In Silico Identification and Characterization of Fatty Acid Desaturase () Genes in L. Skeels: Implications for Oil Quality and Abiotic Stress.

Fatty acid desaturase () is the key enzyme that leads to the formation of unsaturated fatty acids by introducing double bonds into hydrocarbon chains, and it plays a critical role in plant lipid metabolism. However, no data are available on enzyme-associated genes in argan trees. In addition, a candidate gene approach was adopted to identify and characterize the gene sequences of interest that are potentially involved in oil quality and abiotic stress.

Proposal of pharmacophore model for HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors: Combined mutational effect analysis, molecular dynamics, molecular docking and pharmacophore modeling study.

Objectives: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) efficacy is jeopardized by the emergence of drug resistance mutations in HIV, compromising treatment effectiveness. This study aims to propose novel analogs of Effavirenz (EFV) as potential direct inhibitors of HIV reverse transcriptase, employing computer-aided drug design methodologies.

Methods: Three key approaches were applied: a mutational profile study, molecular dynamics simulations, and pharmacophore development.

Identification of sources of resistance to scald () and of related genomic regions using genome-wide association in a mapping panel of spring barley.

Barley is an important crop worldwide known for its adaptation to harsh environments and used in multiple forms as feed, food and beverages. Its productivity is affected by major abiotic and biotic stresses. Scald caused by hemibiotrophic fungus is a major foliar disease in many parts of the world.

Valorization of phosphate sludge and its bacterial biomass as a potential bioformulation for improving tomato growth.

Phosphorus (P) is a vital limiting nutrient element for plant growth and yield. In Morocco, the natural phosphate rock extractions generate significant amounts of phosphate wash sludge (PS), which could be reused productively, thus creating another added value for farmers. The present study aimed to demonstrate the combination effect of soil amendment by two different PS concentrations (1% and 5%) associated with three phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) consortia (C1, C2, and C3), isolated from phosphate mining sludge, on plant growth and nutrient uptake in tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum).

Revolutionizing antiretroviral therapy for human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS: A computational approach using molecular docking, virtual screening, and 3D pharmacophore building to address therapeutic failure and propose highly effective candidates.

Objectives: In the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment, the emergence of therapeutic failures with existing antiretroviral drugs presents a significant challenge. This study aims to employ advanced molecular modeling techniques to identify potential alternatives to current antiretroviral agents.

Methods: The study focuses on three essential classes of antiretroviral drugs: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs).

Genomic regions of durum wheat involved in water productivity.

Durum wheat is a staple food in the Mediterranean Basin, mostly cultivated under rainfed conditions. As such, the crop is often exposed to moisture stress. Therefore, the identification of genetic factors controlling the capacity of genotypes to convert moisture into grain yield (i.

Factors associated with hospitalization for seasonal influenza in Morocco.

Background: Morocco is actively working towards expanding its influenza vaccine policy to cover high-risk groups, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Aims: We assessed the risk factors for influenza-associated hospitalization for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) that occurred during the last 5 seasons.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, analytical study among patients recruited in the ambulatory and hospital sites of the influenza sentinel surveillance system in Morocco between 2014 and 2019.

Whole Genome Sequence of Bacillus anthracis MDMC_159, Isolated from the Moroccan Desert Erg Lihoudi.

We report the complete genome sequence of Bacillus anthracis strain MDMC_159, which was isolated from a deserted sandy area of Erg Lihoudi in southeastern Morocco. This strain is pathogenic and well adapted to the harsh conditions of the Moroccan desert.

Genetic Polymorphisms in ERCC1 Gene and Their Association with Response to Radiotherapy in Moroccan Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Objective: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a severe malignant disease. Despite its low frequency, NPC is very common in North African population. Radiotherapy is the standard therapeutic treatment of NPC.

Draft Genome Sequences of Two Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. Strains Isolated from the Moroccan Sahara.

We report the draft genome sequences of Enterobacter hormaechei subsp. strains MDMC82 and MDMC76, which were isolated from the sand dunes of the Merzouga desert in the Moroccan Sahara. These bacteria are able to tolerate the harsh environmental conditions of the Moroccan desert.

Draft Genome Sequences of Three Pseudomonas chengduensis Strains Isolated from Desert Soil in Morocco.

We report the draft genome sequences of three Pseudomonas chengduensis strains isolated from the sand dunes of the Merzouga (MDMC17 strain) and Erg Lihoudi (MDMC216 and MDMC224 strains) regions in the Moroccan desert. These bacteria are able to tolerate the harsh environmental conditions of the desert ecosystem.

Lipidomic Profiling of Argania spinosa L. (Skeels) Following Drought Stress.

Argan tree is frequently constrained by environmental stresses, especially drought. Lipids play crucial roles in stress adaptation, but lipidomic profiles in Argania spinosa under drought stress is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify lipid components potentially responsive to drought stress from leaves in the four argan ecotypes.

Influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infections among children under five years old in Morocco, September 2017 to March 2019.

The main aim of this research is to investigate the trend of influenza infection among children under 5 years with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) as well as those who suffer from a high burden of disease. This research is based on a survey conducted from September 2017 to March 2019. During this period nasopharyngeal swabs were collected in a group of 942 children under 5 years with SARI, admitted in pediatric services of 8 sentinel hospitals.

Diversity and bioprospecting for industrial hydrolytic enzymes of microbial communities isolated from deserted areas of south-east Morocco.

The current study aimed to analyze bacterial communities' diversity and abundance in three different deserted areas (Merzouga, Mhamid Elghizlane, and Erg lihoud) located in Moroccan Sahara, as well as to investigate osmotolerant microorganisms producing hydrolytic enzymes. The isolates were taxonomically affiliated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Four different hydrolase activities (amylase, lipase, cellulase, and protease) and osmotic stress tolerance were evaluated.

Analysis of Mutants Affecting Regulation of Methionine, Trehalose, and Inositol Metabolisms Suggests a Role in Stress Adaptation and Symbiosis Development.

Isolated from desert, the nitrogen-fixing bacterium LMR001 is capable of survival under particularly harsh environmental conditions. To obtain insights in molecular mechanisms involved in stress adaptation, a recent study using RNAseq revealed that the RpoE2-mediated general stress response was activated under mild saline stress but appeared non-essential for the bacterium to thrive under stress and develop the symbiosis. Functions associated with the stress response included the metabolisms of trehalose, methionine, and inositol.

Agro-Fruit-Forest Systems Based on Argan Tree in Morocco: A Review of Recent Results.

The argan tree, (L.) Skeels, is a horticultural forestry species characterized by its endemicity and adaptation to arid and semi-arid zones in the southwest of Morocco. Despite its limited geographical distribution, argan tree presents large genetic diversity, suggesting that improvement of argan is possible.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of L. and L. Leaves against and .

Materials And Methods: Clinical strains of and and two reference strains of were tested. The antibacterial activity of each studied plant extract was evaluated using agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays.

Results: Both aqueous and methanolic extracts of exhibited high antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogens as compared to extracts.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Markers among Patients of the Ibn Sina University Hospital Center (Rabat, Morocco).

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is a global scourge affecting millions of people worldwide. In Morocco, hepatitis B is considered a public health problem, and available data converge to consider Morocco as a country with intermediate endemicity. In the present study, we have planned to evaluate the HBV prevalence in Morocco on a large scale and to assess the prevalence of different serological markers for better management of this infection in Morocco.

Assessment and modeling using machine learning of resistance to scald (Rhynchosporium commune) in two specific barley genetic resources subsets.

Barley production worldwide is limited by several abiotic and biotic stresses and breeding of highly productive and adapted varieties is key to overcome these challenges. Leaf scald, caused by Rhynchosporium commune is a major disease of barley that requires the identification of novel sources of resistance. In this study two subsets of genebank accessions were used: one extracted from the Reference set developed within the Generation Challenge Program (GCP) with 191 accessions, and the other with 101 accessions selected using the filtering approach of the Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy (FIGS).

Degradation of p53 by HPV16-E6 variants isolated from cervical cancer specimens of Moroccan women.

Cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Moroccan women. The main etiological factor for developing cervical cancer is the persistent infection with HPV16. Genetic studies have reported the occurrence of amino acid variations within the E6 oncoprotein that promotes host cell transformation by targeting p53 for degradation.