Evaluation of Palatability, and Physicochemical and Histological Properties of Papain-treated Minced Fish for Consumption by the Elderly

To improve the quality of fish (sea bream) served to elderly people who have difficulty in chewing and/or swallowing, the effects of various concentrations of protease (papain) on the palatability, and physicochemical and histological properties of minced sea bream (MSB) were examined. In papain-treated MSBs, an increase in the total free amino acid content and a significant decrease in meat toughness were observed with increasing concentrations of papain. Sensory evaluation revealed that the texture of the 0.2% and 0.3% papain-treated MSBs was more tender and easier to eat than 0.1% papain-treated MSBs. However, MSBs treated with 0.1% and 0.2% papain were tastier than those treated with 0.3% papain, with the latter treatment leading to the highest levels of bitter components (hypoxanthine and inosine) in the fish meat. Additionally, histological examination confirmed the complete disappearance of muscle cells and connective tissues in 0.3% papain-treated MSB. These results suggest that processing of MSB with a papain concentration of 0.2% is the most suitable for palatable consumption of this fish by the elderly

Value of considering psychological strengths in patients with eye pain

Purpose: To characterize the possibility of strength intervention to improve eye-related quality of life and satisfaction with life of a patient who experienced eye pain and dissatisfaction with the outcomes of ocular surgery. Observation: A young female patient who underwent LASIK surgery and experienced dissatisfaction with the outcome claimed that she had eye pain and had lost her strengths and self-confidence, having lower quality of life despite the successful surgery. We performed strength intervention in an attempt to improve her psychological condition. After the intervention, her quality of life and satisfaction with life improved, although her near vision remained unchanged. Conclusions and Importance: This case report emphasized the importance of considering positive psychological aspects when dealing with patients who are dissatisfied with the outcomes of ocular surgery. Ophthalmologists should proactively consider their patients' psychological strengths as part of the diagnosis in order to improve their patients’ quality of life. Keywords: Eye pain, Eye-related quality of life, Positive psychology, Satisfaction with ocular surgery, Strength interventio