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This study examines the extent of awareness among Iraqi English foreign language learners about the potential impact of reading literature on developing their creative writing abilities. Furthermore, this study investigates the relationship between those who partake in literature reading and their academic skills. It examines the participation of 120 Iraqi EFL learners currently enrolled in the faculties of Arts, Education, and Education in Qurna, affiliated with the University of Basrah. It employs a mixed methods approach, including a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The results demonstrate a significant correlation between reading literary texts and developing creative writing skills. Several literary elements enhance creative writing, including a comprehensive understanding of figures of speech, cultivating critical thinking skills, engaging in literature courses, practicing paraphrasing poetry, and exposure to various literary genres. The findings also demonstrate that EFL learners profoundly understand the impact of engaging with literary texts on their academic abilities.

Early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with volume reductions in specific subregions of the medial temporal lobe (MTL). Using a manual segmentation method-the Olsen-Amaral-Palombo (OAP) protocol-previous work in healthy older adults showed that reductions in grey matter volumes in MTL subregions were associated with lower scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), suggesting atrophy may occur prior to diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, a condition that often progresses to AD. However, current "gold standard" manual segmentation methods are labour intensive and time consuming. Here, we examined the utility of Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields (ASHS) to detect volumetric differences in MTL subregions of healthy older adults who varied in cognitive status as determined by the MoCA. We trained ASHS on the OAP protocol to create the ASHS-OAP atlas and then examined how well automated segmentation replicated manual segmentation. Volumetric measures obtained from the ASHS-OAP atlas were also contrasted against those from the ASHS-PMC atlas, a widely used atlas provided by the ASHS team. The pattern of volumetric results was similar between the ASHS-OAP atlas and manual segmentation for anterolateral entorhinal cortex and perirhinal cortex, suggesting that ASHS-OAP is a viable alternative to current manual segmentation methods for detecting group differences based on cognitive status. Although ASHS-OAP and ASHS-PMC produced varying volumes for most regions of interest, they both identified early signs of neurodegeneration in CA2/CA3/DG and identified marginal differences in entorhinal cortex. Our findings highlight the utility of automated segmentation methods but still underscore the need for a unified and harmonized MTL segmentation atlas.

Inquiries into properties of brain structure and function have progressed due to developments in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To sustain progress in investigating and quantifying neuroanatomical details in vivo, the reliability and validity of brain measurements are paramount. Quality control (QC) is a set of procedures for mitigating errors and ensuring the validity and reliability of brain measurements. Despite its importance, there is little guidance on best QC practices and reporting procedures. The study of hippocampal subfields in vivo is a critical case for QC because of their small size, inter-dependent boundary definitions, and common artifacts in the MRI data used for subfield measurements. We addressed this gap by surveying the broader scientific community studying hippocampal subfields on their views and approaches to QC. We received responses from 37 investigators spanning 10 countries, covering different career stages, and studying both healthy and pathological development and aging. In this sample, 81% of researchers considered QC to be very important or important, and 19% viewed it as fairly important. Despite this, only 46% of researchers reported on their QC processes in prior publications. In many instances, lack of reporting appeared due to ambiguous guidance on relevant details and guidance for reporting, rather than absence of QC. Here, we provide recommendations for correcting errors to maximize reliability and minimize bias. We also summarize threats to segmentation accuracy, review common QC methods, and make recommendations for best practices and reporting in publications. Implementing the recommended QC practices will collectively improve inferences to the larger population, as well as have implications for clinical practice and public health.

A mefenamic acid sensor was prepared by the modification of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with graphene nano-sheets (Gr) and multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The designed sensor (MWCNT/Gr/GCE) indicated an electrocatalytic behaviour when applied for mefenamic acid (MFA) oxidation due to good conductivity, low electron transfer resistance and catalytic effect. The suggested sensor revealed a lower overvoltage and enhanced current compared with bare GCE for the oxidation of MFA. The observations indicated that the oxidation potential of MFA is decreased more than 200 mV using the designed sensor. The percentages of MWCNTs and Gr nano materials, and pH solution were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, some kinetic parameters, such as surface coverage in a 0.5 mM [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- solution was obtained by cyclic voltammetric method. The diffusion coefficient of MFA (D) was calculated to be 2.88×10-6 cm2 s-1 by chronoamperometeric technique. The MWCNT/Gr/GCE sensor exhibited a linear dynamic range for MFA (2– 100 μM) with a detection limit of 0.66 μM by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique. This sensor revealed a suitable applicability for determination of MFA in real samples (drug samples and serum solutions).

A review of the related literature shows that flipped learning has greatly affected the students' academic progress. However, despite a large number of studies on different forms of electronic learning, electronic flipped classrooms and traditional electronic(virtual) learning have not been compared to date. This study was an attempt to investigate the impact of traditional electronic, text flipped, and video flipped learning on improving the graduate students' theory and practical knowledge of research methodology. To meet the goal, the researchers employed a quasi-experimental research method, which is quantitative. The researcher selected three intact classes consisting of 48 postgraduate students majoring in social sciences and communication sciences and exposed each class to one form of electronic learning. The findings showed that flipped classrooms were more effective than traditional electronic learning, and text flipped learning was more effective than video flipped classes. The findings can be used by universities as well as university teachers to use electronic flipped classes as an alternative form of electronic learning It can be concluded that the universities need to encourage flipped classrooms in graduate and postgraduate courses as far as the universities can offer face-to-face classes.

Abstract Background Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder that often leads to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), necessitating hemodialysis (HD) treatment. Fatigue is a prevalent and debilitating symptom among HD patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. Recreational Therapy (RT) is a therapeutic recreational service designed to maintain and restore a person’s level of performance and independence in daily activities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a smartphone-based recreational therapy intervention on fatigue in hemodialysis patients. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted on HD patients at a hospital in Mashhad, Iran. The intervention group received a custom-designed recreational therapy mobile application, including music, comedy, exercise, and educational content. The control group received standard care. Fatigue was assessed using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20) before and after the 30-day intervention. Results A total of 72 patients (36 per group) participated in the study. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in overall fatigue scores and improvements across various fatigue dimensions, including general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation, compared to the control group (p

Classical swine fever (CSF) remains a challenge for pig farming industrial lover the world despite the measures taken. The last CS case in the Russian Federation was reported in 2020, however, the threat of the disease emerging still persists. A set of anti-epidemic measures including mainly preventive vaccination and annual diagnostic monitoring using molecular-genetic and serological methods is required for CSF virus introduction prevention and rapid eradication of potential disease out breaks. Therefore, areal-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using an internal control sample has been developed. Therefore, areal time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using an internal control sample has been developed. Modified primers (locked nucleic acids containing conformationally blocked nucleosides) providing a higher affinity to the DNA matrix and physico-chemical stability and a FAM-labeled TaqMan probe were selected for 5’-untranslatedregion of the genome. The following validation parameters were defined: accuracy, repeatability, reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity. For comparative analysis of the developed as say sensitivity, swabs, samples of organs and tissues collected from pigs experimentally infected with an epizootic strain of the classical swine fever virus (spleen, kidney, liver, blood, lymph nodes, rectal and oral smears), animal-contaminated feed and virus-containing material with known virus titres were also tested in parallel with coded test systems No. x1 andx2. The developed assay was shown to have 100% diagnostic sensitivity and detection limit of 0,23 lgCCID50/cm3. Therewith, there sults of analysis of test systems No. x1, x2 based on above parameters were lower that could give rise to false positive real-time RT-PCR results and incorrect diagnosis. Thus, described assay can be used for extensive monitoring of classical swine fever in the Russian Federation

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of two types of gum, containing xylitol or casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), on saliva properties.Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial, 60 dental students were randomly divided into three groups (n=20). Each group was instructed to chew one of the following substances: paraffin (control), xylitol gum, or CPP-ACP gum. Saliva samples were collected before and five minutes after chewing. Saliva volume was measured using a pipette, and saliva pH was evaluated with a digital pH meter. The calcium concentration was determined using the photometric method, while phosphorus concentration was measured via spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, ANOVA, Tukey HSD post hoc test, and paired t-test (α = 0.05).Results: Chewing all three substances significantly increased saliva volume and pH while reducing phosphorus ion concentration (P < 0.05). The calcium ion level increased significantly after five minutes of chewing the CPP-ACP gum (P = 0.002). After the intervention, between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in saliva volume and pH (P > 0.05). However, the calcium level in the CPP-ACP group was significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.01). Additionally, the phosphorus ion level was significantly lower in the xylitol gum group than in the control and the CPP-ACP groups (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Chewing CPP-ACP gum may promote oral health more effectively than xylitol gum by increasing salivary calcium levels and less affecting phosphorus levels.

Abstract Introduction Angiography is associated with anxiety, stress, and changes in patients’ vital signs. The role of the liaison nurse is to bridge gaps and solve problems between departments, thereby preventing the occurrence of undesired complications during patient transfers. Proper preparation of patients by the liaison nurse may lead to an improvement in the hemodynamic status of patients. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of liaison nurse on hemodynamic status during transfer process to angiography. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted from December 2019 to March 2020 on 62 patients who were candidates for elective angiography at Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad. Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method and then randomly assigned to either the control or intervention group using a lottery system. In the intervention group, patients benefited from the presence of a liaison nurse from the moment the transfer order was issued by the doctor. Tools used included a demographic information questionnaire and a hemodynamic signs checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 with independent T-tests, paired T-tests, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney test, chi-squared, and Fisher’s exact test. Result Following the intervention, the mean systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate in the intervention group were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (p 0.05). Conclusion The liaison nurse role emerges as a valuable strategy for enhancing patients’ hemodynamic stability, and its implementation can have a positive impact on patient outcomes in hospital settings.

Abstract Background Diffusion kurtosis imaging is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging technique that reveals additional information on the microstructure and micro-dynamics of different brain masses without the need for contrast agents. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of MRI diffusion kurtosis and to compare it with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion (DSC) in characterizing different brain masses, including gliomas, recurrent tumors, radiation necrosis, abscesses, and infarctions. Sixty-six patients with intracranial brain masses were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients were examined by conventional MRI sequences, DSC perfusion, MRS, and diffusion kurtosis imaging, with implemented b values which were 200, 500, 1000, 1500 and 2000s/mm2. Results Mean kurtosis (MK) was higher (P

Abstract Background The unsuccessful treatment of infertility can lead to heightened levels of negative emotions, which are often associated with various psychological consequences. These consequences may include a decrease in self-confidence, feelings of loneliness, reduced self-esteem, and even discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to implement interventions that can help improve these consequences for women who have experienced IVF failure. The present study aimed to examine the effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after IVF failure. Methods this randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 63 infertile women after IVF failure, referred to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad in 2021. In the intervention group, the researcher provided individual supportive counseling sessions. These sessions took place over a span of four weeks, with each session lasting 60 min (One session every week). Data collection was conducted both before and one month after the study using Eysenck self-esteem Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, as well as statistical tests such as chi-square, independent t-test, Paired t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. A significance level of less than 5% was considered. Results The study found no significant difference in mean scores of self-esteem between the two groups before the study (p = 0.823). However, after one month, the intervention group had significantly higher self-esteem scores (24.3 ± 18.55) compared to the control group (21.74 ± 5.62) (p = 0.043) Moreover, Based on the Within-group comparison, there was a 2.43 ± 3.24 point increase in self-esteem scores of the intervention group after one month, while the control group showed a -0.33 ± 3.72 point decrease. Conclusion Supportive counseling was found to be effective in improving self-esteem following IVF failure. As a result, it can be recommended as an effective, affordable, and low-risk counseling approach for women who have experienced IVF failure. By offering supportive counseling, it is possible to help prevent and alleviate the psychological consequences associated with IVF failure. Trial registration This research project was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with code IRCT20210407050883N1- Date of registration 2021-05-25.

Introduction. The rapid spread of African swine fever in the Kaliningrad region makes it necessary to use the methods of molecular epidemiology to determine the dynamics and direction of ASF spread in this region of Russia. The aim of the study was to determine single nucleotide polymorphisms within molecular markers K145R, O174L and MGF 505-5R of ASFVs isolated in Kaliningrad region and to study the circulating of the pathogen in European countries by subgenotyping and spatio-temporal clustering analysis. Materials and methods. Blood samples from living domestic pigs and organs from dead domestic pigs and wild boars, collected in the Kaliningrad region between 2017 and 2022 were used. Virus isolation was carried out in porcine bone-marrow primary cell culture. Amplicons of genome markers were amplified by PCR with electrophoretic detection and subsequent extraction of fragments from agarose gel. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method. Results. The circulation of two genetic clusters of ASFV isolates on the territory of the Kaliningrad has been established: epidemic (K145R-III, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I – 94.3% of the studied isolates) and sporadic (K145R-II, MGF 505-5R-II, O174L-I – 5.7%). Conclusion. The broaden molecular genetic surveillance of ASFV isolates based on sequencing of genome markers is necessary in the countries of the Eurasian continent to perform a more detailed analysis of ASF spread between countries and within regions.

As part of extensive molecular and genetic research into African swine fever virus isolates circulating in Russia, a recombinant variant with a mosaic genome structure has been identified. The one that caused an outbreak on a pig farm in the Primorsky Krai, in 2023. The characterized strain ASFV/Primorsky_2023/DP-4560.Recdemonstrates hemadsorption, active propagation in porcine primary macrophage cell culture, 99.9917% identity with the first recombinant isolates from the People’s Republic of China, recovered in 2021. Recombination sites included 79 open reading frames homologous to genotype II isolates; 49 ones homologous to genotype I and 12 mixed ones. Testing biomaterial from dead pigs in real-time polymerase chain reaction showed no changes in sensitivity or specificity, despite significant genetic distinctions between the recombinant and genotype II isolates that are enzootic to the Russian Federation. However, in 2023, D. Zhao et al. reported on high virulence of the virus related variants as revealed by the challenge tests in domestic pigs. Given the accelerating rates of AFSV molecular evolution in the East Asian countries (China, Vietnam and the Far Eastern regions of Russia), it is required to improve control measures, general and specific prevention, national and international surveillance over the economically significant animal disease.

Objective: The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has increased in recent decades. The incidence of osteoporosis in the population with IBD is higher than in the normal population. Therefore, it seems necessary to carefully examine the risk factors associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) among these patients.Methods and Materials: Patients with IBD completed a questionnaire including demographic data, drug history, underlying disease (past medical history), and family history, then their bone density was measured with a DEXA device. Also, laboratory samples were prepared. Densitometry results were placed in three groups: normal, osteoporotic, and osteopenia. All of the data was analyzed by SPSS version 23 software.Results: This study was conducted on 63 patients (58 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 5 patients with Crohn's disease (CD)). The bone density was normal in 40 patients, 16 had osteopenia and 7 had osteoporosis. There was a significant relationship between bone density and age (P < 0.001), smoking (P=0.049), past medical history (P< 0.001), extraintestinal involvement (P=0.008), duration (P=0.023) and menopause (P=0.002). Also, the amount of use of corticosteroid drugs (P=0.014), the level of calcium (P=0.017), and vitamin D (P< 0.001) in the blood had a significant relationship with bone density.Conclusion: In our study, we showed that age, smoking status, underlying conditions, extraintestinal involvement, corticosteroid use, levels of vitamin D and calcium, and menopause are risk factors for an increased risk for decreased BMD in IBD patients.

Abstract The E3 ubiquitin-ligase UHRF1 is an epigenetic regulator coordinating DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, little is known about how it regulates adipogenesis or metabolism. In this study, we discovered that UHRF1 is a key regulatory factor for adipogenesis, and we identified the altered molecular pathways that UHRF1 targets. Using CRISPR/Cas9-based knockout strategies, we discovered the whole transcriptomic changes upon UHRF1 deletion. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that key adipogenesis regulators such PPAR-γ and C/EBP-α were suppressed, whereas TGF-β signaling and fibrosis markers were upregulated in UHRF1-depleted differentiating adipocytes. Furthermore, UHRF1-depleted cells showed upregulated expression and secretion of TGF-β1, as well as the glycoprotein GPNMB. Treating differentiating preadipocytes with recombinant GPNMB led to an increase in TGF-β protein and secretion levels, which was accompanied by an increase in secretion of fibrosis markers such as MMP13 and a reduction in adipogenic conversion potential. Conversely, UHRF1 overexpression studies in human cells demonstrated downregulated levels of GPNMB and TGF-β, and enhanced adipogenic potential. In conclusion, our data show that UHRF1 positively regulates 3T3-L1 adipogenesis and limits fibrosis by suppressing GPNMB and TGF-β signaling cascade, highlighting the potential relevance of UHRF1 and its targets to the clinical management of obesity and linked metabolic disorders.

Objective: Hypothyroidism is characterized by insufficient production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Levothyroxine may not fully alleviate patients' symptoms. This study aimed to assess the impact of a herbal product on weight, body mass index (BMI), thyroid hormones, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), depression, and quality-of-life scores in patients.Materials and Methods: 72 patients with primary hypothyroidism, aged between 20 and 65 years old, participated in the trial and they were randomly allocated into two groups. The intervention group received the herbal powder containing Trachyspermum ammi L., Nigella sativa L., and Citrus aurantifolia L. while the control group received Avicel for 8 weeks.Results: Treatment with the herbal product resulted in statistically significant reductions in anthropometric variables such as BMI (p=0.03), hip circumference (HC) (p=0.008), waist circumference (WC) (p

Background: Hope is an important source of human coping when facing problems. Cancer is a common disease which can cause great physical and mental stress for patients, but if the diagnosis is delivered correctly, it can reduce anxiety and confusion for the patient and improve outcomes for both the patient and healthcare staff.Aim: The present study was performed with aim to determine the impact of implementing a truth-telling protocol on life expectancy of patients with gastrointestinal cancer.Method: This randomized clinical trial study with a controlled pre-test post-test design was conducted at Mashhad Ghaem Hospital and Pazh Clinic in 2020-2021. Sixty patients with gastrointestinal cancer were divided into two groups: intervention group who received information about their diagnosis using the "truth-telling" protocol, and control group who received standard hospital disclosure of diagnosis. Miller's life expectancy questionnaire was used to collect data before and one month after the intervention.Results: One month after the intervention, the mean of life expectancy score in the intervention group was 191.56±25.56 and in the control group was 176.93±32.98. The difference between before and after the intervention in the intervention group was -4.41+12.60 and in the control group was -23.02+18.60. There was a significant difference in the mean difference life expectancy score of patients in the control group (p

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic condition that requires ongoing self-management and education. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in utilizing mobile serious games as a tool for patient education and engagement. This article presents the development of DiaPo, a mobile serious game designed to improve self-management education for patients with T2DM. DiaPo integrates gamification techniques to increase patient engagement and motivation while providing essential information about disease management. The development of DiaPo followed a structured design process, utilizing the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) educational system. This systematic approach allowed for the integration of best practices in educational game design and diabetes care. The development team consisted of experts in medical informatics, game design, and diabetes care, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the game's creation. The game's narrative focuses on a T2DM patient who earns positive points for making healthy lifestyle choices and negative points for poor ones. This gamified approach aims to reinforce positive behaviors and provide immediate feedback on negative ones. Interactive animations confirm or deny options selected by the player, further enhancing the learning experience. DiaPo offers a flexible and adaptable platform suitable for diverse audiences, promoting inclusiveness and accessibility in T2DM education. DiaPo represents a novel approach to self-management education for patients with T2DM, utilizing gamification techniques and a multidisciplinary design process to create an engaging and informative mobile serious game. By promoting inclusiveness and accessibility, DiaPo has the potential to empower patients with T2DM to take an active role in their disease management. As the field of mobile serious games continues to evolve, DiaPo stands as a promising tool for improving T2DM education and patient outcomes.

Background: Cancer diagnosis not only impacts physical health but also mental well-being, often leading to significant stress, fear, and depression among patients.The utilization of CAM has shown a rising trend, influenced by the availability of different modalities offered by healthcare services, sometimes in an ad hoc fashion. This study seeks to examine and compare the respective impacts of warm foot baths and foot reflexology on depression in patients undergoing radiotherapy. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2019, following CONSORT guidelines. Participants included non-metastatic cancer patients aged 18–60 undergoing a 28-day radiotherapy course. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either warm footbaths or foot reflexology as interventions, performed daily for 20 min over 21 days. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in demographic attributes between the two groups. Both interventions led to a significant reduction in depression scores post-treatment compared to pre-treatment assessments. Foot reflexology showed a greater reduction in depression scores compared to footbaths with warm water. Conclusions: Both warm footbaths and foot reflexology are effective in alleviating depression in patients undergoing radiotherapy, with foot reflexology showing a greater impact on improving depression levels. The study recommends foot reflexology as a preferred intervention for managing depression in these patients if conditions and facilities permit.

Non-enzymatic glucose sensors have acquired a lot of attention, where the modifier materials perform as an electrocatalyst instead of an enzyme on the surface of electrodes. More active sites, increased synergistic reactions, and expanded contacts between the electrolyte and the catalyst are essential to enhance catalytic performances. Numerous efforts have been made to fabricate novel non-enzymatic glucose sensors with electrode modification strategies. Herein, a non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor was constructed by a modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) based on micro-rods [Ni(HL)NCS] complex (MR-NiC/GCE) as a novel modifier for the glucose detection. In alkali media, the non-enzymatic glucose sensor showed a linear dynamic range (LDR) of 100-1100 µM with an excellent limit of detection (LOD) of 15.8 μM (S/N= 3). The proposed sensor demonstrated remarkable stability (after recording 50 continuous cycles), good reproducibility, and significant anti-interference performance toward fructose (Fru), ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), citric acid (CA), uric acid (UA) and sucrose. According to this study, complexes can be an excellent suggestion to fabricate non-enzymatic glucose sensors.

Concentrated solar power (CSP) systems offer a promising solution for sustainable energy, but achieving high and stable efficiency requires careful design optimization. This study evaluated the overall performance of a parabolic dish solar concentrator coupled to an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system through experimental and analytical assessments. The research examined the impact of cavity receiver shape (cylindrical vs. spherical) and the use of a glass cover on thermal efficiency. Additionally, the effectiveness of a cone structure to reduce spillage losses and improve optical efficiency was explored. Testing showed a significant improvement in system performance, with an increase from 75 % for the open cavity to 90 % for the sealed cavity equipped with the cone structure (15 % increase). This highlights the importance of receiver design in reducing heat loss. To further optimize the system, a numerical model was developed and validated against experimental measurements. The simulation demonstrated that the overall system performance is significantly influenced by the water outlet temperature from the cavity receiver and the pressure drop within it. The model suggests that overall performance could be enhanced from 4.6 % to higher than 6 % by optimizing factors like water mass flow rate, cavity tube diameter, and the selection of a more suitable ORC working fluid (e.g., R245fa instead of R134a).

Background: The current study intends to assess the impact of oral selenium intake on anti-Tg antibody in individuals with autoimmune hypothyroidism. Methods: In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, two groups of 72 autoimmune hypothyroid patients were randomly assigned; One group received levothyroxine (LT4) and oral selenium and the other group was given placebo with LT4. Anti-Tg antibody, free T4, anti-TPO antibody, and TSH were identified in both groups before the treatment and also 3 months after treatment and analysis of data was done by SPSS software. Results: After the intervention, the average amount of anti-Tg antibody decreased in both of the groups, and this decrease was noticeably greater in the intervention group (P = 0.03). In the intervention group, the TSH level decreased after the intervention (p < 0.05), and the free T4 level increased after the intervention (p < 0.05); the changes in these two variables were statistically significant. Conclusion: Consumption of selenium, compared to placebo, in patients with autoimmune hypothyroidism drastically reduces the level of anti-Tg antibody, and it significantly increases the free T4 level. Also, there is a greater decrease in the level of TSH compared to the control group.

This research introduces a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor utilizing flower-like nickel oxide/carbon (fl-NiO/C) microspheres for the precise detection of L-glutamic acid (LGA), a crucial neurotransmitter in the field of healthcare and a frequently utilized food additive and flavor enhancer. The fl-NiO/C were synthesized with controllable microstructures using metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors followed by a simple calcination process. The uniformly synthesized fl-NiO/C microspheres were further characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The fl-NiO/C was utilized as a modifier on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode, and an impedimetric sensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was developed for the detection of LGA. The proposed sensor demonstrated excellent catalytic activity and selectivity towards LGA across a broad concentration range of 10–800 μM with a sensitivity of 486.9 µA.mM−1.cm−2 and a detection limit of 1.28 µM (S/N = 3). The sensor was also employed to identify LGA in blood plasma samples, yielding results that align with those obtained through HPLC. This achievement highlights the potential of fl-NiO/C microspheres in advancing cutting-edge biosensing applications.