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The inhabitants of Morocco and particularly of the province of Sefrou use traditional medicine based on aromatic and medicinal plants to treat many diseases such as digestive and respiratory problems, and skin burns Unfortunately, there are very few botanical studies on medicinal and aromatic plants used to treat skin burns in Morocco, especially in the province of Sefrou. This study describes the traditional practice of treating skin burns with medicinal plants in six cities of the province of Sefrou for future pharmacological validation. The survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire in the province of Sefrou in the period of September 2020 and October 2022 which contains information on the plant, their family, and the method of preparation, and method of use. It was found that Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the two most preferred families by the participants surveyed for the treatment of dermatological problems. The most used medicinal plants are Allium cepa, Curcuma longa, Eryngium tricuspidatum, Ricinus communis, Mentha pelugium, Origanum compactum. It was found that the leaves are the most frequently used part of the plant with a percentage of 52%, followed by the whole plant with 26%. In most treatments, the powder is sprinkled directly on the burn. The study has documented the plants that are found in the province of Sefrou use to treat skin burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health status of cold-water coral reefs on the West African coast was investigated with the main objective of obtaining knowledge of the adaptive capacity of Lophelia pertusa to environmental stressors. Three coral sites were studied, in Northern Morocco, in the Morocco/Mauritania region (both in 2020) and, in the Ghana and Ivory coast region (visited in 2012, 2017, and 2019). Area cover of live colonies, explored through underwater videos, was used as an indicator of reef health and compared with the environmental variables: reef position, depth, water mass, temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), carbonate chemistry (pH, aragonite saturation (ΩAr), macronutrients and particles (visual). For a broader picture of the adaptations presented by Lophelia our results were compared with reefs in contrasting environments. Off Ghana and Mauritania healthy reefs (i.e., having areas with more than 20 % cover of live colonies) were found to reside at DO concentrations between 1.1 and 1.6 ml L−1, in corrosive waters (pH 7.7 and ΩAr 1.0) with high nutrient concentrations. By contrast, the reefs off the North of Morocco, sitting in well-oxygenated waters with oversaturated ΩAr, had no or few live colonies. Our findings together with data from other studies show that Lophelia has a wide tolerance to hypoxia and acidification, and that in relation to climate change increased temperature and silting could pose more serious threats. These findings highlight the importance of continued studies of Lophelia reefs in contrasting environmental conditions to better understand their adaptation potential to climate change-related stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify the bacteria nodulating Sulla spinosissima growing profusely in a lead and zinc mine tailings in Eastern Morocco. Methods and Results: In all, 32 rhizobial cultures, isolated from root nodules of S. spinosissima growing in soils of the mining site, were tolerant to different heavy metals. The ERIC‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fingerprinting analysis clustered the isolates into seven different groups, and the analysis of the 16S rRNA sequences of four selected representative strains, showed they were related to different species of the genus Mesorhizobium. The atpD, glnII and recA housekeeping genes analysis confirmed the affiliation of the four representative strains to Mesorhizobium camelthorni CCNWXJ40‐4T, with similarity percentages varying from 96·30 to 98·30%. The sequences of the nifH gene had 97·33–97·78% similarities with that of M. camelthorni CCNWXJ40‐4T; however, the nodC phylogeny of the four strains diverged from the type and other reference strains of M. camelthorni and formed a separated cluster. The four strains nodulate also Astragalus gombiformis and A. armatus but did not nodulate A. boeticus, Vachellia gummifera, Prosopis chilensis, Cicer arietinum, Lens culinaris, Medicago truncatula, Lupinus luteus or Phaseolus vulgaris. Conclusions: Based on similarities of the nodC symbiotic gene and differences in the host range, the strains isolated from S. spinosissima growing in soils of the Sidi Boubker mining site may form a different symbiovar within Mesorhizobium for which the name aridi is proposed. Significance and Impact of the Study: In this work, we show that strains of M. camelthorni species nodulating S. spinosissima in the arid area of Eastern Morocco constitute a distinct phylogenetic clade of nodulation genes; we named symbiovar aridi, which encompasses also mesorhizobia from other Mediterranean desert legumes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To analyse the diversity of nodule‐forming bacteria isolated from Lupinus cosentinii naturally grown in the Maamora cork oak forest (Rabat, Morocco). Methods and Results: Of the 31 bacterial strains, four were selected based on their REP‐PCR fingerprinting that were studied by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of their 16S rRNA, gyrB, dnaK, recA and rpoB housekeeping genes as well as the nodC symbiotic gene. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence of the four representative strains showed that they are related to Tunisian strains of genus Microvirga isolated from L. micranthus with nucleotide identity values ranging from 98·67 to 97·13%. The single and concatenated sequences of the 16S rRNA, gyrB, dnaK, recA and rpoB housekeeping genes indicated that the L. cosentinii‐isolated strains had 99·2–99·9% similarities with the Tunisian L. micranthus microsymbionts. The nodC gene phylogeny revealed that the Moroccan strains clustered in the newly described mediterranense symbiovar, and nodulation tests showed that they nodulated not only L. cosentinii but also L. angustifolius, L. luteus and L. albus. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning the isolation, molecular identification and phylogenetic diversity of L. cosentinii nodule‐forming endosymbionts and of their description as members of the Microvirga genus. Significance and Impact of the Study: In this work, we show that Microvirga sp. can be isolated from root nodules of wild‐grown L. cosentinii in Northeast Africa, that selected strains also nodulate L. angustifolius, L. luteus and L. albus, and that they belong to symbiovar mediterranense. In addition, our data support that the ability of Microvirga to nodulate lupines could be related to the soil pH, its geographical distribution being more widespread than expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild truffle is a recognized nutrient-rich food considered to have a high nutritional value in many countries worldwide. However, information on its nutritious values and phytochemical composition is very limited. The objective of this paper is to determine the nutrient value and the content of the most common anti-nutrients in edible mushroom (Tirmania pinoyi) from the eastern region of Morocco using standard methods. The results revealed that the energetical value is about (651 kcal/kg, fresh mass), Moisture (81.5 g/100 g, fresh mass), total carbohydrate (64.74 g/100g, dry mass), Crude protein (26.96 g/100g, dry mass), Crude fat (3.01 g/100g, dry mass), Ash (5.28g/100g, dry mass), insoluble ash (0.0047g/100g, dry mass) and dietary fiber (13.3 g/100g, dry mass). Copper was the most abundant trace element with a concentration of 65.3 mg/Kg dry mass. Cyanide, oxalate, mercury and arsenic were absent. Some of the risk elements, namely cadmium and lead were significantly lower in mushroom compared to their toxic levels according to World Health Organization's safe limits. These results suggest that the truffles analyzed represent a significant source of nutrients and are safe for consumption. A significant presence of saponins and steroids was also shown and indicates potential therapeutic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Infantile visceral leishmaniasis (IVL), or Kala Azar, is a parasitic disease caused by the proliferation of a protozoan parasite Leishmania in the reticulo-histiocyte system. It is characterized by its geographical distribution most frequently in the Mediterranean area, India, East Africa and South America. In Morocco, during these last years, we are witnessing a significant recrudescence mainly in young child. The authors performed a retrospective study of 209 cases of visceral leishmaniasis admitted to the service of pediatrics at the University Hospital of Fez (CHU Hassan II) during a six-year period from January 1998 to December 2004. The average age of our patients is 3.7 years and boys are more affected (sex-ratio=1.45) 90% of the cases come from the suburbs of Fez, primarily from Taounate. The average time of consultation is 2.26 months. The main reasons are abdominal distension (68%), fever (94.5%) and the paleness (50%); rarely a hemorrhagic syndrome (8.5%). The clinical examination shows anaemia in 90% of the cases, fever in 92.6% of the cases and splenomegaly in 97.66% of the cases. The diagnosis is confirmed by the myelogram and the serology of leishmaniasis in 91.3% of the cases. Average diagnosis time is eight days. The identification of the parasite is achieved in collaboration with the Pasteur Institute of Casablanca and Leishmania infantum zymodeme-1 is detected in 100% of the cases. The treatment is based on glucantime at the dose of 80 to 100 mg/kg per day during 21 to 30 days and is efficient in 95.57% of the cases. We deplored six deaths which occurred due to malnutrition and probably in association with a macrophage activation syndrome. Infantile visceral leishmaniasis is the most frequent zoonosis in Morocco. Fez and its suburbs are an area of high endemicity. Its eradication must initially be based on improving socioeconomic conditions as well as fighting against malnutrition, which is a risk factor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Casablanca–Mohammedia coast shows forms of littoral erosion, characterized by narrowing of the sandy beaches and retreat of rock cliffs. The regressive evolution of this littoral sector is linked to the strong intensity of the hydrodynamics factors controlling the distribution of the coastal sediments, amplified by the anthropic activity. Indeed, the comparison of the shoreline of this coastal zone, from air photographs taken in 1962 and 1986, showed a general tendency for retreat in the majority of beaches of this zone. Beaches showing the most recession are localized near zones with many coastal installations (north-east and south-west sections), in the vicinity of the Casablanca and Mohammedia harbours. The rate of narrowing of these beaches was estimated at 0.9m/year. However, beaches located in the central section, far from the developed zones, show some stability due to sediment exchanges with the adjacent dunes. The study of the seasonal variations of the profiles of the beaches, realized according to detailed surveying during 2001–2002, showed impoverishment in sediment in the majority of the beaches. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An approach for non-linear projection of multidimensional data is discussed with application to remotely sensed imagery. The approach uses a multi-layer neural network in auto-associative mode with an improved updating rule, based on a conjugate gradient. To evaluate the usefulness of the proposed approach, we used the maximum likelihood classifier applied to a Landsat TM image of Kénitra region (Morocco). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: L’incidence de la maladie cœliaque reste sous estimée dans notre contexte, vu la grande fréquence des cas peu ou asymptomatiques. Objectif: Mettre en exergue la fréquence de cette affection au niveau de la région centre nord du Maroc. Matériel et Méthodes: C’est une étude rétrospective sur une période de 6 ans et 6 mois (octobre 2002 au mois d’avril 2009). Résultats: Sur une série de 412 biopsies jéjunales réalisées pendant cette période, 160 cas de maladie cœliaque confirmée ont été recensés. L’âge de nos patients allait de 8 mois à 16 ans (âge moyen de 8,3 ans). Le sexe féminin est retrouvé dans 103 cas. La clinique est dominée par le RSP qui est presque constant, suivi de la diarrhée chronique et de l’anémie résistante au traitement habituel. Certaines biopsies ont été réalisées devant la notion de maladie auto-immune associée ou d’ATCD de maladie cœliaque dans la fratrie. Les anticorps anti-endomysium réalisés dans 43 cas sont positifs dans 38. Les antigliadines sont réalisés dans 24 cas et sont positifs pour les IgG et les IgA dans 19 cas. Conclusion: La maladie cœliaque est une pathologie assez fréquente chez nous. Il parait parfois intéressant d’y penser même devant des signes peu évocateurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-eight reference strains, 79 rhizobia isolated from Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek), 26 strains isolated from root nodules of Ceratonia siliqua (carob tree), 30 strains isolated from nodules of Adenocarpus decorticans and five isolated from Cytisus arboreus root nodules, were screened for their tolerance to increased concentrations of NaCl. Nine isolates of fenugreek were able to grow on medium containing 10% NaCl and one strain still grew at 14%. The effect of a range of salts at 2·5 and 5% (w/v) on the growth of rhizobia was assessed and it was shown that this effect depended on the ion form and the strains used. In general, NaCl appeared to be a good indicator of the tolerance of the strains to salts. The concentrations of the salts used were high and even at 5%, growth was not completely arrested in the less tolerant strains. Some substances, such as glutamate, proline, glycine betaine and CaCl2, were tested as osmotica. The effect of the two amino acids and betaine was confirmed with all the strains used whereas the alleviating effect of CaCl2 was not observed in all strains. This salt had different effects on two isolates of fenugreek. These results revealed a great diversity in salt tolerance, correlated with different responses to other stress conditions, which may be due to diversity in microbial ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, infiltrates the human body by binding to the ACE2 receptor in the respiratory system cell membranes, leading to severe lung tissue damage. An analog of ACE2, ACE1, has gained attention due to its well-known Deletion/Insertion (D/I) polymorphism, which seems to be associated with COVID-19 outcomes. This study aims to reveal the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the rs4646994 polymorphism in the Moroccan population and investigate the association between COVID-19 outcomes and both genotypic and demographic data., Methods and Results: We screened 162 Moroccan COVID-19 patients for the ACE1 gene D/I polymorphism using PCR amplification of the ACE1 polymorphic region within intron 16. Statistical analysis of the relationship between COVID-19 outcomes and each of the genetic and demographic data was performed using R software. The D allele was present in 74% of subjects. Homozygous (II) and heterozygous (DI) genotypes for the Insertion allele were present in 41.4% and 5.6% of patients, respectively. The median age in the COVID-19 'critical symptoms' category was significantly higher and gradually decreased with less severe symptoms. Similarly, males were significantly overrepresented in the 'critical symptoms' category, while females predominated in the 'mild symptoms' category., Conclusions: The present study reports the prevalence of ACE1 D/I alleles for the first time in the Moroccan population and confirms the strong association of severe COVID-19 outcomes with male sex and older age. Moreover, this work is the first to explore the relationship between ACE1 D/I polymorphism and COVID-19 clinical outcomes in North African adults. The lack of a significant association may be due to cohort size or population-specific factors. A comprehensive investigation in a larger North African cohort is highly recommended., Competing Interests: Declarations. Ethical approval: This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Fez’s Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry under reference [Ref. 07/21]. Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all participants included in the study. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI), such as Imatinib, are known for their effectiveness in achieving complete remission from Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a malignancy caused by a reciprocal translocation between the terminal fragments of the long arms of chromosomes 9 and 22 that leads to the famous chimeric BCR::ABL1 gene. Mutations in this fusion gene may induce resistance to TKI treatment, which requires prescribing a second-, or third-generation TKI medication. We report here a case of a Moroccan CML patient with secondary resistance to the frontline TKI treatment (Imatinib), in which, BCR::ABL1 cDNA sequencing reveals the novel mutation p.K375M at the ABL1 Kinase Domain. In-silico prediction tools confirm the pathogenicity of the p.K375M substitution. Homology analysis indicated that the residue is highly conserved and located in a stable region. This potentially pathogenic mutation is likely to disrupt the BCR::ABL1-Imatinib binding, leading to the observed resistance. To overcome the treatment resistance, Imatinib should be substituted with a second-generation TKI medication, such as Dasatinib, Bosutinib, or Nilotinib. The present study further widens the spectrum of TKI resistance mutations and emphasizes particularly the crucial role of molecular investigation in personalizing treatment for CML patients, ensuring efficient follow-up and appropriate healthcare., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe forms marked by acute respiratory distress syndrome, multi-organ damage, and fatalities. Studies indicate a correlation between specific genes and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity, particularly involving variants in genes linked to inflammation and immune responses. The objective of this study is to investigate the association between rs1800795 (- 174 G > C) and rs1800797 (- 597 A > G) variants in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter region and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, we aim to explore their correlation with COVID-19 severity in a Moroccan population. In this case-control study, we enrolled 270 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients, consisting of 132 with severe COVID-19 and 138 with asymptomatic-moderate COVID-19. Additionally, we included 339 SARS-CoV-2-negative group. Genotyping of rs1800795 and rs1800797 polymorphisms of the IL-6 gene was performed using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping. The median age of SARS-CoV-2-negative controls was 50 years, while severe COVID-19 cases exhibited a median age of 61 years. Additionally, individuals with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19 had a median age of 36 years. We observed a significant age difference between severe and mild COVID-19 patients (p < 0.0001), and an association was noted between gender and the severity of COVID-19 (p = 0.011). The allele and genotype frequencies of the IL-6 - 597G > A and - 174G > C variants did not show significant associations with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection (p > 0.05). However, further analysis revealed that the linkage disequilibrium between rs1800797 and rs1800795 indicated that individuals with the GC* haplotype (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01-0.30, p = 0.001) and AG* haplotype (OR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.03-0.46, p = 0.002) were significantly associated with protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, in the overdominant model, the IL-6 - 174 G/C genotype was found to be protective against the development of severe disease compared to those with the G/G-C/C genotypes (p = 0.03; OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18-0.96). However, correlations between complete blood count markers, hematological markers, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and ferritin levels according to - 597 A > G and - 174G > C genotypes showed no significant differences (all p > 0.05). Our findings provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-19, suggesting that genetic variations at the IL-6 gene may contribute to the susceptibility to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection within the Moroccan population., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Assessing the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity through population-based serological surveys is crucial for monitoring COVID-19 vaccination efforts. In this study, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG positivity within a provincial cohort to understand the magnitude of the humoral response against the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and to inform evidence-based public health decisions. A community-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted, involving 10,669 participants who received various vaccines (two doses for BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm, Covishield vaccine, and Pfizer/BioNTech, and one dose for Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine). The study spanned 16 provinces in the Casablanca-Settat region from February to June 2022, during which comprehensive demographic and comorbidity data were collected. We screened samples for the presence of IgG antibodies using the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant assay, which quantifies antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein, measured on the Abbott Architect i2000SR. The overall crude seroprevalence was 96% (95% CI: 95.6-96.3%), and after adjustment for assay performance, it was estimated as 96.2% (95% CI: 95.7-96.6). The adjusted overall seroprevalences according to vaccine brands showed no significant difference (96% for BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm, 97% for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/Oxford/AstraZeneca, 98.5% for BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech, and 98% for Janssen) (p = 0.099). Participants of older age, female sex, those with a history of previous COVID-19 infection, and those with certain chronic diseases were more likely to be seropositive among ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/Oxford/AstraZeneca and BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm vaccinee groups. Median RBD antibody concentrations were 2355 AU/mL, 3714 AU/mL, 5838 AU/mL, and 2495 AU/mL, respectively, after two doses of BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/Oxford/AstraZeneca, BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech, and after one dose of Janssen (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, we observed that participants vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/Oxford/AstraZeneca and BBIBP-CorV/Sinopharm with comorbid chronic diseases exhibited a more pronounced response to vaccination compared to those without comorbidities. In contrast, no significant differences were observed among Pfizer-vaccinated participants (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our serosurvey findings indicate that all four investigated vaccines provide a robust humoral immune response in the majority of participants (more than 96% of participants had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2). The BNT162b2 vaccine was found to be effective in eliciting a strong humoral response compared to the other three vaccines. However, challenges still remain in examining the dynamics and durability of immunoprotection in the Moroccan context., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The Moroccan endemic Vachellia gummifera grows wild under extreme desert conditions. This plant could be used as an alternative fodder for goats, and camels, in order to protect the Argan forests against overgrazing in Central and Southwestern Moroccan semiarid areas. With the aim to improve the V. gummifera population's density in semiarid areas, we proposed its inoculation with performing plant growth-promoting bacteria. Hence, 500 bacteria were isolated from the plant rhizosphere. From these, 291 isolates were retained for plant growth-promoting (PGP) activities assessment. A total of 44 isolates showed the best phosphates solubilization potential, as well as siderophore and auxin production. The combination of REP-PCR (repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain reaction) fingerprinting, PGP activities, and phenotypic properties, allowed the selection of three strains for the inoculation experiments. The three selected strains' 16S rRNA sequencing showed that they are members of the Enterobacter and Pseudomonas genera. The inoculation with three strains had diverse effects on V. gummifera growth parameters. All single and combined inoculations improved the plant shoot weight by more than 200%, and the root length by up to 139%, while some combinations further improved protein and chlorophyll content, thereby improving the plant's forage value. The three selected strains constitute an effective inoculum for use in the arid and semiarid zones of southern Morocco., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of FEMS.)

Background: Mining activity in the Touissit district of Eastern Morocco has led to an unprecedented accumulation of heavy metals, mainly lead and zinc, in the tailing ponds of the open-air mines. This poses a real danger to both the environment and local population., Objectives: The goal of this work was to characterize the Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) isolated from the rhizosphere soil of R. pseudoacacia plants grown wild in the abandoned Pb- and Zn-contaminated tailing ponds in the mining district of Touissit, in Eastern Morocco., Main Results: One hundred bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) plants growing naturally in the Touissit mine tailings. Quantitative determination of indole-acetic and siderophores production, inorganic phosphate solubilization, hydrolysis of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC deaminase activity), and ability to act as a biocontrol agent allowed selection of the 3 strains, 7MBT, 17MBT and 84MBT with improved PGP properties. The three strains grew well in the presence of high concentration of Pb-acetate and ZnCl 2; and the addition of Pb or Zn to the culture medium differently affected the PGP properties analyzed., Novelty Statement: Inoculation of black locust grown with the 3 selected strains, in the presence 1000 μg ml -1 of Pb-acetate, produced varying effects on the plant dry weight. The strain 84MBT alone or in combination with strains 7MBT and 17MBT increased significantly the dry weight of the plants by 91, 62, and 85% respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of each strain showed that the strains 7MBT 17MBT and 84MBT had 99.34, 100, and had 99.72% similarity with Priestia endophytica (formerly B. endophyticus), B. pumilus NBRC 12092 T , and B. halotolerans NBRC 15718 T , respectively., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this work was to characterize and identify some bacteria isolated from the root nodules of Retama monosperma grown in Sidi Boubker lead and zinc mine tailings. Very few root nodules were obtained on the root nodules of R. monosperma grown in these soils. The three bacteria isolated from the root nodules were tolerant in vitro to different concentrations of heavy metals, including lead and zinc. The rep-PCR experiments showed that the three isolates have different molecular fingerprints and were considered as three different strains. The analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences proved their affiliation to the genus Bradyrhizobium. The analysis and phylogeny of the housekeeping genes atpD, glnII, gyrB, recA, and rpoB confirmed that the closest species was B. valentinum with similarity percentages of 95.61 to 95.82%. The three isolates recovered from the root nodules were slow-growing rhizobia capable to renodulate their original host plant in the presence of Pb-acetate. They were able to nodulate R. sphaerocarpa and Lupinus luteus also but not Glycine max or Phaseolus vulgaris. The phylogeny of the nodA and nodC nodulation genes as well as the nifH gene of the three strains showed that they belong to the symbiovar retamae of the genus Bradyrhizobium. The three strains isolated could be considered for use as inoculum for Retama plants before use in phytoremediation experiments.

In the Moroccan Middle Atlas, the tailings rich in lead and other metal residues, in the abandoned Zaida mining district, represent a real threat to environment and the neighboring villages' inhabitants' health. In this semi-arid to arid area, phytostabilisation would be the best choice to limit the transfer of heavy metals to populations and groundwater. The aim of this work was to characterize the bacteria that nodulate Retama sphaerocarpa, spontaneous nitrogen fixing shrubby legume, native to the Zaida mining area, with great potential to develop for phytostabilisation. Forty-three bacteria isolated from root nodules of the plant were characterized. Based on REP-PCR and ARDRA, four strains were selected for further molecular analyzes. The 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis revealed that the isolated strains are members of the genus Bradyrhizobium, and the phylogenetic analysis of the housekeeping genes glnII, atpD, gyrB, rpoB, recA and dnaK individual sequences and their concatenation showed that the strains are close to B. algeriense RST89 T and B. valentinum LmjM3 T with similarity percentages of 89.07% to 95.66% which suggest that the newly isolated strains from this mining site may belong to a potential novel species. The phylogeny of the nodA and nodC genes showed that the strains belong to the symbiovar retamae of the genus Bradyrhizobium. These strains nodulate also R. monosperma, R. dasycarpa and Lupinus luteus., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

In this work, we analyzed the diversity of seventy-six bacteria isolated from Pea and faba bean nodules in two regions of Morocco. The molecular diversity was realized using the analysis of the sequences of 16S rRNA and six housekeeping genes (recA, glnII, atpD, dnaK, rpoB and gyrB) and two symbiotic genes (nodA and nodC). The phylogeny of the 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that all strains belong to the genus Rhizobium, being related to the type strains of R. leguminosarum, R. laguerreae, R. indigoferae, R. anhuiense and R. acidisoli. The housekeeping genes phylogenies showed that some strains formed a subclade distinct from the rhizobial species that usually nodulate Vicia faba and Pisum sativum which are closely related to R. acidisoli FH23 with sequence similarity of 98.3%. Analysis of the PGPR activities of the different isolates showed that the strains related to R. laguerreae were able to solubilize phosphates and to produce siderophores and auxin phytohormone. However, R. acidisoli strain F40D2 was unable to solubilize phosphates although they produce siderophores and IAA. The phylogenetic analysis of the nodA and nodC sequences showed that all isolated strains were closely related with the strains of symbiovar viciae. The nodulation tests confirmed the ability to nodulate V. faba and P. sativum but not Cicer arietinum or Phaseolus vulgaris. Hence, in Morocco P. sativum is nodulated by R. laguerreae; whereas V. faba is nodulated by R. laguerreae and the symbiovar viciae of R. acidisoli which has been not previously described in this species., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this work was to study the genetic diversity of the nodule-forming bacteria associated with native populations of Vachellia gummifera growing wild in Morocco. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences from three selected strains, following ARDRA and REP-PCR results, revealed they were members of the genus Ensifer and the sequencing of the housekeeping genes recA, gyrB, dnaK and rpoB, and their concatenated phylogenetic analysis, showed that the 3 strains belong to the species E. fredii. Based on the nodC and nodA phylogenies, the 3 strains clearly diverged from the type and other reference strains of E. fredii and formed a clearly separated cluster. The strains AGA1, AGA2 and AGB23 did not form nodules on Glycine max, Phaseolus vulgaris and Medicago truncatula, and effectively nodulated V. gummifera, Acacia cyanophylla, Prosopis chilensis and Leucaena leucocephala. Based on similarities of the nodC and nodA symbiotic genes and differences in the host range, the strains isolated from Moroccan endemic V. gummifera may form a different symbiovar within Ensifer species, for which the name "vachelliae" is proposed., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Astragalus algarbiensis is a wild herbaceous legume growing in Maamora, the most important cork oak forest in northern Africa. It is a plant of great importance as fodder in silvopastoral systems, and in the restoration of poor and degraded soils. The purpose of this study was to describe the biodiversity of rhizobia nodulating this plant and determine their identity. Out of 80 bacterial isolates, 56 strains isolated from root nodules of A. algarbiensis were characterized. ERIC-PCR fingerprinting grouped the strains in two main clusters containing 29 and 27 isolates, respectively, and the amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) generated two different ribotypes. Based on both the ERIC-PCR and ARDRA results, representative strains As21 and As36 were selected for further genetic studies. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequences of As21 and As36 showed that they were closely related to Bradyrhizobium cytisi CTAW11 T with similarity values of 99.84% and 99.77%, respectively. Concatenation of atpD, recA, gyrB and dnaK housekeeping gene sequences indicated that strains As21 and As36 had a 95.22% similarity but they showed values of 95.80% and 94.97% with B. cytisi CTAW11 T , respectively. The sequencing of the symbiotic nodC gene of the two strains revealed 97.20% and 97.76% identities, respectively, with that of B. cytisi CTAW11 T isolated from Cytisus villosus growing in the Moroccan Rif Mountains. Furthermore, the phylogenic analysis showed that the strains isolated from A. algarbiensis clustered with B. cytisi and B. rifense within the bradyrhizobia genistearum symbiovar and may constitute two novel genospecies., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) plays a crucial role in the innate immune response against viral infections. The failure of this system may result, in an attenuated immune response against HBV. Recent research has focused on the possibility of targeting the defects in TLR9 pathway as a novel approach for anti-HBV treatment. Our study aimed to assess the impact of both TLR9 rs5743836 and rs187084 polymorphisms on spontaneous HBV clearance in Moroccan chronic HBV carriers., Methods: In this study, 239 individuals chronically infected with HBV (CHB) and 133 subjects who spontaneously resolved the infection (SRB) were genotyped using a Taqman allelic discrimination assay., Results/conclusion: Remarkably, we observed a dosage effect of both SNPs on viral loads; with a significant increase of circulating HBV DNA within AA, AG to GG rs5743836 genotypes, whereas the inverse phenomenon was noticed within rs187084 genotypes. There were no consistent association between TLR9 polymorphisms and spontaneous clearance of HBV, however, a significant association was observed between rs187084 AA genotype and HBV progression to advanced liver disease. Further studies on larger populations might be necessary to understand the modulating effect of TLR9 polymorphisms on HBV loads that remain a viral factor of paramount importance to predict HCC development., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The outcomes of HBV and HCV infections are associated both with viral and host genetic factors. Here, we explore the role of a genetic variation located in membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 7 (MBOAT7) gene on spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV infections and on liver fibrosis. We genotyped MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism in 971 consecutive Moroccan subjects, including 288 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), 98 cases with spontaneous clearance of HCV, 268 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 126 spontaneously cleared HBV infections and 191 healthy controls. MBOAT7 rs641738 variant is not associated with spontaneous clearance of HBV (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.39-1.14; p = 0.131) and HCV infections (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.79-2.23; p = 0.278). Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for biologically relevant covariates and potential confounders associated with the risk of liver disease progression revealed that MBOAT7 rs641738 is not associated either with fibrosis progression in CHC group (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.55-2.28; p = 0.761) or with chronic progressive state in CHB patients (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.41-1.61; p = 0.547). We conclude that the variant MBOAT7 rs641738 genotype is not associated with spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV infections or with the progression of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B or C in a genetic context of Mediterranean patients.

Rotarix(TM) vaccine was introduced into the National Program of Immunization of Morocco in October 2010, reaching quickly 87% of the target population of children nationally. The incidence of rotavirus gastroenteritis and the prevalence of circulating rotavirus strains has been monitored in three sentinel hospitals since June 2006. The average percentage of rotavirus positive cases among all children under 5 years old hospitalized for gastroenteritis during the pre-vaccine period (2006-2010) was 44%. This percentage dropped to 29%, 15% and 24% in the 3 years post vaccine introduction (2011, 2012 and 2013), which is a decline of 34%, 66%, and 45%, respectively. Declines in prevalence were greatest among children 0-1 years of age (53%) and were most prominent during the winter and autumn rotavirus season. The prevalence of the G2P[4] and G9P[8] genotype sharply increased in the post vaccine period (2011-2013) compared to the previous seasons (2006-2010). Rotavirus vaccines have reduced greatly the number of children hospitalized due to rotavirus infection at the three sentinel hospitals; it is however unclear if the predominance of G2P[4] and G9P[8] genotypes is related to the vaccine introduction, or if this is attributable to normal genotype fluctuations. Continued surveillance will be pivotal to answer this question in the future., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Polyphasic characterization of 61 bacteria isolated from root nodules of Medicago arborea (Medic tree) plants growing in 4 arid soils of the arid eastern area of Morocco was studied. All the isolates characterized were fast growers. The phenotypic, symbiotic, and cultural characteristics analyzed allowed the description of a broad physiological diversity among the isolates. The results obtained suggest that the phenotype of these rhizobia might have evolved to adapt to the local conditions. The genetic characterization consisted of an analysis of the rep-PCR (repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction) fingerprints and a PCR-based RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) of the 16S rDNA patterns. The diversity of the isolates was investigated by rep-PCR, giving a similarity of 62%, delineated into 3 clusters, 4 groups, and 6 subclusters. This wide diversity was also observed by a phenotypic approach, where the carbohydrate assimilation test was the most discriminating. The results show a relationship between rep-PCR fingerprinting and sugar assimilation, which are complementary in diversity investigation. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence from representative strains of each soil showed they are closely related to members of the genus Ensifer of the family Rhizobiaceae within the Alphaproteobacteria and shows the highest similitude values (99.93%/100%) with Ensifer meliloti LMG 6133(T) (X67222). Sequencing of the symbiotic nodC gene from 7 representative strains revealed they had 94.89% identity with the nodC sequence of the type strain E. meliloti LMG 6133(T) (EF428922). Therefore, the 61 M. arborea isolates from the 4 different soils have the same phylogenetic affiliation, which proves the restricted host specificity among M. arborea species.

Progressive visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal if not treated; yet, most infections with the causative agents are asymptomatic. We hypothesized that genetic factors contribute to this variable response to infection. The mannose-binding lectin 2 gene (MBL2) is a candidate that merits examination in the context of VL because it enhances infection with intracellular pathogens. Four functional MBL2 polymorphisms at codons 52, 54, 57 and in the promoter at the -221 position (X/Y) are known to be associated with the outcome of several diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether these functional variants were associated with VL in Moroccan children. Here, we genotyped polymorphisms by sequencing and PCR-RFLP in 112 individuals with VL, 97 asymptomatic subjects and 42 healthy individuals who had no evidence of present or past infection. Regression analysis showed no significant association between polymorphisms in exon 1 genotypes and outcome of infection with Leishmania infantum. However, the genotype XY in -221 conferred a protective role against VL in our study population with a significant difference (OR=0.291; CI [0.158-0.538]; p=0.0006). Subjects with YY genotypes in -221 had a higher risk to developing VL. We concluded that MBL2 polymorphism at the -221 promoter region plays a protective role in L. infantum infection., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Atlantic coast in mice. Preliminary studies showed that seawater contains heavy metals from domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes. Marine bivalves concentrate these pollutants by filtration and serve as vectors in human exposure. The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of heavy metals; cadmium (Cd); chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected in two coastal sites; Jorf Lasfar (JL) (neighbouring a phosphate processing platform) and Oualidia (OL) (a vegetable growing area) located at 120 and 190 km south of Casablanca, respectively. Another objective was to test and compare the toxicity of these mussels on mice. The results indicated the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, and Pb) in mussels at different concentrations, depending on the collection period. Higher concentrations were obtained at JL than at OL: for example, Cd concentrations were 80 +/- 15 to 199 +/- 28 versus 23 +/- 5 microg/g mussel dry weight, respectively. Cramming with mussel powder did not increase Cd, Cr, or Pb concentration in either liver or kidneys of treated mice. The relative kidney weights were reduced. Increased glucose urea was observed in animals' urine. Treatment with mussels from OL induced significant reduction (20%) in mice body weight, together with an increase in creatinuria. These results indicate that mussels collected from OL are more harmful than those obtained from JL are. All these mussels should not be recommended for human consumption.

The authors describe two case reports involving Moroccan patients that illustrate the essence of Existence in both health and illness. The principle is universal but there are cultural aspects. However such differences do not prevent management by caretakers from different cultures: other people are not like me but they are not so different except in societies based on deep racial segregation. As shown by our two patients, symptoms are but a mask. The manifestation is somatic in name only and depends on psychic experience. Manifestations cover neurotic conflicts. Cultural aspects can be misleading but the origin is guilt, the common factor for everyone.