Influência do estímulo gustativo na pressão de sucção de recém-nascidos a termo / Influence of taste stimulation on sucking pressure in newborn infants at term

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a influência de um estímulo gustativo na pressão de sucção, durante a sucção não nutritiva (SNN), em recém-nascidos a termo, saudáveis e com peso adequado à idade gestacional. Método Estudo quase experimental do tipo ensaio clínico não randomizado com uma amostra de conveniência de 60 recém-nascidos (RN), 30 alocados no grupo estudo (GE) e 30 no grupo controle (GC). Os RN foram avaliados quanto à pressão de sucção, durante a SNN em chupeta. Para o GE foi adicionado estímulo gustativo à chupeta, umedecida com o colostro. O GC não recebeu nenhum estímulo, além da própria chupeta. As pressões média, mínima e máxima foram medidas com o equipamento S-Flex®. Resultados O GE apresentou pressão média e máxima de sucção significativamente maiores do que o GC. Ainda, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa, entre os grupos, para a 2ª medida da pressão média de sucção. Conclusão Os resultados demostraram que os RN do GE apresentaram pressões de sucção, média e máxima, significativamente maiores, quando comparados ao GC. A utilização de um estímulo gustativo associado à SNN modificou a pressão de sucção e parece potencializar as habilidades orais.

Abstract Purpose To verify the influence of a taste stimulus on the suction pressure, during the non-nutritive sucking (SNN), in newborns, healthy and with weight appropriate to the gestational age. Methods Quasi-experimental study of the non-randomized clinical trial type with a convenience sample of 60 newborns (NB), 30 allocated in the study group (EG) and 30 in the control group (CG). The NB were evaluated for sucking pressure during the SNN in a pacifier. For the EG, a gustatory stimulus was added to the pacifier, moistened with colostrum. The CG did not receive any stimulus, other than the pacifier itself. The average, minimum and maximum pressures were measured with the equipment S-Flex®. Results The SG presented mean and maximum sucking pressure significantly higher than the CG. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups for the second measurement of mean sucking pressure. Conclusion The results showed that the NB of the SG presented sucking pressures, average and maximum, significantly higher, when compared to the CG. The use of a taste stimulus associated with SNN modified the sucking pressure and seems to enhance oral skills.

Antimicrobial potential of essential oils mouthrinses with and without alcohol: a randomized clinical trial

Aim: This study aimed to compare the microbiological potential and gustatory perception of essential oils (EO) mouthrinses containing and not containing alcohol. Methods: Twenty healthy adult volunteers rinsed with 10mL of the following test solutions: EO with alcohol, EO without alcohol, or a control solution (saline solution with mint essence). A washout period of at least seven days was adopted after a single-use protocol of the respective solution. All participants used all three tested substances. Antimicrobial potential was assessed by counting salivary total viable bacteria both before and after each rinse. Gustatory perception was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Multiple comparisons were performed with the Wilcoxon test, using Bonferroni correction. Results: Both EO solutions presented a higher antimicrobial potential in comparison to the control solution (p<0.017). However, no significant difference in antimicrobial potential was observed between EO containing or not containing alcohol (p=0.218). VAS of EO with alcohol (median: 2.7) was similar to control solution (median: 1.6) (p=0.287). A better gustatory perception was observed of the EO without alcohol (median 7.6) when compared to the control solution (p<0.0001). When EO groups were compared, EO without alcohol also demonstrated a significantly better gustatory perception (p=0.001). Conclusion: Mouthrinse containing EO without alcohol presented a better taste perception when compared to the EO with alcohol, but no difference was observed in the antimicrobial potential of both EO solutions after a single rinse protocol

Regulation effect of lipopolysaccharide on the alternative splicing and function of sweet taste receptor T1R2 / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To identify the alternative splicing isoform of mouse sweet taste receptor T1R2, and investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) local injection on T1R2 alternative splicing and the function of sweet taste receptor as one of the bacterial virulence factors.@*METHODS@#After mouse taste bud tissue isolation was conducted, RNA extraction and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed to identify the splicing isoform of T1R2. Heterologous expression experiments @*RESULTS@#T1R2 splicing isoform T1R2_Δe3p formed sweet taste receptors with T1R3, which could not be activated by sweet taste stimuli and significantly downregulated the function of canonical T1R2/T1R3. Local LPS injection significantly increased the expression ratio of T1R2_Δe3p in mouse taste buds.@*CONCLUSIONS@#LPS stimulation affects the alternative splicing of mouse sweet taste receptor T1R2 and significantly upregulates the expression of non-functional isoform T1R2_Δe3p, suggesting that T1R2 alternative splicing regulation may be one of the mechanisms by which microbial infection affects host taste perception.

Efeitos da estimulação gustativa na prontidão oral e estados comportamentais de recém-nascidos / Effects of gustatory stimulation on oral readiness and behavioral states of newborns

RESUMO Objetivo investigar e comparar comportamentos específicos de prontidão oral e estados comportamentais de recém-nascidos a termo (RNT) e pré-termo (RNPT), a partir da estimulação gustativa (água e sacarose). Métodos estudo experimental, analítico, duplo-cego, caso controle. Participaram 152 recém-nascidos de uma maternidade pública, sendo 68 a termo e 84 pré-termo, subdivididos conforme estímulo gustativo (água ou sacarose). O teste durou 15 minutos, dividido em três períodos de cinco minutos. Foram analisados estados comportamentais e comportamentos específicos. Resultados foram observadas diferenças significativas, comparando os estímulos, com maior tempo nos comportamentos mão-boca direita (p=0,042) e esquerda (p=0,037), e diminuição no tempo de sono (p=0,019) nos RNT estimulados com sacarose. Nos RNPT houve maior tempo de sucção de mão direita (p=0,043) e esquerda (p=0,001) e de sucção (p<0,001), com aumento no tempo de alerta (p=0,025), quando estimulados com sacarose. Houve diminuição de tempo de agitação (p=0,018) em RNPT estimulados com água. RNT apresentaram maior tempo em sono do que os RNPT (p=0,032). A estimulação da sacarose no estado alerta foi mais evidente em RNPT (p=0,047). Conclusão A sacarose eliciou respostas motoras referentes à prontidão para alimentação e estado comportamental favorável para alimentação, independentemente da idade gestacional. Os achados são importantes para a clínica fonoaudiológica, possibilitando ampliar condutas de estimulação da alimentação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate and compare specific oral readiness behavior and behavioral states of term newborns (TNB) and preterm newborns (PTNB) based on taste stimulation (water and sucrose). Methods Experimental, analytical, double-blind, case-control study: 152 newborns from a public maternity hospital participated, 68 of them were term newborns and 84,preterm , divided according to taste stimulus (water or sucrose). The test lasted 15 minutes, divided into three periods of 5 minutes. We evaluated behavioral states and specific behaviors. Results We observed significant difference by comparing stimulations and longer periods of right (p=0.042) and left (p=0.037) hand suction for mouth behavior, shorter sleeping periods (p=0.019) in TNB stimulated with sucrose. In PTNB, we observed longer periods of right hand (p=0.043) and left hand (p=0.001) suction, suction (p<0.001) and alert state (p=0.025) when stimulated with sucrose. We found a decrease in agitation (p=0.018) in PTNB stimulated with water. The TNB were asleep for longer periods of time than PTBN (p=0.032). Sucrose stimulation in alert state is more evident in PTNB (p=0.047). Conclusion Sucrose elicited motor responses related to food readiness and favorable behavioral status for food regardless of gestational age. The findings are important for the speech therapy clinic, enabling broader feeding stimulation approaches.

Estado del arte del gusto graso / State of the Art of "Fat Flavor"

Resumen Antecedentes: existe evidencia científica sobre la detección y reconocimiento del sabor a grasa en las papilas gustativas, y sobre la relación entre las propiedades sensoriales de los lípidos en los alimentos, la nutrición y la salud pública. Objetivo: presentar los avances investigativos en la cualidad del sabor a grasa y las estrategias actuales para lograr el cumplimiento de las recomen daciones del consumo de lípidos. Resultados: existen bases fisiológicas para afirmar que el sabor graso constituye uno de los gustos básicos, en los que están identificados sus posibles receptores y polimorfismos. La sensibilidad de estos receptores a los ácidos grasos se afecta por el consumo de grasa. La grasa dietaria se puede reducir cambiando los métodos de cocción y en la industria alimentaria usando reemplazantes de grasa. Conclusión: el gusto graso podría estar modulado por factores genéticos y ambientales. Existen variantes genéticas de los receptores y su sensibili dad depende de la grasa dietaria. Los reemplazantes de grasa son una alternativa para reducir su aporte alimentario.

Abstract Background: Scientific evidence exists on the detection and recognition of the'fatty taste' as one of the tastes sensed by taste buds, and around the sensory properties of fats in foods as related to nutrition and public health. Objective: Present research advances in the quality of the fatty flavor and current strategies to achieve compliance with the recommendations for lipid consumption. Results: There is physiological basis for affirming that the fatty taste constitutes one of the basic tastes, in which its possible receptors and polymorphisms are identified. Taste sensitivity to fatty acids is affected by the consumption of lipids. Dietary fat consumption can be reduced by changing cooking methods and in the food industry by using fat replacers. Conclusion: The fatty taste could be modulated by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variants exist in taste receptors and their sensitivity depends on dietary fat consumption. Fat replacers are an alternative to help reduce dietary intake.

Association Between TAS1R2 Gene Polymorphism (rs12033832) and Sweet Taste Perception Amongst Malay Obese and Nonobese Subjects

@#Introduction: A growing evidence supported that variation of sweet taste perception, mediated by TAS1Rs gene variants could lead to excess sweetened food and beverages intake and also obesity. However, obesity development may also alter individuals' taste sensitivity and perception. Thus, it is best to further investigate whether or not the individuals' sweet taste sensitivity and acceptance are associated with variation in TAS1R2 gene and Body Mass Index (BMI) status. Methods: This comparison cross sectional study comprised of 88 obese and 92 non-obese subjects aged 20-45. All the subjects were genotyped for TAS1R2 gene variant at rs12033832 using polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Suprathreshold sensitivity for sweet taste was assessed using general Labeled Magnitude Scales. Intensity rating and hedonic test were carried out on 2 food samples (tea drink and rose flavoured agar) to examine subject's intensity rating and liking at different sugar contents. Results: Our results showed that rs12033832 of TAS1R2 gene is associated with sweet taste perception among obese and non-obese subjects. No interaction effect between BMI status and TAS1R2 gene variant (rs12022832) was found on sweet taste measures. Overall, non-obese subjects with AA genotype on rs12033832 had the highest sweet taste sensitivity and dislike high sugar content products the most. The effect was reverse among the obese subjects with GG homozygous. Conclusion: These findings suggest that TAS1R2 gene variation plays an important role in sweet taste perception among individuals and may have nutritional implications and obesity.

Evolution of dietary preferences and the innate urge to heal: Drug discovery lessons from Ayurveda

Highly specialized and functionally integrated cognitive systems facilitate hedonistic and healthy foodpreferences. Guided by survival needs, flavor preferences not only select safe, nutritious dietarycomponents, but also those with negligible calorific value but significant health benefits, for example,spices. Feeding behavior, both innate and acquired, is guided not only by taste receptors on the tonguebut also visceral organs. The gustatory cortex receives information from all senses, not just taste, suggesting multiple checkpoints in predicting and evaluating healthy foods. Ayurvedic interpretation of‘rasa’ as chemistry is compatible with medicinal value of diets because, taste and odor are chemosensoryperceptions. As flavor and taste are linked to the chemical structure of compounds, taste might offerclues about pharmacological activity. Ayurvedic idea of vipaka, or post digestive perception of taste,recognizes the extended role of taste receptors beyond the tongue and stretching into the viscera.Ayurvedic wisdom is consistent with evolutionary guideposts that suggest three successive stages ofnutritional appraisal: before, during, and after ingesting food. While olfaction induces affinity orrevulsion even before ingestion, gustatory receptors on the tongue evaluates nutritional value uponcontact, and the chemoreceptors in the deeper metabolic systems probably pronounce the final verdicton the nutritive and health benefits of ingested substances. Alliesthesia, neophobia, and the extremevariation in human T2R genes (coding for bitterness receptors) illustrate the importance of adaptivelearning of dietary preferences. These evolutionary clues are compatible with the Ayurvedic principle of‘rasa’, in facilitating the process of drug discovery.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Sweetness Taste Preference Levels and Their Relationship to the Nutritional and Dental Caries Patterns among Brazilian Preschool Children

Objective: To evaluate the sweetness taste preference levels and their relationship with the nutritional and dental caries patterns among preschool children. Material and Methods: The participants of this cross-sectional study were 191 children aged 4 to 5 years, who were regularly attending public Child Education Centers of a city southern Brazil. Children's preference for sugar was evaluated by the Sweet Preference Inventory; caries prevalence, according to the World Health Organization criteria, and nutritional status, by anthropometric weight and stature measurements, in accordance with child growth standards of the World Health Organization. Results: High levels of sweetness preference were identified. The majority of children (67.5%) opted for the most concentrated sucrose solutions. Excess weight was recorded in 27.7% of the preschoolers. The prevalence of caries was 51.8%, with the mean dmf-t equal to 1.92 (± 2.72) and the decayed (c) component responsible for 94.2% of the index. No significant association between sweetness preference and the nutritional or the oral health patterns could be established. In addition, no association between excess weight and dental caries was identified. The diseases studied were only associated with sociodemographic variables. Excess weight was associated with maternal age (p=0.004) and caries experience with family income (p=0.013). Conclusion: No significant associations could be stablished between the sweetness taste preference and the diseases studied, nor between excess weight and dental caries. However, the findings of high patterns of sweet preference, excess weight and untreated caries experience, highlight the need for the implementation of integrated public policies aimed at controlling both nutritional and of oral health problems in the studied population.

Percepción del gusto como factor de riesgo para obesidad infantil / Taste perception as a risk factor for childhood obesity

Resumen Objetivo Describir el papel de la percepción del gusto como factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de obesidad en niños. Material y métodos Se realizó una búsqueda inicial de artículos científicos publicados en PubMed entre el 1 de enero de 2011 y el 20 de marzo de 2016 para el tema sobrepeso y obesidad en niños de entre 0 y 12 años. Los algoritmos utilizados fueron (Obesity OR Overweight) AND Taste perception, Satiation, Satiety response, Appetite, Appetite regulation, Habituation, Taste receptors [MeSH] y PROP phenotype. En búsquedas subsecuentes se incluyeron artículos previos y posteriores a la fecha de la búsqueda general (hasta mayo 2018). Resultados Las preferencias por los sabores inician desde la gestación, por lo que los niños que son expuestos a sabores dulces en etapas tempranas de la infancia aumentan su riesgo de habituación a éstos. Asimismo, las experiencias hedónicas dadas por la ingestión de alimentos y bebidas dulces refuerzan el consumo de estos alimentos, lo que propicia la selección de productos o bebidas de sabor dulce en etapas posteriores. Estas preferencias se han asociado con el desarrollo de obesidad en los niños. Las variantes genéticas relacionadas con la percepción del gusto también pueden contribuir a la selección de cierto tipo de alimentos. Sin embargo, su relación con una mayor ingestión de energía, así como con un mayor peso corporal, ha sido poco explorada y ha mostrado resultados inconsistentes. Conclusiones Se requiere más evidencia para entender las interacciones ambientales y genéticas de la percepción del gusto, a fin de considerarlo un factor más en las intervenciones de política pública.

Abstract Objective To describe the role of taste perception in the development of sweet taste habituation as well as its relationship to the development of obesity in children. Materials and methods An initial search of scientific articles published in PubMed between January 1st, 2011 and March 20th, 2016 was performed in children between 0 and 12 years old. The algorithms used were (Obesity OR Overweight) AND (Taste perception, Satiation, Satiety response, Appetite, Appetite regulation Habituation, Taste receptors [MeSH]) and PROP phenotype. Subsequent searches included papers published before and after date of initial search (until May 2018). Results Flavor preferences start as early as taste system development during pregnancy. Therefore, children who are exposed to sweet flavors in early childhood, increase their risk of habituation to them. Likewise, the hedonic experiences given by the ingestion of sweet foods and beverages, reinforce the consumption of these foods, perpetuating their selection in later stages. Preference for sweet taste has been associated with the development of obesity in children. Functional genetic variants related to taste perception can also contribute to the selection of certain types of foods and there is enough evidence that supports this idea. However, its contribution to a higher energy intake as well as a higher body weight has been poorly explored with inconsistent results. Conclusions More evidence is required to understand the environmental and genetic interactions of taste perception, so in turn, it can be consider as a key factor for preventing child obesity.

Associations between taste sensitivity, preference for sweet and salty flavours, and nutritional status of adolescents from public schools / Associação entre sensibilidade gustativa, preferência aos sabores doce e salgado e estado nutricional de adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the associations between taste sensitivity, preference for sweet and salty flavours, and nutritional status of adolescents in public schools. Methods We used a cross-sectional study involving 1,036 adolescents of both sexes, aged 10-19 years. Preference for sweet or salty flavours and preference for foods high in sugar or sodium were evaluated. Measurements of body mass index and taste flavour intensity recognition were conducted. Results Most participants were unable to identify the flavours and/or intensities, and only 18.0% of participants were able to correctly identify both the flavour and intensity of the samples. Most participants (82.1%) preferring sweet foods had low sensitivity to this taste, just as a large proportion of individuals preferring saltiness (82.3%) were less sensitive to salt (p<0.001). Preference for saltiness was associated with pre-obesity. Conclusion We found an association between a preference for sweet or salty flavours and nutritional status, highlighting the importance of poor food choices in the development of obesity and other chronic diseases.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre a sensibilidade gustativa, a preferência pelos sabores doce e salgado e o estado nutricional de adolescentes em escolas públicas. Métodos Estudo de natureza transversal, envolvendo 1.036 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 10 e 19 anos. A preferência pelos sabores doce e salgado e por alimentos ricos em açúcar ou sódio foi avaliada. Medidas do índice de massa corporal e testes de reconhecimento de gosto-intensidade foram conduzidos. Resultados A maioria dos participantes foi incapaz de identificar os sabores e/ou intensidades e somente 18,0% dos participantes foram capazes de identificar corretamente o sabor e intensidade das amostras. A maioria dos participantes (82,1%) preferiram alimentos doces e tiveram baixa sensibilidade a esse gosto, bem como uma grande proporção de indivíduos que preferem salgado (82,3%) eram menos sensíveis ao sal (p<0,001). A preferência pelo gosto salgado foi associada com excesso de peso. Conclusão Foi encontrada uma associação entre a preferência pelos sabores doce e salgado e o estado nutricional, destacando a importância de escolhas alimentares pobres no desenvolvimento de obesidade e outras doenças crônicas.

Taste sensitivity of adults and elderly persons / Sensibilidade gustativa de adultos e idosos

Abstract Objective: To compare the taste sensitivity of adults and elderly people, considering nutritional status, smoking and alcohol consumption. Method: Forty-six volunteers participated in the research, thirteen of whom were adult employees of a company from the food industry and thirty-three of whom were elderly residents of three Long-Term Care Facilities for the Elderly from the Vale do Taquari (Taquari Valley). They responded to a structured questionnaire about their socioeconomic data and use of medication, smoking and alcohol consumption, and underwent a nutritional evaluation and a taste sensitivity test. The taste sensitivity test was applied at three different concentrations for every flavor, with 4 drops dripped on the tongue of the volunteer, who described the level of perceived palatability, giving a score of 0-5. Data was analyzed through statistical analysis using the Statistical Package SPSS 20.0, considering a value of significance of p<0.05. Result: a reduction in the taste sensitivity of the elderly persons was noted for the sweet and sour solutions, in comparison with adults, as the majority of the elderly people demonstrated lower sensitivity scale scores for the citric acid solution in concentration 1 (p=0.004) and concentration 2 (p=0.049) and sucrose in concentration 3 (p=0.026). Conclusion: Elderly people had a lower perception of the sweet and sour flavors than adults. Moreover, nutritional status, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking and medication use were not significantly associated with the taste perception of the individuals evaluated. AU

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar a sensibilidade gustativa de indivíduos adultos e idosos e relacionar com o estado nutricional, tabagismo e consumo de álcool. Método: Participaram da pesquisa 46 voluntários, sendo 13 adultos funcionários de uma empresa do ramo de alimentação e 33 idosos residentes em três Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos do Vale do Taquari. Os mesmos foram submetidos a um questionário estruturado sobre dados socioeconômico e utilização de fármacos, tabagismo e consumo de álcool, avaliação nutricional e teste de sensibilidade gustativa. O teste de sensibilidade gustativa foi aplicado em três concentrações diferentes para cada sabor, sendo pingadas 4 gotas na língua do voluntário que referiu qual foi o grau de palatabilidade percebido, atribuindo um conceito de 0 a 5. Os dados foram analisados através do Pacote Estatístico SPSS 20.0, sendo considerados significativos valores de p<0,05. Resultado: Observou-se redução na sensibilidade gustativa dos idosos na solução azeda e doce, quando comparados aos adultos, visto que a maioria dos idosos estabeleceu conceitos menores na escala de sensibilidade para a solução de ácido cítrico na concentração 1 (p=0,004), na concentração 2 (p=0,049) e de sacarose na concentração 3 (p=0,026). Conclusão: Os idosos tiveram a percepção do sabor azedo e doce reduzida quando comparado aos adultos. Além disso, o estado nutricional, gênero, consumo de álcool, tabagismo e uso de medicações não tiveram associação significativa com a percepção do paladar nos indivíduos avaliados. AU

Evaluation of salt content in school meals / Avaliação do conteúdo de sal em refeições escolares

OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure is a major rick factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is closely associated with salt intake. Schools are considered ideal environments to promote health and proper eating habits. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the amount of salt in meals served in school canteens and consumers' perceptions about salt. METHODS: Meals, including all the components (bread, soup, and main dish) were retrieved from school canteens. Salt was quantified by a portable salt meter. For food perception we constructed a questionnaire that was administered to high school students. RESULTS: A total of 798 food samples were analysed. Bread had the highest salt content with a mean of 1.35 g/100 g (SD=0.12). Salt in soups ranged from 0.72 g/100 g to 0.80 g/100 g (p=0.05) and, in main courses, from 0.71 g/100 to 0.97 g/100g (p=0.05). The salt content of school meals is high with a mean value of 2.83 to 3.82 g of salt per meal. Moreover, a high percentage of students consider meals neither salty nor bland, which shows they are used to the intensity/amount of salt consumed. CONCLUSION: The salt content of school meals is high, ranging from 2 to 5 times more than the Recommended Dietary Allowances for children, clearly exceeding the needs for this population, which may pose a health risk. Healthy choices are only possible in environments where such choices are possible. Therefore, salt reduction strategies aimed at the food industry and catering services should be implemented, with children and young people targeted as a major priority. .

OBJETIVO: Considerando que a pressão arterial elevada constitui um dos maiores fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares e sua associação ao consumo elevado de sal, bem como o fato de as escolas serem considerados ambientes de excelência para fomentar a aquisição de bons hábitos alimentares e promover a saúde, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conteúdo de sal presente nas refeições escolares e a percepção dos consumidores sobre o sabor salgado. MÉTODOS: Foram recolhidas refeições nas cantinas das escolas, analisando-se todos os seus componentes (pão, sopa e prato principal). A quantificação de sal foi realizada com um medidor de sal portátil. Para a avaliar a percepção dos consumidores foi desenvolvido e aplicado um questionário aos alunos das escolas preparatórias e secundárias. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 798 componentes de refeições. O pão apresentou o valor mais elevado de sal, com média de 1,35 g/100 g (SD=0.12). O conteúdo de sal nas sopas apresentou média de 0,72 g/100 g a 0,80 g/100 g (p=0,05) e, nos pratos principais, de 0,71 g/100 a 0,97 g/100 g (p=0,05). Em média, as refeições escolares disponibilizaram entre 2,83 e 3,82 g de sal por porção servida, o que representa de duas a cinco vezes mais em relação à dose diária recomendada para crianças e jovens. Para a maioria dos estudantes, o sabor das refeições foi percebido como sendo nem salgado nem insosso, o que parece demonstrar adaptação à intensidade/ quantidade de sal consumida. CONCLUSÃO: Escolhas alimentares saudáveis e adequadas só são possíveis se sustentadas por um ambiente que as facilite. Considerando o impacto que o consumo de sal tem na saúde, em particular nas doenças crônicas, a implementação de estratégias de redução de sal - nas indústrias, serviços de catering e restaurantes -, é imperativa, em particular direcionada para o público mais jovem. .

Interferencia stroop intermodal entre representaciones gustativas y auditivas / Cross-modal stroop interference between gustative and auditory representations

La integración intermodal es un mecanismo altamente adaptativo en el que la información de las modalidades se combinan proporcionando información más ajustada acerca de las propiedades externas del ambiente. Sin embargo, los sujetos no siempre son capaces de procesar dos fuentes de información de manera simultánea. El propósito de este estudio es evaluar la interferencia del procesamiento entre las representaciones gustativas y auditivas en la memoria operativa. Participaron del experimento 47 sujetos argentinos universitarios cuya edad promedio resultó de 22,45 años (de=3,787 años). Se empleó un diseño intra-sujetos de medidas repetidas. Se utilizó el paradigma de la tarea stroop intermodal. Los resultados sugieren que durante el nivel de estímulos congruentes la competencia atencional entre los estímulos gustativos y auditivos es menor en relación con los estímulos incongruentes y controles. Adicionalmente, se encontró una correlación inversa entre el tiempo de reacción y el número de aciertos de los estímulos congruentes.

The cross-modal integration is a highly adaptive mechanism in which information patterns are combined in order to provide more accurate information about the external properties of the environment. However, subjects are not always capable of processing two sources simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate the processing interference between gustative and auditory representations in working memory. The experiment recruited 47 participants whose age average was 22.45 years (SD = 3.787 years). A within-subjects design (repeated measures) was used, as well as the cross-modal stroop task . The results suggest that the attentional competition between gustative and auditory stimuli under congruent stimuli is lower compared to incongruent stimuli and controls. Additionally, it was found an inverse correlation between reaction time and the number of correct congruent stimuli.

Genetic sensitivity to bitter taste of 6-n Propylthiouracil: A useful diagnostic aid to detect early childhood caries in pre-school children.

PURPOSE: Genetic factor to bitter taste perception appears to be largely mediated by the TAS2R38 gene. The insensitivity to bitter compounds like 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is mediated by this gene. PROP, a pharmacological drug used in treatment of Graves’ disease, proved to be useful tool in determining the genetic sensitivity levels to bitter and sweet taste. The purpose of this study is to show much simpler PROP sensitivity technique for the clinical examiner and its application as a diagnostic aid in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) detection among preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 119 children belonging to the age group of 36 to 71 months of both sexes, were recruited from A. J. Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore (Karnataka). PROP sensitivity test was carried out to determine the inherent genetic ability to taste a bitter or sweet substance. This study used simpler scaling method to find out genetic sensitivity to bitter taste; one who tasted bitter as taster and one who was not able to differentiate/tasted like paper as non-taster. A questionnaire was provided to evaluate their dietary habits and caries experience was recorded. Collected data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the total of 119 children the mean dmfs was definitely higher in non-taster children compared to tasters. The tasters had a mean dmfs value of 9.5120 (S.D. 7.0543) and non-tasters had a value of 7.7250 (S.D. 8.33147), which was statistically significant. The results suggested that there was increase in caries experience among the group of non-tasters as compared to tasters. Tasters tended to be sweet dislikers and non-tasters tended to be sweet likers. On the whole, tasters had a bad dentition as compared to non tasters. CONCLUSION: The PROP sensitivity test (filter paper test) proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in determining the genetic sensitivity levels of bitter taste. The knowledge of a child's taste perception can help us in identifying the children who are at higher risk for ECC.

Association between Risk Factors for Health and Taste Perceptions of Middle-aged and Elderly People Living in Rural Areas / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between taste perceptions and risk factors for health of Korean elderly living in rural areas. Recognition thresholds for four basic tastes, drug consumption, BMI, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were assessed in 176 males and 312 females aged between 50 and 88 years. For the recognition threshold of the four basic tastes, alcohol drinking did not influence their sensitivities, but the alcohol drinking group preferred a higher pleasant concentration of NaCl than did the non-alcohol drinking group. However, smoking significantly decreased sensitivities of the four basic tastes. For the pleasant concentration of NaCl, the smoking group tended to prefer a higher concentration than the non-smoking group. Drug consumption, fasting blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides did not have a significant correlation to the sensitivity of the four basic tastes and preference of salty solution. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure may have been positively correlated with the pleasant concentration of NaCl but did not correlate with the recognition thresholds of NaCl and sucrose. Further, systolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with the recognition thresholds of caffeine, whereas diastolic blood pressure was negatively correlated with the recognition thresholds of caffeine and citric acid. The finding that the risk factors for health correlated with taste perception has diagnostic and practical implications for health promotion for the elderly.

Sensopercepción gustativa: una revisión / Gustatory sensory perception: a review

Los órganos de los sentidos confieren a los seres humanos la capacidad de percibir y responder a una gran gama de estímulos que provienen del entorno, lo cual nos brinda la facultad de elaborar respuestas con el fin de adaptarnos a los cambios medioambientales, cubrir nuestras necesidades básicas y sobrevivir. Para nutrirnos, el sentido del gusto posee un rol primordial que nos permite seleccionar dentro de una amplia variedad de alimentos, las sustancias que son necesarias para nuestro metabolismo, protegiéndonos a su vez de compuestos potencialmente nocivos, debido a su toxicidad o grado de descomposición. Este sentido también es capaz de brindarnos la capacidad de seleccionar y discriminar alimentos que nos permitan sentir agrado y placer. Para los dentistas es fundamental comprender adecuadamente los complejos procesos del sentido del Gusto, identificar las estructuras involucradas tanto a nivel periférico (papilas, receptores y vías nerviosas) como a nivel central (núcleos y cortezas cerebrales); además de conocer las modalidades básicas del gusto y sus respectivos mecanismos de transducción. Este conocimiento aportará los elementos necesarios para enfrentar de manera correcta una situación en la cual un paciente presente una alteración gustativa, siendo capaz de identificar las posibles causas y adoptar medidas adecuadas para resolverla y/o tolerarla en el caso de ser provocada en forma transitoria por un procedimiento que forme parte o no de nuestro tratamiento.

The sense organs give to humans the ability to perceive and respond to a wide range of stimuli from the environment. This allows us the power to shape responses in order to adapt to environmental changes, control our basic needs and survive. The sense of taste has a key role in nurture. Enable us to select from a wide variety of foods, elements that are necessary for metabolism and also protecting from potentially harmful compounds, as of its toxicity or degree of decomposition. This sense of taste is also capable of giving us the ability to select and discriminate food that allow us to feel enjoy and pleasure. For dentists is critical to understand adequately the complex processes of taste, identify the structures involved peripheral (papillae, nerve pathways and receptors) and central (nuclei and cerebral cortices), besides knowing the basic modalities of taste and their respective transduction mechanisms. This knowledge will provide the basis to address properly a situation in which a patient has an altered taste, being able to identify possible causes and take appropriate action to resolve it and / or tolerate if temporary caused by a procedure that may be part of our dental treatment.

The influence of sour taste and cold temperature in pharyngeal transit duration in patients with stroke

CONTEXT: The effect of sour taste and food temperature variations in dysphagic patients has not been entirely clarified. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of sour and cold food in the pharyngeal transit times of patients with stroke. METHODS: Patients participating in this study were 30 right-handed adults, 16 of which were male and 14 were female, aged 41 to 88 (average age 62.3 years) with ictus varying from 1 to 30 days (median of 6 days). To analyze the pharyngeal transit time a videofluoroscopy swallow test was performed. Each patient was observed during swallow of a 5 mL paste bolus given by spoon, totaling four different stimuli (natural, cold, sour and cold sour), one at a time, room temperature (22ºC) and cold (8ºC) were used. Later, the tests were analyzed using specific software to measure bolus transit time during the pharyngeal phase. RESULTS: The results showed that the pharyngeal transit time was significantly shorter during swallow of cold sour bolus when compared with other stimuli. Conclusion - Sour taste stimuli associated to cold temperature cause significant change in swallowing patterns, by shortening the pharyngeal transit time, which may lead to positive effects in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

CONTEXTO: O efeito do sabor azedo e as variações da temperatura dos alimentos em indivíduos disfágicos, ainda não foi totalmente esclarecidos. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito do sabor azedo e da temperatura fria no tempo de trânsito faríngeo da deglutição em indivíduos após acidente vascular encefálico hemisférico isquêmico. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 30 indivíduos adultos, sendo 16 do gênero masculino e 14 do feminino, destros, com faixa etária variando de 41 a 88 anos (média de 62,3 anos) e ictus que variou de 1 a 30 dias (mediana de 6 dias). Para analisar o tempo de trânsito faríngeo da deglutição foi realizado o exame de videofluoroscopia da deglutição. Cada indivíduo foi observado durante a deglutição de bolo na consistência pastosa, oferecido em colher, com 5 mL cada, sendo ao todo quatro estímulos diferentes, um por vez. Posteriormente os exames foram analisados com auxílio de um software específico para medição do tempo de deslocamento do bolo pela fase faríngea. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que o tempo de trânsito faríngeo da deglutição foi significantemente menor durante a deglutição de bolo azedo gelado quando comparado aos outros estímulos. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que estímulos com sabor azedo associado à temperatura fria provocam significativa mudança na dinâmica da deglutição, diminuindo o tempo de trânsito faríngeo, podendo assim proporcionar efeitos positivos em indivíduos com disfagia orofaríngea.

Effect of a 6-month Low Sodium Diet on the Salt Taste Perception and Pleasantness, Blood Pressure and the Urinary Sodium Excretion in Female College Students

The study aim was to examine the effect of sensory responses of subjects after 6-month dietary sodium reduction with the aid of nutritional education. Fourteen female college students voluntarily restricted their sodium intake for 6 months, during which time they received nutritional education on the low sodium diet. As a control group, 10 students, whose anthropometric measurement, sodium intake behavior, and blood pressure were not different from those of the experimental group, were maintained on a normal diet. For the sensory responses of subjects, the salt taste perception and pleasantness for graded (0.15-1.3%) NaCl solutions were measured by a 9-point hedonic scale. The optimum sodium concentration, urinary sodium excretion, and blood pressure were measured. All the measurements were done at the beginning and end of the experiment. The sensory evaluation revealed an absence of any difference between the two groups in salt taste perception and pleasantness responses at the beginning. After 6-month adaptation, the experimental group subjects showed higher responses to low NaCl solution (0.15, 0.3, 0.5%) in salt taste perception and pleasantness evaluation while the control group subjects exhibited the opposite response. The optimum sodium concentration was reduced from 105.6 mmol to 80.7 mmol (p = 0.015) and the urinary sodium excretion was also reduced from 1,398 mg to 906 mg (p = 0.041) only in the experimental group. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced in the experimental group, although there was no correlation between the urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure. The optimum sodium concentration was negatively correlated with the urinary sodium excretion (r = 0.418, p = 0.053), indicating that adaptation to low sodium diet can reduce sodium intake. Further study on the individual responses of subjects on a low sodium diet by periodical evaluation may provide useful data for setting the duration needed to stabilize a lowered appetite for sodium.

Efeito da associação de sabor e música sobre o estado de ânimo de crianças / Effect of the association of taste and music on the mood of children

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar como sabor e música exercem efeito sobre o estado de ânimo de crianças. Participaram 83 crianças de 5 a 10 anos de idade e de ambos os sexos. A tarefa dos participantes consistiu em experimentar o sabor de soluções doce e amarga na ausência de música e na presença de músicas pré-qualificadas como alegres e tristes, e depois, julgar o estado de ânimo decorrente da experimentação. O julgamento do estado de ânimo das crianças se modificou quando o sabor era amargo e as músicas eram alegres, caso em que o estado de ânimo se alterou de triste para alegre; quando o sabor era doce e as músicas tristes, o estado de ânimo passou de alegre para triste. Futuros trabalhos podem observar crianças realizando tarefas que apresentem contextos de alimentos reais associados à estimulação musical.

The aim of this study was to examine how taste and music exert an effect on the state of mind of children. Eighty-three children were assessed, both male and female, between the ages of five and ten. The participants were asked to taste both sweet and bitter solutions in the absence of music and in the presence of music rated as happy and sad, and afterwards, to judge the state of mind resulting from the experiment. The judgment of the children's state of mind changed in the presence of a bitter taste and happy music, in which case the state of mind changed from sad to happy. In the presence of a sweet taste and sad music, the mood changed from happy to sad. Future experiments could evaluate children carrying out tasks that present contexts of actual items of food in association with musical stimulation.