To assess secular trends in height and body mass among adolescents from 2002–2003 to 2019–2021 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
Methods
Height and body mass data for Hong Kong adolescents aged 12–17 years were obtained from the Survey on Physical Fitness Status of Hong Kong School Pupils in 2002–2003, 2004–2005, 2009–2010, 2014–2015, and 2019–2021. Gender-specific two-way analysis of variance with age and wave as main factors, and age-by-wave as the interaction, was used to estimate the differences. The pace of secular trends was expressed as the changes every five years across adjacent waves.
Results
During the entire period, the average height increased by 2.0 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 2.6 cm) among boys and 1.8 cm (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.3 cm) among girls, while average body mass increased by 4.4 kg (95% CI: 3.4 to 5.5 kg) and 2.1 kg (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.9 kg), respectively. Significant increases were observed in most age groups. The greatest increases in height occurred between 2002–2003 and 2004–2005 among boys and between 2014–2015 and 2019–2021 among girls. The greatest increases in body mass among boys occurred between 2014–2015 and 2019–2021. The increases in body mass among girls were relatively stable.
Conclusion
The height and body mass have increased among Hong Kong adolescents during the past nearly two decades. The downward trend in height and the upward trend in body mass among boys is concerning, and future health promotion strategies should prioritize them.
目的：评估2002-2003年至2019-2021年中国香港特别行政区青少年身高和体重的长期趋势。方法：从2002-2003年、2004-2005年、2009-2010年、2014-2015年和2019-2021年《香港小学生体质状况调查》中获取香港12-17岁青少年的身高和体重数据。以年龄和波浪为主要因素，以年龄和波浪为交互作用，采用性别双向方差分析来估计差异。长期趋势的速度表示为相邻波浪每五年的变化。结果：在整个期间，男孩的平均身高增加了2.0 cm(95%置信区间[CI]: 1.4至2.6 cm)，女孩的平均身高增加了1.8 cm (95% CI: 1.3至2.3 cm)，而平均体重分别增加了4.4 kg （95% CI: 3.4至5.5 kg）和2.1 kg （95% CI: 1.4至2.9 kg）。在大多数年龄组中观察到显著的增加。男孩在2002-2003年和2004-2005年期间以及女孩在2014-2015年和2019-2021年期间身高增长最快。2014-2015年至2019-2021年期间，男孩体重增幅最大。女孩体重的增加相对稳定。结论：近二十年来，香港青少年的身高和体重均有所增加。男孩的身高下降趋势和体重上升趋势令人担忧，未来的健康促进战略应优先考虑这一点。
{"title":"Trends in Height and Body Mass Among Adolescents Between 2002–2003 and 2019–2021 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China","authors":"Chengyue Li, Xuguang Wang","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70180","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70180","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To assess secular trends in height and body mass among adolescents from 2002–2003 to 2019–2021 in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Height and body mass data for Hong Kong adolescents aged 12–17 years were obtained from the Survey on Physical Fitness Status of Hong Kong School Pupils in 2002–2003, 2004–2005, 2009–2010, 2014–2015, and 2019–2021. Gender-specific two-way analysis of variance with age and wave as main factors, and age-by-wave as the interaction, was used to estimate the differences. The pace of secular trends was expressed as the changes every five years across adjacent waves.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>During the entire period, the average height increased by 2.0 cm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4 to 2.6 cm) among boys and 1.8 cm (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.3 cm) among girls, while average body mass increased by 4.4 kg (95% CI: 3.4 to 5.5 kg) and 2.1 kg (95% CI: 1.4 to 2.9 kg), respectively. Significant increases were observed in most age groups. The greatest increases in height occurred between 2002–2003 and 2004–2005 among boys and between 2014–2015 and 2019–2021 among girls. The greatest increases in body mass among boys occurred between 2014–2015 and 2019–2021. The increases in body mass among girls were relatively stable.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The height and body mass have increased among Hong Kong adolescents during the past nearly two decades. The downward trend in height and the upward trend in body mass among boys is concerning, and future health promotion strategies should prioritize them.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745605","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Botanic Age: Planting the Seeds of Human EvolutionBy Dean Falk, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2025. 251 pp. $29.95 (hardcover). ISBN: 978-1-48-754664-9","authors":"Darna L. Dufour, Barbara A. Piperata","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70178","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70178","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joshua C. Tremblay, Christoph Siebenmann, Mike Stembridge
Hemoglobin concentration is often interpreted as a marker for total hemoglobin mass in studies investigating high-altitude adaptation. However, hemoglobin concentration is determined by both plasma volume and total hemoglobin mass. Therefore, using hemoglobin concentration as a marker for hemoglobin mass can obscure variation in total hemoglobin mass and/or plasma volume and lead to flawed conclusions about adaptation. In this short commentary, we highlight examples from athletic, clinical and high-altitude populations and responses to environmental stressors illustrating the dissociations between intravascular volumes and hemoglobin concentration. The reliance on hemoglobin concentration has reinforced the prevailing, but potentially incorrect, interpretation of blunted hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis in Tibetan and Ethiopian highlanders. We argue that measures of plasma volume and total hemoglobin mass, which can easily be obtained using the carbon monoxide rebreathing technique, provide more physiologically relevant phenotypes. We propose that future genetic and evolutionary studies of high-altitude adaptation should move beyond hemoglobin concentration and focus on measurements of total hemoglobin mass and intravascular volumes.
{"title":"Beyond Hemoglobin Concentration: How Intravascular Volume Measurements Can Advance Our Understanding of High-Altitude Adaptation","authors":"Joshua C. Tremblay, Christoph Siebenmann, Mike Stembridge","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70179","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70179","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Hemoglobin concentration is often interpreted as a marker for total hemoglobin mass in studies investigating high-altitude adaptation. However, hemoglobin concentration is determined by both plasma volume and total hemoglobin mass. Therefore, using hemoglobin concentration as a marker for hemoglobin mass can obscure variation in total hemoglobin mass and/or plasma volume and lead to flawed conclusions about adaptation. In this short commentary, we highlight examples from athletic, clinical and high-altitude populations and responses to environmental stressors illustrating the dissociations between intravascular volumes and hemoglobin concentration. The reliance on hemoglobin concentration has reinforced the prevailing, but potentially incorrect, interpretation of blunted hypoxia-induced erythropoiesis in Tibetan and Ethiopian highlanders. We argue that measures of plasma volume and total hemoglobin mass, which can easily be obtained using the carbon monoxide rebreathing technique, provide more physiologically relevant phenotypes. We propose that future genetic and evolutionary studies of high-altitude adaptation should move beyond hemoglobin concentration and focus on measurements of total hemoglobin mass and intravascular volumes.</p>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12683468/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth Y. Kim, Luna S. Orozco, Emma G. Shoemaker, Jeffrey Gassen, Tomasz J. Nowak, Sally P. Weaver, Erich J. Baker, Michael P. Muehlenbein, Samuel S. Urlacher
Objectives
Leptin is an established biomarker of appetite regulation and energy status. Problematically, heavy reliance on invasive venipuncture sampling has limited leptin research with diverse human populations and groups such as children. Key questions remain about leptin's evolution and biological roles across the full range of humans. Here, we present and validate a new minimally invasive approach for measuring leptin in finger-prick dried blood spots (DBS) using a commercial ELISA kit.
Methods
The Human Leptin Quantikine QuicKit ELISA (R&D Systems, QK398) was validated using matched serum and DBS samples from 40 adults. Passing–Bablok regression assessed the relationship between leptinDBS and leptinserum. Dilutional linearity, reliability, spike-and-recovery, limit of detection, and stability tests evaluated assay performance and potential DBS matrix interference.
Results
Leptin was reliably measured in all DBS samples (average = 312 pg/mL), with DBS intra- and inter-assay CVs of 3.3% and 2.0%, respectively. Matched leptinDBS and leptinserum measurements showed excellent agreement (Pearson's R = 0.97), with no apparent bias (Bland-Altman bias = 4.7). Leptin measurement in DBS was stable for at least 72 h at 26.2°C and 37°C and showed no degradation across eight freeze–thaw cycles (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Leptin can be reliably and stably measured in minimally invasive DBS samples, expanding research on energetics and appetite regulation across a wider range of human groups and settings.
{"title":"Validation of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Measuring Leptin, a Key Metabolic Hormone, in Dried Blood Spot Samples","authors":"Elizabeth Y. Kim, Luna S. Orozco, Emma G. Shoemaker, Jeffrey Gassen, Tomasz J. Nowak, Sally P. Weaver, Erich J. Baker, Michael P. Muehlenbein, Samuel S. Urlacher","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70172","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70172","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leptin is an established biomarker of appetite regulation and energy status. Problematically, heavy reliance on invasive venipuncture sampling has limited leptin research with diverse human populations and groups such as children. Key questions remain about leptin's evolution and biological roles across the full range of humans. Here, we present and validate a new minimally invasive approach for measuring leptin in finger-prick dried blood spots (DBS) using a commercial ELISA kit.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The Human Leptin Quantikine QuicKit ELISA (R&D Systems, QK398) was validated using matched serum and DBS samples from 40 adults. Passing–Bablok regression assessed the relationship between leptin<sub>DBS</sub> and leptin<sub>serum</sub>. Dilutional linearity, reliability, spike-and-recovery, limit of detection, and stability tests evaluated assay performance and potential DBS matrix interference.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leptin was reliably measured in all DBS samples (average = 312 pg/mL), with DBS intra- and inter-assay CVs of 3.3% and 2.0%, respectively. Matched leptin<sub>DBS</sub> and leptin<sub>serum</sub> measurements showed excellent agreement (Pearson's <i>R</i> = 0.97), with no apparent bias (Bland-Altman bias = 4.7). Leptin measurement in DBS was stable for at least 72 h at 26.2°C and 37°C and showed no degradation across eight freeze–thaw cycles (<i>p</i> > 0.05).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Leptin can be reliably and stably measured in minimally invasive DBS samples, expanding research on energetics and appetite regulation across a wider range of human groups and settings.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajhb.70172","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145679367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Casas-Vargas, Alejandra Coronel Guzmán, Angie J. Avila, July Albarracin-Barrera, Yury Aponte-Rubio, Dayana Suárez, Julie Moncada Madero, Fernanda Mogollón, Nora Contreras Bravo, Adrien Morel, Rodrigo Cabrera, Dora Janeth Fonseca-Mendoza, Ingrid Tatyana Bernal, Carlos M. Restrepo, Yasmín Sánchez-Gómez, William Usaquén-Martínez
Objective
To determine the genetic diversity and ancestry of male lineages across various regions of Colombia by analyzing Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and to explore how these genetic variations relate to the historical and migratory events that shaped the country's subpopulations.
Materials and Methods
A total of 672 DNA samples from diverse Colombian populations were analyzed, and Y-chromosome STRs were genotyped using the Yfiler and Yfiler Plus amplification kits. Haplogroup assignments were performed using open-source software, and multivariate analyses were employed to facilitate intra- and interpopulation comparisons.
Results
Substantial genetic diversity was observed among the haplotypes of the studied populations. Haplogroup R1b, of European origin, was predominant in the Andean region, while haplogroup E1b, associated with African ancestry, was more frequent in the Pacific and San Andrés regions. In relatively conserved populations, such as those from the Amazon and La Guajira, a high frequency of haplogroup Q, characteristic of Native American lineages, was detected. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses showed clear genetic separations among regions, reflecting historical and geographical influences. Populations from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts clustered closely with African lineages, while those from the interior of the country exhibited a stronger European influence. In contrast, Indigenous communities and other more conserved populations, such as those in the Amazon, were clearly differentiated, underscoring the preservation of native lineages.
Discussion
The results highlight the genetic complexity of Colombian populations, which have been shaped by the admixture of Native American, African, European, and, to a lesser extent, Middle Eastern lineages. These findings highlight the impact of historical processes, including European colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and more recent migration events, on the country's genetic structure.
{"title":"Genetic Structure of the Y-Chromosome in Colombia: An Analysis of Regional Diversity and Ancestry","authors":"Andrea Casas-Vargas, Alejandra Coronel Guzmán, Angie J. Avila, July Albarracin-Barrera, Yury Aponte-Rubio, Dayana Suárez, Julie Moncada Madero, Fernanda Mogollón, Nora Contreras Bravo, Adrien Morel, Rodrigo Cabrera, Dora Janeth Fonseca-Mendoza, Ingrid Tatyana Bernal, Carlos M. Restrepo, Yasmín Sánchez-Gómez, William Usaquén-Martínez","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70171","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70171","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To determine the genetic diversity and ancestry of male lineages across various regions of Colombia by analyzing Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) and to explore how these genetic variations relate to the historical and migratory events that shaped the country's subpopulations.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Materials and Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 672 DNA samples from diverse Colombian populations were analyzed, and Y-chromosome STRs were genotyped using the Yfiler and Yfiler Plus amplification kits. Haplogroup assignments were performed using open-source software, and multivariate analyses were employed to facilitate intra- and interpopulation comparisons.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Substantial genetic diversity was observed among the haplotypes of the studied populations. Haplogroup R1b, of European origin, was predominant in the Andean region, while haplogroup E1b, associated with African ancestry, was more frequent in the Pacific and San Andrés regions. In relatively conserved populations, such as those from the Amazon and La Guajira, a high frequency of haplogroup Q, characteristic of Native American lineages, was detected. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analyses showed clear genetic separations among regions, reflecting historical and geographical influences. Populations from the Pacific and Caribbean coasts clustered closely with African lineages, while those from the interior of the country exhibited a stronger European influence. In contrast, Indigenous communities and other more conserved populations, such as those in the Amazon, were clearly differentiated, underscoring the preservation of native lineages.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Discussion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results highlight the genetic complexity of Colombian populations, which have been shaped by the admixture of Native American, African, European, and, to a lesser extent, Middle Eastern lineages. These findings highlight the impact of historical processes, including European colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and more recent migration events, on the country's genetic structure.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145656266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Raphael Gustavo Testa, Adeluci Moraes, Aline Giselle Nagafuchi, Kamila Grandolfi, Andreo Fernando Aguiar, Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro, Juliano Casonatto
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in the nutritional status of school-age children in five cohorts with a two-year follow-up, encompassing a span of 7 years.
Methods
Utilizing a mixed longitudinal design, we implemented five cohorts with a two-year follow-up, encompassing a span of 7 years. The study's total sample comprised 101 school-age children (51 females and 50 males), aged between 6 and 11 years at the commencement of the follow-up. Anthropometric variables were obtained following standardized procedures. Subsequently, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was derived using the formula BMI = body mass (kg)/(height)2. Nutritional status was classified according to established cutoff points for age and sex.
Results
The prevalence rates for overweight, obesity, and underweight were found to be 22%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. Notably, the presence of overweight at the initiation of the follow-up exhibited a significant association with the development of obesity after a two-year period (χ2 = 5.325, p = 0.021). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that participants classified as “overweight” at the outset of the study were 4.7 times more likely (95% CI = 1.156–19.754) to develop obesity compared to their eutrophic counterparts.
Conclusion
The study establishes a clear link between overweight status and the medium-term development of obesity in school-age children, aged between 6 and 11 years. These findings underscore the need for early intervention strategies and targeted preventive measures to address this concerning health issue.
目的：本研究旨在调查五个队列中学龄儿童营养状况的动态变化，随访时间为2年，共7年。方法：采用混合纵向设计，我们实施了5个队列，随访2年，跨度为7年。该研究的总样本包括101名学龄儿童（51名女性和50名男性），在随访开始时年龄在6至11岁之间。人体测量变量是按照标准化程序获得的。随后，使用公式BMI =体重(kg)/（身高）2推导出身体质量指数（BMI）。营养状况根据年龄和性别的既定分界点进行分类。结果：超重、肥胖和体重不足的患病率分别为22%、10%和5%。值得注意的是，在随访开始时超重的存在与两年后肥胖的发展有显著关联（χ2 = 5.325, p = 0.021）。此外，逻辑回归分析表明，在研究开始时被归类为“超重”的参与者患肥胖症的可能性是富营养化参与者的4.7倍（95% CI = 1.156-19.754）。结论：该研究在6至11岁的学龄儿童中建立了超重状态与肥胖中期发展之间的明确联系。这些发现强调需要采取早期干预战略和有针对性的预防措施来解决这一令人关切的健康问题。
{"title":"Overweight Is Associated With Medium-Term Obesity Development in School-Age Children: A Mixed Longitudinal Study","authors":"Raphael Gustavo Testa, Adeluci Moraes, Aline Giselle Nagafuchi, Kamila Grandolfi, Andreo Fernando Aguiar, Diego Giulliano Destro Christofaro, Juliano Casonatto","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70175","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70175","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study aims to investigate the dynamic changes in the nutritional status of school-age children in five cohorts with a two-year follow-up, encompassing a span of 7 years.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Utilizing a mixed longitudinal design, we implemented five cohorts with a two-year follow-up, encompassing a span of 7 years. The study's total sample comprised 101 school-age children (51 females and 50 males), aged between 6 and 11 years at the commencement of the follow-up. Anthropometric variables were obtained following standardized procedures. Subsequently, the Body Mass Index (BMI) was derived using the formula BMI = body mass (kg)/(height)<sup>2</sup>. Nutritional status was classified according to established cutoff points for age and sex.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The prevalence rates for overweight, obesity, and underweight were found to be 22%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. Notably, the presence of overweight at the initiation of the follow-up exhibited a significant association with the development of obesity after a two-year period (<i>χ</i><sup>2</sup> = 5.325, <i>p</i> = 0.021). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that participants classified as “overweight” at the outset of the study were 4.7 times more likely (95% CI = 1.156–19.754) to develop obesity compared to their eutrophic counterparts.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study establishes a clear link between overweight status and the medium-term development of obesity in school-age children, aged between 6 and 11 years. These findings underscore the need for early intervention strategies and targeted preventive measures to address this concerning health issue.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12665218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Low birth weight is a critical predictor of child mortality and morbidity, contributing to both immediate health complications after birth and long-term health issues later in life. Globally, it remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where poor maternal nutrition, limited access to quality healthcare, and poverty exacerbate the risk. Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia carry the highest burden, accounting for the majority of low birth weight cases worldwide. Within this context, Pakistan stands out as one of the countries with the highest rates of child mortality and malnutrition, making the issue of low birth weight especially pressing.
Methodology
Utilizing the Demographic and Health Survey of 2017–18, multiple analytical techniques were used including logistic regression, standard, Wagestaff, Erreygers concentration index analysis and concentration curves.
Results
The study indicates that low birth weight (LBW) is disproportionately concentrated among socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Negative and significant concentration indices for household wealth, maternal education, and paternal education show that children from poorer and less educated families are at higher risk of LBW. Further analysis reveals that the relationship between household wealth, parental education and LBW is nonlinear in the context of rural–urban division. Rural children from middle and higher-income families show a slightly elevated risk as compared with urban. Similarly, mother's education seems less effective against LBW. However, father's education might help as LBW is slightly reduced among higher educated fathers. This counterintuitive pattern may be influenced by factors such as multiple births, cesarean deliveries, antenatal care utilization, or other socio-cultural dynamics. For example rural women might have less decision-making autonomy regarding health and meeting other necessities of life.
Conclusion
The study finds that low birth weight (LBW) is disproportionately concentrated among socio-economically disadvantaged groups, with household wealth and parental education serving as strong protective factors. However children from middle and higher-income households, in rural areas, may also experience a slightly elevated risk of LBW as compared to urban populations Father's education might play a more protective role against low birth weight among rural areas.
{"title":"Exploring Socio-Economic Inequalities in Low Birth Weight: A Statistical Decomposition Approach","authors":"Xue Zhang, Athar Ali Shah, Lu Han","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70173","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70173","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Low birth weight is a critical predictor of child mortality and morbidity, contributing to both immediate health complications after birth and long-term health issues later in life. Globally, it remains a major public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where poor maternal nutrition, limited access to quality healthcare, and poverty exacerbate the risk. Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia carry the highest burden, accounting for the majority of low birth weight cases worldwide. Within this context, Pakistan stands out as one of the countries with the highest rates of child mortality and malnutrition, making the issue of low birth weight especially pressing.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methodology</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Utilizing the Demographic and Health Survey of 2017–18, multiple analytical techniques were used including logistic regression, standard, Wagestaff, Erreygers concentration index analysis and concentration curves.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study indicates that low birth weight (LBW) is disproportionately concentrated among socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Negative and significant concentration indices for household wealth, maternal education, and paternal education show that children from poorer and less educated families are at higher risk of LBW. Further analysis reveals that the relationship between household wealth, parental education and LBW is nonlinear in the context of rural–urban division. Rural children from middle and higher-income families show a slightly elevated risk as compared with urban. Similarly, mother's education seems less effective against LBW. However, father's education might help as LBW is slightly reduced among higher educated fathers. This counterintuitive pattern may be influenced by factors such as multiple births, cesarean deliveries, antenatal care utilization, or other socio-cultural dynamics. For example rural women might have less decision-making autonomy regarding health and meeting other necessities of life.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The study finds that low birth weight (LBW) is disproportionately concentrated among socio-economically disadvantaged groups, with household wealth and parental education serving as strong protective factors. However children from middle and higher-income households, in rural areas, may also experience a slightly elevated risk of LBW as compared to urban populations Father's education might play a more protective role against low birth weight among rural areas.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ksenya O. Pashinskaya, Anna V. Samodova, Liliya K. Dobrodeeva
Aim
The purpose of this study was to identify the functional characteristics of blood proteins which are important in assessing reproductive health due to their immunoregulatory effects in women residing in the European North and Arctic regions of the Russian Federation.
Methods
A total of 557 women aged 21–55 (36.89 ± 0.54), engaged in intellectual professions, born and long-term residents of the European North (Arkhangelsk Oblast) and Arctic (Murmansk Oblast, Svalbard archipelago) participated. The hemogram, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, erythrocyte aggregation, lymphocyte content with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD19, CD16, CD71, CD95 phenotypes, cytokines: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, extracellular receptors: sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL, circulating immune complexes, sex hormones, and as well as immunoregulatory blood proteins: haptoglobin, transferrin, immunoglobulins, lipoproteins, apoproteins, were evaluated.
Results
In women from Arkhangelsk Oblast, transferrin levels showed a substantial increase, while IgA levels decreased relative to the reference range. In women from Murmansk Oblast, haptoglobin, IgM, and IgA levels increased, and a reduction in IgG levels was observed. In women from the Svalbard Archipelago, transferrin and IgM concentrations increased, whereas IgG and IgA levels decreased. Additionally, in women from the European North and Arctic, a decrease in ApoB and ApoA-I content was observed. Elevated levels of transferrin and a decrease in lymphocytes with a transferrin receptor CD71+ and an increase in soluble transferrin receptor sCD71 levels were noted. Elevated haptoglobin levels are related to lymphocyte activation. The frequent occurrence of reduced IgA and IgG levels suggests impaired immunoglobulin class switching. Reduced levels of ApoB and ApoA-I indicate the early stages of lipid metabolism disorders.
Conclusions
The immunoregulatory role of blood proteins determines their functional characteristics in women living in the European North and the Arctic. Reduced antioxidant protection, metabolic disorders, and dysregulation of the immune response in women living in Northern and Arctic regions can lead to reproductive health risks.
{"title":"Functional Characteristics of Immunoregulatory Blood Proteins in Women of Reproductive Age Residing in the European North and Arctic Regions of the Russian Federation","authors":"Ksenya O. Pashinskaya, Anna V. Samodova, Liliya K. Dobrodeeva","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70162","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Aim</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The purpose of this study was to identify the functional characteristics of blood proteins which are important in assessing reproductive health due to their immunoregulatory effects in women residing in the European North and Arctic regions of the Russian Federation.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>A total of 557 women aged 21–55 (36.89 ± 0.54), engaged in intellectual professions, born and long-term residents of the European North (Arkhangelsk Oblast) and Arctic (Murmansk Oblast, Svalbard archipelago) participated. The hemogram, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, erythrocyte aggregation, lymphocyte content with CD3, CD4, CD8, CD10, CD19, CD16, CD71, CD95 phenotypes, cytokines: TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10, extracellular receptors: sCD71, sCD62L, sApo-1/Fas, sFasL, circulating immune complexes, sex hormones, and as well as immunoregulatory blood proteins: haptoglobin, transferrin, immunoglobulins, lipoproteins, apoproteins, were evaluated.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In women from Arkhangelsk Oblast, transferrin levels showed a substantial increase, while IgA levels decreased relative to the reference range. In women from Murmansk Oblast, haptoglobin, IgM, and IgA levels increased, and a reduction in IgG levels was observed. In women from the Svalbard Archipelago, transferrin and IgM concentrations increased, whereas IgG and IgA levels decreased. Additionally, in women from the European North and Arctic, a decrease in ApoB and ApoA-I content was observed. Elevated levels of transferrin and a decrease in lymphocytes with a transferrin receptor CD71+ and an increase in soluble transferrin receptor sCD71 levels were noted. Elevated haptoglobin levels are related to lymphocyte activation. The frequent occurrence of reduced IgA and IgG levels suggests impaired immunoglobulin class switching. Reduced levels of ApoB and ApoA-I indicate the early stages of lipid metabolism disorders.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The immunoregulatory role of blood proteins determines their functional characteristics in women living in the European North and the Arctic. Reduced antioxidant protection, metabolic disorders, and dysregulation of the immune response in women living in Northern and Arctic regions can lead to reproductive health risks.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145619323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saül Aixa-Requena, Enric Conesa-Milian, Vicenç Hernández-González, Juan José Puente-Lanzarote, Isaac López-Laval, Álvaro de Pano-Rodríguez, Joaquín Reverter-Masià
Objectives
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is widely used in adult cardiology, yet pediatric reference values remain scarce. This study aimed to establish reference values for hs-cTnT in healthy sport-participating youth aged 8–16 years from Spain; to examine differences by age, sex, and pubertal stage; and to explore associations with anthropometry and physical activity.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Cor-School cohort, including 733 organized sport participants aged 8–16 years from northeastern Spain. Anthropometry, pubertal status, biological maturity, and PHV timing were assessed alongside hs-cTnT and habitual physical activity. Percentiles were calculated from detectable hs-cTnT concentrations below the 99.75th percentile. Group comparisons, correlations, and regression models examined developmental patterns.
Results
Among 733 youth, 39% had detectable hs-cTnT and 4.7% exceeded 14 ng/L. The 97.5th and 99th percentiles were 15.2 ng/L (90% CI: 12.4–16.9) and 19.1 ng/L (90% CI: 15.2–21.3), peaking in early adolescence (11–13 years) and around PHV. Tanner Stage 4 showed the highest 99th percentile (20.4 ng/L), while Tanner 5 had lower values. Boys presented greater detectability (42% vs. 33%) and higher percentiles (99th: 19.1 vs. 15.6 ng/L). hs-cTnT correlated weakly with maturity offset (ρ = 0.183, p = 0.002) and inversely with body fat (ρ = −0.170, p = 0.040), but no independent predictors remained in multivariable models (R2 adj = 0.033).
Conclusions
hs-cTnT increases physiologically during adolescence, reflecting biological maturation. Pediatric-specific reference values by age and developmental stage are recommended to avoid misclassification. As all participants were regularly engaged in organized sport, the reference values obtained likely represent the upper end of physiological hs-cTnT concentrations in physically active youth.
{"title":"High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T in Healthy Sport-Participating Youth Aged 8–16 Years: Reference Values From the Cor-School Cohort","authors":"Saül Aixa-Requena, Enric Conesa-Milian, Vicenç Hernández-González, Juan José Puente-Lanzarote, Isaac López-Laval, Álvaro de Pano-Rodríguez, Joaquín Reverter-Masià","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70176","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ajhb.70176","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is widely used in adult cardiology, yet pediatric reference values remain scarce. This study aimed to establish reference values for hs-cTnT in healthy sport-participating youth aged 8–16 years from Spain; to examine differences by age, sex, and pubertal stage; and to explore associations with anthropometry and physical activity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Cor-School cohort, including 733 organized sport participants aged 8–16 years from northeastern Spain. Anthropometry, pubertal status, biological maturity, and PHV timing were assessed alongside hs-cTnT and habitual physical activity. Percentiles were calculated from detectable hs-cTnT concentrations below the 99.75th percentile. Group comparisons, correlations, and regression models examined developmental patterns.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Among 733 youth, 39% had detectable hs-cTnT and 4.7% exceeded 14 ng/L. The 97.5th and 99th percentiles were 15.2 ng/L (90% CI: 12.4–16.9) and 19.1 ng/L (90% CI: 15.2–21.3), peaking in early adolescence (11–13 years) and around PHV. Tanner Stage 4 showed the highest 99th percentile (20.4 ng/L), while Tanner 5 had lower values. Boys presented greater detectability (42% vs. 33%) and higher percentiles (99th: 19.1 vs. 15.6 ng/L). hs-cTnT correlated weakly with maturity offset (<i>ρ</i> = 0.183, <i>p</i> = 0.002) and inversely with body fat (<i>ρ</i> = −0.170, <i>p</i> = 0.040), but no independent predictors remained in multivariable models (<i>R</i><sup>2</sup> adj = 0.033).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>hs-cTnT increases physiologically during adolescence, reflecting biological maturation. Pediatric-specific reference values by age and developmental stage are recommended to avoid misclassification. As all participants were regularly engaged in organized sport, the reference values obtained likely represent the upper end of physiological hs-cTnT concentrations in physically active youth.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12665097/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145642499","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cassandra L. Workman, Alexandra Brewis, Amber Wutich
Objectives
Food insecurity prevalence among US university students is higher than the national average, with minoritized and first-generation students disproportionately affected. Global and domestic US research has documented the link between food and water insecurity, though research on water insecurity—particularly on college campuses—remains nascent.
Methods
An exploratory study (n = 220) connecting measures of water insecurity, food insecurity, demographic/socioeconomic status, and water-related psycho-emotional outcomes in a sample from a large US public university. Tobit regressions were conducted for models using water insecurity scores as outcomes and ordered logistic regression models for psycho-emotional outcomes associated with water. To assess the relationship between economic stress, water quality concerns and purchasing two generalized structural equation models (GSEM) were conducted. Motivations for purchasing bottled water were elicited in an open-ended question.
Results
College students are experiencing notable resource insecurity, with 43% reporting low to moderate rates of water insecurity and 31% reporting food insecurity, representing above-the-national-average levels of food insecurity. Importantly, students who were food insecure were significantly more likely to be water insecure. A third of students relied on bottled water, with and convenience and water quality concerns being the primary reasons. Economic stress predicted water insecurity scores, frequency of purchasing bottled water, water quality concerns, as well as psycho-emotional outcomes related to water.
Conclusion
These exploratory findings suggest a pattern of risk for water insecurity on university campuses that is potentially concerning and generally consistent with that already well described for food insecurity.
{"title":"Characterizing Water Insecurity Among US College Students: Prevalence, Scope and Linkages With Food Insecurity","authors":"Cassandra L. Workman, Alexandra Brewis, Amber Wutich","doi":"10.1002/ajhb.70170","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ajhb.70170","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objectives</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Food insecurity prevalence among US university students is higher than the national average, with minoritized and first-generation students disproportionately affected. Global and domestic US research has documented the link between food and water insecurity, though research on water insecurity—particularly on college campuses—remains nascent.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>An exploratory study (<i>n</i> = 220) connecting measures of water insecurity, food insecurity, demographic/socioeconomic status, and water-related psycho-emotional outcomes in a sample from a large US public university. Tobit regressions were conducted for models using water insecurity scores as outcomes and ordered logistic regression models for psycho-emotional outcomes associated with water. To assess the relationship between economic stress, water quality concerns and purchasing two generalized structural equation models (GSEM) were conducted. Motivations for purchasing bottled water were elicited in an open-ended question.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>College students are experiencing notable resource insecurity, with 43% reporting low to moderate rates of water insecurity and 31% reporting food insecurity, representing above-the-national-average levels of food insecurity. Importantly, students who were food insecure were significantly more likely to be water insecure. A third of students relied on bottled water, with and convenience and water quality concerns being the primary reasons. Economic stress predicted water insecurity scores, frequency of purchasing bottled water, water quality concerns, as well as psycho-emotional outcomes related to water.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusion</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These exploratory findings suggest a pattern of risk for water insecurity on university campuses that is potentially concerning and generally consistent with that already well described for food insecurity.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":50809,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Human Biology","volume":"37 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajhb.70170","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145601149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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