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.

Background

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute infectious disease that damages the rabbit industry by producing significant mortality rates in young and adult rabbits. RHD is better controlled by vaccination.

Objective

The current study's goal was to prepare and evaluate the immuno-enhancing effect of montanide ISA70 and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃) gel incorporated within the inactivated RHDV2 vaccine and assess the vaccine's protective efficacy against the homologous and heterologous local RHDV2 strains in rabbits.

Methods

Inactivated RHDV vaccines were prepared using Montanide ISA70 oil or Al(OH)₃ gel adjuvants and submitted to sterility, safety, and potency tests. 200 rabbits were equally divided into 4 groups: G1 (control), G2 (vaccinated with gel-incorporated vaccine), G3 (vaccinated with montanide-incorporated vaccine), and G4 (vaccinated with gel- and montanide-incorporated vaccines). Individual blood samples were collected from one week to six months from all groups. The vaccine's potency was measured by the HI test and protection percentage post challenge.

Results

Data revealed slightly increasing HI titer means reaching the 1st peak at 4 weeks post-vaccination (7.33, 7.67, and 7.33 log2 in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups, respectively), then slightly decreasing and peaked again, giving 9.33 log2 for the2^nd group at 3 months post-vaccination (MPV), 10.67 log2 for 3rd the group, and 10.33 log2 for the 4th group at 5 months post-vaccination. Titer gradually decreased but remained protective. The protection rate ranged from 80–100% and 80–90% for homologous and heterologous local RHDV2 vaccines, respectively, within 3 weeks and 6 months post-challenge. The montanide oil RHDV2 vaccine induced better protection than the aluminum gel RHDV2 vaccine.

Conclusion

The results demonstrated evidence of cross-protection between RHDV2 strains. The oil emulsion vaccine induced higher and longer-lasting antibody titers than those obtained with the RHDV2 aluminum gel vaccine.

Background

Early diagnosis and treatment of anorectal atresia, a common congenital abnormality in calves, are crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the animal’s survival. Typically, newly born calves with this condition are present with an inability to defecate due to an absence of or an obstructed anal opening, often accompanied by abdominal pain and distension. History, physical examination, and radiographic imaging are frequently utilized diagnostic tools. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of needle aspiration as a supportive diagnostic technique for anorectal atresia in bovine calves under field conditions and to assess its role in decision-making to proceed with surgical intervention.

Results

A total of 116 male calves, aged six hours to five days, were examined through clinical inspection, needle aspiration, and plain radiography. Clinical findings indicated that 62 cases had atresia ani, while 54 calves were diagnosed with atresia ani et recti. In cases without detectable swelling under the base of the tail, even with manually applied pressure on the abdomen, needle aspiration and radiographic findings showed positive results in 46.30% of calves. These cases were characterized by a radiolucent, distended rectal end close to the perineal skin surface (≤ 5 cm). Conversely, 53.70% of animals had negative aspiration results, with radiographic evidence of gas accumulation at the rectal end located > 5 cm from the perineal surface. Additionally, successful creation of an artificial anus at the perineum was achieved in cases with a rectal end near the skin surface. Whereas cases with a far rectal end more than 5 cm were subjected successfully to right flank laparo-typhlostomy.

Conclusions

Needle aspiration is a straightforward, non-invasive technique that proves highly valuable in facilitating diagnosis and guiding surgical decisions in calves with anorectal atresia, particularly in cases where bulging is not observed upon manual abdominal pressure. It is most effective when the rectal end is within five centimeters proximal to the perineal skin surface.

Recent advancements in wound care have explored the use of biological dressings, including fish skin, due to its rich collagen content and bioactive components that promote healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of fresh and lyophilized Nile tilapia skin in enhancing full thickness skin wound healing in donkeys. Nile tilapia skin was collected, thoroughly washed, lyophilized, and sterilized. Five female donkeys were used in the study, each receiving three full-thickness skin wounds (2 cm x 2 cm) on each side of the back after aseptic preparation and local anesthesia, resulting in a total of six wounds per animal. The wounds were assigned to three groups: control (treated with saline), fresh fish skin, and lyophilized fish skin. Macroscopic wound assessment was performed and skin samples were collected on days 14 and 28 for histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Crossman’s trichrome staining. Results revealed that treatment with lyophilized fish skin significantly accelerated wound contraction and epithelialization compared to the control and fresh fish skin-treated groups. On day 14, wound contraction rates were 43.57% ± 0.87 for lyophilized fish skin, 41.32% ± 0.26 for fresh fish skin, and 32.48% ± 0.39 for the control. By day 28, contraction rates increased to 74.37% ± 0.77, 66.92% ± 0.31, and 56.88% ± 0.73, respectively. Histological analysis showed enhanced collagen deposition and angiogenesis in the lyophilized fish skin group. In conclusion, lyophilized Nile tilapia skin is a promising and cost-effective biomaterial for enhancing wound healing, offering a practical solution for field veterinarians in low-resource settings.

Background

Delayed wound closure and non-healing wounds represent a problematic condition with health burden and an economic challenge. Therefore, different strategies have been developed, including skin tissue engineering, which aims to stimulate and support the wound healing process. In this study, the potential of graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CTS) biomaterial composite, with and without fetal bovine serum (FBS), was investigated to induce a full-thickness skin wound repair in rats.

Methods

The GO-CTS composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transforms infrared. Cytocompatibility was evaluated via an MTT assay with human endothelial cells (ECs) and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in vitro. The in vivo wound regeneration potential was assessed by creating an 8 mm full-thickness circular skin defect on the dorsal surface of the rat. The defects were randomly divided into control, GO-CTS, FBS, and GO-CTS/FBS groups, and were monitored grossly and histologically at days 7 and 21 after wound induction.

Results

The GO-CTS material demonstrated high cytocompatibility, with cell viability recorded at 99.2% ± 5.7% for ECs and 110.5% ± 3.9% for MEFs. The highest proliferation rates were observed in the FBS (118.2% ± 2.1%) and GO-CTS/FBS (121.4% ± 4.4%) groups. In vivo, wound closure rates on day 21 were 85.5% ± 0.56% for GO-CTS, 87.5% ± 1.75% for FBS, and 91.5% ± 1.03% for GO-CTS/FBS, all significantly higher than the control group. Additionally, neovascularization, epithelialization, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue formation were more prominent in the treated groups, with skin appendages observed in the GO-CTS/FBS group.

Conclusion

GO-CTS nanosheets with FBS represent a promising biomaterial for skin tissue engineering and can effectively initiate and support wound healing.