Age differences in the brain mechanisms of good taste.

There is strong evidence demonstrating age-related differences in the acceptability of foods and beverages. To examine the neural foundations underlying these age-related differences in the acceptability of different flavors and foods, we performed an fMRI study to investigate brain and hedonic responses to orange juice, orange soda, and vegetable juice in three different age groups: Young (22), Middle (40) and Elderly (60 years). Orange juice and orange soda were found to be liked by all age groups, while vegetable juice was disliked by the Young, but liked by the Elderly.

Orange juice (poly)phenols are highly bioavailable in humans.

Background: We assessed the bioavailability of orange juice (poly)phenols by monitoring urinary flavanone metabolites and ring fission catabolites produced by the action of the colonic microbiota.

Objective: Our objective was to identify and quantify metabolites and catabolites excreted in urine 0-24 h after the acute ingestion of a (poly)phenol-rich orange juice by 12 volunteers.

Design: Twelve volunteers [6 men and 6 women; body mass index (in kg/m(2)): 23.

Production of chiral R-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids and R-3-hydroxyalkanoic acid methylesters via hydrolytic degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthesized by pseudomonads.

A novel and efficient method for the production of enantiomericaly pure R-3-hydroxyalkanoic acids and R-3-hydroxyalkanoic acid methylesters was developed. The described method is based on hydrolysis of poly(hydroxyalkanoate) copolymers synthesized by Pseudomonas putida. The polymer was isolated via solvent recovery and hydrolyzed by acid methanolysis.