Could probiotics protect against human toxicity caused by polystyrene nanoplastics and microplastics?

Nanoplastics (NPs) and microplastics (MPs) made of polystyrene (PS) can be toxic to humans, especially by ingestion of plastic particles. These substances are often introduced into the gastrointestinal tract, where they can cause several adverse effects, including disturbances in intestinal flora, mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, and exacerbated oxidative stress. Although there are widespread reports of the protective effects of probiotics on the harm caused by chemical contaminants, limited information is available on how these organisms may protect against PS toxicity in either humans or animals.

Anxiety Severity Levels and Coping Strategies during the COVID-19 Pandemic among People Aged 15 Years and Above in Gonabad, Iran.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is a global health problem. It is necessary to provide evidence on its unprecedented psychological effects to develop effective psychological interventions. The current study aims to determine the anxiety severity level, coping strategies, and influencing factors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic among people aged 15 years and above in Gonabad, Iran.

Fenugreek seed gum: Biological properties, chemical modifications, and structural analysis- A review.

Fenugreek is a leguminous plant belongs to the family Fabaceae, which is extensively cultivated as a semiarid crop in Northern Africa, the Mediterranean, India, and Canada. In the present review paper, first we summarized the extraction, purification, chemical composition, molecular structure, and rheological behavior of the mucilages isolated from Fenugreek seeds (FSG), and then their functional properties presented to elucidate the potential application of this traditional source of hydrocolloids in food, pharmaceutical, and other industries. To date, there is no technique that can successfully remove the attached protein from FSG.

Environment-friendly green composites based on soluble soybean polysaccharide: A review.

The objective of the present review was to acquaint the readers with recent advances in soluble soy bean polysaccharide (SSPS)-based films. An efficient extraction method containing refining, pasteurizing and spray-drying is commonly used to extract SSPS. SSPS is a high molecular weight polysaccharide with a pectin-like structure.

Relationship between platelet count and platelet width distribution and serum uric acid concentrations in patients with untreated essential hypertension.

Hematological parameters have emerged as independent determinants of high serum concentrations of uric acid (UA) and predictive factors in the evaluation of the total cardiovascular risk in patients with essential hypertensive. Here, we have investigated the possible relationships between hematological factors and serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients recruited as part of Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders cohort study. Two-thousand three-hundred and thirty-four hypertensive individuals were recruited from this cohort and these were divided into two groups; those with either high or low serum UA concentrations.

Characterization of a green nanocomposite prepared from soluble soy bean polysaccharide/Cloisite 30B and evaluation of its toxicity.

The present paper aims to elucidate the structural, thermal and mechanical properties of soybean polysaccharide (SSPS)/Cloisite 30B. Tensile strength of the nanocomposite films improved with incorporation of nanoparticles, whereas elongation at break decreased. Surface roughness of the samples increased with the addition of nanoclay.

Epidemiology of special incidents: Results from national mortality and morbidity registry and the associated factors in Iran in 2014.

Background: Special incidents are harmful events that can result in people's death or injury. Despite registering special incidents' data in Iran, no study has yet been conducted to identify the types, rates, mortality and morbidity of such incidents and their associated factors. The present study was conducted to assess the epidemiology of incidents and their associated factors during 2014 in Iran.

Exploring the perception of aid organizations' staff about factors affecting management of mass casualty traffic incidents in Iran: a grounded theory study.

Background: Traffic incidents are of main health issues all around the world and cause countless deaths, heavy casualties, and considerable tangible and intangible damage. In this regard, mass casualty traffic incidents are worthy of special attention as, in addition to all losses and damage, they create challenges in the way of providing health services to the victims.

Aim: The present study is an attempt to explore the challenges and facilitators in management of mass casualty traffic incidents in Iran.