The aim of this study was to investigate food pairings as an important sensory phenomenon in order to determine how different components in the selected food pairings affect and interact with other components. Three novel food pairings (banana and bacon, banana and olive oil, and banana and rice) were selected. A conjoint approach utilising qualitative (organic volatile analysis and descriptive sensory analysis) and quantitative (comparable semi quantitative organic volatile analysis and affective sensory tests) methods of analysis n an attempt to elucidate the success or failure of selected food pairings. Free choice profiling (descriptive sensory analysis) data was analysed using Generalised Procrustes analysis. The correlation between volatile analysis and descriptive sensory analysis results were analysed using ANOVA partial least squared regression. Hedonic results were analysed using a Friedman rank sum test, while preference results were analysed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The food pairings of banana and bacon and banana and rice were found to be liked significantly more than banana and olive oil. The results of this study suggest that synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions between the volatile compounds in the foods influenced the hedonic ratings of these food pairings.

SummaryThe high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea has led to increasing interest in ambulatory diagnosis. The SleepMinder™ (SM) is a novel non‐contact device that employs radiofrequency wave technology to assess the breathing pattern, and thereby estimate obstructive sleep apnea severity. We assessed the performance of SleepMinder™ in the home diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.One‐hundred and twenty‐two subjects were prospectively recruited in two protocols, one from an unselected sleep clinic cohort (n = 67, mean age 51 years) and a second from a hypertension clinic cohort (n = 55, mean age 58 years). All underwent 7 consecutive nights of home monitoring (SMHOME) with the SleepMinder™ as well as inpatient‐attended polysomnography in the sleep clinic cohort or cardiorespiratory polygraphy in the hypertension clinic cohort with simultaneous SleepMinder™ recordings (SMLAB).In the sleep clinic cohort, median SMHOME apnea–hypopnea index correlated significantly with polysomnography apnea–hypopnea index (r = .68; p < .001), and in the hypertension clinic cohort with polygraphy apnea–hypopnea index (r = .7; p < .001). The median SMHOME performance against polysomnography in the sleep clinic cohort showed a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 94% for apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15. Device performance was inferior in females. In the hypertension clinic cohort, SMHOME showed a 50% sensitivity and 72% specificity for apnea–hypopnea index ≥ 15. SleepMinder™ classified 92% of cases correctly or within one severity class of the polygraphy classification. Night‐to‐night variability in home testing was relatively high, especially at lower apnea–hypopnea index levels.We conclude that the SleepMinder™ device provides a useful ambulatory screening tool, especially in a population suspected of obstructive sleep apnea, and is most accurate in moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnea.

Many events occur each year in rural and urban communities. Some of these events include sporting events and festivals (music, food/beverage, heritage, and art). Some of these events occur for 1 day, but many of these events occur multiple days and are considered “special events.” Determining the positive impact of these special events on local communities is critical to the success of the event and helps to gain local stakeholder approval and acceptance for recurring annual events. The current study surveyed attendees (locals and tourists) at a 5-day special event (festival) in Miami Beach, Florida. Locals and tourists were identified utilizing a new trade market analysis methodology, which was applied to the survey respondents and assessed as a relevant measurement tool for the unique destination. The researchers then estimated the economic impact (using noncasual tourists) to determine the value of the festival to stakeholders in Miami Beach.

No abstract

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, but the benefit of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is uncertain. However, most randomized-controlled trials have focused on the role of CPAP in secondary prevention although there is growing evidence of a potential benefit on early CV disease. Weight loss in combination with CPAP may be superior but is difficult to achieve and maintain with conventional measures alone. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the effect of CPAP on early atherosclerotic processes and to compare it to a glucagon-like-peptide (GLP)-1-mediated weight loss regimen in OSA. Methods: We performed a randomized proof-of-concept study (clinicaltrials.gov:NCT04186494) comparing CPAP, a liraglutide-based weight loss regimen (Lir) alone or both in combination for 24 weeks in 30 non-diabetic patients with moderate to severe OSA (50±7 years, 80% males, apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] 50±19/hr, body mass index [BMI] 35.0 ±3 kg/m2). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Beside extensive evaluation for CV risk factors and endothelial function at baseline and end of study, subjects underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET-CT for measurement of aortic wall inflammation (target-to-background ratio [TBR]) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) for semi-automated coronary plaque analysis. Results: CPAP alone and combination resulted in greater reduction in AHI than Lir alone at 24 weeks (mean difference -45/hr and -43/hr, respectively, vs -12/hr, p<0.05). Both Lir and combination led to significant weight loss of 6±3% and 4±4%, respectively. Despite CPAP resulting in small weight gain, only the CPAP alone group demonstrated a significant decrease in vascular inflammation (aortic wall TBR from 2.03±0.34 to 1.84±0.43, p 0.010) associated with improvement in endothelial function and decrease in C-reactive protein. Low-attenuation coronary artery plaque volume as marker of unstable plaque also decreased with CPAP (from 571±490 to 334±185mm3) and with combination therapy (from 401±145 to 278±126mm3) but not with Lir. Conclusion: These data suggest that CPAP therapy, but not GLP-1 mediated weight loss, improves vascular inflammation and reduces low-attenuation coronary artery plaque volume in OSA patients. These novel findings support the benefit of CPAP therapy in modifying early CV disease.