Assessment of land use/ land cover change derived catchment hydrologic response: An integrated parsimonious hydrological modeling and alteration analysis based approach

Land use/land cover (LULC) change, often a consequence of natural or anthropogenic drivers, plays a decisive role in governing global catchment dynamics, and subsequent impact on regional hydrology. Insight into the complex relationship between the drivers of LULC change and catchment hydrology is of utmost importance to decision makers. Contemplating the dynamic rainfall-runoff response of the Indian catchments, this study proposes an integrated modeling-based approach to identify the drivers and relative contribution to catchment hydrology. The proposed approach was evaluated in the tropical climate Nagavali River Basin (NRB) (9512 km2) of India. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) hydrological model, which uses daily-scale rainfall, temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, solar radiation, and streamflow information was integrated with the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) technique to characterize the plausible changes in the flow regime of the NRB. Subsequently, the Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) based modeling analysis was performed to quantify the relative contribution of individual LULC components on the catchment water balance. The outcomes of the study revealed that forest land has been significantly converted to agricultural land (45-59%) across the NRB resulting in mean annual streamflow increase of 3.57 m3/s during the monsoon season. The affinity between land use class and streamflow revealed that barren land (CN = 83-87) exhibits the maximum positive response to streamflow followed by the built-up land (CN = 89-91) and fallow land (CN = 88-93). The period 1985-1995 experienced an increased ET scenario (911-1050 mm), while the recent period (2005-2020) experienced reduced ET scenario owing to conversion of forest to agricultural land. Certainly, the study endorses adopting the developed methodology for understanding the complex land use and catchment-scale hydrologic interactions across global-scales for early watershed management planning.

Multicomponent assessment of the impact of hydropower cascade on fish metrics

The water sector is one of the priority areas of the European Union; therefore, legislation encourages the development of methods to protect the river ecosystem. The key to this is the characterization of the river's physical features with respect to ecological quality. Rivers are a complex system in which geomorphic conditions, hydrological regime, and ecological indicators interact. The group of hydropower plants (HPPs) that forms a hydropower cascade disturbs the natural continuity of river system components. Analysis of the spatial and temporal alterations in the river environment is important for understanding the potential impact of the hydropower cascade on ecological indicators. In a current study, the multicomponent assessment was used to evaluate the impact of the hydropower cascade of five HPPs on fish metrics as ecological indicators in the case study Varduva River. The research involved field surveys to collect hydrological data in highly affected ungauged river to estimate indicators of hydrologic alterations under HPPs operation, use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and digital photogrammetry to map geomorphic units, fish sampling to estimate composition of fish species and guilds, and fish habitat availability modelling based on the collected data and the conditional habitat suitability criteria using the MesoHABSIM modelling approach. Results revealed that the technical characteristics of HPPs determined their individual operation mode, which had a crucial impact on the hydrologic alterations of the river and, together with the distance between the dams, on the variation of fish metrics in the hydropower cascade. The intensive operation of the hydropower cascade created adverse effects for intolerant fish but was advantageous for tolerant fish species. The proposed HPP multimetric correlated with the fish metrics and showed similar tendencies between HPPs as habitat integrity index (IH), derived from MesoHABSIM modelling.

Comparison of Melioidosis Indirect Hemagglutination Assay between Three Testing Laboratories in Australia

Melioidosis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei causes significant morbidity and mortality in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. Clinical manifestations remain diverse, including localized skin infection, pneumonia, and chronic abscess formation. Culture remains the gold standard of diagnosis, with serology and antigen detection tests playing a role if culture is unfeasible. Serologic diagnosis remains challenging, with limited standardization across different assays. In areas of endemicity, high rates of seropositivity have been documented. The indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) is one of the more widely used serologic tests in these areas. In Australia, only three centers perform the test. Annually, laboratory A, laboratory B, and laboratory C perform approximately 1,000, 4,500, and 500 tests, respectively. A comparison of a total of 132 sera was analyzed from the routine quality exchange program between these centers from 2010 until 2019. Overall, 18.9% of sera tested had an interpretative discrepancy between laboratories. IMPORTANCE This study found significant discrepant results between three Australian centers offering the melioidosis indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), despite testing the same samples. We have highlighted that the IHA is a nonstandardized test, which had different source antigens at each of the different laboratories. Melioidosis is a global disease, is associated with significant mortality, and is perhaps under recognized. It is likely to have increasing impact with changing weather patterns. The IHA has been used frequently as an adjunct to the diagnosis of clinical disease and is the mainstay of determining seroprevalence within populations. Despite its relative ease of use, especially in low resource settings, our study highlights the significant limitations of the melioidosis IHA. It has wide ranging implications, serving as an impetus for developing better diagnostic tests. This study is of interest to practitioners and researchers working in the various geographic regions affected by melioidosis.

Assessment of hydrologic impact on flow regime due to dam inception using IHA framework

In the last century, thousands of dams and diversions have been built to regulate the streamflow, resulting in water impoundment in the upstream and frequent drought conditions in the downstream. It has pressured researchers to study flow regime change and its complication on the downstream biota. The present study planned to develop a framework for trend analyzing of river flow and detecting flow regime change after the inception of Isapur and Arunavati dams, situated on the upstream side of Penganga bridge. Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sen's slope estimator for trend analysis and Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) for flow regime alteration analysis were utilized. A total 26 parameters showed negatively altered flow regime with a magnitude varying from - 5.56 to - 100%. Fourteen altered parameters were modified drastically (more than 50% decrease) with the highest modification in 30-day maximum (100%) post-single dam inception. a total of 13 parameters were negatively altered with alteration value - 9.09 to - 86.36% post-double dam inception, out of which, three parameters were severely altered, with the highest alteration in the month of June. The period (1983-1994) was more altered than 1995-2016. This shows that Isapur dam has higher impact on flow regime change than Arunavati dam. Information about alteration of hydrological parameters will be helpful to improve the water flow regulation at Isapur and Arunavati dams for restoring river ecology on the downstream side.

Retrospective Determination of the Prevelense of Anti-Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies in Cystic Echinococcosis Pre-diagnosed Patients at Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine

OBJECTIVE

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic disease that has been known for years in helminth diseases and it is important as human and animal health problem in many parts of the world and in our country due to economic losses. In this study, it was aimed to retrospectively evaluate the distribution of anti-E. granulosus-IgG antibodies in patients with pre-diagnosis of CE that referred to parasitology laboratory between January 2013-December 2018.

METHODS

Commercial kit was used for indirect hemaglutination (IHA), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Western blot (WB) methods using sera from patient samples was applied according to the kit proposal. In addition, patient materials for CAM, CSF and blood for which polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/QPCR tests were requested were examined.

RESULTS

Sera of the patients who were tested with at least one of the IHA, IFAT and WB methods or a combination of these methods, and 443 cases out of 2.283 cases were found to be E. granulosus seropositive. It was determined that 369 (62.03%) of 443 positive patients were female and 330 (37.97%) were male patients. Among these patients, 87 patients whose IFAT and/or IHA tests were negative were found to have positive results with the WB method. IFAT or IHA test results of 13 patients with negative WB tests were found to be positive. Four patients were identified with both tests positive but WB test results negative. In addition, 36 of 72 patients who underwent PCR/QPCR tests were found to be positive.

CONCLUSION

As a result of a six-year retrospective screening, 22% of the cases were found to be positive, and it was concluded that the prevalence of CE is high and the use of a single test may be insufficient in the diagnosis of CE, therefore, test combinations will increase the sensitivity and reliability in reaching the correct diagnosis.

Detection of Anti-Echinococcus granulosus Antibodies in Humans: An Update from Pakistan

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato that causes economic losses by affecting livestock and also poses a public health threat worldwide. The present study is the first retrospective report on the seroprevalence of anti-E. granulosus antibodies in humans in Pakistan. The study used data from 93 blood analysis reports of patients suspected of having CE from different medical centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Out of 93 sera samples, 20 (21.5%) were seropositive, and higher seropositivity (17.2%) was recorded with the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) than with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The findings indicated that age, gender, and year had no significant relationship with the seropositivity of CE. The current study provides directions towards the management of the disease in the near future in Pakistan.

Laboratory Results of Cystic Echinococcosis in 2017 and 2018

Objective

This study aimed to retrospectively examine the indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test results of patients suspected of cystic echinococcosis (CE) and admitted to Bursa Uludağ University Health Practice and Research Center Hospital.

Methods

Serum samples in the serology laboratory of our hospital were evaluated using the commercial Cellognost^® echinococcosis IHA (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Marburg, Germany) test based on the manufacturer's recommendations. In the IHA test, ≥1:64 serum titres were accepted as positive.

Results

Seropositivity was determined in 213 (19.9%) of 1.072 patients suspected of having CE by the IHA method. Of the patients with seropositivity, 120 (56.3%) were female and 93 (43.7%) were male. The highest positivity rate in both sexes was found in patients aged 20-29 years (22.5% in women; 14.1% in men).

Conclusion

The results indicate that CE maintains its importance as a public health problem in Bursa as in Turkey.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Indirect Hemagglutination Test and Radiological Methods in the Pre-diagnosis of Cystic Echinococcosis

Objective

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a common public health concern in Turkey. In this study, we investigated the agreement between the results of radiological imaging methods and serological tests through a 5-year retrospective evaluation in patients admitted to a university hospital with a suspicion of CE so as to determine the frequency of CE in the study region.

Methods

The indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) results of 1.046 patients obtained from various clinics with the suspicion of CE between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Of these, patients with at least one radiological imaging report in the system (938 patients) were included in the study. Radiological imaging findings and IHA test results were compared and examined.

Results

Seropositivity was detected by IHA test in 143 (15.2%) of 938 patients included in the study. The CE findings were recorded in at least one radiological imaging report in 130 (90.9%) of 143 patients with positive IHA test. At least one of the radiological imaging reports suggested presence of CE in 362 (38.5%) of all the patients.

Conclusion

Thus, serological test and radiological imaging methods should be used in combination for the diagnosis of CE.

Multiple drivers of hydrological alteration in the transboundary Srepok River Basin of the Lower Mekong Region

Human-induced changes in land and water resources adversely affect global hydrological regimes. Hydrological alteration of the natural flow regime is considered to have a significant damaging and widespread impact on river ecosystems and livelihoods. Therefore, understanding the hydrological alteration of rivers and the potential driving factors affecting such alterations are crucial to effective water resources management. This study analyses the impact of changes in land use, climate, and hydropower development on the hydrological regime of the Srepok River Basin in the Lower Mekong Region. The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) in Southeast Asia is known for its agriculture, forests, fisheries, wildlife, and diverse natural ecosystems. Historical land use and climate change are quantified (utilising European Space Agency land cover and observed meteorological data) and correlated with the hydrological indicators using the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) software. Moreover, pre and post impacts on the hydrological regime by hydropower development are quantified using the Range of Variability Approach (RAV) in IHA software. The results reveal that land use, rainfall, and temperature affect different aspects of the hydrological regime, with corroborating evidence to support variation among the most correlated IHA and environmental flow component (EFC) parameters with the three drivers. The highest and lowest correlations among the IHA and EFC parameters under each driver are against land use (0.85, -0.83), rainfall (0.78, -0.54), and minimum and max temperatures (0.42, -0.47). Among the parameters, the fall rate has the most significant effect on hydrological alteration of all drivers. Hydropower development in the basin mostly affects the fall rate and reversal. Identifying the connection between these multiple drivers and hydrological alteration could help decision-makers to design more efficient and sustainable water management policies.

Sero-epidemiology of Hydatidosis Among General Population of Jolfa County, Northwestern Iran Using IHA, ELISA and Western Blot (2017-2018)

BACKGROUND

Human hydatidosis is mostly a latent and neglected disease with known endemicity in Iran.

AIMS

Due to the importance of this infection in the country and its latent nature, we aimed to evaluate the serological status of hydatid cyst in northwestern Iran.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we evaluated the serological status of hydatid cyst in urban and rural inhabitants of Jolfa county, northwestern Iran during 2017-2018.

METHODS

In total, 1296 blood samples were obtained from human individuals and the presence of anti-E. granulosus antibodies was investigated using IHA, ELISA and WB.

RESULTS

Based on results, 25 IHA positive person were detected in the examined population, however ELISA test showed 14 of 25 IHA positive patients as negative. Also, 269 IHA negative fellows were shown as negative by ELISA. WB analysis of sera from 25 IHA positive subjects revealed consistent results with the ELISA test, and the most reactive SHCF Ag was a 37 KDa protein. The age-standardized seroprevalence of hydatidosis among Jolfa's general population was 1.12% with 95%CI: 1.02-1.20. Moreover, there existed a significant association between keeping/- contact with dogs (P = 0.022) as well as vegetable consumption (P < 0.001) with ELISA positive test results.

CONCLUSION

Along with such serological evidence in this region, we highly suggest physical examination and applying imaging techniques for suspected cases in the area for a better understanding of CE.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in horses in Jilin Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, northern China

Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii that can infect almost all warm-blooded hosts including horses and humans. Horse meat is one of the most important meat products for human consumption. However, data on seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses intended for human consumption in Northern China is scarce. Thus, a total of 614 serum samples were collected from Jilin Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) between 2015 and 2017, and were detected the seroprevalence for T. gondii by indirect hemagglutination assay test. In the prevalence study, the overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses was 17.92% (110/614) by IHA test, at the cut- off 1:64. Horses collected from Changchun (13.58%, P = 0.02) has a significantly lower seroprevalence than those from Meihekou City (21.72%) and Tongliao City (22.81%). Moreover, a significant difference of T. gondii seroprevalence was found between horses ages at less than 12 months (22.75%) and ≥12 months or higher (16.42%, P = 0.002). To our knowledge, this is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii in horses in Jilin and IMAR, Northern China. Logistic regression suggested that age and geographical location of horses were identified as risk factors. These findings will provide the useful data for controlling and preventing toxoplasmosis in horses and/or other hosts in China.

The ratio of the seroprevalence to the egg-positive prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in China: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, remains one of the most important parasitic diseases, and detection of S. japonicum infections in humans plays a crucial role in control and treatment. However, comparisons between the parasitological and the immunological examinations in the fields of China are lacking. Therefore we performed a meta-analysis to compare the seroprevalence of Schistosoma japonicum, as determined by IHA or ELISA, with coprological prevalence, as determined by Kato-Katz, and estimate the ratio of the serological to the egg-positive prevalence in order to evaluate the potential threat of egg-negative but worm-positive schistosomiasis.

METHODS

Studies published up to July 2018 on the parasitological and immunological examinations of schistosomiasis in the fields of China were searched in five databases including CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science. The ratio of the serological to the egg-positive prevalence and its 95%CI for each study were calculated, and then point estimates and their 95%CIs of pooled prevalence ratio were meta-analyzed. Subgroup meta-analyses were also performed according to potential influential factors.

RESULTS

A total of 23 articles were included. The prevalence ratio varied from 0.57 to 48.83 for IHA to Kato-Katz and ranged from 0.38 to 13.97 for ELISA to Kato-Katz. The pooled ratio was 4.72 (95%CI: 3.87~ 5.76) for IHA to KK and 4.65 (95%CI: 3.50~ 6.17) for ELISA to KK. Subgroup analyses implied that the ratio of the serological to the egg-positive prevalence may decrease with the endemic levels. The highest prevalence ratio was observed when Kato-Katz was performed with three slides per stool or in hilly and mountainous regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The worm-determined prevalence by IHA or ELISA is 4- to 5-fold higher than the egg-determined prevalence by Kato-Katz, which implied Kato-Katz may largely underestimate the prevalence of S. japonicum in China. The degree of underestimation was greater when Kato-Katz with three slides per stool was carried out, especially in low endemic areas or in hilly and mountainous regions. Therefore, more attention should be paid to those egg-negative but worm-positive patients with the aim of final elimination of S. japonicum in China.

Sero-epidemiology and Risk Factor Analysis of Measles Among Children in Pakistan

Comparative cross sectional study was conducted on blood samples (n = 231) collected from children of 1 to 10 years of age in Punjab Pakistan through convenient sampling method. Indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) was standardized and used for serodiagnosis and evaluation of humoral immunity against measles. Associated risk factors including age, gender, locale, and vaccination status were analyzed. Geometric mean titre (GMT) of vaccinated individuals was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of non-vaccinated individuals showing that IHA titre of vaccinated individuals was a measure of humoral immune response; whereas, in case of non-vaccinated individuals an indicative of exposure to the measles infection.

[Study on value of IHA in diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) in schistosomiasis diagnosis.

METHODS

The literature concerned schistosomiasis diagnosis with IHA in the databases of Medline, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang Data from 1982 to 2014 was collected and evaluated.

RESULTS

Totally 21 articles which were satisfied with the research criteria were analyzed with the Meta-analysis method. The IHA method had high value in schistosomiasis diagnosis, the AUC_SROC of IHA in laboratory evaluation was 0.990 6, while in filed evaluation was 0.832 9, and the difference between them was significant (Z = 4.50, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis value of IHA in field evaluation is less than that in laboratory. In the process of the elimination of schistosomiasis, developing a new and higher sensitive reagent in schistosomiasis diagnosis is needed.

First Report of Chlamydia Seroprevalence in Farmed Wild Boars in China

Chlamydia is Gram-negative obligate bacterium, which can cause human diseases worldwide and has huge economic impact on animals. It is yet to know whether farmed wild boars are infected with Chlamydia in China. To assess risk factors of Chlamydia infection in farmed wild boars in China, from April 2015 to February 2016, a total of 837 serum samples of farmed wild boars were collected in Jilin province, northeastern China, and antibodies against Chlamydia were examined by the indirect hemagglutination assay. The investigation showed that antibodies to Chlamydia were detected in 332 (39.67%, 95% CI 33.36-42.98) of 837 serum samples of farmed wild boars, seroprevalence ranged from 33.71% to 44.42% among different regions and the differences were statistically significant by SPSS analysis (p = 0.0248). These results indicated that Chlamydia is highly prevalent in farmed wild boars in Jilin province, northeastern China, and may pose a potential risk for human health. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chlamydia seroprevalence in farmed wild boars in China, which provided baseline data for preventing and controlling Chlamydia infection in wild boars in China.

Justification of CT for Individual Health Assessment of Asymptomatic Persons: A World Health Organization Consultation

An international expert consultation was convened by the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of the meeting was to review the use of CT in examining asymptomatic people. This is often referred to as individual health assessment (IHA). IHA was identified as a global phenomenon unenthusiastically tolerated, and not actively promoted, structured, or regulated in most countries. This paper identifies the state of the art for IHA and some considerations in relation to its justification, in different regions of the world. The outcomes reached include the following: questions around terminology and culture of IHA practice; review of IHA in some countries, regions, and international bodies; dilemmas for participants in IHA; risk communication, education, and training for professions and public; the desirability of guidelines and clinical audit; social, ethical, public health, and resource considerations; and a framework for IHA and regulatory considerations.

Three subcategories of examination for asymptomatic individuals were identified: formal screening programs; examinations for which the evidence base or risk profile is incomplete; and opportunistic examinations with little or no evidence or risk profile to suggest they have any merit. The latter challenges the justification principle of radiation protection. In addition, the issue of the costs, direct and indirect, associated with false positives and/or equivocal/incidental findings were highlighted. These and other considerations make it difficult to view some IHA as a bona fide medical activity. To allow it to be viewed as such requires that it be conducted within a robust clinical governance framework that includes regulatory dimensions.

Mapping Water Vulnerability of the Yangtze River Basin: 1994-2013

A holistic understanding of the magnitude and long-term trend of water vulnerability is essential for making management decisions in a given river basin. Existing procedures to assess the spatiotemporal dynamic of water vulnerability in complex mega-scale river basins are inadequate; a new method named ensemble hydrologic assessment was proposed in this study, which allows collection of data and knowledge about many aspects of water resources to be synthesized in a useful way for vulnerability assessment. The objective of this study is to illustrate the practical utility of such an integrated approach in examining water vulnerability in the Yangtze River Basin. Overall, the results demonstrated that the ensemble hydrologic assessment model could largely explain the spatiotemporal evolution of water vulnerability. This paper improves understanding of the status and trends of water resources in the Yangtze River Basin.

Hydrological, socio-economic and reservoir alterations of Er Roseires Dam in Sudan

Er Roseires Dam plays a key role in controlling the Blue Nile flow in Sudan. This study explores the influence of the dam on the hydrological regimes, which in turn have implications for the ecosystem. The Range of Variability Approach (RVA) - based on a set of 32 indicators - was applied over the period 1965 to 2014 to establish a safe range of river flow. Moreover, remotely-sensed data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was used to analyse the spatio-temporal variation of the dam's reservoir area over the period 2000-2014. Significant influence on the dry-season hydrological indicators is expressed by high negative hydrological alteration of the range from -47% to -100%, but the dam contributes positively through flow regulation during the flood season. Impounding water procedure and fluctuation of water flow caused by the dam are found to induce significant alterations. Releasing less water during the dry season and more gradual impounding process, which are not expected to affect the power generation or irrigation practices, are recommended for better ecological restoration. The total surface area of the reservoir has changed post the implementation of the dam heightening project. Since 2012, the lake surface area has expanded by 250%. Relationships between the lake size and the head have been developed to help in the monitoring of the hydrological conditions and, accordingly, in managing the dam operation. A field survey showed that the dam plays a positive social role as the reservoir supports local activities, such as fishery, farming, and collection of wood and fruits. But increased humidity and health problems have also been noted. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would have a direct effect on Er Roseires Dam and the river flow downstream. High level of coordination among the riparian countries is recommended for better river water management.

Comparison of Various Methods in the Diagnosis of Entamoeba histolytica in Stool and Serum Specimens

OBJECTIVE

Entamoeba histolytica is indistinguishable from Entamoeba dispar in direct microscopic examination. A definitive diagnosis of E. histolytica is important in terms of the treatment of the patient and to avoid unnecessary costs. This study's aim is to determine the prevalence of E. histolytica and to make a comparison of the different diagnostic tests in the patients specimens defined as E. histolytica/E. dispar infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Faecal and serum specimens of 90 patients defined as E. histolytica/E. dispar with microscopy (wet mount examination with 0.85% saline and Lugol's iodine) were examined. Stool samples were examined by trichrome staining for trophozoites and cysts and by immunoassay methods for specific adhesin antigens (Wampole (®) E. histolytica II antigen testing) and for specific serine-rich 30 kD membrane protein (Serazym(®) E. histolytica antigen testing). Anti-E. histolytica antibodies were investigated using a latex slide test and indirect hemagglutination methods in serum specimens.

RESULTS

Presence of E. histolytica was not confirmed in 31.1% cases with trichrome staining, 62.2% of the Wampole antigen test, 64.4%, of the Serazym antigen test, 73.3% of the indirect hemagglutination test and 75.6%. of the latex agglutination. Considering the common results from Wampole and Serazym antigen testing as a reference standard, the specificity/sensitivity is 100/53.85% for trichrome staining, 75.00/98.11% for the latex agglutination test and 78.57/96.77% for the indirect hemagglutination test.

CONCLUSION

It has been shown that investigation of E. histolytica in stools by direct wet-smear microscopy alone can cause significant false positive results. To obtain a reliable diagnosis for E. histolytica and to avoid unnecessary treatment for this parasite, at least one more specific assay, particularly an antigen testing and microscopy, is required.

Adrenal CYP11B1/2 expression in primary aldosteronism: immunohistochemical analysis using novel monoclonal antibodies

CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 play pivotal roles in adrenocorticosteroids synthesis. We performed semi-quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of these proteins in adrenals from patients with primary aldosteronism using novel monoclonal antibodies. Clusters of cortical cells positive for CYP11B2 were detected in the zona glomerulosa (ZG) of normal adrenal gland (NA), idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and the adjacent adrenal of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). In APA, heterogenous immunolocalization of CYP11B2 and diffuse immunoreactivity of CYP11B1 were detected in tumor cells, respectively. The relative immunoreactivity of CYP11B2 in the ZG of adjacent adrenal of APA was significantly lower than that of NA, IHA and APA tumor cells, suggestive of suppressed aldosterone biosynthesis in these cells. These findings did indicate the regulatory mechanisms of aldosterone biosynthesis were different between normal/hyperplastic and neoplastic aldosterone-producing cells in human adrenals. CYP11B2 immunoreactivity in the ZG could also serve as a potential immunohistochemical marker differentiating morphologically hyperplastic ZG of IHA and APA adjacent adrenal.

Evaluation of two ELISA and two indirect hemagglutination tests for serodiagnosis of pulmonary hydatid disease

To establish a definite diagnosis for pulmonary hydatid disease, combination of radiology and serology is useful. In this study, 19 preoperative sera from patients with surgically confirmed pulmonary hydatidosis, 40 sera from patients with other parasitosis and pulmonary diseases, and 20 sera from healthy donors were evaluated using 4 different serological tests, i.e., the commercial ELISA (ELISA-kit) test, the ELISA (ELISA-lab) test prepared in our laboratory, the commercial indirect hemagglutination assay kit (IHA-kit) test, and the IHA test using sensitized sheep red blood cells with tannic acid (IHA-TA). The ELISA-kit was the most sensitive (84.2%) and the most specific test (100.0%). The ELISA-kit also demonstrated the highest positive (100.0%) and negative (95.2%) predictive values. The sensitivity of the ELISA-lab test, that we prepared, was found to be 73.6%, whereas the IHA-kit test and the IHA-TA test were found to be 73.6% and 68.4%, respectively. The specificity of these tests was 96.6%, 98.3%, and 83.3%, respectively. When all 4 tests were assessed together, it was found that the sensitivity had risen to 94.7%. When the ELISA-kit was assessed with the IHA-kit and IHA-TA together, it was found that the sensitivity was 89.5% and 84.2%, respectively. Likewise, the combination of the ELISA-lab and IHA-kit or IHA-TA allowed us to achieve a sensitivity of 84.2% in cases of pulmonary echinococcosis. In conclusion, the diagnosis would be imminent if least 2 tests were applied together.