Reference Values of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin Content in Healthy Adolescents.

Assessing iron status in a pediatric population is not easy, as it is based on parameters that undergo physiological variations in childhood and adolescence. Analysis of the reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) to screen for iron deficiency may increase the accuracy of diagnosis, but, to date, reference values in healthy adolescents have not been adequately determined. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a population-based representative sample in the city of Almería (Spain), with 253 healthy non-iron-deficient (ID) subjects, aged 12 to 16 years. The mean CHr value was 31.6±1.3 pg. The CHr 2.5 percentile was 28.7 pg. There were no significant differences as regards age or sex. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, sex did not influence the variability of CHr, but it was related to age. CHr was influenced by hemoglobin and the Mentzer index, as well as by functional iron indicators such as erythrocyte protoporphyrin and serum transferrin receptor. These independent variables predicted two thirds of the variability in healthy adolescents (R=0.55). This study provides CHr reference ranges in healthy adolescents for use in clinical practice for the early detection of ID states. In populations with similar sociodemographic characteristics, values above the 2.5 percentile rule out ID, as values under the 2.5 percentile could be suggestive of functional ID.

PREVALENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN A CITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA: COMPARISON OF TWO DEFINITIONS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: there are few studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in European adolescent populations, and some have reported a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean basin area. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of MetS in adolescents in a Mediterranean city of Spain, comparing two different definitions of MetS and the associated risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among 379 adolescents aged 12-16.9 years, selected using a random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The definitions of MetS used were that of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and that of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between definitions and a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the associated risk factors. RESULTS: the prevalence of MetS was 5.7% (95%CI 3.33-8.07) according to the NCEP-ATPIII definition and 3.8% (95%CI 1.85-5.75) according to the IDF definition. No differences between the sexes or by age groups were found. The agreement between the two definitions was very good (kappa 0.815), especially in the obese subsample, but was lower in normal weight adolescents (kappa 0.497). Insulin resistance and obesity were associated with both definitions. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of MetS in our adolescent population is higher than the European media. Although the overall agreement between both definitions was very good, the prevalence was higher using the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Independently of the definition used, obesity and insulin resistance were risk factors for MetS.

Introducción y objetivos: existen escasos estudios acerca de la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (MetS) en la población general adolescente en Europa. Algunos resultados muestran mayor prevalencia en adolescentes del área mediterránea. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia de MetS en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea en España, comparando dos definiciones de MetS y los factores de riesgo asociados. Material y métodos: estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra de base poblacional, elegida de forma aleatoria, representativa de los adolescentes de 12 a 16,9 años escolarizados en la ciudad de Almería. Se recogieron variables antropométricas y analíticas. Se compararon dos definiciones de SM para población adolescente: National Cholesterol Education Program (NECP- ATPIII) e International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Estadística: coeficiente kappa para analizar la concordancia entre definiciones y regresión logística múltiple para el estudio de factores de riesgo asociados. Resultados: la prevalencia de MetS fue 5,7% (95%IC 3,33-8,07) con la definición NECP-ATPIII y 3,8% (95%IC 1,85-5,75) con los criterios IDF. No se encontraron diferencias entre sexos ni entre grupos de edad. La concordancia entre ambas definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global (kappa 0,815) y especialmente en el grupo de obesos, pero empeoró entre adolescentes con normopeso (kappa 0,497). Los factores asociados a ambas definiciones fueron obesidad y resistencia insulínica. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados muestran una prevalencia de MetS en adolescentes mayor a la media europea. Aunque la concordancia entre definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global, la prevalencia fue mayor con la definición NECP-ATPIII. Obesidad y resistencia insulínica fueron los factores de riesgo asociados.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adolescents in a city in the Mediterranean area: comparison of two definitions / Prevalencia de síndrome metabólico en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea: comparación de dos definiciones

Background and objective: there are few studies on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in European adolescent populations, and some have reported a higher prevalence in the Mediterranean basin area. Our objective was to examine the prevalence of MetS in adolescents in a Mediterranean city of Spain, comparing two different definitions of MetS and the associated risk factors. Methods and results: a cross-sectional population-based study was conducted among 379 adolescents aged 12-16.9 years, selected using a random sampling method. Anthropometric measurements and fasting blood samples were obtained. The definitions of MetS used were that of the National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and that of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Kappa coefficient was used to measure the agreement between definitions and a multivariate logistic regression model to determine the associated risk factors. Results: the prevalence of MetS was 5.7% (95%CI 3.33-8.07) according to the NCEP-ATPIII definition and 3.8% (95%CI 1.85-5.75) according to the IDF definition. No differences between the sexes or by age groups were found. The agreement between the two definitions was very good (kappa 0.815), especially in the obese subsample, but was lower in normal weight adolescents (kappa 0.497). Insulin resistance and obesity were associated with both definitions. Conclusions: the prevalence of MetS in our adolescent population is higher than the European media. Although the overall agreement between both definitions was very good, the prevalence was higher using the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Independently of the definition used, obesity and insulin resistance were risk factors for MetS (AU)

Introducción y objetivos: existen escasos estudios acerca de la prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (MetS) en la población general adolescente en Europa. Algunos resultados muestran mayor prevalencia en adolescentes del área mediterránea. Nuestro objetivo fue estudiar la prevalencia de MetS en la población general adolescente de una ciudad del área mediterránea en España, comparando dos definiciones de MetS y los factores de riesgo asociados. Material y métodos: estudio epidemiológico observacional sobre una muestra de base poblacional, elegida de forma aleatoria, representativa de los adolescentes de 12 a 16,9 años escolarizados en la ciudad de Almería. Se recogieron variables antropométricas y analíticas. Se compararon dos definiciones de SM para población adolescente: National Cholesterol Education Program (NECP-ATPIII) e International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Estadística: coeficiente kappa para analizar la concordancia entre definiciones y regresión logística múltiple para el estudio de factores de riesgo asociados. Resultados: la prevalencia de MetS fue 5,7% (95%IC 3,33-8,07) con la definición NECP-ATPIII y 3,8% (95%IC 1,85-5,75) con los criterios IDF. No se encontraron diferencias entre sexos ni entre grupos de edad. La concordancia entre ambas definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global (kappa 0,815) y especialmente en el grupo de obesos, pero empeoró entre adolescentes con normopeso (kappa 0,497). Los factores asociados a ambas definiciones fueron obesidad y resistencia insulínica. Conclusiones: nuestros resultados muestran una prevalencia de MetS en adolescentes mayor a la media europea. Aunque la concordancia entre definiciones fue muy buena a nivel global, la prevalencia fue mayor con la definición NECP-ATPIII. Obesidad y resistencia insulínica fueron los factores de riesgo asociados (AU)

Reference values of serum transferrin receptor and sTfR/log ferritin index in healthy adolescents.

Adolescence is a period of increased iron requirements, which impact on iron status. The purpose of this research is to determine the reference intervals for serum transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR/log ferritin index (sTfR-F index) in healthy adolescents, and their relation with iron parameters and erythropoiesis. A total of 253 healthy adolescents without overweight, aged 12 to 16 years, were selected in a cross-sectional study. Hemoglobin, red cell indices, reticulocyte hemoglobin content (rHb), reticulocytes, ferritin, transferrin saturation, erythrocyte protoporphirin, erythropoietin, C-reactive protein, sTfR, and sTfR-F index were measured. Changes in erythropoiesis and iron status in the age interval were observed and analyzed, and linear multiple regression was applied to identify the factors that determine the variability of sTfR and sTfR-F index. Mean values for sTfR and sTfR-F index were 1.32 ± 0.3 mg/L (95% CI, 1.3-1.36) and 0.9 ± 0.25 (95% CI, 0.87-0.93). The reference intervals were 0.84 to 1.97 mg/L and 0.51 to 1.44, respectively. sTfR and sTfR-F index values were significantly higher in boys (1.39 ± 0.3 vs. 1.23 ± 0.26 mg/L, P<0.0001 and 0.93 ± 0.37 vs. 0.86 ± 0.22, P<0.04) and decreased with age (P<0.0001 and 0.04, respectively). No changes were recorded in erythropoietin. Age, sex, pubertal status, and ferritin predicted 24.1% of sTfR variability and age, sex, pubertal status, transferrin saturation, rHb, erythrocytes, and reticulocytes predicted 15% of sTfR-F index variability.

Prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en niños y adolescentes de 2 a 16 años / Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-16 years

Objetivos Calcular la prevalencia de obesidad y sobrepeso en niños y adolescentes de nuestra ciudad e investigar los factores asociados. Sujetos y métodos Estudio transversal de 1.317 niños y adolescentes de 2 a 16 años. Mediante muestreo probabilístico polietápico se seleccionaron 3 grupos: 411 de 12 a 16, 504 de 6 a 12 y 402 de 2 a 6 años. Se les calculó el índice de masa corporal y se definió obesidad y sobrepeso según la International Obesity Task Force. Se realizó un cuestionario de consumo de alimentos y de características clínicas y sociodemográficas. Los resultados se expresan como porcentajes (intervalos de confianza al 95%). Mediante regresión logística múltiple se estudió la asociación entre exceso de peso (obesidad y sobrepeso) y las distintas variables, calculando la odds ratio (OR) ajustada. Resultados El 9,5% (8,0-11,0) de los niños y adolescentes de 2 a 16 años son obesos y 22,4% (23,3-24,6) tienen sobrepeso. En el grupo de 12 a 16 años, el 8,5% (5,9-11,2) son obesos y el 20,5% (16,7-24,3) tienen sobrepeso, en el grupo de 6 a 12 años el 11,6% (8,9-14,3) y el 31,0% (27,0-35,0) y en el de 2 a 6 años el 8,0% (5,4-10,6) y el 13,6% (10,3-16,9), respectivamente. Se asocian con el exceso de peso la edad (OR 1,21; p<0,001), la obesidad materna (OR 10,99; p = 0,008), el peso al nacer mayor de 4kg (OR 2,91; p = 0,002) y la lactancia artificial exclusiva (OR 1,82; p = 0,005).Conclusión La obesidad y el sobrepeso infantil y juvenil son problemas extraordinariamente prevalentes en nuestra ciudad (AU)

Objectives To estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents in our city and to investigate the associated factors. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study of 1317 children and adolescents aged 2-16 years. Multistage probability sampling was used to select three groups of subjects: 411 aged 12 to 16 years, 504 aged 6 to 12 years, and 402 aged 2 to 6 years. Body mass index was calculated, and obesity and overweight were diagnosed using the threshold levels of the International Obesity Task Force for children and adolescents. Parents were asked about eating habits, health, social, and demographic aspects. Results are given as percentages (95% confidence interval). The relationship between obesity and overweight and the different variables was studied using multiple logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated. Results Among children and adolescentes aged 2-16 years, 9.5% (8.0%-11.0%) were obese and 22.4% (23.3%-24.6%) were overweight. Of subjects aged 12-16 years, 8.5% (5.9%-11.2%) were obese and 20.5% (16.7%-24.3%) were overweight. In the groups aged 6-12 years and 2-6 years, rates of obesity and overweight were 11.6% (8.9% -14.3%) and 31.0% (27.0-35.0) and 8.0% (5.4%-10.6%) and 13.6% (10.3%-16.9%) respectively. Obesity or overweight was associated to age (OR 1.21; P <0.001), maternal obesity (OR 10.99; P= 0.008), a birthweight higher than 4kg (OR 2.91; p 0.002), and formula feeding (OR 1.82; P= 0.005).Conclusion Obesity and overweight in children and adolescents are highly prevalent problems in our city (AU)

Prevalence of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents aged 2-16 years.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children and adolescents in our city and to investigate the associated factors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 1317 children and adolescents aged 2-16 years. Multistage probability sampling was used to select three groups of subjects: 411 aged 12 to 16 years, 504 aged 6 to 12 years, and 402 aged 2 to 6 years. Body mass index was calculated, and obesity and overweight were diagnosed using the threshold levels of the International Obesity Task Force for children and adolescents. Parents were asked about eating habits, health, social, and demographic aspects. Results are given as percentages (95% confidence interval). The relationship between obesity and overweight and the different variables was studied using multiple logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated. RESULTS: Among children and adolescents aged 2-16 years, 9.5% (8.0%-11.0%) were obese and 22.4% (23.3%-24.6%) were overweight. Of subjects aged 12-16 years, 8.5% (5.9%-11.2%) were obese and 20.5% (16.7%-24.3%) were overweight. In the groups aged 6-12 years and 2-6 years, rates of obesity and overweight were 11.6% (8.9% -14.3%) and 31.0% (27.0-35.0) and 8.0% (5.4%-10.6%) and 13.6% (10.3%-16.9%) respectively. Obesity or overweight was associated to age (OR 1.21; P<0.001), maternal obesity (OR 10.99; P= 0.008), a birthweight higher than 4kg (OR 2.91; p 0.002), and formula feeding (OR 1.82; P= 0.005). CONCLUSION: Obesity and overweight in children and adolescents are highly prevalent problems in our city.

Seminal plasma proteins as potential markers of relative fertility in boars.

This study investigated whether specific proteins from distinct seminal plasma fractions of boars could be related to in vivo fertility. Nine boars with acceptable sperm motility and morphology for use in artificial insemination demonstrated major differences in total number born and pregnancy rate when low sperm doses (1.5 billion sperm) were used to breed a minimum of 50 gilts per boar. The 2 lowest-fertility and 2 highest-fertility boars were chosen for evaluation of specific seminal plasma proteins. On 4 occasions, semen was collected and separated into 3 fractions based on sperm concentration (Sperm-Peak, Sperm-Rich, and Sperm-Free), and the fractions were analyzed for total protein concentration and abundance of major seminal plasma glycoprotein (PSP-I), AWN-1, and osteopontin protein using Western blotting techniques. The concentrations of these seminal plasma proteins were lower in the Sperm-Peak fractions compared with the Sperm-Free fractions (P < .05). Seminal plasma from the pooled Sperm-Rich fraction used for artificial insemination was also subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to investigate novel protein markers related to in vivo fertility. Total piglets born (r = -0.76, P = .01) and sperm motility at day 7 (r = -0.74, P = .037) were again negatively correlated with a 22-kDa protein identified by mass spectrometry as PSP-I. However, fertility index and farrowing rate tended to be positively correlated (P < .10) with a 25-kDa protein, identified as glutathione peroxidase (GPX5), an antioxidant enzyme that may protect sperm membranes from oxidative damage. These candidate proteins merit further investigation as markers of fertility in boars.