A selection of interesting studies

[Turk]

Twenty-four-hour endocrine and metabolic profiles following consumption of high-fructose corn syrup-, sucrose-, fructose-, and glucose-sweetened beverages with meals.

Stanhope, K.L., Griffen, S.C., Bair, B.R., Swarbrick, M.M., Keim, N.L., & Havel, P.J. (2008)

BACKGROUND: We have reported that, compared with glucose-sweetened beverages, consuming fructose-sweetened beverages with meals results in lower 24-h circulating glucose, insulin, and leptin concentrations and elevated triacylglycerol (TG). However, pure fructose and glucose are not commonly used as sweeteners. High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has replaced sucrose as the predominant sweetener in beverages in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the metabolic/endocrine effects of HFCS with sucrose and, in a subset of subjects, with pure fructose and glucose.

DESIGN: Thirty-four men and women consumed 3 isocaloric meals with either sucrose- or HFCS-sweetened beverages, and blood samples were collected over 24 h. Eight of the male subjects were also studied when fructose- or glucose-sweetened beverages were consumed.

RESULTS: In 34 subjects, 24-h glucose, insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and TG profiles were similar between days that sucrose or HFCS was consumed. Postprandial TG excursions after HFCS or sucrose were larger in men than in women. In the men in whom the effects of 4 sweeteners were compared, the 24-h glucose and insulin responses induced by HFCS and sucrose were intermediate between the lower responses during consumption of fructose and the higher responses during glucose. Unexpectedly, postprandial TG profiles after HFCS or sucrose were not intermediate but comparably high as after pure fructose.

CONCLUSIONS: Sucrose and HFCS do not have substantially different short-term endocrine/metabolic effects. In male subjects, short-term consumption of sucrose and HFCS resulted in postprandial TG responses comparable to those induced by fructose.

 

[Turk]

Intense sweetness surpasses cocaine reward.

Lenoir, M., Serre, F., Cantin, L., Ahmed, S.H. (2007)

BACKGROUND: Refined sugars (e.g., sucrose, fructose) were absent in the diet of most people until very recently in human history. Today overconsumption of diets rich in sugars contributes together with other factors to drive the current obesity epidemic. Overconsumption of sugar-dense foods or beverages is initially motivated by the pleasure of sweet taste and is often compared to drug addiction. Though there are many biological commonalities between sweetened diets and drugs of abuse, the addictive potential of the former relative to the latter is currently unknown.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we report that when rats were allowed to choose mutually-exclusively between water sweetened with saccharin-an intense calorie-free sweetener-and intravenous cocaine-a highly addictive and harmful substance-the large majority of animals (94%) preferred the sweet taste of saccharin. The preference for saccharin was not attributable to its unnatural ability to induce sweetness without calories because the same preference was also observed with sucrose, a natural sugar. Finally, the preference for saccharin was not surmountable by increasing doses of cocaine and was observed despite either cocaine intoxication, sensitization or intake escalation-the latter being a hallmark of drug addiction.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings clearly demonstrate that intense sweetness can surpass cocaine reward, even in drug-sensitized and -addicted individuals. We speculate that the addictive potential of intense sweetness results from an inborn hypersensitivity to sweet tastants. In most mammals, including rats and humans, sweet receptors evolved in ancestral environments poor in sugars and are thus not adapted to high concentrations of sweet tastants. The supranormal stimulation of these receptors by sugar-rich diets, such as those now widely available in modern societies, would generate a supranormal reward signal in the brain, with the potential to override self-control mechanisms and thus to lead to addiction.

 

[Turk]

Acetyl-L-carnitine in neuropathic pain: experimental data.

Chiechio, S., Copani, A., Gereau, R.W. 4th, & Nicoletti, F. (2007)

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has gained clinical interest for its analgesic effect in different forms of neuropathies associated with chronic pain, such as diabetic and HIV-related peripheral neuropathies. The antinociceptive effect of ALC has been confirmed in several experimental models of neuropathic pain, including streptozotocin- and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and the sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury model.

In these models, prophylactic administration of ALC has proven to be effective in preventing the development of neuropathic pain. In addition, ALC is known to produce a strong antinociceptive effect when given after neuropathic pain has been established. ALC can also improve the function of peripheral nerves by increasing nerve conduction velocity, reducing sensory neuronal loss, and promoting nerve regeneration. Analgesia requires repeated administrations of ALC, suggesting that the drug regulates neuroplasticity across the pain neuraxis.

Recent evidence indicates that ALC regulates processes that go beyond its classical role in energy metabolism. These processes involve the activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the forebrain, and an increased expression of type-2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Induction of mGlu2 receptors is mediated by acetylation mechanisms that involve transcription factors of the nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB family.

 

[Turk]

L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.

Kimura, K., Ozeki, M., Juneja, L.R., & Ohira, H. (2006)

L-Theanine is an amino acid contained in green tea leaves which is known to block the binding of L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in the brain. Because the characteristics of L-Theanine suggest that it may influence psychological and physiological states under stress, the present study examined these possible effects in a laboratory setting using a mental arithmetic task as an acute stressor. Twelve participants underwent four separate trials: one in which they took L-Theanine at the start of an experimental procedure, one in which they took L-Theanine midway, and two control trials in which they either took a placebo or nothing. The experimental sessions were performed by double-blind, and the order of them was counterbalanced.

The results showed that L-Theanine intake resulted in a reduction in the heart rate (HR) and salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) responses to an acute stress task relative to the placebo control condition. Moreover, analyses of heart rate variability indicated that the reductions in HR and s-IgA were likely attributable to an attenuation of sympathetic nervous activation. Thus, it was suggested that the oral intake of L-Theanine could cause anti-stress effects via the inhibition of cortical neuron excitation.

 

[Turk]

This isn't so much a study as it is a good read. For those of us who enjoy a good wine every now and again.

http://www.villagekitchen.com/mfg/arc/canada_health/leadcrys.html


Lead crystal is a heavy, durable glass prized for its brilliance and clarity. It was developed in the 17th century, by combining molten quartz with lead compounds. The final product usually contains from 24 to 36 percent lead oxide and is widely used today for serving beverages.



Risks associated with lead crystal


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However, questions are now being raised about the safety of crystal. Scientists have found that when crystal comes in contact with acidic beverages, some lead dissolves into the liquid. The amount depends on the lead content of the crystal, the type of beverage, and the length of time they are in contact with each other. However the amount of lead obtained from crystal is in general very small.

Studies show that acidic beverages such as port or wine will dissolve more lead from crystal than less acidic drinks like scotch or vodka. Acidic non-alcoholic beverages such as fruit juices and soft drinks also absorb lead. Generally, the longer a beverage sits inside a crystal container, the more lead is absorbed by the liquid.

However, the actual amount of lead released from crystal glasses over the course of a normal meal tends to be low. Tests show that the resulting lead levels in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are usually well below 200 parts per billion -- the maximum allowable lead concentration in Canadian beverages.

By contrast, beverages stored in crystal decanters can accumulate very high levels of lead. Scientists have found lead concentrations of up to 20 parts per million - 100 times higher than the Canadian limit - in wines kept for weeks or months in crystal containers. As a general rule, do not store any beverage in crystal decanters for extended periods of time. To inhibit lead from dissolving in the beverage, some manufacturers are now coating the interior of lead crystal containers.




How lead can affect your health


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Lead has no known use in the body. Once absorbed, it circulates in the bloodstream, and either accumulates in tissues or is excreted as waste. Lead can be found in soft tissues, such as the liver and kidneys, or hard tissues, such as bones and teeth, where it can remain for more than three decades.

Studies have shown that exposure to even small amounts of lead can be harmful. Long- term exposure to increased lead levels may produce flu-like symptoms, such as lack of appetite, fatigue, irritability, headaches, and joint pain. When the body is under stress, such as during pregnancy or a serious illness, bones may release increased amounts of lead into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of lead have been linked to blood and kidney problems, as well as neurological disorders.

Children and developing fetuses are particularly at risk, because they grow rapidly, and absorb lead more easily than adults. Childhood neurological disorders such as hyperactivity, learning disabilities and possibly lower IQ scores have been linked to lead. Studies also indicate pregnant women with high levels of lead in their blood have a greater risk of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature deliveries.




What you can do?


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To reduce your exposure to lead, here are some simple steps to follow:


Do not store alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages in crystal decanters - use decanters only for serving

Soak new crystal in vinegar for 24 hours and follow by a thorough rinsing before the first use to remove some of the surface lead

Do not wash crystal in a dishwasher as the harsh detergents can increase the release of lead

Beware of wines with lead capsules or coverings over the cork - metal from corroded capsules can enter the wine through the cork, raising lead levels dramatically.
Note: Contamination can also occur as you pour wine from the bottle. After removing the lead capsule from such wines, you should wipe the top of the bottle before serving.

To reduce a child's exposure to lead, do not serve children drinks in crystal glasses or drink from crystal if you are pregnant

Limit the use of crystal to special occasions




How to be checked for lead?


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Your family doctor can determine how much lead is in your body by a simple blood test. The Federal/Provincial Committee on Environmental and Occupational Health recommends that action be taken when the amount of lead in your blood reaches 10 micrograms per deciliter. This should include identifying and removing the source of contamination.

Chelation therapy - a chemical means to remove lead from the body - is usually considered only when lead levels in the blood are much higher.

 

[Turk]

L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state.

Nobre, A.C., Rao, A., Owen, G.N. (2008)

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. Tea is known to be a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants. However tea also contains a unique amino acid, L-theanine that may modulate aspects of brain function in humans.

Evidence from human electroencephalograph (EEG) studies show that it has a direct effect on the brain (Juneja et al. Trends in Food Science & Tech 1999;10;199-204). L-theanine significantly increases activity in the alpha frequency band which indicates that it relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness. However, this effect has only been established at higher doses than that typically found in a cup of black tea (approximately 20mg).

The aim of the current research was to establish this effect at more realistic dietary levels. EEG was measured in healthy, young participants at baseline and 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 minutes after ingestion of 50mg L-theanine (n=16) or placebo (n=19). Participants were resting with their eyes closed during EEG recording. There was a greater increase in alpha activity across time in the L-theanine condition (relative to placebo (p+0.05).A second study replicated this effect in participants engaged in passive activity.

These data indicate that L-theanine, at realistic dietary levels, has a significant effect on the general state of mental alertness or arousal. Furthermore, alpha activity is known to play an important role in critical aspects of attention, and further research is therefore focussed on understanding the effect of L-theanine on attentional processes.

 

[Backlink Building]

Backlink Building

hello ive just joined**broken link removed**

 

[The_crippler]

intressting reading , thanks

 

[mgngb]

Wow a ton of great articles thanks alot man

 

[Turk]

REM sleep and dreaming: towards a theory of protoconsciousness.

Hobson, J.A. (2009)

Dreaming has fascinated and mystified humankind for ages: the bizarre and evanescent qualities of dreams have invited boundless speculation about their origin, meaning and purpose. For most of the twentieth century, scientific dream theories were mainly psychological. Since the discovery of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the neural underpinnings of dreaming have become increasingly well understood, and it is now possible to complement the details of these brain mechanisms with a theory of consciousness that is derived from the study of dreaming. The theory advanced here emphasizes data that suggest that REM sleep may constitute a protoconscious state, providing a virtual reality model of the world that is of functional use to the development and maintenance of waking consciousness

http://www.culturacientifica.org/textosudc/sueno_01.pdf


For those of you who like to sleep (god knows i do...) then i suggest you check out the 'Activation-Synthesis model' of dreaming by Hobson & McCarley (1978). It can be a bit heavy if you don't have a grounding in human biology, but is well worth slogging through. I came across this update to the theory a few weeks ago, in a nutshell (coupled with other nutshells to form a bag of nuts) it suggests that dreaming is caused by random activity in the base of your brain, which causes lots of random signals to get sent all over the place.

Your mind then tries to make sense of all this gibberish, and in doing so, you dream. How your mind makes sense of things relates to what you dream about. The update i've posted above suggests that REM dreaming is a new state of consciousness, and Lucid dreaming a co-option of higher brain functioning into that state.

All very nerdish yes, but knowing how many scienticians we have on this board, one or two may be interested.