Background:

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has been declared as a major public health priority in Morocco and worldwide. Medicinal plants (MPs) are very commonly used by ESRD patients. However, these plants contain active substances that can lead to very serious toxic incidents among hemodialysis patients.

To identify MPs used by hemodialysis patients and assess their awareness of the potential toxicities associated with certain plants, an ethnobotanical and descriptive study was carried out in public hemodialysis centers in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional ethnobotanical and descriptive study was conducted between September 2024 and March 2025 to investigate MPs used by patients with ESRD in public hemodialysis centers in the TTA region, as well as to assess their awareness of the potential toxicity associated with these plants. Data were collected from 323 patients using a comprehensive set of questionnaires derived from Benkhnigue’s “Questionnaire on MP and Phytotherapy” (2022).

Results:

This study identified 53 plants belonging to 26 families, with a predominance of Lamiaceae (10 species). Among them, several species may pose toxicity risks. Notably, the findings revealed that 52% of hemodialysis patients expressed uncertainty regarding the toxicity of many of these plants, 46.4% believed that these plants are non-toxic, while only 1.6% acknowledged the potential toxicity of certain plants.

The findings also indicated that a majority of respondents tended to use incorrect dosages, with nearly half (42.3%) failing to adhere to safety precautions when using these plants

Conclusions:

In public hemodialysis centers within the TTA region, our study identified 53 species from 26 families utilized by patients with end-stage renal disease. The potential toxicity associated with these plants is often underestimated by patients, who tend to rely on imprecise dosages and neglect necessary precautions.

Background:

The increasing prevalence of metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), require innovative approaches to dietary management. Traditional dietary interventions often overlook individual variability in metabolic responses, leading to non-optimal outcomes.

Methodology:

Recent studies have showed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing personalized nutrition plans. An important example is the application of Digital Twin (DT) technology, which uses machine learning models to predict individual postprandial glycemic responses (PPGRs) and adapt dietary recommendations accordingly. In a randomized controlled trial, 319 participants with T2D were assigned to either a DT-enabled personalized nutrition group or a standard care group. The DT group received AI-generated meal plans designed to minimize PPGRs, while the standard care group followed general dietary guidelines. The primary outcomes examined included changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and medication usage. Secondary outcomes included liver function markers, body weight, and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

The DT group demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c levels (-2.9%) compared to the standard care group (-0.3%), with 72.7% of participants achieving T2D remission. Additionally, improvements were observed in liver fat scores, body weight, and blood pressure. Notably, 94% of the DT group discontinued T2D medications after one year.

Conclusions:

AI-driven personalized nutrition, as shown by DT technology, offers a promising strategy for managing metabolic disorders. By accounting for individual metabolic profiles, AI can optimize dietary interventions, leading to improved clinical outcomes and reduced reliance on pharmacological treatments. Further research is required to validate these findings across diverse populations and to explore the long-term benefits of AI-assisted dietary management.

Background: Stress is a major risk factor for the development of depression, anxiety, and addiction. One of the most widely used animal models to study the effects of social stress is the social defeat (SD) procedure. Few studies have examined whether environmental enrichment (EE) effectively mitigates the increase in cocaine's conditioned rewarding effects induced by SD. Furthermore, the impact of EE on stress-induced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors remains largely unexplored.

Methodology: Adolescent C57BL/6 mice were housed under either standard or enriched conditions from adolescence until the final SD session (PND 56). Depressive-like and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the social interaction test (SIT) and the elevated plus maze (EPM), respectively. On PND 77, conditioned place preference (CPP) was evaluated using a subthreshold dose of cocaine (1.5 mg/kg).

Results: EE did not modify coping strategies during SD but significantly reduced the proportion of mice displaying depressive-like behaviors (67% in standard housing vs. 47% in enriched housing). However, EE did not attenuate the increase in anxiety induced by SD. Notably, only socially defeated mice housed under standard conditions developed cocaine-induced CPP, confirming the protective effects of EE against drug reward vulnerability.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that environmental enrichment during adolescence acts as an effective protective factor, promoting resilience against stress-induced vulnerability to drug reward and depression did not significantly affect anxiety-like behavior.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the following grants: PROMETEO (CIPROM/2021/080); PID-2020-112672RB-100; and RIAPAd RD21/0009/0005

Obesity remains one of the most pressing global health issues of the 21st century, with projections suggesting it may affect over half the world’s population in the coming decade. Morbid obesity, defined by a body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m², is the most prevalent chronic metabolic condition in developed countries and is often associated with serious comorbidities. Initial treatments include dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioral therapy, but bariatric surgery is the most effective long-term solution when these fail. The development and persistence of obesity involve genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. It also induces chronic low-grade inflammation, leading to molecular and cellular disruptions. In this context, the extracellular vesicles (EVs)—small membrane-bound particles released by cells—have emerged as key mediators of intercellular communication and metabolic regulation. These vesicles carry bioactive molecules, including proteins, reflecting the physiological state and origin of their parent cells. EVs also contribute to immune responses and inflammation.

This study analyzed EVs from the plasma of patients with morbid obesity, focusing on immune-cell-associated markers. The EV profiles were compared before and after bariatric surgery and with those from healthy controls. Plasma samples were obtained from morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40, aged 30–60) treated at Hospital Clínico de Valencia and from healthy individuals. The EVs were isolated using size-exclusion chromatography (qEV2 70 nm, IZON) and analyzed via electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking, and Western blotting for general and immune-specific markers.

The EVs from the obese patients expressed both common and cell-type-specific markers. Post-surgery, the EV levels decreased, with significant changes in immune-cell-derived EVs. These results suggest that plasma EVs reflect immune and metabolic alterations in morbid obesity and following surgery, supporting their potential as biomarkers. Further studies are needed to clarify their diagnostic and therapeutic value.

Acknowledgements. This research was funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) through the project “PI23/00204” and co-funded by the European Union.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) remain the primary cause of morbidity and mortality. Macrophages are involved in the progression and regression of atherosclerosis, and macrophage amino acid metabolism is important during this process. Here, we identified that the expression of cellular serine importer SFXN1 was upregulated by oxidized low-density lipoprotein and specifically enhanced in the macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques. Macrophage-specific SFXN1 knockout in ApoE-null mice attenuated atherosclerotic lesions and increased the plaque stability under a 16-week Western diet. ApoE-/-SFXN1-KO displayed unchanged blood lipids, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and increased antioxidant capacity. Mechanistically, SFXN1-mediated serine uptake and synthesis inhibited classical activated macrophage (M1) polarization via reducing Stat1 phosphorylation and promoted alternatively activated macrophage (M2) polarization by enhancing Stat6 phosphorylation. Macrophage-targeting lipid nanoparticles loaded with serine modulated macrophage polarization and ameliorated the procession of atherosclerosis. These findings reveal the critical role of SFXN1 in phenotypic switching in the macrophages and indicate that SFXN1-mediated amino acid metabolism could be utilized as a novel therapeutic strategy in the prevention of ASCVDs.

Background: Oncology nurses should meet specific caring needs requested from cancer patients and their related families. Thus, oncology nurses suffer from several stressful working conditions, heavy working conditions like relationships with other healthcare professionals and dealing with patient conditions, insufficient training and a lack of time for end-of-life care, unresolved cumulative grief and loss, and a low expression of emotions. This study aimed to assess nurse–patient interactions, especially among older oncology nurses who reported longer work experience in oncology settings.

Methodology: An online nationwide investigation was carried out among older Italian oncology nurses. The “Caring Nurse-Patient Interactions Scale” (CNPI) was administered. The CNPI explored 4 sub-dimensions: clinical, relational, humanistic, and comforting care.

Results: A total of 16 older Italian oncology nurses (aged 55-64 years) were enrolled and very low levels of nurse–patient interactions were found (clinical: 31.81±8.05; relational: 22.69±5.30; humanistic: 13.25±3.86; comforting care: 10.38±2.60).

Conclusions: Oncology settings could decrease nurse–patient relations, since the oncology nature of the relationship could negatively affect them. Thus, further intervention, especially among older nurses, will be performed to improve this relationship.

Calcium is an essential mineral with critical roles in skeletal integrity, neuromuscular function, and metabolic regulation. This study evaluated the dietary calcium intake of a Cuban adult population using the Total Diet Study (TDS) methodology. A 24-hour dietary recall was conducted in a representative sample of 450 individuals, and 107 food items were analyzed via flame atomic absorption spectroscopy after dry ashing. Milk and dairy products were identified as the primary source of calcium, contributing 47.8% (328.6 mg/day) of the total daily intake, followed by non-alcoholic beverages, bread and flour products, and fish. The average daily calcium intake was 687 mg/day, notably below the EFSA recommended intake (860–1000 mg/day). The prevalence of adequate calcium intake was 69%, which is lower than in other countries such as Spain, Italy, or Iran. Despite being under the recommended range, the intake did not exceed the tolerable upper limit (2500 mg/day), suggesting no immediate risk of toxicity. No significant differences in calcium intake were observed between sexes or age groups. However, the low calcium-to-phosphorus molar ratio (0.44:1) observed may contribute to adverse health outcomes such as bone demineralization or secondary hyperparathyroidism. These findings underline the need for national nutritional policies that promote the consumption of calcium-rich food to prevent long-term health issues, including osteoporosis and colorectal cancer.

Background

Mitral stenosis, primarily caused by rheumatic heart disease, is a progressive valvular disorder with a significant risk of left atrial (LA) thrombus formation. Identifying the prevalence and associated risk factors of LA thrombus is crucial for improving clinical management and preventing thromboembolic complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LA thrombus in patients with mitral stenosis and to identify associated risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and smoking.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Mardan Medical Complex, KP Pakistan from April to October 2024. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with mitral stenosis were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic data were collected, and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed to detect LA thrombus. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine associations between thrombus formation and potential risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and smoking.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 43.7 ± 13.4 years, with a nearly equal gender distribution (49.0% males, 51.0% females). LA thrombus was detected in a significant proportion of patients. Hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, and smoking were found to be strongly associated with thrombus formation (p < 0.05). Patients with severe mitral stenosis had a higher prevalence of LA thrombus compared to those with moderate stenosis.

Conclusion

LA thrombus is a notable complication in mitral stenosis, particularly in patients with metabolic and cardiovascular comorbidities. Routine TEE screening and aggressive management of risk factors, including hypertension and diabetes, are essential for reducing thromboembolic events in these patients.

An investigation into the antimicrobial effectiveness of gold nanoparticles and lasers against various bacterial strains.
As a catalyst, AuNPs are one of many NPs that have found application in gene therapy, medical therapy, and biological diagnostic methods, as well as NPs used in gene therapy. An in vitro study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and gold nanoparticle–low-level-laser-combined therapy against bacterial isolates. The bacterial growth rate and medium inhibitory concentrations of AuNPs were determined at five concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, and 200 g/mL). After treatment with gold nanoparticles, bacterial growth was found to be slightly reduced. Also, gold nanoparticles were tested for their influence on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The amount of biofilm that can be formed was reduced by different concentrations of AuNPs when compared to a control without nanoparticles. A combination of low-level lasers and AuNPs produced an improved cytotoxic effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating that the combination of low-level lasers enhanced AuNPs' antibacterial activity. As a result of this work, we were able to explore the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles and the AuNP-laser-induced therapeutic approach (at different energy densities of lasers and different concentrations of AuNPs) as antibacterial agents against some pathogenic bacterial strains with gold nanoparticles.
Keywords: Gold nanoparticles, Laser, Antibacterial agent, Cytotoxicity, MIC.

Background: The human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) gene is strongly associated with seronegative spondylarthritis (SpA), particularly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). There is currently no data on the frequency of HLA-B27 in the SpA subtypes in Morocco. This study is the first to determine the distribution of the HLA-B27 gene among Moroccan patients with SpA and to investigate its correlation with inflammatory markers and clinical data.

Methods: From February 2009 to March 2023, we retrospectively analyzed 205 SpA patients at a private rheumatology clinic in Casablanca, Morocco. The medical records included demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory parameters. HLA-B27 was genotyped using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with high-resolution melting (HRM). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 25.0).

Results: HLA-B27 was detected in 33 patients (15.1%). HLA-B27 prevalence was significantly higher in men (p<0.05) and showed a strong association with AS (p<0.000). A positive correlation was found between HLA-B27 positivity and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (r = 0.18) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (r = 0.16), suggesting a link with increased inflammation.

Conclusion: Our findings confirm a strong association between HLA-B27 and AS, with a higher prevalence among men. The correlation observed between HLA-B27 positivity and inflammatory markers supports its role as a potential biomarker for disease severity. Our data aligns with studies from the MENA region. Further research is needed to explore the genetic contributions to SpA susceptibility and progression.