ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of 52 Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bovine mastitis isolates obtained from 37 dairy herds from the northwest of Portugal against antibiotics belonging to the β-lactam family, evaluate the detection of blaZ and mecA resistance genes, and study the diversity of positive isolates. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by the disk diffusion method. The detection of blaZ and mecA genes was performed using specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the diversity of blaZ was evaluated by phylogenetic analysis. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed a prevalence of phenotypic resistance by S. aureus of 52.0% against penicillin and ampicillin, 34.6% against oxacillin, 17.3% against amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, and 21.1% against cefazolin. A prevalence of phenotypic intermediate resistance of 5.7% against penicillin, 9.6% against amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid, and 1.9% against ampicillin and cefazolin, respectively, was demonstrated. A 100.0% phenotypic susceptibility was found against piperacillin. Of the 52 S. aureus isolates, 35 (67.3%) were PCR positive for blaZ gene, and isolate 25 was positive for mecA gene. The phylogenetic analysis of partial blaZ gene S. aureus isolates consensus sequences were placed in two different clades, clade A (cluster A, A.1) and B (cluster B), all closely related to animal and/or human S. aureus strains. Isolate 2 appeared in the phylogenetic tree as the most divergent. This study indicates that blaZ resistance gene plays a role in β-lactam resistance in the tested bovine mastitis S. aureus isolates within dairy herds in the northwest of Portugal, especially in case of penicillin and ampicillin antibiotics that have shown a high phenotypic prevalence. Indeed, the proportion of bovine mastitis isolates with phenotypic resistance did not agree with the proportion of those identified for blaZ, as isolates with 100.0% of phenotypic susceptibility for all tested antibiotics also harbored blaZ. BlaZ phylogenetic analysis from S. aureus isolates showed diversity inside or between different herds in the northwest of Portugal. Piperacillin, as a suggestion, could be tested for S. aureus bovine mastitis treatment in the future to evaluate this new possibility of therapy. 5 S (S 3 βlactam β lactam family method (PCR 520 0 52.0 346 34 6 34.6 oxacillin 173 17 17.3 acid 211 21 1 21.1 cefazolin 57 7 5.7 96 9 9.6 19 1.9 respectively demonstrated 1000 100 100.0 piperacillin 67.3% 673 67 (67.3% clades cluster A.1 A1 B, , B) andor strains divergent Indeed Piperacillin suggestion therapy 52. 34. 17. 21. 5. 9. 1. 10 100. 67.3 (67.3 A. 67. (67. (67 (6 (

Abstract Introduction: Breakfast skipping is an unhealthy eating behavior reportedly common among adolescents. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with breakfast skipping among schoolchildren aged 12-19 years in Beni Mellal city, Morocco, and to assist in the design of interventions to improve breakfast consumption habits of school-aged children in this region. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 550 children were included in the study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with skipping breakfast consumption. The association between dependent and independent variables was assessed using an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval and p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 550 Moroccan adolescents evaluated, 25.6% reported not consuming breakfast every day. Breakfast eating was statistically associated with gender (OR = 7.13 95% CI 1.32-3.84, p = 0.008); mother’s low educational level (OR = 2.86 95% CI 1.89-4.71, p = 0.091); nonworking mothers (OR = 13.71 95% CI 1.16-5.29, p < 0.001); not eating between meals (OR = 15.49 95% CI 2.15-5.49, p < 0.001); eating dinner regularly each day (OR = 17.79 95% CI 2.81-8.01, p = 0.005); eating vegetables 1-3 times per week (OR = 10.21 95% CI 1.44-4.67, p = 0.001); consuming milk and dairy product 1-3 times per week (OR = 13.88 95% CI 1.59-5.56, p < 0.001); and never consuming sodas and soft drink in week (OR = 3.12 95% CI 1.90-4.50, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study revealed that the prevalence of skipping breakfast consumption among school-aged children in Beni Mellal city was high. Thus, the findings suggest a community health education program, conducted by school nurses, nutritionists, and other health professionals, is needed.

Resumo Introdução: Não tomar o pequeno-almoço é um comportamento alimentar não saudável supostamente comum entre adolescentes. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a prevalência e os fatores associados com o não consumo do pequeno-almoço entre crianças em idade escolar dos 12 aos 19 anos na cidade de Beni Mellal, Marrocos, e contribuir para o desenho de intervenções para melhorar os hábitos de consumo do pequeno-almoço de crianças em idade escolar em esta região. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal de base escolar. Um total de 550 crianças foram incluídas no estudo. A análise de regressão logística multivariada foi usada para identificar os fatores associados à omissão do consumo do pequeno-almoço. A associação entre variáveis dependentes e independentes foi avaliada por meio de odds ratio com intervalo de confiança de 95% e valor de p < 0.05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Entre os 550 adolescentes marroquinos avaliados, 25.6% relataram não tomar o pequeno-almoço todos os dias. Tomar o pequeno-almoço foi estatisticamente associado ao sexo (Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.13 IC 95% 1.32-3.84, p = 0.008); à baixa escolaridade da mãe (OR = 2.86 IC 95% 1.89-4.71, p = 0.091); mães não trabalhadoras (OR = 13.71 IC 95% 1.16-5.29, p < 0.001), não comer entre as refeições (OR = 15.49 IC 95% 2.15-5.49, p < 0.001); jantar regularmente todos os dias (OR = 17.79 IC 95% 2.81-8.01, p = 0.005); comer vegetais 1 a 3 vezes por semana (OR = 10.21 IC 95% 1.44-4.67, p = 0.001); consumir leite e derivados de 1 a 3 vezes por semana (OR = 13.88 IC 95% 1.59-5.56, p < 0.001) e nunca beber refrigerantes durante a semana (OR = 3.12 IC 95% 1.90-4.50, p = 0.003). Conclusões: Este estudo revelou que a prevalência da falta de consumo de pequeno-almoço entre crianças em idade escolar na cidade de Beni Mellal foi alta. Assim, os resultados sugerem que é necessário um programa de educação em saúde da comunidade, conduzido por nutricionistas e outros profissionais de saúde.

Resumo Introdução: O confinamento generalizado devido à pandemia de COVID-19 foi instaurado pelas autoridades marroquinas no início de 2020 para preservar a saúde dos cidadãos. O confinamento e a pandemia determinaram efeitos psicológicos na população, incluindo ansiedade. A doença celíaca (CeD), uma doença crónica caracterizada por alterações inflamatórias intestinais, tem sido associada a distúrbios emocionais em adultos. Assim, os pacientes com CeD podem sofrer de ansiedade ou sofrer ainda mais desta condição, como consequência da situação concomitante. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ansiedade relacionada ao COVID-19 numa amostra de adultos com CeD em comparação com um grupo saudável emparelhado. Método: Doentes com CeD (103) e um grupo saudável emparelhado (101) responderam através da internet a um questionário sobre ansiedade relacionada com o confinamento devido à COVID-19. A ansiedade foi avaliada com o State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (teste STAI: y1 para ansiedade-estado e y2 para ansiedade-traço). Resultados: A ansiedade-estado esteve presente em 65,3% dos CeD e 41,6% do grupo de comparação e a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa. As mulheres com CeD referem maiores níveis de ansiedade-estado do que seus pares no grupo de comparação (t= 3,23; p = 0,002) e foi encontrada correlação significativa entre boa adesão à DSG e menos ansiedade-estado (r = 0,31; p = 0,002). 61,8% dos participantes com CeD achavam que estavam em maior risco de contaminação por COVID-19, eram principalmente mulheres (χ2 = 7,66, p < 0,006) e apresentaram um score médio de ansiedade-estado significativamente maior do que seus pares que não expressaram esses pensamentos (t = 2,93; p = 0,004). Além disso, 41,5% dos participantes com CeD tinham ansiedade como traço contra 26,7% no grupo de comparação e a diferença entre os dois grupos foi estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão: Os resultados desta investigação permitem compreender melhor os efeitos pandémicos relacionados com a saúde em pacientes com doença celíaca. Demonstra que a COVID-19 e o confinamento relacionado tiveram um sério impacto no equilíbrio psicológico desses pacientes, piorando a sua ansiedade. Os resultados destacaram também a necessidade de melhorar o atendimento psicológico dos pacientes com CeD, principalmente considerando o uso da telemedicina durante a actual pandemia para suporte à sua saúde mental.

Abstract Introduction: The widespread lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was insured by Moroccan authorities in early 2020 to preserve the health of citizens. The lockdown and the pandemic imposed psychological effects on the population including anxiety. Celiac disease (CeD), a chronic disease among the most common inflammatory intestinal disorders, has been linked to adult emotional disturbances. Hence, CeD patients may suffer from anxiety or increase this condition due to the concomitant situation. The objective of this study was to assess COVID-19-related anxiety in a sample of adults with CeD in comparison with a matched healthy group. Method: CeD patients (103) and matched healthy group (101) were investigated using a web-based COVID-19 and related lockdown anxiety survey. Anxiety was assessed with the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI test: Y1 for state anxiety and Y2 for trait anxiety). Results: State anxiety was present among 65.3% of CeD and 41.6% of the comparison group, and the difference was statistically significant. CeD women suffered more from state anxiety than their compeers in the comparison group (t = 3.23; p = 0.002), and a significant correlation between good compliance to GFD and less state anxiety was found among CeD patients (r = 0.31; p = 0.002). 61.8% of CeD participants thought they were at higher risk of contamination by COVID-19, and they were mostly women (χ2 = 7.66, p < 0.006) and had significantly higher state anxiety mean scores than their compatriots who did not express these thoughts (t = 2.93; p = 0.004). Additionally, 41.5% of CeD participants had anxiety as a trait against 26.7% in the comparison group and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Results of this survey allow a better understanding of the health-related pandemic effects on Moroccan CeD patients. It demonstrates that COVID-19 and related lockdowns had a serious impact on the psychological balance of these patients by increasing their anxiety. The survey results underlined the need to improve the psychological care of CeD patients notably by considering remote medical visits during this ongoing pandemic to provide mental health support.

RESUMO Muitos estudos têm pesquisado as ligações entre transtornos emocionais e dificuldades de aprendizagem. No entanto, muito pouco desta pesquisa se concentrou em estudantes disléxicos. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram: 1) avaliar a autoestima, ansiedade e depressão em crianças e adolescentes disléxicos falantes do árabe; 2) descrever comorbidades psiquiátricas nesses estudantes, comparando-os com seus pares não disléxicos. Métodos: 205 estudantes (56 disléxicos e 149 bons leitores), alunos de escolas comuns da região de Beni Mellal-Khenifra do Marrocos, responderam à escala de autoavaliação de ansiedade de Taylor, ao questionário de depressão de Beck’s e ao inventário de autoestima de Coopersmith (IES). Resultados: Em geral, os disléxicos eram mais ansiosos, mais deprimidos e tiveram distúrbios de autoestima em comparação com seus pares não-disléxicos. O percentual de comorbidade psiquiátrica foi maior no grupo disléxico. Conclusões: Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciam a necessidade de uma abordagem multidisciplinar que integre a avaliação das necessidades emocionais aos cuidados de reabilitação de crianças e adolescentes disléxicos.

ABSTRACT Several research studies have been devoted to study the links between emotional disorders and learning disabilities. However, very minimal of this research has focused on dyslexic students. Objective: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to assess self-esteem, anxiety, and depression in dyslexic Arabic-speaking children and adolescents and (2) to describe psychiatric comorbidities in these subjects by comparing them to their non-dyslexic peers. Methods: In total, 205 students (56 dyslexics and 149 good readers), pursuing their education in ordinary schools in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco responded to Taylor’s Self-Assessment Scale of Anxiety, Beck’s Depression Questionnaire, and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI). Results: Overall, dyslexics were more anxious, more depressed, and had disturbed self-esteem compared to their non-dyslexic peers. The percentage of psychiatric comorbidity was higher in the dyslexic group. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates emotional needs assessment into the rehabilitation care of dyslexic children and adolescents.

The distribution of delta sleep-inducing peptide immunoreactive cell bodies, fibers, and terminal-like structures was investigated in the normal human hypothalamus during the first postnatal year, using immunohistofluorescence and peroxidase anti-peroxidase techniques. Immunolabeled perikarya were relatively few and were mostly scattered through the anterior (preoptic) and mediobasal regions (infundibular nucleus) of the hypothalamus. DSIP-immunoreactive fibers and terminal-like fibers were observed throughout the entire rostro-caudal extent of the hypothalamus. They exhibit high densities in the preoptic region, the organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis, infundibular nucleus and median eminence. Moderate to low densities of DSIP-immunoreactive fibers were observed in the other hypothalamic structures, located in the anterior and mediobasal regions of hypothalamus, such as periventricular, paraventricular, suprachiasmatic, ventromedial, dorsomedial and parafornical nuclei. In the present study, the analysis of the immunohistochemical pattern of DSIP-immunoreactive neuronal elements in the human infant hypothalamus during the first postnatal year provided evidence of the presence of several differences. We have found qualitative age-related changes in the density of DSIP immunoreactivity in several hypothalamic structures such as the anterior region and the median eminence