ABSTRACT
Pigeons (Columba livia) are closely related to humans and serve various purposes as birds. Both domestic and racing pigeon (Columba livia) populations are vulnerable to several protozoal infections that pose health challenges to the pigeons and may impact public health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence, biodiversity, and effects of protozoan infections in domestic and racing pigeons in Assiut Governorate, focusing on zoonotic infections. A total of 140 clinically ill pigeons, comprising 92 domestic and 48 racing pigeons of varying ages, were examined for gastrointestinal, blood, and tissue protozoal infections from February 2023 to April 2024. The birds were necropsied and examined for gastrointestinal, blood, and tissue protozoal infections. The overall protozoal infection rate was 98.6% among the examined pigeons, which was higher in racing pigeons at 100%, compared to 97.8% in domestic pigeons. Additionally, the prevalence varied slightly with climate and age, showing higher rates in colder climates and among squabs. The commonly observed protozoan was Trichomonas sp., found in 90% of the samples (126 out of 140), followed by Cryptosporidium sp. at 48.6% (68/140), Atoxoplasma at 37.1% (52/140), and Haemoproteus at 34.3% (49/140). Leucocytozoon had a prevalence of 14.3% (20/140), while both Toxoplasma and Ehrlichia had the same prevalence of 12.9% (18/140). Aegyptianella was found in 11.4% (16/140) of samples. Microsporidia had a prevalence of 7.1% (10/140), and Eimeria and Plasmodium each had a prevalence of 5.7% (8/140). The least frequently observed protozoan was Cyclospora, found in 2.9% of the samples (4/140). This research highlights the prevalence and diversity of protozoal infections in pigeons and the public health risks associated with some protozoa's zoonotic nature. This emphasizes the need for targeted control measures to reduce the impact of these parasites on pigeon health.
Keywords: Pigeon, Race, Domestic, Zoonotic protozoa, Toxoplasma, Trichomonas sp., Cryptosporidium, Atoxoplasma, and Haemoproteus, Agyptenella, Leucocytozoan sp., Plasmodium sp

ABSTRACT
While fish serve as an important source of animal protein for humans, parasitic diseases can have a detrimental effect on their production and public health. The main focus of this study was to quantify the spread of parasitic infections in some freshwater fish and to evaluate the range of zoonotic parasites present in them. In Sohag Governorate, a total of 123 freshwater fish—91 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and 32 catfish (Clarias gariepinus)—were randomly chosen from natural sources and markets. Fish were examined visually and microscopically. Out of 123 examined fish, 81 were infected by parasites with a prevalence of 66%. Microscopic encysted metacercariae were detected in 46.2% of the total examined fish. In tilapia, the macroscopic EMC clinostomum was 18.7%, and contarcecum 17.6% were observed, while in catfish, trematodes, Orientocreadium batrachoides 12.5% and nematode, paracamalans 3%, were detected. These findings demonstrated a wide range in the prevalence of different zoonotic parasites across two species of fish, highlighting the potential hazards to human health when consuming raw or inadequately cooked fish.
Keywords: Tilapia, Catfish, Microscopy, zoonotic parasites, prevalencevv

Empagliflozin (EMPA) is a glucose-lowering agent that is widely used for treatment of diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. This work aimed to evaluate the therapeutic and prophylactic effects of EMPA and NAC in treating nephrotoxicity caused by 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in male Albino Wistar rats. 48 rats were divided into 6 groups: The first group used as negative control. The second received 20 mg/kg of 5-FU intraperitoneally for 6 days. The third group received 5-FU plus 10 mg/kg EMPA orally for 10 days. The fourth group received EMPA 10 days before the injection of 5-FU. The fifth group received 5-FU plus N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 40 mg/kg. The sixth group received 5-FU, NAC plus EMPA. Biochemical evaluation for urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, TNF-α and IL-1β in serum and GSH and MDA in renal homogenate were done. Histopathological examination of kidneys was done with immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3. The nephrotoxic effect of 5-FU was characterized by elevation of creatinine, urea, uric acid, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1β with reduction of albumin and GSH. EMPA caused improvement in kidney status especially when used therapeutically or with NAC. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EMPA caused a reduction in the expression of caspase-3. EMPA is an effective drug in cases of 5-FU induced nephrotoxicity. It is more effective when used as a treatment rather than a prophylactic strategy. The effect of EMPA is enhanced when combined with NAC. EMPA nephroprotective effect is mediated via antioxidant, antiinflammatory effects and by decreasing the expression of renal caspase-3.

Postpartum family planning helps to prevent unintended pregnancies, yet utilization remains low in Upper Egypt. Women's opinions reveal preferences for traditional methods, and cultural beliefs, contributing to lower acceptance of other methods. This study aims to understand women's perspectives on postpartum IUD use after delivery.

Abstract
Background: Cryptosporidiosis is a global infection caused by Cryptosporidium, which infects various vertebrates and humans, and causes gastroenteritis with varying severity. Several Cryptosporidium spp. with different genotypes and subtypes are implicated in human cryptosporidiosis.
Objective: estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species in Sohag, assess its occurrence among various patient groups, and analyze the relationship between Cryptosporidium infections and associated risk factors and assessed the genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp in Humans at Sohag Governorate, Egypt
Patients and Methods: A total of 245 human stool samples were collected from patients attending the outpatient clinics of Sohag hospitals. The collected samples were examined microscopically by direct smear and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stain (MZN). All positive Cryptosporidium samples detected by MZN were genotyped using nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (nPCR-RFLP) targeting cowp gene encoding Cryptosporidium oocyst wall protein (Cowp).
Results: Cryptosporidium was detected in 20% (49/245) of the examined samples using MZN. Only 2/45 (4%) of samples positive by microscopy were successfully amplified using cowp gene. All amplified samples were confirmed as C. hominis by nPCR-RFLP analysis of the cowp gene. Significant associations were found between cryptosporidiosis and age, residence and patient categories.
Conclusion: The identification of C. hominis indicates anthroponotic transmission. the relatively low prevalence of Cryptosporidium underscores the positive impact of public health measures implemented during and after COVID-19 pandemic on reducing parasitic infections.

Background and purpose: The use of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM)
is common in children with cancer globally.We aimed to assess the prevalence, types,
reasons, perceived effectiveness, and disclosure rate of T&CMuse among children with
cancer in Southern Egypt. We also investigated whether T&CM use contributed to
delays in initial presentation and treatment.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were collected via
an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Eligible children and their caregivers at
the South Egypt Cancer Institute were invited to participate.

Children with suspected cancer may succumb to their bad condition shortly after admission,
even before a definitive diagnosis can be reached. We aimed to address the issue of
delayed presentation and early deaths among children suspected of having cancer. We
analyzed also the types and causes of mortalities across different tumor types.
Materials and methods
A retrospective review of reports from newly admitted patients between 2006 and 2010 at
the pediatric oncology department of the South Egypt Cancer Institute (SECI) was done.
Parameters included age, gender, diagnosis, symptoms, the interval between initial symptoms
and the first visit to SECI, the duration from admission to death, and the cause of
death.

Systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that induces chronic inflammation of the major body systems. This disease induces autoantibodies production, causing immune complex formation and deposition in tissue, which result in inflammation and multi-organs damage. Among the common SLE complications is the development of lupus nephritis (LN) in which inflammation and damage to the kidneys occur. In the current study we aimed to evaluate the effect of administrating pulse therapy on LN patients during ovulation period (period of high estrogen level) in menstruating patients and during full moon period in non-menstruating group. This was a one year prospective cross-sectional study, included 101 LN female patients in the reproductive age attended Nephrology Department, Assiut University Hospital. They was divided into; Group A (menstruating group) that was subdivided into; Group A1: included 36 patients received pulse therapy during ovulation, Group A2: included 15 patients served as controls and received pulse therapy during any time (n=15). Group B (non-menstruating) that was subdivided into; Group B1: included 35 patients received pulse therapy during moon period, and Group B2: included 15 patients served as controls and received pulse therapy during any time. Patient’s response was evaluated to determine the best time for receiving the pulse therapy. In menstruating women, the degree of reduction in blood urea nitrogen (P=0.033, after three months of follow up), protein/ creatinine ratios (P=0.016, after two months of follow up, and P=0.005, after three months of follow up), and increase in hemoglobin level (P=0.006, after two months of follow up, and P=0.016, after three months of follow up) were significantly higher among patients who received pulse therapy during the period of ovulation. In non-menstruating women, receiving pulse therapy during full moon period enhanced and augmented its effect. In conclusion, estrogen hormone may play a major role in the female predominance of autoimmune disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematous.

Transarterial chemoembolization is commonly performed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging system B or C in selected patients according to current guidelines. Transarterial chemoembolization has been shown to improve the survival of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and Child class A and B. Transarterial chemoembolization is associated with a low rate of major complications (4–7%). Complications of transarterial chemoembolization can be categorized into injury to the liver and extrahepatic structures. Hepatocellular carcinoma with partial portal vein thrombosis is still a thorny problem, and the current treatment choices are unable to extend the survival effectively. the current study we designed to identify the preoperative factors related to the short-term a by comparing the preoperative clinical data of patients who died in the short-term (< 3 months) with those who survived after transarterial chemoembolization A total of 140 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and partial portal vein thrombosis were enrolled in the study. A retrospective-prospective hospital-based study was conducted at Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology at Al-Rajhi University Hospitals. It was conducted in the period between 2021 and 2023. The main findings in the current study were; 1) a total of 100 (71.4%) patients were still alive up to three months following transarterial chemoembolization and 40 (28.6%) patients died, 2) non-survivors had significantly lower albumin level with higher bilirubin, aspartate transaminase and more advanced albumin/bilirubin index grade and 3)

only predictor for short-term mortality in patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization was albumin/bilirubin index grade ≥ 2 with odd's ratio was 4.11. Lastly, the current study revealed that 40 (28.6%) patients died secondary to hepatic decompensation (29/40; 72.5%) or post-embolization syndrome (11/40; 27.5%). Also, response to transarterial chemoembolization in the current study was complete, partial and stable response in 90 (64.3%), 40 (28.6%) and 10 (7.1%) patients, respectively