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Introduction : Third stage of delivery is probably the most dangerous stage, because mother is threatened by bleeding. Injection of oxytocin after delivery decreases the prevalence of bleeding and shortens the duration of third stage of delivery. Measurement of the amount of feto- maternal transfusion was the second object.
Materials and Methods : This research was done on 230 single fetus case.gestation less than 34 weeks and Rh- patients were omitted. The first group was injected 10 units of oxytocin intramuscularly immediately after delivery. In the second group there was no injection of oxytocin, 25 persons from the first group and 27 persons from the second group were selected randomly. kleihaver test was performed before and half hour after delivery in order to measure the amount of feto- maternal blood transfusion.
Results : The mean of the third stage in the group who were injected with oxytocin immediately after placenta delivery was 4.2 minutes , and for the second group was 5 minutes. There was no significant difference in the mean time of two groups. In the first group there was no retension of placenta, but in second group three cases (2.6%) retension of placenta was noticed. The mean volume of bleeding in the third stsge, of first and second groups was 54.9 and 72.5 ml liters respectively, 72.5 ml and the differences were not stotically significant. In the first group, the amount of fetus blood transfusion to mother was 27 and in the second group was 26.4 ml. there was no significant difference in feto- maternal blood transfusion.
Conclusion : On the basis of this finding , which indicated no significant difference in the mean time of third stage of delivery in injected and non injected patients , and feto- maternal blood transfusion, administration of oxytocin had no significant effect on the above mentioned cases

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Background and purpose: New biochemical markers(Fibronection, esteriol, à- feto protein,…) to predict spontaneous preterm birth give a more precise and earlier diagnosis than the usual ones( previous history, risk scoring system,…) there are many women with no obvois risk factors who deliver prematurely. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between preterm delivery and cervicovaginal beta human chorionic gonadotropin(beta- h.c.g) levels.
Material and Methods: The study was a nested case control undertaken on 304 pregnant women attending the health centers of Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. Cervicovaginal (beta-h.c.g) titers were measured in 83 high risk women at 24-28 week’s of gestation. Based on getational age (GA) at delivery they allocated in case (GA<34 weeks) and control ≥37 weeks) groups. Beta-h.c.g levels were analyzed and compared in two groups. Odd’s ratioes were calculated..
Results: 83(27.3%) high risk pregnant women were selected from a total of 304 participants. 36 ( 43. 37%)subjects delivered at or before 34 weeks of cervicovaginal beta h.c.g showed a range of 0-186 mIU/ml with an optimal cut- off value of 25, Odd’s ratio for gestational age <37 was 3.016 (CI= 1.12-8.06, 95%). There was a correlation between preterm delivery (gestational age<37) and cervicovaginal beta h.c.g titer in 24-28 weeks of gestation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the test as a predictor of preterm delivery were 41.67%, 80.85%, 62.5%, and 64.41% respectively.
Conclusion: A high sensitivity was not attained in this for the cervicovaginal secretions beta- hcg levels in order to predict preterm delivery, hence further investigation are required to elucidate all aspects of the subjects.

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Background and Purpose: Perfused rat liver and isolated hepatocytes are useful to study specific metabolism of this organ. Traditionally, mechanical, chemical and enzymatic methods have been used to isolate hepatocytes, and it appears that a mixed method is the preferred choice.
Materials and Methods: The rat liver perfused in situe in three subsequent steps, 10 minutes with Krebs-Ringer solution containing ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA, 2mM) without calcium and magnesium, and 1 minute with the same solution, however, without EDTA in open non-recirculatory pathway. This followed by 10 minutes with Krebs-Ringer solution, containing collagenase (200 IU/mL) in closed recirculatory system. The hepatocytes were isolated, collected and incubated (6-8 × 106 cells/mL) for 3-hours in Krebs-Ringer solution, under the atmosphere of O2:CO2 (95:5). The cell viability was assessed with tripan blue exclusion and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage.
Results: Assay of LDH activity, the marker of cytosolic enzyme, show that more than 92% and 88% of the enzyme had been retained in the cells, with less than 8% and 12% leakage from the damaged cells in the beginning and end of incubation, respectively. Microscopic evaluation showed that the majority of the cells had intact plasma membrane without vacuoles. When the cells were stained with dye, less than 5% of vital dye included these cells.
Conclusion: The results showed that perfusion of the rat liver with the solution containing calcium chealator and collagenase can yield about 10 mL of hepatocytes with a viability of more than 90%.

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Background and Purpose: Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the abnormalities associated with pre-menstrual cycles. Approximately 85% to 97% of women are suffering from psycho-somatic of physiological and behavioral symptoms from PMS, prior to menstruation. The most common PMS symptoms include: flatulence, stress anxiety, breast tenderness, depression, fatigue, unknown irritability, anger, poor concentration, and some degree in extremities edema. There are several therapeutic methods for PMS such as: oral contraceptive pills, GnRH antagonisms, diazole, use of Calcium and vitamin supplements, and dietary modification in which there is a controversy regarding type of diet. We assessed the effect of third- hour starch dietary regimen on pre-menstrual syndrome among high school students.
Materials and Methods: This randomized quasi- experimental study was performed on students in grade 2 and 3 in Private and Governmental high schools in Sari. The sample size was calculated using randomize numbers table (478 participants). A questionnaire composed of two parts was prepared. The first part included demographic characteristics, while the second part consisted of data related to history of menstrual cycle, pervious diseases and use of drugs. The symptoms of PMS were assessed at the beginning of the study and also at the end of the first, second and third month after beginning of the third-hours starch regimen. Data was gathered by self-reporting technique, analyzed by descriptive and comprehensive statistical techniques.
Results: The age range of participants was 14 to 19 years of age (16.89±1.12). The mean of menstrual cycle was 28.87±2.1 days, and the mean of menstrual duration was 6.32±1.8. PMS symptoms score was 12.85±8.01 prior to dietary regimen, and at the end of one, two and three months, following dietary regimen in-take were 11.03±7.59, 12.47±7.79 and 11.13±6.71 respectively. This study indicated that there was significant differences among the groups.
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that carbohydrate-rich diet in-take can improve PMS symptoms. Therefore, it appears that codified teaching programs via medical health service and instruction to the students, is beneficial about the effects of diet on relieving PMS symptoms, and can reduce the usage of drugs during menstrual cycle.

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Background and purpose:Paraoxon is the active form of parathion, which is an organophosphate pesticide (OP). The toxic effects of some OPs are not limited to inhibition of cholinesterase, they are capable to produce free radicals and induce disturbance in body antioxidant systems. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of paraoxon on oxidative stress indexin the kidney of rat.
Materials and methods:Wistar male rats were randomly divided in four groups including: control (corn oil as paraoxon solvent) and three paraoxon groups receiving different doses (0.3, 0.7 and 1mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. 24 hours after injection, animal was given anesthesia and kidney tissue removed. After kidney tissue hemogenation, superoxidedismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and glutathione S- transferase (GST) activities, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical methods.
Results:At doses higher than 0.3 mg/kg paraoxon, kidney SOD and CAT activities were significantly increased, comparing with the control, while GSH level was significantly decreased. There were no significant changes observed in GST, LDH activities and MDA levels.
Conclusion:The results suggest that paraoxon induces the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. The enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes in kidney of rats probably wasa function of the increased detoxification capacity. Depletion of tissue GSH is a prime factor, which can impair the cell’s defense against the toxic actions of free radicals.

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Background and purpose:MucosalImmune system has a key role in homeostasis especially in upper respiratory tract in a physical activity. The aim of this research was to evaluate a few mucosal immune indices of soccer players in different positions.
Materials and methods:Twenty soccer players from two teams of second league in Iran, including 8 defender (average age21± 1 yr, height 180 ± 4.81 cm), 7 halfback (average age22± 3 yr, height 173.14± 4.72 cm) and 5 forward (age22 ± 2 yr, height 176.19 ± 3.57cm) participated in this study. Before, immediately and 24 h post-exercise, unstimulated salivary samples were collected. Repeated measurements were statistically analyzed usingANOVA, LSD post hoc was used for assessment of inter group changes at (P≤0.05).
Results:Datashowedthat there is not any significant difference between IgA, Cortisol, total protein, s-IgA/Pro ratio and s-IgA between experimental groups in the three stages, also there is no difference between the levels of salivary flow rate after competition but immediately after competition the inter difference was significant (defends and forward groups). LSD post hoc showed that, IgA concentration in the three groups did not change significantly in all three stages. Cortisol, total protein and salivary flow rate in three groups have been increased significantly. Salivary IgA secretion rate differences were significant in defender group only. S-IgA/Pro ratio in halfback group showed significant difference compared with defender and forward groups (P≤0.05).
Conclusion:It is concluded that salivary flow rate significantly decreased in three groups, but it is not true for other variables. LSD post hoc showed that a single soccer match can cause significant changes in all mucosal immunity parameters.

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Background and purpose: According to thetheory ofsustainable development, protect the environmentforcurrent and futuregenerationsisinevitable. Chromium (VI) is one of the pollutant of waterthatcauseharm totheaqueous environmentandrisksfor human health, animalsand plants. The purpose of this study was tosynthesis of Fe3O4 nanoparticlesand evaluateofCr (VI) adsorptionon Nanoparticle ssynthesizedasanadsorbent. Materials and methods: Inthisexperimental- laboratorystudy, nanoparticleswere synthesized bychemicalco-precipitation method and as an adsorbent was studiedforadsorptionof Cr (VI).The resulted nanomaterials were characterized by SEM, XRD and FT-IR. Effects ofpH, contacttime, adsorbentdoses andinitial Cr (VI) concentration werestudied. The resulting data were described by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and for Data analysis was used from Excel software. Results: The results showedthat thecharacterization ofnanoparticleswereas expectedandthe best of removal performance in pH= 2, at contact time equal10 min, adsorbentdose of 1g/L and initial Cr (VI) concentration of50 mg/L.The Pattern of Cr (VI) adsorption was fitted with the Freundlich model and Adsorption processes followed the pseudo second-order kinetics. Conclusion: chemical co-precipitation Synthesis methodbased onlow power consumptionandShort time isaappropriate methodandFe3O4nanoparticlessynthesizedby this methodcan be used as asuitable optionfor theadsorptionof Cr (VI).

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Background and purpose: Stachys lavandulifolia is used for many diseases. In this study the toxic effect of alcoholic extract of this plant was investigated, in rats. Materials and methods: In present experimental study, 100 Wistar rats (about 250gr, 8-12 weeks old) were divided into 10 groups randomly (8 groups as case and 2 groups as control groups). Alcoholic extract of Stachys lavandulifolia was prepared by maceration method. Normal saline was injected to control groups and doses of 50, 100, 150 and 200mg/kg of the extracts were injected to others groups, intraperitoneally, daily, for 28 days. In 29th day, and one month later, the serum parameters level (ALP, AST, ALT) and pathological samples were evaluated in different groups. Results: On the first month there was significant increase of AST level at dose of 200mg/kg and ALP level at all doses compared to the control group (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the toxic effect of different concentrations of extract (P>0.05). On the second month, the liver enzymes changes was almost the same as first month, exception for dose of 150mg/kg that was increased significantly in AST level compared to control group and in ALP level compared to dose of 100mg/kg (P<0.05). The main histological finding was necroinflammatory and fibrotic reactions in liver at all doses, compared to control group (P<0.001). On the first month this hepatic damages significantly increased at the higher doses (150 and 200mg/kg) compared to lower doses (50 and 100mg/kg) of the extract (P<0.05). Conclusion: Extract of Stachys lavandulifolia caused toxicity effect in rate's liver, and therefore it should be use with caution.

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Background and purpose: Hypercholesterolemia and the activity of haemostatic factors may trigger cardiovascular diseases. Allium hirtifolium Boiss (Persian shallot) has been shown to have cardioprotective effects. This study evaluated the effects of A. hirtifoliumon on factor VII and serum fibrinogen levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Also, the antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium was measured. Materials and methods: In an experimental study, 24 NewZealand male rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups of eight. The groups' diet which was followed for 60 days included normal diet, hypercholestrol diet (1%) or hypercholestrol diet (1%) + A. hirtifolium. The blood fibrinogen and factor VII were measured pre and post study in all groups. The A. hirtifolium antioxidant capacity was measured using beta-carotene linoleate. Results: The study showed that serum fibrinogen level and factor VII increased significantly in hypercholesterolemic group (329.22 ± 26.7 and 277.7 ± 17.1 mg/dl) compared to normal diet group (287.25 ± 13.7 and 230.0 ± 18.2 mg/dl), respectively (P<0.05). The amount of serum fibrinogen and factor VII decreased in hypercholesterol+A. hirtifolium group (180.0 ± 23.9 and 237.0 ± 53.3 mg/dl) compared to hypercholesterol diet group (P<0.05). The antioxidant capacity of A. hirtifolium extract was 52.1 ± 3.3% in 0.2 g/L. The plasma antioxidant capacity in the group fed with hypercholesterol + A. hirtifolium was 943.907 ± 249.51 µM which was higher compared to that of the normal diet group (629.675 ± 130.73 µM). Conclusion: A. hirtifolium decreases serum fibrinogen level and factor VII, therefore, it might be helpful in reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. These influences are of great importance in patients with haemostatic disorders.

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Background and purpose: Influenza is a respiratory infection that annually affects 5-15% of the global population. Influenza A/H1N1 is the most virulent human pathogens that results in a more severe disease and was first reported in 2009. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of influenza A/H1N1 in patients referring to several hospitals in North of Iran during 2009-2011. Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done on patients with symptoms of influenza using Real-Time PCR analysis. Results: The patients included 572 (41.97%) male and 791 (58.03%) female. The prevalence of influenza A/H1N1 was seen more in patients aged 21-30 (25%) years. In this study, 205 patients (15.4%) were diagnosed with influenza A/H1N1 including 94 (54.85%) male and 111 (54.15%) female. Influenza A/H1N1-associated death was seen in five patients (2.44%). Conclusion: Influenza A viruses are constantly evolving by mutation or by reassortment. The influenza virus evolves rapidly, and new strains quickly replace the older once, therefore, new vaccines should be developed for immunization against new strains of influenza.

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Background and purpose: Nitrate contamination in aqueous solution has become an increasingly serious environmental problem. Hence, in this study removal of nitrate in aqueous solution was reviewed using electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-fenton (EF) processes for Fe electrodes. Materials and methods: In the present study, an EC and EF reactor in a lab scale to an approximate volume of 1 liter was proposed for removing of nitrate polluted water which was equipped with four Fe-Fe electrodes with dimensions 200 × 20 × 2 mm. The effects of operating parameters such as initial nitrate concentration, applied voltage (10-30 V), initial pH of the solution (3-12), different initial hydrogen peroxide (for EF process) and reaction times (5-30 minutes) were evaluated. Results: The batch experimental results showed that initial nitrate concentration, initial pH of the solution, different applied voltages, initial H2O2 concentration and reaction times were highly effective on the nitrate removal efficiency in these processes. Based on the results, over 88% of nitrate in optimum condition (pH = 8, applied voltage = 30 V, initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/l) have been removed in EC process. In addition, the application of EF process can remove 93% of nitrate at pH = 3, applied voltage = 30 V, initial nitrate concentration of 100 mg/l and 5 ml H2O2/l. Conclusion: Both EC and EF technologies can highly remove nitrate in aqueous solution. However, it was found that much better nitrate removal efficiency could be achieved by EF process than by EC process at the same condition.

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Human fungal diseases are largely a 20th and 21st century’s phenomenon. Due to use of corticosteroids and antibacterial drug, medical developmenta are associated with increased risk for number of fungal disease. These nosocomial developments in invasive mycosis were paralleled over the last two decades by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, which has resulted in an even larger number of patients at risk for fungal diseases. In the past, the differentiation of fungal pathogens was based on the characteristics of morphology and physiology. Today, by the use of molecular biology and conserved nucleotide sequences of subunits and the spacer regions of ribosomal DNA identification of the species level is possible. Rapid, accurate and sensitive methods are important tools in treatment of fungal infections. Unfortunately the classical diagnostic method based on morphology and staining is stable, the transitional of medical mycology into the molecular era has probably been more important for fungal epidemiology than for any other area inside the field of clinical mycology. The most challenging tasks ahead consist of how to apply our knowledge of pathobiology and new identification systems obtained in the recent molecular era to the prevention of and therapeutic intervention for fungal diseases and management of patient.

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Background and purpose: One of the most important of post coronary artery Angioplastycomplications is hemorrhage and hematoma. In our country initial hemostasis is done by hand pressure in puncture site and use of sand bag and absolute immobility for maintain hemostasis. Sand bag pressure and applied immobility lead to significant patient discomfort. In this regard and in order to achieve a solution for reducing complications after angioplasty the aim of this study is determine the effect of two methods of sand bags and air cushions on reducing complications after coronary artery angioplasty. Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 80 patients for elective angioplasty, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned to two groups of sandbag and the air cushion. Complications after angioplasty including low back pain, fatigue, and inguinal discomfort in both groups were evaluated during a 6 hours rest. Results: Regarding the severity of back pain, fatigue as well as discomfort in the groin immediately following the removal of the sheath no significant difference was reported in both groups. A significant difference was observed in sandbag group in later stages (P<0.001). It also revealed that this group had to receive more narcotics to relieve the pain (P=0.0025). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hematoma between the two groups (P=0.314). Conclusion: Regarding the findings of the study, it was revealed that applying air cushion to the femoral artery puncture site will lead to the possible position change in bed, no increase in hematoma and bleeding, significant reduction of back pain, patient comfort and also reduction in the prescription of analgesics.

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Background and purpose: Taguchi method is a powerful design in experimental studies. This method, with the minimum number of test factors affecting the process, will save cost and time. This study was done using the Taguchi method to optimize the adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions by an adsorbent prepared from marble powder. Material and methods: Marble powder was supplied from Hamadan workshops stonemason and then grinded and sieved to the desired particle size using standard ASTM (mesh 40). Four parameters affecting the adsorption process (pH, contact time, temperature, and adsorbent dose) were considered in four levels. Residual fluoride concentration was measured by a spectrophotometer. Minitab V.16 (L-16 Orthogonal Array) was used to analyze the data. Results: Taguchi model indicated that optimization conditions for fluoride adsorption by marble powder were adsorbent dose 0.7 mg/L, pH=2, temperature 25◦C, and contact time 5 min. ANOVA results showed that the most and least of influential parameters on adsorption process was associated with adsorbent dosage and solution pH, respectively. Conclusion: Taguchi statistical method as an efficient, effective, and without the need for a large number of experiments indicated that the marble powder as a new adsorbent, no cost, and without secondary pollutant has a high efficiency for fluoride removal from aqueous environments.

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Background and purpose: From many years ago denture adhesives have been used to improve denture’s performance. During the time, many new formulations have been prepared and evaluated to improve the properties of this product. In this study, the powder form of this product was prepared then in vitro and in vivo evaluations were performed. Material and Methods: To design the denture adhesive powder, sodium alginate, plantagopsyllium mucilage and sodium carboxy methyl cellulose were used as the main binding agents. Different formulations with different ratio of these three agents were prepared, then, their binding strength and duration of efficacy were evaluated in the lab. Finally, the best formulation was chosen for in vivo evaluation. Results: The study showed that prepared formulations containing sodium alginate and NaCMC with ratio of 95:5 had higher binding strength ability and duration of efficacy than artificial saliva. This formulation also had positive effect on the performance of denture during eating and speaking and also prolonged the adhesion period of denture. No significant differences were seen between this formulation and protefix in performance properties but in other properties like odor and flavor the prepared product were found better than protefix. Conclusion: This experimental study showed that the mixture of sodium alginate and NaCMC with more ratio of alginate 95:5 is a proper product to be used as a denture adhesive.

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Background and purpose: Dyes are one of the most contaminants in textile industrial wastewater that are often carcinogenic, mutagenic and non-degradable. Therefore, their removal from effluents is very essential to avoid environmental consequences. The purpose of this study was to gain a better insight into the adsorption process and using an economic technology for dye waste water treatment. For these purposes activated carbon was used. Materials and methods: In this study, the adsorbent surface properties were evaluated using converted Fourierinfera red (FT-IR) test and scanning electronic microscope (SEM). In discontinuous station, adsorbent effectiveness for methylene blue dye removal was measured considering pH, reaction time, adsorbent dose, initial dye concentration and temperature. Finally, data was analyzed using seven kinetic and four isotherm models. Results: The highest removal efficiency of methylene blue was obtained at pH=6, reaction time=180 minutes, and adsorbent dose=2 gl-1. Removal efficiency of methylene blue in initial concentration (50 mg-1) was 91.08%. In this study the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm (R2= 0.9971). Also, kinetic studies showed high correlation coefficient on pseudo-second order equation ((R2= 0.996). Conclusion: According to this study, activated carbon from Oak fruit bark could be used as an effective and economic adsorbent in wastewater treatments.

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Background and purpose: Chemical dyes are widely used in textile industries and have harmful effects on the environment. They also contain carcinogenic and mutagenic substances. The goal of this study was optimization of the catalytic ozonation process using bone char ash modified by magnesium oxide in removal of reactive black 5dye from textile wastewater based on Taguchi design. Materials and methods: In this study ozonation was performed in a batch ozonation reactor. In order to remove the dyes, Bone char ash (BCA) was modified by magnesium oxide. The effect of various parameters such as reaction time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dose, and initial pH at 4 different levels were investigated using an L-16 Taguchi method. Analysis and interpretation of data was done using Minitab 16. Results: The optimum conditions for removal of dye were found to be contact time of 20 min, pH 8, dye concentration of 50 mg/l, adsorbent dosage of 0.3 g/L. The efficiency of dye removal was 98% and COD removal was 85%. Analysis of variance indicated that the dye concentration was the most important variable influencing the dye removal percentage (51.8%) and pH was the least influencing variable (3.8%) in removal of dye. Conclusion: The results showed that ozonation process was an effective method in reducing the concentration of pollutants in textile wastewater effluent.

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Background and purpose: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one the main diseases of the central nervous system. While the significance of cognitive decline in MS patients is well recognized, mild to moderate forms of cognitive dysfunction has received little attention. This study aimed at comparing memory and emotion in patients with multiple sclerosis and healthy individuals. Materials and methods: In a retrospective research 176 MS patients were randomly selected from all patients attending MS clinic in Alzahra Hospital in Isfehan and 68 healthy individuals who were chosen from patients’ caregivers. MS Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire (MSNQ), Face Symbol Test (FST) in 90 and 300 seconds and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) were administered. The data was analyzed in SPSS applying descriptive statistics, pearson’s correlation coefficient, covariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Covariate and multivariate analyses showed significant difference between the two groups in Face Symbol Test in 90 and 300 seconds and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (P<0.0001). In Face Symbol Test in 90 and 300 seconds, the patients had higher scores while healthy individuals obtained higher scores in Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test. No significant difference was observed in the results of Neuropsychological Screening Questionnaire in both groups (P=0.76). Conclusion: Dysfunction of memory and emotion in patients with multiple sclerosis is simply assessed by the tests performed in our study. They are useful and simple to use, thereby, more convenient for clinicians and neurologists.

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Background and purpose: Hard ticks are the most important vectors of some diseases including babesios, theileriosis, and Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever that affect both animals and humans. Among the members of this family, Rhipicephalus bursa is one of the most important vectors of babesios and theileriosis in Iran and around the world. Therefore, detection of abundance and seasonal dynamics of this species can play an important role in better understanding of the epidemiology of the diseases they transmit. Materials and methods: A year round sampling of R. bursa was conducted from July 2007 to July 2008 in three topographical areas including: highland, woodland and lowland in Sari, Iran. The seasonal activity, species abundance and frequencies for presence or absence of the species were investigated in two hosts, sheep and cattle. Morisita index was applied to determine the similarity of species abundance in three regions. Results: The results showed that in all study areas the highest activity of tick was observed in spring and summer which decreased to zero in autumn and winter. The highest abundance of R. bursa was found in highland in spring (n=376) and summer (n=352). The highest frequency of tick was recorded in sheep during spring in highland and lowland and during summer in woodland. Similarity index of R. bursa showed woodland and highland as the most similar areas based on species abundance. Conclusion: Compared to cattle, high frequency and infestation rate of R. bursa were observed in sheep flock. Therefore, control programs should be directed more in sheep and preventive measures should be taken in highland during spring and summer.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Conventional treatment processes do not have good efficiency in degradation and removal of antibiotics from aqueous environments, therefore, using advanced oxidation processes seems to be necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of catalytic ozonation for degradation of cefazolin from aqueous environments and the effect of various parameters on the performance of this process. Materials and methods: In this experimental study after applying the process, the effect of different parameters were measured including pH (2-10), initial concentration of cefazolin (5-45 mg/L), catalyst dose (0.25-1 gr/L), ozone concentrations (1-5 mg/L.min), TBA concentration (0. 2mg/L) as a radical scavenger, the synergistic effect of the parameters, and reducing COD and TOC. Cefazolin concentrations and COD levels were measured by a spectrophotometer after the process and TOC was measured by TOC analyzer. Then the SEM images, BET analysis of nanoparticles, and XRD were prepared. Results: The optimum condition for the highest efficacy of the process was found to be pH 8, catalyst dose 0.5 gr/L, O3 concentration 5 mg/L.min and cefazolin concentration 5 mg/L. At this optimal condition the efficiency of process was 92.01%. In presence of TBA, the efficiency of process reduced. The efficiency of process in COD and TOC removal was 55% and 42%, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the process conducted in this study was useful in degradation and mineralization of cefazolin, and can be used in treatment of wastewater containing pollutants. One of the main features of this process is that it does not produce sludge and by-products. Removal of COD and TOC needs more reaction time.