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Environmental concerns are gradually reducing the global yield capacity of agricultural systems, with climate change representing the most significant challenge. Globally, Potatoes are the most essential non-cereal crop. Therefore, understanding the potential impacts of climate change on potato production is crucial for maintaining future global food security. This study aims to explore the roles played by PGPMs in two distinct regions, which are characterized by different climatic conditions, to assess their influence on two potato varieties, namely Siena and Bellini. Inoculation with these strains, particularly the Aureobasidium pullulans strains Ach1-1 and Ach1-2, resulted in significant improvements in growth and yield. In 2018, impressive yields of 194.1 kg/0.05 ha and 186.6 kg/0.05 ha were recorded for the two strains, with the Ain Taoujdate site achieving yields of 157.1 kg/0.05 ha and 151.1 kg/0.05 ha for each of the two strains. Additionally, further observations revealed that the Siena variety is more susceptible to rot than the Bellini variety. However, Ach1-1 and Ach1-2 strains had a significant effect on this rot, showcasing their potential to mitigate this negative issue in the Bellini variety. These promising results underscore the potential of PGPMs to enhance potato production in the Fez–Meknes region of Morocco, contributing to global food security amid climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, essential oils have been employed for their pleasing scents and potential therapeutic benefits. These oils have shown promise in various areas, including aromatherapy, personal care products, natural remedies, and even as alternatives to traditional cleaning agents or pest control solutions. The study aimed to explore the chemical makeup, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Origanum compactum Benth., Salvia officinalis L., and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et Perry. Initially, the composition of the three essential oils, O. compactum (HO), S. officinalis (HS), and S. aromaticum (HC) was analyzed using GC-MS technology, revealing significant differences in the identified compounds. α-thujone emerged as the predominant volatile component in the oils, making up 78.04% of the composition, followed by eugenol, which constituted 72.66% and 11.22% of the HC and HO oils, respectively. To gauge antioxidant capabilities, tests involving DPPH scavenging capacity and total antioxidant capacity were conducted. Antioxidant activity was determined through the phosphomolybdate test and the DPPH• radical scavenging activity, with the HO essential oil displaying significant scavenging capacity (IC50 of 0.12 ± 0.02 mg/mL), similar to ascorbic acid (IC50 of 0.26 ± 0.24 mg/mL). Similarly, the TAC assay for HO oil revealed an IC50 of 1086.81 ± 0.32 µM AAE/mg. Additionally, the oils' effectiveness against four bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes, and five fungi, Geotrichum candidum, Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida glabrata, and Candida albicans, was tested in vitro. The examined essential oils generally exhibited limited antimicrobial effects, with the exception of HC oil, which demonstrated an exceptionally impressive level of antifungal activity. In order to clarify the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of the identified plant compounds, we employed computational methods, specifically molecular docking. This technique involved studying the interactions between these compounds and established protein targets associated with antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco's Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Morocco, fish is an important protein source especially, even not exclusively, for coastal communities and marketed fresh all along the coastline. One of the main targets of coastal artisanal fisheries is the European conger (Conger conger, Linnaeus 1758), a widely distributed benthic predatory species of a maximum weight of up to 50 kg. However, information on heavy metal contamination of conger is scarce. Therefore, concentrations of mercury, lead and cadmium were analysed in 108 European conger specimens from nine locations along the along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Morocco to describe the spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination. Results: The average heavy metal concentration in all conger samples under investigation was 246.90 ± 216.83 µg mercury/kg wet mass, 74.14 ± 87.02 µg lead/kg wet mass and 255.12 ± 287.15 µg cadmium/kg wet mass respectively. Mercury and cadmium showed a clear site-specific bioaccumulation in European conger but lead does not. Hence, the effect of fish length bias on contamination was corrected through a generalized linear model (GLM) prior to any spatial comparison. Conclusions: Different regional hotspots for the three analysed metals are identified and local sources are discussed. Mercury levels in big specimens of European conger exceeded the European threshold level for human consumption at some of the locations under investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation of biodiversity entails not just the preservation of specific taxa, but also genetic diversity. Despite the fact that molecular data appear to be crucial for freshwater fish conservation management, the information about genetic diversity of the genus Luciobarbus Heckel, 1843 populations in Morocco is still very rare. Accordingly, this study's main purpose was to present genetic and biogeographic information of nine Luciobarbus species out of 15 Luciobarbus species native to Morocco. Sequencing of the complete cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) confirmed the presence of two evolutionary lineages of Luciobarbus in Morocco and displayed low to high level of genetic diversity within Luciobarbus populations. Populations with the largest size had the highest level of genetic diversity, according to our findings. Moreover, the "star-like" shape of the haplotype networks along with low and insignificant value of the Harpending raggedness index supported the hypothesis of population expansion in Luciobarbus populations. Nevertheless, additional investigations should ideally be undertaken separately for each species in order to untangle genetic diversity trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has recently been identified by the World Health Organization as a critical pathogen. We propose to characterize the molecular characteristics of clinical isolates of A. baumannii resistant to carbapenems collected in a Moroccan hospital. Materials and Methods: Seventy carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates from various samples were received at the microbiology laboratory of the Hospital Center. Antibiotic susceptibility was tested by the diffusion disc method and molecular characterization of antimicrobial resistance was performed by PCR and sequencing. Results: Carbapenemase genes were detected in our isolates: the OXA-51 gene and the ISbA1 sequence were detected in all isolates (100%), the OXA-23 and OXA-58 genes were detected in 82.85% and 10% of isolates respectively, MBL genes were dominated by VIM 39 isolates (55.7%), followed by GIM 26 isolates (37%), SIM 20 isolates (28.5%), IMP 8 isolates (11, 4%), NDM 3 isolates (4%) and for the first time in Morocco SPM with 4 isolates (5.7%). Conclusion: The emergence of resistance of A. baumannii to carbapenems is a serious problem in our hospital which requires the establishment of a prevention strategy and strict respect for hygiene to minimize their dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to estimate the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) isolated from children diagnosed with osteoarticular infections (OAIs), and to examine risk factors and clinical features.Methods: This prospective study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018. All hospitalised children diagnosed with S. aureus OAI are included. Blood cultures, articular fluids, synovial tissues and/or bone fragments were collected for bacteriological culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were determined by disk diffusion method. Genes encoding methicillin resistance (mecA) and PVL virulence factors (luk-S-PV and luk-F-PV) were detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. The demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiographic and clinical features were reviewed prospectively from medical records.Results: A total of 37 children with S. aureus OAIs were included, 46% of them have PVL-positive infection and 70.6% were male. The mean age was 8.12 years (±4.57), and almost were from rural settings (76.5%). Children with Staphylococcus aureus producing Panton-Valentine leucocidin (SA-PVL) were significantly associated with type of infection (P = 0.005), location of infection (P = 0.037) and abnormal X-ray (P = 0.029). All strains SA-PVL+ are sensitive to methicillin, but one strain SA-PVL negative was methicillin-resistant S. aureus, confirmed by gene mecA positive.Conclusion: The prevalence of S. aureus infections producing PVL toxin was high in OAIs amongst Moroccan children, mainly due to methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. Type and location of infections and abnormal X-ray were significantly associated with SA-PVL. Routine diagnostic testing of PVL-SA, continuous epidemiological surveillance and multidisciplinary management of OAI is essential to prevent serious complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: resistance to carbapenem is widespread among Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) strains. Metallo-beta lactamases enzymes (MBL) are responsible for carbapenem resistance, as are oxacillinases (OXA). In recent years, MBL producing carbapenem-resistant strains have been reported in the world and Morocco at increasing rates. Our study aimed to investigate the presence of carbapenemases in acinetobacter strains isolated from hospitalized patients in CHU Fez. Methods: a total of 58 imipenem-resistant A. baumannii strains isolated from clinical samples were investigated. The presence of MBL was described phenotypically by the double-disk synergy test (DDST), MBL E-test, and modified Hodge test. The blaIMP, blaVIM, genes, and blaOXA-23, blaOXA-51 genes were investigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The blaNDM-1 gene was determined by simplex PCR. Results: fifty-eight strains were resistant to imipenem (98%), the modified Hodge test (MHT) was positive for 58 strains (100%), 47 strains (82%) were found to be positive for MBL by the test of double-disk synergy (DDST), 58 strains (100%) were positive by E-test MBL. The OXA 51 gene was detected in all strains, and the OXA 23 gene was detected in 53 strains (91%). In addition, the MBL genes were not detected by genotypic methods. Conclusion: the OXA-23 and OXA-51 carbapenemases type are responsible for the resistance to carbapenems in A. baumannii resistant to carbapenems in our establishment. Resistance to carbapenems by MBL enzymes has been found by phenotypic tests, which must be confirmed by genotypic methods; and solicit other MBL genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cybium: International Journal of Ichthyology is the property of Societe Francaise d'Ichtyologie (SFI) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background. The LRRK2 G2019S mutation is the most common genetic determinant of Parkinson’s disease (PD) identified to date. This mutation, reported in both familial and sporadic PD, occurs at elevated frequencies in Maghreb population. In the present study, we examined the prevalence of the G2019S mutation in the Moroccan population and we compared the motor and nonmotor phenotype of G2019S carriers to patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Methods. 100 PD patients were assessed for motor and nonmotor symptoms, current medication, and motor complication including motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. The LRRK2 G2019S mutation was investigated by direct sequencing in patients and ethnically matched controls, all of Moroccan origin. Results. Among the 100 PD Moroccan patients, 41 (41%) were carriers of the G2019S mutation. The mutation frequency was higher among probands with autosomal dominant inheritance (76%) than among sporadic ones (28%). Interestingly, G2019S mutation was also found in 5% of control individuals. Clinically, patients carrying the G2019S mutation have more dystonia (OR = 4.6, p = 0.042) and more sleep disorders (OR = 2.4, p = 0.045) than noncarriers. Conclusions. The LRRK2 G2019S prevalence in Morocco is the highest in the world reported to date. Some clinical features in G2019S carriers such as dystonia and sleep disturbances are worth noting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is an endemic zoonosis in Morocco caused by Mycobacterium bovis, which infects many domestic animals and is transmitted to humans through consumption of raw milk or from contact with infected animals. The prevalence of BTB in Moroccan cattle is estimated at 18%, and 33% at the individual and the herd level respectively, but the human M. bovis burden needs further clarification. The current control strategy based on test and slaughter should be improved through local context adaptation taking into account a suitable compensation in order to reduce BTB prevalence in Morocco and decrease the disease burden in humans and animals. We established a simple compartmental deterministic mathematical model for BTB transmission in cattle and humans to provide a general understanding of BTB, in particular regarding transmission to humans. Differential equations were used to model the different pathways between the compartments for cattle and humans. Scenarios of test and slaughter were simulated to determine the effects of varying the proportion of tested animals (p) on the time to elimination of BTB (individual animal prevalence of less than one in a thousand) in cattle and humans. The time to freedom from disease ranged from 75 years for p = 20% to 12 years for p = 100%. For p > 60% the time to elimination was less than 20 years. The cumulated cost was largely stable: for p values higher than 40%, cost ranged from 1.47 to 1.60 billion euros with a time frame of 12 to 32 years to reach freedom from disease. The model simulations also suggest that using a 2mm cut off instead of a 4mm cut off in the Single Intradermal Comparative Cervical Tuberculin skin test (SICCT) would result in cheaper and quicker elimination programs. This analysis informs Moroccan bovine tuberculosis control policy regarding time frame, range of cost and levels of intervention. However, further research is needed to clarify the national human-bovine tuberculosis ratio in Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are environmental contaminants that pose significant risk to health of fish. Environmental pollution of fish is a topic of rising attention in Morocco. However, only few studies have been carried out so far, describing the potential threat of organic pollution to Moroccan aquatic ecosystem. Two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites, 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-Pyr) and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OH-Phen), were identified and quantified from the bile of 18 European eels ( Anguilla anguilla), 7 Moray ( Muraenidae), and 28 Conger eels ( Conger conger) collected from Moulay Bousselham lagoon and Boujdour coast. The bile metabolites were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. The present study aims to compare the levels of PAH metabolites in fish from the lagoon and the open sea and to compare levels of PAH metabolites in different fish species. Results: The major metabolite present in all fish was 1-hydroxypyrene (

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. Ten of fifteen causative genes linked to familial forms of PD have been reported to cause autosomal recessive forms. Among them, mutations in the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) gene were shown to be responsible for a phenotype characterized by early onset, good response to levodopa, and a benign course. Using chromosomal microarray analysis and Sanger sequencing, we identified a homozygous G/C substitution in a 58-year-old Moroccan man diagnosed with recessive inherited Parkinson’s disease. This G-to-C transition occurred at position 1617 leading to an amino acid change L/F at position 539 located in highly conserved motif in the C terminal sequence of PINK1. Interestingly, the c.1617G>C substitution is absent in 192 ethnically matched control chromosomes. Our findings have shown that the p.L539F is a novel mutation located in the C terminal sequence of the PINK1 protein that could be pathogenic and responsible for a clinical phenotype resembling idiopathic Parkinson’s disease with rapid progression and early cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating the control of multiple neglected zoonoses at the community-level holds great potential, but critical data is missing to inform the design and implementation of different interventions. In this paper we present an evaluation of an integrated health messaging intervention, using powerpoint presentations, for five bacterial (brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis) and dog-associated (rabies, cystic echinococcosis and leishmaniasis) zoonotic diseases in Sidi Kacem Province, northwest Morocco. Conducted by veterinary and epidemiology students between 2013 and 2014, this followed a process-based approach that encouraged sequential adaptation of images, key messages, and delivery strategies using auto-evaluation and end-user feedback. We describe the challenges and opportunities of this approach, reflecting on who was targeted, how education was conducted, and what tools and approaches were used. Our results showed that: (1) replacing words with local pictures and using “hands-on” activities improved receptivity; (2) information “overload” easily occurred when disease transmission pathways did not overlap; (3) access and receptivity at schools was greater than at the community-level; and (4) piggy-backing on high-priority diseases like rabies offered an important avenue to increase knowledge of other zoonoses. We conclude by discussing the merits of incorporating our validated education approach into the school curriculum in order to influence long-term behaviour change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental pollution of fish with organic contaminants is a topic of rising attention in Morocco. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are prominent organic contaminants which are rapidly metabolized in fish. Their metabolites are accumulated in the bile fluid and can be used to assess PAH exposure. The two PAH metabolites 1-hydroxypyrene and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene were quantified in European eels ( Anguilla anguilla) from two Moroccan river systems by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Mean values ranged from 52 to 210 ng/mL 1-hydroxypyrene and from 61 to 73 ng/mL 1-hydroxyphenanthrene. The overall concentrations of PAH metabolites in eel from Morocco appeared moderate compared to eel from European rivers and coastal sites. The present study provides first information on concentrations of PAH metabolites in fish from Morocco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases is the property of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The first locus for demyelinating autosomal recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth (ARCMT) disease was identified in 8q13, where mutations in GDAP1 have been found. Mutations in the same gene have been detected in families with axonal ARCMT disease. Objective: To determine the clinical, electrophysiologic, and morphologic characteristics of a consanguineous Moroccan family with ARCMT disease associated with the S194X mutation in the GDAP1 gene. Methods: Four patients from a consanguineous Moroccan family were examined clinically and electrophysiologically. In one patient, a morphometric and ultrastructural study of a peroneal nerve biopsy sample was performed. Mutation in the coding region of the GDAP1 gene was identified by direct sequencing. Results: Neuropathy was evident early in childhood, walking was delayed in one patient, and onset of symptoms occurred before 18 months in the others. The phenotype was severe: foot deformities and disabilities involving the hands and feet developed toward the end of the first decade, followed by involvement of proximal muscles in the lower limbs, leading to loss of autonomy. Electrophysiologic findings were consistent with an axonal form of CMT disease: motor nerve conduction velocities, recordable in one patient only, were greater than 40 m/sec. Sensory nerve action potentials were either abolished or substantially reduced in amplitude. The morphologic data supported the diagnosis of axonal neuropathy, showing a marked reduction in myelinated fibers and signs of axonal regeneration, including frequent pseudo–onion bulb formations. The 4 patients in this family were homozygous for the S194X mutation in the GDAP1 gene. Conclusion: Electrophysiologic and pathological findings support the hypothesis of an axonal disorder in this ARCMT family with the S194X mutation in the GDAP1 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores relation between phosphate and organic matter in fish-pond sediments of the Deroua fish farm in Béni-Mellal, Morocco. Sources of phosphate release from sediments; Role of organic phosphate in release of phosphate from sediments.

The virulence of 57 single colonies of Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei from Tunisia and Morocco investigated using the Pallas near-isogenic differential set. Virulence patterns in general were similar in both countries. Va8, Va10+Du2, V41/145, VLa and VRu2 apppears to be common in the region. The resistance alleles Mla7 and Mla9, in combination with other resistances, were highly effective against the isolates tested. No virulence against mlo and Mla9 + k was detected in Tunisia. No virulence on Mla7 and Mla9 was detected in Morocco. The frequency of virulence against several resistances was significantly higher in Morocco than in Tunisia. On the other hand, virulence against other resistances was higher in Tunisia than in Morocco. Three isolates from Morocco infected mlo to an extent greater than previously described. All pathotypes were unique. An attempt is made to interpret the results by comparison with pathotype evolution in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report 12 cases of Behçet's disease (BD) in children. The mean age of symptom onset was 12.4 years. Four patients (33.3%) had a past familial history of BD. Clinical manifestations were: oral aphtosis (n=12), genital aphtosis (n=9), ocular involvement (n=9), neuro-Behçet (n=6), venous thrombosis (n=4), articular involvement (n=3), and entero-Behçet (n=1). All patients but one were initially treated with steroids; three cases with ocular involvement were treated with chlorambucil; and three other cases of neuro-Behçet were treated with cyclophosphamide. After a mean follow-up of 4 years, four patients with neurological involvement developed steroid-dependence with recurrence of symptoms. Four patients had optic atrophy with blindness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This work focuses on aspects of reproductive biology of Sardina pilchardus from the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The mean values of batch fecundity estimated for the species is oocytes for a mean size of , the mean relative fecundity being oocytes per gram of female without ovary. Batch fecundity increases with total length and body weight without ovary. Sizes at first sexual maturity () are reached for males and females at and , respectively. The spawning period for the population extends between October and July and the spawning peak occurs from October to February. However, the small sardines (14.5–17 cm) in their first reproduction spawn between November and June, whereas larger fish (17.5–25 cm) spawn between October and July. The factor of condition (K) increased in summer during the sexual resting phase. It is weak in winter during the period of reproduction. Regarding, the sex ratio, there was no significant difference in the number of males and females. To cite this article: K. Amenzoui et al., C. R. Biologies 329 (2006). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Argan nutshells were ground to sawdust and used in packed column experiments. • The sawdust successfully adsorbed U from synthetic solutions. • The sawdust absorbed 54% of U and 75% of Cd from merchant-grade PA. • Direct heavy metal recovery using argan nutshell sawdust is not reasonable. • Heavy metal extraction using argan nutshell sawdust and later recovery is promising. Argan nutshells, available in Morocco as a low-cost by-product from Argan oil production, were used to produce a sawdust biosorbent for the extraction of U and other heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr) from merchant-grade phosphoric acid (PA). Packed column (D = 20 mm, L = 250 mm, flowrate 1 mL/min) lab-scale experiments were carried out with three different solutions: (1) a synthetic heavy metals solution, (2) pure PA at different concentrations (0.85%, 8.5% and 85%) in water, and (3) merchant-grade PA from an industrial fertilizer plant in Morocco that was diluted with water to analyze different P 2 O 5 contents (5%, 30% and 54%) and a U concentration of up to 157 ppm. The sawdust successfully adsorbed 99% of the U from (1) the synthetic solution and (2) the pure PA independent of the acid concentration. It further managed to adsorb more than half (54%) of U, 75% of Cd, 74% of As, 84% of Zn, 86% of Cu, 83% of Cr of the merchant-grade PA at 54% P 2 O 5 content and a flow-rate of 1 mL/min. The sawdust was characterized by SEM and FTIR to understand the adsorption of metal ions. Column studies were carried out to know the breakthrough point. At breakthrough, the effluent volume was found to be 50 mL and the maximum adsorption capacity for U was found to be 0.93 mg/g. Heavy metal recovery using ANS does not seem to be promising as a result of the low (>10%) desorption rates if citric- or oxalic acid is used as was done in this study. Heavy metal extraction without direct recovery using ANS is promising and should further be investigated though. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background 5% of multiple sclerosis have their onset in childhood. Objectives We aim to show the clinical features and follow-up of Moroccan pediatric MS patients. Methods 25 pediatric MS records were analyzed between 2005 and 2013 at the Neurology B department of Rabat Ibn sina University Hospital and Medical School Group of Neurogenetic Disorder of Rabat Mohammed V University Souissi. Results The median duration of follow up was 4 years [1.56]. The median age at disease onset was 14 years. Clinical symptoms were described. At the last evaluation, the median EDSS score was 3.0 [0–7.5]. The median time between disease onset and diagnosis was 2 years [1–9] and the median time from MS onset to second neurological episode was 1 year [0.9–3] with an average of 2 relapses in the first 2 years. The median time to reach EDSS 3.0 was 4.5 years [2–17] and the median time to go from EDSS 3.0 to 6.0 was 4 years [2.5–6]. The majority of cases at the last follow-up were; relapsing–remitting (17 patients: 68%), although 8 patients (32%) developed secondary progressive MS after median disease duration of 5 years [4–19]. None of the patients had a primary progressive MS. Conclusion Time EDSS 3.0 and to secondary progression was shorter in our cohort than previously reported in other series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sidi Moussa lagoon, located in western coastal Morocco and ranked as a wetland of biological and ecological importance (Ramsar site), is contaminated due to its proximity to the industrial phosphate plants and other anthropogenic activities around it. This study was carried out to assess the current environmental state of the lagoon as well as historical inputs of pollutants over several decades. Three sediment cores were collected and analyzed for the determination radionuclide activities (210Pb, 226Ra, 238U and 137Cs) by gamma spectrometry and element concentrations by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry. Age-depth relationships were established in two cores using 210Pb and 137Cs as chronometer and time-marker, respectively, and Constant Rate of Supply as radiometric dating model. 210Pb and 238U were present in sediment in activities much higher than those reported for non-contaminated coastal systems. Sediment accumulation rates showed a slight increase over time with a depth-averaged value of 0.16 g cm−2 y−1. Enrichment Factors and practically derived sediment quality guidelines were used to assess sediment contamination/pollution and toxicological effects linked with the measured concentrations of sediment-bound elements. The profiles of Cr, Co, Cu, As and Ni displayed maximums at depths matching the start of the phosphate industrial plants, and decreasing concentrations in the sections above the maximums, revealing the positive effects of the environmental management system adopted by the phosphate company since early 2000s. • The Sidi Moussa lagoon, located near the biggest phosphate processing plants in the world, is contaminated by some metals and radionuclides. • The agricultural activities and North-West African upwelling contribute to sediment contamination. • Results have revealed the positive effects of the environmental management system adopted by The Moroccan Phosphate Company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigates the linkage of charcot-marie-tooth disease (CMT) with autosomal receive axonal forms (ARCMT2) on chromosome 1 in Morocco. Effects of the disease on the peripheral nervous system; Utilization of genomewide search on affected individuals with ARCMT2; Definition of homozygosity region by chromosome 1q markers.

The present study evaluates the distribution of metals over the last 100 years in the Oualidia lagoon by examining their concentrations in the sediment cores. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Activities of 210 Pb, 226 Ra, and 137 Cs were determined by gamma-ray spectrometry for establishing the age-depth relationships throughout the sediment cores by applying conventional models. The results indicated that the study area is contaminated by As and Cd revealing a detectable anthropogenic input of occurring metals as a consequence of the continuous development of human activities around the lagoon since 1950. The enrichment factor calculated for each layer of the three cores revealed that the studied sediments present no enrichment by Pb, K, and Mn; minor enrichment by Zn, Cr, Co, Cu, V, and Ni; and a moderately to severe enrichment by As and Cd. The pollution load index values increase from the bottom to the top of cores, and ranged from 0.9 to 2.8, which indicates levels of pollutants ranging from background to relatively high concentrations in the investigated sediments.

Wohlfahrtia magnifica is a frequent fly in countries with high breeding activity: Australia, South Africa or Arab country The parasitological infestation occurred essentially during the summer, favourable period to the biological evolution of the flies. In this work, we report one case of wound myiasis that complicates a cutaneous lesion caused by larvae of Wohlfahrtia magnifica. This observation constitutes the first human case in our country.