In this chapter we review the role and potential benefits of non-caloric sweeteners, as part of the diet. After appearing and interest in the beneficial effects attributed to them, face different situations and conditions (obesity, diabetes...), more and more numerous studies, show their ineffective use. In conclusion, further research and results are needed to provide convincing evidence of th...

BACKGROUND Cancer has profound effects on gene expression, including a cell's glycosylation machinery. Thus, tumors produce glycoproteins that carry oligosaccharides with structures that are markedly different from the same protein produced by a normal cell. A single protein can have many glycosylation sites that greatly amplify the signals they generate compared with their protein backbones. ...

At the time when the highly efficient [(18)F]FDG synthesis was discovered by the use of the effective precursor 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl- β -D-mannopyranose (mannose triflate) for nucleophilic (18)F-substitution, the field of PET in nuclear medicine experienced a long-term boom. Thirty years later, various strategies for chemoselective (18)F-labeling of biomolecules h...

MHC molecules typically bind peptides to create ligands for the T cell antigen receptor. In this issue of Cell, report an unexpected association of class II MHC molecules with processed zwitterionic polysaccharides from pathogenic bacteria. The complexes appear to modulate the T cell dependent pathology of abscess formation.

Polyols are approved for use as sweeteners in specific foods but they may be used for other technological purposes in a wider range of foods, all on a quantum satis basis. The European Polyols Association (EPA) has identified 24 categories of food where polyols are used and it has been able to establish the levels at which the polyols are used in each type of food and whether for sweetening or ...

Noncaloric functional beverages are a key segment in the rapidly growing functional food market. Erythritol, an all-natural bulk sweetener, offers sensorial as well as functional benefits for use in such beverages. It can improve taste quality by adding body and mouthfeel, and it is capable of masking unwanted off-flavors often associated with intense sweeteners. In addition, erythritol can str...