Proximate composition, lipid and elemental profiling of eight varieties of avocado (Persea americana)

Eight Moroccan avocado varieties were analyzed for their nutritional composition and physicochemical properties. The nutritional contents of the sample were determined through the evaluation of the moisture, oil, ash, protein, and carbohydrate contents, and energy value calculation. Additionally, macroelements (Ca, Mg, and Na) and microelements (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) were determined in the mineral profile. Oils were examined also for their fatty acid, phytosterol, and tocopherol profiles. As a result of the study, the avocado presents significant differences between the eight studied varieties (p < 0.05), with regard to moisture content (57.88 g/100 g to 84.71 g/100 g), oil content (8.41 g/100 g to 57.88 g/100 g), ash (0.57 g/100 g to 1.37 g/100 g), protein content (5.7 g/100 g to 8.61 g/100 g), carbohydrate content (5.63 g/100 g to 14.61 g/100 g), and energy value (99.9 kcal/100 g to 316.8 kcal/100 g). Sodium (5783.01 mg/kg to 12,056.19 mg/kg) was the predominant macro-element in all varieties, followed by calcium (295.95 mg/kg to 531.67 mg/kg), and magnesium (246.29 mg/kg to 339.84 mg/kg). Copper (85.92 mg/kg to 112. 31 mg/kg) was the main microelement in all varieties, followed by iron (8.5 mg/kg to 20.32 mg/kg), and manganese (7.3 mg/kg to 18.45 mg/kg), while zinc (1.72 mg/kg to 5.66 mg/kg) was detected in small amounts. In addition, significant difference was observed in lipid profiles, according to the eight studied varieties (p < 0.05). Avocado oils were mainly composed of monounsaturated fatty acids (76.89 g/100 g to 84.7 g/100 g), with oleic acid (50.38 g/100 g to 71.49 g/100 g) standing out as particularly characteristic, while β-sitosterol (l2365.58 mg/kg to 4559.27 mg/kg), and α-tocopherol (30.08 mg/kg to 182.94 mg/kg) were among its major phytosterols and tocopherols. All avocado varieties represented in this study can be consumed as a fruit as an excellent source of energy, minerals, fatty acids, phytosterols, and tocopherols. The regular consumption of this fruit provides the body with several essential nutrients.

DATE PALM PHOENIX DACTILIFERA L. SEED OIL: VARIETY EFFECTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS, FATTY ACID COMPOSITION, STEROL AND TOCOL CONTENTS

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grows in the world's arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the majority of Middle Eastern countries. It has played an important role in the survival of many ancient civilizations. It is regarded as a valuable nutrient, but it also plays an important role in the economies of date-producing countries. Date palm seeds are commonly described as waste after consuming their pulp by industries or individuals. However, date pits contain a valuable source of edible oil characterized by a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols, tocopherols, and tocotrienols. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and quality parameters of Date Seed Oil (DSO) extracted from ten native date palm seed (Phoenix Dactilifera L.) varieties and compare them to the literature results. The choice of the seed variety was based on popularity and quality. The lipid extraction was carried out by a soxhlet apparatus using a standard solvent with a seed isolated from a matured date. The yield ranged from 2.94% to 8.06% depending on the variety. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to determine the composition of the fatty acids, sterols, and tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) in the extracted oil. Our results indicate that DSO is rich in poly and unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA+MUFA = 48.89% to 60.77%) with oleic acid (C18:1) as the predominant fatty acid (from 52.60% to 42.13%). On other hand, eight sterols were identified and the mean content ranged from 346.97 to 816.60 mg/100g of oil. Also, a high amount has been recorded in tocols ranging from 1937.14 µg/g to 3844.06 µg/g. Indeed, the predominant tocols in DSO were alpha-tocotrienols and alpha-tocopherols. Likewise, the quality parameters indicate that DSO has excellent thermal and oxidative stability and is generally safe to consume. In fact, the peroxide value (PV) recorded a mean of 3.96 to 6.33 meq O2/kg. The iodine value of DSO samples goes from 48.84 to 60.59 g I2/100 g oil. The saponification value (SV) changed between 214.85 and 225.59 mg KOH/g of oil. However, the coefficients of extinction K232 and K270 were lower than the specified limitations. According to the findings, date seed has the potential to be used as a renewable resource while also adding value to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and agricultural products.

Estimating the risk of dengue transmission from Dutch blood donors travelling to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean

BACKGROUND

The risk of dengue transmitted by travellers is known. Methods to estimate the transmission by transfusion (TT) risk from blood donors travelling to risk areas are available, for instance, the European Up-Front Risk Assessment Tool (EUFRAT). This study aimed to validate the estimated risk from travelling donors obtained from EUFRAT.

METHODS

Surveillance data on notified dengue cases in Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba) in 2001-2011 was used to calculate local incidence rates. Information on travel and donation behaviour of Dutch donors was collected. With the EUFRAT model, the TT risks from Dutch travelling donors were calculated. Model estimates were compared with the number of infections in Dutch travellers found by laboratory tests in the Netherlands.

RESULTS

The expected cumulative number of donors becoming infected during travels to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean from 2001 to 2011 was estimated at 5 (95% CI, 2-11) and 86 (45-179), respectively. The infection risk inferred from the laboratory-based study was 19 (9-61) and 28 (14-92). Given the independence of the data sources, these estimates are remarkably close. The model estimated that 0·02 (0·001-0·06) and 0·40 (0·01-1·4) recipients would have been infected by these travelling donors.

CONCLUSIONS

The EUFRAT model provided an estimate close to actual observed number of dengue infections. The dengue TT risk among Dutch travelling donors can be estimated using basic transmission, travel and donation information. The TT risk from Dutch donors travelling to Suriname and the Dutch Caribbean is small.

Gastroenteritis-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome on the Caribbean island Curaçao

BACKGROUND

The number of patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) who have been observed in Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles, may be increasing.

METHODS

Clinical and serologic data were obtained from records of patients admitted between 1987 and 1999 and fulfilling National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke criteria for GBS. When possible, serum and stool samples were collected. The results were compared with a large Dutch epidemiologic study.

RESULTS

The authors identified 49 patients, an overall crude incidence rate (IR) in Curaçao of 2.53/100,000 inhabitants (95% CI 1.87 to 3.35) (Dutch study 1.18, rate ratio (RR) of 2.14, p < 0.001). The IR in Curaçao increased from 1.62 in 1987 to 1991 to 3.10 in 1992 to 1999, RR 5.22 (95% CI 2.48 to 10.2, p = 0.02). The IR showed a curvilinear shape within a year. In comparison with the Dutch group, patients from Curaçao had a more severe course of the disease, with a mortality rate of 23% (3.4% in the Dutch group, p < 0.001), a higher percentage of preceding gastroenteritis (p < 0.001), and less sensory involvement (p < 0.001). In 8 of 10 serum samples, evidence was found for a recent infection with Campylobacter jejuni.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found a steady increase in incidence of GBS over the years in association with a more pronounced seasonal preponderance and a more severe course. The clinical characteristics suggest a role for C jejuni.

Alarmingly high prevalence of obesity in Curaçao: data from an interview survey stratified for socioeconomic status

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the article is to report the prevalence of obesity, abdominal fatness and waist circumference in different socioeconomic classes in Curaçao.

DESIGN

In 1993/1994 a health interview survey (the Curaçao Health Study) was carried out among a random sample (n = 2248, response rate = 85%) of the adult non-institutionalized population of Curaçao.

METHODS

We analyzed the association between obesity (BMI > or = 30), abdominal fatness (waist hip ratio (WHR) > or = 0.95 for men, WHR > or = 0.80 for women) waist circumference (WC > or = 100 cm for men, WC > or = 91 cm for women) and socioeconomic status (SES) by age adjusted logistic regressions, for men and women separately.

RESULTS

The prevalence of obesity was about 27%: 36% of the women and 19% of the men were obese. An at risk WHR was reported among 62.2% of the women and among 20.4% of the men. A WC above the cut-off point was reported for 44.3% women and 25.3% men. Compared to women of higher SES, the lower SES women have a two to three times higher risk of a BMI, WHR or WC exceeding the cut-off points. Among men, no statistically significant difference between an increased BMI, WHR or WC and SES factors was found. The overlap between the three measures is large, about 56% of the women scored similarly on all three measurements. Among men the overlap is even greater (73%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of obesity in Curaçao is alarming. Low SES women are at the greatest risk of an increased BMI, WHR or WC. The obesity figures can be placed between industrialized societies and less modernized cultures. Action and additional research on the prevention of obesity in Curaçao are deemed necessary. The cut-off points in our study for WC in the non-white population are preliminary and need to be elucidated further.