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This study involved the preparation and characterization of oleogels from rice bran oil with different waxes and the potential application in improving the texture and flavor in rice cooking. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in rice texture with the addition of oleogel, particularly noteworthy at a 3% (w/w) incorporation of RBW (Rice Bran Wax). Under this condition, the hardness reached 15.75N, and stickiness measured 2.16N. The incorporation of 1–3% (w/w) oleogel significantly enhances the color vibrancy of rice during the cooking process, resulting in an increase in the L* value of the rice from 73.86 to 73.95-76.74. Sensory evaluation revealed higher scores for BW (Bee Wax) and RBW at 40.68 and 40.23 points, respectively. Microscopic structural analysis indicated that the incorporation of RBW oleogel led to rice samples with the smallest pores, contributing to a more refined internal pore structure in the grains. In the control rice, 7 aldehyde compounds were detected with a relative content of 43.44%. The addition of oleogel increased the number of aldehyde compounds to 9, with a relative content of 48.06%. This study expands the potential applications of oleogels in rice cooking, enriching flavor profiles and presenting opportunities for integration into the food industry. [Display omitted] • Oleogel composed of natural wax and rice bran oil. • Enhancement of rice flavor through the addition of oleogel in cooking. • Texture improvement in rice cooking facilitated by oleogel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to create oleogels by combining beeswax (BW) and plant sterols with diacylglycerol corn oil (DGCO). The findings demonstrate that gel formation occurred with 6:4 (w/w) blends of BW with sitosterol (Sit) and β-sitosterol (PS) oils at a 20% (w/w) concentration, while BW-plant sterol ester (PE) gelled at a 15% (w/w). Texture analysis reveals that the maximum hardness of the BW-PE oleogel (582.62 N) was approximately five times higher than other oleogels and DGCO-based oleogel displayed greater hardness (52.39 N∼140.89 N) and lower viscosity (−57.06 N∼−25.94 N). The melting point of the DGCO-based oleogel increased from 48.35 °C to 57.64 °C as the BW content increased and microstructure from polarized light microscope displayed that he BW-PE oleogel presented itself as bundle-shaped crystals and with an augmentation in concentration, the dimensions of these crystals diminished while their abundance escalated. Notably, the BW-PE oleogel based on DGCO exhibited the most condensed structure. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed oleogel based on DGCO corresponding to characteristic peaks of β′and β-type crystals while the infrared spectroscopy demonstrated no new peaks formation whether for hydrogen bonds or covalent interactions in DGCO-based oleogel. These stable physical DGCO-based gel system provide a choice for the preparation of functional oleogels with lipid-lowering ingredients. • Lipid-lowering oleogels prepared form sterols and diacetylated glycerol corn oil. • Physicochemical properties and the stability of oleogels. • Crystallization behavior and microstructure characteristics of oleogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Women with epilepsy (WWE) are believed to be at risk of sexual dysfunction (SD) and face many sexual challenges because of multiple factors. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with SD in Chinese Han WWE. Methods This cross-sectional study examined 112 married WWE in the Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University with focal (FE) or generalized epilepsy (GE) on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and 120 healthy controls without epilepsy, all of Chinese Han nationality. Data collection tools included the Chinese version of Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Chinese version of Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), the Chinese version of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), the Chinese version of the revised Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), and the Chinese version of the National Hospital Seizure Severity Scale (NHS3). Chi-square test, t -test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Results A high rate (70.5%) of SD was detected in WWE, with 24.2% in controls. Sexual dysfunction affected all dimensions: desire (85.7%), arousal (56.3%), lubrication (47.3%), orgasm (66.1%), satisfaction (58.9%), and pain (41.1%). Elevated rates of anxiety (40.2%) and depression (33%) and poor medication adherence (31.3%) were also found in WWE. Binary logistic regression found that poor economic status (odds ratio (OR) = 13.904, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.025–95.472, P = 0.007 and OR = 6.350, 95% CI: 1.323–30.477, P = 0.021), anxiety (OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.055–1.415, P = 0.007), and poor medication adherence (OR = 0.297, 95% CI: 0.124–0.707, P = 0.006) were associated with SD. Conclusions The associated factors of SD in Chinese Han WWE are multifactorial. The WWE have higher levels of anxiety, poor family economic status, and poor medication adherence. Medical professionals should not only better control seizures but also evaluate and improve patients' sexual function so as to improve the quality of life of WWE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]