Report on Childhood Obesity in China (4) Prevalence and Trends of Overweight and Obesity in Chinese Urban School-age Children and Adolescents, 1985-2000

Objective To describe the nationwide prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity, and their group variations and trends over the past 20 years in the Chinese urban population. Methods Data sets of boys and girls at the age of 7-18 years collected from the series of Chinese national surveillance on students＇ constitution and health （CNSSCH） between 1985 and 2000 were divided into five socioeconomic and demographic groups, while BMI classification reference proposed by Working Group on Obesity in China （WGOC） was used as screening reference to calculate the prevalence and trends of overweight/obesity in these groups. Results In 2000, the prevalence of obesity and overweight in boys aged 7-18 years was 11.3% and 6.5% in Beijing, 13.2% and 4.9% in Shanghai, 9.9% and 4.5% in coastal big cities, and 5.8% and 2.0% in coastal medium/small-sized cities, respectively, while the prevalence of of obesity and overweight in girls of the same age group was 8.2% and 3.7% in Beijing, 7.3% and 2.6% in Shanghai, 5.9% and 2.8% in coastal big cities, and 4.8% and 1.7% in coastal medium/small-sized cities, respectively. The prevalence of obesity was low in most of the inland cities at an early stage of epidemic overweight. The epidemic manifested a gradient distribution in groups, which was closely related to status （SES） of the study population. However, a dramatic and steady increasing trend was witnessed among all sex-age subgroups in the five urban groups, and such a trend was stronger in boys than in girls, and much stronger in children than in adolescents. Conclusion Although China is at an early stage of epidemic obesity by and large, the prevalence of obesity in her urban population, particularly in coastal big cities has reached the average level of developed countries. The increasing trend has been rapid since early 1990s, and the increments in obesity and overweight are exceptionally high. The prospect of epidemic obesity in China is in no way optimistic. Therefore, preventive program should be focused on the improvement of the balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, and interventions aimed at changing children＇s life styles.

Waist Circumference Distribution of Chinese School-age Children and Adolescents

Background Waist circumference （WC）, a proxy measure of central body fat, is a better predictor than overall body fat for cardiovascular risk factors in both adults and children. WC cutoffs have been established in many countries, but the national WC reference has not been developed in China. Objective To study the distribution of WC in a representative group of Chinese children for establishing Chinese WC cutoff points. Methods Cross-sectional data obtained from 15 mainland provinces and Hong Kong were collected. There were 160 225 children and adolescents aged 7-18 years old in total. The subjects were divided into five regional groups namely costal city, other city, noah rural, south rural, and Hong Kong, for analyzing the distribution of WC. Results A large variation in WC distribution was found among the five groups for both sexes. Coastal city group had the highest P85 WC values consistently from the early school ages to 18-year-old compared with other groups. In contrast, south rural group had P85 values consistently lagged behind not only the city groups but also the north rural group. Hong Kong group had a high P85 WC at early ages, but because of the smaller increments of WC during adolescence, the P85 curve was gradually exceeded by the north rural groups. Catch-up trend was found in the two rural groups since the peak of puberty. These disparities were caused by not only socioeconomic and urban-rural factors but also north-south differences. Because of the regional variation of WC, a ＂gradient＂ prevalence of central obesity was prospected among these groups. Comparisons of WC distributions between the Chinese and the U.S.A or Netherlands demonstrated the necessary of setting up China＇s own WC cutoffs. Sex and age-specific percentiles were obtained and smoothed by using LMS method. Conclusion The data obtained from this study could be used to develop national WC cutoff points for Chinese children and adolescents.

Effect of artificial natural light on the development of myopia among primary school-age children in China:a three-year longitudinal study

AIM:To assess the efficacy of artificial natural light in preventing incident myopia in primary school-age children.METHODS:This is a prospective,randomized control,intervention study.A total of 1840 students from 39 classes in 4 primary schools in Foshan participated in this study.The whole randomization method was adopted to include classes as a group according to 1:1 randomized control.Classrooms in the control group were illuminated by usual light,and classrooms in the intervention group were illuminated by artificial natural light.All students received uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity measurement,non-cycloplegic autorefraction,ocular biometric examination,slit lamp and strabismus examination.Three-year follow-up,the students underwent same procedures.Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction≤-0.50 D and uncorrected visual acuity<20/20.RESULTS:There were 894 students in the control group and 946 students in the intervention group with a mean±SD age of 7.50±0.53y.The three-year cumulative incidence rate of myopia was 26.4%(207 incident cases among 784 eligible participants at baseline)in the control group and 21.2%(164 incident cases among 774 eligible participants at baseline)in the intervention group[difference of 5.2%(95%CI,3.7%to 10.1%);P=0.035].There was also a significant difference in the three-year change in spherical equivalent refraction for the control group(-0.81 D)compared with the intervention group[-0.63 D;difference of 0.18 D(95%CI,0.08 to 0.28 D);P<0.001].Elongation of axial length was significantly different between in the control group(0.77 mm)and the intervention group[0.72 mm;difference of 0.05 mm(95%CI,0.01 to 0.09 mm);P=0.003].CONCLUSION:Artificial natural light in the classroom of primary schools can result in reducing incidence rate of myopia during a period of three years.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms in children and adolescents in a southern province of Vietnam

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with long COVID symptoms among children and adolescents who have recovered from COVID-19.Methods:This study applied a cross-sectional approach within community settings in a southern province of Vietnam.A structured questionnaire featuring socio-demographic information and common long COVID symptoms was employed.Phi correlation coefficients assessed associations among pairs of long COVID symptoms.Additionally,multivariable logistic regression models were performed to investigate the risk factors of long COVID in recovered COVID-19 children and adolescents.Results:Among 422 participants,39.3%reported long COVID symptoms,with a prevalence of 45.2%(SD=0.5)in children and 22.2%(SD=0.4)in adolescents.Common symptoms reported were cough 34.6%(SD=0.5),fatigue 20.6%(SD=0.4),shortness of breath 10.9%(SD=0.3),and lack of appetite 6.6%(SD=0.3).Concerning risk factors of long COVID,a higher risk was observed among demographic groups,including girls(OR 1.25,95%CI 1.15-1.37;P<0.001,reference:boys),children compared to adolescents(OR 1.24,95%CI 1.12-1.37;P<0.001),overweight individuals(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.02-1.27;P=0.018,reference:healthy weight),and participants without any COVID-19 vaccination(OR 1.36,95%CI 1.20-1.54;P<0.001),or have received only one single dose(OR 1.35,95%CI 1.10-1.64;P=0.004)compared to those who have received two doses.Besides,patients with a COVID-19 treatment duration exceeding two weeks also had a higher risk of long COVID(OR 1.32,95%CI 1.09-1.60;P=0.003)than those who recovered less than seven days.Conclusions:The insights from this study provide crucial guidance for predicting the factors associated with the occurrence of long COVID in pediatric patients,contributing to strategic interventions aimed at mitigating the long COVID risks among children and adolescents in Vietnam.

Two different autorefractors for vision screening in children and adolescents

AIM:To compare the consistency of two autorefractors(Tianle RM-9000 and Topcon KR-800)for school-age myopia children,and to provide a basis for largescale data analysis and comparison.METHODS:The refractive error in 909 subjects(age 4–18y)were measured using both autorefractors without cycloplegia.The data were analyzed using Fourier decomposition and the correlation coefficients,intraclass correlation coefficients(ICC),and Bland-Altman limits of agreement(LoA)for each parameter were calculated.RESULTS:There was a strong correlation between the spherical equivalent(SE),sphere diopter(DS),and cylinder diopter(DC)readings of the Tianle RM-9000 and those of the Topcon KR-800,with correlation coefficient values of 0.98,0.98 and 0.83 and ICC values of 0.99,0.99 and 0.93,respectively.However,the correlation coefficients and ICC values of J0 and J45 were unreliable(R=-0.004,-0.034;both ICC<0.10).Bland-Altman analysis revealed that SE,DS,and DC measured by the Tianle RM-9000 were significantly biased toward myopia compared with the Topcon KR-800,and the mean differences were-0.072,-0.026,-0.091 D,respectively(all P<0.01).The minimum absolute value of the difference within the 95%LoA for SE,DS,and DC was 0.63 D,0.50 D,0.62 D,respectively;all these values were in the clinically acceptable range.For J0 and J45,the mean differences were close to zero(P=0.43,0.84);however,the 95%LoA were relatively wide(J0 SD:0.53;95%CI:-1.00,1.10;J45 SD:0.52;95%CI:-1.00,1.00).CONCLUSION:The two autorefractors are consistent with each other,as the differences in SE,DS,and DC were within the clinically acceptable range.Readers can compare the data measured by either device in different studies and use the two devices in the same study to generate a dataset that can be analyzed together.However,the J0 and J45 vectors are unreliable and should not be used to assess astigmatism.

The effects of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents:a meta-analysis

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a crucial neurotrophic factor that plays a significant role in brain health. Although the vast majority of meta-analyses have confirmed that exercise interventions can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents, the effects of specific types of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels are still controversial. To address this issue, we used meta-analytic methods to quantitatively evaluate, analyze, and integrate relevant studies. Our goals were to formulate general conclusions regarding the use of exercise interventions, explore the physiological mechanisms by which exercise improves brain health and cognitive ability in children and adolescents, and provide a reliable foundation for follow-up research. We used the Pub Med, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley Online Library, Weipu, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases to search for randomized controlled trials examining the influences of exercise interventions on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. The extracted data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.3. According to the inclusion criteria, we assessed randomized controlled trials in which the samples were mainly children and adolescents, and the outcome indicators were measured before and after the intervention. We excluded animal experiments, studies that lacked a control group, and those that did not report quantitative results. The mean difference(MD;before versus after intervention) was used to evaluate the effect of exercise on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. Overall, 531 participants(60 children and 471 adolescents, 10.9–16.1 years) were included from 13 randomized controlled trials. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Q statistic and I^(2) test provided by Review Manager software. The meta-analysis showed that there was no heterogeneity among the studies(P = 0.67, I^(2) = 0.00%). The combined effect of the interventions was significant(MD = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.53–4.22, P < 0.0001), indicating that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels of the children and adolescents in the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the control group. In conclusion, different types of exercise interventions significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in children and adolescents. However, because of the small sample size of this meta-analysis, more high-quality research is needed to verify our conclusions. This metaanalysis was registered at PROSPERO(registration ID: CRD42023439408).

Predictive Ability of Hypertriglyceridemic Waist,Hypertriglyceridemic Waist-to-Height Ratio,and Waist-to-Hip Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Factors Clustering Screening among Chinese Children and Adolescents

Objective Hypertriglyceridemic waist(HW),hypertriglyceridemic waist-to-height ratio(HWHtR),and waist-to-hip ratio(WHR)have been shown to be indicators of cardiometabolic risk factors.However,it is not clear which indicator is more suitable for children and adolescents.We aimed to investigate the relationship between HW,HWHtR,WHR,and cardiovascular risk factors clustering to determine the best screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in children and adolescents.Methods This was a national cross-sectional study.Anthropometric and biochemical variables were assessed in approximately 70,000 participants aged 6–18 years from seven provinces in China.Demographics,physical activity,dietary intake,and family history of chronic diseases were obtained through questionnaires.ANOVA,χ2 and logistic regression analysis was conducted.Results A significant sex difference was observed for HWHtR and WHR,but not for HW phenotype.The risk of cardiometabolic health risk factor clustering with HW phenotype or the HWHtR phenotype was significantly higher than that with the non-HW or non-HWHtR phenotypes among children and adolescents(HW:OR=12.22,95%CI:9.54-15.67;HWHtR:OR=9.70,95%CI:6.93-13.58).Compared with the HW and HWHtR phenotypes,the association between risk of cardiometabolic health risk factors(CHRF)clustering and high WHR was much weaker and not significant(WHR:OR=1.14,95%CI:0.97-1.34).Conclusion Compared with HWHtR and WHR,the HW phenotype is a more convenient indicator with higher applicability to screen children and adolescents for cardiovascular risk factors.

Effects of exercise training on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children and adolescents:A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious problem,and the efficacy of exercise therapy for these patients is controversial.AIM To assess the efficacy of exercise training on overweight and obese children based on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers.METHODS The PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials related to exercise training and obese children until October 2023.The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software to evaluate the efficacy of exercise therapy on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children.RESULTS In total,1010 patients from 28 studies were included.Exercise therapy reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG)[standardized mean difference(SMD):-0.78;95%confidence interval(CI):-1.24 to-0.32,P=0.0008],fasting insulin(FINS)(SMD:-1.55;95%CI:-2.12 to-0.98,P<0.00001),homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)(SMD:-1.58;95%CI:-2.20 to-0.97,P<0.00001),interleukin-6(IL-6)(SMD:-1.31;95%CI:-2.07 to-0.55,P=0.0007),C-reactive protein(CRP)(SMD:-0.64;95%CI:-1.21 to-0.08,P=0.03),and leptin(SMD:-3.43;95%CI:-5.82 to-1.05,P=0.005)in overweight and obese children.Exercise training increased adiponectin levels(SMD:1.24;95%CI:0.30 to 2.18,P=0.01)but did not improve tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels(SMD:-0.80;95%CI:-1.77 to 0.18,P=0.11).CONCLUSION In summary,exercise therapy improves glucose metabolism by reducing levels of FBG,FINS,HOMA-IR,as well as improves inflammatory status by reducing levels of IL-6,CRP,leptin,and increasing levels of adiponectin in overweight and obese children.There was no statistically significant effect between exercise training and levels of TNF-α.Additional long-term trials should be conducted to explore this therapeutic perspective and confirm these results.

Global research trends and hotspots in overweight/obese comorbid with depression among children and adolescents: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND Overweight/obesity combined with depression among children and adolescents(ODCA)is a global concern.The bidirectional relationship between depression and overweight/obesity often leads to their comorbidity.Childhood and adolescence represent critical periods for physical and psychological development,during which the comorbidity of overweight/obesity and depression may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.AIM To evaluate the relationship between ODCA,we conduct a bibliometric analysis to aid in formulating prevention and treatment strategies.METHODS From 2004 to 2023,articles related to ODCA were selected using the Science Citation Index Expanded from the Web of Science Core Collection.Bibliometric analysis of relevant publications,including countries/regions,institutions,authors,journals,references,and keywords,was conducted using the online bibliometric analysis platforms,CiteSpace,VOSviewer,and bibliometrix.RESULTS Between 2004 and 2023,a total of 1573 articles were published on ODCA.The United States has made leading contributions in this field,with Harvard University emerging as the leading contributor in terms of research output,and Tanofsky being the most prolific author.The J Adolescent Health has shown significant activity in this domain.Based on the results of the keyword and reference analyses,inequality,adverse childhood experiences,and comorbidities have become hot topics in ODCA.Moreover,the impact of balancedrelated behavior and exploration of the biological mechanisms,including the potential role of key adipocytokines and lipokines,as well as inflammation in ODCA,have emerged as frontier topics.CONCLUSION The trend of a significant increase in ODCA publications is expected to continue.The research findings will contribute to elucidating the pathogenic mechanisms of ODCA and its prevention and treatment.

Audits of Death in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents Followed up in the Pediatric Department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori from 2005 to 2020

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health problem with high morbidity and mortality among children. The objective of this work was to audit the deaths of children and adolescents with HIV infection followed up in the pediatric department of the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou/Alibori (CHUDB/A) the from 2005 to 2020. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective and descriptive study conducted in the pediatric department of CHUD/B-A in Parakou. All children with HIV infection who died from January 1, 2005 to August 31, 2020 were included. Data collection was carried out in three stages: a phase of medical records processing, a phase of community survey and a phase of death audits. The variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical, biological, therapeutic and evolutionary. Results: Over the study period, the data of 464 infected children were recorded, including 92 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of 19.83%. Severe acute malnutrition (69.23%), gastro-intestinal tract infections (43.58%) and serious opportunistic pulmonary infections (24.36% pulmonary tuberculosis and 19.23% pneumocystis) were the main causes of death. The main dysfunctions found were: the delayed diagnosis of HIV infection (79.35%), the absence or delay in consultation when the child’s clinical condition deteriorates (32.61% and 47.83%), delayed initiation of antiretroviral treatment (42.39%) and non-adherence to treatment (38.04%). Non-adherence to treatment was predominant in adolescents (90.49%). Conclusion: Specific interventions for early detection, adequate nutritional care, psychosocial support for adolescents and mothers of children are necessary to reduce mortality due to HIV among children and adolescents.

Prediabetes in children and adolescents:A ticking bomb!

Prediabetes in children and adolescents is on the rise which has drawn significant attention over the past decade.It is an early warning sign of the underlying pathophysiological changes which in due course of time might compound into type II diabetes mellitus.The incidence of prediabetes in adolescents ranges from 4%-23%which is alarmingly high and requires active intervention from the system.We have discussed early identification of high-risk patients,prompt screening and active intervention to manage this growing problem.

Type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents:Exploring the disease heterogeneity and research gaps to optimum management

Over the past 20 years,the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in children and adolescents have increased,particularly in racial and ethnic minorities.Despite the rise in T2DM in children and adolescents,the pathophysiology and progression of disease in this population are not clearly understood.Youth-onset T2DM has a more adverse clinical course than is seen in those who develop T2DM in adulthood or those with T1DM.Furthermore,the available therapeutic options are more limited for children and adolescents with T2DM compared to adult patients,mostly due to the challenges of implementing clinical trials.A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development and aggressive disease phenotype of T2DM in youth is important to finding effective prevention and management strategies.This review highlights the key evidence about T2DM in children and adolescents and its current burden and challenges both in clinical care and research activities.

Pressure pain sensitivity: A new stress measure in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes(T1D)is associated with general-and diabetes-specific stress which has multiple adverse effects.Hence measuring stress is of great importance.An algometer measuring pressure pain sensitivity(PPS)has been shown to correlate to certain stress measures in adults.However,it has never been investigated in children and adolescents.The aim of our study was to examine associations between PPS and glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),salivary cortisol and two questionnaires as well as to identify whether the algometer can be used as a clinical tool among children and adolescents with T1D.Eighty-three participants aged 6-18 years and diagnosed with T1D were included in this study with data from two study visits.Salivary cortisol,PPS and questionnaires were collected,measured,and answered on site.HbA1c was collected from medical files.We found correlations between PPS and HbA1c(rho=0.35,P=0.046),cortisol(rho=-0.25,P=0.02)and Perceived Stress Scale(rho=-0.44,P=0.02)in different subgroups based on age.Males scored higher in PPS than females(P<0.001).We found PPS to be correlated to HbA1c but otherwise inconsistent in results.High PPS values indicated either measurement difficulties or hypersensibility towards pain.

Advances in the Study of Psychological Stress and Eating Behavior in Children and Adolescents

With the rapid development and change in society,children and adolescents are facing more and more psychological pressure,which comes not only from academic performance and interpersonal relationships but also from family environment,social expectations and other aspects.Psychological stress not only affects the mental health of children and adolescents but is also closely related to their eating behavior.Therefore,exploring the relationship between psychological stress and eating behaviors is of great significance in promoting the physical and mental health development of children and adolescents.Based on this,the study reviewed the research progress on the relationship between psychological stress and eating behavior of children and adolescents in recent years.The relationships between psychological stress and general eating behaviors,abnormal eating behaviors and eating disorders were successively reviewed,and the related physiological mechanisms were explored with a view to providing a scientific basis for mental health education and eating behavior intervention for children and adolescents.

Clinical Analysis of 128 Children and Adolescents with Echinococcosis

Objective:To comprehend the clinical characteristics and treatment approaches for children and adolescents in Qinghai Province with two types of echinococcosis,cystic echinococcosis(CE)and alveolar echinococcosis(AE).Methods:A total of 128 pediatric inpatients with echinococcosis at the People’s Hospital of Qinghai Province and the Clinical Research Institute of Echinococcosis of Qinghai Province between January 2016 and December 2021 were chosen as subjects.Demographic and clinical data were collected,and double data entry was executed using EpiData 3.02.Factors influencing the cure of echinococcosis were analyzed with echinococcosis cure as the dependent variable,employing statistical analysis via SPSS 19.0.Results:Of the cases,35.9%had CE,and 64.1%had AE.Both types were observed in patients of all ages,with the majority aged 13-18.The number of cysts and their sizes varied between CE and AE.Complications were prevalent,including liver,gallbladder,lung,and nutritional complications.Univariate analyses revealed significant differences in outcomes based on factors such as cyst size(for CE),liver function grade(for AE),hydatid hypersensitivity test,operation,and length of hospital stay(P<0.05).Conclusion:This comprehensive analysis of hospitalized cases sheds light on the clinical data of echinococcosis in children and adolescents in Qinghai Province.The findings contribute to a scientific foundation for formulating effective prevention and control measures tailored to this demographic,facilitating an improved understanding of echinococcosis in Qinghai province.

Research Progress in Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Health Management for School-Age Children with Asthma

Objective:The purpose of this study is to investigate the application of Chinese and Western medicine in the health management of school-age children with asthma and its research progress,with a view to providing a more comprehensive and effective management strategy for the clinic.Methods:Using the method of literature review,this study systematically searched and analyzed the relevant studies on the combination of Chinese and Western medicine in the health management of school-aged children with asthma in recent years,focusing on Chinese medicine treatment,Western medicine treatment,and the combined health management of Chinese and Western medicine.Results:Chinese medicine treatment,Western medicine treatment,and the health management mode of combining Chinese and Western medicine showed unique advantages in school-age asthmatic children.Through the comprehensive use of Chinese medicine’s diagnosis and treatment,Chinese medicine conditioning,Chinese medicine characteristic therapy,and Western medicine’s modern medical methods,it not only effectively relieved asthma symptoms but also significantly improved the quality of life of the children.At the same time,this management mode also focuses on the psychological guidance and family care of the children,forming an all-round and multi-level health management system.Conclusion:The health management strategy of combining Chinese and Western medicine has a broad application prospect in school-age asthmatic children,and its specific interventions and mechanisms of action should be further studied to provide more scientific and systematic guidance for clinical practice.

Step it up： Promoting physical activity in school-aged children and adolescents in China

In this special issue of the Journal of Sport and Health Science, a series of articles describe the results of the 2016 Physical Activity and Fitness in China--The Youth Study. The results show a relatively high prevalence of sedentary behaviors, unhealthy weight, lower fitness levels, and lower levels of engagement in physical exercise and fitness activities than antici- pated.

Global prevalence and gender inequalities in at least 60 min of self-reported moderate-to-vigorous physical activity 1 or more days per week:An analysis with 707,616 adolescents

Background:Guidelines recommend that adolescents should accumulate an average of 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity(MVPA).However,using only this cut-off could hide important information.For instance,from a population-level point of view,increasing physical activity for those with no or low physical activity could provide more health benefits than increasing physical activity for those with intermediate levels.Also,including a more sensitive cut-point of≥1 days per week could be an additional strategy for identifying those with low access/opportunities for physical activity practice.Thus,the current study aims to estimate the prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week among adolescents globally,and to describe any relevant gender inequalities.Methods:We used representative datasets from 146 countries/territories collected between 2003 and 2019.MVPA was self-reported.Participants were grouped into younger(≤14 years old)and older(>14 years old)adolescents.Crude Poisson regression models were used to identify the relative differences in≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week between boys and girls,and random-effects meta-analysis models were used to identify the pooled estimates.Analyses were stratified by country and region.Results:Approximately 80%of both younger and older adolescents reported≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week.This prevalence was≥94%in Europe and Central Asia and North America,while the estimates for the other regions were<77%.The prevalence of≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week was higher among boys than girls,with the largest differences occurring among the oldest adolescents(Prevalence ratio_(≤14y)=1.04(95%confidence interval(95%CI)):1.03-1.04)vs.Prevalence ratio_(>14y)=1.09(95%CI:1.08-1.10)).Conclusion:Approximately 8 out of 10 adolescents reported accumulating≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week,with notable differences between regions.Gender differences were observed in several countries,especially among the oldest adolescents.Priorities for physical activity promotion among adolescents should include increasing access/opportunities for physical activity among those who do not achieve≥60 min of MVPA≥1 days per week and reducing gender inequalities.

The Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease among School-Age Children in China:A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease(CHD)in school-age children,to identify the extent to which altitude affects the prevalence of the disease,and to examine trends in prevalence over time in China.Methods:Seven databases were systematically searched and last retrieved on September 10,2021 for all studies reporting the prevalence of CHD in children after 1970 in China,which were then divided into high and low altitude regions based on 2500 meters above sea level.The random-effected model was used to combine prevalence data and subgroups analysis.The baseline data of all cases and individuals were used for comparison to calculate the odds ratio(OR)for overall and different altitude prevalence.Results:A total of 12,926,083 individuals(aged 3-18 years),with 31,835 cases from 86 studies,were included in the analysis.The pooled CHD prevalence of total children was 4.69[95%confidence interval(CI):4.10 to 5.29]per 1000 children.Overall,temporal trends analysis indicated that the prevalence of CHD in children continuously decreased with time,from 6.19(95%CI:4.50 to 7.88)per 1000 children in 1976-1985 to 3.30(95%CI:2.49;4.38)per 1000 children in 2016-2021.The OR for the prevalence of CHD in children from high and low altitudes with baseline data was 2.84(95%CI:2.48 to 3.27)and 1.31(95%CI:1.13 to 1.53)(χ^(2)=53.89,p<0.01),respectively.The OR of the prevalence of CHD in male children compared to females was 0.60(95%CI:0.53 to 0.68)at high altitudes and 0.79(95%CI:0.71 to 0.89)at low altitudes.Among the seven most common subtypes,patent ductus arteriosus was the most common at high altitudes,while atrial septal defects were the most common at low altitudes.Conclusion:This study provides valuable insights for further disease prevention and etiological exploration.The overall decreasing trend in the prevalence of CHD in children over time may indicate a positive effect of perinatal management and treatment during infancy.

Identification and Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Urban Children & Adolescents in Dhaka City, Bangladesh through a Cross Sectional Study

Background: Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in supporting the immune system, helping to reduce the risk of infections and certain autoimmune diseases. Adequate vitamin D levels may be associated with a reduced risk of certain health conditions like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and postpartum depression. Brittle bones, osteoporosis in the elderly, and osteomalacia in young children are all symptoms of vitamin D insufficiency. Additionally, it contributes to problems linked to gum disease, including an increase in dental cavities, alveolar bone loss around the teeth, and other problems. It could lead to depression, tiredness, and a loss of appetite. In this study, urban children and adolescents in Dhaka city, Bangladesh are examined for vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency. Methods: The Study was a cross-sectional study conducted under Dhaka National Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka and additionally included two other health centers Medinova Medical Services and Monoara General Hospital Service Golap bag, Dhaka from October 2020 to November 2021. The study location was at the 3 (Three) different hospitals which was located in Dhaka City. In this cross-sectional study, Participants will be selected purposively and conveniently based on the age categories from 0 - 19 years of age at the outdoor department of the hospital. The study included the secondary dataset of ambulatory individuals who came to the 3 (three) hospitals, randomly to evaluate serum vitamin D levels on referral from a general out-patient-department (OPD). They were examined for laboratory findings of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels to determine vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency among children and adolescent groups of both male and female Sex. Results: A total of 6394 individuals with a diverse age group were statistically examined for laboratory findings of serum vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 40.58% of individuals with a mean log of 1.01 ± 0.18 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels, vitamin D insufficiency in 30.93% of individuals with a mean log of 1.38 ± 0.05 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels and vitamin D sufficiency in 19.49% individuals with a mean log of 1.63 ± 0.12 ng/ml serum vitamin D levels. The highest percentage of individuals deficient in vitamin D were children and adolescents of age ranging between 15 to 19 years. Conclusion: The findings of vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents direct higher authorities in the public health sector to take immediate steps to screen, intervene and educate high-risk populations incorporating vitamin D supplements to establish preventive and therapeutic measures.