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In this study, a purified polysaccharide from Euodiae Fructus (EFP-40) was obtained by sequential water extraction, decolorization, and gradient ethanol precipitation. Chemical methods such as colorimetry and methylation, as well as instrumental techniques such as high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and high performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with an amperometric detector (HPAEC-PAD) were used to characterize its physicochemical properties and structural characteristics. An in vitro fecal fermentation model was established to determine the effect of EFP-40 on the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. Results indicated that the molecular mass of EFP-40 was 9.7 × 104 Da, mainly consisting of rhamnose (4.36%), glucose (10.24%), arabinose (22.24%), galactose (24.79%) and galacturonic acid (33.36%). The degrees of methyl esterification (DM) and acetylation (DA) were 17.06% and 8.12%, respectively, and the polysaccharide was possibly a complex pectin containing structural domains such as RG-I (rhamnogalacturonan I) and homogalacturonan (HG). In addition, EFP-40 promoted the production of SCFAs, and regulated the gut microbiota by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes and Phascolarctobacterium, reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as Fusobacteriota and Proteobacteria, as well as the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. In conclusion, EFP-40 is a highly branched complex pectic polysaccharide, which can significantly regulate the gut microbiota, indicating its prebiotic potential.

Polysaccharides from Semen Astragali complanati (SACP) were obtained by hot water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation and separated by fractional precipitation with 20% and 25% ethanol into two fractions: SACP-20 and SACP-25, which was the major one with higher purity. Their physicochemical properties were determined by colorimetric methods, and their molecular mass distribution, conformation in solution and monosaccharide composition were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography coupled with muti-angle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) and high-performance anion exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPLC-PAD). Results indicated that SACP-25 was a homogenous polysaccharide with total sugar content of 87.40% and was composed of galactose (42.92%) and mannose (57.08%). Meanwhile, it showed a random coil conformation in 0.1 mol/L NaNO3. Analysis by methylation combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy revealed that the main chain of SACP-25 was composed of β-1,4-linked-mannopyranose (Manp) with galactopyranose (Galp) side chains attached to C-6 of the Manp residues. This study indicated that Semen A. complanati is good natural source of galactomannans as a water-soluble dietary fiber. The results of this study may provide theoretical support for the ordered structure of polysaccharides and also provide a theoretical foundation for the development and application of SACP in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Background and purpose: Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) plays the role of an oncogene in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), however, the effects of GOLM1 on the proliferation, invasion and migration of LUAD cells and its mechanism are not clear yet. This study investigated the effects of GOLM1 on the proliferation, invasion and migration of LUAD cells and its mechanism of action. Methods: We selected cancer tissues and corresponding paracancerous tissue specimens from 90 LUAD patients who underwent surgical resection in Karamay Central Hospital from April 2019 to April 2021. The expression of GOLM1 protein in LUAD tissues and paracancerous tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the relationship between GOLM1 protein expression and clinicopathological characteristics of LUAD tissues was analyzed. Western blot was used to detect the expression of GOLM1 protein in human lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B and human lung adenocarcinoma H460, A549, PG49 and H1299 cells. Lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells in logarithmic growth stage were randomly divided into blank group (cells not transfected), GOLM1 small interfering RNA negative control (si-NC) group (cells transfected with si-NC), GOLM1 small interfering RNA (si-GOLM1) group (cells transfected with si-GOLM1), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) group [10 μmol/L phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway activator IGF-1 for 30 min] and si-GOLM1+IGF-1 group (after treatment with 10 μmol/L IGF-1 for 30 min, si-GOLM1 was transfected). Cell counting kit-8 method was used to detect cell proliferation in each group of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Scratch test was used to detect cell migration in each group of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Transwell experiment was used to detect cell invasion in each group of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Western blot was used to detect the expressions of GOLM1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway related proteins in each group of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Xenograft model was constructed by subcutaneously injecting A549 cells on the right side of BALB/c nude mice, which were divided into: nude mice blank group, nude mice si-NC group, nude mice si-GOLM1 group, nude mice IGF-1 group, nude mice si-GOLM1+IGF-1 group, with 6 mice in each group. The nude mice were sacrificed six weeks after injection, the tumor was collected, and the weight and volume of the tumor were measured. Results: The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression rate of GOLM1 protein was significantly higher in LUAD tissues than in adjacent tissues (P0.05). Compared with BEAS-2B cells, the relative expression level of GOLM1 protein in human lung adenocarcinoma H460, A549, PG49 and H1299 cells was significantly increased (P0.05). Compared with the nude mice blank group and nude mice si-NC group, the mass and volume of transplanted tumors in the nude mice si-GOLM1 group were significantly reduced, while the mass and volume of transplanted tumors in the nude mice IGF-1 group were significantly increased (P

China is grappling with significant aging challenge, and food patterns play an important role in the health of aging populations. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis with regard to systematically examined population-based studies published between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2024, and 83 eligible studies, including 43 cross-sectional, 34 longitudinal, and 6 case–control studies, was conducted to investigate the correlations among foods, dietary patterns, and healthy aging concepts. An interesting conclusion from cohort studies was that foods recommended for intake in certain diets might not be recommended in other diets, i.e., food items in various diets showed different contributions. This dual character of foods exhibited in the diet is termed foodnality, a new concept proposed in this study. Foodnality was partially related to the origins, quality, and processing of foods, as well as individual physical status. Therefore, recommended foods with positive foodnality and unrecommended foods with negative foodnality were summarized, and four-dimensional diet recommendations were further proposed, including choosing a suitable dietary pattern, evaluating positive foodnality, upgrading foodnality to a premium diet, and cultivating healthier dietary concepts. This review plays a pivotal role in evaluating the guidelines on food intake and dietary patterns among elderly residents in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young adults thrust into the role of caregiving for parents with young-onset dementia (YOD) face unique challenges during their formative years. While existing research acknowledges the crucial role of young adult caregivers, a gap persists in understanding how this group experiences and redefines their identity amidst these circumstances, along with the psychological and societal challenges encountered. This knowledge deficit hinders the identification of suitable social support, adversely affecting the personal growth and well-being of these young adult caregivers. In this single-case study, we used a combination of a semi-structured interview and photovoice to explore the journey of a 19-year-old caregiver, Alice, whose mother had been diagnosed with dementia in the preceding 3 years. Through this unique perspective, we aimed to illuminate how caregiving for a mother with YOD may profoundly redefine familial roles and relationships. Over 3 months, Alice captured significant life moments through photography, selecting meaningful images for bi-weekly meetings. These images served as pivotal themes, triggering in-depth conversations during subsequent interviews to provide nuanced insights into her life experiences. Findings reveal four major themes faced by a young caregiver: (1) challenges adapting to an unexpected role, (2) navigating the complex emotional terrain of losing a loved one to YOD, (3) prioritizing the well-being of the healthy parent, and (4) expressing a profound desire for both informal and formal support. These results underscore the intricate identity and emotional challenges faced by young adult caregivers, emphasizing the urgency of addressing their unique needs through family-centered systemic support services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Young-onset dementia (YOD) refers to dementia occurring before the age of 65, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form, posing distinct challenges for spousal caregivers. Objective: This study aims to investigate the unique experiences of spousal caregivers of persons with YOD in China, where dementia-specific community care services and primary healthcare professionals are relatively lacking, in order to inform the tailored support services development. Methods: This qualitative-design study utilized semi-structured interviews with 11 spousal caregivers of persons with YOD dwelling in the community. Traditional content analysis was employed to analyze the interview data. Results: Limited dementia-specific healthcare professionals and low public awareness made diagnosing and accepting YOD a prolonged and challenging journey. Spousal caregivers faced skepticism when seeking diagnosis, exacerbating their burden and emotional stress. Disparities in healthcare professionals and insufficient collaboration between institutions worsened the situation. YOD significantly impacted family dynamics and led to changes in emotional communication within the family. The stigma surrounding YOD raised concerns among spousal caregivers about their children's future in marriage and career, emphasizing genetic risks. Conclusions: In settings where dementia-specific community care services and primary healthcare professionals are limited and unevenly distributed, integrating support services at both the primary and community levels is crucial for families dealing with YOD in the community. Additionally, raising public awareness about YOD can foster a more understanding and supportive environment, addressing challenges related to stigma faced by affected families, contributing to increased investment in supporting resources, and encouraging individuals to seek help early on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]