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This work combines experimental and computational modeling studies for the preparation of a composite of metformin and an organoclay, examining the advantages of a Tunisian clay used for drug delivery applications. The clay mineral studied is a montmorillonite-like smectite (Sm-Na), and the organoclay derivative (HDTMA-Sm) was used as a drug carrier for metformin hydrochloride (MET). In order to assess the MET loading into the clays, these materials were characterized by means of cation exchange capacity assessment, specific surface area measurement, and with the techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy. Computational molecular modeling studies showed the surface adsorption process, identifying the clay–drug interactions through hydrogen bonds, and assessing electrostatic interactions for the hybrid MET/Sm-Na and hydrophobic interactions and cation exchange for the hybrid MET/HDTMA-Sm. The results show that the clays (Sm-Na and HDTMA-Sm) are capable of adsorbing MET, reaching a maximum load of 12.42 and 21.97 %, respectively. The adsorption isotherms were fitted by the Freundlich model, indicating heterogeneous adsorption of the studied adsorbate–adsorbent system, and they followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The calculations of ΔGº indicate the spontaneous and reversible nature of the adsorption. The calculation of ΔH° indicates physical adsorption for the purified clay (Sm-Na) and chemical adsorption for the modified clay (HDTMA-Sm). The release of intercalated MET was studied in media simulating gastric and intestinal fluids, revealing that the purified clay (Sm-Na) and the modified organoclay (HDTMA-Sm) can be used as carriers in controlled drug delivery in future clinical applications. The molecular modeling studies confirmed the experimental phenomena, showing that the main adsorption mechanism is the cation exchange process between proton and MET cations into the interlayer space.

Introduction: A substantial proportion of obese subjects are metabolically healthy and free from metabolic complications. Many mechanisms that could explain the existence of the metabolically healthy obese phenotype have been suggested, involving in particular a healthy lifestyle and diet. The aim of this study was to study the anthropometric, nutritional and biological profile of two groups: obese with metabolic syndrome (MS+) and obese without metabolic syndrome (MS-).

In this paper, the composites with the matrix of gelatin (GA) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) blend with nanoparticles of zinc oxide (ZnO) were prepared. In order to improve the mechanical properties, the samples were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GTA). The processing was carried out by the solution casting method, and the influence of cross-linking and nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the obtained composites was investigated. FTIR analysis confirmed the cross-linking of the polymer matrix and that no chemical bond was formed during processing between the polymer matrix and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Examination of the mechanical properties showed that the cross-linking and addition of 1 wt% zinc oxide increased tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness and reduced modulus of elasticity.

Background Nutrition is the most important environmental factor in the development and progression of childhood obesity, which is very common in Arabic countries.Aim Study of associated factors and nutritional status of childhood obesity.Methods This was a comparative study of 50 obese children recruited from the outpatient department of the children’s hospital, as well as 35 controls. The two groups were matched for gender and age. Anthropometric measurements have been undertaken. A food history as well as a frequency of consumption of certain foods were performed.Results There were 32 girls in obese group. Breastfeeding was more common in the control group (p = 0.04) but gestational diabetes, pregnancy weight gain, and macrosomia were greater in obese people (p = 0.002; 0.0001 and 0.004) . Food diversification was early in the obese (p = 0.05). Mobile phone use was higher among obese people (p = 0.001) but time spent watching TV was not significant (p = 0.06). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding: the number of hours of sleep, and the practice of sport. Sedentary lifestyle concerned 34% of obese versus 8.57% controls. Intense physical activity was practiced by 14.29% of the controls against any obese (p = 0.0001). The anthropometric parameters of the parents of the obese were more important than those of the controls. The average BMI of the obese was 25.63 Kg/m2.The frequency of consumption showed a more caloric and fat diet in obese group.The diet of the controls was richer in proteins and lipids but better distributed in MUFA and PUFA, but the energy intake of the obese was significantly higher (10,612 versus 4097 Kcal/d). The mineral and vitamin intakes of the obese were correct.Conclusions The fight against childhood obesity essentially involves prevention and promotion of a good lifestyle.

Abstract Introduction The management of obesity is difficult with many failures of lifestyle measures, hence the need to broaden the range of treatments prescribed. The aim of our work was to study the influence of pre and probiotics on weight loss psychological profile and metabolic parameters in obese patients. Methods It is a clinical trial involving 45 obese patients, recruited from the Obesity Unit of the National Institute of Nutrition between March and August 2022 divided into three groups: diet only (low‐carbohydrate and reduced energy diet), prebiotics (30 g of carob/day) and probiotics (one tablet containing Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus/day). The three groups were matched for age, sex and BMI. Patients were seen after 1 month from the intervention. Anthropometric measures, biological parameters, dietary survey and psychological scores were performed. Results The average age of our population was 48.73 ± 7.7 years, with a female predominance. All three groups showed a significant decrease in weight, BMI and waist circumference with p

This paper investigates the using potential of acryl-functionalized kraft lignin (AKL) in reducing the flammability of polymer composites based on recycled unsaturated polyester resins (UPR). Acryl functionalization of kraft lignin was performed by direct esterification of free polyphenolic groups with acryloyl chloride, after what, the AKL was blended in UPR resin synthesized from the polyols obtained by catalytic depolymerization of waste poly(ethylene terephthalate). The AKL was homogenized in UPR resin in different weight ratios: 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 12.5 wt.%. Structural and dynamic-mechanical characteristics of acryl-functionalized kraft lignin and composites were determined using FTIR spectroscopy, dynamicmechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile tests. The influence of functionalization and mass fraction of AKL on tensile and thermal properties of UPR resin was studied. The thermal properties of the composite were tested according to the standard UL-94 method, based on which the highest category of heat-resistant materials is a composite with 12.5 wt.% acylfunctionalized lignin.

(1) Background: Magnesium deficiency is usually associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Individuals living with T2DM with hypomagnesemia show a more rapid disease progression and have an increased risk for diabetes complications. (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study in the National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology of Tunis in Tunisia, including all adult outpatients (≥18 years old) with a diagnosis of T2DM from 1 September 2018 to 31 August 2019. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of plasmatic magnesium deficiency in a Tunisian population of T2DM and to study the relationship between magnesium status and intake, glycemic control and long-term diabetes-related complications. (3) Results: Among the 101 T2DM outpatients, 13 (12.9%) presented with a plasmatic magnesium deficiency. The mean age was 56 ± 7.9 years with a female predominance (62%, n = 63). The mean of the plasmatic magnesium level was 0.79 ± 0.11 mmol/L (0.5–1.1), and the mean of 24 h urinary magnesium excretion was 87.8 ± 53.8 mg/24 h [4.8–486.2]. HbA1c was significantly higher in the plasmatic magnesium deficiency group than the normal magnesium status group (10% ± 1.3 vs. 8.3% ± 1.9; p = 0.04), with a significant difference in participants with a poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) (100%, n = 13/13 vs. 53%, n = 47/88; p = 0.001). A weak negative relationship was also found between plasmatic magnesium and HbA1c (r = −0.2, p = 0.03). Peripheral artery disease was more commonly described in individuals with low plasmatic magnesium levels than in individuals with normal levels (39%, n = 5 vs. 0%, n = 0; p < 0.001). The mean plasmatic magnesium level in participants without diabetic nephropathy and also peripheral artery disease was significantly higher compared to individuals with each long-term diabetes-related complication (0.8 mmol/L ± 0.1 vs. 0.71 mmol/L ± 0.07; p = 0.006) and (0.8 mmol/L ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 mmol/L ± 0.08; p < 0.001), respectively. (4) Conclusions: Hypomagnesemia was identified in individuals with T2DM, causing poor glycemic control and contributing to the development and progression of diabetes-related microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Background: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a dietary pattern effective in terms of prevention of many diseases such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Recently, many studies have paid attention to nutritional factors during pregnancy as a modifiable contributor to GDM risk. Objective: to investigate associations of nutrients intakes and MedDiet pattern of eating with risk of GDM. Subjects/Methods: This study conducted on N = 120; Pregnant women with GDM (n = 60) and without controls (n = 60). The dietary habits were assessed by a dietary history method and a validated food frequency questionnaire. We calculated a MedDiet score which measures the degree of adherence to a Med Diet. Result: A low Med Diet score was found in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes in 46.7% and 38.8% of cases, respectively, with no significant difference. Our data showed that the higher the adherence score to the MedDiet, the lower the fasting blood glucose level and the plasma glucose 2 h post load. These findings concerned the two groups studied (P < 10−3). We also noted that controls had a significantly higher intake of legumes, vegetables and fish. Monounsaturated fatty acids and saturated fatty acids consumption was significantly higher in the control group (2.3 ± 0.8 vs 1.7 ± 0.7, P < 10−3). GDM subjects consumed significantly more dairy products and cereals (P < 10−3). After adjustment for confounders, no nutrient was associated with the risk of developing gestational diabetes except vitamin D intake (OR 0.29 [0.15−0.54], P < 10−3) which had a protective effect. Conclusion: Our study underlines the importance of adequate vitamin D intake during pregnancy and suggests that the MedDiet may reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes.

Background: Pure mucinous carcinoma breast cancer (PMBC) is a relatively rare subtype cancer of breast malignancy and associated with favorable prognosis. This retrospective study aims to investigate clinical, pathological features and clinical long-term outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of 56 patients' files with pure mucinous breast cancer was performed. We evaluated the clinic-pathologic characteristics and survival status. Results: The mean age was 59 years. 37 patients underwent modified radical mastectomy; 14 underwent breast-conserving surgery. The 5-years overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates were respectively 75,3% and 74%. According to univariate analysis for OS, age (p = 0,049), menopausal status (p = 0,024), clinical T stage (p = 0,037), N stage (p = 0,002) and pathological T stage (p = 0,033) were statistically significant factors for survival. The DFS was better in postmenopausal women (p = 0,02), histological tumor size smaller than 20 mm (p = 0,024), and negative lymph nodes (p = 0,049). Conclusion: Pure mucinous breast cancer has a favorable prognosis and is characterized by lower tumor grade, higher hormone receptor expression and lower incidence of nodal involvement. Thanks to its good prognosis, this subtype of cancer should be treated less aggressively than invasive ductal carcinoma.

The fast of Ramadan is a dilemma for diabetic patients due to the complexity of the management of diabetes during this holy month and the multiple risks they face (hypoglycemia, etc.). Objectives: Evaluate the impact of a structured protocol of therapeutic education in a sample of type 2 diabetes, who were authorized by their doctors to fast, on metabolic and anthropometric profiles. Methods: This prospective study was conducted among 54 type 2 diabetic patients (28 men and 26 women) aged 36–65 years, recruited from National Nutrition Institute. Patients were divided into two groups: the first group (n = 26) received an education session one to two weeks before the month of Ramadan; the second group (n = 28) did not have appropriate therapeutic education except therapeutic adjustments. All our diabetic patients benefited from anthropometric measurements, determination of body composition and metabolic assessment (HbA1c, cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.) before and after the month of Ramadan. Results: The fast was completed without complications in 25 diabetic patients educated group and 22 control patients. We found that weight loss was greater among educated diabetic patients (−1.05 kg) than in controls (−0.58 kg), but without statistical significance. Body composition has not undergone significant changes in both diabetic groups. Therapeutic education has led to a decline of 0.27% in HbA1c in the educated group while glycemic control in diabetic patients uneducated remained stable. Furthermore, we observed a better lipid profile in diabetic patients educated than those who did not have education. Conclusion: Our results justify the interest of patient education centered on the month of Ramadan in all type 2 diabetic patients observing the fast of the holy month. This education should be continued during Ramadan in order to fulfill this religious rite safely.

Lipoblastoma is a rare, benign tumor usually occurring in childhood. It is essentially localized in the extremities and trunk, with few cases reported in the neck. We report the case of a 2-year-old girl with a rapidly enlarging, painless neck mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a 3-cm mass in the right submandibular region. Review of literature, diagnostic methods, and genetics of lipomatous tumors are discussed. Complete surgical excision via a lateral cervical approach demonstrated a white soft tissue with an adherent ganglion. Histology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of lipoblastoma. Cervical lipoblastoma is rare, and typically asymptomatic, rarely causing nerve compression or airway obstruction. MRI can help identifying the lipomatous nature of the mass, but the findings can be inconsistent due to variable maturity of fat cells and the mesenchymal content of the tumor. Diagnosis is always based on pathological examination. Further chromosomal analysis is useful in differentiating lipoblastoma from liposarcoma. Complete surgical excision is the recommended treatment.

Background: Mammary Paget’s disease is an uncommon form of primary breast cancer. The aim of this study is to assess our institution’s experience in its management. Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 53 female patients with histologically confirmed Paget’s disease, treated at the Salah Azaïz Institute between 2001 and 2010. Results: There were palpable masses in 71.7% of cases, of which 90% revealed invasive carcinoma. Approximately 48% of underlying malignancies were multifocal/multicentric. Overall, invasive carcinoma accounted for 69.8% with a median tumor size of 40 mm, high grade in 62.2%, and negative hormone receptor in 47.6% of cases. There was only one case with direct dermis invasion among those with no underlying invasive carcinoma. After a median follow-up of 45 months, 49% of patients presented with relapse/progression and 47.1% died from their disease. Median overall survival was 67 months, whereas disease-free survival was 65 months. Tumor and node advanced clinical stages correlated with poor survival, as well as the presence of invasive carcinoma with additional negative impacts of large tumor size and lymph node involvement. Tumor stage was the only independent indicator on multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The general trend for decreased incidence of Paget’s disease is noted parallel to earlier breast cancer diagnosis. Paget’s disease is at high risk of multifocal/multicentric underlying tumors. The presence of a palpable mass is almost pathognomonic of invasive neoplasm. The major challenge concerns aggressiveness of surgical procedures with breast and axilla preservation perspectives. Prognosis is mainly determined by that of an eventual underlying breast tumor.