Polysaccharides, a class of complex macromolecules, are distinguished by their diverse biological functions and essential role in functional foods. The distinctive biological activities of polysaccharides from medicine and food homology materials (MFPs), including immunomodulation, carbohydrate metabolism regulation, and lipid metabolism regulation properties, have attracted considerable scientific attention. The relationship between polysaccharides and gut microbiota is fundamental to human health, as polysaccharides demonstrate efficacy in ameliorating various conditions-from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to obesity and diabetes-through their influence on intestinal flora composition and diversity. Although polysaccharide research and applications show promise, significant challenges persist, particularly regarding extraction and purification methodologies, and the complete understanding of their biological mechanisms. Future investigations should prioritize understanding the correlation between polysaccharide structure and function, advancing large-scale production and application technologies, and establishing productive interdisciplinary collaborations. MFPs demonstrate significant potential for advancing sustainable development and human health, building upon current research findings. This paper presents a comprehensive review of global developments in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, biological activities, and applications of MFPs, emphasizing opportunities for scientific and technological innovations in specialized dietary food development.
Polysaccharides/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Functional Food/analysis* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects* ; Animals

Objective To analyze the adolescent tuberculosis reported in Haikou region between 2018 and 2021 and factors influencing the outcome. Methods The data on adolescent tuberculosis cases reported in Tuberculosis Information Management System in the Haikou Regional Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (RCDC) from 2018 to 2021 were collected. A follow-up survey was carried out until 31 December 2022. The changes in reported incidence of adolescent tuberculosis in Haikou was analyzed, and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify independent factors influencing the outcome of adolescent tuberculosis. Results A total of 265 cases of tuberculosis in adolescents were reported between 2018 and 2021, of which 55 were reported in 2018, 74 in 2019, 67 in 2020, and 69 in 2021. The total number of reported cases of tuberculosis was 140 among male adolescents, which was slightly higher than 125 among female adolescents. The number of reported cases of tuberculosis was 134 in adolescents ≥15 years of age and 131 in adolescents <15 years of age. No statistically significant difference was reported between good outcome group and poor outcome group in age, gender, place of residence, nationality, and domicile place (P>0.05), whereas difference was found in the history of tuberculosis between two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model denoted that retreated tuberculosis (HR: 2.172, 95%CI: 1.483-3.007), complicating underlying disease (HR: 1.451, 95%CI: 1.080-1.985), and number of sputum smears (HR: 2.617, 95%CI: 1.531-3.458) were the risk factors for adverse outcomes in adolescent tuberculosis. Conclusion From 2018 to 2021, the number of reported adolescents of pulmonary tuberculosis in Haikou increased, suggesting that the management and prevention of adolescents should be strengthened to improve the prognosis rate of adolescents.