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Introduction Dialysis patients are frequently advised to restrict fruit and vegetable intake due to their high potassium content. This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary fiber intake and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among dialysis patients. Methods A total of 219 prevalent dialysis patients were prospectively recruited from a major university teaching hospital and regional dialysis center in Hong Kong. Dietary fiber intake estimated using a 7-day locally validated food frequency questionnaire was examined in relation to a primary composite outcome of MACE over a follow-up period of 4 years. Results A total of 127 patients were complicated with 1 or more MACE. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, every 1 g higher fiber intake, and every 1 g/d per 1000 kcal higher fiber intake density were associated with an 11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.81–0.97) and a 13% lower risk of MACE (95% CI: 0.77–0.99), respectively, independent of clinical, demographic, biochemical, hemodynamic, adequacy parameters, dietary protein, energy intake, inflammatory, and cardiac markers. Patients in the lower tertile of fiber intake density showed an increased hazard for MACE (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.78; 95% CI: 1.13–2.80) than those in the upper tertile. Conclusion Higher fiber intake and higher fiber intake density may be associated with less inflammation, less myocardial hypertrophy, injury, and lower risk of MACE in dialysis patients. These data form an important basis for a randomized controlled trial to examine fiber supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes in the dialysis population., Graphical abstract

There is a paucity of research on factors influencing long-term adherence to lifestyle modification. We conducted a mixed-method study to explore the psychological factors of dietary and physical activity (PA) adherence among Chinese adults with overweight and obesity at 10 months after enrollment of a community-based lifestyle modification program in Hong Kong. We recruited Chinese adults newly enrolled in a culturally adapted lifestyle modification program and followed them for 10 months. For the quantitative study, primary outcomes were dietary and PA adherence scores while secondary outcomes included knowledge, self-efficacy, motivation and stage of change. For the qualitative study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation. A total of 140 participants completed the 10-month follow-up. They reported moderate level of dietary adherence but low level of PA adherence at 10 months. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that greater improvement in nutrition knowledge and diet stage of change predicted higher dietary adherence while greater improvement in PA self-efficacy and PA stage of change predicted higher PA adherence. Qualitative data on 26 participants suggest that participants&rsquo, knowledge and self-efficacy but not motivation were enhanced during the program. The findings of this study enhanced our understanding on factors influencing long-term adherence to lifestyle changes.

Dietisonefactorinfluencingpostprandialoxidativestress�(POS).�Previous� trialsmainlyused�'artificialmeals'�toexaminetheeffectofdietonPOS,�whichcould� giveresultsthatarenotrepresentativeofthereallifepostprandialsituation.�Thisstudy� evaluatedtheacuteeffectoffourdistinct�"real-life"�mealtypesonPOS.�Thirtythree� healthynon-obeseadultswererandomizedtoreceiveoneofthetestedmealscapturing� distinct features of meals of Cantonese, Northern Chinese, South Indian and Ameri- caninaseriesoffourone-daystudies.�Fasting,�two,�fourandsixhourspostprandial� responsesofbiomarkersofoxidativestress,�plasmaglucose,�lipidsandhigh-sensitiv- ityC-reactiveprotein�(hsCRP)�weremeasured.�Meanplasmaallantoinconcentration� significantlyincreasedforallmealsattwo-hoursafteringestion,�levelspeakedatfour- hoursanddeclinedby�6-hourspost-ingestion,�thoughbaselinelevelsregainedonly� withtheCantonesemeal.�Themagnitudeofpostprandialincreaseinplasmaallantoin� concentrationwassmallestwiththeCantonesemealandgreatestwiththeAmerican� meal.�TherewaslessmarkeddifferencesinpostprandialchangesinurineF2-iso- prostanes�(F2-IsoPs)�acrossmeals,�buturineF2-IsoPsconcentrationssignificantlyin- creasedforeachmealduringthesix-hourpostprandialperiod.�Thereweredifferential� mealeffectsonthepostprandialchangesinplasmaglucoseandtriglycerideconcentra- tions.�Postprandialtriglyceridelevelssignificantlyincreasedforallmealsexceptfor� theCantonesemeal.�PlasmahsCRPdidnotchangewithtimeormealtype.�Ourstudy� demonstratessignificantdifferentialacuteeffectsoffourdistinctmealtypesonPOSin� healthy adults.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is of public health concern. This trial examined whether a clinically proven lifestyle modification program (LMP) in early pregnancy was superior to routine antenatal care in improving GDM, maternal and infant outcomes. Chinese pregnant women at risk of GDM (n = 220) were recruited at or before 12-week gestation and randomized to either a LMP group or a routine care control group. Eighty subjects completed a dietitian-led LMP including dietary and exercise components from early pregnancy till 24-week gestation. Data were compared with those of 86 control subjects. Twenty three (26.7%) control subjects and 20 (25.0%) LMP subjects developed GDM (p = 0.798). The proportion of infants born large for gestational age and macrosomia was similar between groups. The LMP group showed a lower proportion of excessive gestational weight gain (GWG). Subgroup analysis suggested that those with higher LMP adherence showed more desirable dietary composition and energy intake, and lower proportion of excessive GWG compared with the low LMP adherence group and the control group. The potential effect of LMP on GDM and other maternal and infant outcomes, in particular GWG, as well as barriers for making lifestyle changes warrant further investigations (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02368600).

Background and aim Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and patatin-like phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) is one of the most important genetic determinants of NAFLD. We aimed to investigate the effect of PNPLA3 gene polymorphism on the response to lifestyle modification in NAFLD patients. Methods This was a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial on a lifestyle modification program in community NAFLD patients. The PNPLA3 rs738409 gene polymorphism was correlated with changes in metabolic profile and intrahepatic triglyceride content (IHTG) as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results One hundred and fifty-four patients were equally randomized into the intervention and control groups. The presence of G allele was associated with greater reduction in IHTG (CC: 3.7 ± 5.2%, CG: 6.5 ± 3.6%), and GG: 11.3 ± 8.8% (Spearman's correlation, 0.34; P = 0.002), body weight (P = 0.030), waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.024), total cholesterol (P = 0.031), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.009) in the intervention group. In contrast, PNPLA3 polymorphism had no impact on IHTG changes in the control group. By multivariable analysis, PNPLA3 genotype and body mass index (BMI) change were independently associated with IHTG reduction in the intervention group. Only BMI change was associated with IHTG reduction in the control group. Conclusion Although the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype confers a higher risk of NAFLD, these patients are more sensitive to the beneficial effects of lifestyle modification and should be encouraged to do so.

This review aims to provide an overview of the factors associated with adherence reported in existing literature on lifestyle modification programs for weight management among the adult population. An electronic search was performed using PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLE to identify studies that examined the factors of adherence to lifestyle modification programs with explicit definition of adherence indicators. We identified 19 studies published between 2004 and 2016. The most commonly used indicator of adherence was attrition, followed by attendance, self-monitoring and dietary adherence. A broad array of factors has been studied but only few studies exploring each factor. Limited evidence suggested older age, higher education, healthier eating and physical activity behaviours, higher stage of change at baseline and higher initial weight loss may predict better adherence. On the other hand, having depression, stress, strong body shape concern, more previous weight loss attempts and being unemployed may predict poor adherence. Inconsistent findings were obtained for self-efficacy, motivation and male gender. This review highlights the need for more rigorous studies to enhance our knowledge on factors related to adherence. Identification of the factors of adherence could provide important implication for program improvement, ultimately improving the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle modification program.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children is increasing. This study evaluated the efficacy of a dietitian-led lifestyle modification programme (D-LMP) to reduce NAFLD in obese adolescents. Subjects with intra-hepatic triglyceride content (IHTC) equal to or greater than 5% diagnosed by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) were enroled and randomly assigned to either the D-LMP intervention or conventional paediatrician-led consultation (P-CON) group. Subjects in the P-CON group received usual care consisting of a consultation by a paediatrician with the child and parents every 16 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was used for data analysis. Fifty-two subjects were recruited, with 26 in each group. After the initiation phase (at week-16), there was a greater difference in the change in the IHTC and BMI z-score in the D-LMP group (P = 0.029 and

Background/objectives Existing evidence on lifestyle modification programs for weight loss is limited by the high attrition rate of such programs. Identifying predictors of adherence to a lifestyle modification program could result in program improvement. However, little is known about behavior-specific adherence and its psychological predictors. This study aimed to examine the psychological predictors of adherence after one-month participation in a community-based lifestyle modification program among Chinese overweight and obese adults in Hong Kong. Subjects/methods A total of 205 Chinese overweight and obese adults aged 38.9 ± 10.5 years completed the study. Data were collected at baseline and after one month using self-reported questionnaires, which assessed knowledge (self-developed scale), motivation (Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire), stage of change (Stage of Exercise Scale) and self-efficacy (Self-Rated Abilities for Health Practices Scale). At one month, a 4-day dietary recall and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form were used to assess dietary and physical activity (PA) adherence. Food and PA diaries were examined to indicate self-monitoring. Program attendance was tracked between baseline and one-month follow-up. Results After one month, participants reported high dietary adherence, attendance, and adherence to self-monitoring but low PA adherence. Multiple regression analyses suggested that diet self-efficacy (baseline) and nutrition knowledge (one-month change) were independent predictors of dietary adherence score at one month, whereas autonomous PA motivation (baseline) and PA self-efficacy (both baseline and one-month change) were independent predictors of PA adherence score at one month. No significant psychological predictor was identified for attendance or self-monitoring. Conclusions The results suggest that the effect of psychological factors on adherence differs between diet and PA adherence outcomes. To promote adherence, practitioners should assess self-efficacy, knowledge, and motivation at the beginning of a weight-loss program and explore behavior-specific strategies to improve knowledge and self-efficacy. The results of this study have direct implications for program improvements.

Aging is an irreversible process that leads to progressive deleterious changes. Free radical theory has been proposed to be associated with age-related deteriorations. Antioxidant systems can counteract oxidative stress and scavenge free radicals and protect the cells. Special attention is paid to the phytochemicals which are rich in antioxidant levels as potential antiaging agents. In Asia, some natural food products have been used to treat and/or prevent age-related disease for a long time based on the traditional medicine theories. These foods have been reported to delay the onset of aging in animals and human studies due to the presence of various bioactive compounds. In this review, the potential health benefits and the antioxidant effects of several commonly consumed foods in Asia are discussed. Since neurodegenerative disease is high on the list of chronic diseases of the aged, the neuroprotective effects of these foods are also mentioned.

Information concerning the nature of nutritionist-patient relationships is very limited. This qualitative and quantitative study examined nutritionist’s skills, attributes, and beliefs towards nutrition counseling during a lifestyle modification intervention program, and whether this affected the patient’s weight outcome. 24 nutrition consultations were observed during the program and the nutritionists were interviewed for their perception on practice (n = 4). A statistically significant difference was observed between the nutritionists in regard to patient’s weight change after adjustment for age and baseline weight (p < 0.001). Key nutritionist skills identified that influenced weight outcome were meticulous investigation of the underlying obesity cause, identification of the subject’s stage of change, and psychological support.

Obesity is an important risk factor for OSA. This study aimed to assess the effect of weight reduction through a lifestyle modification program (LMP) on patients with moderate to severe OSA.This was a parallel group, randomized controlled trial. Altogether, 104 patients with moderate to severe OSA diagnosed on portable home sleep monitoring were randomized to receive a dietician-led LMP or usual care for 12 months. The primary outcome was reduction of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) at 12 months as assessed by portable home sleep monitoring.In the intention-to-treat analysis (ITT), LMP (n = 61) was more effective in reducing AHI from baseline (16.9% fewer events in the LMP group vs 0.6% more events in the control group, P = .011). LMP was more effective in reducing BMI (-1.8 kg/m2, 6.0% of the initial BMI; -0.6 kg/m2, 2.0% of the initial BMI in control group; P.001). The reduction in daytime sleepiness as assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale was not significant in ITT but was more in the LMP group (-3.5 in the LMP group vs -1.1 in the control group, P = .004) by treatment per protocol analysis. There was modest improvement in mental health in the Short Form Health Survey. Eating behavior was improved with increased intake of protein and fiber. These changes were observed 4 months after the initial intensive diet counseling and persisted at 12 months.LMP was effective in reducing the severity of OSA and daytime sleepiness. The beneficial effect was sustained in 12 months.ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01384760; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Globally, sodium intake far exceeds the level recommended by the World Health Organization. Assessing health literacy related to salt consumption among older adults could guide the development of interventions that target their knowledge gaps, misconceptions, or poor dietary practices. This study aimed to develop and validate the Chinese Health Literacy Scale for Low Salt Consumption - Hong Kong population (CHLSalt-HK). Based on previous studies on salt intake and nutrition label reading in other countries, we developed similar questions that were appropriate for the Chinese population in Hong Kong. The questions covered the following eight broad areas: functional literacy (term recognition and nutrition label reading), knowledge of the salt content of foods, knowledge of the diseases related to high salt intake, knowledge of international standards, myths about salt intake, attitudes toward salt intake, salty food consumption practices, and nutrition label reading practices. Eight professionals, including doctors, nurses, and dietitians, provided feedback on the scale. The psychometric properties of the scale were assessed based on data collected from a convenience sample of 603 Chinese elderly adults recruited from Elderly Health Centres in Hong Kong. The 49-item CHLSalt-HK had a possible score range of 0 to 98, with a higher score indicating higher health literacy related to salt intake. The CHLSalt-HK had acceptable content validity; the item-level Content Validity Index ranged from 0.857 to 1.000, and the scale-level Content Validity Index was 0.994. Additionally, it had good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.799) and good test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.846). The mean CHLSalt-HK score among those who were aware of the public education slogan about nutrition labels and sodium intake was higher by 3.928 points (95% confidence interval: 1.742 to 6.115) than that among those who were not aware of the slogan, which supports adequate discriminant validity. The validated CHLSalt-HK had acceptable content validity, acceptable construct validity, good internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and adequate discriminant validity. The scale could be completed in 10-15 minutes and is easy to administer compared with the collection of biomarkers or food diaries. Further research should investigate its concurrent validity and predictive validity. The development of this scale supports the first step in salt intake reduction among older Chinese adults in Hong Kong by enabling the assessment of their health literacy related to salt consumption in health screenings or health assessments, and it can be used to evaluate salt reduction interventions.

Dietary pattern analysis is an alternative approach to examine the association between diet and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the association of two diet-quality scores, namely Diet Quality Index-International (DQI-I) and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS) with NAFLD prevalence. Apparently healthy Chinese adults (332 male, 465 female) aged 18 years or above were recruited through a population screening between 2008 and 2010 in a cross-sectional population-based study in Hong Kong. DQI-I and MDS, as well as major food group and nutrient intakes were calculated based on dietary data from a food frequency questionnaire. NAFLD was defined as intrahepatic triglyceride content at ≥5% by proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between each diet-quality score or dietary component and prevalent NAFLD with adjustment for potential lifestyle, metabolic and genetic factors. A total of 220 subjects (27.6%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. DQI-I but not MDS was associated with the prevalence of NAFLD. A 10-unit decrease in DQI-I was associated with 24% increase in the likelihood of having NAFLD in the age and sex adjusted model (95% CI: 1.06–1.45, p = 0.009), and the association remained significant when the model was further adjusted for other lifestyle factors, metabolic and genetic factors [OR: 1.26 (95% CI: 1.03–1.54), p = 0.027]. Multivariate regression analyses showed an inverse association of the intake of vegetables and legumes, fruits and dried fruits, as well as vitamin C with the NAFLD prevalence (p

Background: Serum albumin has limitations as a nutritional marker in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) in that it is affected by inflammation, systemic disease, overhydration, and urinary and dialysate protein loss. Handgrip strength is a simple, easily performed bedside test that has been shown to correlate with lean body mass in patients close to inception of dialysis. Objective: We evaluated the associations of handgrip strength with other clinical factors and examined its relations with mortality and cardiovascular death in PD patients. Design: We prospectively enrolled 233 chronic PD patients and assessed handgrip strength and other variables at baseline and then followed the patients for a mean (±SD) of 30 ± 14 mo. Results: Baseline handgrip strength was significantly associated with age, sex, height, diabetes, residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and hemoglobin but not with C-reactive protein (CRP). After adjustment for age, sex, and height, handgrip strength was most strongly correlated with lean body mass on the basis of creatinine kinetics (r = 0.334, P < 0.001), followed by serum albumin and subjective global assessment. Both men and women who died had lower handgrip strengths than did those who remained alive (P < 0.001). After control for age, sex, diabetes, atherosclerotic vascular disease, GFR, hemoglobin, CRP, and serum albumin, greater handgrip strength was predictive of lower all-cause [hazards ratio (HR): 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.99); P = 0.005] and cardiovascular [HR: 0.94 (0.90, 0.98); P = 0.004] mortality. Conclusions: Handgrip strength not only is a marker of body lean muscle mass but also provides important prognostic information independent of other covariates, including CRP and serum albumin. Our data suggest that handgrip strength may be used in conjunction with serum albumin as a nutrition-monitoring tool in patients undergoing PD.

Background. Residual renal function (RRF) is an important predictor of outcome in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Whether results from survival studies in dialysis patients with RRF can also be extrapolated to anuric patients remains uncertain. In this observational study, we examined the characteristics of PD patients with a residual glomerular filtration rate (GFR) � 1 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 vs those with complete anuria and differentiated factors that predict outcome in the two groups of patients. Methods. Two hundred and forty-six continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients (39% being completely anuric) were recruited from a single regional dialysis centre. Assessments of haemodynamic, echocardiographic, nutritional and biochemical parameters and indices of dialysis adequacy were done at study baseline and were related to outcomes. Results. During the prospective follow-up of 30.8±13.8 (mean±SD) months, 28.0% of patients with residual GFR � 1 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 vs 50.5% of anuric patients had died (P ¼ 0.005). The overall 2 year patient survival was 89.7 and 65.0% for patients with GFR � 1 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 and anuric patients, respectively (P ¼ 0.0012). Compared with patients with GFR � 1 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , anuric patients were dialysed for longer (P

C-reactive protein is the prototype marker of inflammation and has been shown to predict mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, it remains uncertain as to whether a single C-reactive protein level has similar prognostic significance in peritoneal dialysis patients. A single high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was measured in 246 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients without active infections at study baseline together with indices of dialysis adequacy, echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular mass index, left ventricular dimensions, and ejection fraction), nutrition markers (serum albumin, dietary intake, and subjective global assessment) and biochemical parameters (hemoglobin, lipids, calcium, and phosphate). The cohort was then followed-up prospectively for a median of 24 mo (range, 2 to 34 mo), and outcomes were studied in relation to these parameters. Fifty-nine patients died (36 from cardiovascular causes) during the follow-up period. The median hs-CRP level was 2.84 mg/L (range, 0.20 to 94.24 mg/L). Patients were stratified into tertiles according to baseline hs-CRP, namely those with hs-CRPor = 1.26 mg/L, 1.27 to 5.54 mg/L, andor = 5.55 mg/L. Those with higher hs-CRP were significantly older (P0.001), had greater body mass index (P0.001), higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (P = 0.003), and greater left ventricular mass index (P0.001). One-year overall mortality was 3.9% (lower) versus 8.8% (middle) versus 21.3% (upper tertile) (P0.0001). Cardiovascular death rate was 2.7% (lower) versus 5.2% (middle) versus 16.2% (upper tertile) (P0.0001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that every 1 mg/L increase in hs-CRP was independently predictive of higher all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.04; P = 0.002) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05; P = 0.001) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Other significant predictors for all-cause mortality included age (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10), gender (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.90), atherosclerotic vascular disease (HR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.46 to 4.80), left ventricular mass index (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.01) and residual GFR (HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.75). Age (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10), history of heart failure (HR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.36 to 8.08), atherosclerotic vascular disease (HR, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.43 to 7.13), and residual GFR (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.86) were also independently predictive of cardiovascular mortality. In conclusion, a single, random hs-CRP level has significant and independent prognostic value in PD patients.

Background: Associations between dietary factors and glucose tolerance observed in Caucasian populations may not be applicable to Chinese populations, since the traditional Chinese diet contains plentiful vegetables and is rice-based (which has a lower glycemic index than potatoes). To address this question, the dietary patterns in 988 Hong Kong Chinese subjects with normal and impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes, were examined in a cross sectional survey to determine if there is any association between diet and glucose tolerance. Method: A stratified random population sample of 988 subjects (488 male, 500 female) was recruited. A food frequency questionnaire was used to determine dietary intake, and glucose tolerance was examined using the glucose tolerance test and the WHO criteria used to classify subjects into the three glucose tolerance categories. Results: Using the standardized world population of Segi, the prevalence rate for DM was 6.6% for men and 5.7% for women; and for IGT 10.3% for men and 15.4% for women aged 30–64 y. Abnormal glucose tolerance is associated with female gender, older age, lower educational attainment and higher body mass index (BMI). No clear pattern of association with dietary factors was observed after adjusting for confounding factors. However, if subjects with BMI≥25 kg/m2 were excluded, an increase in mean consumption of rice/noodles/pasta per week was observed in the DM group, after adjusting for total energy intake and other confounding factors. No association between dietary variety, which has been linked with body fatness, and glucose tolerance, was observed. Conclusion: Dietary habit may not be a strong risk factor for the development of glucose intolerance in Chinese populations, given the favorable features of the Chinese diet. The high consumption of rice in the DM subjects who are of normal BMI suggests that further studies examining glycemic indices of Chinese food items may be beneficial. Obesity still remains the most important predisposing factor.

Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone for the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and patatin-like phospholipase 3 (PNPLA3) is one of the most important genetic determinants of NAFLD. We aimed to investigate the effect of PNPLA3 gene polymorphism on the response to lifestyle modification in NAFLD patients.This was a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial on a lifestyle modification program in community NAFLD patients. The PNPLA3 rs738409 gene polymorphism was correlated with changes in metabolic profile and intrahepatic triglyceride content (IHTG) as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.One hundred and fifty-four patients were equally randomized into the intervention and control groups. The presence of G allele was associated with greater reduction in IHTG (CC: 3.7 ± 5.2%, CG: 6.5 ± 3.6%), and GG: 11.3 ± 8.8% (Spearman's correlation, 0.34; P = 0.002), body weight (P = 0.030), waist-to-hip ratio (P = 0.024), total cholesterol (P = 0.031), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.009) in the intervention group. In contrast, PNPLA3 polymorphism had no impact on IHTG changes in the control group. By multivariable analysis, PNPLA3 genotype and body mass index (BMI) change were independently associated with IHTG reduction in the intervention group. Only BMI change was associated with IHTG reduction in the control group.Although the PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype confers a higher risk of NAFLD, these patients are more sensitive to the beneficial effects of lifestyle modification and should be encouraged to do so.

BACKGROUND: The role of a low glycemic index (GI) diet in the management of adolescent obesity remains controversial. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of low GI diet versus a conventional Chinese diet on the body mass index (BMI) and other obesity indices of obese adolescents. METHODS: Obese adolescents aged 15-18 years were identified from population-recruited, territory-wide surveys. Obesity was defined as BMI >/=95th percentile of Hong Kong local age- and sex-specific references. Eligible subjects were randomized to either an intervention with low GI diet (consisting of 45-50% carbohydrate, 30-35% fat and 15-20% protein) or conventional Chinese diet as control (consisting of 55-60% carbohydrate, 25-30% fat and 10-15% protein). We used random intercept mixed effects model to compare the differential changes across the time points from baseline to month 6 between the 2 groups. RESULTS: 104 obese adolescents were recruited (52 in low GI group and 52 in control group; 43.3% boys). Mean age was 16.7 +/- 1.0 years and 16.8 +/-1.0 years in low GI and control group respectively. 58.7% subjects completed the study at 6 months (65.4% in low GI group and 51.9% in control group). After adjustment for age and sex, subjects in the low GI group had a significantly greater reduction in obesity indices including BMI, body weight and waist circumference (WC) compared to subjects in the control group (all p, published_or_final_version

With global aging population, age-related cognitive decline becomes epidemic. Lifestyle-related factor is one of the key preventative measures. Dietary pattern analysis which considers dietary complexity has recently used to examine the linkage between nutrition and cognitive function. A priori approach defines dietary pattern based on existing knowledge. Results of several dietary pattern scores were summarized. The heterogeneity of assessment methods and outcome measurements lead to inconsistent results. Posteriori approach derives a dietary pattern independently of the existing nutrition-disease knowledge. It showed a dietary pattern abundant with plant-based food, oily fish, lower consumption of processed food, saturated fat, and simple sugar which appears to be beneficial to cognitive health. Despite inconclusive evidence from both approaches, diet and exercise, beneficial for other diseases, remains to be the two key modifiable factors for cognitive function. Large-scale prospective studies in multiethics population are required to provide stronger evidence in the future.

Previous studies have suggested that the cross-sectional relationship observed between total solute clearance (Kt/V) and dietary protein intake (DPI) in patients undergoing dialysis is possibly mathematical in origin. A cross-sectional study on 242 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was performed to determine the differential effects of dialysis adequacy and residual renal function (RRF) on actual dietary intake. All patients underwent a 7-d food frequency questionnaire to quantify daily dietary protein, calorie (DCI), and other nutrient intake, subjective global assessment (SGA), and collection of 24-h dialysate and urine for total (PD and renal) Kt/V and RRF. Patients were categorized into three groups: I ( n = 94), total Kt/V ≥1.7 and GFR >0.5 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ; II ( n = 58), total Kt/V ≥1.7 but GFR 2 ; and III ( n = 90), total Kt/V versus 62% versus 42% of group I versus II versus III patients were well nourished according to SGA ( P = 0.004). DPI (1.23 [0.47] versus 1.12 [0.49] versus 0.99 [0.40] g/kg per d; P = 0.002) and DCI (27.3 [8.9] versus 23.8 [8.6] versus 23.0 [8.2] kcal/kg per d; P = 0.002) showed significant decline across the three groups. Intake of other nutrients, including carbohydrate, fat, fatty acids, and cholesterol was higher for group I compared with groups II and III. Adjusting for age, gender, weight, and diabetes, every 1 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 increase in GFR was associated with a 0.838-fold increase in DCI (95% confidence interval to interval, 0.279 to 1.397; P = 0.003) and a 0.041-fold increase in DPI (95% confidence interval, 0.009 to 0.072; P = 0.012), whereas every 0.25-unit increase in total (PD and renal) Kt/V was associated with a 0.570-fold increase in DCI (95% confidence interval, 0.049 to 1.092; P = 0.032) and a 0.052-fold increase in DPI (95% confidence interval, 0.023 to 0.081; P = 0.001). Greater small-solute clearances are associated with better dietary intake and better nutrition. The study confirmed significant and independent effect of RRF, but not PD solute clearance, on actual DPI, DCI, and other nutrient intake in patients on CAPD.

Plasma adiponectin (ADPN) is markedly elevated in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients compared to healthy controls. In this study, we aimed to evaluate clinical correlates of plasma ADPN and its importance in predicting clinical outcomes in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between ADPN and C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting outcomes of these patients. We prospectively measured plasma ADPN, CRP and other biochemical parameters and body composition in 238 ESRD patients on maintenance PD ≥3 months. Patients were followed for a median of 48 months. The plasma ADPN was 24.6 (13.9, 39.8) and 23.0 (13.9, 32.7)μg/ml for men and women, respectively (P=0.42). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that log-transformed ADPN was correlated with body fat mass (P=0.008), residual glomerular filtration rate (P=0.005), log-CRP (P

Background. Handgrip strength (HGS) is a marker of lean muscle mass. This study aims to test the hypothesis that a low HGS reflects a diseased cardiac status and predicts future risk of circulatory congestion in chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods. Two hundred and eighteen chronic PD patients were prospectively recruited from a single regional dialysis unit in Hong Kong. HGS, serum albumin, lean body mass (LBM) by creatinine kinetics (CK) and subjective global assessment (SGA) were assessed at study entry and examined in relation to the risk of developing circulatory congestion over a 4-year follow-up. Results. Adjustingforage,genderandheight,HGS showed significant correlations with LBM by CK, SGA, serum albumin, atherosclerotic vascular disease, left ventricular (LV) mass index and early mitral inflow velocity to peak mitral annulus velocity (E/Em ratio). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, HGS (P = 0.004) and ejection fraction (P = 0.004) were both second to LV mass index (P < 0.001) as the most significant factors in predicting circulatorycongestion at4years.Serumalbumin,LBM byCK and SGA were not independently predictive of circulatory congestion. Patients with systolic dysfunction and HGS < gender-specific median had an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.77 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.46–5.28; P = 0.002] indevelopingcirculatorycongestionthanthosewithnormal systolic function and HGS ≥ gender-specific median. Conclusions. A low HGS reflects a diseased cardiac status and predicts future risk of circulatory congestion independent of other nutritional, echocardiographic and clinical parameters in PD patients. The important link between skeletal myopathy and myocardial disease in uraemic patients warrants further investigation.

There is little information about how clients attending lifestyle modification programs view the outcomes. This qualitative study examined the clients’ experience of a community based lifestyle modification program in Hong Kong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 clients attending the program. Clients perceived the program had positive impacts on their health and nutrition knowledge. They experienced frustration, negative emotion, lack of motivation, and pressure from others during the program. Working environment and lack of healthy food choices in restaurants were the major perceived environmental barriers for lifestyle modification. Clients valued nutritionists’ capability of providing professional information and psychological support in the program. Our results suggest that nutritionist’s capability of providing quality consultations and patient-centered care are important for empowering clients achieve lifestyle modification.

Background: Circulatory congestion is an adverse predictor of mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Objective: This study evaluated the nutritional status, energy intake, and expenditure profile of PD patients with and without previous circulatory congestion. Design: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 244 PD patients, of whom 92 had previous circulatory congestion. We estimated dietary energy intake by using a locally validated 7-d food-frequency questionnaireandbyassessingrestingenergyexpenditure(REE)andtotal energy expenditure (TEE) with indirect calorimetry and a locally validated physical activity questionnaire, respectively. Results: In comparison with those without circulatory congestion, patients with previous circulatory congestion were more malnourished by subjective global assessment (59% compared with 36%; P , 0.001), had lower handgrip strength, had lower midarm muscle circumference, had lower dietary protein (0.98 6 0.45 compared with 1.19 6 0.44 g kg 21 d 21 ; P , 0.001), and had lower energy intake (92.5 6 37.0 compared with 110.9 6 35.7 kJ kg 21 d 21 ; P , 0.001) but had higher C-reactive protein (P = 0.025) and higher REE (P , 0.001). However, no difference in TEE was noted between the 2 groups, which indicated lower activity energy expenditure among patients with previous circulatory congestion. The resulting energy balance was significantly more negative for patients with previous circulatory congestion than for those without previous circulatory congestion (P = 0.050). Furthermore, the prevalence of malnutrition increased with increasing episodes of circulatory congestion (P = 0.017). Conclusions: Patients with previous circulatory congestion had significantly more inflammation, more muscle wasting, and higher REE but lower activity energy expenditure and energy and protein intakes in keeping with an anorexia-cachexia syndrome. The mechanisms of increased REE and reduced energy intake among patients with previous circulatory congestion warrant further investigation. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90:1179‐84.

Patients with kidney disease are at high risk of developing 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency.We studied the association between serum 25(OH)D status and clinical outcomes of chronic peritoneal dialysis patients.We measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations in 230 prevalent peritoneal dialysis patients and then followed these patients prospectively for 3 y or until death.Serum 25(OH)D was deficient or insufficient (ie,75 nmol/L) in 87% of the patients. Adjusting for clinical and demographic factors, every 1-unit increase in log-transformed serum 25(OH)D was associated with a 44% reduction in the hazard of fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular events (95% CI: 0.35, 0.91; P = 0.018). However, the association was gradually lost when additional adjustment was made in a stepwise fashion for residual glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.078) and echocardiographic measures (P = 0.39). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a significantly greater fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular event-free survival probability among patients with serum 25(OH)D45.7 nmol/L (median) than among patients with concentrationsor= 45.7 nmol/L (P = 0.004). In addition, patients with 25(OH)D45.7 nmol/L had a significantly higher cardiovascular event-free survival probability than did patients with 25(OH)Dor= 45.7 nmol/L in the stratified analysis for patients with left ventricular mass index less than the median (P = 0.013) or normal systolic function (P = 0.005).A lower serum 25(OH)D concentration was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients. Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D status appeared to show a differential influence on the cardiovascular outcomes of peritoneal dialysis patients depending on the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction.

Background Individuals undergoing peritoneal dialysis are at increased risk of developing cardiac disease and malnutrition. Study Design A cross-sectional survey. Settings and Participants 249 Chinese continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients were recruited from the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. Another 249 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited from an archive of 1,010 individuals with known food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data. Objective To compare the dietary intake pattern of CAPD patients with controls and evaluate its association with background cardiac disease. Outcomes and Measurements Intake of different nutrients was estimated by using a 7-day FFQ. Results Intake of all nutrients was lower in CAPD patients than controls, with resulting lower overall energy intake. Nutrient intake was decreased further in CAPD patients with background cardiac disease, which corresponded to worse nutritional status. Controlling for age, male sex, body weight, diabetes mellitus, dialysis therapy duration, residual renal function, peritoneal dialysis urea clearance, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score, background cardiac disease was associated independently with less intake of energy and most macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the association between background cardiac disease and energy and most nutrient intake was decreased or even lost when additional adjustment was made for C-reactive protein and serum albumin levels. Limitations An FFQ is limited in that nutrient quantitation is not exact and may be underestimated as a result of underreporting by patients. CAPD patients were compared with a control group without cardiovascular disease ascertainment that did not include subjects with diabetes. Conclusions Chinese CAPD patients had significantly lower nutrient intake than age- and sex-matched controls. The association between cardiac disease and lower dietary macronutrient and micronutrient intake in CAPD patients was mediated in part through systemic inflammation, which also was associated with more malnutrition. More attention should be focused on improving the intake pattern of Chinese CAPD patients.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in ESRD patients and is strongly associated with malnutrition. The mechanism of malnutrition is not clear, but hypermetabolism is suggested to contribute to cardiac cachexia. This study examined resting energy expenditure (REE) in relation to the clinical outcomes of ESRD patients who receive continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment. A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 251 CAPD patients. REE was measured at study baseline using indirect calorimetry together with other clinical, nutritional, and dialysis parameters. Patients were followed up for a mean +/- SD duration of 28.7 +/- 14.3 mo. REE was 39.1 +/- 9.6 and 40.1 +/- 9.0 kcal/kg fat-free edema-free body mass per day for men and women, respectively (P = 0.391). Using multiple regression analysis, fat-free edema-free body mass-adjusted REE was negatively associated with residual GFR (P < 0.001) and serum albumin (P = 0.046) and positively associated with diabetes (P = 0.002), cardiovascular disease (P = 0.009), and C-reactive protein (P = 0.009). At 2 yr, the overall survival was 63.3, 73.6, and 95.9% (P < 0.0001), and cardiovascular event-free survival was 72.3, 84.6, and 97.2% (P = 0.0003), respectively, for patients in the upper, middle, and lower tertiles of REE. Adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, patients in the upper and middle tertiles showed a 4.19-fold (95% confidence interval, 2.15 to 8.16; P < 0.001) and a 2.90-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.49, 5.63; P = 0.002) respective increase in the risk of all-cause mortality compared with those in the lower tertile. However, the significance of REE in predicting mortality was gradually reduced when additional adjustment was made for C-reactive protein, serum albumin, and residual GFR in a stepwise manner. In conclusion, a higher REE is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular death in CAPD patients and is partly related to its close correlations with residual kidney function, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and malnutrition in these patients.

Food variety is reported to be closely associated with body fatness in Caucasians. The association has not been examined in a Chinese population.To examine the association between food variety and body fatness in Hong Kong Chinese adults.One hundred and twenty Hong Kong Chinese adults (aged 18-50 y). Usual dietary intake over a one-week period of all subjects was assessed by using a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric parameters were measured using standardized methods.Varieties of grain and meat were negatively correlated with obesity indices (grain vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = -47/-0.43/-0.46/-0.42, p0.001; meat vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = -0.31/-0.24/-0.25/-0.29, p0.01). In contrast, there was a positive relationship between variety of snack and obesity indices (snack vs. BMI/body fat/waist/hip circumferences: partial r = 0.35/0.42/0.42/0.36, p0.001). A food variety ratio derived from varieties of snack, grain and meat, was a stronger predictor of body fat compared with dietary fat in a regression model.Food variety may contribute to the local escalation in the prevalence of obesity. The variety of snack is the promoting factor for obesity while the variety of grains and meats may counteract its development. The findings of this study may have implications for treatment of obesity and the prevention of further weight gain.

Abnormalities in taste function may contribute to poor dietary intake in the elderly, and in patients with renal failure or cancer. This study examined the effect of age on taste thresholds, and taste thresholds adjusted for age, in patients with renal failure with and without dialysis, and patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Three groups of healthy volunteers aged 21-34 (n=26), 36-61 (n=13), and 69-94 (n=24), were recruited for the study on the effect of age. Nineteen patients with chronic renal failure on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and 11 age-matched chronic renal failure patients not yet requiring dialysis were recruited to examine the effect of chronic renal failure on taste function. Twenty-four inpatients with various types of cancer were recruited from a clinical oncology ward. Taste threshold was measured using commercial flavors supplied by Firmenich (pork, beef) and the ascending forced-choice method. Results showed that taste threshold increased with age. No abnormality in taste threshold was observed in patients with chronic renal failure with and without dialysis, and in patients with cancer. However, altered taste occurred in a large number of these patients. Abnormal taste function is present in healthy elderly people, and in patients with chronic renal failure and cancer. The nature of the abnormality differs among these groups, consisting of elevation of taste threshold in the elderly, and dysgeusia in those with disease.

Dialysis patients are at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, not only because of losses during chronic hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis but also because of low intakes.The objective was to determine the importance of urea clearance (calculated as K(t)/V) and residual renal function (RRF) in predicting micronutrient intakes in a large cohort of patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).We conducted a survey of dietary intakes in 242 CAPD patients and divided them into 3 groups according to their weekly urea clearance and RRF: WD group (n = 84), a urea clearance/= 1.7 and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR)/= 1 mL x min(-1) x 1.73 m(-2); DD group (n = 71), a urea clearance/= 1.7 and a GFR1 mL x min(-1) x 1.73 m(-2); and ID group (n = 87), a urea clearance1.7.Most of the patients had intakes of water-soluble vitamins and minerals that were lower than the recommended dietary allowance; most intakes were significantly higher in the WD group than in the DD and ID groups, except those of niacin and calcium. After age, sex, body weight, and the presence of diabetes were controlled for, total weekly urea clearance and the GFR (but not peritoneal dialysis urea clearance) were significantly associated with intakes of vitamins A and C, the B vitamins, and minerals (calcium, phosphate, iron, and zinc). Low intakes of vitamins and minerals with low RRF and urea clearance were the result of reduced overall food intakes, except for thiamine, vitamin B-6, and folic acid, which were deficient in the diet.Supplementation with most water-soluble vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc, should be considered in CAPD patients, especially those with low RRF and low urea clearance. The optimal dose needs to be determined.

Objective To examine the efficacy of a lifestyle modification programme in weight maintenance for obese subjects after cessation of treatment with Orlistat. Methods Fifty-five subjects with and without diabetes mellitus were randomized to a lifestyle modification programme or to usual care at the end of 6 months’ treatment with Orlistat. The intervention programme was nutritionist led, consisting of components of dietary management, physical activity, peer group support and discussion using techniques of self-monitoring, stimulus control and cognitive restructuring. Anthropometric indices, body composition, basal metabolic rate, blood pressure, fasting glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profile, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion, dietary intake, physical activity level, and quality of life were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results Subjects in the intervention group maintained their weight loss and favourable anthropometric, metabolic, dietary intake, physical activity and quality of life profiles, while most parameters deteriorated in the usual care group, being more marked in subjects with diabetes. The magnitude of weight gain was comparable to that lost during Orlistat treatment. Conclusion A specially designed nutritionist-led lifestyle modification programme for obese subjects is effective in weight maintenance after treatment with Orlistat, in the absence of which the benefits of drug treatment were lost. The magnitude of the effect of lifestyle modification is comparable to that observed with Orlistat.

Cardiac valve calcification (VC) has long been regarded as a consequence of aging and abnormal calcium-phosphate metabolism in uremic patients. In view of the recent recognition of association among inflammation, malnutrition, and atherosclerosis, the possible role of inflammation and malnutrition in VC was investigated. Inflammatory markers (including C-reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, and basal metabolic rate) and nutritional status (assessed using serum albumin, subjective global nutrition assessment, and handgrip strength) were examined, in addition to calcium phosphate parameters and other traditional cardiovascular risk factors, including gender, smoking habits, BP, and lipid profile, in relation to VC in 137 patients who were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Compared with patients with no VC, patients with VC not only were older (60 [10] versus 54 [12] yr; P = 0.005), had higher plasma phosphate (1.89 [0.52] versus 1.64 [0.41] mmol/L; P = 0.003), and had higher parathyroid hormone (83 [40, 145] versus 38 [16, 71] pmol/L; P = 0.001) but also had higher CRP (4.5 [0.1, 13.4] versus 0.2 [0.1, 4.4] mg/L; P = 0.004), had higher fibrinogen (6.6 [1.9] versus 5.7 [1.3] g/L; P = 0.002), and had lower serum albumin (26 [4] versus 29 [3] g/L; P = 0004). Twenty-three percent of patients with VC versus 17% of patients with no VC were moderately to severely malnourished according to subjective global nutrition assessment (P = 0.05). Even after adjustment for patients' age, duration of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, diabetes, and calcium x phosphate product, cardiac VC remained strongly associated with CRP (odds ratio, 1.05; P = 0.026) and albumin (odds ratio, 0.85; P = 0.01). The data suggest that VC not only is a passive degenerative process but also involves active inflammation, similar to that seen in atherosclerosis. The presence of uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia and hyperparathyroidism further accelerates the progression of calcification. The data also indicate that VC and atherosclerosis should be considered as associated syndromes, sharing similar pathogenic mechanisms, namely active inflammation.