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Background: Erosive tooth wear is an increasingly common pathology in the youth population. It refers to the chronic, localized, painless loss of dental hard tissues caused by non-bacterial acids, often originating from external sources like acidic beverages. Energy drink consumption is on the rise, frequently preceding physical exercise to enhance perceived energy levels. However, there are other types of beverages that also provide energy, such as pre-workout drinks, classified as sports drinks. The main objective of this research study has been conducted with the purpose of analyzing the pH of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages, and studying the frequency of consumption of such beverages in amateur athletes who practice sports. Methods: A total of 67 beverages were examined, comprising 43 energy drinks and 24 sports supplementation beverages, also known as pre-workout or pre-training beverages. The participants were given a survey to complete. They were asked to respond whether they consumed any type of pre-workout or energy drink, and they were also asked about the timing of consumption. Results: The findings indicated an average pH of 3.3 among the studied beverages, indicating a pH below the critical threshold. Out of the 113 participants, 51% reported taking some form of supplementation. Conclusions: Consequently, it was concluded that most of the analyzed beverages recorded pH values low enough to classify them as erosive, posing a threat to enamel surface. When analyzing the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages in amateur athletes, we observed that most participants aged 29 years or younger took supplements 3 to 5 times a week, while the older age groups more frequently took supplements 1 to 2 times a week. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drink (ED) consumption has become increasingly popular. Due to a lack of evidence, it was crucial to assess the effects of Red Bull (RB) consumption on the rat submandibular salivary gland and the potential therapeutic impact of blueberry (BB). Thirty rats were randomly assigned to five groups. Group 1 (Control) received distilled water. Group 2 (RB) received RB (10 mL/100 g/day) for 8 weeks. Group 3 (BB) rats were administered BB (500 mg/day for 8 weeks). Group 4 (RB + BB (L)) received RB for 8 weeks, and from the 5th week, were concurrently given BB (250 mg/day) for 4 weeks. Group 5 (RB + BB (H)) received RB for 8 weeks, and from the 5th week, were concurrently given BB (500 mg/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected, the animals were euthanized, and their submandibular salivary glands were harvested. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GPx, CAT, and SOD) were assessed in both serum and tissue. Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) were quantified in tissue. Submandibular gland specimens were prepared for light microscopy, and immunohistochemical staining was performed using anti-α-SMA. RB consumption resulted in a significant increase in MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10, while GPx, CAT, and SOD levels decreased significantly. Degenerative changes in the gland's structure were observed in the RB group. A significant increase in α-SMA immunoreaction was detected in myoepithelial cells. Administration of BB, particularly at a high dose, ameliorated the aforementioned findings. In conclusion, blueberry administration exhibited therapeutic effects due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Everyone seems to have something to say about creativity, thus participating in the reproduction of persistent myths about creativity that may influence creative behaviour. This research explores the influence of Laypeople's Implicit Theories of Creativity (LIToCs) regarding the drivers of creativity on creative performance, to ascertain whether having strong convictions about the drivers of creativity either enhances or hinders creative productivity when these convictions align with the actual methods of stimulating creativity. An experiment randomly involved 69 subjects who were invited to drink the exact same fruit juice before performing a creative task. In one condition, they were told this was indeed juice; in the other condition, they were told that it was mixed with Red Bull. Analyses showed an interaction effect with the subjects' LIToC, such that among subjects displaying strong LIToC, individual creative performance was lower when they perceived the conditions to stimulate creativity were activated, than otherwise. These results suggest that having strong beliefs in the effects of some creativity drivers might then trigger a complacent attitude and reduce the invested effort in generating creative ideas. This research contributes to rethinking how we use specific drivers to stimulate creativity, as strong LIToCs about those drivers may have a counterproductive effect on creative performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mycoprotein is a high-fibre food previously shown to reduce postprandial glucose concentrations when ingested within a mixed-meal. We applied a dual stable isotope tracer approach to determine whether this is due to a reduced rate of appearance of glucose, in participants of ranging BMI. Methods: Twenty-four adults (F = 8, BMI 30 ± 6 kg·m−2) attended 2 trials in a double-blind, randomised, cross-over design. Participants ingested two energy and macronutrient matched milk-based drinks (enriched with 1000 mg [U-13C6] glucose in a subset of 12 participants), containing 50 g glucose and either 0 (CON) or 20 g (MYC) mycoprotein. A primed continuous intravenous infusion of D-[6,6-2H2] glucose determined plasma glucose kinetics over 6 h. Postprandial time-course, and AUC, of glucose and insulin concentration, rate of disappearance (RdT) and appearance of exogenous (RaEx), endogenous (EGP), and total (RaT) plasma glucose were assessed using two- and one-way ANOVA. Results: Drink ingestion increased blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations (P < 0.05) and were comparable between conditions (P > 0.05). Both RaT and RdT were higher with MYC compared with CON over 6 h (mean 6 h glucose appearance and disappearance increased by 5 and 9%, respectively, P < 0.05). RaEx was not affected by MYC ingestion over 6 h (P > 0.05). The mean contribution of EGP to total glucose appearance was 15% greater with MYC, with a trend towards significance (P = 0.05). There was no relationship between BMI and the response to MYC ingestion for any of the variables (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The ingestion of mycoprotein within a mixed-meal impacted postprandial glucose kinetics, but not blood glucose or serum insulin concentrations, in individuals of ranging BMI. Clinical trial registry number and website: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04084639 and can be accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04084639. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds: This study aimed to compare the effects of different energy drinks on the surface roughness, weight loss, and color change of various bioactive restorative materials. Methods: Charisma Diamond One, Activa™ BioActive Restorative, Activa™ Presto™ and Equia Forte HT Fil samples were prepared using plastic molds (8 × 2 mm) (n = 10/groups). After polishing, the samples were weighed, their colors were recorded using a spectrophotometer according to the CIEDE2000 system, and their surface roughness was measured using a profilometer. The samples were immersed in Powerade, Burn, Monster and distilled water for 7 days. After immersion, all the measurements were repeated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann‒Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Results: All energy drinks roughened the surface of Equia Forte HT Fil (p < 0.05). Powerade and Monster increased the Ra of all materials after 7 days (p < 0.05). Burns affected all materials except the Activa Bioactive (p < 0.05). Significant weight loss was observed in the Equia Forte group after immersion in all the energy drinks, whereas no weight loss was observed in the other groups. According to the color measurements, ΔE00 values were greater in the Burn and Monster groups, except for the Equia Forte HT Fil group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Energy drinks affected bioactive materials to varying degrees. The glass hybrid material was the most affected, and the bioactive restorative materials based on the resin matrix were the least. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Frequent consumption of Energy Drinks (EDs) is associated with numerous health problems, including overweight and obesity, particularly among children and adolescents. The extensive promotion, wide accessibility, and relatively low cost of EDs have significantly increased their popularity among this age group. This paper examines policies/programs that, directly and indirectly, contribute to reducing ED consumption in children and adolescents and shares global experiences to help policymakers adopt evidence-based policies. Methods: A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from January 2000 to June 2024, along with reputable international organization websites, to find literature on policies aimed at reducing ED consumption among children and adolescents. All sources meeting the inclusion criteria were included without restrictions. Titles and abstracts were initially screened, followed by a full-text review. After evaluating the quality of the selected studies, data were extracted and, along with information from the selected documents, compiled into a table, detailing the country, policy type, and the effectiveness and weaknesses of each policy. Results: Out of 12166 reviewed studies and documents, 84 studies and 70 documents met the inclusion criteria. 73 countries and territories have implemented policies like taxation, sales bans, school bans, labeling, and marketing restrictions on EDs. Most employ fiscal measures, reducing consumption despite enforcement challenges. Labeling, access restrictions, and marketing bans are common but face issues like black markets. Conclusion: This scoping review outlines diverse strategies adopted by countries to reduce ED consumption among children and teenagers, such as taxation, school bans, sales restrictions, and labeling requirements. While heightened awareness of ED harms has reinforced policy efforts, many Asian and African nations lack such measures, some policies remain outdated for over a decade, and existing policies face several challenges. These challenges encompass industry resistance, governmental disagreements, public opposition, economic considerations, and the intricacies of policy design. Considering this, countries should tailor policies to their cultural and social contexts, taking into account each policy's strengths and weaknesses to avoid loopholes. Inter-sectoral cooperation, ongoing policy monitoring, updates, and public education campaigns are essential to raise awareness and ensure effective implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Energy drinks (EDs) are beverages that contain ingredients that may pose a risk to consumers' cardiovascular health. But current evidence is conflicting and warrants further investigation. Objective A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies that examined the acute effects of ED consumption on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), resting heart rate, cardiac output (CO), endothelial function, and QT/QTc interval in healthy adults. Data Sources The databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and the gray literature were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data Extraction Two independent evaluators screened 2014 studies and extracted relevant data from those selected for the analysis. A risk of bias assessment was also performed with the RoB 2 tool and a strength of evidence assessment was performed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Data Analysis A total of 17 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. With regard to risk of bias, 11 studies were rated as having "some concerns" and 6 as "high risk of bias." The consumption of EDs increased SBP, DBP, and CO in different time frames. More pronounced effects were seen on SBP at 60-80 minutes (4.71 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.97–6.45; GRADE: moderate), DBP at 120 minutes (4.51 mmHg; 95% CI: 2.60–6.42; GRADE: low), and CO at 30-40 minutes after consumption (0.43 L; 95% CI: 0.08–0.77; GRADE: very low). The effects of ED consumption on resting heart rate and QT/QTc interval were not significant (P ≤ 0.05). The assessment of endothelial function effects was not performed due to the absence of any RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. Conclusions Acute consumption of EDs increases SBP, DBP, and CO in healthy adults. However, no alterations were observed in other cardiovascular parameters. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of studies included in the analysis. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022295335. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Schools can play a key role in promoting health among adolescents, and Hungarian legislation gives them sufficient space to do so. In our study, we examined the impact of a multiyear school health promotion programme on pupils' health behaviour and well-being. Methods: We carried out our investigation in an intervention and a control primary school in Hungary. All 5th and 7th grade pupils were invited to participate in the questionnaire-based survey between 2017 and 2021. The effect of the intervention was quantified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Our results show that for those behaviours where pupils' personal choices had a greater influence (unhealthy eating, smoking, screen time), the health promotion programme was more effective. For those behaviours where family background and parental influence were more pronounced (healthy eating, physical activity), the intervention had less impact. Self-perceived health was better in the 7th-grade intervention group. Conclusions: Our findings are in line with the conclusion of systematic reviews that more intensive, longer-term, multi-behavioural school health promotion programmes can be effective in promoting positive behaviour. To be more effective, it would be worth using a well-structured curriculum, well-developed teaching materials, and greater involvement of teachers, parents, and various local organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new green and highly sensitive method for the determination of rhodamine B (RhB) by deep eutectic solvent-based vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction with fluorescence detection (DES-VALLME-FLD) was developed. The extraction efficiency of conventional solvents and different deep eutectic solvent (DES) systems composed of tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and an alcohol (hexanol, octanol, or decanol) in different ratios were compared. DFT calculations of intermolecular electrostatic and non-covalent interactions of the most stable RhB forms with DES and water explain the experimental DESs' extraction efficiency. Semiempirical PM7 computations were used to obtain Hansen solubility parameters, which supported the good solubility of the monocationic RhB form in selected DESs. The dependence of the linear calibration of microextraction into 100 µL DES was observed in the RhB calibration range from 0.2 to 10.0 µg L−1 with a correlation coefficient of R2 = 0.9991. The LOD value was calculated to be 0.023 µg L−1. The accuracy and precision of the proposed method were verified over two days with RSD values of 2.9 to 4.1% and recovery of 94.6 to 103.7%. The developed method was applied to the determination of RhB in real samples (tap water, energy drink, and lipstick). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drink (ED) consumption among Israeli-Arab adolescents is widespread. This study aimed to investigate the acute glycemic and insulin effects of EDs in healthy adolescents. Seventy-one Israeli-Arab adolescents (56% girls, average age 16.04 ± 1.03 years) participated in a non-randomized, case-controlled, open-label study. Participants consumed ED (n = 36) or a volume- and carbohydrate-matched non-caffeinated soft drink (SD, n = 35), followed by a 2 h glucose tolerance test. Blood glucose was measured at baseline and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min post-consumption (T0, T15, T30, T60 and T120, respectively). Serum insulin concentration and caffeine relative intensity were determined 45 min post-consumption (T45). Blood glucose levels peaked significantly at T15 and remained significantly higher at T30 in the ED group compared to the SD group (p = 0.005, p = 0.017, respectively). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher at T45 in the ED group (t [64] = 2.794, p = 0.001). This pattern was especially prominent in heavy ED consumers. A positive correlation emerged between the amount of caffeine consumed (mg/kg), blood glucose levels at T15 and T30, and insulin concentration at T45. This study is the first to demonstrate the glycemic and insulin responses to ED consumption in adolescents, suggesting that regulatory measures limiting ED sales to adolescents could improve their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Describe the prevalence of obesity in adults from the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Survey 2020-2023 (Ensanut 2020-2023), its main sociodemographic characteristics, its association with chronic diseases, risk factors and the consumption of industrialized energetic beverages (IEB), as well as trends in the last 23 years, to contribute to the generation of evidence for the design of public health policies. Materials and methods. Information from 32 889 participants was analyzed to characterize the Mexican adult population by body mass index (BMI) groups and stratified by sociodemographic variables. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations of these groups with the variables of interest. The trend of BMI groups in the last six national surveys (2000-2023) was explored. Results. The prevalence of obesity in adults was 37.1% (41.0% women, 33.0% men). The percentage of energy coming from EIB was twice as high in men as in women (6.8 vs. 3.3%). Men in the highest quartile of percentage of energy coming from EIB were 2.29 times more likely to have obesity (p<0.05). There was a continuous and significant increase in the prevalence of obesity in the period 2000-2012, but between 2016-2023 no significant differences were observed (p>0.05). Conclusions. The national prevalence of obesity in adults showed an increase of 41.7% in the period 2000-2016. Starting in 2016, there was a stabilization of the trend. High EIB consumption increases the possibility of obesity. Interventions with a comprehensive and multisystemic vision are required that allow the prevention and control of obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Preserving food products from oxidation improves their quality and stability. This study compares the effects of storage on L‐theanine, caffeine, moisture content and antioxidant activity of spray‐dried and freeze‐dried white tea infusions. The antioxidant activities of both dried infusions were restored over a 60‐day storage. On Day 60, the L‐theanine and caffeine levels of the freeze‐dried samples were respectively 1.45 ± 0.03 mg mL−1 and 2.23 ± 0.04 mg mL−1 compared with 1.16 ± 0.03 mg mL−1 and 1.97 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 on Day 0. In the spray‐dried samples, the L‐theanine was 0.32 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 on Day 60 and 0.36 ± 0.02 mg mL−1 on Day 0, while caffeine remained unchanged. Regarding undried/control samples, L‐theanine and caffeine declined from respectively 0.29 ± 0.0004 mg mL−1 and 0.33 ± 0.01 mg mL−1 on Day 0 to 0.2 ± 0.001 mg mL−1 and 0.26 ± 0.02 mg mL−1 on Day 60, associated with a decrease in DPPH activity from 75.87% (Day 0) to 15.34% (Day 60). Freeze‐drying and spray‐drying tea infusions yielded functional products with stable antioxidant activity and moisture. Both drying techniques are reliable for preserving tea preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drinks potentially can trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. It has been postulated that the highly stimulating and unregulated ingredients alter heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac contractility, and cardiac repolarization in a potentially proarrhythmic manner. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience regarding sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) occurring in proximity to energy drink consumption in patients with underlying genetic heart diseases. The electronic medical records of all SCA survivors with proven arrhythmias referred to the Mayo Clinic Windland Smith Rice Genetic Heart Rhythm Clinic for evaluation were reviewed to identify those who consumed an energy drink before their event. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, documented energy drink consumption, and temporal relationship of energy drink consumption to SCA were obtained. Among 144 SCA survivors, 7 (5%; 6 female; mean age at SCA 29 ± 8 years) experienced an unexplained SCA associated temporally with energy drink consumption. Of these individuals, 2 had long QT syndrome and 2 had catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia; the remaining 3 were diagnosed with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation. Three patients (43%) consumed energy drinks regularly. Six patients (86%) required a rescue shock, and 1 (14%) was resuscitated manually. All SCA survivors have quit consuming energy drinks and have been event-free since. Overall, 5% of SCA survivors experienced SCA in proximity to consuming an energy drink. Although larger cohort studies are needed to elucidate the incidence/prevalence and quantify its precise risk, it seems prudent to sound an early warning on this potential risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Erosive tooth wear is an increasingly common pathology in the youth population. It refers to the chronic, localized, painless loss of dental hard tissues caused by non-bacterial acids, often originating from external sources like acidic beverages. Energy drink consumption is on the rise, frequently preceding physical exercise to enhance perceived energy levels. However, there are other types of beverages that also provide energy, such as pre-workout drinks, classified as sports drinks. The main objective of this research study has been conducted with the purpose of analyzing the pH of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages, and studying the frequency of consumption of such beverages in amateur athletes who practice sports. Methods A total of 67 beverages were examined, comprising 43 energy drinks and 24 sports supplementation beverages, also known as pre-workout or pre-training beverages. The participants were given a survey to complete. They were asked to respond whether they consumed any type of pre-workout or energy drink, and they were also asked about the timing of consumption. Results The findings indicated an average pH of 3.3 among the studied beverages, indicating a pH below the critical threshold. Out of the 113 participants, 51% reported taking some form of supplementation. Conclusions Consequently, it was concluded that most of the analyzed beverages recorded pH values low enough to classify them as erosive, posing a threat to enamel surface. When analyzing the frequency of consumption of energy drinks and pre-workout beverages in amateur athletes, we observed that most participants aged 29 years or younger took supplements 3 to 5 times a week, while the older age groups more frequently took supplements 1 to 2 times a week.

Introduction and purpose: The article focuses on the analysis of young people's awareness of the consumption of energy drinks, especially those containing caffeine. The aim of the study is to understand the level of knowledge about the awareness and consumption of energy drinks among students aged 18-25. This study was conducted using surveys and involving 202 participants. Material and Methods: The study was conducted using online anonymous surveys, involving 202 participants. The participants were students aged 18-25 both women and men. The results were analyzed according to the age and gender. Moreover, based on the available literature examining aspects related to the consumption of energy drinks. Results: The study shows that the vast majority of respondents (94.06%) are aware of the impact of energy substances on the body. The charts also illustrate that caffeine, as the main ingredient in energy drinks, is well understood in terms of cardiovascular effects. Moreover, the student community is aware of the link between excessive sugar consumption and the risk of cancer development. Discussion: The study shows that young people are aware of the negative impact of energy drinks on health. Nevertheless, not all areas of knowledge are clear to them. The continuous increase in the level of education can undoubtedly contribute to the introduction of healthy eating habits among students. Most respondents declare to drink energy drinks again, it should draw our special attention. Conclusions: It is worth noting the need for further education, especially in the field of metabolic syndrome. It also highlights the role of research and education in shaping public health awareness. Finally, the article suggests that further research and targeted educational programs are critical to improving public health, especially in the context of energy drink consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study determined the frequency, reasons for, and side effects of energy drinks (ED) consumption among online students. Participants: Students attending an online university. Methods: Participants were recruited by email and completed a 59-question survey about their prior months ED practices using a combination of validated surveys previously published examining similar constructs in on-campus students. Results: 307 students (age = 32.4 ± 6.5yrs) completed the survey, and 88% reported consuming EDs. Students' reasons for consuming ED included school (p <.001), work (p <.001), an event/competition (p <.001), pick me up (p <.001), lack of rest (p <.001), more energy (p <.001), and staying awake while driving (p <.001). Only individuals who consumed >10 ED/month reported side effects of headaches (p =.01) and speeding (p =.01). Conclusions: In our sample, a majority of the participants reported consuming ED for various daily activities. Only frequent consumers reported side effects suggesting they had become habituated to caffeine since they drank EDs despite experiencing side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to investigate substance use and its association with eating attitudes and behaviors among male Palestinian refugees. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, male Palestinian refugees(N = 566) were recruited to fill out self-administrated questionnaire on eating attitudes and behaviors (EAT-26) and to give urine samples to test current illicit drug use. Results: The response rate was 47.7%. Substance use was highly prevalent among participants (28.9%). The percentage of participants with eating disorders (ED) among substance users was as follows: Any illicit drug (30.8%), benzodiazepine (32.6%), methamphetamines(40.7%), amphetamine (39.3%), tetrahydrocannabinol (25.8%), barbiturates (20%),and alcohol (12.50%). Obese participants were at higher risk of having ED(OR = 2.344, p <.05) than underweight participants. Binge eaters were more likely to be tetrahydrocannabinol users (OR = 2.745, p <.05). Increased riskof self-induced vomiting behavior was associated with binge behavior (OR = 5.97, p <.05, laxative use (OR = 26.38, p <.01), barbiturates use (OR = 59.36, p <.05), waterpipe smoking (OR = 8.62, p <.05), vape smoking (OR = 10.37, p <.05), and inversely associated with age (OR = 0.832, p <.001). Conclusion: Findings from this study demonstrated a substantially increased frequency of substance use among Palestinian refugees with ED and unhealthy weight control behaviors. This study highlighted new challenge for the health system to deal with new emerging health conditions among male refugees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the supplementation of energy drinks with green tea extract on abrasive and erosive dentin wear. Materials and Methods: Six groups, each comprising 15 bovine dentin samples, were prepared, yielding a total of 90 samples. Erosion was performed by immersing the samples in Red Bull and Red Bull light with and without green tea extract. Tap water with and without green tea extract was used as the control groups. The samples were subjected to abrasive/erosive cycling for five days. The following cycling was performed daily: toothbrush abrasion (20 brushstrokes; 2.5 N); eight erosive cycles (2 min storage in the respective solutions); in between the erosive cycles, storage in artificial saliva (60 min) and again toothbrush abrasion (20 brushstrokes; 2.5 N). During the night, samples were again stored in artificial saliva. Abrasive/erosive dentin wear was measured using a stylus profilometer (μm, accuracy = 40 nm). The measured dentin loss results from the vertical position shift on the y-axis from base to final profile after the wear process in 2D. Pairwise comparisons between the groups were carried out using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: The following dentin wear (median [IQR]) was measured: Red Bull: 1.9 μm (0.5); Red Bull Light: 1.3 μm (0.3); Red Bull with green tea extract: 0.8 μm (0.3); Red Bull Light with green tea extract: 0.3 μm (0.5); Tap water with green tea extract: -0.2 μm (0.7); Tap water: -1.0 μm (1.2). The comparison of all tested groups to each other proved to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The supplementation of energy drinks with green tea extract provide a protective effect against erosive/ abrasive wear in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eating habits formed during adolescence greatly influence the maintenance of health in adulthood. With the recent development of social media and easy access to the Internet, adolescents watch plenty of food videos, particularly Mukbang and Cookbnag(eating show)content. This media genre's impact on food choices has been covered in several studies; however, studies on unhealthy eating habits directly related to adolescents' exposure to eating shows are insufficient. Methods: For this study, we used data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 and finalized 50,451 participants. The extent of exposure to eating show media over the course of a week, as well as the consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high caffeinated beverages within that week were measured through self-reporting questionnaires. We classified the participants into two groups based on their frequency of watching eating shows. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between eating show and unhealthy food consumption. Results: For both males and females, eating show exposure was strongly associated with the consumption of fast food (male: OR:1.37, 95% CI:1.26–1.49; female: OR:1.46, 95% CI:1.36–1.57), SSB (male: OR:1.42, 95% CI:1.26–1.60; female: OR:1.51, 95% CI:1.35–1.70), and high caffeinated beverage (male: OR:1.30, 95% CI:1.23–1.37; female: OR:1.24, 95% CI:1.18–1.31). It was observed that both sexes were more likely to frequently eat unhealthy food than students who did not watch eating shows. Conclusion: Among Korean adolescents, students exposed to eating shows, which primarily aim to entertain, were more likely to consume fast food, SSBs, and high caffeinated beverages. Therefore, this study's findings suggest that eating show could influence adolescents' food choices, highlighting the need for interest in emerging cultures and corresponding health policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is found that mixed-valence iridium oxides electrodeposited on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode exhibit catalytic activity in the oxidation of caffeine. In this case, a more pronounced catalytic effect is obtained on an electrode modified with a composite based on a film of a perfluorinated sulfopolymer (Nafion) and mixed-valence iridium oxides. A selective voltammetric method for the determination of caffeine is developed. A linear logarithmic dependence of current on the caffeine concentration is observed in the range from 1 × 10–8 to 5 × 10–3 M. The developed method was used to determine caffeine in energy drinks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited prior research to examine co-occurrence of prescription drug misuse with other substances among young adults has documented outcomes that are more problematic for those with higher rates of co-ingesting alcohol. There is a need to understand how college students in this period of heightened risk use other salient substances in moments of their prescription misuse in daily life. Young-adult college students who engaged in recent prescription misuse (N = 297) completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over a 28-day period, resulting in 23,578 reports. Multilevel modeling examined within-person associations between other momentary substance use (including alcohol, nicotine, energy drinks, and marijuana) and prescription misuse in daily life. Analyses accounted for between-person characteristics, having a current focal prescription, and effects of reporting over time. Participant sex was also explored as a moderator. In adjusted multilevel models, college students' momentary nicotine use and energy drink use each were associated with their greater likelihood of prescription misuse in daily life. In contrast, momentary marijuana use was linked with lower likelihood of misuse. Moderation results indicated that males (but not females) were less likely to engage in prescription misuse in moments of their alcohol use. Drawing from data obtained using EMA, findings provide novel insights about the real-world associations between prescription drug misuse and other salient substance behaviors during a developmental period that is important for establishing later substance use and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined dietary habits and mental health according to generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) and caffeine consumption in adolescents. The data were collected from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey with a sample of 51,850 students. The proportion of students in the GAD High-Risk · Caffeine consumption group (GHRCC) who consumed sweet drinks (p< .001), fast food (p< .001), and midnight meals (p< .001) every day was 15.6, 21.9, and 22.4%, respectively. These proportions were higher than those of students who consumed sweet drinks, fast food, and midnight meals 1-2 times a week, 3-4 times a week, or not at all. In addition, the proportions of GHRCC among students who responded “yes” to experiencing sadness and despair (p< .001), suicidal thoughts (p< .001), suicide plans (p< .001), suicide attempts (p< .001), and loneliness (p< .001) were higher than students who responded “no.” The GAD High-Risk group (GHR) had higher odds with the consumption of midnight meals (OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 2.10-2.99), caffeine consumption (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 2.21-2.74), and fast food (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.75-2.55) than GAD Low-Risk group. Based on the above results, the risk of GHR was higher among students who consumed midnight meals, caffeine, and fast food daily than those who did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drinks are carbonated or non-carbonated beverages containing stimulants designed to improve energy and concentration. These drinks are gaining popularity, specifically among teenagers and young adults. However, despite their easy availability on store shelves, there is growing concern about the safety and health effects of consuming energy drinks in particular. Energy drinks appear to have the greatest impact on the cardiovascular system, leading to increased blood pressure and increased heart rate, and on the mental state of consumers, in the long term causing increased levels of anxiety. The paper also addresses the effects of energy drinks on the nervous and gastrointestinal systems. Despite many studies, the health effects of energy drinks have still not been fully investigated, so there is a need for further research on the subject and for age-appropriate regulation of consumers and their education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The long-term consumption of junk food products can lead to nutritional and metabolic imbalances, especially when it is associated with a lack of physical activity and the consumption of alcohol or other high-calorie products. Methods: The evaluation of junk food consumption among teenagers and young people in Romania was carried out with the help of a cross-sectional study based on a questionnaire. Results: A total number of 1017 respondents participated in this study, comprising 470 males and 547 females aged between 16 and 25 years. Although the majority of young people fell into the normal-weight category (607 of them, p < 0.0001), some aspects can be noted that in the long term can produce a series of nutritional imbalances: an increased tendency toward sedentarism, with 553 (p = 0.613) of the respondents declaring that they performed sports rarely or not at all, and a tendency toward relatively high consumption of foods high in calories (fast food products and especially fried potatoes, hamburgers, shawarma, pastries, and snacks, along with sweetened drinks and even alcoholic beverages). The respondents participating in this study even indicated a perceived addiction to the consumption of certain products: coffee (50.48%), fried potatoes (38.9%), hamburgers (37.05%), shawarma (31.65%), and snacks (30.08%). Many of these products are rich in calories, saturated fat, and even trans fat. Conclusions: This study highlights a series of aspects that can have long-term negative effects related to the excess weight associated with other imbalances: consumption preferences among young people for hypercaloric fast food products, sweetened drinks associated with reduced physical activity, and even the development of some forms of food addictions for a series of hypercaloric foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Arabic version of the short form of the Health Literacy in Dentistry scale (HeLD) had not yet been developed in previously published studies. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of an Arabic version of the short form of the HeLD questionnaire. Methods: The short version of HeLD was translated into Arabic and the psychometric properties were evaluated in a sample of 1,889 female students in their first year of secondary school. Test–retest reliability was assessed using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Content validity was investigated by creating a correlation matrix between the individual items of the HeLD-14, and criterion validity was determined using Pearson's correlation between the HeLD-14 score and an overall oral health rating. Sensitivity analysis was assessed by testing the associations of the HeLD-14 score with oral health-related behaviours and residential area. Results: The Arabic version of HeLD-14 (A-HeLD-14) had acceptable ICC (0.54) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.92). The correlations between the items of the A-HeLD-14 varied from 0.3 to 0.9. The A-HeLD-14 showed a statistically significant correlation with the overall oral health rating (r = 0.37, p < 0.001). The median A-HeLD-14 score was significantly higher in participants who brushed their teeth frequently (51.31), visited the dentist regularly (52.00), consumed fresh fruit frequently (51) and consumed soda or energy drinks infrequently (51.00) than participants who brushed their teeth infrequently (41.50), visited the dentist irregularly (49.00), consumed fresh fruit infrequently (47) and consumed soda or energy drinks frequently (48.00). Conclusion: The A-HeLD-14 instrument demonstrates sufficient validity, reliability, and sensitivity for measuring oral health literacy among the Arabic-speaking population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pancreatitis is commonly associated with heavy alcohol use and cigarette smoking, though many cases of chronic pancreatitis are idiopathic. Energy drink consumption has been on the rise over the last decade, with an adverse health risk profile including gastrointestinal symptoms such as dyspepsia, reflux, and gastritis. There have been several case reports linking energy drink consumption to presentations of acute pancreatitis in adult patients. To our knowledge, the association between energy drinks and episodes of chronic pancreatitis flares has not been well studied. This article explores a case of chronic pancreatitis pain related to excessive energy drink consumption in an adult male patient. This study aims to shed light on energy drinks as a potential etiology of chronic pancreatitis flares, and emphasizes the importance of counseling patients on the potential risks of excessive energy drink consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetal wastes are an interesting source for the synthesis of nanostructured carbon materials, which are potentially useful in various applications. Carbon black agglomerates (CBA) obtained from olive pits, synthesized in our previous research, had a low crystalline structure typical of this type of materials, with a pore size of 2.27 nm, confirming their micro/mesoporous structure, and with a high surface value of around 587 m2 /g. These materials were used for the extraction of caffeine in energy drinks using a green-approach micro-sample technique called pipette-tip solid-phase extraction. This microextraction technique features reduced consumption of organic solvents, of the amount of sorbent and extraction time, thus making the whole sample pretreatment process faster and greener. In this work, we proposed an analytical method for the analysis of caffeine in commercial energy drinks, using CBA with a great extraction capacity due to its high porous surface area. The developed methodology has proven to be useful from a green chemistry point of view, using only one milligram of nanostructured sorbent, minimal solvent consumption, a reduced volume of sample, as well as easy and rapid automatization for the analysis of commercial energy drinks. For the quantification of the analyte in the energy drinks, a one-point standard addition calibration was applied to correct the matrix effect. Similar caffeine concentrations per milliliter were found in the three analyzed samples, likewise, the amounts of caffeine close to those reported by the manufacturers were established for two of the samples analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front-of-pack warning labels may reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, potentially mitigating negative health outcomes. Comparisons between different warning label types to inform future research and policy directions are lacking. This study compared 27 warning labels across six message types for their potential to reduce sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. A national sample of regular soda (n = 2578) and juice (n = 1048) consumers aged 14–60 years participated in an online survey. Participants evaluated randomly allocated labels; one from each of six warning label sets (health-graphic, sugar-pictogram, sugar-text, exercise equivalents, health-text, energy information) on four measures of perceived effectiveness (PE: overall effectiveness, discourage from drinking, emotional response, persuasive potential). Participants could also provide open comments. A general linear model compared differences in mean scores across label sets for each measure of PE. PE ratings differed significantly between label sets. Labels clearly quantifying sugar content (sugar-teaspoons) received consistently high PE ratings, whereas 'high in sugar' labels did not. Health-graphic labels were rated highly across all PE measures except persuasive potential. Exercise labels only rated highly on persuasive potential. Health-text results were mixed, and energy labels were consistently low. Simple, factual labels were easily interpreted and perceived as most effective. Labels quantifying sugar content were consistently high performers and should be advanced into policy to help decrease overconsumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caffeine is a widely used ergogenic aid in society, which has made it a topic of interest due to its various benefits at cognitive, physiological, and sports levels, among others. This review aims to investigate the potential benefits of caffeine supplementation in psychophysiological performance through a structured search in the SportsDiscus/Scopus/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases (October 2022). This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline, and the inclusion criteria were defined based on the PICOS model. Double-blind, randomized/semi-randomized crossover articles comparing caffeine intake with an identical placebo condition were included. Filters by age or gender of the participants were not applied. The initial search gave a result of 201 articles, which after eliminating duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample for this review was 8 studies. The review concluded that 3 (37.5 %) found favorable ergogenic effects, 4 (50 %) found partial effects, and 1 (12.5 %) found no effects of caffeine supplementation on variables related to psychophysiological performance. In general, both partial and negative results could be linked to insufficient doses to produce any change, likewise, habitual caffeine consumption is also a variable that could be attenuating its potential ergogenic effect. In conclusion, moderate doses of caffeine 3-6 mg/kg seem to be an effective strategy to improve the psychophysiological response in various contexts without generating detrimental effects on performance, as long as the intervention designs consider the variables that could condition its effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic beverages often contain various constituents and additives, influencing both their nutritional profiles and functional attributes. Given the ubiquity of these beverages and their potential health implications, rigorous quality checks are indispensable to ascertain compliance with health and safety standards. This research aimed to quantify caffeine and phosphoric acid levels in a diverse array of soft drinks from Kosovo's market. To achieve this, 41 distinct non-alcoholic beverage samples from the local market were scrutinized. Caffeine concentrations were determined via UV-Vis spectrophotometry, while potentiometric titration was employed to assess phosphoric acid levels. As expected, energy drinks in Kosovo contained markedly higher caffeine concentrations compared to carbonated soft drinks and ice-tea variants. On the other hand, based on the results, analysed energy drinks showed somewhat greater caffeine contents than those reported in packaging of the beverage samples. Our study showed that a significant portion of the samples (21.95% for caffeine and 9.76% for phosphoric acid) did not conform to the standards set by EU 1169/2011 regulation or the EU 1333/2008 regulation. These findings underscore the urgency for relevant food safety authorities to implement rigorous oversight and enact appropriate protective measures. It is also imperative for the Kosovo National Food Safety Authority to craft specific regulations stipulating permissible additive concentrations, especially for caffeine and phosphoric acid, in non-alcoholic beverages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drinks (EDs) have become a popular choice for young people seeking physical and cognitive boosts, with ingredients such as caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins aimed at improving academic, athletic, and alertness levels. However, the popularity of these drinks is also driven by low prices, taste, brand loyalty, and gendered marketing, with boys being more likely to consume them. Despite the supposed benefits, EDs have been associated with high-risk behaviours, deaths, and adverse health effects, especially those related to cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the use of EDs is on the rise. Hence, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and consumption patterns, perceptions, and factors associated with ED consumption among the youth of the Tamale Metropolis. The study was cross-sectional, consisting of 541 participants. The group consisted of 340 males and 201 females, between the ages of 15 and 45. A questionnaire was utilized to obtain data on the respondents' consumption patterns and perceptions of EDs, as well as their socio-demographic characteristics. The results of the study indicated that a large percentage of the respondents, 98.7%, had consumed EDs before, while 78.7% currently consume them. Respondents believed that EDs provided additional energy (81.00%) and reduced stress (62.30%). However, they also perceived side effects such as insomnia (60.60%) and restlessness (51.40%). Also, the highest proportion of respondents (83.4%) had poor knowledge of EDs. They were unaware of the classification of EDs and their ingredients, side effects, and benefits. Age, marital status, level of education, work intensity, EDs served at gatherings, and knowledge of EDs was significantly associated with ED consumption (p <.05). Consumption was higher among those aged 26 to 35 years, singles, individuals with no formal education, and those with high work intensity. The high consumption was also associated with low knowledge levels. It is recommended that public health and nutrition professionals engage in further advocacy efforts to improve the youth's knowledge and perception of EDs in a positive manner. In addition, lawmakers should use legislation to influence consumption rates and safeguard the health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NMR spectroscopy is one of the most potent methods in analytical chemistry. NMR titration experiments are particularly useful since they measure molecular binding affinities and other concentration-dependent effects. These experiments, however, require a long series of measurements. An alternative to these serial measurements has recently been presented, exploiting a pH (or generally – a concentration) gradient along the NMR tube. The proposed experiment, although efficient, was based on the sensitivity- and hardware-demanding chemical shift imaging (CSI) method. Thus, it is practically limited to high-resolution NMR spectrometers. This paper proposes modifying and adapting the approach to the popular and cost-efficient benchtop NMR machines. Instead of CSI, we use a device that shifts the NMR tube vertically to measure the spectra of different sample volumes, which have different pH values due to the established gradient along the tube. We demonstrate the potential of the method on the test samples of L -tyrosine and 2,6-lutidine, and two real samples from the food industry – an infant formula and an energy drink. The proposed method boosts spectral resolution and allows for the sampling of a broader range of pH values when compared to the original approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increasing global consumption of caffeine-rich products, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, there is also an increase in urban and processing waste full of residual caffeine with limited disposal options. This waste caffeine has been found to leach into the surrounding environment where it poses a threat to microorganisms, insects, small animals, and entire ecosystems. Growing interest in harnessing this environmental contaminant has led to the discovery of 79 bacterial strains, eight yeast strains, and 32 fungal strains capable of metabolizing caffeine by N -demethylation and/or C-8 oxidation. Recently observed promiscuity of caffeine-degrading enzymes in vivo has opened up the possibility of engineering bacterial strains capable of producing a wide variety of caffeine derivatives from a renewable resource. These engineered strains can be used to reduce the negative environmental impact of leached caffeine-rich waste through bioremediation efforts supplemented by our increasing understanding of new techniques such as cell immobilization. Here, we compile all of the known caffeine-degrading microbial strains, discuss their metabolism and related enzymology, and investigate their potential application in bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft drinks and sports drinks are acidic beverages with a higher risk of eroding teeth. This study aim was to evaluate the mean mineral density and microhardness of dental enamel after exposure to different drinks with different exposure times using microCT and Vickers microhardness test. An in-vitro study was conducted with a sample size of thirty-six extracted permanent premolars. The teeth were divided randomly into three groups according to the immersion drink (distilled water, Coca-Cola and energy drink). Each group was immersed for 30 minutes every 12 hours over 12 days. Later, tooth mean mineral density and microhardness were measured by microCT and Vicker tester methods. Comparison of groups’ teeth mean mineral density and microhardness values showed a statistically significant difference by (ANOVA) test (p<0.001). The mean and standard deviation for mineral density using Coca-Cola (2.34 ± 0.12), energy drink (2.58 ± 0.08) and distilled water (2.73 ± 0.07) For microhardness the mean and standard deviation for Coca-Cola (373.37± 31.68), energy drinks (406.73 ± 32.77) and distilled water (410.04 ± 23.16) Based on the current study findings, the used energy drink and Coca-Cola were erosive to tooth enamel, with Coca-Cola demonstrating the worst effect. It is recommended to increase public awareness about the effect of these soft drinks on the tooth surfaces, and encourage individuals to pay attention to signs of potential damage, like tooth sensitivity, and seek timely dental care to prevent further complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Caffeine is a chemical compound found in various products such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks; therefore, it is common in wastewater and surface water. The present study investigated caffeine adsorption on a thermally modified bentonite-type clay. The effects of the heat treatment of the adsorbent over the temperature range of 60–500 °C, as well as the initial pH of the solution, stirring speed, and contact time, on the removal of caffeine were analyzed. The adsorbent was characterized by XRF, XRD, FT–IR, thermal analysis (TGA–DSC), and N2 physisorption at 77 K. The response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate and optimize the adsorption of caffeine in aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of caffeine obtained with the Langmuir model was 80.3 ± 2.1 mg/g (0.41 ± 0.01 mmol/g) at 25 °C under equilibrium conditions (initial pH = 8.0, stirring speed = 400 rpm, contact time = 120 min). A kinetic study showed that the pseudo-second-order and Elovich models adequately describe the adsorption process. Bentonite thermally modified at 400 °C can be considered a low-cost adsorbent with potential application for removing caffeine in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on some biochemical and histological variables resulting from dosing male rats with the energy drink Red Bull. In this study, 28 white male rats were used, divided into four groups, each involving seven animals, according to the following: G1 was given a physiological solution (5 ml/kg) and a standard diet for 120 days; G2 was given a dose of the energy drink Red Bull (volume 1 ml per 100 g); G3 was given pomegranate juice (5 ml/kg) first; then Red Bull; and G4 was given Red Bull first; and after six weeks, he was given pomegranate juice. The results showed that Red Bull consumption significantly elevated RBS, AST, ALT, TC, and TG levels. Pomegranate juice has the ability to reduce the concentration of RBS, AST, ALT, TC, and TG. Histological changes in the liver of animals that were given the Red Bull energy drink were represented by congestion of the central vein, degeneration, and necrosis of liver cells, with severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and a thick wall of the central vein (TW), as well as amyloid (AM) deposition, compared to the negative control group. The results of the histological examination showed that pomegranate juice could repair cellular tissue in the liver and make it similar to the tissue of a control normal group, denoting the possibility of using it in the diet and in treating atherosclerosis and heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Nutrición Clínica y Dietética Hospitalaria is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Dietetica y Ciencias de la Alimentacion and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Viable renewable energy sources must be low-cost, easy to install, clean, and reliable if they are to meet the energy demand of urban or rural areas. Water is able to provide efficient sources of electrical energy among alternative renewable energy sources. Using modern hydraulic techniques, drinking water can be transported to the areas where it is needed. Studies on obtaining energy from drinking water networks are quite limited. Although not as necessary as water in terms or human health, electrical power is still critically important in many applications (lighting, heating, cooling, etc.). Consequently, many countries are developing energy using various renewable energy sources. In this study, a water distribution network in the Armağan Village of Maçka district of Trabzon province were used to obtain electrical energy. There are 47 pressure breaking valves (PBVs) in this network and the broken energy height is 236.35 m. The same energy loss can be achieved by installing microturbines instead of PBVs, and electricity generation can thus be achieved with a clean energy source. It was found that 84.12kWh of energy was obtained from each PBV, with a total of 3950kWh. The most suitable microturbine was selected according to sound microturbine selection criteria. From this study, it is revealed that electricity can be produced by using a Microturbine instead of Pressure Breaker Valves (PBVs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of General Medicine & Health Sciences / Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu is the property of Witold Chodzki Institute of Rural Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Preference stability can be a useful and supportive indicator for making strategic and tactical marketing decisions as it can assist short- and longer-term choices regarding product/brand characteristics and attributes. We provide a measurement approach combined with a model for strategic product/brand development decisions and subsequent marketing actions. Managers could use such insights when contrasting different attributes (e.g., design vs. camera of mobile phones) and also when making decisions about characteristics (e.g., different degrees of camera resolution of mobile phones). Such insights shall guide managers on where to invest and on how to leverage consumer preferences more effectively to generate sales for the company. We illustrate the use of our model of preferences and preference stability of product characteristics in three complementary studies (assessing yoghurt, energy drinks, and mobile phones). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy drinks, also consisting of carbohydrates and sugars, are known for their stimulating effects, both in improving muscle performance and psychostimulating effects, especially among physical activity practitioners and young people. Thus, the study sought to understand the relationship between the nutritional status and the consumption of energy drinks in individuals attending gyms and non-attending gyms in Luanda, Angola, through the inclusion of 204 male individuals, 102 for each group. The results showed that the most consumed drinks were coffee and the national energy drink "A", with a statistically significant association between the variables Body Mass Index (BMI) and age, p=0.002 in FG and p=0.001 in non-gym-goers, and between BMI and the time of consumption of energy drinks (p=0.01) in gym-goers, demonstrating that such variables seem to tend to change the nutritional pattern of individuals.

Energy drinks and mango juice are popular beverages. Apart from the natural ingredients and some additives present in these drinks, sugar is an important component of both. It has been established that, other than providing sweetness, sugars are potent to bring about health consequences for their consumers. Sweeteners, both artificial (aspartame, sodium cyclamate, and saccharin) and natural (sucrose), were our centers of interest. This study aimed to determine the presence and levels of these sweeteners in energy drinks and mango juice. Spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the concentration of the mentioned sugars. For this purpose, a total of 42 samples of 7 different brands were collected from different locations in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The methods were found to be linear over the concentration range of 10-26 µg/mL (r2=0.9989), 137-320 µg/mL (r2=0.9891), 2.5-24 µg/mL (r2=0.9915) and 2354-2784 µg/mL (r2=0.9985) for aspartame, sodium cyclamate, saccharin, and sucrose, respectively. Mango juice contained a relatively lower amount of saccharin compared to energy drinks. In the case of aspartame, one brand of energy drinks had the least amount. Moreover, both energy drinks and mango juice had a similar content of sodium cyclamate, but one brand of mango juice had a relatively low content of sodium cyclamate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]