Rodents as reservoir host of intestinal helminthes in different Egyptian agroecosystems

Hymenolepis diminuta were detected in rodents in all zones surveyed Governorates under studied [Suez, Menoufia, Giza, Damietta and Beni-Sewaf]. The highest infestation recorded at Suez and Demiatta Governorates. On the other hand, rodents at Menoufia and Beni-Sewaf showed there is no convincing evidence that they infested with H. diminuta. The existence of one species of nematode namely, Streptopharagus kuntzi were recorded at Suez, Giza and Demiatta Governorates only. While Menoufia and Beni-Sewaf Governorates showed no convincing evidence that, they infested with nematode. Worms were recovered from Norway rats. Data indicated that Rattus norvegicus were the most vulnerable species at infection with H. diminuta and Streptopharagus kuntzi. Summer is highly infested with nematode in comparison with other seasonal study

in vitro studies of schistosomicidal potency of Nigella sativa seeds against Schistosoma mansoni different stages

The schistosomicidal properties of Nigella sativa seeds were tested in vitro against Schistosoma mansoni miracidia, cercariae and adult worms. Results indicate its strong biocidal effects against all stages of the parasite and also showed an inhibitory effect on egg-laying of adult female worms. The present work was extented to study the effects of crushed seeds on some antioxidant enzymes; which have a role in protection of adult worms against host oxidant killing; as well as some enzymes of glucose metabolism; which have a crucial role in the survival of adult worms inside their hosts. The data revealed that the used drug induce an oxidative stress against adult worms which indicated by a decrease in the activities of both antioxidant enzymes, [superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GPX] and glutathione reductase [GR]], and enzymes of glucose metabolism, [hexokinase [HK] and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G-6- P.DH]]. Disturbing of such enzymes of adult worms using N. sativa seeds could in turn render the parasite vulnerable to damage by the host and may play a role in the antischistosomal potency of the used drug

Influence of schistosomiasis on testicular endocrine function and testosterone metabolism

The study included 17 male patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis and 14 normal controls. They were investigated for evidence of altered androgen secretion and metabolism. The endocrine testicular function was evaluated by measuring plasma testosterone [T], free testosterone [FT], dihydrotestosterone [DHT], dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS], androstenedione [delta 4], testosterone binding capacity and gonadotropins [FSH and LH] levels in patients and controls by radioimmunoassay and immuno-radiometric techniques. Plasma androgens were assessed following IM injection of testosterone enanthate to investigate any altered testosterone metabolism in schistosomal patients. Also, human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] stimulation was done to evaluate secretory functions of Leydig cells

Flumazenil [anexate] versus non-specific benzodiazepines antagonist for recovery of patients using subjective and psychomotor assessments

80 patients were scheduled for minor surgical procedures [herniorrhaphy, cystolithotomy, excision of bladder ulcer or diagnostic cystoscope], their age ranged from 18-60 years of both sexes, they received benzodiazepines supplementation for regional anaesthesia. At the end of surgery sedation is reversed by flumazenil [Anexate], naloxone, aminophylline and placebo. The recovery was evaluated by recovery assessment of level of sedation, comprehension and co-peration, temporo-spatial orientation, cognitive and psychomotor tests and anterograde amnesia. The parameters are measured 5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 minutes after injection of the trial drug. Recovery score, comprehension and co-operation, orientation and psychomotor assessment showed marked and significant improvement after flumazenil in comparison with placebo, as regard the anterograde amnesia significant changes were noted between flumazenil and placebo; resedation was more with diazepam subgroups. There was no role for naloxone which was similar to placebo while aminophylline hasten the recovery from benzodiazepine sedation but more late if compared with flumazenil [30 minutes post-aminophylline versus 5 minutes post-flumazenil injection]