Racial or ethnic residential segregation is the physical separation of individuals into different neighborhoods by race or ethnicity. This selective sorting process has a large impact on the social, economic, political, and health outcomes of populations, with more marginalized populations having worse outcomes. Segregation measures seek to quantify this process and characterize how different population groups are spread across geographical areas. Residential segregation has traditionally been measured at the metropolitan or county level, but a growing number of population health studies have quantified it at the neighborhood or "local" level. Many such studies have used racial or ethnic composition as a proxy for local residential segregation. However, racial or ethnic composition does not take into account the larger context surrounding the neighborhood individuals live in The Gi*statistic is the most commonly used spatial local segregation measure in the literature. However, it is hard and time consuming to compute, potentially discouraging researchers from its use. Thus, we provide Gi*statistics for the entire US for 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, for numerous population groups. We also provide R code that can be used to calculate the Gi*statistic for years before 2023.

Quantifying cancer survival is a crucial component of cancer surveillance and control. Survival for all cancers combined is an overall summary to explore differences between population groups and over time. Net survival is the usual measure for reporting survival for all cancers combined. Differences in the cancer site distribution between groups can be adjusted for using standardization. We propose using individual weights incorporated into the Pohar Perme estimator of net survival for standardized all cancers combined survival estimates, rather than a weighted average of stratum specific estimates. This removes sparse data problems, where estimates are unobtainable for some strata. Extending to reference adjusted all-cause survival gives an alternative, interpretable measure, enabling partitioning of all-cause survival differences into those due to cancer site/age/sex distribution differences, other cause mortality differences and cancer mortality differences. We illustrate the methods using data on 749 889 individuals diagnosed with cancer in Norway 1986-2021. Using individual weights gives very similar estimates to traditional and model-based standardization and avoids using ad-hoc sparse data methods. Reference adjusted all-cause survival provides measures with simpler interpretation. For example, between 1986 and 1990 and 2016-2021 there was a 25.9 %age point improvement in 5-year all-cause survival. This improvement was partitioned into changes in the site/age/sex distribution (2.0), changes in other cause mortality rates (4.4) with the majority (19.6) due to improvements in cancer survival. Survival of all cancers combined is easily analyzed non-parametrically using individual weights. Reference adjusted all-cause survival gives a more interpretable measure improving understanding of differences over time/between groups.

Vaccination decision-making in children with intellectual and developmental disabilities- it's a matter of trust.

This article presents the results of a study of the materials recovered from the Medieval cemetery in Vologda, dating to the 15th–16th centuries. In contrast to previously examined collections, the sample derived from the Ilyinsky Monastery cemetery is confined to a relatively narrow chronological range. This feature enhances the potential for a more precise assessment of how local historical circumstances influenced the demographic structure of the urban population. The sample comprises the remains of 121 individuals. The study was conducted in accordance with standard anthropological methods. The mortality distribution of the individuals within the sample reveals some deviations from a typical pattern. In particular, the group features a high proportion of children (63 %), with infants under one year of age accounting for 52 % of all children. Among adults, a predominance of males has been identified (70 % vs 30 %). The mortality distribution within the male subgroup exhibits two peaks: the first in early adulthood (25–29 years) and the second in the older age category (50+ years). Furthermore, a considerably lower average age at death among females has been revealed compared to other contemporaneous population groups in Vologda.

ABSTRACT The global problem of domestic violence is commonly addressed in health communication through public service advertising. Given that domestic violence is much rooted in cultural norms, it is essential to consider this factor in public service advertising in countries with significant cultural diversity to increase its effectiveness. Unfortunately, this point has received limited attention in the literature. Addressing the gap, the current study explored the perceptions of a domestic violence public service advertisement (PSA) by the World Health Organization that targets the general public by two culturally different population groups—White non-Muslim U.S.-born women and Muslim newcomer women in the United States—using in-depth interviews. The thematic analysis brought three major themes: (1) prior experience and elaboration, (2) demonstrated physical abuse, and (3) cultural appropriateness. Despite expectations based on prior literature, Muslim women showed a better awareness of domestic violence and a higher engagement with the PSA than American women. Hence, in some population groups and communities, American women may need more awareness campaigns about domestic violence than Muslim women. Among the key implications, the study suggests that, in certain contexts, the mechanism of elaboration within the elaboration likelihood model may be stronger than descriptive cultural norms, cultural background, and cultural identity.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are highly persistent contaminants frequently detected in foods of animal origin, raising concern for human health. Eggs and egg products are recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as one of the major dietary sources of PFAS exposure in Europe. This study applied the relative potency factors (RPFs), based on hepatic toxicity, to estimate cumulative dietary exposure to PFAS from eggs across different population groups. The 95th percentile occurrence data were combined with food consumption patterns to express exposure in perfluorooctanoic acid equivalents, providing a biologically relevant metric. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid emerged as the dominant contributor to cumulative exposure. Toddlers exhibited the highest estimated weekly intake, reaching 1.63 ng/kg bw per week, while adolescents, adults, and elderly populations showed progressively lower values. These findings highlight children as a particularly vulnerable group due to higher intake per body weight. Consistent with previous studies, commercial eggs generally contained PFAS only at trace levels, whereas home-produced eggs often showed elevated contamination, in some cases exceeding the European Union maximum levels and EFSA's tolerable weekly intake. Overall, this work demonstrates the potential of the RPF approach for mixture-based risk assessment, underscores the need for refined exposure evaluation, and reinforces the importance of continuous monitoring of PFAS in eggs.

This paper presents a conceptual framework for developing a geographic information system (GIS) designed to monitor agricultural and rural development in Ukraine with integrated human rights assessment components. The proposed system addresses critical challenges facing Ukraine’s rural territories in the context of post-war reconstruction, including food security degradation, land resource management, infrastructure destruction, and protection of vulnerable population groups. The study outlines a comprehensive monitoring framework structured around six indicator blocks: security situation, food security, land resources and land use, agro-food system infrastructure, socio-economic conditions of rural territories, and human rights observance. The system architecture incorporates modular design principles, spatial database technologies, and advanced analytical capabilities to support evidence-based policy development and decision-making at multiple governance levels. Integration of geospatial analysis and socio-economic assessment methods aims to provide a tool for a human rights-based approach implementation into rural development management during Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction.

Traffic emissions contribute disproportionately to exposure inequities in dense cities. Delivery fleets and public buses can intensify these burdens in vulnerable communities, yet most assessments overlook such dynamics by aggregating fleets into broad categories and averaging across the day. This obscures when and which vehicles drive inequities. We developed a vehicle-class and hour-resolved approach for Hong Kong to estimate traffic emissions. We integrated high-resolution traffic counts, street imagery, and detector data with machine learning and computer vision to model hourly NOx and PM2.5 for all road segments during typical daily activity hours. The framework explains over 95% of the variance in NOx and PM2.5 emissions. Results show substantial traffic-related emission inequities in Hong Kong, with low-income residents experiencing 8%-9% higher NOx levels than high-income residents, and Chinese residents experiencing 40%-52% higher NOx levels than White residents. The dominant contributors shift over the day, with delivery fleets driving daytime inequities and franchised buses amplifying evening inequities. Across all hours, light-duty goods vehicles contribute 31-35% of disparities, franchised buses 25-35%, and heavy-duty goods vehicles 19-23%, varying by population group. This study provides one of the first data-driven analyses of vehicle-specific impacts, revealing when and which vehicles drive inequities and guiding equity-focused interventions.

Background. Studying the implementation of occupation-based stroke prevention interventions in primary healthcare is necessary and will provide insights of interventions' feasibility in clinical practice. Purpose. To explore the implementation of the Make My Day (MMD) stroke prevention intervention in Swedish primary healthcare with health professionals (HPs) and among persons at risk for stroke. Method. The Medical Research Councils process evaluation framework domains, implementation, mechanisms of impact and context, guided investigation of the implementation. Data were collected through logbooks, fieldnotes, and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze process data while thematic analysis was applied to explore experiences of and interactions with the MMD intervention and contextual influences. Results. There was a high belief in using engaging occupations to facilitate lifestyle habit change among HP's and persons at risk for stroke. The HP's complementary competencies, sharing experiences within groups and digital self-monitoring was valued. Time constraints and age differences in groups impacted MMD delivery. Reaching a representative sample, and different Swedish primary healthcare settings was challenging. Conclusion. The occupation-based framework and intervention implementation was feasible yet sustainability in Swedish primary healthcare requires securing HP staff and time to deliver prevention like MMD, and reaching hard-to-reach groups in the study population.

Health-related quality of life in patients with plantar fasciopathy: Comparison to the general population of the United Kingdom.

ABSTRACT Wheat flour is a staple food with high consumption rates, making it a potential pathway for dietary exposure to heavy metals. This screening‐level study evaluated the concentrations of selected heavy metals in commercially available wheat flour marketed in Erbil, northern Iraq, and assessed associated dietary exposure and noncarcinogenic health risks. Twenty wheat flour samples of domestic and imported origin were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). Mean concentrations of arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exceeded Codex guideline values in a substantial proportion of samples, whereas nickel (Ni) exceeded commonly referenced benchmark values reported in international risk assessments. Dietary exposure was assessed using estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) approaches for both adult and child populations. For adults, HQ values for individual metals were below unity, and the cumulative HI (HI = 0.598) indicated no significant noncarcinogenic risk. In contrast, higher EDI and HQ values were observed for children, and the cumulative HI (HI = 1.675) exceeded unity, suggesting a potential health concern for younger populations with higher relative intake. These findings highlight the importance of exposure‐based risk assessment for staple foods and underscore the need for continued monitoring of wheat flour to protect vulnerable population groups.

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Sesame (<em>Sesamum indicum</em> L.) is an oilseed with demand for direct and industrial consumption due to its nutritional value and phytochemical components. The color of the coat appears to be related to the seed biochemical properties, antioxidant activity and biological properties. <strong>Objective:</strong> To identify and generate knowledge on seed coat color variability in sesame accessions from central and northwestern Mexico. <strong>Methodology:</strong> 73 sesame populations were collected in the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guerrero, Sinaloa and Sonora. Color parameters L*, a*, and b* were recorded through readings in a Hunter-Lab miniScan XEPLUS colorimeter. The tone (hue) was calculated by means of arctan expression (b*/a*) and chroma as: [(a*)<sup>2</sup> + (b*)<sup>2</sup>]<sup>1/2</sup>. Readings were taken in triplicate on a 10-g seed sample. The data were processed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), principal components (PCA) and hierarchical clusters. <strong>Results:</strong> Low coefficients of variation were found in the parameters of the HunterLab scale, 0.64, 1.85, 0.91, 0.97 and 1.06% for L*, a*, b*, chroma and hue, respectively, indicating that the color information of the seed coat is consistent, allowing to identify groups of populations by color as follows: 5 light color populations, 37 cream color, 23 brown and 8 dark color. The PCA, based on L*, hue and chroma, indicated that the first PC explains 95% of the total variation among populations, and the cluster analysis allowed differentiation among non-dark coat populations. <strong>Implications:</strong> Complete chemical and proximal determinations are required with special interest in black sesame due to its nutraceutical quality. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> Producers preserve genetic diversity by cultivating different local genotypes based mainly on yield and grain color diversity.</p>

Quinolone antibiotics (QNs) are widely used in animal production and may pose potential health risks through dietary exposure. A total of 1612 animal-derived food samples covering 10 food categories were collected in Guangzhou, China, from 2016 to 2023. Residues of six QNs were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Dietary exposure among different age groups was assessed using a probabilistic approach based on local food consumption data, and non-carcinogenic health risks were characterized using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) methods. QN residues were detected in 7.75% of samples, with an exceedance rate of 2.23%. Aquatic products, particularly fish and crustaceans, exhibited the highest detection frequencies and contributed most to overall dietary exposure. Enrofloxacin (ENR) was the most frequently detected compound, while sporadic samples showed extremely high residue concentrations (1003 unit/g in eggs). Children aged 3-6 years had the highest HI (mean is 1.94 × 10-2). All HQ and HI values were below 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic health risks under current exposure scenarios. Although dietary exposure to QNs among Guangzhou residents is unlikely to pose appreciable non-carcinogenic health risks, elevated exposure in children and sporadic high-residue events highlight the need for continued risk-based monitoring and targeted food safety management.

Continuum of care in maternal and child health (MCH) services is a key strategy for improving MCH outcomes. This study examines the effect of conditional cash incentives and community health worker support on the uptake of the continuum of MCH care, defined as the sequential utilization of antenatal, skilled delivery, and postnatal services. Using nationally representative cross-sectional datasets and a difference-in-difference framework, we find that both interventions significantly improved the continuum of MCH care. The intent-to-treat estimates showed a 5-percentage-point increase in the proportion of women completing the full continuum of care. Heterogeneity analysis revealed more substantial effects among educated women, those in urban areas, and those in higher wealth quintiles. Insights from qualitative interviews with mothers and community health workers suggested that awareness of antenatal care and institutional delivery increased; however, postnatal care was typically sought only in response to complications, and the uptake of all recommended MCH services as a full continuum was often hindered by intersecting demand- and supply-side barriers. Notably, participants emphasized that sustained community health worker engagement had a more significant impact on ensuring care continuity than cash incentives alone. These findings highlight the need for policy strategies that enhance community health worker-led support mechanisms, combined with financial incentives, to promote the comprehensive and sustained use of maternal health services among disadvantaged population groups.

Pancreatic beta cell destruction in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a possible consequence of an intricate autoimmune crosstalk between environmental factors and genetic elements. The vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene apart from regulating insulin secretion from the pancreas, also functions as a mediator of immune response through vitamin D. These interplay mechanisms vary across studies and population groups. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the association between VDR gene polymorphisms and T1D among South Indian subjects. This was a single-centre, prospective, case-control study that included 150 T1D and 155 non-diabetic control participants. All the participants' blood samples were analysed for vitamin D levels. TaqMan real-time assays were used to analyse the FokI (rs2228570), BsmI (rs1544410) and TaqI (rs731236) polymorphisms. The levels of vitamin D were significantly lower in the T1D group than in the control group. A statistically significant variation in the genotype of VDR polymorphism BsmI was noted between T1D and controls, with the homozygous variant (AA) of BsmI rs 1544410 present more frequently in the T1D group (44%) compared to the control group (23.2%) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.265, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.380-3.719, p < 0.001). The frequency of the A allele of the BsmI polymorphism was also significantly higher in the T1D (p < 0.002). Analysis of haplotype showed that combinations T-A-T and C-A-T were statistically linked with susceptibility to T1D (p < 0.008 and p < 0.005, respectively). High linkage disequilibrium (LD) was found between TaqI and BsmI (D' = 0.71). Statistically significant differences were not encountered in genotype and allelic frequencies of VDR polymorphism of either FokI or TaqI. This study findings revealed that BsmI polymorphism in the VDR gene and particular haplotypes are possibly associated with susceptibility to T1D in the South Indian population.

The disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 is known as COVID-19, and it can range from mild symptoms to severe clinical manifestations, including respiratory failure, pneumonia, and organ failure. Since its emergence in 2019, more than 7 million deaths have been reported worldwide. Vaccines have been the most effective strategy for preventing severe illness and death in patients who acquire the infection. Vaccines induce both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses; the latter is crucial in the immune response against SARS-CoV-2, as the effector mechanisms of T-cells are less affected by the high mutation rate of the virus and prevail through memory phenotypes, ensuring long-term protection. mRNA vaccines have been primarily used worldwide to control the COVID-19 pandemic. This platform can protect against different circulating variants and is characterized by generating a robust T-cell response. This review discusses the immune response of T-cells induced by mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. It explores their effect on different population groups, including people with special clinical conditions, such as cancer and organ transplant recipients with a compromised immune system.

This article examines the planned relocation of Grantham, Australia that underwent a government-supported voluntary land-swap program following a catastrophic flood event in 2011. Using a wellbeing framing, this study investigates the long-term outcomes of the relocation, analysing perspectives of those who remained living in the old site, those who relocated to the new site, those who moved to Grantham after the relocation, and project staff involved in coordinating and managing the relocation process. Findings reveal that relocation has catalysed into diverse wellbeing outcomes for different population groups. While relocated individuals report enhanced physical safety, they also face emotional and psychological hardships, as do those who didn’t relocate. The research further highlights the complexities of community networks and cohesion, noting that the relocation process has led to divisions among residents based on perceived inequities in the relocation process, and the physical separation of the community. This division is experienced by not only those who live at the old site, and those living at the new site, but also newcomers to Grantham. Additionally, an experienced absence of essential community infrastructure, such as social hubs and transport services, has hindered the integration of relocated individuals and newcomers, further impacting broader wellbeing. While the relocation of Grantham was undoubtedly successful in reducing physical exposure for households who relocated, this article underscores the need and challenges in addressing not only physical safety in relocation planning but also the broader social, and psychological dimensions, offering insights for future policies and practices in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation.

The role of syringe residue analysis in identifying substances consumed in sexualized drug use practices.

Abstract. For the analysis of survival data obtained from cancer registries, it is common to use the relative survival framework, which incorporates expected mortality rates rather than relying on cause-of-death information. The relative survival framework enables comparisons between population groups where the effect of mortality due to the cancer is isolated to enable fair comparisons when there is differential other-cause mortality between the groups being compared. The stpp command provides nonparametric estimates of marginal relative survival and a range of other nonparametric estimates, including all-cause survival and crude probabilities of death and also recently developed reference-adjusted measures. In addition, it enables (age) standardization to be performed using both traditional standardization and the individual weighting approach. The genindweights command simplifies the process of calculating individual weights.

To examine trends in the treatment and rehabilitation of depression prior to disability pension application due to depression. This retrospective register-based study included 30,105 applicants for disability pension due to depression, and it is based on data from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela). The trends in antidepressant purchases and rehabilitation measures during the year preceding the application were analysed for 2010-2019 using linear regression analysis, with analysis of covariance to assess the interactions of age- and sex-based population groups with these trends. A stable proportion of approximately 1 in 10 (9.2%-12.2%) applicants had had neither antidepressant purchases nor psychotherapy in the preceding year, with no statistically significant trend (p < 0.05). The proportion of applicants with a history of antidepressant use decreased slightly from 90.3% to 87.5%. However, the proportion of applicants with a history of psychotherapy or both psychotherapy and antidepressants doubled over the same period (from 6.1% to 13.5% and from 5.6% to 11.7%, respectively). Annually, estimated average antidepressant use declined by 0.25 percentage points, psychotherapy increased by 0.90 percentage points, and combined treatment increased by 0.75 percentage points, all statistically significant. A statistically significant interaction in psychotherapy trends was observed in population groups based on sex and age. The highest proportion of applicants receiving psychotherapy was among females under the age of 40. The proportion of applicants for disability pension due to depression receiving psychotherapy has increased over time. However, most applicants, particularly older males, continue to receive only antidepressants and no rehabilitation.