Search

The aim of this study is to understand the effect of the food product's, even in trace amounts, in the biofilm formation potential of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial adhesion was tested using three different food media, in which bacterial cells were adapted before determining how this would affect their adhesion score and biofilm formation potential: sterilized milk, mineral water, and pasteurized commercial orange juice. After characterization of the bacteria and the adhesion support by the contact angle, the adhesion score obtained by the theoretical mathematical model XDLVO developed by van Oss was compared to that obtained by the experimental approach, in order to examine the role of non-specific (thermodynamic) and specific (biological) interactions in adhesion. Changes in the membrane composition of bacteria, as a function of acclimation conditions, were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy. Results reveal variability in the spectral region between 900 and 1200 cm-1 specific to capsular polysaccharides (CPS) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and also in the range between 2800 and 3000 cm-1 characteristic of membrane lipids and phospholipids. Biofilm formation by S. aureus and E. coli was affected by commercial UHT milk. This led to increased hydrophobicity and total adhesion energy within the environment of these strains. However, no correlation was observed between the adhesion scores obtained through experimental and theoretical approaches. This underscores the necessity of considering the specific characteristics of individual food products in understanding the phenomenon of biofilm formation. Understanding, the mechanism, the variations in bacterial surface characteristics, and the conditions that favor or disadvantage the formation of biofilms, may have important implications, in the development of preventive and curative strategies, to control of food-borne infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hospital sector discharges a large quantity of polluted wastewater. Proper management of these discharges requires prior precise characterization of their complex composition in order to adapt the mode of their treatment. The present study was interested in the physico-chemical and microbiological characterization of the effluents generated by three large hospitals of Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco. This characterization was made on representative samples taken at the level of the main collectors of the hospitals concerned by the study before they cross other discharges. The results showed that the degree of pollution of the effluents studied is relatively high. Electrocoagulation treatment using aluminum electrodes has been shown to be effective and is improved with the optimum current density (J) applied, the best results are associated with densities between 142.85 and 285.71 A/m². Electrocoagulation treatment is therefore a very promising effective and economical solution adapted to hospitals in Casablanca-Settat region, known as the most polluted area of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work consists on valorizing poultry waste by biotransformation into biofertilizers, associating this agro‐industrial waste with algae (abundant natural resources) and molasses (a by‐product of the sugar refining industry) ensuring a good contribution of nutritional chemical elements and obtaining a balanced formulation. A total of seven different formulations of the above three components, were examined in a simplex centroid design. A fungal inoculum of Aspergillus niger was used as a fermentation agent for better quality of biotransformation. The monitoring of this biotransformation is ensured during 15 days by following the evolution of physicochemical and microbiological parameters and, to understand the bioconversion of the simple compounds of the biofertilizer mixture such as short aliphatic chains, sugar, and amino acids into soluble mineral compounds, a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was carried out before and after biotransformation. Finally, germination and fertilization tests were performed to evaluate the efficiency of the final product on a barley crop. The overall results of the present study showed that the mixture which contained 68.75% poultry waste, 12.5% molasses, and 18.75% algae presented the better microbiological and chemical safety criteria required for a good biofertilizer according to NF U44‐551 standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated five grape cultivars, viz. Cardinal, Prima, Victoria, Regal Seedless, and Sultanine, grown at four sites in the semi-arid Saïs region of Morocco. The research aimed to assess how the region’s climatic conditions influence grape growth and quality, to identify cultivars suitable for local golden raisin production. Pomological and physico-chemical characteristics were measured, including fruit size, seed and skin weight, juice yield, and soluble solids. The Sultanine cultivar proved advantageous, with the longest bunch length (27.96 cm), heaviest bunch weight (651.39 g), highest total soluble solids (25.50° Brix), and highest sugars (18.11%). Victoria, a white grape cultivar, had the largest berry diameter (2.15 cm) and highest ascorbic acid content (22.23 mg/100 g). The study highlights Sultanine’s exceptional quality and suitability for the Saïs region, making it an ideal candidate for high-quality local sultanas. There is potential to boost production and reduce Morocco’s dependence on imported golden raisins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argania spinosa, an endangered species from southwestern Morocco, is studied for preservation through plant biotechnology. The research aims to optimise argan tree propagation to boost production, preserve heritage, and use residual species. In vitro seedlings are transferred to a modified Murashige and Skoog medium with various phytohormones. Six combinations of auxins and cytokinins are tested for germination. Results show that a liquid medium with activated charcoal from argan shells promotes stem elongation. Meta-topoline at 0.5 mg L−1, combined with naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) at 0.2 mg L−1, enhances shoot growth, leaf formation, and callogenesis. Adding benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 0.1 mg L−1 and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) at 0.02 mg L−1 to the medium elongates stems by 4.3 cm after 21 days. A 2000 ppm IBA concentration is key for a 90% rooting rate. These findings underscore plant biotechnology’s role in preserving and propagating argan trees, improving resource management, and supporting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article analyses various mint varieties cultivated in Morocco, focusing on their nutritional, flavour, and antioxidant properties. A questionnaire was administered to 220 participants to assess consumption trends and consumer preferences. Physicochemical studies reveal that El Brouj Mint is particularly aromatic due to its high menthol content (67.70%). Meknassi Mint is distinguished by its high vitamin C content, which contributes to immune system support. Additionally, the significant antioxidant activity of Flouenia Mint enhances its suitability for natural treatments. The results indicate the health benefits and economic potential of diverse mint varieties, offering opportunities for producers and supporting the preservation of local biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The αl/β1 interface of normal and mutated San Diego hemoglobins in their fully liganded form was investigated, through the SH vibrational absorption of β-112 cysteine, by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The center frequency of this thiol group was significantly shifted in San Diego hemoglobin compared with normal human hemoglobin. Different dimer organization between the two proteins was also revealed by circular dichroism of the heme. These findings agree well with assessment that the αl βl interface, far from being inert, is involved in the affinity changes of the hemoglobin molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines sequence dependent effects of CpG cytosine methylation by joint H-NMR and pulsed magnetic resonance imaging. Importance of DNA methylation in cellular regulation; Implications for understanding and structural and related biological effects produced by cytosine methylation in DNA.

In this study, nutritious and abundant waste generated by sardine canneries was used as the main substrate to assess the effect of fundamental parameters in anaerobic digestion. The temperature range studied, between 37°C and 45°C, allowed for a comparison between the performance of the thermophilic and mesophilic processes. The free water content in the substrate also enabled us to compare fermentation in solid-state fermentation (SSF) with its counterpart, liquid-state fermentation (LSF). The study parameters also included the integration of Aspergillus niger (AN) and molasses. The results revealed significant effects of the AN inoculum and thermophilic conditions in improving biogas production. Optimal biotransformation generated a safe digestate that complies with French standards for use as a biofertilizer. Germination tests demonstrated that it has no inhibitory effect on tomato seeds and has the potential to enhance crop yields better than chemical fertilisers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticulture has revolutionised Farming production. In salad cultivation, the snail is the main pest that can cause significant economic losses. The present study focuses on the design of a new industrial mulching material co-extruded separately with three essential oils: cade, turmeric and cumin oil. Experimental tests carried out on a pilot system confirmed the repellent effect against this mollusc and the protection of lettuce weight loss by about 30%. Adhesion tests by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrate anti-adhesion properties of 80% when bioactive oils are incorporated into the industrial formulation of the plastic film. Application of the predictive theoretical approach confirms that the adhesion scores cannot be explained by the total adhesion energy and total hydrophobicity energy. This proves that these effects are the result of bioactive activity. This research work offers an innovative, practical and ecologically responsible alternative to protect lettuce crops against nuisances and pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Casa-Settat region is experiencing very worrying environmental and epidemiological problems and challenges, namely, population growth, the significant development of unsupervised industrial activities, road traffic, the significant weight of the spread of diseases with high epidemiological potential such as SARS-CoV-2, the increase in hospital activities, and the significant discharge of hospital effluents highly contaminated and untreated. To understand and analyze the factors influencing the high prevalence of deaths and the occurrence of diseases under surveillance, among others SARS-CoV-2, on the quantitative data recorded relating to ten regions of Morocco, and informing, on the one hand, on intrinsic data linked to the urban development, and on the other hand, on the evolution of diseases under epidemiological surveillance, a multidimensional analysis was made. The results reveal the typological framework highlighted by the factorial map F 1 ×  F 2 which showed the individualization of the region of Casablanca explained by a large number of variables and diseases that affect it. Finally, these results call for a diagnosis that will make it possible to model new approaches and implement new actions promoting the dynamics of environmental and epidemiological change in one of the most polluted and infected regions of Morocco., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sanaa Deblij et al.)

Background: Germline RET gene mutations are well known to be the genetic causes of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) and may be identified by genetic screening., Aim: The purpose of the present study was to screen nine MTC patients for RET sequence changes., Materials and Methods: In this study, our sample was composed of 30 individuals: 9 index patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) corresponding either to 3 subjects with clinical evidence of MEN2, 6 with apparently sporadic MTC (sMTC), and 21 relatives have been investigated for RET mutations. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood leukocytes, RET exons 8, 10, 11, 13-16 and exon/intron boundaries were analyzed by direct PCR sequencing., Results: Three different known RET germline mutations in exon 11 (codon 634), p.Cys634Arg (c1900 T-->C) (de novo case), p.Cys634Phe (c1901 G-->T), p.Cys634Trp (c1902 C-->G), were detected in three individuals with MEN2 phenotype. Of the 21 relatives, 2 cases presented mutation. Among the six probands with sMTC, none was found to carry mutation. There was no difference between RET polymorphisms detected among both MEN2 and sMTC patients., Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that the RET mutation spectra observed in Moroccan patients with MEN2 are similar to those previously reported in other countries.