Check-up Research Articles

Association between dietary fiber intake and suicidal ideation: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundDietary fiber is beneficial for improving mental health. However, few studies have evaluated the relationship between fiber-rich food and suicidal ideation. Thus, we aimed to assess whether dietary fiber consumption was associated with the risk of suicidal ideation.MethodsData of 21,865 American adults were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Logistic and restricted cubic spline regression analyses were performed in order to evaluate the association of dietary fiber intake with suicidal ideation, as indicated by item nine of the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). These analyses took into consideration several confounding factors that may potentially influence the results.ResultsHerein, we detected an L-shaped association between dietary fiber intake and the risk of suicidal ideation. For the most conclusive model, an increase of 1 g/1000 kcal/d in dietary fiber intake was accompanied by a 5% reduction in the risk of suicidal ideation. The inflection point of the L-shaped association was located at 7.8 g/1000 kcal/d. When dietary fiber intake exceeded the above level, the risk of suicidal ideation no longer decreased.ConclusionOur findings of reduced risk of suicidal ideation in people with higher dietary fiber intake suggest the potential clinical and public health value of dietary fiber. Interventional investigations are warranted to prove whether adhering to a high-fiber diet prevents and reduces suicidality.

Development and validation of a renal involvement model for patients with hyperuricemia: A cross-sectional study.

To construct a prediction model for renal involvement in patients with hyperuricemia (HUA) based on logistic regression analysis, to achieve early risk stratification. In this cross-sectional study, we collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and constructed a predicted model for renal involvement in HUA patients. The discriminative ability of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Model accuracy was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve, while clinical utility was assessed using decision curve analysis (DCA). Furthermore, internal and external validation cohorts were also applied to validate the model. A total of 1669 patients from NHANES between 2007 and 2010 were included in the final analysis for modeling and validation. Six predictive factors including age, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Cr, Uric Acid (UA), and sex were identified by binary logistic regression analysis for renal involvement in HUA patients and used to construct a nomogram with good consistency and accuracy. The AUC values for the predictive model, internal validation, and external validation were 0.881 (95% CI: 0.836-0.926), 0.908 (95% CI: 0.871-0.944), and 0.927 (95% CI: 0.897-0.957), respectively. The calibration curves demonstrated consistency between the nomogram and observed values. The DCA curves of the model and validation cohort indicated good clinical utility. This study developed a predictive model for renal involvement in hyperuricemia patients with strong predictive performance and validated by internal and external cohorts, aiding in the early detection of high-risk populations for renal involvement.

Association of METS-IR index with psoriasis in US adults: a cross-sectional study.

Psoriasis is linked to insulin resistance (IR). Nevertheless, the applicability of the METS-IR index, a new IR evaluation tool, for evaluating changes in insulin sensitivity in psoriasis populations is currently unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the METS-IR index and psoriasis in a US adult population. This cross-sectional study utilized data from adults aged 20 to 80 years from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2003-2006 and 2009-2014. The associations between the METS-IR index and psoriasis were examined using multivariate logistic regression and smoothed curve fitting. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to verify the stability of the association within the population. This study included 5,966 participants, of whom 182 had psoriasis. In the fully adjusted model, the METS-IR index was positively associated with psoriasis, showing a 1.7% increase in psoriasis prevalence for each one-unit increase in the METS-IR index (Model 2: OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.006-1.028). Participants in the highest quartile group were 91.9% more likely to develop psoriasis compared to those in the lowest quartile group (OR = 1.919, 95% CI 1.180-3.118). Smooth curve fitting revealed a nonlinear association between the METS-IR index and psoriasis, with an inflection point of 41.675. This positive association was more pronounced in females, non-obese individuals, those with light alcohol consumption, comorbid coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia, non-hypertensive and non-diabetic individuals. The results of the study suggest that higher METS-IR scores are associated with an increased likelihood of psoriasis among U.S. adults. The METS-IR index is specifically recommended as a clinical indicator for the management and treatment of psoriasis in women, non-obese individuals, light alcohol consumers, individuals with comorbid coronary artery disease andhyperlipidemia, non-hypertensive and non-diabetic individuals. However, Considering the many known and unknown covariates that may be associated with psoriasis and influence theresults of the study, we remain cautious about the results obtained and look forward to the addition of subsequent studies.

Relationship between physical activity and oral frailty among older adults in Korea

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on oral frailty in older Korean adults. Methods: The data from 1,320 individuals aged 65 years and older, derived from the 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019), were subjected to complex sample statistical analysis. Oral frailty was assessed based on the presence of one or more functional impairments according to the following five criteria: difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking, number of natural teeth, brushing frequency, and use of oral hygiene products. Results: Chewing discomfort and difficulty speaking were highest in the 76-80 age group at 44.5% and 18.1%, respectively (p<0.01). The proportion of patients with 20+ natural teeth decreased from 72.2% (65-70) to 45.3% (75-80) (p<0.001). The daily brushing rate was 50.2% in the 65-70 group. Chewing discomfort was reported by 26% of those who walked 4-6 days a week (p<0.01). Moderate-intensity activity was linked to lower chewing discomfort (22.9%) and speaking difficulty (7.4%) compared with higher levels in inactive individuals (30.4%, 14.9%) (p<0.01). Brushing three times daily was observed in 52.9% of walkers and 33.9% of non-walkers (p<0.001). Oral hygiene product use varied significantly according to activity level (p<0.05). Conclusions: Physical activity significantly affects oral frailty, highlighting the need for targeted training and policy development.

Telomere Length and Biological Aging: The Role of Strength Training in 4814 US Men and Women

Telomere length is an index of cellular aging. Healthy lifestyles are associated with reduced oxidative stress and longer telomeres, whereas unhealthy behaviors are related to shorter telomeres and greater biological aging. This investigation was designed to determine if strength training accounted for differences in telomere length in a random sample of 4814 US adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were employed to answer the research questions using a cross-sectional design. Time spent strength training was calculated by multiplying days of strength training per week by minutes per session. Participation in other forms of physical activity was also calculated based on reported involvement in 47 other activities. Weighted multiple regression and partial correlation were used to calculate the mean differences in telomere length across levels of strength training, adjusting for differences in potential confounders. With the demographic covariates controlled, strength training and telomere length were linearly related (F = 14.7, p = 0.0006). Likewise, after adjusting for all the covariates, the linear association remained strong and significant (F = 14.7, p = 0.0006). In this national sample, 90 min per week of strength training was associated with 3.9 years less biological aging, on average. Regular strength training was strongly related to longer telomeres and less biological aging in 4814 US adults.

Associations between serum cystatin C and fall reports in an Elderly population

Fall is common in the elderly, and chronic kidney disease is considered a major risk factor. Serum creatinine (Cre) and cystatin C (Cys C) are commonly used biomarkers for renal function, while the ratio of Cre to Cys C, known as the sarcopenia index (SI), provides insights into muscle health. This study investigates the relationships between Cre, Cys C, estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), SI, and self-reported falls using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data. We included 4,272 older adults with eGFR > 30mL/min/1.73m2 from NHANES (1999 to 2004) and divided them into the fall and non-fall groups based on the questionnaires. Correlations were assessed using restricted cubic spline, weighted generalized linear regression models. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis identified serum Cys C as significantly associated with falls (all participants: OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.23, p < 0.001; participants with eGFR > 75 mL/min/1.73m2: OR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.30, p < 0.001,). In contrast, Cre and eGFR were not significant after adjustments; SI showed marginal significance (p = 0.045). Cys C is significantly associated with fall risk in older adults, demonstrating a positive linear relationship with self-reported falls.

Association of body roundness index with female infertility: 2013–2018 NHANES

AimThis study aims to understand the association between body roundness index (BRI) and female infertility prevalence. Infertility is a public health concern with significant implications for individuals’ well-being and rights.MethodsAll individuals who completed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2018 were initially included in this cross-sectional study. Following the screening, 2,777 eligible participants were selected for analysis from the original pool of 10,375 participants. Trained operators conducted anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference. The BRI was then calculated based on established research. Data from infertility status questionnaires were gathered from the NHANES database for all participants, with self-reported infertility serving as the study outcome. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to investigate the relationship between BRI and infertility. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to further explore the association between BRI and infertility.ResultsUpon analyzing the baseline characteristics of all women in the study, notable distinctions were identified in the clinical and demographic features between fertile and infertile women. Our investigation revealed a positive correlation between BRI and the likelihood of infertility in both weighted and unweighted multiple logistic regression models. Additionally, BRI exhibited a significant association with infertility in both continuous and categorical forms. Utilizing RCS curves, we noted a linear escalation in the prevalence of infertility with rising BRI values. Subgroup analyses provided further clarity on these observations.ConclusionOur study demonstrates a statistically significant positive correlation between BRI and the prevalence of infertility across diverse populations, suggesting potential implications for infertility prevention and treatment. Future prospective cohort studies will explore this association and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Joint effects of depression and social determinants of health on mortality risk among U.S. adults: a cohort study

BackgroundUnfavorable social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with depression. Both depression and SDoH are associated with increased risks of mortality, but their joint impacts on mortality risks remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the joint effects of depression and SDoH on mortality risk.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2018, 24,727 adults aged ≥ 20 were included. SDoH was assessed based on the 5 domains outlined in the U.S. Healthy People 2030 initiative. The cumulative number of unfavorable SDoH was calculated and categorized into low and high burden levels. The definition of depression was based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores ≥ 10. The joint associations of depression and SDoH with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality were examined using Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsWe identified 2,377 (6.84%) all-cause deaths (CVD, 717; cancer, 606) during a median follow-up of 7.0 years. Depression was associated with increased mortality risks, and SDoH could explain 32.4% and 28.3% of the associations between depression and all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively. No significant interactions were observed between depression and SDoH on mortality. However, a low burden of unfavorable SDoH reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in depressed patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.36–0.92). In the joint analysis, individuals with both depression and a high burden of unfavorable SDoH had the highest risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Specifically, compared with individuals with no depression and a low burden of unfavorable SDoH, those with depression and a high burden of unfavorable SDoH had higher risks of all-cause (HR, 2.52; 95% CI: 2.01–3.18) and CVD mortality (HR, 2.79; 95% CI: 1.95–3.99).ConclusionAdults with both depression and a high burden of unfavorable SDoH had the highest risks of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality. The result suggests considering depression and SDoH jointly in developing targeted intervention strategies to improve survival outcomes and calls for larger cohort studies and clinical trials to validate our findings.

Exploring the impact of polychlorinated biphenyls on comorbidity and potential mitigation strategies

IntroductionPolychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) persist in the environment and accumulate in humans. Currently, there is a lack of understanding about the overall impact of PCBs on human health, and effective interventions for exposed populations are insufficient.MethodsOur study aimed to assess the impact of PCBs on various diseases and mortality risks using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, while proposing lifestyle adjustments, particularly dietary modifications, to mitigate mortality risk. Statistical analyses employed principal component analysis, multifactorial logistic regression, multifactorial Cox regression, comorbidity network analysis, and machine learning prediction models.ResultsResults indicated significant associations between 7 types of PCBs and 12 diseases (p &amp;lt; 0.05), with 6 diseases showing significant positive correlations (OR &amp;gt; 1, p &amp;lt; 0.05), along with listing the 25 most relevant diseases, such as asthma and chronic bronchitis (OR [95% CI] = 5.85 [4.37, 7.83], p &amp;lt; 0.0001), arthritis and osteoporosis (OR [95% CI] = 6.27 [5.23, 7.55], p &amp;lt; 0.0001). This suggested that PCBs may be intimately involved in the development and progression of multiple diseases. By constructing multidimensional machine learning models and conducting multiple iterations for precision and error measurement, PCBs may have the potential to become specific biomarkers for certain diseases in the future. Building upon this, we further suggested that controlling dietary intake to reduce dietary inflammatory index (DII) could lower mortality and disease risks.DiscussionWhile PCBs were independent risk factors for mortality, substantial evidence suggested that adjusting DII might mitigate the adverse effects of PCBs to some extent. Further physiological mechanisms require deeper exploration through additional research.

Associations between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors base on NHANES 2005 to 2018.

Sleep disorders significantly impact the quality of life for many individuals, which remain largely unrecognized. It is widely believed that dietary nutrient intake plays a crucial role in promoting healthy sleep patterns. However, there is lack of research focusing on cancer survivors. This study utilized the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to investigate the correlation between dietary nutrient intake and sleep disorders in cancer survivors. Analyzing data from 2882 cancer survivors in NHANES spanning from 2005 to 2018. Dietary nutrient intake was evaluated through two 24-h dietary recalls. Weighted multivariable logistic regression model was employed to further applied to explore the association between dietary fiber intake and sleep disorders while controlling for relevant confounding factors. Additionally, the nonlinear and dose-response relationships were explored using restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression along with smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis. Stratified analysis and interaction analysis were conducted to assess the consistency of the results. Univariable and multivariable analysis demonstrated that dietary fiber intake showed negative correlation with sleep disorders (P < 0.05). Treating dietary fiber intake as continuous variable. After accounting for all covariates, the study reaffirmed the protective role of dietary fiber (odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99, P = 0.044). Analysis of dietary fiber intake in quartiles further supported this trend (P < 0.001). Interestingly, further investigations indicated that dietary fiber intake was not associated with sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or other types of sleep disorders (P > 0.05). Notably, no statistically significant interactions were observed in all subgroup analyses except poverty income ratio (PIR) (P for interaction < 0.05), indicating that the protective effect of dietary fiber on sleep disorders was more pronounced in individuals with PIR ≥2.5. Our results suggest that adequate dietary fiber intake may be beneficial dietary strategy to reduce sleep disorders in cancer survivors.

Evaluation of beverage consumption patterns and oral health in Korean adolescents and young adults

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the beverage consumption patterns and analyze the relationship between the frequency of beverage consumption and oral health in Korean adolescents and young adults who consumed large amounts of sugar from beverages. Methods: Data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were analyzed, and 2,787 individuals aged 12-29 years were selected as the study subjects. A complex sample general linear model was used to assess the associations of subject general characteristics and oral health with the frequency of beverage consumption. Results: Both adolescents and young adults frequently consumed carbonated beverages 2.04 and 2.12 times per week, respectively. The most commonly consumed volume per drink was 200 cc. In both groups, the lower the average number of times teeth were brushed daily, the higher was the frequency of fizzy drink consumption. When teeth were brushed less than once daily, the frequency of carbonated drink consumption was 2.63 in adolescents and 2.22 in young adults. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for oral health education of adolescents and young adults on diet and beverage intake. Additionally, information should be provided on oral diseases associated with beverage consumption, such as dental caries and erosion.

Association of plain water intake with risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related mortality have increased dramatically in past decades. Our study aims to investigate the association between plain water and this prevalent metabolic disease, as water plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic processes. A total of 3,543/3,428 individuals with NAFLD/MASLD were included in this study from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Daily plain water intake was recorded, and mortality status was tracked until December 31, 2019. Multivariate Cox regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were used to assess the association between plain water intake and long-term all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality among participants with NAFLD/MASLD. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between substituting other beverages with plain water intake and the risk of mortality. The multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed a significant association between higher plain water intake and lower all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in both NAFLD or MASLD patients. Dose-response analyses revealed a non-linear trend between plain water intake and mortality among NAFLD/MASLD patients. Additionally, replacing sugar or artificial beverages with plain water was linked to reduced all-cause mortality, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in patients with NAFLD/MASLD. Higher plain water intake is independently linked to lower risk of all-cause, cerebrovascular diseases mortality, and cancer mortality in NAFLD/MASLD patients. Increasing plain water intake may be an effective way for these patients to reduce their risk of mortality.

Gender-specific association between a lipid composite index and asthma among US adults: insights from a population-based study

BackgroundAbnormalities in lipid metabolism are common among adult asthmatics. However, the precise directionality linking asthma to blood lipid levels remains controversial. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between the Non-HDL to HDL Ratio (NHHR), a lipid composite index, and asthma prevalence among the adult population in the United States.MethodsUtilizing adult participants’ data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 2009 to 2018, the study employed a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for covariables, to establish the relationship between NHHR levels and the prevalence of asthma. Furthermore, smoothing curve fitting and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the robustness of this association.ResultsThis study included 26,023 adult individuals (mean age = 49.63 ± 17.66). In the fully adjusted model, a significant inverse association was observed between log-transformed NHHR values and asthma prevalence (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93). Subgroup analysis revealed that gender served as a modulator, altering the association between NHHR levels and asthma prevalence. A more pronounced negative association between lnNHHR and asthma prevalence was noted among male participants [(Male: OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69–0.88) vs. (Female: OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83–1.03), P for interaction = 0.0313].ConclusionsOur study revealed an inverse association between NHHR levels and the prevalence of asthma in the US adult population, which is influenced by gender. NHHR measurement may be a potential tool for early identification and prediction of adult asthmatics in specific populations.

Mediating role of systemic inflammation in the association between volatile organic compounds exposure and periodontitis: NHANES 2011–2014

BackgroundVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants which have been suggested to have adverse effects on human health. While the influence of environmental pollutant exposures on periodontitis has attracted elevating attention in recent years, the epidemiological evidence on the association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis was scarce. This study aimed to investigate the potential mediating role of systemic inflammation factors in the complex association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis.MethodsUtilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014, we examined the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Concentrations of urinary metabolites of VOCs (mVOCs) were measured using electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to evaluate internal VOCs exposure. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline regression (RCS), Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and Quantile g-computation (QGC) models were performed to investigate the impacts of VOCs exposure on periodontitis. Mediation models were applied to assess the mediated effects of systemic inflammation on the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis. Besides, we analyzed the association between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis in stratified age, gender, and smoking status subgroups.Results1,551 participants were ultimately included for further analyses, of whom 45.20% suffering from periodontitis. Multivariable logistic regression and RCS identified positive associations between single urinary mVOCs and periodontitis (P < 0.05). Notably, BKMR and QGC models suggested that mixed VOCs exposure was significantly associated with periodontitis, with 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ATCA) contributing the most (conditional posterior inclusion probability = 0.997). Moreover, systemic inflammation markers (leukocyte and lymphocyte counts) were found to partly mediate the association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis (P < 0.05). No interaction effect was identified between mixed VOCs exposure and periodontitis in age, gender and smoking status subgroups (P > 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated a positive association between VOCs exposure and periodontitis, which was potentially mediated by systemic inflammation factors. Further longitudinal researches are demanded to clarify the underlying mechanisms.

U-shaped association of serum vitamin A concentrations with all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated a significant association between serum vitamin A concentration and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. However, the long-term prognostic implications of serum vitamin A in patients with NAFLD remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate whether there exists a correlation between serum vitamin A concentrations and overall mortality among subjects diagnosed with NAFLD.MethodsTo investigate the association between serum vitamin A concentrations and NAFLD outcomes, we conducted prospective cohort studies using data from the 1999–2006 and 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We utilized a multivariate Cox regression model to explore the relationship between serum vitamin A levels and all-cause mortality. Survival curves related to serum vitamin A were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Additionally, the restricted cubic splines (RCS) method was applied to examine potential nonlinear relationships between serum vitamin A concentrations and all-cause mortality of NAFLD.ResultsOver a median follow-up period of 10.3 years, a total of 1,399 all-cause deaths were recorded. The weighted average concentration of serum vitamin A was 61.48 ± 0.37 μg/dL. After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant U-shaped relationship was identified between serum vitamin A concentrations and the risk of all-cause mortality in NAFLD patients. This relationship was particularly pronounced in men and elderly individuals aged 60 to 85.ConclusionOur study reveals a significant non-linear relationship between serum vitamin A concentrations and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and maintaining optimal serum vitamin A levels to potentially improve survival outcomes in NAFLD patients.

Associations between Life's Essential 8 and gallstones among US adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017-2018.

Cardiovascular illness and gallstones are closely related. Our goal was to determine whether gallstones and the updated LE8 score, which measures cardiovascular health among US adults, are related. 3,570 adults participated in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which provided the data for our study. Based on the criterion provided by the American Association for Cardiovascular Health (AHA), LE8 score (range 0-100) was calculated and classified as low (0-49), moderate (50-79), and high (80-100) cardiovascular health. Gallstones were derived from the questionnaire. Multivariate logistic modeling explored the independent relationship between LE8 score and gallstones. There was a negative correlation between LE8 score and gallstones. Specifically, the odds of gallstones dropped by 15% for each 10-unit increase in LE8 score (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77-0.94). Smooth curve fitting detected a saturation effect between LE8 score and gallstones, with a minimum threshold of 66.25 points associated with both. There was a noticeably stronger inverse relationship between gallstones and LE8 score in those under 60 years of age and not taking antihypertensive or lipid-lowering drugs. Lower LE8 scores may be a potential risk factor for the development of gallstones and could also be a target for risk assessment and intervention.

Association between omega-6 fatty acid intake and asthma in US children and adolescents

BackgroundAsthma is an inflammatory disease. The potential of omega-6 fatty acids to alleviate asthma symptoms through their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects has been investigated. However, the association of dietary omega-6 fatty acids in childhood and adolescent asthma remains controversial.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dietary intake of omega-6 fatty acids and asthma in children and adolescents in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 5045 children and adolescents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2020. Covariates were adjusted, and multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, threshold effects, and subgroup analyses were used.ResultsOf the 5045 participants, 1000 (19.8%) were identified as having asthma. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals in the second group (T2, 215.3-377.7 mg/kg/day) had an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.57–0.86, P = 0.001) for asthma compared with those in the lowest omega-6 fatty acid intake group (T1, < 215.3 mg/kg/day). Similarly, individuals in the third group (T3, > 377.7 mg/kg/day) had an adjusted OR of 0.59 (95% CI: 0.45–0.78, P < 0.001) for asthma. Furthermore, a non-linear (L-shaped) relationship between omega-6 intake and asthma was observed (P = 0.001), with subgroup analyses confirming the stability of the results. In the threshold analysis, a critical turning point was observed at around 384.2 mg/kg/day (OR = 0.996, 95% CI: 0.995–0.998, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe consumption of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet showed an L-shaped association with asthma among children and adolescents in the United States. A critical turning point was noted at approximately 384.2 mg/kg/day.

Oral Antacid Use Is Negatively Associated with Serum Prealbumin Levels in Japanese Individuals Undergoing Health Checkups

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the association between physical and chemical digestion and nutrition markers (serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB), and vitamin B12 (B12) levels). Methods: During a detailed checkup at Fujita Health University, we examined the associations of physical (occlusal force, masticatory performance, and swallowing ability (via the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool, EAT-10)) and chemical (Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication history, HP antibody levels, and oral antacid (proton pump inhibitors) use) digestion parameters with serum ALB, PAB, and B12 levels in 92 individuals (M:67, F:25). Results: Forty-eight percent of the participants were older than 65 years of age, 19% had decreased occlusal force, 3.2% had decreased masticatory strength, 3.2% had decreased swallowing function, 24% had a history of HP eradication, 23% were HP antibody positive, and 16% were taking oral antacid medication. Additionally, 14% and 11% of the patients had low serum ALB and PAB levels, respectively, and 14% of the patients had B12 deficiency. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and C-reactive protein levels revealed that there were no significant associations between the physical digestion parameters and the serum PAB, ALB, or B12 levels. On the other hand, there was a significant association between oral antacid use and PAB levels (β = −3.3, p = 0.04). Independent of physical or chemical digestion parameters, serum PAB and B12 levels were significantly associated with protein and B12 intake, respectively. Conclusions: Oral antacid use may decrease serum PAB levels, indicating protein synthesis.

Risk Factors for Colorectal Adenoma and Cancer in Comprehensive Health Checkups: Usefulness of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase

Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors for colorectal adenoma/cancer by studying patients who underwent comprehensive health checkups and were referred to a hospital because of positive fecal occult blood. Methods: A total of 529 patients were referred to hospital for a positive fecal occult blood test after a comprehensive health checkup at the participating center over a period of 5 years, from January 2018 to December 2022. Patients diagnosed with colorectal adenoma or cancer using colonoscopy were included in the case group, while those diagnosed with no abnormality, diverticulum, or hemorrhoids were included in the control group. Results: Of the 529 referred patients, 503 underwent colonoscopy. A total of 18 colorectal cancers and 191 colorectal adenomas were detected, and there were no tumors, diverticula, or hemorrhoids in any of the 208 patients. Polyps, either hyperplastic or of unknown pathology, were found in 86 patients. A comparison of the case and control groups showed that gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was an independent and significant risk factor for colorectal adenoma or cancer, in addition to previously known risk factors such as male sex, older age, high body mass index, and alcohol consumption. Conclusions: For patients with a positive fecal occult blood test, in addition to traditional risks such as obesity, older age, male sex, and alcohol consumption, identifying those with high GGT levels is recommended to help find colorectal adenoma/cancer.

Serum Osmolality as a Predictor of Renal Function Decline: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims: Dehydration is a prevalent and costly healthcare concern, linked to heightened risks of acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality. Despite its significance, limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence and correlation with renal function decline in apparently healthy individuals. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association of dehydration with renal function decline and the development or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Methods: The medical records of subjects undergoing annual health check-ups from 2016 to 2019 at a single center in Taiwan were analyzed, and those with CKD stage V, insufficient data, or an increased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were excluded. Serum osmolality, eGFR, and relevant parameters were measured. Logistic regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were used to assess associations between osmolality and CKD-related outcomes. Results: Among the 4449 eligible subjects, those in the higher osmolality quartiles had an elevated risk of CKD or CKD progression. Multivariate analyses identified age, systolic blood pressure, serum osmolality, uric acid, proteinuria, and a history of diabetes as independent risk factors, with high-density lipoprotein being protective. Cumulative incidence curves demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of CKD with increasing osmolality levels. Restricted cubic spline analyses confirmed a nonlinear relationship between osmolality and CKD risk. Conclusions: Elevated serum osmolality independently predicted renal function decline and CKD development in apparently healthy individuals, and this effect persisted after adjusting for established risk factors. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing dehydration as a modifiable risk factor for CKD.