Air pollution is a major global health threat, with children and young people (CYP) among the most vulnerable. Delhi (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh) are two of the world's most polluted cities, with persistently high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). This study aimed to generate CYP-centered evidence on the real-time impacts of air pollution in these cities by comparing health, well-being, and daily activities during periods of high air pollution and good air quality, while also capturing CYP's ideas for air quality management. A cross-sectional, real-time digital survey was conducted in Delhi on January 9-10 and 15 March 2025, and in Dhaka on January 21-22 and March 13-16, 2025. For both cities, the January dates correspond to a period with high air pollution (PM2.5 > 55.5 µg/m3) and the March dates to good air quality (PM2.5 ≤ 35.4 µg/m3). Participants included CYP aged 13-29 years and parents of children under 18. Recruitment was carried out online. Data on health symptoms, well-being (general feelings and sleep quality), and daily activity disruptions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression models adjusted for demographics. Responses to open-ended questions were thematically coded. A total of 814 eligible responses were collected (Delhi = 365; Dhaka = 449). High-pollution days were associated with significantly higher reports of itchy eyes, respiratory difficulties, headaches, skin irritation or rash, diarrhoea or vomiting, low mood, anxiety or stress, and difficulty concentrating. These associations remained significant after adjusting for demographics. Disruptions to daily activities also increased, including reduced physical activity and greater odds of being late or missing school or work, meetings, social events, and healthcare, as well as a greater need for family assistance (adjusted odds ratios approximately 3.8 to 4.8). In Delhi, changes were more pronounced across most outcomes, particularly a sharper drop in physical activity. In Dhaka, the same pattern was observed, along with additional increases in sore throat, cough, food insecurity, and difficulty accessing clean water. Participants' suggestions clustered around five themes: cleaner environments, stronger communities, improved healthcare and education, pollution and technology solutions, and other ideas. High air pollution was linked to widespread impacts on health, well-being, and daily routines among CYP. Their proposed solutions offer insights for participatory and equitable approaches to urban air quality management.

Blood groups significantly influence individuals' immune responses and the severity of diseases. This study examined the association between ABO blood groups and clinical features, comorbidities, and outcomes in COVID-19 patients in southeast Iran. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 894 RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to two referral hospitals in southeast Iran (April-September 2020). Medical records were reviewed for demographic data, ABO blood groups, clinical features, comorbidities, and outcomes. Disease severity was classified using NIH criteria. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, sex, and comorbidities) were used for analysis. The mean age was 37.36 ± 14.63 years, and 53.1% were female. The mean number of symptoms varied significantly across ABO blood groups (P = 0.014), with group AB showing the lowest values. Hospitalization rates also differed (P = 0.003), being highest in group O. Significant associations were observed between blood groups and fever/chills, cough, rhinorrhea, headache, and gastrointestinal symptoms (all P < 0.05). Comorbidities were more frequent in group O (P = 0.005), particularly cardiovascular disease (P = 0.037). Blood group AB remained independently associated with fewer symptoms after adjustment (aOR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47-0.98). ABO blood groups were associated with clinical presentation and comorbidities in COVID-19 patients. Blood group O showed higher rates of comorbidities and hospitalization, while blood group AB had a milder symptom profile.

Mounier Kuhn Syndrome (MKS) is a rare chronic condition characterized by dilatation of the trachea and the major bronchi. The clinical presentation is variable, ranging from asymptomatic mild symptoms to severe diseases that can result in death. MKS often presents with chronic cough, dyspnea, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. Radiological imaging is important in diagnosing the condition to identify dilatation of the trachea and major bronchi with posterior tracheal diverticuli. The HRCT scan modality clearly demonstrates these features radiologically. Bronchoscopy can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. HRCT is also used to evaluate potential complications. The treatment for symptomatic individuals is conservative management. In this report, we describe the case of a 50-year-old man who presented with a productive cough for three weeks associated with headache, vomiting, and dizziness. He was found to have a grade II digital clubbing. Chest HRCT revealed tracheobronchomegaly with posterior tracheal diverticuli and bilateral distal bronchiectasis. Diagnostic bronchoscopy revealed a widened trachea with a distorted webbed appearance of the posterior and lateral walls, and bronchial secretions in the left lower lobe. A biofire test for the pneumonia panel revealed an active Haemophilus influenzae infection. The patient also had a malarial co-infection prior to admission. The patient completed an antimalarial regimen, intravenous antibiotics, and mucolytics, and was discharged upon improvement.

Approximately one-third of the global population cooks over open fires in the home, which are responsible for millions of deaths per year globally. The aim of this longitudinal cohort study was to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to improve the cooking behaviors of women in a rural Nicaraguan community. The study employed the Community Health Action Model for Participatory Behavior Change (CHAMP-BC) framework to develop a novel approach to improving cooking behaviors and reducing symptoms associated with household air pollution. The study was conducted from October 2007 to March 2018. Community health needs assessments and community forums were conducted. Readiness to change surveys were administered. Pre- and post-test cookstove implementation surveys were conducted. One hundred sixty-seven primary cooks, primarily women (99%), consented to participate in the improved cookstove program and were followed from baseline for up to seven years post-intervention. There were significant improvements in cough (p < 0.0001), chest illness (p < 0.0001), shortness of breath (p < 0.0001), headaches (p < 0.0001), and eye irritation (p < 0.0001). The novel CHAMP-BC framework enhanced the research approach by empowering women to change their cooking behaviors while providing them with the autonomy and agency necessary for decision-making regarding evidence-based methods to improve their health.