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Purpose This study was conducted to explore the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and identify associated risk factors in an elderly male occupational population in Taipei, Taiwan. Methods A total of 2734 healthy subjects over age 65 voluntarily presented to a teaching hospital for a physical check-up in 2010. Demographic data and blood test results were collected. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to NCEP ATP III criteria. Results The mean age of study participants was 74.4±6.6 years. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was estimated at 29.9% (95%CI: 28.2%-31.6%). After adjustment for confounding factors, higher body-mass index (OR=1.50, 95%CI 1.41–1.62), higher mean body fat (% of total mass, OR=1.11, 95%CI: 1.04–1.20), elevated serum uric acid (OR=1.13, 95%CI: 1.02–1.26), and elevated alanine aminotransferase (OR=1.01, 95%CI: 1.00–1.02), and sedentary lifestyle (yes vs. no, OR=1.22, 95%CI: 1.09–1.37) were identified as the most significant risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is related to several cardiovascular risk factors. Health initiatives directed towards preventing and treating metabolic syndrome could significantly reduce the prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this older population.

The electrochemical oxidation behaviors of 4-allylbenzenes (estragole, safrole and eugenol) and 4-propenylbenzenes (anethole, asarone and isoeugenol) on platinum and carbon paste electrodes were investigated in a Britton-Robinson buffer (pH = 2.93 and 10.93), acetate buffer, phosphate buffer solutions (pH = 2.19 and 6.67), and acetonitrile containing various supporting electrolytes examined lithium perchlorate. Their oxidation potential with Hammett (free-energy relationships) and possible reaction mechanisms were discussed.

Purpose. To evaluate sex-related differences in the prevalence of and cardiovascular risk factors related to gallstone disease (GSD) in an elderly agricultural and fishing population of Taipei, Taiwan. Methods. The study sample consisted of 6511 healthy elderly participants (3971 men and 2540 women) who were voluntarily admitted to a teaching hospital for a physical checkup in 2010. The participants’ blood samples and real-time ultrasound fatty liver results were collected. Results. The prevalence of GSD in the study population was 13.2%, which increased significantly with population age (P