Association between Uric Acid Levels and the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Carbonated Beverages in the Korean Population: The 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Elevated uric acid levels are linked with obesity and diabetes. Existing research mainly examines the relationship between sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage (SSB) consumption and uric acid levels. This study explored the association between the quantity and frequency of SSB consumption and elevated uric acid levels in Korean adults. Data from 2881 participants aged 19-64 years (1066 men and 1815 women) in the 2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Serum uric acid levels were categorized into quartiles, with the highest defined as high uric acid (men, ≥6.7 mg/dL; women, ≥4.8 mg/dL). SSB consumption was classified into quartiles (almost never, <1 cup (<200 mL), 1-3 cups (200-600 mL), ≥3 cups (≥600 mL)) and frequency into tertiles (almost never, ≤1/week, ≥2/week). Multivariate logistic regression assessed the association, with separate analyses for men and women. Increased daily SSB consumption and frequency were significantly associated with high uric acid levels in men but not in women. After adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics, consuming ≥3 cups (≥600 mL) of SSBs per day and SSBs ≥ 2/week were significantly associated with high serum uric acid levels in men, but this association was not observed in women. The study concludes that increased SSB intake is linked to elevated uric acid levels in Korean men, but not in women.

What is the impact of the UK soft drinks industry levy on childhood tooth decay?

DESIGN: Interrupted time series analysis. DATA ANALYSIS: An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted to determine if there was an association between the announcement and implementation of the soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) and rates of hospital admission for tooth extractions due to dental caries in children. Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) were used on hospital admissions for tooth extraction of one or more primary or permanent tooth due to a primary diagnosis of dental caries in children aged 0-18 years attending a National Health Service (NHS) hospital in England from January 2012 (pre-SDIL) to February 2020 (post-SDIL implementation). HES data were grouped and summarised by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) and age group. RESULTS: There was an absolute reduction of 3.7% (95% CI 5.3% to 2.2%) per 100,000 population/month and a relative reduction of 12.1% (95% CI 17.0% to 7.2%) in hospital admissions for carious tooth extractions in all children (0-18 years) compared if there had been no announcement of the SDIL (counterfactual scenario). Reductions were observed in children living in most areas regardless of the level of deprivation and most notably in the youngest children (<10 years). CONCLUSIONS: An ITS analysis of administrative data on hospital admissions found the announcement of the UK SDIL was associated with improvements (reduction) in the incidence of hospital admissions for tooth extractions due to dental caries. This study provides evidence of benefits of the UK SDIL to children's oral health.

Heat resistance of five spoilage microorganisms in a carbonated broth.

Despite their acidic pH, carbonated beverages can be contaminated by spoilage microorganisms. Thermal treatments, before and/or after carbonation, are usually applied to prevent the growth of these microorganisms. However, the impact of CO2 on the heat resistance of spoilage microorganisms has never been studied. A better understanding of the combined impact of CO2 and pH on the heat resistance of spoilage microorganisms commonly found in carbonated beverages might allow to optimize thermal treatment. Five microorganisms were selected for this study: Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (spores), Aspergillus niger (spores), Byssochlamys fulva (spores), Saccharomyces cerevisiae (vegetative cells), and Zygosaccharomyces parabailii (vegetative cells). A method was developed to assess the impact of heat treatments in carbonated media on microbial resistance. The heat resistances of the five studied species are coherent with the literature, when data were available. However, neither the dissolved CO2 concentration (from 0 to 7 g/L), nor the pH (from 2.8 to 4.1) have an impact on the heat resistance of the selected microorganisms, except for As. niger, for which the presence of dissolved CO2 reduced the heat resistance. This study improved our knowledge about the heat resistance of some spoilage microorganisms in presence of CO2.

Effect of erosive conditions on different sealant materials used in paediatric dentistry.

To evaluate the effect of acidic challenge on erosion depth and topographic characteristics of different materials used as occlusal sealants. Two hundred specimens of five sealant materials (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, Fuji II, Equia and Clinpro) and forty bovine teeth enamel samples (control) were prepared and exposed to acidic challenge. The specimens were immersed in four different solutions (orange juice, coke drink, citric acid or distilled water) under mildly shaken conditions for 3 days. The erosion depth profiles were measured using a profilometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Two-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test was performed to evaluate the interactions. Sealant material and acidic challenge had significant effects on erosion depth. Among the materials, Fuji II presented the highest mean of erosion depth after immersion in orange juice, coke drink, and citric acid. All materials groups presented higher erosion depth values after immersion in the citric acid solution, except Clinpro. Bovine enamel presented higher erosion depth values compared to all materials when submitted to erosive challenge. Sealant materials submitted to the acidic challenge presented different degrees of erosion and topographic modification; however, they are less susceptible to erosion than bovine teeth enamel.

Açaí juice stains a glazed resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

Coloured compounds (anthocyanins) in açaí can stain resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC) due to its low staining resistance. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess whether açaí compromises the surface colour and roughness of RMGIC in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Disc-shaped specimens (2 mm thick, 8 mm in diameter) of Vitremer™ (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) were prepared according to the manufacturer 's instructions. The mixture was inserted into a silicone mouldplaced between two mylar strips, and light cured. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=25) according to the solutions to be used for chemical degradation: artificial saliva (control), açaí sorbet and açaí juice. A spectrophotometer CM-2600d/2500d (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) was used to analyse the colour (CIELa*b* scale). Surface roughness (Ra, mm) was measuredusing theprofilometer Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka Corp, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were subjected to three daily soaks (6 ml, 15 minutes) for 14 days at 37°C. They were washed in distilled water and placed in fresh saliva (30 minutes in the interval). After the third soak in a day, they were stored in fresh saliva overnight. Outcomes were analysed at baseline (L*, a*, b*, Ra) and after degradation (L'*, a'*, b'*, Ra'). RESULTS: The pH values of saliva, sorbet, and juice were 7.0, 3.8, and 4.9, respectively. ΔE* values were 6.6 for saliva, 6.9 for sorbet and 7.8 for juice. There was a significant ΔE* difference between saliva (p=0.005) and juice (p=0.002), and between juice and sorbet (p=0.019), but none between saliva and sorbet (p=0.401). There was no significant Δb* difference between the solutions. No difference between juice and sorbet was observed for Δa*, but they were significantly different from saliva (p<0.001). Brightness (L*) changed significantly. Juice showed the highest ΔE* (7.8) and ΔL* (7.7). No significant change was observed for roughness and there was no difference between the solutions for ARa. CONCLUSIONS: Açaí and saliva led to unacceptable staining, but no significant roughness changes in the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

As antocianinas presentes no açaí podem manchar o cimento de ionomero de vidro modificado por resina (CIVMR) devido a baixa resistencia ao manchamento do material. OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se o açaí compromete a cor e a rugosidade de superficie de um CIVMR in vitro. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Amostras (2 mm de espessura, 8 mm de diámetro) de Vitremer™ (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) foram preparadas de acordo com as instrugoes do fabricante. O materialfoi espatulado, inserido em um molde de silicone colocado entre duas tiras de poliestireno e fotopolimerizado. Após, as amostras foram randomizadas e alocadas em tres grupos (n=25) de acordo com as solugoes usadas para a degradagao química: saliva artificial (controle) e sorbet de açaí e suco de açaí. Utilizou-se o espectrofotometro CM-2600d/2500d (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) para a análise da cor (escala CIELa*b*) e o rugosímetro Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka Corp, Tokyo, Japan) para a rugosidade de superficie (Ra, mm). As amostras foram submetidas a tres imersoes diárias (6 ml, 15 minutos) em cada solugao por 14 dias a 37°C, tendo sido lavadas em água destilada e mantidas em saliva fresca (30 minutos) nos intervalos. Após a terceira imersao no dia, as amostras foram mantidas em saliva renovada até o dia seguinte. As variáveis foram analisadas antes (L*, a*, b*, Ra) e depois da degradagao química (L'*, a'*, b'*, Ra'). RESULTADOS: Os valores de pH da saliva, sorbet e suco foram, respectivamente 7,0, 3,8 e 4,9. Houve diferenga significante para ΔE* entre saliva (p=0.005) e suco (p=0.002) e entre suco e sorbet (p=0.019), mas nao entre saliva e sorbet (p=0.401). Nao foi observada diferenga significante para Δb* entre as solugoes. Nao houve diferenga significante para Δa* entre suco e sorbet, mas eles foram significativamente diferentes da saliva (p<0.001). A luminosidade (L*) mostrou alteragao significante. O suco mostrou os maiores valores de ΔE* (7,8) e ΔL* (7,7)". Nao houve mudanga significante para a rugosidade e nao foi observada diferenga significante entre as solugoes para ARa (p>0.05). CONCLUSÃO: O açaí e a saliva causaram manchamento inaceitável do glaze do CIVMR e insignificante alteragao da rugosidade.

The UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy and childhood hospital admissions for asthma in England.

Sugar sweetened beverage consumption has been suggested as a risk factor for childhood asthma symptoms. We examined whether the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL), announced in March 2016 and implemented in April 2018, was associated with changes in National Health Service hospital admission rates for asthma in children, 22 months post-implementation of SDIL. We conducted interrupted time series analyses (2012-2020) to measure changes in monthly incidence rates of hospital admissions. Sub-analysis was by age-group (5-9,10-14,15-18 years) and neighbourhood deprivation quintiles. Changes were relative to counterfactual scenarios where the SDIL wasn't announced, or implemented. Overall, incidence rates reduced by 20.9% (95%CI: 29.6-12.2). Reductions were similar across age-groups and deprivation quintiles. These findings give support to the idea that implementation of a UK tax intended to reduce childhood obesity may have contributed to a significant unexpected and additional public health benefit in the form of reduced hospital admissions for childhood asthma.

The impact of the UK soft drink industry levy on the soft drink marketplace, 2017-2020: An interrupted time series analysis with comparator series.

BACKGROUND: In April 2018, the UK government implemented a levy on soft drinks importers and manufacturers, tiered according to the amount of sugar in drinks. The stated aim was to encourage manufacturers to reduce sugar and portion sizes. Previous evidence suggests that the policy has been successful in reducing sugar in drinks in the short-term since implementation, but their sustained effects have not been explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of the soft drink industry levy (SDIL) on sugar levels, price, portion size and use of non-sugar sweeteners in the medium-term. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Product data from 30 November 2017 to 14 March 2020 from one major UK retail supermarket were analysed (112,452 observations, 126 weekly time points). We used interrupted time series analysis, to assess the impact of the soft-drink industry levy (SDIL) on levy-eligible soft drinks, with exempt drinks (i.e. 100% fruit juices, milks, flavoured milks) acting as a comparator series. At the point of implementation of the SDIL (April 2018) there was a step change in the proportion of eligible drinks with sugar content below the SDIL levy threshold (5g per 100ml) (+0.08, 95%CI: +0.04, +0.12), with a similar sized decrease in the proportion in the highest levy category (> = 8g sugar per 100ml) (-0.06, 95%CI: -0.10, -0.03). Between April 2018 and March 2020, the proportion of eligible drinks below the SDIL levy threshold continued to gradually increase (p = 0.003), while those in the highest levy category decreased (p = 0.007). There was a step change in price of eligible drinks in the higher levy category at the point of implementation of +£0.049 (95%CI: +£0.034, +£0.065) per 100mL (for comparison, the levy is set at £0.024 per 100mL for this group). Trends in price for the high levy category were not altered by the SDIL. In the no levy category, there was a step change in price at the implementation (+£0.012 per 100mL, 95%CI: +£0.008, +£0.023), followed by a second step change in October 2018 (-£0.018p per 100mL, 95%CI: -£0.033, -£0.001p). The volume of products in the higher levy group decreased at the time of the implementation (-305mL on average including multipacks, 95%CI: -511, -99). The change in trend for the product volume of drinks in the higher levy group between April 2018 and March 2020 was in the increasing direction (+704mL per year, 95%CI: -95, 1504), but it did not meet our threshold for statistical significance (p = 0.084). There were no changes observed in the volume of lower levy drinks or no levy drinks. There was a step change in the proportion of drinks with non-sugar sweeteners at the implementation of the SDIL (+0.04, 95%CI: +0.02, +0.06). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the SDIL was successful in [1] producing reductions in sugar levels that were maintained over the medium term up to March 2020 and [2] a reduction in product volume for higher tier drinks that may be diminishing over time. Our results also show that the SDIL was associated with a maintained price differential between high and low sugar drinks.

Value-based decision-making in regular alcohol consumers following experimental manipulation of alcohol value.

BACKGROUND: Devaluation of alcohol leads to reductions in alcohol choice and consumption; however, the cognitive mechanisms that underpin this relationship are not well-understood. In this study we applied a computational model of value-based decision-making (VBDM) to decisions made about alcohol and alcohol-unrelated cues following experimental manipulation of alcohol value. METHOD: Using a pre-registered within-subject design, thirty-six regular alcohol consumers (≥14 UK units per week) completed a two-alternative forced choice task where they chose between two alcohol images (in one block) or two soft drink images (in a different block) after watching videos that emphasised the positive (alcohol value), and separately, the negative (alcohol devalue) consequences of alcohol. On each block, participants pressed a key to select the image depicting the drink they would rather consume. A drift-diffusion model (DDM) was fitted to reaction time and choice data to estimate evidence accumulation (EA) processes and response thresholds during the different blocks in each experimental condition. FINDINGS: In the alcohol devalue condition, soft drink EA rates were significantly higher compared to alcohol EA rates (p = 0.04, d = 0.31), and compared to soft drink EA rates in the alcohol value condition (p = 0.01, d = 0.38). However, EA rates for alcoholic drinks and response thresholds (for either drink type) were unaffected by the experimental manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: In line with behavioural economic models of addiction that emphasise the important role of alternative reinforcement, experimentally manipulating alcohol value is associated with changes in the internal cognitive processes that precede soft drink choice.

Association of sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, vegetable and fruit juices, sweetened and black coffee, and green tea with subsequent depression: A five-year cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Evidence on the impact of beverage consumption on depression is limited in the Asian population. Specifically, there is little information available on vegetable and fruit juices, while whole vegetables and fruits are reportedly protective against depression. Furthermore, evidence is scarce in differentiating the impacts of sweetened and black coffee. We aimed to examine the association of the consumption of total sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, vegetable and fruit juices, sweetened and black coffee, and green tea with subsequent depression in a general population sample. METHODS: We studied individuals without a history of cancer, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes, or depression at baseline in 2011-2016, with a five-year follow-up. We used Poisson regression models and the g-formula, thereby calculating the risk difference (RD) for depression. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Missing data were handled using random forest imputation. We also examined effect heterogeneity based on sex, age, and body mass index by analyzing the relative excess risk due to interaction and the ratio of risk ratios. RESULTS: In total, 94,873 individuals were evaluated, and 80,497 completed the five-year follow-up survey for depression. Of these, 18,172 showed depression. When comparing the high consumption group with the no consumption group, the fully adjusted RD (95% CI) was 3.6% (2.8% to 4.3%) for total sugary drinks, 3.5% (2.1% to 4.7%) for carbonated beverages, 2.3% (1.3% to 3.4%) for vegetable juice, 2.4% (1.1% to 3.6%) for 100% fruit juice, and 2.6% (1.9% to 3.5%) for sweetened coffee. In contrast, the fully adjusted RD (95% CI) was -1.7% (-2.6% to -0.7%) for black coffee. The fully adjusted RD for green tea did not reach statistical significance. The results were robust in multiple sensitivity analyses. We did not find substantial effect heterogeneity based on sex, age, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Total sugary drinks, carbonated beverages, vegetable and fruit juices, and sweetened coffee may increase the risk of depression, whereas black coffee may decrease it.

Outcomes of sugar reduction policies, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Poor diets are the major cause of death and disease globally, driving high levels of obesity and noncommunicable diseases. Cheap, heavily marketed, ultra-processed, energy-dense and nutrient-poor food and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and salt play a major role. The high-sugar content of these products leads to consumption levels much higher than recommended. The World Health Organization recommends that sugar intake should be reduced to just 5% of energy intake by using fiscal policies and food and drink reformulation strategies. Over the previous decade, the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has implemented several policies aimed at reducing sugar intake. We compare the soft drinks industry levy and the sugar reduction programme, examining how differences in policy design and process may have influenced the outcomes. Success has been mixed: the mandatory levy achieved a reduction in total sugar sales of 34.3%, and the voluntary reduction programme only achieved a 3.5% reduction in sugar levels of key contributors to sugar intake (despite a target of 20%). Both policies can be improved to enhance their impact, for example, by increasing the levy and reducing the sugar content threshold in the soft drinks industry levy, and by setting more stringent subcategory specific targets in the sugar reduction programme. We also recommend that policy-makers should consider applying a similar levy to other discretionary products that are key contributors to sugar intake. Both approaches provide valuable learnings for future policy in the United Kingdom and globally.

La malnutrition est l'une des principales causes de décès et de pathologies dans le monde, entraînant des taux élevés d'obésité et un grand nombre de maladies non transmissibles. Massivement commercialisés, les aliments et boissons bon marché, ultra-transformés, riches en énergie et pauvres en nutriments, à forte teneur en graisse, en sucre et en sel jouent un rôle majeur. La quantité de sucre contenue dans ces produits engendre une consommation qui dépasse largement les recommandations en la matière. L'Organisation mondiale de la Santé conseille de réduire la proportion de sucre afin que ce dernier ne représente plus que 5% de l'apport énergétique grâce à des politiques fiscales et des stratégies de révision de la composition des aliments et des boissons. Au cours des dix dernières années, le gouvernement du Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d'Irlande du Nord a adopté plusieurs politiques visant à réduire la consommation de sucre. Dans le présent document, nous comparons la taxe sur l'industrie des sodas avec le programme de réduction du sucre, en examinant comment les différences de conception et de mise en œuvre des politiques pourraient avoir influencé les résultats. Le succès s'est révélé mitigé: la taxe obligatoire a permis de faire chuter le total des ventes de sucre de 34,3%, alors que le programme de baisse volontaire n'a pas permis de faire diminuer ce taux de plus de 3,5% chez les acteurs clés de l'apport en sucre (bien loin des 20% ciblés). Les deux politiques peuvent être améliorées pour renforcer leur impact, par exemple en augmentant la taxe et en réduisant la teneur en sucre maximale applicable à l'industrie des sodas, mais aussi en définissant des objectifs spécifiques plus stricts dans les sous-catégories du programme de réduction du sucre. Nous encourageons en outre les responsables politiques à instaurer une taxe similaire sur d'autres produits non essentiels qui contribuent eux aussi à la consommation de sucre. Les deux approches fournissent des renseignements précieux pour de futures mesures au Royaume-Uni et partout dans le monde.

Las dietas inadecuadas son la principal causa de muerte y enfermedad en todo el mundo. Además, impulsan altos niveles de obesidad y enfermedades no transmisibles. Los alimentos y las bebidas baratos, muy comercializados, ultraprocesados, hipercalóricos y pobres en nutrientes, con un alto contenido en grasas, azúcar y sal, desempeñan una función importante. El alto contenido en azúcar de estos productos conduce a niveles de consumo muy superiores a los recomendados. La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda reducir el consumo de azúcar a solo el 5% de la ingesta energética mediante políticas fiscales y estrategias de reformulación de alimentos y bebidas. En la última década, el gobierno del Reino Unido de Gran Bretaña e Irlanda del Norte ha aplicado varias políticas encaminadas a reducir la ingesta de azúcar. Comparamos el impuesto del sector de las bebidas no alcohólicas y el programa de reducción del azúcar, examinando cómo las diferencias en el diseño y el proceso de las políticas pueden haber influido en los resultados. El éxito ha sido desigual: el impuesto obligatorio logró una reducción de las ventas totales de azúcar del 34,3%, y el programa de reducción voluntaria solo consiguió una reducción del 3,5% en los niveles de azúcar de los principales contribuyentes a la ingesta de azúcar (a pesar de un objetivo del 20%). Se pueden mejorar ambas políticas para aumentar su impacto, por ejemplo, aumentando el impuesto y reduciendo el umbral de contenido de azúcar en el impuesto del sector de las bebidas no alcohólicas, y estableciendo objetivos específicos por subcategorías más estrictos en el programa de reducción de azúcar. También recomendamos a los responsables de formular las políticas que estudien la posibilidad de aplicar un impuesto similar a otros productos discrecionales que contribuyen decisivamente a la ingesta de azúcar. Ambos enfoques aportan valiosas enseñanzas para las futuras políticas del Reino Unido y del resto del mundo.

Facile synthesis of amino-modified magnetic covalent organic framework for the efficient extraction and determination of anionic azo dyes in carbonated beverages.

In this work, a novel magnetic covalent organic framework (COF (TpPa-NH2) @ Fe3O4) was prepared via two step by simple solvent method for the extraction of anionic azo dye residues in food. The as-prepared COF (TpPa-NH2) @ Fe3O4 nanocomposite was characterised by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer. Before high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) determination, it was used as magnetic adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) to extract and pre-concentrate three anionic azo dyes in carbonated beverage samples. The several key extraction and desorption parameters affecting the extraction recovery rate were investigated, including extraction time, pH of the solution, amount of material, adsorption time, elution solvent, pH of elution solvent, type of elution solvent, elution volume and elution time. Under optimised conditions, this method has good linearity between 5 and 500 µg L-1 (correlation coefficient > 0.9986). The limit of detection was 2.3-3.4 µg L-1. The recoveries of the samples were between 87.5 and 96.9%, and the relative standard deviation lower than 4.6%. The developed method has broad application prospects for the analysis of anionic azo dyes in carbonated beverages.

Longitudinal association between soft drink consumption and handgrip strength in adults: a prospective analysis from the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study.

Soft drink consumption has become a highly controversial public health issue. Given the pattern of consumption in China, sugar-sweetened beverage is the main type of soft drink consumed. Due to containing high levels of fructose, a soft drink may have a deleterious effect on handgrip strength (HGS) due to oxidative stress, inflammation and insulin resistance. However, few studies show an association between soft drink consumption and HGS in adults. We aimed to investigate the association between soft drink consumption and longitudinal changes in HGS among a Chinese adult population. A longitudinal population-based cohort study (5-year follow-up, median: 3·66 years) was conducted in Tianjin, China. A total of 11 125 participants (56·7 % men) were enrolled. HGS was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. Soft drink consumption (mainly sugar-containing carbonated beverages) was measured at baseline using a validated FFQ. ANCOVA was used to evaluate the association between soft drink consumption and annual change in HGS or weight-adjusted HGS. After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the least square means (95 % CI) of annual change in HGS across soft drink consumption frequencies were -0·70 (-2·49, 1·09) for rarely drinks, -0·82 (-2·62, 0·97) for < 1 cup/week and -0·86 (-2·66, 0·93) for ≥ 1 cup/week (Pfor trend < 0·05). Likewise, a similar association was observed between soft drink consumption and annual change in weight-adjusted HGS. The results indicate that higher soft drink consumption was associated with faster HGS decline in Chinese adults.

Public-Private Partnerships in Mexico: Implications of Engaging With the Food and Beverage Industry for Public Health Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: In the last few years, Mexico adopted public health policies to tackle non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as front of package nutrition labelling, food marketing restrictions to children, and a soda tax. In parallel, transnational food and beverage industries (F&BIs), their allies, and the government have agreed on public-private partnerships (PPPs) to implement policies or deliver programs. However, research has questioned the benefits of PPPs and exposed its limitations as a suitable mechanism to improve public health. This study analyses how four PPPs between the Mexican government, the F&BI, and allies are working to achieve their goals. We critically assessed the objectives, scope, reported impacts, governance principles and perceived risks and benefits for the public health agenda of these PPPs. METHODS: This qualitative study is based on 26 interviews with key actors, and 170 publicly available documents, including 22 obtained through freedom of information (FOI) requests related to four purposively selected PPPs aiming to improve health. RESULTS: We found that the four PPPs studied had minimal public information available on their implementation and impact. The private partners tend to dictate the design, information management, and implementation of the programs, while promoting their brands. Few independent evaluations of the PPPs exist, and none reported on their effectiveness or public health benefits. Good governance principles, such as accountability, transparency, fairness, participation, integrity, and credibility, were barely followed in each of the cases studied. Public officials did not automatically question the conflict of interest (CoI) of such arrangements. When there were COI, the potential risks these posed did not always outweigh the financial benefits of working with the F&BI and its allies. CONCLUSION: The four PPPs studied produced minimal gains for public health while boosting credibility for the participating transnational F&BIs. It shows the lack of awareness of how these PPPs might be hindering public health gains.

Current Status and Family Factors Influencing Caries in the Deciduous Teeth of Children 3-6 Years of Age in Families Residing in Rural Heishanzui Township.

PURPOSE: To determine the caries status in children's deciduous teeth and examine the influence of family oral health behaviours on the caries status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 329 children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township, Hebei Province, China, and used a completely random sampling method. These children underwent physical and oral health examinations. The questionnaires were given to the parents and caregivers of the examined children. RESULTS: The prevalence of caries in the deciduous dentition among children aged 3-6 years was 80.55%, with a dmft index of 4.93. Children in the caries group ate sweets, chocolates, and carbonated drinks more frequently than did children in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). Children in the caries-free group brushed their teeth more frequently, with parents helping their children brush, more often than did those in the caries-affected group (p < 0.05). The level of parental education and annual household income also had statistically significant effects on the prevalence of caries in the two groups (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of eating sweets was a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth (odds ratio = 2.20; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of caries in deciduous teeth among children aged 3-6 years in rural Heishanzui Township was high. Compared to children in the caries-affected group, the families and children in the caries-free group had better oral hygiene behaviours. Moreover, the frequency of eating sweets was shown to be a risk factor for caries in deciduous teeth in children aged 3-6 years.

Hypokalaemia associated with excessive cola-flavoured drinks consumption.

We present a case involving a male patient in his 30s who was admitted to hospital due to recurrent episodes of hypokalaemia over the past 5 years. His medical history revealed hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and paranoia. He was taking citalopram, ramipril, amlodipine, and pramipexole. Tests indicated normal levels of aldosterone/renin ratio and plasma metanephrines. On reviewing his dietary history, it was noted that he consumed 3 to 3.5 L of cola-flavoured drinks on a daily basis. Normal potassium levels were achieved after a significant reduction in cola-flavoured drinks intake and potassium replacement. Subsequent outpatient clinic follow-up revealed that normal potassium levels were maintained even after the patient ceased taking potassium replacement tablets. Given the rarity of hypokalaemia associated with fizzy drinks, the underlying mechanism for this association remains unclear. In this case report, we attempt to provide a possible explanation for the involved mechanisms.

Green one-step synthesis of N-doped carbon quantum dots for fluorescent detection of lemon yellow in soft drinks.

A new fluorescent sensor for the determination of lemon yellow was developed based on nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs), which were prepared via a hydrothermal method with dried pomelo peel and L-tyrosine. The N-CQDs exhibited the blue fluorescence with a quantum yield of 28 %. The sensing principle of N-CQDs was quenched by lemon yellow via static quenching. The potential interfering substances showed no influence on the detection of lemon yellow. The limit of detection was 0.023 mg/L and lower than that of national standard. Furthermore, the synthesized N-CQDs have been successfully applied to the measurement of lemon yellow in real samples. Hence, the N-CQDs would be a promising sensor in food analysis.

Impact of the UK soft drinks industry levy on health and health inequalities in children and adolescents in England: An interrupted time series analysis and population health modelling study.

BACKGROUND: The soft drinks industry levy (SDIL) in the United Kingdom has led to a significant reduction in household purchasing of sugar in drinks. In this study, we examined the potential medium- and long-term implications for health and health inequalities among children and adolescents in England. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a controlled interrupted time series analysis to measure the effects of the SDIL on the amount of sugar per household per week from soft drinks purchased, 19 months post implementation and by index of multiple deprivation (IMD) quintile in England. We modelled the effect of observed sugar reduction on body mass index (BMI), dental caries, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) in children and adolescents (0 to 17 years) by IMD quintile over the first 10 years following announcement (March 2016) and implementation (April 2018) of the SDIL. Using a lifetable model, we simulated the potential long-term impact of these changes on life expectancy for the current birth cohort and, using regression models with results from the IMD-specific lifetable models, we calculated the impact of the SDIL on the slope index of inequality (SII) in life expectancy. The SDIL was found to have reduced sugar from purchased drinks in England by 15 g/household/week (95% confidence interval: -10.3 to -19.7). The model predicts these reductions in sugar will lead to 3,600 (95% uncertainty interval: 946 to 6,330) fewer dental caries and 64,100 (54,400 to 73,400) fewer children and adolescents classified as overweight or obese, in the first 10 years after implementation. The changes in sugar purchasing and predicted impacts on health are largest for children and adolescents in the most deprived areas (Q1: 11,000 QALYs [8,370 to 14,100] and Q2: 7,760 QALYs [5,730 to 9,970]), while children and adolescents in less deprived areas will likely experience much smaller simulated effects (Q3: -1,830 QALYs [-3,260 to -501], Q4: 652 QALYs [-336 to 1,680], Q5: 1,860 QALYs [929 to 2,890]). If the simulated effects of the SDIL are sustained over the life course, it is predicted there will be a small but significant reduction in slope index of inequality: 0.76% (95% uncertainty interval: -0.9 to -0.62) for females and 0.94% (-1.1 to -0.76) for males. CONCLUSIONS: We predict that the SDIL will lead to medium-term reductions in dental caries and overweight/obesity, and long-term improvements in life expectancy, with the greatest benefits projected for children and adolescents from more deprived areas. This study provides evidence that the SDIL could narrow health inequalities for children and adolescents in England.

Association between soft drinks intake and low glomerular filtration rate in Mexican adults: Results from RenMex.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the association between soft drinks (SDs) consumption and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a Mexican adult population. METHODS: We used data from the RenMex consortium (n = 2095) that included the Mexican Teachers Cohort Study (34-65 years), the Health Workers Cohort Study (18-90 years), and the Comitán Study (19-91 years). In this cross-sectional study, we assessed SDs consumption (cola and flavored soda) using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and estimated eGFR using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Quantile regression was used to assess the association between SDs consumption and eGFR with eGFR as a continuous variable. Multinomial logistic regression models were used for eGFR categories derived from quantile regression (mildly decreased eGFR, ≥72.9-87.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and moderately decreased eGFR, <72.9 mL/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS: Mean age of study participants was 47.2 years, 67.5% were women, and 12.2% had diabetes. eGFR was <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 3.7% of study participants. Mildly decreased eGFR was present in 14.8%, and moderately decreased eGFR was present in 10.1% of study participants. Quantile regression results showed that SDs consumption was associated with lower eGFR at the 10th, 25th, 50th and 75th percentile. Based on the final adjusted multinomial model, ≥7 servings/week was positively associated with moderately decreased eGFR relative to <1 serving/week (Relative Risk Ratio = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.07-3.57). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that higher SDs consumption is associated with lower eGFR. Encouraging healthy dietary choices should be part of the management and prevention of CKD.

Adherence to the national guidance on foods and drinks to limit or avoid during pregnancy in England: the PEAR Study.

OBJECTIVE: The National Health Service (NHS) England website provides guidance on foods/drinks to avoid or limit during pregnancy because of microbiological, toxicological or teratogenic hazards. The aims were to determine adherence and whether demographic characteristics were associated with adherence. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Online survey of postpartum women resident in England during pregnancy. PARTICIPANTS: Recently, postpartum women resident in England during their pregnancy (n 598; median age 33 (IQR 30-36) years) completed an online questionnaire (April-November 2022). Questions included those on consumption of twenty-one food/drink items that the NHS advises pregnant women to avoid/limit. The study is part of the Pregnancy, the Environment And nutRition (PEAR) Study. Summary statistics were used to determine proportions adhering to the guidance. Adjusted logistic regression was used to model the associations of adherence with demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Adherence was generally high (>90 % for eight of ten food/drink items to be avoided). However, among pre-pregnancy consumers, several items were not completely avoided, for example, 81 % (128/158) for game meat/gamebirds, 37 % (176/478) for cured meats and 17 % (81/467) for soft cheeses. Greater educational attainment (e.g. caffeinated soft drinks OR 2·25 (95 % CI 1·28, 3·94)), greater maternal age (e.g. oily fish 1·64 (1·05, 2·56)) and lower parity (e.g. caffeinated coffee 0.28 (0.11, 0.69)) were the most usual characteristics associated with adherence. CONCLUSION: Evidence of concerning levels of non-adherence for some food/drink items suggests a case for more education on some of the guidance, particularly for women with lower educational attainment, greater parity and greater maternal age. Further research on barriers to the implementation of the guidance is needed.

Assessment of anthropogenic particles content in commercial beverages.

Microplastic (MPs) pollution is a current global concern that is affecting all environmental compartments and food sources. In this work, anthropogenic particles occurrence (MPs and natural and synthetic cellulosic particles), have been determined in 73 beverages packed in different containers. Overall, 1521 anthropogenic particles were found, being the lowest occurrence in water samples (7.2 ± 10.1 items·L-1) while beer had the highest (95.5 ± 91.8 items·L-1). Colourless/white particles were the most detected followed by blue and red colours. The highest mean size was 783 ± 715 µm in soft drinks. Cellulosic, both natural and semisynthetic particles, were the composition mostly found but regarding plastic polymers, it was polyester. Phenoxy resin particles from the can coatings were also identified in all metal containers which indicates that leaching from the packaging may be happening. The total estimated daily intake were 0.077 and 0.159 items·kg-1 body weight (b.w.)·day-1 for children and adult population, respectively.