Effects of a black rice extract (Oryza sativa L. indica) on cholesterol levels and plasma lipid parameters in Wistar Kyoto rats

This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an anthocyanin pigmented rice (e.g. black rice) to mitigate the onset of hypercholesterolemia in rats-fed atherogenic diets. Male Wistar (n = 10/group) rats were fed with atherogenic diets containing 0.5% cholesterol in the presence and in the absence of bile salt (e.g. 0.05% cholic acid) along with a standardized black rice extract (BRE) (e.g. 3%, w/w). All animals were individually housed in stainless steel cages and fed with the experimental diets during a 12-h period for 10 weeks. Body weights of rats were measured every week of the experiment. After 10 weeks fed on experimental diets, rats were sacrificed and plasma total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerols were measured immediately. The total cholesterol (TC) content in the liver, heart and aorta, and the concentration of triacylglycerol (TAG) were measured after lipid extraction using Folch method. Rats fed with 0.5% cholesterol containing diets which also included bile salt exhibited a considerably more severe hypercholesterolemia than counterparts fed diets containing only 0.5% cholesterol. The inclusion of the BRE in diets significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of TC, LDL–TC and TAG in plasma of rats-fed control diets that either contained or were absent in bile salt (p < 0.05). There were no differences in HDL-level. Liver crude lipids and total cholesterol levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in experimental groups relative to the control group in both experiments. Thus, supplementation of atherogenic experimental diets with BRE effectively decreased lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. In lieu of the mixture of bioactive components present in BRE, it is possible that more than one mechanism underlying this reduction in lipids is involved.     

Casein-derived bioactive tripeptides Ile-Pro-Pro and Val-Pro-Pro attenuate the development of hypertension and improve endothelial function in salt-loaded Goto–Kakizaki rats

Increased blood pressure and plasma cholesterol concentration are the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. We have previously shown that fermented milk products containing casein-derived bioactive tripeptides, isoleucine-proline-proline (Ile-Pro-Pro) and valine-proline-proline (Val-Pro-Pro) partly inhibit the blood pressure increase in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we investigated the effect of bioactive tripeptide-containing fermented milk products (with or without plant sterols) on blood pressure and vascular function in salt-loaded type 2 diabetic Goto–Kakizaki (GK) rats after 8 weeks’ treatment. The development of blood pressure was attenuated in the groups receiving tripeptide-containing products (?10 to ?12 mmHg vs. the control product group, P < 0.01). Tripeptide-containing products enhanced the impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation of mesenteric arteries. Also the role of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) was demonstrated. Interestingly, pretreatment of arterial rings with verapamil normalized the impaired endothelial function. Endothelium-independent relaxations were similar between the groups. Furthermore, tripeptides had positive effects on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system.     

Impact of omega-3 fatty acids and/or plant sterol supplementation on non-HDL cholesterol levels of dyslipidemic Indian adults

Independent and combined effects of 2 g/d long chain omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3) from fish oil (capsules) and 2 g/d plant sterol (yogurt drink) on LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels in Indian subjects were compared. Following a 2-week run-in period, 200 mildly hypercholesterolemic (total cholesterol 5.0–8.0 mmol/l) adults (35–55 years) were randomized into one of four groups [(1) both placebo (2) active omega-3 (3) active plant sterol (4) both active] of a 2 × 2 factorial, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Blood samples were obtained before and after the 4-week intervention (n = 178). Lipid levels were analyzed using ANCOVA models with relevant baseline measurements as covariates; adjusted means were compared across groups. While plant sterols significantly lowered LDL-C (?4.5%; P = 0.017) and non-HDL-C (?7.9%; P = 0.0019) levels, omega-3 did not demonstrate any such impact. The combination resulted in 4.2% and 3.9% reduction (non-significant), respectively. Thus, the beneficial effects of the omega-3-PS combination on lipid levels demonstrated earlier (lowered triacylglycerols by 15%, increased HDL-C by 5.4%) in addition to the present findings could make this combination a useful alternative for lowering coronary heart disease risk in Indian adults.     

The impact of high pressure on glucosinolate profile and myrosinase activity in seedlings from Brussels sprouts

The potential of high pressure (HP) to control bioactive components using seedlings of Brussels sprouts as a simple non-chopped vegetable system was examined. Enzyme activity in situ compared to purified enzyme and residual enzyme substrate in situ are used as three complementary measures for the HP effect. Purified myrosinase and seedlings of Brussels sprouts were submitted to HP 200–800 MPa at 5 °C for 3 min. The myrosinase activity decreased for both myrosinase systems upon increasing pressure to 800 MPa. Applying first-order kinetic to determine activation volumes revealed a linear relationship from 400 to 600 (ΔV^# = − 19.04 mL/mol) and 450–600 MPa (ΔV^# = − 37.79 mL/mol) for seedlings and purified myrosinase, respectively, indicating a protective effect of the plant matrix against enzyme inactivation. Purified myrosinase was activated at 200 MPa but at 800 MPa the glucosinolate degradation due to pressure induced disruption of the plant matrix seems to be partly counter-acted by myrosinase inactivation.Industrial relevanceHigh Pressure (HP) processing is an effective non-thermal preservation treatment for liquid and solid food. Moreover, over the last years, the potential of this technology to improve health and safety attributes of foods has been demonstrated. In particular, the ability of HP to preserve bioactive compounds has been established. There are only few studies evaluating the impact of HP on the complex bioactive glucosinolates-myrosinase. Therefore, this study opens the doors through the application of HP to preserve the bioactive glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables by creating new processing solutions through controlled enzyme inactivation. Thus, HP could be an effective tool to achieve more effective solutions to obtain the new generation of convenient food and meet the need for new bioactive food products.     

Comparison of subjective grading and objective assessment in meibography

AimTo analyse repeatability of subjective grading and objective assessment in non-contact infra-red meibography.MethodsMeibography photographs of 24 subjects (female 14; mean age = 46; range = 19–69 years, upper-lid images = 12, lower-lid images = 12) were classified in two sessions by three experienced observers (OI, OII, OIII). Relative area or portion affected by meibomian glands (MG) loss was classified applying three different grading scales in randomized order: a four-grade scale (4S) (degree 0 = no partial glands; 1 = <25% partial glands; 3 = 25–75% partial glands; 3 = >75% partial glands), a pictorial five-grade scale (5S) (degree 0 = no meibomian gland loss (MGL); 1 = <25% MGL; 3 = 26–50% MGL; 3 = 51–75%; 4 = >75% MGL) and objectively by a 100-grade scale (DA) applying ImageJ software.ResultsObserved MG loss ranged from 0% to 69%. Intra-observer agreement of the 5S (OI: κ = 0.80, p < 0.001; OII: κ = 0.40, p = 0.009; OIII κ = 0.81, p < 0.001) was better than of the 4S (OI: κ = 0.79, p < 0.001; OII: κ = 0.15, p = 0.342; OIII κ = 0.50, p = 0.0071). Intra-observer agreement of OI and OIII (±0.88 (95% confidence interval), ±1.305) was better than of OII (±2.21) in 4S and 5S (±0.99, ±2.00 and ±0.91; OI, OII and OIII, respectively) while it was relatively similar in DA (±18, ±17 and ±17). Inter-observer agreement was better in DA (OI–OII: ±13, OI–OII: ±19, OII–OIII: ±26) than in 4S (OI–OII: ±1.76; OI–OIII: ±1.29 and OII–OIII: ±1.31) or 5S (OI–OII: ±1.49; OI–OIII: ±0.91 and OII–OIII: ±1.20).ConclusionIntra-observer and inter-observer agreement was better in computerized grading followed by the subjective five-grade scale and four-grade scale.     

Changes in tear film,corneal topography,and refractive status in premenopausal women during menstrual cycle

PurposeTo investigate the changes in a questionnaire based subjective symptomatology, tear film break-up time, tear volume, corneal topography, and refractive status in premenopausal women during menstrual cycle.MethodsSeventeen premenopausal females and 15 healthy males were enrolled in this prospective study. After routine ophthalmologic examination, an ocular surface disease index questionnaire was administered, tear film break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer I tests were performed. Keratometry readings and refractive status were also obtained. All examinations were repeated at day 21, day 12 and day 2.ResultsOSDI score in day 21 was significantly lower than that in day 12 (p = 0.004) and day 2 (p = 0.01) in the female patients; however, no significant change was found in the male subjects (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in TBUT and Schirmer I tests, keratometry, and refraction results in both of the female and male subjects at all of the test points (p > 0.05). There was a significant correlation between OSDI score and TBUT (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, respectively), and Schirmer I test at day 12 (p = 0.004, p = 0.008, respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between oestrogen level and horizontal keratometry values at day 21 (r = −0.5, p = 0.03; r = −0.4, p = 0.04, respectively) for the right and left eyes in the female subjects.ConclusionOur study confirms that fluctuations in the blood levels of oestrogen produce alterations in ocular surface equilibrium during the menstrual cycle and consequently affect the subjective dry eye symptoms in female patients. However, no ocular surface parameter changes were observed.     

Nigella sativa oil affects glucose metabolism and lipid concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of Nigella sativa (NS) oil on glucose metabolism and lipid concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 72 volunteer subjects at Endocrinology Clinics of Kermanshah were recruited. Participants were patients aged 30–60 years old with T2DM. They were randomly divided into intervention (n = 36) and placebo groups (n = 36) and received 3 g/day (one three times a day) NS oil or sunflower soft gel capsules for 12 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the trial, anthropometric indices, dietary intake and biochemical parameters were measured. Sixty-seven patients completed the trial (intervention n = 34, placebo n = 33). Since the data analysis was based on intention-to-treat approach, all 72 subjects (36 in each group) were included for data analysis. Two groups were similar in the baseline characteristics. After the intervention, weight and body mass index decreased in the intervention group compared to the baseline, but it was not significant between the two groups. Dietary intake in both groups changed compared to baseline. Comparison of the two groups indicated that fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein–cholesterol changed significantly in intervention group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05, adjusted for confounder factors). Insulin level and insulin resistance decreased and high density lipoprotein–cholesterol increased in the intervention group, but after adjusting for confounder factors, they were not significant. Supplementation with NS oil can improve glycemic status and lipid profile in patients with T2DM.     

Glycine max (L.) Merr., Vigna radiata L. and Medicago sativa L. sprouts: A natural source of bioactive compounds

The consumption of sprouts, common in Asia, has been growing in western countries, once they are a natural healthy food and considered as a valuable dietary supplement. Comparing with their mature counterparts, sprouts are usually richer in health-promoting phytochemicals. So, the nutritional composition and the biological potential of widely consumed sprouts of three species – Glycine max (L.) Merr., Vigna radiata L. and Medicago sativa L. – were compared for the first time. Phenolic compounds and phytosterols were analyzed by HPLC–DAD and organic acids by HPLC–UV. The volatile profile was determined by HS-SPME/GC–IT/MS. Fourteen phenolic compounds (including four isoflavones), three sterols one triterpene, sixteen fatty acids, seven organic acids and thirty volatile compounds were determined. The antioxidant activity was assessed against DPPH^?, superoxide and nitric oxide radicals. G. max sprouts were the most active against DPPH^? (IC₅₀ = 1.337 mg/mL), while those of M. sativa were the most effective against superoxide and nitric oxide radicals (IC₅₀ = 67 μg/mL and IC₅₀ = 426 μg/mL, respectively). Data provide evidence of great similarities between G. max and M. sativa sprouts, both being rich in phenolic compounds, fatty acids and volatiles, and exhibiting better antioxidant activity. On the other hand, V. radiata showed higher amounts of sterols, triterpenes and organic acids. In this study it was found that the sprouts are a good source of bioactive compounds in our diet with health-promoting antioxidants.     

Biological effects of casein-derived tripeptide powders are not affected by fermentation process

Milk casein-derived biologically active tripeptides isoleucine–proline–proline and valine–proline–proline have shown antihypertensive effects both in animal and clinical studies. Contradictory findings from clinical intervention studies may be related to different manufacturing processes. The present study aimed to compare cardiovascular effects of two different tripeptide powders in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Rats received tripeptide powders produced either by Lactobacillus helveticus fermentation (A) or Lb. helveticus plus proline specific endoprotease (B) in drinking fluid for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was recorded weekly. At the end, blood and tissue samples were collected and arterial responses studied. Blood pressure was 13.6 and 14.2 mmHg lower in the groups A and B, respectively, versus the water group (P < 0.01). Vascular responses of aorta and mesenteric artery did not differ between the groups. Both tripeptide products increased urinary cGMP (P < 0.001) and decreased albumin (P < 0.05). The fermentation process did not influence the cardiovascular effects of the tripeptide powders.     

A regular lycopene enriched tomato sauce consumption influences antioxidant status of healthy young-subjects: A crossover study

Tomato and tomato products are known as potential factors to decrease oxidative stress biomarkers. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the effects of consumption of two tomato sauces with different concentrations of lycopene on oxidative stress markers. Thirty healthy subjects (Men/women: 9/21; Aged 39 ± 6 years old; BMI: 24.5 ± 3.3 kg/m²) were recruited to participate in a double-blind crossover study. Participants had to consume 160 g/day of tomato sauce, while maintaining their usual dietary and physical activity habits.The regular consumption of the high-lycopene tomato sauce induced a significant reduction in the oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels (?9.27 ± 16.8%; p < 0.05). Moreover, total plasma antioxidant capacity tended to increase with the high-lycopene tomato sauce, while it decreased slightly with commercial tomato sauce consumption (2.69 ± 13.4 vs ?0.05 ± 0.4; p = 0.058). Lipid, glucose profile and C-reactive protein concentrations were stable during both intervention periods, as well as anthropometric and body composition variables.Thus, the daily consumption of 160 g of a high-lycopene tomato sauce improved oxidized-LDL cholesterol levels, evidencing the putative role of lycopene in combination with other bioactive compounds in the prevention of oxidative stress related diseases.     

The relationship between measurement method and corneal structure on apparent intraocular pressure in glaucoma and ocular hypertension

PurposeTo analyse the relationship between measured intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in ocular hypertension (OHT), primary open-angle (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) eyes using multiple tonometry devices.MethodsRight eyes of patients diagnosed with OHT (n = 47), normal tension glaucoma (n = 17) and POAG (n = 50) were assessed. IOP was measured in random order with four devices: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT); Pascal^® dynamic contour tonometer (DCT); Reichert^® ocular response analyser (ORA); and Tono-Pen^® XL. CCT was then measured using a hand-held ultrasonic pachymeter. CH and CRF were derived from the air pressure to corneal reflectance relationship of the ORA data.ResultsCompared to the GAT, the Tonopen and ORA Goldmann equivalent (IOPg) and corneal compensated (IOPcc) measured higher IOP readings (F = 19.351, p < 0.001), particularly in NTG (F = 12.604, p < 0.001). DCT was closest to Goldmann IOP and had the lowest variance. CCT was significantly different (F = 8.305, p < 0.001) between the 3 conditions as was CH (F = 6.854, p = 0.002) and CRF (F = 19.653, p < 0.001). IOPcc measures were not affected by CCT. The DCT was generally not affected by corneal biomechanical factors.ConclusionThis study suggests that as the true pressure of the eye cannot be determined non-invasively, measurements from any tonometer should be interpreted with care, particularly when alterations in the corneal tissue are suspected.     

Factors influencing the electronic capture of patient-reported contact lens performance data

PurposeElectronic data capture is becoming increasingly common for collecting real-time patient responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate compliance with a daily electronic questionnaire regarding night-time contact lens visual performance.MethodForty-eight subjects (34 females) were fit and dispensed two contralateral pairs of soft contact lenses (SCLs) for one week each. Subjects were sent a nightly e-mail at 8 PM containing a secure, individualized link to an electronic questionnaire asking 30 questions of varying response styles (e.g., multiple choice, short answer, etc.) about SCL visual performance. Subjects were instructed to complete the questionnaire before going to bed.ResultsThe overall completion rate based on 676 electronic questionnaires was 95.1%. Of these, only 3.6% were completed late (<24 h). The percentage of subjects completing all questionnaires was significantly higher on weekdays (96.5%; Sunday through Thursday) than on weekends (91.1%; Friday and Saturday). Fisher exact tests indicated no significant association with gender for either weekday (p = 0.25) or weekend (p = 0.73). Although odds ratio estimates suggested that participants 23 and older were more likely to complete the questionnaire (weekday: OR = 4.39, p = 0.10; weekend: OR = 2.93, p = 0.19), these associations did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionsE-mail based questionnaires provide an effective method for acquiring time specific responses, making them a viable clinical and research tool. The day(s) of the week on which assessments occur need to be strongly considered, as on-time compliance may be affected on weekend evenings, or possibly situations in which a typical schedule may not be followed.     

Daily green tea extract supplementation reduces prothrombotic and inflammatory states in dialysis patients

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the most common cause for excess morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) under chronic dialysis. ESRD patients have increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction alongside increased levels of inflammation related proteins, which has prompted the exploration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant treatments to improve outcomes. As green tea is increasingly well recognized for its antioxidant properties, we probed the effect of consumption of 1 capsule daily of green tea as a commercially available, decaffeinated green tea capsule (1 g, catechin content 68 mg) for 6 months on fibrinogen and inflammation in dialysis patients. Chronic hemodialysis patients (N = 25) were recruited and fibrinogen, FDP-D-dimer, high sensitivity (hs) CRP and the mononuclear cell protein expression of p22^phox, were assessed before, i.e. baseline and after 6 months of ingestion of 1 green tea capsule per day. After 6 months of daily green tea capsule ingestion, dialysis patients showed reduced protein expression of p22^phox (p < 0.0001), reduced hsCPR (p = 0.032) and fibrinogen (p = 0.022) levels and increased FDP-D-dimer (p = 0.0019) compared to their values at baseline. These results document lower oxidative stress and inflammation with green tea capsule ingestion and suggest a likely positive impact of green tea treatment on the atherosclerotic process of ESRD patients under dialysis.     

Contents of dietary fibre components and their relation to associated bioactive components in whole grain wheat samples from the HEALTHGRAIN diversity screen

A large and diverse material collection of whole grain wheat samples (n = 129) was analysed for total dietary fibre (TDF) content and composition, including fructan (11.5–15.5%). Correlations between the dietary fibre components, associated bioactive components (e.g. tocols, sterols, phenolic acids and folates) and agronomic properties previously determined on the same samples were found with multivariate analysis (PCA). Samples from the same countries had similar characteristics. The first PC described variation in components concentrated in the starchy endosperm (e.g. starch, β-glucan and fructan) and the dietary fibre components concentrated in the bran (e.g. TDF, arabinoxylan and cellulose). The second PC described the variation in kernel weight and other bran components such as alkylresorcinols, tocols and sterols. Interestingly, there was no correlation among these different groups of bran components, which reflected their concentration in different bran tissues. The results are of importance for plant breeders who wish to develop varieties with health-promoting effects.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of biosecurity and vaccination in reducing Salmonella spp. in broiler chickens

Our objective was to estimate the effectiveness of vaccination and biosecurity on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in broiler chickens using systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive search of the global primary literature was conducted in: Current Contents (1999–2009), Agricola (1924–2009), MEDLINE (1860–2009), Scopus (1960–2009), CAB (1913–2009), and Centre for Agricultural Bioscience Global Health (1971–2009). The search algorithm was (Salmonell*) AND (chicken* OR chick* OR poultry* OR broiler* OR gallus*). Additional studies were identified by contacting five topic experts and hand-scanning bibliographies of recent review articles and a recently published textbook. Studies were included if they were English language and investigated the effects of vaccination and biosecurity on the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in broiler chickens. All study design types were included. Data extraction and methodological assessment were conducted by two reviewers independently. All meta-analyses were based on random-effects models. For biosecurity, sixteen challenge studies (n = 137 treatment-control comparisons) and one controlled study (n = 2) met the inclusion criteria. Significant heterogeneity (Cochran's Q-statistic, p < 0.001) was observed among biosecurity challenge studies examining hydrogen peroxide or polyhexamethylenebiguanide hydrochloride applied to hatching eggs, making it inappropriate to present a summary effects measure. For vaccination, 19 challenge studies (n = 226) and three controlled studies (n = 10) met the inclusion criteria. Among live Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine challenge studies heterogeneity was not significant (p = 0.138). Vaccination with a live Salmonella Typhimurium reduced the risk of Salmonella cecal colonization in the treated broiler group by 35 out of 1000 broilers when compared to the control group (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.06–0.77) and this effect was significant (p = 0.018). One biosecurity study (n = 2 treatment-control comparisons) and three vaccination studies (n = 10) were conducted in a commercial setting. The two included studies in the vaccination meta-analysis were both conducted at research facilities. The live Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine showed the most promise in reducing the prevalence of Salmonella in broiler ceca. However, the meta-analysis included few studies, and these studies challenged the birds with different serotypes. We recommend that more large-scale randomized, blinded trials be conducted with a live Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine on commercial farms.     

Conjunctival UV autofluorescence – Prevalence and risk factors

PurposeAutofluorescence of ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to occur in localised areas of the bulbar conjunctiva, which map to active cellular changes due to UV and environmental exposure. This study examined the presence of conjunctival UV autofluorescence in eye care practitioners (ECPs) across Europe and the Middle East and its associated risk factors.MethodImages were captured of 307 ECPs right eyes in the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece, Kuwait, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom using a Nikon D100 camera and dual flash units through UV filters. UV autofluorescence was outlined using ImageJ software and the nasal and temporal area quantified. Subjects were required to complete a questionnaire on their demographics and lifestyle including general exposure to UV and refractive correction.ResultsAverage age of the subjects was 38.5 ± 12.2 years (range 19–68) and 39.7% were male. Sixty-two percent of eyes had some conjunctival damage as indicated by UV autofluorescence. The average area of damage was higher (p = 0.005) nasally (2.95 ± 4.52 mm²) than temporally (2.19 ± 4.17 mm²). The area of UV damage was not related to age (r = 0.03, p = 0.674), gender (p = 0.194), self-reported sun exposure lifestyle (p > 0.05), geographical location (p = 0174), sunglasses use (p > 0.05) or UV-blocking contact lens use (p > 0.05), although it was higher in those wearing contact lenses with minimal UV-blocking and no spectacles (p = 0.015). The area of UV damage was also less nasally in those who wore contact lenses and spectacles compared to those with no refractive correction use (p = 0.011 nasal; p = 0.958 temporal).ConclusionUV conjunctival damage is common even in Europe, Kuwait and UAE, and among ECPs. The area of damage appears to be linked with the use of refractive correction, with greater damage nasally than temporally which may be explained by the peripheral light focusing effect.     

Long-term changes in straylight induced by corneal refractive therapy: A pilot study

PurposeTo assess long-term intraocular straylight changes induced by corneal refractive therapy (CRT) and to determine whether these changes persist after cessation of CRT lens wear.MethodsA single-center, prospective, longitudinal study was performed in 22 subjects (group 1) undergoing overnight corneal refractive therapy for 1 year. Ten right eyes of 10 subjects (group 2) with emmetropia served as controls. In each subject, high contrast visual acuity (HCVA), manifest refraction and intraocular straylight were determined at several time points during treatment and 1 month after discontinuing treatment. Straylight was measured using the van den Berg straylight meter (third generation). EDTRS charts (logMAR units) were used to assess HCVA. For both groups, only data for the right eyes were analyzed.ResultsStraylight (mean ± standard deviation) significantly fell from baseline (0.98 ± 0.13) to values recorded after 1 month (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.011), 3 months (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.004), 6 months (0.88 ± 0.13, p = 0.000) and 12 months (0.76 ± 0.12, p = 0.003) of treatment. One month after discontinuing CRT lens wear, straylight was still significantly lower than baseline (0.89 ± 0.13, p = 0.003). No correlations were observed between intraocular straylight and HCVA.ConclusionsGood refractive outcomes and reductions in straylight were observed in response to corneal refractive therapy for myopia. The reduction in straylight observed after discontinuing CRT warrents further investigation.     

High-pressure calorimetric evaluation of ice crystal ratio formed by rapid depressurization during pressure-shift freezing of water and pork muscle

The amount of ice nuclei formed during the pressure release is important for the final formation and development of ice crystals in pressure shift freezing (PSF) frozen products. In this study, a high-pressure (HP) calorimeter was used to evaluate the ratio of ice crystals instantaneously formed by rapid depressurization during PSF of pure water and pork muscle tissue. Experiments were carried out initial pressure levels of 62, 115, 157 and 199 MPa, with corresponding phase change temperatures of −5, −10, −15 and −20 °C, respectively (slightly higher than phase change point of water–ice I). The ice crystal ratio was determined based on calorimetric peak measured and heat balance. The evaluated regression relationship between observed ice crystal ratio (R_ice in %) and pressure (P, MPa) was R_ice–water = 0.115P + 0.00013P² (R² = 0.96, n = 9) for pure water, and R_ice–pork = 0.080P + 0.00012P² (R² = 0.95, n = 11) for pork muscle. Compared to other methods, the calorimetric evaluation does not require any of the pressure-related properties of the test sample. HP calorimetry can thus be used to evaluate ice crystal ratio for PSF of foods even though their pressure related properties may be unknown.