[Normal olfaction range of Rasht residents with a new test designed for the region]

An important part of one's information from surrounding environment comes through olfactory system. So its disorders regardless of the reason can lead to a lot of problems. An appropriate diagnostic smell test is needed for determination to the normal range of olfactory sense, and evaluation of patient's complain of hyposmia or anosmia and determination the severity of the problem. It is helpful for follow up and choosing the most effective surgical or medical treatment too. Unfortunately Current used tested for diagnose of factory system disorders are not modified for Iranian population and are difficult to run and interpret. Development of a standard smell test for Iranians and determination of the normal range of olfactory sense in this region. In order to find popular odorous items in the region, 56 well known materials were presented to two hundred, 15-60 years old, normal relatives of patients who came to university based Amir-Al- Momenin hospital. Then 16 materials with the highest scores were selected [based on this consensus] as the test materials. These were: petrol, alcohol, tea, rice, soap, cinnamon, origan, and garlic, onion, washing powder, mint, rose water, lemon juice, olive oil, Vinegar and Vix. Then, these 16 selected materials were presented to 150 people of study group [77 women, 73 men]. All materials were presented in identical containers. Participants were requested to smell material at 2 centimeter distance for 3 seconds, without being able to see the material. Then they would choose an answer in a multiple choice questionnaire. Each nostril was tested separately, therefore the total score for two nostril and 16 materials was 32 for each person. Considering 97 percentile, the normal range of olfactory score for 15-60 years old residents of Rasht was 28-32. This study is helpful to evaluate the patients who complain of hyposmia or anosmia and could be use for future studies

Potential transmission of human fascioliasis through traditional local foods, in Northern Iran

Ingestion of infective metacercariae, attached to watercress or other various species of water and terrestrial plants, has been implicated as the main source of human contamination by fasciolid flukes. Presence of several species of aromatic wild grown plants, which are eaten fresh on the table or used for preparation of some plant-made foods [Delar, mixture of salt and ground local plants, as a paste and Zeitoon-Parvardeh, olives in walnut sauce, as an appetizer] have been suggested to play a role in human contamination in the endemic zone of fascioliasis, in Gilan province, northern Iran. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of ingredients using for preparation of these local foods on viability and infectivity of liver fluke metacercariae. Metacercariae for this study were obtained by experimental infections of Lymnaea gedrosiana, collected from Bandar Anzali endemic zone. The viability and infectivity of metacercariae kept in Zeitoon-Parvardeh and Delar was checked by microscopical analyses and animal infection assays. The results indicate the possibility of human contamination following consumption of these traditional foods when prepared with fresh vegetables presenting attached metacercariae

[Iron deficiency anemia and some associated factors in childbearing age women in Guilan province]

Iron deficiency anemia [IDA] is the commonest disorder due to malnutrition, and is an important health problem. This research determines IDA prevalence and some associated factors in childbearing age [CBA] and non-childbearing age women in Guilan. Sample; comprised of 995 CBA women [15-49 years], selected in a multistage cluster-random sampling from the population mentioned. Data materials included a questionnaire, and blood examinations, and statistical analysis was performed by means of paired t-test. Anemia prevalence was 11.1%, IDA 7.6%, which was similar in both the urban and rural population, and showed significant correlation with parity [P<0.0l] and age [P<0.0001]. Ferrous sulfate has significant effect to increase hemoglobin in IDA subjects. IDA prevalence in Guilan is less than previous estimates, and Ferrous sulfate administration is effective in increasing hemoglobin levels