Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-mortality globally. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multifactorial process. Host genetic background appeared to play a crucial role in the progression of HCC among chronic hepatitis C patients, especially in the era of Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) which allowed us to study the association of millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with different complex diseases. This article aimed to review the discovered SNPs associated with the risk of HCVrelated HCC development which was reported in the published GWA studies and subsequent validation studies and also try to explain the possible functional pathways. Main text: We reviewed the recent GWA studies which reported several new loci associated with the risk of HCVrelated HCC, such as (SNPs) in MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), DEP domain-containing 5 (DEPDC5), Tolloid-like protein 1 (TLL1), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. We also explained the possible underlying biological mechanisms that affect the host immune response pathways. Additionally, we discussed the controversial results reported by the subsequent validation studies of different ethnicities. Conclusions: Although GWA studies reported strong evidence of the association between the identified SNPs and the risk of HCV-related HCC development, more functional experiments are necessary to confirm the defined roles of these genetic mutations for the future clinical application in different populations.

Background: Medical research has increased greatly in many developing countries during the recent decade, motivated by the need to improve health in these countries. Such research needs to be guided by fundamental ethical principles to ensure the protection of patient's rights and welfare. Also, biobanks have become increasingly important for the study of health and disease. There is a significant public interest in the outcomes of genetic research, which include diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health methods. This study was conducted assess and raise the knowledge and attitude towards several aspects of research, related ethics, and biobank ethical issues for paramedical and administrative teams working at the National Liver Institute (NLI). Results: The education intervention study was effective in increasing percentage of good knowledge in paramedical and administrative teams (p value < 0.001). Also, the education intervention study was effective in increasing percentage of positive attitude in paramedical and administrative teams (p value < 0.001). Conclusion: There were good knowledge and attitude about research and related ethics, but poor knowledge and attitude about biobanking. The educational intervention study significantly increased knowledge and attitude about research, related ethics, and biobanks.

Entero-parasites protozoan of the genera Cryptosporidium and Giardia have emerged over the past decades as major waterborne pathogens with an increasing number of outbreaks reaching over one hundred and sixty. In line with the national goals of providing safe drinking water supplies, this research was designed. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia intestinalis infections in surface water plants from ShebinAl-Kom and Tala, Menoufia Governorate and to evaluate routine water purification methods used for parasitic elimination. The following methods were used for assessment of samples; mechanical filtration, staining techniques and qPCR assay for detecting DNA of (oo) cysts n water samples.Water samples collected over one year (four seasons) were 87 samples. Microscopic examination (our golden test) revealed, 49 samples positive for cryptosporidium, fourteen positive samples for Giardia and four samples were positive for both of them whereas, qPCR revealed only eight positive samples for Giardia and ten positive samples for cryptosporidium. A statistically significant result concerning seasonal variation was documented where water contamination crested in Summer (p < 0.05). The intensity of infection decreased significantly after water treatment in both Shebin and Tala water stations (P= 0.01).From the present survey, we found that the prevalence of giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis accounted for 29.8% and 47.1% in Shebin Al-Kom and Tala respectively. The parasitic cyst wall structure rendered diagnosis by qPCR. Genotyping of water samples is recommended for sourcing of infection which may be accused of water-borne outbreaks.