This study aimed to determine the prevalence ofEntamoeba histolytica,Entamoeba disparandEntamoeba moshkovskii(collectively referred to asEntamoebacomplex), using microscopic and molecular methods in Kurdistan Province, northwest of Iran. The relationship between positiveEntamoebaspecies and clinical symptoms was also investigated. Eight positiveEntamoebacomplex, as well as fourEntamoebacomplex-like isolates, were detected by microscopic stool examination. DNA was extracted from all positive and from 55 randomly selected negative stool samples. PCR was performed using species-specific 18S rRNA primers for theEntamoebacomplex. All positive PCR samples were sequenced. In total, 14 (1.01%) out of 1383 isolates, i.e. 12 microscopy-positive andEntamoebacomplex-like isolates and two out of 55 microscopy-negative isolates, were identified via PCR and sequencing. Overall, 0.58% (8/1383) of the isolates wereE.dispar, 0.14% (2/1383)E.histolytica, 0.07% (1/1383)E.moshkovskiiand 0.22% (3/1383) were mixed ofE.histolyticaandE.dispar. Based on our findings, the prevalence ofE. disparis greater than that ofE. histoltyica. On the other hand, a case ofE. moshkovskiiwas reported for the first time in this region. It seems that some gastrointestinal symptoms may be attributed toEntamoebaspecies.

BACKGROUNDNeonatal sepsis is a disease process, which represents the consequences of systemic response to bacteria entering the blood stream during the first 28 days of life. Platelet count (PLT) and indices, including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and Platelet larger cell ratio (P-LCR) are considered as markers of production rate and platelet activation. They are readily available via blood tests. However, their prognostic value in neonatal sepsis has not been fully clarified and several studies reported contradictory results. This study evaluated the changes of platelet count and indices in neonatal sepsis. METHODSThis study was performed on 20 neonates with culture proven sepsis and 20 neonates with the similar age and weight but without any infectious disease served as the control group from February 2013 to June 2017 in the west of Iran. PLT, MPV, PDW, P-LCR and other infection markers (white blood cell count [WBC], erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], and neutrophil percentage were also determined. This data was compared between patients and control group. RESULTSIn sepsis group, MPV, PDW and P-LCR were significantly increased (p= 0.024, p= 0.006 and p= 0.005 respectively), but WBC, Neutrophil percentage and PLT were not significantly different compared to controls. There was no significant difference in the platelet count and indices between Gram-negative and Gram-positive sepsis. CONCLUSIONSDiagnostic value of platelet indices is higher than that of WBC and neutrophil percentage. Therefore, platelet indices as inexpensive and easily available tests can be routinely performed for all neonates suspected to be in sepsis.

Algebra is one of the fields in mathematics studied by secondary school students. The students’ ability to solve algebra problems is still low. This is due to their lack of ability to solve real-world problems. This is because their mathematical connection capabilities are also not good. Mathematical connection ability is one of the standard processes in learning mathematics. The purpose of this study was to describe the mathematical connection ability of secondary school students in solving algebra problems. This research method is descriptive-qualitative. The research subjects were each high, medium, and low ability secondary school student. The data obtained is the result of subjects’ work in solving systems of three-variable linear equations. Subjects’ work outcomes will be analyzed based on indicators of mathematical connection ability. The results of this study are high, medium, and low ability students able to meet several indicators in recognizing and using some ideas or concepts in mathematics. Students can understand how the concepts of mathematics are interconnected. Only highly capable student shows indicators of the application of mathematics in daily life problem.

No abstract

No abstract