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Background. Parasitic diseases, in particular leishmaniasis, are still a public health problem in several countries and in Morocco. Methods. The data used are those of epidemiological surveillance collected in the registers of the prefectural epidemiology cell (PEC); however, the socioeconomic data were obtained from the High Commissioner for Planning. The Pearson correlation test was used to determine the correlation between the different variables. Results. In total, 70 cases were recorded by the prefectural epidemiology cell (PEC) during the period from 2009 to 2015. 46% of the cases come from rural areas while 54% of the cases come from urban areas. The Pearson test shows the existence of a significant relationship between the number of cases recorded and the type of environment (r = 0.49, p value = 0.02), and population rate (R = 0.849 and p≤0.001). However, in our case, the poverty rate does not influence CL’s distribution. Conclusion. Our results show that the CL affects the majority of the municipalities with predominance of the urban environment, so the distribution of cases of this pathology is not influenced by the poverty; however, the urbanization and the number of inhabitants have a positive impact on the distribution of this scourge.

Abstract Morocco has a rich plant biodiversity and an ancient ethnobotanical knowledge influenced by the ethnic diversity of the Moroccan population. This heritage has been preserved from generation to generation by traditional herbalists. In this study, data were collected via a survey of herbalists based on the direct interview technique. Questions addressed the herbalists’ age and education level as well as the vernacular names and parts of the plants used for the preservation of food. The species use value was used to identify the most important species recommended by herbalists. The average age of the participants was 52.55 years, and the illiteracy rate was 46%. A total of 32 plant species representing 16 families were identified as being used in the preservation of various food products. The most important family was Lamiaceae, followed by Apiaceae and Rosaceae. The most frequently used parts of the plant were the leaves (26.37%), followed by the fruit (24.7%), and the whole plant (12.7%). The highest use values were recorded for Citrus limon (0.16), Thymus vulgaris (0.14), Rosmarinus officinalis (0.12), Artemisia herba alba (0.11) and Lavandula dentata (0.1). Meat, vegetables and fish were the most commonly preserved food products. This ethnobotanical survey on the preservation of food products is the first of its kind conducted in Morocco and has implications for meeting consumer demands and understanding the potential uses of plants in the preservation of food products.

Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly led to the closure of educational institutions in the hope of reducing infections and fatalities due to this disease. Distant education is becoming a policy priority, although institutions and teachers are neither experienced nor accustomed to its use.The purpose of this study is to determine secondary school teachers' perceptions and requirements of distance education during confinement. To our knowledge, none of the similar studies conducted in this area has approached this issue in Morocco. To determine teachers' perceptions regarding distance education, we conducted an analytical and descriptive survey among secondary school teachers in May, June, and July 2020.The chi-square test has been used to test the association between all variables. The association was considered significant when the p-value < 0.05. The calculation of the chi² (X²) and the p-value is performed using R software.The grouping of responses show that most teachers have been teaching remotely during confinement using Whatsapp. They confirmed that this is a useful way to ensure pedagogical continuity during the break from classroom teaching, and they also indicated a preference for both face-to-face and hybrid tutoring.Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between the subjects taught and distance education (X2= 67.4 with p = 0.01), and a low correlation between training follow-up and distance education during the confinement period r = 0.12.This national study, focused in the secondary school teachers, is pertinent and has showen the extent of the problems of continuous teacher training, as well as strategies that are not evaluated and which do not take into account the perceptions of the actors, including the teacher. This data will be valuable and can be used to establish appropriate measures for improving distance learning tools and the quality and competencies of the actors.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of essential oil medium on the inclusion complex of L. stoechas EO in β-cyclodextrin, as well as to examine the impact of the encapsulating action on the adulticidal activity. In line with this, L. stoechas EO was hydrodistilled and determined through GC-MS. Furthermore, the optimization of EO medium was conducted using a binary mixture design of ethanol and glycerol as green emulsifier solvent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were used to verify the establishment of the IC. The insecticidal effect of the created formulation was evaluated against C. pipiens female mosquitoes. The optimum ethanol: glycerol ratio was 0.73: 0.27, corresponding to 58.86% of encapsulation efficiency. The fumigant test showed that, after 24 h of exposure, L. stoechas EO exerted only 24.56 ± 1.04%, while the encapsulated oil killed 57.89% of the adult population. At the highest dose (312.5 μl/L), the encapsulated oil provided the most significant effect on adults (100% mortality after 54 h) compared to non-encapsulated oil (100% mortality after 72 h). The encapsulated form of L. stoechas EO constitutes a promising alternative for the control of mosquitoes that are responsible for human diseases.

Controlling mosquitoes responsible for discomfort and serious contagious diseases, such as malaria, requires a better understanding of the vector-environment relationship. Therefore, the present study examined the biotypology of Culicidian species in the Fez Region, Central Morocco, using statistical analytical methods. Entomological investigations and measurements of the physicochemical parameters of the water breeding sites were carried out simultaneously from November 2015 to December 2016 in the region of Fez, Central Morocco. Multivariate analytical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), were used to investigate the correlation between environmental factors and the bioecological characteristics of each species. The identification of 1,531 Culicidae larvae collected from the different breeding sites revealed the presence of 11 species belonging to five genera (Anopheles, Culex, Culiseta, Aedes, and Uranotaenea). The larvae of Anopheles maculipennis (the major malaria vector in Morocco) and the larvae of A. sergentii (the secondary vector), as well as Culex pipiens larvae, were collected among the species at the level of the prospected breeding sites. It was observed that the Shanon-Wiener diversity index (H’) values were higher in areas with a high population of species compared to those with a low population of species. The multivariate analytical methods revealed many groups of species depending on many parameters. This research represents an original and rigorous approach to the vector-environment relationship in the Fez Region of Morocco. It has important implications for the control of mosquito vectors and the prevention of vector-borne diseases, thereby contributing to public health in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes represent one of the most important vectors and are responsible for the transmission of many arboviruses that affect human and animal health. The chemical method using synthetic insecticides disturbs the environmental system and promotes the appearance of resistant insect species. Therefore, this study investigated the insecticidal effect of some binary monoterpene combinations (1,8 cineole + α-pinene and carvone + R (+)-pulegone) using a mixture design approach. The fumigant toxicity was evaluated against Culex pipiens female adults using glass jars. The results show that the toxicity varies according to the proportions of each compound. Indeed, Mixture 1 (1,8-cineole + α-pinene) displayed a strong toxic effect (51.00 ± 0.86% after 24 h and 100.00 ± 0.70% after 48 h) when the pure compounds were tested at 0.25/0.75 proportions of 1,8-cineole and α-pinene, respectively. Nevertheless, the equal proportion (0.5/0.5) of carvone and R (+)-pulegone in Mixture 2 exhibited a toxic effect of 54.35 ± 0.75% after 24 h and 89.96 ± 0.14% after 48 h, respectively. For Mixture 1, the maximum area of mortality that the proposed model indicated was obtained between 0/1 and 0.25/0.75, while the maximum area of mortality in the case of Mixture 2 was obtained between 0.25/0.75 and 0.75/0.25. Moreover, the maximum possible values of mortality that could be achieved by the validated model were found to be 51.44% (after 24 h) and 100.24% (after 48 h) for Mixture 1 and 54.67% (after 24 h) and 89.99% (after 48 h) for Mixture 2. It can be said that all purev molecules tested through the binary mixtures acted together, which enhanced the insecticide’s effectiveness. These findings are very promising, as the chemical insecticide (deltamethrin) killed only 19.29 ± 0.01% and 34.05 ± 1.01% of the female adults after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Thus, the findings of our research could help with the development of botanical insecticides that might contribute to management programs for controlling vectors of important diseases.

To ensure the better production and sustainable management of natural resources, a chemometric investigation was conducted to examine the effect of cooperative and harvesting periods on the crop yields and chemical compositions of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils in the Oriental region of Morocco. The samples were collected from three cooperatives over nine time periods from January 2018 to April 2019. The chemical composition of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The data from this study were processed by multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The disc diffusion technique and a determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration were performed to study the antibacterial properties of the oils. Statistical analysis showed that the cooperative and harvest period have a significant effect on yields. The highest yield of essential oil was recorded in April 2019 at cooperative C1. The PCA and the HCA results were divided into two groups: Group A for the summer season and group B for the winter season. The samples collected during summer were characterized by a high amount of 1,8-cineole component and a high yield of essential oil, whereas the samples collected during winter were qualified by a high amount of α-pinene component and a low yield of essential oil. The antibacterial activity of Salvia rosmarinus Spenn essential oils showed that Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC23857 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 23857 are the most susceptible strains, stopping growth at 1/500 (v/v). The least susceptible strain is Escherichia coli ATCC25922, with an MIC value corresponding to 1/250 (v/v). The findings of this study could have a positive economic impact on the exploitation of rosemary in the Oriental region, especially during the best harvest periods, as they indicate how to obtain the best yields of oils richest in 1,8-cineole and α-pinene chemotypes.

The present study investigates the insecticidal effect of plant extract such as Mentha pulegium and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils and some of their major compounds; these plants are well known for their many biological activities. The fumigant toxicity was evaluated, using glass jars, against female adults of Culex pipiens that constitute a mosquito vector of important diseases such as the West Nile virus. The adulticidal test showed that both essential oils and monoterpenes presented an insecticidal effect better than the chemical insecticide (Deltamethrin). The highest mortality percentages for the two essential oils have occurred at 312.5 µL/L air (between 56.14 ± 1.7% and 97.71 ± 3.03% after 24 h and 48 h of treatment). Moreover, all tested monoterpenes (carvone, R(+)-pulegone, 1,8-cineole, camphor and α-pinene) have produced high mortalities that varied depending on the time of the treatment and the concentrations used. Lethal concentrations (LC50) obtained for the essential oils and the main compounds have also varied according to the exposure time. M. pulegium and R. officinalis essential oil exhibited the lowest LC50 values after 24 h (72.94 and 222.82 µL/L air, respectively) and after 48 h (25.43 and 55.79 µL/L air, respectively) while the pure molecules revealed the lowest LC50 values after 48 h (between 84.96 and 578.84 µL/L air). This finding proves that the two essential oils and their main compounds have an insecticidal potential, which could help to develop natural toxic fumigants that may be used as an eco-friendly alternative in integrated and sustainable vector management.

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by infection by a leishmania-like flagellated protozoan whose only vector is an insect, Diptera, the sandfly. It is still a public health problem in several countries, notably in Morocco, where this pathology is widespread and is prevalent in sporadic or endemic forms. In order to determine the knowledge of the population in terms of leishmaniasis, its vector and means of transmission of the disease, we carried out a survey during the year 2017 with the consulting population at the level of all Health Centers (H/C )(45 Health Centers ). The descriptive results are presented as percentages and numbers. The chi-square test was used to test the association between the variables. Values ​​of p 0.05), nor between the socio-economic level and the knowledge of the risk related to insects (chi-2 = 6.4, p> 0.05). These data show the extent of the perception problems with parasitic diseases, particularly leishmaniasis and also the lack of awareness of the population against this scourge. Indeed, these data can be used to define measures to be taken to limit or even eradicate exposure, and subsequently risk.

Leishmaniasis is a serious public and veterinary health concern. Species of the subgenus Larroussius are the suspected and proven vectors of the leishmaniasis visceral form. This study was aimed at investigating the spatiotemporal dynamics of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and characterizing its habitats using satellite images. The entomological sampling was based on a preliminary stratification of the study area, in which the sandflies were collected at 12 selected stations in Fez City using sticky paper traps. The environmental factors studied for each station were land surface temperature (LST), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and soil moisture index (SMI). Correlations between the number of species of sandflies and each of the environmental factors were evaluated using Pearson's correlation. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05 (95% confidence level). Two species of the subgenus Larroussius, which are vectors of visceral leishmaniasis, Ph. perniciosus (96.54%) and Ph. longicuspis (3.46%), were found in the collected 231 specimens. Statistical analysis of the environmental factors also demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the number of Ph. perniciosus and LST in all environments. However, the correlation between the isolated species and NDVI was not strong and only significant in the urban area (r = 0.79, p = 0.0018), and no significant correlation was found with the SMI. The findings of this study could help health authorities develop appropriate future vector control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to set up a program for fighting against leishmaniasis disease, it was considered useful beforehand to demonstrate Leishmanian risk factors to the CL disease cases. The Province of Sefrou is among the endemic areas. Surveillance of these outbreaks is essential. This work focused on studying the impact risk factors on the distribution of CL cases. This is a retrospective study of CL cases registered during five years (2007-2010). Statistical analysis was based on one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then the correlation study was carried out (Pearson correlation). A significant linear association was found between the number of CL cases and the population(r=0.56; p=0.005). This means that the correlation is positive. For the urbanization factor, the association was marked moderately correlated with number of CL cases (r = 0.44; p = 0.037).However, poverty does not influence this distribution; for our study area, this factor is not a risk factor.

Sandflies are proven vectors of several viruses, bacteria, and parasites, causing many vector-borne diseases like leishmaniasis. Morocco aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. However, this disease continues to be a public health issue in the country despite all the efforts to limit its spread. The present study evaluated the knowledge, practices, and behaviors of university students regarding sandflies as leishmaniasis vectors. From April to July 2018, 385 students were interviewed using a pretest questionnaire. A score of 1 was assigned to every correct answer concerning knowledge and practice variables, and a mark of 0 was assigned to any incorrect answers or unanswered questions. Pearson's Chi-square (χ²) test was used to analyze the association between the independent variables and the level of knowledge and practices. A statistically significant association is demonstrated when p < 0.05. Students had an intermediate level of understanding of leishmaniasis vectors, with a knowledge score of 5.61 out of 10. The level of prevention practices, however, only received a 1.63 out of 4 rating. The field of study in high school and knowledge, as well as prevention methods and demographic factors, such as the field of study in high school and academic level, were also found to be significantly correlated (p = 0.000). The findings of this study demonstrate the significance of implementing various levels of awarenessraising and educational initiatives among university students, as it represents a crucial step to enhancing knowledge, attitudes, and preventive actions regarding this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the larvicidal activity of essential oil of Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae) cultivated in Morocco against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). Methods: The analysis and the identification of the various constituents of essential oil were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Biological test was performed according to a standard methodology inspired by the World Health Organization protocol with slight modification. Results: This oil mainly consisted of monoterpene and sesquiterpenes. The majority compounds are 4-terpinene (28.96%), γ-terpinene (18.57%), α-terpinene (12.72%) and sabinene (8.02%). The lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) measured for the essential oil Origanum majorana, were respectively of the order of 258.71 mg/L and 580.49 mg/L. Conclusions: The results could be useful in search for newer, safer, and more effective natural larvicidal agents.