Introduction: Hymenolepiasis remains among the most common parasitic zoonoses in developing countries. Little information is available about hymenolepiasis in children in Upper Egypt and rodents’ contribution to maintaining the disease's epidemiology.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in Rattus rattus and children in Asyut Governorate, Egypt. Rodents (n = 100) were randomly trapped from various localities in Asyut Governorate, and stool samples from 120 children were collected from the same localities. Laboratory examination of the collected samples involved investigation of the small intestine of R. rattus for adult worm detection by morphological examination, followed by examination of stool samples of children using direct smear, formol-ether sedimentation technique, and Sheather’s sugar flotation technique. Confirmation of Hymenolepis spp. positive samples were performed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: This study revealed the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in 45% of the examined R. rattus, comprising 43% positivity for H. diminuta and 2% for mixed infection by H. nana and H. diminuta. Hymenolepis nana was detected in 28.3% of the examined children. PCR–RFLP confirmed these findings, showing 100% sensitivity. Collectively, these findings reveal the potential contribution of R. rattus as an important reservoir for Hymenolepis infection in Upper Egypt.

Conclusions: This study concluded that personal education, periodical deworming of children, rodent control, and hygienic measures should be implemented by governmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce the incidence of infection.

Bartonella species (Bartonella spp.) have gained recognition as a significant human pathogen, implicated in a wide range of diseases. Among these, Bartonella henselae infection has been extensively studied for its primary occurrence in cats and its role in the development of cat-scratch disease in humans. While light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have traditionally played crucial roles in identifying causative agents of infectious diseases, including Bartonella spp., the accuracy of these methods in identifying Bartonella spp. remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing both light microscopy and TEM to detect Bartonella in feline blood samples and to confirm B. henselae with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and toluidine blue semithin sections by using light microscopy revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic corpuscles, suggesting Bartonella infection in six out of 33 examined cat blood samples. TEM findings corroborated these observations, showcasing the engulfment of bacteria by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp., adhering to the erythrocyte wall. PCR-based molecular detection confirmed the presence of B. henselae in these six samples. It is concluded that light microscopy and TEM are considered valuable in the screening of cats' blood for the potential presence of Bartonella. However, further molecular techniques are essential for precise identification and confirmation of specific Bartonella spp

Bartonella species (Bartonella spp.) have gained recognition as a significant human pathogen, implicated in a wide range of diseases. Among these, Bartonella henselae infection has been extensively studied for its primary occurrence in cats and its role in the development of cat-scratch disease in humans. While light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have traditionally played crucial roles in identifying causative agents of infectious diseases, including Bartonella spp., the accuracy of these methods in identifying Bartonella spp. remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing both light microscopy and TEM to detect Bartonella in feline blood samples and to confirm B. henselae with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and toluidine blue semithin sections by using light microscopy revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic corpuscles, suggesting Bartonella infection in six out of 33 examined cat blood samples. TEM findings corroborated these observations, showcasing the engulfment of bacteria by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp., adhering to the erythrocyte wall. PCR-based molecular detection confirmed the presence of B. henselae in these six samples. It is concluded that light microscopy and TEM are considered valuable in the screening of cats' blood for the potential presence of Bartonella. However, further molecular techniques are essential for precise identification and confirmation of specific Bartonella spp.

Bartonella species (Bartonella spp.) have gained recognition as a significant human pathogen, implicated in a wide range of diseases. Among these, Bartonella henselae infection has been extensively studied for its primary occurrence in cats and its role in the development of cat-scratch disease in humans. While light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have traditionally played crucial roles in identifying causative agents of infectious diseases, including Bartonella spp., the accuracy of these methods in identifying Bartonella spp. remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing both light microscopy and TEM to detect Bartonella in feline blood samples and to confirm B. henselae with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and toluidine blue semithin sections by using light microscopy revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic corpuscles, suggesting Bartonella infection in six out of 33 examined cat blood samples. TEM findings corroborated these observations, showcasing the engulfment of bacteria by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp., adhering to the erythrocyte wall. PCR-based molecular detection confirmed the presence of B. henselae in these six samples. It is concluded that light microscopy and TEM are considered valuable in the screening of cats' blood for the potential presence of Bartonella. However, further molecular techniques are essential for precise identification and confirmation of specific Bartonella spp.

Introduction: Hymenolepiasis remains among the most common parasitic zoonoses in developing countries. Little information is available about hymenolepiasis in children in Upper Egypt and rodents’ contribution to maintaining the disease's epidemiology.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in Rattus rattus and children in Asyut Governorate, Egypt. Rodents (n = 100) were randomly trapped from various localities in Asyut Governorate, and stool samples from 120 children were collected from the same localities. Laboratory examination of the collected samples involved investigation of the small intestine of R. rattus for adult worm detection by morphological examination, followed by examination of stool samples of children using direct smear, formol-ether sedimentation technique, and Sheather’s sugar flotation technique. Confirmation of Hymenolepis spp. positive samples were performed using polymerase chain reaction targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: This study revealed the occurrence of Hymenolepis spp. in 45% of the examined R. rattus, comprising 43% positivity for H. diminuta and 2% for mixed infection by H. nana and H. diminuta. Hymenolepis nana was detected in 28.3% of the examined children. PCR–RFLP confirmed these findings, showing 100% sensitivity. Collectively, these findings reveal the potential contribution of R. rattus as an important reservoir for Hymenolepis infection in Upper Egypt.

Conclusions: This study concluded that personal education, periodical deworming of children, rodent control, and hygienic measures should be implemented by governmental and nongovernmental organizations to reduce the incidence of infection.

Bartonella species (Bartonella spp.) have gained recognition as a significant human pathogen, implicated in a wide range of diseases. Among these, Bartonella henselae infection has been extensively studied for its primary occurrence in cats and its role in the development of cat-scratch disease in humans. While light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have traditionally played crucial roles in identifying causative agents of infectious diseases, including Bartonella spp., the accuracy of these methods in identifying Bartonella spp. remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing both light microscopy and TEM to detect Bartonella in feline blood samples and to confirm B. henselae with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and toluidine blue semithin sections by using light microscopy revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic corpuscles, suggesting Bartonella infection in six out of 33 examined cat blood samples. TEM findings corroborated these observations, showcasing the engulfment of bacteria by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp., adhering to the erythrocyte wall. PCR-based molecular detection confirmed the presence of B. henselae in these six samples. It is concluded that light microscopy and TEM are considered valuable in the screening of cats' blood for the potential presence of Bartonella. However, further molecular techniques are essential for precise identification and confirmation of specific Bartonella spp.

Skin plays a vital role in maintaining various physiological functions, including barrier protection, temperature regulation, and sensory perception. Effective wound healing is crucial for restoring tissue integrity after injury, involving a complex interplay of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Hydatid cyst fluid (HCF), derived from Echinococcus granulosus, contains bioactive components that may enhance wound healing. This study evaluates the potential of lyophilized HCF to promote skin wound repair using an in vitro assay and an in vivo rat wound model.

Lyophilized HCF was prepared from hydatid cyst fluid obtained from the lungs of infected camels and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) on endothelial and fibroblast cell lines. An in vivo full-thickness skin defect model was created in rats, and wounds were treated with either lyophilized HCF or saline (control). Wound closure rates were measured on days 7 and 21, and histological evaluations were conducted using standard techniques.

GC-MS analysis revealed that lyophilized HCF contains bioactive compounds, including antimicrobial agents, fatty acids, and molecules that promote angiogenesis. In vitro MTT assay confirmed that lyophilized HCF exhibited no cytotoxicity and supported cell viability. In vivo results revealed significantly improved wound closure in the HCF-treated group compared to control groups. Specifically, in the control group, the wound closure was 23.52% ± 4.23 on day 7 and 86.02% ± 1.08 on day 21. In the lyophilized HCF group, the closure was significantly higher, with 48.99% ± 6.12 on day 7 and 91.13% ± 1.9 on day 21. Histological analysis revealed that the HCF-treated wounds exhibited significantly improved epithelialization (p = 0.0211 on day 7; p = 0.0003 on day 21), reduced inflammatory cell infiltration (p = 0.0277 on day 7; p = 0.0179 on day 21), enhanced collagen deposition (p = 0.0082 on day 7; p = 0.0127 on day 21), and increased angiogenesis (p = 0.0001 on day 7; p < 0.0001 on day 21), compared to the control group.

In conclusion, lyophilized HCF promotes effective wound healing through its bioactive components, supporting cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen deposition and angiogenesis. These findings suggest that HCF could serve as a promising therapeutic agent for wound repair. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical applications.

Abstract

This study aimed to define the antitumor effect of ethanolic extract of Pistacia vera leaves (PEE) toward breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo using dimethyl-benz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast tumor in adult female rats. PEE showed a potent antioxidant effect toward both DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radicals with IC₅₀ values of 72.6 and 107.4 μg/mL, respectively. PEE exerted its cytotoxicity in dose-dependent manners with favorable selectivity toward MCF-7 and MDA cancer cells, sparing normal WI-38 cells. Through considerable decreases in blood CA15.3, CEA, CA19.9, TNF-α, IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels, as well as mammary MDA and NO levels, PEE administration effectively improved the damage caused by breast cancer. Additionally, PEE exhibited remarkable increasing in mammary GSH content, GPx, SOD and CAT activities. The histopathological findings demonstrated the therapeutic potential of PEE that successfully improved the mammary gland alterations induced by DMBA and aborted cancer development. PEE has shown intriguing potential as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant drug by targeting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators, which has helped to successfully treat malignancies in clinical settings. Collectively, our findings support chemo-preventive potential of PEE against DMBA-induced breast tumor in rats via enhancing apoptosis and immune response.

Introduction: Trichinellosis, caused by Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis), remains a prevalent parasitic zoonosis. Developing new drugs targeting and understanding the immune response against the infection is imperative. Previous research has inadequately explored the efficacy of crude myrrh extract and myrrh-based silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against trichinellosis, as well as their impact on histopathological, and immunological factors.

Methods: This study evaluated the effects of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using myrrh, crude myrrh extracts, and albendazole on the intestinal phase of T. spiralis. It also examined the associated histopathological changes and alterations in key immunological markers, including Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Five groups of 12 mice were allocated as follows: group 1: non-infected, non-treated (negative control), group 2: infected, non-treated (positive control), group 3: infected and treated with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (40 μg/mL), group 4: infected and treated with myrrh crude extract (800 mg/kg), and group 5: infected and treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg). Treatment was orally administered starting on the 2^nd day post-infection and continued for three successive days. Mice of all groups were euthanized on the 6^th day post-infection, and the intestine of each was isolated for parasitological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry evaluation of MMP-9, as well as assessment of cytokines level (IFN-γ and IL-10 gene expressions) via Real-time PCR technique.

Results: The present study showed a considerable reduction in adult worm count among the treated groups. The mortality rates of adult worms were 88.64% in the silver nanoparticles treated group, 85.17% in the myrrh crude extract group, and 94.07% in the albendazole-treated group. Histopathological examination revealed prominent alterations in the intestine of the infected non-treated mice, which were markedly restored by treatment. Immunohistochemical examination accompanied by significant reduction in MMP-9 expression in the infected mice treated with AgNPs compared to the infected non-treated group, reflecting the role of AgNPs in downgrading the inflammatory reaction in the intestine of infected mice.

Conclusion: Collectively, this study demonstrates the novel antiparasitic potential of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized with myrrh against T. spiralis in infected mice. The treatment was associated with moderate rise in IFN-γ gene expression and IL-10 expression, highlighting its therapeutic efficacy against T. spiralis.

Background and objective 

Antiepileptic drug Depakine^® is often used, although it can cause birth defects in both human and animals. This study’s goal was to assess the Octopus vulgaris extract’s (OE) ability to protect against the hepatotoxicity caused by Depakine in an effort to advance its clinical application.

Patients and methods 

Four groups of adult male Wistar rats (150–180 g b.w.) have been designed at random (10 rats each) as: 1) healthy control group; 2) healthy rats treated orally with OE (50 mg/kg/day); 3) rats administrated orally with Depakine^® (500 mg/kg/day); 4) rats treated with OE in combination with Depakine.

Results and conclusion 

After 6 weeks of treatment, the results demonstrated that OE was effective in lowering Depakine^®-induced hepatotoxicity. This was shown by a significant rise in liver glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) values as well as albumin and total protein levels. Additionally, there was a considerable drop in the serum levels of tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α), interlukin-1beta (IL-1β), interlukin-4 (IL-4), interlukin-6 (IL-6), and interlukin-10 (IL-10), which exacerbated the structural recovery of the liver’s histological image. Conclusion: OE was highly effective in reducing the oxidative stress caused by Depakine^® and protecting the liver from its toxic effects. OE is a viable supplement candidate for liver protection against the negative effects of that antiepileptic medication.