Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Timely and effective diagnosis plays a pivotal role in schistosomiasis control efforts. This study aims to assess the utility of combined Schistosoma haematobium soluble egg antigen (Sh SEA) and S. mansoni worm antigen (Sm SWA) in serological diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis. Admixtures containing 10 µg/mL of both Sm SEA and Sh SEA, as well as Sm SWA and Sh SWA, were employed to detect S. haematobium infection via an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using sera and urine from microscopically confirmed positive samples from an endemic population, along with confirmed negative samples from both endemic (NE) and non-endemic (NNE) populations. The diagnostic performance of Schistosoma eggs and worm antigen mixtures varied depending on sample type and negative endemicity. The Sm SEA and Sh SEA mixtures performed poorly with sera and urine from the pair of positive vs negative endemic samples, as well as positive vs non-endemic samples, but excellently with positive vs negative endemic urine samples pair (sensitivity 91.67%; specificity 66.67%). Conversely, SWA mixtures showed superior performance, particularly with the positive vs negative non-endemic sera samples pair (sensitivity 93.75%; specificity 72.92%). Other SWA-based mixtures, except SWA admixture using urine in positive vs NE samples, exhibited acceptable performance. Antibody titers varied significantly, with higher titers generally observed in negative endemic samples for SWA mixtures and in negative non-endemic urine samples for SEA mixtures (p < 0.05). Combined antigens improve Schistosoma diagnostics: SEA admixtures suit endemic urine samples, while SWA admixtures aid non-endemic sera detection.

ABSTRACT Freshwater snails are significant vectors for schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms, and they also hold veterinary importance as hosts for various diseases. Climate change significantly influences the transmission of schistosomiasis by affecting these snails. Changes in temperature impact their growth, reproduction, and survival, with each species exhibiting distinct optimal temperature ranges. This can result in shifts in snail populations and the distribution of the disease. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns expand the geographic range of snails, increasing infection risk in regions such as eastern Africa, China, and Brazil. Temperature plays a critical role in parasite development and snail survival, with varying temperature tolerances among snail species affecting disease transmission dynamics. Rather than merely expanding transmission areas, climate change may shift them, potentially pushing African snail species out of their thermal comfort zones. To effectively manage climate-sensitive diseases like schistosomiasis, comprehensive public health strategies are essential. This includes developing adaptive plans, prioritising research, and fostering collaboration. Understanding the intricate relationship between climate change and disease transmission is crucial for designing targeted interventions. Enhanced surveillance and control measures are necessary to protect vulnerable populations and mitigate the impacts of climate change on schistosomiasis transmission.

Introduction and importance:Renal malrotation is an uncommon congenital anatomical variation presents with various clinical manifestations; renal malrotations types include: incomplete rotation, reverse rotation, hyperrotation, and nonrotation. Renal malrotation along the sagittal plane, with the kidney’s long axis positioned horizontally, represents an exceptionally rare phenomenon, with only three documented cases worldwide.Case presentation:A 45-year-old man with left-sided loin pain arrived at the urology clinic. Non-contrast computed tomography (CT) findings: few calculi in the lower calyx, a massive mid-zonal renal cyst that measured around 8 × 8 × 9 cm, and a sagittally malrotated kidney along its horizontal axis, which was a sign of an acquired ailment rather than a congenital defect.Clinical Discussion:Most cases of renal malrotation are identified incidentally during imaging studies, such as CT scans, which are often performed for unrelated reasons, including low back pain, urinary tract infections, or hematuria.Malrotation is often associated with other renal abnormalities, such as ectopia, horseshoe kidney, or other renal anomalies.Conclusion:Malrotated kidneys are uncommon and frequently discovered by accident, particularly those with a horizontal axis in the retroperitoneal space.

Abstract Continued monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues in inland watercourses contributes indirectly to Sustainable Development Goal 14 by preserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems. Therefore, the current work aims to monitor PCBs in water courses of Giza, Al-Qaliobiah, and Al-Gharbiah Egyptian Governorates and assess their risk using various tools. The highest water temperature was 32.2 °C et al.-Gharbiah during spring. pH values were natural throughout all seasons and sites, except Al-Qaliobiah, which showed alkaline water in the summer. Giza showed high DO in winter (7.75 mg/L), while Al-Qaliobiah and Al-Gharbiah peaked in autumn (5.04 and 6.41 mg/L, respectively). Six PCB congeners (52, 70, 101, 118, 138, and 180) were detected, and their levels exceeded the permissible limit in surface water. PCB-52 and 70 were the most dominant in all investigated governorates. The highest total PCBs were 126.10 and 132.40 µg/L in deep water at Giza and Al-Gharbiah, respectively, while in surface water et al.-Qaliobiah it was 111.90 µg/L. Most PCB congeners were lowest in winter, compared to spring and autumn, and this was inversely proportional to abundance of macroinvertebrates. Hilsenhoff Biotic Index (HBI) values showed relatively poor water quality, indicating significant organic pollution. All hazard quotient (HQ) values were greater than 1, and the carcinogenic risks exceeded the acceptable limits. Therefore, implementing monitoring programs and regulatory policies is vital to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health.

IntroductionCardiac amyloidosis (CA) impacts about 20 % of elderly heart failure patients, leading to myocardial dysfunction and life-threatening risks. However, it often remains undetected due to the significant risks associated with invasive biopsies. This highlights the critical need for safer and accurate non-invasive diagnostic techniques.AimTo compare the diagnostic value of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) imaging and Cardiac Scintigraphy Imaging in the diagnosis of CA.MethodsA comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases yielded studies that utilized CMR or cardiac scintigraphy for diagnosing CA. QUADAS-2 was employed for quality assessment.ResultsFrom 7117 records, 35 studies involving 4866 patients were analyzed. Cardiac scintigraphy demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity across different radiotracers, with 99mTc-HMDP showing the highest specificity (1.00, 95 % CI: 0.93–1.00) and 99mTc-DPD the highest sensitivity (0.93, 95 % CI: 0.89–0.95). CMR imaging showed variable diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 0.83 (95 % CI: 0.81–0.85) and a lower specificity of only 0.53 (95 % CI: 0.50–0.56).ConclusionCardiac scintigraphy, particularly with 99mTc-HMDP, offers superior diagnostic accuracy for CA compared to CMR imaging. Controlled, randomized, prospective studies directly comparing these non-invasive techniques are essential to validate these findings.

<title>Abstract</title> Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease (CLD) are mostly linked to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, especially genotype 4. The advancement of liver cancer is significantly influenced by epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and microRNA regulation. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the expression of two tumor suppressor genes in patients infected with HCV genotype 4: glutathione S-transferase pi 1 (GSTP1) and E-cadherin 1 (CDH1). It also aimed to explore the regulatory relationship between these genes and microRNA152 (miRNA152) and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) to evaluate their potential roles as biomarkers for HCC development. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR was done to evaluate the gene expression levels of GSTP1, CDH1, miRNA152, and DNMT1 in CLD and HCC patients infected with HCV genotype 4. Correlation analyses were used to examine regulatory linkage. Results: The results indicated a substantial inverse correlation between DNMT1 and miRNA152. Furthermore, DNMT1 expression exhibited a negative association with both GSTP1 and CDH1, while GSTP1 and CDH1 had a positive correlation. The results indicate that DNMT1 and miRNA152 govern the epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Conclusion: In individuals with HCV genotype 4, the interplay of miRNA152, DNMT1, GSTP1, and CDH1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC. These indicators demonstrate potential roles as therapeutic targets and noninvasive prognostic biomarkers for HCV-related liver disease.