Epidemiological insights into colorectal cancer in northwestern Algeria.

Objectives: The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has exhibited regional variability in North Africa and the Middle East, with a steady increase in Algeria. Despite this trend, limited data exist on the epidemiology of CRC in northwestern Algeria. Our study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of CRC in this region. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study examining 255 confirmed CRC cases through medical records from patients at the Sidi Bel Abbes anti-cancer centre. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 59 ± 13 years. The results showed a higher incidence in males (57%) than in females, and colon (62%) than rectal cancer. Within this cohort, 47% had a pre-existing medical condition, while 39% had a family history of cancer. Adenocarcinomas were the prevailing histological subtype in 94% of CRC cases. Compared with colon cancer, rectal cancer was less often diagnosed at stage IV of the disease (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.09, 4.86; p = 0.8) and more likely in early-onset patients (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.25, 4.17; p = 0.007). Men were at a higher risk of being diagnosed with metastatic CRC primarily hepatic metastases (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.07, 3.99; p = 0.033) and pulmonary metastases (OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.07, 6.59; p = 0.045). Conclusion: This study may provide a comprehensive glimpse into CRC epidemiology in northwest Algeria. Understanding regional differences is the key to implementing specific preventive and interventional strategies.

Changes in energy and macronutrient intakes during Ramadan fasting: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

CONTEXT: Ramadan fasting (RF) is associated with various physiological and metabolic changes among fasting Muslims. However, it remains unclear whether these effects are attributable to changes in meal timing or changes in dietary energy and macronutrient intakes. Furthermore, the literature on the associations between RF, meal timing, and energy and macronutrient intakes is inconclusive. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to estimate the effect sizes of RF on energy and macronutrient intakes (carbohydrates, protein, fats, dietary fiber, and water) and determine the effect of different moderators on the examined outcomes. DATA SOURCES: The Cochrane, CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Medical, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to January 31, 2022. DATA EXTRACTION: The studies that assessed energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, and water intakes pre- and post-fasting were extracted. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 4776 identified studies, 85 relevant studies (n = 4594 participants aged 9-85 y) were selected. The effect sizes for the studied variables were as follows: energy (number of studies [K] = 80, n = 3343 participants; mean difference [MD]: -142.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -215.19, -69.71), carbohydrates (K = 75, n = 3111; MD: -23.90; 95% CI: -36.42, -11.38), protein (K = 74, n = 3108; MD: -4.21; 95% CI: -7.34, -1.07), fats (K = 73, n = 3058; MD: -2.03; 95% CI: -5.73, 1.67), fiber (K = 16, n = 1198; MD: 0.47; 95% CI: -1.44, 2.39), and water (K = 17, n = 772; MD: -350.80; 95% CI: -618.09, 83.50). Subgroup analyses showed age significantly moderated the 6 dietary outcomes, and physical activity significantly moderated water intake. There were significant reductions in energy, carbohydrate, and protein intakes during RF. CONCLUSIONS: The change in meal timing rather than quantitative dietary intake may explain various physiological and health effects associated with RF.

Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) gum and oral health: a state-of-the-art review of the literature.

The aim of this state-of-the-art review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the various therapeutic effects of Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus) gum on oral health. The search of the literature was conducted across thirteen databases for relevant publications published through May 2022 in English, Arabic, or Greek using a combination of keywords and phrases. Out of 246 papers, the search procedure identified 14 papers for inclusion. Mastic gum displayed antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and inhibited plaque accumulation, constituting a beneficial adjuvant in caries prevention. In the treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases, Pistacia lentiscus essential oil provided effective antibacterial activity against a variety of periodontal bacteria as well as anti-inflammatory properties. For oral cancer, several clinical trials revealed interesting results against cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and regulation of intracellular signaling pathways. This indicates the potential of Mastic gum to serve as a preventive and therapeutic agent for oral mucosa inflammation and oral cancer. No notable toxic or side effects were reported in the clinical trials reviewed. This review highlights the various beneficial effects of Mastic gum in the prevention and potential treatment of oral diseases. Further research targeting Pistacia lentiscus products is required in order to validate and utilize these products to prevent and to treat oral health diseases.

Peer-reviewed Nutrition-Affiliated Journals from Sub-Saharan Africa: A Regional Snapshot.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries face the multipart burden of nutrition-related disease characterized by a high incidence of undernutrition, overweight, obesity, and associated non-communicable disease. Local and regional research to support a robust public health response is necessary. No evaluation of the availability and scope of nutrition-related journals within SSA has been published. METHODS: An electronic search for peer-reviewed journals was conducted using seven publicly accessible databases. RESULTS: Ten journals were identified including journals from Kenya (4 journals), Nigeria (3 journals), South Africa (2 journals), and Ghana (1 journal) with eight journals in active production. All actively publishing journals are available only as English publications. CONCLUSION: An increased focus on evidence-based research through local and regional journal publications is necessary to develop and maintain public health nutrition programs. Active journals related to nutrition and food sciences are very limited in this comparatively large area and require more support at local, regional, and legislative levels.

Technology-based nutrition interventions using the Mediterranean diet: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Over the past 2 decades, overweight and obesity rates have increased exponentially, along with related comorbidities including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The Mediterranean Diet (MDiet) has been suggested as a potential way to mitigate the health burdens related to overweight and obesity. OBJECTIVE: For this review, the literature on MDiet-focused digital interventions was examined to determine efficacy, best practices, and potential limitations. DATA SOURCES: The search was conducted across 15 databases for relevant publications published through April 2020 in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, or Italian. DATA EXTRACTION: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed using a combination of keywords and phrases and evaluated independently for relevance, merit, and inclusion and exclusion criteria. DATA ANALYSIS: The systematic literature review resulted in 15 articles that met the search criteria. Ten interventions were delivered online, and 5 were delivered via smartphone using an app. The majority of online MDiet-focused interventions were effective, particularly when modeled after evidence-based and best-practice online nutrition education interventions. Such interventions also are effective for promoting positive health behaviors and health outcomes, such as increased physical activity, increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and a lower total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio. CONCLUSION: Technology-based interventions to educate and promote adherence to the MDiet are successful in helping individuals achieve the stated outcomes. More research is needed to determine the efficacy of MDiet interventions delivered via smartphone apps.

Associations Between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Markers of Atherosclerosis in Middle-Aged Women From North-Western Algeria.

Background: The role of several dietary antioxidants in preventing the development and the progression of atherosclerosis has recently aroused considerable interest. Although they are not yet conclusive, most of the existing suggestions support this hypothesis. Objective: The aim of the present work was to investigate the intake of dietary antioxidant nutrients in relation to atherogenic indices in a group of Algerian middle aged women with and without type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of middle-aged women from the north western region of Algeria. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 3-days food record. Atherogenic indices -total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL) and apolipoprotein (apo) B-to-apo A1 ratio, were calculated. Associations between antioxidants dietary intake and atherogenic indices were examined using logistic regressions. Results: 95 women with type 2 diabetes were compared to 93 non-diabetic ones. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) were revealed for body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and total cholesterol levels. Furthermore, significant differences were noted for vitamin C, E and copper dietary intakes. The TC/HDL ratio was significantly associated to the highest quartiles of vitamin C in all patients; 3.519[2.405-4.408], p = 0.009 and in non-diabetic women; 3.984[1.775-7.412], p = 0.020, respectively. The odd ratios of vitamin E intakes were about 2.425[2.017-5.715], p = 0.012 in all patients and 1.843[1.877-2.731], p = 0.019 in non-diabetic group, respectively. However, the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more correlated to the highest quartiles of zinc and copper in non-diabetic group; OR = 0.059[0.006-0.572], p = 0.015 and 0.192[0.048-0.766], p = 0.019, respectively. Conclusion: The estimated risk of atherosclerosis measured through the TC/HDL ratio was correlated to vitamins antioxidant intake, while the probable risk assessed by the Apo B/Apo A1 ratio was more associated to the mineral profile.

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

Epidemiological profile of gastric cancer in the northwestern region of Algeria: about 116 cases.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains a public health issue despite the global incidence decrease over the last decades. GC is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and stills of poor prognosis due to its late detection. The overall objective of our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological aspects of stomach cancer. However, the specific purpose was to determine the gastric precancerous lesions among patients with histologically confirmed GC admitted at the gastroenterology department of the University Hospital of Sidi-Bel-Abbes city, Algeria. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the patients' medical records admitted from 2010 to 2015. Intended for the statistical analysis of the enrolled data, we executed Student t-test and Chi-squared test, significance level was set at 5%. Histologic evidence objectified the biopsies performed during endoscopy; Hematoxylin and Eosin staining as well as the slides interpretation were executed at the level of the pathology department as a routine examination. RESULTS: 116 cases of GC were recorded. The mean age of the whole studied cohort was 58.96±14.75 years. We reported a sex ratio of 1.36 with a peak frequency observed in male gender (57.76%). Gastric precancerous lesions, as well as tumor histology, and topography were revealed. In our context, adenocarcinoma was significantly higher among male patients and linitis plastica was expressively related to female gender (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Management of gastric precancerous lesions additionally to early diagnosis represent effective preventive and therapeutic methods of GC.

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

Partial substitution of barley for corn: effect on "Hamra" lamb growth performance, carcass and meat characteristics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two kinds of given diets on growth, on some carcass characteristics and on the major meat nutrients of local Algerian sheep breed. The investigated sheep breed called "Hamra" is one of the most famous breeds in Algeria. Among one 106 animals, 40 lambs were selected according to their age, similar livestock characteristics and body weight. The samples were divided into two equal groups: control and experimental lambs according to their live weight; 24.63 ± 0.47 and 24.35 ± 0.64 kg, respectively. Both groups were fed with two varieties of concentrate diets: corn diet based for the first group of control lambs (n = 20) and corn substituted by barley (Variety Saïda 183) for the second experimental group lambs (n = 20). Both diets were supplemented with 200 g straw of barley/animal/ration. The chemical analysis of diets showed an elevated crude fibre content in the commercial concentrate. However, the experimental concentrate contained higher amounts of calcium. After 59 days of fattening, no significant difference was found among the two studied groups on the growth performance (p > 0.05), showing the same final body weight. In contrast, a significant difference was found (p ≤ 0.001) in relation to the cost of the given diet. This could affect the price of the produced meat. At 37.85 ± 0.78 kg live weight, 10 lambs fed with experimental concentrate were slaughtered. The dressing percentage was 46.65 %, with 2.49 % of carcass shrink. Furthermore, an interesting percentage of total muscle was obtained (63.73 %) with a good carcass conformation scoring 9.56. Compared to other breed sheep, Hamra carcass could be considered as the most valuable one economically.

Prenatal BoBsTM in the cytogenetic analysis of products of spontaneous miscarriage.

BACKGROUND: Fifty percent of spontaneous miscarriages (SMs) are attributed to chromosomal abnormalities. Cytogenetic analysis is an important tool for patient counselling and assessment of the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies. Conventional karyotyping has been the gold standard for chromosomal investigation of products of conception (POC), but it has limitations due to sample maceration, culture failure and maternal cell contamination. Molecular cytogenetic approaches have therefore been developed and found valuable in the cytogenetic investigation of these samples. The Prenatal BoBsTM and KaryoLite BoBsTM, based on the newly developed BACs-on-BeadsTM technology, have been described as reliable tests for rapid detection of aneuploidies in prenatal and POC samples, respectively. OBJECTIVE: To describe our clinical experience of routine screening of POC samples with Prenatal BoBsTM, the test used by our laboratory in France. METHODS: Seventeen samples collected at the University Hospital of Sidi Bel Abbès (Western Algeria) and a further 60 from the University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand (France) were analysed (19 chorionic villi from products of curettage, 12 placentas, 9 amniotic cells and 37 biopsy specimens). All were screened for the frequent aneuploidies (chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y) in addition to nine microdeletion/microduplication syndrome regions by Prenatal BoBsTM. Standard karyotyping was performed on 51 samples, but failed in 38 cases. RESULTS: Prenatal BoBsTM identified one trisomy 21 and one deletion of 17p13.3. Furthermore, it provided a conclusive result in cases of culture failure (n=38) and in samples with macerated tissue (n=19). The overall failure rate was 11.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal BoBsTM is a promising technology that represents a fast, sensitive and robust alternative to routine screening for chromosomal abnormality in products of SM. Furthermore, it overcomes the limitations of conventional karyotyping and current molecular cytogenetic techniques.