Systematic review of fatty acid composition of human milk from mothers of preterm compared to full-term infants

Background: Fatty acid composition of human milk serves as guidance for the composition of infant formulae. The aim of the study was to systematically review data on the fatty acid composition of human milk of mothers of preterm compared to full-term infants. Methods: An electronic literature search was performed in English (Medline and Medscape) and German (SpringerLink) databases and via the Google utility. Fatty acid compositional data for preterm and fullterm human milk were converted to differences between means and 95% confidence intervals. Results: We identified five relevant studies publishing direct comparison of fatty acid composition of preterm versus full-term human milk. There were no significant differences between the values of the principal saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In three independent studies covering three different time points of lactation, however, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) values were significantly higher in milk of mothers of preterm as compared to those of full-term infants, with an extent of difference considered nutritionally relevant. Conclusion: Higher DHA values in preterm than in full-term human milk underlines the importance of using own mother's milk for feeding preterm babies and raises the question whether DHA contents in preterm formulae should be higher than in formulae for full-term infants. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel

Sur un double mécanisme d'acidification des sols sous l'influence de cendres volcaniques récentes : le cas de la Soufrière de Guadeloupe après les éruptions de 1976-1977

L'acidification rapide et durable d'andosols recouverts par les cendres de la Soufrière de Guadeloupe (1976-1977) est due à la conjonction originale de deux mécanismes inhérents à la composition de dépôts : acidité aluminique immédiate provenant de smectites à aluminium interfoliaire, acidification progressive due à l'oxydation de pyrites. (Résumé d'auteur

Les sols des marais maritimes du littoral occidental malgache

L'étude des sols de quelques marais maritimes du littoral occidental de Madagascar met en évidence leur grande diversité et une rapide salinisation menant à la disparition des mangroves et à leur substitution par des tanne

Oral Testimonies of Mexican Workers Who Organized the Sonoma County Industrial Union: Que es un Boton?

Purpose of Study: To document the struggle that Mexican workers from Calliope Designs and Point St. George Fisheries launched in 1988, to obtain union representation. Procedure: Oral interviews were conducted with workers of both plants, union organizers, and community members to document the formation of Sonoma County Industrial Union. Findings: Workers from Calliope Designs and Point St. George Fisheries obtained union representation. Calliope Designs workers went on a strike that failed to win a contract, and Point St. George Fisheries' workers signed a contract in 1991. The Sonoma County Industrial Union had a brief but vibrant existence. It ceased to exist in 1993. Conclusions: The organizing efforts of these Mexican workers appeared to have a social and political rippling influences on issues affecting Mexicans in Sonoma County.Larque, Laura. 1996. Oral Testimonies of Mexican Workers Who Organized the Sonoma County Industrial Union: Que es un Boton?. Department of History, Sonoma State University

Placental regulation of fetal nutrient supply

Purpose of review Placental nutrient uptake and transfer may have a unique role, as changes in trophoblast nutrient-sensing signaling pathways regulate cell metabolism and may affect the fetal growth and health programming in the offspring. Recent findings The functionality of the placenta could affect the neonatal adiposity and the fetal levels of key nutrients such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Insulin, oxygen and amino acid concentrations may regulate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) nutrient sensor in the human placenta affecting trophoblast metabolism and nutrient delivery. Summary The mechanisms involved in both placental uptake and transfer of macronutrients are reviewed. Fatty acid, cholesterol and amino acid transport across the placenta involves a complex system to ensure nutrient delivery to the growing fetus. The placental glucose transfer is important for fetal macrosomia, but lipid disturbances in both maternal and placental compartments may contribute to neonatal fat accretion. Maternal insulin has little effect on the avidity of glucose transport by the placenta, but may interfere in placental metabolism via mTOR nutrient sensor. mTOR is a positive regulator of the amino acid carriers and constitutes a critical link between maternal nutrient availability and fetal growth, thereby influencing the long-term health of the fetus