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In situ quantification of β-carotene partitioning in oil-in-water emulsions by confocal Raman microscopy

Wan Mohamad WAF, Buckow R, Augustin M, McNaughton D

Food Chem, 2017 Oct 15;233:197-203.
PMID: 28530566 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.04.086

Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) was able to quantify the β-carotene concentration in oil droplets and determine the partitioning characteristics of β-carotene within the emulsion system in situ. The results were validated by a conventional method involving solvent extraction of β-carotene separately from the total emulsion as well as the aqueous phase separated by centrifugation, and quantification by absorption spectrophotometry. CRM also enabled the localization of β-carotene in an emulsion. From the Raman image, the β-carotene partitioning between the aqueous and oil phases of palm olein-in-water emulsions stabilized by whey protein isolate (WPI) was observed. Increasing the concentration of β-carotene in an emulsion (from 0.1 to 0.3g/kg emulsion) with a fixed gross composition (10% palm olein:2% WPI) decreased the concentration of β-carotene in the oil droplet. CRM is a powerful tool for in situ analyses of components in heterogeneous systems such as emulsions.
Stability and partitioning of β-carotene in whey protein emulsions during storage

Fahmi Wan Mohamad WA, McNaughton D, Buckow R, Augustin MA

Food Funct, 2017 Sep 18.
PMID: 28920995 DOI: 10.1039/c7fo01012e

Varying the β-carotene (0.1-0.3 g kg(-1)) and whey protein isolate (WPI) (2-20 g kg(-1)) concentrations in an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion influenced the partitioning and stability of β-carotene upon 30 d storage at 25 and 40 °C. The total β-carotene in the emulsion was extracted with a solvent and quantified using UV/visible spectroscopy. The β-carotene in oil phase was obtained using in situ Raman micro-spectroscopy. The β-carotene in the aqueous phase was obtained by difference. Increasing β-carotene concentration resulted in increased partitioning of β-carotene into the aqueous phase whereas increasing WPI concentration had the opposite effect. With all freshly made emulsions, there was a higher proportion of β-carotene found in the oil phase. At the end of the storage period, the higher proportion and concentration of β-carotene was in the aqueous phase. This suggested that oxidation of β-carotene occurred faster in the oil phase and that WPI in the aqueous phase protected β-carotene against oxidation. This work informs the formulation of protein-based emulsions for the delivery of β-carotene.
Ultrahigh-current-density niobium disulfide catalysts for hydrogen evolution

Yang J, Mohmad AR, Wang Y, Fullon R, Song X, Zhao F, et al.

Nat Mater, 2019 12;18(12):1309-1314.
PMID: 31451781 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-019-0463-8

Metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)1-8 are good catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The overpotential and Tafel slope values of metallic phases and edges9 of two-dimensional (2D) TMDs approach those of Pt. However, the overall current density of 2D TMD catalysts remains orders of magnitude lower (~10-100 mA cm-2) than industrial Pt and Ir electrolysers (>1,000 mA cm-2)10,11. Here, we report the synthesis of the metallic 2H phase of niobium disulfide with additional niobium (2H Nb1+xS2, where x is ~0.35)12 as a HER catalyst with current densities of >5,000 mA cm-2 at ~420 mV versus a reversible hydrogen electrode. We find the exchange current density at 0 V for 2H Nb1.35S2 to be ~0.8 mA cm-2, corresponding to a turnover frequency of ~0.2 s-1. We demonstrate an electrolyser based on a 2H Nb1+xS2 cathode that can generate current densities of 1,000 mA cm-2. Our theoretical results reveal that 2H Nb1+xS2 with Nb-terminated surface has free energy for hydrogen adsorption that is close to thermoneutral, facilitating HER. Therefore, 2H Nb1+xS2 could be a viable catalyst for practical electrolysers.
International Consensus Definition and Diagnostic Criteria for Generalized Pustular Psoriasis From the International Psoriasis Council

Choon SE, van de Kerkhof P, Gudjonsson JE, de la Cruz C, Barker J, Morita A, et al.

JAMA Dermatol, 2024 Jul 01;160(7):758-768.
PMID: 38691347 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.0915

IMPORTANCE: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) lacks internationally accepted definitions and diagnostic criteria, impeding timely diagnosis and treatment and hindering cross-regional clinical and epidemiological study comparisons.
OBJECTIVE: To develop an international consensus definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP using the modified Delphi method.
EVIDENCE REVIEW: The rarity of GPP presents a challenge in acquiring comprehensive published clinical data necessary for developing standardized definition and criteria. Instead of relying on a literature search, 43 statements that comprehensively addressed the fundamental aspects of the definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP were formulated based on expert reviews of 64 challenging GPP cases. These statements were presented to a panel of 33 global GPP experts for voting, discussion, and refinements in 2 virtual consensus meetings. Consensus during voting was defined as at least 80% agreement; the definition and diagnostic criteria were accepted by all panelists after voting and in-depth discussion.
FINDINGS: In the first and second modified Delphi round, 30 (91%) and 25 (76%) experts participated. In the initial Delphi round, consensus was achieved for 53% of the statements, leading to the approval of 23 statements that were utilized to develop the proposed definitions and diagnostic criteria for GPP. During the second Delphi round, the final definition established was, "Generalized Pustular Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by cutaneous erythema and macroscopically visible sterile pustules." It can occur with or without systemic symptoms, other psoriasis types, and laboratory abnormalities. GPP may manifest as an acute form with widespread pustules or a subacute variant with an annular phenotype. The identified essential criterion was, "Macroscopically visible sterile pustules on erythematous base and not restricted to the acral region or within psoriatic plaques."
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The achievement of international consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria for GPP underscores the importance of collaboration, innovative methodology, and expert engagement to address rare diseases. Although further validation is needed, these criteria can serve as a reference point for clinicians, researchers, and patients, which may contribute to more accurate diagnosis and improved management of GPP.
Fulltext A concept for integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis-A GA2 LEN ADCARE initiative

Zuberbier T, Abdul Latiff A, Aggelidis X, Augustin M, Balan RG, Bangert C, et al.

Clin Transl Allergy, 2023 Sep;13(9):e12299.
PMID: 37746794 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12299

INTRODUCTION: The integrated care pathways for atopic dermatitis (AD-ICPs) aim to bridge the gap between existing AD treatment evidence-based guidelines and expert opinion based on daily practice by offering a structured multidisciplinary plan for patient management of AD. ICPs have the potential to enhance guideline recommendations by combining interventions and aspects from different guidelines, integrating quality assurance, and describing co-ordination of care. Most importantly, patients can enter the ICPs at any level depending on AD severity, resources available in their country, and economic factors such as differences in insurance reimbursement systems.
METHODS: The GA2 LEN ADCARE network and partners as well as all stakeholders, abbreviated as the AD-ICPs working group, were involved in the discussion and preparation of the AD ICPs during a series of subgroup workshops and meetings in years 2020 and 2021, after which the document was circulated within all GAL2 EN ADCARE centres.
RESULTS: The AD-ICPs outline the diagnostic procedures, possible co-morbidities, different available treatment options including differential approaches for the pediatric population, and the role of the pharmacists and other stakeholders, as well as remaining unmet needs in the management of AD.
CONCLUSION: The AD-ICPs provide a multidisciplinary plan for improved diagnosis, treatment, and patient feedback in AD management, as well as addressing critical unmet needs, including improved access to care, training specialists, implementation of educational programs, assessment on the impact of climate change, and fostering a personalised treatment approach. By focusing on these key areas, the initiative aims to pave the way for a brighter future in the management of AD.