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Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) ranks as the third most common parasitic parasite worldwide, and it is estimated that > 60% of the population is infected with T. gondii worldwide at some point in their lives. So. Therefore, it is highly curious that T. gondii could be a potential cause of idiopathic infertility that is incidental to male partners, who are responsible for nearly 50% of cases. Testicular histomorphometric analysis was developed to investigate fertility problems. The objective of this experimental study was to assess the impact of toxoplasmosis on spermatogenesis indicated by histomorphometric changes in rat testes and its correlation with the degree of infection in the brain. Ninety male Wistar albino rats were infected with T. gondii, and 30 male rats composed the control group. The studied parameters were investigated from the seventh week until the twelfth week postinfection by estimating the body weight, the weight of the testes, histopathological examination, and metric analysis of the testes. Each time, correlations were detected between the investigated parameters and the infection severity calculated by estimating the cyst burden in brain homogenates and brain lesion grading of stained histological sections.Our findings demonstrated a significant adverse impact of toxoplasmosis on absolute body weight, testis weight, and testis histomorphometry. The grading of brain lesions and the number of brain cysts paralleled each other. There was a reverse correlation between the gonado-somatic index and the number of brain cysts and brain lesion grade. There was a statistically significant correlation between the brain cyst count and the brain lesion grade and the indices 20 A, 20b, 250, and 200 of the testes metric analysis. Conclusion: Our results revealed that toxoplasmosis has an adverse impact on male rat spermatogenic cells, which in turn affects spermatogenesis and fertility. This impact is significantly correlated with the degree of latent infection in the brain.

As Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are easily accessible, easy to isolate, and ethically acceptable, they represent a promising source of MSCs for use in regenerative medicine. Considering decisions on WJ-MSCs collection requires extensive knowledge of the factors that impact their yield. This study's aim was to evaluate the influence of parameters related to mothers and newborns on the WJ-MSCs yield. The WJ-MSCs were isolated and expanded after being isolated from 79 umbilical cord (UC) samples. Population doubling time and cell proliferation were assessed. By flow cytometry analysis, WJ-MSCs were identified by positivity of CD105, CD90, and CD73 and negativity of CD45 and CD34. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between UC width and P1 doubling time. Maternal age and WJ-MSC yield were shown to be negatively correlated. Birth weight and gestational age showed a significant positive correlation between WJ-MSCs yield and neonatal variables. No significant correlations were detected between the WJ-MSCs and the mother parity, nor the neonatal sex, fetal presentation, or head circumference. The WJ-MSCs yield increases with younger maternal age, higher gestational age, and increased neonatal birth weight. Hence, consideration should be given to these factors when selecting the ideal donors.

Treatment of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) presents a growing clinical challenge. This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of eravacycline and the potential synergistic activity of meropenem-vaborbactam in combination with either gentamicin or ceftazidime against carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii isolates. A total of 25 CRAB isolates were collected from different clinical samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined via disc diffusion. Meropenem was tested by both disc diffusion and gradient strips. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to screen these isolates for the carbapenemase genes bla OXA-51, bla OXA-23, bla IMP , bla VIM , bla OXA-48 , bla NDM  and  bla KPC . Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) CRAB isolates were selected for evaluating colistin, eravacycline and the in vitro synergy of antimicrobial combinations via gradient strips for meropenem-vaborbactam, gentamicin, and ceftazidime. All CRAB isolates were sensitive to tigecycline and were either multidrug resistant or XDR. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50s and MIC90s) of meropenem were 32 μg/mL and 256 μg/mL, respectively. Among these genes, bla OXA-23 was the most prevalent gene. The MIC 50 and MIC 90 of colistin were 1 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. The MIC 50 and MIC 90 of eravacycline were 0.125 μg/mL and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. Meropenem-vaborbactam in combination with ceftazidime or gentamicin showed synergy in 45.5% and 36.4% of the XDR isolates and additivity/indifference in 54.5% and 63.6% of them, respectively, with no antagonism. Our findings suggest that eravacycline, as well as combination therapies involving meropenem-vaborbactam with either gentamicin or ceftazidime, may offer promising therapeutic potential for CRAB infections pending further clinical evaluation. These agents demonstrated notable in vitro activity, including potential synergistic effects, particularly against isolates harboring carbapenemase enzymes.

The two most prevalent cancers of the salivary glands are adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). They show great variation in clinical presentation and histopathological features, which can influence patient prognosis. Phosphohistone H3 (PHH3) is an essential histone protein involved in chromatin structure and cell division. It has proven valuable in diagnosing and grading several tumor types. X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) prevents apoptosis. Both PHH3 and XIAP could shed light on the biological behavior prognosis of MECs and AdCCs. The purpose of this research was to assess the expression of PHH3 and XIAP in different histological types of MEC and AdCC and examine their relationships with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients. This study analyzed 30 archived paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, including 16 samples from MEC patients and 14 from AdCC patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to assess PHH3 and XIAP expression. The results were evaluated via a semiquantitative scoring system and statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. All patients had positive immunohistochemical expression of both PHH3 and XIAP. Higher levels of these markers were directly associated with higher histological grades in both MECs and AdCCs. PHH3 and XIAP expression strongly correlated with each other. Immunoreactivity for both markers was significantly elevated in tumors with higher-grade histopathological features. The histological grade of MEC and AdCC might be affected by the expression of PHH3 and XIAP biomarkers. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the possible prognostic role of PHH3 and XIAP in the diagnosis of MEC and AdCC.

A promising alternative to bone marrow in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is umbilical cord blood (UCB). Major barrier to its use in transplantation is stem cell quantity and quality. It is crucial to determine the variables impacting the quality of these cells for bankability. The study aimed to investigate the impact of neonatal factors on UCB units. A total of 150 UCB units that were collected during the caesarean section were included in the study. The sex, birth order, gestational age, birth weight, chest circumference, head circumference, and Apgar score of the newborns were recorded after delivery. The cord blood volume was calculated. The numbers of CD34 + cells and total nucleated cells (TNCs) were determined. Univariate analysis revealed that larger babies, heavier placental weights, increased head and chest circumferences, and longer umbilical cords were associated with greater volumes of cord blood and higher CD34 + and TNC cell counts. A greater UCB volume and a higher CD34 + cell count was associated with a longer gestational duration. To determine the primary selection criteria and estimate the yield, a multivariate linear regression analysis was used. Heavier placentas had higher TNC and CD34 + cell counts and greater cord blood volumes. Larger babies gave UCB units with increased volume. Longer gestational-age newborns had a higher CD34 + cell count in their UCB unit. Our findings suggest that placental weight is the key predictive variable influencing the quantity and quality of UCB units, which is essential for successful cord blood transplantation and bankability.

Background Stem cell banking and donation hold great potential for the management of many diseases. The collection and banking of umbilical cord stem cells are essential for advancing and promoting stem cell-based therapy. At the heart of this promising field lies a crucial factor: the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of mothers toward stem cell donation and banking. Assessing how mothers perceive and engage with the concept of donating stem cells is pivotal in enhancing donation rates and ultimately saving lives. This study aims to assess expectant mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions with respect to umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation and banking. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics. The semistructured questionnaire includes sociodemographics data and information about mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about stem cell donation and banking. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient approach was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Results The study enrolled a total of 508 pregnant women with a mean age of 29.88 ± 6.10 years. The total score of knowledge was 4.34±6.10, ranging from 0 to 20, and 81.9% of them had poor knowledge. There was a significant association between the educational levels of the participants and their knowledge scores. The total attitude score was 11.45±2.60, and 49.6% of them had positive attitudes. The total score of the participants’ perceptions of cord blood banking was 8.13±9.84, and only 13.4% had high perceptions, while most of them (86.6%) had low perceptions. Mothers’ knowledge was strongly positively correlated with their attitudes ( r  =.260, P  =.0031) and perceptions ( r  =.249, P  =.0047) about cord blood banking. Conclusion Most pregnant participants had poor knowledge, neutral attitudes and low perceptions about umbilical cord blood banking. Knowledge and attitudes are significantly correlated. Hence, implementing educational programs to increase knowledge and awareness of cord blood banking is crucial to empower mothers to share a pivotal role in the noble endeavor of saving lives through stem cell donation.

Purpose The GABRG2 gene polymorphisms C588T and 3145G>A could be predictive genetic markers that trigger idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) or predict pharmaco-resistance to antiseizure medications (ASMs). Methods This case‒control study enrolled 85 children, including 34 patients with IGE who were responsive to ASMs (responsive group), 30 patients with IGE who were resistant to ASMs (resistant group), and 21 healthy children (control group). All participants were assessed for the GABRG2 C588T and GABRG2 3145G>A gene polymorphisms via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The CC genotype of the GABRG2 polymorphism was the most commonly reported genotype. The CT and TT genotypes were more frequently associated with epileptic patients than with controls. The T allele and the T-included genotypes were more common among epileptic patients than controls. Regarding the GABRG2 _3145G>A polymorphism, the AG genotype was the most frequent among the study groups. The GG phenotype was more common among epileptic children than in controls. The G allele and G-included genotypes were significantly associated with epilepsy ( p  = 0.02), with a 3.2-fold higher risk of occurrence of epilepsy for the G allele carriers. A statistically insignificant difference in the distribution of different genotypes and C & T alleles of the GABRG2 C588T polymorphism was detected between the ASMs-responsive and the ASMs-resistant subgroups. However, the TT genotype was more common in the ASMs-resistant subgroup (10% vs. 3%). The GABRG2 _3145G>A polymorphism appeared to be a prognostic determinant of ASMs responsiveness; the GG genotype was significantly associated with poor control of seizure activity (47% vs. 24%, p  = 0.05). The G-included genotypes were significantly associated with ASMs resistance (76% vs. 53%, p  = 0.05). Conclusions The T allele and TT genotype of the GABRG2 C588T gene were more common among patients with IGE, whereas the G allele and the GG genotype of the GABRG2 3145G>A gene may be significant predictors of ASMs resistance among IGE patients. Results validation in larger, multi-center studies across diverse populations is recommended.

Protozoal diseases are prevalent globally and especially in developing countries that have relatively lower socioeconomic populations such as Egypt. Direct microscopic examination (DME) is used for the detection and identification of protozoa but lacks sufficient reliability, and thus may be detrimental in obtaining accurate diagnostic or epidemiological data. In this study, we determine the prevalence of infections by Giardia intestinalis , Cryptosporidium sp., and Entamoeba histolytica in humans in Egypt. Furthermore, we determine the reliability of DME in determining infections caused by these protozoa and compare the results to enzyme linked Immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our results indicate that the prevalence of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and entamoebiasis is 38, 22, and 16 %, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of DME for detection of G. intestinalis is 45 and 99 %, for Cryptosporidium 66 and 99 %, and for Entamoeba 45 and 100 %, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that ELISA is more reliable for diagnostic and epidemiologic study purposes.