A comparison has been made for the first time between the cholinergic components of the nervous system of important human digeneans namely Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium from infected hamster (Cricentus auratus) in Egypt. In each parasite, the central nervous system consists of two cerebral ganglia and three pairs of nerve cords (ventral, lateral, and dorsal) linked together by some transverse connectives and numerous ring commissures. Peripheral cholinergic innervation was detected in oral and ventral suckers and in some parts of female reproductive system in both species, but there were some differences. The possible functions of some of these nervous components are discussed.

An ultrastructural topography has been made to the tegumental architectures of two Egyptian schistosomes namely S. mansoni and S. haematobium hosted in a model animal namely Cricentus auratus. The distribution of sensory papillae on the oral sucker were arranged in one circle around the rim in addition to some papillae in upper part of inner zone in male, female S. mansoni and in male S. haematobium. The differences in the types of papillae, their distribution and shape of ridges on various parts of the body surface which are quite specific for each species was studied. Also, the ventral tegument of female's displays larger and more numerous sensory papillae. Both ciliated and non-ciliated papillae were observed in this work which makes a link with another species of schistosome S. japonicum. Another characteristic feature in this study is unique of male of S. haematobium, the extensive formation of ridges and transformation to microvilli in the posterior region in males. These finding may provoke further study of schistosomes hosted in animal model for more detailed investigation at the molecular level.

Background: The lives of children with cerebral palsy were worsened by the development of deformities, which impacted their lifestyle negatively. One of the major concerns was the equinus deformity in hemiparetic children. Different treatment procedures were used to remedy such deformities, including physical therapy training, or surgical correction through different types of Achilles tenotomies. Objective: To evaluate the effect of conventional physical therapy training versus Achilles tenotomy on balance as well as quality of life in hemiparetic children. Patients and Methods: Thirty-four hemiparetic children from both sexes, whose ages ranged from 6 to 10 years, were recruited equally into 2 groups. Group A underwent an Achilles tenotomy and received conventional physical therapy training for one month after removing the immobilizing plaster cast, while Group B received continuous physical therapy training over 3 months without any surgical procedures. Evaluation was done at three intervals, using the Humac Balance System and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results:The stability scores for Group A showed a significant decline at post-treatment (1) in comparison with pretreatment. Whereas in Group B there was a significantly higher stability score at post-treatment (1) in comparison with pre-treatment. The overall limit of stability and quality of life measurements showed a decline in their scores posttreatment in Group A, while higher scores post-treatment were seen in Group B. Conclusion:The findings of the study support the impact of physical therapy, given the emergence of complications after Achilles tenotomy, which affect the balance and quality of a child's life.

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