Fiscal Impact of Foreign Aid in Morocco: A Multivariate Cointegration Analysis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between foreign aid and taxe revenue in Morocco by using the Error Correction Model Following the approach of Johansen to jointly capture the long-run relationship and short-run dynamics between aid and tax revenue. Other variables such as the shares of agriculture and industry in GDP, exports, imports and GDP are also included in the model. The results indicate that the direct effect of foreign aid on tax revenue is insignificant in the short term, but it becomes negative and significant in the long term

Characterization of novel cannabinoid ligands and receptor-receptor interactions with a focus on the type 2 cannabinoid receptor

Cannabis and cannabinoids are currently being investigated for their potential utility as therapeutics in various illnesses. Of the two cannabinoid receptors that have been identified thus far, the type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) is of growing interest due to its potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Similarly, the orphan receptor G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is known to interact with cannabinoids and has potential for its anti-inflammatory activity. CB2R- and GPR55-mediated therapeutics may provide safer side effect profiles and avoid central nervous system (CNS)-mediated psychoactivity associated with the activation of the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R). The identification of CB2R-specific ligands has been challenging given the high degree of similarity between CB1R and CB2R. Exploiting novel paradigms in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, such as biased agonism, bitopic ligands, and receptor dimerization, may provide a new avenue for the development of clinically effective CB2R-selective ligands. Characterizing a diverse array of ligands, including orthosteric agonists, allosteric modulators, bitopic ligands, and compound metabolites may improve our ability to identify novel drug candidates. In this study, we explored the in vitro pharmacological properties of novel GPR55 and CB2R ligands, cannabinoid-orexin receptor heterodimers and phytocannabinoid metabolites using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells expressing human CB1R, CB2R, GPR55, orexin receptor type 1 (OX1R), or orexin receptor type 2 (OX2R) plasmids. Our study revealed that novel cannabinoids can be characterized using pharmacological data and drug design. Relatively little is known about the specific pharmacological properties and mechanisms of ligands and receptor interactions at CB2R. A better understanding of these pharmacodynamics may be useful in the development of CB2R-selective therapeutics for illnesses associated with inflammation and/or pain.

Association between Inflammatory Cytokines and Liver Functions in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with abnormal liver tests, and the medications used for RA are often hepatotoxic. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate an association between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and liver function tests in RA patients. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 88 RA patients were included, 84 of them were women and 4 men, aged 21–81 years. Serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17 (IL-17), Osteopontin (OPN) were measured and liver function tests were conducted. Results: The frequency of RA was higher among adults aged >41 years (72 [81.8%]) than young adults aged ≤41 years (16 [18.2%]). RA was more common in women (84 [95.5%]) than in men (4 [4.5%]) – approximately 21:1-fold. Young adults had higher abnormal IL-10 than adult RA patients (OR = 3.72, p-value 0.044). Abnormal IL-17 (OR = 5.67, p-value 0.034) was found to be increased in young-adult RA patients. No association was observed between age and OPN and between the duration of disease and IL-10, IL-17, and OPN. Similarly, no association was noted between the types of treatment and IL-10, IL-17, and OPN, nor between IL-10, IL-17, OPN and liver parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, ALB, TP, and GGT). Conclusion: Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines are not associated with abnormal liver functions, as has been demonstrated in RA patients

Covid-19 vaccinations : the unknowns, challenges and hopes

The entire world has been suffering from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic since March 11, 2020. More than a year later, the COVID‐19 vaccination brought hope to control this viral pandemic. Here, we review the unknowns of the COVID‐19 vaccination, such as its longevity, asymptomatic spread, long‐term side effects, and its efficacy on immunocompromised patients. In addition, we discuss challenges associated with the COVID‐19 vaccination, such as the global access and distribution of vaccine doses, adherence to hygiene guidelines after vaccination, the emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants, and vaccine resistance. Despite all these challenges and the fact that the end of the COVID‐19 pandemic is still unclear, vaccines have brought great hope for the world, with several reports indicating a significant decline in the risk of COVID19‐related infection and hospitalizations.peer-reviewe

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Temporal quantum correlations and their applications in quantum metrology

The quest to develop and implement techniques that enable the achievement of highly accurate measurements in the estimation of parameters constitutes a crucial component of the field of quantum metrology. Using quantum properties to enhance parameter estimation, the interferometry process requires the development of entangled quantum states and single-shot measurements to extract information about an unknown parameter. Despite its perceived effectiveness, implementing this scheme in a larger number of states is quite challenging. According to recent research, quantum jump metrology offers an alternative method for acquiring information. Using quantum feedback and continuous observation of an open quantum system, this method generates phase-dependent temporal correlations without the need for entanglement as a resource. This study investigates relative phase measurements in an optical network with two cavities and laser-pulse quantum feedback. The methodology proposed in the study is capable of surpassing the standard quantum limit without requiring complex quantum states. Furthermore, the discovery that quantum systems can generate not only local but also temporal non-classical correlations has been the subject of extensive research, along with the search for the most effective quantum devices that exploit these correlations. By analysing the parametrization of the two-cavity metrology scheme, it is possible to observe the analogy between the quantum jump metrology scheme and the formalism of the hidden quantum Markov models. As first steps towards investigating the quantum jump metrology scheme in the hidden quantum Markov formalism, we begin by characterising the main properties of a one-qubit hidden quantum Markov model. Comparing this machine to its classical counterpart with a single bit, a so-called hidden Markov model, we find that hidden quantum Markov model is capable of generating complex stochastic sequences and time correlations more than a single bit hidden Markov model

Assessment of the antigenotoxic activity of white sesame extract (Sesamum indicum) against vincristine induced genotoxicity in mice

White sesame seeds, used as an oilseed since ancient time, contain 25% protein and 50% oil, the latter have unique chemical and physiological activities. In view of its important biological activity, this study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of sesame oil (SO) to protect mice against vincristine (VCR) induced genotoxicity using different endpoints. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in bone marrow cells and in spermatocytes as well as morphological sperm abnormalities were determined in the tested animals. Mice were orally treated (using a stomach tube) with SO for 7 consecutive days. Vincristine was used as a mutagenic agent and was given intraperitoneally at a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w, 24 hr after last dose of SO. The results clearly showed that SO tested at high dose (400 mg/mouse) didn't induce any genotoxic effect. Pretreatment with the three tested doses of SO (100,300 and 400 mg/mouse) to VCR-treated mice significantly minimized CAs in bone marrow cells and spermatocytes. Morphological sperm abnormalities decreased significantly after treatment with SO. It could be concluded that, intake of dietary SO may be considered a promising approach toward reducing the genotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agent VCR. Accordingly, sesame seeds and its components may be exploited commercially for pharmaceutical purposes.White sesame seeds, used as an oilseed since ancient time, contain 25% protein and 50% oil, the latter have unique chemical and physiological activities. In view of its important biological activity, this study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of sesame oil (SO) to protect mice against vincristine (VCR) induced genotoxicity using different endpoints. Chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in bone marrow cells and in spermatocytes as well as morphological sperm abnormalities were determined in the tested animals. Mice were orally treated (using a stomach tube) with SO for 7 consecutive days. Vincristine was used as a mutagenic agent and was given intraperitoneally at a single dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w, 24 hr after last dose of SO. The results clearly showed that SO tested at high dose (400 mg/mouse) didn't induce any genotoxic effect. Pretreatment with the three tested doses of SO (100,300 and 400 mg/mouse) to VCR-treated mice significantly minimized CAs in bone marrow cells and spermatocytes. Morphological sperm abnormalities decreased significantly after treatment with SO. It could be concluded that, intake of dietary SO may be considered a promising approach toward reducing the genotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agent VCR. Accordingly, sesame seeds and its components may be exploited commercially for pharmaceutical purposes.Avaliação de atividade antigenotoxica de extrato de gergelim branco (Sesamumindicum) versus a genotoxicidade induzida por vincristina em camundongosResumoSementes de gergelim branco, usado como uma oleaginosa desde os tempos antigos, contêm 25%de proteína e óleo de 50%, este último tem química única e atividades fisiológicas. Considerandosetendo em vista a sua actividade biológica importante, este estudo foi realizado para avaliar aeficácia de óleo de gergelim (SO) para proteger camundongos contra a genotoxicidade induzidavincristina (VCR) utilizando parâmetros diferentes. Aberrações cromossômicas (CAs) em célulasda medula óssea e em espermatócitos, assim como anormalidades no esperma morfológicasforam determinadas nos animais testados. Camundongos foram tratados por via oral (utilizandoum tubo estomacal) com SO durante 7 dias consecutivos. Vincristina foi usada como um agentemutagênico e foi dado intraperitonealmente com uma dose única de 0,5 mg/kg de peso corporal,24 horas após a última dose de SO. Os resultados mostraram claramente que SO testados emalta dose (400 mg/rato) não induziu qualquer efeito genotóxico. Pré-tratamento com as três dosestestadas de SO (100,300 e 400 mg/rato) para VCR camundongos tratados significativamenteminimizado CAs em células de medula óssea e de espermatócitos. Anormalidades morfológicas deespermatozóides diminuiu significativamente após o tratamento com SO. Poderia-se concluir que,a ingestão dietética de SO pode ser considerada uma abordagem promissora para a redução dagenotoxicidade induzida por quimioterápicos agente VCR. Assim, sementes de gergelim e os seuscomponentes podem ser exploradas comercialmente para fins farmacêuticos

Gordonia sputi related multiple brain abscesses, an AIDS-presenting illness: Thinking outside the box

HIV/AIDS has been recognized as a global health issue with significant burden on healthcare services worldwide. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges include wide range of difficult to identify and treat infections. Gordonia sputi is known to cause multi-system infections in setting of HIV/AIDS. It is often difficult to isolate this organism requiring high suspicion index and special testing techniques. While there is no guidelines-recommended antibacterials regimen for Gordonia sputi infection, extended combined broad spectrum antibacterials have been successfully used. Our patient in this report is a 50-year-old male with no past history who presented with progressive weakness on the right side of the body and urinary incontinence over the duration of one month. MRI scan of the brain showed bilateral ring-enhancing lesions. Gordonia sputi was identified from a tissue biopsy using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing technique. HIV test for antibodies came to be reactive and a CD4 cell count of 7/μL. The patient was treated with combination of antibacterials and had remarkable radiological interval changes and relatively slower yet apparent clinical improvement. Unfortunately, and despite initial recovery, patient has later developed multi-drug resistant hospital acquired pneumonia leading to his death in ICU during course of hospitalization. Treatment of Gordonia sputi in setting of HIV infection with a combination of antibacterials over extended period appears to be safe and effective. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Gordonia sputi related multiple brain abscesses as AIDS-presenting illness

Serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in HCV-Positive Egyptian Patients Treated with Sofosbuvir

Background. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) made a drastic change in the management of HCV infection. Sofosbuvir is one of the highly potent DAAs, eliminated mainly through the kidney. But concerns about renal safety during treatment may limit its use. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been proven as a predictor of renal tubular injury. Hence, the aim of this work was to assess serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in HCV-positive patients before and after treatment with the sofosbuvir-based antiviral regimen. Methods. This prospective study included 87 Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection treated with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks. Serum NGAL was measured before and at the end of treatment (EOT). Analysis of NGAL and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) evolution was done. Results. Our results showed a statistically significant decrease in serum NGAL (P=0.02) with a nonsignificant reduction in eGFR (P=0.06). Moreover, changes in serum NGAL levels (baseline compared to EOT) in patients ranked by KDIGO-CKD classification showed a significant decrease in stages 1 and 2 (P=0.14 and 0.034, respectively) and a nonsignificant decrease in stage 3 (P=0.25). Also, eGFR changes after treatment in patients ranked by the same classifications showed a nonsignificant reduction in all stages (P>0.05). Conclusions. Sofosbuvir appears to have no nephrotoxic effects and is safe to treat patients with chronic HCV infection

Properties Evaluation of Composite Materials Based on Gypsum Plaster and Posidonia Oceanica Fibers

Estimating the amount of material without significant losses at the end of hybrid casting is a problem addressed in this study. To minimize manufacturing costs and improve the accuracy of results, a correction factor (CF) was used in the formula to estimate the volume percent of the material in order to reduce material losses during the sample manufacturing stage, allowing for greater confidence between the approved blending plan and the results obtained. In this context, three material mixing schemes of different sizes and shapes (gypsum plaster, sand (0/2), gravel (2/4), and Posidonia oceanica fibers (PO)) were created to verify the efficiency of CF and more precisely study the physico-mechanical effects on the samples. The results show that the use of a CF can reduce mixing loss to almost 0%. The optimal compressive strength of the sample (S1B) with the lowest mixing loss was 7.50 MPa. Under optimal conditions, the addition of PO improves mix volume percent correction (negligible), flexural strength (5.45%), density (18%), and porosity (3.70%) compared with S1B. On the other hand, the addition of PO thermo-chemical treatment by NaOH increases the compressive strength (3.97%) compared with PO due to the removal of impurities on the fiber surface, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. We then determined the optimal mixture ratio (PO divided by a mixture of plaster, sand, and gravel), which equals 0.0321 because Tunisian gypsum contains small amounts of bassanite and calcite, as shown by the X-ray diffraction results