Microplastics (MPs), including polymers such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS), are widespread environmental contaminants detected in air, water, soil, and food. These particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastics and from direct industrial and consumer sources, including packaging, textiles, and personal care products. MPs enter the human body primarily through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact, with food, water, and air serving as major exposure pathways. Once internalized, MPs have been found in various human tissues and biological fluids, indicating their capacity for bioaccumulation. Toxicological studies in experimental models and occupational settings link MP exposure to oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular dysfunction, and potential organ toxicity, including effects on the gastrointestinal, respiratory, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. PVC microplastics, in particular, are associated with liver toxicity and increased cancer risk in occupationally exposed populations. MPs can also act as vectors for environmental pollutants and plastic-associated chemicals, further amplifying health risks. This review summarizes the classification, major sources, exposure routes, and toxicological activity of MPs. A comprehensive understanding of MP properties is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their persistent harmful effects on public health and the environment. Copyright © 2025. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris(AV)is chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebaceous unit of young people. Patients with acne with or with out scarring might differ in regard to their immunological background from those free from acne. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the problem of facial AV especially patients with scarring and to determine the frequency of associated skin diseases and to be compared with acne free control. METHODS: A cross sectional randomized controlled epidemiological study was conducted from Oct.2005-Oct. 2006.Three hundred students from Basra University; 132 (44%) males and 168 (56%) females were enrolled, their ages ranged from 18-25 (20.9±1.8) years. They were divided into: Group A those free from acne (98 individuals),G
... Show MoreIn this research, we discussed and analyzed the relationship between oil prices and the U.S. dollar exchange rate in Iraq. The study adopted the descriptive analysis and econometrics analysis. The descriptive analysis refers to the rise (fall) in crude oil price lead to appreciate (depreciate) in the Iraqi dinar exchange rate, though the channel of the international reserves. The econometrics analysis is based on monthly data covered the period (December/2002 – December/2011), the unit root test, co-integration test, vector error correction model, and Granger causality test have been adopted in this research to check the existence and direction of this relationship. The results refer to the lon
... Show MoreDetermination of the concentrations of some inorganic elements (Fe, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd) by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, and Inductively Coupled Plasma. and two dangerous organic pollutants (PAH and phenols) by GC and UV in the wastewater of Z.LTF Zafaraniya Leather tanning factory, W.BF Al-Waziriya Battery factory, Ba.WLS Al-Bayaa Wastewater Lifting Station, and some points of Tigris River in Baghdad city taking into consideration the sampling time Varying (two months) and setting the temperature during the drawing of the model. The results of the analysis revealed that the wastewater was contaminated with phenols, PAHs, and metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu) at high rates that exceeded the p
... Show MoreThe ground charge density distributions (CDD), elastic charge form factors and proton, charge, neutron, and matter root mean square (rms) radii for stable 40Ca and 48Ca have been calculated using single-particle radial wave functions of Woods-Saxon (WS) and harmonic-oscillator (HO) potentials. Different central potential depths are used for each subshell which is adjusted so as to reproduce the experimental single-nucleon binding energies. An excellent agreement between the calculated rms charge radii and experimental data are found for both nuclei using WS and HO potentials. The calculated proton rms radii for 40Ca are found to be in good agreement with experiment data using both WS and HO potentials while the results for 48Ca showed an ov
... Show MoreTwelve compounds containing a sulphur- or oxygen-based heterocyclic core, 1,3- oxazole or 1,3-thiazole ring with hydroxy, methoxy and methyl terminal substituent, were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structures of these compounds were performed by elemental analysis and different spectroscopic tequniques. The liquid crystalline behaviors were studied by using hot-stage optical polarizing microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. All compounds of 1,4- disubstituted benzene core with oxazole ring display liquid crystalline smectic A (SmA) mesophase. The compounds of 1,3- and 1,4-disubstituted benzene core with thiazole ring exhibit exclusively enantiotropic nematic liquid crystal phases.
Two series of Schiff Bases [VI]n and thiazolidin-4-one derivatives[VII]n were synthesized by many steps starting from cyclization of 4- hydroxyacetophenon with thiourea in iodine to yield 1,3-thiazole compound which was reacted with pentoxy bromide in anhydrous potassium carbonate to converted compound[II] and this reacted with Phenol to yield azo compound[III]. The azo compound reacted with ethyl chloro acetate in basic medium to get a new easter compound[IV] which is converted to their acid hydrazid[V]. The later compound condensation with n-alkoxy benzaldehyde to give new Schiff bases[VI]n . Imine group undergoes addition cyclization with thioglycolic acid to get thiazolidinone compounds[VII]n .Also, two new series of Schiff Bases [XII]n
... Show MoreIn the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry, accurate valuation of tangible assets remains a critical challenge that requires adherence to universally recognized standards. This study addresses the pressing need for transparent and precise asset valuation methodologies that are pivotal for informed investment decisions and financial reporting. It aims to bridge the theoretical and practical divide in asset valuation by applying International Valuation Standards (IVS) 300 and 400 to Asiacell Communications PJSC, a leading entity in the sector. Focusing on five key tangible assets from 2018 to 2022 – lands, buildings, plant and equipment, means of transport and transfer, and furniture and office equipment – the study emplo
... Show MoreWe propose a novel strategy to optimize the test suite required for testing both hardware and software in a production line. Here, the strategy is based on two processes: Quality Signing Process and Quality Verification Process, respectively. Unlike earlier work, the proposed strategy is based on integration of black box and white box techniques in order to derive an optimum test suite during the Quality Signing Process. In this case, the generated optimal test suite significantly improves the Quality Verification Process. Considering both processes, the novelty of the proposed strategy is the fact that the optimization and reduction of test suite is performed by selecting only mutant killing test cases from cumulating t-way test ca
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