Differential display identifies overexpression of the USP36 gene, encoding a deubiquitinating enzyme, in ovarian cancer

Objectives. To find potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets, we used differential display technique to identify genes that are over or under expressed in human ovarian cancer. Methods. Genes were initially identified by differential display between two human ovarian surface epithelium cultures and two ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and Caov-3. Genes were validated by relative quantitative RT-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization. Results. Twenty-eight non-redundant sequences were expressed differentially in the normal ovarian epithelium and ovarian cancer cell lines. Seven of the 28 sequences showed differential expression between normal ovary and ovarian cancer tissue by RT-PCR. USP36 was over-expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues by RT-PCR and RNA in situ hybridization. Northern blot analysis and RT-PCR revealed two transcripts for USP36 in ovarian tissue. The major transcript was more specific for ovarian cancer and was detected by RT-PCR in 9/9 ovarian cancer tissues, 3/3 cancerous ascites, 5/14 (36%) sera from patients with ovarian cancer, and 0/7 sera from women without ovarian cancer. Conclusion. USP36 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer compared to normal ovary and its transcripts were identified in ascites and serum of ovarian cancer patients

Healthy China:Implications of International and Domestic Strategies, Policies, and Practices for Obesity Prevention and Control — China, 2023

Introduction: Obesity has emerged as a critical public health challenge in China, with prevalence rates rising steadily across all age groups and threatening both long-term health outcomes and economic sustainability. This study examines China’s current obesity prevention and control landscape, comparing it with international practices to provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening national strategies. Methods: Between July and October 2023, we conducted a comprehensive literature review and engaged 19 experts (9 from China; 10 from the United States (US), Japan, the United Kingdom (UK), and Spain) through purposive, criterion-based sampling. We collected data using a semi-structured questionnaire covering personal information, obesity-related policies and service status, and recommendations for China. Quantitative data underwent descriptive analysis, while qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis. Results: Experts identified persistent barriers in China’s obesity control efforts, including fragmented policies, insufficient public awareness, suboptimal service quality, and limited healthcare facilities. Compared with high-income countries, China’s approach lacks robust regulatory frameworks and effective multisectoral coordination mechanisms. Conclusions: These findings underscore the urgent need for China to strengthen evidence-based, integrated approaches to obesity prevention and management. Adapting successful international experiences to local contexts will be essential for enhancing national obesity control efforts and advancing the Healthy China initiative goals.</p

Expert Consensus and Call on Actions for Weight Management in China:Advancing Healthy China Initiative Through Strategic Actions

China faces a critical public health challenge with obesity rates exceeding 50% among adults and 20% among children. In response, the National Health Commission launched a comprehensive three-year “Year of Weight Management” initiative in March 2024, further emphasized by the 36th Patriotic Health Month’s theme “Healthy Towns-Healthy Weight” in April 2024. These initiatives underscore the urgent necessity for implementing comprehensive strategies to combat obesity and its associated non-communicable diseases. To catalyze these national efforts, the Obesity Prevention and Control Section of the Chinese Nutrition Society, in collaboration with the Chinese Society of Behavioral Health of the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association, the International Center for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases Research, the Global Health Institute at Xi’an Jiaotong University, and other partnering institutions issued the Expert Consensus of “China Healthy Weight Management Action Initiative” during the March 4, 2024 World Obesity Day campaign. This paper presents and analyzes the initiative’s systematic strategy, which integrates ten strategic recommendations across five key domains: 1) strategic policy and guideline implementation, 2) strengthening healthcare systems and public awareness, 3) collaborative and international engagement, 4) building health-conducive environments, and 5) data-driven approaches and technological solutions. The initiative establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing obesity through an integrated approach encompassing public policy, healthcare systems, and community engagement. Implementation of these strategic recommendations is expected to significantly enhance public health outcomes and accelerate progress toward achieving the “Healthy China 2030 Initiative” objectives.</p

Interactive Effects of Early Exclusive Breastfeeding and Pre-Pregnancy Maternal Weight Status on Young Children’s BMI – A Chinese Birth Cohort

ObjectivesTo assess if the maternal pre-pregnancy weight status (MPWS) alters the association of early infant feeding pattern (at one and third months) with infant body mass index (BMI) in the first two years of life.MethodsA cohort of 2,220 neonates were recruited in a community-based study conducted in China. Body weight and length were measured at birth, at age one and two, with BMI calculated accordingly. The BMI z-scores (BMI-Z) were computed according to the World Health Organization Growth Standard (2006). Feeding patterns were classified as exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), mixed feeding (MF), and formula feeding (FF). General linear models (GLM) were employed to estimate main and interaction effects of EBF and MPWS on children’s BMI-Z.ResultsNo main effect of MPWS was found on child BMI-Z at ages one and two, nor the feeding patterns. An interaction between MPWS and feeding patterns was detected (p<0.05). For children who were formula fed during the first month, those who were born to overweight/obesity (OW/OB) mothers had a significantly greater BMI-Z at ages one and two, compared with those with underweight/normal weight (UW/NW) mothers. FF children had greater BMI-Z at ages one and two compared with their EBF and MF counterparts, when they were born to OW/OB mothers.ConclusionsMaternal pre-pregnancy weight control and early initiation of EBF for children are essential for healthy development in children’s BMI, hence the prevention of early life obesity

Summer effects on body mass index (BMI) gain and growth patterns of American Indian children from kindergarten to first grade: a prospective study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among American Indian children, especially those living on reservations. There is little scientific evidence about the effects of summer vacation on obesity development in children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of summer vacation between kindergarten and first grade on growth in height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) for a sample of American Indian children.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Children had their height and weight measured in four rounds of data collection (yielded three intervals: kindergarten, summer vacation, and first grade) as part of a school-based obesity prevention trial (Bright Start) in a Northern Plains Indian Reservation. Demographic variables were collected at baseline from parent surveys. Growth velocities (Z-score units/year) for BMI, weight, and height were estimated and compared for each interval using generalized linear mixed models.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The children were taller and heavier than median of same age counterparts. Height Z-scores were positively associated with increasing weight status category. The mean weight velocity during summer was significantly less than during the school year. More rapid growth velocity in height during summer than during school year was observed. Obese children gained less adjusted-BMI in the first grade after gaining more than their counterparts during the previous two intervals. No statistically significant interval effects were found for height and BMI velocities.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There was no indication of a significant summer effect on children's BMI. Rather than seasonal or school-related patterns, the predominant pattern indicated by weight-Z and BMI-Z velocities might be related to age or maturation.</p> <p>Trial registration</p> <p>Bright Start: Obesity Prevention in American Indian Children Clinical Trial Govt ID# <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00123032">NCT00123032</a></p

Birth and Health Outcomes of Children Migrating With Parents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveTo examine the birth and health outcomes of children migrating with parents internationally and domestically, and to identify whether the healthy migration effect exist in migrant children.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched for cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies published from January 1, 2000 to January 30, 2021and written by English language, reporting the risk of health outcomes of migrant children (e.g., birth outcome, nutrition, physical health, mental health, death, and substance use) We excluded studies in which participants' age more than 18 years, or participants were forced migration due to armed conflict or disasters, or when the comparators were not native-born residents. Pooled odd ratio (OR) was calculated using random-effects models.ResultsOur research identified 10,404 records, of which 98 studies were retrained for analysis. The majority of the included studies (89, 91%) focused on international migration and 9 (9%) on migration within country. Compared with native children, migrant children had increased risks of malnutrition [OR 1.26 (95% CI 1.11–1.44)], poor physical health [OR 1.34 (95% CI 1.11–1.61)], mental disorder [OR 1.24 (95% CI 1.00–1.52)], and death [OR 1.11 (95% CI 1.01–1.21)], while had a lower risk of adverse birth outcome [OR 0.92 (95% CI 0.87–0.97)]. The difference of substance use risk was not found between the two groups.ConclusionMigrant children had increased risk of adverse health outcomes. No obvious evidence was observed regarding healthy migration effect among migrant children. Actions are required to address the health inequity among these populations.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero, identifier: CRD42021214115.</jats:sec