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Background and Objective: Computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) is a minimally invasive modality to image the vasculature without the morbidity of direct large vessel vasculature access and its major indications in urology are assessment of the renal vasculature in preparation for donor nephrectomy, identification of extravessel in evaluation of ureteropelvic junction obstruction and for diagnosis of renal artery stenosion. This study was done to evaluate vescels of kidney donors using CTA and formal angiography and comparison with intraoperative findings. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, kidney vessels of 70 and 30 living kidney donor were assessed with computerized tomographic angiography and formal angiography respectively. The pattern of vessels of kidney during operation were examined. Two observers assessed the findings of preoperative CTA and formal angiography with intra operation observations. Results: In CTA group there were two patients each with two main renal veins which were observed during operation was not recorded on computerized tomographic angiography. In formal angiography group there was one patient with unrevealed two main renal veins prior to surgery. In both groups, the accuracy of anatomical diagnosis of the main kidney artery were 100%. Conclusion: This study showed that kidney vascular assessment by either the computed tomography angiography or formal angiography have similar clinical diagnostic accuracy.

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Background and Objective: Patients consent for medical care is a legal requirement. Consent is a document that patient must be necessary aware about all risks of surgery, treatment strategy, Substitution and the risks involved by physician. This study was done to evaluate status of filled consent form of hospitalized patients in Ardabil – Northwest of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was done by interview with patients and accompained patients in hospitals of Ardabil – Northwest of Iran during 2010. Patient demographics and other variables gathered by a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Chi-Square test. Results: 86 (57%) of patients were female and 64 (43%) male. 35 (23%) were illiterate and 92 (61%) under diploma. 45% of patients get information about their illness from doctors. According to patient ideas, 13% of reception personals did not complete consent form. 65 (43.3%) of patients stated that the context of consent form was unreadable and long. Rate of completing form for patients were 87%. 40% of completed forms was not signed by witnesses. The patients and relatives were not satisfied with the form itself, and this observation statistically was significant (P<0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that validity of completed consent forms are low and it is necessary to design programs for improvement the quality of filling the consent forms.

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Background and Objective: Hemoglobinopathies are among the most prevalent genetic disorders worldwide, and occur as a result of mutations in the gene involved in synthesizing hemoglobin chains. By now more than 1000 defects in hemoglobin chains are discovered. Hemoglobin D (Hb D) is one of these disorders, identified by a single nucleotide mutation on codon 121 of beta globin chain. This study was carried out to evaluate Hb D mutations through molecular methods in Mazandaran province of Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive laboratory study was done on 70 patients with an electrophoresis band in hemoglobin-S zone in Mazandaran province of Iran during 2010-11. Capillary zone electrophoresis was done to find out Hb D in 51 patients. Subsequently, PCR-RFLP was performed to evaluate the samples at molecular level. Results: Molecular investigation revealed all cases are carriers of hemoglobin D-Punjab. Two patients were shown to be homozygote carriers of the abnormal gene. Conclusion: This study showed all Hb D affected patients were carriers of Hb D Punjab.

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Tissue engineering is based on three main factors including scaffolds, cells and growth factors. Natural scaffolds derived from decellularized tissues and organs have been successfully used in tissue engineering. Decellularization studies have shown that natural scaffolds which maintaine their main structure and properties could be a suitable tool for studying cellular behaviors and preparation of such scaffolds is an important part of future research in biology that may have extensive applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Blastema tissue which is produced after injuries in some organisms has embryonic cell characteristics, and can be a suitable model for evaluation of cell behaviors in various tissues. In this review, the process of decellularization, process involved in preparation of 3D scaffolds derived from extracellular matrix of various tissues including cartilage, bone, gingiva, aorta and bladder, and assessment of their interactions with blastema tissue under in vitro conditions are discussed.

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Background and Objective: Compression or sciatic axotomy induces neuronal death in spinal cord alpha motor neuron. This study was carried out to determine the effect of Nigella sativa seed alcoholic extract on spinal motor neuron density in anterior horn after sciatic nerve compression in rat. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 24 wistar rats were divided into four groups A: control, B: compression, C: compression+treatment with 75 mg/kg alcoholic extract, D: compression+treatment with 50 mg/kg alcoholic extract. In control group muscle was exposed without any injury to sciatic nerve. In compression and treatment group, the right leg sciatic nerve compressed for 60 sec. After four weeks of post operation, L2-L4 and S1, S2 and S3 segments of spinal cord were sampled, processed, serially sectioned and stained with toluidine blue. The number of alpha motor neurons was counted using dissector method. Results: Neuronal density in compression group (650±32) significantly decreased in comparison with control group (1803±24). Neuronal density in C treated group (1581±47) and D treated group (1543±49) significantly increased compare to compression group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa seed increased the density of alpha motor neurons in spinal cord after sciatic nerve compression in rats.

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Background and Objective: Repeated blood transfusion is the major treatment for patients with major thalassemia. However due to antigen encounters, it may initiate body reactions, including alloantibodies against red blood cell antigens. This study was done to determine the Prevalence of alloimmunization in major beta thalassemia patients in northern Iran. Method: This descriptive - analytic study was carried out on 218 thalassemic patients (100 males and 118 females) with average age of 22.5±7 years in northern Iran during 2010. Each sample was tested for the presence of Alloantibodies including C, Cw, Lea, E, Lua, Leb, K, Jkb, N, P1, D, Jka, M, S, Xga, e, Fya, s, c, Fyb, k, Kpa, Jsb, Lub and Coa. Results: Eighty eight cases (40.4% 95% CI: 33.9-46.9) were positive for the presence of alloantibodies. Alloantibodies against C, Cw, Lea red blood cell surface antigens were the most prevalent (40%). No significant correlation was found between emergence of alloantibody with the age of initial, frequency and duration of blood transfusion. Conclusion: Alloimmunization is a common observation in thalassemic patients and should be prevented by transfusing compatible blood.

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Background and Objective: Drug resistance to tuberculosis and especially multiple drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB) variants are a serious problem in tuberculosis patients and make difficulties in controlling the disease. This study was coducted for detection of common mutations causing drug resistance of mycobacterium tuberculosis strains among tuberculosis patients using line probe assay method. Method: In this descriptive study, fifty four sputum samples of tuberculosis patients were randomly selected in health centers of Mazandaran, northern Iran during 2012. After culturing of sputum samples on Lowenstein–Jensen medium, genomic DNA was extracted from colonies using CTAB method. Molecular analysis of mutations causing resistance to five different antibiotics including Isiniazide, Rifampin, Sterptomycine, Amicasin / Canamycine, Kinolon were performed using long probe assay (LPA) method. Results: Out of 54 sputum samples, three (5.5%), three (5.5%), four (7.4%) were resistance to Kinolon, Amicasin / Canamycine and Sterptomycine, respectively. Mutation in KATG was seen in 2 samples resistant to Isiniazide. Mutation in rpoB 516 was seen in 3 samples resistant to Rifampin. Four samples (7.4%) were resistant to the two anti-tuberculosis antibiotics, while three samples were resistant to Sterptomycine and Kinolon and one sample was resistant to Rifampin and Canamycine. Conclusion: 7.4% of sputum samples were resistant to the two anti- tuberculosis antibiotics. Line probe assay is a rapid and suitable method for detecting tuberculosis drug resistance.

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Background and Objective: Hemoglobin D-Punjab is one of the variant of hemoglobin caused by a mutation on position 121 of beta globin gene which is frequent in India, Pakistan and Iran. Heterozygote form of this variant is mainly asymptomatic while in combination with hemoglobin S, severe form of anemia occure. This study was carried out to determine the beta globin gene haplotypes associated with hemoglobin D-Punjab in Northern Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on families of 18 individuals whom were carriers of hemoglobin D-Punjab in Sari in Northern Iran. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using Phenol-chloroform standard protocol. In order to identify different haplotypes associated with hemoglobin D-Punjab, PCR-RFLP method and family linkage analysis were used. Results: In 17 subjects hemoglobin D-Punjab was linked to [+ - - - - + +] haplotype and in one case association with [- + + - + + +] haplotype was observed. Conclusion: The hemoglobin D-Punjab alleles have mainly unicentric origin and [- + + - + + +] rare haplotype may have different genetic origin or is created as a result of gene recombination.

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Background and Objective: The national screening program for G6PD enzyme deficiency is not able to detect all affected neonates. This study was done to compare the fluorescent spot test (FST), decolorization test, and quantitative enzyme assay (QEA) for detecting G6PD enzyme deficiency in neonates. Methods: In this descriptive study, cord blood samples of 365 neonates were collected. Decolorization test, QEA and DNA test was done for each sample. All of the neonates were tested by FST as a part of national screening program on heel-prick blood sample collected on day 3–5 after birth. QEA was considered as the gold standard. According to QEA test results, neonates with <20% and 20–60% of mean normal enzyme activity were considered as total deficient and partial deficient, respectively. Results: Fluorescent spot test detected 13 male neonates with G6PD enzyme deficiency while decolorization test identified 18 male and 1 female neonates. Using QEA, 19 of male and 28 of female neonates with G6PD enzyme deficiency (26 cases with partial and 2 cases with total deficiency) were diagnosed. DNA analysis detected 34 female case as heterozygote and 14 male neonates as hemizygote for the disease. Conclusion: Fluorescent spot test do not have required sensitivity for screening of neonates with G6PD enzyme deficiency. QEA test is recommended to replace the fluorescent spot test in national screening program.

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Background and Objective: Alpha Thalassemia is one of the most prevalent hemaglobinophaties worldwide. Alpha thalasseima patients may represent wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe life threatening anemia. This study was done to assess the carrier frequency of alpha globin gene mutations among newborns in north of Iran. Methods: In this descriptive study, 412 cord blood samples of neonate from Amir Mazandari hospitali were randomly selected during 2012. Genomic DNA was extracted using phenol-chloroform method. Multiplex Gap- PCR and PCR-RFLP methods were applied in order to detect three common gene deletions, one triplication and one point mutation. Results: Total allelic frequency of investigated mutations was 0.0825. The -α3.7 deletion with allelic frequency of 0.0485 was the most prevalent mutation among 412 neonates. Allelic frequencies of -α4.2, αααanti3.7 triplication and α-5nt mutations were 0.0206, 0.0109 and 0.0024 respectively and -Med double gene deletion was not detected. Conclusion: Most mutated cases had single gene deletion that is asymptomatic while -Med double gene deletion was not detected among the neonates. Therefore, there is low probability of a child birth with Hb H disorder in the region.

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Background and Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune-inflammatory disease with possible joint destruction and disability. Persica plant, seems contain anti-inflammatory capabilities. This study was done to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin on induced rheumatoid arthritis by Freund's complete adjuvant in rat.
Methods: In this experimental study, 36 male Wistar rats (200-250 g) and 8 weeks old were randomly allocated in 6 groups including normal group, positive control, negative control, and groups treated with the hydroalcoholic extract of persica resin with 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. The resin of persica was extracted by Maceration method. On the first day, inflammation was induced with injection of 0.2 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant into the right knee joint of rats and from the fifteenth day hydroalcoholic extract was injected intraperitoneally and daily for 15 days. On the 30^th day, blood samples were taken from hearts for rheumatoid factor measurement. Histological slides were prepared from knee joint.
Results: The level of RF in the three treatment groups was significantly reduced compared to the negative control group (p<0.05). Destruction of cartilage were observed in treated group with dose of 25 mg/kg/bw in comparision with positive control group, treated group with 50 and 75 mg/kg/bw doses. Also in the negative control group, synovial hyperplasia, pannus and the destruction of cartilage were observed.
Conclusion: It seems that hydroalcoholic extract of Ferula persica resin can causes dose dependent reduction of inflammation and destruction of cartilage result from induced rheumatoid arthritis in the rats.

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Background and Objective: Environmental hazards are one of the most important threats to human health. The dramatic increase in population and new lifestyles has led to a variety of environmental problems and outbreaks of illness. This study was conducted to determine the attitude and knowledge in environmental behavior of citizens of Gorgan city, north of Iran.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was carried out on 400 people (209 men and 191 women) in Gorgan citizens in northern Iran during 2017. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select the samples. The city of Gorgan was divided into 3 categories according to urban divisions, and the neighborhoods within the classes were considered as clusters. 40% of the neighborhoods were randomly assigned to each study. The instruments used for collecting data were demographic questionnaire and knowledge, attitude and environmental behavior questionnaires.
Results: The level of environmental attitudes and environmental knowledge of the citizens was poor and their Pro-environment behavior was highly valued. Persons with higher age, higher education and level of employment had better environmental behaviors (P<0.05). There was a significant and inverse relationship between environmental attitude and environmental behavior (P<0.05). Increasing
bio-environmental knowledge led to an increase in bio-environmental behavior (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The level of knowledge and environmental attitude of Gorgan citizens was weak and their pro-environmental behaviors were strong.

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Background and Objective: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic necrotic and chronic illness that causes by demyelination in CNS. One of the common clinical symptoms in MS is cognitive disorders. The most common cognitive defects in patients with MS are reduction of memory and information processing rate hippocampus functions in brain are memory and learning. This study was done to determine the function mechanism of memory discover by study on hippocampus. Nowadays tendency of herbal therapy is increased because of drug's side effects. This study's purpose that is from experimental typ effect of compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata on memory and number of neurons in CA1 area of hippocampus in induced multiple sclerosis rats.
Methods: In this experimental study 30 male adult rats were randomly allocated into control group, sham group (salin injection), (MS + salin) group, (MS + mixture extract, dose of 200 mg/kg), (MS + mixture extract, dose of 400 mg/kg). MS model was induced by intra hippocampal injection a single dose of ethidium bromide (0.01% ethidium bromide sulotion in 0.9% salin) and in 3 microlitre volume with 1 microlitre in minute rate intraperitoneally. Compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata were injected as the treatment for 21 days. The shuttle box test was used for evaluation of memory. Dissector method was used for neural density in CA1 of hippocampus. Histopathology method was used for evaluation of the alteration of cells.
Results: Neural density in MS induced group was singnificantly reduced in comparison with control and sham groups (P<0.05). Neural density was singnificantly increased in treatment groups in comparison with MS induced group (P<0.05). Histological results showed that induction of MS caused the disrution of neuron cells in compare to controls, but intraperitonal injection of compaind extract cause neurogenesis in tertment groups. Memory in MS induced group was singnificantly reduced in comparison with control and sham groups (P<0.05), but memory was singnificantly increased in treatment groups in comparison with MS induced group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Compaind extract of Portulaca olerace, Urtica dioica and Boswellia serrata with dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kg/bw due to neurogenesis and amilioration can effective in memory recovery and neural necrosis in MS disease.