Cerebral grey matter may not explain sleep slow-wave characteristics after severe brain injury.

Sleep slow waves are the hallmark of deeper non-rapid eye movement sleep. It is generally assumed that grey matter properties predict slow-wave density, morphology, and spectral power in healthy adults. Here, we tested the association between grey matter volume (GMV) and slow-wave characteristics in 27 moderate to severe traumatic brain injury patients (TBI; 32.0 ± 12.2 years old, eight women) compared to 32 healthy controls (29.2 ± 11.5 years old, nine women). Participants underwent overnight polysomnography and cerebral MRI with a 3-tesla scanner. A whole-brain voxel-wise analysis was performed to compare GMV between groups. Slow-wave density, morphology, and spectral power (0.4-6  Hz) were computed, and GMV was extracted from the thalamus, cingulate, insula, precuneus, and orbitofrontal cortex to test the relationship between slow waves and grey matter in regions implicated in the generation and/or propagation of slow waves. Compared to controls, TBI patients had significantly lower frontal and temporal GMV and exhibited a subtle decrease in slow-wave frequency. Moreover, higher GMV in the orbitofrontal cortex, insula, cingulate cortex, and precuneus was associated with higher slow-wave frequency and slope, only in healthy controls. Higher orbitofrontal GMV was also associated with higher slow-wave density in healthy participants. While we observed the expected associations between GMV and slow-wave characteristics in healthy controls, no such associations were observed in the TBI group despite lower GMV. This finding challenges the presumed role of GMV in slow-wave generation and morphology.Significance Statement Because sleep slow waves play a key role in cognition, synaptic plasticity, and restorative sleep, understanding how they relate to cerebral matter integrity is especially important in the context of brain atrophy following moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We found that higher grey matter volume (GMV) in regions involved in slow-wave generation and propagation was associated with faster and steeper slow waves in healthy individuals. However, these associations were not observed in TBI participants, raising questions about the degree of contribution of GMV to slow-wave properties in patients with lower grey matter relative to controls. These findings challenge our current understanding of the link between grey matter integrity and slow waves, highlighting the complexity of this relationship.

Association between insulin resistance and multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is increasing evidence of metabolic perturbations in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and insulin is an important parameter that has controversial effects on neurological disease. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to explore the association between insulin resistance (IR) and MS as well as insulin levels and MS. Three electronic databases, including Medline, Scopus, and the Web of Science, were examined up to 26 May 2023 for observational studies. Two independent reviewers assessed the studies according to a pre-specified protocol. Random-effects model using a Restricted-maximum Likelihood (REML) estimator was used to meta-analyze the association between IR [assessed by Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA-IR)], insulin and MS. Eighteen datasets from 2012 to 2022 were included in this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference (SMD) for comparison IR and insulin between MS and healthy control group as outcomes 1 and 2 were 0.78 and 0.72 respectively. Furthermore, for outcome 1, we observed a greater effect size in studies that recruited different types of MS (Mix) (SMD: 1.09) than in those that included only relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (SMD: 0.59). The meta-analysis revealed a significant association between IR, insulin and MS, with stronger associations in studies that recruited mixed patients. However, high heterogeneity has been observed in the present study. Therefore, more studies are needed to confirm the association between these parameters and MS.

Evaluation of Pregnant Woman's Perception of COVID-19 Based on the Health Belief Model in Isfahan.

Background: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a viral disease that has become an international public health concern. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate pregnant women's perception of COVID-19 based on the health belief model in Isfahan. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study includes 100 pregnant women selected by random sampling. Data were collected using an online questionnaire on the Porsline website. This questionnaire examines the knowledge and structures of the health belief model, including perceived susceptibility and severity, perceived barriers and benefits, and self-efficacy regarding the prevention of COVID-19. Data were analyzed using analytical tests such as independent t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The significance level was considered to be <0.05. Results: The results showed that the knowledge of COVID-19 and preventative methods was at a reasonable level among most women (77%). Also, there was a significant correlation between education and self-efficacy. Based on the findings, the mean score of knowledge (F1,99 = 0.116, p = 0.04) and the mean score of perceived susceptibility (F1,99 = 0.02, p < 0.001) of mothers who were pregnant for the first time were significantly higher than mothers who were pregnant for the second time or more. Conclusions: The perceived severity and susceptibility scores were higher than other constructs, indicating women's proper understanding of the risks of COVID-19. However, half of them stated that they do not go to receive services, and this issue can have adverse consequences. The researchers recommend planning to improve other model constructs, such as self-efficacy, for improving women's performance in receiving care.

Does vitamin D reduce the mortality rate of Plasmodium infection?: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D supplementation is recommended as an effective adjunct to counteract malaria pathogenesis, but the evidence on this point is limited and controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D administration on the survival rate of Plasmodium-infected animals in experimentally-induced malaria on days 6 and 10 post-infection. METHODS: Five electronic databases were searched up to 20 December 2021. The pooled risks ratio (RR) and associated 95% confidence interval were estimated using the Restricted-maximum likelihood (REML) random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I2 value. Sub-group analyses were used to identify the sources of heterogeneity for several variables, such as type of vitamin D, type of intervention, and dose of vitamin D. RESULTS: Out of 248 articles found in the electronic database, six were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The current study found that the pooled random effect of risks ratio favored a statistically significant effect of vitamin D administration on survival rate in infected mice on day 6 post Plasmodium infection (RR = 1.08, 95%CI 1.03, 1.15, p < 0.99; I2 = 0%). It also found that vitamin D administration significantly affected the survival rate on day 10 post-infection (RR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.39, 2.71, p < 0.001; I2 = 69.02%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant pooled RRs of the positive effect of vitamin D administration for cholecalciferol (RR = 3.11, 95%CI 2.41, 4.03, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), doses higher than 50 µg/kg (RR = 3.37, 95%CI 2.55, 4.27, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and oral administration (RR = 3.01, 95%CI 2.37, 3.82, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that vitamin D administration positively affects the survival rate in Plasmodium-infected mice. Since, the mouse model may not accurately reproduce the clinical and pathological features of human malaria, future research should investigate the impact of vitamin D in human malaria.

Molecular identification and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from sheep and cattle in northern Iran.

Toxoplasmosis, a foodborne disease, in human occurs commonly after the ingestion of tissue cysts via the raw and/or undercooked meat of different infected intermediate hosts such as sheep and cattle. The current study aimed to detect the genetic structure of Toxoplasma gondii isolated from various organs of sheep and cattle in the north of Iran. Conventional PCR was carried out by B1 and REP-529 genes of T. gondii. Nested and RFLP-PCR were performed for all positive samples using SAG2 and GRA6 genetic markers. Amplicons from second round of nested-PCR were sequenced and analyzed with NCBI database. Among of 179 examined samples, 38(21.20%) were positive. The highest of positive cases were found in kidney (28.60%). PCR-RFLP of SAG2 and GRA6 genes demonstrated the alleles of clonal type III in the all of isolates. Sequence analysis of the amplicons revealed the alleles of clonal type III and atypical isolates (Tg-67, Tg-100 and Tg-106). Phylogenetic analyses showed separate clade for the atypical isolates from others in the present study and the reference strains clades. In conclusion, the genetic characterization of T. gondii isolates from sheep and cattle showed high genetic diversity compared with standard type I, II and III genotypes. These results support the hypothesis of the existence of polymorphic and overlapping strains within livestock in Iran. It also suggested the necessity of increased genotyping and sampling efforts to accurately estimate T. gondii intra specific genetic diversity.

Global prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis in dogs: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasitic helminth that mainly affects humans and dogs throughout the world. Canine strongyloidosis is generally characterized by asymptomatic infection, with fatal disease in cases of immunodeficiency. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs. Six electronic databases were searched for this purpose. The random effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to determine the overall and subgroup pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. In total, 56 datasets from 50 studies from 1,202 peer-reviewed papers were included in the current meta-analysis. 20,627 dogs were assessed in 27 countries across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions. The global prevalence of S. stercoralis infection among dogs was 6% (95% CI 4-8%; 868/20,627). According to WHO regions, the estimated prevalence ranges 2% to 11% as follows: Western Pacific (11%, 0-31%); Africa (9%, 2-19%); America (6%, 3-11%); South-East Asia (5%, 1-13%)' Europe (3%, 2-5%); and Eastern Mediterranean (2%, 0-6%). The pooled prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in dog owners was 7% (1-18%). The prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in studies based on serological assays was significantly higher than other techniques (29%, 20-39%). Younger female dogs, less than one year old, from rural areas had higher prevalence rates than their male counterparts, with no statistically significant differences. From this review, it is concluded that the low global prevalence of S. stercoralis in dogs may be strongly associated with low sensitivity diagnostic methods applied in most studies leading to the underestimation of infection rates. Therefore, the improvement of diagnostic techniques is recommended for precise evaluation of the disease.

Self-reported developmental changes in the frequency and characteristics of somnambulistic and sleep terror episodes in chronic sleepwalkers.

BACKGROUND: Far from being benign, somnambulistic episodes can be frequent and/or severe and potentially injurious. Episodes may also be accompanied by sleep mentation with variable degrees of retrograde amnesia. The present study investigated how somnambulistic episodes unfold from childhood through adulthood, a topic that remains understudied. METHODS: Adult sleepwalkers with a diagnosis of primary somnambulism and a childhood onset of the disorder (n = 113) were assessed for changes in frequency of their episodes, recall of episode-related sleep mentation and aggressive episodes during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. In addition, sleepwalkers (n = 52) with childhood-onset of sleep terrors were assessed for developmental changes in sleep terror frequency. RESULTS: Results indicate that the frequency of somnambulistic episodes remains unchanged during childhood and adolescence before increasing during adulthood. An opposite trend was observed for sleep terrors. The frequency of aggressive somnambulistic episodes and of sleep mentation associated with somnambulism increased from childhood to adolescence and into adulthood. By contrast, the recall of sleep mentation associated with sleep terrors did not change over time. Additionally, a higher frequency of aggressive somnambulistic episodes predicted a higher frequency of sleep mentation associated with somnambulism. These patterns were similar across men and women. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that in chronic sleepwalkers, sleep mentation associated with somnambulistic episodes increases with age while episodes worsen in frequency and severity from childhood to adulthood. These findings add to the limited literature in the field and provide valuable insights into how key clinical characteristics of somnambulism evolve across the lifespan.

Is COVID-19 associated with latent toxoplasmosis?

The present study aimed to evaluate the possible association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and latent Toxoplasma gondii infection in a group of patients and healthy individuals. Blood samples were obtained from 269 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients. The serum was separated and tested for the existence of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis between a subgroup of the patients (aged under 55 years old) and COVID-19 negative individuals was compared. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were found in 226/269 (84.0%) patients with COVID-19. Anti-Toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 72/91 (79.1%) cases and 96/123 (78.0%) COVID-19 negative individuals (odd ratio = 1.1; 95% confidence interval: 0.55-2.07, P = 0.85). The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the IgG titer were not statistically significant different between case (97.3 [31.0-133.5]) and control groups (34.4 [13.0-144.5]) (P = 0.10). These findings demonstrated that latent Toxoplasma infection is prevalent amongst the COVID-19 patients. It also did not find any significant association between chronic toxoplasmosis and COVID-19.

Modulation of mRNA Expression of Monoacylglycerol Lipase, Diacylglycerol Lipase and Cannabinoid Receptor-1 in Mice Experimentally Infected with T. gondii.

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, infects more than 30% of world's population. This parasite is considered to be neurotropic, and has high tropism for the central nervous system, and potentially induces cryptogenic epilepsy by no clear mechanism. The current study aimed to investigate the alteration of the main components of the endocannabinoid signaling systems in T. gondii-infected mice. For this purpose, the levels of mRNA expression of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) and cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1), were measured by quantitative real time PCR.The mRNA expression level of MAGL was increased by ~ 8-fold in the brains of the Toxoplasma-infected group in comparison with non-infected mice (P<0.0001). The mRNA expression of CB1 gene in the brain of the infected mice was ~ 2 times higher than that measured in control group (P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of DAGL remained unchanged in the infected mice. Overall a substantial increase in MAGL and CB1 expression without any changes in DAGL, in the brain of infected mice suggests that T. gondii disturbs the endocannabinoid signaling pathways, which are known as neurotransmitter modulators involved in epilepsy.

Toxoplasma gondii infection and spontaneous abortion: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections in humans, which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic but primary infection in a pregnant woman can cause severe consequences in the fetus such as miscarriage. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with spontaneous abortion. It also evaluates the possible relationship between recent Toxoplasma infection and miscarriage. Five electronic databases were reviewed. We used the random effects model and 95% confidence intervals(CI) to determine the overall prevalence and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was calculated using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. The included studies were divided into three sub-groups based on antibody class against T. gondii and the existence of parasite DNA. Based on PCR, the pooled random-effects estimates that the prevalence of T. gondii infection in women with abortion was 10% (95% CI 7-14%). The pooled random effect favored a statistically significant increased risk of latent Toxoplasma infection [OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.41-2.40, P < 0.001] and recent infection [OR = 3.72; 95% CI: 2.21-6.26, P < 0.001] in women with spontaneous abortions. In recent infections, significant pooled ORs of positive association were observed in women with miscarriage [OR = 4.2; 95% CI: 2.04-8.85; χ2 = 17.2; I2 = 42.0%, P = 0.07]. This study demonstrates that recent T. gondii infection is associated with an elevated risk of spontaneous abortion. Further studies concerning all risk factors related to toxoplasmosis, and undertaking confirmatory tests at the time of abortion should be performed to investigate the impact of T. gondii infection and spontaneous abortion.

Association between Toxoplasma gondii exposure and hematological malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and hematological malignancies has been suggested by several studies. The current systematic review and meta-analysis was directed to further understand this relationship. In the present study, five electronic databases were reviewed for T. gondii infection in patients with blood cancer. The random effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to determine the overall odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was deliberate with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic. In total, 13 studies including 1504 patients with hematological neoplasia and 2622 subjects without any malignancies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, 324 patients with blood cancer and 391 subjects without any malignancies were exposed to Toxoplasma infection. The pooled random effect favored a statistically significant increased risk of T. gondii infection in patients with hematological neoplasia compared with non-cancer individuals [OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.49-3.97; χ2 = 49.7, I2 = 75.9%, P = 0.00]. Also, significant pooled ORs of positive association were observed for studies which measured anti- Toxoplasma antibodies (IgG) [OR = 2.66; 95% CI: 1.46-4.83; χ2 = 40.3; I2 = 82.6%, P = 0.00]. T-value and P-value were obtained 0.20 and 0.85 by Harbords modified regression test. This meta-analysis demonstrates that toxoplasmosis may be associated with an elevated risk of hematological malignancies. Also, it has found that immunoglobulin class and types of blood cancer are the specific sources of heterogeneity. Additional studies should be performed to examine the impact of T. gondii infection in the onset or development of hematologic neoplasms in the future.

Serological assays for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy.

The standard method for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis, stool examinations, is inconvenient and, therefore, serological methods have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of serological assays for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using a systematic review and meta-analysis model. Four electronic databases were reviewed. We used a random effects model and 95% CIs to determine the overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Heterogeneity was intended with Cochran Q χ2 test and I2 statistic. The accuracy of serological assays resulted in a sensitivity of 71.7% (95% CI: 56.07 to 83.4%), a specificity of 89.9% (95% CI: 80.8 to 94.9%) and a DOR of 22.5 (95% CI: 10.8 to 46.9). The forest plot showed high heterogeneity regarding sensitivity (I2=90.4%, 95% CI: 87.4 to 93.3%; Q=228.1, p=0.000) and specificity (I2=98.9%, 95% CI: 98.8 to 99.1%; Q=2066.4, p=0.000). Fagan's nomogram showed that the probability of someone having the infection and with a positive test result was 49%. Deeks' funnel plots showed no evidence of potential publication bias for the studies (p=0.26). The current review suggests that serological techniques have acceptable sensitivity and specificity and therefore can be recommended for the screening of S. stercoralis infection.

Correction to: Differential disruption of conditioned ejaculatory preference in the male rat based on different sensory modalities by micro-infusions of naloxone to the medial preoptic area or ventral tegmental area.

After publication of this paper, the authors determined an error in one of the author names: in PubMed Cionnaith CM should be Mac Cionnaith C.

Association between Cryptosporidium infection and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The link between cryptosporidiosis and cancer has been suggested by some epidemiological studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to further understand this relationship. In the current study, six electronic databases were reviewed for Cryptosporidium infection in cancer patients. We used random effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine the overall odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was calculated with Cochran's Q test and I2statistic. In total, 19 studies involving 3562 individuals with case-control (nine) and cross-sectional (ten) designs were included in our project. The pooled overall random effect favored a statistically significant increased risk of Cryptosporidium infection in cancer patients compared with non-cancer individuals [OR = 3.3; 95% CI: 2.18-4.98]. The overall heterogeneity was medium (χ2 = 25.77; I2 = 30.2%, P = .11). The pooled ORs in case-control and cross-sectional studies were [OR = 5.60; 95% CI: 3.43-9.13; χ2 = 5.51; I2 = 0.00%, P = .70] and [OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.18-3.67; χ2 = 13.69; I2 = 34.3, P = .13], respectively. T-value and P-value were 0.54 and 0.57 based on the results of Harbord's modified's regression test. In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrates that Cryptosporidium infection is associated with cancer. Also, it found that study design and year of publication are the specific sources of heterogeneity. Further studies should be carried out to investigate the impact of Cryptosporidium infection in the onset or development of cancer in the future.

Differential disruption of conditioned ejaculatory preference in the male rat based on different sensory modalities by micro-infusions of naloxone to the medial preoptic area or ventral tegmental area.

RATIONALE: Male rats trained to associate a neutral odor or rodent jacket on a female with their post-ejaculatory reward state display a preference to ejaculate with females bearing the odor or jacket. This conditioned ejaculatory preference (CEP) can be shifted by systemic administration of the opioid antagonist naloxone (NAL) during training, such that NAL-trained males distribute their ejaculations to females without the cue, relative to saline (SAL)-trained males. OBJECTIVE: The present study examined two brain sites, the medial preoptic area (mPOA) or ventral tegmental area (VTA), where the opioid reward state might be induced. METHODS: Sexually naïve Long-Evans males were implanted with bilateral guide cannula aimed at either site before they underwent multi-ejaculatory conditioning trials at 4-day intervals with sexually receptive females that bore either an almond odor or rodent tethering jacket. Infusions of NAL (1 µl/side) or SAL (1 µl/side) were made prior to each conditioning trial. All males were infused with SAL prior to a final open-field choice test with two sexually receptive females, one scented and the other unscented, or one jacketed and the other unjacketed. RESULTS: Males previously conditioned with SAL in either region showed significant CEP. In contrast, prior infusions of NAL to the mPOA shifted the preference towards the unfamiliar female, whereas prior infusions to the VTA abolished CEP for the odor. Subsequent detection of Fos protein induced by the cue showed that, relative to SAL-treated males, prior experience with NAL in the mPOA suppressed Fos in both the mPOA and VTA, whereas prior experience with NAL in to the VTA suppressed Fos in the VTA alone. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid antagonism in the mPOA produces a state of non-reward whereas in the VTA, it produces a state in which the odor does not acquire incentive properties.

Conditioned partner preference in male and female rats for a somatosensory cue.

Male and female rats form a conditioned preference to copulate and/or mate with conspecifics bearing an odor that was paired with either the postejaculatory reward state in males, or paced sexual contact in females, making the odor act as a discrete partner-related cue. Here, we asked whether a somatosensory cue, a rodent jacket, could act as a discrete cue to establish a conditioned partner choice (CPC). In the first study, sexually naïve Long-Evans males and females underwent 14 copulatory conditioning trials for 30 min with their opposite sex partner in unilevel pacing chambers. On the final test, each experimental male or female was placed into an open field with two sexually receptive partners, one jacketed and the other unjacketed. A trend was found for more males to ejaculate first with jacketed females relative to the unjacketed females, whereas the females had no preference. Males and females in the second study were exposed sequentially to jacketed, sexually receptive partners, and unjacketed, sexually nonreceptive partners prior to a final open field test. Both males and females displayed a significant CPC for the jacketed opposite sex partner. This study demonstrates that a somatosensory cue previously used to establish sexual arousal as a contextual cue on rats can be used as a discrete, partner-based cue to establish a CPC for a particular partner wearing the jacket and that stronger conditioning occurs when the jacket is explicitly paired with the sexual reward state. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Association between Toxoplasma gondii exposure and paediatrics haematological malignancies: a case-control study.

The possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and paediatric haematological malignancies in a group of patients and control subjects was evaluated in the present study. We performed an age-, gender- and residence frequency-matched case-control study of 101 blood cancer patients under 18 years of age, all of which were treated in Amirkola Pediatric Hospital. One hundred and thirty-eight control samples were gathered from the outpatient clinic in the hospital. All cases and controls were tested for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies and then IgG-positive subjects were evaluated for IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies were found in 37 (36.6%) of the cases and 12 (8.7%) subjects in the control group (odds ratio 6.07, 95% confidence interval 2.963-12.437, P < 0.0001). The median and interquartile range (IQR) of IgG titre from case group (7.7 (IQR 0.25-13.5)) was higher than the control (0.2 (IQR 0.1-0.5)) (P < 0.0001). The frequency of anti-T. gondii antibodies (IgG) in lymphoblastic leukaemia (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia), Hodgkin's lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma were 33 (31.9%), 3 (50%) and 1(100%), respectively. Anti-T. gondii IgM was not detected in the IgG-positive patients in case group. In the case subjects, no significant difference was seen in the positive rates of T. gondii infection between genders (37.3% in male; 35.7% in female; P = 0.52) and ages groups (P = 0.31). This study demonstrated that T. gondii infection is prevalent in children with blood cancer. It also showed that toxoplasmosis may possibly be linked with an increased risk of childhood haematologic malignancies. Furthermore, these results may be helpful in research on blood neoplasia aetiology.

Strongyloides stercoralis: detection of parasite-derived DNA in serum samples obtained from immunosuppressed patients.

Strongyloidiasis is an important neglected disease, which is life threatening in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis infection among immunosuppressed subjects living in endemic communities by conventional PCR of the 18S rRNA and Cox1 genes to detect cell-free DNA in the patients' serum samples. Fresh stool and serum samples were obtained from participants. The stool samples were examined using parasitological methods. Total DNA was extracted from the serum samples and S. stercoralis larvae isolated from patient fecal samples. Conventional PCR to amplify a 101 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was carried out for all extracted DNA, and then positive samples were further evaluated for a 121 bp fragment of the Cox1 gene. The PCR products of selected samples were sequenced and BLAST analysis was performed. Out of 120 patients, 57 and 63 cases had autoimmune disorders and cancer, respectively. The 101 bp fragments of the 18S rRNA were successfully amplified in 36 out of 120 (30%) serum samples. The PCR products of five samples were sequenced and compared with reference sequences in GenBank, which showed 97% identity and 90% coverage. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first molecular study for the detection of S. stercoralis cell-free DNA in human serum samples. These results provide useful insights for future studies and show that serum is an alternative specimen and may be useful in molecular diagnosis of diseases, particularly in immunosuppressive patients.