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Abstract Background Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most resistant bacteria to antibiotics. S. aureus is an important, widespread pathogen that can cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Phages have been recognized as natural, safe, highly specific and effective alternatives agents to antibiotics for preventing and treating bacterial infections caused by MRSA. Therefore, this study aims at the characterization of a novel isolated lytic phage, vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. Methods Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA were obtained on Mannitol Salt Agar and Baird Parker Agar plates and confirmed using VITEK 2. Sewage and clinical samples were used to isolate specific phages for S. aureus MRSA, and plaque assays were used for host range determination on Luria-Bertani (LB) media. The phage morphology of the isolated phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The phage’s whole genome sequencing was identified. Results A total of 25 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained from different clinical sources and showed typical colonies on Baird-Parker and Mannitol Salt Agar plates. The VITEK 2 automated system revealed that all 25 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus (MRSA). Two of the most antibiotics-resistant isolates were further confirmed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. A lytic phage was detected against the MRSA isolates tested In Vitro, namely vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. The phage belonged to Rountreeviridae family based on morphological properties observed by TEM and the host range of the isolated phage was tested on the 25 clinical MRSA isolates in Vitro. The one-step growth curve of the isolated phage showed that the latent period was about 55 min, and the burst size was estimated at 167 PFU. The whole genome sequencing and annotation of genes revealed that phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 contained a linear dsDNA with a size of about 17,155 bp with predicted 24 ORFs. Analysis of its genome provides valuable information approximately the variety of phages belonging to the staphylococcal phages class I. Conclusion A lytic Podo Phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 was identified against S. aureus MRSA isolates and its genome was sequenced. The phage was found to be eligible for potential application in biocontrol.

This study aimed to use the organic polymer, chitosan, as a flocculant for harvesting microalgae Chlorella. sp. Various polymer concentrations were tested. Within three min, 50 mg/L of chitosan showed the highest efficiency (98.9±0.5%), at pH 6.3, while the lowest efficiency (86.7±0.5%) was observed at pH 7.5. Harvesting efficiency in this study was chitosan concentration dependent. The present study showed that chitosan can be a promising and sustainable solution as an organic source and environmentally friendly flocculant. Additionally, it has excellent harvest productivity and requires minimum effort for quick outcomes.

Abstract Background The Southern Suez Canal Province (SSCP) has recently encountered hydro-environmental hazards such as water logging and soil salinization, both of which impede the efficient land use planning. Purpose This study aims to assess the hydro-environmental threats to SSCP and identify the key factors that contribute to their occurrence. Previous research has demonstrated that the Gulf of Suez Rifting-related tectonic movements have a significant impact on the entire SSCP region. The influence of tectonic setting on the development of hydro-environmental dangers was not examined in almost any studies. Methods Remote sensing, GIS, hydrogeological, and geophysical techniques are used to identify and assess topographic, hydrogeological, and tectonic variables that affect hydro-environmental hazards in the SSCP. Results This study found that the distributions of water logging, saturated soil salinization, urban areas, and vegetation cover changed more dramatically between 1984 and 2015. The expansion of water logging area (+10.68 km2 rating +0.35 km2/y), saturated saline soil (+24.40 km2 rating +0.79 km2/y), and urbanized area (+58.43 km2 rating +1.89 km2/y) is strongly associated to the expansion of vegetation cover (+188.13 km2 at a rate of 6.07 km2/y). This could imply that growing agricultural expansion and urbanization are influencing the dominance of hydro-environmental hazards in SSCP. The distribution of water logging features identified on the land cover map corresponds closely to a buried horst structure dominating the middle part of the surveyed area. Conclusion The lowland water logging features of the SSCP provide support for the hypothesis that the buried horst structure that dominates the Miocene and pre-Miocene strata has an impact on the thickness and groundwater flow regime of the quaternary aquifer that lies above. The present study came to the conclusion that the shallow depth of groundwater, the vast expanse of newly cultivated lands, the impervious clay layer beneath the thin topsoil layer, and the low topography are the key factors influencing the development of water logging and soil salinization features in SSCP.

This article provides an analysis of sub-Saharan migration governance in the light of the policy of spatial dispersal as a new modality of bordering in Morocco, in the post-2015 Valletta Migration Summit context. By conducting participatory action research over the period 2017-2020 with a cohort of 215 migrants dispersed by Moroccan authorities and focusing on two Moroccan cities (Tiznit and Taza), we explore the border and territorial turn in Morocco in migration management. The evolution of the forms and uses of the Euro-Moroccan border and the biopolitics of spatial dispersal operate according to the logic of division of spatial labour serving a territorial confinement of migrants. We show that the adaptation of national borders to the new mobility regime, by thickening for certain categories of individuals and weakening for others, is part of a new framework of local migratory governance developed on the basis of territorialization. The analysis of the protection-development nexus informs us of the rhetoric of the fixation of dispersed migrants in Morocco and about forced mobility as a new instrument of a soft geopower.

This article presents the results of exploratory research aimed to understand how precariousness has affected recently the teaching profession in Morocco. To answer this question, I conducted comprehensive biographical interviews with 05 teachers at the primary level and 05secondary levels working under contract in a rural region in the rural area of Zagora. I met them separately and they expressed their point of view. The verbatim was content analyzed following two analytical registers. The first register is grounded in a descriptive and restitutive reason; based on reporting the views of teachers according to three categories: the working conditions, Security and professional stability, and the relation to union. This first register revealed the decline of career advancement, social appreciation, and employment conditions. While the second register is more conceptualizing, which led me to take a cross-cutting look at the results of the first register by offering a new perspective on the teachers’ point of view, shedding light on conventions and tacit agreements which form the intellectual basis of the points of view of the participants towards the different themes.

Background: Children in the USA face increasing nutrition-related health risks, including obesity rates of 16.9% -- a figure that has more than tripled over the past four decades. Nutrition education is beneficial to improve children's health through obesity prevention and the promotion of healthy habits, and the elementary school years are a key time to implement health education interventions. Objective: To develop a medical student created and operated nutrition education intervention for urban underserved elementary school students. Design: The Food Doctors (TFD) programme is a hands-on, interactive, in-class nutrition education pilot initiative for elementary school students and adheres to the established tenets of effective in-class nutrition education whenever possible: (1) interactive hands-on curriculum, (2) use of culturally relevant topics and (3) the inclusion of effective evaluation techniques. Setting: Urban elementary school classrooms in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Method: A literature review and feedback from partner schools' needs informed curriculum development. Institutional review board approval was sought and study materials prepared. The pilot programme was carried out at partner schools during class time. Results: A total of 83 students participated in the pilot study: 46 third-grade students and 37 fourth graders. Evaluation focused on assessing student baseline knowledge and exploring post-programme nutrition knowledge gains. Conclusion: TFD pilot programme demonstrated gaps in baseline nutrition knowledge among elementary school students and showed improved post-programme ability to correctly answer basic nutrition knowledge questions.

Background: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most resistant bacteria to antibiotics. S. aureus is an important, widespread pathogen that can cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Phages have been recognized as natural, safe, highly specific and effective alternatives agents to antibiotics for preventing and treating bacterial infections caused by MRSA. Therefore, this study aims at the characterization of a novel isolated lytic phage, vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. Methods: Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA were obtained on Mannitol Salt Agar and Baird Parker Agar plates and confirmed using VITEK 2. Sewage and clinical samples were used to isolate specific phages for S. aureus MRSA, and plaque assays were used for host range determination on Luria-Bertani (LB) media. The phage morphology of the isolated phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The phage's whole genome sequencing was identified. Results: A total of 25 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained from different clinical sources and showed typical colonies on Baird-Parker and Mannitol Salt Agar plates. The VITEK 2 automated system revealed that all 25 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus (MRSA). Two of the most antibiotics-resistant isolates were further confirmed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. A lytic phage was detected against the MRSA isolates tested In Vitro, namely vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. The phage belonged to Rountreeviridae family based on morphological properties observed by TEM and the host range of the isolated phage was tested on the 25 clinical MRSA isolates in Vitro. The one-step growth curve of the isolated phage showed that the latent period was about 55 min, and the burst size was estimated at 167 PFU. The whole genome sequencing and annotation of genes revealed that phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 contained a linear dsDNA with a size of about 17,155 bp with predicted 24 ORFs. Analysis of its genome provides valuable information approximately the variety of phages belonging to the staphylococcal phages class I. Conclusion: A lytic Podo Phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 was identified against S. aureus MRSA isolates and its genome was sequenced. The phage was found to be eligible for potential application in biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is regarded as one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. It is a chronic, slowly progressing neurological illness that inhibits memory, cognition, and behavior. This research aimed to evaluate the protective effect of angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) blockers versus vitamin B12 (VB12) on the AD rat model. Methods: Thirty adult local strain male albino rats were randomly subdivided into 5 equal groups: Group I (control): vehicle only. Group II (AlCl3 induced AD group): AlCl3 175 mg/kg orally. Group III: telmisartan + AlCl3, Group IV: vitamin B12 + AlCl3, and Group V: vitamin B12 + telmisartan + AlCl3. Modified T maze test was used to evaluate the animal behavior. Rotarod test was employed to assess the animal muscle strength. In addition, serum and hippocampal level of brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) were assessed. Also, serum level of MDA and SOD were measured. Additionally, histopathological examination of hippocampus and brain tissue was performed. Results: AlCl3 administration resulted in changes similar to AD as proved by deterioration in behavioral tests, significant reduction in serum and hippocampal BDNF, serum SOD and significant increase in serum MDA level along with corresponding histopathological changes in hippocampus. Furthermore, vitamin B12 and telmisartan ameliorated the previously measured chemical biomarkers and behavioral parameters. Also, the antioxidant power was enhanced with combination prophylaxis therapy of both vitamin B12 and telmisartan. Conclusion: Angiotens in type 1 receptor blockade by telmisartan and vitamin B12 administration each one alone or both in combination could have a potential prophylactic and/or therapeutic effect in AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to contribute to the construction of theoretical and empirical milestones of the concept of urban resilience by applying it to the field of sub-Saharan migration geography in Morocco. Our analysis is based on participatory action research conducted between 2017 and 2020 with a cohort of 215 migrants dispersed by the Moroccan state from the northern border areas of the country and forcibly relocated to the peripheral cities of Tiznit (south) and Taza (northeast). These two territories, to which the state delegates de facto responsibility for receiving and assisting dispersed migrants, have been transformed into refuge-cities. By mobilizing a set of indicators, we present an operational definition of resilient urban governance of sub-Saharan migration. While exploring the link between resilience and local hospitable mobilizations, we highlight the processes underlying the construction of urban initiatives to host dispersed migrants. We show that the framework of urban resilience is revelatory of inclusive reception dynamics, of the autonomous agency, and the innovative capacity of refuge-cities in the core of a debordering process.

Treatment options for men with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have variable efficacy, safety, and retreatment profiles, contributing to variations in patient quality of life and healthcare costs. This study examined the long-term cost-effectiveness of generic combination therapy (CT), prostatic urethral lift (PUL), water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT), photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for the treatment of BPH. A systematic literature review was performed to identify clinical trials of CT, PUL, WVTT, PVP, and TURP that reported change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for men with BPH and a prostate volume ≤80 cm3. A random-effects network meta‐analysis was used to account for the differences in patient baseline clinical characteristics between trials. An Excel-based Markov model was developed with a cohort of males with a mean age of 63 and an average IPSS of 22 to assess the cost-effectiveness of these treatment options at 1 and 5 years from a US Medicare perspective. Procedural and adverse event (AE)-related costs were based on 2021 Medicare reimbursement rates. Total Medicare costs at 5 years were highest for PUL ($9,580), followed by generic CT ($8,223), TURP ($6,328), PVP ($6,152), and WVTT ($2,655). The total cost of PUL was driven by procedural ($7,258) and retreatment ($1,168) costs. At 5 years, CT and PUL were associated with fewer quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) than WVTT, PVP, and TURP. Compared to WVTT, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for both TURP and PVP were above a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000/QALY (TURP: $64,409/QALY; PVP: $87,483/QALY). This study provides long-term cost-effectiveness evidence for several common treatment options for men with BPH. WVTT is an effective and economically viable treatment in resource-constrained environments.

Oxidative stress is the trigger of several diseases. It is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the protective property of Rosa canina fruits and apple cider vinegar combined or not against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The experiment included five groups: group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 2 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 3 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar (2 mL/kg b.wt); group 4 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar supplemented with Rosa canina fruits extract (300 mg/kg b.wt); group 5 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and extract of Rosa canina fruits (300 mg/kg b.wt). The doses were given once daily via a gavage. The antioxidant capacity of apple vinegar and Rosa canina extract was analyzed, and AST, ALT, PAL, urea, and creatinine were determined on day 22 of the experiment. In addition, the kidney and the liver tissues were analyzed. The results showed that H2O2 caused a significant elevation of blood urea, blood creatinine, and transaminases. The histopathology examination revealed that H2O2 caused congestion, hemorrhage, and Bowman’s space enlarged. On the other hand, the results clearly showed that apple vinegar and Rosa canina fruits counterbalance the biochemical and histological changes induced by H2O2. In conclusion, the two natural products studied in this work are effective against the harmful effect of oxidative stress, which explains their use in traditional medicine.

In an international context filled with climate and ecological issues, and characterized by an unprecedented geopolitical conjuncture, the issue of energy consumption and dependence has come to the surface in Morocco’s growing energy sector. Thanks to the efforts made by the State, access to electricity has developed rapidly in rural areas. In order to contribute to a better use of this energy, this article explores the relationship of rural families to electricity through the use of domestic digital appliances, using a comprehensive biographical interview. Interviews were conducted with families living in three cities in south-eastern Morocco over a three-month period (May, June, and July 2022). Content analysis was applied to analyze the data collected. The results show that the exploitation of electrical energy has contributed to a considerable social change affecting the status of women and children. However, awareness-raising campaigns are needed to stop the irrational wasteful practices. There is an urgent need for a national energy charter guaranteeing the commitment of professionals and private individuals to a national strategy to save energy exploitation at this crucial historical moment.

In an unprecedented global environment marked by energy dependence. Access to electricity in rural Moroccan areas revolutionizing everyday life and ways of social interaction. So that, the uses of mobile phone become normal and more important. This study aims to explore, in light of the importance of access to electricity and mobile phone’s uses, the role of the Gift in the consolidation of the social relationships on marriage occasions in Moroccan rural communities; by prioritizing the families’ point of view. Based on comprehensive biographical interview; it has been performed during 3 months (June; July and August 2022; because it’s the wedding period after the crops-gathering seasons); with 15 families in rural area in south East of Morocco. The verbatim was content analyzed. It allowed us to detect two levels: the first one is based on descriptive logic in relation to families view; indicating the importance of marriage in village knowledge’s as well as the role of electric energy and mobile phone in their daily lives. While the second is building on an interactionism standpoint and shedding light on redefinition of social relationships. Results show; on one hand, the importance of electric energy, and on the other hand; marriage as practice governed by social norms that recreate cohesion between families through ritual such as gifts witch have seen a big retreat due to the mobile phone uses.

Due to digital technology, data production has grown exponentially, creating enormous enthusiasm within the scientific community for “big data”. This socio-technical phenomenon gives rise to dualities and conflicting attitudes in sociology: unlimited synchronic numerical data against classical data at risk of expiry, rigorous methodological process as opposed to a stagnation of the protocol. And has put in a vice the research techniques and their associated modes of resonance. In this article, from a consultation of the literature, three fundamental aspects will be subject to explore: the forced adjustment of the domain, the transformations of the methods of data collection, and the models of reasoning about the theory. In the outcome, the vast availability of digital data show how far the digital has invaded sociology by announcing the embarrassment of classical researchers facing big data, the obsolescence of traditional techniques and the change of models reasoning. Moreover, three models of interaction trace the ways of dealing with this digital derivative ranging from protection by the total refusal so that the discipline does not become digital, conservation manifested by a reserved acceptance by sociologists, finally, a trend of adoption under the pretext that digital technology transforms the functioning of societies and the ways of knowing about them.

At the very heart of this research work lies the dispersal policy translated into forced displacement of sub-Saharan migrants from the north of Morocco to medium-sized cities located further south. Based on an empirical study in the framework of an action research, our surveys were conducted comparatively in the medium-sized cities of Tiznit and Taza. Our research aims at highlighting the effects of dispersal, related to the process of “bordering” and the emergence of refuge cities where palliative reactions feed the reconfiguration of reception and urban inclusion missions.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition featuring by gradual degradation of the cortical and hippocampal neurons, which results in impaired cognitive and memory functions. Objectives: To assess the effect of chronic moderate and high intensity pattern of exercise on brain functions regarding memory and implication changes of adiponectin (APN) and brain derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) gene expression. Subjects and methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were subdivided randomly into two main groups (n=30), control group and AD group. Each main group was suballocated into three subgroups (n=10) according to intensity of exercise. Finally we had 6 groups: Subgroup Ia: vehicle only. Subgroup Ib: vehicle + Moderate intensity exercise. Subgroup Ic: vehicle + High intensity exercise. Subgroup IIa: AlCl3. Subgroup IIb: AlCl3 + Moderate intensity exercise. Subgroup IIc:AlCl3+ High intensity exercise. APN and BDNF gene expression were assessed and histopathological examination of cerebral cortex and hippocampus was done. Evaluation of behavioral parameters was done using modified T-maze to evaluate short term and working memory. Results: Gene expressions of APN and BDNF were substantially decreased in the all AD subgroups compared to their corresponding control subgroups. However, they were remarkably elevated in moderately exercised subgroups compared to the sedentary subgroups. Moreover, in high intensity exercised subgroups, they were significantly higher than that of the sedentary and moderately exercised subgroups. Conclusion: APN & BDNF gene expression can be employed as a biomarker for early diagnosis of AD. Also regular exercise with increased intensity should be recommended for all patients with AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) arise from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and various environmental factors, leading to diverse and intricate conditions. Over recent decades, there has been a noticeable increase in autism prevalence. Thus, the main objective of this exploratory investigation is to evaluate the effects of heavy metal poisoning on the metabolic and nutritional profiles of 20 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Morocco. Based on the descriptive statistical methods and the chi-square (χ²) test, we analyzed the results of the study, which involved around 100 biological parameters conducted in the United States (Mosaic Diagnostics). The results revealed that variations in neurotransmitter production, dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth, elevated oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxalate levels, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals among the children were connected to heavy metal poisoning and intoxication. These findings underscored the link between metabolic profiles and heavy metal poisoning, highlighting the need for individualized and multidisciplinary care approaches for children with ASD. Further research and controlled clinical trials are necessary to validate these interventions comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]