Guided by communication infrastructure theory and social support theory, this study scrutinizes how the storytelling networks of marginalized communities, particularly migrant domestic workers ...(MDWs), provided social support amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Data obtained from in-depth interviews with 32 Indonesian MDWs in Hong Kong revealed that the community storytelling networks, comprising interpersonal relationships, community organizations, and media outlets, played an essential role in assisting the coping efforts of MDWs during the pandemic. These storytelling networks offered various types of social support, including informational, emotional, and instrumental or tangible assistance. However, these connections to the storytelling networks were also sources of the spread of misinformation. Theoretical and practical implications are further discussed.
Self-disclosure is purposeful disclosure of personal information to other people, and online self-disclosure on health-related issues is important in promoting a safe and sound online health ...environment. The present study investigates the ways in which youths engage in online self-disclosure of health-related issues in the Web 2.0 age. We examine how self-disclosure is driven by the level of trust in social media and uncertainty reduction actions, i.e., seeking information to verify and challenge the prescription after visiting medical professionals. Comparative surveys were conducted in Hong Kong, South Korea, and the U.S., respectively. Compared to their counterparts in South Korea and the U.S., youths in Hong Kong were significantly more likely to disclose personal health issues with peers online. Hong Kong youths also held the highest level of trust towards health-related information on social media. Meanwhile, both the level of trust in social media and uncertainty reduction actions were positively associated with online self-disclosure.
•It examines how youths engage in online self-disclosure of health-related issues.•Comparative surveys were conducted in Hong Kong, South Korea, and the U.S.•Youths in Hong Kong were more likely to disclose personal health issues online.•Trust in social media increased online self-disclosure in the U.S. and Hong Kong.•Uncertainty reduction actions facilitated self-disclosure in all three societies.
Anaplasma capra is an emerging tickborne human pathogen initially recognized in China in 2015; it has been reported in ticks and in a wide range of domestic and wild animals worldwide. We describe ...whole-genome sequences of 2 A. capra strains from metagenomic sequencing of purified erythrocytes from infected goats in China. The genome of A. capra was the smallest among members of the genus Anaplasma. The genomes of the 2 A. capra strains contained comparable G+C content and numbers of pseudogenes with intraerythrocytic Anaplasma species. The 2 A. capra strains had 54 unique genes. The prevalence of A. capra was high among goats in the 2 endemic areas. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the A. capra strains detected in this study were basically classified into 2 subclusters with those previously detected in Asia. Our findings clarify details of the genomic characteristics of A. capra and shed light on its genetic diversity.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, ODKLJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cervical cancer, a major health concern among women worldwide, is closely linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This study explores the evolving landscape of HPV molecular epidemiology in ...Taiwan over a decade (2010–2020), where prophylactic HPV vaccination has been implemented since 2007. Analyzing data from 40,561 vaginal swab samples, with 42.0% testing positive for HPV, we reveal shifting trends in HPV genotype distribution and infection patterns. The 12 high-risk genotypes, in order of decreasing percentage, were HPV 52, 58, 16, 18, 51, 56, 39, 59, 33, 31, 45, and 35. The predominant genotypes were HPV 52, 58, and 16, accounting for over 70% of cases annually. The proportions of high-risk and non-high-risk HPV infections varied across age groups. High-risk infections predominated in sexually active individuals aged 30-50 and were mixed-type infections. The composition of high-risk HPV genotypes was generally stable over time; however, HPV31, 33, 39, and 51 significantly decreased over the decade. Of the strains, HPV31 and 33 are shielded by the nonavalent HPV vaccine. However, no reduction was noted for the other seven genotypes. This study offers valuable insights into the post-vaccine HPV epidemiology. Future investigations should delve into HPV vaccines’ effects and their implications for cervical cancer prevention strategies. These findings underscore the need for continued surveillance and research to guide effective public health interventions targeting HPV-associated diseases.
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•Coupling ultrasonic and thermal energy was introduced to soil remediation by activated persulfate.•A relatively high reaction rate was achieved on TPH removal ...(200.15 mg kg−1h−1).•The kinetics and thermodynamics were explored on petroleum hydrocarbon degradation.•Three reaction phases were obtained on the kinetic study of TPH degradation in US/Heat/PS system.•The TPH degradation mechanism by US/Heat-activated PS was conducted.
This study focuses on the remediation of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil matrix. Factors such as the persulfate dosage, initial pH, temperature, ultrasonic power, and soil water ratio were investigated by using ultrasonic and thermal energy to activate persulfate. The results showed that the degradation efficiency of the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) content was 78.2% and 72.64% within 72 h for the ultrasonically/thermally-activated persulfate (“US/Heat/PS”) and thermally-activated persulfate (“Heat/PS”) systems, respectively, whereas it was 56.41% for the ultrasonically-activated persulfate system. The results of the kinetics analysis suggested that the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons well-fitted the pseudo-second-order reaction, and that the rate constants increased with increasing temperature and initial persulfate dosage but with decreasing pH over a certain range. Moreover, three reaction phases comprising two rapid phases and an intermediate phase were observed for the TPH degradation. The measured thermodynamic parameters justified the spontaneity of the degradation process. Furthermore, a possible mechanism of petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in the US/Heat/PS system was determined through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, and the degradation priority of different components was ranked as: alkenes > alcohols > esters > alkanes > aromatics.
Abstract
Ferroptosis‐related renal tubular lesions play important roles in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression, and these pathophysiological responses are collectively described as diabetic ...tubulopathy (DT), which lacks an effective treatment. Total flavones from
Abelmoschus manihot
(TFA), a natural extract that extensively used in patients with chronic kidney disease, has been used for treatment of renal tubular injury in DKD; however, whether TFA alleviates DT and its potential mechanisms remain unclear. Hence, we investigated the effects of TFA, compared to dapagliflozin, in DT management both
in vivo
and
in vitro
, using a DKD rat model and the NRK‐52 E cells. Following modeling, the DKD rats received TFA, dapagliflozin, or vehicle for 6 weeks. For the
in vitro
research, the NRK‐52 E cells were exposed to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) plus ferrostatin‐1 (Fer‐1), dapagliflozin, or TFA. Changes in biochemical parameters and renal tubular injury were analyzed
in vivo
, while changes in ferroptosis of renal tubular cells and the ferroptosis‐related proteins expression were analyzed both
in vivo
and
in vitro
. We found that TFA and dapagliflozin improved biochemical parameters, renal tubular injury, and ferroptosis in the DKD rats. Moreover, TFA and dapagliflozin inhibited ferroptosis by ameliorating iron deposition, lipid peroxidation capacity, and ferroptosis‐related proteins expression
in vitro
, which was similar to the effects of Fer‐1. Collectively, this study demonstrated that TFA treated DT in a manner similar to dapagliflozin by inhibiting ferroptosis of renal tubular cells via improving iron deposition and antioxidant capacity. Our findings provide new pharmacological evidence for TFA application in DT treatment.
摘要
铁死亡相关的肾小管损伤在糖尿病肾脏疾病(DKD)进展中发挥着重要作用，这些病理生理学的变化被统称为糖尿病肾小管病(DT)，缺乏有效的治疗。黄蜀葵花总黄酮(TFA)作为一个广泛用于慢性肾脏病患者的天然提取物已被应用于DKD肾小管损伤的治疗，但是，TFA是否能减轻DT以及它的潜在机制仍不清楚。因此，在DT的体内外干预性研究中，我们用DKD大鼠模型和NRK‐52E细胞观察了TFA的作用，并与达格列净对比。在造模后，DKD大鼠接受了6周的TFA、达格列净或安慰剂的干预。在体外研究中，NRK‐52E细胞与晚期糖基化终末产物(AGEs)、ferrostatin‐1(Fer‐1)、达格列净以及TFA共培养。在体内，生化参数和肾小管细胞损伤的变化得到了分析。在体内外研究中，肾小管细胞铁死亡和铁死亡相关蛋白表达的变化也得到了分析。我们发现，TFA和达格列净改善了DKD大鼠生化参数、肾小管损伤和铁死亡。此外，TFA和达格列净在体外通过改善铁超载、脂质过氧化以及铁死亡相关蛋白表达而抑制了铁死亡，这些作用类似于Fer‐1。总之，本研究阐明，TFA与达格列净类似，通过抑制铁死亡和改善铁超载、脂质过氧化而干预了DT。我们的发现为TFA在DT治疗上的应用提供了新的药理学依据。
The Internet has increasingly become a popular source of health information by connecting individuals with health content, experts, and support. More and more, individuals turn to social media and ...Internet sites to share health information and experiences. Although online health information seeking occurs worldwide, limited empirical studies exist examining cross-cultural differences in perceptions about user-generated, experience-based information compared to expertise-based information sources.
To investigate if cultural variations exist in patterns of online health information seeking, specifically in perceptions of online health information sources. It was hypothesized that Koreans and Hongkongers, compared to Americans, would be more likely to trust and use experience-based knowledge shared in social Internet sites, such as social media and online support groups. Conversely, Americans, compared to Koreans and Hongkongers, would value expertise-based knowledge prepared and approved by doctors or professional health providers more.
Survey questionnaires were developed in English first and then translated into Korean and Chinese. The back-translation method ensured the standardization of questions. Surveys were administered using a standardized recruitment strategy and data collection methods.
A total of 826 participants living in metropolitan areas from the United States (n=301), Korea (n=179), and Hong Kong (n=337) participated in the study. We found significant cultural differences in information processing preferences for online health information. A planned contrast test revealed that Koreans and Hongkongers showed more trust in experience-based health information sources (blogs: t451.50=11.21, P<.001; online support group: t455.71=9.30, P<.001; social networking sites SNS: t466.75=11.36, P<.001) and also reported using blogs (t515.31=6.67, P<.001) and SNS (t529.22=4.51, P<.001) more frequently than Americans. Americans showed a stronger preference for using expertise-based information sources (eg, WebMD and CDC) compared to Koreans and Hongkongers (t360.02=3.01, P=.003). Trust in expertise-based information sources was universal, demonstrating no cultural differences (Brown-Forsythe F2,654=1.82, P=.16). Culture also contributed significantly to differences in searching information on behalf of family members (t480.38=5.99, P<.001) as well as to the goals of information searching.
This research found significant cultural differences in information processing preferences for online health information. Further discussion is included regarding effective communication strategies in providing quality health information.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
•Cyberbullying victims reported more antisocial bystander behaviors than nonvictims.•Gender influenced teenagers’ bystander reaction strategies on SNSs.•Female victims performed more prosocial ...bystander behaviors than male victims.•Teenagers’ online social interactions positively predicted their prosocial bystander behaviors.
This study investigated how teenagers’ past victim experiences might influence their bystander behaviors when teenagers witness cyberbullying on social networking sites (SNSs). An analysis of 622 teenage SNS users’ responses in the Pew Internet Survey showed that at least 16.6% of the teenagers had previously been cyberbullied on SNSs. Those who had been victims of cyberbullying reported more antisocial reaction strategies than nonvictims. Meanwhile, girls were more likely to perform prosocial bystander behaviors, whereas boys tended to behave more antisocially. Girls who had been cyberbullied claimed to adopt more prosocial bystander behaviors than male victims. Teenagers who had more online social interactions had more prosocial bystander reactions, compared to those who interacted less online. Empathy and reciprocity were discussed as the mechanisms for teenagers’ prosocial and antisocial reaction strategies.
The present study examines the conditional and differential effects of social media use on elite-challenging political participation, such as petitions, demonstrations, and protests. It applies the ...Gamson hypothesis (i.e., a combination of high internal political efficacy and low political trust creates optimal conditions for political mobilization) and extends the differential political implications of new media. This study demonstrates how two types of social media use (i.e., capital-enhancing use and recreational use) and the trust-efficacy typology jointly affect political participation, with empirical reference to three Asian societies (i.e., mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan). Results from a comparative survey echoed previous literature indicating that capital-enhancing social media use facilitated political engagement, whereas recreational use might dampen engagement. The Gamson hypothesis was supported in the Taiwan sample: Dissidents who had high political efficacy and low political trust were more politically active, and for these people, capital-enhancing social media had a stronger political impact. In mainland China, the recreational use of social media had a stronger political implication for Assureds, who were politically self-efficacious and had stronger political trust.
•It examines effects of social media use on elite-challenging political engagement.•Comparative surveys were conducted in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.•Capital-enhancing social media use facilitated political participation.•Dissidents (having high efficacy but low political trust) were politically active.•The trust – efficacy typology moderated the political impacts of social media use.
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