Phytochemical composition of cedar tar of the atlas and it's in vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis.

The objective of this study was to identify the major compounds present in Cedar tar obtained by distillation of Cedrus atlantica wood from the Taza forest (Morocco) and to evaluate its antidermatophytic activity in vitro against the three strains of dermatophytes most widespread in Morocco, considered the main prevailing causes of fungal infections of the skin, hair and nails. GC/MS analysis revealed that cedar tar is composed mainly of hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with nine major compounds identified, including α-Cedrene, ß-Cadinene, γ-Cadinene, ß-Himachelene, α-Turmerone, ß-Turmerone, Ar-tumerone, α-Atlantone and Himachalol. The evaluation of antifungal activity was carried out by the micro dilution technique. The MIC values found were 100µg/mL, 2µg/mL and 0.1µg/mL on Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis strains respectively. The observed strong antifungal activity of cedar tar is attributed to the prevalence of oxygenated and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes, known for their established antidermatophytic properties. This study highlights the potential of the Atlas Cedar tar as an effective antifungal agent for the treatment of superficial mycoses, particularly dermatophytoses.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities and Acute Toxicity of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Essential Oils.

The essential oils yield of Cedrus atlantica, Chenopodium ambrosioides and Eucalyptus camaldulensis was different. C. ambrosioides gave a relatively higher yield (2.1 ± 0.1%), while that of C. atlantica was low (1.0 ± 0.1%) and that of E. camaldulensis was lower (0.75 ± 0.1% of dry matter). The active ingredients of the essential oils and some of their biological effects were also determined. The characterization of their chemical compositions showed that the three essences have different chemical profiles: C. atlantica was richer in sesquiterpenes (ß-Himachalene (54.21%) and γ -Himachalene (15.54%)), C. ambrosioides was very rich in monoterpene peroxides and monoterpenes (α-Terpinene (53.4%), ascaridole (17.7%) and ρ-Cymene (12.1%)) and E. camaldulensis was very rich in monoterpene compounds and monoterpenols (p-cymene (35.11%), γ-Eudesmol (11.9%), L-linalool (11.51%) and piperitone (10.28%)). The in vitro measurement of antioxidant activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) reduction assay showed a significant performance of the eucalyptus oil and average performance of the other two (C. atlantica and C. ambrosioides). The in vitro bio-test for their antimicrobial effects showed that the antibacterial activity differed depending on the essential oil and the concentration used, and that their bactericidal efficacy was similar or superior to that of synthetic antibiotics. The toxicity test on rats revealed that the LD50 of the three essential oils was 500 mg/kg body weight, which classifies them as category four cytotoxic natural products at high doses.

Place of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the treatment of urolithiasis in the region of Gharb Chrarda Bni Hssen (Morocco).

The extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a minimally invasive therapeutic approach which has been widely used through the last years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ESWL in the treatment of nephrolithiasis in Gharb Chrarda Bni Hssen area (North of Morocco). A retrospective study of 590 patients with urinary stone was conducted between February 2009 and January 2013 in the Centre of Lithotripsy Anoual Clinic Kenitra. The treatment consisted in one or several sessions of ESWL. Evaluation of efficiency was based on radiological examinations using abdominal echography during the consultation with the urologist after the last session. There were 306 males and 184 females aged 17-79 years. The medium size of stone was 12.3 ± 5 mm. The average number of sessions and shock waves were 4 and 2490, respectively. The shockwave session was continued until stone fragmentation was observed when 4000 shocks were given. Failure of stone fragmentation or the presence of fragments larger than 4 mm were indications of repeat ESWL sessions. 92% of patient stones were completely cleared (p < 0,05%). The majority of patients were asymptomatic. This data show that the ESWL is extremely successful in treating human kidney stone. It is the first line of choice as a treatment modality for this pathology by the population of this area.

Evaluation of the Acute and Subacute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of Coriandrum sativum L. Seeds in Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: In traditional herbal medicine, the Coriandrum sativum (CS) seeds are widely used to prevent and/or treat several diseases. Despite this, research into studying their toxicity is very limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at studying the acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of coriander seeds (AECS) in Wistar rats. METHODS: For acute toxicity, five dose levels (500, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000 mgkg-1bw) were tested per single oral administration. Subacute toxicity for 28 days was achieved by daily oral administration of AECS at doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mgkg-1bw. RESULTS: No deaths or signs were recorded or observed in rats in the five groups and the control group was after 14 days of acute toxicity study. The results of subacute toxicity revealed that the administration of AECS caused a significant difference in the body weight of rats at doses of 2000 and 3000mgkg-1bw, and in the development of movement disturbances, hypoactivity, drowsiness, weakness, and diarrhea, while histopathological examination showed vascular congestion and inflammation of the kidneys as well as hepatic necrosis. The haematological profile showed a significant increase in the number of red and white blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, and a nonsignificant decrease is noticed in neutrophils at a dose of 3000 mgkg-1bw. CONCLUSION: AECS should be used with caution as it has caused some signs of toxicity and may affect the liver and kidneys if doses are repeated. However, further studies are needed to verify and clarify the toxic aspect of Coriandrum sativum L. seeds.

Medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes in Ksar Elkebir Region (North-Western Morocco).

Introduction: the number of people with diabetes continues to increase worldwide. In Morocco, two million adults are estimated to be diabetic in 2018. The Moroccan population is known for the use of medicinal plants and natural recipes for the treatment of chronic diseases including diabetes. The present study aimed to make an inventory of plant species used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus by diabetic patients in Ksar Elkebir City (North-west, Morocco). Methods: an ethnobotanical study was carried out among 250 diabetic patients by means of a semi-structured questionnaire by direct interviews. Results: a total of 29 species of plants belonging to 23 families were identified. The most represented families were Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, fabaceae, and Lauraceae. While the most frequently cited plant species were Olea europaea l, Trigonella foenum graecum l, Origanum compactum benth l and salvia officinalis l. Leaves were the most used part of plants and the decoction was the most cited mode of preparation used by the population included in the study. Conclusion: people with diabetes in Ksar Elkebir Region use a variety of herbal remedies in several ways to treat diabetes. This result can be an important database for the following studies to confirm the efficiency of these plants in vitro and in vivo.

Quality of life and epidemiological profile of male breast cancer treated at the university hospital of Casablanca, Morocco.

Nowadays, cancer is a huge public health challenge that needs for more advanced researches. Quality of life of patients with breast cancer is an important outcome. Data analyses are usually referred to female breast cancer studies and limited informations are available about male breast cancer. Our study is the first in our country to assess quality of life (QoL) in male patients affected by breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate HRqol (health related quality of life) in male patients with breast cancer and clinico-pathological features at the university hospital of Casablanca, Morocco over a period of 6 years. This study involved 21 male subjects from 2012 to 2018. Required information were collected from the medical records of patients in the oncological center. We included demographic, clinical and pathological characteristics. HRqol was investigated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer 30-Item QoL Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), version 3.0. Mean age of patients at enrollment was 67.3 years (SD=15.6, range=36-87 years), the average consultation delay was 17,7 months, the most common histologic finding was infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma (20 patients, 95.3%). Progesterone and estrogen receptors were positives in 90.4% (19 patients) of cases, the most representative stage was stage III, the most common molecular phenotype was Luminal B (16 patients, 76.2%), modified radical mastectomy was the main surgical procedure. Adjuvant therapy was based on chemotherapy (100%), radiotherapy (76.2%), hormone therapy (90.5%). Ten patients (47.6%) had metastasis. A moderate overall quality of life was reported, with a mean of 50±21.73. The results showed a mean physical function score (54.60±27.85), positive emotional functioning (56.34±31.94) and good social functioning (75.39±17.96). In brief, regarding QOL in this population, it appears to be better than expected andQOL generally improves after treatment. As for prevention, public education should be oriented toward men at higher risk in order to reduce the time between onset of symptoms and consultation.

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Potential of Six Essential Oils from Morocco against Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) under Field and Laboratory Conditions.

The carmine cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) is the major insect pest of the prickly-pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) in Morocco. The present study investigated the insecticidal activities of six essential oils (EOs) against nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae applied singly or in combination with a detergent under laboratory and field conditions. Under laboratory conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare L. essential oils showed a high level of insecticidal activity at 5%, with 98% and 92% females' mortality, respectively, 5 days after treatments. The M. pulegium and O. vulgaris oils at 5% applied in combination with black soap at (60 g/L) induced the highest toxic activity on adult females, 100% and 96% at 5 days after treatments, respectively. Under field conditions, M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils at 5% in combination with black soap (60 g/L) showed the highest adult female mortalities with 96.33 and 92.56%, respectively, 7 days after the first application. The double application of M. pulegium oil at 5% significantly increased the mortality of adult females up to 91%, 5 days after the second spray. GC-MS analysis revealed that the most abundant constituent of M. pulegium and O. vulgare oils was pulegone (84.69%) and durenol (76.53%), respectively. These findings showed that the use of M. pulegium and O. vulgare in combination with black soap or in double sprays could be incorporated in the management package for the control of the wild cochineal D. opuntiae, as a safe and natural alternative to chemical insecticides.

Silica-coated calcium pectinate formulations for controlling carbendazim release: water and soil release studies.

This study aims to encapsulate the fungicide carbendazim using a biodegradable polymer (pectin). First, we have obtained calcium pectinate beads (CPG-Carb) by ionotropic gelation using calcium ions as a crosslinking agent. These beads were then coated with silica starting from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), by a sol-gel process to form hybrid beads (CPG-Carb-SG). The morphology, composition and structure of both beads were characterized and the controlled release assays of the fungicide were studied in both water and soil columns. The encapsulation efficiency for CPG-Carb was slightly higher (75%) compared to CPG-Carb-SG (67%) due to carbendazim loss during the impregnation and condensation steps. The release rate in water and soil columns was about 4 times lower for CPG-Carb-SG than CPG-Carb demonstrating the efficiency of the silica coating to delay the release of carbendazim. Moreover, the release of CPG-Carb-SG is due to the erosion of the silica layer during the first two weeks. After this period, the silica layer was degraded, and the release is then controlled by the swelling of the organic part of the bead as observed for CPG-Carb. Finally, the biodegradability of the pectin, and the release profile make such systems promising candidates for sustained and economical pesticide delivery systems.

Molecular docking analysis of α2-containing GABAA receptors with benzimidazoles derivatives.

It is of interest to study the binding capacity of "3-[2-(2-Amino-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one" (OXB2) with the active site of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) located in the GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) in comparison with different GABAA subtypes. Optimal binding features were observed with the α2ß2γ2 isoform (-8 kcal/mol). This is similar (-7.3 and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively) for subtypes (α3ß2γ2 and α1ß2γ2). This implies that OXB2 binds preferentially to subtypes associated with anxiety (α2- and/or α3-containing receptors) linked molecules than with the subtype associated with sedation (α1-containing receptors). It is further noted that molecular dynamics simulation data of the complex (OXB2-GABAAR) shows adequate structural stability in aqueous environment. Moreover, relevant ADMET data is found adequate for further consideration.

[Epidemiological and anatomopathological profile of breast cancer at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca]. / Profil épidémiologique et anatomopathologique du cancer de sein au CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca.

The present study aims to determine the various epidemiological characteristics among newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer in Casablanca during 2018. During that period, 668 cases were collected, the average age was 51.6 years, the female was the most represented with 662 cases (99.1%) and men with 6 cases (0.9%), a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.009. The average age of menopause was 49.8 years and the average age of menarche was 13.5 years, 31.7% had a history of cancer (breast 14.1%, stomach and 9% liver 7%). The average diagnosis delay was 10 months, the thyroid disease was the most represented pathology, the left breast was diagnosed in 50.2% and the right breast in 44.7% and 1.3% in the bilateral location. The most common histological type was invasive ductal carcinoma (73.2%). The vascular and lymphatic invasion was observed in 42.2%, axillary nodes were affected in 71.1% of cases. The histological prognosis (SBR) revealed a predominance of grade II in 55.9% of cases. The Luminal B continues to be the most common phenotype (46%) followed by Triple Negative (15.3%) and Luminal A (14.2%) and HER2 (7.4%). The immediate prognosis is a cause for concern because of delayed diagnosis. It seems urgent to develop the health information policy and education.

Argan oil supplementation attenuates voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome promoted by adolescent intermittent ethanol in rat.

The present study investigates the potential neuroprotective effect of argan oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, commonly used in folk Moroccan medicines, on adolescent intermittent ethanol intoxication (IEI), induced voluntary ethanol consumption, and withdrawal syndrome in rats. Animals were treated with ethanol (intraperitoneally [i.p.], 3 g/kg body weight [bw]) in intermittent doses (2 days on; 2 days off, from postnatal day 30-43), with/without oral AO pre-treatment (10 mL/kg/day bw, from postnatal day 21-121). A 2-bottle free access test was performed over 10 weeks to assess 10% ethanol consumption. Behavioral signs of withdrawal were observed after 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after ethanol removal. Anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and the light/dark box tests were also evaluated at 72 h of withdrawal. We found that AO pre-treatment significantly decreased the voluntary ethanol consumption induced by adolescent IEI. In addition, by establishing low ethanol consumption, AO pre-treatment counteracts negative effects of ethanol withdrawal and anxiety-like behaviors in ethanol-treated rats after 72 h of abstinence. Following behavioral assays, oxidative stress markers were evaluated and histologic analysis of neurodegeneration was also performed. The results showed that the low ethanol drinking in the AO-supplemented rats was associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the rats' brains. These findings provide evidence for the promising neuroprotective effect of AO supplementation in voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome, at least in part through counteracting oxidative stress markers and neurodegeneration.

Male breast cancer: a report of 25 cases.

Male breast cancer is a rare disease accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses worldwide to our knowledge. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the epidemiologic, clinical, therapeutic and evolutive profiles of this disease and to compare some cancer aspects between male and female in 25 cases collected at Mohamed VI Oncology Center at the University Hospital of Casablanca between 2012 and 2018. Of all breast cancers, men with breast cancer make up a minority. Male compared to female breast cancers occurred later in life with higher stage and more estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The median age was 67.7 years. The average diagnosis delay was 15.7 month. Cancer was discovered through self examination in 76.1% of cases. The mean diameter was 3.5 cm and range from 1-6 cm. According to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification, tumors were classified as T1-T2 (40%) and T3-T4 (60%). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the most frequent (92%) and 1 case of lobular carcinoma. Axillary nodal involvement was present in 82.4% of cases. Hormonal receptors were positive in 83% of cases. 86.6% of our cases present metastasis. Bone was the most representative site. Surgery was usually mastectomy with axillary clearance. It was possible to follow 21 of the patients. The median of follow-up was 12 months. The evolution has been characterized by local recurrence in 6 cases. There was 9 cases of death. Death was usually due to comorbid disease and to the advanced age. The 5 years overall survival rates were 57%.

Expression of retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors in normal and vitamin A deficient adult rat brain.

The importance of retinoic acid and retinoid X receptors (RARs and RXRs) in the metabolism and functioning of the nervous tissue is well documented, but few data are available about the differences on their distribution in males and females, as well as about the possible changes in a vitamin A deficient state (VAD). Therefore, the aim of this study has been to use immunohistochemistry to determine the cellular localization of RARs (α, ß, γ) and RXR (α, ß, γ) in brain areas in the normal and vitamin A deficient rat, in both males and females. RARα and ß isotypes were detected in practically all the male brain areas whereas immunostaining was weak or absent in the female brain except RARα. RXRγ was absent in the female brain, while it was observed in some regions in the male. RXRß and γ were the most abundant receptors in both sexes, but RXRα were hardly detected in female brain, but were detected more frequently in male. With a vitamin A-free diet, RARs expression was increased in males, but not in females. In the male brain of VAD rats, RXRα expression was increased in some zones and diminished in others. RXRß and γ expression was decreased in the male brain, but increased or was not modified in those areas of the female brain in which it was observed. These findings indicate that the brain management of retinoic acid differs between males and females, also leading to differences in their response to VAD diet in terms of receptor expression.

Effect of vitamin A deficiency on retinol and retinyl esters contents in rat brain.

In the present study, the pattern of vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters) contents in discrete brain areas was investigated in Wistar rats (both sexes of 10-12 weeks old) fed on vitamin A deficient diet. The animals were placed on standard laboratory diet for the control animals and a vitamin A deficient diet for the experimental animals for 20 weeks. At the end of this period, brain retinol and retinyl esters contents from control and vitamin A deficient diet animals were measured by HPLC. Retinol was the predominant form of retinoids in male rat brains (77 to 92% of total retinol) and retinyl esters were the predominant form in female brain rats (4 to 44% of total retinol). The abundant ester in both sexes was the retinyl linoleate. Olfactory bulb and the midbrain contained the highest quantities of retinol and retinyl esters in both sexes. On the other hand, the vitamin A deficient diet significantly decreased the retinoid contents in male brain, in olfactory bulb (-30.7%), hindbrain (-46.2%) and increased it in forebrain (84.3%) and midbrain (2.2%). Total retinol was decreased in olfactory bulb (-38.7%), forebrain (-44.5%) and midbrain (-30.7%) and increased in hindbrain (23.4%) of vitamin A deficient female rats. In conclusion, retinol and retinyl esters were the brain compounds heterogeneously distributed throughout the brain areas in both the sexes and were significantly affected by vitamin A deficiency status as well.