Abstract
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) is a perennial, succulent, monocotyledonous herb belonging to the family Asphodelaceae. Historically, it has been classified in the Liliaceae or Aloeaceae families. It is well adapted to arid environments due to its exceptional capacity to store water in its tissues, enabling high drought tolerance. The plant usually forms dense clumps or...
Introduction: Geophagy, the intentional consumption of soil or clay, is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, raising concerns about potential health risks, particularly trace-element imbalances and liver disease. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of geophagy and its effect on trace element levels and liver fibrosis in a specific population.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a...
Every year, more than 1 million cases of scorpion envenomation are reported worldwide. Scorpions are thermophilic organisms. They are sensitive to weather and climate conditions; in such a way, the ongoing trends of increasing temperature and more variable weather could lead to scorpionism spreading. There has been considerable debate as to whether global envenomation will be impacted by...
Cyclophosphamide (CP), a commonly used alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, is known for its pronounced oxidative stress-related toxicity, which limits its therapeutic application. As a natural substance rich in antioxidants, honey has attracted attention for its potential to counteract such toxic side effects. This study evaluated the protective effects of two floral varieties of Moroccan honey...
In Morocco, there are many different types of desert truffles, including Terfezia, Tirmania, Delastria, Picoa, and Tuber. The Maamora Forest, Doukkala-Abda Sahel, northeast of Morocco, and the Moroccan Sahara are the four truffle regions where the geographical distribution of these ascomycetes has been noted most frequently. In addition to being a great source of protein, amino acids, carbon...
Epifaunal invertebrates play a vital role in seagrass systems by regulating epiphytic algal growth through grazing and serving as an essential food source for higher trophic levels. This study investigates the composition and seasonal dynamics of macrofaunal assemblages associated with the non-indigenous red alga Agarophyton vermiculophyllum and the native seagrasses Zostera marina and...
Genome editing stands at the forefront of biotechnological innovation in modern agriculture, enabling precise and accelerated alterations of plant genomes. This technology offers transformative potential to enhance crop yield, bolster resistance to pathogens, and improve tolerance to abiotic stresses—traits that are increasingly critical in the context of global climate disruption. Regulatory...
Le stress oxydatif, défini comme un déséquilibre entre la génération de radicaux libres et les systèmes de défense antioxydants, joue un rôle majeur dans la physiopathologie de nombreuses maladies. Cette étude a pour objectif d’évaluer l’effet de l’envenimation scorpionique sur le stress oxydatif ainsi que sa dynamique, en utilisant le venin de l’espèce Hottentotta gentili (Pallary, 1924). À...
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that are produced by a range of fungi. These compounds are responsible for mycotoxicosis, a potentially deadly condition with significant health consequences. The severity of the effects of mycotoxins is influenced by various factors, including the specific toxicity of the toxin, the level of exposure, the age and nutritional status of the affected...
Dans une approche interdisciplinaire, cette revue de littérature croise les apports de la biologie et des sciences sociales pour analyser le potentiel du Capparis spinosa (câprier) en tant que ressource territoriale. L’étude s’appuie sur une revue systématique conduite selon les principes PRISMA, à partir de sources scientifiques sélectionnées dans des bases de données reconnues telles que...
Le vieillissement de la population s'accompagne d'une augmentation des pathologies chroniques, dont certaines sont influencées par des facteurs environnementaux. La pollution de l'air, de l'eau et des sols constitue une source majeure d'exposition à divers contaminants toxiques, ayant des conséquences particulièrement marquées chez les sujets âgés. Cependant, l'impact de ces expositions sur le...
Climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent action to mitigate its effects. Despite efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, projections indicate an intensification of its impacts, with significant economic, social, and environmental consequences. Morocco, characterized by diverse climatic zones and a strong dependence on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture and...
Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors are hybrid solar systems that efficiently produce both thermal and electrical energy in a single device. However, the interplay between their control parameters is complex, necessitating accurate yet computationally efficient modeling. Recently, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have proven effective in addressing this challenge due to their data-driven...
Snail mucus is a natural secretion known for its rich bioactive properties, particularly in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. While most studies have focused on farmed species such as Helix aspersa, wild species like Otala sp. remain largely understudied and underutilized.
This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the mucus from the wild snail species Otala sp.,...
Plastic waste management has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental, economic, and social challenges worldwide. The massive accumulation of plastics, their low biodegradability, and their uncontrolled dispersion across ecosystems are placing increasing pressure on waste management systems. In developing countries, and particularly in Morocco, this issue is exacerbated by rapid...
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a wide range of neuropsychiatric abnormalities resulted from impaired liver function. It is frequently observed in patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis. The present investigation aimed to assess social interaction, anxiety and social recognition memory in Wistar rats with chronic liver dysfunction induced by thioacetamide (TAA) administration. The...
Confronted with accelerating climate disruptions, the strategic interplay between green and yellow biotechnologies emerges as a catalyst for initiating sustainable, resilient transitions within agroecosystems. Through the convergence of biological innovation and environmental engineering, this integrated approach reinforces ecosystem stability under fluctuating conditions while counteracting...
Given the water stress issues in Morocco due to population growth and climate change impacts, an integrated management approach is necessary (Tazi Sadek and Mekouar, 2021). In comparative studies, the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) has evolved through an overarching holistic vision called Water-Energy-Food Nexus approach. In fact, the water, energy, food, and ecosystems are...
The current simulation aims to investigate thermosolutal free convection with the Soret effect, suspended by nano-encapsulated phase change materials (NEPCMs) in a novel-shaped cavity. The model consists of an enclosure maintained at a low temperature Tc and concentration Cc with localized thermal and solutal sources set at a higher temperature Th and concentration Ch. The governing equations...
Pica, defined as the persistent craving and consumption of non-nutritive substances, poses a complex health challenge with potential links to trace element imbalances. This presentation focuses on geophagy—the consumption of earth or clay—as a specific form of pica with significant implications for trace element status. While often associated with cultural traditions or psychological factors,...
