Physicochemical quality assessment of Brazilian frozen beef imported into Algeria

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, imported boneless and frozen beef has invaded the Algerian market. However, the true appreciation of the quality of this product can only be obtained by laboratory analyzes and examinations. AIMS: The aim of the current study was to assess physicochemical parameters of the imported boneless and frozen beef meat dedicated for human consumption. METHODS: Twenty (20) samples of neck, blade bolar, brisket, blade oyster, Forequarter (FQ)/hindquarter (HQ) shin-shank were purchased from the Regional Meat Office in Saida city, Algeria. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, water, ash, protein and fat content were analyzed according to standard procedures. RESULTS: Our results showed a highly significant variability concerning protein and fat content of the five categories of analyzed pieces (p=0.002). Fat content ranged from 0.43g to 4.04g per 100g of edible portion, for which we found low intramuscular fat contents in the lumps. However, the pH values obtained generally characterized RFN (Red, Firm, and Normal) meat. CONSLUSIONS: In view of the results obtained from this study, the overall chemical composition is satisfactory, except for the fat content which constitutes a parameter to be discussed and which depends on the taste of the consumer

Overview on main nutrition-related diseases in three countries from North Africa

The aim of this review article is to give a holistic overview on the magnitude of nutrition-related diseases in the North African region and to outline major factors associated with the prevalence of these complications. A literature analysis was performed on PubMed and Google Scholar for data relating to nutrition-related diseases published between January 2007 and March 2017. The employed keywords were; "Algeria AND Morocco AND Tunisia AND Nutrition-Related diseases". We focused firstly on the nutrition-related diseases associated to inadequate intake of nutrients and unhealthy dietary habits such as low birth weight, anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, thereafter, diseases associated with changes in lifestyle such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are highlighted. Factors contributing to nutritional problems vary from country to another. Low socioeconomic status, low educational levels, unhealthy eating habits, poverty and ignorance are mainly responsible for both under and over nutrition problems. Despite their alarming rates, national strategies to combat these nutritional diseases do not exist or are ineffective in North African countries. Efforts are focused on therapeutic actions, however, the scarcity or the complete lack of preventive health care services, epidemiological surveys, nutritional surveillance and lack of nutritional assessment need to be considered. Continuous and accurate analyses of the evolving situation will allow setting up a good tools, strategies and health intervention programs in North African countries. ​

Metabolic syndrome components correlation with colorectal neoplasms: A systematic review and a meta-analysis

Background : Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have a higher risk of developing colorectal neoplasms (CRN) including colorectal adenoma (CRA) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Nonetheless, the role and implication of each component of the syndrome, i.e. (hyperglycemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and visceral obesity) are not well ascertained. Aims: We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis in order to assess the association between MetS components and CRN. Methods and Material: A systematic literature search using the PubMed database was performed with the objective of identifying relevant English studies. Effect estimates were measured. Heterogeneity, subgroup, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias analyses were performed. Results: Thirty-one studies met our inclusion criteria. Generally, subjects with hyperglycemia (RR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.14-1.54), high waist circumference (RR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.19-1.42), high triglycerides (RR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.13-1.49), and hypertension (RR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.17-1.36) showed a stronger positive significant association with CRA formation risk. A similar pattern was found between high fasting blood glucose (RR = 1.35; 95% CI 1.23-1.47) and high blood pressure (RR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.20-1.37) with CRC incidence. A moderate association was found between hypertriglyceridemia and visceral obesity with CRC risk. Conversely, no significant association was found between low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) with both outcomes. Conclusions: Our results indicate that hyperglycemia, hypertension, visceral obesity, and hypertriglyceridemia increases CRA and CRC risk. Low HDL-C has no significant effect on those outcomes