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Showing 6 results for Shirafkan


Volume 10, Issue 19 (9-2023)
Abstract

Translation is a skill aimed at rendering speech and conveying the meaning of a text from the source language to the target language, in a way that preserves all the objectives of the original text. To achieve a meaning close to that of the source language, especially in sacred texts like the Quran, reliance on available contextual clues and other auxiliary resources is indispensable.  The discrepancy among contemporary translators regarding the translation of verse 178 of Surah al-Baqarah (the verse on Qiṣāṣ – retribution) in the two phrases "Fa Ittibāʻun bil Maʻrūf" and "Fa man Iʻtadā baʻda Dhālik" is prominent, and the main reason for this difference stems from a lack of attention to the narrations of Ahl al-Bayt (AS). The present study, using a descriptive-analytical method, aims to evaluate the degree of conformity between contemporary translations of the verse on Qiṣāṣ and the statements of Ahl al-Bayt (AS).  By examining interpretive narrations and relevant translations, it becomes clear that the phrase "Fa Ittibāʻun bil Maʻrūf," according to the narrations, refers to the Responsible (Walī) of the victim, and its meaning is the appropriate adherence of the Walī to his right of blood money, i.e., to be lenient and not harsh with the killer. Similarly, the second phrase also pertains to the Walī, and the meaning of "Baʻda Dhālik" (after that) is the transgression and greed of the Walī after forgiveness and reconciliation with the killer. Some translations, however, have interpreted this part with a general and broad meaning.
 
Farshid Shirafkan, Sajjad Gharaghani,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (1-2023)
Abstract

Moonlight proteins are a subset of multifunctional proteins in which more than one independent or usually distinct function occurs in a single polypeptide chain. Analyzing the interactive networks of proteins in the cell makes it possible to understand how complex processes cause disease. With the help of systems biology, larger and more complex systems can be studied, and the molecular basis of several diseases can be considered. The proteins of the human organism that are moonlight are mostly involved in cancer, anemia, and neurodegeneration. In this work, we created a subnet according to the human PPI network, in which the nodes, the proteins that cause the three selected diseases, and the edges, are the connection of these proteins with each other. We measured the power of the indirect effects of non-disease mediators between the three disease groups and identified key disease-binding intermediate proteins. The results show the relationship between mediator role and centrality and between mediator role and functional properties of these proteins. We have shown that a protein that plays a key indirect mediator between two diseases is not necessarily a hub in the PPI network. Therefore, as hub proteins are considered, intermediate proteins should be considered. We have observed that the mediators between anemia and neurodegeneration diseases are functionally important in the cell. The mediator proteins suggested herein should be experimentally tested as hypothetical disease-related proteins.

Volume 13, Issue 5 (November & December 2022 (Articles in English & French) 2022)
Abstract

In today’s world of education, a successful teacher can be assumed to be the one who benefits from Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), which demands consideration of teachers’ beliefs about tasks. The present paper takes into account developing a questionnaire regarding teachers’ beliefs about tasks. To this end, 300 English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers from Mazandaran province participated in the study. The raw items for the questionnaire were collected by randomly interviewing 15 participant teachers and the related literature on teacher cognition research on TBLT. Then the items were factor-analyzed to develop the final version of the Teachers’ Beliefs on Task Questionnaire (TBTQ). Employing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) resulted in a six-factor structure including TBLT and teacher education, TBLT and the learners’ expectations, TBLT and challenges with Present-Practice-Produce (PPP) approach, TBLT and teachers' time limitations, TBLT and teachers’ characteristics, and the feasibility of TBLT resources. Findings revealed that although TBLT has been considered as an innovative approach due to its inspiration from Communicative Language Teaching (CLT), teachers’ attitudes towards TBLT implementation appear to have been taken for granted according to the components emerged from the factor analysis. It is suggested that TBTQ can be used in both foreign and second language contexts in order to identify different categories that can shape teachers’ beliefs about tasks and provide further pedagogical insights into designing and implementing tasks more effectively

Volume 25, Issue 4 (Fall 2022)
Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic neuropathic pain is a common complication of diabetes. While previous research has shown that direct administration of the neuropeptide orexin-A into the brain can elicit analgesic effects, the specific central nervous system regions and mechanisms mediating these pain-relieving actions remain incompletely characterized.
Methods: The current study used male Wistar rats to investigate the antinociceptive effects of administering orexin-A directly into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain, assessed via the tail-flick test performed 5 minutes post-injection. The experiments compared the effects of intra-vlPAG orexin-A administration in both healthy control and diabetic animal models.
Results: In the control groups, the analgesic effects of intra-vlPAG orexin-A were found to be sustained over the 1-hour observation period. Importantly, orexin-A elicited a rapid and potent analgesic response in the diabetic animal groups as well.
Conclusion: Collectively, these findings suggest a key functional role for the vlPAG orexinergic system in modulating pain tolerance, with implications for the potential therapeutic targeting of this system in the management of debilitating neuropathic pain conditions like diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
 

Volume 26, Issue 2 (Spring 2023)
Abstract

Introduction: Up to now, numerous neural circuits within the central nervous system have been identified as participants in the modulation of pain. Among these, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain stands out as a crucial component of the pain modulation network at supraspinal levels. Its involvement has been extensively characterized across various animal pain models. In this research, we focused on investigating the roles of orexin A and capsaicin receptors within this region in mediating antinociceptive responses.
Methods: In this study, male Wistar rats were utilized to explore the antinociceptive effects of administering orexin-A and capsaicin directly into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain. The substances were administered both separately and in combination. Then, their antinociceptive effects were assessed using the von Frey and hot plate tests post-injection. The experiments compared the outcomes of intra-vlPAG drug administration in both healthy control and diabetic animal models.
Results: Microinjections of orexin-A and capsaicin, whether administered individually or in combination directly into the PAG, failed to produce anti-nociceptive effects on mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia in both healthy and diabetic rats.
Conclusion: Acute microinjections of orexin-A and capsaicin did not produce significant anti-nociceptive effects in either healthy or kindled animal groups. To draw more accurate conclusions, it is recommended to investigate the long-term effects of these compounds as well.

Volume 26, Issue 3 (Summer 2023)
Abstract

Introduction: To date, a multitude of neural circuits within the central nervous system have been recognized for their roles in pain modulation. Notably, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain emerges as a pivotal element within the supraspinal pain modulation network. This region’s significance has been thoroughly documented across diverse animal pain models. In our study, we concentrated on exploring the functions of capsaicin receptors in this specific area, particularly their involvement in mediating antinociceptive effects.
Methods: In this study, male Wistar rats were utilized to examine the antinociceptive effects of capsaicin when directly administered into the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region of the midbrain. The efficacy of this intervention was evaluated using the tail-flick test, conducted five minutes after injection. The research compared the outcomes of intra-vlPAG capsaicin administration between healthy control rats and those with diabetes.
Results: In the control groups, capsaicin induced a swift and temporary analgesic effect, but it did not produce antinociceptive effects in diabetic rats.
Conclusion: Acute microinjections of capsaicin failed to elicit significant antinociceptive effects in the diabetic animal group. To derive more precise conclusions, it is advisable to also examine the long-term impacts of these compounds.
 

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