Impact of COVID-19 pandemic crisis and food safety system: a literature review

The new outbreak as unknown pneumonia that occurred in Wuhan province of China in December 2019, is a new coronavirus from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and has been termed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that usually cause respiratory illness. Since food plays an essential role in human health as an integral part of human life, food safety is critical in such cases. It is essential to adopt practical strategies in controlling the COVID-19 crisis. Also, extreme economic consequences and threats to human health were imposed in the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019-2021. Some studies have been published by World Health Organization (WHO), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Food and Drug Administration (FDA); however, there is little information about food safety and COVID-19. Although COVID-19 transmission routes through food are not currently known, contamination through contaminated food and environmental surfaces cannot be ignored, especially in manufacturing companies, restaurants, and communities that are unsanitary. Nevertheless, World Health Organization precautions on good hygiene when preparing food, and recommends effective management of food safety during COVID-19. In food safety, COVID-19 is known as a potential risk through food especially in restaurants and industrial areas. There have been very few studies on the relationship between food safety and COVID- 19. Studies have shown that COVID-19 can survive longer than MERS-CoV in food stored at 4 °C. In the current situation, several methods are used to disinfect and control the spread of COVID-19 disease, some of which are not effective and can also have problems and limitations. Heat treatment, pasteurization, UV light-based, and chemical disinfectants can be ways to prevent COVID-19 probable transmission. The temperatures (30 or 40 °C) reduced the survival time of HCoVs on the inanimate surfaces. The cooking processes (70 °C) are effective in inactivating the virus in food. SARS-CoVs were inactivated by exposure to ultraviolet (254 nm) for 1 to 6 min with an increase of up to 400-fold. Also, usage of disinfectants can be effective for inanimate surfaces. This review summarizes the available data related to some topics and methods to inactivate COVID-19 and the role and importance of the food industry and food supply chain during the pandemic

Evidence for overdensity around z<SUB>em</SUB> &gt; 4 quasars from the proximity effect

We study the density field around zem &gt; 4 quasars using high-quality medium spectral resolution Echelle Spectrograph and Imager-Keck spectra (R&#8764; 4300, signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) &gt; 25) of 45 high-redshift quasars selected from a total of 95 spectra. This large sample considerably increases the statistics compared to previous studies. The redshift evolution of the mean photoionization rate and the median optical depth of the intergalactic medium (IGM) are derived statistically from the observed transmitted flux and the pixel optical depth probability distribution function, respectively. This is used to study the so-called proximity effect, that is, the observed decrease of the median optical depth of the IGM in the vicinity of the quasar caused by enhanced photoionization rate due to photons emitted by the quasar. We show that the proximity effect is correlated with the luminosity of the quasars, as expected. By comparing the observed decrease of the median optical depth with the theoretical expectation, we find that the optical depth does not decrease as rapidly as expected when approaching the quasar if the gas in its vicinity is part of the standard IGM. We interpret this effect as revealing gaseous overdensities on scales as large as &#8764;15 h-1 Mpc. The mean overdensity is of the order of 2 and 5 within, respectively, 10 and 3 h-1 Mpc. If true, this would indicate that high-redshift quasars are located in the centre of overdense regions that could evolve with time into massive clusters of galaxies. The overdensity is correlated with luminosity: brighter quasars show higher overdensities

MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways targeted by miR-23a and miR-23b in prostate cancer: computational and in vitro approaches

The long-lasting inadequacy of existing treatments for prostate cancer has led to increasing efforts for developing novel therapies for this disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to have considerable therapeutic potential due to their role in regulating gene expression and cellular pathways. Identifying miRNAs that efficiently target genes and pathways is a key step in using these molecules for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, computational methods have been devised to help identify candidate miRNAs for each gene/pathway. MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways are known to have essential roles in cell proliferation and neoplastic transformation in different cancers including prostate cancer. Herein, we tried to identify miRNAs that target these pathways in the context of prostate cancer as therapeutic molecules. Genes involved in these pathways were analyzed with various algorithms to identify potentially targeting miRNAs. miR-23a and miR-23b were then selected as the best potential candidates that target a higher number of genes in these pathways with greater predictive scores. We then analyzed the expression of candidate miRNAs in LNCAP and PC3 cell lines as well as prostate cancer clinical samples. miR-23a and miR-23b showed a significant downregulation in cell line and tissue samples, a finding which is consistent with overactivation of these pathways in prostate cancer. In addition, we overexpressed miR-23a and miR-23b in LNCAP and PC3 cell lines, and these two miRNAs decreased IL-6R expression which has a critical role in these pathways. These results suggest the probability of utilizing miR-23a and miR-23b as therapeutic targets for the treatment of prostate cancer. © 2015, International Society of Oncology and BioMarkers (ISOBM)

International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics.

Position statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) provides an objective and critical review of the mechanisms and use of probiotic supplementation to optimize the health, performance, and recovery of athletes. Based on the current available literature, the conclusions of the ISSN are as follows: 1)Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host (FAO/WHO).2)Probiotic administration has been linked to a multitude of health benefits, with gut and immune health being the most researched applications.3)Despite the existence of shared, core mechanisms for probiotic function, health benefits of probiotics are strain- and dose-dependent.4)Athletes have varying gut microbiota compositions that appear to reflect the activity level of the host in comparison to sedentary people, with the differences linked primarily to the volume of exercise and amount of protein consumption. Whether differences in gut microbiota composition affect probiotic efficacy is unknown.5)The main function of the gut is to digest food and absorb nutrients. In athletic populations, certain probiotics strains can increase absorption of key nutrients such as amino acids from protein, and affect the pharmacology and physiological properties of multiple food components.6)Immune depression in athletes worsens with excessive training load, psychological stress, disturbed sleep, and environmental extremes, all of which can contribute to an increased risk of respiratory tract infections. In certain situations, including exposure to crowds, foreign travel and poor hygiene at home, and training or competition venues, athletes' exposure to pathogens may be elevated leading to increased rates of infections. Approximately 70% of the immune system is located in the gut and probiotic supplementation has been shown to promote a healthy immune response. In an athletic population, specific probiotic strains can reduce the number of episodes, severity and duration of upper respiratory tract infections.7)Intense, prolonged exercise, especially in the heat, has been shown to increase gut permeability which potentially can result in systemic toxemia. Specific probiotic strains can improve the integrity of the gut-barrier function in athletes.8)Administration of selected anti-inflammatory probiotic strains have been linked to improved recovery from muscle-damaging exercise.9)The minimal effective dose and method of administration (potency per serving, single vs. split dose, delivery form) of a specific probiotic strain depends on validation studies for this particular strain. Products that contain probiotics must include the genus, species, and strain of each live microorganism on its label as well as the total estimated quantity of each probiotic strain at the end of the product's shelf life, as measured by colony forming units (CFU) or live cells.10)Preclinical and early human research has shown potential probiotic benefits relevant to an athletic population that include improved body composition and lean body mass, normalizing age-related declines in testosterone levels, reductions in cortisol levels indicating improved responses to a physical or mental stressor, reduction of exercise-induced lactate, and increased neurotransmitter synthesis, cognition and mood. However, these potential benefits require validation in more rigorous human studies and in an athletic population

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Edible Mushrooms and their Effect on Anemia: A Review Study

Anemia patients are more susceptible to environmental contaminations such as heavy metals. The present study aimed at risk assessment of heavy metals in edible mushrooms and Anemia.The databases searched in those articles were Google Scholar, SID, Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, and ISI. Related human health risks were calculated using the target hazard quotient (THQ). THQ ratio of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Mn were 3×10−3, 2.31, 8.43×10−1, 2.35, 2.92×10−1, 6.6×10− 2 and 1.96×10− 1 m m-1 respectively. The highest non-carcinogenic diseases risk for adults were found in Pb (2.35 m m-1) while the lowest value was observed in Cd (3×10− 3 m m-1). The risk of carcinogenicity of lead was at the level of acceptable (10−4 to 10−6 m m-1). There is no concern about the non-carcinogenic risk of consuming heavy metals in edible mushrooms, in Iran except Cu and Pb. In some countries, adults and children can be exposed to non-cancerous foods by eating mushrooms. And can aggravate anemia in the consumer. © 2022, Islamic Azad University. All rights reserved

Qualitative PCR-based detection of genetically modified soy and maize products in Iran

Soy and maize are the most cultivated genetically modified (GM) crops in the world, which are commonly used in many food products. Establishing regulations for food products containing transgenic materials are obligatory in many countries in order to provide consumers with information. For this purpose, an accurate qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was applied to investigate GM food products from Iran. In present study, a total of 90 non-labeled soy and maize samples were collected from Tehran�s market and their DNA were extracted by a kit. All samples were analyzed to screen the 35 S promoter and (nopaline synthase) NOS terminator elements. Having screened the GM positive samples, they were subjected to identification of specific transgenic events RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize with PCR. According to our results, 95 of soy and 60 of maize analyzed samples were positive for the 35 S promoter and NOS terminator. Furthermore, event-specific analysis indicated the presence of RR soy, Bt11 and MON810 maize in tested samples, while none of these food-derived samples demonstrated any GM label. The obtained results revealed that the necessity of monitoring system to provide a good reliable control of GM materials in food products and subsequently on their labeling. © 2020, © 2020 Payam Safaei, Sassan Rezaie, Mahmood Alimohammadi, Setareh Agha Kuchak Afshari, Mehrangiz Mehdizadeh and Ebrahim Molaee Aghaee. Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC

Simultaneous FDM 4D printing and magnetizing of iron-filled polylactic acid polymers

4D printing magnetic structures with excellent strength activated with a low level of the magnetic field is always desired but challenging. This work studies the influence of simultaneous magnetization on the magneto-mechanical performance of 4D-printed active polymers. The main aim is to magnetise magnetic iron polylactic acid (PLA) material during 4D printing via fused deposition modelling (FDM) process. During the printing process, the magnetization of the samples is performed in various magnetic field states. Specimens are printed in three states with two magnets around the printing area, magnets under the printing area, and without magnets, at three angles of 0, 45, and 90° to the applied magnetic field. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), mechanical tests, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to investigate the effects of the applied magnetic field on the magnetization with different printing conditions, mechanical properties of different printing angles, and the microstructure of printed samples. Results show that printed samples on the edge of the magnet are saturated in a higher specific magnetization compared to the printed samples with magnets around and without a magnetic field. The specific magnetization in the magnetic field in the direction of the sample deposition increases by 63.46% by applying a magnetic field. The strength increases 21.4% when a magnetic field is present, and the sample is printed at 0° angle along the tension direction. The printed sample has better mechanical properties when two magnets are used around the printing region rather than one under it, which is independent of the impact of the printing angle. Finally, the optimal printing mode for obtaining the appropriate magnetic and mechanical characteristics is 3D printing with magnets under the printing bed at 0° angle along the tension direction

The Future Direction of Women in Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Medicine in Women's Health

: This work discusses the role of Nuclear Medicine for women's health, the role of women in the development of this emerging field and the various issues which arise from both. It emphasizes the importance of young women and their competing needs due to factors like pregnancy and work-related challenges. The objectives of this overview include improving imaging techniques, preserving fertility during cancer treatment, diagnosing pelvic and uterine conditions, developing radiopharmaceuticals for women's health, protecting female employees in Nuclear Medicine, and considering the role of artificial intelligence

Evaluation of diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer

Background and Objective: Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes is considered as one of the common measures in management of breast cancer. Edema and limitation in hand movement are accompanied with dissection of axillary lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy can be used to evaluate axillary metastasis. This study was carried out to evaluate the diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was performed on 30 selected patients with breast cancer less than 5 cm without any involvement of axillary lymph nodes in Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, North-East of Iran during 2009 -10. Initially, the lymphoscintigraphy was performed. Subsequently, prior, to the surgery, the blue dye as a marker was injected for detecting sentinel lymph node and with the use of probe gamma counter and observing blue color on lymph nodes, the sentinel node was determined and separated. Finally, axillary dissection was performed for removing the lymph nodes of I and II level in all patients. Results: Among 30 patients who were evaluated for sentinel lymph nodes and axillary dissection, false negative were observed only in two cases (6.6 %). The sensitivity rate was determined to be 84.6%. Conclusion: Considering the high success rate of detection of sentinel lymph node and limited false negative cases, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended in cases of breast cancer without axillary involvement