Background: Otomycosis is a superficial fungal infection often involves the pinna and external auditory canal. It is a pathologic condition, with Candida and Aspergillus, the most common fungal species. It is common worldwide but more prevalent in tropical and subtropical countries.Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the etiologic agents and local epidemiologic pattern of otomycosis in northwest Iran.Patients and Methods: A series of 140 patients with clinically symptomatic otomycosis were studied in 21 cities, towns, and villages throughout northwest Iran between 2009 and 2011. Clinical samples were collected by swabs and then assessed by mycological investigation.Results: Otomycosis was diagnosed in 129 cases (92%, 76 male, 53 female) with the highest prevalence of cases occurring in males between 21-40 years of age. From an etiological point of view, 116 patients (90%, 21-40 years old) were infected by saprophytic mold and 9 patients (7%) were infected by yeast. Three cases (2%) involved dermatophytes, and in one case (1%) the subject was infected with Eurotium (the perfect stage of Aspergillus fumigatus). Aspergillus niger was the most common mold that was isolated, followed by A. flavus, A. fumigatus, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. A total of 2 yeasts belonging to genus Candida, C. albicans and C. tropicalis, were isolated.Conclusions: Our study showed a high prevalence of otomycosis in the northwestern area of Iran. As such, proper diagnosis and treatment by aseptic techniques for this disease is urgently needed.

In the present study, the concentrations of three heavy metals including lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and arsenic (As) in 72 different honey samples collected from North-Western regions of Iran were investigated using atomic absorption spectroscopy method. All metals were detected in 88.88% of the honey samples. The range of metals contamination in honey samples was 0.01 to 11.09 ppm. Zn was the most abundant metal, with an average concentration of 4.41±2.4 ppm. The mean levels of Pb (0.12 ppm) and Zn (6.84 ppm) in honey samples of East Azerbaijan Province was significantly higher than average level of these metals in honeys from other provinces. Based on the results of this study and compared with recommended daily intakes, the heavy metal content of honey samples was not harm and is unlikely to cause any intoxication following honey consumption.

Background: Fascioliasis is considered as the most important helminthic infection of cattle and sheep. Traditional approaches using morphological and biologic characters cannot cause a certainty in the accurate and precise identification and intra-specific differences of Fasciola spp. In this study, we identified Fasciola species using ITS-1 marker and described genetic variation of each species of the parasite in isolates from Tabriz slaughterhouse in West Azerbaijan Province, north- western Iran.Methods: Overall, 100 samples (50 from sheep and 50 from cattle) morphologically detected as Fasciola worms were studied for identification of Fasciola species by PCR-RFLP method and intra-species variation of the parasite using RAPD-PCR technique.Results: A region of approximately 460bp in all samples was successfully amplified. There were no identifiable variations among the size of PCR products. Two and three fragments in samples correspond to F. hepatica and F. gigantica was seen, respectively, through PCR-RFLP method. No difference was seen in digestion pattern according to host (sheep or cattle). Different types of each species of the parasite was observed using RAPD-PCR technique.Conclusion: We could have an estimate of frequency of F. hepatica and F. gigantic and different genotypes of the parasite in isolates from one locality in north- western of Iran. By extension of such studies in future to other animal hosts (buffalo and goat) and including more regions to sampling, the reliability of the results and their application for control programs in zoonotic diseases will be increased.

Situated at the crossroads of the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Anatolia, Iran’s north-western region holds immense historical and cultural significance within the broader Middle Eastern landscape, characterized by its rich archaeological diversity. Since the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, this area has supported semi-nomadic societies and sustained dynamic interactions with eastern Anatolia. The powerful Urartian state expanded into this region, constructing numerous fortresses and settlements as part of its frontier defence system. Inscriptions from the reigns of Urartian kings Ispuini and Menua reference large-scale architectural projects, reflecting the state’s enduring legacy. Archaeological surface surveys conducted by A. Ceylan between 1998 and 2019 across the Caucasus and north-western Iran—particularly in Tabriz, Ardabil, and Ahar—have revisited known sites and uncovered new fortresses, tumuli, and settlements. Among these, Zulmabad Fortress, located 36 km from Varzegan at an elevation of 2,080 metres, stands out for its strategic placement atop a steep mountain with a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. Adjacent tumuli further underscore the site’s historical importance. This study focuses on Zulmabad Fortress, employing photogrammetric analysis, ceramic typology, and architectural documentation to reveal its Urartian characteristics. Despite damage over time, the fortress remains a significant example of Urartian military architecture in Iran.