Turnaround Time of the Hematology Results of Cancer Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Opportunity to Initiate a Quality Improvement Process.

INTRODUCTION: Turnaround time (TAT) is a crucial clinical parameter that reflects the performance of a laboratory especially in the context of oncology and the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, we performed a retrospective analysis of the TAT of the complete blood count (CBC) of cancer patients with the aim of reducing this delay in the future. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over one month of the COVID-19 pandemic, a retrospective evaluative audit was carried out on the TAT of the CBC in an oncology department. The root causes of failures of the overall analysis process were detected. The initiation of an improvement approach was implemented through the creation of an improvement flowchart and a new request form. The hospital information system (HIS) data were exported to Microsoft Excel® (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States). Using the collected data, the mean, standard deviation, median, and interquartile range were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23, (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). All time intervals were expressed in minutes. RESULTS: Among 263 intra-laboratory TATs analyzed, the median intra-lab TAT was 56 minutes (interquartile range (IQR): 36-80 minutes). A total of 82% of the analyses were performed in less than 90 minutes with a predominance of the interval 30-59 at 42.9%. The main causes of failures were essentially the lack of time stamping of the samples as well as the lack of real-time communication between the biologists and the clinicians. The proposed improvement model is currently being approved by all practitioners whose main items are as follows: At the clinical department level, distinguish the request forms but also the labels of the samples of the oncology hospital by a particular color, indication of clinical signs and sampling time on the request forms and on the HIS. At the laboratory level, create a specific chain for oncology department samples, alarm notification on the HIS, and rapid telecommunication of results for vital situations. CONCLUSION: The intra-lab TAT of our study is biologically acceptable. Because our work is limited by the phases outside the control of the laboratory, it should lead to a continuous improvement project.

Synthesis, structural characterizations, in vitro biological evaluation and computational investigations of pyrazole derivatives as potential antidiabetic and antioxidant agents.

In this study, a two pyrazole derivatives; 2-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carbonyl)-N-phenylhydrazine-1-carboxamide (Pyz-1) and 4-amino-5-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (Pyz-2) were synthesized and characterized by 13C-NMR, 1H-NMR, FT-IR, and mass spectrometry. A complete molecular structures optimization, electronic and thermodynamic properties of Pyz-1 and Pyz-2 in gas phase and aqueous solution were predicted by using hybrid B3LYP method with the 6-311++G** basis sets. Pyz-1 and Pyz-2 were evaluated in vitro for their anti-diabetic, antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibition activities. For anti-diabetic activity, Pyz-1 and Pyz-2 showed a potent α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition with IC50 values of 75.62 ± 0.56, 95.85 ± 0.92 and 119.3 ± 0.75, 120.2 ± 0.68 µM, respectively, compared to Acarbose (IC50(α-glucosidase) = 72.58 ± 0.68 µM, IC50(α-amylase) = 115.6 ± 0.574 µM). In xanthine oxidase assay, Pyz-1 and Pyz-2 exhibited remarkable inhibitory ability with IC50 values 24.32 ± 0.78 and 10.75 ± 0.54 µM, respectively. The result of antioxidant activities showed that the title compounds have considerable antioxidant and radical scavenger abilities. In addition, molecular docking simulation was used to determine the binding modes and energies between the title compounds and α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes.

Bi-lineage B- and T-lymphoid Extramedullary Blast Crisis at an Initial Presentation of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review of Extramedullary Blast Crisis.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with BCR-ABL1-positive cells is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) characterized by a chromosomal translocation t(9,22)(q34.1;q11.2), which results in the formation of a Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome containing the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene. Extramedullary blast crisis (EBC) associated with bcr/abl-positive CML is a rare initial presentation. Here, we present and discuss the case of a 51-year-old man who presented with a weight loss history, cervical swelling, and left-sided abdominal pain. He had a white blood cell count of 147,910/mm3. The blood smear study revealed myelemia in 23% and 8% of blast-like cells. The bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed a richly cellularized sample; the megakaryocytes were present; the granular neutrophil line was at 89% with blasts at 1%. The cytogenetic analysis revealed a complex karyotype with the presence of a Philadelphia chromosome t (9, 22) (q34, q11) associated with additional cytogenetic abnormalities (ACA). Molecular analysis (PCR) detected a BCR::ABL1 (p210) rearrangement. At this point, a diagnosis of CML in the chronic phase was confirmed, but a cervical lymph node biopsy analysis revealed a bi-phenotypic B/T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) and expressed at fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis BCR::ABL1 rearrangement. These findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a bi-phenotypic B/T extramedullary blast crisis associated with CML.

Synthesis, design, in silico, in vitro and in vivo (streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice) biological evaluation of novels N-arylacetamide derivatives.

The organic compounds 2-chloro-N-(aryl)acetamide (Ps13-Ps18) and 2-azido-N-(aryl)acetamide (148-153) were synthesized and analyzed using 1 H, 13C NMR. The acute oral toxicity study was carried out according to OECD guidelines, which approve that the compounds (Ps18 and 153) were nontoxic. In addition, the compounds were evaluated for its antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic properties (in vitro and in vivo) and for antioxidant activity by utilizing several tests as 1,1-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH, (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzthiazoline-6-sulfonicacid) ABTS, reducing power test FRAP and hydrogen peroxide activity H2O2. The molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of Ps18 and 153 and compared with the experimental results. These compounds are a potent antidiabetic from both the experimental and molecular docking results. Finally, the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of Ps18 and 153 have been evaluated by using in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity analysis prediction.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors in a Moroccan population from the Northwestern region of Morocco (M'diq-Fnideq-Martil Prefecture).

Introduction: anemia remains a major public health challenge worldwide, frequently having multifactorial causes and wide-ranging, largely underestimated repercussions. The purpose of this paper is to assess the prevalence of anemia and identify associated factors in a group of children, adults, and pregnant women. Methods: our sample consisted of a total of 1360 volunteers (group I: 410 school-aged children aged 5-11 years; group II: 533 adults aged 16 to 65 years; group III: 417 pregnant women aged 17 to 45 years) randomly selected from different towns of the M'diq-Fnideq prefecture, Morocco from March 2018 to September 2018. Data on socio-demographic, anthropometric, and dietary status were collected from a questionnaire survey. A complete blood count was performed using a hematology analyzer, Sysmex KX21N® (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan), in the hematology laboratory of the Mohamed VI Hospital of M'diq. Results: anemia was found in 31% of children, 52.4% of adults, and 22.5% of pregnant women. Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most dominant type of anemia in children, adults, and pregnant women with percentages of 40.6%, 48.7%, and 43.5%, respectively. Mild anemia was much more common than moderate and severe anemia in all groups. Furthermore, anemia was associated with low socioeconomic and educational levels in adults (22.8% versus 27.9%) and pregnant women (18.1% versus 16.8%). Schoolchildren with illiterate parents and low socioeconomic levels are the most affected by anemia, with a prevalence of 75% and 69.44%, respectively. Also, children with insufficient stature are at a high risk for anemia compared to children of normal stature (p<0.001). As for weight for age, the odds ratio (OR) was 4.32. A significant difference between underweight and anemia was revealed (p<0.001). A frequency of meat product, vegetables, and fruit consumption lower than 1.5 times per week increases the risk of anemia in schoolchildren. Conclusion: these findings showed a significant prevalence of anemia in all study groups associated with socioeconomic, anthropometric, and nutritional factors. However, further studies are needed to focus on interventions and etiologies in order to limit potential complications, especially in schoolchildren and pregnant women.

Determining Hematological Reference Intervals of the Blood Count in a Healthy Moroccan Adult Population (Al Hoceima Province).

BACKGROUND: The hemogram is the most frequently prescribed laboratory test. It guides the complementary tests essential to the diagnosis and follow-up of the patient. Hematology reference values can be influenced by several parameters such as environmental and genetic factors, rendering it essential to define reference intervals (RIs) for specific populations. This study aimed to determine RIs from a population of healthy adults in Al Hoceima province by following the procedures recommended by the IFCC-CLSI guidelines in 2008 and comparing them to those of similar studies conducted in various countries. METHODS: We initially recruited 977 healthy adults from 18 to 60 years old including 255 men and 722 women, who presented themselves at the provincial hospital center of Al Hoceima (Morocco) for health checkups from February 2019 to September 2019. The erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet parameters were investigated using hematology analyzer ABX Pentra XL80 HORIBA® (HORIBA ABX SAS, Kyoto, Japan). RESULTS: The results showed that the RIs of the blood count parameters searched were more or less close to the RIs determined in Caucasian populations. Nevertheless, they were low compared to the limits of the RIs published in the literature for certain erythrocyte and platelet parameters. Our RIs were also similar in their majority, except for some parameters, to the RIs published very recently in a study conducted on a Moroccan population in the Tangier-Tetouan region. In addition, our intervals differ in their majority from those published in a study of a Ghanaian population. CONCLUSIONS: The differences reported by this preliminary work reinforce the need to establish hemogram RIs specific to the Moroccan population through more extensive studies carried out in different regions of Morocco. These studies should avoid misdiagnosis and allow physicians to interpret hematological tests more specifically.

Reference Intervals for Routine Biochemical Markers and Hematological Indices Derived from Healthy Adults in the Mediterranean Region of Morocco.

BACKGROUND: Reference intervals (RIs) for biochemical and hematological parameters are fundamental tools for clinical diagnosis, management, and therapeutic follow-up. In Morocco, the RIs used by clinical laboratories and physicians are derived from western populations. Also, RIs of biochemical and hematological parameters specific to the various Moroccan areas are lacking. This study aimed to determine RIs for biochemical and hematological parameters in apparently healthy voluntary adults by following the procedures recommended by the IFCC-CLSI guidelines in 2008 and comparing them to those of literature and other countries. METHODS: A total of 768 healthy adults from 18 to 60 years old were recruited. Complete blood count and biochemical analyses were performed using hematology analyzer Sysmex KX21N® (Sysmex Corporation, Kobe, Japan) and COBAS INTEGRA®400 plus biochemistry analyzer (Roche, Diagnostics GmbH, Germany) at the laboratory of the hospital Mohamed VI of M'diq, Morocco, and went into effect between November 2017 and December 2020. The data analysis was made by the software SPSS 20.0 and RIs have been established by using the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles. RESULTS: RIs established include: glucose 3.90 - 6.76 mmol/L for males and 4.01 - 6.87 mmol/L for females; alanine aminotransferase 5.60 - 40.07 U/L for males and 5.60 - 38.71 U/L for females; aspartate aminotransferase 5.60 - 40.08 for males and 5.89 - 39.90 U/L for females; creatinine 47.73 - 113.15 µmol/L for males and 44.64 - 102.28 µmol/L for females; urea 2.2 - 7.6 mmol/L for males and 1.90 - 7.5 mmol/L for females; total cholesterol 2.71 - 5.46 mmol/L for males and 2.64 - 5.89 mmol/L for females; triglycerides 0.58 - 2.01 mmol/L for males and 0.55 - 2.08 mmol/L for females; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol 1.40 - 1.50 mmol/L for males and 1.40 - 1.65 mmol/L for females; and uric acid 157.3 - 410.8 µmol/L for males and 146.1 - 388.5 µmol/L for females. Concerning the hematological parameters, a significant difference (p < 0.05) between both genders was noted for the majority of pa rameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present study underlines the importance to establish RIs specific to the Moroccan population in each region for a more rational and reliable interpretation of biochemical and hematological testing in order to avoid errors in diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Acute and Subacute Toxicity Studies of Erodium guttatum Extracts by Oral Administration in Rodents.

The present study aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity profiles of Erodium guttatum extracts in mice using the methods described in the guidelines of the OECD. In the acute toxicity study, the LD50 value was greater than 2000 mg/kg. The subacute toxicity study of E. guttatum extracts showed no significant changes in body or organ weights. The administration of E. guttatum extracts to mice at a dose of 200 mg/kg led to an increase in white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobin. Moreover, the aqueous extract of E. guttatum only decreased liver aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) levels at a dose of 200 mg/kg, and creatinine and urea levels did not show any significant alterations compared to the control group. Our results showed that the extracts of E. guttatum caused a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and triglycerides. The histological study showed that mice treated with E. guttatum extracts experienced some histopathological changes in the liver, particularly with the methanolic extract, and slight changes in the kidneys and pancreas. Regarding the renal profile, no toxicity was observed. These results provide basic information on the toxicological profile of E. guttatum used in traditional medicine.

Investigation of wound healing activity Cynara humilis of root extracts.

BACKGROUND: Wound healing is among the frequent illnesses that affects the skin, and therefore, the screening of natural preparation to treat skin burn is important. In Morocco, Cynara humilis is a Moroccan medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of skin burn. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of C. humilis and its wound healing potential against skin burn. METHODS: In this work, C. humilis was selected based on an ethnopharmacological survey. As revealed by traditional medicine, C. humilis powder extract (CHPE) was used to test wound healing effects. Furthermore, to assure the safety of this powder, acute and subchronic dermal toxicities were investigated on animal models. RESULTS: The oral acute toxicity test of CHPE did not show mortality in treated rats (LD50 >2000 mg/kg). Moreover, in the acute dermal toxicity, CHPE at 5 g/kg did not induce clinical signs observed during the observation period of 48 h. In the subchronic toxicity test, CHPE did not cause significant abnormalities in the physiological parameters and pathological changes in the major organs of the rats. Body weight evolution and macroscopic analysis of skin burn showed CHPE exhibited important wound healing effects in a time-dependent manner. CHPE reduced significantly wound surface (6.93 ± 0.25 cm2 ) compared with the SDA group (8.30 ± 0.37 cm2 ) and the no-treated group (10.05 ± 0.28 cm2 ). Moreover, the retention rate was increased importantly after the treatment with CHPE (61.66 ± 1.42%) compared with the SDA-treated group (53.57% ± 2.83%) and the no-treated group control animals (43.34% ± 1.27%). CONCLUSION: These results were confirmed by a histological evaluation, which showed that CHPE increased the neovascularization, the collagen deposition, and the re-epithelialization. The findings of this work suggest that CHPE could be a promising source for developing drugs against skin burn.

[Combined deficiency of clotting factor V and factor VIII: about three siblings]. / Déficit combiné en facteurs V et VIII de la coagulation: à propos d´une fratrie de trois cas.

Combined deficiency of clotting factor V and factor VIII (DF5F8) is a congenital autosomal recessive disorder. This study involved a family of four children born to consanguineous parents. The eldest daughter was referred for assessment of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time associated with hemorrhagic manifestations. Coagulation factor dosing showed combined deficiency of factor V and factor VIII as well as normal levels of other coagulation factors. DF5F8 was detected in two girls and a boy. Two protein coding genes LMAN1 (lectin, mannose binding 1) and MCFD2 (multiple coagulation factor deficiency2) were involved in the intracellular passage of Factor V and Factor VIII, including some mutations which caused deficiency of Factor V and VIII. The diagnosis of DF5F8 is routinely possible, especially in patients born to consanguineous parents with a suggestive clinico-biological condition.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the continuity of transfusion care for thallasemic patients: a case report.

The COVID-19 pandemic could have a major impact on the capacity of health systems to continue the delivery of essential health service. While health systems around the world are being challenged by increasing demand for care of COVID-19 patients, it is critical to maintain preventive and curative services, especially for the most vulnerable populations such people living with chronic conditions like thallasemics. In this context and since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 health crisis, the National Blood Transfusion Center of Morocco has ranked among its priorities the need to maintain transfusion management for chronic polytransfused patients, particularly those with thalassemia. We report in this paper, the case of a thallasemic patient whose transfusion management was disrupted by the restrictive measures introduced by the Moroccan authorities and for which the National Blood Center of Morocco provided effective support.

Blood donor eligibility after COVID-19 vaccination: the current state of recommendations.

The medical screening practices for blood donor eligibility after vaccination against several conventional infectious agents are well known to blood transfusion centres worldwide. Classically, blood donations are contraindicated for four weeks after vaccination with a live attenuated virus vaccine. For other types of vaccines, no postponement is necessary as there is no proven infectious risk. But for the COVID-19 vaccine, besides the classic platforms for the vaccine, two new types of vaccine platforms have been developed and based on viral vectors vaccines and vaccines from viral genetic material. Thus, blood establishments could be worried that these COVID-19 vaccine production platforms can pose any particular safety concerns for recipients of blood or blood products from vaccinated subjects. Our work aims to provide professionals in blood transfusion centres with all the available information to clarify any confusion relating to the need or not to defer donors who have received a COVID-19 vaccination. So in this paper, we provide an international review of the data available to date about the recommendations of international scientific societies about blood donation after COVID-19 vaccination, all types of COVID-19 vaccines included. We also present some experiences of blood transfusion establishments worldwide concerning this topic and among them our institution, the Moroccan National Centre for Blood Transfusion and Haematology.

Immature platelets: a review of the available evidence.

Immature platelets or reticulated platelets are newly released thrombocytes. They can be identified by their large size and high RNA cytoplasm concentration. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) represents the percentage of immature circulative platelets to the total number of platelets. The development of analytical standardization of this hematological parameter by new automated devices allowed a better exploration of its contribution in a context of thrombocytopenia. In fact, several studies had confirmed its clinical utility to differentiate immune thrombocytopenia from other causes of thrombocytopenia. IPF can also predict platelets recovery after chemotherapy and successful engraftment. In addition, immature platelets have shown utility in other diseases such as coronary artery diseases, bacterial infections and liver diseases. Despite all these advantages, immature platelet fraction can be increased in some cases of thrombocytopenia characterized by platelets hypoproduction. The aim of this review is to present the immature platelet fraction contribution in clinical practice.

Hematological parameters of the blood count in a healthy population of pregnant women in the Northwest of Morocco (Tetouan-M'diq-Fnideq provinces).

INTRODUCTION: Numerous biological parameters are physiologically modified during normal pregnancy, in particular hematology. The knowledge of these modifications of the maternal body by biologists and clinicians allows the screening of possible anomalies. In Morocco, the reference values of the complete blood count test for pregnant woman are missing, as are those specific to different trimesters of pregnancy. The aim of this study is to look for the reference values for healthy pregnant women of the Northwest region of Morocco, to compare them to those of non-pregnant women (control) and to those of the literature. METHODS: Blood samples were taken voluntarily from 3898 healthy pregnant women from 18 to 46 years old who presented themselves at the center of health Kalaa and at the service of gynecology obstetrics of the Provincial Hospital Center of M'diq (Morocco), for prenatal care. To establish the reference intervals of the CBC for non-pregnant women, a control group was constituted by 7035 healthy women from 18 to 50 years old selected according to the Moroccan law of blood donation. The CBC was measured on a Sysmex KX21N® analyzer. For each sample a systematic blood smear was done to determine the leukocyte differential. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference between the pregnant women and control group was noted (p < 0.05) for all the hematological parameters: red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, leukocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets and mean platelet volume. So, the comparison of the averages established between the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy showed the existence of a significant variation with regard to all the parameters of the CBC test looked for (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present study provides additional baseline data for basic hematological parameters in healthy pregnant Moroccan women and concluded that pregnancy in women has the tendency to alter some hematological indices. For these reasons, there is an interest to take these modifications into account for optimal maternal and fetal medical care.

Establishment of the hematology reference intervals in a healthy population of adults in the Northwest of Morocco (Tangier-Tetouan region).

INTRODUCTION: Among the most useful biological examinations in common medical practice, blood count is the most prescribed. The reference intervals of the hematological parameters of this examination are of major importance for clinical orientations and therapeutic decisions. In Morocco, the reference values used by the laboratories of medical biology and used by doctors are ones collected from Caucasian and European individuals. These values could be different in the Moroccan population. Besides, reference intervals of the blood count specific to the various Moroccan regions are missing. We decided to determine the reference intervals from a population of healthy adults of the Tangier-Tetouan region by following the procedures recommended by the IFCC-CLSI guidelines in 2008 and comparing them to those of the literature. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 15840 adult volunteers (8402 men from 18 to 55 years old and 7438 women from 18 to 50 years old) from the regional transfusion center of Tangier and Tetouan during a period between November 2014 and May 2016. The complete blood count was measured by the Sysmex KX21N® analyzer. For each sample a systematic blood smear was done to determine the leukocyte differential. The data analysis was made by the software SPSS 20.0 by using percentiles 2.5th and 97.5th. RESULTS: A significant difference between both sexes was noted (p<0,001) for all the hematological parameters (red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, leukocytes, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, platelets and mean platelet volume) except for the numeration of lymphocytes (p = 0.552). The values of this study were compared with those reported in Arabic, Caucasian and African populations. Said comparisons showed the existence of significant differences. CONCLUSION: This study tries to accentuate the necessity of proceeding with the establishment of reference intervals specific to the blood count of the Moroccan population to avoid errors of diagnosis, allow clinicians to interpret with greater specificity the hematological examinations and to improve the quality of medical care distributed to patients.

[Profile of Von Willebrand factor antigen in pregnancy: descriptive study of 390 pregnant women in Morocco]. / Profil du facteur Von Willebrand dans la grossesse: étude descriptive chez 390 femmes enceintes au Maroc.

Von Willebrand factor (vWF) is a glycoprotein which plays an important role in hemostasis. Its quantitative or qualitative deficit results in von Willebrand's disease (vWD). The study aims to update the current understanding of the distribution of vWF rates in Moroccan pregnant women and their variability in function of the ABO blood group. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 390 pregnant women from the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region. Sample size was calculated on the basis of a prevalence of 1%, corresponding to the global prevalence of vWD with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence level of 95%. There were 317 cases (81.28%) of elevated vWF levels (> 160%) out 390 pregnant women. The levels of factor VIII (FVIII) varied in parallel in a significant way (p < 0.001) with the levels of vWF (Pearson's r 0,597). The distribution of the ABO blood groups has had an influence on the level of vWF with a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the four groups: the lowest average level in the group O (188,54±57,02), followed by group A (203,19±54,46), then group AB (219±38,95) and finally group B (221,15±48,63). Our results confirm on the one hand an elevation of the levels of vWF during pregnancy and on the other hand the influence of ABO blood group on the levels of vWF.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant and Anti-Hyperglycemic Activities of Moroccan Oat Cultivars.

Improvement of oat lines via introgression is an important process for food biochemical functionality. This work aims to evaluate the protective effect of phenolic compounds from hybrid Oat line (F11-5) and its parent (Amlal) on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and to establish the possible mechanisms of antidiabetic activity by digestive enzyme inhibition. Eight phenolic acids were quantified in our samples including ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic, caffeic, salicylic, syringic, sinapic, p-coumaric and chlorogenic acids. The Oat extract (2000 mg/kg) ameliorated the glucose tolerance, decreased Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) and oxidative stress markers, including Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione (GSH) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat liver and kidney. Furthermore, Metformin and Oat intake prevented anxiety, hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis in diabetic rats. In vivo anti-hyperglycemic effect of Oat extracts has been confirmed by their inhibitory activities on α-amylase (723.91 µg/mL and 1027.14 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (1548.12 µg/mL & 1803.52 µg/mL) enzymes by mean of a mixed inhibition.

[Epidemiological profile of hemoglobinopathies: a cross-sectional and descriptive index case study]. / Profil épidémiologique des hémoglobinopathies: étude transversale descriptive autour du cas index.

Hemoglobinopathies are congenital disorders resultimg from hemoglobin abnormalities. Major forms are often severe, their management is difficult and associated with a great psychosocial impact on patients and their families. They are classified as rare diseases and are still insufficiently known by health professionals. This lack of knowledge is at the origin of diagnostic errors, delay in their management and therefore high morbidity and mortality rate for these patients. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published data on hemoglobinopathies epidemiology: more than 330.000 cases of hemoglobinopathy occur each year (83% of cases of sickle cell anemia, 17 % of cases of thalassemia). Hemoglobin disorders are responsible for approximately 3.4% of deaths among people under the age of 5. At the global level, approximately 7% of pregnant women would be carriers of a form of thalassemia and 1% of couples are at risk. However, they are relatively frequent in some regions of the globe where consanguineous marriages are common. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study based on two surveys, the first in May 2015 and the second in June of the same year. It was performed in the immunization days to deliver pneumococcal vaccine to the index cases and it was aimed to describe the epidemiological features of families at risk of hemoglobinopathies (index case study), whose index cases were treated in the Department of Pediatrics at the Provincial Hospital El Idrisi, Kenitra, Morocco. After having collected the epidemiological data from patients, laboratory tests were performed including: blood count with red blood cells morphological assessment using the MGG assay and automatic numbering of reticulocytes; hemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH (8.8) and then at acid pH (5.4) on agarose gel and densitometric integration. 275 patients had laboratory profiles compatible with hemoglobinopathy. The majority of these patients were born to consanguineous marriages (83.1%) and came from the north regions of Morocco. This family survey allowed to identify families at risk with a high frequency of sickle cell anemia. Our results confirm the existence of hemoglobinopathies variants among Moroccan population.

[Epidemiological, clinical, cytologic and immunophenotypic aspects of acute leukemia in children: the experience at the hematology laboratory of IBN SINA University Hospital Center]. / Aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, cytologiques et immunophénotypiques des leucémies aiguës chez les enfants: expérience du laboratoire d'hématologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire IBN Sina.

The aim of this study was to describe epidemiological, cytologic and immunophenotypic aspects of acute leukemias (AL) in children diagnosed at IBN SINA University Hospital Center and to determine the concordance between cytology and immunophenotyping results. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the hematology laboratory of IBN SINA University Hospital Center between June 2012 and May 2014. Among the 104 cases with diagnosed AL, 52% were boys with a sex-ratio H/F= 1.32, the average age was 5.7 years. The distribution of different types of AL was: lymphoid AL (LAL) (74%), myeloid (AML) (20.2%), biphenotypic AL (BAL) (65.8%). Among the LALs, 78% were classified as B LAL and 22% as T LAL. Clinical signs were mainly presented with tumor syndrome (73.1%), fever (61%) and hemorrhagic syndrome (50%). The most common blood count abnormalities were: thrombopenia (89.4%), anemia (86.5%), hyperleukocytosis (79.8%). The rate of peripheral and bone marrow blasts was statistically higher for LAL than for AML and BAL (p <0.001). The rate of relapse and mortality was 21.2% and 16. 3% respectively. Concordance rate between the results of cytology and of immunophenotyping was 92.7% for LAL and 82.6% for AML. Diagnosis of AL is always based primarily on cytology. Immunophenotyping allowed us to make a better distinction between acute leukemias. The management of paediatric AL is a major health problem which requires specialized care centers.