Impact study of toxic elements from confectionery and nut products on consumers of different age groups

PurposeScholars have repeatedly concluded that heritage is a significant value driver for luxury brands (Riley et al., 2004; Fionda and Moore, 2009; Wuestefeld et al., 2012; DeFanti et al., 2014; Ardelet et al., 2015; Dion and Borraz, 2015; Dion and Mazzalovo, 2016). However, little is known on how consumers of different age group make sense of heritage luxury. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how consumers of different age groups make sense of heritage luxury brands (HLBs).Design/methodology/approachTo achieve this, semi-structured, one-on-one, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 21 consumers of HLBs who fell into one of three age groups: Emerging adults (18 to 25 years), middle-aged adults (33 to 40 years) and older adults (67 to 74 years old).FindingsThe findings of this paper explored the different perceptions of the dimension of heritage in relation to luxury among consumers of different age groups. This paper focuses on the pioneering contributions of Urde, Greyser and Balmer (2007) in defining the dimensions of heritage brands. Although the dimensions of heritage brands defined by Urde et al. (2007) were useful as a starting point, differing perceptions among consumers of different age groups emerged which need to be considered. Findings of this study showed that consumers of all three age groups revealed three characteristics of HLBs. These are timelessness, quality craftsmanship and prestige. The durability and lasting appeal of HLBs was attributed to their high-quality craftsmanship. Quality craftsmanship, recognizability and price contributed to the perceived prestige value of HLBs. It was apparent throughout this study that HLB items helped participants feel connected to others, including their mothers or more remote forebears, their contemporaries and their descendants.Originality/valueThe author aims to understand the interplay between heritage and luxury, to understand how luxury brand consumers of different age groups are influenced by the heritage dimension. The relation between luxury and heritage becomes particularly intriguing when we consider how it affects the perceptions of consumers of different age groups.

We sought to evaluate cerebral hemodynamic responses to betel chewing. Thirty healthy male volunteers (mean age = 35 years), ten new chewers, ten occasional chewers, and ten chronic chewers were included in this study. We used carotid duplex sonography and transcranial Doppler to measure the flow velocities and flow volume (FV) of the common carotid (CCA), internal carotid (ICA), external carotid (ECA) arteries, and the flow velocity of middle cerebral artery (MCA). Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded simultaneously. All subjects were asked to chew fruit-flavored chewing gum for 10 minutes. Blood flows of the above vessels were measured four times at baseline and at the 2nd, 6th, and 12th minute after chewing. A repeated study was followed in the same subject but substituted with betel nut. Chronic chewers had delayed onset time and shortened vanishing time of facial-flushing sensation. Systolic and diastolic BPs were mildly elevated during gum chewing (p = 0.008 and 0.015, respectively), whereas diastolic BP was dropped during betel chewing (p = 0.008). Heart rate increased prominently during betel chewing (p < 0.0001), especially in new and occasional chewers. The peak systolic, end diastolic velocities, and FV in ECA and CCA increased significantly during betel chewing (p < 0.0001). The blood flows in the ICA and MCA had no significant changes during gum or betel chewing. Betel chewing has a central sympathetic effect resulting in accelerated HR, increased blood flows in ECA and CCA, but has a peripheral cholinergic effect resulting in a drop of diastolic BP. Intracranial cerebral hemodynamics is not affected during betel chewing. The inotropic and chronotropic effect to the heart from betel chewing is probably an unfavorable risk for patients with ischemic heart disease.

Evaluation of fluoride levels in areca nut, tobacco, and commercial smokeless tobacco products: a pilot study

The betel nut is also called ”Taiwanese chewing gum”. The most harmful side effect of habitual chewing of betel nuts is oral cancer. Milk-alkali syndrome, characterized by the triad of metabolic alkalosis, hypercalcemia and renal failure, is a less known effect of betel nut chewing. We describe three patients who came to the emergency department with complaints of dizziness, myalgia, poor appetite, malaise, body weight loss, constipation and decreased urine output. They all chewed white lime betel nuts wrapped in the leaves of Piper betle with ground oyster shell paste containing calcium carbonate. They had consumed about 30-60 nuts daily for decades to increase alertness and work capacity. Physical examinations revealed obvious dehydration. Laboratory examinations revealed metabolic alkalosis, hypercalcemia, and impaired renal function or renal failure. Serum intact-parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) and activated vitamin D (1, 25(OH)2D3) levels were decreased in response to hypercalcemia. All metabolic abnormalities were corrected within 10 days after supportive treatment and decreased betel nut ingestion during hospitalization, except for impaired renal function in one patient who had chewed betel nuts for more than 30 years. Since betel nut chewing is common in Taiwan, clinical physicians should be aware of this syndrome.

1196 – The cognitive enhancement effect of chewing betel nut measured by a continuous performance test

Introduction: The increased prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in the last few years relates to the increased consumption of areca nut(AN) products. OSMF is a premalignant condition and risk to progression to oral cancer is more when AN is chewed along with tobacco. Moreover, high copper content in AN is responsible for fibroblast dysfunction and fibrosis. This study was conducted with aim to assess and compare pH and copper content of raw AN and popular Indian commercial AN based (with and without tobacco) products. Method: Six samples each of twelve different brands of AN based commercial products i.e. six without tobacco (pan masala) and with tobacco were analyzed for pH and then the samples were dried, and powdered for estimation of the copper content. Results: For the six raw areca nuts (sample 1-6), the pH was found to range from 3.06±1.08 to 5.04±0.81, among the six non tobacco containing samples (sample 7-12), the pH was found to range from 6.03±1.08 to 9.09±0.81, and for six tobacco containing samples (sample 13-18), the pH was found to range from 9.18±0.90 to 11.07±0.09. The mean copper concentration among raw areca nut samples (sample 1-6) was 4.05±0.18 μg/g, among non-tobacco containing samples (sample 7-12) it was 10.17±1.08μg/g and among tobacco samples (sample 13-18),it was 18.09±1.08 μg/g (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: High copper content present in quid and commercial AN may be a causative factor for an increased fibrosis in OSMF, our findings need evaluation by further research and standardization.

Utilization of the barberry extract in the confectionery products

Areca nut (AN) and AN products (ANPs) are commonly used as psychoactive substances with marked dependence potential. Scant information exists on the Indian mental health professionals' (MHPs) knowledge of AN-ANPs, attitude toward AN-ANP use/users, and behavior regarding their clients' AN-ANP use. To address this gap, a survey was undertaken to assess MHPs' knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral responses toward AN-ANP use and addiction. We developed a pretested, customized questionnaire and conducted a cross-sectional online survey among a random sample of MHPs. The 209 respondents included 91 psychiatrists, 105 clinical psychologists, and 13 other MHPs from diverse settings. Among them, 46.89% believed that AN-ANP use does not fit the definition of abuse/addiction as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10)/ICD-11. Among the psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other MHPs, 60.4%, 48.6%, and 61.5% were unaware of any AN-ANP cessation protocols. The addictive potential of AN-ANP with tobacco was rated as severe by 68.1% of psychiatrists and 51.4% of clinical psychologists; 46.2% of other MHPs rated it as moderate. The addictive potential of AN-ANP without tobacco was rated as moderate by 50.5% of clinical psychologists and mild by 46.2% of psychiatrists. Of the sample, 67.46% discussed the harmful effects of AN-ANPs with clients, while 74.6% said a few or none of their clients sought help for AN-ANP cessation. Major lacunae were detected in the understanding of Indian MHPs about the addictive potential of AN-ANPs, management aspects, etc. An urgent need has been revealed for sensitization programs on AN-ANPs and the development of evidence-based cessation protocols.

Purpose Despite growing attention to the heritage dimension of luxury brands, little research has been undertaken on how motivation may influence the consumption behavior of heritage luxury brand consumers. This study aims to provide insight into the complex interplay between consumers’ age and purchase motivations of heritage luxury brands. Design/methodology/approach Through the analysis of interview data with consumers of different age groups, this study takes a closer look at the consumer motivation underlying the consumption behavior of three different consumer age groups: late adolescents (16–25 years old), middle-aged adults (33–40 years) and older adults (67–74 years old). Findings This study delivered additional insights to the literature, especially in the areas of knowing how consumers are motivated when heritage is incorporated as a distinct dimension. The findings revealed that consumers themselves identify purchase drivers based on their perception of a brand’s investment values as “monetary appreciation,” “potential to become vintage” and “inheritance value.” Age differences also emerged in how participants discussed these themes and how they related to attitude functions, such as social-adjustive, utilitarian and hedonic. Practical implications Luxury brand managers should carefully consider age differences when planning their marketing initiatives. An awareness of consumers’ heritage luxury brand motivations of different ages will help practitioners better position their market offerings. The findings suggest that practitioners must recognize that there are likely to be differences in how different age group consumers respond to marketing initiatives and that consumer’s age is likely to play a key role in shaping the attitude of consumers. For older adult consumers, the optimal market offering would emphasize the inheritance value of heritage luxury brands. To that end, reinforcing attributes of nostalgia through the use of original logos, brand stories and classic designs is likely to be effective in targeting this age group. When targeting adolescents, heritage luxury brand managers need to take account of the changing consumption behavior of this age group, including their need to switch brands and adapt to their social surrounding. To provoke the purchase behavior of late-adolescent consumers, it seems that heritage luxury brand managers should draw on their image of social status enhancers. Originality/value In this study, a gap in the literature is addressed by focusing on an overlooked demographic variable as it relates to motivations toward heritage luxury. To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study of its kind simultaneously considering heritage and luxury brand dimensions by exploring the motivations of consumers of different age groups.

Papua is the most eastern Province of Indonesia with the lowest electricity supply. In order to partially reduce the dependence of electrical supply, betel nut has been utilized to produce electricity. Betel nut is a local plant or fruit that is initially used for cultural event as a chewing gum. However, due to the less way of recycling the waste of chewing betel nut, making this plant was prohibited to be chewed in Public area. In order to introduce one alternative way of recycling waste of betel nut, the study of bio-battery utilizing betel nut was initiated. Three different pastas prepared were betel nut skin, betel nut liquid waste and betel nut liquid waste and fibers. The pastas have prepared to generate bio-battery with specific voltages, powers, currents and lifetime of bio-battery. Results showed that bio-battery from local plant betel nut has the potency to be used as an alternative source of electricity source. The highest power density and current density produced from pasta of betel nut liquid waste corresponding to a value of 6.67 µW cm -2 and 48 µA cm -2 , respectively. While highest initial voltage observed was from 0.98 mV resulted from betel nut skin pasta. Lifetime of bio-battery was performed while increasing of current observed from time 0 to 56 hours reached maximum peak of 91 µA cm -2 . Moreover, acidity measurement level of bio-battery was also performed with pHs ranges from 4.8 to 7.8. Hence, there is a possibility of utilizing betel nut as a bio-battery.

The use of essential oils (EOs) in various food matrices has gained interest due to their olfactory properties, as well as their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, making them valuable in the development of functional foods. In this study, thyme, clove, and sage EOs were nanoencapsulated using the ionic gelation method. Their encapsulation efficiency, DNA binding and cleavage properties, particle size, and zeta potential were evaluated. These encapsulated EOs were then incorporated into sugar-free chewing gum formulations, and their antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, sensory, textural, and color properties were analyzed. The results showed the highest encapsulation efficiency for thyme EO (61.51% ± 1.52), followed by clove (56.10% ± 1.87) and sage (52.59% ± 0.56). The average particle sizes (Z-average) of encapsulated thyme, clove, and sage EOs were 330.1 ± 10.89, 452.6 ± 5.52, and 553.7 ± 0.01 d nm, respectively. All encapsulated EOs possessed negative zeta potential values ranging from -26.40 to -32.30 mV and polydispersity index (PDI) values between 0.399 and 0.433. The antioxidant activity of chewing gums increased with the addition of nanocapsules, and the percentage of DPPH inhibited the lowest for control with 6.73% ± 0.32 and 40.41% ± 0.07 for thyme in sugar-free gums. The concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% (w/w) were applied to evaluate the hydrolytic and oxidative cleavage activities. The DNA cleavage experiment revealed that chewing gum samples containing sage EO exhibited hydrolytic and oxidative cleavage activities. In contrast, chewing gum samples containing clove and thyme EOs exhibited only hydrolytic cleavage activity. The addition of 0.2% (w/w) of encapsulated thyme, clove, and sage EOs did not negatively affect the sensory and textural properties of the gum samples. Ultimately, the findings demonstrate that the incorporation of encapsulated EOs successfully enhanced the antioxidant properties of sugar-free gum without compromising its sensory quality.

Areca nut is widely consumed by all ages groups in many parts of the world, especially south-east Asia. The objective of this review is to systematically review and collate all the published data that are related to the systemic effects of areca nut. The literature search was performed by an electronic search of the Pubmed and Cochrane databases using keywords and included articles published till October 2012. We selected studies that covered the effect of areca nut on metabolism, and a total of 62 studies met the criteria. There is substantial evidence for carcinogenicity of areca nut in cancers of the mouth and esophagus. Areca nut affects almost all organs of the human body, including the brain, heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and reproductive organs. It causes or aggravates pre-existing conditions such as neuronal injury, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, hepatotoxicity, asthma, central obesity, type II diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, etc. Areca nut affects the endocrine system, leading to hypothyroidism, prostate hyperplasia and infertility. It affects the immune system leading to suppression of T-cell activity and decreased release of cytokines. It has harmful effects on the fetus when used during pregnancy. Thus, areca nut is not a harmless substance as often perceived and proclaimed by the manufacturers of areca nut products such as Pan Masala, Supari Mix, Betel quid, etc. There is an urgent need to recognize areca nut as a harmful food substance by the policy makers and prohibit its glamorization as a mouth freshener. Strict laws are necessary to regulate the production of commercial preparations of areca nut.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant oral disorder causally linked to the habit of chewing arecanut. The pathogenesis of the disorder is multifactorial and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a prominent player in the induction of fibrosis. The alkaloids of the arecanut seem to target the TGF-beta and the deposition of collagen is predominantly mediated through this cytokine. The present study attempts to induce OSF in Sprague-Dawley rats by injections with solutions of arecanut and pan masala extracts. The tissues were then analysed for the TGF-beta1 gene by real time polymerase chain reaction. (rtPCR). Buccal mucosa of Sprague-Dawley rats were injectedwith arecanut and pan masala solutions on alternate days over a period of 48. weeks. Quantitative real time PCR was done to assess the expression of TGF-beta1 in the tissues. OSF-like lesions were seen in both the arecanut and pan masala.treated groups. The histological changes included atrophic epithelium, partial or complete loss of rete ridges, juxta-epithelial hyalinization, inflammation and accumulation of dense bundles of collagen fibers subepithelially. Quantitative real-time PCR showed a significant upregulation of TGF beta1. A. peak fold change of 4.74 in the 18th. week was observed for the arecanut group while the pan masala group recorded a peak change of 4.9 in the 24th. week. The study provides further evidence that arecanut and pan masala induce oral submucous fibrosisvia the TGF beta1 pathway.

Betel-quid is widely used around the world as a stimulant for the autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of betel-quid chewing on autonomic nervous modulation by using spectral heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Twenty healthy young adults were included in this study. Each subject chewed a single betel-quid containing one betel nut or a piece of chewing-gum for 60 min on different days in random order. Spectral HRV measures were obtained before, and 5, 30 and 60 min after starting to chew betel-quid or gum. Sequential changes in HRV measures were compared between chewing gum and betel-quid. Heart rate was significantly elevated after 5 min chewing betel-quid, but not after chewing gum. The normalized low-frequency power and low-/high-frequency power ratio were elevated after 5 min chewing gum or betel-quid; however, the normalized high-frequency power was reduced after 5 min chewing gum or betel-quid. The percentage changes in total power after 5, 30 and 60 min chewing betel-quid were significantly lower than those after chewing gum. This study confirms that novice chewing of betel-quid modulates autonomic nervous system activity; transiently enhancing sympathetic activity and gradually suppressing vagal activity in healthy young adults.

With the continuous development of electronic product technology, a large number of reasonably priced, high-performance flat products have appeared on the market. This phenomenon reflects that consumers are highly concerned about the price-performance ratio. The age factor plays an important role in consumers' purchasing decisions, and there are significant differences in the behaviors and preferences of consumers of different age groups in the pursuit of cost-effective products. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth analysis of the demand, purchasing behavior and preference of consumers of different age groups in the phenomenon of electronic product replacement, and explore how the age factor affects consumers' pursuit of cost-effectiveness. It is found that there are significant differences between teenagers, middle-aged people and the elderly in terms of their concern for cost-effectiveness, purchase decision-making process and brand preference. In the phenomenon of electronic product parity, young people are more concerned with appearance and trends, middle-aged people emphasize comprehensive value and rational comparison, and older people tend to choose brands that are easy to use and trustworthy. These differences are closely related to consumers' economic status, consumer attitudes, technology acceptance, and risk tolerance. This paper aims to provide a reference for marketing strategies in the electronics market and to provide new perspectives for future research.