Date seeds (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) valorization: chemical composition of lipid fraction.

This research was aimed to study the lipid fraction of date seeds. Seventeen seeds of date palm varieties and clones were evaluated and assessed for their chemical components and for the properties of the date pits oil. Gas liquid chromatography showed that the main unsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (46.00 - 50.87%), while the main saturated fatty acid was lauric acid (10.11 - 19.03%) for the cultivars Mentouj Tissgharine (MTN) and Bheir Ingli (KBN) respectively; other fatty acids were also identified. The physicochemical characterization showed an acid value ranging from 0.068 to 1.188%, a specific extinction value equal to (K232: 1.350-2.225; K270: 0.318- 0.521), a peroxide value in the interval (1.059-5.618 meq O2/kg) and an iodine value (41.861-59.980 g Iodine/100 g). The pheophytin content of date seed oils was found within the range from 21.855 to 75.685%. The chemical analysis showed that date seed oil can be useful in cosmetic and food products processing.

Evolution of pigments and their relationship with skin color and sensory profile in date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Fresh dates of seventeen varieties and khalts from Southern Morocco were analysed for their colour, pigments content, and sensory profile. The results showed significant differences between the sensory profiles of the samples due to the variability of the genotype and their different origin. Fresh date varieties and khalts were a good source of ß-carotene (0.49 - 10.86 µg of ß-carotene /100 g FW). The results revealed that the date varieties and khalts were found to have an excellent functional composition and good sensory characteristics. Therefore, these varieties of Moroccan dates could be used for fresh consumption and in the processing industry, which will constitute a significant source of antioxidants.

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L. ) / Avaliação de alguns critérios de qualidade nutricional de 17 variedades e clones marroquinos de datas, frutos de tamareira (Phoenix dactylifera L. )

Date fruit is known to be the staple food in the Arab countries. It provides a lot of potential health benefits and can be the essential source of nutrients. The majority of Moroccan varieties are not characterized for their chemical, biochemical and quality properties. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of 17 varieties of Moroccan date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to determine their nutritive components. The analysis showed that the dates are rich in sugars (51.80-87.98%), they contain low concentration of proteins (1.09-2.80%) and lipids (0.16-0.39%). The predominant mineral is potassium (1055.26-1604.10 mg/100 g DW). Moreover, they contain high concentrations of malic acid (69.48-495.58 mg/100 g (DW)), oxalic acid (18.47-233.35 mg/100 g DW) and tartaric acid (115.70-484.168 mg/100 g DW). These results suggest that the date fruit are nutritious and can be an excellent source for human nutrition and health benefits.

A fruta da tâmara é conhecida por ser o alimento básico nos países árabes. Oferece muitos benefícios potenciais à saúde e pode ser a fonte essencial de nutrientes. A maioria das variedades marroquinas não se caracteriza por suas propriedades químicas, bioquímicas nem de qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química de 17 variedades de frutos de tâmara marroquina (Phoenix dactylifera L.) e determinar seu valor nutritivo. A análise mostrou que as tâmaras são ricas em açúcares (51,80-87,98%) e contêm baixa concentração de proteínas (1,09-2,80%) e lipídios (0,16-0,39%). O mineral predominante é o potássio (1.055,26-1.604,10 mg/100 g DW). Além disso, contêm altas concentrações de ácido málico (69,48-495,58 mg/100 g DW), ácido oxálico (18,47-233,35 mg/100 g DW) e ácido tartárico (115,70-484,168 mg/100 g DW). Esses resultados sugerem que o fruto da tamareira é nutritivo e pode ser uma excelente fonte de nutrição humana e conferir benefícios à saúde.

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) / Avaliação de alguns critérios de qualidade nutricional de 17 variedades e clones marroquinos de datas, frutos de tamareira (Phoenix dactylifera L)

Date fruit is known to be the staple food in the Arab countries. It provides a lot of potential health benefits and can be the essential source of nutrients. The majority of Moroccan varieties are not characterized for their chemical, biochemical and quality properties. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of 17 varieties of Moroccan date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to determine their nutritive components. The analysis showed that the dates are rich in sugars (51.80-87.98%), they contain low concentration of proteins (1.09-2.80%) and lipids (0.16-0.39%). The predominant mineral is potassium (1055.26-1604.10 mg/100 g DW). Moreover, they contain high concentrations of malic acid (69.48-495.58 mg/100 g (DW)), oxalic acid (18.47-233.35 mg/100 g DW) and tartaric acid (115.70-484.168 mg/100 g DW). These results suggest that the date fruit are nutritious and can be an excellent source for human nutrition and health benefits.

A fruta da tâmara é conhecida por ser o alimento básico nos países árabes. Oferece muitos benefícios potenciais à saúde e pode ser a fonte essencial de nutrientes. A maioria das variedades marroquinas não se caracteriza por suas propriedades químicas, bioquímicas nem de qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química de 17 variedades de frutos de tâmara marroquina (Phoenix dactylifera L.) e determinar seu valor nutritivo. A análise mostrou que as tâmaras são ricas em açúcares (51,80-87,98%) e contêm baixa concentração de proteínas (1,09-2,80%) e lipídios (0,16-0,39%). O mineral predominante é o potássio (1.055,26-1.604,10 mg/100 g DW). Além disso, contêm altas concentrações de ácido málico (69,48-495,58 mg/100 g DW), ácido oxálico (18,47-233,35 mg/100 g DW) e ácido tartárico (115,70-484,168 mg/100 g DW). Esses resultados sugerem que o fruto da tamareira é nutritivo e pode ser uma excelente fonte de nutrição humana e conferir benefícios à saúde.

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Abstract Date fruit is known to be the staple food in the Arab countries. It provides a lot of potential health benefits and can be the essential source of nutrients. The majority of Moroccan varieties are not characterized for their chemical, biochemical and quality properties. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of 17 varieties of Moroccan date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to determine their nutritive components. The analysis showed that the dates are rich in sugars (51.80-87.98%), they contain low concentration of proteins (1.09-2.80%) and lipids (0.16-0.39%). The predominant mineral is potassium (1055.26-1604.10 mg/100 g DW). Moreover, they contain high concentrations of malic acid (69.48-495.58 mg/100 g (DW)), oxalic acid (18.47-233.35 mg/100 g DW) and tartaric acid (115.70-484.168 mg/100 g DW). These results suggest that the date fruit are nutritious and can be an excellent source for human nutrition and health benefits.

Resumo A fruta da tâmara é conhecida por ser o alimento básico nos países árabes. Oferece muitos benefícios potenciais à saúde e pode ser a fonte essencial de nutrientes. A maioria das variedades marroquinas não se caracteriza por suas propriedades químicas, bioquímicas nem de qualidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a composição química de 17 variedades de frutos de tâmara marroquina (Phoenix dactylifera L.) e determinar seu valor nutritivo. A análise mostrou que as tâmaras são ricas em açúcares (51,80-87,98%) e contêm baixa concentração de proteínas (1,09-2,80%) e lipídios (0,16-0,39%). O mineral predominante é o potássio (1.055,26-1.604,10 mg/100 g DW). Além disso, contêm altas concentrações de ácido málico (69,48-495,58 mg/100 g DW), ácido oxálico (18,47-233,35 mg/100 g DW) e ácido tartárico (115,70-484,168 mg/100 g DW). Esses resultados sugerem que o fruto da tamareira é nutritivo e pode ser uma excelente fonte de nutrição humana e conferir benefícios à saúde.

Evaluation of some nutritional quality criteria of seventeen Moroccan dates varieties and clones, fruits of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.).

Date fruit is known to be the staple food in the Arab countries. It provides a lot of potential health benefits and can be the essential source of nutrients. The majority of Moroccan varieties are not characterized for their chemical, biochemical and quality properties. The aim of this work was to assess the chemical composition of 17 varieties of Moroccan date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and to determine their nutritive components. The analysis showed that the dates are rich in sugars (51.80-87.98%), they contain low concentration of proteins (1.09-2.80%) and lipids (0.16-0.39%). The predominant mineral is potassium (1055.26-1604.10 mg/100 g DW). Moreover, they contain high concentrations of malic acid (69.48-495.58 mg/100 g (DW)), oxalic acid (18.47-233.35 mg/100 g DW) and tartaric acid (115.70-484.168 mg/100 g DW). These results suggest that the date fruit are nutritious and can be an excellent source for human nutrition and health benefits.

Sex-related differences in peri- and post-ablation clinical data for patients with atrial flutter.

UNLABELLED: Sex-related differences were not reported for the atrial flutter (AF). The purpose of the study was to look for the influence of gender on indications, clinical data and long-term results of AFl ablation. METHODS: 985 patients, [227 females (23%)] were referred for radiofrequency AFl ablation. Clinical history, echocardiography were collected. Patients were followed from 3 months to 10 years. RESULTS: Age of women and men was similar (65.5 ± 12 vs 64 ± 11.5 years). Underlying heart disease (HD) was as frequent in women as men (77.5 vs 77%), but women had more congenital HD (10 vs 2%;p<0.001), valvular HD (18 vs 10%;p<0.002), hypertensive HD (24 vs 18%;p<0.05), and less chronic lung disease (5 vs 10%;p<0.01), and ischemic HD (5 vs 20%;p<0.001). Atrial fibrillation (AF) history was more frequent in women (36 vs 27%;p<0.001). AFl-related tachycardiomyopathy (4.5 vs 8%;p<0.03) was more frequent, but 1/1 AFl (10 vs 6%;p=NS) as frequent. Failure of ablation (16 vs 10%;p<0.01), ablation-related major complications (3.5 vs 0.9%;p<0.005) were more frequent in women. After 3 ± 3 years, AFl recurrences were as frequent in women and men (10 vs 14%), AF occurrence more frequent in women (34 vs 19.5%; p<0.001). After excluding patients with previous AF, AF risk remained higher in women (19 vs 12%; p<0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted for ablation, AFL was less common in women than in men, despite similar age and similarly prevalent HD. More than men, women had frequent AF history, a higher risk of failure of ablation and AFl ablation-related major complications and a higher risk of AF after ablation.

[First intention management of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) by custom-made mandibular advancement device: the medium-term results. Prospective study by the General Hospital Pneumologists College (CPHG)]. / Traitement du syndrome d'apnées obstructives du sommeil (SAOS) par orthèse d'avancée mandibulaire sur mesure, en première intention: quels résultats à moyen terme? Etude prospective du Collège des pneumologues des hôpitaux généraux (CPHG).

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the efficacy and tolerance of present generation mandibular advancement devices in the first intention treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), even when severe, after one year. METHODS: Between June 2006 and December 2007, 152 patients (male: 77%; age: 50.9±10.9 years; BMI: 26.3±3.6 kg/m(2); AHI: 25.5±13.9), without previous treatment, requesting management other than continuous positive pressure and dentally apt for a mandibular advancement device, were pre-included in a prospective one-year multicenter study (13 general hospitals). RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients were assessed at least once after fitting. The efficacy was noted as of day 90: the overall AHI fell from 24.8 to 10.8 (from 40.6 to 17.7 in the 40 patients with AHI>30) and the Epworth index decreased from 11.2 to 6.9 (12.8 to 8.1 for AHI>30). The AHI reduction was independent of gender, age, BMI and baseline AHI. The efficacy was maintained throughout the study period. Only eight patients withdrew for adverse events and seven for reasons of therapeutic failure. CONCLUSION: Mandibular advancement devices proved effective in first intention, including severe OSAS. No predictive individual efficacy factors emerged.

An overview of the rationale for pharmacological strategies in type 2 diabetes: from the evidence to new perspectives.

Therapeutic strategies in type 2 diabetic patients should not only integrate both the targets and indications of the different therapies but should be also a compromise between the patient's and physician's goals and willingnesses. The rationale for therapeutic targets is based on recommendations that differ from one country to another. Even though HbA1c remains the "gold standard", monitoring of blood glucose at fasting and postprandial time-points is a complementary tool for estimating both the quality and safety of diabetic control. Despite the lack of available strong evidence-based data it seems that achieving glucose levels < 130 mg/dl at fasting and < 180 mg/dl or < 140 mg/dl over postbreakfast or postlunch periods, respectively, might be a reasonable goal in most countries. The choice of appropriate strategies for treating type 2 diabetic patients should ideally be based on pathophysiological considerations. However for practical reasons, decisions for initiating or completing antidiabetic treatments are usually made by using such simple parameters as HbA1c and plasma glucose levels. The bridge between pathophysiological and clinical rationales can be obtained from the analysis of the relative contributions of fasting and postprandial glucose to the overall hyperglycaemia. In patients with HbA1c < 7.3%, postprandial glucose makes the major contribution to the overall hyperglycaemia, whereas the contribution of fasting glucose becomes progressively predominant in patients with HbA1c > 7.3%. As a consequence of these observations, initiation of antidiabetic treatments or implementation of second-line therapies should be aimed at reducing either postprandial excursions or fasting hyperglycaemia according to whether HbA1c levels are found respectively below or above a cut-off value of 7.3%.

Dichotomous responses of inter and postprandial hyperglycaemia to short-term calorie restriction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: In type 2 diabetes the effects of short-term calorie restrictions on glycaemia are usually judged on fasting plasma glucose. As fasting duration rarely exceeds 2-3 h, we determined the effects of calorie restriction over different daytime periods using a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) in noninsulin-using patients with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: Fourteen poorly controlled (mean HbA1c = 9.3%) overweight or obese patients (mean body mass index = 30.1 +/- 0.7 kg m(-2)) with type 2 diabetes were investigated twice with a CGMS, at baseline and at the end of a 18-day calorie-restricted diet (1490 kcal day(-1)). Areas under curves (AUCs) of 24-h glucose monitoring were measured and divided into postprandial and interprandial AUCs according to meal times. RESULTS: Areas under curves of 24-h glucose monitoring were significantly decreased after dieting: -37%, P = 0.0047. Both post and interprandial AUCs were significantly diminished (-26%, P = 0.0186 and -48%, P = 0.0037, respectively), but changes in interprandial AUCs were more marked than changes in postprandial AUCs (P = 0.0060). Nycthemeral peaks of glucose were observed at mid-morning times and were not significantly different before (242 +/- 15 mg dL(-1)) and after dieting (227 +/- 16 mg dL(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term calorie restriction in overweight or obese patients with type 2 diabetes resulted in dichotomous responses between interprandial and postprandial glycaemic excursions. The resistance of mid-morning glucose peaking to calorie restriction should result in additional dietary or pharmacological measures at breakfast.

[Metastatic obstruction of the small bowel revealing or complicating squamous-cell lung cancer. Two cases and a review of the literature]. / Occlusion métastatique de l'intestin grêle révélant ou compliquant un carcinome épidermoïde bronchique. Présentation de deux cas et revue de la littérature.

Gastrointestinal metastasis from lung cancer is exceptional and generally asymptomatic. Other secondary localizations are often present. Metastastic dissemination may involve any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical expression is variable: dysphagia, anemia, bowel obstruction, peritonitis. Surgical treatment may be indicated in selected patients. We describe the cases of two patients who developed obstruction of the small bowel due to metastases from squamous-cell lung cancer. Bowel obstruction was in the inaugural sign in the first patient. Mesenteric metastasis was associated in the second patient.

Computer added locomotion by implanted electrical stimulation in paraplegic patients (SUAW).

Paraplegia means a live long sentence of sensory loss, paralysis and dependence with approximately 1000 new victims in every European country every year and 11.500 new traumatic SCI cases in the US. respectively. Sixty percent are injured before age 30. More than 90% of SCI victims may survive with nearly normal experience of live. Most patients will recover somewhat from SCI over time but no patient who remained plegic for one year regains voluntary motor function after that time period. Despite remarkable efforts and recent achievements in rehabilitation no treatment can be recommended so far to enhance functional recovery and restoring locomotion in paraplegic humans. FES as a technical compensation has become therefore a challenging treatment to restore muscle function and to prevent atrophy and to improve mobility and quality of life at the same time. In paraplegics FES could be the basis to restore locomotion. One of the advantages of an implanted FES version (neuroprosthesis) is that the FES system, electrodes, and cables remain permanently implanted within the body, so that the patient can stay without cables, the programmer attached to the crutches. The SUAW project, supported under BIOMED II Programme by the European Community was aimed to finalize and to put into practice the results of previous research and development. The novel implant with an ASCI-Chip has 16 channels, 8 on each side, 20 mA for monopolar and 2 mA for bipolar stimulation, only one electrode can be stimulated at a given time. Stimulation of 6 muscle groups of both legs are known to be sufficient for locomotion: M. ileopsoas (erector of the body, hip flexor), M. gluteus maximus (hip extensor), M. gluteus medius (lateral hip stabilisator, knee abductor), Mm. hamstrings (knee flexor) stimulated by epimysial electrodes, Mm. sartorius and rectus femoris (knee extensor) stimulated by neural, bipolar electrodes. Patient's selection criteria were: stable spinal cord lesion between T7 and T11, minimum 1 year after the accident without deformity of the spine, the muscle groups for locomotion responding to external FES with the EXOSTIM programmer with the same programme used later for the neuroprosthesis. Two paraplegic male patients, T8, 38 and 31 years old respectively, were operated on by an international group of surgeons according to the protocol in 09/1999, respectively 7/2000. The postop. course was uneventful. Because the threshold of the primary implant was too low regarding scare tissue around the electrodes, this implant was changed in 01/2000 and worked perfectly. Both patients are happy with the success of the novel treatment modalities.

[Forum: reconstruction of the traumatic thumb. Reconstruction of the thumb in a child by double transfer. Apropos of a clinical case]. / Forum: la reconstruction du pouce traumatique. Reconstruction du pouce chez l'enfant par double transfert. A propos d'un cas clinique.

The authors present a case of atypical thumb reconstruction in children, using a combined vascularized joint transfer and a free partial big toe transfer. They describe a burned hand with first metacarpal amputation and transproximal phalanx amputation of the index. According to the "bank finger" principle the metacarpophalangeal joint was transferred on the top of the first metacarpal, vascularized by the two collateral pedicles. The second metacarpal shaft was removed to create the first web and kept for bone grafting. A "wrap-around" flap (Morrison) with an intercalated bone graft completed this reconstruction. A first web orthesis was used to prevent retraction. Result at six months was functionally and cosmetically good, but the normal growth of the reconstructed thumb must be demonstrated by the future. Finally, the other procedures are considered.

[Surgical classification of the upper limb in tetraplegic patients]. / Classification chirurgicale du membre supérieur du tétraplégique.

The authors report the classification which they use in functional surgery of the upper limb in tetraplegics. They have adopted an international surgical classification and have added minor modifications which they justify. High, intermediate and low tetraplegias must be distinguished. They form homogeneous groups requiring different surgical modalities. They authors emphasise the schematic nature of this classification which can only be used as a guide for surgical indications, as each case must be assessed individually.

Length-tension relationship of the posterior deltoid to triceps transfer in C6 tetraplegic patients.

We assessed the length-tension relationship of the posterior deltoid to triceps transfer in 8 tetraplegics (n = 11 transfers) and compared the results to the length-tension relationship of the normal triceps measured in a check sample composed of 9 able bodied, right handed women. We designed a device to lock the arm and forearm and used a force transducer to assess the torque output isometrically. The muscle was tested at 6 different lengths (130, 110, 90, 70, 45 and 0 degree of elbow flexion) with the shoulder abducted at 90 degrees. As expected, the transfer behaved differently from the normal triceps. The mean maximum torque recorded was 7.8 Nm in patients while it was 27 Nm in the check sample. When compared, the absolute values (ie values expressed with a dimension of torque) were significantly different between groups (0.00001 < p < 0.002). The expression of this relation (ie the relative values expressed as percentage of maximum values) revealed significant statistical differences (p < 0.002) at 90 and 70 degrees of elbow flexion; the peak torque was recorded at 130 degrees in patients while it was recorded at 110 degrees in the check sample, with a plateau between 110 degrees and 70 degrees. On the other hand, if the length-tension relationship was fairly similar among subjects of the check sample, it exhibited tremendous differences among patients; it seemed that initial tension given by the surgeon represented a variable difficult to control without a device dedicated to that task.

[Radial paralysis of the arm after muscular effort. 4 case reports. Clinical and physiopathological study]. / Paralysie radiale au bras après effort musculaire. A propos de quatre cas. Etude clinique et physio-pathologique.

Radial palsy following muscular effort is uncommon and often related to a fibrous arch at the lower part of the humeral groove; they usually resolve spontaneously. In the absence of improvement, operation consists of neurolysis and resection of the fibrous arch; nerve graft is rarely necessary even in cases of severe hourglass compression.