Discrimination of Isointense Bitter Stimuli in a Beer Model System

Flavor science in the context of research on electronic cigarettes

Thousands start smoking or vaping daily, despite long-standing efforts by public health authorities to curb initiation and use of nicotine containing products. Over the last 15 years, use of electronic nicotine delivery systems has increased dramatically, with a diverse range of products on the market, including pod-based, disposable, and refillable electronic cigarettes (eCigs). Originally intended for harm reduction and smoking cessation, eCigs may encourage nicotine use among never smokers, given the vast range of appealing flavors that are available. To better understand abuse liability and to facilitate appropriate regulations, it is crucial to understand the science of flavor, and flavor perception within the context of eCig use. Here, we (a) provide a brief primer on chemosensory perception and flavor science for addiction and nicotine researchers, and (b) highlight existing some literature regarding flavor and nicotine use, with specific attention given to individual differences in perception, and interaction between different sensory modalities that contribute to flavor. Dramatic increases in use of eCigs highlights the importance of flavor science in contemporary addiction research, both with regards to public health and regulatory efforts. Other recent work summarizes findings on flavored e-liquids and eCig use, but none have focused explicitly on chemosensory processes or flavor perception as they relate to appeal and use of such products. We argue flavor science needs to be considered as perceptual and behavioral phenomena, and not merely from analytical, toxicological and pharmacological perspectives; we help address this gap here.

Melaleuca armillaris essential oil as an odor reducer in intestinal ostomy bags: a semi-experimental study

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the effect of essential oil in odor reduction for intestinal ostomy bags.

METHOD

Primary study, semi-experimental, prospective clinical trial with quantitative approach. A product prepared with Melaleuca armillaris leaves was tested in ostomy pouches, with and without effluents, for adhesion and odor control. Instrument: Labeled Magnitude Scale.

RESULTS

Colostomized participants, with a mean age of 73 ± 14.94, predominantly males; and informal caregivers, with a mean age of 44 ± 8.98, predominantly females. In the visual evaluation of the oil, 100% of the participants perceived its adherence. Regarding the evaluation of effluent odor by the colostomized, five reported "strong odor" before oil use and, six reported "weak" odor after use (p = 0.005). Five informal caregivers reported "very strong" effluent odor before oil use; and one reported "weak" and nine reported "moderate" after use (p = 0.0025).

CONCLUSION

There was a reduction in the odor of effluents in the ostomy pouches with the essential oil of Melaleuca armillaris at 10%. Application for patent registration in the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) under no. BR 10 2020 026987 9.

Óleo essencial de Melaleuca armillaris redutor de odor em bolsas de estomia intestinal: estudo quase experimental

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do óleo essencial na redução de odor em bolsas de estomia intestinal. Método: Estudo primário, ensaio clínico quase experimental, prospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa. Preparado com folhas de Melaleuca armillaris, foi testado em bolsas coletoras, sem e com efluentes, quanto à aderência e odor. Instrumento: escala de magnitude rotulada. Resultados: Participantes colostomizados, com média de 73 anos ± 14,94, predomínio do sexo masculino; e cuidadores informais, com média de 44 anos ± 8,98, predomínio do sexo feminino. Na avaliação visual do óleo, 100% dos participantes perceberam a aderência. Em relação à avaliação do odor dos efluentes pelos colostomizados, cinco relataram “odor forte” antes do uso do óleo e, após o uso, seis relataram odor “fraco” (p = 0,005). Cinco cuidadores informais detectaram odor “muito forte” dos efluentes antes do uso do óleo e, após o uso, um “fraco” e nove “moderado” (p = 0,0025). Conclusão: Houve redução do odor dos efluentes nas bolsas coletoras com o óleo essencial de Melaleuca armillaris a 10%. Pedido registro de patente no INPI sob nº. BR 10 2020 026987 9.

The gastrointestinal tract in hunger and satiety signalling

BACKGROUND

Different peripheral pathways are implicated in the regulation of the food ingestion-digestion cycle.

METHODS

Narrative review on gastrointestinal mechanisms involved in satiety and hunger signalling.

RESULTS

Combined mechano- and chemoreceptors, peripherally released peptide hormones and neural pathways provide feedback to the brain to determine sensations of hunger (increase energy intake) or satiation (cessation of energy intake) and regulate the human metabolism. The gastric accommodation reflex, which consists of a transient relaxation of the proximal stomach during food intake, has been identified as a major determinant of meal volume, through activation of tension-sensitive gastric mechanoreceptors. Motilin, whose release is the trigger of gastric Phase 3, has been identified as the major determinant of return of hunger after a meal. In addition, the release of several peptide hormones such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), cholecystokinin as well as motilin and ghrelin contributes to gut-brain signalling with relevance to control of hunger and satiety. A number of nutrients, such as bitter tastants, as well as pharmacological agents, such as endocannabinoid receptor antagonists and GLP-1 analogues act on these pathways to influence hunger, satiation and food intake.

CONCLUSION

Gastrointestinal mechanisms such as gastric accommodation and motilin release are key determinants of satiety and hunger.