Culex pipiens, an experimental efficient vector of West Nile and Rift Valley fever viruses in the Maghreb region.

West Nile fever (WNF) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are emerging diseases causing epidemics outside their natural range of distribution. West Nile virus (WNV) circulates widely and harmlessly in the old world among birds as amplifying hosts, and horses and humans as accidental dead-end hosts. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) re-emerges periodically in Africa causing massive outbreaks.

Molecular evidence of Culex pipiens form molestus and hybrids pipiens/molestus in Morocco, North Africa.

Background: Culex pipiens L. is the most widespread mosquito vector in temperate regions including North Africa. Cx.

[Fetal RHD genotyping by PCR using plasma from D negative pregnant women].

Aim Of The Study: Free fetal DNA in maternal blood offers a non invasive method for prenatal diagnosis. The aim of this study is to perform fetal RHD genotyping by conventional PCR in D negative pregnant women of Moroccan origin.

Patients And Methods: Plasma sample from 120 D negative pregnant women from 10 to 40 gestational weeks were tested by conventional PCR for the presence of exons 7 and 10 of RHD gene.

[Use of morphological and physiological characters, and molecular markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of three clementine cultivars].

Originating from a natural crossing between mandarin and sweet orange at the end of the 19(th) century, clementine diversified through the selection of spontaneous mutations. Today, it seems almost impossible to distinguish one variety from another. The development of molecular tools for variety identification is thus necessary.

Insulinotropic effect of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extracts.

Infusions of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) fruits are traditionally used as antidiabetic medication in Mediterranean countries, but to our knowledge no studies have been undertaken so far to determine the possible mechanisms involved in the antidiabetic properties of the fruit. The present study was designed to investigate whether these fruits possess insulinotropic effects.