Evaluation of offspring sex ratio, sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes following exposure to methyl tertiary butyl ether in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats

Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is an oxygenated fuel additive which has been used widely in many parts of the world. This experiment was performed to determine the effect of MTBE on offspring sex ratio, sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes. A total of 20 adult Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into four groups and received 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day MTBE by gavages for 30 consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken for determination of sex hormones and antioxidant enzymes. Then, male rats were mated with healthy unexposed female rats and sex of offspring was determined after birth. Sex ratio was 0.48, 0.50, 0.43 and 0.50 in 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg/day MTBE groups, respectively (P = 0.91). There was significant decreasing trend for luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone in experimental groups (rs = -0.50, P = 0.030 and rs = -0.67, P = 0.002, respectively). No changes were observed for superoxide dismutase. However, decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) was observed in all treatment groups compared with control which was significant in 400 mg/kg/day MTBE group (P = 0.016). The present study showed that paternal exposure to oral MTBE has no effect on offspring sex ratio; while, MTBE exposure could exert dose-dependent changes in serum testosterone and LH in treatment groups. The results of the present study, need to be clarified in the future studies

International standards of investment in international arbitration procedure and investment treaties

Due to the significant importance of foreign investment in the economic growth of countries, especially developing countries, the purpose of this research is to review the international standards of investment in international arbitration procedures and investment treaties which have been very effective in removing investment barriers, as well as protecting and attracting more foreign investors in host states. The research method used in this research is descriptive-analytical using library resources. The present study, by describing and analyzing concepts and examples and methods of enforcement of international standards of investment in bilateral and multilateral investment treaties as well as the international arbitration procedure, has concluded that these standards are very flexible and dynamic, and they evolve over time

The effects of Portulaca oleracea L (purslane) on psychologic symptoms and malondialdehyde level in schizophrenic patients

Background and Aim: Despite the availability of antipsychotic drugs, a large number of patients with schizophrenia do not show a good response to monotherapy with these drugs. In this study we evaluated the effect of purslane on psychologic symptoms and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in schizophrenic patients in Sina Hospital. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was carried out on 60 chronic schizophrenic patients treated with risperidone in Sina Hospital in Joneghan, Iran between 2011 and 2012. Patients were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The control group received risperidone 6mg/day and biperiden 4mg/day for 8 weeks. The Patients in the intervention group received 1g extract of purslane daily in addition to risperidone and biperiden for 8 weeks. The scales for assessment of positive symptoms (SAPS), assessment of negative symptoms (SANS) and MDA level were recorded at the baseline and at the end of the 8th week of study. Data analysis was performed by using mean, SD, student t-test and paired t- test. Results: At the end of the study, the respective mean scores of positive symptoms were 47.93±18.56 in the intervention and 57.1±14.83 in the control group (P<0.05), and the mean scores of negative symptoms were 40.83±11.03 in the intervention and 46.13± 9.34 in the control group (P<0.05).In addition, the MDA levels of the patients in the intervention and control groups were 3.25±1.25 and 5.43± 1.76 respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to findings of this study, simultaneous use of purslane and respridone can lead to improvement of psychological condition and decreased MDA level in the patients with chronic schizophrenia

Geoquímica del rango volcánico alcalino del eoceno medio-superior, parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, norte de Irán

The Ziaran volcanic Belt (ZVB), North of Iran contains a number of intra-continental alkaline volcanic range situated on South part of central Alborz Mountains, formed along the localized extensional basins developed in relation with the compressional regime of Eocene. The mid-upper Eocene volcanic suite comprises the extracted melt products of adiabatic decompression melting of the mantle that are represented by small volume intra-continental plate volcanic rocks of alkaline volcanism and their evaluated Rocks with compositions representative of mantle-derived, primary (or near-primary) melts. Trace element patterns with significant enrichment in LILE, HFSE and REEs, relative to Primitive Mantle. Chondrite-normalized of rare earth elements and enrichment in incompatible elements and their element ratios (e. g. LREE/HREE, MREE/HREE, LREE/MREE) shown these element modelling indicates that the magmas were generated by comparably variable degrees of partial melting of garnet lherzolite and a heterogeneous asthenospheric, OIB mantle sources.El cinturón volcánico de Ziaran (ZVB), al norte de Irán, contiene una serie de cordilleras volcánicas alcalinas intracontinentales situadas en la parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, formadas a lo largo de las cuencas extensionales localizadas desarrolladas en relación con el régimen de compresión del Eoceno. La suite volcánica del Eoceno medio superior comprende los productos de fusión extraídos de la fusión por descompresión adiabática del manto que están representados por rocas volcánicas de placa intracontinental de pequeño volumen de vulcanismo alcalino y sus rocas evaluadas con composiciones representativas de las rocas derivadas del manto, primarias (o cercanas). -primaria) se derrite. Patrones de oligoelementos con enriquecimiento significativo en LILE, HFSE y REE, en relación con Primitive Mantle. Condrita normalizada de elementos de tierras raras y enriquecimiento en elementos incompatibles y sus proporciones de elementos (por ejemplo, LREE / HREE, MREE / HREE, LREE / MREE) que muestra el modelado de estos elementos indica que los magmas se generaron por grados comparativamente variables de fusión parcial de granate lherzolita y fuentes de manto OIB astenosféricas heterogéneas

Geoquímica del rango volcánico alcalino del eoceno medio-superior, parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, norte de Irán

The Ziaran volcanic Belt (ZVB), North of Iran contains a number of intra-continental alkaline volcanic range situated on South part of central Alborz Mountains, formed along the localized extensional basins developed in relation with the compressional regime of Eocene. The mid-upper Eocene volcanic suite comprises the extracted melt products of adiabatic decompression melting of the mantle that are represented by small volume intra-continental plate volcanic rocks of alkaline volcanism and their evaluated Rocks with compositions representative of mantle-derived, primary (or near-primary) melts. Trace element patterns with significant enrichment in LILE, HFSE and REEs, relative to Primitive Mantle. Chondrite-normalized of rare earth elements and enrichment in incompatible elements and their element ratios (e. g. LREE/HREE, MREE/HREE, LREE/MREE) shown these element modelling indicates that the magmas were generated by comparably variable degrees of partial melting of garnet lherzolite and a heterogeneous asthenospheric, OIB mantle sources.El cinturón volcánico de Ziaran (ZVB), al norte de Irán, contiene una serie de cordilleras volcánicas alcalinas intracontinentales situadas en la parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, formadas a lo largo de las cuencas extensionales localizadas desarrolladas en relación con el régimen de compresión del Eoceno. La suite volcánica del Eoceno medio superior comprende los productos de fusión extraídos de la fusión por descompresión adiabática del manto que están representados por rocas volcánicas de placa intracontinental de pequeño volumen de vulcanismo alcalino y sus rocas evaluadas con composiciones representativas de las rocas derivadas del manto, primarias (o cercanas). -primaria) se derrite. Patrones de oligoelementos con enriquecimiento significativo en LILE, HFSE y REE, en relación con Primitive Mantle. Condrita normalizada de elementos de tierras raras y enriquecimiento en elementos incompatibles y sus proporciones de elementos (por ejemplo, LREE / HREE, MREE / HREE, LREE / MREE) que muestra el modelado de estos elementos indica que los magmas se generaron por grados comparativamente variables de fusión parcial de granate lherzolita y fuentes de manto OIB astenosféricas heterogéneas

The Petrology of Ziyran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) Eocene Volcanic Rocks

The Ziyaran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) is located in the southern part of central Alborz and in the Ziyaran area. The geology of this layer includes various kinds of stone units. In the north, they are the reminder of Cenozoic, quaternary deposits, and in the western part, the exposure stone units are mostly Precambrian and Paleozoic deposits and in the south-eastern part of the studied area, the stones belong to the Mesozoic era and specifically, the sediments belong to the Jurassic era are exposed. Also, the basic volcanic rocks that belong to the Eocene period are located in the Ziyaran area, in the western part of Taleqan County and in the Alborz state. This study aimed to evaluate the petrology of Ziyaran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) Eocene volcanic rocks. For this purpose, which is mostly focused on the study of Cretaceous stones in the central Alborz zone, sampling of the stones in the intended area was performed with the survey and field methods and for 120 samples. After the preparation of the thin layer from the well and without alteration samples, they were examined with petrography and petrology tests. The results of the petrology studies of the volcanic rocks of the Ziyaran area expressed that the basic volcanic rocks in the intermediate area with the intermediate- upper chemical composition of Eocene Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) located in the central zone of Alborz heights, with lithology composition of Alkali olivine basalts and Andesite

The Petrology of Ziyran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) Eocene Volcanic Rocks

The Ziyaran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) is located in the southern part of central Alborz and in the Ziyaran area. The geology of this layer includes various kinds of stone units. In the north, they are the reminder of Cenozoic, quaternary deposits, and in the western part, the exposure stone units are mostly Precambrian and Paleozoic deposits and in the south-eastern part of the studied area, the stones belong to the Mesozoic era and specifically, the sediments belong to the Jurassic era are exposed. Also, the basic volcanic rocks that belong to the Eocene period are located in the Ziyaran area, in the western part of Taleqan County and in the Alborz state. This study aimed to evaluate the petrology of Ziyaran Volcanic Belt (ZVB) Eocene volcanic rocks. For this purpose, which is mostly focused on the study of Cretaceous stones in the central Alborz zone, sampling of the stones in the intended area was performed with the survey and field methods and for 120 samples. After the preparation of the thin layer from the well and without alteration samples, they were examined with petrography and petrology tests. The results of the petrology studies of the volcanic rocks of the Ziyaran area expressed that the basic volcanic rocks in the intermediate area with the intermediate- upper chemical composition of Eocene Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) located in the central zone of Alborz heights, with lithology composition of Alkali olivine basalts and Andesite

Geoquímica del rango volcánico alcalino del eoceno medio-superior, parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, norte de Irán

El cinturón volcánico de Ziaran (ZVB), al norte de Irán, contiene una serie de cordilleras volcánicas alcalinas intracontinentales situadas en la parte sur de las montañas centrales de Alborz, formadas a lo largo de las cuencas extensionales localizadas desarrolladas en relación con el régimen de compresión del Eoceno. La suite volcánica del Eoceno medio superior comprende los productos de fusión extraídos de la fusión por descompresión adiabática del manto que están representados por rocas volcánicas de placa intracontinental de pequeño volumen de vulcanismo alcalino y sus rocas evaluadas con composiciones representativas de las rocas derivadas del manto, primarias (o cercanas). -primaria) se derrite. Patrones de oligoelementos con enriquecimiento significativo en LILE, HFSE y REE, en relación con Primitive Mantle. Condrita normalizada de elementos de tierras raras y enriquecimiento en elementos incompatibles y sus proporciones de elementos (por ejemplo, LREE / HREE, MREE / HREE, LREE / MREE) que muestra el modelado de estos elementos indica que los magmas se generaron por grados comparativamente variables de fusión parcial de granate lherzolita y fuentes de manto OIB astenosféricas heterogéneas

Validating Islamic Questionnaire of Identifying God’s Traits in Human

For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Background and Objective: In Islamic approach profound belief in God’s traits has an important effect on development of personality. Based on Islamic teachings, the function of appearing God’s traits in life is twofold. First, it makes individuals resilient to the pressure of life and crisis. Second, a model of identification paves the way for human to achieve his ultimate goal and self-actualization. This study aims to introduce a new tool for assessment of individuals’ identification with God’s traits.Method: This fundamental research was conducted as a survey. To collect the data, all God’s traits were first gathered from Islamic text books. As the next step, collected traits were reviewed and modified based on various criteria. Finally, 53 traits were extracted and designed as a questionnaire with Likert scale. As for the sample, Random Stratified Sampling was used. 400 individuals who were from different socio-economic levels completed the questionnaire (71.5% urban area, 25.8% rural area, Male=50%, Female=50%). To determine reliability and validity, the data were analyzed using: Cronbach's alpha, Bartlett's Test, Factor Analysis, Conduct validity, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin. All ethical issues were observed in this research and the researchers declared no conflict of interests.Results: According to Spearman Correlation, validity was .88% (P&lt;.001) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 95%. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was calculated for sampling adequacy which was reported to be .93% (.000).Conclusion: Findings revealed that this questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be utilized to assess individuals’ identification with God’s traits.For downloading the full-text of this article please click here.Please cite this article as: Ansari Z, Salek L, MousaviE, Asgharnejad Farid AA. Validating Islamic Questionnaire of Identifying God’s Traits in Human. J Res Relig Health. 2018; 4(3): 56- 69

Effect of Portulaca oleracea L vice versa silver sulfadiazine on burn wound healing in Balb/c mice

Background and aim: The effect of herbal medicine with antitoxidant activity on burn wound healing has been proven in various studies. Portulaca oleracea L (Purslane) is a rich source of antioxidants and fatty acids. This study was carried out to compare the effect of purslane and silver on the second-degree burn wound healing in Balb/c mice. Methods: In this preclinical study, burn wounds were made with a hot plate on the back of 85 Balb/c mice. Four groups of mice were treated topically for 21 days by vaseline, silver salfadiazin, 1% and 10% purslane. Wound size on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 were measured. Data were analyzed using Kruskal- Wallis and test. Results: Results showed that the recovery was observed in silver group, 10% purslane, 1% purslane and vaseline, respectively. There was no significant difference in burn wound healing between silver and 10% purslane groups on days 14 and 21 (P>0.05), but significant difference between vaseline and 10% purslane groups on days 14 and 21 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Regarding to the finding of this study, extracts of 10% purslane expedites the wound healing process in mice. Therefor, it might be beneficial in patients with burn wound