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Abstract Background Congenital toxoplasmosis occurs when a pregnant woman becomes infected with Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) for the first time. Treatment typically involves antimicrobial medications, with spiramycin commonly used to prevent transmission. However, spiramycin's effectiveness is limited due to poor placental penetration. Clindamycin, another antibiotic, can cross the placenta but reaches the fetus at only half the maternal concentration. Encapsulating the drug in chitosan-coated niosomes (Cs-Nio) could enhance its effectiveness by targeting specific organs and ensuring sustained release. To address the challenges of using clindamycin, a niosome-coated chitosan system was investigated for treating congenital toxoplasmosis caused by the VEG strain of T. gondii in an animal model. Methods Pregnant mice were infected with VEG strain of T. gondii on the 12th day of pregnancy, followed by treatment with various drugs across six groups. The treatments included chitosan-coated niosomes loaded clindamycin (Cs-Nio-Cli) and other controls. Parasitological evaluations (microscopic examination and real-time PCR), along with histopathological and immunological assessments were conducted to assess treatment efficacy. Finally, statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 8.0 and SPSS 26, comparing test and control groups with T test and Mann–Whitney test. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that treatment with Cs-Nio-Cli significantly reduced the number of T. gondii cysts in the brain and eyes (97.59% and 92.68%, respectively) compared to the negative control group. It also mitigated inflammatory changes, prevented cell death, and reduced vascular cuffs in the brain. In addition, Cs-Nio-Cli treatment decreased bleeding, placental thrombosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the placenta while improving eye tissue health by reducing retinal folds and bleeds. Immunologically, nanoclindamycin treatment resulted in lower TNF-α cytokine levels and higher IL-10 levels, indicating an enhanced anti-inflammatory response. Conclusions Although Cs-Nio-Cli demonstrates promise in reducing the transmission of congenital toxoplasmosis and mitigating the effects of congenital toxoplasmosis, additional research is necessary to determine the optimal treatment regimens for the complete eradication of the parasite in the fetus.

Abstract One of the important problems in the environment is heavy metal pollution, and fluorescence is one of the best methods for their detection due to its sensitivity, selectivity, and relatively rapid and easy operation. In this study, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene functionalized super-stable mesoporous silica (DAN-LUS-1) was synthesized and used as a fluorescence probe to identify Hg2+ and Fe3+ in food samples. The TGA and FT-IR spectra illustrated that 1,8-diaminonaphthalene was grafted into LUS-1. XRD patterns verified that the LUS-1 and functionalized mesoporous silica have a hexagonal symmetrical array of nano-channels. SEM images showed that the rod-like morphology of LUS-1 was preserved in DAN-LUS-1. Also, surface area and pore diameter decreased from 824 m2 g⁻1 and 3.61 nm for the pure LUS-1 to 748 m2 g⁻1 and 3.43 nm for the DAN-LUS-1, as determined by N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms. This reduction demonstrated that 1,8-diaminonaphthalene immobilized into the pore of LUS-1. The DAN-LUS-1 fluorescence properties as a chemical sensor were studied with a 340/407 nm excitation/emission wavelength that was quenched by Hg2+ and Fe3+ ions. Hg2+ and Fe3+ were quantified using the fluorescence response in the working range 8.25–13.79 × 10–6 and 3.84–10.71 × 10–6 mol/L, with detection limits of 8.5 × 10–8 M and 1.3 × 10–7 M, respectively. Hg2+ and Fe3+ were measured in vetiver grass and spinach. Since the Fe3+ quenching can move in the opposite direction with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) as a hiding compound for Fe3+, consequently, the circuit logic system was established with Fe3+, Hg2+, and SHMP as inputs and the fluorescent quench as the output.

In the present study, the integration of electrochemically mediated amine regeneration (EMAR) with amine thermal swing process is investigated as a novel method for CO2 capture, utilizing experimental practical data. The aim is to increase the absorption-desorption temperature difference in order to improve the energy efficiency of the capture process and hamper the amine degradation issue at high desorption temperatures. A comprehensive experimental procedure is presented, and an experimental process setup is designed and constructed. As the main novelty of the study a special heating-cooling subsystem is incorporated with the base EMAR process in order to devise a combined electrochemical-thermal system. The performance of the system is evaluated at sequential incremental desorption temperatures while the absorption temperature is kept constant. Relevant data, including the desorbed CO2 flow, absorbed CO2 flow, stream points temperature, and cell voltage are collected. Based on the data collected, two performance parameters are calculated, including normalized carbon separation work, and CO2 desorption density. Based on these performance parameters the system's capability is assessed, and the optimal desorption temperature is ultimately selected. The presented electrochemical-thermal CO2 separation system, operating with a chloride salt system, demonstrates its best energetics performance at a desorption temperature of 44 °C, resulting in a normalized capture work of 95.2 kJ/molCO2. Under these optimal conditions, the cell's average voltage is measured to be 0.37 V, and the CO2 desorption density is determined to be 0.71 l.min−1.m−2.

Abstract In this study, the deep learning algorithm of Convolutional Neural Network long short-term memory (CNN–LSTM) is used to classify various jewelry rocks such as agate, turquoise, calcites, and azure from various historical periods and styles related to Shahr-e Sokhteh. Here, the CNN–LSTM architecture includes utilizing CNN layers for the extraction of features from input data mixed with LSTMs for supporting sequence forecasting. It should be mentioned that interpretable deep learning-assisted laser induced breakdown spectroscopy helped achieve excellent performance. For the first time, this paper interprets the Convolutional LSTM effectiveness layer by layer in self-adaptively obtaining LIBS features and the quantitative data of major chemical elements in jewelry rocks. Moreover, Lasso method is applied on data as a factor for investigation of interoperability. The results demonstrated that LIBS can be essentially combined with a deep learning algorithm for the classification of different jewelry songs. The proposed methodology yielded high accuracy, confirming the effectiveness and suitability of the approach in the discrimination process.

The real and symbolic tale of the encounter between Prophet Moses and Prophet Khidr in verses 60 to 82 of Surah Al-Kahf presents an inner, spiritual, and ascendant journey towards perfection. Beyond its artistic aspects, the narrative has been interpreted from an Anfusi perspective, exploring various dimensions. Artistic interpreters have highlighted some of these enigmatic signs in Quranic visual art, while introspective interpreters, aligning these concepts with the inner world of humans, have unveiled its secrets beautifully. This descriptive-analytical-comparative study, employing artistic elements such as principles of imagery and artistic devices like dialogue and character portrayal, along with the utilization of Anfusi interpretation involving mystical insights from within the Quran and the interpretation of verses, aims to reveal the truths behind the meanings of this mysterious story. The findings suggest that the meanings of words in this narrative, such as Moses, Fata, the junction of the two seas, servant, ship, boy, and wall, are not merely confined to their apparent meanings. Instead, infused with vitality, movement, and color, these words resonate within hearts and minds. However, artistic interpretation elucidates reality, not imagination, as falsehood does not exist in the Quran. Anfusi interpreters consider this story as a cryptic narrative, interpreting its verses to unveil the states of the human soul and aligning them with the stages of spiritual journeying. Thus, the relationship between the outward and inward aspects of the Quran is not contradictory; rather, a strong conceptual connection exists.

The exploitation of nanofluids is the most noteworthy way to make better the rate of heat transfer in solar collectors. Moreover, recently utilizing thermoelectric generators are widely studied to direct the conversion of heat into electricity. The objective of the present study is to deal with a novel multigeneration system that includes a nanofluid-based parabolic trough collector integrated with a quadruple effect absorption refrigeration cycle (cooling), a thermoelectric generator (power), a PEM electrolyzer (hydrogen), vapor generator and domestic water heater. A parametric study is accomplished to consider the effect of significant parameters such as the volume concentration of nanoparticles, solar radiation, absorption system’s generator load, strong solution concentration, and TEG’s figure of merit on the overall system performance, hydrogen production rate, cooling load, COP and useful energy obtained by the collector. It is observed that the power generated by the system is 18.78 kW and the collector energy and exergy efficiency are 82.21% and 80.48%, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that the highest exergy destruction rate occurs in the solar system at the rate of 4461 kW. The energy and exergy COPs of the absorption chiller are discovered to be 1.527 and 0.936, respectively. By increasing the concentration of nanoparticles and the amount of solar radiation, the amount of collector useful energy increases while the hydrogen production rate and the generated power in the TEG decreased. The cooling capacity and COPs of the absorption system increased with an increase in VHTG load and decreased with an increase in concentration of the strong solution.

The present study simulates Invelox in a three-dimensional and stable way. The flow regime is turbulent flow and an unorganized grid with 350000 cells was utilized. This work has studied the modeling of invelox with conventional dimensions and four different sizes in the form of four modes for use in a residential building. The numerical data with an error of less than 6% are in good agreement with the available experimental and analytical data. The results show that considering the average velocity of mode 2 with a velocity of 6.54 m/s and a 5% difference from the other two modes, it can be operated in a residential building. It is worth noting that in this investigation, in addition, the effect of dust on the turbine performance was evaluated. The results represent that the oscillation frequency of the blades increases with the increase of the rotational speed. In the case of not considering dust particles on blades, this amount increases by 25%, while considering dust particles with an amount of 0.1%, it increases up to 300%, and this can cause irreparable damage to the turbine as well as the power generation system.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is utilized for risk appraisal in various domains. In the FMEA methodology, each failure mode is evaluated by considering three risk factors: severity (S), occurrence (O), and detection (D). Subsequently, the Risk Priority Number (RPN) is obtained by multiplying these listed factors. This study introduces the Deviation Value Step-Wise Method (DVSM) as a new mathematical model for determining the scores of the SOD factors. This methodology consists of three main steps. Firstly, the FMEA technique is used to identify failure modes. Then, the DVSM is employed to assign weights to the SOD components. In this step, relative importance is determined based on linguistic variables. The third step involves ranking failure modes using the weighted RPN. Two general examples and a case study of two-pipe heat exchanger failure modes are considered to validate the proposed model and test the obtained results. The results demonstrate that the suggested approach has enhanced the overall prioritization of failure modes. This enables the Decision-Maker (DM) to identify primary failure modes and formulate corrective/preventive actions. Finally, both sensitivity analysis and energy efficiency investigation have been performed.

Briquettes as a product of biomass compaction is considered a renewable product for replacing fossil fuels. Briquettes can be produced from several sources using the development of technology. In this study, the effect of walnut shells as an organic binder on the properties of biofuel briquettes made of industrial and garden wastes was investigated. Cylindrical briquettes from walnut shell flour with weight ratios of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25% were prepared from industrial sawdust and ground garden residue with a weight ratio of 50/50. Briquettes were compacted under a temperature of 170 °C and pressure of 150 kg/cm2 for 30 s. Results indicated that the chemical analyses of compounds, compaction ratio, and density of the briquettes containing different proportions of walnut shells were not significantly different. The lowest fixed carbon was measured for briquettes containing 5% of walnut shell, and increasing the ratio of walnut shell significantly increased the compressive strength of the resulting briquette.

The research examines how silica aerogel and paraffin behaved as phase-change materials in thermal energy storage systems using CuO nanoparticles. The significance is in meeting the need for effective energy storage techniques in response to increasing air pollution levels and rising conventional fuel expenses. The study used molecular dynamics simulations to examine the atomic and thermal properties of a silica aerogel/paraffin/CuO nanostructure within a cylindrical duct. This modeling setup allows for a comprehensive exploration of the interactions among different materials within the thermal energy storage system, offering insights into their combined effects on thermal performance and efficiency. Key results include a nanostructure reaching a maximum (Max) velocity (Velo), temperature (Temp), and density of 0.0096 Å/fs, 626 K, and 0.1365 atom/Å3. The thermal performance represented a sample exhibiting a thermal conductivity and heat flux of 1.74 W/m.K and 66.43 W/m2. The significance of this study utilizing the proposed model lied in its potential to advance our understanding of thermal energy storage systems and their applications. Through an examination of the atomic and thermal behavior of silica aerogel/PCM when CuO nanoparticles were present in a cylinder duct, this study made a valuable contribution to the advancement of energy storage solutions that were both more efficient and effective. The findings of this study may serve as a potential for innovative developments in thermal energy storage and aid in the creation of more environmentally friendly and functional energy solutions.

Abstract Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an immune-related demyelinating defect. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) might influence the pathobiology and progression of NMOSD. The current study assessed expression level of NEAT1, PANDAR, MEG3 and TUG1 lncRNAs in the peripheral blood of NMOSD patients compared with healthy individuals. All mentioned lncRNAs were shown to be over-expressed in total NMOSD cases, male NMOSD cases and female NMOSD cases compared with the matching control subgroups. MEG3 had the most robust over-expression in patients subgroups compared with normal subjects. There was no noteworthy difference in the expression of any of lncRNAs between female and male patients. MEG3 had an ideal performance in the differentiation of NMOSD cases from healthy persons (Sensitivity and specificity values = 100%). Other lncRNAs could also efficiently separate NMOSD cases from control subjects (AUC values = 0.97, 0.89 and 0.88 for PANDAR, NEAT1 and TUG1, respectively). Cumulatively, NEAT1, PANDAR, MEG3 and TUG1 lncRNAs can be considered as appropriate disease markers for NMOSD.

In the near future, hydrogen is expected to become a significant fuel that will largely contribute to the quality of atmospheric air. Hydrogen global production has so far been dominated by fossil fuels. Pure hydrogen is also produced by electrolysis of water, an energy demanding process. In this study a novel multigeneration system is introduced using nanofluid in the solar system. The proposed system includes a quadruple effect absorption refrigeration cycle, a thermoelectric generator, a PEM electrolyzer, vapor generator and domestic water heater. A parametric study is accomplished to consider the effect of significant parameters on the efficiency of the system. It is observed that the power generated by the system is 18.78 kW and the collector energy and exergy efficiency are 82.21% and 80.48%, respectively. Furthermore, the results showed that the highest exergy destruction rate occurs in the solar system at the rate of 4461 kW. The energy and exergy COPs of the absorption chiller are discovered to be 1.527 and 0.936, respectively. The amount of hydrogen production rate decreases by increasing the volume concentration of the nanoparticles, the solar radiation and the figure of merit index.

This study addresses the challenge of differentiating between bipolar disorder II (BD II) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), which is complicated by overlapping symptoms. To overcome this, a multimodal machine learning approach was employed, incorporating both electroencephalography (EEG) patterns and cognitive abnormalities for enhanced classification. Data were collected from 45 participants, including 20 with BD II and 25 with BPD. Analysis involved utilizing EEG signals and cognitive tests, specifically the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and Integrated Cognitive Assessment. The k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm achieved a balanced accuracy of 93%, with EEG features proving to be crucial, while cognitive features had a lesser impact. Despite the strengths, such as diverse model usage, it's important to note limitations, including a small sample size and reliance on DSM diagnoses. The study suggests that future research should explore multimodal data integration and employ advanced techniques to improve classification accuracy and gain a better understanding of the neurobiological distinctions between BD II and BPD.

We investigated age-related trends in the topology and hierarchical organization of brain structural and functional networks using diffusion-weighted imaging and resting-state fMRI data from a large cohort of healthy aging adults. At the cross-modal level, we explored age-related patterns in the RC involvement of different functional subsystems using a high-resolution functional parcellation. We further assessed age-related differences in the structure–function coupling as well as the network vulnerability to damage to rich club connectivity.Regardless of age, the structural and functional brain networks exhibited a rich club organization and small-world topology. In older individuals, we observed reduced integration and segregation within the frontal-occipital regions and the cerebellum along the brain's medial axis. Additionally, functional brain networks displayed decreased integration and increased segregation in the prefrontal, centrotemporal, and occipital regions, and the cerebellum. In older subjects, structural networks also exhibited decreased within-network and increased between-network RC connectivity. Furthermore, both within-network and between-network RC connectivity decreased in functional networks with age. An age-related decline in structure–function coupling was observed within sensory-motor, cognitive, and subcortical networks. The structural network exhibited greater vulnerability to damage to RC connectivity within the language-auditory, visual, and subcortical networks. Similarly, for functional networks, increased vulnerability was observed with damage to RC connectivity in the cerebellum, language-auditory, and sensory-motor networks. Overall, the network vulnerability decreased significantly in subjects older than 70 in both networks. Our findings underscore significant age-related differences in both brain functional and structural RC connectivity, with distinct patterns observed across the adult lifespan.

Abstract Background Breath‐holding spells (BHS) are common in infancy and early childhood and may appear like seizures. Factors such as autonomic dysfunction and iron deficiency anemia are thought to contribute to the incidence of BHS. In this study, electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters of patients with BHS were compared to those of healthy, normal children. Logistic regression and machine‐learning (ML) models were then created to predict these spells based on ECG characteristics. Methods In this case–control study, 52 BHS children have included as the case and 150 healthy children as the control group. ECG was taken from all children along with clinical examinations. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to predict BHS occurrence based on ECG parameters. ML model was trained and validated using the Gradient‐Boosting algorithm, in the R programming language. Results In BHS and control groups, the average age was 11.90 ± 6.63 and 11.33 ± 6.17 months, respectively (p = .58). Mean heart rate, PR interval, and QRS interval on ECGs did not differ significantly between the two groups. BHS patients had significantly higher QTc, QTd, TpTe, and TpTe/QT (all p‐values

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on the structural properties of whey protein concentrate (WPC) and guar gum mixture has been investigated at pH 5. WPC (6 % w/v) and guar gum (0.25 % w/v) mixture was freeze dried after adjusting pH and treated at different pressure levels (0–600 MPa) for 0–30 min. The solubility of treated powders decreased significantly (p

With the increasing use of composites in medicine, the use of biocompatible composites of short fibers as fixtures for broken bones has also found its place. This paper uses damage mechanics to optimize a composite fixture for a wrist fracture - a fracture of the distal radius - to delay damage in the fixture. To model the fixture behavior, a model with two stages of homogenization as well as continuous Lemaitre damage is used to predict the damage. In this modeling, Mori-Tanaka homogenization is used to homogenize the grain hardness modulus and the Voight model is used for homogenizing the composite. The introduced algorithm for the numerical implementation of the two-stage homogenization model could easily be used to predict damage in other short fiber composites. After verifying the model presented in a valid fixture, the geometric shape of this fixture has been optimized. The research results show the proposed model; It is an efficient model for predicting damage in short fiber composite plates and can be used to optimize fixtures without clinical and experimental tests.

Key Clinical Message Although gastro‐pleural fistulas after bariatric surgeries are rare, they are life‐threatening complications that should be suspected in patients who present with gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms after bariatric surgery. Abstract Previous studies showed an incidence rate of 0.2%–0.37% for gastro‐pleural fistulas after bariatric surgery. We report a 56‐year‐old female with a rare presentation of gastro‐pleural fistula after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, simultaneous fistula of the gastric pouch, and remnant to the pleural space.

Background & Objectives: Papillomaviruses are found in many different types of infections and in a wide range of animals and humans. They can cause health problems, including benign and malignant tumors. In the present study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and breast cancer (BC) in Iran was investigated. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the presence of the HPV genome was investigated in BC-suspected tissues for the first time in Qom Province, Iran. A total of 400 samples (including 200 BC-suspected tissue samples and 200 blood samples of women without BC) were collected from women referred to two cancer-specific general hospitals. To determine the presence of the L1 gene of HPV in the collected samples, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Then, HPV-positive samples were tested by PCR using high-risk specific HPV-16 and 18 primers. Results: Out of 200 BC-suspected tissue samples, 172 were malignant (in terms of pathology). Based on the nested PCR method, the L1 gene of HPV was detected in 12% (24/200) of the BC-suspected tissue samples and in 1.5% (3/200) of the blood samples from women without BC. The high-risk HPV genotypes (which were the predominant types) were present in 75% of the samples. Conclusion: The results of the current study show a high frequency of HPV-16 and 18 genotypes in human BC in Iranian women. This is almost certainly due to poor rates of HPV vaccination, and it is strongly recommended that health organizations (such as the World Health Organization [WHO]) ensure adequate coverage of highly effective HPV vaccination in Iran.

Aim and Introduction The health and food security of a country depends on the production of the agricultural sector, and any disturbance in the production process of this sector can threaten the food security of households. Among the challenges affecting the agricultural sector, climate change is of double importance due to its direct impact on crop yield and water resources. The occurrence of climate change through changes in the supply and price of crops, overshadows the producer surplus in this sector. This is despite the fact that, according to previous studies, climate change in the coming decades will be a visible phenomenon in most plains of Iran, and this issue will have negative consequences on water resources and, as a result, on the production of crops and food security. Therefore, considering the importance of food supply in the process of economic development, it is necessary to investigate the impact of food security on climate change and the welfare effects of this phenomenon in Iran. According to this approach, in the present study, the potential effects of different climatic scenarios on the cultivation pattern of the Hamadan-Bahar plain, considering 2018 as the base year, were investigated, and the impact of water resources, production, income and food security in the agricultural sector of this plain was evaluated. Methodology In this study, the dynamic positive mathematical programming(PMP) approach in endogenous price conditions was used. The experimental model, consisting of 18 crops and two types of irrigation technologies, was developed based on the information of 2018 as the base year and in a 20-year planning horizon. This model's objective function is to maximize the present value of net farm income. Resource constraints used in the experimental model include water, land, capital, labor, and chemical fertilizers, with chemical fertilizer restrictions repeated for each nitrogen, phosphate, and potash fertilizers. Finally, the GAMS software and CONOPT3 algorithm were used for data analysis. In the meteorological dimension of the model, the climatic measurement of rainfall was studied in the form of SSP climatic scenarios. Accordingly, the rate of evapotranspiration of crops and, consequently, the production and yield of crops in the region due to climate change were estimated and integrated into the PMP model. Each of these relationships is responsible for providing some of the information needed in the experimental research model. Finally, the dynamic endogenous price optimization framework was estimated as a unit pattern. After evaluating the changes in the income of farmer households and crop pattern in the face of climate change, the food security index was calculated in the different climate scenarios. In the final stage of the research, management strategies were evaluated in the agricultural sector of the Hamadan-Bahar plain to reduce the negative effects of climate change on the food security. Results and Discussion The results showed that the annual cumulative rainfall values of the Hamadan-Bahar plain in the next 20-year period would have a decreasing trend in all climate scenarios, so that in the SSP1, SSP2 and SSP3 scenarios, the average rainfall would be 303, 272 and 252 mm, respectively. Meanwhile, the amount of precipitation in the base year of this research (2018) is reported as 323 mm. Also, the results showed that with the considering an optimistic approach in predicting climate changes (SSP2 scenario), along with the increase of extraction from underground water sources by 13%, the increase in average price of agricultural products by 34% and the decrease in production by 5% in the 20-year planning period compared to the base year, the present value of net producer income and the food security index in the agricultural sector of the region would decrease by 17 and 11 percent, respectively. However, the adoption of management strategies such as the optimal deficit irrigation would improve the food security of the plain by 11 to 15 percent. Conclusion The change in the climate conditions in the coming years would have negative effects on the food security conditions in the agricultural sector of the Hamadan-Bahar plain. In this situation, considering that it is impossible to avoid different forms of climate scenarios, it is necessary to apply strategies to adapt to the mentioned phenomenon. Based on this, the optimal deficit irrigation, as a management strategy, was investigated, and the results confirm the positive effect of this strategy in improving the food security index in the region. Therefore, according to the results, management strategies with emphasis on deficit irrigation in the agricultural sector of Hamadan-Bahar plain should be put on the agenda. Keywords: Rainfall, Production, Groundwater Resources, Dynamic Pattern, Food Insecurity JEL Classification: C02, C22, C33, C46, C61, Q25, Q54

IntroductionEfforts have always been made to protect valuable compounds of medicine, food and aromatics materials that are highly sensitive to environmental conditions by the encapsulation method. encapsulation of flavors, in addition to its protection, allows the aromatic substance to be released in a long time, and the time and place of its release can be controlled. To design these protection systems requires detailed information on encapsulation and release methods, the nature of walls and aromatic materials (Gunning et al.,1999). For encapsulation of sensitive compounds such as lipophilic materials, it is necessary to produce an emulsion of the desired substance in wall materials such as proteins, polysaccharides or a mixture of them. The important factors in encapsulation are the molecular weight, chemical properties and polarity of the core materials, the properties of the materials of the walls, and finally, the methods used to produce microcapsules. (Jafari et al., 2008).The aim of this study was to produce and evaluate the properties of two and six layer multilayer microcapsules containing limonene using soy protein isolate and starch modified by spray drying. The release of encapsulated limonene was investigated under artificial oral conditions under different stress conditions. The results of this study can be used to predict the release rate of the encapsulated flavors and their release conditions.Materials and MethodsSolution preparation: The solution of SPI (0-3%) was prepared by methods of Huang et al. (2012). The OSA starch stock solution (0-2%) was prepared by methods of Nilsson and Bergens (2007).Emulsion’s preparation: the primary emulsion of the optimum SPI and secondary emulsion of optimum OSA starch concentration prepared by the method of Noshad et al (2015).Microcapsule production: To prepare the Microcapsules, a laboratory spray dryer was used. 180±5 ᵒC, inlet air temperature, 25 (ml/min) feed rate, and 90±10 ᵒC outlet air temperature were used. Six layer microcapsules was also prepared in the same conditions (Ansarifar et al., 2017)The micro structure, morphology and release of limonene were evaluated and finally by Zero order, First order, Higuchi, and Korsemeyer- peppas models were used to the fitting of experimental data.Limonene release: To investigate the release of the encapsulated limonene, the release of these microcapsules (two and six layer) at 37 ° C and pH = 6.8, as well as frequent chewing (0, 50 and 100 rpm) were examined. For the apply of shear stress, an oral simulator was designed and developed by the Department of Food Science and Technology of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad was used. Results and DiscusionThe results of particle size changes of the initial emulsion formed with different levels of soy protein isolate showed that the particle size decreased with increasing the concentration of this protein to 1.5% and then it was increased. The results of zeta potential showed that with increasing the concentration of soy protein isolate to 1.5%, the zeta potential of the samples increased and with more than 1.5%, it did not have much effect on the zeta potential of the samples, which indicates that concentrate of 1.5% soy protein isolate has a good ability to cover surface of limonene particles. Similarly, 1.2% of OSA starch was determined for the secondary layer.SEM images of the microcapsules showed that in the two-layer wall microcapsules have cavities, cracks and shrinkage. In the starting of drying, the rate of moisture lost is high and on the other hand, the wall is not strong enough to withstand the stresses caused by the exit of moisture from the walls, so the microcapsule has cavities. In six-layer microcapsules, a smooth, non-cracked surface was observed, which can be attributed to the wall strength due to the increase in the number of layers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) test showed that the outer surface of the microcapsules was covered by OSA starch in two and six layer microcapsules.The release profile of encapsulated limonene showed that the release rate in two layer samples was faster than six layer samples. Also, with increasing shear rate, the amount of release increased. The results of experimental models fitting showed that the first-order model had the best description for releasing limonene from two- and six-layer samples in different conditions. Calculation of diffusion coefficient showed that six-layer microcapsules have a lower diffusion coefficient than two-layer microcapsules, which leads to a decrease in the release rate of limonene.Conclusion The results of this study showed that the layer-by-layer method could be used to produce limonene microcapsules. Soy protein isolate and modified starch can cover limonene droplets well. SEM images showed that the structure of six-layer microcapsules is free of cracks and cavities and has a more uniform surface than two-layer microcapsules. To investigate the mechanism of limonene release from two- and six-layer microcapsules, different kinetic models were used to fit the experimental release data. The results showed that the release of these microcapsules occurred based on the diffusion mechanism and Fick's law, which is the main mechanism of mass transfer in the release process. Also, the results showed that the six-layer microcapsules had a lower diffusion coefficient than the two-layer microcapsules and the release rate was lower in the two-layer microcapsule; This is due to the repetitive coating of soy protein isolate and modified starch around the microcapsules and the increase in wall thickness.

Abstract Background Heart auscultation is an easy and inexpensive tool for early diagnosis of congenital heart defects. In this regard, a simple device which can be used easily by physicians for heart murmur detection will be very useful. The current study was conducted to evaluate the validity of a Doppler-based device named “Doppler Phonolyser” for the diagnosis of structural heart diseases in pediatric patients. In this cross-sectional study, 1272 patients under 16 years who were referred between April 2021 and February 2022, to a pediatric cardiology clinic in Mofid Children Hospital, Tehran, Iran, were enrolled. All the patients were examined by a single experienced pediatric cardiologist using a conventional stethoscope at the first step and a Doppler Phonolyser device at the second step. Afterward, the patient underwent trans-thoracic echocardiography, and the echocardiogram results were compared with the conventional stethoscope as well as the Doppler Phonolyser findings. Results Sensitivity of the Doppler Phonolyser for detecting congenital heart defects was 90.5%. The specificity of the Doppler Phonolyser in detecting heart disease was 68.9% in compared with the specificity of the conventional stethoscope, which was 94.8%. Among the most common congenital heart defects in our study population, the sensitivity of the Doppler Phonolyser was 100% for detection of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); In contrast, sensitivity of both the conventional stethoscope and the Doppler Phonolyser was relatively low for detecting atrial septal defect. Conclusions Doppler Phonolyser could be useful as a diagnostic tool for the detection of congenital heart defects. The main advantages of the Doppler Phonolyser over the conventional stethoscope are no need for operator experience, the ability to distinguish innocent murmurs from the pathologic ones and no effect of environmental sounds on the performance of the device.

Optical phased arrays (OPAs) are renowned for their exceptional ability to manipulate and direct light beams, positioning them as an ideal choice for solid-state light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technologies. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the current research landscape for photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based OPAs. It begins by addressing the critical design elements at the component level necessary for optimal functionality. This review then delves into phase calibration techniques and the overarching architecture of OPAs. It concludes by emphasizing the innovative 3-D OPA design, which stands out for its enhanced optical efficiency.

Background Sex differences in atrial fibrillation (AF) are observed in terms of comorbidities, symptoms, therapies received, AF progression and cardiovascular complications.Methods We assessed the differences in prevalence and the determinants of AF progression, as well as the clinical characteristics and quality of life (QoL), between women and men with paroxysmal AF included in the RACE V (Reappraisal of Atrial Fibrillation: Interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodeling, and Vascular Destabilisation in the Progression of AF) study. At baseline, extensive phenotyping was done. To assess AF progression, implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitoring was used throughout follow-up. AF progression was defined as (1) progression to persistent or permanent AF or (2) progression of paroxysmal AF (>3% burden increase).Results 417 patients were included, 179 (43%) of whom were women. Women were older (median 67 years vs 63 years, p