Common Soft Drink Research Articles

A combined extrusion, retrogradation, and cross-linking strategy for preparing starch-based straws with desirable mechanical properties

This work developed a novel strategy for producing starch straws with desirable mechanical properties by a combination of extrusion, retrogradation, and sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) cross-linking. The straws were prepared by first extruding starch, glycerin, and water (10:1:1) with a double screw extruder, then retrograding the resulting straws at 4 °C for 6 h, and finally cross-linking the straws. Rapid visco-analyzer profiles showed decreases in the viscosity of milled straws with increases in the cross-linking duration, perhaps reflecting a higher degree of crosslinking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed evidence of more hydrogen bonds in the straws with a longer cross-linking duration, while thermogravimetric analysis indicated higher thermal stability for the cross-linked straws than for the controls. The straw cross-linked for 3 h showed 1.52 times higher stiffness after soaking in room-temperature water for 30 min (4967.56 g/s), and 1.88 times higher stiffness after soaking in 60 °C hot water for 5 min (5371.89 g/s) than the original straw. STMP cross-linking also improved the starch straw mechanical properties after soaking in common soft drinks. These findings identify a potential new way to produce biodegradable straws with desirable properties from starch, an affordable biomaterial, while also addressing the problem of petroleum-based plastic pollution.

Soft drinks and dental erosion during pediatric age: a clinical investigation.

Dental erosion is an irreversible condition of loss of teeth hard tissues caused by intrinsic or extrinsic acids attack, without bacterial involvement. Common soft drinks have an acid pH and they release hydrogen ions and act as chelating agents, dissolving teeth mineral component. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation between the consumption of soft drinks in children and the degree of dental erosion. A questionnaire of 15 multiple choice questions was addressed to the parents of the 231 children needing different dental treatments. Responses were compared with the level of dental erosion of their child, that was clinically investigated using the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. About 26.8% of subjects fall into a high-risk category of dental erosion while 24.2% in a low risk level. Socioeconomic status and oral hygiene habits are able to affect the degree of dental erosion. Toothpastes containing fluoride have not proved effective in preventing this phenomenon and no significant correlations were found between the type of toothbrush used and its frequency of use. It is necessary to apply preventive measures such as information on the processes and causes of erosion, instruction about right home oral hygiene maneuvers and the possible use of specific products, to avoid the development of problems related to severe dental wear.

Spectrophotometric comparison of color stability of microhybrid and nanocomposites following exposure to common soft drinks among adolescents: an in vitro study.

To compare the color stability of a microhybrid and two nanocomposites after exposure to common soft drinks among adolescents. Ninety discs were prepared from a microhybrid (Filtek Z250) and two nanocomposites (Filtek Z350 and Tetric N-Ceram) (n = 30 each). Six discs from each material were then immersed in one of five drinks (iced tea, sports drink, orange juice, cola, and distilled water) for 15days. Color measurement was performed at baseline and after 15days using a spectrophotometer according to the CIE L*a*b* system, and the change in color values as well as total color change (ΔE) was calculated and compared. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test were used to analyze the data (p < 0.05). Significant change in color values and total color (ΔE > 3.3) was observed in the composite materials after immersion in the soft drinks compared to immersion in distilled water (ΔE < 3.3). The highest mean values were those of Filtek Z350, being significantly different from the rest of the materials. Independent of the composite material, iced tea resulted in the highest mean values, being significantly different from the rest of the drinks (p < 0.05). All soft drinks resulted in clinically unacceptable discoloration of the composite materials with maximum discoloration being that following immersion of composite materials, particularly Filtek Z350, in iced tea. Consequently, in dental practice, adolescents should be asked about their consumption of soft drinks, particularly iced tea, and made aware of their potential to discolor composite restorations if they are to receive them.

Consumo de bebidas açucaradas e imagem corporal de adolescentes na Pandemia de Covid-19

The social isolation promoted by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the behavior of the population, especially teenagers who, with the closing of schools, started to stay at home. In this context, the consumption of sugary foods and beverages increased, which may lead to changes in the composition and body image of these young people. This study evaluated the consumption of sugary drinks, body image, and nutritional status of adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a quali-quantitative study, which evaluated 62 students from 13 to 18 years old in the city of Canaã-MG. The consumption of sugary drinks (volume and frequency) was investigated using the dietary recall form, the 9-image silhouette scale for body image, and anthropometric parameters for measuring nutritional status. The results show that most students were eutrophic and reported changing their consumption of types of beverages, frequency, and volume consumed. Natural juice and common soft drinks were the most consumed beverages before and during the pandemic. They also reported a high rate of body dissatisfaction due to thinness, which was reduced during the pandemic. The reason for this dissatisfaction was related to health and aesthetics, with girls exhibiting greater changes in body dissatisfaction between the period before and during the pandemic. Anthropometric parameters confirmed the high rate of body dissatisfaction among students, when compared to their classification by nutritional status. It is concluded that during the pandemic, students changed their consumption of beverages and their perception of their body image.

An Erythritol-Sweetened Beverage Induces Satiety and Suppresses Ghrelin Compared to Aspartame in Healthy Non-Obese Subjects: A Pilot Study.

Despite the reduced caloric content of artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) relative to those sweetened with sucrose, consumption of ASBs fail to consistently decrease the risk of obesity and associated diseases. This failure may be due to the inability of ASBs to effectively reduce appetite and hence overall caloric intake. A variety of non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), however, remain to be screened for effectiveness in promoting satiety and reducing calorie consumption. Erythritol is well-tolerated, low-calorie sugar alcohol widely used as a sugar substitute. It is unique among NNS due to its low sweetness index relative to glucose, meaning that it is typically served at much higher concentrations than other common NNS. Animal and human studies have noted correlations between osmolarity, satiety, and levels of satiety hormones, independent of the effects of sweetness or nutritive value. We hypothesized that consumption of a beverage sweetened with erythritol to the sweetness and osmolarity of a common soft drink will improve self-reported satiety and more strongly affect the magnitude of changes in the hormone ghrelin than would an iso sweet beverage sweetened only with aspartame, a sweetener with a high sweetness index relative to glucose. Using a randomized double-blind crossover trial, we found that serum ghrelin was significantly decreased after consumption of an erythritol-sweetened beverage compared to aspartame. Likewise, consumption of the erythritol-sweetened beverage increased various measures of satiety in volunteers. Knowledge gained from this project demonstrates that high-osmolarity NNS may be useful in formulating ASBs that are satiating and low in calories.

Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Enamel Erosion Following Air Abrasion with Bioactive Glass 45S5.

To evaluate the effect of pre-treatment air abrasion of surfaces using bioactive glass 45S5 on the progression of erosion in bovine enamel induced by a common soft drink. Twelve intact bovine incisors were selected and 24 enamel samples were prepared and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 12): 1. control group, no anti-erosive treatment; 2. experimental group: samples were air abraded with bioglass 45S5 before the erosive challenge. The enamel samples were submitted to erosive cycling using a common soft drink. Enamel surface loss was evaluated using optical profilometry; surface microhardness and roughness changes were determined using Vickers method and Vertical Scanning Interferometry, respectively. In addition, SEM observations and EDS analysis were performed to detect any alterations in surface morphology and mineral content. The data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test at a significance level of α = 0.05. The experimental group exhibited less (18.7%) surface loss than did the control group (p < 0.05), while also presenting a statistically significantly smaller decrease in surface microhardness compared to the control group after erosive cycling (p < 0.05). However, neither group showed a statistically significant change in surface roughness (p > 0.05). After the treatments, changes in surface morphology and mineral content of enamel were observed. Surface pre-treatment using air abrasion bioglass 45S5 may help prevent enamel erosion induced by excessive consumption of soft drinks. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this method and its clinical significance.

Scalable and parallelized biochemical assays in paper devices integrated with a programmable binary valve matrix

The integration of simple fabricated paper devices with a multiplexing fluid control technology are the keys for extending traditional microfluidic applications to paper-based devices. However, paper devices to date have lacked a method for addressing the integration of complex fluid manipulations. By featuring a scalable and programmable mechanical valve matrix that is actuated by push-pull solenoids, we present a paper microfluidic multiplexing technology for performing biochemical assays in a high degree of autonomy. The technology allows every channel of a paper network to be autonomously addressed and isolated while uses a minimal number of control elements, efficiently reducing its complexity. The technology is implemented in an integrated portable system including a multiplexor controller, a relay matrix, a paper device, on-chip temperature control unit and an image analyzer. Biochemical reaction signals can be acquired and automatically interpreted via a self-built mobile App. A prototype that consists of 8 independent valve lines was demonstrated, allowing multiplexed control of a paper device with 16 operating channels. After thoroughly studying the behaviour of fluid transport in the paper device using both numerical simulation and experimentations, multiplex colorimetric assays of heavy metal samples and glucose in common soft drinks and artificial saliva samples were analyzed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a simple fabricated paper device integrated with a valve multiplexing technology. The scalability of this integration makes the technology ideally suited for high-throughput analysis and holds great potential for progressing large scale integration of paper microfluidics.

Effect of air-abrasion pre-treatment with bioactive glass 45S5 on enamel surface loss after erosion/abrasion challenge

ObjectivesThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of air-abrasion surface pre-treatment with bioactive glass (BAG) 45S5 on enamel surface loss after erosion/abrasion challenge. MethodsTwenty-four sound bovine incisors were used for this study. Four experimental groups (n=12) were assigned as follows: Group 1 was the negative control group, Group 2 specimens were treated with a SnF2 gel (positive control group), Group 3 specimens were air-abraded with BAG 45S5 (ProSylc) and Group 4 received both treatments. The specimens were submitted to erosion/abrasion challenge using a common soft drink. Enamel surface loss was evaluated using an optical profilometer. Additionally, surface roughness (VSI method) and surface microhardness (Vickers method) changes were evaluated, as well as SEM and EDS analyses were performed on enamel surface. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test at a level of significance a=0.05. ResultsSurface pre-treatment with BAG 45S5 reduced surface loss in comparison with negative control group (p<0.001), which exhibited the highest surface loss of the experimental groups (p<0.05). The positive control group (SnF2 treatment) and Group 4 specimens, which received both air-abrasion pre-treatment and SnF2 treatment, presented the lowest surface loss (p<0.05), but did not show significant differences to each other (p=0.65). SignificanceAir-abrasion pre-treatment with BAG 45S5 may be beneficial as an in-office preventive method for the limitation of enamel erosive wear induced by excessive consumption of soft drinks. The clinical significance of the results regarding this preventive method should be confirmed by clinical studies.

Effect of CPP-ACPF and Nano-hydroxyapatite Preventive Treatments on the Susceptibility of Enamel to Erosive Challenge.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of two preventive clinical treatments on bovine enamel susceptibility after erosive challenge induced by a soft drink. Eighteen sound bovine incisors were used for this study. Three experimental groups were assigned as follows: Group 1 was the control group; Group 2 specimens received a CPP-ACPF paste treatment; and Group 3 specimens received a treatment with a product containing 1% nano-hydroxyapatite and 455 ppmF-. The specimens were submitted to erosive challenge using a common soft drink (Coca Cola). The erosive activity on the enamel was evaluated by measuring surface microhardness change (Vickers method), surface roughness alterations and surface loss (vertical scanning interferometry (VSI) method). The data were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test at a level of statistical significance a = 0.05. The tested treatments exhibited significantly lower decreases in surface microhardness compared to the control group after the erosive challenge (p < 0.05). The tested treatment groups did not show statistically significant lower increases in surface roughness compared to the control group (p > 0.05). In addition, the treatment groups exhibited statistically significant lower surface loss than the control group (p < 0.05). Although the tested treatments reduced erosive activity, none of them provided complete protection against the development of enamel erosion, which means that they should be only used as a part of an individually tailored preventive programme.

In vitro assessment of erosive effects of some common soft drinks on dental hard tissues

Background/Aim: The chemical nature of soft drinks is acidic, so they possess the capacity to cause hard tissue erosion. The aim of this study is to assess the potentially erosive effect linked to pH and titratable acidity of some common soft drinks on dental hard tissues in prolonged time exposure. Material and Methods: Seven types of soft drinks in Romanian market were selected for this study. The pH and Titratable acidity were determined. Twenty one human dental hard tissue specimens were immersed in 5 ml solution each for 336h. Every 48h weight loss was determined for each specimen and after 336h volume changes were calculated. Enamel microhardness was determined using a Microhardness Tester model HV-1000 and compared to normal enamel microhardness. Results: The pH values of beverages ranged from 2.37 to 3.1, showing no significant differences. All specimens presented color and surface texture modifications, weight loss and volume reduction. There were found significant differences between the mean values of weight loss and enamel microhardness of each type of specimens and type of beverages tested. The most representative findings were achieved by indentations done in specific zones on Sprite® immersed specimen. This result suggest that microhardness near the eroded surface was significant lower than in other zones. Conclusions: Data obtained have shown that all the soft drinks tested had an erosive effect, causing dental hard tissue dissolution. For prolonged time exposure titratable acidity may be a major predictor for erosive potential. Dental erosion may affect different levels of enamel causing decreased enamel microhardness.

Palm Sap—Quality Profiles, Fermentation Chemistry, and Preservation Methods

Palm sap is quite nutritious and highly prone to fermentation. The unfermented juice could be an ideal health drink. Palm sap’s quality profile and fermentation chemistry help to predict its shelf life and potential safety. There is demand from farmer–producer companies and food processing industries to develop bottling technology and a transportation/distribution protocol for palm sap similar to common soft drinks. Different techniques were followed for bottling palm sap, but none proved successful at the pilot level or commercial scale. To develop a systemic preservation technique, it is crucial to understand the biochemical composition, fermentation chemistry, and existing preservation methods and their disadvantages. This review mainly focuses on the chemical, microbial, volatiles, and flavor changes of palm sap. In addition to a detailed discussion on contemporary sap preservation techniques, this paper also addresses the effect of pasteurization in combination with preservatives, such as nisin, sodium benzoate, chitosan, potassium sorbate, sorbic acid, citric acid, and sodium metabisulfite, on the shelf life of sap, challenges to preserving palm sap, and future directions for preservation methods.

Uso de soluciones azucaradas-ácidas de fácil formulación en pos cosecha de delfinio (Delphinium spp.)

The use of different solutions in flower postharvest is based on substances of easy access for users and friendly to the environment. The main components of a postharvest solution correspond to sugars in an acid environment in such a way to reduce the proliferation of microorganisms that can alter the absorption and mobility of water. Using sugar-acid based solutions of fancy drinks can improve flower conditions in species with reduced postharvest life. In this experiment we tested solutions between 10 and 100% of the common soft drink Sprite®, because its favorable balance of sugar/acid. Results indicate that the control treatment onsets senescence on the 8th day after the start of experiment. In that moment treatments with more than 30% of Sprite (pH ​<3.6 and sugar higher than 4.9 g 100 mL-1) show the best shelf life condition.

Stereotypy spotřebitelského chování posluchačů různých hudebních žánrů

The paper investigated stereotypical images of consumer preferences among listeners of various musical genres. Undergraduate students (N = 132) were asked to rate food and beverage preferences of fans of classical music, jazz, pop, metal, techno, or rap. The results indicated the existence of clearly defined stereotypes of musical fans' consumer behavior. According to these stereotypical images there are large differences in food and beverage preferences among 'elite' music listeners (classical, jazz) and other music preference groups. Typically, the 'elite' music listeners prefer unusual and luxurious foods. Further, they have higher demands in the selection of beverages. In contrast, the listeners of 'heavy' music have quite different preferences. They prefer the traditional Czech cuisine, fast food, beer and common soft drinks. The consumer stereotype of pop listeners is between these two groups. They prefer specialties and fast food, preferences of beverages are in some respect close to listeners of 'elite' and 'heavy' music. The stereotypes in consumer behavior are consistent with other findings about stereotypical images of personal qualities and characteristics of listeners various music genres. The results of the research can be applied in marketing domain.

Soft drink consumption is associated with fatty liver disease independent of metabolic syndrome

The independent role of soft drink consumption in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients remains unclear. We aimed to assess the association between consumption of soft drinks and fatty liver in patients with or without metabolic syndrome. We recruited 31 patients (age: 43+/-12 years) with NAFLD and risk factors for metabolic syndrome, 29 patients with NAFLD and without risk factors for metabolic syndrome, and 30 gender- and age-matched individuals without NAFLD. The degree of fatty infiltration was measured by ultrasound. Data on physical activity and intake of food and soft drinks were collected during two 7-day periods over 6 months using a food questionnaire. Insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidant-antioxidant markers were measured. We found that 80% of patients with NAFLD had excessive intake of soft drink beverages (>500 cm(3)/day) compared to 17% of healthy controls (p<0.001). The NAFLD group consumed five times more carbohydrates from soft drinks compared to healthy controls (40% vs. 8%, p<0.001). Seven percent of patients consumed one soft drink per day, 55% consumed two or three soft drinks per day, and 38% consumed more than four soft drinks per day for most days and for the 6-month period. The most common soft drinks were Coca-Cola (regular: 32%; diet: 21%) followed by fruit juices (47%). Patients with NAFLD with metabolic syndrome had similar malonyldialdehyde, paraoxonase, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels but higher homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and higher ferritin than NAFLD patients without metabolic syndrome (HOMA: 8.3+/-8 vs. 3.7+/-3.7 mg/dL, p<0.001; ferritin: 186+/-192 vs. 87+/-84 mg/dL, p<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that soft drink consumption is a strong predictor of fatty liver (odds ratio: 2.0; p<0.04) independent of metabolic syndrome and CRP level. NAFLD patients display higher soft drink consumption independent of metabolic syndrome diagnosis. These findings might optimize NAFLD risk stratification.

Antioxidant capacity of some caramel-containing soft drinks

Antioxidant properties of foods and beverages have been widely studied; however, few data have been reported on the antioxidant capacity of soft drinks. Apart from fruit juice-based drinks, some of the most common soft drinks contain as a colouring agent one of the four caramel colours allowed in foods (E150 d). Caramels contain melanoidin compounds, which have been reported to contribute to the antioxidant powers of some foodstuff. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution to the antioxidant activity of some caramel-containing soft drinks, such as cola drinks, and chinotto, an original Italian soft drink. Some commercial caramel colours were analysed for main parameters, i.e. HMF (5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfural), residual glucose and fructose content, total reducing compounds by the Folin–Ciocalteau reagent, and the antioxidant activity by the FRAP and DPPH ∗ methods. Similar analyses were performed on various soft drinks coloured with E150 d. The results showed that even if soft drinks have a lower antioxidant activity than other beverages such as tea, coffee or chocolate, they may contribute to the antioxidant pool assumed with the diet, since the antioxidant activity ranged from 0.2 for cola-like soft drinks to 1.0 mmoles Trolox equivalent/l for chinotto drinks.

Soft Drink Consumption Linked with Fatty Liver in the Absence of Traditional Risk Factors

Little is known about dietary habits and their relationships with liver disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, particularly in the absence of obesity, diabetes or hyperlipidemia. To assess the association between soft drink consumption and the presence of fatty liver in NAFLD patients who do not have classic risk factors. Three hundred ten patients with NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound were assessed for 36 months in a cross-sectional manner. Thirty-one patients (10%) who had NAFLD without classic risk factors were compared with 30 healthy controls. Physical activity was assessed during the preceding week and year, and every six months for 36 months. Data on daily dietary intake of food and soft drink, and the source of added sugar were collected during two seven-day periods, at the beginning of the study, and within two weeks after the metabolic tests by using a validated food questionnaire given by a trained dietician. Insulin resistance and lipid peroxidation were assessed by homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IRI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, respectively. Eighty per cent of patients (25 of 31) consumed an excessive amount of soft drink beverages (more than 50 g/day of added sugar) for 36 months, compared with 20% in healthy controls (P<0.001). Twenty per cent of patients consumed one drink per day, 40% consumed two to three drinks per day, and 40% consumed more than four drinks per day for most days during 36 months. The most common soft drinks consumed were regular Coca-Cola (40% of patients), Diet Coke (40%) and flavoured fruit juices (20%). Ultrasound findings revealed mild fatty liver in 44% of cases (n=14), moderate fatty liver in 38% (n=12), and severe fatty liver in 18% (n=5). HOMA-IRI and MDA levels were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD than in healthy controls (HOMA-IRI, 3.7 versus 1.7, P<0.001; and MDA, 420+/-300 micromol/mL versus 200+/-100 micromol/mL; P<0.001). When controlled for other factors, including dietary composition and physical activity, soft drink beverage consumption was the only independent variable that was able to predict the presence of fatty liver in 82.5% of cases with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 76%, a positive predictive value of 57% and a negative predictive value of 100%. The present study may add important insight into the role of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption as a cause of fatty liver in patients without risk factors. Patients are encouraged to change their long-standing drinking behaviour.

Determination of the carbonation tolerance of yeasts

A simple method is described for the determination of the carbonation tolerance of yeasts. Using the method, data are presented for the carbonation tolerance of some common soft drink spoilage yeasts.