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Background: Nowadays, many Iranian families, depending on the family members’ level of interest, tend to keep pet animals. Psychological studies have rarely dealt with the impact of pets on family performance and individuals’ mental health. The purpose of this study was to compare family performance and mental health in individuals who own pets and those who do not. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 152 participants (80 pet keeping and 72 non-pet keeping) living in Isfahan were selected through stratified random sampling and completed Family Assessment Device (FAD), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and a demographic questionnaire. Data analysis was done through multivariate regression and covariance analysis. Results: The results indicated significant differences between the pet keeping and non-pet keeping groups in terms of anxiety, sleep disorders, relationships, and emotional involvement therefore, it can be concluded that non-pet keeping individuals have more anxiety and sleep disorder symptoms, whereas pet keeping individuals present more problems in terms of emotional involvement and their relationships(p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, it is suggested that in keeping pets, greater attention should be to cultural factors. Also, in some circumstances keeping pets should be recommended for reduction of anxiety and elevation of sense of security and relaxation.

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Background: Tuberculosis is an old problem that is currently considered a great challenge. Noticing Iran’s borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are among the 22 high burden countries around the world, the present study was conducted to analyze the current molecular epidemiology of TB and survey genetic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in Markazi province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 57 sputum specimens from smear positive patients admitted to health centers in Markazi province were cultured on specific mycobacterial culture media. Genomic DNA was extracted by standard protocols of WHO and digested separately by PvuII and AluI. Electrophoresis was performed and DNA fragments were transferred to positively charged nylon membrane by southern blotting method and hybridization by PGRS probe. The hybridized strains were subsequently detected by enzymatic reaction and analyzed. Results: Genotyping of the isolates by PGRS-RFLP with Pvu II and AluI displayed a wide range of genetic diversity so that 50 and 45 genotypes were identified, respectively. Conclusion: Noticing the great diversity of PGRS in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, it can be concluded that in the study population, the majority of the patients hadtuberculosis with different etiologies. Therefore, it seems that reactivation of latent infection has had the main role in the spread of tuberculosis

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Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of hepadenaviridae family, which is infectious for humans and a few animal species. Successful clearance and elimination of infection from the body or development of HBV infection to chronic disease depend on the host genetic background in immune system genes. Interleukin-12 (IL12) and also Interleukin-12 Receptor B1 (IL 12 RB1) are the key factors in the spontaneous clearance of viral infections, especially HBV. The aim of the present research is to investigate the association between Interleukin-12 receptor B1 gene polymorphism (rs11575934 A/G) and susceptibility to chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, genomic DNA of 150 chronic HBV infected patients and 150 healthy controls were extracted from peripheral blood cells. Single nucleotide polymorphism (rs11575934 A/G) was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: The frequency of GG, AG, AA genotypes was 6.7%, 40.7%, and 52.7% in chronic patients and 12.7%, 41.3%, and 46% in control group, respectively. No statistically significant difference between case and control groups has been observed (p=0.176).

Conclusion: In the present study, no significant correlation between rs11575934 A/G single nucleotide polymorphism of the IL12RB1 gene and susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B virus infection has been observed. According to the study, this polymorphism does not affect the susceptibility to chronic HBV infection.

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Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding has a negative impact on quality of life. In this study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of capsella bursa pastoris on menorrhagia is evaluated.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 90 women with complaint of heavy menstrual bleeding. Samples, after a control cycle of primary bleeding, were randomly divided to capsella bursa pastoris and control groups. Both groups were subjected to mefenamic acid treatment with 500 mg every 8 hours, from the first day to the end of bleeding, up to seven days, for two consecutive cycles. In capsella bursa pastoris group, in addition to mefenamic acid, capsella bursa pastoris capsule 500 mg every12 hours, from the first day to the end of bleeding, up to seven days, was prescribed. In control group, instead of capsella bursa pastoris capsules,it^,s placebo was prescribed with the same order. Data were checked and compared before and after treatment using SPSS software.
Results: The average amount of bleeding reduced in capsella bursa pastoris group from 135.27 in control cycle to 69.13 in third cycle and in control group reduced from 133.91 to 75.44 in third cycle(p<0.001). The average duration of bleeding was reduced in capsella bursa pastoris group from 7.38 in control cycle to 5.40 in third cycle and in control group was reduced from 6.91 to 5.31 in third cycle(p<0.001).
Conclusion: It seems that the extract of capsella bursa pastoris can be effective in reducing the amount and duration of bleeding in women of reproductive age with heavy menstrual bleeding.