---

Background & objectives: Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammation of pilosebaceous glands. Some studies have indicated the significant decrease of linoleic acid in the sebum composition of the patients with acne. The aim of this study was to determine the probable therapeutic effects of linoleic acid on moderate acne.
Methods: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 women with moderate acne were divided into two groups, each group with 20 each with 20 samples. After recording the nutritional and demographic factors, the case group received, 100 mg oral doxycycline daily plus 3 gr conjugated linoleic acid and the control group received 100 mg doxycycline daily plus 4-3 oral paraffin capsules as placebo for one month. The number of acne lesions were counted before and after treatment and the mean of   Acne Severity Index (ASI) and Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) were determined for each group. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software using chi-square, independent t-test and paired t-test.
Results: The mean age was 22.8±5.5, in the case group and21.7±5.1 in placebo group indicating no statistically significant deference (p=0.51). At the end of treatment there was no statistically significant deference between the two groups in decreasing acne (p=0.31). During the treatment, ASI reduced from 129.5±13 to 77±11.6 in the case group and from 132±18.6 to 67.5±11.6 in the placebo group, –but there was no statistically significant deference between the two groups (p=0.37).
Conclusion: It seems using 3 gr oral conjugated linoleic acid daily for 1 month has no effect on remission of acne.

---

Background & objectives: Alveolar and cystic echinococcosis (CE and AE) are caused by the larval stages of Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granolosus, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the spread of human AE and CE diseases among the tribes and livestock breeders and farmers in the Moghan plain. The prevalence of infection (CE and AE) significantly increases with a rise in age.
Methods: In this study, using ELISA and HCF-Ag (raw liquid antigen of hydatid cyst) was used for the first time to perform screening, and then the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis and alveolar echinococcosis was evaluated by specific anti-genes Ag-5 and EM2+, respectively. A total of 2003 serum samples were collected randomly from normal populations of five different areas of Moghan plain. In the first stage, serum screening was tested using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and HCF-Ag. After that, the serology of all sera was evaluated by ELISA and specific antigens for alveolar and cystic Echinococcus.
Results: From 2003 samples, 24 serum samples were (1.19%) AE-positive. Infection was higher in men than women (2.1% vs. 0.6%). The age group of 5-19years had the lowest infection rate and the age group 40- 59 years had the highest infection rate (2%). In the case of cystic ecinococcosis, 164 serum samples were positive for Ag-5 specific antigen, i.e. 7.6% infection, and 156 serum samples were positive for Ag-B-specific antigen.
Conclusion: The findings showed that the highest infection rate was found in the Boran and Eivazlou (Palanglou) regions of Moghan plain and the lowest level of human infection was reported in Parsabad region (Nadar-kandi and Agh-ghabagh). In areas with higher contamination, the risk factor associated with CE and AE were the type of water used, the method of washing edible and wild vegetables, occupation and having or not having knowledge of hydatid disease. The infection of Moghan region dogs is one of the main indicators and potential risk factors for human infection.

---

Background & objectives: Treatment of dysmenorrhea in women is aimed to bring them to their normal condition. In the present study, the effect of mefenamic acid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was compared with that of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) as a tocolytic drug in the management of primary dysmenorrhea.
Methods: A total of 160 nulliparous women aged 18-30 years with primary dysmenorrhea were included in this single blind, clinical trial, which was carried out from 2014 to 2015. The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. At the beginning of menstruation cycle, the patients in group A received 500 mg oral mefenamic acid, followed by 250 mg mefenamic acid every 6 hours. The patients in group B initially were administered 2.5 mg transdermal glyceryl trinitrate 0.2% every 12 hours to the abdominal skin under the umbilical cord. Treatment was continued for up to 48 hours and repeated for three cycles. Pain scores were assessed by Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) every 4 hours. Adverse effects such as headache and gastrointestinal disorders were recorded. The decrease of pain scale was the primary outcome and adverse effects were the secondary outcome.
Results: The mean pain severity score in in the first 24-hours in mefenamic acid group was lower than that of the glyceryl trinitrate group (p=0.01). On the second day, the mean pain severity scores were not significantly different between the two groups. The mean pain severity scores in the second day of second cycle (p<0.001) and in the first day of third cycle (p=0.001) were significantly lower in mefenamic acid group than in glyceryl trinitrate group. The side effects were also higher in the glyceryl trisitrate group than in the mefenamic acid group, but this difference was not statistically significant. The most common complication was headache in the group receiving glyceryl trinitrate (18.75%) and nausea in the group receiving mefenamic acid (26.25%). The satisfaction rate was 42.2% in the patients receiving transdermal glyceryl trinitrate, while it was 78.5% in patients receiving mefenamic acid; therefore, the patients in the mefenamic acid group were more satisfied (p=0.004).
Conclusion: The analgesic effects of oral mefenamic acid were better than transdermal glyceryl trinitrate in the management of primary dysmenorrhea. The adverse effects of these two drugs were not significantly different, but the type of complications was different in both groups.

---

Background & objectives: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that infects all warm-blooded animals as well as human worldwide. Determining the parasite genotype in intermediate hosts  is crucial in  evaluating the role of these types in human infections as wll as in prevention programs. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and detect the genotypes of Toxoplasma gondii in aborted fetuses of ewes in Lorestan province.
Methods: Identification of the parasite was performed  on the brain and liver tissues of 142 aborted fetuses using  a conventional PCR based on amplification of highly repetitive 529 bp region of the parasite genome. Genotyping of positive samples, which were isolated from the brain and liver, was performed by PCR-RFLP based on SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 molecular markers.
Results: From a total of 142 samples  obtained from  brain  and fetus, 10 cases (7%) were determined as positive samples based on conventional PCR. The precence of parasite DNA was also confirmed in the liver of  3 positive samples. Evaluation of RFLP pattern of amplified SAG2, SAG3 and GRA6 genes showed the presence of various types of parasites, incuding type I in 3 samples, type II in 2 samples and atypical type in 5 samples.
Conclusion: Isolation of types I, II and atypical type of T. gondii from ewes in  Lorestan province suggests the need for greater attention to parasite transmission from livestock to human, particularly in pregnant women and people with weakened immune system.

---

Background & objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world which is associated with cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasma changes of chemerin and pentraxin-3 (PTX3) following 8 weeks of endurance training in men with NAFLD.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental Study, thirty four patients with NAFLD were selected purposefully. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, endurance training group (n=17) and control group (n=17). The endurance training program included eight weeks running on a treadmill with maximum heart rate (HRmax) intensity of 55-75% for 45 minutes three times a week. Seventy two hours before the beginning of the study and at the end of the eighth week, blood samples were taken from all the participants. The data were analyzed by paired sample t-test and independent t-test at the significant level p<0.05.
Results: Plasma levels of chemerin in the endurance training group significantly decreased (p=0.013). Also, there was a significant difference between the two groups after the end of the intervention (p=0.002). Plasma levels of PTX3 increased significantly in the endurance training group (p=0.001). There was also a significant difference between two groups after the end of the intervention (p=0.01).
Conclusion: The present study showed that the 8-week endurance training increased the plasma levels of PTX3 and decreased the plasma levels of chemerin in men with NAFLD. Endurance training, possibly through various mechanisms, reduces the inflammatory factors and increases the anti-inflammatory factors in men with NAFLD. Endurance training, probably by activation of lipolysis, over-regulation of unpaired protein-1 and activator receptors of peroxisomes proliferation-, changes in adipocytokines, etc. decreases charmicin and increases PTX3 levels of plasma in men with NAFLD.
 

---

Background & objectives: Due to the widespread use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their possible unwanted effects in biological environments, we made an attempt to investigate the effect of ZnO-NPs on the blood lipid profile.
Methods: In this study, 24 male Wistar rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, the group receiving ZnO-NPs at 25 mg/kg (ZnO-NPs 25 mg/kg) and the group receiving ZnO-NPs at 50 mg/kg (ZnO-NPs 50 mg/kg). The duration of the test was two weeks. The blood samples were taken and the serums were separated. Serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL were determined using standard kits and methods.
Results: Based on the findings of this study, serum levels of triglyceride and VLDL in both ZnO-NPs receiving groups were significantly increased in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). Also,  the serum levels of HDL , LDL and LDL/HDL ratio decreased significantly in both ZnO-NPs receiving groups compared to the control group (p<0.05), while the  serum cholesterol levels did not change compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Our results showed that 25 and 50 mg/kg doses of ZnO-NPs had both harmful (increase triglyceride and VLDL and reduction of HDL) and beneficial (reduction of LDL and LDL/HDL ratio) effects on the blood lipid profile.

---

Background & objectives: 10 year survival rates for thyroid cancer is about 90%, but papillary thyroid cancer often spread to regional lymph nodes resulting in survival rate falls below 90%. In patients with thyroid cancer, cervical lymph node metastasis risk is about 20 to 50 percent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ultrasound results and the involvement of lymph nodes before thyroidectomy and compare it with the pathologic response after thyroidectomy in patients with non-medullary thyroid cancer.
Methods: 60 patients with thyroid cancer were randomly selected and entered into the study. Ultrasonographic examination of cervical lymph nodes was performed by two radiologists using an ultrasound machine in all patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Patients underwent total thyroidectomy and neck lymph node dissection by surgeon.
Results: In papillary thyroid cancer, there was a significant relationship between ultrasonographic results and pathologic outcomes in determining the presence of cervical lymph node metastasis before thyroidectomy. And also, there was a significant relationship between the results of ultrasonography and pathologic findings in determining the location of affected lymph nodes.
Conclusion: Compared to histological examination, ultrasonography can be a useful tool in determining the location of affected cervical lymph node in thyroid cancers before surgery.

---

CT
 
Background & objectives: So far, various reports have been presented on the relationship between sex hormones and gender-related differences in pain and analgesia in humans and laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of testosterone hormone and spironolactone anti-androgen drug on morphine-induced analgesia in male mice using formalin test.
Methods: In this study, 80 male mice were divided into 10 groups (N=8); normal saline (control), sesame seed oil (as testosterone solvent), testosterone (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight), spironolactone, morphine, sesame seed oil + morphine, testosterone (5 and 10 mg/ kg body weight) + morphine and spironolactone + morphine. Formalin test was performed in all the mice, and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.
Results: The results showed that sesame seed oil + morphine (p<0.001), morphine (p<0.001), testosterone (5 mg/kg) + morphine (p<0.01) and testosterone (10 mg/kg) + morphine (p<0.001) significantly reduced acute  pain, and testosterone (5 mg/kg) (p<0.05), testosterone (10 mg/kg) (p<0.01), sesame seed oil + morphine (p<0.001), morphine (p<0.001), testosterone (5 mg/kg) + morphine (p<0.001) and testosterone (10 mg/kg) + morphine (p<0.001) significantly reduced chronic pain compared with control group. Spironolactone had no effect on pain relief in the presence and absence of morphine compared to control group.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that testosterone has analgesic effects on the chronic phase of the pain. On the other hand, spironolactone may have hyperalgesic effects due to its anti-androgenic properties.

---

Background & objectives: Mesenchymal stem cells have been known as hypo-immunogenic and immunosuppressive cells. Exposure of mesenchymal stem cells to interferon γ (IFN-γ) may influence their immunomodulatory properties. In the present study, the expression level of adenosine producing CD39 and CD73 ectonucleotides as an immunosuppressant were evaluated in Wharton’s Jelly- derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (WJ-MSCs) in the presence and absence of IFN-g.
Methods: In this experimental study, MSCs were isolated, cultured, and propagated from Wharton's jelly obtained from human umbilical cord. The phenotypic characterization of these cells was performed via analysis of their surface markers using flow cytometry. Then, the cultured mesenchymal stem cells were treated with IFN-g. After 24 hours, the expression levels of CD39 and CD73 genes were analyzed using qPCR in control and IFN-g-treated cells.
Results: Flow cytometric analysis of stem cells revealed morphological similarity to fibroblastic cells and expression of CD105 and CD73 markers in these cells. The results of qPCR showed that the expression level of CD39 was significantly increased in IFN-g-treated cells compared to non-treated cells, while there was no significant difference in CD73 expression level between control and IFN-g - treated cells.
Conclusion: The results indicated the possible role of IFN-g in development of the immunoregulatory capacity of mesenchymal stem cells through expression of target genes. However this should be studied precisely.

---

Background & objectives: In recent years، Computed Tomography (CT scan) has become the Gold Standard for detecting urinary stones. This study was conducted to predict the size of possible passage of ureteral stones based on clinical signs, lab data (e.g. Ultrasounds) in patients with small passable stones and to prevent CT scan, which requires high costs and x-ray exposure.
Methods: In this cross- sectional study, fifty consecutive patients from emergency room who had clinical symptoms of renal colic and urinary tract stones were recruited by simple non-random sampling. After obtaining the primary data, all of them underwent sonography (US), and in those without sings of stone in US، CT scan was performed. Based on the CT scan, the patients were divided into two main groups: 1) patients who had no ureteral stones or had ureteral stones <5mm, and 2) patient who had ureteral stones ≥5mm. All gathered data were analyzed by t-test and chi-square test.
Results: Among our proposed variables, previous history of urinary stone (p=0.05), irritative urinary symptoms (e.g. dysuria, frequency and urgency) (p=0.001), gross hematuria (p=0.049) and degree of hydronephrosis (p=0.029) had statistically significant relationship with the presence, size and spontaneous expulsive potential of ureteral stones.
Conclusion: Based on our results, negative history of urinary stones, absence of irritative urinary symptoms and gross hematuria and absence or mild degree of hydronephrosis in sonography were in favor of small (<5mm) or passable ureteral stones for which CT scan can be omitted.
 

---

 
Background & objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver is one of the most common diseases. Nutrition and exercise are recommended for the patients with this disease, and chicory is considered due to its protective effects on the liver. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of chicory extract along with treadmill walking on the hepatic transaminases levels and tissue changes in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Methods: In this experimental study, 56 mature male rats were divided into control (without treatment), sham (treatment with high-fat diet 10 ml/kg) and 5 experimental groups receiving high-fat diet (10 ml/kg) with 200 and 100 mg/kg chicory extract alone and with treadmill walking. Chicory was administered as gavage in 28 consecutive days. At the end, after anesthetizing the animals and collecting blood from their hearts the Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes were measured. The their livers were removed and after preparing the tissue sections, the results of hepatic enzymes measurements were analyzed by ANOVA and Duncan tests and P≤0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The results showed that high-fat diet increased AST, ALT and ALP enzymes and hepatic tissue damage compared to the control group at p<0.001. Treatment with chicory and treadmill walking alone and together resulted in a significant reduction of the above enzymes at p<0.001 and improvement of hepatic tissue compared to the high-fat diet group.
Conclusion: The results showed that high-fat diet increased the levels of ALT, AST and ALP, and hepatic tissue damage. Treadmill walking and chicory extract alone and together reduced the above enzymes and improved the hepatic tissue structure.

---

Background & objectives: Evaluation of liver and renal function before and after administration of methotrexate (MTX) is recommended in the treatment of molar pregnancy, but the necessity of performing these tests during treatment of ectopic pregnancy (EP) is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes of creatinine and AST levels before and after treatment with double (DD) and multiple (MD) doses of MTX in patients with Ep.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study performed on 152 patients with an EP during 2007-2013 in Al-Zahra hospital (Rasht). Seventy six patients received DD and 76 cases were treated with MD of MTX. The success rate, side effects of MTX and changes in creatinine and AST levels were compared between the two groups.
Results: The mean changes in creatinine level was 0.06±0.08 and 0.16±0.13 in DD and MD groups, respectively and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.002). The mean changes in AST level was 5.06±2.47 and 9.63±5.5 in DD and MD groups, respectively which was statistically significant (p=0.002). The success rates were 65.8% and 86.8% in DD and MD groups, respectively with statistically significant difference (p=0.002). The side effects rates were 13.2% and 32.9% in DD and MD groups, respectively with statistically significant difference (p=0.004).
Conclusion: It seems that administration of MD of MTX in EP patients leads to an increase in success rate of treatment but also it causes considerable increase in creatinine and AST levels.
 

---

Background & objectives: cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality around the whole world. However, there is limited information on its economic costs in Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic costs of coronary heart disease in Iran in 2014.
Methods: The diseases costs were calculated based on the incidence approach using a bottom-up method and a community-oriented perspective.   The drug cost information was obtained from angiographed patients (607 cases) in Shahid Modarres Hospital using simple random sampling method. Other information like disease incidence, distribution of patients, treatment patterns, length of stay and mortality rate was gathered from the literature, interview with patients, consultation with specialists, questionnaire, ministry of health and statistical center of Iran.
Results: Coronary heart diseases impose a significant economic burden in the range of 4,715 and 4,908 billion dollars (210,037,860,000,000-201,778,425,000,000 rials) upon Iran economic system. The medical costs and the costs of lost productivity due to premature death were calculated at USD 3.572 billion (152,863,740,000,000 rials) and USD 933 million (39,927,735,000,000 rials) respectively. The major part of medical costs was related to angioplasty costs (47%) and the minor part was related to drug costs (1.15%).
Conclusion: Coronary heart diseases impose a lot of financial costs to Iran healthcare system which cover more than 16% of whole healthcare financial costs. It is possible to streamline all consequential costs due to coronary heart disease by means of economic and effective use of resources and widespread self-care plan.
 

---

 
Background & objectives: One of the most important diabetes complications is chronic renal failure. This disorder is one of the most important progressive renal problems that is closely associated with high mortality rate in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated blackcurrant extract and  zinc oxide nanoparticles on histopathologic damages of kidney tissue in diabetic rats.
Methods: A total of thirty adult Wistar rats were used and they were randomly divided into the following six groups (n=5): control group; diabetic group (170 mg/kg alloxan); diabetic group treated with insulin (170 mg/kg alloxan & 10 U/kg insulin); diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticle (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticle); diabetic group treated with extract (170 mg/kg alloxan & 150 mg/kg blackcurrant extract) and diabetic group treated with extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticles (170 mg/kg alloxan & 8 mg/kg blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle). Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate. Conjugated blackcurrant extract and ZnO nanoparticles were produced using green synthesis method. The tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Image J software was used for evaluation of histopathological changes.
Results: The comparison between groups treated with blackcurrant extract, ZnO nanoparticles and blackcurrant extract conjugated with ZnO nanoparticle showed that these compounds somewhat protect kidney tissue from diabetes damage . The highest protective effect was observed in diabetic group treated with ZnO nanoparticles conjugated with blackcurrant extract.
Conclusion: Our study, for the first time, showed that the conjugation of blackcurrant extract to ZnO nanoparticles can be effective in preventing renal- tissue damage in diabetic patient.

 
 

---

 
Background & objectives:  with Regard to the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on various strategies for its prevention and management seem necessary. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of running on treadmill and low calorie diet on visfatin and hs-CRP values in people with NAFLD.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental Study, 55 NAFLD patients were selected and randomly assigned to one of four groups: training (n=14), diet (n=14), training plus diet (n=14) and control (n=13). The training program included eight weeks running on a treadmill with maximum heart rate intensity of 55-75% for 45 minutes three times a week. A low calorie diet with an energy deficit of 500 calories of daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day food records of the patients. Combined group subjects also used both types of intervention. Data were analyzed using covariance analysis and Bonferron's post hoc test at a significance level of p<0.05.
Results: Visfatin values in the training group (p=0.01), in the combined group (p=0.001) and also hs-CRP values in the training group (p=0.003) and the combined group (p=0.008) decreased significantly. The body mass index of subjects was significantly decreased by training (p=0.003) and combined intervention (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Running on treadmill and a low calorie diet simultaneously reduce the plasma levels of visfatin and hs-CRP in male patients with NAFLD. Therefore, these therapeutic interventions are beneficial in reducing NAFLD inflammatory factors.
 

---

Background & objectives: In recent years, Acinetobacter baumannii has been shown to be associated with several nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, bacteraemia, urinary tract infections, wound infection and meningitis. This organism can survive in the hospital environment and rapidly develops resistance to many antibiotics. The molecular genotyping can increase our knowledge about the spread of A. baumannii strains from one hospital to another and their drug resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance profile as well as phylogenetic relationships of A. baumannii strains in Shahrekord teaching hospitals.
Methods: In this study, antibacterial susceptibility patterns of A. baumannii strains isolated from different clinical specimens (urine, blood, sputum) to amikacin, ampicillin/sulbactam, aztreonam, cefepime, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, imipenem, meropenem, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, tobramycin were tested using disk diffusion )Kirby-Bauer( method. Finally, genotyping of A. baumannii strains was performed using REP-PCR method.
Results: During this study, 50 samples of patients were identified as A. baumannii) 71%(, and their drug resistance rates were assessed. All A. baumannii strains were resistant to ceftazidime and cefepime and also a high rate of resistance to aztreonam, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, imipenem, gentamycin, and ampicillin-sulbactam were observed. On the other hand, our results demonstrated nine genotype groups among A. baumannii strains based on REP-PCR method.
Conclusion: Due to the high prevalence of antibiotic resistance among isolated A. baumannii strains, similarities between different genotypes and the dispersion of these genotypes in different parts of Shahrekord hospitals, the implementation of infection control programs in different parts of the hospital is necessary.
 

---

Background & objectives: MEFV gene has a major role in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) as an auto-inflammatory disorder. FMF is most often seen in the people of the Mediterranean area. Considering the significant role of the MEFV gene in many rheumatologic diseases and even non-rheumatologic disorders, it is necessary to identify different variations of these mutations in the healthy and normal population of this area.
Methods: 224 healthy people entered into this study. The blood samples were screened for the 12 most common MEFV gene variants according to manufacturer’s instructions. (FMF Strip Assay, Vienna lab, Vienna, Austria)
They filled a questionnaire containing the required information. All patients were initially evaluated for the FMF symptoms and signs in themselves and their first-degree relatives based on clinical criteria. Chi-squared test and t-test were employed for statistical analysis using SPSS ver.24.  
Results: Among 224 cases, 113 cases (50.4%) were male, and 111 cases (49.6%) were female. MEFV mutations were detected in 57 patients (25%) of them, 28 cases were male (49.1%) and 29 cases were female (50.9%). The most frequent mutations were E148Q (18.3%, 41cases), followed by P369S (3.1%, 7 cases), V726A (2.2%, 5cases), A744S (1.3%, 3cases), F479L, M694V and R761H (0.8%, each 2 cases), and eventually K695R (0.4%) respectively. Some mutations such as M694I, M680I (G/C), M680I (G/A), I692del were not seen in these samples. There were compound heterozygous mutations of E148Q/P369S, E148Q/V726A, E148Q/P369S, and P369S / F479L in normal population without any findings in favor of FMF.
Conclusion: Twenty-five percent of the normal population of the northwest of Iran carrying a heterozygous variant of the MEFV gene, E148Q (18.3%) as a most common mutation, which can be considered as a normal variant in the healthy population. The presence of M694I, M680I (G/C), M680I (G/A) and I692del mutations in the normal population can be interpreted with cautiously, while particular compound heterozygous mutations can be considered as normal variants.
 

---

Background & objectives: Local systemic filling pressure measurement can be used to determine other hemodynamic parameters such as venous return and the stressed volume. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between local systemic filling pressures and central venous pressure.
Methods: In this study, candidate patients of cardiac surgery in Imam Khomeini hospital of Ardabil, in the first half of the 1397, were chosen and studied by their satisfaction, then an intra-arterial catheter inserted to the upper limb, a tourniquet closed to the same arm.  The arterial pressure measured during the surgery. Central vein pressure was also measured simultaneously. Finally, other variables obtained from transesophageal echocardiography and demographic data were recorded in each patient's checklist.
Results: 43 patients (71.7%) were man and 17 (28.3%) were women. The Mean CVP, MSFP, CO, and CI were 8.3±4.5 mmHg, 17.0±6.1, 3.27±1.1, and 1.89±0.7, respectively. Ten patients (16.7%) had mild heart failure, 42 patients (70%) had a moderate heart failure and 8 patients (13.3%) had severe heart failure. There were positive and significant relationship between CVP and MSFP (r=0.478: p=0.001). The EF status has no significant effects on CVP with SBP, DBP, MAP, CO and CI. There was significant and reverse correlation between PSF value with CO, and CI in severe heart failure (p<0.05).
Conclusion: we concluded that the local MSFP is a good and valuable substitute for CVP measurement, especially in severe heart failure

---

 
Background & objectives: Third molar impaction (wisdom tooth) is a widespread phenomenon. It is indeed very important to study the impacted teeth pattern in the community since it will help to develop an appropriate treatment plan for individuals of the community. The aim of this study was to investigate the impaction pattern of mandibular third molar in Ardabil population.
Methods: In this study, the panoramic radiography of 382 patients referred to the Ardabil Dental Clinic, ranging 18-40 years old that had a couple of third molar teeth were investigated. The radiographs were investigated to collect data corresponding to depth-of-impaction, the distance between the canal and inferior alveolar, number of roots, shape and connection between the roots as well as the damages to neighboring structure. The collected data were coded to be analyzed through Chi-square and t- test in SPSS software.
Results: Among the cases, 42.4% and 57.6% of the subjects were male and female respectively. There is no significant difference between men and women for number of roots and the connection between them, whereas noticeable differences between men and women were observed for depth of impaction, distance from Inferior alveolar canal, the shape of the roots and damage to neighboring structures.
Conclusion: The results suggest that most of the cases had vertical angulation, regarding depth of impaction, most of the teeth were categorized in Class-B, regarding distance from Inferior alveolar, and most of the cases were in the vicinity of the canal and had two separate canals. Regarding damage to neighboring structures, most of the cases were categorized as a radiographic bone loss

---

 
Background & objectives: Impaired immune system provides favorable conditions for colonization by Acanthamoeba in the human body. In this case control study, we compared the molecular and culture methods in identifying Acanthamoeba in the nasal and oral secretions of HIV⁺/HIV^­ human.
Methods: In a current case control study, nasal and oral discharge of 53, HIV⁺ patients and 53, HIV^­ people were evaluated. The nasal and oral secretions of each patient were prepared by sterile swabs and transferred to the laboratory. All samples were cultured but only the positive samples used for molecular analysis.
Results: By cultivation method, of the 53, HIV⁺ patients, a total of 11 samples, including 5 nasal and 6 oral samples, were contaminated with Acanthamoeba. Of the 53, HIV­­ people, 3 samples of nasal discharge were contaminated with this parasite. The molecular method approved the contamination of 10 samples, including 5 oral and 5 nasal samples from HIV⁺ patients with this parasite. Statistical analysis showed the rate of infection in HIV⁺ patients was significantly different compared to HIV^­ people
Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that the rate of Acanthamoeba infection in HIV⁺ patients was higher than that of HIV^- individuals. Also, considering that in the control group (HIV- individuals) only the nasal discharge were infected with the parasite, it seems that in the case group (HIV + patients) the infection of the oral discharge with the parasites is due to the  entry of its cysts into the nose and transmission to the mouth