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  Background & objectives: Wound infection is a predominant cause of death in burned patients who are clearly at increased risk of nosocomial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common cause of burn infections and is difficult to treat because of having high level of resistance to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to perform isolation, identification and determination of antibiotics resistance pattern of P. aeruginosa strains isolated from wounds of hospitalized burn patient.

  Methods: Biochemical and molecular tests were used for identification of the P. aeruginosa and antibacterial susceptibility test was performed using disk diffusion (Kirby- Bauer) methods. Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was performed for four representatives of different groups of antibiotics.

  Results: Among 94 evaluated strains of P. aeruginosa, 83 isolates (88.3%) were multi drugs resistant. Based on Kirby-Bauer method, the most resistance was seen to cefepime (89.5 %) and among the antibiotics studied to determine the MIC, the most resistance was observed to ciprofloxacin (89 %).

Conclusion: These results indicate high range of resistance to different antibiotics among strains of P. aeruginosa isolated from burn wounds of patients. So, the fast and accurate measurement and evaluation of antibiotic resistance for appropriate antibiotic therapy of burned patients is imperative.

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  Background & objectives : Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological problem in women. It is defined as a menstrual pain that occurs in absence of pelvic pathology. PD causes school absence and job restriction for many women and girls. Pain is the main complain of PD but other systemic symptoms like headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability and dizziness are common. Many chemical drugs have been used to manage dysmenorrhea, but most of them have side effects. Acupoint stimulation therapies, like acupressure, might be an effective intervention for primary dysmenorrhea. SP6 and Liv3 are two important acupoints to improve primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of acupressure in two points SP6 and Liv3 on primary dysmenorrhea.

  Methods: This is a single-blind, randomized clinical trial study. Severity of pain and symptoms were assessed at baseline and also after two menstrual cycles of the investigation using validated questionnaires. 94 non-married women between 18-30 years old, who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea, completed the study (n=50 Liv3, n=44 SP6). The SP6 group received 20 min of acupressure during the initial intervention session and educated to perform the technique twice a day, from 3-5 days before to third days of their menstrual cycle, for two cycles. In contrast, the Liv3 group, performed this method but on Liv3 acupoint. Severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed with Andersch and Milsom verbal multidimensional scoring system. In order to analysis of data, Friedman test and GEE statistics test were used.

  Results: In comparison with baseline, severity of pain in both treated groups decreased (p=0.001). But statistical significance was not observed between two groups.

  Conclusion: It seems that acupressure on SP6 and Liv3, without any preference, is effective to decrease of severity of pain of dysmenorrhea.

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 Background & objectives: Diazinon (DZN) as an organophosphate pesticide widely used in agriculture is associated with reducing the antioxidant capacity of the cell. Use of thiol compounds such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant decreases oxidative stress in the cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of NAC as an antioxidant against DZN- induced oxidative stress in rat brain and heart. 

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Background & objectives: Myocardial infarction (MI) isone of the most commonly heart diseases in all countries with the mortality rate of about 30%. Reperfusion of blocked coronary arteries plays an important role in reducing mortality and enhancing the quality of life of patients after acute MI. 

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Background & objectives: Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is defined by two or more consecutive miscarriages before 20 weeks of gestation. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an enzyme of purine salvage pathway and has two important isoenzymes ADA1 and ADA2. The adenosine deaminase G22A polymorphism (ADA*2) increases the level of adenosine. Adenosine may play a protective role against recurrent spontaneous abortions, since it regulates blood flow into the uterus and placenta. In consideration of the effect of decreased enzymatic activity of adenosine deaminase G22A polymorphism on adenosine levels we evaluated the protective effect of ADA*2 allele against recurrent spontaneous abortions in north-west of Iran. 

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  Background & objectives: In recent decades, nanotechnology has been developing in medical field, and most of the nanoparticles are highly valuable in hygienic care. Vulvovaginitis is an infectious disease giving rise to problem in genital tract and Candida albicans is the main cause of Vulvovaginitis.

  Methods: In this study, laboratory effect of gold nanoparticles has been investigated on Candida albicans isolates obtained from patients with Vulvovaginitis. Candida spp. isolates were obtained from 200 patients referring to medical diagnostic laboratory in Isfahan city during 2013, and identified using mycological methods including germ tube, clamydoconidia formation, and culturing on chrom agar media. Antifungal effect of gold nanoparticles was evaluated in concentration of 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 ppm on Candida isolates using well diffusion and microdilution methods. Fluconazole was used as a positive control and results were analyzed by SPSS15 software using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and average differences analysis tests.

  Results: The most averages of clear zone diameter for gold nanoparticle were 18, 15, 12 millimeter, respectively. Minimum inhibitory and fungicidal
concentration of gold nanoparticle was determined 6.25, 12.5 ppm and for fluconazole were 50.25±19.48 and 100.50±38.96, respectively. Based on obtained results antifungal activity of gold nanoparticle was dependent to concentration.

  Conclusion: In current study, inhibitory effect of gold nanoparticles was evaluated against microorganism. Although the laboratories findings are promising, more investigation should be conducted for therapeutic standardization.

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Background & Objectives: Maintain of fixed amount of glucose in blood has always been valuable. Especially in diabetic patients it is important to determine accurate amount of it. In this study we are trying to find a method to determination of the amount of serum glucose.

Methods: First a biosensor was prepared using carbon paste electrode modified with Copper Oxide nanoparticles for determination of serum glucose. The synthesized Copper Oxide nanoparticles were studied by using a variety of chemical spectrum UV-Vis, XRD, SEM and TEM. XRD confirmed that our synthesized are Copper Oxide nanoparticles. By measuring of the oxidation currents in the several levels of glucose, the accuracy and efficiency of biosensor was studied.

Results: Based on a increase of the electrocatalytic response of the oxidized form of GOD to dissolved oxygen, the proposed biosensor exhibits a linear response to glucose concentrations ranging from 0 to 15 mM with a detection limit (defined as the concentration that could be detected at the signal-to-noise ratio of 3) of 9 �M at an applied potential of 0.44 V which has better biosensing properties than those from other biosensors. This biosensor retained 89% of its initial response after 30 days storage at pH=7.

Conclusion: Carbon paste electrode and Copper Oxide nanoparticles offer excellent catalytic activity toward hydrogen peroxide generation in enzymatic reaction between glucose oxidase and glucose, which would enable sensitive determination of glucose. This biosensor exhibited good stability, reproducibility and low interferences. It has been used to diagnose diabetes very fast and sensitively and to determine the glucose concentrations in serum samples with satisfactory results.

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Background & objectives: Salvia officinalis is one of the memory-enhancing herbs that were used in the past. On the other hand, iron oxide nanoparticles which are widely used in medicine and industry may impair the brain process related to memory. In this investigation, the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis on iron oxide nanoparticle induced memory impairment and the role of beta-adrenergic receptors in this effect were studied.

Methods: To assess the inhibitory avoidance memory, animals were trained in the step-down task and drugs (saline, hydro-alcoholic extract of sage leaves, nanoparticles of iron oxide and propranolol) were injected immediately after training by intraperitoneal (ip) injections. Long-term memory was tested 24 hours later and step-down latencies were recorded.

Results: Administration of iron oxide nanoparticles (5 mg/kg, ip) impaired memory retrieval. Salvia officinalis extract (40 mg/kg, ip) also prevented iron oxide nanoparticle induced long-term memory impairment. On the other hand, administration of propranolol (5, 10 mg/kg, ip) before Salvia officinalis extract (40 mg/kg, ip) and iron oxide nanoparticles (5 mg/kg, ip) attenuated the effect of Salvia officinalis extract.

Conclusion: It seems that extract of Salvia officinalis leaves decreases iron oxide nanoparticle induced memory impairment. Beta-adrenergic mechanisms are possibly involved in these effects of Salvia officinalis extract.

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Backgrounds & objectives: Liver damage results in a large accumulation of external cellular matrix that affects the function of this important body organ in a long term and finally stops its function completely. The growth factors existing in platelet extract are more cost-effective, available, and stable than recombinant ones. To determine whether the platelet extract effects on histological changes in liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), we used immunohistochemical analysis in male rats.

Methods: In this project the 28 male Wistar rats (250-300 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 7 animals. The rats were divided into four experimental groups as follows: the first group (sham) intraperitoneally received only olive oil as the solvent of carbon tetrachloride; second group (CCl₄) intraperitoneally received carbon tetrachloride dissolved in olive oil (ratio of about 1: 1) at a concentration of 1 ml/kg and a twice a week for eight weeks; third group subcutaneously received only platelet extract at a concentration of 0.5 ml/kg twice a week for three weeks; and fourth group received both CCl₄ intraperitoneally for eight weeks and platelet extract subcutaneously for last three weeks. After 8 weeks of trial blood and liver sampling were done. Blood samples sent for enzymatic (AST, ALT) tests and liver samples tested for histological and immunohistochemical studies. The data were analyzed using  one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test by Graph pad Prism 5 software and data were considered significant at p≤ 0.05.

Results: The results show that platelet extract causes a significant (p≤ 0.001) decrease in liver enzymes and albumin improves the function of liver. The level of alfa smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as an index of hepatic stellate cell activation was decreased by platelet extract administration which eventually reduced the necrosis and fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in studied rats

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Background & objectives: History of medicinal plants in healing the pains goes back to five thousand years ago. In addition, strong antibacterial properties have been observed in many of these plants. In this research, the effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts and also homogenized form of scrophularia striata was examined on some respiratory and urogenital tract bacterial pathogens.

Methods: At first, bacterial isolates susceptibility test was done by kerby-bauer disc diffusion method and positive control was determined for every isolate. Then, several dilutions (1000, 500, 250, 125, 62.5 mg/ml) of aqueous, ethanolic and homogenized extracts were prepared in distilled water separately. Thirty microliter of each diluted extract was inoculated on sterile blank disc and minimum inhibitory concentration was examined for every studied bacteria by E-test. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration of extracts was determined by macrodilution method.

Results: Based on the results, smaller inhibitory zone than inhibitory zone of positive control was observed only with high concentration of aqueous extract in mannheimia haemolytica and with serial dilutions of ethanolic and homogenized extract in trueperella pyogenes, and with homogenized form in corynebacterium renale. No response was observed with other bacteria. Ethanolic extract showed bactericidal property with 62.5 mg/ml concentration and bacteriostatic property with 125 mg/ml concentration on mannheimia haemolytica which was similar to effect of this extract and homogenized form on trueperella pyogenes.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study and common application of this plant in respiratory and urogenital tract infections treatment, study on the role of different bacteria in this infections or effect of this extract on immune system stimulation can be recommended

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Background & objectives: Fluoroquinolones have important role in treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. The main mechanism of fluoroquinolones resistance in P. aeruginosa is mutations in the quinolone-resistance-determining region (QRDR) of gyrA and parC genes. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these mutations in ciprofloxacin resistance in different clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.

Methods: A total of 75 clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from different university-affiliated hospitals in Tabriz. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ciprofloxacin were evaluated by Etest assay. DNA sequences of the QRDR of gyrA and parC were determined by dideoxy chain termination method.

Results: From 75 isolates, 77.33% were resistant to ciprofloxacin. No amino acid changes were detected in gyrA or parC genes of the ciprofloxacin susceptible isolates. Thr-83→Ile substitution in gyrA was observed in all ciprofloxacin resistant isolates. About 90% of them had Ser-87→Leu substitution in parC. Geometric mean MICs of ciprofloxacin were different for various clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa which had the same situation in type and location of gyrA and parC mutations. Moreover, the geometric mean MIC in isolates from urine was significantly (p<0.05) higher than isolates from tracheal aspirates.

Conclusion: Mutations in gyrA and parC genes are the major mechanisms for ciprofloxacin resistance in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Moreover, the role of different effective factors in fluoroquinolone resistance can be different in various clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa.

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Background: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is a known cause of nontraumatic slow progressive araparesia and is frequently overlooked because its clinical features overlap with more common causes of myelopathy and also neuroimaging may be normal.

Case Report: A 53 year-old man with developed weakness of both lower limbs had symptoms begun spontaneously 3.5 month before admission and progressed from 1 month ago with bowel and bladder incontinence. The patient's physical examination was normal and neurologic testing revealed lower extremity motor strength of 3/5. Deep tendon reflexes were decreased and superficial abdominal reflexes were absent. Sensation of pinprick and temperature was absent distal to the T4-T5 level. Vibration and proprioception were decreased to the ankle and saddle anesthesia and the patient was non ambulatory. Laboratory routine and specific tests for vitamin B12 level, hepatitis, HIV, HTLV_{1, 2} were negative. MRI of spine with and without contrast raised the possibility of dural arteriovenous malformation extended from T3 level to conus medullaris which was confirmed by angiography. The patient referred to neurosurgeon for deciding route of treatment.

Conclusion: SDAVF can be a significant non traumatic slowly progressive cause of myelopathy. The majority of the affected patients are males older than 50 years of age. Rapid diagnosis in these patients leads to significant improvement.

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Background & objectives: According to the new theory of cancer stem cells, interruption in the self-renewal pathway of tissue stem cells can cause cancerous tumors. Current work has evaluated the role of self-renewal Oct-4 gene in thyroid tumors.

Methods: In this case-control study, the expression of Oct-4 gene has comparatively assessed between cancerous specimens, marginal tissues of tumors and non-tumoral nodules of thyroid using RT-PCR technique.

Results: Statistical analysis of data by one-way ANOVA showed that Oct-4 gene is significantly expressed in thyroid papillary carcinomas in comparison with tumor margin and non-tumoral nodules (p<0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, the dominant expression of Oct-4 gene in thyroid tumoral cells not only demonstrates the cancer stem cell theory but also shows its role in thyroid cancer appearance that can be used in differentiating thyroid papillary carcinomas from non-tumoral nodules as well as demarcation of tumors.

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Background & objectives: The adjacent of residential buildings in the countryside with livestock causes external parasites to be transferred easily and feed on the human hosts. Due to fleas haematophagus nature they are able to transfer pathogens from animal to animal or animal to human and thus they are considered as zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, identification of fleas is necessary.

Methods: In the present study 30 infested people with biting signs and 800 sheep and goats were investigated. About 50 fleas from infested people and 160 from animals were collected. Samples were cleared with KOH and recognized based on proper identification keys.

Results: Based on the results it seems that sheep and goats were infested with Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans. Out of the 160 studied fleas from sheep and goats 118 (73.7%) were identified as C. canis and 42 (26.3%) as P. irritans. Out of 50 collected fleas from infested people 43 (86%) were identified as C. canis and 7 (14%) as P. irritans.

Conclusion: The present report is the first report of man infestation with canine fleas or C. canis. According to climate condition and employment of most of villagers to traditional animal husbandry, it seems that there is a proper condition for external parasites (such as fleas) growth and proliferation. Therefore, studies based on infestation identification and report can be considered for control strategic programs.

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Background & objectives: In many medical studies, the response variable is measured repeatedly over time to evaluate the treatment effect that is known as longitudinal study. The analysis method for this type of data is repeated measures ANOVA that uses only one correlation structure and the results are not valid with inappropriate correlation structure. To avoid this problem, a convenient alternative is mixed models. So, the aim of this study was to compare of mixed and repeated measurement models for examination of the Entonox effect on the labor pain.

Methods: This experimental study was designed to compare the effect of Entonox and oxygen inhalation on pain relief between two groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measurement and mixed models with different correlation structures. Selection and comparison of proper correlation structures performed using Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion and restricted log-likelihood. Data were analyzed using SPSS-22.

Results: Results of our study showed that all variables containing analgesia methods, labor duration of the first and second stages, and time were significant in these tests. In mixed model, heterogeneous first-order autoregressive, first-order autoregressive, heterogeneous Toeplitz and unstructured correlation structures were recognized as the best structures. Also, all variables were significant in these structures. Unstructured variance covariance matrix was recognized as the worst structure and labor duration of the first and second stages was not significant in this structure.

Conclusions: This study showed that the Entonox inhalation has a significant effect on pain relief in primiparous and it is confirmed by all of the models.

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Background & Objectives: Infertility (abortion & stillbirth) is one of the most common medical problems during pregnancy. Approximately 10-15% of all clinically recognized pregnancies are lost before the birth. Pregnancy loss is a multifactorial phenomenon. This study was an attempt to analysis the cytogenetic abnormalities of the parents with frequent spontaneous abortion and stillbirth.

Methods: In this study, the samples were analyzed by GTG-banding technique.

Results: From a total of 200 reviewed blood samples, 188 persons (94%) had natural karyotype and 12 persons (6%) had chromosomal abnormalities. Chromosomal aberrations were found in 5 (2.5%) females and 7 (3.5%) males. The prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities was as follows: 5(41.6%) pericentric inversion of chromosome 9, 3 (25%) polymorphism 15p+, 1(8.3%) translocation, 1 (8.3%) polymorphism 15ps+, 1 (8.3%) polymorphism 1qh+ and 1 (8.3%) unknown chromophil band on the short arm of chromosome 21.

Conclusion: Chromosomal analysis is an important etiological investigation in couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions and stillbirth, and genetic counseling helps to make a correct decision on further options of reproduction.

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Background & objective:   One of the objectives of health reform plan in Iran is to reduce the rate of cesarean section delivery. This needs research and use of results to improve the maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the maternal and neonatal outcomes after normal vaginal and cesarean section delivery in hospitalized low-risk mothers in Arash Hospital in Tehran, Iran.

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 1900 low-risk pregnant women, with 37-40 weeks of gestational age, referring to the emergency department and being hospitalized for delivery were included. The data were collected from two groups of patients (normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section delivery). Data on wound infection, abnormal postpartum hemorrhage, decrease of hemoglobin, transfusion requirement, injuries to the genitourinary system, fever until 10 days after delivery, neonatal respiratory complications, NICU admission, jaundice and obstetric injuries were collected by a questionnaire.

Results: From 1900 pregnant women, 62.1% had cesarean delivery and 37.9% had normal vaginal delivery. The reasons for cesarean delivery included repeated cesarean (68%), failure to progress (18.1%), and fetal distress (13/9%). Wound infection (p=0. 004), abnormal postpartum hemorrhage (p=0.042) and low hemoglobin (p<0.001) were more frequent in cesarean delivery group than in normal vaginal delivery group. But obstetric injuries were higher in normal vaginal delivery group (p<0. 0001). There was no difference between the two groups in terms of fever ten days after delivery and blood transfusion requirement. For neonatal outcomes, transient neonatal tachypnea (p=0.032), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (p=0.002), and NICU admission (p<0. 0001) were more frequent in cesarean delivery group than in normal vaginal delivery group. There was no difference between the two groups in neonatal jaundice rate and neonatal injuries.

Conclusion: Due to the high rate of cesarean section delivery in our country and higher rate of maternal and neonatal complications after cesarean section delivery, appropriate strategies are required to be applied to decrease unnecessary cesarean section delivery and increase normal delivery with minimum maternal and neonatal complications.

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Background & aims: The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of NEO personality dimensions on general health, quality of life and job burnout in a sample of faculty members of Iran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods: In this correlational study, data were collected by convenience sampling using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), WHO Quality of Life- Brief (WHOQOL-FFI), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and NEO-FFI. In order to analyze the data, statistical indices, including mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. 

Results: The results showed a significant correlation between  personality dimensions, including  neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness and agreement with any public health variables (correlation coefficients 0.435, 0.533, 334.513, 0.0) and quality of life (correlation coefficients 0.294, 0.438, 312.459, 0.0) and burnout (correlation coefficients 0.259, 0.351,       -0.302, -0.299, 0.0) , respectively in the Department of Surgery, but openness to experience had  no significant correlation with any of the above-mentioned variables. Also, there was a significant relationship between the three variables of public health, quality of life with burnout.

Conclusions: According to the findings, it can be concluded that in the participants of this study, increase of neuroticism scores was associated with decreased general health and quality of life scores and increased job burnout. Further, increased extroversion scores were associated with increase in general health and quality of life and decrease in job burnout scores.

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Background & objectives: Enterococcus spp. are predominant in the faecal microflora which enter the environment directly or through wastewater. These bacteria play an important role in the development of nosocomial infections due to their ability to acquire resistance genes and their transmission to other bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and to detect van A, van B and van C1/C2 genes in VRE strain isolated from environmental samples of the in southern Fars province.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 155 Enterococcus spp isolates collected from environmental samples (hospital wastewaters and surface waters) in different areas of Larestan and Jahrom cities. Isolates were identified and confirmed as Enterococcus spp. using the membrane filtration method, selective growth on Kenner Fecal Streptococcus Agar (KF) medium and biochemical tests. The disk diffusion test and Macro Broth dilution method based on CLSI guidelines were used to determine antimicrobial susceptibility against conventional antibiotics and vancomycin and to measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), respectively. Finally, the presence of van A, van B and van C1/C2 genes in VRE strains was determined by multiplex PCR technique.
Results: Out of all of Enterococcus spp. isolates, 41 cases (26.45%) were belonged to E.faecalis, 6 cases (3.87%) to E.faecium and 108 cases (69.68%) to non-faecalis and non-faecium. In total, 46 isolates (29.67%) were resistant to vancomycin and 4 isolates showed MIC ≥128 μg/ml. Resistant to all types of antibiotics was observed in 4 isolates (8.70%). Further, 2 isolates (50%) had vanA gene and 2 isolates (50%) had vanB gene, but vanC1/C2 genes were detected in none of them.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the VRE strains are widespread in the studied area, therefore there is an urgent need for prudent use of vancomycin and implementation of control measures to prevent the environmental spread of VRE strains.

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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.