Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antifungal and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil of Fruits from Juniperus oxycedrus L. Obtained from Morocco

Abstract The present study was aimed at conducting phytochemical analysis and evaluating the in vitro antifungal and antioxidant activities of the essential oil obtained from the fruits of J. oxycedrus L. Hydro-distillation was used to extract the essential oil from the fruits of Juniper oxycedrus. The essential oil was analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antioxidant activity of the essential oil against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals was determined in vitro using varying concentrations of the essential oil and vitamin C as a standard antioxidant compound. A disc diffusion test was employed to evaluate the antifungal activity of the essential oil against two test fungal strains, Penicillium citrinum, and Aspergillus niger. The results revealed that 49 constituents were identified in fruit oil, representing 91.56% of the total oil and the yield was 1.58%. Juniper fruit oil was characterized by having high contents of ß-pinene (42.04%), followed by limonene (15.45%), sabinene (9.52%), α-pinene (5.21%), (E)-caryophyllene (3.77%), ρ-cymene (1.56%), caryophyllene oxide (2.02%), and myrcene (1.02%). The radical scavenging activity (% inhibition) of the essential oil was highest (81.87± 2.83%) at a concentration of 200 µg/mL. The essential oil of J. oxycedrus exhibited antifungal activity against A. niger and P. citrinum with minimum inhibitory concentration values (MIC) ranging from 2.89 to 85.01 µl/mL. The findings of the study reveal that the antioxidant and antifungal properties of J. oxycedrus essential oil and their chemical composition are significantly correlated

The burden of healthcare-associated infection in Moroccan hospitals: systematic review and meta-analysis

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI), also referred to as nosocomial infections, is defined as an infection acquired in a hospital setting. This infection is considered a HAI if it was not present or incubating at the time of admission. This includes infections acquired in the hospital but appearing after discharge, and also occupational infections among staff of the facility. HAI are a major patient safety measure to be considered in hospitals.

Antioxidant activity of Haloxylon scoparium alkaloid extracts from Figuig region (southeastern of Morocco)

Abstract The aim of this paper is to study the chemical composition of alkaloids present in Haloxylon scoparium Pomel extracts and to evaluate their antioxidant capacity. The alkaloids were isolated from two parts of Haloxylon scoparium plant by two extraction protocols. and The quantitative study made it possible to propose the best protocol for the extraction of the alkaloids. Moreover, GC-MS analysis of alkaloid extracts allowed us to determine their chemical composition. Haloxylon scoparium contains four types of alkaloids: tetraisoquinolines, phenylethylamines, tryptolines and tryptamines. The main compounds are the tetraisoquinolines type, the predominant product of which was N-methylsalsoline. These compounds present a great interest for the researchers due to their various pharmacological and biological activities. The antioxidant effect of the different plant extracts was studied by two methods: the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical (DPPH·) scavenging tests. The results show that extracts of root part are more active than those from aerial part; the acetone/water extract is the most powerful. The interesting results obtained in this study will be supplemented by other analyses and biological tests in order to better valorize this plant.

Trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the World, between 2019 - 2020 / Tendência das taxas de letalidade de covid-19 no mundo, entre 2019-2020

INTRODUCTION: CoV infections can potentially cause from a simple cold to a severe respiratory syndrome, such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV). The COVID-19 created a new reality for global healthcare modelsOBJETIVE: To evaluate trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the WorldMETHODS: We conducted a population-based time-series study using public and official data of cases and deaths from COVID-19 in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and Russian, between December, 2019 and August, 2020. Data were based on reports from European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. COVID-19 was defined by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (U07.1). A Prais-Winsten regression model was performed and the Daily Percentage Change (DPC) calculated determine rates as increasing, decreasing or flatRESULTS: During the study period, trends in case-fatality rates in the world were flat (DPC = 0.3; CI 95% [-0.2: 0.7]; p = 0.225). In Africa, Morocco had decreasing trends (DPC = -1.1; CI 95% [-1.5: -0.7]; p < 0.001), whereas it were increasing in South Africa (p < 0.05) and flat in Nigeria (p > 0.05). In the Americas, Argentina showed a decreasing trend in case-fatality rates (DPC = -0.6; CI 95% [-1.1: -0.2]; p = 0.005), the U.S. had flat trends (p > 0.05) and all other American countries had increasing trends (p < 0.05). In Asia, Iran had decreasing trends (DPC = -1.5; CI 95% [-2.6 : -0.2]; p = 0.019); China and Saudi Arabia showed increasing trends (p < 0.05), while in India, Japan and South Korea they were flat (p > 0.05). European countries had mostly increasing trends (p < 0.05): Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Russia; France and Switzerland had flat trends (p > 0.05). Finally, in Oceania, trends in case-fatality rates were flat in Australia (p > 0.05) and increasing in New Zealand (p < 0.05CONCLUSION: Trends in case-fatality rates of COVID-19 in the World were flat between December, 31 and August, 31. Argentina, Iran and Morocco were the only countries with decreasing trends. On the other hand, South Africa, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Russian and New Zealand had increasing trends in case-fatality rate. All the other countries analyzed had flat trends. Based on case-fatality rate data, our study supports that COVID-19 pandemic is still in progress worldwide

INTRODUÇÃO: As infecções por CoV podem causar desde um simples resfriado até uma síndrome respiratória grave, como a Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave e a Síndrome Respiratória do Oriente Médio (MERS-CoV). O COVID-19 impôs uma nova realidade em termos de modelos globais de saúdeOBJETIVO: Avaliar as tendências das taxas de letalidade do COVID-19 no mundoMÉTODO: Estudo de séries temporais de base populacional usando dados públicos e oficiais de casos e mortes por COVID-19 na Argentina, Austrália, Brasil, Chile, China, Colômbia, França, Alemanha, Índia, Irã, Itália, Japão, México, Marrocos, Nova Zelândia, Nigéria, Peru, Arábia Saudita, África do Sul, Coreia do Sul, Espanha, Suíça, Reino Unido, Estados Unidos (EUA) e Rússia, entre 31 dezembro de 2019 e 31 agosto de 2020. Os dados foram baseados nos relatórios do Centro Europeu de Prevenção e Controle de Doenças. COVID-19 foi definido pela Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª revisão (U07.1). Para análise estatística, foi realizado o modelo de regressão de Prais-Winsten, a partir do qual foi possível calcular a variação percentual de mudança diária (DPC) das taxas, classificadas como crescentes, decrescentes ou estacionáriasRESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, as taxas de letalidade no mundo permaneceram estacionárias (DPC = 0,3; IC 95% [-0,2: 0,7]; p = 0,225). Na África, Marrocos teve tendência decrescente (DPC = -1,1; IC 95% [-1,5: -0,7]; p <0,001), enquanto na África do Sul houve tendência crescente (p < 0,05) e estacionária na Nigéria (p > 0,05). Em relação às Américas, a Argentina revelou tendência decrescente nas taxas de letalidade (DPC = -0,6; IC 95% [-1,1: -0,2]; p = 0,005), os EUA demonstraram tendência estacionária (p > 0,05) e todos os outros países americanos demonstraram tendências crescentes (p < 0,05). Na Ásia, o Irã apresentou tendência decrescente (DPC = -1,5; IC 95% [-2,6: -0,2]; p = 0,019); China e Arábia Saudita apresentaram tendências crescentes (p <0,05), enquanto Índia, Japão e Coreia do Sul mantiveram tendência estacionária (p > 0,05). A maioria dos países europeus apresentaram tendências crescentes (p <0,05): Alemanha, Itália, Espanha, Reino Unido e Rússia; França e Suíça demonstraram tendências estacionárias (p > 0,05). Por fim, na Oceania, a tendência nas taxas de letalidade na Austrália foi estacionária (p > 0,05) e aumentou na Nova Zelândia (p < 0,05CONCLUSÃO: A tendência nas taxas de letalidade por COVID-19 no mundo permaneceu estacionária entre 31 de dezembro de 2019 e 31 de agosto de 2020. Argentina, Irã e Marrocos foram os únicos países com tendências decrescentes. Por outro lado, África do Sul, Brasil, Canadá, Chile, Colômbia, México, Peru, China, Arábia Saudita, Alemanha, Espanha, Reino Unido, Rússia e Nova Zelândia apresentaram tendências crescentes de letalidade. Todos os outros países analisados demonstraram tendências estacionárias. De acordo com dados de letalidade, nosso estudo confirma que a pandemia de COVID-19 ainda está em fase de progressão em todo o mundo

Relationship between executive functions and academic performance among Moroccan middle school students / Relação entre funções executivas e desempenho acadêmico em estudantes marroquinos do ensino médio

ABSTRACT. Executive functions (EF) play a central role in the development of social and cognitive skills and academic learning. Objective: For this reason, this study aims to determine the relationship between executive functions and academic performance among middle school students in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. Methods: This study focuses on 137 middle school students studying at four colleges located in the Middle Atlas of Morocco. The sample studied was divided into two groups: the first consisting of students with learning difficulties; and the second considered a control. To assess EF, three tests were administered to learners in both groups (Tracking Test, Stroop Test and Number Span Test). Results: In the sample, average age of the learners was 14.5±1.3 years and sex ratio was balanced. The students with learning difficulties had lower performance on tests measuring cognitive flexibility, inhibitory processes and working memory compared to the control group. Conclusion: From these results, it can be concluded that students with learning disabilities performed poorly on the three basic components of executive functions. Therefore, thorough neuropsychological diagnosis would be desirable to identify learners who may have cognitive or behavioural disorders and allow adequate intervention to improve their executive functions and subsequently their academic success.

RESUMO. As funções executivas (FEs) desempenham um papel central no desenvolvimento de habilidades sociais e cognitivas e no aprendizado acadêmico. Objetivo: Por esse motivo, nosso estudo teve como objetivo determinar a relação entre FEs e desempenho acadêmico entre estudantes do ensino médio no Atlas Médio de Marrocos. Métodos: Nosso estudo se concentrou em 137 alunos do ensino médio que estudavam em quatro colégios localizados no Atlas Médio de Marrocos. A amostra estudada foi dividida em dois grupos, o primeiro composto por alunos com dificuldades de aprendizagem e o segundo considerado como controle. Para avaliar os FEs, três testes foram administrados aos alunos de ambos os grupos (Testes de Trilhas, Teste de Stroop e Teste de Extensão de Dígitos). Resultados: A idade média dos alunos em nossa amostra foi de 14,5±1,3 anos, com uma relação entre gêneros equilibrada. Em nosso estudo, os alunos com dificuldades de aprendizagem apresentaram desempenho inferior nos testes que mediram flexibilidade cognitiva, processo inibitório e memória de trabalho em comparação ao grupo controle. Conclusão: Do ​​nosso resultado, podemos concluir que alunos com dificuldades de aprendizagem apresentam um desempenho fraco nos três componentes básicos das FEs. Por esse motivo, seria desejável um diagnóstico neuropsicológico completo, para identificar alunos que possam ter distúrbios cognitivos ou comportamentais para uma correção adequada para melhorar seus FEs e, posteriormente, seu sucesso acadêmico.

Prévalence de l'obésité et du surpoids en milieu scolaire, oasis de Tafilalet, sud-est du Maroc

Introduction: l'obésité représente un sérieux problème de santé publique qui a un impact direct sur la santé physique et psychologique des individus. L'objectif du présent travail est de déterminer la prévalence de l'obésité et du surpoids en milieu scolaire urbain et rural, chez une population infantile oasienne.Méthodes: nous avons entrepris une étude transversale descriptive au sein des établissements scolaires publics urbains et ruraux de l'oasis de Tafilalet. Nous avons recruté un échantillon représentatif de 3684 enfants scolarisés appartenant à 39 écoles publiques primaires. Résultats: la moyenne d'âge était de 9,81 ± 2,13 ans. L'échantillon total s'est réparti en 1794 garçons (48,70) et 1890 filles (51,30). 2309 appartenant à l'urbain (62,70%) et 1375 au rural (37,30%). Selon les références de l'organisation mondiale de la santé, notre étude a révélé un taux d'obésité de 1,9% et 10,8 pour le surpoids. L'obésité et le surpoids n'étaient pas significativement associés avec le sexe des enfants.Conclusion: la prévalence de l'obésité dans l'oasis de Tafilalet est inférieure aux données nationales et internationales, le mode de vie et les habitudes alimentaires de cette population semblent être un facteur protecteur contre l'obésité et le surpoids

COVID-19 suspicion revealed to be fat embolism syndrome

The novel Coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, responsible of the COVID-19 is now causing a pandemic. Detecting all possible cases and eliminating differential diagnoses in front of any acute respiratory distress has become a daily challenge for doctors around the world. We believe that non-COVID patients are the hidden victims of the actual health problematic. We report from this manuscript the case of a patient with fat embolism syndrome that has been suspected as COVID-19

Antidiabetics and antihypertensive medications use in Morocco: a pharmacoepidemiological descriptive study

Background: In Morocco, and many other African countries, there is a paucity of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use amongst the general population. Aim: To investigate the epidemiological profile of antihypertensive and antidiabetics use and analysis their adverse reactions. Setting: This study was conducted in the prefecture of Figuig, Morocco. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire about their pharmacological treatment and presented using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Sample of 244 subjects, predominantly women 58.15% (p < 0.03) composed of diabetic patients 56.96% (n = 139) and hypertensive patients 43.03% (n = 105). After adjustments, 60.24% of all patients were under monotherapy. The diabetics were being treated using the Biguanide class (26.92%), insulin (20.0%) and sulfonylureas (10.0%) while hypertensive patients were treated by Calcium Channel Blockers (27.36%), Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (21.05%), Angiotensin T-Blockers (16.84%), Diuretics (7.36%) and ß-adrenergic receptors blockers (3.15%). In total, 23.00% of all subjects have experienced negative side-effects, mostly, reported (90.38%) to health professionals and 23.52% of them have interrupted temporarily or try to change their treatment. Gastro-intestinal problems were the most adverse reactions reported (11.11%) followed by headache, dizziness and tinnitus (6.66%) and asthenia, feeling sick and feeling of faintness (5.33%). Conclusion: Managing diabetes and hypertension entails a lot of public challenges and requires more focus and interest, especially amongst the illiterate population in remote areas. Some of the suggested ways to help face the problem include the introduction of new innovative measures, systems of fellow-up and adverse reactions

Prothèse composite stabilisée sur implants: à propos d'un cas clinique

Ce cas clinique décrit la prise en charge d'un édentement maxillaire unilatéral de grande étendue par une prothèse composite stabilisée sur implants. Dans cette situation clinique défavorable et lorsque la solution par prothèse fixée sur implants ne peut être retenue pour des raisons locales ou générales, la prothèse amovible partielle métallique (PAPM) reste l'alternative de choix. Elle peut être stabilisée efficacement par des implants. En effet, l'utilisation de ces derniers comme support de moyens de rétention complémentaires est d'un apport considérable. Ainsi, la PAPM stabilisée sur implants permet de modifier l'architecture de l'édentement, d'optimiser l'équilibre prothétique, de rallier exigences esthétiques et fonctionnelles assurant alors une meilleure intégration prothétique

Prévalence des anomales orthodontiques chez une population de lycéens casablancais (14, 18ans)

L'épidémiologie de la malocclusion et l'évaluation des besoins en traitements orthodontiques sont d'une grande importance. La malocclusion trouve sa grande présence parmi les pathologies orales ; elle est classée troisième après la carie dentaire et la maladie parodontale. Notre étude a eu pour objectif de déterminer la prévalence des anomalies orthodontiques chez une population d'adolescents Casablancais et de dresser les éventuelles associations entre les différentes malocclusions selon les variables âge, sexe et niveau socio- économique. 2183 lycéens âgés de 14 à 18 ans issus de deux lycées Casablancais, tirés au hasard et situés dans deux régions socio économiquement différentes ont été examinés. 81,17% des lycéens examinés ont présenté au moins une malocclusion avec une prédominance de la Classe 1 d'Angle. IMPLICATIONS CLINIQUES: 81,17% des lycéens examinés, au Grand Casablanca ,ont présenté au moins une malocclusion justifiant un besoin important en termes de soins orthodontiques au sein de cette population

Rhumatismes chroniques et covid-19 : recommandations thérapeutiques des sociétés savantes

Le SARS-CoV-2 est la pandémie la plus redoutable depuis un siècle. Son évolution est caractérisée par une phase initiale virale infectieuse et une autre immunologique réactionnelle qui peut être létale. L'inhibition de la réplication virale n'est donc qu'une partie du traitement et la gestion de l'emballement dysimmunitaire constitue une étape cruciale dans la prise en charge des patients. Cette phase immunologique fait appel à des molécules largement utilisées en rhumatologie et Prise en charge de la maladie dont l'efficacité dans le COVID-19 (en dehors du conformisme scientifique requis) doit interpeler l'importance de notre arsenal thérapeutique dans la prise en charge des maladies auto inflammatoires dont l'évolution sans traitement adéquat pourrait être une image au ralenti de celle du COVID-19

STEMI et ses complications durant la pandémie de COVID 19

Nous rapportons le cas clinique de S.L, admis aux urgences pour la prise en charge d'une douleur thoracique en relation avec un STEMI antérieur étendu et une contamination suspectée par COVID 19. Le patient a subi une thrombolyse compliquée d'une hémorragie sous-arachnoïdienne. L a prise en charge des STEMI et COVID 19 reste régie par les différentes manage

Guide pratique de la Société Marocaine de Rhumatologie (SMR) sur l'épidémie de coronavirus (COVID-19)

Les rhumatologues marocains, les marocains et tous les habitants de la planète sont en train de vivre en direct l'une des plus grandes crises sanitaires des temps modernes.Partie de la province chinoise de Wuhan courant novembre 2019, la pandémie à Coronavirus a rapidement progressé et touche maintenant tous les continents. Les courbes sont toujours en hausse et pendant l'élaboration de ce guide, la pandémie est toujours en train de progresser. Les réactions de riposte vis à vis de cette pandémie sont très variables en célérité et en nature de mesures prises, en fonction des pays mêlant le scientifique au politique, à l'économique et parfois au farfelu. Certains points communs se dégagent d'emblée. D'une part, l'énorme impact sur le quotidien du monde médical, tous pays et tous secteurs confondus. Une majeure partie des ressources matérielles, logistiques et humaines des systèmes sanitaires a été dévolue à la pandémie COVID. Ceci entraîne en ce moment même une répercussion cataclysmique sur toutes les spécialités médicales, potentiellement source de morbidité et de mortalité indirectes majeures. D'autre part, le confinement imposé par beaucoup de pays dont le nôtre, a vidé certaines cliniques, centres et cabinets médicaux de leurs malades à cause de la peur d'être contaminés. La rhumatologie est une spécialité particulièrement impactée vu la nature même des prestations médicales prodiguées au sein de notre discipline et dont une bonne partie ne relève pas de l'urgence

Perspectives of adolescents, parents, and teachers on barriers and facilitators of physical activity among school-age adolescents: a qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND@#Physical activity levels are low among adolescents in Morocco; however, the influences on physical activity behavior of adolescents have not yet been explored in a qualitative study. Here, we explored potential social-ecological barriers and facilitators of physical activity in Moroccan adolescents with the goal of developing a successful intervention program aimed at improving their physical activity level.@*METHODS@#For this study, we conducted 17 focus group discussions (100 participants, composed of 56 adolescents, 26 parents, and 18 teachers from two middle schools in Taza city, Morocco). Discussions during focus groups were facilitated by a semi-structured interview guide. Guide questions were underpinned by the social-ecological model as a theoretical framework. Data analysis was carried out by two coders using thematic analysis.@*RESULTS@#We found that barriers and facilitators of physical activity in adolescents are organized into six themes that belong to different levels of the social-ecological model. Three themes belonged to the intrapersonal level (perceived motivating and limiting factors, physical activity awareness, and time constraints), two themes were classified into the interpersonal/cultural level (social support and gender and cultural norms), and one theme belonged to the environmental level (access to opportunities). Most of the themes were at the individual level, with each theme including both barriers and facilitators.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Adolescent participation in physical activity can be facilitated or hampered by many factors. Results from the focus group discussions showed that these factors belonged to different levels of the social-ecological model, but most were at the individual level. Our findings have several implications. First, they may offer suggestions for a tailored intervention program aimed at improving adolescent physical activity. Second, they can improve quantitative research by enriching the battery of questions of physical activity instruments (e.g., a question related to physical disability). Third, the proposed thematic map can contribute to understanding interactions and causal pathways in the social-ecological model.

Etude descriptive dermoscopique d'une série de 100 carcinome basocellulaires diagnostiqués au Maroc

Introduction: la dermatoscopie est une technique d'examen non invasive, permettant de donner un nouveau regard de la morphologie clinique des lésions pigmentées et des tumeurs cutanées. Nous montrons à travers notre série les caractéristiques morphologiques dermotoscopiques du carcinome basocellulaire (CBC) chez notre population.Méthodes: notre étude est une étude prospective unicentrique étalée sur une période de 2 ans. Nous avons utilisé le dermoscope chez tous les patients ayant un CBC. L'analyse statistique était réalisée à 'aide du logiciel SPSS version 17.Résultats: on avait recensé 100 CBC, L'âge moyen des patients était de 51,87 ans, avec un sex ratio F/H = 0,6. Le visage était la localisation la plus fréquente et la plupart des patients étaient de phototype III et IV. On a distingué des critères dermatoscopiques classiques et non classiques. On a montré qu'il existe une relation significative entre le phototype et le degré de la pigmentation des CBC. Conclusion: dans ce présent travail, le dermoscope était bénéfique d'une part pour détecter les CBC de petite taille, d'autre part pour faciliter le diagnostic des CBC pigmentés