Determinants of concurrent wasting and stunting among children 6 to 23 mo in Indonesia.

OBJECTIVES: Concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) in a child is a health problem that leads to detrimental effects. However, to our knowledge, there is limited research regarding the prevalence and determinants of WaSt, including in Indonesia. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and determinants of WaSt in children 6 to 23 mo of age. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with data sets from the Indonesia Nutritional Status Survey (INSS). Data was collected between January and December 2021. About 15 641 children, ages 23 mo, were included. A χ2 analysis examined the association between the dependent and independent variables. A multivariate test analyzed the risk for the independent variable to the dependent, seen through the adjusted odds ratio (aOR). RESULTS: The prevalence of WaSt was 2.4%. Higher odds for WaSt were seen in the following: • Boys: 2.15 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-2.68); • Children ages 12 to 23 mo 3.15 times (95% CI, 2.33-4.25); • Those with low birth weight 3.11 times (95% CI, 2.33-4.15) • Those with small birth size: 2 times (95% CI, 1.59-2.54) • Babies born from mothers >35 y of age: 1.5 times (95% CI, 1.19-1.89); • Children who experienced infection: 1.43 times (95% CI, 1.16-1.76); • Children not using the Integrated Health and Nutrition Services (Posyandu): 1.17 times (95% CI; 1.29-2.27); • Children from middle- income families:2.54 times higher odds (95% CI, 1.75-3.7); and • Children from rural areas: 1.37 times (95% CI, 1.1-1.71). CONCLUSION: WaSt is associated with multiple factors in Indonesia. Hence, policymakers need to address this problem comprehensively.

Comparison of high and low stunting reduction groups using IFE-EFE matrix analysis in Central Java Province, Indonesia.

Background: The results of the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (Studi Status Gizi Indonesia, SSGI) showed a 6.8% declining prevalence of stunting in Central Java from 2019 to 2021. However, the prevalence decreases in the regency level of Central Java varied from 0.1 to 20.3%. This study aimed to analyze the external and internal factors that influenced the stunting reduction prevalence in Central Java Province, Indonesia. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted over 2 months, from April to May 2022. In-depth interviews were used to explore the supporting factors (external, internal, and strategies) and the challenges (internal, external, and solutions) in implementing stunting reduction acceleration programs. The supporting factors and challenges were compared between the groups with high Gro, Sra, Kla, and Pek (GSKP) and low Sur, Mag, Teg, and Pat (SMTP) reduction prevalence. Data were analyzed using internal factor evaluation (IFE) and external factor evaluation (EFE). Results: In quadrant II, the high-reduction group (GSKP) had IFE and EFE scores of 2.61 and 2.76, respectively. In quadrant IV, the low-reduction group (SMTP) had IFE and EFE scores of 1.86 and 1.62, respectively. The high-reduction group (GSKP) was better than the low-reduction group (SMTP) in using external opportunities and internal strengths by avoiding external threats and minimizing the weakness in the stunting reduction acceleration program in each area. The existence of superior programs and innovations were the strengths that differentiated the high and low groups. Conversely, the low-stunting reduction group struggled to overcome major challenges, especially lacking leadership capacity. From the outside, lack of program sustainability at the village level and budget restraint were the threats found in both groups. Conclusion: Compared with the low-stunting reduction group, the high group could maximize their strengths and use the opportunities to implement stunting reduction programs.

Micronutrients and Nutrition Status of School-Aged Children in Indonesia.

Micronutrient deficiencies (MNDs) in school-aged children are still a major health problem in Indonesia. This study was designed to examine the status of micronutrients and their relationship to the nutritional status of children aged 5-12 years since an up-to-date database on the micronutrient status of children aged 5-12 years is needed. Data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) were used in this study, with 2456 subjects for analysis. Micronutrient analysis was carried out, including iron status (ferritin, C reactive protein (CRP)), levels of zinc, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin A (retinol) in school-aged children (5-12 years). The ELISA measurement was applied to measure CRP, ferritin, and vitamin D. Zinc levels were analysed with atomic absorbance spectroscopy (AAS). Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to calculate vitamin A. In addition, stunting and thinness data were also obtained from the Riskesdas study. The results showed that the prevalence of stunting and thinness in school-aged children was 11.4% and 9.2%, respectively, showing that the stunting prevalence in the city was lower than in the village (4.5% vs. 6.9%, P = 0.000, respectively). In addition, the prevalence of MNDs in Indonesian children was 13.4%, 19.7%, 4.2%, 3%, and 12.7% for ferritin, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D, respectively. The mean serum level of vitamin A and zinc was significantly lower in stunted children compared to normal school children (P = 0.010 and P = 0.014). The serum concentration of vitamin D was significantly lower in overweight children compared to thin and normal children (P = 0.000). Serum values of ferritin, zinc, and vitamin A were significantly higher in overweight children compared to thin and normal children (P = 0.000). A poor correlation was observed between the z-score of height-for-age (HAZ) and the levels of zinc (r = 0.089, P = 0.000), vitamin A (r = 0.105, P = 0.000), and vitamin D (-0.073, P = 0.000). In addition, very weak correlations between z-scores of body mass index-for-age (BAZ) and the serum concentrations of ferritin (0.091, P = 0.000), zinc (r = 0.115, P = 0.000), vitamin A (r = 0.137, P = 0.000), and vitamin D (r = -0.112, P = 0.000) were also seen. In conclusion, school-aged children in Indonesia experienced stunting, thinness, and micronutrient deficiency. Furthermore, stunting and thinness were also related to micronutrient deficiencies.

Prevalence of Anemia and Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women in Semarang, Indonesia, during COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused several changes that affect overall health, including the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women. Several risk factors, including iron deficiency during pregnancy, diabetes, maternal smoking, preterm birth, low birth weight, and multiple pregnancies, can influence poor iron intake in infants. This study aims to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 238 pregnant women from two districts in Semarang, Indonesia. The study population was selected using a cluster sampling technique. Trained enumerators collected data through interviews using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) to estimate participants' food intake and anthropometric measurements. Additionally, hemoglobin levels were measured by trained nurses during antenatal care (ANC) visits. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression to estimate the factors associated with anemia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Among all participants, 14.3% (n=34) were anemic, with 32.3% and 67.6% having moderate and mild anemia, respectively. Moreover, study variables such as less compliance with ANC (antenatal care) guidelines (p = 0.020), excessive phosphorus intake (p = 0.039), inadequate zinc intake (p = 0.003), and inadequate calcium intake (p = 0.043) were associated with anemia among pregnant women. Conclusion: Anemia among pregnant women in Semarang, Indonesia, is a mild public health problem. Less compliance with ANC guidelines, excessive phosphorus intake, and inadequate zinc intake are significantly associated with anemia among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Determinants of length for age Z scores among children aged 6-23 months in Central Java, Indonesia: a path analysis.

Introduction: Length for Age Z (LAZ) score determinants are complex and vary among different areas, but it is important for designing effective and efficient strategies to decrease stunting prevalence among children under 2 years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of LAZ scores among children under 2 years in Central Java, Indonesia. Methods: This study was conducted on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (INSS) dataset, which was a cross-sectional survey. Data on 3,430 children aged 6-23 months from Central Java province were derived from the 2021 INSS data. After missing data elimination, 3,238 subjects were included in the analysis. Determinant factors included direct and indirect factors. Direct factors were the mother's age, birth weight Z score (BWZ), birth length Z score (BLZ), exclusively breastfed history, dietary diversity scores (DDS), empty calorie drink consumption, unhealthy snacks consumption, and infections. Indirect factors were early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and posyandu (integrated health post) utilization. Underlying factors were socioeconomic status (SES) and the mother's education. Bivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted. A path analysis with a hypothesized model based on the UNICEF conceptual framework was also performed. Results: Stunting, wasting and underweight proportions among the subjects were 19.1%, 7.6% and 12.3%, respectively. The mean LAZ scores were -0.95 ± 1.22; the mother's age was 29.7 ± 5.95 years; BWZ was -0.47 ± 0.97; BLZ was -0.55 ± 1.05; and DDS was 4.45 ± 1.51. The infection proportion among the subjects was 28%. BWZ and BLZ were positively correlated to LAZ scores, with r = 0.267 (p < 0.01) and r = 0.260 (p < 0.01), respectively. The mother's age was negatively correlated to LAZ scores with r = -0.041 (p < 0.05). Maternal education was positively correlated to SES but had no direct effect on LAZ scores. LAZ score determinants of BLZ (p < 0.001) and SES (p < 0.001) showed positive direct associations with LAZ scores, but the mother's age (p = 0.039), exclusively breastfed history (p < 0.001), and empty calorie drinks consumption (p < 0.001) had negative associations with LAZ scores. Conclusion: To prevent stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Central Java, Indonesia, intervention programs to increase the nutritional status of women at child-bearing age and nutrition education on child feeding practices should be conducted more efficiently and effectively.

The Association between Unhealthy Food Consumption and Impaired Glucose Metabolism among Adults with Overweight or Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Indonesian Population.

Background: It has been shown that dietary patterns are associated with glucose control. However, the association between the types of food consumed and blood glucose in overweight or obese individuals is still unclear. The present study aimed to determine the association between unhealthy food consumption and impaired glucose metabolism in adults with overweight or obesity. Methods: The analysis presented in this study was based on the data from a population-based, cross-sectional, nationally representative survey (Indonesian Basic Health Research 2018/RISKESDAS 2018). The body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height squared (m2) and was determined based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the Asian population. A validated questionnaire and food card were used to assess the diet. Fasting plasma glucose and 2-hpost-prandial glucose were employed to determine blood glucose markers. Results: In total, 8752 adults with overweight or obesity were included in this analysis. We found that consumption of sweet, grilled, and processed foods was associated with impaired fasting plasma glucose (IFG) before and after adjustment (p < 0.05). Consumption of high-fat foods was also associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) for all models tested (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all models showed a link between processed food consumption and combined glucose intolerance (CGI) (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Differential food group consumption was associated with IFG, IGT, and CGI in Indonesian adults who were overweight or obese.

Food consumption and dyslipidemia in middle-aged adults in Indonesia: A cross-sectional national study.

Background: Most people with abnormal lipid profiles are found in middle-aged adults in Indonesia. Unhealthy food consumption was positively associated with dyslipidemia. In contrast, healthy food consumption, including fruits and vegetables, was inversely associated with dyslipidemia. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the association between food consumption with dyslipidemia among middle-aged adults in Indonesia. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using secondary data from the national representative survey of Indonesian Basic Health Research (IBHR) conducted by the National Institute of Health Research Development (NIHRD), Ministry of Health, Indonesia, in 2018. The study recruited 10,608 participants aged from 45 to 59 years old. An unadjusted or adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and a multivariate logistic regression model were performed to evaluate the associations of food consumption with dyslipidemia. Results: Frequent consumption of barbecue and soft drink was significantly correlated with dyslipidemia (OR = 1.149, CI: 1.055-1.251 and OR = 1.202, CI: 1.041-1.388). Frequent consumption of soft drink, and inadequate intakes of fruits and vegetables were significantly correlated with dyslipidemia (OR = 1.254, CI: 1.012-1.553, OR = 1.178, CI: 1.013-1.388, OR = 1.219, CI: 1.011-1.471, respectively) in men. While, frequent consumption of barbecue was significantly correlated with dyslipidemia (OR = 1.203, CI: 1.068-1.355) in women. Conclusion: Frequent consumption of barbecue and soft drink increased the risk of developing dyslipidemia among middle-aged adults in Indonesia.

Reproducibility and Validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) Developed for Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Semarang, Indonesia.

We assessed the reproducibility and validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among middle-aged and older adults in Semarang, Indonesia. A total of 259 subjects aged 40-80 years completed two FFQs (nine-month apart) and nine 24 h dietary recalls (24HDRs, as a reference method). The reproducibility of the FFQ was analyzed using correlation coefficient, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), weighted kappa statistics and misclassification analysis. The validity was estimated by comparing the data acquired from FFQ1 and 24HDRs. The crude Pearson's correlation coefficients and ICC for total energy and nutrients between FFQ1 and FFQ2 ranged from 0.50 to 0.81 and 0.44 to 0.78, respectively. Energy adjustment decreased the correlation coefficients for most nutrients. The crude, energy-adjusted and de-attenuated correlation coefficients for FFQ1 and 24HDRs ranged from 0.41 to 0.70, 0.31 to 0.89 and 0.54 to 0.82, respectively. The agreement rates for the same or adjacent quartile classifications were 81.1-94.6% for two FFQs and 80.7-89.6% for FFQ1 and 24HDRs. The weighted kappa values were 0.21 to 0.42 for two FFQs and 0.20 to 0.34 for FFQ1 and 24HDRs. A positive mean difference was found in the Bland-Altman analyses for energy and macronutrients. The FFQ could be acceptable for nutritional epidemiology study among Indonesians.

Micronutrient Deficiencies and Stunting Were Associated with Socioeconomic Status in Indonesian Children Aged 6-59 Months.

Micronutrient deficiencies and stunting are known as a significant problem in most developing countries, including Indonesia. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between micronutrient deficiencies and stunting with socioeconomic status (SES) among Indonesian children aged 6-59 months. This cross-sectional study was part of the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS). A total of 1008 Indonesian children were included in the study. Anemia, iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, and stunting were identified in this study. Structured questionnaires were used to measure SES. Differences between micronutrient parameters and anthropometric indicators with the SES groups were tested using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc test after adjusted for age, area resident (rural and urban), and sex. The highest prevalence of anemia, stunting, and severe stunting were found to be most significant in the lowest SES group at 45.6%, 29.3%, and 54.5%, respectively. Children from the lowest SES group had significantly lower means of Hb, ferritin, retinol, and HAZ. Severely stunted children had a significantly lower mean of Hb concentration compared to stunted and normal height children. Micronutrient deficiencies, except vitamin D, and stunting, were associated with low SES among Indonesian children aged 6-59 months.

Short tandem repeat near hypoxia response element (HRE) instead of HRE genetic variants in promoter calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) gene as risk factor in severe preeclampsia: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) regulates vasoconstriction and dilatation; the expression increases during hypoxia via activation of hypoxia response element (HRE) in CRLR gene promoter region. Variant in HRE, as well short tandem repeat (STR) variants near HRE in CRLR alters the gene expression. This study focused on a case-control study to investigate the expression of genetic typing CLRL promoter variant in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia and normal pregnancies, we also tried to describe interesting findings of the genetic expression in anemic patients in the severe preeclampsia group. Our aimed to observe the correlation of CRLR gene promoter variant and anemia in severe preeclampsia. RESULTS: There was no nucleotide variant in HRE; CACA box prior to HRE varied in length (15-24); CACA box with length > 20 was used as cut off point. Hb was lower in CACA box length ≥ 21 (10.33 ± 1.57) vs. < 21 (11.01 ± 1.67; p = 0.391). CACA box polymorphism and anemia were correlated in severe preeclampsia (p = 0.005) OR 0.038 (CI 0.003-0.544); not in normal (p = 0.069).

Association between Dietary Patterns and Kidney Function Parameters in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study explored the association between dietary patterns and kidney function parameters in adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 56,476 adults from the health screening centers in Taiwan from 2001 to 2010. Dietary intake and dietary patterns were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire and principal component analysis, respectively. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and uric acid were measured as clinical parameters of kidney function. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and kidney function parameters. After adjusting for confounders, the highest tertiles of the processed food-sweets dietary pattern and the meat-seafood-eggs dietary pattern were associated with increased BUN, creatinine, and uric acid but decreased eGFR (all adjusted p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the highest tertiles of the veggie-fruit-grains dietary pattern and the milk-dairy dietary pattern were associated with decreased BUN, creatinine, and uric acid but increased eGFR (all adjusted p < 0.05). A processed food-sweets dietary pattern or a meat-seafood-eggs dietary pattern is associated with worse kidney function parameters in adults with metabolic syndrome. In contrast, a veggie-fruit-grains dietary pattern or a milk-dairy dietary pattern is associated with better kidney function parameters.

Comparing two methods for deriving dietary patterns associated with risk of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese adults with impaired kidney function.

BACKGROUND: Dietary patterns were associated with the risk of chronic disease development and outcome-related diseases. In this study, we aimed to compare the correlation between dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using two methods for identifying dietary patterns. METHODS: The participants (n = 25,569) aged ≥40 years with impaired kidney function were retrieved from Mei Jau (MJ) Health Screening database from 2008 to 2010. Dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and reduced rank regression (RRR) from twenty-two food groups using PROC FACTOR and PROC PLS functions. RESULTS: We identified two similar dietary pattern characteristics (high intakes of deep fried foods, preserved or processed foods, dipping sauce, meat, sugary drinks, organ meats, jam/honey, fried rice/flour products, instant noodles and eggs) derived by PCA and RRR. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RRR-derived dietary pattern scores were positively associated with an odds ratio (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.56, 1.86) of having MetS than PCA-derived dietary pattern scores (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.51). The correlations between RRR-derived dietary pattern scores and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.30 for both) or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol in women (OR = 1.32) were statistically significant but not significant in PCA-derived dietary pattern scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that RRR gives better results when studying behavior related dietary patterns in association with MetS. RRR may be more preferable to provide dietary information for developing dietary guidelines among people with MetS. Further studies with prospective measurements are needed to verify whether RRR is a useful analytic tool for the association between dietary patterns and other chronic diseases.

Stunting Was Associated with Reported Morbidity, Parental Education and Socioeconomic Status in 0.5-12-Year-Old Indonesian Children.

Stunting is highly prevalent in Indonesian children. The objective of this study was to identify the associations of stunting with morbidity, parental education and socioeconomic status (SES) in Indonesian children. The study population was part of the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys (SEANUTS). A total of 2236 Indonesian children aged 0.5 to 12 years, who had participated in the SEANUTS, were included in this study. Stunting was defined as height for age Z-score (HAZ) ≤ -2 using WHO criteria and severe stunting as HAZ ≤ -3. Information on morbidity, parental education and family SES were collected by structured questionnaires. ANOVA was used for evaluating differences across groups, with or without correction for confounders. The results showed that the overall prevalence of stunting was 31.4%. HAZ in stunted children was associated with disease incidence, including frequency, parental education and family income. There were no significant differences in HAZ values in stunted children with one or more bouts of infectious, digestive tract or respiratory tract illnesses compared to stunted children with no reported illness. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesian children was high and was strongly associated with child morbidity, parental education and SES.

Nutrition Counseling with and without Modules towards Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude, and Macronutrient Intake among Prediabetic Women.

Prediabetes is one of risk factors for degenerative diseases. One of the prevention efforts is by improving the knowledge of nutrition and attitude through a counseling program. Modules are used as the media to convey the message of health with the form of words and pictures. The purpose of the study is to analyze the difference between the influence of nutrition counseling with the module and without the module, toward the raise of nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and the adequacy of macronutrients (energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates) in prediabetic women. This study used a quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of 29 women ages between 35-50 with prediabetes who were divided into 2 groups: a treatment group provided with modules (n=15); and a control group with no modules provided (n=14). The counselling was done 4 times in 15-30 min duration each session. Paired t test and wilcoxon were used for within group, while independent t-test and Mann-Whitney were used between two groups. In treatment group, there was a significant increase score of pre-test and post-test of knowledge (p=0.01) by 16.16±21.56 and attitude (p=0.04) by 1.46±2.66. In control group, there was a notable increase score of pre-test and post-test of knowledge (p=0.02) by 10.71 ±15.39. There was no indicative difference in the improvement of knowledge score (p=0.443), score of attitude (p=0.783), energy intake (p=0.693), carbohydrates (p=0.585), protein (p=0.458), and fat (p=0.495) between the control group and the treatment group.

Association of Sleep Duration and Insomnia Symptoms with Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwan.

The study determined the association of sleep duration and insomnia symptoms with the components of metabolic syndrome and inflammation in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study used the database compiled in Taiwan between 2004-2013. A total of 26,016 volunteers aged 35 years and above were selected. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation. Compared with regular sleep duration (6-8 h/day), short (<6 h/day) or long sleep duration (>8 h/day) and insomnia symptoms significantly increased the odds ratios of high waist circumference, high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high triglycerides, high fasting blood glucose, and high C-reactive protein. Insomnia symptoms did not modify the effects of sleep duration on the components of metabolic syndrome and inflammation. Our study suggests that short or long sleep duration and insomnia symptoms may have an adverse effect on metabolic syndrome and inflammation.

Association of dietary patterns, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic parameters with C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is commonly associated with inflammation. The underlying factors of inflammation in metabolic syndrome are not fully understood. The objective of the study was to determine the association of dietary patterns, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic parameters with inflammatory markers in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 26,016 subjects aged ≥35 y with metabolic syndrome were recruited from Mei Jau institution between 2004 and 2013 for a cross sectional study. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the International Diabetes Federation. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of dietary patterns, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic parameters with C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in men and women with metabolic syndrome. Crude and adjusted models were analyzed by gender. RESULTS: The western dietary pattern, obesity, high body fat, high waist or hip circumference, and high waist-to-hip ratio were significantly associated with increased odds ratios of high CRP and NLR in both genders. High systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP), low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high total cholesterol (TC), high serum triglycerides (TG), and high fasting blood glucose (FBG) were significantly correlated with increased odds ratios of high CRP in both genders. Low HDL-C, high LDL-C, high serum TG, and high FBG were significantly associated with increased odds ratios of high NLR in both genders. However, high systolic (OR = 1.124, 95% CI 1.047-1.206, P < 0.01) or diastolic BP (OR = 1.176, 95% CI 1.087-1.273, P < 0.001) and high TC (OR = 1.138, 95% CI 1.062-1.220, P < 0.001) were significantly correlated with increased odds ratios of high NLR only in men. CONCLUSIONS: The western dietary pattern, obese-related anthropometric parameters, and most components of metabolic syndrome are positively associated with CRP levels and NLR in men and women with metabolic syndrome.

Association of Dietary Patterns with Components of Metabolic Syndrome and Inflammation among Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Metabolic Syndrome in Taiwan.

This study examined the correlation of dietary patterns with components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and inflammation among middle-aged and older adults with MetS in Taiwan. This cross-sectional study used data from the Mei Jau International Health Management Institution in Taiwan between 2004 and 2013. A total of 26,016 subjects aged 35 years and above were selected for analysis. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation. Three dietary patterns were identified by principal component analysis. High intake of a meat-instant food dietary pattern (rich in animal protein, saturated fat, sweets, sodium, and food additives) was positively associated with components of MetS and C-reactive protein (CRP), while high intake of a vege-seafood dietary pattern (rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fat) or a cereal-dairy dietary pattern (rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrate, prebiotics, and probiotics) was inversely associated with components of MetS and CRP. Our findings suggested that intake of a vege-seafood dietary pattern or a cereal-dairy dietary pattern decreased the risk of developing MetS and inflammation among middle-aged and older adults with MetS.

Sperm chromatin maturity and integrity correlated to zygote development in ICSI program.

UNLABELLED: This study aimed to evaluate sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of that injected into good-quality oocytes in an in vitro fertilization-intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) program. A cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity was developed as a function of their correlation to the zygote development, i.e., embryo formation and cleavage rate. The study assessed sperm chromatin maturity using aniline blue (AB) staining, whereas toluidine blue (TB) staining was used to assess sperm chromatin integrity. Ejaculates from 59 patients undergoing ICSI and 46 fertile normozoospermic donors for determination of normal values of sperm chromatin status were used in this study. Embryo formation and cleavage rates were observed for the period of 3 days after ICSI. There was a significant difference in the percentage of sperm with mature chromatin between ejaculate from ICSI patients and fertile donor (p=0.020); while there was no significant difference in sperm chromatin integrity of both samples (p=0.120). There was no significant correlation between sperm chromatin maturity and either embryo formation or cleavage rate; as well as sperm chromatin integrity to both parameters of zygote development (p>0.05). Furthermore, we found that the cut-off value of sperm chromatin maturity and integrity of the fertile normozoospermic ejaculates were 87.2% and 80.2%, respectively. Using the cut-offs, we found that low sperm chromatin maturity at the level of <87% correlated significantly with the cleavage rate of the zygote (p=0.022; r=0.371); whereas poor sperm chromatin integrity at the level of <80% correlated with embryo formation (p=0.048; r=0,485). In conclusion, this study showed that poor maturity and integrity of sperm chromatin (AB<87% and TB<80%, respectively), could affect zygote development following ICSI. ABBREVIATIONS: AB: aniline blue; CMA3: chromomycin A3; ICSI: intra cytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: in vitro fertilization; PBS: phosphate buffer saline; SPSS: Statistical Package for Social Science; TB: toluidine blue; WHO: World Health Organization.