Activated carbon fiber as an efficient co-catalyst toward accelerating Fe2+/Fe3+ cycling for improved removal of antibiotic cefaclor via electro-Fenton process using a gas diffusion electrode.

The electro-Fenton (EF) based on gas-diffusion electrodes (GDEs) reveals promising application prospective towards recalcitrant organics degradation because such GDEs often yields superior H2O2 generation efficiency and selectivity. However, the low efficiency of Fe2+/Fe3+ cycle with GDEs is always considered to be the limiting step for the EF process. In this study, activated carbon fiber (ACF) was firstly employed as co-catalyst to facilitate the performance of antibiotic cefaclor (CEC) decomposition in EF process. It was found that the addition of ACF co-catalyst achieved a rapid Fe2+/Fe3+ cycling, which significantly enhanced Fenton's reaction and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) generation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that the functional groups on ACF surface are related to the conversion of Fe3+ into Fe2+. Moreover, DMSO probing experiment confirmed the enhanced •OH production in EF + ACF system compared to conventional EF system. When inactive BDD and Ti4O7/Ti anodes were paired to EF system, the addition of ACF could significantly improve mineralization degree. However, a large amount of toxic byproducts, including chlorate (ClO3-) and perchlorate (ClO4-), were generated in these EF processes, especially for BDD anode, due to their robust oxidation capacity. Higher mineralization efficiency and less toxic ClO4- generation were obtained in the EF + ACF process with Ti4O7/Ti anode. This presents a novel alternative for efficient chloride-containing organic removal during wastewater remediation.

Docosahexaenoic Acid-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Treatment of Peri-Implantitis in Rats.

Being the most common cause of implant failure, peri-implantitis is defined as a pathological condition associated with the occurrence of peri-implant plaque, characterized by peri-implant mucosal inflammation and progressive loss of the supporting bone tissue attributed to the persistence of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a type of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, is generally used for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases. However, a suitable form for dosing and its therapeutic effect on peri-implantitis remain unclear. In this study, a novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) loaded with squalene and DHA was fabricated (DHA-loaded NLC). The encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency values of the DHA-loaded NLC were 78.13% ± 1.85% and 28.09% ± 0.48%, respectively. The release of DHA was gradual and steady until 144 h. In addition, the free-radical-scavenging rate of DHA-loaded NLC (0.57 ± 0.03) was much higher than that of sole DHA (0.17 ± 0.003). By inhibiting nuclear factor-κB p65 nuclear translocation, DHA-loaded NLC prevented the activation of nuclear factor-κB downstream inflammatory pathways and exerted anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages. Moreover, DHA-loaded NLC showed better effects on preventing alveolar bone resorption of rat peri-implantitis model than sole DHA. Hence, DHA-loaded NLC enhanced the anti-inflammatory bioavailability of DHA, offering a novel approach for the treatment of peri-implantitis.

What Motivates Young Adults to Talk About Physical Activity on Social Network Sites?

BACKGROUND: Electronic word-of-mouth on social network sites has been used successfully in marketing. In social marketing, electronic word-of-mouth about products as health behaviors has the potential to be more effective and reach more young adults than health education through traditional mass media. However, little is known about what motivates people to actively initiate electronic word-of-mouth about health behaviors on their personal pages or profiles on social network sites, thus potentially reaching all their contacts on those sites. OBJECTIVE: This study filled the gap by applying a marketing theoretical model to explore the factors associated with electronic word-of-mouth on social network sites about leisure-time physical activity. METHODS: A Web survey link was sent to undergraduate students at one of the Midwestern universities and 439 of them completed the survey. RESULTS: The average age of the 439 participants was 19 years (SD=1 year, range: 18-24). Results suggested that emotional engagement with leisure-time physical activity (ie, affective involvement in leisure-time physical activity) predicted providing relevant opinions or information on social network sites. Social network site users who perceived stronger ties with all their contacts were more likely to provide and seek leisure-time physical activity opinions and information. People who provided leisure-time physical activity opinions and information were more likely to seek opinions and information, and people who forwarded information about leisure-time physical activity were more likely to chat about it. CONCLUSIONS: This study shed light on the application of the electronic word-of-mouth theoretical framework in promoting health behaviors. The findings can also guide the development of future social marketing interventions using social network sites to promote leisure-time physical activity.

Biomimetic liposome amplifying mitochondrial damage to potential cancer radio-immunotherapy.

Radiotherapy, despite its precision and non-invasiveness, often fails due to the resistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are characterized by high self-renewal capabilities and superior DNA repair mechanisms. These cells can evade RT and lead to tumor recurrence and metastasis. To address this challenge, a novel delivery system named PB has been introduced. This system combines liposomes with platelet membranes to encapsulate Bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES), thus enhancing its delivery and release specifically at tumor sites. In addition, this system not only targets CSCs effectively but also increases the local concentration of BPTES upon X-ray irradiation, which reduces glutathione levels in tumor cells, thereby increasing oxidative stress and damaging mitochondria. PB-elicited mitochondrial damage as the STING signal initiator, which mediated significant upregulation in the expression of a cGAS-STING pathway-related protein thereby amplifying the STING signal. Systemic intravenous administration of PB remarkably promoted DC maturation and CD8+ T cell infiltration, thus eliciting strong antitumor effects. Overall, this PB system presents a potent method to overcome CSC-related resistance and offers a promising approach for future cancer treatment protocols.

Effect of Sinus Membrane Thickness on Membrane Perforation and Bone Augmentation in Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation: A Retrospective Study.

Sinus membrane thickening is a common maxillary sinus disease. However, a consensus has not been reached on the effect of sinus membrane thickness on the transcrestal sinus floor elevation. This retrospective study evaluated the perforation and bone formation at transcrestal sinus floor elevation sites with different sinus membrane thicknesses. A total of 117 sites in 87 patients treated with transcrestal sinus floor elevation were included in this study. The surgical sites were divided into four groups according to the baseline sinus membrane thickness: Group A (0 to 1 mm), Group B (1 to 2 mm), Group C (2 to 4 mm), and Group D (> 4 mm). CBCT scans were taken before surgery, immediately after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. The mean baseline sinus membrane thickness was 2.16 ± 2.54 mm, and the mean residual alveolar bone height was 6.58 ± 1.85 mm. The mean endosinus new bone height was 3.76 ± 1.95 mm. The perforation rate and endosinus new bone height showed no significant difference among the groups (P > .05). The incidence rates of membrane thickening and perforation were significantly higher in smoking patients (P < .05). Membrane thickening without ostium obstruction may have little impact on transcrestal sinus floor elevation surgery in regards to perforation rate and bone formation. In addition, smoking may be a risk factor for membrane thickening, and the sinus membrane is more likely to perforate during transcrestal surgery when the patient has a history of smoking.

Preparation Strategies, Functional Regulation, and Applications of Multifunctional Nanomaterials-Based DNA Hydrogels.

With the extensive attention of DNA hydrogels in biomedicine, biomaterial, and other research fields, more and more functional DNA hydrogels have emerged to match the various needs. Incorporating nanomaterials into the hydrogel network is an emerging strategy for functional DNA hydrogel construction. Surprisingly, nanomaterials-based DNA hydrogels can be engineered to possess favorable properties, such as dynamic mechanical properties, excellent optical properties, particular electrical properties, perfect encapsulation properties, improved magnetic properties, and enhanced antibacterial properties. Herein, the preparation strategies of nanomaterials-based DNA hydrogels are first highlighted and then different nanomaterial designs are used to demonstrate the functional regulation of DNA hydrogels to achieve specific properties. Subsequently, representative applications in biosensing, drug delivery, cell culture, and environmental protection are introduced with some selected examples. Finally, the current challenges and prospects are elaborated. The study envisions that this review will provide an insightful perspective for the further development of functional DNA hydrogels.

Biomimetic copper-doped polypyrrole nanoparticles induce glutamine metabolism inhibition to enhance breast cancer cuproptosis and immunotherapy.

Cuproptosis, a newly discovered mechanism of inducing tumor cell death, primarily relies on the intracellular accumulation of copper ions. The utilization of Cu-based nanomaterials to induce cuproptosis holds promising prospects in future biomedical applications. However, the presence of high levels of glutathione (GSH) within tumor cells hinders the efficacy of cuproptosis. In this study, we have developed a BPTES-loaded biomimetic Cu-doped polypyrrole nanoparticles (CuP) nanosystem (PCB) for enhanced cuproptosis and immune modulation. PCB comprises an internal BPTES and CuP core and an external platelet membrane (PM) that facilitates active targeting to tumor sites following intravenous administration. Subsequently, PCB effectively suppresses glutaminase (GLS1) activity, thereby reducing GSH content. Moreover, CuP catalyze intracellular H2O2, amplifying oxidative stress while simultaneously inducing dihydrolipoyl transacetylase (DLAT) oligomerization through released Cu2+, resulting in cuproptosis. PCB not only inhibits primary tumors but also exhibits inhibitory effects on abscopal tumors. This work represents the first instance where GLS inhibition has been employed to enhance cuproptosis and immunotherapy. It also provides valuable insights into further investigations on cuproptosis.

Cascade-Catalyzed Nanogel for Amplifying Starvation Therapy by Nitric Oxide-Mediated Hypoxia Alleviation.

Glucose oxidase (Gox)-mediated starvation therapy offers a prospective advantage for malignancy treatment by interrupting the glucose supply to neoplastic cells. However, the negative charge of the Gox surface hinders its enrichment in tumor tissues. Furthermore, Gox-mediated starvation therapy infiltrates large amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to surround normal tissues and exacerbate intracellular hypoxia. In this study, a cascade-catalyzed nanogel (A-NE) was developed to boost the antitumor effects of starvation therapy by glucose consumption and cascade reactive release of nitric oxide (NO) to relieve hypoxia. First, the surface cross-linking structure of A-NE can serve as a bioimmobilization for Gox, ensuring Gox stability while improving the encapsulation efficiency. Then, Gox-mediated starvation therapy efficiently inhibited the proliferation of tumor cells while generating large amounts of H2O2. In addition, covalent l-arginine (l-Arg) in A-NE consumed H2O2 derived from glucose decomposition to generate NO, which augmented starvation therapy on metastatic tumors by alleviating tumor hypoxia. Eventually, both in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that nanogels remarkably inhibited in situ tumor growth and hindered metastatic tumor recurrence, offering an alternative possibility for clinical intervention.

Electronic word of mouth on twitter about physical activity in the United States: exploratory infodemiology study.

BACKGROUND: Twitter is a widely used social medium. However, its application in promoting health behaviors is understudied. OBJECTIVE: In order to provide insights into designing health marketing interventions to promote physical activity on Twitter, this exploratory infodemiology study applied both social cognitive theory and the path model of online word of mouth to examine the distribution of different electronic word of mouth (eWOM) characteristics among personal tweets about physical activity in the United States. METHODS: This study used 113 keywords to retrieve 1 million public tweets about physical activity in the United States posted between January 1 and March 31, 2011. A total of 30,000 tweets were randomly selected and sorted based on numbers generated by a random number generator. Two coders scanned the first 16,100 tweets and yielded 4672 (29.02%) tweets that they both agreed to be about physical activity and were from personal accounts. Finally, 1500 tweets were randomly selected from the 4672 tweets (32.11%) for further coding. After intercoder reliability scores reached satisfactory levels in the pilot coding (100 tweets separate from the final 1500 tweets), 2 coders coded 750 tweets each. Descriptive analyses, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed. RESULTS: Tweets about physical activity were dominated by neutral sentiments (1270/1500, 84.67%). Providing opinions or information regarding physical activity (1464/1500, 97.60%) and chatting about physical activity (1354/1500, 90.27%) were found to be popular on Twitter. Approximately 60% (905/1500, 60.33%) of the tweets demonstrated users' past or current participation in physical activity or intentions to participate in physical activity. However, social support about physical activity was provided in less than 10% of the tweets (135/1500, 9.00%). Users with fewer people following their tweets (followers) (P=.02) and with fewer accounts that they followed (followings) (P=.04) were more likely to talk positively about physical activity on Twitter. People with more followers were more likely to post neutral tweets about physical activity (P=.04). People with more followings were more likely to forward tweets (P=.04). People with larger differences between number of followers and followings were more likely to mention companionship support for physical activity on Twitter (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Future health marketing interventions promoting physical activity should segment Twitter users based on their number of followers, followings, and gaps between the number of followers and followings. The innovative application of both marketing and public health theory to examine tweets about physical activity could be extended to other infodemiology or infoveillance studies on other health behaviors (eg, vaccinations).

Influence of different grinding degrees of fly ash on properties and reaction degrees of geopolymers.

This study reports the preparation of geopolymers with a mechanical performance similar to that of cement at room temperature by ground fly ash mixed with a small amount of cement. The grinding time of fly ash raw materials was 0,20,40 and 60 min, respectively. The influence of the grinding degree of the fly ash on the properties and the reaction degree of the geopolymer were investigated by XRD, SEM, EDS, and mercury compression tests. The reaction degree of the fly ash geopolymer was quantified by the selective dissolution method. Increasing the grinding degree of fly ash significantly increased the compressive strength of the geopolymer and the density of the microstructure of materials also increased. Furthermore, porosity and the average pore size decreased and the proportion of small holes in the pores gradually increased. The calculation results were in coincidence with the compressive strength test and the micro-performance test of the material, thus indicating that the selective dissolution method can reflect the influence of the grinding degree on the reaction degree of the geopolymer. Furthermore, the reaction degree of the geopolymer increased as the grinding degree of the fly ash increased. However, the growth rate of the reaction degree for the geopolymer slowed down when the fly ash was ground for more than 40 min.

[Change in Granulation Potential and Microbial Enrichment Characteristics of Sludge Induced by Microplastics].

Microplastics (MPs), as a new type of pollutant, are widely detected in sewage treatment plants. Currently, research on MPs in traditional sewage treatment systems has mainly been focused on the pollution level and distribution characteristics, with a lack of studying the impact of MPs on the sludge granulation. In order to explore the effect of MPs on the granulation process, a microplastic exposure test was conducted by adding polyethylene terephthalate microplastics (PET-MPs), which are widespread in the environment. The operating performance of the system, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) composition, and flora enrichment were analyzed on the sludge granulation. The results showed that the exposure of PET-MPs significantly accelerated the sludge granulation process, whereas the increase in EPS content dominated by PN enhanced the sludge surface hydrophobicity; the granulation rate and EPS secretion were proportional to the exposed particle size. Microplastics and EPS secretions synergistically promoted the formation of granular sludge. However, continuous microplastic exposure led to deterioration of the system decontamination performance and inhibited the degradation process of pollutants, with the most negative effect of nitrite nitrogen accumulation under 250 µm PET-MPs exposure, as high as (5.08±0.24) mg·L-1. The high-throughput sequencing revealed that the microbial community diversity fell in the experimental group. The dominant bacteria at the phylum level were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota on the sludge granulation. Rhodocyclaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, and Rhodanobacteraceae promoted flocculation by increasing EPS secretion. The decrease in Comamonadaceae and Chitinophagaceae weakened the ammonia and nitrite oxidation capacity of the system, whereas the decrease in Rhodobacteraceae, Hyphomonadaceae, and Xanthomonadaceae inhibited the removal of nitrate nitrogen.

Sonosensitizer nanoplatform-mediated sonodynamic therapy induced immunogenic cell death and tumor immune microenvironment variation.

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is one of the most lethal gynecologic malignancies, and effective treatments are still lacking due to drug tolerance and tumor recurrence. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) on ovarian cancer and its potential mechanism. Folate receptor-targeted and ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) were constructed using PLGA-PEG-FA (PLGA: poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG), FA: folate), the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating sonosensitizer IR780 and the oxygen-carrying material perfluorohexane (PFH), termed IRO@FA NPs. The antitumor effect of NPs triggered by ultrasound (US) was measured by an apoptosis assay in a C57/BL6 mouse model. Immunochemistry and flow cytometry were used to detect the proportion of CD3+ T, CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells and activated dendritic cells (DCs) in spleens and tumor tissues to assess variation in the immune response. Moreover, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and immunogenic cell death (ICD) markers (high mobility group protein box-1, ATP and calreticulin) were detected to identify potential mechanisms. The results showed that IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT promoted ID8 cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and inflammatory markers were upregulated in tumor tissues. IRO@FA NP-mediated SDT prompted DC maturation and T lymphocyte infiltration by inducing ID8 cell ICD.

Creep behavior of reinforced concrete-filled steel tubular columns under axial compression.

The reinforced concrete-filled steel tube (RCFST) column solves several of the problems of the concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column in practical engineering applications. Moreover, RCFST has a simple joint structure, high bearing capacity, good ductility, and superior fire resistance. From a structural safety perspective, designers prioritize the creep performance of CFST members in structural design. Therefore, the creep behavior of RCFST columns should be thoroughly investigated in practical engineering design. To study the influence of the creep behavior of RCFST columns under axial compression, this work analyzed the mechanical behavior of composite columns based on their mechanical characteristics under axial compression and established a creep formula suitable for RCFST columns under axial compression. A creep analysis program was also developed to obtain the creep strain-time curve, and its correctness was verified by existing tests. On this basis, the effects of the main design parameters, such as the stress level, steel ratio, and reinforcement ratio, on the creep behavior were determined and analyzed. The creep of the tested composite columns increased rapidly in the early stages (28 days) of load action; the growth rate was relatively low after 28 days and tended to stabilize after approximately six months. The stress level had the greatest influence on the creep of RCFST columns under axial compression, followed by the steel ratio. The influence of the reinforcement ratio on the creep behavior was less. The results of this study can provide a reference for engineering practice.

A practical and nontarnishing method for the analysis of trace nickel in hydrogenated cottonseed oil by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry with pressurized PTFE vessel acid digestion.

A practical and nontarnishing method for the determination of trace nickel (Ni) in hydrogenated cottonseed oil by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS) was developed. In order to avoid tarnishing in the pretreatment of samples, the technology of pressurized PTFE vessel acid digestion was applied. The temperature and acid content in the digestion were optimized. The results showed that hydrogenated cottonseed oil could be digested completely by the proposed method. Compared with the U.S. Pharmacopeia 28 and British Pharmacopoeia 2003 methods, the developed method avoided the risk of using platinum and the tarnish from silica crucibles. In addition, the analytical cycle of the test solution was shortened by the use of ICP/MS instead of graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Preparation and thermal stability evaluation of cellulose nanofibrils from bagasse pulp with differing hemicelluloses contents.

In this work, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are produced from bagasse pulps with differing hemicelluloses contents by ultrafine grinding and high-pressure homogenization. The results showed that hemicelluloses content in the range of 9.7-21.7 wt.% led to nanofibrils with average diameter. A decrease in hemicelluloses content can enhance the crystallinity and improve the thermal stability of the CNFs. The activation energy of the CNF samples with hemicelluloses contents of 9.7 wt.%, 12.72 wt.%, 15.7 wt.%, 18.76 wt.%, and 21.7 wt.% are 713.03, 518.93, 462.62, 421.78, and 211.11 kJ/mol, respectively, when the conversion rate is increased from 30%-90%. These results demonstrate that hemicelluloses content has a considerable influence on the properties of CNFs. This work provides a theoretical basis for high-value utilization of CNFs, and enriches useful information on the application of CNF materials.

Evaluations of physicochemical and biological properties of pullulan-based films incorporated with cinnamon essential oil and Tween 80.

The effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and Tween 80 addition on the structural, physical, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the pullulan-based edible films were investigated in this study. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of CEO in pullulan-based composite films decreased their tensile strength, transparency, water content and water vapor permeability, but considerably increased the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The films with 12% CEO exhibited the strongest antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities. With regard to the influences of Tween 80 on the films, SEM micrographs indicated that the submicroscopic micelle formed in the films by the addition of Tween 80. Tween 80 improved the stability of the composite films and reduced the loss of CEO, but weakened the physical properties including transparency and water barrier properties.

IR780-loaded folate-targeted nanoparticles for near-infrared fluorescence image-guided surgery and photothermal therapy in ovarian cancer.

Background and purpose: Surgery is regarded as the gold standard for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, complete surgical removal of tumors remains extremely challenging; fewer than 40% of patients are cured. Here, we developed a new modality of theranostics for ovarian cancer based on a near-infrared light-triggered nanoparticle. Methods: Nanoparticles loading IR780 iodide on base of folate modified liposomes were prepared and used for theranostics of ovarian cancer. Tumor targeting of FA-IR780-NP was evaluated in vitro and in an ovarian xenograft tumor model. A fluorescence stereomicroscope was applied to evaluate the tumor recognition of FA-IR780-NP during surgery. FA-IR780-NP mediated photothermal therapy effect was compared with other treatments in vivo. Results: FA-IR780-NP was demonstrated to specifically accumulate in tumors. IR780 iodide selectively accumulated in tumors; the enhanced permeability and retention effect of the nanoparticles and the active targeting of folate contributed to the excellent tumor targeting of FA-IR780-NP. With the aid of tumor targeting, FA-IR780-NP could be used as an indicator for the real-time delineation of tumor margins during surgery. Furthermore, photothermal therapy mediated by FA-IR780-NP effectively eradicated ovarian cancer tumors compared with other groups. Conclusion: In this study, we present a potential, effective approach for ovarian cancer treatment through near-infrared fluorescence image-guided resection and photothermal therapy to eliminate malignant tissue.

A metagenomic study of the gut microbiome in Behcet's disease.

BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease (BD) is a recalcitrant, multisystemic inflammatory disease that can lead to irreversible blindness. Microbial agents have been considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the association of gut microbiome composition with BD as well as its possible roles in the development of this disease. METHODS: Fecal and saliva samples were collected from 32 active BD patients and 74 healthy controls. DNA extracted from fecal samples was subjected to metagenomic analysis, whereas DNA extracted from saliva samples was subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The results were used to compare the composition and biological function of the microbiome between patients and healthy controls. Lastly, transplantation of pooled fecal samples from active BD patients into B10RIII mice undergoing experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) was performed to determine the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and BD. RESULTS: Fecal samples from active BD patients were shown to be enriched in Bilophila spp., a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and several opportunistic pathogens (e.g., Parabacteroides spp. and Paraprevotella spp.) along with a lower level of butyrate-producing bacteria (BPB) Clostridium spp. and methanogens (Methanoculleus spp. Methanomethylophilus spp.). Analysis of microbial functions revealed that capsular polysaccharide transport system, oxidation-reduction process, type III, and type IV secretion systems were also increased in active BD patients. Network analysis showed that the BD-enriched SRB and opportunistic pathogens were positively correlated with each other, but they were negatively associated with the BPB and methanogens. Animal experiments revealed that fecal microbiota transplantation with feces from BD patients significantly exacerbated EAU activity and increased the production of inflammatory cytokines including IL-17 and IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that BD is associated with considerable gut microbiome changes, which is corroborated by a mouse study of fecal microbiota transplants. A model explaining the association of the gut microbiome composition with BD pathogenesis is proposed.

Sharing for Health: A Study of Chinese Adolescents' Experiences and Perspectives on Using Social Network Sites to Share Health Information.

PURPOSE: This exploratory qualitative study examines Chinese adolescents' health information sharing habits on social network sites. METHOD: Ten focus group meetings with 76 adolescents, ages 12 to 17 years, were conducted at community-based organizations in Chicago's Chinatown. The research team transcribed the recording and analyzed the transcripts using ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: Chinese adolescents are using different social network sites for various topics of health information including food, physical activity, and so on. Adolescents would share useful and/or interesting health information. Many adolescents raised credibility concerns regarding health information and suggested evaluating the information based on self-experience or intuition, word-of-mouth, or information online. CONCLUSION: The findings shed lights on future intervention using social network sites to promote health among Chinese adolescents in the United States. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future interventions should provide adolescents with interesting and culturally sensitive health information and educate them to critically evaluate health information on social network sites.

A new leafhopper genus of Erythroneurini (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae) from karst area in southwestern China

ABSTRACT Guizhou is regarded as one hotspot for China's Erythroneurini diversity, from where numerous rare new species have been, or are being, described. A new genus and species of Erythroneurini from Huajiang, Guizhou, China, Anuihuajianga pyramidalis gen. et sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The new genus is characterized by subgenital plate extremely short, with long macrosetae dorsally at base, and small teeth-like setae at apex. The characteristic aedeagus shaped like two overlapping cones can also easily distinguish it from other genera. In general, this study further enriches the diversity of Erythroneurini in southwestern China.