In-vitro evaluation of the probiotic potential and the fermentation profile of Pediococcus and Enterococcus strains isolated from Moroccan camel milk.

The promotion of human health through natural approaches like functional foods and probiotics is in high demand. The medicinal plants are the major feed of Moroccan dromedary, which improves the functional properties of their milk. A few studies have reported the probiotic and functional aptitudes of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) of this milk. In this context, our study aimed to identify LAB isolated from Moroccan raw camel milk and investigate their probiotic features and their fermentation profile. The molecular identification of twelve isolates indicated that they belong to Pediococcus pentosaceus, Enterococcus faecium, and Enterococcus durans. All LAB strains displayed high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions (survival rate of 31.85-96.52% in pH 2.5, 35.23-99.05% in 0.3 bile salts, and 26.9-90.96% in pepsin), strong attachment abilities (auto-aggregation and hydrophobicity ranged from 28.75 to 95.9% and from 80.47 to 96.37%, respectively), and high co-aggregation ability with pathogenic bacteria. Importantly, they did not present antibiotic resistance or hemolytic activity. Our LAB strains demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica. Moreover, they could acidify cow milk (ΔpH of 2.55 after 24 h) and improve its antioxidant ability (inhibition of 36.77% of DPPH). Based on the multivariate analysis, Pediococcus pentosaceus Pd24, Pd29, Pd38, Enterococcus faecium Ef18, and Enterococcus durans Ed22 were selected as the most promising probiotics. Therefore, we propose that Pediococcus pentosaceus isolated from camel milk could be used as potential probiotic strains and/or starter cultures in functional milk fermentation.

Clinical and histopathological pattern of lung cancer in Morocco.

Introduction: lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. This study aimed to provide an overview of the epidemiology of primary lung cancer in Morocco. The distribution of histological subtypes by sex and smoking status was also assessed. Methods: this was a retrospective and descriptive study using medical records of patients with primary lung cancer, diagnosed at two university hospitals in Morocco between 2014 and 2017. Results: a total of 606 patients (average age = 58.5 ± 10.64 years, men = 521) were included. Four hundred and forty-three men had a history of smoking against sex women. Most patients (85.68%) had respiratory symptoms at diagnosis. Over half of patients (53.03%) had a performance status <2 and 38.94% had at least another pulmonary disease at presentation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis were present in 23.43% and 18% of patients, respectively. The majority (72.27%) of men practiced an occupation associated with a significant risk of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma was the main histological type in our series with 60.40%. Most (79.55%) patients were diagnosed at stage IV. Only 7.83% of patients benefited from surgery. The distribution of histological subtypes by sex and smoking habits showed that adenocarcinoma was more frequent in women (p=0.011), and squamous cell carcinoma in men (p=0.014). No differences between smokers and non-smokers were noted. Conclusion: our results showed a decrease in the age of diagnosis and a late stage of the disease. Adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological type.

Academic burnout among trainee teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effect of sociodemographic factors.

BACKGROUND: The trainee teacher seems to be more and more faced with frustration and stress during the training phase, caused by accumulation of requirements and duties, making them susceptible to the risk of burnout. The purpose of this work is to study the academic burnout of trainee teachers at the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region's Regional Center for Education and Training Professions during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred thirty-nine trainee teachers responded to a self-questionnaire comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey scale in its French validated version, as well as stress factors during the academic year 2020-2021. Both inferential and descriptive methods of data analysis were used to represent the effect of sociodemographic variables on burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: In agreement with the literature, most of trainee teachers show moderate and high levels of academic exhaustion; the main stressors presented are financial instability and training overload, and the level of study influences the scale of burnout among trainee teachers. CONCLUSION: The result of this study can serve as a predictor of academic burnout among Moroccan trainee teachers.

The development and validation of an academic burnout questionnaire among Moroccan trainee teachers using the maslach burnout inventory-student survey.

BACKGROUND: Stress and burnout syndrome are more common for people who work in professions that include direct contact with humans, such as education and the medical field. To contribute to the prevention of this syndrome, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS) has been validated and used in different countries worldwide except for Morocco. The main purpose of this study is to develop and validate a special version of the MBI-SS scale to assess academic burnout among Moroccan trainee teachers during their training period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was carried out to assess the sociodemographic factors and certain stressors of the interviewees as well as the MBI-SS. Two hundred fifty-five trainee teachers of the CRMEF (Regional Centre for Education and Training) participated to assess the validity of the MBI-SS scale in its French version and its three components during the academic year 2020/2021 of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. The inferential method of data analysis was used by Cronbach's alpha to determine the overall reliability of the instrument as well as the three components of the assessment. After that, exploratory factor analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Sixty five percent of the participant were male, and most of them were between the ages of 20 and 30 years. The results demonstrated a satisfactory psychometric characteristic for its dimensions and validated the 3-dimensional structure of the MBI-SSM, yet they indicate the necessity to remove two items to guarantee their reliability. The Cronbach's alpha value of the MBI-SSM was greater than (0.7). The Cronbach's alpha also showed a good homogeneity for the three dimensions of the MBI-SSM, (0.853) for emotional exhaustion, (0.570) for cynicism, and (0.776) for academic efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the MBI-SSM is determined to be an objective and a valid instrument and can be used to assess academic burnout in the Moroccan context.

[Criminal poisoning in Morocco: data from the Morocco Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre (1980-2014)]. / Empoisonnement criminel au Maroc: données du Centre Antipoison et de Pharmacovigilance du Maroc, 1980-2014.

INTRODUCTION: intentional poisoning is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiological features of criminal intoxication in Morocco. METHOD: we conducted a retrospective study of all cases of criminal intoxication identified by the Morocco Poison Control and Pharmacovigilance Centre (MPCPC) between 1980 and 2014. RESULTS: during the study period, 611 cases of criminal poisoning were recorded, reflecting a rate of 2.1% of all intentional poisoning reported during the same period. The average age of intoxicated patients was 26.4±14.3 years. More than a quarter of the subjects were children under the age of 15 (28.6%). According to the study results, 55.9% were male, with a sex-ratio (M/F) of 1.3. The majority of cases (89.4%) occurred in urban areas. Collective intoxications were reported in 24.4% of cases. The most frequently used products were pesticides (19.1%) and plants (19%). Patients developed different symptoms based on the toxic substances used, the amount ingested and the time elapsed before treatment. A range of digestive, neurological, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders were reported. Out of 440 patients with outcome data available, 27 died. The remainder of patients survived with or without sequelae. CONCLUSION: criminal poisoning is a major issue. The number of cases is probably underestimated due to a large number of undiagnosed or unreported cases.

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.

Economic evaluation of the direct cost resulting from childhood poisoning in Morocco: micro-costing analysis.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of the economic burden for childhood poisoning has great value in Morocco where there still exists a paucity of information on the subject. The objective of this study was to explore the economic costs of unintentional and intentional poisoning in children in the region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Morocco. METHODS: A prospective study of children younger than 15 years with a poisoning diagnosis conducted between March and July 2016 in the Children's University Hospital of Rabat, Morocco. The source of data for this study was questionnaire that collected information on the costs, the epidemiological and the socio-economic characteristics of childhood poisoning. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were interviewed during the study period (39 females and 48 males). The majority of poisoning cases (98.85%) were accidental and 1.15% were intentional. Drugs, snake bites and scorpion stings, carbon monoxide, food, plants, household products, illegal drugs, pesticides, petroleum and industrial chemicals products were caused the poisoning. Of all the hospitalized patients, 77 (88.5%) were admitted to the emergency department and 5 (5.7%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. The average direct medical costs and the average direct non-medical costs of providing poison treatment were USD 127 and USD 30 per child, respectively. Total average direct cost of USD 157 (127 + 30) represented 60% of the national minimum wage per month in Morocco. Total direct medical costs accounted for 80%, as against 20% direct non-medical costs. The mean ± SD length of stay (LOS) for children with poisoning was 2.15 ± 1.87 days with a range variated between 0 day and 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study confirms that the costs of childhood poisoning are not negligible costs in Morocco. Therefore, the prevalence and the costs of childhood poisoning can be reduced by monitoring an open communication between parents, the Poison Control Centre of Morocco (MPCC) and physicians in order to increase the vigilance of parents against the risks related to unintentional poisoning that can be prevented with more awareness.

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

Geographical distribution of health indicators related to snake bites and envenomation in Morocco between 1999 and 2013.

OBJECTIVES: Envenomation from snake bites is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological features of snake bites in Morocco and to evaluate time-space trends in snake bite incidence, the mortality rate, and the case-fatality rate. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of snake bite cases reported to the Moroccan Poison Control Center between 1999 and 2013. RESULTS: During the study period, 2,053 people were bitten by snakes in Morocco. Most victims were adults (55.4%). The average age of the patients was 26.48±17.25 years. More than half of the cases (58.1%) were males. Approximately 75% of snake bites happened in rural areas, and 85 deaths were recorded during this period. The incidence of snake bites remained generally steady over the 15-year period of this study, with a marked increase noted since 2012. The mortality rate has increased slightly, from 0.02 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 1999 to 0.05 in 2013. The geographical distribution of snake bite cases in the regions of Morocco showed that Tanger-Tétouan had the highest annual incidence of snake bites (1.41 bites per 100,000 inhabitants). However, the highest annual mortality rates were recorded in the Guelmim-Es Semara and Souss-Massa-Drâa regions (0.09 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants for both regions). CONCLUSIONS: The geographical distribution of the incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates of snake bites in Morocco showed large disparities across regions during the three 5-year periods included in this study, meaning that certain areas can be considered high-risk for snake bites.

[Epidemiology and risk factors for voluntary intoxication in Mali]. / Épidémiologie et facteurs de risque des intoxications volontaires au Mali.

INTRODUCTION: Voluntary intoxication is a major medical and social problem in developing countries and the most common method of suicide attempt. The purpose of this paper is to describe the main characteristics of voluntary intoxication in Mali and the risk factors associated with the outcome of poisoning. More generally, the aim is to contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality associated with self-poisoning. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of the cases of deliberate self-poisoning recorded between 2000 and 2010 in 15 Malian hospitals. RESULTS: 884 cases of self-poisoning (233 men and 651 women) were identified during the period of study, representing 28% of all cases of poisoning reported during this period. The mean age of the victims was 23 ± 8.9 years. The available data indicate that the most common cases were suicide attempts and self-induced abortion using toxic substances (respectively 62.8% and 29% of all cases). The most common methods were drugs (74.5%), especially chloroquine (65%), followed by industrial products (9.1%). The most commonly used industrial products were hydrochloric acid (26.7%), sodium hypochlorite (bleach) (22.2%) and sulphuric acid (15.6%). The findings suggest that poisoning symptoms vary depending on the type of substance, the amount ingested and the delay before treatment. 86 of the 877 cases with known outcome resulted in death. CONCLUSION: The number of cases of poisoning is probably underestimated since many cases remain undiagnosed and unreported.

[Epidemiology of cancers in Niger, 1992 to 2009]. / Épidémiologie des cancers au Niger, 1992 à 2009.

The present study aims to determine the various epidemiological characteristics of cancers in Niger from 1992 to 2009. It is a retrospective and descriptive study led from the data of the National cancers Register of Niger country between 1992 and 2009. During that period, 7,031 cases of cancers were collected. The number of registered patients suffering from cancers significantly increased, from 186 cases in 1992 to 646 cases in 2009. The ascendancy was feminine with a sex-ratio of 1.40. The average age was of 43 ± 17.53 years. The majority of the patients (70.2%) lived from the Niamey area. The breast cancer (27.36%) was the most frequent feminine cancer, followed by the cervical cancer (13.41%) and ovary cancer (8.83%). The main localizations in the man were the liver (19%), the skin (8.04%) and the bladder (4.92%). Approximately 7% of the registered cases are due to the child's cancers. The cancer's diagnosis of confirmation represented 42%; the carcinomas constituted (27.03%) the most frequent histological type. The Burkitt lymphoma (15.1%) was the most histological entity met in the child.