Development of carboxymethyl cellulose-based nanocomposite incorporated with ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by cress seed mucilage as green surfactant

This study aimed to enhance carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-based films by incorporating zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and cress seed mucilage (CSM), with a view to augmenting the physical, mechanical, and permeability properties of the resulting nanocomposite films. For the first time, CSM was exploited as a green surfactant to synthetize ZnO NPs using hydrothermal method. Seven distinct film samples were meticulously produced and subjected to a comprehensive array of analyses. The findings revealed that the incorporation of CSM/ZnO-5 % improved the physical properties of the films, demonstrating a significant reduction in moisture content and water vapor permeability (WVP). Increasing the concentration of NPs in conjunction with CSM markedly decreased the solubility of the nanocomposites by up to 56 %. The films containing CSM/ZnO showed higher tensile strength and elongation at the break values. The UV absorption of the films exhibited a substantial rise with the addition of ZnO NPs, particularly with an increased content in the presence of CSM. The thermal stability of nanocomposites containing a high concentration of CSM/ZnO exhibited an improvement compared to the control sample. In light of these results, the CMC/CSM/ZnO-5 % film emerges as a promising candidate for a biocompatible packaging material, exhibiting favorable physical characteristics.

Incorporation of Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum into wheat starch affects its physicochemical, viscoelastic, pasting and freeze-thaw syneresis properties

This study aimed to investigate the influence of incorporating Lepidium perfoliatum seed gum (LPSG) into wheat starch (WS) at various mixing ratios on its FTIR, DSC, steady and dynamic rheological properties, pasting attributes, syneresis, and particle size distributions characteristics. The interaction between WS and LPSG was purely based on hydrogen-bonding. It was found that the onset (To) and peak (Tp) temperatures of the LPSG-rich mixtures increased by 10 % and 8 %, respectively, while the enthalpy (ΔH) decreased by 70 % compared to WS. A higher LPSG ratio led to a decrease in the frequency dependence of storage modulus (G'), as well as an increase in the pseudoplasticity of the mixtures. The in-shear structural recovery test showed that the rate of recovery (R, %) increased with an increasing LPSG ratio. The pasting results demonstrated that the 9/1 ratio had the highest final viscosity and the lowest relative breakdown. Applying 1 to 5 freeze-thaw cycles resulted in a 50 % to 70 % decrease in syneresis for the 9/1 mixing ratio in comparison to WS, respectively. The incorporation of LPSG into WS resulted in higher static and dynamic magnitudes of yield stress, as well as an increase in particle size when compared to WS.

Association of Clinical Features with Spike Glycoprotein Mutations in Iranian COVID-19 Patients

Background: Mutations in spike glycoprotein, a critical protein of SARS-CoV-2, could directly impact pathogenicity and virulence. The D614G mutation, a non-synonymous mutation at position 614 of the spike glycoprotein, is a predominant variant circulating worldwide. This study investigated the occurrence of mutations in the crucial zone of the spike gene and the association of clinical symptoms with spike mutations in isolated viruses from Iranian patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the second and third waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in Isfahan, the third-largest city in Iran. Methods: The extracted RNA from 60 nasopharyngeal samples of COVID-19 patients were subjected to cDNA synthesis and RT-PCR (in three overlapping fragments). Each patient’s reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products were assembled and sequenced. Information and clinical features of all sixty patients were collected, summarized, and analyzed using the GENMOD procedure of SAS 9.4. Results: Analysis of 60 assembled sequences identified nine nonsynonymous mutations. The D614G mutation has the highest frequency among the amino acid changes. In our study, in 31 patients (51.66%), D614G mutation was determined. For all the studied symptoms, no significant relationship was observed with the incidence of D614G mutation. Conclusions: D614G, a common mutation among several of the variants of SARS-CoV-2, had the highest frequency among the studied sequences and its frequency increased significantly in the samples of the third wave compared to the samples of the second wave of the disease.

Assessment of a low-cost commercial CCD for use in X-ray imaging

Charged coupled device (CCD) is an imaging sensor that can be used as a digital radiation position-sensitive detector in space applications, industrial and medical imaging, etc. Commonly, the CCDs used for X-ray imaging are expensive and needed more complicated control, electronic boards. In this work, a simple and low-cost commercial CCD model (TCD1304AP) has been used to implement X-ray imaging. Moreover, a CsI(Tl) scintillation crystal with different thicknesses of 2 and 5 mm has been utilized as an X-ray to light photon converter. The driving and data acquisition boards have been designed in straightforward implementation, which can be easily performed. Also, the appropriate integration times have been set to 10 ms and 420 ms for use in cases with and without scintillation crystals respectively. The results show that this sensor has an admissible response to X-ray imaging. There is about a below 8.3% relative difference between the actual and attained dimensions from images at the direct method. However, this difference increases up to 17.7% for the indirect method due to the optical propagation in the scintillator. Furthermore, the experiment for the determination of the PSF distribution indicates that the spatial resolution of this X-ray imaging is 2% in the direct method and 3% with a 2 mm CsI(Tl) scintillator.

The eleventh scientific Olympiad of Iranian medical students: Challenges and solutions

BACKGROUND

The scientific Olympiad is an event that creates a competitive environment for student groups of medical universities across the country to solve problems that can help improve the health system. This study aims to explain the issues of the scientific Olympiad program of Iranian medical students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted using content analysis method, and the data were collected through 21 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with experts from December 2018 to April 2020. Participants were selected using purposive sampling methods. Twenty-one students, domain leaders, question designers, Olympiad executive experts, and teachers (11 males and 10 females) participated in the interviews. Data analysis was performed based on the steps of Graneheim and Lundman's method. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to a qualitative analysis by MAXQDA 2018 software.

RESULTS

From the analysis of data, four themes, including inattention to context, inattention to input, inattention to process, and inattention to output, emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

The scientific Olympiad can lead to interuniversity scientific exchanges and paves the way for the promotion of education and evaluation of learners in medical universities, but if not correctly implemented and the problems of previous periods are not solved, it will not help the health system and can impose considerable costs on the system.

Assessment of IgE- and cell-mediated immunity in pediatric patients with eosinophilic esophagitis

Summary

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergen/immune-mediated disease leading to esophageal dysfunction. Food allergens play critical roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of EoE via different mechanisms. This study aimed to present the characteristics and evaluate the ability of skin prick test (SPT), skin prick to prick test (SPP) (IgE-mediated), and atopic patch test (APT) (cell-mediated) individually or simultaneously to diagnose food allergy in patients suffering from EoE. This prospective study was conducted on 58 patients with EoE. Seven patients (12.1%) were positive to only one, 3 (5.2%) were simultaneously positive to two, and 32 (55.2%) were simultaneously positive to three tests. Single and double sensitizations were totally 10.4% in IgE-mediated reactions, while 36.5% in cell-mediated reactions. In contrast, poly sensitization (> 2 allergens) was 51.7% in IgE-mediated tests and 20.7% in the cell-mediated test. Multiple sensitization findings showed egg white, milk, yolk, and soy were the most frequent allergens. Our findings indicate that EoE is early onset and associated with multiple food sensitizations, particularly via IgE-mediated mechanisms. These immune-mediated responses encompass both IgE-mediated (SPT and SPP) and cell-mediated (APT) reactions simultaneously not individually. Therefore, employing multiple assays may strengthen the diagnosis of food sensitization.

In Vivo Intravascular Pacing Using a Wireless Microscale Stimulator

Millions of patients worldwide are implanted with permanent pacemakers for the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disorders. The increased use of these devices has established a growing clinical need to mitigate associated complications. Pacemaker leads, in particular, present the primary risks in most implants. While wireless power transfer holds great promise in eliminating implantable device leads, anatomical constraints limit efficient wireless transmission over the necessary operational range. We thereby developed a transmitter-centered control system for wireless power transfer with sufficient power for continuous cardiac pacing. Device safety was validated using a computational model of the system within an MRI-based anatomical model. The pacer was then fabricated to meet the acute constraints of the anterior cardiac vein (ACV) to enable intravascular deployment while maintaining power efficiency. Our computational model revealed the wireless system to operate at > 50 times below the tissue energy absorption safety criteria. We further demonstrated the capacity for ex vivo pacing of pig hearts at 60 beats per minute (BPM) and in vivo pacing at 120 BPM following pacer deployment in the ACV. This work thus established the capacity for wireless intravascular pacing with the potential to eliminate complications associated with current lead-based deep tissue implants.

A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of a Novel Approach for Wireless Stimulation

The elimination of integrated batteries in biomedical implants holds great promise for improving health outcomes in patients with implantable devices. However, despite extensive research in wireless power transfer, achieving efficient power transfer and effective operational range have remained a hindering challenge within anatomical constraints.

OBJECTIVE

We hereby demonstrate an intravascular wireless and batteryless microscale stimulator, designed for (1) low power dissipation via intermittent transmission and (2) reduced fixation mechanical burden via deployment to the anterior cardiac vein (ACV, ∼3.8 mm in diameter).

METHODS

We introduced a unique coil design circumferentially confined to a 3 mm diameter hollow-cylinder that was driven by a novel transmitter-based control architecture with improved power efficiency.

RESULTS

We examined wireless capacity using heterogenous bovine tissue, demonstrating >5 V stimulation threshold with up to 20 mm transmitter-receiver displacement and 20° of misalignment. Feasibility for human use was validated using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulation of the cardiac cycle, guided by pacer phantom-integrated Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI).

CONCLUSION

This system design thus enabled sufficient wireless power transfer in the face of extensive stimulator miniaturization.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our successful feasibility studies demonstrated the capacity for minimally invasive deployment and low-risk fixation.

Can concurrent lower gastrointestinal manifestations help the timely diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in CVID patients?

Summary

Introduction and objective. Gastrointestinal complications are considered as one of the most common manifestations in patients with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). These complications can result from Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Hydrogen breath test is extensively used to diagnose SIBO. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of SIBO using the Hydrogen Breath Test (HBT) in patients with CVID. Materials and methods. Twenty-seven patients with CVID entered this cross-sectional study. Demographic and lower gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded in a check list. Hemoglobin level was measured in all patients. The concentration of IgA and IgG was assessed using nephelometry. Moreover, SIBO was detected by means of Glucose hydrogen breath test. Results. The mean (plus-minus SD) age of the patients was 35.25 (plus-minus 11.69) years. Twenty patients (74.1%) manifested at least one lower gastrointestinal symptom. The most frequent lower gastrointestinal manifestations were bloating (66.7%) and chronic diarrhea (40.7%), respectively. IgA level less than 10 mg/dl and IgG level less than 600 mg/dl were determined in 77.8% and 25.9% of patients, respectively. Positive HBT was detected in 40.7% (n = 11) of the patients. In the positive HBT group, bloating, chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain were the most common lower GI manifestations. There was no significant difference in terms of age, BMI, IgA level, and duration of CVID between the positive and negative HBT groups. The significant association of co-occurrence of anemia and abdominal pain with positive HBT (positive predictive value: 100%) might be considered as a clue to SIBO diagnosis. Conclusions. Regarding the high prevalence and non-specific manifestation of SIBO, it is suggested to consider concurrent symptoms in patients with CVID to manage the timely and precise diagnosis of SIBO.

Strengths of Iran for internationalization of medical sciences education

INTRODUCTION

Internationalization of higher education involves mutual exchanges as well as a consensus based. Political, economic, sociocultural, and scientific reasons recommend the need to move toward the internationalization of higher education. The current study highlights the strengths of the internationalization of Iran's medical sciences education.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive exploratory study was carried out in 2016-2017 in Iran. The techniques used for data collection included review of articles, interview with subject experts, and the focus group and the nominal technique group to explore the views of various stakeholders. The data were analyzed with the qualitative content analysis method.

RESULTS

The inductive qualitative content analysis of all data generated 13 categories and 88 subcategories. The categories were geographical and geostrategic position of Iran; the historical, cultural, religious, and tourist attractions of Iran; the security of Iran; priority to internationalization policies and programs in Iran's macro plans; the existence of regulations, laws, and approvals for international activities; same language with neighboring and regional countries; the low cost of studying and living in Iran; the ability of Iranian faculty members and experts for internationalization; the background, reputation, and the progress of medical education, health, and care in Iran; the cheaper forces of Iran and their welcome to foreigners; the existence of motivation, zeal, and belief for internationalization; the existence of proper infrastructure; and the existence of a suitable capacity for internationalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Iran has some positive points that can be used to promote international activities, provided it does some good advertising in this regard. It is suggested that the challenges, opportunities, and threats to Iran's internationalization should be collated from the perspective of the various stakeholders.

Surgical management of penile sarcoid in a stallion

This report describes surgical management and breeding implications of a case of penile sarcoid associated with penis laceration in a 4-year-old Kurdish stallion. A large fleshy mass on the distal end of the penis that resulted in urethral meatus deviation and dysuria was detected in a physical examination. No evidence of local extent or metastasis was detected. Under general anaesthesia, the involved distal portion of the penis was removed through partial phallectomy. Histopathological examination of the mass confirmed a fibroblastic sarcoid. Partial phallectomy was successful for management of penile sarcoid and resulted in no postoperative complications or tumour recurrence in long-term follow up; however, successful ejaculation and semen collection have not been achieved.

Iran's international collaborative articles in medical sciences

Background: Forecasting is the process of predicting future behavior. In reviewing databases, no predicted value associated with international collaboration publications in Iran was found. Thus, the present study aimed at forecasting Iran’s international collaborative articles in medical sciences.

Methods: The number of Iran’s articles and international collaborative articles in medical sciences written over 56 years was extracted from SCOPUS. Data were extracted from 1960 up to 2016. The time series method was used for forecasting using the Minitab software Version 17.

Results: There was no increase in the number of medical articles from Iran from 1960 to 2001. However, the data showed incremental growth between 2001 and 2016. This was similar to Iran’s medical sciences international collaboration articles. In 2016, the percentage of Iran’s international collaboration articles was 15.2, which is expected to reach 19.9 in 2025.

Conclusion: An investigation was performed on the number of international collaboration articles in the field of medical sciences in Iran. Future trends show an incremental growth. The number of Iran’s articles can be increased with international cooperation. However, an increase or decrease in Iran’s articles without international cooperation has to be investigated.

Antioxidant activity of Pistacia atlantica var mutica kernel oil and it's unsaponifiable matters

In this research, antioxidant activity of Pistacia atlantica var mutica (a wild type of pistachio in Iran) kernel oil (PAKO) and unsaponifiable matters of kernel oil (UKO) were compared with those of sesame seed oil (SSO) and rice bran oil (RBO) as well as with their unsaponifiable matters (USO and UBO) and α-tocopherol (natural antioxidant) was selected as control. Also, some chemical properties such as (FRAP, DPPH radical-scavenging, rancimat and oven assays (peroxide value and carbonyl value) were assessed. The amount of unsaponifiable matters of studied oils was between 1.4 and 3.5%. The highest total phenolics was observed in SSO (1024 mg/kg), followed by RBO, and PAKO was 174, and 75 mg/kg, respectively. In DPPH radical-scavenging assay, the EC₅₀ values of PAKO, SSO, RBO, UKO, USO, UBO, and α-tocopherol were determined as 38.9, 50, 48.4, 14, 12.7, 15.9 and 61.4 mg/mL, respectively. In FRAP assay, the highest value was nominated for UKO (434 mmol/L); followed by USO, UBO, PAKO, SSO, RBO and α-tocopherol (404, 357, 364, 298, 210 and 58 mmol/L; respectively). Also, considering the results of oven test, the incorporation of UKO into pure sunflower oil resulted in the highest oxidative stability; followed by UBO, USO, PAKO, SSO, RBO and α-tocopherol. According to results of the rancimat test, the incorporation of unsaponifiable matters (UKO, USO, and UBO) resulted in the highest oil/oxidative stability index (OSI) in pure sunflower oil, followed by oils studied (PAKO, SSO, and RBO). According to results, UKO had the highest antioxidant activity, followed by USO, UBO, PAKO, SSO, RBO, and α-tocopherol.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance of Vibrio cholerae in Iran

BACKGROUND

Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae), is an endemic disease and a major public health problem in Iran. Antibiotic therapy can decrease duration of the disease, transmission of infection and contamination of the environment. Considering different pattern of V. cholerae antibiotic resistance around the world, the aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of V. cholerae in Iran.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using related keywords in the electronic national and international databases including SID, Irandoc, Iran Medex and Magiran as well as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ISI web of knowledge. Up to July 31, 2018, 27 eligible papers were included in our meta-analysis based on the defined inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

V. cholerae O1 was the most prevalent strain isolated in Iran and exhibited a high resistance rate against numerous antibiotics including chloramphenicol (33.6%), oxytetracycline (40.2%), trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (86%), tetracycline (34.5%), furazolidone (69.8%), streptomycin (93.8%), polymyxin (80.7%), ampicillin (32.1%), nalidixic acid (88.9%), kanamycin (29%) and amoxicillin (30.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the meta-analysis results, antibiotic therapy with ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, erythromycin, gentamicin, azithromycin, cefixime and cefepime could be effective for the treatment of severe cases of cholera in Iran.

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma Phagocytophilum as a Zoonotic Agent in Owned and Stray Dogs in Tehran, Iran

The genus Anaplasma is an obligated intracellular Rickettsia and among its species, Anaplasma phagocytophilum (A. phagocytophilum) is a zoonotic agent that infects host neutrophils. The aim of this study was molecular detection of A. phagocytophilum infection based on MSP4 gene in owned and stray dogs in Tehran, capital of Iran. One hundred and fifty blood samples were collected from dogs in Tehran and suburbs of Tehran, Iran. Firstly, the thin blood smears were prepared and Giemsa staining method was conducted. Then, the samples were examined under oil immersion objective and 0.67% of them were observed infected with A. phagocytophilum. The DNA was extracted from blood samples using a DNA isolation kit (MBST, Iran), and MSP4 gene extraction was performed by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested-PCR. Finally, 2% of the samples were positive for A. phagocytophilum. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 19.0) and Chi-square test was performed. There was no significant relation between infection and age, as well as sex and ectoparasitic infestation (P>0.05). This article was a report of A. phagocytophilum infection in dogs and their potentials as host carriers of this important microorganism in Tehran, Iran.

Molecular detection of Anaplasma spp. in cattle of Talesh County, North of Iran

Anaplasmosis is generally caused by intraerythrocytic rickettsia of Anaplasma genus and transmitted biologically and mechanically. The current study was designed to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle in Talesh; one of the rainy Iranian counties in Gilan province, Iran. From May to November 2015, one hundred and fifty blood samples of cattle were collected from different regions in Talesh. DNA was extracted from blood samples and subsequently, 16S rRNA and MSP4 genes were analysed by Nested-PCR method for differentiation of Anaplasma spp. The results showed that 40.66% of blood samples were positive for Anaplasma spp. and that 24.66%, 35.33%, 9.33% and 12% of positive samples were infected with A. phagocytophilum, A. bovis, A. marginale and A. centrale respectively. Statistical analysis by Chi-square test did not show any significant relationship between the presence of Anaplasma species and variables sex, age and tick infestation (p˃0.05). The 4 species of Anaplasma reported in this study are of potential importance for animal and public health.

Fabrication of novel tubular scaffold for tendon repair from chitosan in combination with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Chitosan bears numerous properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity making it suitable for use in different biomedical fields. Zinc (Zn) is required for fibroblasts proliferation and collagen synthesis as essential elements of wound healing. Its nanoparticles are well known for their capability to enhance wound healing by cell adhesion and migration improvement through growth factors-mediated mechanisms. Poor blood supply and unique histological characteristics of tendon make its regeneration always slow. Also, adhesion formation between tendon and its surrounding tissues is another problem for neotendon to return to its normal structure and functional activities. In this study, a novel tubular scaffold of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles loaded chitosan has been fabricated for tendon repair. Experimental complete tenotomy of deep digital flexor tendon in a rabbit model was done and scaffolds were placed in the transected area after two ends suturing. After four and eight weeks, adhesion formation around the tendons and tissue reaction to the scaffolds were evaluated macroscopically. Inflammation, angiogenesis and collagen fibers arrangement were also analyzed in histopathological evaluations. After eight weeks, the scaffolds were absorbed completely, adhesions around the tendon were decreased and there was no sign of significant tissue reaction and/or infection in histopathological analyses. The reduced adhesion formation, improved gliding function and better histopathological characteristics suggest this scaffold application as a potential therapy in treatment of tendon acute injuries.

Internationalization or globalization of higher education

INTRODUCTION

Studies about globalization and internationalization demonstrate different attitudes in explaining these concepts. Since there is no consensus among Iranian specialists about these concepts, the purpose of this study is to explain the concepts of internationalization and globalization in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a systematic review done in the first half of 2016. To explain the concept of globalization and internationalization, articles in Scientific Information D atabase, Magiran database, and Google Scholar were searched with the keywords such as globalization, scientific exchange, international cooperation, curriculum exchange, student exchange, faculty exchange, multinational cooperation, transnational cooperation, and collaborative research. Articles, used in this study, were in Persian and were devoted to internationalization and globalization between 2001 and 2016. The criterion of discarding the articles was duplicity.

RESULTS

As many as 180 Persian articles were found on this topic. After discarding repetitive articles, 64 remained. Among those, 39 articles mentioned the differences between globalization and internationalization. Definitions of globalization were categorized in four categories, including globalization, globalizing, globalization of higher education, and globalizing of higher education. Definitions about internationalization were categorized in five categories such as internationalization, internationalization of higher education, internationalization of the curriculum, internationalization of curriculum studies, and internationalization of curriculum profession.

CONCLUSION

The spectrum of the globalization of higher education moves from dissonance and multipolarization to unification and single polarization of the world. One end of the spectrum, which is unification and single polarization of the world, is interpreted as globalization. The other side of the spectrum, which is dissonance and multipolarization, is interpreted as globalizing. The definition of internalization is the same as that of globalizing. In other words, it is possible to say that internalization is similar to globalizing but different from globalization.

Effects of Aloe Vera and Chitosan Nanoparticle Thin-Film Membranes on Wound Healing in Full Thickness Infected Wounds with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus

Objective

To assess effect of Aleo vera with chitosan nanoparticle biofilm on wound healing in full thickness infected wounds with antibiotic resistant gram positive bacteria.

Method

Thirty rats were randomized into five groups of six rats each. Group I: Animals with uninfected wounds treated with 0.9% saline solution. Group II: Animals with infected wounds treated with saline. Group III: Animals with infected wounds were dressed with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes. Group IV: Animals with infected wounds were treated topically with Aloe vera and Group V: Animals with infected wounds were treated topically with Aloe vera and dressed with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes. Wound size was measured on 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21days after surgery.

Results

Microbiology, reduction in wound area and hydroxyproline contents indicated that there was significant difference (p<0.05) between group V and other groups. Quantitative histological studies and mean rank of the qualitative studies demonstrated that there was significant difference (p<0.05) between group V and other groups.

Conclusion

The Aloe vera with chitosan nanoparticle thin-film membranes had a reproducible wound healing potential and hereby justified its use in practice.

Effect of tert-butyl hydroquinone on bull semen cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

Many studies have been shown that freezing induced oxidative stress has detrimental effect on post-thaw sperm quality.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of tert-butyl hydroquinone (tBHQ) on bull semen crtopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, four different levels of tBHQ [Optidyl containing zero (T0), 2.5 (T2.5), 5 (T5), and 7.5 µM (T7.5) tBHQ] was used to study the effect of tBHQ on freezability of bull semen. On each collection day, four ejaculates were collected (a total of 24 ejaculates from four bulls), pooled and divided to four equal parts. Each part was diluted with one of the above-mentioned extenders and frozen. After thawing, sperm motility, plasma membrane functionality and integrity, apoptosis status and mitochondrial activity were assessed.

RESULTS

The results show that total sperm motility was significantly higher in T5 compared to other groups. The value of VSL was significantly lower in T5 compared to T0. Also, T5 resulted in lower LIN and STR versus T0 and T2.5 groups. All extenders containing tBHQ resulted in a significantly higher percentage of sperm with functional membrane compared to T0 groups. Finally, Apoptosis related parameters and mitochondrial activity were not significantly difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

adding 5 µM tBHQ to the bull semen extender can be beneficial for post-thaw sperm quality. Also, in vivo or in vitro fertility test is recommended to test fertilizing ability of tBHQ exposed sperm.

The expected results of faculty development programs in medical professionalism from the viewpoint of medical education experts

Background:

Despite the great emphasis on teaching professionalism in universities, creating changes in one's professional behavior is a serious challenge in medical education. In this regard, one cannot ignore the role of faculty members. The present study was set to investigate the opinions of medical education experts about the expected results of faculty development programs regarding teaching and learning professionalism.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out in two phases including content analysis study and Delphi. In the first phase, 10 medical education experts participated in the study. Data gathering was carried out using semi-structured interviews. Codes were analyzed using classic content analysis method. In the second phase, a six-member focus group and Delphi with 23 experts from across the country participated, and themes from the previous phase were confirmed and finalized.

Results:

Analysis of the content of the interviews in the first phase and discussing in the focus group and Delphi showed two main themes: 1) direct results and 2) indirect results with six subthemes. Direct results included three subthemes of creating role model faculty members, scientific improvement, improving professionalism, and inspiring the students; indirect results included three subthemes of change in educational environment of the university, change in the university system, and effects on the society's culture.

Conclusion:

Faculty development in professionalism can contribute to university faculty members to become better role models and inspire their students, peers, and even the society. Therefore, improving professional behavior in university faculty members can have direct and indirect effects on improving the society due to their crucial role.

Cystostomy-free open suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy: Is it a safe method?

Aim:

To compare open suprapubic transvesical prostatectomy (OSP) without insertion of suprapubic cystostomy, OSP with insertion of cystostomy, and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Patients and Methods:

A total of 104 patients with an indication for prostatectomy were retrospectively assigned to TURP (group 1), OSP with cystostomy (group 2), and OSP without cystostomy (group 3). They were evaluated for length of the operation, length of hospital stay, post-operative complications, hemoglobin drop, changes of blood pressure, and intraoperative blood loss.

Results:

Mean age was 67.2 ± 8.7 in group 1, 73.3 ± 8.4 in group 2, and 74.0 ± 5.7 in group 3. Prostatic volume was 35.9 ± 13.8, 74.1 ± 33.8, and 74.3 ± 31.8 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was no significant difference in prostatic volume between groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.99), but in group 1 it was lesser than groups 2 and 3 (P = 0.00). Length of the operation was 1.2 ± 0.2 in group 3 and 1.1 ± 0.2 in group 2, without a significant difference (P = 0.45). Length of hospital stay in group 3 (2.3 ± 0.4 days) was lesser than that in group 2 (2.6 ± 0.7) (P = 0.01). The amount of hemoglobin drop was 1.1 ± 0.9 in group 1, 1.1 ± 0.7 in group 2, and 1.4 ± 0.91 in group 3 without a significant difference between all groups. The amount of bleeding during operation was 173 ± 103 in group 2 and 161 ± 78 in group 3 (P = 0.98).

Conclusion:

OSP without insertion of cystostomy tube is a relatively safe method; however, larger studies are needed. It is also comparable to TURP in terms of postoperative efficacy and complications.

An efficient visible light photocatalyst based on tin porphyrin intercalated between TiO2–graphene nanosheets for inactivation of E. coli and investigation of charge transfer mechanism

Tin porphyrin intercalated between the TiO₂–grphene nanocomposite. The inactivation of E. coli over the prepared compound was significantly increased via the interaction of tin porphyrin between the TiO₂–graphene nanocomposite.

New Pd(ii) complexes of sulfur ylides; synthesis, X-ray characterization, a theoretical study and catalytic activity toward the Mizoroki–Heck reaction

The reaction of sulfur ylides SMe₂C(H)C(O)R (R = 4-nitrophenyl, phenyl, and 3-nitrophenyl) with [PdCl₂(cod)] gives the new Pd(ii) complexes of type cis- and trans-[PdCl₂(SMe₂C(H)C(O)R)₂] (R = phenyl (1), 3-nitrophenyl (2), and 4-nitrophenyl (3)).

Pure ultrasonography-guided radiation-free percutaneous nephrolithotomy: report of 357 cases

Purpose

To assess the safety and effectiveness of pure ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Patients and methods

Three hundred fifty-seven patients were treated; 139 women and 218 men, with a mean age of 33.7 years (range 21–69 years) and a mean stone size of 33.5 mm in maximum diameter (range 20–52 mm). Stone locations were renal pelvis (174), lower calyx (68) or both (115) with mild to moderate hydronephrosis seen on excretory urography. A ureteral stent was inserted by cystoscope, and saline was injected for better localization of the pelvicaliceal system (PCS), if needed. Puncture of the PCS was done by an 18-gauge nephrostomy needle through the lower pole calyx, and all the steps, including dilatation, were done under the guidance of ultrasonography.

Results

The day after the operation, 318 (89.07%) patients were stone-free in the kidneys, ureters, and bladder x-rays. Nineteen patients (5.3%) had multiple fragments that measured equal or less than 5 mm and passed them spontaneously in 2–4 weeks (total stone-free rate 94.4%). Access failure occurred in ten obese patients (2.8%) and fluoroscopy was required. Residual fragments with sizes of 10–12 mm were seen in seven patients, all of who underwent shock wave lithotripsy. In one patient, a fragment measuring 7–8 mm migrated into the distal part of the ureter. It was fragmented with ureteroscopy and pneumatic lithoclast 2 days after the operation. In two patients who had large (>15 mm) residual stone redo percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed 48 h after the first procedure.

Conclusion

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy guided by ultrasonography seems to be as effective as fluoroscopy in selected cases and poses no risk of surgeon and patient exposure to radiation; however, more experience is required.

A qualitative inquiry into the challenges and complexities of research supervision: viewpoints of postgraduate students and faculty members

INTRODUCTION

The supervision of academic theses at the Universities of Medical Sciences is one of the most important issues with several challenges. The aim of the present study is to discover the nature of problems and challenges of thesis supervision in Iranian universities of medical sciences.

METHODS

The study was conducted with a qualitative method using conventional content analysis approach. Nineteen faculty members, using purposive sampling, and 11 postgraduate medical sciences students (Ph.D students and residents) were selected on the basis of theoretical sampling. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and field observations in Shiraz and Isfahan universities of medical sciences from September 2012 to December 2014. The qualitative content analysis was used with a conventional approach to analyze the data.

RESULTS

While experiencing the nature of research supervision process, faculties and the students faced some complexities and challenges in the research supervision process. The obtained codes were categorized under 4 themes Based on the characteristics; included "contextual problem", "role ambiguity in thesis supervision", "poor reflection in supervision" and "ethical problems".

CONCLUSION

The result of this study revealed that there is a need for more attention to planning and defining the supervisory, and research supervision. Also, improvement of the quality of supervisor and students relationship must be considered behind the research context improvement in research supervisory area.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy in solitary kidneys: experience with 412 cases from Southern Iran

Some patients with nephrolithiasis who become candidates for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) have a single kidney. This poses a challenge for the physician regarding the safety and efficacy of this procedure for these patients. This study has aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PCNL in these patients. Between 2002 and 2014, out of 10,800 cases who underwent PCNL in our centres, 412 had a single kidney. We recorded the results and complications in these patients. Out of 412 patients, 279 were men and 133 women. Their mean age was 46.4 years (range 19-71) and mean stone size was 26.5 mm (range 21-55); 161 of them had a functional single kidney, 36 were congenital, and the remaining 215 had undergone contralateral nephrectomy because of stones, trauma, infection or tumour. Comorbidities included 104 hypertensive, 66 diabetic, 65 morbidly obese, 56 uremic and 47 ischemic heart disease cases. The stone-free rate was 91.3% (376/412) on postoperative X-ray/sonography. However, 42 patients required ancillary measures. Complications include fever (T > 38.3 °C) in 34 cases (8.2%), bleeding requiring transfusion 19 cases (4.6%), UTI nine cases (2%), sepsis one case (0.2%), perinephric collection three cases (0.7%), hydro/pneumothorax two cases (0.4%), access failure in five morbidly obese cases (1.2%), pyonephrosis two cases (0.4%), myocardial infarction four cases (1%), transient increasing of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (Scr.) in four normal functioning kidney (1%) and eight uremic cases (1.9%), and two cases resulted in death (0.4%). PCNL seems a safe and effective option in cases of a single kidney, but it needs more attention in order to prevent even minor complications that can result in an anephric state.

Empowerment needs of women with breast cancer: a qualitative study

Background:

Due to the increasing number of women suffering from breast cancer worldwide, promoting the empowerment of these patients is an important factor affecting their survival.

Objectives:

Few studies have investigated the empowerment needs of the breast cancer women, especially in Iran. Therefore, this study was performed to explain the empowerment needs of women with breast cancer in Iran.

Patients and Methods:

In this qualitative study, 19 women with breast cancer were interviewed regarding their empowerment needs using the individual open-ended and, in-depth interviews and then the qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

Results:

Three main categories of empowerment needs from the participants’ perspectives were as follows: 1- information: the initial empowerment plans (timely and comprehensive information, coordination and continuity of information, easy and full-time access to information), 2- beliefs: the approval of the empowerment plans for execution (actuality, trust and hope and new beliefs), and 3- skills: efficient execution of the empowerment plans (communication skills, expression the needs, emotions, questions and use of the internet).

Conclusions:

It seems that promoting the empowerment of women with breast cancer is essential. Factors found in this study and also in similar studies, in which empowerment needs are explained in-depth through the experiences of the patients, should be considered and used in the treatment, educational and counseling programs to promote the empowerment of women with breast cancer.

Natural immunity against Haemophilus influenza type B in splenectomised Beta-thalassaemia children

Patients with beta-thalassaemia major and asplenia have an increased risk of encapsulated bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to determine the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) antibody concentrations in beta-thalassaemia patients with or without spleens. The Hib antibody concentrations were investigated in 850 patients with thalassaemia major, of whom 437 had undergone splenectomy. Hib antibody levels equal or greater than 1.0 μg mL(-1) were classified as long-term protection, those between 0.15 and less than 1.0 μg mL(-1) as short-term protection and those less than 0.15 μg mL(-1) as no protection. The mean Hib antibody level was lower in asplenic subjects than in non splenectomised subjects (0.39 ± 0.5 vs. 1.08 ± 0.55 μg mL(-1), p < 0.001). The protective antibody level prevalence in asplenic patients was significantly lower than that in patients with spleens (32.3% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001). Protection against Hib decreased as the time interval after splenectomy increased from 57.2% at a less than 60 months interval to 10.8% at a greater than 120 months interval (p = 0.001). Nearly 30% of the 437 splenectomised subjects had long-term protection against Hib, whereas 64.4% of the 413 non splenectomised subjects had long-term protection (p < 0.001). Asplenic subjects had lower Hib antibody levels than non splenectomised subjects. Additionally, the antibody levels decreased as the time interval increased after splenectomy. A Hib vaccine recommendation for splenectomised thalassaemia major seems essential.

Local effect of celecoxib on peripheral nerve repair combined with silicone tubulization in rat

OBJECTIVE

To assess local effect of celecoxib on nerve regeneration in a rat sciatic nerve transection model.

METHODS

Forty-five male healthy white Wistar rats were randomly divided into three experimental groups (n equal to 15 for each): sham-operation (SHAM), control (SIL) and celecoxib treated (SIL/CLX) groups. In SHAM group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed and after homeostasis muscle was sutured. In SIL group the left sciatic nerve was exposed in the same way and transected proximal to tibioperoneal bifurcation leaving a 10 mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube and filled with 10 microlitre phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/CLX group defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with 10 microlitre celecoxib (0.1 g/L).

RESULTS

Functional study and gastrocnemius muscle mass confirmed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in SIL/CLX than in SIL group (P less than 0.05). Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/CLX were significantly greater than those in control group. In immunohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in SIL/CLX was clearly more positive than that in SIL group.

CONCLUSION

Response to local treatment of celecoxib demonstrates that it influences and improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: is distilled water as safe as saline for irrigation?

PURPOSE

To compare dilutional effect of distilled water with saline solution as an irrigation fluid in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred twenty eight adult patients (191 men, 137 women) who were candidates for PCNL were randomly assigned into two groups (distilled water, n = 158, group 1; saline solution, n = 162, group 2). Stone size, operation time, irrigation fluid volume, blood hemoglobin level, urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium and potassium levels were checked before and at 6 and 12 hours after operation.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 37.8 years, and the mean stone diameter was 31.5 mm. There was no clinical case of transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome. Serum sodium depletion was significantly more in group 1 than group 2 (P < .0001). Group 1 had significant decreased post-operative serum sodium levels (P < .0003). Similarly in group 2, postoperative serum sodium levels were significantly lower than the preoperative concentration (P < .01), but it was not the same 6 hours after the operation (P = .23). Serum sodium concentrations remained within normal limits in all cases, without causing clinical signs and symptoms of hyponatremia.

CONCLUSION

We found that distilled water is safe irrigation fluid for PCNL in adults. In addition, it is more available and cost effective.

Iranian caregivers, silent mediums in caring for relatives suffering from cancer

BACKGROUND

Poor interaction of treatment personnel with patients' families leads to informational contrast in families, which may ultimately increase the tension and pressure in these conditions. Considering the necessity of caregivers' contribution for an optimized treatment, continuation of care, and supporting patients, and with regard to caregivers' important role, and also considering the emphasis placed by previous studies on the significance of the caregivers' experiences and as there are a limited number of studies on eastern countries, the present study attempts to justify caregivers' understanding of their own needs for interaction with the treatment team.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study is a qualitative research conducted through a content analysis method with an inductive approach. 23 familial caregivers of breast cancer patients from Seyed-Al-Shohada and ayat- ollah khan sari Hospital of Isfahan and Arak were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and field notes. The content was read for several iterations and units of meaning and primary codes were extracted, and then categories were extracted based on the centrality and similarity of meanings.

RESULTS

Four categories were extracted: a) caregivers' contribution and acknowledging them in the treatment system, b) training in efficient caregiving, c) efficient interaction of the medical team with caregivers, and d) easy and dynamic access to the medical services.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that family caregivers should cooperate and interact with the medical team. They also need training from the medical team on caregiving to cancer patients. An understanding of caregivers' experiences and needs in their interaction with the medical team and identifying their needs as an important aspect in cancer care system assists in designing evidence-based healthcare interventions and a comprehensive family-cantered care program.

Is topical zinc effective in the treatment of melasma? A double-blind randomized comparative study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Zinc plays a role in skin health, and preliminary data have shown its beneficial effects for melasma. We compared the effect of topical zinc with that of hydroquinone as the standard treatment on severity of melasma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-three women with melasma were randomized to receive zinc sulfate 10% or hydroquinone 4% solutions once daily for 2 months. They were followed for an additional 3 months while using sunscreen. The severity of melasma was assessed at baseline and at 2 and 5 months using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI).

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients completed the study. The MASI score fell significantly in both groups, but a greater decrease was seen in those who received hydroquinone (43.5 ± 15.5% vs 18.6 ± 20.8%, p < .001). Postinflammatory pigmentation occurred in 5.2% of the zinc group and irritation in 30.9% of the hydroquinone group.

CONCLUSION

Topical zinc therapy is not highly effective in reducing the severity of melasma, but further trials are needed to determine whether adding zinc to current topical treatments could improve treatment response.

Acetyl salicylic acid locally enhances functional recovery after sciatic nerve transection in rat

Local effect of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) on peripheral nerve regeneration was studied using a rat sciatic nerve transection model. Forty-five male healthy White Wistar rats were divided into three experimental groups (n = 15), randomly: Sham-operation (SHAM), control (SIL), and ASA-treated (SIL/ASA) groups. In SHAM group after anesthesia left sciatic nerve was exposed through a gluteal muscle incision and after homeostasis the muscle was sutured. In SIL group the left sciatic nerve was exposed the same way and transected proximal to tibio-peroneal bifurcation leaving a 10-mm gap. Proximal and distal stumps were each inserted into a silicone tube and filled with 10 μl phosphate buffered solution. In SIL/ASA group defect was bridged using a silicone tube filled with 10 μl acetyl salisylic acid (0.1 mg/ml). Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of five animals each and were studied 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Data were analyzed statistically by factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test for pair-wise comparisons. Functional study confirmed faster and better recovery of regenerated axons in SIL/ASA than in SIL group (p < 0.05). Gastrocnemius muscle mass in SIL/ASA was significantly more than in SIL group. Morphometric indices of regenerated fibers showed that the number and diameter of the myelinated fibers in SIL/ASA were significantly higher than in control group. In immuohistochemistry, location of reactions to S-100 in SIL/ASA was clearly more positive than in SIL group. Response to local treatment of ASA demonstrates that it influences and improves functional recovery of peripheral nerve regeneration.

Gaucher's Disease, an Unusual Cause of Massive Splenomegaly, a Case Report

BACKGROUND

Gaucher's Disease (G.D.) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from the accumulation of glucocerebrosidase in the cells of macrophage-monocyte system as a result of a deficiency in lysosomal glucocerebrosidase. This enzyme is encoded by a gene on chromosome-1. Here we report a case of Gaucher's Disease .G.D is rare in Yazd.

CASE REPORTS

We reported a patient that presented with weakness, pallor and gradually increasing abdominal girth. Clinical examination and history pointed to be a lipid storage disease. Final diagnosis of G.D. was reported after examining the bone marrow smears. Confirmation of diagnosis on Gaucher's disease was performed by measurement of glucocerebrosidase level.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of G.D. to emphasize the importance of early recognition by clinical manifestation and histological findings. G.D. should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with unexplained splenomegaly.

Seasonal Changes in Serum Testosterone, LDH Concentration and Semen Characteristics in Markhoz Goats

This experiment was conducted to study variations of serum testosterone and seminal characteristics of Markhoz male goats. Blood samples were obtained via jugular vein, and semen was collected by using an artificial vagina from 14 fertile male goats (2–3 years of age), at 15-day intervals starting on 15 July and ending on 30 October 2010 (during breeding and non-breeding season). Semen volume, total sperm (volume×concentration), live sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%) and semen pH were significantly superior during the late summer and early autumn (breeding season). Variation of sperm density, motility and progressive motility was not significant during the sampling period. The results presented show that the lowest and highest levels of lactate dehydrogenase in the seminal plasma were recorded in late October (2.82 U/ml) and in late August (4.81 U/ml), respectively. Moreover, the study indicated that the serum testosterone concentration was higher during late summer and early autumn (p<0.05) than at any other of sampling period. There were negative correlations between volume and sperm density (−0.135, p<0.05), and positive correlations between volume and percentage live sperm (0.224) and percentage progressive motility (0.194, p<0.01). Sperm density was correlated with live sperm (0.200, p<0.05) and progressive motility (0.202, p<0.01). The correlation between live sperm and progressive motility was 0.554 (p<0.01). Furthermore, the results in this study indicated a significant positive correlation between live sperm and LDH (0.450) and a negative correlation between sperm density and LDH concentration (−0.272) (p<0.01). Significant, but positive correlations were found between sperm motility and LDH (0.542) and testosterone concentration (0.522), respectively (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the best obtained semen was collected in late summer (during decreasing photoperiod) and early autumn (September and October). This also coincides with the natural breeding season of Markhoz goats in Iran.

Expression of antigenic determinants of the haemagglutinin large subunit of novel influenza virus in insect cells

The global outbreak of novel A/H1N1 spread in human population worldwide has revealed an emergency need for producing a vaccine against this virus. Current influenza vaccines encounter problems with safety issues and weak response in high-risk population. It has been established that haemagglutinin is the most important viral antigen to which antibody responses are directed, and recombinant subunit vaccines, haemagglutinin of influenza A and B viruses, have been considered in order to facilitate vaccine production. In the present study, we have focused on construction of a recombinant baculovirus encoding the large subunit of novel influenza virus A/H1N1 haemagglutinin. The full genome of haemagglutinin was cloned into pGEM-TEasy vector and sequenced. The large subunit of the haemagglutinin gene was amplified by PCR using specific primers and cloned into pFast- BacHTc donor plasmid, which was then confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and sequencing and transformed into E. coli DH10Bac competent cells. The bacmid DNA was transfected into insect cells to produce recombinant baculovirus. Expression of recombinant haemagglutinin in insect cells was determined by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting. It has been shown that the recombinant haemagglutinin (rHA) obtained from the baculovirus insect cell expression system has suitable immunogenicity in human and can be considered as a candidate flu vac- cine. Here we produced large amounts of the HA1 protein of novel influenza A/H1N1 (Iranian isolate) in insect cells. The immunogenicity and efficacy of the recombinant HA1 will be evaluated as a vaccine candidate and compared to the recombinant HA1 produced in a prokaryotic system.

A comparative analysis of routine techniques: Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and five cell lines for detection of enteroviruses in stool specimens

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Each year, Enteroviruses infect millions of people and cause different diseases. The agents are usually detected using cell culture. RD (Rhabdomyosarcoma) and L20B (L cells) are among the recommended cells by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for this purpose. Even though cell culture is the most common method used in diagnosing Enteroviruses in stool specimens, this particular method poses some problems, which include false positive or negative results, lack of a unique cell line for diagnosing all Enterovirus types in addition to being time consuming. For these reasons, an attempt was made to find better techniques of Enterovirus detection. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) is a technique used in place of the cell culture method. In this study, the cell culture method was compared with RT-PCR for detection of Enteroviruses in stool specimens.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

First, the chloroform treated stool samples were inoculated onto five cell lines, including RD, L20B, Hep-2 (Human Epidermoid carcinoma cell line), Vero (Verde Reno) and GMK (Green Monkey Kidney). The results were then compared with data from Enterovirus detection using the RT-PCR technique.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The difference between RT-PCR and cell culture results was significant. Enteroviruses were detected in 24% of specimens using RT-PCR while cell lines could isolate Enteroviruses in just 14.4% of the samples.