Although prior studies suggest physical activity (PA) benefits the mental health of the general population, evidence remains scarce for people with disabilities, who are comparatively less active and at greater risk of mental health disorders (MHD). This study aimed to assess the differential associations between PA and mental health outcomes among Korean adults with disabilities. This study drew on nationally representative data from the Korea Health Panel Survey (KHPS, 2019-2021, Version 2.2), including 1,890 adults with disabilities. PA levels were assessed per WHO guidelines as insufficient (< 150min/week), moderate (150-300min/week), or high (> 300min/week). In this study, participants engaging in ≥ 150min of PA per week were defined as physically active. MHD included stress, anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for covariates were performed, along with stratified interaction analyses, to examine the associations between PA and each mental health outcome. Overall, 51.5% (95% CI: 49.3-53.8) of participants were physically active. Adults with disabilities engaging in moderate and/or high PA exhibited lower odds of stress (OR, 95% CI; moderate PA: 0.55, 0.36-0.85; high PA: 0.61, 0.44-0.91) and suicide ideation (OR, 95% CI; moderate PA: 0.62, 0.34-0.98) compared to those with insufficient PA. High PA was associated with a 52% reduction in the odds of depression (OR, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.25-0.93). Physically active adults with physical (suicide ideation, OR, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.20-0.84), sensory (stress, OR, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.17-0.97), and internal organ disabilities (OR, 95% CI: stress, 0.27, 0.14-0.73; anxiety, 0.60, 0.26-0.97) exhibited lower odds of MHD. Older adults, males, employed individuals, urban residents, and those with higher educational attainment or chronic health conditions who were physically active demonstrated a stronger protective association with MHD. The findings indicate a positive association between sufficient PA and mental health among adults with disabilities. Notably, the positive association between PA and mental health was particularly pronounced among individuals with physical, sensory, and internal organ disabilities. These findings support tailored PA interventions as a public health strategy to enhance mental well-being in disabled individuals, with further research needed to explore underlying mechanisms and develop accessible programs addressing diverse disability needs. Not applicable.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of wastewater management practices on effluent water quality at the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant, Abuja, using an integrated descriptive, analytical, and experimental research design. Primary institutional and operational data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 173 respondents comprising Wupa treatment plant staff and Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) officials, alongside systematic field observations and facility inspections of the activated sludge system with extended aeration. Influent and effluent wastewater samples were collected during wet and dry seasons over three consecutive weeks and analysed for physio-chemical and biological parameters using standard laboratory methods, with results assessed against NESREA and WHO guidelines. Findings showed unanimous agreement (100%) among respondents that the plant operates under established regulatory frameworks (FME, NESREA, and WHO) and applies an activated sludge treatment system with extended aeration, discharging only treated effluent into the Wupa River. Laboratory analyses demonstrated substantial reductions in turbidity, BOD, COD, TSS, nutrients, heavy metals, and coliform counts in both seasons, with most effluent parameters complying with regulatory limits; however, mean BOD values during the wet season were marginally above the recommended threshold for surface water discharge. Paired sample t-test results revealed a statistically significant difference between influent and effluent mean values in the wet season (t = 7.785, p &lt; 0.05), confirming the effectiveness of wastewater management practices in improving effluent quality prior to discharge. Overall, the study concludes that the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant is largely effective in protecting receiving water quality, though targeted improvements are required to achieve full compliance for all parameters under varying seasonal conditions.

As countries progress from control of onchocerciasis as a public health problem to elimination of parasite transmission, more evidence on vector-related activities and transmission assessments is needed to inform WHO guidelines and country strategies to achieve the targets of the 2030 NTD Roadmap. For vector-borne diseases, entomology plays a critical role in the elimination and verification of transmission based on vector infectivity. The vector-control based Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP, 1974-2002), had accumulated relevant experience and data. The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC, 1995-2015) extended onchocerciasis control, based primarily on mass ivermectin administration, to all African endemic countries, and supported many implementation research projects. OCP and APOC documents, previously available only in hard-copy from OCP or APOC, are now accessible in the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (WHO IRIS). Most documents cover numerous topics and include large amounts of unpublished data. Here, we provide an overview of the OCP and APOC documents in IRIS. We reviewed and summarized the documents in WHO IRIS as a resource to guide current elimination efforts. We also provided examples for potential uses of the information for mapping, diagnostics, entomology and social science research to the preparation of elimination dossiers. The APOC Collection included 8150 documents. Of these, 3895 were in English and 4194 in French. Topics covered in the documents include CDTi, cytotaxonomy, diagnosis, drug effectiveness, environmental modification, epidemiology, health economics, impact assessment, insecticide resistance, larviciding, mapping, programme implementation, slash and burn, transmission assessment and vector control. The APOC Collection in WHO IRIS makes the wealth of OCP and APOC experience and data available to the onchocerciasis control/elimination and research community.

Arsenic speciation and biogeochemical cycling in Pakistan's alluvial rice ecosystem: Health and trade implications.

Traditional medicine is increasingly promoted worldwide as a tool to achieve universal access to healthcare. Herbal medicines have formed the basis of healthcare throughout the world and are still widely used, playing a major role in the international health market. However, several factors influence the potential quality of phytotherapy. The diversity of herbal medicines, their various uses and preparation methods, the pluralism in access to these treatments, and the variability in the chemical composition of raw materials depending on their environment are all critical elements. This study compares the regulatory frameworks and quality control practices for plant-based health products in six countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Peru and France. It also provides an overview of the market in these countries. To do so, we compiled and highlighted key information from WHO guidelines, national legal documents, public databases on product registration and markets, and conducted interviews with health organisation experts. The main findings indicate that West African countries face challenges related to regulatory enforcement and limited industrial and research capacity. In contrast, Peru experienced an initial surge in production following regulation in 1997 and gained international recognition for Amazonian plants, but saw a decline after the 2009 U.S.-Peru Free Trade Agreement due to more stringent standards. France, while notable for its pharmacopoeia, struggles to implement quality control given the high volume of dietary supplements available. Based on these comparative insights, the paper recommends a multidimensional approach: promoting stakeholder training in good practices, developing robust pharmacopoeias, facilitating dialogue between traditional and allopathic medicines, and building shared infrastructures for research and quality control. These strategies, informed by successful practices across countries, aim to support the safe and equitable development of herbal health products worldwide.

This article investigates the role of lignocellulosic additives, specifically Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibre (OPMF), in modulating the properties and environmental performance of fired clay bricks. OPMF, a readily available material containing high levels of lignocellulose, possesses desirable properties for use in brick making. Clay soil was substituted with OPMF at varying levels (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%), and bricks were fired at 1050 °C with a controlled heating rate of 1 °C/min. A systematic experiment was employed, combining physical-mechanical properties (density, shrinkage, water absorption, porosity, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity), microstructural analysis (XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA-DTA), and and leaching analysis (TCLP and SPLP tests) were evaluated. The results revealed that incorporating 10% OPMF significantly reduced the mechanical properties, with compressive strength decreasing from 24.6 MPa to 4.1 MPa. This decrease was attributed to increased firing shrinkage (0.7 to 2.5%) and porosity (13 to 25%). However, OPMF addition resulted in a lighter brick (density decreased from 1799 to 1563 kg/m3) and enhanced thermal conductivity (improved from 0.54 to 0.34 W/m.K), primarily due to the increased porosity. Leaching tests confirmed that heavy metals (Pb, Cr, and Zn) were successfully immobilized, meeting USEPA and WHO guidelines. This indicates that heavy metals were effectively immobilised and encapsulated within the clay matrix, forming a stable mineral phase. These findings suggest that incorporating up to 5% OPMF offers a sustainable approach to brickmaking, promoting circular economy while reducing environmental impact.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe global increase in older adults necessitates reliable tools to assess lifestyle factors that influence healthy aging. Existing Western lifestyle assessment instruments often lack cultural relevance for non‐Western populations, including Iran. This study aimed to translate and assess the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Older Adult Lifestyle Scale (P‐OALS) among community‐dwelling older adults in Iran.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional methodological study, for construct validity assessment, a total of 397 community‐dwelling older adults aged 60 years and above were recruited from the city of Babol, Iran. Participants were selected using convenience sampling. The P‐OALS was translated using the Forward‐Backward method and rigorously evaluated for psychometric properties. The translation process followed WHO guidelines. Face and content validity were evaluated through a panel review conducted by 10 subject matter experts. Additionally, it was further assessed through interviews with a sample of 10 older adults. Construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was tested through internal consistency and test–retest stability, while convergent/discriminant validity was analyzed using composite reliability and average variance extracted. The questionnaires were administered by trained researchers through structured face‐to‐face sessions with participants.ResultsFace validity showed that 90% of items were rated as clear. Expert panel evaluation confirmed acceptable content validity (CVI > 0.79; CVR > 0.62). EFA revealed a robust four‐factor structure—Quality of Relationships (6 items), Preventive Behaviors (5 items), Nutrition (4 items), and Physical Activity (4 items)—accounting for 55.4% of the total variance. CFA confirmed excellent model fit (comparative fit index = 0.923, root mean square error of approximation = 0.064, parsimony normed fit index = 0.712). The P‐OALS demonstrated strong reliability (α = 0.86, ICC = 0.859) and validity, with all subscales meeting psychometric benchmarks.ConclusionThe P‐OALS is a valid, reliable, and culturally adapted instrument for assessing the lifestyle of older persons residing in Babol, Iran. Its concise format and contextual relevance make it valuable for research and clinical practice. Future studies should explore its applicability in broader populations and longitudinal settings to further establish generalizability.

Pyridine-hydrazone-based charge-transfer probe for detecting Cu2+ and Co2+ ions in aqueous solutions.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading causes of death from a single infectious agent worldwide, a burden further exacerbated by HIV co-infection and the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant strains. Although a wide range of laboratory diagnostic methods are currently available, their applicability, implementation, and clinical impact vary substantially across healthcare settings with different levels of complexity and resources. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main laboratory diagnostic methods for active and latent TB, emphasizing their clinical applicability, implementation challenges, and role within integrated diagnostic strategies. Conventional approaches, such as smear microscopy and culture, are discussed alongside modern diagnostic technologies, including automated nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), line probe assays (LPAs), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and lateral flow assays, highlighting their strengths and limitations in distinct epidemiological and operational contexts. Unlike existing WHO guidelines and prior reviews that predominantly focus on test performance and recommendation status, this review adopts an implementation-oriented perspective, critically examining diagnostic methods in light of real-world constraints, regional disparities, and evidence gaps. Particular attention is given to limitations related to laboratory infrastructure, biosafety, workforce capacity, and sustainability, as well as to under-addressed areas such as latent TB, metagenomic approaches, and the investigation of co-pathogens. By integrating WHO guidance with contextual and operational considerations, this review aims to support rational test selection and the development of flexible, integrated diagnostic workflows tailored to local health system capacity, patient populations, and clinical scenarios, thereby strengthening the effectiveness and equity of TB diagnostic strategies.

Uterine smooth muscle tumors (USMTs) represent a diagnostically and clinically challenging subset of uterine mesenchymal neoplasms. Up to 5% of these tumors exhibit ambiguous histological features that preclude definitive classification as either benign leiomyomas or malignant leiomyosarcomas. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the evolving diagnostic criteria, histopathological variants, and recent advancements in immunohistochemical and molecular profiling of smooth muscle tumors with uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs). The review traces the historical development of diagnostic criteria, from the original mitotic thresholds to the “Stanford criteria,” which incorporate mitotic index, cytological atypia, and tumor cell necrosis. Contemporary WHO guidelines largely uphold these principles, with nuanced refinements for spindle, myxoid, and epithelioid subtypes. However, recent studies suggest additional morphologic indicators, such as atypical mitoses, infiltrative margins, and vascular invasion, may provide prognostic insight. Notably, necrosis remains the most reliable histologic predictor of recurrence, while mitotic activity and atypia, though important, are less specific. In conclusion, STUMPs represent a heterogeneous group with unpredictable behavior that requires long-term clinical follow-up. While existing histological and molecular tools aid classification, definitive prognostic markers remain elusive. Further studies integrating histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology are essential to refine diagnosis and improve therapeutic decision-making in this diagnostically ambiguous group of uterine tumors.

Oral health care professionals continuously come into contact with bodily fluids containing many pathogens. Hand hygiene should be used to prevent cross transmission. We aimed to examine the accuracy of application of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) according to the WHO hand hygiene steps at a dental school. Students and staff filled out a short questionnaire to obtain demographic data and answered questions on their perceived efficacy and knowledge of their hand hygiene. Participants rubbed their hands as they usually do when working in the clinic using an ABHR supplemented with a fluorescent marker, after which the dorsal and palmar sides of both hands were photographed. Photographs were scored according to the steps of the WHO guideline. Parts of the hands were scored as completely or insufficiently covered with ABHR. The average hand hygiene accuracy of Dutch dental students and staff was 59%. Only 2.8% of them had excellent accuracy of hand hygiene. The most inefficiently performed steps were rubbing the thumb and rubbing the backs of the fingers to opposing palms. No differences could be observed according to student training year or being student or staff. Overall, hand hygiene accuracy at a Dutch dental school was comparable to that observed in other health care sectors. Only a few participants demonstrated excellent technique and performance was not associated with educational level. These findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on hand hygiene in dental curricula as well as complementary strategies for improving hand hygiene.

Air pollution is the leading environmental threat to public health. Despite their value in raising awareness and improving access to complex data, street-level air quality platforms remain scarce. Moreover, uncertainty in high-resolution air pollution estimates is rarely reported. This study presents six years (2019-2024) of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration data for Barcelona (Spain), along with spatial maps of associated uncertainty. Besides providing high-resolution annual estimates (25 m × 25 m), the database includes daily NO2 concentrations at census-tract level, enabling temporal assessments with full spatial coverage citywide for the first time. The incorporation of uncertainty estimates represents a milestone for open street-scale air quality data and supports applications in health research, urban planning, and regulatory compliance. Finally, exceedance probability maps are provided, aligned with daily and annual NO2 thresholds defined by the European Air Quality Directives (2008/50/EC and 2024/2881) and 2021 WHO guidelines. The database is accessible through the uncertAIR platform, offering information to citizens, policymakers, and scientists in Barcelona, while serving as a reference for worldwide open data platforms reporting uncertainty.

Air quality monitoring was carried out in Agartala, Northeast India, over a 5-day period (2days pre-Diwali, 1day during Diwali, and 2days post-Diwali) during October-November (2018)-2020. Continuous 24-h sampling was conducted at four key locations using high-volume air samplers, along with detailed SEM-EDX particle characterization. Criteria air pollutants showed statistically significant increases (p < 0.001) following Diwali celebrations. Particulate matter rose by 17-159%, SO₂ showed variable changes from a 7% decrease to an 86% increase, and NO₂ varied between a 32% decrease and a 96% increase compared to pre-Diwali levels. Meteorological conditions were stagnant, with low wind speeds (1.63-1.93m/s) and shallow boundary layer heights (750-1250m), while back-trajectory analysis confirmed mainly local emission sources. Peak concentrations in 2020 reached PM₁₀: 124.17 ± 10.75μg/m3 and PM₂.₅: 92.15 ± 11.39μg/m3, exceeding WHO guidelines by 4-18 times. EDX identified fourteen elements, with silver showing the highest 12.3-fold increase (148ng/m3), followed by lead (2.9-fold) and chromium (2.7-fold), all linked to firework emissions. Spatial correlation analysis indicated moderate positive correlations for PM₂.₅ (r = 0.38-0.59), suggesting regional-scale dispersion, whereas gaseous pollutants exhibited weak or negative correlations, pointing to localized sources. SEM analysis revealed a shift from irregular crustal particles to predominantly spherical combustion-derived particles (0.1-30μm) during festivities, confirming pyrotechnic origins. Health risk assessment showed concerning results: the cumulative non-carcinogenic risk (hazard index = 1.82) exceeded safe limits, and the carcinogenic risk (3.5 × 10⁻5) was 2.69 times above the acceptable threshold, mainly due to chromium and lead. Air Quality Index values consistently worsened across sites, changing from "Satisfactory" (57-92) to "Moderate" (139-197), with PM₂.₅ as the dominant pollutant.

Background and Objectives: Quality of life (QoL) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) is a critical determinant of workforce performance and patient care. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess QoL and its determinants among HCPs in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 388 HCPs from multiple healthcare facilities using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The survey was conducted from August 2025 to October 2025. Convenience sampling was used, and QoL domain scores were calculated according to WHO guidelines. We applied Spearman’s correlation test to assess correlations across domains and logistic regression to identify factors associated with individual and overall QoL. Results: Among the HCPs studied, overall QoL had a median score of 80, while the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains showed moderate scores with considerable variability. We found a significant positive correlation between the various QoL domains (p = 0.001). Non-Saudi nationals (p = 0.010) and participants with chronic diseases (p = 0.032) reported significantly lower overall QoL. Furthermore, age group, work experience, HCPs category, work setting, nationality, and the presence of chronic disease were significant predictors across multiple QoL domains. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for targeted workplace and health support interventions to manage the mental and physical health of HCPs, particularly for non-Saudi HCPs and those with chronic conditions, through tailored training, education, and lifestyle-based support programs.

A new generation of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) that incorporate the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) has been shown to restore susceptibility to pyrethroids where P450 enzymes are the primary mechanism conferring the resistance. The present study evaluated the efficacy of YAHE 4.0, a PBO ITN, against wild free-flying Anopheles arabiensis in experimental huts in Lower Moshi, north-eastern Tanzania. It is the first evaluation of YAHE 4.0 in the country. Bio-efficacy evaluations, including susceptibility tests and cone bioassays, were conducted using the standard WHO guidelines. DuraNet Plus, a WHO-recommended PBO ITN, and Interceptor ITNs served as active and standard comparators, respectively. Unwashed and 20 times washed nets were subjected to experimental hut trials. Multiple logistic regression was employed to analyse experimental hut trial data. The results of the susceptibility testing showed that the An. arabiensis population of Lower Moshi was resistant to pyrethroids, but susceptible to organophosphates. Particularly, low mortality was recorded for cyhalothrin (2%) and alpha-cypermethrin (38%). Mortality rates to alpha-cypermethrin pirimiphos-methyl were 38% and 100%, respectively. The non-inferiority of YAHE 4.0 to DuraNet Plus ITN in terms of mortality and blood feeding was determined according to the WHO guidelines. The results for pooled unwashed and 20 times washed ITNs showed that YAHE 4.0 was superior to Interceptor ITN (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.04–1.69; non-inferiority margin, NIM = 0.68; p-value = 0.023) and non-inferior to DuraNet Plus (AOR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.78–1.35; NIM = 0.72; p-value = 0.867) in terms of mortality. In terms of blood feeding inhibition for pooled unwashed and 20× washed ITNs, YAHE 4.0 was superior to both Interceptor ITN (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.64–1.00; NIM = 1.35; p-value = 0.049) and DuraNet Plus (AOR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.52–0.86; NIM = 1.33; p-value = 0.002). Chemical analysis showed higher wash retention of active ingredients in YAHE 4.0 LLIN (88.9% for PBO and 94.9% for alpha-cypermethrin) compared to DuraNet Plus LLIN (89.2% for PBO and 90.5% for alphaypermethrin) before the hut trial. YAHE 4.0 LLIN demonstrated superior entomological efficacy and wash durability to DuraNet Plus and Interceptor LLINs, and fulfilled WHO non-inferiority criteria for mosquito mortality and blood-feeding inhibition. Therefore, YAHE 4.0 LLIN should be considered as an addition to the current list of pyrethroid-PBO nets used for control of pyrethroid-resistant vector populations with P450 enzymes as the main mechanism conferring resistance.

Springs are vital freshwater sources for rural communities, yet they are increasingly threatened by nutrient enrichment, microbial contamination, and declining ecological integrity. This study assessed the water quality of Sumber Suko Spring in East Java, Indonesia, through an integrated ecological approach combining physicochemical, microbiological, biological, and hydrological parameters across wet and dry seasons. Physicochemical results showed stable temperature (24.1–26.7 °C), near-neutral pH (6.4–6.9), and adequate dissolved oxygen (6.2–7.4 mg/L). However, nitrate concentrations were elevated (39.37–48.16 mg/L), exceeding natural background levels and indicating agricultural leaching, while phosphate values ranged between 0.12–0.21 mg/L. Microbial analysis revealed high total coliform counts (24 CFU/100mL), far above WHO standards, although E. coli was not detected. Plankton analysis identified 10 genera, with Microcystis aeruginosa dominating, particularly in the dry season, signaling risks of eutrophication. Shannon-Wiener diversity indices (H’) ranged from 1.25 to 1.67, with evenness values between 0.43 and 0.56, reflecting low-to-moderate community stability. Hydrological measurements showed seasonal discharge fluctuations from 14.6 L/s in the wet season to 7.8 L/s in the dry season, strongly correlated with rainfall. Overall, the integration of nutrient enrichment, coliform contamination, and cyanobacterial dominance indicates that Sumber Suko Spring is under ecological stress and does not meet drinking water standards without treatment. The findings highlight the urgent need for source protection, disinfection, and continuous monitoring within a water safety plan framework. This study provides evidence-based insights to support local policy alignment with WHO guidelines and emphasizes the importance of community participation in sustaining spring ecosystems for long-term water security.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection poses a serious health burden across the tropical and sub-tropical regions. The role of complement factors and acute-phase reactants in clinical dengue remains ambiguous. The cross-sectional study enrolled 156 participants, with 114 confirmed clinical dengue cases and 42 healthy controls. Serological profiling (NS1, anti-DENV IgM, and anti-DENV IgG), estimation of serum acute-phase reactants, clinico-laboratory parameters, and viral load were performed to classify dengue patients under dengue with warning signs (DWS+, n = 35), dengue without warning signs (DWS-, n = 74), and severe dengue (n = 5) (based on varying grades of severity) in accordance with the 2009 WHO guidelines. Measurement of complement factors, i.e., C1 inhibitor (C1Inh) (n = 145), C1q (n = 152), C2 (n = 146), C3a (n = 153), C3b (n = 152), mannose-binding lectin (MBL) (n = 151), C5a (n = 150), and soluble complement receptor 1 (sCR1, also designated as sCD35) (n = 139), was performed using commercial ELISA, and their concentrations were correlated with acute-phase reactants, clinical laboratory parameters, grades of dengue severity, and platelet levels. Our analysis showed a significant alteration in early classical complement proteins, C1Inh, C1q, and C2. The levels of downstream factors and sCR1 remained largely unchanged across both the grades of dengue severity and primary/secondary dengue cohorts. Univariate analysis revealed NS1 positivity, IgG positivity, age, urea, and sCR1 as factors associated with disease severity. Our multivariate analysis showed sCR1 as the only independent predictor that correlated negatively with dengue severity. Every unit increase of sCR1 was associated with 22% reduced odds of dengue severity. Platelet counts showed a negative association with red cell distribution width (RDW) and basophils and a strong positive correlation with serum uric acid levels. Our findings show that aberrant complement activation and levels of sCR1 could attribute to varying grades of dengue severity. Given its inverse association, the levels of sCR1 could likely render early prediction of dengue disease severity. The role of sCR1 in complement-mediated pathogenesis in dengue remains a gray area of investigation.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains the most common hematologic disorder during pregnancy and one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal complications worldwide. The increased iron demand associated with fetal growth, placental development, and maternal blood volume expansion often exceeds dietary intake, leading to progressive depletion of iron stores and the development of anemia. Severe IDA is associated with significant risks, including maternal fatigue, cardiovascular strain, infection, preterm labor, low birth weight, and impaired neonatal neurodevelopment. This review summarizes current international evidence from 2015 to 2025 on the clinical course, diagnosis, outcomes, and management of severe iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women, emphasizing WHO, ACOG, and FIGO guidelines. Analysis of recent studies indicates that timely screening, measurement of hemoglobin and ferritin levels, and individualized iron supplementation—preferably oral for mild to moderate cases and intravenous for severe anemia—are essential for improving maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite progress in prevention and treatment strategies, severe IDA continues to represent a significant challenge in obstetric practice, highlighting the need for stronger implementation of standardized screening protocols and broader access to evidence-based care.

Assessing the effectiveness of a depression-integrated model in adult HIV care in Uganda (the HIV+D trial): a cluster-randomised controlled trial.

Airborne micro- and nanoplastic particles (MNPs) are increasingly recognized as a potential occupational exposure hazard, yet substance-specific workplace data remain limited. This study quantified airborne MNP concentrations during polyester microfiber production using a correlative SEM–Raman approach that enabled chemical identification and size-resolved particle characterization. The aerosol mixture at the workplace was dominated by sub-micrometer particles, with PET—handled onsite—representing the main process-related MNP type, and black tire rubber (BTR) forming a substantial background contribution. Across both sampling periods, total MNP particle number concentrations ranged between 6.2 × 105 and 1.2 × 106 particles/m3, indicating consistently high particle counts. In contrast, estimated MNP-related mass concentrations were much lower, with PM10 levels of 12–15 µg/m3 and PM2.5 levels of 1.3–1.6 µg/m3, remaining well below applicable occupational exposure limits and near or below 8 h-equivalent WHO guideline values. Comparison with earlier workplace and indoor studies suggests that previously reported concentrations were likely underestimated due to sampling strategies with low efficiency for small particles. Moreover, real-time optical measurements substantially underestimated particle number and mass in this study, reflecting their limited suitability for aerosols dominated by small or dark particles. Overall, the data show that workplace MNP exposure at the investigated site is driven primarily by very small particles present in high numbers but low mass. The findings underscore the need for substance-specific, size-resolved analytical approaches to adequately assess airborne MNP exposure and to support future development of MNP-relevant occupational health guidelines.