people living on the plains were enrolled in this study and underwent magnetic resonance imaging, emotional state assessment, and cognitive function tests. The sex, age, education level, and social status of the two groups were not different. The tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) method was used to analyze the DTI parameters of the white matter fiber tracts of the two groups. Moreover, the partial correlation method (age and sex as covariates) was used to analyze the correlations between the intergroup differences in the DTI parameters and a series of clinical indicators of emotional state and cognitive function. Two-sample t tests, Mann-Whitney U test, generalized linear model, or chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsCompared with those individuals in the plain group, the scores on the PSQI, SDS, SAS, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 of individuals in the high-altitude group were higher, while the scores on the DST-Backwards, MoCA, and MMSE in the high-altitude group were lower. The fractional anisotropy (FA) value of the body of the corpus callosum in the high-altitude group was lower than that in the plain group. The FA value of the body of the corpus callosum in the plain group was negatively correlated with the Logical Memory, while no significant correlation was found in the high-altitude group.ConclusionThis study revealed that long-term exposure to a high-altitude environment could lead to a series of changes in sleep, emotion, and cognitive function and irreversible damage to the white matter microstructure of the body of the corpus callosum, which is the related brain region responsible for logical memory. The absence of logical memory impairment in the healthy Han Chinese population living on the high-altitude in this study may be due to the existence of adaptive compensation after long-term high-altitude exposure.

Perceived Organisational Support, Cultural Intelligence, Psychological Resilience, and Cultural Adjustment of Chinese Expatriates Living in Malaysia

Perceived Organisational Support, Cultural Intelligence, Psychological Resilience, and Cultural Adjustment of Chinese Expatriates Living in Malaysia

Design and Development of Traditional Han Chinese Ethnic Clothing for Contemporary Apparel

Background and Aim: Through the research and analysis of "characteristics of traditional Hanfu" and "new Chinese brand in the market", the design and development of traditional Han clothing in modern clothing are carried out. The characteristics of traditional Hanfu are studied through the patterns, colors, fabrics, styles, and other aspects, and then the existing three new Chinese brands on the market are analyzed and studied. The combination of traditional Chinese Hanfu and modern clothing is an effective integration of internal cultural inheritance and external forms. Incorporating more Chinese elements into the shape and style of clothing design is a kind of inheritance and development of traditional Chinese culture. The new Chinese Hanfu is an effective innovation. It can provide better design ideas for new Chinese Hanfu and develop it more comprehensively. This paper aims (1) to study the characteristics of traditional Chinese Hanfu costumes. (2) Assess how contemporary Chinese fashion brands incorporate Hanfu elements into their designs. And (3) Create a costume design that combines traditional Han clothing with modern clothing and explore the cultural connotation of this fusion. Materials and Methods: (1) Investigative Methodology: Case Studies. (2) Literature Research Method: Literature Review. (3) Information Research Methods: Information Analysis. During the research, the case study was conducted to investigate the existing new Chinese Hanfu in the market. Through the method of literature research, to understand the characteristics of traditional Chinese Hanfu. After obtaining the information through the above two methods, the existing information is analyzed, and the results obtained after analysis are used to carry out the innovative design of the new Chinese Hanfu. Results: The characteristics of Chinese traditional Hanfu are obtained through literature research. Hanfu is a traditional costume in ancient China, reflecting China's long history and culture and unique aesthetic style. The Traditional Hanfu is usually relatively loose, simple, and generous cutting, and designed with traditional Chinese patterns and bright colors. Based on the above research considerations, designers can bridge the gap between the past and the present by carefully considering shapes, fabrics, symbols, and adaptations to modern lifestyles. Designers can create clothing that resonates with different audiences while fostering greater appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity. Conclusion: By understanding Chinese traditional Hanfu and designing new Chinese Hanfu based on it, we can inherit Chinese traditional culture, combine traditional Hanfu with modern clothing, integrate traditional culture and historical clothing design into modern trends, create new Chinese clothing, and make Hanfu more suitable for modern People's Daily wear, which not only retains cultural heritage but also continues China's long-historical cultural tradition. At the same time, it makes Hanfu more suitable for modern life and aesthetics.

Flexible sovereignty and contested legality: The overseas employment and legal struggles of Chinese workers

The surge in Chinese overseas investments has increased the transnational movement of Chinese workers. While much literature explores the interactions between Chinese managers and local workers in host countries, the dynamics between Chinese employers and Chinese workers abroad remain under-examined. This paper employs the conceptual frameworks of flexible sovereignty and contested legality to examine the distinctive norms and practices in labor recruitment, management, and dispute resolution emerged through overseas employment. Through a critical review of lawsuits between returned Chinese workers and their Chinese employers in Chinese courts – originating from the top five African countries receiving Chinese labor (Algeria, Angola, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Equatorial Guinea) – the analysis reveals new spatialities and temporalities of sovereign control exerted by globalized Chinese companies over overseas workplaces and migrant workers. Overseas employment marks a complex process of coupling and decoupling among various forms of Chinese capital and labor. Three mechanisms of corporate sovereign control are identified: the delineation of workplaces and workers' bodies as spaces of exception, the flexibilization of working hours and job tenure, and the politics of delays in wage disbursement and dispute resolution. These mechanisms provoke contentious debates during court proceedings and result in uneven judicial outcomes for Chinese workers.

Beclometasone Dipropionate/Formoterol Fumarate is Similarly Effective to Budesonide/Formoterol Fumarate in Chinese Patients with COPD: The FORSYYN Double-Blind, Randomised Study

The fixed-dose combination of beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol fumarate (BDP/FF) delivered via pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) has demonstrated efficacy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in studies predominantly conducted in Caucasian adults. The current study evaluated the efficacy and safety of BDP/FF pMDI in Chinese patients with COPD, as part of registration for COPD in China. This double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, parallel-group study was conducted in patients with COPD of Chinese ethnicity aged ≥40 years. After a 4-week open-label budesonide/formoterol fumarate (BUD/FF) run-in period, patients were randomised to BUD/FF or BDP/FF for 24 weeks. The primary objective was to demonstrate non-inferiority of BDP/FF to BUD/FF in terms of change from baseline in pre-dose morning forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) at Week 24 (i.e. the lower 95% CI limit of the difference was above the pre-defined non-inferiority margin of −0.07 L). Of 750 patients randomised (377 BDP/FF; 373 BUD/FF), 87.6% completed the study. The primary endpoint was met in both the per-protocol (adjusted mean difference −0.001 L [95% CI: −0.025, 0.022], non-inferiority p < 0.001) and intention-to-treat populations (–0.001 L [–0.024, 0.022]; non-inferiority p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant BDP/FF–BUD/FF differences for the secondary endpoints, and a similar proportion of patients had adverse events (BDP/FF, 51.7%; BUD/FF, 51.2%), with most mild/moderate in severity. In conclusion, BDP/FF pMDI was non-inferior to BUD/FF in terms of pre-dose morning FEV1, supported by a range of secondary endpoints. Both treatments were similarly tolerated. The study supports the use of BDP/FF pMDI in Chinese patients with COPD. STUDY REGISTRATION China Centre for Drug Evaluation (CTR20180475).

The impact of health literacy on health-promoting lifestyle among community residents: the chain-mediating role of family health and physical activity

BackgroundAdopting health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) is crucial for improving overall well-being and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. The relationship between health literacy (HL) and HPL among Chinese community residents is complex, with potential mediating factors yet to be fully understood. Family health and physical activity (PA) may play significant roles in this relationship. This study aims to construct a chain mediation model to explore whether family health and PA mediate the effects of HL on HPL in Chinese community residents.MethodsUsing the convenient sampling method, 1,072 Chinese community residents were selected for a cross-sectional study. All participants completed a self-report questionnaire that collected demographic information, as well as data from the Health Literacy Scale Short-Form (HLS-SF12), Family Health Scale Short-Form (FHS-SF), Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II Revise (HPLP-II R). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with mediation analysis performed using the SPSS PROCESS macro.ResultsThere were significant pairwise correlations between HL, family health, PA, and HPL (p &amp;lt; 0.01). HL was directly linked to HPL (effect = 0.442; SE = 0.025; 95% CI: 0.392, 0.491). Additionally, three indirect pathways were identified: family health independently mediated 6.02% of the effect (effect = 0.032; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.013, 0.051), PA also independently mediated 9.02% of the effect (effect = 0.048; SE = 0.010; 95% CI: 0.030, 0.068), and a combined chain mediation through both family health and PA accounted for 1.88% of the effect (effect = 0.010; SE = 0.003; 95% CI: 0.005, 0.017).ConclusionHL not only has a direct impact on promoting HPL but also influences it indirectly through the mediating roles of family health and PA. These insights elucidate the mechanisms by which HL affects HPL, providing valuable theoretical guidance for the development and implementation of effective strategies to encourage healthy lifestyle practices.

Harnessing computational techniques to analyze and enhance fandom engagement through interaction ritual chains

Abstract. This study explores the application of Interaction Ritual Chains (IRC) theory and computational techniques to analyze and enhance fandom engagement within the Chinese Australian community. By integrating sentiment analysis, social network analysis, and gender-based language analysis, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how emotional energy, shared focus, and bodily synchronization contribute to fan interactions. We employ a predictive mathematical model to quantify these IRC components and their impact on engagement, leveraging data mining, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning. The findings reveal the dynamics of fan behavior and offer insights into personalized content recommendations, gamification, and virtual reality experiences to foster deeper emotional bonds and sustained engagement. This study bridges the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical applications, providing a robust foundation for future research on digital fandoms.

Robot Age: Considering Robot Origin and Voice Accent

This paper investigates how social cues may influence judgements of a robots perceived age. To investigate this topic a 3 x 3 factorial study was run with the Misty II robot presenting with American, Chinese, and Mexican national origins and voice accents. In the study, the participant’s task was to estimate the robots’ age as a function of the robot’s origin and spoken accent. The results showed that Misty was thought to be the age of a teenager, but that females judged Misty to be significantly older than males. However, versions of Misty which presented with an American accent tended to produce more agreement among males and females in estimates of robot age than robots presenting with an accent identifying a Chinese or Mexican identity. Implications for the design of robot support systems for the elderly is discussed.

Perceived Mistreatment and Professional Identity of Medical Students in China

Mistreatment is a common experience among medical students, with various negative consequences of such perceived mistreatment reported. However, few large-scale studies have investigated the association between perceived mistreatment and the formation of medical students' professional identities. To investigate medical students' perceived mistreatment during medical school and its association with professional identity. This repeated cross-sectional study included medical students graduating between 2019 and 2022 at 135 medical schools in China. Analyses were performed from July 25, 2023, to May 15, 2024. The China Medical Student Survey includes 5 items designed to measure students' perceived experiences of mistreatment. Professional identity was measured using a validated 7-item scale adapted from the Macleod Clark Professional Identity Scale. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine the association between perceived mistreatment and medical students' professional identity. A total of 94 153 students (53 819 female [57.2%]; 83 548 Han ethnicity [88.7%]) were analyzed, representing 67.2% of the medical graduates enrolled in all responding medical schools. Most medical students reported having experienced at least 1 mistreatment incident (79 554 students [84.5%]). Medical students reported being required to perform personal service (57 455 students [61.0%]), experiencing mistreatment by patients (67 439 students [71.6%]), being publicly humiliated (24 348 students [25.9%]), being unjustly treated (35 926 students [38.2%]), and experiencing deliberate harassment (46 082 students [48.9%]). A negative association and saturation effect (where effect size plateaus after moderate exposure of mistreatment) were found between the degree of mistreatment and medical students' professional identity scores. Compared with students who had not reported mistreatment, students who reported single (β, -0.30; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.28; P < .001), moderate (β, -0.66; 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.63; P < .001), and high (β, -0.62; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.58; P < .001) frequency of mistreatment were more likely to have lower professional identity scores; this association persisted but was attenuated after adjusting for students' sociodemographic characteristics and was consistent across all the types of mistreatment. In this national, repeated cross-sectional study, a high prevalence of mistreatment among medical students in China and a negative association between perceived mistreatment and medical students' professional identity was found. Further research is needed to ensure that medical schools offer supportive and respectful learning environments.

Cultivating the Concept of the Chinese Ethnic Group Community from the Perspective of Cultural Identity

In the context of cultural diversity, cultivating a sense of shared identity among the Chinese ethnic group is not only crucial for national unity and ethnic solidarity but also promotes social harmony and development. Within the concept of the national community, cultural identity serves as a core element, playing an irreplaceable role in enhancing ethnic cohesion and centripetal force. Currently, China is in a crucial period of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese ethnic group, facing various complex situations and challenges. To cultivate the concept of the Chinese ethnic group community and enhance the cultural identity and sense of belonging of all ethnic groups, efforts can be made to strengthen historical education, deepen understanding of Chinese ethnic group history and culture, and thereby enhance cultural identity among different ethnic groups. To promote cultural exchange and integration, cultural exchange platforms can be established to foster mutual respect and understanding of different ethnic cultures, promote the core socialist values, and advance the inheritance and innovation of Chinese excellent traditional culture, providing strong support for cultivating the concept of the Chinese ethnic group community.

Meaning And Humor Comprehension of Chinese-English Pseudo Words Among Chinese EFL Speakers: A Conceptual Blending Perspective

Assuming that Chinese–English pseudo words (CEPWs) are humorous and have multiple meanings, this study, based on the conceptual blending theory (CBT), investigates the comprehension of meaning and humor in CEPWs for Chinese speakers learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Specifically, it aimed to answer the following questions: 1) What is the humorous effect of CEPWs as perceived by Chinese EFL speakers? 2) What is the comprehensive understanding of CEPWs among Chinese EFL speakers according to CBT? and 3) How are Chinese EFL speakers’ understanding of CEPWs and their perception of the humorous effect related? This study adopted a mixed method of quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interview) approaches. It surveyed 114 native Chinese EFL speakers and interviewed 12 of them. Quantitative data were collected via a questionnaire disseminated on the online questionnaire platform wenjuan.com, gathering 114 valid responses. After collection, the quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20 software. The findings revealed that CEPWs are more humorous than their Chinese originals. A conceptual blending model of Chinese EFL speakers’ comprehension of CEPWs was proposed, which allows these speakers to generate numerous interpretations of CEPWs. The humor in CEPWs comes from homophony, bilingual speech, and conceptual blending, facilitated by the meaning correspondence of English words in the CEPW and context. This suggests that the incongruity between input spaces and the emergent structure of conceptual blending is involved in creating humor. CEPWs meet the criteria for puns, providing a new perspective on this phenomenon. The findings provided empirical data, based on which a model of Chinese EFL speakers’ comprehension process of CEPWs was devised, providing insights into the cognitive process behind the use of Internet language.

Let’s keep boys out: promoting exclusion as a means to actualize feminist digital citizenship in China

ABSTRACT Although exclusion is often perceived as antithetical to civil society, many feminist activists advocate for excluding men from their spaces to prevent conflicts and create safer environments. This tension prompts a deeper exploration of exclusion’s role in civic engagement. This study aims to examines the role of exclusion in feminist digital activism through a textual analysis of how members of an online Chinese feminist community promote exclusion. The findings challenge traditional perspectives by suggesting that exclusion can be a crucial tool for feminists to participate in civic life, protect their rights, and assert their agency. This study also reveals that exclusion plays a significant role in the ongoing formation of feminist identity. While the exclusion of men may initially appear to reinforce binary gender norms, it can also serve as a catalyst for exploring and embracing the fluidity of gender and political identity.

Health seeking behaviour and diagnostic delays in SLE: A multi-ethnic Malaysian cohort study.

Heterogeneity of the clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may lead to diagnostic delays. This study is aimed at determining the health-seeking behaviour patterns and factors associated with diagnostic delays in a multi-ethnic SLE cohort in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study involving SLE patients who visited our institute between January 2020 and June 2021. A review of the medical records and face-to-face interviews were conducted to obtain sociodemographics, SLE disease characteristics and the intervals from the first symptoms to the diagnosis. Health-seeking behaviours were assessed by asking about the patients' first action during the initial symptoms and were divided into: (i) seeking professional health personnel; (ii) self-treatment; and (iii) the use of the internet as a primary source of information. Diagnostic delays were defined as the interval between initial symptoms and SLE diagnosis of more than 6months. Low-level disease activity state (LLDAS) at 12months was assessed from the medical records. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was subsequently conducted to determine factors associated with diagnostic delays. Among the 154 patients included in the study, 24% (n = 37) had delayed diagnosis. The delay was significantly higher among the Indian versus Malay versus Chinese (42.9% vs 28% vs 10.8%, p = 0.037). Patients with rash tend to have delayed diagnosis (37.8% vs 22.2%, p = 0.08) while fewer patients with frothy urine had delayed diagnosis (8.1% vs 21.4%, p = 0.09). No significant association was found between health-seeking behaviours and diagnostic delays. The rate of LLDAS at 12months was significantly lower among patients with delayed diagnosis (43.2% vs 70.0%, p = 0.006). Chinese ethnicity remained the only significant factor associated with lesser diagnostic delays in the multivariate analysis, with OR 0.30 (CI 0.09-0.93), p = 0.037. There were ethnic disparities in the early diagnosis of SLE in Malaysia, with Indian patients having a longer interval between the first symptom and diagnosis while the Chinese were associated with lower diagnostic delays. Early diagnosis predicted early attainment of LLDAS, suggesting that prompt recognition of the initial SLE symptoms is important.

Exploring Collective Identity and Community Connections: An Interpersonal Analysis of Online Visitor Reviews at the Overseas Chinese Museum (2012–2023)

The Overseas Chinese Museum in Xiamen, Fujian, is a cultural historical museum in China that promotes heritage tourism and strengthens the community connection among the overseas Chinese diaspora, international and local visitors. The museum has become a platform for interpreting the immigration experience of overseas Chinese communities around the world. In this study, we examine visitors’ feedback to the Overseas Chinese Museum through a linguistic analysis of their reviews. The visitors’ reviews, 207 English-language online reviews, were collected from various travel forums between 2012 and 2023, totaling 11,584 words. We divided the data evenly into two distinct time periods, Stage I (2012–2017) and Stage II (2018–2023) and used statistical corpus log-likelihood analysis to quantify and understand if there were significant linguistic differences over time. Some of the key differences emerging from the linguistic analysis were related to conjunctions, e.g., also, while, after, and so, evaluative language and how identity was construed through language. Findings adopting an appraisal analysis suggested an increase in visitor satisfaction, possibly due to enhanced exhibits and changes in visitor expectations. The findings from analysing the reviews also showed that visitors shared similar values, developed a social bond with overseas Chinese, and engaged with this cultural historical community. The study contributes to a wider discussion on language in digital communication and cultural heritage. In addition, the visitors’ feedback and preferences could be used to improve communication and promotional strategies that ultimately increase the number of visitors to the museum.

Functional difficulty among children in Malaysia – findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019

IntroductionData on child functioning and disability are important for public policy development which aimed at reducing child disability prevalence and strengthening the provision of appropriate and timely health care services. This study reports the prevalence of functional difficulty in Malaysian children aged 2–17 years and its associated sociodemographic factors and epilepsy.MethodsData on children aged 2–17 years (n = 4576) were generated from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2019, a population-based cross-sectional survey. Functional difficulty in children was assessed using the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)/Washington Group on Disability Statistics (WG) Child Functioning Module (CFM). The questionnaires were administered to the parents or guardians of the children via face-to-face interviews. Functional difficulty, defined as having difficulty in at least one domain, was examined for its prevalence and associations with sociodemographic variables and the epilepsy variable in children using descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of functional difficulty among children aged 2–17 years was 4.7%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older children, children from households whose heads of household had a lower education level and children who have epilepsy were significantly more likely to experience functional difficulty (p < 0.05). Children of Chinese ethnicity were less likely to experience functional difficulty compared to children of Malay ethnicity.ConclusionsThis study provides baseline findings on the prevalence of functional difficulty among children in Malaysia using nationally representative data. Although the prevalence was relatively low, the information is important for the planning of strategies to improve the development and well-being of children in Malaysia and for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Phylogeographic analysis of Y-chromosomal haplogroup C2a-M48-F8472, a minor paternal lineage of Han populations with possible ancestry of Xiongnu

Background Y-chromosome haplogroup C2a-M48-F8472, a unique paternal line in the ancient Xiongnu population, is concentrated in the modern Han people. The most closely related lineage of this paternal lineage is mainly distributed in Tungusic-, Mongolic-, and Turkic-speaking populations. Aim To investigate the formation process of this unique distribution state. Subjects and methods In total, 36 sequences of haplogroup C2a-M48-F8472 were analysed to generate a revised phylogenetic tree with age estimation and to explore the geographic distribution pattern. Results The results suggested that northern China is likely the diffusion centre of this paternal haplogroup. This lineage is concentrated in the Liu clan (刘姓) of Han populations and may have originated in the Tuge tribe (屠各) of Xiongnu populations. The initial expansion (∼2,600 years ago) and the second phase of expansion (∼1,570 years ago) of haplogroup C2a-M48-F8472 coincide with the earlier appearance and later disappearance of the Tuge tribe. As a sub-clade of M48, the history of F8472 suggested that ancient peoples related to Tungusic-speaking populations were intricately connected with the demographic history of populations in the Mongolian Plateau. Conclusion The appearance of this paternal line in the Han population is helpful for understanding the mixed history of ancient and modern people in the Mongolian Plateau and Central China.

Community Nursing Practice in Hypertension Management in China: Qualitative Analysis Using a Bourdieusian Framework.

This study explores the practices of Chinese community nurses in hypertension management, using Pierre Bourdieu's theory of practice to understand how their routines are shaped by sociocultural and institutional forces, along with their professional dispositions. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in Shenzhen, China, between March and June 2024, and is reported following the COREQ guidelines. Eighteen nurses, each with at least 1 year of full-time experience in hypertension care within the local community healthcare system, were recruited from a participant pool established through prior research. Face-to-face individual semistructured interviews were conducted using a structured interview protocol, and data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Community nurses face tensions between traditional health beliefs and modern hypertension care, as well as institutional pressures that prioritize efficiency over personalized care. Power imbalances, particularly the authority of doctors, complicate their role. However, nurses adapt their care strategies through embodied practices, balancing clinical standards with patient needs. Community nurses are not mere enforcers of guidelines but adaptive professionals who navigate complex sociocultural norms, institutional demands, and power dynamics in hypertension care. This study underscores the necessity for flexible, culturally sensitive practices to improve public health outcomes.

Migration and linguistic integration: an investigation of Chinese immigrants’ language learning experience before moving to Africa

ABSTRACT The current study investigates the linguistic integration of Chinese immigrants, with a particular focus on their language learning experiences before migrating to Africa. As China’s presence in Africa grows, understanding how Chinese migrants prepare linguistically for their new environments becomes crucial. Through a mixed-methods approach, which include surveys and interviews conducted primarily in Cameroon, the research highlights the value of language skills for successful integration and examines the potential consequences of inadequate language proficiency. The study suggests that both Chinese and African governments should collaborate to encourage Chinese immigrants to learn destination languages even before migrating to Africa. This could be achieved by promoting proactive language acquisition initiatives, reevaluating language policies, and implementing standardised language testing. Emphasising the language learning experience is crucial not only for effective communication but also for reducing stereotypes and fostering deeper understanding and integration between the Chinese expatriate community and local populations. Providing language resources and support can greatly enhance crosscultural interactions and promote the harmonious coexistence of diverse Chinese communities across Africa.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver masquerading as a cystadenoma in a young adult: a case report

BackgroundUndifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver is an infrequent hepatic malignancy, primarily observed in the pediatric population. This neoplasm is exceedingly rare among adults. Despite its scarcity in adult cases, it remains imperative to accurately discern undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver utilizing diverse imaging modalities to prevent misdiagnosis with more prevalent benign and malignant hepatic masses. In this case, a comprehensive imaging examination was conducted, encompassing ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography scans. Notably, the positron emission tomography–computed tomography scan revealed 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake characteristics indicative of malignancy, providing a pivotal clue for prompt diagnosis of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver.Case presentationThis report presents the diagnostic procedure employed for a 37-year-old female patient of Han ethnicity in China diagnosed with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. The patient was admitted with a 2-day history of mid-upper quadrant abdominal pain. The patient’s temperature and inflammatory markers, such as white blood cell count and hypersensitive reactive protein, were slightly elevated. Ultrasound showed a cystic–solid nodule in the liver. The computed tomography revealed a cystic mass in the right lobe of the liver, characterized by a low-density shadow and a lack of significant enhancement during contrast-enhanced scanning, initially suggesting cystadenoma. Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed a block-like abnormal signal shadow in the right hepatic lobe, suggestive of various etiologies, including benign lesions, cystadenoma with hemorrhage, or hemangioma with hemorrhage. However, the positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose consumption within both the cystic wall and lesion, raising suspicion of malignancy. Surgical resection of the posterior hepatic lobe was performed under general anesthesia after comprehensive preoperative preparations. During the procedure, a space-occupying lesion was identified in the right posterior hepatic lobe, adhering to the diaphragm. Surface liver parenchyma overlying the tumor exhibited rupture, with several blood clots visible. The tumor was successfully and completely excised. Pathological examination revealed a fusiform cell tumor, necrosis, hemorrhage, cystic changes, cellular atypia, mitotic images, and eosinophilic globules suggestive of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver. Immunohistochemical staining indicated CK (+), vimentin (Vim; +), Desmin (+), actin (−), α1-AT (+), GPC-3 (+), PDGFRa (+), MDM2 (+), P16 (+), Ki-67 (+) 30–35%, and PAS (+). The patient underwent five cycles of combination chemotherapy with ifosfamide and epirubicin, administered at 21-day intervals at our hospital. Following 3 years of postoperative surveillance, the patient remained stable, with no evidence of hepatic tumor recurrence.ConclusionOn the basis of this case and a comprehensive literature review, we recommend that clinicians consider the possibility of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver in patients presenting with non-specific clinical and serological markers, particularly when there is inconsistency between ultrasound and computed tomography imaging findings, along with elevated 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake observed in both the cystic wall and lesion on positron emission tomography–computed tomography examination. Given the rarity and high-grade malignancy of undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver, heightened clinical awareness and recognition are crucial for early diagnosis and successful therapy.