This study evaluates the elemental composition of Origanum elongatum leaves and the potential health risks associated with their consumption. This endemic Moroccan medicinal plant is widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits. Leaf samples were collected from three locations in the Senhaja Srair region (northern Morocco), and thirty-two elements were quantified using k0-Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (k0-INAA) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). High levels of essential macroelements were found, including potassium (22,953 f 608 mg center dot kg-1), calcium (14,539 f 612 mg center dot kg-1), magnesium, phosphorus, and chloride. Trace amounts of rare earth elements and toxic metals were also detected, such as cadmium (0.041 f 0.002 mg center dot kg-1) and lead (1.005 f 0.02 mg center dot kg-1). Health risk assessment was conducted by calculating Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotient (THQ), and Hazard Index (HI). Iron, manganese, zinc, and copper showed the highest EDI values. All THQ values and the total HI were below 1, indicating minimal noncarcinogenic risk. Overall, O. elongatum appears to be a rich source of essential minerals with low levels of toxic elements, supporting its safe use in traditional and functional food applications.
The study investigates the impact of electron beam irradiation at doses ranging from 1 to 4 kGy on the physicochemical, functional, proximate, and microstructural characteristics of pearl millet flours. The findings revealed that with increasing irradiation dose, there was a significant reduction in several parameters, including swelling index, pH, lipid content, fiber content, total tannins, and lightness (L* value). Conversely, solubility index, total flavonoid content, polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and color parameters (redness a* and blueness b*) exhibited a significant increase compared to control samples. However, E-Beam irradiation did not significantly affect water and oil absorption capacity, moisture content, carbohydrate content, or gross energy value of millet flour. Additionally, irradiation at different doses (1 to 4 kGy) significantly improved the microbiological quality of the flours by reducing total aerobic mesophilic flora, yeasts and molds, total coliforms, and fecal coliforms compared to non-irradiated samples. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses indicated changes in the molecular structure of millet flour following irradiation. Furthermore, irradiated flours exhibited lower crystallinity compared to non-irradiated samples. Overall, the reduction in antinutritional factors and the enhancement of functional properties suggest that electron beam irradiation could serve as an effective pretreatment for the development of value-added millet-based food products.
OBJECTIVE:Morocco is currently planning to introduce HPV testing as the primary screening method in routine cervical cancer screening. Accordingly, HPV self-sampling offers a potential solution to increase participation rates, particularly in underserved regions. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of HPV self-sampling using the GeneXpert assay as an alternative to clinician-administered screenings in Morocco. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 997 women aged 30 or 40 years from four Moroccan provinces. Participants were offered the choice of clinician-collected sampling, supervised self-sampling, or unsupervised self-sampling. Socioeconomic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires, and HPV detection and genotyping were performed using the GeneXpert HPV assay. RESULTS:Overall, 13% of participants opted for self-sampling, including 4.8% who chose unsupervised, and 8.2% supervised self-sampling. Women living in urban areas, younger participants (30 years old), and those with higher education and income levels were more likely to select self-sampling. Satisfaction was high: 92.2% found the procedure easy to perform, all participants reported comfort using the cytobrush, and all indicated willingness to recommend the test to relatives or friends. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing was comparable between self-collected and clinician-collected samples, demonstrating no effect of sampling method on HPV detection. CONCLUSION:HPV self-sampling is feasible and highly acceptable among Moroccan women. However, the low uptake, particularly in rural settings, highlights the need for targeted education and awareness efforts. Integrating self-sampling into national screening programs may improve participation and contribute to reducing cervical cancer incidence in Morocco.
Cannabis sativa seeds from the Senhaja Srair region (Northern Rif, Morocco) were analyzed by k0-INAA at the CNESTEN TRIGA Mark II reactor to determine their elemental composition. Method accuracy was validated using IAEA-336 (epiphytic lichen), with En scores within ± 1. Results showed high levels of macroelements (K, Mg, Ca) and essential trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn), while rare earth elements remained at ultra-trace levels, indicating low contamination. Multivariate analysis identified two geochemical components: aluminosilicate and carbonate/saline. Overall, the seeds exhibit a favorable mineral profile with no significant toxic element accumulation, supporting their potential for safe nutritional and nutraceutical applications.
The present study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the distribution of heavy metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Co, Ba, Zn, Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd) in surface seawater of Al Hoceima Bay, Mediterranean Sea, Morocco, over an annual cycle. Water samples were collected in autumn 2022, winter, spring, and summer 2023 from fifteen sectors covering the entire bay. The analysis involved descriptive analysis, correlation matrices, PCA, and Cluster analysis. Concentrations of Pb and Cd were below detection limits, while Cr and Zn concentrations were below saltwater aquatic life preservation standards. However, As and Ni concentrations reached 49.55 mu g/L and 12.71 mu g/L respectively during autumn 2022 and summer 2023, exceeding international standards. The HPI indices, calculated using As, Cr, Ni, and Zn concentrations, indicated poor seawater quality during winter (HPI = 69.52) and spring (HPI = 75.08), and totally inadequate quality with likely adverse health effects during autumn (HPI = 114.64) and summer (HPI = 116.79). The study recommends continuous monitoring and integrated management to preserve the bay's biodiversity and ensure future sustainability.
