Clinical Research Directory

Health and Nutritional Outcomes Among Young Females and Children in Southwest Bangladesh

This study aims to examine how societal and climate changes influence the nutritional status and fish consumption of young women over a 10 year period in southern Bangladesh, and how these factors affect their children's health. A cohort of 240 adolescents first studied in 2017 will be followed to assess changes in their dietary patterns, nutritional status, climate perceptions and mitigation practices, as well as the nutritional status of their children aged 6 months to 5 years. The study in 2017 sampled 60 adolescent girls in each of four rural communities, plus a semi-rural community around a fish processing plant, representing in total 5 communities. Of these 60 X 5 = 300 girls, the current study follows up the individuals in the rural communities representing a cohort of 240. Bangladesh faces high rates of adolescent malnutrition, with many girls married before 18 and suffering from chronic nutrient deficiencies. These issues have long-term impacts on health, productivity, and intergenerational well-being. By linking the fisheries and aquaculture sector, a key to Bangladesh's economy with public health and nutrition, this research aims to guide targeted policies for vulnerable coastal communities.

Chinese Migrant Population Health Cohort

The Chinese Migrant Population Health Cohort is a prospective, multi-center study jointly initiated by Professor Yong Ji, President of Harbin Medical University, and Academician Guoqiang Chen, President of Hainan Medical University, in collaboration with regional partners. It targets older adults (≥60 years) who engage in seasonal migration between cold (Heilongjiang) and tropical (Hainan) regions. The primary objective is to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks, underlying biological and environmental mechanisms, and effective preventive strategies in this unique population. Participants are recruited from both origin and destination sites and undergo standardized baseline assessments, including questionnaires, physical examinations, medical imaging, biospecimen collection (blood, stool, hair, nails), and environmental exposure monitoring. Longitudinal follow-up includes periodic reassessments, remote monitoring, and data linkage with hospital information systems to capture health outcomes. The study aims to: Define migration-related health risk profiles and disease phenotypes. Elucidate biological and environmental mechanisms influencing disease onset and progression. Develop AI-driven risk prediction models and evaluate targeted interventions through nested randomized controlled trials. Translate findings into clinical guidelines and scalable cross-regional health management models. This is the first cohort in China to systematically investigate the health impacts of seasonal migration in older adults. By integrating epidemiology, multi-omics, environmental data, and health policy translation, the study seeks to improve continuity of care, strengthen climate adaptation, and promote healthy ageing.