Urmia University

In this chapter, the military situation refers to expressing the military importance of the Persian Gulf region and its strategic nature by examining the military bases of foreign powers in the region; the direct presence of the fleets of major countries in the Persian Gulf; the bulk purchase of weapons by the countries of the Persian Gulf region; and the military force of the neighboring countries of the Persian Gulf. Benefiting from a series of special natural and political features, the Persian Gulf is significant in military defensive and offensive strategies. Using this feature, the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman connect to other lands and seas. As with the benefit of this special feature, it is connected to the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Black Sea. As a result of geographical compatibility and legal issues, the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz have created an outstanding position for the passage of special naval and air force units. Its depth and width are such that nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers can pass through it. This position, which existed since ancient times, was emphasized by world geopolitical thinkers during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Accordingly, the super-strategic position of this region will be maintained while influencing other regional and trans-regional developments.

During the Sasanian period, commercial activities with the Indian subcontinent, especially its coastal areas, developed through the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. By conquering the key regions, connection between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman with the islands and ports of India was facilitated. The Sasanian built camps in the coastal areas of India and gradually Zoroastrian and Nestorian Christian immigrant merchants settled there. The sailors used to travel between the ports and islands of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, loading and unloading goods. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the trade relationship between the northern and southern shores of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman with the Indian subcontinent during the Sasanian period. Relying on an analytical-descriptive approach and library method while studying documentary research, the author seeks to answer this question that how the process of economic links between these two important maritime areas was and what role it played in the mutual prosperity of these areas? Consequently, it is concluded that a set of positive factors, including the policy of port city in the Persian Gulf, the formation of a powerful commercial and military fleet, the knowledge of sea routes, and terrestrial and maritime occupation of the shores of the Indian Ocean by the Sasanian, led to the expansion of mutual prosperity of these commercial centers: the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Indian subcontinent.

Coenurus cerebralis consists of several protoscolices and it contains a transparent cyst wall. Domestic and wild canids constitute the predators, while a wide range of herbivores are the prey hosts. The study aims to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and nucleotide diversity using partial sequences of the ND1 gene in different regions of Iran. Samples were gathered from areas with various climatic locations in Iran. Sheep were slaughtered and their brain was used at abattoir and were palpated and incised to check for the presence of C.cerebralis cysts. With immediate DNA extraction, a PCR test for the ND1 gene using specific primers was done. Subsequently, the total diameter of the cyst lies within 0.5 to 5 cm, and the amount of protoscolices in the cyst lies within 50–350 protoscolex, the average length of large and small hooks was 195 and 93 μm respectively. Sequencing results of Iranian Taenia multiceps isolates from sheep’s brain coenurus cyst in this study showed no differences in partial NADH gene among the Iranian isolates and had high similarity with the sequences of T. multiceps isolates from Turkey, Italy, Greece, Egypt, and Australia. Based on molecular alignment and phylogenetic analysis, the close relationship between Iranian isolates from the same hosts as Turkey and China was correlated to the same geographical conditions and high rate of trade between countries. These results gave important information for further studies of molecular epidemiology and control of C. cerebralis infestation to the public, medical associations, entomologists, and pest control operators in Iran.

The Biginelli reaction products have significant medicinal and biological applications, prompting the need for green chemistry-compatible catalytic systems for their synthesis. This project introduces aluminum ferrite nanoparticles (AlFeO3 NPs) as an efficient and eco-friendly catalyst for creating Biginelli derivatives through three-component reactions involving aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes, ethyl or methyl acetoacetate, and thiourea in glycerol. The AlFeO3 NPs catalyst was synthesized from readily available materials and characterized using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, VSM, TGA, BET, SEM, TEM, and EDX, confirming its structure and magnetic properties. Notably, this method allows for the rapid synthesis of 19 derivatives of 3, 4-Dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-thione with high yields, utilizing environmentally friendly solvents and adhering to green chemistry principles. Graphical Abstract

Background Ketamine abuse damages brain function and structure, increasing reactive oxygen species and apoptosis in the cerebral cortex, but moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT) can enhance antioxidant defences and reduce apoptosis. Therefore, we aimed to answer whether MICT can reduce the side effects of chronic ketamine abuse. Method 24 Wistar rats were split into control (CON), ketamine abuse (KET), exercise after ketamine withdrawal (KET + EX), and non‐intervention ketamine withdrawal (KET + WD) groups. Ketamine intervention groups received 50 mg/kg/day ketamine for 8 weeks; KET + EX underwent 5 MICT sessions/week at 60–75% VO2max for 8 weeks post‐withdrawal. Post‐sampling of cerebral cortex, we evaluated histological changes, apoptotic cell numbers, Bax, Bcl‐2, Caspase‐3 mRNA/protein, 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (OXO) expression, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione reductase (GR) mRNA and other oxidative stress and antioxidant markers levels. Effect sizes (ES) were used to assess group differences. Results MICT significantly reduced apoptotic cells (ES = 14.24, p < 0.0001), decreased Bax and caspase‐3 protein expression, and increased Bcl‐2 compared to the KET group (Bax: ES = 2.77, p = 0.005; caspase‐3: ES = 7.73, p < 0.0001; Bcl‐2: ES = 12.11, p < 0.001). It also lowered Bax and caspase‐3 mRNA (Bax: ES = 4, p = 0.014; caspase‐3: ES = 2.29, p = 0.024). MICT reduced OXO and increased GR and GPX mRNA and nitric oxide (NO) level (GR: ES = 2.02, p = 0.016; GPX: ES = 1.98, p = 0.035; OXO: ES = 11.39, p < 0.0001; NO: ES = 3.52, p = 0.003). Levels of malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase remained unchanged between groups. Conclusion MICT seems effective in reducing apoptosis and oxidative damage in the cerebral cortex of rats with long‐term ketamine abuse.

Aspergillus flavus Urate oxidase (AFUOX) is promising for potential therapeutic applications, particularly in gout treatment. However, the enzyme’s low thermostability and solubility limit its efficacy. A targeted mutation, substituting Gln with Leu at position 269 (Q269L) has been proposed to enhance its stability. The turnover number, catalytic efficiency, and specific activity of Q269L were 3.7 (s⁻¹), 53.2 (mM⁻¹. s⁻¹), and 3.926 U/mg, respectively. In comparison, for the wild type, these were 3.1 (S⁻¹), 35.1 (mM⁻¹. s⁻¹), and 4.018 U/mg, respectively. Notably, the wild type exhibited maximum activity at pH 9 and 25 °C, whereas the activity of Q269L was obtained at pH 9.5 and 30 °C. Furthermore, the half-life of Q269L at 40 °C is significantly longer (85.55 min) compared to the wild-type (49.85 min). The thermodynamic parameters ΔH≠, ΔS≠, and ΔG≠ at 40 °C for Q269L were 60.9 kJ.mol⁻¹, -276 J.mol⁻¹, and 147.3 kJ.mol⁻¹, respectively. Intrinsic fluorescence reductions and ANS fluorescence increases suggest that tryptophan resides in a polar environment with augmented hydrophobic pockets. FTIR analysis of Q269L reveals a decrease in β-sheet and an increase in α-helix structures, supporting molecular dynamics simulations. Collectively, MD and experimental results underscore Q269L’s enhanced thermostability and localized structural alterations, advancing AFUOX’s therapeutic potential.

In this research, we have developed diverse strategies for synthesizing potential h NMDA receptor allosteric modulators through reduction and one-pot reductive acetylation of nitro(hetero)arenes using a mesoporous zirconocene-containing nanocatalyst.

Purpose Insufficient sleep and insomnia are common issues associated with modern lifestyles that often contribute to the development of mental health disorders. 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), a voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) channel antagonist, is commonly used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been shown to improve nerve conduction velocity, strengthen myelin, and increase axonal area after injury. In addition, 4‐AP has been reported to reduce behavioral disorders, including depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4‐AP on anxiety‐like behavior in mice subjected to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation. Methods Fifty male mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, normal saline (NS) (receiving normal saline via gavage), AP‐0.25, AP‐0.5, and AP‐1 (receiving daily doses of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg of 4‐AP, respectively by gavage). All groups except the control group underwent SD for five consecutive days. The animals' locomotion and anxiety‐like behavior were assessed using the open field and elevated plus maze tests. After behavioral testing, N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDA‐R), α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPA‐R), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) were measured by western blotting, and also malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were analyzed by ELISA in the hippocampus. Finding AP‐1 significantly reduced the levels of anxiety‐like behavior compared to the NS group in both tests. In AP‐1, a significant decrease in the levels of NMDA‐R, AMPA‐R, TNF‐α, and MDA was observed. While these levels were increased in the NS group. In addition, AP‐1 showed a higher level of TAC compared to the NS group, indicating an increase in antioxidant levels. Conclusion 4‐AP may be effective in reducing anxiety‐like behavior in sleep‐deprived mice by modifying the levels of NMDA‐R, AMPA‐R, and TNF‐α, while simultaneously reducing oxidative stress induced by sleep deprivation in the hippocampus.

Background: Hyoscyamus reticulatus L. is a rich source of tropane alkaloids (TA) which is widely used in medicine. In this study, hairy roots were obtained from two-week cotyledon explants of H. reticulatus L. by using the A7 strain of Agrobacterium rhizogenes . The effects of different concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles (CNP) (0, 10, 30, 50 and 100 mg L ⁻¹ ) as a signaling molecule with two exposure times (24 and 48 h) on the growth rate, antioxidant enzymes activity, phenol content, TA contents and hyoscyamine-6-beta-hydroxylase ( h6h ) gene expression levels were investigated. After extraction of TA from hairy roots, High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the amount of hyoscyamine and scopolamine. Results: The results showed that the highest amount of hyoscyamine (1300.3 μg g ⁻¹ FW) and scopolamine (918.06 μg g ⁻¹ FW) accumulated in hairy roots treated with 100 mg L ⁻¹ CNP at 48h and 10 mg L ⁻¹ CNP at 24h, respectively. In the present study, the effect of CNP on the expression of the h6h gene was also investigated using semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The highest expression of this gene was observed at a concentration of 10 mg L ⁻¹ in 24h and the lowest was observed in the control sample. Conclusions: Based on these results, it is concluded that CNP can be used as an effective stimulant for the production of plant secondary metabolites, including TA, probably due to the stimulation of gene expression effective in the production of TA.

Cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including colorectal, pancreatic, and hepatocellular carcinomas, represent a significant global health burden due to their high incidence and mortality rates. Doublecortin‐like kinase 1 (DCLK1), initially identified for its role in neurogenesis, has emerged as a crucial player in GI cancer progression. This review comprehensively examines the multifaceted roles of DCLK1 in GI cancers, focusing on its structural isoforms, functions in normal and inflammatory states, and contributions to cancer progression and metastasis. DCLK1 is overexpressed in various GI cancers and is associated with poor prognosis, enhanced tumorigenic potential, and increased metastatic capacity. The review discusses the molecular mechanisms through which DCLK1 influences cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell survival pathways, as well as its interactions with key signaling pathways such as Notch, WNT/β‐catenin, and NF‐κB. The potential of DCLK1 as a therapeutic target is also explored, highlighting preclinical and early clinical efforts to inhibit its function using small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies. Despite significant advancements, further research is needed to fully elucidate DCLK1's role in GI cancers and to develop effective therapeutic strategies targeting this protein.

The emergence of 3D printing technology has enabled the fabrication of absorbers with functionally graded (FG) porous structure and controlled porosity that can absorb sound waves across a broader frequency range. In this study, sound absorption properties of fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printed parts with FG porous structure and controlled pore sizes are investigated. For this purpose, samples with single porosity with infill densities of 40% to 90% are first printed to compare with the absorption coefficient of FG porous samples. FG porous samples are also printed as unified structures in two groups of FG porosity 40/50/60% and 70/80/90%. Sound absorption coefficient is tested using the transfer function method and impedance tube sound absorption test system. The experimental results of single porosity samples show that at higher frequencies, samples with lower infill density (higher porosity) have higher sound absorption coefficients, while at lower frequencies, samples with higher infill density (lower porosity) have more effective sound absorption. Unlike uniform porous structures at lower frequencies, FG porous structure provides higher sound absorption without increasing thickness and weight. In addition, it is found that the orientation of samples with the FG porous structure has a different behavior of the sound absorption coefficient.

The impact of a High-Fat Diet (HFD) on male reproductive health is characterized by fertility disorders in obese males, attributed to oxidative stress, endocrine suppression, and upregulation of pro-apoptotic elements. It remains unclear if observed disorders are primarily linked to obesity or if HFD, independently of obesity, induces similar effects in resistant cases. To explore this subject, immature male mice were divided into control (received a normal diet) and experimental groups. After receiving 16 weeks on the HFD regimen (45%, 4.8 kcal/g), the mice were further categorized into control, obesity-prone (HFD-O, weighting 1.4 times higher than control mice), and obesity-resistant (HFD-OR) groups. The histological characteristics, testicular and serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), lactate, lactate dehydrogenase (LDL), the expression levels of Bcl-2, BAX, and p53 were analyzed. Current study revealed comparable phenotypes in both HFD-received groups, including histological changes, the relative ratio of TAC to MDA, the GSH to GSSG ratio, serum testosterone levels, lactate and LDH content, as well as several parameters related to sperm quality. Despite these similarities, the obesity-prone (HFD-O) group exhibited increased mRNA and protein levels of BAX and p53, while no significant changes were observed in the obesity-resistant (HFD-OR) mice. In conclusion, in obesity-prone condition, HFD disrupted spermatogenesis through metabolic failure and redox imbalance, which in turn increased pro-apoptotic proteins expression. However, regardless of apoptosis, in obesity-resistant condition, HFD disrupted metabolic processes and endocrine capacity in testicular tissue, hindering spermatogenesis through interference with GSH/GSSG and TAC/MDA relative balances.

Identifying the optimal formulation is essential for achieving health benefits, preserving texture, and enhancing the flavor of baked goods. This study examined the effects of aqueous cinnamon extract (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.25% (W/V) on the antioxidant activity, physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of oil cakes enriched with these extracts. HPLC analysis of the aqueous extract identified cinnamaldehyde as the dominant compound (30.5%), along with significant amounts of eugenol, cinnamic acid, and coumarin. The results showed that increasing the cinnamon extract concentration enhanced TPC, TTC, %RSA, and %FRAP values. The pH of the cake samples did not significantly differ across concentrations (p < 0.05). The moisture content was higher than the control, but water activity decreased with higher extract concentrations. The 0.25% sample showed significant differences in protein content compared to the control, 0.05%, and 0.10% samples (p < 0.05). Fat and carbohydrate contents were generally lower than the control. TPA results showed decreased hardness, cohesiveness, resilience, and fracturability with higher cinnamon extract levels. Additionally, increased extract levels improved the springiness of the cakes. The 0.20% and 0.25% samples had the highest overall consumer acceptability. The study found that samples containing 0.20% and 0.25% cinnamon extract were the most effective concentrations for oil cakes. This indicates that aqueous cinnamon extract, with its antioxidant properties, can serve as a beneficial additive to enhance the quality of oil cakes.

In the last 10 years, the synthesis of anthracene scaffolds has attracted considerable interest because of their distinctive electronic characteristics and various uses in organic electronics, photovoltaics, and therapeutics. Anthracene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, is valued for its lightweight, stability, and electron transport capabilities, making it a key building block in advanced materials. Traditional synthesis methods often face challenges such as low selectivity and harsh conditions. However, recent advancements in transition metal-catalyzed reactions have transformed the field, offering more efficient and versatile approaches. This review examines methodologies utilizing transition metal catalysts like palladium, zinc, indium, cobalt, gold, iridium, rhodium and ruthenium, which have enabled novel synthetic pathways and selective formation of substituted anthracenes through cross-coupling reactions. The function of ligands, including phosphines and N-heterocyclic carbenes, in improving reaction efficiency and selectivity is also examined. The shift towards greener methodologies is noted, with a focus on minimizing waste and reducing toxic reagents. The shift towards greener methodologies is noted, with a focus on minimizing waste and reducing toxic reagents. Several case studies demonstrate the successful application of these techniques, highlighting the structural diversity and functional potential of anthracene derivatives in various applications.

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the potential of multispectral satellite images in soil salinity assessment using linear multiple regression and the M5 decision tree regression method. Therefore, 96 soil samples were collected and correlated with 15 independent spectral information and Landsat 8 satellite image indices. Results Due to the nonlinear relationship between EC and spectral bands, linear regression results were unsatisfactory, with the highest correlation coefficient of 58% and an RMSE of 0.78. The M5 decision tree regression model provided better results, with a correlation coefficient of 73% and an RMSE of 0.29 after establishing 9 regression relationships, successfully estimating the natural logarithm of EC. The B64, NDII, and S2 indices are the most influential in remotely sensed soil salinity estimation. Furthermore, the M5 model, utilizing six regression equations, demonstrates a 37.18% improvement in accuracy compared to a multivariate linear regression approach. Factors such as vegetation cover, soil moisture, and uneven moisture content of samples during collection contributed to errors in assessing soil salinity using satellite images.

Electrochemical deposition is one of the most cost-effective methods for the preparation of composite layers with intermetallic matrix containing nickel aluminides. For this purpose, an aluminum-6061 sample was selected as a substrate and subjected to electrochemical deposition of Nickel-SiC nanocomposites after surface preparation. Subsequently, the coated samples were heat treated at 420, 520 and 560 °C in a furnace with argon atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the obtained coating layers. The hardness of the coating layers was evaluated using a nanoindentation method. The changes in alloying elements were determined using an EDX elemental analyzer. XRD analysis was used to study the phase structure after thermal treatment. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and diffusion kinetics were used to study the phase formation process. The results show that the present intermediate layer consists of two main phases. It is concluded that the first phase of Al3Ni is formed at the interface between the coating and the substrate. In the second phase, the reaction of Al3Ni and the coating form the second phase of Al3Ni2. Due to the growth of the hard secondary phase and the uniform distribution of the nanoparticles in the coating matrix, there is an increase in hardness. The maximum thickness of the intermetallic region was reached at 560 °C, with primary and secondary phase formation detected by DSC.

Hydrogen gas, renowned for its clean combustion, is a pivotal candidate in the realm of alternative fuels, drawing significant research interest particularly through photocatalytic methods. In this study, a novel Pd/PdO@MRGO nanocomposite is synthesized through a one-pot thermal treatment of citric acid with Fe(II) and Fe(III), and subsequent deposition of Pd species. This composite demonstrates enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen production from formic acid under visible light. Characterization techniques confirm the formation of RGO and Fe3O4, with Pd/PdO nanoparticles uniformly dispersed. The catalyst exhibits a bandgap energy of 2.19 eV and magnetic properties (16.8 emu/g), achieving a turnover frequency of 371 h⁻¹. The magnetic property enables facile catalyst recovery, highlighting its potential for sustainable hydrogen production.

Melatonin exhibits various biological functions, including regulation of circadian and endocrine rhythms, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Aging and damaged mitochondria are major sources of oxidative stress (OS), and mitochondrial quality control (MQC) is crucial for maintaining normal mitochondrial function. Myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury is a major complication that can arise during reperfusion therapy for coronary heart disease. However, effective intervention strategies are currently lacking. Mitochondrial dysfunction and OS are considered central mechanisms of myocardial reperfusion injury, with mitochondrial‐targeted interventions being a potential treatment direction. Recent studies have shown that melatonin improves mitochondrial structure and function through multiple pathways. This review discusses the mechanisms by which melatonin ameliorates myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury, focusing on MQC, and explores its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of myocardial ischemia‐reperfusion injury.

Grid-connected photovoltaic systems face challenges during grid faults, including fault detection, synchronization, the maximum current range of the inverter, DC link voltage variation and control of active and reactive power. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel Finite-Control Set Model Predictive Control (FCS-MPC) strategy to enhance the low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) capability of grid-connected PV systems. Our method decouples from traditional duty cycle control of the boost converter and addition to, integrating control of all switches in boost converters and NPC inverters, enabling sinusoidal current injection and DC link voltage control during grid faults. Unlike existing control methods, our FCS-MPC approach reduces computational requirements while maintaining robustness and flexibility. Simulations using MATLAB Simulink software confirm the effectiveness of our proposed method in maintaining PV performance in maximum power point tracking (MPPT) mode and enhancing LVRT capability.