Sugar is an inseparable part of the food we consume. But too much sugar is not ideal for our teeth and waistline. There have been some controversial suggestions that excessive sugar may play an important role in certain degenerative diseases. So artificial sweeteners or artificially sweetened products continue to attract consumers. A sugar substitute (artificial sweetener) is a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, but usually has less food energy. Besides its benefits, animal studies have convincingly proven that artificial sweeteners cause weight gain, brain tumors, bladder cancer and many other health hazards. Some kind of health related side effects including carcinogenicity are also noted in humans. A large number of studies have been carried out on these substances with conclusions ranging from “safe under all conditions” to “unsafe at any dose”. Scientists are divided in their views on the issue of artificial sweetener safety. In scientific as well as in lay publications, supporting studies are often widely referenced while the opposing results are de-emphasized or dismissed. So this review aims to explore the health controversy over perceived benefits of sugar substitutes.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Background: Medical knowledge is expanding everyday with increasing complexity of the health-care system. For that, it is important for faculty to have self-motivation for their update and self-development. Self-directed learning in today's scenario is mostly done by online learning or e-learning. Of many tools, massive open online course (MOOC) is a relatively new phenomenon blooming the adult learning. They fill the role of continuous education and professional development.Objective: To find out the awareness and use of MOOC and educational video series by the medical faculties. Materials and Methods:It was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Thus, predesigned and pretested questionnaire forms were distributed to faculty members of a medical school. Questionnaires were about usage of information technologies and Internet tools, various messaging and discussion tools, and use of MOOC and video series by medical faculties. The filled up forms were collected, and statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel.Result: A total of 108 faculty members participated in the study. More than 64% participants were using Internet more than 5 h per week. Among all participants, 63.89% participants were using online messaging and discussion tools such as email, google and yahoo groups, blogging, forums, and others. Awareness of MOOCs and web portal such as edX, coursera, Udacity, and others was only 18.52% (20) among the faculty members. Of them, 14 reported that they had enrolled in such courses at least once. Of 108 faculties, 25 were aware of availability of educational video series, and 22 reported using video series. Conclusion:Use of Internet and online discussion tool for educational purpose is very good among the faculty members. But, the study shows that the awareness of online learning tools such as MOOCs and educational video series are very low among faculty members. However, after some awareness program, they will start using these resources for selfdirected learning.