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Introduction Nowadays, granitoide masses are of interest due to their high strength, low porosity and various applications. The rock masses are considered as places for radioactive waste and toxic materials disposal, carbon dioxide storage, thermal drilling and enhanced geothermal systems. Extreme temperature changes are common in such cases and can have destructive effects on the primary structure of the rock. Induced microcracks (Tian et al., 2012) and opening passageways for the entry of fluids are some effects of thermal changes and shock, which result in increment of the granitoide mass permeability and creation of suitable places to fracture due to tectonic stresses (Dwivedi et al., 2008; Rathnaweera et al., 2018; Kang and Li, 2021). The rocks in nature inherently have characteristics that are measured in laboratory tests as physical characteristics. These properties such as density, porosity, texture and particle size are effective on the mechanical behaviour of rock, and some of them change with temperature change (Benson et al., 2007; Yang et al., 2017). The variation of mechanical properties affected by temperature are related to factors such as primary pore structure, particle size, mineral composition, mineral texture, and water content (Mo et al., 2022). The thermal properties of rocks are mainly measured by two indices of thermal conductivity and thermal expansion, although thermal conductivity is related to thermal diffusivity, specific heat and density (Siegesmund and Snethlage, 2011). Among the rocks, quartz-rich rocks exhibit a higher average thermal conductivity, whereas rocks with increasing feldspar contents show decrement in thermal conductivity values (Siegesmund and Snethlage, 2011; Ray et al., 2021). Thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature. (Görgülü et al., 2008; Fuchs and Förster, 2010; Qin et al., 2020; Ye et al., 2022). Thermal conductivity increases with increasing pressure, especially in the low pressure range, which was attributed to the closure of microcracks and voids (Siegesmund and Snethlage, 2011). In oriented rocks and minerals heat transfer and diffusion depends on the direction of minerals and layering in rocks. Mica minerals especially muscovite, have good thermal conductivity parallel to layering. Phyllosilicate minerals like illite, muscovite and chlorite also play a similar role. But quartz itself exhibits an 42% anisotropy in two perpendicular directions (Siegesmund and Snethlage, 2011). In thermal shock, heating and cooling have different effect on the rock volumetric expansion and anisotropy of thermal expansion as well as residual expansion causes permanent lengt h change which is related to the formation of thermal cracks (Den'gina et al., 1993). The coefficient of thermal expansion determines the material's response to heat or cold. The residual strain after exposure to a heat determines the thermal sensitivity of the rock. In a rock that consists of different minerals, the interaction of all the mentioned factors leads to microcracks and thermally induced cracks in the rocks. Thermal cracking, in coarse-grained, quartz-rich rocks is dominant during heating (expantion) while in fine-grained, quartz-poor rock, is dominant during cooling (contraction) (Browning et al, 2016; Meredith et al, 2019; Browning et al, 2021). Rocks such as granit, neurite and quartzite under the condition of the earth crust with temperatures up to 900 c and higher pressures undergo thermal cracks (Ide, 1937; Richter and Simmons, 1974; Simmons and Cooper, 1978; Bauer and Johnson, 1979; Glover et al., 1995; Lu and Jackson, 1998; Liu et al., 2021; Feng et al., 2021; Guo et al., 2021). For research about the effect of heat on granitoids, three different fresh granitoid samples have been examined in terms of physical, mineralogical characteristics and the development of microcracks. They were subjected to 4 different temperature shocks and the thermal shock effects on development of microcracks was described by using PPL and XPL photos of the samples' thin section. This study has depicted the behaviour of minerals and various textures of granitoids after different shocks also has shown the destructive effects of thermal shock on the initial structure of them. Study of thermal shock effects that lead to development of microcracks and passages could be useful in evaluating how to increase permeability the granitoid masses. Materials and Methods For this study 3 granitoids samples were prepared from 3 different mass located in the structural zone of Sanandaj-Sirjan which were subjected to different tests before and after thermal shock. Samples were taken from Hasan rebat mass at Golpaygan area, Alvand Mass at Hamedan area and Marivan mass at northern area of Marivan. Samples were prepared as follows: blocks were moved from mass place to the laboratory. They were cored and then cut into 3 cm height. Microscopic thin sections were prepared from fresh samples in 3 perpendicular directions. In order to induce thermal microcrack, the samples were heated in a high temperature furnace up to the desired temperature at a rate of 5 (Cᵒ/min) and kept at intended temperature for 2 hours to ensure entire samples volume were completely isothermal. Temperatures were 250, 450, 650, 850 Cᵒ. Then the samples were removed from the furnace, they were immediately immersed in municipal water (20 to 25 Cᵒ). Immersion was continued until the samples were at the same temperature as water, because of this, water flow into the bucket has been continued. For preparing to three-dimensional sectioning, the shocked samples were dried in an oven (max 50 c). Three perpendicular directions including two diametric directions and one axial direction, were determined on the cores from the first sampling to the last stage of each test. Two diametric directions were named "R plane" & "B plane" and the axial plane which was perpendicular to the axis the cores and was perpendicular to the two diametric directions, called "N plane". To determine lithological characteristics and liner crack density thin sections inspection of fresh and shocked samples were done in three directions. Physical properties were determined based on ISRM standard tests. The thermal shock effects on granitoids were explained by using SEM images, thin section images and images of macroscopic samples. Conclusion This research showed that it is possible to evaluate how the sample reacts to heat by microscopic examination of the thin section of fresh samples. In short, we can say: In the studied granitoids, medium grain size and uniform texture also various boundaries (smooth and jogged) could increase the resistance of the granitoid against the formation of microcracks. The presence of myrmekite texture makes granitoid susceptible to the formation of transgranular microcracks. Micas and quartz as inclusion inside coarse minerals could cause the formation of intragranular microcracks. In general, very few microcracks generate in plagioclase unlike the orthoclase which the most microcracks form inside it. Mostly intragranular microcracks form at cleavage and perthite texture site inside the orthoclase. smooth boundaries abundance and jagged boundaries abundance have a positive effect on the development of microcracks. In coarse-grained granitoide, increment of very fine or very coarse mineral abundance, cause accelerate the development of microcracks. According to the average grain size, it was expected that the Hasan Rabat sample be in an intermediate state compared to the other samples. Meanwhile the development rate of microcracks induced by thermal shock in the Alvand and Marivan sample are similar, their grain sizes are completely different. Hasan Rebat sample shows completely different behaviour in development rate of all kind of microcrack (intra-, transand intergranular). Results demonstrated that the absolute age of granitoide is an important factor in the rate and manner of microcrack development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The function of Th17 cells in the neuroinflammatory process in multiple sclerosis (MS) has been previously clarified. It has been suggested that Quercetin can influence MS due to a variety of anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to examine in vitro immunomodulatory aspects of Quercetin Penta Acetate as a modified compound on Th17 cells of MS patients and also to compare its effects with Quercetin. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) were isolated and stained with CFSE then, half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were determined using different doses and times for Quercetin Penta Acetate, and Methyl Prednisolone Acetate. Th17 cell proliferation was analyzed by flow cytometry and the expression levels of IL-17 and RORc genes were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The results showed that IL-17A gene expression was inhibited by Quercetin Penta Acetate (P=0.0081), but Quercetin Penta Acetate did not have a significant inhibitory effect on Th17 cells proliferation (P= 0.59) and RORc gene expression (P=0.1), compared to Quercetin. Conclusion: Taken together, our results showed some immunomodulatory aspects of Quercetin Penta Acetate on Th17 cells are more effective than Quercetin and it could be considered in the treatment of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cr2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using Zingiber officinal extract which were used as an efficient and reusable catalyst in the practical synthesis of polysubstituted imidazoles by means of a convenient reaction of aromatic aldehydes with ammonium acetate and benzil under microwave irradiation and H2O as solvent. The structure of the compounds was studied by IR and 1H-NMR spectrum. The most important benefits of this process are operational simplicity, reasonable reaction times, and excellent yield of products. The results show that the optimal conditions for the formation of imidazole derivatives are as follow: power of 400 W, reaction time of 4–9 min, H2O as a solvent, and 15 mmol of catalyst amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The quality of marital relationship is affected by several factors. This study aimed to examine the role of personality factors in the relationship between family-of-origin health status and marital adjustment. Methods: This study is of descriptive method and the design is correlational based on path analysis. The study population consisted of all married men and women in Qazvin who spent at least one year of their marriage. Accordingly, 300 married adults (150 men and 150 women) were selected via available sampling method and participated in the study. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and Bootstrap test in the Amos software. The conceptual model of the family of origin health status, personality factors and marital adjustment had goodness of fit. Results: The results of structural equation modeling suggested that family-of-origin health status is directly related to marital adjustment (β=0.490, P<0.01). In addition, Bootstrap test showed that personality factors -neuroticism (β=0.461, P<0.001), extraversion (β=0.455, P<0.005), agreeableness (β=0.452, P<0.001) and conscientiousness (β=0.448, P<0.001) have indirect effect in the relationship between family-of-origin health status and marital adjustment. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be said that individual's experiences from the family-oforigin and personality factors may be associated with better or worse levels of marital adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, cobalt ferrite nanomaterial with inverse spinel structure was synthesized via a co-precipitation method using Co(NO3)3.6H2O and Fe(NO3)3.9H2O. A 15% NH4OH solution was used as an alkaline agent for pH adjustment. Oleic acid was used as a coating agent on the surface of the synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. PXRD analysis confirmed that the obtained material had a main CoFe2O4 cubic crystal structure with space group Fd-3m and lattice parameters a=b=c= 8.40 Å (JCPDS standard card no = 01-077-0426). According to the SEM analysis, the pseudo-spherical particles size distribution and morphology of the assynthesized nanomaterial were homogeneous. The magnetic behavior of the obtained material was analyzed by vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). Besides, anticancer effect of the as-synthesized cobalt ferrite nanoparticles was examined on an experimental model of acute myeloid leukemia (CML) K562 cell line for the first time. Inhibition of cell growth and cytotoxicity (apoptosis) that are characteristics features of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are tested on K562 cell line. The results showed growth and viability inhibition and induction of apoptosis in K562 cells treated with the nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sub-micrometer-sized CdS spheres were synthesized by hydrothermal and solvothermal reactions using Cd(NO3)2.4H2O and CH4N2S raw materials at a constant stoichiometric 1 : 2, Cd : S molar ratio. Various conditions such as solvent type (water and/or ethanol), reaction time and temperature were examined for the synthesis of the targets. The synthesized materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) technique and fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Crystal structure study was performed in a comparison mode to investigate the crystalline phase purity and growth of the obtained CdS materials when the reaction conditions were changed. The PXRD data indicated that the as-synthesized materials were crystallized well in a hexagonal crystal system with the space group P63mc. However, the crystal phase growth study showed that a cubic crystal system of CdS was obtained as a second crystal phase in the mixture. The morphologies of the synthesized materials were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) technique. The data showed that the reaction solvent had a critical influence on the morphology of the obtained materials. Ultraviolet-visible spectra showed that the synthesized CdS materials had strong light absorption in the ultraviolet-visible light regions. The calculated direct optical band gap energies of the obtained materials were in the ranges of 1.90-2.30 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis of Co(II) and Cr(III) Schiff base complexes obtained from thiourea. The complexes were synthesized by template method and characterized by elemental analysis (CHNS), FT-IR, UV- vis spectroscopy, conductivity measurement and magnetic moment. The spectroscopic studies suggested the octahedral and square-pyramidal structures for Co(II) and Cr(III) complexes, respectively. Then the complexes were used as precursors for preparation of Co3O4 and Cr2O3 nanoparticles via solid-state thermal decomposition without using a catalyst, toxic solvent, template or surfactant and complicated equipment, which makes it efficient, one-step, simple and environment-friendly. The chemical structure of the metal oxides is studied by FT-IR, XRD and SEM. To investigate the applications of the synthesized complexes, in the next step, the complexes were screened for antibacterial activity against clinically important bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. The Cr(III) and Co(II) complexes showed good biological activity against all the tested bacteria. Also, the catalytic activities of the complexes were studied in toluene using non-toxic hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant. The results showed that Co(II) complex has catalytic activity for oxidation of toluene, but Cr(III) complex did not show any catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Short tandem repeat (STR) loci are the most informative DNA genetic markers for attempting to individualize biological material for application in paternity and forensic cases. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected and the total genomic DNA was extracted. The DNA samples were used for genotyping VWA and TPOX STR loci using PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results: This report presents allele frequency data and parameters of biological or legal interest, such as heterozygosity value, polymorphic information content (PIC), genetic diversity index (GD) and population parameter (θ) in Arab and non-Arab population of Khuzestan province (Iran) for the loci VWA and TPOX. Blood samples (N= 392 for VWA and N=308 for TPOX) were collected from individuals unrelated throughout Khuzestan province. The loci were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and silver staining. Chi-square test showed that neither STR loci were in agreement with the Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium. Conclusion: The examined STR loci in this study have proven a relatively high genetic variation in the Iranian population. The data could be used for construction of a forensic genetic database for the Iranian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increased impedance to flow in the uterine arteries assessed by value of the Doppler is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, especially pre-eclampsia. We investigated the predictive value of a uterine artery Doppler in the identification of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as 'pre-eclampsia' and 'small fetus for gestational age' (SGA). Materials and Methods: Three hundred and MH seventy-nine women, with singleton pregnancy, between 18 and 40 years of age, without risk factors, randomly underwent Doppler interrogation of the uterine arteries, between 16-22 weeks of gestation. Those who had a mean pulsatility index (PI) of >1.45 were considered to have an abnormal result, and were evaluated and compared with those who had normal results for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and small for gestational age. The relationship between the variables was assessed with the use of the chi-square test. Results: There were 17 cases (4.5%) of abnormal uterine artery Doppler results and 15 of them (88.2%) developed pre-eclampsia and four cases (23.5%) had neonates small for gestational age. For predicting pre-eclampsia, the mean uterine artery PI had to be >1.45, had to have a specificity of 95.5% (95% CI, 70-92%), a sensitivity of 79% (95% CI, 43-82%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9% (95% CI, 72-96%), and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.2% (95% CI, 68-98%). In the case of 'small for gestational age' it had to have a specificity of 96.5% (95% CI, 42-68%), a sensitivity of 57% (95% CI, 53-76%), an NPV of 99.2% (95% CI, 70-92%), and a PPV of 23.5% (95% CI, 30-72%). Conclusion: Uterine artery Doppler evaluation at 16-22 weeks of gestation might be an appropriate tool for identifying pregnancies that may be at an increased risk for development of pre-eclampsia and small fetus for gestational age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In spite of the advances in therapeutic modalities, morbidity, due to multiple sclerosis (MS), still remains high. Therefore, a large body of research is endeavouring to discover or develop novel therapies with improved efficacy for treating MS patients. In the present study, we examined the immunomodulatory effects of apigenin (Api) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from MS patients. We also developed an acetylated form of Api (apigenin3-acetate) to improve In its blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Additionally, we compared its anti-inflammatory properties to original Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate (a standard therapy), as a potential option in treating MS patients. Materials and Methods: The current study was an experimental-interventional research. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate were determined in healthy volunteers’ PBMCs (n=3). Gene expressions of T-box transcription factor (TBX21 or T-bet) and IFN-γ, as well as proliferation of T cells isolated from MS patients’ PBMCs (n=5), were examined in co-cultures of apigenin-3-acetate, Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate after 48 hours of treatment, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Our findings showed that apigenin-3-acetate, apigenin, and methyl-prednisolone-acetate at concentrations of 80, 80, and 2.5 M could inhibit Th1 cell proliferation after 48 hours (P=0.001, P=0.036, and P=0.047, respectively); they also inhibited T-bet (P=0.015, P=0.019, and P=0.022) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) gene expressions (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that Api may have anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by inhibiting proliferation of IFN-producing Th1 cells. Moreover, comparative immunomodulatory effects were found for the acetylated version of apigenin-3-acetate versus Api and methyl-prednisolone-acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The responses of a polymer ridge waveguide Young interferometer with and without a bilayer of Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 , fabricated by atomic layer deposition, are studied and compared when applied as an aqueous chemical sensor. The phase shift of the guided mode, as a result of the change in refractive index of the cover medium, is monitored. The results indicate that the over-coating affects the linearity of the sensor response. The effect of concentration on the linearity of the sensor response is investigated by applying different concentrations of water-ethanol solution. Although the performance of the sensor is improved by the additional layers, the study reveals a non-monotonic behavior of the device. We show that it comes mainly from the adsorption of ethanol molecules on the surface of the films. Such an understanding of the platform is crucial for sensing of analytes involving polar molecules.

Linkage studies and epidemiological findings indicate that some possible genes in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar mood disorder (BPD) are common. Numerous evidences for linkage of two diseases on chromosome 22 have been found. These findings suggest that one or more genes in the 22q11.21 region may be involved in the development of both disorders. In the present case-control study, association between the mentioned disorders and a genetic polymorphism (rs165599) of catechol O- methyltransferase ( COMT , OMIM: 116790) was studied. Here 100 BPD patients, 100SCZ patients, and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. The samples were matched in terms of gender and ethnicity. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant association this polymorphism and risk of SCZ. The AG (OR=7.41, 95% CI: 3.21-17.1, P<0.001) and GG genotypes (OR=13.9, 95% CI: 5.61-34.4, P<0.001) increased the risk of SCZ compared with the GG genotypes. The AG (OR=14.3, 95% CI: 4.16-49.4, P<0.001) and AA genotypes (OR=54.2, 95% CI: 15.3-191, P<0.001) significantly associated with the risk of BPD. The risk of SCZ ( x 2 =37.4, P<0.001) and BPD ( x 2 =66.2, P<0.001) significantly increased as a function of numbers of the A allele. The present study revealed that this polymorphism associated with risks of SCZ, and BPD.