Are we using more sugar substitutes? Wastewater analysis reveals differences and rising trends in artificial sweetener usage in Swedish urban catchments.

The market for artificial sweeteners as substitutes for conventional sugar (sucrose) is growing, despite potential health risks associated with their intake. Estimating population usage of artificial sweeteners is therefore crucial, and wastewater analysis can serve as a complement to existing methods. This study evaluated spatial and temporal usage of artificial sweeteners in five Swedish communities based on wastewater analysis.

Ultra-late EEG potential evoked by preferential activation of unmyelinated tactile afferents in human hairy skin.

Human tactile sensibility in hairy skin is mediated not only by fast conducting myelinated (Aβ) afferents, but also by a system of slow conducting, unmyelinated afferents that respond preferentially to light touch, C-tactile (CT) afferents. This system has previously been shown to correlate with the pleasantness of tactile stimuli, where a soft brush moving at 1-3cm/s activates CT afferents strongly. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that preferential CT fiber stimulation activates the posterior insula cortex.

Dental caries and body mass index by socio-economic status in Swedish children.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between dental caries, childhood body mass index (BMI), and socioeconomic status in Swedish children.

Methods: The study cohort consisted of 2303 10-year-old children with data on socioeconomic status, BMI at 4, 5, 7 and 10 years of age, and caries at 6, 10 and 12 years of age. Anthropometric measures were carried out by trained nurses according to standardized routines.