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Background and purpose: Çharomoblastomycosis is a cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infection which is caused by pigmented fungi. Âlthough this disease is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, but it has been reported from all over the world. Ïn this paper we report a case of chromoblastomycosis caused by phialophora Verrucosa in Babol. To our knowledge this is the first reported case in mazandaran and the second in Ïran.
Materials and Methods: Â 23 years old female suffered from a chronic ulcer, like a wart, in her right leg following a leach bite, while working in the paddy field. Her right femoral and inguinal lymph nodes were enlarged in five years period. Skin lesions and lymph node biopsy showed chromblastomycosis and culture revealed phialophora Verrucosa.
Results: The patient was treated by S-fluorocytosine for 3months. Lymph nodes regressed and the leg ulcer subsided.
Çonclusion: Çhromoblastomycosis must be considered in differential diagnosis of chronic skin ulcer specially in the agricultural workers in our country.

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Background and purpose: Brucellosis is a major bacterial zoonosis of global importance. Effective host defence against brucella depends on immunoglobulin G-mediated phagocytosis of the bacteria and it has been shown that the FC RIIA polymorphism (FCγ RIIA-R131 vs FCγ RIIA –H131) determines the capacity of immunoglobulin G-mediated phagocytosis via this receptor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FCγRIIA polymorphism in patients with brucellosis and to reveal any relation between this polymorphism and disease progression.
Materials and Methods: In this study we evaluated FCγRIIA polymorphisms (R/R131, R/H131, H/H131) in 67 patients with serologically proven brucellosis and 67 healthy volunteers matched for age, sex and geographical area. FCγRIIA polymorphism was determined using a polymerase chain reaction method (SSCP-PCR).
Results: The frequency of FCγ RIIA-R/R131 genotype was higher in patients with brucellosis compared with controls (47.8% vs 28.4%). This genotype has a (OR=2.1, 95%CI=1.3-4.2, P=0.039) significant correlation with brucellosis. However, no significant difference was found between patients with brucellosis and controls (P=0.2) Although the frequency of FCγRIIA-R/R131 was higher in patients with brucellosis compared with controls, we did not find any statistically significant differences (53.8% vs46.3%, P=0.2). As a result, there was no significant association between FCγRIIA genotype and severity of brucellosis.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the dominance of homozygous genotype of FCγRIIA-R/R131 in patients with bracellosis emphasize the importance of this predisposing genetic risk factor in contracting the disease.

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Background and purpose: Several studies have been carried out on re-cut and de-stained sections regarding prostate biopsies and cytologic specimens of squamous cell carcinoma. However, few studies on lung biopsy are done. Due to small size of lung biopsies and for the prevention of lung rebiopsy, in this study P63 staining intensity between re-cut and de-stained slides of patients, specimens with lung cancer is researched.
Materials and methods: This cross section study was performed on 100 patient specimens with lung cancer. We compared p63 staining intensity between re-cut and de-stained sections in lung cancer through 2 month intervals, until the 10th. Month after lung biopsy by immuno-histochemistry methods. Chi-square test was used for comparing the differences and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Technical tissue fall in the slide was not seen. 93.93 % of SCC was stained by p63. None of small cell carcinoma was stained by p63. In the first 2 months, 53.34% of de-stained sections had similar staining intensity, compared with re-cut sections, and 46.66% were decreased in staining intensity and none of them were negative. During 2 to 10 months of storing, 38.98% of de-stained sections had similar staining intensity, 45 (77%) were decreased in staining intensity, while 15.25% were negative.
Conclusion: With respect to results of this study and other studies, staining of p63 on re-cut and de-stained sections of lung cancer specimens in the first two months can be helpful. However, in the specimens which were stored for more than 2 months, we found no significant results.

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Background and purpose: Osteoporotic fractures are much more common in older post-menopausal women and account for significant morbidity and mortality. Although age is an independent risk factor for fractures, bone micro-architecture is the predictor of subsequent fractures. Adequate calcium and Weight-bearing exercise are known to affect skeletal development, however, the effects of calcium supplement and treadmill endurance running on bone micro-architecture are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of treadmill endurance running training and calcium supplement, on micro-architectures of cortical and trabecular bone in the proximal tibia metaphyseal in ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats.
Materials and methods: Forty-three rats were randomly divided into endurance running training, calcium supplement, control, pre-test and base groups. The rats in the treadmill running group performed the progressive running exercise in 12 to 20 m/minutes for a total of 10 to 60 minutes, 5 times a week. Calcium group received ca supplement using Gavage (35 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, micro-architecture parameters in the proximal tibia metaphyseal were measured by using a semi-automated image analysis system.
Results:The ovariectomay was associated with a significant decrease in the trabecular volume and thickness, while separation insignificantly decreased in the cortical volume and thickness in the proximal tibia metaphyseal. The treadmill running exercise and calcium supplement significantly increased cortical or trabecular volume and also thickness and the trabecular separation compared with age-matched controls. Furthermore, the micro-architectures of cortical and trabecular bone in the proximal tibia metaphyseal was insignificant between the treadmill endurance running and calcium supplement groups.
Conclusion: Skeletal benefits can be obtained by changes in life style including: weight-bearing exercise or calcium supplement. Furthermore, weight-bearing exercise or calcium supplement, followed by ovariectomay had an inhibitory effect or reversal on micro-architecture parameters in weight-bearing bones.

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Background and purpose: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of three and five sessions of continuous and intermittent aerobic training in a week on some markers of healthy heart (high sensitive C- reactive protein [HS-CRP], LDL-C and HDL-C) in female Wistars rats of strain 14848.
Materials and methods: Eighty-eight rats weighting 325.6 ± 4.93 gram and 21.5 months old, with 3 months fertility period were prepared and divided randomly into three groups: Control, continuous and intermittent with 5 and 3 sessions of aerobic training in a week, and three subgroups including pre-test, mid-test and post-test. Continuous training protocol was performed during 12 weeks, 3 or 5 sessions a week, with progressive speed 12 to 23 meter per minute and duration of 10 to 122 minutes. Blood samples were drawn following 12-14 hrs fasting in three phases at the baseline level. With similar situations and HS-CRP and or LDL-C and HDL-C were measured via immunoturbidimetric assay and enzymatic method, respectively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA considering P£ 0.05 as significance level.
Results: The results showed that HS-CRP levels in control group increased significantly in the 6- and 12-week period. However, in both continuous and intermittence aerobic training groups, insignificant decrease was seen in the first 6 weeks. In addition, assessment of the difference of HS-CRP, LDL-C and HDL-C among the groups showed that the difference was significant between the control and the 5 sessions continuous groups after 6 and 12 weeks.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that although the effectiveness of 5 sessions of training in a week is generally more than continuous training, the duration of training is more important than the frequency of the training sessions per week to inhibit the inflammatory response.

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Background and purpose: Leishmaniasis is an important tropical disease in Iran and the world. Despite extensive effort to make a vaccine, no success was achieved. Moreover, routine methods have failed to control and cut the spread of this disease. Hence, the major aim of this study was to identify and determine the Leishmania infections in the vector and the ecological and biological criteria of the vector by using new molecular methods to regionally control leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: Head and abdominal terminalia of the sandflies collected on sticky papers and CDC traps were dissected and mounted on the slide. Then, the species were determined using microscope and morphological keys. Furthermore, DNA was extracted from the dissected thorax and attached anterior abdomen of the sandflies. Leishmania parasite was detected and identified using digestion of restriction enzyme (RFLP) and sequencing of ITS-rDNA gene. Results: Out of 168 Phlebotomus papatasi, 18 had Leishmania infection. Two species of Leishmania major and Leishmania turanica were identified in Phlebotomus papatasi in Turkmen Sahara. Identification of these two parasites was confirmed after amplifying ITS-rDNA gene using Nested PCR, RFLP and sequencing. Conclusion: Using new molecular methods, it was reconfirmed that Leishmania major was the causative agent and Phlebotomus papatasi was a vector of rural zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Turkmen Sahara and Iran. Finding Leishmania turanica in Phlebotomus papatasi and in reservoirs can indicate the role of this parasite in the durability and stability of the disease cycle.

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Background and purpose: Nitrate is one of the most common chemical pollutants in groundwater in the world. Adsorption has been considered as an effective and efficient method of removing pollutants, particularly nitrate from aqueous solutions and so the aim of this study was to magnetization of the carbon nanotubes with zero-valent iron and using it as an adsorbent for the removal of nitrate from aquatic environments. Materials and methods: In this study, reduction method for converting divalent iron into zero-valent iron and co-precipitation method for iron particles deposition on carbon nanotubes was used. Characteristics of absorbent were analyzed by SEM (structural equation modelling), XRD (X-ray powder diffraction), and VSM (value stream mapping) techniques. In this study, the effect of the pH, contact time, mixer speed, temperature, adsorbent dosage and the concentration of nitrate was investigated by one factor at the time method and then was optimized. Results: The pH equal to 3, 60 min contact time, 200 rpm stirring speed and 1 g/l absorbent was obtained as the optimum conditions in the adsorption of nitrate. Investigating the isothermandkinetic models showed that the experimental data correlate to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (R2 > 0.997) and pseudo-second order kinetic (R2 > 0.993). The reaction thermodynamic study also expressed endothermic and spontaneous reaction. Conclusion: In optimal conditions, carbon nanotubes modified by zero-valent iron has well potential to quickly and effectively remove nitrate and simply be separated from the solution by the magnet due to its magnetic property.

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Background and purpose: TB is a serious infectious disease in kidney recipients causing high morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of this disease varies in different countries depending on socio-economic levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of TB after kidney transplant in kidney transplant center of Shahid Beheshtei Hospital in city of Babol. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 363 kidney recipients since the establishment of the kidney transplant center of Shahid Beheshtei Hospital in Babol. Data including the age, sex, duration of dialysis, PPD test, time of TB diagnosis, pulmonary and extra pulmonary presentation, immunsuppression and anti-TB regimen, cyclosporine level after and before TB diagnosis, rejection and function of kidney after transplantation were recorded through a questionnaire. Pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis was made based on the positive culture of bronco alveolar lavage fluid. Results: From 363 renal allograft recipients, there were 10 (2.75%) documented cases of TB of whom six patients were male and four were female. The mean age was 47.2 years. The mean time for dialysis before transplantat was 30.5 months and the mean time to diagnose TB was 8.1 months after transplant. The most common complaints included coughing, fever and weight loss. The most frequent radiologic findings were diffuse infiltration. Immunsuppressive regimen was changed from azatioperin to mycofenolat in two patients. Anti-TB regimen was four drugs in six patients. Rejection was seen in five patients before the diagnosis of TB. Also, mortality (without autopsy) was observed in four patients. Conclusion: The frequency of TB after kidney transplant in kidney recipients in this centre was lower than other centers but mortality rate of the disease was higher.

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Background and purpose: Shoulder injuries are very common among the volleyball players. Functional disability of shoulder is one the most important reasons of the players' absence in match and training sessions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of shoulder pain and functional disability among the Iranian premier league volleyball players and also to determine the correlation between pain prevalence and functional disability with some factors such as age, gender, body type and the activity of these players. Materials and methods: Following ethical approval from the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, a cross-sectional study was carried on 103 male (Mean height 190.69 ± 8.77 cm, mean weight 84.60 ± 10.4 Kg and mean age 23.21 ± 3.80 years old) and female (mean height 170.94 ± 4.72 cm, mean weight 61.42 ± 6.58 Kg and mean age 24.02 ± 7.63 years old) volleyball players from the Iranian Volleyball Premiere league. A structured questionnaire including questions on demographic and sports characteristics, and also prevalence and risk factors of shoulder pain was used. Visual analogue scale and disability of arm, shoulder and hand questionnaires were used to determine the pain intensity and functional disability. Chi-Square (χ2), Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Logistic Regression analyses were applied to investigate the correlation among variables and to assess the existence linear relationship between variables. Also, an Independent-Samples T-Test was used to identify the differences among these variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Version 18) and the level of significance was set up at 0.05. Results: The results indicate that 22% of the samples reported pain at the time of completing questionnaire (point prevalence) 29% during last six months 36% during last year and 38% suffered during their lifetime. Almost 70% of volleyball players reported a level of functional disability with the average DASH score of 12.7 ± 9.2. No significant difference was found in pain intensity and functional disability of shoulder between male and female volleyball players (P>0.05 in both instances). The results indicated a significant correlation between the pain prevalence and body mass index, Level of sport, number of training days per week, number of training sessions per week and number of training sessions per day (P<0.05 in all instances). Conclusion: The prevalence of shoulder pain and functional shoulder disability among Iranian premier league volleyball players seem to be high. Considering identified risk factors, further studies focusing on preventive strategies are recommended to prevent shoulder injuries among the Iranian volleyball players.

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Thalassemia is a highly progressive hemolytic anemia with different levels of complexity in patients. In thalassemia, reduced level of synthesis of hemoglobin chains results in an imbalanced production of alpha and beta globin chains, and sedimentation of unpaired chains inside red blood cells is the beginning of complications among thalassemia patients. Nowadays compatible blood transfusion is the main approach in treatment of the disease, however, major problems of the patients, results from this treatment, and the most pronounced one is iron overload, which influences the function of different organs including cardiovascular, endocrine and coagulation systems. The major causes of iron overload are non-effective erythropoiesis, frequent blood transfusion, and increased iron absorption through intestine. In order to prevent iron deposition in vital organs, blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy could significantly increase the life expectancy of thalassemia patients. Today, bone marrow transplantation, molecular identification of RBC surface antigens to find the most compatible blood for the patient, and replacing old medications with newly developed ones, are very promising in reducing the dependence of patients on blood transfusion.

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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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Background and purpose: Diabetes mellitus is the most common endocrinologic disease in children and adolescents. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is frequently associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. It is believed that the prevalence of thyroid disease in T1DM patients is higher than normal population. Various studies reported the incidence of hypothyroidism as 2-32% in T1DM. This study investigated the frequency of hypothyroidism in children with T1DM. Material & methods: In this retrospective study 85 patients with T1DM attending the Endocrine Clinic, 17-Shahrivar Hospital affiliated to Guilan University were recruited. The study was done in 2008-2011. Thyroid function tests including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) were performed. The data including the patients’ age, sex, results of TSH and T4 tests, and duration of disease were obtained. Results: The patients were 40 male (47.1%) and 45 female (52.9%) with the mean age of 9.24±3.57. They were aged 1-15 years old and the mean duration of disease was 18.75±27.36 months. Among the patients seven cases (8.2%) were hypothyroidism (subclinical hypothyroidism). There was no significant association between age, sex, duration of diabetes and hypothyroidism in T1DM patients. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a high frequency (8.2%) of hypothyroidism in T1DM patients. We suggest regular and annual thyroid function testing in T1DM patients.

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Background and purpose: Removal of lead as a toxic metal from contaminated water resources is necessary due to the dangerous effect of lead. One of the most effective methods of removal is the adsorption process. The aim of this study was adsorption and magnetic separation of lead from synthetic wastewater using iron oxide nanoparticles and carbon (ION/C) composite Material and Methods: In this study nanoparticles of iron oxide (ION) were used as a source of iron for magnetic separation of powder activated carbon from solution samples. The physical and surface properties of the adsorbent were studied along with influencing factors (pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial lead concentration, and temperature) on the adsorption process. Kinetic equations and equilibrium isotherms studies were also conducted. Results: The size of ION and specific surface area of ION/C were found to be 30-80 nm and 671.2 m2/g, respectively. We observed that the adsorption process reached equilibrium at 60 min and pH=6and adsorption efficiency increased by increasing the amount of adsorbent and temperature. Maximum adsorption capacity based on Langmuir isotherms was obtained 67.1mg/g at 50 °C. Conclusion: According to this study it is believed that magnetized active carbon by keeping its physical and surface properties could be a suitable method to solve some related problems including separation and filtration.

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Background and purpose: Digital radiography has led to many improvements in radiology. Despite many advantages there are different ideas in determining anatomical landmarks which results in some errors in cephalometric analyses. The aim of this study was to determine the degree of identification differences of anatomical landmarks by conventional and digital lateral cephalometric techniques using manual tracing of human skulls. Material and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 17 cases of human skulls in which metal radiopaque markers were attached to 9 landmarks as follows: N, S, ANS, PNS, A, B, Pog, the most inferior point of lower mandibular border, and Go. Conventional and digital lateral cephalograms were obtained from each skull with and without markers. The two cephalograms without markers were traced for landmarks by three orthodontists. Any difference between these landmarks and those of cephalograms with markers, were recorded and analyzed by student t-test. Results: The level of differences in S point was not statistically significant along both x and y coordinates. The measurement differences for the ANS and PNS points obtained by both radiographic methods were significant along the x coordinate but not significant along the y coordinate. Also, the measurement differences for the most inferior point of lower mandibular border, A, B, and Go points along both x and y coordinates were observed to be statistically significant. The measurement difference obtained for the Pog point was significant along the y coordinate and non-significant along the x coordinate. Conclusion: The difference in landmark identification between the two digital and conventional lateral cephalometric techniques was statistically significant for some points on both dimensions, however, the difference was not clinically significant.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Ruta Graveolens (RG) commonly called sudab, has been known as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-androgenic, and anti-fertility activities are amongst the medicinal properties of RG. The present study investigated the antifertility effects of RG and in-vitro embryo development in female mice. Materials and methods: The study was performed in 30 female mice that were divided into two groups as control and RG. The control group received normal saline 0.2 ml and the RG group received 300 mg/kg aqueous extract of RG per day, orally for 14 days. Matured oocytes were transported to HTF+BSA (4mg/ml). Then fertilized oocytes, two cell, blastocyst and hatching embryos were evaluated. Results: In case group RG reduced embryo growth (P<0.05) at different stages. However, by disrupting RG administration no significant differences were observed between control and test animals. Conclusion: The results showed that the aqueous extract of RG decreased the embryo growth and fertilizing ability in female mice. Moreover, the negative impact of RG on fertilizing potential is recurrentable after disruption of exposure.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide and its prevalence has increased over the past decades in industrialized and developing countries. Cox proportional hazards model is one of the main models used in the analysis of survival data. This study was performed to evaluate the Stratified cox model in identifying the factors influencing readmission of asthma patients in Sanandaj Besat Hospital. Materials and methods: In a retrospective study, 301 records of asthma patients hospitalized during 2005 -2012 in Sanandaj’s Besat Hospital were reviewed, and information was extracted in a check list. Data was then fitted to R 2.14.0 stratified Cox model. Results: By using Goodness-of-fit test (GOF) Proportional Hazard (PH) assumption was tested. PH assumption was true for all variables, except for dust and marital status. Fitted stratified Cox model showed occupational exposure, viral infections, and PM10 with significant effect on the time of readmission (P <0.05). Conclusion: In this study occupational exposure (such as farms and contact with chemical materials), viral infections, and PM10 were significant factors associated with readmission of asthma patients. Therefore, it is recommended to focus more on principles of occupational health, practicing personal hygiene in exposure to viral infections and caring for people with asthma on polluted days.

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Background and purpose: Wastewaters are the most important sources of antibiotics entrance into the aqueous environments. Conventional wastewater treatments cannot eliminate these micropollutants and antibiotic resistant bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern in bacteria isolated from untreated sewage and effluent of municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tabriz. Materials and methods: In this cross sectional study, in addition to counting the number of different types of bacteria in raw sewage and municipal wastewater effluent, various bacteria including Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus, Bacillus and Pseudomonas were identified using specific mediums, API E20 kits and biochemical tests. Susceptibility test of bacteria to antibiotics was determined by Kirby-Bauer's disc diffusion. Results: The results showed lower than one log removal efficiency for coliforms bacteria by the wastewater treatment plants. The difference in the number of colonies apart from staphylococci was not significant in wastewater influent and effluent. Aeromonas and staphylococci were the most frequent bacteria in wastewater influent and effluent, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae were generally more sensitive than other bacteria. Resistance to antibiotics was found to be higher in the penicillin member of antibiotics. Resistant to four antibiotics including cephalexin, ampicillin, methicillin and amoxicillin were between 60 to 100%. The resistance of all species increased in the effluent of wastewater treatment plant. Conclusion: Growth and survival of antibiotic resistant bacteria increases in wastewater treatment plants and conventional treatment processes do not demonstrate enough efficiency for removal of these strains.

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Abstract Background and purpose: Nitrate is one of the chemical water contaminants which can be eliminated through physical, chemical and biological techniques. In this study we aimed for optimization of nitrate adsorption from water onto Magnetic Graphene sheet Nano Particles (G-Fe3O4 MNPs) via Taguchi experimental design. Materials and methods: Batch reactor was used for optimizing of the five parameters (pH, contact time, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and nitrate concentration) at four levels by Minitab software, based on Taguchi experimental design. Signal to noise ratio was used with ‘the highest is better’ approach for optimization of experimental conditions and the highest nitrate removal efficiency. Results: The results revealed that in optimized status (pH=3, contact time= 60 min, initial concentration= 50 mg/L, adsorbent dose= 2g/L, temperature= 50oC) nitrate removal efficiency and adsorption capacity reached 86.4% and 39.37 mg/g, respectively. Contribution percentage of each variable implied that pH and initial concentration of nitrate with 40.20% and 7.49% had the highest and lowest influences on nitrate removal, respectively. Isotherm and kinetic studies illustrated that, nitrate adsorption complied with Langmuir isotherm model (R2>0.993) and pseudo second-order kinetics models (R2>0.94). Conclusion: G-Fe3O4 MNPs can be used as an effective sorbent for nitrate removal from water or wastewater due to several advantages including easy and rapid separation from solution and high removal efficiency.

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Conidia of Aspergillus species are widely distributed and ubiquitous in outdoor and hospital environments. There are high numbers of patients with weakened immune systems, therefore Aspergillus infections are increasing in hospitals. Molecular typing of Aspergillus strains obtained from patients and their environment is an important tool for epidemiological and public health studies. Fingerprinting for Aspergillus species especially fumigatus and flavus adjusted from respiratory samples and environment requires high quality typing methods. In recent years several molecular typing methods have been established for different Aspergillus species. These methods are more useful than conventional methods and are of great importance due to being more practically accessible, easy to use, having high ability in diagnosis, repeatable and sensitive to change in one laboratory and between different laboratories, and easy interpretation of data. Today accurate typing methods include Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) and micro satellites. In ccurrent review different molecular methods for Aspergillus species genotyping are discussed to obtain a better insight into epidemiology of this pathogen.

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Background and purpose: Phthalate esters (PEs) are a large family of industrial chemicals widely used as plasticizers. Phthalates can cause endocrine disruption and cancers. Nowadays, phthalate esters are commonly used in cosmetics, adhesives and toy industries and simply get into the surface water and groundwater. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of UV / Na₂S₂O₈ / Fe²⁺ in DEP removal from aqueous solution.

Materials and methods: In this study the effect of pH, concentration of persulfate, Fe²⁺ concentration and contact time on removal of diethyl phthalate were studied in laboratory scale using a cylindrical-shaped reactor containing a UV-C lamp (16 watts) by batch method. The residual concentrations of Diethyl phthalate )DEP( were determined by HPL. The effects of independent parameters on DEP removal were evaluated by Multi simplex and the response surface method (box Behnken method).

Results: In this study the optimum condition was obtained at pH = 11, persulfate concentration of 0.4 Mmol/L, 0.07 Mmol/L Fe²⁺ and 90 minutes contact time. The results showed that the DEP removal by UV / Na₂S₂O₈ / Fe²⁺ process followed a first-order reaction kinetic.

Conclusion: The results indicated high efficiency of UV / Na₂S₂O₈ / Fe²⁺ process (95% removal under optimal condition) in removal of DEP from aqueous solutions. This efficiency demonstrates that this method is acceptable in DEP removal on industrial scale.