Association study of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway with susceptibility to COVID-19 in moroccan patient and in-silico analysis of rare variants.

The goal of our study was to explore the association of the polymorphisms in the JAK/STAT pathway among Moroccan COVID-19 patients, using a case-control approach. Next-generation sequencing was employed to investigate the IFNAR1, IFNAR2, JAK1, TYK2, STAT2, and IRF9 genes within the JAK/STAT pathway. We also performed an in silico study to examine the rare variants in this pathway.

The Optimal Position of the Implant Supporting Distal Extension Removable Denture: Case Reports and Literature Review.

The management of distal extension edentulism by removable partial denture (RPD), in cases where fixed solutions cannot be considered, poses various challenges inherent in the mixed support of the prosthesis, especially when the edentulism is of a large extent. When an implant is placed to assist a removable denture, it allows ensuring a bio-functional, aesthetic, and comfortable rehabilitation. Additionally, it renders possible resolutions to problems related to conventional RPD.

Analysis of Wilms Tumour Epidemiology, Clinicopathological Features and Treatment Outcomes in 84 Moroccan Patients.

Background: Wilms tumour (WT), the second most reported childhood cancer in Morocco, is a malignant kidney tumour that affects children under 15 years old. Prognosis has improved with the adoption of multimodal treatment. However, data on WT in Morocco remain limited.

A guide to interpreting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in neurosurgery and surgery.

Introduction: Systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) are methods of data analysis used to synthesize information presented in multiple publications on the same topic. A thorough understanding of the steps involved in conducting this type of research and approaches to data analysis is critical for appropriate understanding, interpretation, and application of the findings of these reviews.

Methods: We reviewed reference texts in clinical neuroepidemiology, neurostatistics and research methods and other previously related articles on meta-analyses (MAs) in surgery.

Association of Renin-Angiotensin Pathway Gene Polymorphisms with COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity in Moroccans: A Case-Control Study.

Infection by the recent SARS-CoV-2 virus causes the COVID-19 disease with variable clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic or mild respiratory symptoms to severe respiratory distress and multiorgan failure. The renin-angiotensin system, responsible for maintaining homeostasis and governing several critical processes, has been considered the main system involved in the pathogenesis and progression of COVID-19. Here, we aimed to assess the possible association between variants in the RAS-related genes and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity in a sample of the Moroccan population.

Cytogenetic abnormalities and TP53 and RAS gene profiles of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Morocco.

Background: Recurrent genetic abnormalities affecting pivotal signaling pathways are the hallmark of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The identification of these aberrations remains clinically important. Therefore, we sought to determine the cytogenetic profile and the mutational status of TP53 and RAS genes among Moroccan childhood cases of ALL.

Prevalence of the protective OAS1 rs10774671-G allele against severe COVID-19 in Moroccans: implications for a North African Neanderthal connection.

The clinical presentation of COVID-19 shows high variability among individuals, which is partly due to genetic factors. The OAS1/2/3 cluster has been found to be strongly associated with COVID-19 severity. We examined this locus in the Moroccan population for the occurrence of the critical variant rs10774671 and its respective haplotype blocks.

The role of cardiac imaging in assessing the cardiac involvement of type 1 Gaucher disease: a case report with review of literature.

Background: Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disease that leads to the accumulation of glucocerebroside within reticuloendothelial cells, haematological, neurological, skeletal and abdominal organs. These clinical manifestations are common to all types of GD, but categorization depends on the absence of neurological involvement (type I) or its presence (type II and III). Cardiac involvement is rare and only reported in few cases, where valvular and aortic calcifications were associated with type IIIc.

Strategy for Developing a Stable CHO Cell Line that Produces Large Titers of Trastuzumab Antibody.

Background: Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is currently the main treatment option for breast cancer patients that overexpress the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This antibody binds specifically to HER2, blocks cancer cell growth, and promotes effective cell death. In the present study, we sought to develop a robust and efficient process for the development of a stable Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line with high trastuzumab expression and production.

Feasibility and reliability of whintings scanwatch to record 4-lead Electrocardiogram: A comparative analysis with a standard ECG.

The recent technological advances allowed us to produce some new wearable devices, such as smartphones and smartwatches (SW). These devices provide different services to their users through different software applications installed even in the SW or smartphones. Health monitoring functionalities, among these services, are nowadays the new technological fashion.

Circulating microRNA profiles in Wilms tumour (WT): A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

Background: Wilms tumour (WT) is caused by aberrant embryonic kidney development and associated with dysregulated expression of short, non-protein-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs). At present, there is no reliable circulating biomarker of WT, and this remains an urgent unmet clinical need. Such biomarkers may assist diagnosis, subtyping/prognostication, and disease-monitoring.

On the Implementation of a Post-Pandemic Deep Learning Algorithm Based on a Hybrid CT-Scan/X-ray Images Classification Applied to Pneumonia Categories.

The identification and characterization of lung diseases is one of the most interesting research topics in recent years. They require accurate and rapid diagnosis. Although lung imaging techniques have many advantages for disease diagnosis, the interpretation of medial lung images has always been a major problem for physicians and radiologists due to diagnostic errors.

Coding-Complete Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 Strain from an Omicron (B.1.1.529+BA.1) Variant Detected in Morocco.

Here, we describe the coding-complete sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strain HM36, identified as a strain of concern of B.1.1.

Novel Mutation Is Responsible for a Severe Form of Leucocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type 1.

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD1) is a rare autosomal recessive hereditary disorder characterized by recurrent infections, impaired pus formation, delayed wound healing, omphalitis, and delayed separation of the umbilical cord as hallmark features of the disease. It results from mutations in the integrin 2 subunit gene , which encodes the integrin beta chain-2 protein CD18. In this study, we aimed to investigate the case of a five-month-old boy who presented with a clinical phenotype and flow cytometry results suggesting LAD1 disease.

Identification of the novel SDR42E1 gene that affects steroid biosynthesis associated with the oculocutaneous genital syndrome.

Hereditary connective tissue diseases form a heterogeneous group of disorders that affect collagen and extracellular matrix components. The cornea and the skin are among the major forms of connective tissues, and syndromes affecting both organs are often due to mutations in single genes. Brittle cornea syndrome is one of the pathologies that illustrates this association well.

Needs of Young African Neurosurgeons and Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Africa has many untreated neurosurgical cases due to limited access to safe, affordable, and timely care. In this study, we surveyed young African neurosurgeons and trainees to identify challenges to training and practice. African trainees and residents were surveyed online by the Young Neurosurgeons Forum from April 25th to November 30th, 2018.

History of African women in neurosurgery.

The number of women in the medical field has increased in Africa over the last few decades, yet the underrepresentation of women within neurosurgery has been a recurrent theme. Of all surgical disciplines, neurosurgery is among the least equitable, and the rate of increase in female surgeons lags behind other surgical disciplines such as general surgery. This historical review provides an overview of the history of women in neurosurgery and their current status on the African continent.

Psychometric validation of the Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 in colorectal Cancer patients: cross-sectional study and systematic literature review.

Background: Health-related quality of life is mainly impacted by colorectal cancer which justified the major importance addressed to the development and validation of assessment questionnaires. We aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Moroccan Arabic Dialectal version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-C30) in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using the Moroccan version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 on colorectal cancer patients from the National Oncology Institute of Rabat, in the period from February 2015 to June 2017.

An efficient approach based on 3D reconstruction of CT scan to improve the management and monitoring of COVID-19 patients.

Purpose: To reconstruct a 3D visualization from CT images of COVID-19 patients in order to improve understanding of the disease for better management and follow-up.

Materials And Methods: We have retrieved CT images of 185 COVID-19 patients from the Cheikh Zaid International University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco. We then performed computer processing that allowed us to obtain a 3D visualization of these patients.

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part II): Barriers to Professional Development and Service Delivery in Neurosurgery.

Background: Strengthening health systems requires attention to workforce, training needs, and barriers to service delivery. The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Committee survey sought to identify challenges for residents, fellows, and consultants within 10 years of training.

Methods: An online survey was distributed to various neurosurgical societies, personal contacts, and social media platforms (April-November 2018).

The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Young Neurosurgeons Survey (Part I): Demographics, Resources, and Education.

Background: Providing a comprehensive and effective neurosurgical service requires adequate numbers of well-trained, resourced, and motivated neurosurgeons. The survey aims to better understand 1) the demographics of young neurosurgeons worldwide; 2) the challenges in training and resources that they face; 3) perceived barriers; and 4) needs for development.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which a widely disseminated online survey (April 2018-November 2019) was used to procure a nonprobabilistic sample from current neurosurgical trainees and those within 10 years of training.

Elimination of trachoma from Morocco: a historical review.

Since the 1950s, the Kingdom of Morocco has been and remains one of the pioneers in the fight against trachoma, a disease that has completely disappeared in the majority of its national territory, but some endemic pockets have persisted and pose a health risk, particularly for children and women. Morocco finds itself today, thanks to years of joint efforts, at the forefront of the world stage of the fight against trachoma. The country has demonstrated through its experience the effectiveness and relevance of the "SAFE" strategy - an extensive programme designed to tackle trachoma and its complications.

The impact of African-trained neurosurgeons on sub-Saharan Africa.

Objective: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) represents 17% of the world's land, 14% of the population, and 1% of the gross domestic product. Previous reports have indicated that 81/500 African neurosurgeons (16.2%) worked in SSA-i.

Rare case of giant pediatric cavernous angioma of the temporal lobe: A case report and review of the literature.

Background: Giant cavernous malformations of the central nervous system are quite rare. They are more common in children and may be misdiagnosed as other intracranial neoplasms. Here, we presented a very rare giant cavernous angioma mimicking a neoplastic temporal lobe lesion in an 18-month-old male.