Abdessamad Elmourid

Breast cancer is a pressing public health issue globally and in Morocco, with rising cases among women. This study aims to evaluate breast cancer awareness and self-examination practices among female university students, informing future educational interventions. A cross-sectional study surveyed 437 students at Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, using a questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, symptoms, and breast self-examination (BSE). Results showed high awareness of breast cancer (95.3%), with social networks and media being primary information sources. However, only 48.25% had intermediate knowledge levels, and BSE awareness was moderate (60.8%) with low practical skills (28.0%). Reasons for not performing BSE included lack of knowledge and discomfort. Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and age, year of study, study options, and information sources. Despite high awareness, there is a crucial need to enhance knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and BSE practices among young women in Morocco. Educational programs targeting university students are essential for promoting early detection and improving attitudes toward breast health.

Introduction: Buthus species, including B paris, are classified as one of the most dangerous scorpion genera in Morocco, implicated in several cases of human death. Our objective is to characterize, for the first time, the toxicity and histopathologic and biochemical impacts of B paris venom. Methods: We investigated the experimental pathophysiology of B paris venom by examining histologic changes in vital organs (heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs) and assessing biochemical enzymatic markers (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, urea, and creatinine) in mice injected subcutaneously with 2 doses of 400 and 450 mg·kg^–1. Results: Our results showed that the subcutaneous median lethal dose of B paris venom was around 0.52 mg·kg^–1. Histologic findings revealed significant tissue damage in the previously mentioned vital organs, confirmed through biochemical analysis indicating impaired heart and liver functions. Additionally, an increase in urea, creatinine, and glucose levels occurred following B paris venom injection. Conclusion: Our findings show that B paris venom exhibits a high level of experimental toxicity. These results highlight the potentially lethal nature of this venom and emphasize the potential medical importance of this species.

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. The histopathological hallmark of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia nigra combined with Lewy bodies (LBs) and Lewy neurites, together termed Lewy pathology. However, the exact pathophysiological mechanism underpinning PD remains undetermined. Compelling evidence highlights the potential involvement of gut microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of PD and point toward potential pathological mechanisms between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. In this regard, microbiota-targeted interventions such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have been recently demonstrated to have a beneficial role in alleviating PD symptoms and providing neuroprotection. This chapter briefly provides an overview of current knowledge on disturbed gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis in PD, followed by possible therapeutic interventions, with a particular focus on the use of probiotics and FMT. Request access from your librarian to read this chapter's full text.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multisystem disorder considered the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide of which neuroprotective therapies are not yet available. PD is known mainly by its cardinal motor symptoms which are believed to be associated with dopamine deficiency in the nigrostriatal pathway as a result of DAergic neurons degeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the midbrain. However, other brain structures degenerate (non-dopaminergic abnormalities) in PD resulting in other symptoms known as non-motor symptoms (NMS). NMS and non-DAergic abnormalities are sometimes present before diagnosis and almost inevitably emerge with the disease progression. Hence, they might play a tremendously important role in the management and sometimes even the diagnosis of PD. This chapter will provide an overview on the neuropathobiology of NMS in PD.