Dissolved carbon in biochar: Exploring its chemistry, iron complexing capability, toxicity in natural redox environment.

Dissolved black carbon (DBC) plays a crucial role in the migration and bioavailability of iron in water. However, the properties of DBC releasing under diverse pyrolysis conditions and dissolving processes have not been systematically studied. Here, the compositions of DBC released from biochar through redox processes dominated by bacteria and light were thoroughly studied. It was found that the DBC released from straw biochar possess more oxygen-containing functional groups and aromatic substances. The content of phenolic and carboxylic groups in DBC was increased under influence of microorganisms and light, respectively. The concentration of phenolic hydroxyl groups increased from 10.0∼57.5 mmol/gC to 6.6 ∼65.2 mmol/gC, and the concentration of carboxyl groups increased from 49.7∼97.5 mmol/gC to 62.1 ∼113.3 mmol/gC. Then the impacts of DBC on pyrite dissolution and microalgae growth were also investigated. The complexing Fe3+ was proved to play a predominant role in the dissolution of ferrous mineral in DBC solution. Due to complexing between iron ion and DBC, the amount of dissolved Fe in aquatic water may rise as a result of elevated number of aromatic components with oxygen containing groups and low molecular weight generated under light conditions. Fe-DBC complexations in solution significantly promoted microalga growth, which might be attributed to the stimulating effect of dissolved Fe on the chlorophyll synthesis. The results of study will deepen our understanding of the behavior and ultimate destiny of DBC released into an iron-rich environment under redox conditions.

Photothermal switch by gallic acid-calcium grafts synthesized by coordination chemistry for sequential treatment of bone tumor and regeneration.

The residual bone tumor and defects which is caused by surgical therapy of bone tumor is a major and important problem in clinicals. And the sequential treatment for irradiating residual tumor and repairing bone defects has wildly prospects. In this study, we developed a general modification strategy by gallic acid (GA)-assisted coordination chemistry to prepare black calcium-based materials, which combines the sequential photothermal therapy of bone tumor and bone defects. The GA modification endows the materials remarkable photothermal properties. Under the near-infrared (NIR) irradiation with different power densities, the black GA-modified bone matrix (GBM) did not merely display an excellent performance in eliminating bone tumor with high temperature, but showed a facile effect of the mild-heat stimulation to accelerate bone regeneration. GBM can efficiently regulate the microenvironments of bone regeneration in a spatial-temporal manner, including inflammation/immune response, vascularization and osteogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, the integrin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was revealed to be involved in the effect of osteogenesis induced by the mild-heat stimulation. The outcome of this study not only provides a serial of new multifunctional biomaterials, but also demonstrates a general strategy for designing novel blacked calcium-based biomaterials with great potential for clinical use.

Seasonal variation in non-volatile flavor substances of fresh tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) by integrated lipidomics and metabolomics using UHPLC-Q-Exactive mass spectrometry.

Harvest season exerts great influence on tea quality. Herein, the variations in non-volatile flavor substances in spring and summer fresh tea leaves of four varieties were comprehensively investigated by integrating UHPLC-Q-Exactive based lipidomics and metabolomics. A total of 327 lipids and 99 metabolites were detected, among which, 221 and 58 molecules were significantly differential. The molecular species of phospholipids, glycolipids and acylglycerolipids showed most prominent and structure-dependent seasonal changes, relating to polar head, unsaturation and total acyl length. Particularly, spring tea contained higher amount in aroma precursors of highly unsaturated glycolipids and phosphatidic acids. The contents of umami-enhancing amino acids and phenolic acids, e.g., theanine, theogallin and gallotannins, were increased in spring. Besides, catechins, theaflavins, theasinensins and flavone/flavonol glycosides showed diverse changes. These phytochemical differences covered key aroma precursors, tastants and colorants, and may confer superior flavor of black tea processed using spring leaves, which was verified by sensory evaluation.

Tailoring 3D-printed sensor properties with reduced-graphene oxide: improved conductive filaments.

The development of a tailored filament is reported composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carbon black (CB) in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and its use in the production of electrochemical sensors. The electrodes containing rGO showed superior performance when compared with  those prepared in the absence of this material. Physicochemical and electrochemical characterizations of the electrodes showed the successful incorporation of both rGO and CB and an improved conductivity in the presence of rGO (lower resistance to charge transfer). As a proof-of-concept, the developed electrodes were applied to the detection of the forensic analytes TNT and cocaine. The electrodes containing rGO presented a superior analytical performance for both TNT and cocaine detection, showing the lower limit of detection values (0.22 and 2.1 µmol L-1, respectively) in comparison with pure CB-PLA electrodes (0.93 and 11.3 µmol L-1, respectively). Besides, better-defined redox peaks were observed, especially for TNT, as well as increased sensitivity for both molecules.

School belonging mediates the longitudinal effects of racial/ethnic identity on academic achievement and emotional well-being among Black and Latinx adolescents.

Social Identity Theory proposes that a positive in-group social identification fosters students' academic motivation and psychological well-being. The present study, grounded in Social Identity Theory, investigated the roles of racial/ethnicity identity (REI) in the development of school adjustment among Black and Latinx youth as well as the psychological mechanisms underlying these longitudinal associations. We hypothesized that REI would positively predict the development of academic achievement and emotional symptoms. In addition, we hypothesized that the development of school belonging would mediate the predictive effects of REI on the growth of academic achievement and emotional symptoms. Participants were 475 (n = 182 Black, 48.9% female; 293 Latinx, 47.8% female) students in Grades 7-9. Students self-reported their REI, school belonging, and emotional symptoms. Academic achievement was assessed using standardized achievement test scores. The longitudinal mediation models indicated that REI indirectly predicted the development of academic achievement and emotional symptoms through students' sense of school belonging. Specifically, higher REI embedded achievement and lower REI awareness of racism predicted higher school belonging in Grade 7. Higher Grade 7 school belonging in turn predicted faster academic growth in Grade 7 to Grade 9 as well as lower emotional symptoms in Grade 7. In addition, the three dimensions of REI also directly predicted the growth of academic achievement and emotional symptoms in Grades 7-9. The mediated effects were smaller in size than the direct effects. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive REI and a strong sense of school belonging in promoting school adjustment among racial/ethnic minoritized, academically at-risk youth.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mobile App Use for Meeting Sexual Partners Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men and Young Transgender Women: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Young men who have sex with men and young transgender women (YMSM-YTW) use online spaces to meet sexual partners with increasing regularity, and research shows that experiences of racism online mimics the real world. Objective: We analyzed differences by race and ethnicity in web-based and mobile apps used to meet sexual partners as reported by Chicago-based YMSM-YTW in 2016-2017. Methods: A racially and ethnically diverse sample of 643 YMSM-YTW aged 16-29 years were asked to name websites or mobile apps used to seek a sexual partner in the prior 6 months, as well as provide information about sexual partnerships from the same period. We used logistic regression to assess the adjusted association of race and ethnicity with (1) use of any website or mobile apps to find a sexual partner, (2) use of a "social network" to find a sexual partner compared to websites or mobile apps predominantly used for dating or hookups, (3) use of specific websites or mobile apps, and (4) reporting successfully meeting a sexual partner online among website or mobile app users. Results: While most YMSM-YTW (454/643, 70.6%) used websites or mobile apps to find sexual partners, we found that Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW were significantly less likely to report doing so (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.74, 95% CI 1.10-2.76). Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW were more likely to have used a social network site to find a sexual partner (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: aOR 0.20, 95% CI 0.11-0.37), though this was only reported by one-third (149/454, 32.8%) of all app-using participants. Individual apps used varied by race and ethnicity, with Grindr, Tinder, and Scruff being more common among White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (93/123, 75.6%; 72/123, 58.5%; and 30/123, 24.4%, respectively) than among Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (65/178, 36.5%; 25/178, 14%; and 4/178, 2.2%, respectively) and Jack'd and Facebook being more common among Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (105/178, 59% and 64/178, 36%, respectively) than among White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW (6/123, 4.9% and 8/123, 6.5%, respectively). Finally, we found that while half (230/454, 50.7%) of YMSM-YTW app users reported successfully meeting a new sexual partner on an app, Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW app users were less likely to have done so than White non-Hispanic app users (comparing White non-Hispanic to Black non-Hispanic: aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.50-4.05). Conclusions: We found that Black non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW engaged with websites or mobile apps and found sexual partners systematically differently than White non-Hispanic YMSM-YTW. Our findings give a deeper understanding of how racial and ethnic sexual mixing patterns arise and have implications for the spread of sexually transmitted infections among Chicago's YMSM-YTW.

Intervening to reduce sedentary behavior among African American elders: the "Stand Up and Move More" intervention.

Background: Reducing sedentary behavior is a promising intervention target for improving health for older adults; however, few interventions include African American communities. The purpose of this research was to extend the reach of an effective sedentary behavior intervention to African American elders. Methods: Two pilot studies assessed the feasibility (retention, adherence, and safety) and acceptability (participant and leader perspectives) of a 4-wk "Stand Up and Move More" (SUMM) intervention. Sedentary behavior (self-reported and monitor-derived), function (short physical performance battery), and quality of life (SF-36) were measured at baseline (wk0), postintervention (wk4), and follow up (wk12; study 1) to examine preliminary effectiveness of the intervention. Participants (N=26) attended SUMM or an attention-matched stress management intervention (study 2). The magnitude of treatment effects were determined using Hedge's g effect size calculations [small (g=0.20 to 0.49), moderate (g=0.50 to 0.79), large (g>0.80)]. Results: Retention and adherence rates ranged from 50%-100% and 80%-100%, respectively. There were no adverse events. Participants expressed high satisfaction, and the leader of the SUMM intervention indicated that the intervention content was beneficial. Hedges' g revealed negligible to small changes in sedentary behavior (g<0.50) following SUMM. There were moderate to large improvements in function (g=0.51-0.82) and quality of life (g=0.54-1.07) from wk0 to wk4 in study 1; and moderate to large improvements in function (g=0.51-0.88) from wk0 to wk4 in study 2. There was a moderate improvement in quality of life (SF-36 emotional role limitations g=0.54) in the SUMM group only. Conclusion: Given its feasibility, safety, and acceptability, SUMM may be a promising intervention to improve functioning and well-being among African American elders.

The Association between Diet Quality and Metabolic Syndrome among Older African American Women.

Diet is a modifiable lifestyle factor that could impact the development of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components. MetS prevalence is high and diet quality is suboptimal among older African American women. MetS has been associated with many individual food groups, however, emerging research suggests that analyzing overall diet quality provides insight into the synergistic effects of food groups on health outcomes. In the current cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between diet quality and MetS, and investigated associations between diet quality and MetS components among older African American women. This study was based on 357 African American women between 45 and 65 years from the NHANES 2011-2018 datasets. This analysis utilized the NCEP ATP III (2001) criteria for women to diagnose MetS. MetS was dichotomized in addition to a MetS z-score being calculated for each participant using a sex- and race-specific equation. Participants' diet quality was measured using the HEI-2015. Linear and logistic regressions were performed to assess the association between HEI-2015 diet quality and metabolic syndrome and its components. 65% of African American women aged 45-65 in the NHANES 2011-2018 had MetS. Study participants had an average HEI-2015 score of 55.4 out of 100. As HEI-2015 quartiles increased, the mean MetS z-score decreased (p-value: 0.0011). Age-adjusted models demonstrated statistically significant inverse relationships between HEI-2015 and waist circumference (ß: -0.217; 95% CI: -0.372, -0.063), systolic blood pressure (ß: -0.215; 95% CI: -0.359, -0.072), blood glucose (ß: -0.344; 95% CI: -0.681, -0.0066), and triglycerides (ß: -0.652; 95% CI: -1.05, -0.251). Significant associations could not be established between MetS and diet quality, assessed with the HEI-2015, among African American women aged 45-65 enrolled in NHANES 2011-2018. However, statistically significant relationships were observed between increased HEI-2015 scores and lowered risks of abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and systolic hypertension. The findings of this study affirm the necessity of public health strategies to improve diet quality among African-American women which could help to reduce their risks of chronic diseases.

Atopic Dermatitis: The Role of the Social Determinants of Health on Severity and Access to Care.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multi-system inflammatory skin disorder with early onset in the skin. It is well known that Black and Hispanic children in the United States experience specific barriers in regards to accessing care for AD, including greater severity on presentation and more need for care including increased usage of emergency services. Understanding these social determinants is vital if social change is to be made and if policies are to be constructed to create enduring reductions in disparity in a meaningful way that can potentially level disease severity and access to care for all segments of the family.

Black garlic exhibited hepatoprotective effect against monosodium glutamate-induced hepatotoxicity in animal model.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor-enhancing agent in foods, and studies have demonstrated its toxic effects in animal models. Black garlic is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, there is a lack of studies on the potential hepatoprotective effect of black garlic ethanol extract (BGE) against MSG-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of black garlic against MSG-induced liver damage in animal model. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=5): negative control, MSG only, and MSG with three different doses of BGE. The MSG only and MSG with BGE groups were orally administered with 8 mg/kg MSG daily. After MSG treatment, the MSG with BGE groups received BGE orally at daily doses of 200, 400, or 600 mg/kg body weight for 16 consecutive days. Subsequently, the levels of serum liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were measured. Our data indicated that the group treated with 200 mg/kg BGE had significant lower levels of AST and ALT significantly compared to the MSG-only group. The MSG-treated group had higher levels of the inflammatory markers COX-2 and IFN-γ, which were lowered by administration of 200 mg/kg BGE. In contrast, higher doses of BGE led to greater levels of COX-2 and IFN-γ compared to those in the MSG-only group. This study suggested that BGE might have hepatoprotective effects at low dose, potentially mitigating MSG-induced liver damage. However, the higher dose of black garlic extract did not alleviate inflammation, as shown by the higher levels of COX-2 and IFN-γ.

Short-term effects of wildfire-specific fine particulate matter and its carbonaceous components on perinatal outcomes: A multicentre cohort study in New South Wales, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological evidence on the association between wildfire-specific fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its carbonaceous components with perinatal outcomes is limited. We aimed to examine the short-term effects of wildfire-specific PM2.5 and its carbonaceous components on perinatal outcomes. METHODS: A multicentre cohort of 9743 singleton births during the wildfire seasons from 1 September 2009 to 31 December 2015 across six cities in New South Wales, Australia were linked with daily wildfire-specific PM2.5 and carbonaceous components (organic carbon and black carbon). Adjusted distributed lag Cox regression models with spatial clustering were performed to estimate daily and cumulative adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) during the last four gestational weeks for preterm birth, stillbirth, nonvertex presentation, low 5-min Apgar score, special care nursery/neonatal intensive care unit (SCN/NICU) admission, and caesarean section. RESULTS: Daily aHRs per 10 µg/m3 PM2.5 showed nearly inverted 'U'-shaped positive associations and daily cumulative aHRs that increased with increasing duration of the exposures. The aHRs for lag 0-6 days were 1.17 (95 % CI: 1.04, 1.32) for preterm birth, 1.40 (95 % CI: 1.11, 1.78) for stillbirth, 1.20 (95 % CI: 1.08, 1.33) for nonvertex presentation, 1.12 (95 % CI: 0.93, 1.35) for low 5-min Apgar score, 0.99 (95 % CI: 0.83, 1.19) for SNC/NICU admission, and 1.01 (95 % CI: 0.94, 1.08) for caesarean section. Organic carbon and black carbon components for lag 0-6 days showed positive associations. The highest component-specific aHRs were 1.09 (95 % CI: 1.03, 1.15) and 4.57 (95 % CI: 1.96, 10.68) for stillbirth per 1 µg/m3 organic carbon and black carbon, respectively. The subgroups identified as most vulnerable were female births, births to mothers with low socioeconomic status, and births to mothers with high biothermal exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Positive associations of short-term wildfire-specific PM2.5 exposure and its carbonaceous components with adverse perinatal outcomes suggest that policies to reduce exposure would benefit public health.

Circ_0025373 inhibits carbon black nanoparticles-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells by affecting DNA damage through binding to MSH2.

Carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) have been demonstrated to induce DNA damage in epithelial cells. However, the potential of the damage to initiate carcinogenesis and the underlying mechanism remain poorly understood. Therefore, we constructed an in vitro model of malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE-T) by treating 40 µg/mL CBNPs for 120 passages. We observed tumor-like transformation and sustained DNA damage. Using transcriptome sequencing and RIP-seq, we identified the overexpression of the critical DNA mismatch repair genes MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) and its related circular RNA, circ_0025373, in the 16HBE-T cells. Mechanistically, circ_0025373 was found to inhibit DNA damage by binding to MSH2, thereby modifying its expression and influencing its nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution, which lead to inhibition of CBNP-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells. Our findings provide novel evidence on the carcinogenicity of CBNPs, and offer biological insights into the potential epigenetic regulation and potential therapeutic targets for lung carcinogenesis.

Expression patterns of housekeeping genes and tissue-specific genes in black goats across multiple tissues.

Black goats are a significant meat breed in southern China. To investigate the expression patterns and biological functions of genes in various tissues of black goats, we analyzed housekeeping genes (HKGs), tissue-specific genes (TSGs), and hub genes (HUBGs) across 23 tissues. Additionally, we analyzed HKGs in 13 tissues under different feeding conditions. We identified 2968 HKGs, including six important ones. Interestingly, HKGs in grazing black goats demonstrated higher and more stable expression levels. We discovered a total of 9912 TSGs, including 134 newly identified ones. The number of TSGs for mRNA and lncRNA were nearly equal, with 127 mRNA TSGs expressed solely in one tissue. Additionally, the predicted functions of tissue-specific long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) targeting mRNAs corresponded with the physiological functions of the tissues.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) constructed 30 modules, where the dark grey module consists almost entirely of HKGs, and TSGs are located in modules most correlated with their respective tissues. Additionally, we identified 289 HUBGs, which are involved in regulating the physiological functions of their respective tissues. Overall, these identified HKGs, TSGs, and HUBGs provide a foundation for studying the molecular mechanisms affecting the genetic and biological processes of complex traits in black goats.

Tackling the Disproportionate Burden of Resistant Hypertension in US Black Adults.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Elevated blood pressure is the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the US. Older individuals, Black adults, and those with comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease, have higher levels of uncontrolled and resistant hypertension. This review focuses on resistant hypertension, specifically in the US Black population, including potential benefits and limitations of current and investigational agents to address the disparate toll. RECENT FINDINGS: There is a necessity to implement public health measures, including early screening, detection, and evidence-based hypertension treatment with lifestyle, approved and investigational agents. The evidence highlights the importance of implementing feasible and cost-effective public health measures to advocate for early screening, detection, and appropriate treatment of hypertension. A team-based approach involving physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, and clinic staff to implement proven approaches and the delivery of care within trusted community settings may mitigate existing disparities.

Public health and system approach in eliminating disparities in hypertensive disorders and cardiovascular outcomes in non-Hispanic Black women across the pregnancy life course.

Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The ACC/AHA/Multisociety hypertension guideline covered all aspects of the recommendations for optimal blood pressure diagnosis and management to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Despite this, there remains a growing prevalence of hypertension within the United States, largely in non-Hispanic Black women at earlier stages of their life course. This highlights the evident racial disparities, but offers a targeted opportunity for improved outcomes. With hypertension increasingly seen in the antenatal and immediate postpartum period, and obstetrics societies weighing in on the need to alter pharmacotherapy initiation goals, national initiatives have purposefully targeted pregnant and postpartum women in an effort to improve outcomes. This same energy must also re-focus health care efforts across the entire health continuum. Public health and system strategies are in place to do so, with the strongest enforcing initiatives as early as childhood with a greater focus on primordial prevention.

The effect of curcumax on postpartum women's depression: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Postpartum depression is a major psychiatric disorder that affects the mother-baby attachment and may impair cognitive development of the child. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumax (including ginger, turmeric, and black pepper) on postpartum depression in reproductive-aged women. Material and methods: This was a randomized controlled trial in which 124 women were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups of curcumax (n=62) and placebo (n=62) who consumed curcumax or placebo for 8 weeks (one capsule each day). Postpartum depression was measured using Edinburgh Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, and GEE. Results: The mean (SD) score of depression score was 15.83 (2.77) and 15.45 (2.97) before intervention, which reduced to 3.48 (4.29) and 7.22 (3.98) in the intervention and control groups, respectively after 4 weeks (p<0.0001). After eight weeks of intervention, these scores reduced to 1.72 (3.30) and 5.85 (3.67) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (p<0.0001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that curcumax significantly reduced the mean score of postpartum depression among reproductive-aged women. Because it is the first time this herb was used as an anti-depressant, its effective dose was not available. Therefore, further studies with higher doses of this herb are recommended. Clinical Trial Registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/search/result?query=IRCT20210822052254N1, identifier IRCT20210822052254N1.

Novel Pink Pigments Produced by Thermal Interaction of Theaflavins, Theanine, and Glucose: Color Formation, Isolation, and Structural Characterization.

A color-deepening effect of theaflavins on the theanine-glucose thermal reaction model was revealed. Generated chromogenic intermediates in the initial stage and an accelerated browning rate through the promoted degradation of theanine-glucose Amadori rearrangement product in the intermediate and final stages are responsible for the color-deepening effect. Four pink-to-red theaflavin-theanine intermediates were verified as theaflavinies referencing the nuclear magnetic resonance and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry information on theaflavins and l-theanine, including one accurately identified as theaflavinie 4. Theaflavinie 4 showed two maximum absorption peaks at 401 and 506 nm with parallel intensities, which resulted in a significant dichromic color change from pale pink to orange and red. Theaflavinies also could undergo further thermal reactions to yield brown polymers under higher temperatures (130 and 140 °C). This research provided new insight into realizing thermally formed polymers during black tea processing, which may be formed by oxidation products and amino acids or proteins through non-enzymatic thermal reactions.

Two-Pronged Attack: Dual Activation of Fat Reduction Using Near-Infrared-Responsive Nanosandwich for Targeted Anti-Obesity Treatment.

Excessive fat accumulation and chronic inflammation are two typical characteristics of obesity. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master regulator of energy metabolism, is involved in adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and inflammation modulation in adipose tissue (AT). Thus, effective lipid reduction and anti-inflammation through AMPK regulation play vital roles in treating obesity. Herein, an anti-obesity nanosandwich is fabricated through attaching polymetformin (PolyMet) onto photothermal agent black phosphorus nanosheets (BP). PolyMet activates AMPK to inhibit adipogenesis, promote browning, and mitigate AT inflammation by decreasing macrophage infiltration, repolarizing macrophage phenotype, and downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, BP induces lipolysis and apoptosis of adipocytes and macrophages through a photothermal effect. By further functionalization using hyaluronic acid (HA) and MMP2 substrate-linking P3 peptide-modified HA (P3-HA), an enhanced anti-obesity effect is obtained by dual-targeting of P3 and HA, and HA-mediated CD44 poly-clustering after MMP2 cleavage. Upon laser irradiation, the designed nanosandwich (P3-HA/PM@BP) effectively inhibits obesity development in obese mice, increases M2/M1 ratio in AT, reduces the serum levels of cholesterol/triglyceride and improves insulin sensitivity, exhibiting promising research potential to facilitate the clinical development of modern anti-obesity therapies.

Black Tea Suppresses Invasiveness and Reverses TNF-α-Induced Invasiveness and Cell Stemness in Human Malignant Melanoma Cells.

Invasiveness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are main patterns of metastatic disease, which is the major cause cancer-related mortality in human malignant melanoma cells. Tea and its consumption extract are associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative biological effects. However, the anti-EMT and anti-cancer stemness effect of black tea ethanol extracts (BTEE) in human melanoma remain poorly understood. In this study, the effects of BTEE-reduced invasiveness, EMT, and cancer stemness were evaluated in human A 375 and A2058 melanoma cells. BTEE inhibited the activity of u-PA, migration, and invasiveness by repressing p-FAK signaling pathway. BTEE affected the EMT by downregulating the expression of ß-catenin, N-cadherin, fibronectin, vimentin, and Twist-1. BTEE also reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced invasiveness and cancer stemness characteristics in vitro. The growth of melanoma in nude mice xenograft model showed that BTEE suppressed A 375 tumor growth in vivo.

Smart Device Ownership and Use of Social Media, Wearable Trackers, and Health Apps Among Black Women With Hypertension in the United States: National Survey Study.

The majority of Black women with hypertension in the United States have smartphones or tablets and use social media, and many use wearable activity trackers and health or wellness apps, digital tools that can be used to support lifestyle changes and medication adherence.