Objective: To compare the outcome of rectal and surface electrode stimulation, when performed concomitantly with routine anal sphincter (AS) exercises and bio-feedback training, in children who have received corrective surgery to address Hirschsprung disease (HD). Methods: Sixty-seven patients (pediatric) who underwent corrective surgery due to HD were randomly assigned to Group A (rectal electrode, n=34) or Group B (surface electrode, n=33). The two groups were given the same protocols of AS and bio-feedback training. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Bowel Function Score (BFS), Pediatric Incontinence and Constipation Scoring System Scale (PICSS) were measured at baseline, post intervention and follow-up. Results: There were significant improvements in both groups over time across all outcomes. PedsQL increased (d=0.42–1.28, η²p up to 0.37), BFS improved notably (d=1.21, η²p=0.35), and PICSS decreased (d up to 1.15, η²p=0.33). The greatest gains occurred from baseline to follow-up, with smaller but significant changes from post-treatment to follow-up, indicating sustained effects. Conclusion Electrical stimulation with rectal electrodes, combined with AS exercises and bio-feedback training, is a major way of improving bowel functioning, continence and quality of life in Hirschsprung child. Such results highlight the promise of multimodal rehabilitation and should be supported by additional multicenter studies.

Objectives To investigate the activity of Egyptian propolis extracts (ethanol and water) on cryptosporidiosis in experimentally infected dexamethasone-immunosuppressed rats. Methods A total of 180 male rats (190–220) g BWt were randomly divided into 9 equal groups (G1–G9). Groups of rats were kept as (G1): normal control, (G2–G9): immunosuppressed with dexamethasone and (G3-G9): infected with Cryptosporidium oocysts. Rats from (G4–G9) were given orally ethanol and water extract of propolis (at a dose of 50 mg/kg BWt) and nitazoxanide (standard anti-cryptosporidial drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg BWt) to infected rats with different regimes. Faecal pellets were collected from all groups to monitor oocysts shedding from the 2nd to the 15th day post infection. At the end of the experiment, blood was collected from all groups for determination of leukogram and serum proteins. Ileum specimens were also examined histopathologically. Results The highest reduction of oocysts shedding in faecal samples was 88% in rats prophylactically treated with propolis ethanol extract at the 4th dpi, and in rats prophylactically treated with water extract of propolis, was 91% at the 6th dpi. There was a marked increase in neutrophils count and α