Chitosan Nanoparticles as a New Delivery System for the Anti-HIV Drug Zidovudine

Dahmane, El Montassir,Rhazi, Mohammed,Taourirte, Moha Korean Chemical Society 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.5

Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CSNP) were prepared through ionic cross-linking and gelation of chitosan (CS) by tripolyphosphate (TPP). CS properties such as molecular weight, and preparation conditions were screened and the resulting nanoparticles were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained particles were consistently spherical with an overall diameter of approximately $107{\pm}20$ nm. They were successfully used as a carrier for Zidovudine, an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which, to our knowledge, is novel. The encapsulation ability, loading capacity, and controlled release behavior for these CSNP was evaluated. Results indicated that their intrinsic properties were strongly affected by properties inherent to CS such as molecular weight, and by the preparation condition, such as cross-linking density, which depends on the concentration of the cross-linker. In vitro release tests for the entrapped zidovudine showed that the CNNP provided a continuous release that can last upwards 20 h.

Health-Related Quality of Life among Breast Cancer Patients and Influencing Factors in Morocco

El Fakir, Samira,El Rhazi, Karima,Zidouh, Ahmed,Bennani, Maria,Benider, Abdelatif,Errihani, Hassan,Mellass, Nawfel,Bekkali, Rachid,Nejjari, Chakib Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.12

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in most countries of the world. It is ranked first in females in Morocco (accounting for 33.4% of the total cancer burden) and more than 60% of cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV. During the last decade, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important aspect of breast cancer treatment. The objective of this study was to describe self-reported HRQOL in patients with breast cancer and to investigate its associations with sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in the main oncology centers in Morocco. Quality of life was measured using the Moroccan Arabic versions of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C 30 (EORTC QLQ C30) and the Breast Cancer-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-BR23). Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 1463 subjects were included in the study, with a mean age of 55.6 (SD. 11.2) years, 70% being married. The majority had stage II (45.9%) and a few cases stage IV (12.9%) lesions. The participants' global health mean score was 68.5 and in "functional scales", social functioning scored the highest (Mean 86.2 (SD=22.7)). The most distressing symptom on the symptom scale was financial difficulties (Mean 63.2 (SD=38.2)). Using the disease specific tool, it was found that future perspective scored the lowest (Mean 40.5 (SD=37.3)). On the symptom scale, arm symptoms scored the highest (Mean 23.6 (SD=21.6)). Significant mean differences were noted for many functional and symptom scales. Conclusion: Our results emphasized that the general HRQOL for our study population is lower than for corresponding populations in other countries. This study provided baseline information on the quality of life for a large sample of Moroccan women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Female Breast Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Morocco: Comparison with Other Countries

Khalis, Mohamed,El Rhazi, Karima,Charaka, Hafida,Chajes, Veronique,Rinaldi, Sabina,Nejjari, Chakib,Romieu, Isabelle,Charbotel, Barbara Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.12

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. In Morocco, there have been few recent descriptive studies on female breast cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the latest available incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer among Moroccan women and to compare them with rates in other regional and Western countries. Methods: For this descriptive study, Moroccan incidence data were obtained from the most recent reports of the cancer registries of Casablanca and Rabat. Information on breast cancer incidence for different countries were obtained primarily from publicly available cancer registries and Cancer Incidence in Five Continents, Volume X. Mortality data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2012 published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Results: The age-standardized incidence (World) rate of breast cancer in Moroccan women increased from 35.0 to 39.0 per 100,000 women between 2004 and 2008, showing an annual increase of 2.85 %. The highest incidence rates were registered in the age groups of 45-49, 50-54 and 55-59 years (106.1, 108.2 and 108.5 respectively). Sixty-nine percent of female breast cancer cases were diagnosed at stages II and III. In 2012, the estimated number of women who died of breast cancer in Morocco was 2,878. The crude, age-standardized (World) mortality rates were 17.3 and 18.0 per 100,000, respectively. Conclusion: Although the incidence of female breast cancer in Morocco is lower than in Western countries, evidence shows that the rate is rising. This increase of breast cancer incidence has been observed in parallel with changes in reproductive behavior and adoption of a Western lifestyle. Prevention policies need to be implemented.

Chitosan Nanoparticles as a New Delivery System for the Anti-HIV Drug Zidovudine

El Montassir Dahmane,Mohammed Rhazi,Moha Taourirte 대한화학회 2013 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.34 No.5

Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CSNP) were prepared through ionic cross-linking and gelation of chitosan (CS) by tripolyphosphate (TPP). CS properties such as molecular weight, and preparation conditions were screened and the resulting nanoparticles were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained particles were consistently spherical with an overall diameter of approximately 107 ± 20 nm. They were successfully used as a carrier for Zidovudine, an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which, to our knowledge, is novel. The encapsulation ability, loading capacity, and controlled release behavior for these CSNP was evaluated. Results indicated that their intrinsic properties were strongly affected by properties inherent to CS such as molecular weight, and by the preparation condition, such as cross-linking density, which depends on the concentration of the cross-linker. In vitro release tests for the entrapped zidovudine showed that the CNNP provided a continuous release that can last upwards 20 h.

Comparative Quality Analysis of Gluten Strength and the Relationship with High Molecular Weight Glutenin Subunits of 6 Tunisian Durum Wheat Genotypes

Hiba Trad,Sourour Ayed,Larbi Rhazi,Amine Slim,Jaime A Teixeira da Silva,Raoudha Hellal,Mounira Sghaier,Hajer Slim Amara 한국식품과학회 2014 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.23 No.5

Six Tunisian durum wheat genotypes (4 landracesand 2 improved) were evaluated for protein content, glutenstrength, rheological characteristics, and HMW-GS patternsusing a LabChip system. Variance analysis identifiedgenotypic variation. The landraces Azizi, Mahmoudi, Chili,and Arbi exhibited the highest protein concentrations andgluten contents, and best dough tenacity and extensibilityvalues. The Mahmoudi and Chili varieties had the highestprotein contents (17.06 and 17.32% dry mass, respectively). Arbi and Chili had the highest gluten contents (60.88 and60.59%, respectively). Azizi, Mahmoudi, and Chili werecharacterized by higher dough tenacity, lower doughextensibility, and a greater alveograph configuration ratioP/L. The high molecular weight glutenin subunits 6+8(Azizi and Mahmoudi) and 7+15 (Chili), coded by the Glu-B1 locus, improved gluten strength and viscoelastic doughproperties. Calculated HMW to LMW-GS ratios werewithin a narrow range of 0.17-0.29. Some genotypes havepotential to be used as parents in breeding programs.

Evaluation of Provider Skills in Performing Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid in the Cervical Cancer Screening Program in the Meknes-Tafilalet Region of Morocco

Selmouni, Farida,Sauvaget, Catherine,Zidouh, Ahmed,Plaza, Consuelo Alvarez,Muwonge, Richard,Rhazi, Karima El,Basu, Partha,Sankaranarayanan, Rengaswamy Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.9

Background: This study documented the performance of providers of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) at primary health centers, assessing their compliance with the VIA skills checklist and determinants of non-compliance, and exploring their perceptions of VIA training sessions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among VIA providers in the $Mekn\grave{e}s$-Tafilalet region of Morocco. Structured observation of their performance was conducted through supervisory visits and multiple focus group discussions (FGDs). Results: Performance of all the recommended steps for effective communication was observed in a low proportion of procedures (36.4%). Midwives/nurses had higher compliance than general practitioners (GPs) (p<0.001). All recommended steps for VIA examination were performed for a high proportion of procedures (82.5%). Compliance was higher among midwives/nurses than among GPs (p<0.001) and among providers in rural areas than those in urban areas (p<0.001). For pre-VIA counselling, all recommended steps were performed for only 36.8% of procedures. For post-VIA counseling, all recommended steps were performed in a high proportion (85.5% for VIA-negative and 85.1% for VIA-positive women). Midwives/nurses had higher compliance than GPs when advising VIA-positive women (p=0.009). All infection prevention practices were followed for only 14.2% of procedures, and compliance was higher among providers in rural areas than those in urban areas (p<0.001). Most FGD participants were satisfied with the content of VIA training sessions. However, they suggested periodic refresher training and supportive supervision. Conclusions: Quality assurance of a cervical cancer screening program is a key element to ensure that the providers perform VIA correctly and confidently.

Comparison between density gradient centrifugation method, an extended version of the horizontal swim up method and the combination of both for sperm selection

( Malak Jamil ),( Hasnae Debbarh ),( Amal Kabit ),( Moha Ennaji Lic ),( Loic Koumba ),( Ismail Kaarouch ),( Moha Zarqaoui ),( Wassim Rhazi Senhaji ),( El Mehdi Hissane ),( Brahim Saadani ),( Pierre Va 대한산부인과학회 2023 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.66 No.3

Objective To compare the degree of efficiency between density gradient centrifugation (DGC) method and an extended horizontal swim-up (SU) method. Methods A total of 97 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization were enrolled in the study. Semen samples were divided into three aliquots and treated using DGC, extended horizontal SU, and combined methods. DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were detected in native semen samples and their three corresponding aliquots. The corresponding mature oocytes of each semen sample were divided into two sibling cultures. The first sibling culture was microinjected with semen pellets from DGC, and the second sibling culture was microinjected with semen pellets from the combination of both methods. Fertilization rate and embryonic development were assessed at day 3. Results DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation was significantly low in DGC and extended horizontal SU samples; however, the rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation were significantly lower in extended horizontal SU samples than in DGC samples. The lowest rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation corresponded to the samples treated with both methods. The highest rates of DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation corresponded to the samples treated with DGC. No significant difference was found in the fertilization rate or day 3 embryos between sibling cultures. Conclusion The combination of DGC and the extended horizontal SU techniques is best for giving the lowest rates of sperm DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation.

Organization and Evaluation of Performance Indicators of a Breast Cancer Screening Program in Meknes-Tafilalt Region, Morocco

Charaka, Hafida,Khalis, Mohamed,Elfakir, Samira,Khazraji, Youssef Chami,Zidouh, Ahmed,Abousselham, Loubna,El Rhazi, Karima,Lyoussi, Badiaa,Nejjari, Chakib Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2016 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.17 No.12

Objective: The benefits of screening and early detection of breast cancer, including reduced morbidity and mortality, have been well-reported in the literature. In 2011, a breast cancer screening program was launched in Meknes-Tafilalt region of Morocco. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early performance indicators of this program. Materials and Methods: This retrospective evaluative study was conducted between April 2012 and December 2014, in Meknes-Tafilalt region of Morocco. Several performance indicators of the breast cancer screening program were calculated: the compliance rate, the positivity rate, the referral rate, the cancer detection rate and the organizational indicators. Results: During 2012-2014, a total of 184,951 women participated in the breast cancer screening program. The compliance rate was 26%, the positive rate was 3.3%, the referral rate was 36.7%, and the cancer detection rate was 1.2 per 1,000 women. The median time between the date of clinical breast examination and the date of biopsy (or cyto-puncture) was 36 days. The median time between the date of positive mammography and the date of biopsy (or cyto-puncture) was 6 days. The median time between the date of clinical breast examination and the date of the first received treatment was 61 days. Conclusions: The program needs better monitoring, as well as implementation of quality assurance tools to improve performance in our country.