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INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma (GBM) poses a significant challenge in oncology, with median survival times barely extending beyond a year due to resistance to standard therapies like temozolomide (TMZ). This study introduces a novel therapeutic strategy combining progesterone (Prog) and abiraterone (Abi) aimed at enhancing GBM treatment efficacy by modulating the tumor microenvironment and augmenting NK cell-mediated immunity. METHODS: We employed in vitro and in vivo GBM models to assess the effects of Prog and Abi on cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and the immune microenvironment. Techniques included cell viability assays, Glo-caspase 3/7 apoptosis assays, RNA-seq and qPCR for gene expression, Seahorse analysis for mitochondrial function, HPLC-MS for metabolomics analysis, and immune analysis by flow cytometry to quantify NK cell infiltration. RESULTS: Prog significantly reduced the IC50 of Abi in TMZ-resistant GBM cell, suggesting the enhanced cytotoxicity. Treatment induced greater apoptosis than either agent alone, suppressed tumor growth, and prolonged survival in mouse models. Notably, there was an increase in CD3-/CD19-/CD56+/NK1.1+ NK cell infiltration in treated tumors, indicating a shift towards an anti-tumor immune microenvironment. The combination therapy also resulted in a reduction of MGMT expression and a suppression of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis in GBM cells. CONCLUSION: The combination of Prog and Abi represents a promising therapeutic approach for GBM, showing potential in suppressing tumor growth, extending survival, and modulating the immune microenvironment. These findings warrant further exploration into the clinical applicability of this strategy to improve outcomes for GBM patients.

Asunto(s)

Glioblastoma , Células Asesinas Naturales , Progesterona , Glioblastoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioblastoma/patología , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Glioblastoma/inmunología , Humanos , Ratones , Animales , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Células Asesinas Naturales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Asesinas Naturales/metabolismo , Progesterona/farmacología , Androstenos/farmacología , Androstenos/uso terapéutico , Línea Celular Tumoral , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Microambiente Tumoral/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/inmunología , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Neoplasias Encefálicas/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad

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In the current era of exploring changing sexual behavior, promoting and supporting the diversity of pleasure, the sexual health and rights of sexual minorities are getting more public attention, among which the "Fourth Love" emerges as a distinctive group within the framework of Chinese culture. Fourth Love refers to a loving relationship between couples of the opposite sex where the woman assumes the traditional male gender role and the man assumes the traditional female gender role, and always accompanied by a special pattern of sexual behavior that women penetrate the men's anus using their fingers or a device. This theoretical article begins by introducing and discussing the historical background, core concept "Fourth Love" and its related categories. Subsequently, we start from Judith Butler's gender performativity theory and interpret the Fourth Love from the perspective of "de-naturalization" and argue that the gender performativity theory provides a reasonable explanation for the gender characteristics (female top and male bottom) of the Fourth Love. Finally, we posit a discussion and outlook on the survival and development of the Fourth Love in the fields of sexual health, sexual pleasure, sexual right, and family and marriage, and calls for more understanding and psychological support from the society for them.

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Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. Recent studies have suggested a potential role for steroid synthesis in AD pathology. This study investigated the co-localization of steroidogenic enzymes in neuronal cells, changes in enzyme expression in an AD mouse model, and steroid expressions in human AD samples. Additionally, we conducted a steroidomic metabolomics analysis and evaluated the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) treatment in an AD mouse model. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed significant co-localization of cytochrome P450 family 17 subfamily A member 1 (CYP17A1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) proteins with α-synuclein in presynaptic neurons, suggesting active steroid synthesis in these cells. Conversely, such co-localization was absent in astrocytes. In the AD mouse model, a marked decrease in the expression of steroidogenic enzymes (Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Star) was observed, especially in areas with amyloid beta plaque accumulation. Human AD and MS brain tissues showed similar reductions in StAR and CYP17A1 expressions. Steroidomic analysis indicated a downregulation of key steroids in the serum of AD patients. DHEAS treatment in AD mice resulted in improved cognitive function and reduced Aß accumulation. Our findings indicate a neuron-specific pathway for steroid synthesis, potentially playing a crucial role in AD pathology. The reduction in steroidogenic enzymes and key steroids in AD models and human samples suggests that impaired steroid synthesis is a feature of neurodegenerative diseases. The therapeutic potential of targeting steroid synthesis pathways, as indicated by the positive effects of DHEAS treatment, warrants further investigation.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Sulfato de Deshidroepiandrosterona , Neuronas , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Humanos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Sulfato de Deshidroepiandrosterona/metabolismo , Ratones , Masculino , Esteroide 17-alfa-Hidroxilasa/metabolismo , Esteroide 17-alfa-Hidroxilasa/genética , Esteroides/biosíntesis , Esteroides/metabolismo , Ratones Transgénicos , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Femenino , Fosfoproteínas/metabolismo , Fosfoproteínas/genética , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Encéfalo/efectos de los fármacos , Astrocitos/metabolismo , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos

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Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating cancer with dismal prognosis due to distant metastasis, even in the early stage. Using RNA sequencing and multiplex immunofluorescence, here we find elevated expression of mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudo-kinase (MLKL) and enhanced necroptosis pathway in PDAC from early liver metastasis T-stage (T1M1) patients comparing with non-metastatic (T1M0) patients. Mechanistically, MLKL-driven necroptosis recruits macrophages, enhances the tumor CD47 'don't eat me' signal, and induces macrophage extracellular traps (MET) formation for CXCL8 activation. CXCL8 further initiates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and upregulates ICAM-1 expression to promote endothelial adhesion. METs also degrades extracellular matrix, that eventually supports PDAC liver metastasis. Meanwhile, targeting necroptosis and CD47 reduces liver metastasis in vivo. Our study thus reveals that necroptosis facilitates PDAC metastasis by evading immune surveillance, and also suggest that CD47 blockade, combined with MLKL inhibitor GW806742X, may be a promising neoadjuvant immunotherapy for overcoming the T1M1 dilemma and reviving the opportunity for radical surgery.

Asunto(s)

Antígeno CD47 , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático , Transición Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Trampas Extracelulares , Neoplasias Hepáticas , Macrófagos , Necroptosis , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Proteínas Quinasas , Humanos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/genética , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/inmunología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/secundario , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Animales , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/patología , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/metabolismo , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/inmunología , Carcinoma Ductal Pancreático/genética , Ratones , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Macrófagos/inmunología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antígeno CD47/metabolismo , Antígeno CD47/genética , Proteínas Quinasas/metabolismo , Trampas Extracelulares/metabolismo , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Intercelular/metabolismo , Molécula 1 de Adhesión Intercelular/genética , Masculino , Transducción de Señal , Femenino , Acrilamidas , Sulfonamidas

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Background and Aim: The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was updated to MELDNa and recently to MELD3.0 to predict survival of cirrhotic patients. We validated the prognostic performance of MELD3.0 and compared with MELDNa and MELD amongst cirrhotic inpatients. Methods: Demographical, clinical, biochemical, and survival data of cirrhotic inpatients in Singapore General Hospital (SGH) from 01 January 2018 to 31 December 2018, were studied retrospectively. Patients were followed up from first admission in 2018 until death or until 01 April 2023. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were computed for the discriminative effects of MELD3.0, MELDNa, and MELD to predict 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortalities. AUROC was compared with DeLong's test. The cutoff MELD3.0 score for patients at high risk of 30-day mortality was determined using Youden's Index. Survival curves of patients with MELD3.0 score above and below the cutoff were estimated with Kaplan-Meier method and compared with log-rank analysis. Results: Totally 862 patients were included (median age 71.0 years [interquartile range, IQR: 64.0-79.0], 65.4% males, 75.8% Chinese). Proportion of patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes A/B/C were 55.5%/35.5%/9.0%. Median MELD3.0/MELDNa/MELD scores were 12.2 (IQR: 8.7-18.3)/11.0 (IQR: 8.0-17.5)/10.3 (IQR: 7.8-15.0). Median time of follow-up was 51.9 months (IQR: 8.5-59.6). The proportion of 30-/90-/365-day mortalities was 5.7%/13.2%/26.9%. AUROC of MELD3.0/MELDNa/MELD in predicting 30-, 90-, and 365-day mortalities, respectively, were 0.823/0.793/0.783, 0.754/0.724/0.707, 0.682/0.654/0.644 (P < 0.05). Optimal cutoff to predict 30-day mortality was MELD3.0 > 19 (sensitivity = 67.4%, specificity = 82.4%). Patients with MELD3.0 > 19, compared with patients with MELD3.0 ≤ 19, had shorter median time to death (98.0 days [IQR: 28.8-398.0] vs 390.0 days [IQR: 134.3-927.5]), and higher proportion of 30-day mortality (68.8% vs 43.0%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: MELD3.0 performs better than MELDNa and MELD in predicting mortality in cirrhotic inpatients. MELD3.0 > 19 predicts higher 30-day mortality.

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Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant brain tumor, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we present a mechanistic breakthrough by designing and evaluating a series of abiraterone-installed hydroxamic acids as potential dual inhibitors of CYP17A1 and HDAC6 for GBM treatment. We established the correlation of CYP17A1/HDAC6 overexpression with tumor recurrence and temozolomide resistance in GBM patients. Compound 12, a dual inhibitor, demonstrated significant anti-GBM activity in vitro, particularly against TMZ-resistant cell lines. Mechanistically, compound 12 induced apoptosis, suppressed recurrence-associated genes, induced oxidative stress and initiated DNA damage response. Furthermore, molecular modeling studies confirmed its potent inhibitory activity against CYP17A1 and HDAC6. In vivo studies revealed that compound 12 effectively suppressed tumor growth in xenograft and orthotopic mouse models without inducing significant adverse effects. These findings highlight the potential of dual CYP17A1 and HDAC6 inhibition as a promising strategy for overcoming treatment resistance in GBM and offer new hope for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Asunto(s)

Androstenos , Neoplasias Encefálicas , Glioblastoma , Esteroide 17-alfa-Hidroxilasa , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Alquilantes/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Encefálicas/genética , Neoplasias Encefálicas/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Daño del ADN , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Glioblastoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Glioblastoma/genética , Glioblastoma/patología , Histona Desacetilasa 6/genética , Ácidos Hidroxámicos/farmacología , Ácidos Hidroxámicos/uso terapéutico , Recurrencia Local de Neoplasia/tratamiento farmacológico , Estrés Oxidativo , Temozolomida/farmacología , Temozolomida/uso terapéutico , Ensayos Antitumor por Modelo de Xenoinjerto

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Patients with concurrent intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and hepatolithiasis generally have poor prognoses. Hepatolithiasis is once considered the primary cause of ICC, although recent insights indicate that bacteria in the occurrence of hepatolithiasis can promote the progression of ICC. By constructing in vitro and in vivo ICC models and patient-derived organoids (PDOs), it is shown that Escherichia coli induces the production of a novel RNA, circGLIS3 (cGLIS3), which promotes tumor growth. cGLIS3 binds to hnRNPA1 and G3BP1, resulting in the assembly of stress granules (SGs) and suppression of hnRNPA1 and G3BP1 ubiquitination. Consequently, the IKKα mRNA is blocked in SGs, decreasing the production of IKKα and activating the NF-κB pathway, which finally results in chemoresistance and produces metastatic phenotypes of ICC. This study shows that a combination of Icaritin (ICA) and gemcitabine plus cisplatin (GP) chemotherapy can be a promising treatment strategy for ICC.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares , Colangiocarcinoma , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Escherichia coli , FN-kappa B , Gránulos de Estrés , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares/metabolismo , Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares/genética , Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares/patología , Colangiocarcinoma/metabolismo , Colangiocarcinoma/genética , Colangiocarcinoma/patología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , ADN Helicasas , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/metabolismo , Gemcitabina , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/genética , Proteínas de Unión a Poli-ADP-Ribosa/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión a Poli-ADP-Ribosa/genética , ARN Helicasas , Proteínas con Motivos de Reconocimiento de ARN/metabolismo , Proteínas con Motivos de Reconocimiento de ARN/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Gránulos de Estrés/metabolismo , Gránulos de Estrés/genética

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Blood sugar is an important biomedical parameter of diabetic patients. The current blood sugar testing is based on an invasive method, which is not very friendly for patients who require long-term monitoring, while the non-invasive method is still in the developing stage. In this paper, we design a non-invasive and highly sensitive terahertz wave detector with Co3Sn2S2 semimetal thin film to test sugar concentration. As different concentrations have inconsistent responses to terahertz wave, we can deduce the concentration of the sugar solution to realize real-time highly sensitive detection of blood sugar concentration. This novel method can be further expanded to 6 G edge intelligence for non-invasive and real-time monitoring of blood sugar, and promote the development of 6 G technology.

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Agenesis and hypoplasia affecting multiple flexor tendons within the same hand represent an exceedingly uncommon occurrence, with no previous studies addressing this condition. This report details a 4-year-old girl with agenesis of the right third and fourth fingers, who sought consultation due to the inability to flex her seemingly unaffected second and fifth fingers. Ultrasound examination revealed substantial thinning of the flexor tendons in the second to fifth digits, with a notable absence of attachment to the middle phalanx. In addition to flexor tendon hypoplasia, hypoplasia of the third and fourth middle phalanges was observed. Hand deformities featuring both finger agenesis and flexor tendon hypoplasia across multiple fingers were exceptionally rare. In such instances, ultrasound, in conjunction with radiography, emerges as the recommended initial imaging tool for comprehensive evaluation of both the phalangeal bones and flexor tendons.

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Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play crucial roles in response to aging processes. However, how lncRNAs regulate postharvest senescence of Sparassis latifolia (S. latifolia) with oriented polypropylene (OPP) film packing during cold storage remains unclear. In this study, we performed RNA-seq using the fruiting bodies of S. latifolia stored at 4 â„ƒ for 0, 8, 16 and 24 days after harvest, and profiled the lncRNA and mRNA transcriptome, respectively. In total, 1003 putative lncRNAs were identified, and there were 495, 483 and 162 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, and 3680, 3941 and 1870 differentially expressed mRNAs after 8, 16 and 24 days of storage, respectively, compared to 0 day of storage. Target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs were found to significantly associate with carbon and energy metabolism, response to abiotic stimulus, amino acid biosynthesis and metabolism, and protein synthesis and transcription. In addition, DE-lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks in response to aging stress were also constructed. Taken together, these results confirm the regulatory role of lncRNAs in postharvest senescence of S. latifolia and will facilitate for improving preservation method.

Asunto(s)

Polyporales , ARN Largo no Codificante , ARN Largo no Codificante/genética , Criopreservación , ARN Mensajero/genética

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Structural analysis of tazemetostat, an FDA-approved EZH2 inhibitor, led us to pinpoint a suitable site for appendage with a pharmacophoric fragment of second-generation HSP90 inhibitors. Resultantly, a magnificent dual EZH2/HSP90 inhibitor was pinpointed that exerted striking cell growth inhibitory efficacy against TMZ-resistant Glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. Exhaustive explorations of chemical probe 7 led to several revelations such as (i) compound 7 increased apoptosis/necrosis-related gene expression, whereas decreased M phase/kinetochore/spindle-related gene expression as well as CENPs protein expression in Pt3R cells; (ii) dual inhibitor 7 induced cell cycle arrest at the M phase; (iii) compound 7 suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) catabolism pathway, causing the death of TMZ-resistant GBM cells; and (iv) compound 7 elicited substantial in vivo anti-GBM efficacy in experimental mice xenografted with TMZ-resistant Pt3R cells. Collectively, the study results confirm the potential of dual EZH2-HSP90 inhibitor 7 as a tractable anti-GBM agent.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias Encefálicas , Glioblastoma , Animales , Ratones , Temozolomida/farmacología , Apoptosis , Resistencia a Antineoplásicos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Antineoplásicos/química , Glioblastoma/metabolismo , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Neoplasias Encefálicas/tratamiento farmacológico

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The covalent interactions between proanthocyanidins (PAs) and pectin during thermal processing was investigated. An acid-butanol assay clearly showed that PAs were covalently bound to pectin. Computational studies indicated that a nucleophilic substitution reaction occurred between the carbocation generated by the PAs and carboxyl or hydroxyl groups on the pectin, leading to the formation of PAs-pectin adducts. Thermal processing and PAs significantly affected the physicochemical, functional, and biological properties of pectin. Thermal processing reduced the molecular weight and increased the gelling properties of pectin, whereas PAs increased both the molecular weight and the gelling properties. Finally, we found that the covalent attachment of PAs to pectin greatly enhanced its antioxidant, prebiotic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Overall, our results suggest that the thermal processing of fruits has the potential to induce a covalent interaction between PAs and pectin, which would impact the physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of pectin.

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Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is characterized by its dense fibrotic microenvironment and highly malignant nature, which are associated with chemotherapy resistance and very poor prognosis. Although circRNAs have emerged as important regulators in cancer biology, their role in ICC remains largely unclear. Herein, a circular RNA, cPKM is identified, which is upregulated in ICC and associated with poor prognosis. Silencing cPKM in ICC cells reduces TGFB1 release and stromal fibrosis, inhibits STMN1 expression, and suppresses ICC growth and metastasis, moreover, it also leads to overcoming paclitaxel resistance. This is regulated by the interactions of cPKM with miR-199a-5p or IGF2BP2 and by the ability of cPKM to stabilize STMN1/TGFB1 mRNA. Based on these findings, a Trojan horse nanotherapy strategy with co-loading of siRNA against cPKM (si-cPKM) and paclitaxel (PTX) is developed. The siRNA/PTX co-loaded nanosystem (Trojan horse) efficiently penetrates tumor tissues, releases si-cPKM and paclitaxel (soldiers), promotes paclitaxel sensitization, and suppresses ICC proliferation and metastasis in vivo. Furthermore, it alleviates the fibrosis of ICC tumor stroma and reopens collapsed tumor vessels (opening the gates), thus enhancing the efficacy of the standard chemotherapy regimen (main force). This novel nanotherapy provides a promising new strategy for ICC treatment.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares , Colangiocarcinoma , Humanos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Colangiocarcinoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Colangiocarcinoma/genética , ARN Interferente Pequeño , Paclitaxel/uso terapéutico , Conductos Biliares Intrahepáticos/metabolismo , Conductos Biliares Intrahepáticos/patología , Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de los Conductos Biliares/genética , Fibrosis , Microambiente Tumoral , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al ARN , Estatmina/metabolismo

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Solomon's paradox is a widespread phenomenon regarding how we think, which asserts that people reason more wisely about other people's social problems than they do about their own. This means that we are more likely to make rational decisions when decision-making on the behalf of others than for ourselves, which has practical implications in the field of interpersonal conflicts and social dilemmas. However, it remains unclear whether Solomon's paradox exists across cultures, and the magnitude of its effect size. A meta-analysis was conducted, examining six studies and 20 effect sizes, to gain more insight into this phenomenon, considering the influencing effects of culture, measurement instrument, conflict type, and some other moderating factors. The results showed that Solomon's paradox does exist in interpersonal conflict (d = 0.317; 95% CI = 0.828-0.852). Moderator analysis revealed that measurement instrument and subjects had an impact on the effect of Solomon's paradox and there was a non-significant effect size of culture and conflict type. Future research should explore the diverse forms of Solomon's paradox across more diverse cultural contexts (e.g., various countries) to better understand the phenomenon and help people cope with life's problems more wisely.

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BACKGROUND: There remains uncertainty regarding optimal definitive management for malignant posterior circulation infarcts (MPCI). While guidelines recommend neurosurgery for malignant cerebellar infarcts that are refractory to medical therapy, concerns exist about the functional outcome and quality of life after decompressive surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of surgical intervention compared to medical therapy in MPCI. METHODS: In this systematic review, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until 2 April 2021. Studies were included if they involved posterior circulation strokes treated with neurosurgical intervention and reported mortality and functional outcome data. Data were collected according to PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: The search yielded 6677 studies, of which 31 studies (comprising 723 patients) were included for analysis. From the included studies, we found that surgical therapy led to significant differences in mortality and functional outcomes in patients with severe disease. Neurological decline and radiological criteria were often used to decide the timing for surgical intervention, as there is currently limited evidence for preventative neurosurgery. There is also limited evidence for the superiority of one surgical modality over another. CONCLUSION: For patients with MPCI who are clinically stable at the time of presentation, in terms of mortality and functional outcome, surgical therapy appears to be equivocal to medical therapy. Reliable evidence is lacking, and further prospective studies are rendered.

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Previous studies that have addressed the growing mental health problems among sexual minorities in mainland China, but failed to inform mental health programs and public health policies with consistent detection results. To obtain robust results on aggregate detection rates and moderators of these problems, we performed a meta-analysis of the related Chinese and English literature published before 2022. Ultimately, 305 eligible studies (ndepression = 127, nanxiety = 71, nsuicide ideation = 55, nsuicide plan = 13, nsuicide attempt = 39) were pooled in the analysis. The results revealed "Money boys" and people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) had higher detection rates than general men who have sex with men. Depression was more prevalent in gays than lesbians, and the latter had a higher detection rate of suicide. Detection rates of anxiety and depression among sexual minorities in China were moderated by detection time, measurement tools, and their detection thresholds. Suggested future priorities include developing more targeted measurement tools that consider the living conditions and psychological characteristics of local sexual minorities, enhancing mental health programs for sexual minorities, and devising more practical and effective interventions to prevent and reduce their mental health problems.

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This study fabricated a novel excipient emulsion by adding dark tea polysaccharides to improve the bioaccessibility of lycopene from tomatoes. Results indicated that addition of tea polysaccharides greatly increased the antioxidant activity of excipient emulsions. Additionally, tea polysaccharides markedly improved the physical stability of excipient emulsion when being mixed with tomato puree and passing through a simulated gastrointestinal tract, contributing to an increase in electrostatic and steric repulsion between the droplets. Besides, certain amount of tea polysaccharides (0.05 - 0.2 wt%) could increase the rate and extent of lipid digestion in tomato-emulsion mixtures. Finally, lycopene bioaccessibility was significantly increased (from 16.95 % to 26.21 %) when 0.1 wt% tea polysaccharides were included, which was mainly ascribed to the ability of tea polysaccharides to increase lipid digestion and reduce carotenoid oxidation within the gastrointestinal tract. These results suggest that well-designed excipient emulsions may increase carotenoids bioavailability in the complex food matrices.

Asunto(s)

Solanum lycopersicum , Licopeno , Emulsiones , Excipientes , Carotenoides , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , Lípidos , Té

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Influences of conventional thermal and innovative non-thermal extraction methods on the physicochemical characteristics and properties of pectic polysaccharides from Choerospondias axillaris peels were investigated. Results showed that ultrasound-assisted extracted polysaccharides (UP) had a heterogeneous nature with lower molecular weight (127.7 kDa) and lower neutral sugar content (35.1%) but higher contents of protein (4.8%) and phenolic compounds (5.1%) than those of polysaccharides extracted by hot water (HP). Additionally, the monosaccharide composition results showed that glucose (77.8%) was the most abundant monosaccharide in HP, while arabinose (67.1%) was the most abundant monosaccharide in UP. The ultrasound significantly induced the degradation of polysaccharide chains but reduced the thermal degradation of phenolics. Finally, we found that UP had higher apparent viscosity, interfacial, emulsifying and antioxidant activity but lower α-glucosidase inhibition activity than those of HP. The results indicated that we could obtain polysaccharides with different functional and biological properties by using different extraction methods.

Asunto(s)

Anacardiaceae , Pectinas , Pectinas/química , Antioxidantes/química , alfa-Glucosidasas/metabolismo , Arabinosa , Anacardiaceae/química , Polisacáridos/química , Monosacáridos , Agua/química , Fenoles , Glucosa

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Objective: Within the context of gender diversity, the concept of heterosexuality is also changing, emerging as a diversified sexual orientation and identity. This study aims to challenge the orthodoxy about heterosexuality by exploring the psychosocial characteristics and attitudes toward "fourth love" in China. Method: Two studies initially explored the current status of fourth love as a sexual minority. In Study 1, The Sex-Role Inventory and the Marital Attitude Scale were used to assess fourth-love (N = 144) and traditionally heterosexual participants' (N = 145) gender roles and marriage attitudes. In study 2, the Attitudes Toward the Fourth Love Scale was developed to assess college students' (N = 315) attitudes toward fourth-love men and women. Result: Fourth-love women often identify with masculine gender roles and significant differences were found between fourth-love and traditionally heterosexual women their gender roles. Fourth-love men identified with a neutral gender role, while there are significant differences between fourth-love men and traditionally heterosexual women in masculine gender roles. Fourth-love people's marriage attitudes were more negative than those of traditionally heterosexual people, especially for women. Various demographic factors influenced college students' attitudes toward the fourth love. Conclusion: As a sexual minority within the umbrella of heterosexuality in China, fourth-love individuals require further research attention and increased support.