Vulnerable Groups Research Articles

Factors Predisposing to Teenage Pregnancy among Female Secondary School Students in Southwest, Nigeria

Background: Adolescent females are amongst the most vulnerable age groups and are at risk of sexual, psychological, physical, mental and social problems. This coupled with increase in their sexual awareness, biological changes associated with puberty and tendency to explore and experiment their sexuality could result in high burden of reproductive health problems including teenage pregnancy. Adolescent pregnancies have a long-lasting impact on the physical and mental health, education, and livelihood of young women, men, and their families. Methodology: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, carried out among 270 in-school female adolescents in selected secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria. A self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit the variables of interest, supervised by trained research assistants. The data collected were analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 15.80±1.12 years. 59.3% of the respondents had poor knowledge on teenage pregnancy which showed statistical significance (P<0.000) when correlated with sexual intercourse. 13.7% of the respondents had had coitus, with the average age of coitarche being 15 years. There was a high prevalence of multiple sexual partners and a high abortion rate in our study (40.5% and 80.4% respectively). Teenage pregnancy was related to lack of parenting, poverty, lack of sex education, lack of self-control and peer pressure especially from their partners. Conclusion: There is a need to increase knowledge on teenage pregnancy among female adolescents in senior secondary schools in southwest Nigeria.

Assessing the Role of Local Institutions in Flood Resilience among Rural Communities in Northern Ghana

This study investigates the roles of local institutions in shaping flood adaptation strategies among rural communities in Saboba District, Northern Ghana. Using interviews and focus groups, the research identifies four key adaptation practices: Off-season farming, Burning Charcoal, processing of shea nuts, and Cattle rearing. Both formal institutions, such as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and informal ones, including chieftaincy and family units, were found to be integral in providing resources, governance, and conflict mediation related to these practices. The findings reveal that while institutions facilitate access to adaptation resources, they also introduce barriers. Factors such as favoritism, limited resource distribution, and exclusion of vulnerable groups, particularly women and widows, hinder equitable adaptation outcomes. Local institutions enable community-led responses to climate hazards by coordinating external support and guiding decision-making; however, they also perpetuate social hierarchies that can limit adaptive capacity. The study suggests that fostering collaboration between formal and informal institutions, improving resource allocation transparency, and ensuring gender inclusion in decision-making could enhance community resilience. This research contributes to understanding how institutional dynamics influence adaptation practices, highlighting the need for adaptable, inclusive frameworks that support effective flood resilience in vulnerable rural communities.

Implemenation of Child Friendly City Policy in Singkawang City in 2022-2023 Period

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the “Child Friendly City” policy in Singkawang City, which is a strategic initiative to create an environment that is safe, healthy, and supports the development of children as the nation's next generation. Using a qualitative approach, this study collected data through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and analysis of relevant documents to understand the perspectives of various stakeholders, including local government, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and children's communities. The results show that despite strong commitment from the government and cross-sector collaboration, the implementation of this policy still faces various challenges. These challenges include different priorities among actors, budget constraints, and a lack of public understanding of the concept of “Child Friendly City”. In addition, although a non-compliance reporting mechanism is in place, socialization of this mechanism still needs to be improved so that children feel more confident in conveying the problems they face. Thus, this research concludes that the successful implementation of the “Child Friendly City” policy in Singkawang is highly dependent on effective collaboration between all parties, as well as the need for targeted strategies to overcome existing challenges. Hopefully, with a more collaborative and transparent approach, all children, especially those from vulnerable groups, can benefit equally from this policy, thus creating a child-friendly environment and supporting their holistic well-being. This research provides recommendations to improve socialization and education about the policy, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and increase children's participation in decision-making, in order to achieve the goal of creating Singkawang City as a child-friendly city.

Uncovering antidepressant prescription patterns: a three-year analysis of outpatient trends

BackgroundAntidepressants (ADs) are prescribed for various conditions, including neurological and rheumatoid diseases. This study aims to analyze ADs prescribing trends in Iranian outpatients over three years, with a focus on age, sex, and ADs class.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted using prescription data from the Iranian Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) between March 2021 and March 2024. The dataset included 8,924,431 prescriptions from 3,524,273 patients who received at least one ADs. ADs were classified into four groups: tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and atypical ADs. The data were processed via the cross-industry standard process for data mining and analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsSSRIs were the most commonly prescribed class, accounting for 63.71% of prescriptions, with sertraline being the most common drug (24.65%). Females accounted for 66.11% of the patient population. ADs prescriptions increased with age, and females were more likely to receive TCAs and SNRIs than males, who had higher rates of atypical ADs use.ConclusionsThis study revealed a notable increase in ADs prescriptions in Iran, particularly among women and older individuals. Continued monitoring of ADs prescription is crucial for optimizing outcomes, especially for vulnerable groups such as elderly individuals.

Data Are Power: Addressing the Power Imbalance Around Community Data with the Open-Access Data4HumanRights Curriculum

Data4HumanRights’ training materials have been developed as open-source and tailored to limited-resource settings, where community data collectors often live and work. Access to training on data collection, analysis, and visualisation to support the advocacy of vulnerable groups is essential, particularly in the context of increasing human rights challenges such as land rights, adequate housing, conflicts, and climate justice. This paper provides an overview of how the training materials were co-developed with community data collectors in Nigeria and Kenya, offering insights into the fundamental principles (i.e., inclusiveness, adaptive, limited resources, and being gender- and incentive-sensitive) and the structure of the open-access training materials. The development process resulted in 28 modules, each designed to be delivered in a face-to-face format in less than one day by a local trainer. To maximize adaptivity, the training modules can be mixed and matched (e.g., as individual modules or a learning path of several modules around a specific training need). The individual modules cover a range of methods and tools that are useful to human rights work and community advocacy, e.g., documenting evictions, performing rapid needs assessments after acute crises, community profiling, and monitoring community development indicators. The training materials contain instructions for the training facilitator(s) and all necessary training materials. To ensure inclusivity, the training covers both basic and advanced topics, with most modules designed to address basic needs that can be followed using a mobile phone, thereby avoiding the need for computers or printed handouts. The training results in Nigeria and Kenya showcase applications, including mapping waste problems and addressing forced evictions. Trained community groups produced maps of waste piles to prioritize community actions, such as finding space for urban agriculture, and conducted rapid needs assessments during a massive eviction. This approach helps reduce power imbalances and empowers community groups to effectively manage and utilise their own data.

The hidden risk in high-temperature urban environments: assessment of metal elements and human health risks of particulate matter at street.

With the exacerbated urban heat island effect, urban populations are exposing to high temperatures and increased exposure to particulate matter (PM) during daily commutes (especially vulnerable groups). Under high-temperature urban environments, the traffic emissions and the individual respiratory rate would rise simultaneously, causing an elevated risk of air particulate exposure. Most previous studies on PM at bus stations have focused on concentration levels, while neglecting chemical analyses of metal elements or increased human respiratory intake in high-temperature environments. This study conducted PM sampling and physiological parameter measurements of waiting passengers under high temperature conditions at six distinct bus stations in Nanjing. The health risks associated with exposure to metallic elements were evaluated alongside the impact of elevated temperatures on human health, employing chemical analyses to substantiate these assessments. The results indicated that the average PM concentration at bus stations exceeded the urban background by approximately 15 μg/m³, while As, Cd, and Cr were identified as hazards posing significant health risks. Notably, under high-temperature conditions, the core body temperature of individuals reached 37.91 °C, with the health risk increasing by around 20-30 %. In view of the risk of human being exposed to high temperature environment, active and passive mitigation measures are proposed.

Seabird biomonitoring indicates similar plastic pollution throughout the Canary Current.

Marine plastic pollution is an emerging global threat for biodiversity. Plastic ingestion is one of the most typical and studied consequences with petrels being a particularly vulnerable group. We studied the plastic ingestion by Cory's shearwater (Calonectris borealis) fledglings in three islands of the Canarian Archipelago (Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote). Breeders from different islands show substantial spatial segregation in their foraging areas across the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME), a critical marine biodiversity hotspot and an important fishing ground in the North Atlantic Ocean. Here, we used a combination of plastic ingestion parameters (number, maximum length, type and colour of plastics) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) to study potential differences in plastic ingestion loads and trophic niche between three colonies. Our findings reveal a high incidence of plastic ingestion (>90%) among birds from the three islands. However, although adult birds show foraging and trophic niche segregation across the CCLME, no substantial differences were found in plastic ingestion. White and transparent threadlike fragments were predominantly ingested, likely originating from fishing activities in the CCLME. We provide a baseline for monitoring of plastic pollution in the CCLME and highlight Cory's shearwater as an effective bioindicator of pelagic ecosystems. Our findings emphasize the need for more standardized plastic monitoring programs covering other islands, and for management measures in the fishing activities conducted in the CCLME.

Experiences and Concerns of Pregnant Refugee Women from Nigeria Seeking for Asylum in Germany - A qualitative analysis

ProblemInsights into and data of the experiences of pregnant women seeking asylum in Germany are largely lacking. BackgroundDue to multiple stress factors, pregnant refugees are considered a vulnerable group. Gender-specific causes of flight, traumatic experiences during flight, and numerous stressors in the respective host country have a decisive impact on the health of women and affect pregnancy and childbirth. AimThis study aims to assess the perspectives and needs of pregnant refugee women from Nigeria, that are residing in an initial reception center in Germany. MethodsExperiences and concerns of N = 20 pregnant refugee women from Nigeria relating to pregnancy and impending childbirth were assessed in semi-structured interviews, conducted by three psychologists in English. FindingsFindings emphasize the need for continuous medical and psychotherapeutic care due to the multiple stressors and the partial lack of social support, especially for single women. The participants described their concerns particularly related to their personal and their family's health, as well as their impending birth, their optimistic attitude about the parenting experience, and confidence in medical care in Germany. Their wishes were predominantly related to items necessary for the care of their children, information about the pregnancy and birth process as well as for their integration. Utilization of resources and positive activities were indicative of adapting coping styles and resilience factors of pregnant refugee women. ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of the context-sensitive medical and psychotherapeutic care to adequately support the women during pregnancy and around childbirth. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the necessity of counteracting the negative effects of experiences on their health and that of their children.

A short screen for lifetime sexual victimization experiences: Expanding research on the Sexual Abuse History Questionnaire (SAHQ) across cultures, genders, and sexual identities.

The Sexual Abuse History Questionnaire (SAHQ), a widely used screening tool for childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and adolescent/adult sexual assault (AASA) experiences, has limited examination of its psychometric properties in diverse populations. Our study assessed the SAHQ's psychometric properties (i.e., structural validity and measurement invariance across demographic groups, know-group validity, and internal consistency) and estimated the frequencies of various types of sexual victimization across 42 countries and in diverse gender-, trans-status-, and sexual-identity-based groups that were previously missing from measurement-focused studies. We used a large, non-representative sample (N = 81,465; 57 % women, 3.4 % gender-diverse individuals, Mage =32.34 years, SD=12.48) from the International Sex Survey, a 42-country cross-sectional, multi-language, online survey. The SAHQ demonstrated excellent structural validity in all country-, gender-, sexual-identity-, and trans-status-based groups, as well as acceptable reliability and known-group validity. Occurrence estimates for six CSA and AASA types were reported across sociodemographic groups, corroborating previous evidence that women and gender- and sexual-minority individuals are at greater risk of CSA and AASA. Pansexual and queer individuals emerged as a particularly vulnerable group. Associations between different types of CSA and AASA revealed that participants who experienced any form of CSA were at least twice as likely to experience AASA. The findings have significant implications for policy and interventions, especially for marginalized groups.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of microsporidia in stool specimens isolated from multiple sclerosis patients in the west of Iran.

Intestinal microsporidiosis is an emerging opportunistic infection that primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems. This study investigated intestinal microsporidia infections in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and elucidated the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships of microsporidia. A total of 116 stool samples were collected from individuals diagnosed with MS, including 54 men and 63 women, during 2022-2023 in Kurdistan Province, western Iran. The mean age of the participants was 38.28±7.8years. RNA extraction was performed, followed by amplification of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) to identify and characterize microsporidia and their associated genetic markers. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA X software to explore the evolutionary relationships among the isolates. PCR revealed Enterocytozoon bieneusi in 5 of 116 samples (4.3%), whereas no positive cases of Encephalitozoon species were detected. Additionally, no statistically significant associations were observed between the presence of microsporidia and variables such as age, sex, or geographic region. This study highlights the clinical significance of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in immunocompromised populations, particularly in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The findings underscore the potential role of zoonotic transmission and highlight the urgent need for enhanced diagnostic capabilities and preventive strategies to combat intestinal microsporidiosis in vulnerable groups, particularly in regions such as western Iran.

Priced out of belonging? Insufficient concessions on membership fees across international societies in ecology and evolution.

Learned societies, as professional bodies for scientists, are an integral part of the scientific system. However, their membership fees have the potential to be prohibitive to the most vulnerable members of the scientific community. To shed light on how membership fees are structured, we conducted a survey of 182 international learned societies relevant to researchers in ecology and evolution. We found that 83% of these societies offered fee concessions to students, but only 26% to postdoctoral researchers. An average regular membership fee-US$67.8, student fee-US$27.4 (42.7% of the regular fee) and postdoctoral fee-US$42.7 (52.9%). Other types of individual concessions, such as for emeritus, family or unemployed, were rare (2-20%). Of the surveyed societies, 43% had discounts for members from developing countries (Global South). Such discounts were more common among societies located in high-income countries. Societies with a publicly visible commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion were more likely to offer different types of concessions. Currently, fees may prevent researchers from vulnerable and underprivileged groups from accessing multiple professional benefits offered by learned societies in ecology and evolution. This includes postdoctoral researchers, who should receive more support. We recommend tangible actions towards making learned societies more affordable and accessible.

On the Censorship of Conspiracy Theories

ABSTRACT Is it permissible for the state to censor or suppress conspiracy theories, even within liberal democracies? According to a number of political and legal theorists, it is. In this paper, I will argue that the state may sometimes censor conspiracy theories, but it should be permitted to do so only after very strict conditions have been met. I shall first offer some brief thoughts about the definition of ‘conspiracy theory’. I will then critique one existing attempt to address this issue – namely Cíbik and Hardoš’s public reason approach. Next, I shall outline my own proposal. I will argue that we should sometimes consider conspiracy theorising to be a form of discriminatory speech against vulnerable individuals and groups, and we can consider it to be a form of defamation in these cases. Consequently, the state may sometimes be permitted to enact civil laws to sanction such theorising. Finally, I will outline some of the conditions that should be met before state censorship can be considered.

The role and position of informal street vendors in the Onderberg district banana value chain

ABSTRACT The banana value chain is a key driver of socio-economic development in South Africa, supporting food security, job creation, income generation, and rural development. The Onderberg District, located in the Mpumalanga Province, is one of South Africa's six main banana production areas, contributing 35 per cent of the country's total banana cultivation. As such, street vendors play a crucial role in banana retailing, yet they are systematically excluded from the formal banana value chains. The purpose of this article is to map the informal economy banana value chains in the Onderberg District, emphasising the role of street vendors and documenting their value-adding activities. To achieve this, a combination of data collection tools within a cross-sectional time frame, including surveys and interviews, was employed. A total of 119 street vendors were surveyed, and 11 key informants participated in in-depth interviews. Banana value chains were mapped using functional analysis. The value chain analysis reveals the imbalances and challenges faced by street vendors within the banana market. There is a need to enhance the inclusivity of street vendors at every stage of the banana value chain. As members of vulnerable socio-economic groups, street vendors play a crucial role, particularly in informal markets. Analysing banana value chains in these settings can significantly improve economic livelihoods, especially for women, who are often not compensated for the work they do. This study addresses a critical knowledge gap by focusing on street vendors, offering valuable insights for future research, policy development, and practical interventions in similar contexts.

Characterizing pediatric discharge diagnoses associated with daily extreme heat exposure in the Midwestern US: A retrospective case-crossover study.

To explore the association between daily extreme heat exposure (daily mean temperature is greater than the 90th percentile for the month) and pediatric (birth to 18 years old) urgent care clinic, emergency department, and inpatient hospitalization discharge diagnoses for any causes and 12 individual morbidities of interest. A time-stratified, case-crossover study design. We analyzed discharge diagnoses from the Saint Louis University-Sisters of St. Mary, a non-profit healthcare system in the United States, using the Virtual Data Warehouse. Our analysis encompassed urgent care clinic visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations within a Midwestern healthcare network across Missouri, Wisconsin, the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, and Southern Illinois, in the United States. Our study focused on all causes and examined 12 specific morbidities of interest. We focused on pediatric patients during the warm season months of May through September in 2017-2022. For all outcome models, an overall model was calculated and then each model was stratified by age, sex, race, and neighborhood socioeconomic status, excluding strata with unknown values. We found significant associations with dehydration, general symptoms, heat-related illnesses, and infections. The impact of extreme heat exposure varied across demographics, with vulnerable groups including children aged one to four, males, and individuals from low socioeconomic status areas. Our findings highlight important opportunities for health promotion in communities and preschools. Better informing caregivers of the risks and implementing policy level initiatives may help reduce pediatric exposure to extreme heat. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to explore these dynamics further and develop effective heat mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable pediatric populations from the adverse effects of extreme heat.

Food matrices as delivery units of nutrients in processed foods.

Processed food products (PFPs) are amply consumed and important sources of nutrients worldwide. Evaluating PFPs by their composition fails to recognize that nutrients are embedded in food matrices and processing modifies their nutritional functionality, for example, the bioaccessibility and bioavailability. PFPs with equivalent chemical composition may experience the "food matrix effect": a difference in the nutritional outcome and health potential. This review presents food matrices attained after processing and their nutritional significance. It also delves into the complex kinetics of digestion conducive to nutrient release from matrices and nutrient interactions before absorption in the small intestine, and the role of microbial fermentation in the colon. Matrices of PFPs can be designed or redesigned and manufactured to be tasty, nutritious, sustainable, as special foods for vulnerable groups, innovative products from novel food sources, and to feed a healthy microbiota. The potential for nutritional improvement of PFPs is driven by understanding the food materials science and changes in food matrices during processing, control of formulation and manufacturing variables, the application of novel technologies, and a multifactor toolbox that supports the rational design of healthy food matrices.

Predicting Delirium in Older Adults with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Retrospective Analysis of Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio and Its Interactions with Nutrition and Inflammation

BackgroundCommunity-acquired pneumonia (CAP) increases mortality risk in older patients, often complicated by delirium. Key risk factors include malnutrition and glucose metabolism disorders. This study examines the Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR) as a predictive marker for delirium in older CAP patients and its role in clinical risk management. MethodsIn this retrospective study, we analyzed patients aged 65 and older diagnosed with CAP at the Second People's Hospital of Lianyungang. Delirium was evaluated using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) based on DSM-5 criteria. We assessed clinical data, including nutritional status, SHR, and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Nutritional status was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Statistical analyses including logistic regression, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, and mediation analyses were used to ascertain the predictive value of SHR and its interaction with other delirium risk factors. ResultsThe average age of the cohort was 84.20 ± 5.15 years, with a delirium incidence of 19.68% and a 28-day mortality rate of 11.16%. Both SHR and IL-6 were significant risk factors for delirium, while higher MNA-SF scores were protective. An SHR of 1.12 or greater indicated an elevated risk of delirium. Combined assessments of SHR, IL-6, and MNA-SF enhanced predictive accuracy, achieving an AUC of 0.723. SHR and IL-6 independently and synergistically influenced the relationship between nutritional status and delirium onset. ConclusionSHR is a crucial risk factor for delirium in older CAP patients, interacting with nutritional and inflammatory markers. Integrating SHR with nutritional and inflammatory assessments can enhance early risk identification and improve clinical outcomes for this vulnerable group.

Interventions for reducing exposure to air pollution from landscape fires in a changing environment: A systematic review.

Emissions from more frequent and prolonged landscape fires (wildfires, risk reduction fires, agricultural burning) can expose populations to high levels of air pollution and exacerbate a range of health conditions. This systematic review aims to map, evaluate, and synthesise the scientific literature reporting interventions that can reduce exposure to landscape fire smoke (LFS). Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science and reviewed relevant literature published until March 2024. Thirty-three studies from four countries met the eligibility criteria. Of the interventions evaluated, air filtration was the most frequently reported, and included use of portable air cleaners (PACs) with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, ventilation systems with standard and upgraded filters, and low-cost fan filter units (FFU). The effectiveness of PACs for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reduction ranged between 54%-92%. In naturally ventilated residences, concentrations of PM2.5 were 0-44% lower indoors, and depended on the duration of LFS, building operation, and permeability. Mechanical ventilation with minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) 5/8 filters in buildings reduced LFS PM2.5 levels by 18-58%; however, use of higher rated filters (e.g., MERV 12/13) achieved reductions of up to 87%. Communication interventions, including smartphone apps and alerts/messages from various media sources (e.g., radio, television, internet) had mixed results; nevertheless, inclusion of spirometry and asthma control surveys during app use could improve health outcomes for vulnerable groups. The efficacy of facemasks (N95/P2) was up to 94% for single pass PM2.5 removal, although they were relatively underutilised. Clean air shelters in public buildings can potentially provide a place for exposure reduction and social support, but have not been sufficiently tested during LFS events. Further research is needed on the effectiveness of interventions during prolonged smoke events, and in low- and middle-income countries.

Investigation of the quality, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects of commercial carob molasses and determination of phenolic acids by using HPLC.

This study examines the bioactive properties and quality of commercial carob molasses, commonly consumed by children in Turkey for tonsillitis relief, while highlighting potential risks. Total phenolic content was analyzed spectrophotometrically, and phenolic acid composition by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For the determination of health benefits, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity methods were used, and for quality control, pH, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), ash content, and water-soluble solids were determined. The results showed that there were differences in the bioactive properties of the samples. Sample 2 was found to have the highest antioxidant potential (93.86±8.46 ascorbic acid equivalent [AAE]) and metal chelation ability (56.99±1.91%). All carob molasses samples showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida krusei, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 200 to ≥400µg/mL, approaching bactericidal/fungistatic effects. It was concluded that 5-HMF levels in all samples exceeded the 15mg/kg limit and that many samples' pH values (between 4.71 and 5.18) and ash contents were outside the acceptable ranges. HPLC analysis showed that Sample 2 had the highest gallic acid content (569.423±0.003µg/100mg), while Sample 6 had the highest cinnamic acid content (14.838±0.003µg/100mg). As a result, it was observed that carob molasses, consumed with the thought that it was beneficial for tonsillitis, was not as effective as expected on the related microorganisms. It was concluded that better quality control in carob molasses production and storage is needed, and stricter food regulations should be implemented for public health. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Carob is a fruit with important nutritional value for both adults and children thanks to its high sugar, dietary fiber, mineral, and phenolic compound content. The molasses obtained from the fruit is frequently used as a food supplement or to alleviate respiratory tract disorders in children. The findings of this study suggest that carob molasses, which is widely used for its health benefits, is not very effective against pathogens associated with respiratory tract disorders and underline the critical importance of improving quality criteria related to production, quality (5-hydroxymethylfurfural [5-HMF], pH levels, and ash content) control, and ensuring its safety after it is placed on the market. This is particularly important for the protection of vulnerable groups, including children, who may be more sensitive to potential risks. It is, therefore, essential that the quality of food products available on the market is rigorously assessed and that health claims are supported by scientific evidence.

Bisphenols in indoor dust: A comprehensive review of global distribution, exposure risks, transformation, and biomonitoring.

Bisphenols (BPs) are pervasive environmental contaminants extensively found in indoor environments worldwide. Despite their ubiquitous presence and potential health risks, there remains a notable gap in the comprehensive reviews focusing on BPs in indoor dust. Existing literature often addresses specific aspects such as exposure pathways, transformation products, or biomonitoring techniques, but lacks a consolidated, in-depth review encompassing all these facets. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution of BPs, emphasizing their prevalence in diverse indoor settings ranging from households and workplaces to public areas. Variations in BP concentrations across these environments are explored, influenced by factors such as industrial activities, consumer product usage patterns, and geographical location. Exposure assessments highlight ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact as primary pathways for BP exposure, with ingestion being particularly significant for vulnerable groups such as infants and young children. Studies consistently reveal higher concentrations of BPs in urban indoor dust compared to rural settings, reflecting the impact of urbanization and intensive consumer practices. Moreover, BPs from mobile sources like vehicles contribute significantly to overall human exposure, further complicating exposure assessments. The review also delves into the transformation of BPs within indoor environments, emphasizing the diverse roles of physical, chemical, and biological processes in generating various transformation products (TPs). These TPs can exhibit heightened toxicity compared to their parent compounds, necessitating deeper investigations into their environmental fate and potential health implications. Critical examination of biomonitoring techniques for BPs and their metabolites underscores the importance of non-invasive sampling methods, offering ethical advantages and practicality in assessing human exposure levels. The emerging use of bioindicators, encompassing plants, animals, and innovative approaches like spider webs, presents promising avenues for effectively monitoring environmental contamination.

Heat health in general practice: An evidence-based approach to the prevention of heat-related illness

The year 2023 was the hottest on record, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. Extreme heat is the deadliest climate related event, causing significant morbidity and mortality globally. Vulnerable groups include older people, young children and pregnant women. This paper aims to equip general practitioners (GPs) with evidence-based strategies to prevent and mitigate heat related illnesses. It identifies at-risk populations through life stage analysis and advocates for effective adaptation and mitigation strategies. This paper highlights essential practice points for GPs and discusses the expanding evidence on heat-related health impacts, including direct effects like heat stress and indirect effects such as exacerbation of chronic diseases. The importance of cooling strategies and heat action plans are emphasised while advocating for systemic changes to address the root causes of heat-related health risks.