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This study investigated the effects of pasteurization (80 ℃ for 30 min), electron beam irradiation (3, 5 and 7 kGy) and ultra-high pressure treatment (400, 500 and 600 MPa for 6 min) on the flavor of jujube pulp. Untreated samples were used as control. The content of taste compounds such as free amino acids and reducing sugar was determined, and flavor quality was evaluated by electronic nose and electronic tongue and sensory evaluation. The results showed that compared with the control sample, free amino acid contents were significantly reduced by pasteurization and electron beam irradiation, and the contents of bitter amino acids such as arginine, valine and leucine were significantly increased by pasteurization. Electron beam irradiation and ultra-high pressure treatment could significantly increase the content of fructose in jujube pulp. Significant differences in electronic nose sensor responses were found among the eight groups. The electron tongue results showed significant differences in taste characteristics between the electron beam irradiated, ultra-high pressure treated and the control samples, while the taste characteristics of the pasteurized samples were closer to those of the control group. In addition, the samples treated with electron beam irradiation had higher sensory values for taste, color and reconstitutability than the other treatments. In conclusion, both electron beam irradiation and ultra-high pressure treatment could effectively improve the flavor quality of jujube pulp.

PurposeTo develop a classification system of visual field (VF) abnormalities in highly myopic eyes with and without glaucoma.DesignSecondary analysis of VF data from a longitudinal cohort study.ParticipantsOne thousand eight hundred ninety-three VF tests from 1302 eyes (825 individuals).MethodsAll participants underwent VF testing (Humphrey 24-2 Swedish interactive threshold algorithm standard program; Carl Zeiss Meditec) and detailed ophthalmic examination. A comprehensive set of VF defect patterns was defined via observation of the 1893 VF reports, literature review, and consensus meetings. The classification system comprised 4 major types of VF patterns, including normal type, glaucoma-like defects (paracentral defect, nasal step, partial arcuate defect, arcuate defect), high myopia-related defects (enlarged blind spot, vertical step, partial peripheral rim, nonspecific defect), and combined defects (nasal step with enlarged blind spot). A subset (n = 1000) of the VFs was used to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver agreement and weighted κ values of the classification system by 2 trained readers. The prevalence of various VF patterns and their associated factors were determined.Main outcome measuresThe classification of VF in highly myopic eyes and its associated risk factors.ResultsWe found that normal type, glaucoma-like defects, high myopia-related defects, and combined defects accounted for 74.1%, 10.8%, 15.0%, and 0.1% of all unique VF tests, respectively. The interobserver and intraobserver agreements were > 89%, and the corresponding κ values were 0.86 or more between readers. Both glaucoma-like and high myopia-related VF defects were associated with older age (odds ratios [ORs], 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.10; P < 0.001] and 1.06 [95% CI, 1.04-1.10; P < 0.001]) and longer axial length (ORs, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.32-2.07; P < 0.001] and 1.37 [95% CI, 1.11-1.68; P = 0.003]). Longer axial length showed a stronger effect on the prevalence of glaucoma-like VF defects than on the prevalence of high myopia-related VF defects (P = 0.036).ConclusionsWe propose a new and reproducible classification system of VF abnormalities for nonpathologic high myopia. Applying a comprehensive classification system will facilitate communication and comparison of findings among studies.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the longitudinal changes in macular retinal and choroidal microvasculature in normal healthy and highly myopic eyes.MethodsSeventy-one eyes, including 32 eyes with high myopia and 39 healthy control eyes, followed for at least 12 months and examined using optical coherence tomography angiography imaging in at least 3 visits, were included in this study. Fovea-centered 6 × 6 mm scans were performed to measure capillary density (CD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and choriocapillaris (CC). The rates of CD changes in both groups were estimated using a linear mixed model.ResultsOver a mean 14-month follow-up period, highly myopic eyes exhibited a faster rate of whole image CD (wiCD) loss (-1.44%/year vs. -0.11%/year, P = 0.001) and CD loss in the outer ring of the DCP (-1.67%/year vs. -0.14%/year, P < 0.001) than healthy eyes. In multivariate regression analysis, baseline axial length (AL) was negatively correlated with the rate of wiCD loss (estimate = -0.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.48 to -0.06, P = 0.012) and CD loss in the outer ring (estimate = -0.33, 95% CI = -0.56 to -0.11, P = 0.005), of the DCP. The CD reduction rates in the SCP and CC were comparable in both groups (all P values > 0.05).ConclusionsThe rate of CD loss in the DCP is significantly faster in highly myopic eyes than in healthy eyes and is related to baseline AL. The CD in the outer ring reduces faster in eyes with longer baseline AL.

Background Smart bracelets are increasingly used in chronic disease management, which help improve patient adherence and motivation to exercise interventions, but more evidence for their long-term effectiveness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the community needs to be explored. Objective To develop an intervention model for community-dwelling type 2 diabetes patients using smart bracelets, and to assess its long-term effectiveness in these patients. Methods From July to August 2018, this study selected 11 community health institutions from 11 districts of Guangzhou (one from each district) as study settings. And from each setting, 10-15 T2DM patients were selected (intervention group), and were compared to sex-matched and age-matched (+/- two years) T2DM patients (control group). The intervention was carried out from September 2018 to August 2019 in two groups, both received standardized health management services provided by the family physician team and underwent the exercise prescribed by an exercise prescriber. The intervention group additionally received health monitoring and management via wearing a smart bracelet, and set personalized exercise challenge goals under the guidance of an exercise prescriber. The score of the Chinese version of Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure (SDSCA-C), comprehensive assessment indicators, and attainment rates of key glycemic indicators were compared between the two groups before and after the intervention. Results Ninety-two patients in the control group and 144 patients in the intervention group completed one-year intervention and follow-up. After the intervention, the subscale scores of dietary management and foot care management and the total score of SDSCA-C increased notably in the intervention group (P0.05). Two groups had no statistically significant differences in all comprehensive assessment indicators at baseline (P>0.05). After one year of intervention, besides a decrease was found in total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in both groups, a reduction was found in waist circumference in the intervention group, and in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the control group (P