bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topically applied, fatty acid‐containing formulations provide superior barrier benefits in an ex vivo tape‐stripped skin model
Authors: Nip John , Ilarslan Hilal , Villa Ana , Mihalov Dawn , Misra Manoj , Samaras Samantha D. , Feng Lin , Arcella Stella , Bajor John , Mayes Andrew E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveEx vivo skin has been used to study various skin conditions from atopic dermatitis to burn injury. The aim of this research is to identify a more effective barrier improvement strategy and to evaluate topical formulations in replenishing the skin. The skin can create new longer chain fatty acids and ceramides (CERs) from topically applied skin natural fatty acid to help renew the skin's barrier.MethodsAn ex vivo skin model damaged by sequential tape stripping of the stratum corneum (SC) was used to investigate the repair of the SC. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to assess the SC layers recovered. Ultrastructural analysis was performed using transmission electron microscopy to visualize the lamellar bodies and intercellular lipid lamellae.ResultsThe data in this study provide the first direct ex vivo evidence comparing different marketed formulations containing three CERs with those containing fatty acids. Free fatty acid (FFA)‐containing formulations, but not CER‐containing formulations, directly applied to the damaged skin, showed an increased number of repaired SC layers and this was reflected at the ultrastructural level by an increased intercellular lipid lamellae length and an increased number of lamellar bodies.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that FFA‐containing formulations can repair damaged ex vivo skin and point to a repair mechanism in which topically applied palmitic and stearic acids, (which boost lipid levels and elongation) can increase the production and transport of lipids into a repaired SC and thus rebuild an effective skin barrier.
Effects of eczema calming lotion on the stratum corneum in atopic dermatitis: Corneodesmosin and intercellular lipid lamellae
Authors: Ilarslan Hilal , Lathrop William F. , Dobkowski Brian , Hawkins Stacy S. , Scott Jane , Bajor John , Mayes Andrew E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveAtopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by compositional and structural changes to the skin at lesional sites. Alteration to the levels and organization of both protein and lipid components are associated with disease status and lead to impaired barrier and hydration. Corneodesmosin (CDSN) and the arrangement and length of the intercellular lipid lamellae (ICLL) are altered in disrupted skin states. The aim of this research was to profile the distribution of CDSN and the ICLL in the stratum corneum (SC) at lesional and non‐lesional sites in AD‐prone skin and to investigate the impact of an eczema calming lotion containing petroleum jelly, fatty acids, and colloidal oatmeal.MethodsAn IRB‐approved study was conducted with participants with active AD. From a small subset of participants, tape strips were collected from lesional and non‐lesional sites on the arm, prior to and after twice daily application, over 4 weeks of an eczema calming lotion containing petroleum jelly, fatty acids, and colloidal oatmeal. Fluorescent antibody staining was used to investigate the distribution of CDSN. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to characterize the ICLL.ResultsThe distribution/coverage of CDSN was similar between lesional and non‐lesional sites at baseline; application of the lotion resulted in a more defined honeycomb/peripheral distribution. Normalized ICLL (nICLL) was lower in baseline samples from lesional sites relative to non‐lesional sites. Application of the lotion increased this parameter by the end of the study at all sites.ConclusionThe eczema calming lotion containing petroleum jelly, fatty acids and colloidal oatmeal provided changes in corneodesmosomal proteins distribution and ICLL, consistent with improvements in corneocyte maturation and improved barrier function in the skin of individuals with atopic dermatitis.
Boosting of retinol activity using novel lecithin: Retinol acyltransferase inhibitors
Authors: Imfeld Dominik , Fischer André , Budel Leithe , Stoll Clarissa , Schütz Rolf , Rawlings Anthony Vincent 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) is the main enzyme catalysing the esterification of retinol to retinyl esters and, hence, is of central importance for retinol homeostasis. As retinol, by its metabolite retinoic acid, stimulates fibroblasts to synthesize collagen fibres and inhibits collagen‐degrading enzymes, the inhibition of LRAT presents an intriguing strategy for anti‐ageing ingredients by increasing the available retinol in the skin. Here, we synthesized several derivatives mimicking natural lecithin substrates as potential LRAT inhibitors. By exploring various chemical modifications of the core scaffold consisting of a central amino acid and an N‐terminal acylsulfone, we explored 10 different compounds in a biochemical assay, resulting in two compounds with IC50 values of 21.1 and 32.7 μM (compounds 1 and 2), along with a simpler arginine derivative with comparative inhibitory potency. Supported by computational methods, we investigated their structure–activity relationship, resulting in the identification of several structural features associated with high inhibition of LRAT. Ultimately, we conducted an ex vivo study with human skin, demonstrating an increase of collagen III associated with a reduction of the skin ageing process. In conclusion, the reported compounds offer a promising approach to boost retinol abundance in human skin and might present a new generation of anti‐ageing ingredients for cosmetic application.
What defines dry skin? Correlating a range of skin hydration parameters with In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Crowther Jonathan M. , Matts Paul J. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectiveWhile there are a wide range of approaches for the assessment of skin hydration, it is not always clear how data from them relate to one another or to the skin itself. With the development of in vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (ICRS), it has become possible to measure water concentration as a function of protein/depth within the stratum corneum (SC). This article reports a comparison between electrical skin hydration measures/visual/optical grading and water concentration profiles measured using ICRS, to better understand the relationship between these approaches.MethodsSC hydration of lower‐leg skin with varying degrees of dryness was assessed using visual grading (live and from digital images), Corneometer®, Visioscan and ICRS. In addition, a custom fingerprint sensor was used to image surface capacitance (as a surrogate of SC hydration), and SC barrier function was assessed using evaporimetry (to measure trans‐epidermal water loss; TEWL).ResultsSignificant correlations were observed between a number of different skin grading/measurement approaches and ICRS data. ICRS hydration profiles also revealed a region near the SC surface with a relatively flat water profile in dry skin subjects.ConclusionsThe advent of quantitative in vivo analytical techniques such as ICRS, which can be used in a clinical setting, has enabled greater insight into more conventional approaches for assessing skin dryness. While traditional skin grading and biophysical methods for measuring skin hydration have varying degrees of correlation with one another, they also provide comparatively unique information about different regions within the SC. This should enable a more informed approach to product development in the future.
Hot corrosion behaviors of Sc2O3–Gd2O3–Y2O3 co‐doped ZrO2 in Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts at 1000°C
Authors: Dai Yifei , Liao Yuxuan , He Aoping , He Huan , Liang Tianquan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe hot corrosion behaviors of the Sc2O3–Gd2O3–Y2O3 co‐doped ZrO2 (SGYSZ) ceramics in Na2SO4 + V2O5 molten salts at high temperature were investigated in this work. The results show that the SGYSZ exhibits good hot corrosion resistance to the 50 wt% Na2SO4 + 50 wt% V2O5 molten salts at 1000°C. It is attributed to the doping of small Sc3+, which can decrease the M–O bonding length and increase the binding energy, and then reduce the dissolution and loss of the stabilizer as rare‐earth cations Gd3+ and Y3+ from the SGYSZ. The significant synergistic effects of Sc3+, Gd3+, and Y3+ are beneficial to enhance the phase stability and corrosion resistance of the zirconate ceramic due to the different ionic radius and basicity of rare‐earth oxides (RE2O3). More Gd3+ in SGYSZ can promote the forming and coarsening of the GdVO4 during mineralization, which can also decrease the loss of Y3+ from the SGYSZ. The corrosion mechanism is discussed in detail.
Chinese learners’ Swahili learning motivational trajectories
Authors: Zhao Yang , Li Citing , Zhou Xiaozhou (Emily) 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBy adopting a longitudinal multiple‐case study approach, we tracked two Swahili language learners’ motivational trajectories over 20 months from 2020 to 2022 via investment as a sociological lens. Data were collected through four semi‐structured interviews with each participant. Thematic analysis of the data revealed that the two focal learners chose to invest in learning Swahili upon matriculation due to the influence of family capital and ideology, imagined professional identity, and perceived cultural capital concomitant with their learning. Moreover, their sustained learning endeavors can largely be attributed to academic support from teachers, positive self‐positioning as legitimate Swahili speakers in multi‐dimensional spaces, and their efforts to eliminate stereotypes. We argue that their Swahili learning motivation underwent a spiral‐rise development, and through sustained efforts to learn the Swahili language, learners appear to be able to translate capital into new forms and construct imagined identities. This article concludes by discussing pedagogical implications for the development of multilingual education in China.
Science, technology, and innovation in the dairy sector
Authors: Hill Jeremy 
Published: August 2024

SummaryIn this article, we explore why dairy science, technology, and innovation will for the foreseeable future remain important, and some of the future trends we can expect in the field. Given the nutrient richness and density of milk, its ubiquitous production and utility of use to produce foods and food ingredients, dairy will almost certainly continue to play an important role in diets and the global food system. Annual milk production at over 900 billion litres represents approximately 8% of total food biomass but has a disproportionate contribution to global nutrient provision. The value of the global dairy market will reach over $860 billion in 2024, employing approximately 240 million people, and supporting the livelihoods of up to one billion. The importance and long history of dairy has fuelled a vast amount of research in dairy science and technology with hundreds of thousands of papers published in the field. Given the amount of existing dairy science and technology is there anything significant left to be done? However, with advances in numerous other fields such as materials, biology and biochemistry, analytical technology, computing technology, etc., the opportunities in dairy science and technology also advance. Future innovations in the dairy sector will include those relating to environmental science and technology, the food matrix, foods tailored to diets for life stages and lifestyles, developments based on our expanding knowledge of microbiomes, and new opportunities from the use of AI. Dairy is the target for technology‐enabled disruption by those looking to produce substitute products. Some of the technologies to produce dairy alternatives will feature in the future of dairy innovation but the impact is more likely to complement rather than disrupt the dairy sector.
Fortification of wheat white bread: assessing the suitability of Beta vulgaris trough technological, nutritional, and sensory evaluation
Authors: Issaoui Manel , Oueslati Samia , Flamini Guido , Delgado Amélia M. , Romano Anabela 
Published: August 2024

SummaryAs societies undergo shifts in dietary patterns, there is often an increase in nutrition‐related issues. This is particularly evident in the case of wheat bakery products, which have evolved in an unsustainable way. The fortification of wheat flour with vegetables has emerged as a strategy to mitigate the imbalanced composition of white bread. The objective of this study is to address existing knowledge gaps regarding nutritional quality and technological characteristics of food‐to‐food fortified bakery products. A blend of Beta vulgaris powder (up to 5% of the total weight) was incorporated into commercial wheat white flour, and the resulting composition and technological parameters were analysed throughout the bread‐making process, using standard methods (e.g., AAAC, ISO). The sensory assessment of the tested fortified baking products formulations was conducted. The 178 volunteer consumers noted the differences conveyed by B. vulgaris, but scored the taste and colour as acceptable (6 out of 9). Formulations containing moderate amounts of chard (e.g., 2%) were most appreciated. This study demonstrates that B. vulgaris can be employed to enrich white bread, particularly in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, in a readily actionable manner that is well accepted by consumers. Furthermore, the use of flour blends contributes to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in wheat availability, thereby enhancing food security.
Precursor impurity‐mediated effect in the photocatalytic activity of precipitated zinc oxide
Authors: Ilyas A. M. , Musah Jamal‐Deen , Or Siu Wing , Awodugba Ayodeji Oladiran 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPhotocatalytic degradation of pollutants using nanoparticles presents a promising method globally. However, effectively harnessing light absorption while mitigating recombination and nanoparticle agglomeration remains challenging. Here, we explore the synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic dye removal in water. The ZnO catalyst, controlled by impurity amount, is developed, demonstrating a notable impact on photolytic performance. Various zinc precursors, namely, zinc acetate, zinc sulfate, zinc nitrate, and zinc chloride, were used in the precipitation technique. Optical characterization showed distinct band transitions and UV‐dominant absorption peaks, indicating the presence of different impurities in each precursor. Photocatalytic performance is assessed using Rhodamine B decomposition with the sample prepared from zinc acetate, demonstrating enhanced photocatalytic activity attributed to its larger surface area, surface defects, and superior morphology, enabling efficient organic pollutant degradation. Oxygen vacancies aid in charge carrier separation, crucial for effective photocatalysis. The material's intense interaction with pollutants and a high photocurrent density of 5.18 µAcm−2 highlight superior electron–hole pair separation capabilities influenced by morphology and impurity‐generated defects, significantly boosting its overall photocatalytic reaction. These findings emphasize the critical role of precursor selection in designing effective ZnO‐based photocatalysts, water treatment, and environmental remediation applications.
Text‐to‐speech and virtual reality agents in primary school classroom environments
Authors: Dai Laduona , Kritskaia Veronika , van der Velden Evelien , Vervoort Reinder , Blankendaal Marlieke , Jung Merel M. , Postma Marie Šafář , Louwerse Max M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe integration of Text‐to‐Speech (TTS) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in K‐12 education is an emerging trend. However, little is known about how students perceive these technologies and whether these technologies effectively facilitate learning.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the perception and effectiveness of TTS voices and VR agents in a K‐12 classroom setting, with a focus on information recall.MethodsUsing a recent TTS architecture, we developed four different synthetic voices based on 5, 10, 15 and 20 h of training materials. Two experiments were conducted involving students in a K‐12 setting. The first experiment examined students' evaluations of TTS voices with varying hours of training material and the impact on information recall. The second experiment assessed the effect of pairing TTS voices with a VR agent on students' perception and recall performance.Results and ConclusionsHuman voices received superior quality ratings over TTS voices within the classroom context. The integration of a VR agent was found to enhance the perception of TTS voices, aligning with existing literature on the positive impact of virtual agents on speech synthesis. However, this incorporation did not translate to improved recall, suggesting that the student focus may have been compromised by the VR agent's novelty and its design limitations.
Measuring (meta)cognitive processes in multimedia learning: Matching eye tracking metrics and think‐aloud protocols in case of seductive details
Authors: Stark Lisa , Korbach Andreas , Brünken Roland , Park Babette 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundBoth learning and problem solving are major goals of complex problem solving in engineering education. The order of knowledge construction and problem solving in learning through problem solving, however, has not been explained in current literature.ObjectivesTo understand their relationships, this study compared the effects of different goal type orders on collaborative simulation‐based inquiry in engineering problem solving.MethodsIn the study, 24 engineering undergraduate students worked in pairs to solve a wind tunnel problem using a computer simulation application. Process mining and epistemic network analysis were used to model the inquiry process and identify inquiry patterns based on the log data and discussion discourse.Results and ConclusionsThe results showed the goal type of first assigned subtask influenced the inquiry strategies of medium‐performance learners most. In addition, the goal type of first assigned subtask had influence on learners' inquiry process. The learners assigned with a problem‐solving goal subtask first (Problem solving goal‐Learning goal condition) had more simulation trials and centered their inquiry discourse around clarification while the learners assigned with a learning goal subtask first (Learning goal‐Problem solving goal condition) connected reflection with other inquiry phases more often. The findings of this study suggested assigning a learning goal subtask first in simulated‐based complex engineering problem solving could be used as an idea‐centered scaffolding, especially for medium‐performance learners. However, low‐performance learners would experience a “situate knowledge paradox” and needs extra guidance. It is important to monitor the knowledge construction process in complex problem solving, even when seeking a solution is the major task.
Management of older adults with diabetes mellitus: Perspective from geriatric medicine
Authors: Umegaki Hiroyuki 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTAdvances in diabetes medication and population aging are lengthening the lifespans of people with diabetes mellitus (DM). Older patients with diabetes mellitus often have multimorbidity and tend to have polypharmacy. In addition, diabetes mellitus is associated with frailty, functional decline, cognitive impairment, and geriatric syndrome. Although the numbers of patients with frailty, dementia, disability, and/or multimorbidity are increasing worldwide, the accumulated evidence on the safe and effective treatment of these populations remains insufficient. Older patients, especially those older than 75 years old, are often underrepresented in randomized controlled trials of various treatment effects, resulting in limited clinical evidence for this population. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the characteristics of older patients is essential to tailor management strategies to their needs. The clinical guidelines of several academic societies have begun to recognize the importance of relaxing glycemic control targets to prevent severe hypoglycemia and to maintain quality of life. However, glycemic control levels are thus far based on expert consensus rather than on robust clinical evidence. There is an urgent need for the personalized management of older adults with diabetes mellitus that considers their multimorbidity and function and strives to maintain a high quality of life through safe and effective medical treatment. Older adults with diabetes mellitus accompanied by frailty, functional decline, cognitive impairment, and multimorbidity require special management considerations and liaison with both carers and social resources.
Recent advances in deep‐fat frying through pretreatments and edible coating to reduce oil absorption
Authors: Manoharan Sanjay , Dubey Praveen Kumar , Sharma Maanas 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis review concentrates on cutting‐edge pretreatments for deep‐fat frying that are meant to lower energy costs and enhance product quality. Methods such as freezing, blanching, pulsed electric fields, superheated steam, and ultrasonication are investigated to improve flavor without increasing cooking time. The study focuses on techniques to reduce oil absorption, specifically using physicochemical changes and hydrocolloid coatings. When added before or after frying, functional ingredients such as proteins and non‐protein hydrocolloids take advantage of cooling‐phase effects and water replacement mechanisms to minimize oil absorption. Effective barrier agents that preserve the texture and moisture of fried foods like French fries include pectin, CMC, and xanthan gum. While the effectiveness of various hydrocolloids varies, carrageenan and gum Arabic are particularly effective. French fries treated with guar gum and sorbitol showed reductions in total oil between 30.6% and 50.8%, respectively. Furthermore, the initial moisture content affects physical changes that occur during frying, such as the development of porosity, which affects the absorption of oil. This thorough analysis provides insights into cutting‐edge methods for making fried foods with less oil while preserving sensory qualities. Future studies will be focused on developing novel physicochemical changes and hydrocolloid coatings that use functional ingredients such as proteins and non‐protein hydrocolloids to efficiently lower excessive oil absorption.