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The photocatalytic activity of ZnO films, grown by atomic layer deposition on sapphire, was investigated for different amounts of residual hydrogen incorporated unintentionally into the matrix during the crystal growth. A close correlation was found between the level of incorporated hydrogen ; the rate of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue on ZnO films. The rate of degradation is consistent with predominantly zero-order reaction kinetics. An enhanced photocatalytic activity, observed for films of predominantly (001)-oriented grains ; low concentration of residual hydrogen, is explained by the reduced number of hydrogen-related defects responsible for recombination of charge carriers in combination with the preferential adsorption of water on polar (001) surfaces of ZnO grains.

The preparation of non-oxidized Ge quantum dot (QD) lattices embedded in Al2O3, Si3N4, SiC matrices by self-assembled growth was studied. The materials were produced by magnetron sputtering deposition, using different substrate temperatures. The deposition regimes leading to the self-assembled growth type and the formation of three-dimensionally ordered Ge QD lattices in different matrices were investigated and determined. The oxidation of the Ge QDs in different matrices was monitored and the best conditions for the production of non-oxidized Ge QDs were found. The optical properties of the Ge QD lattices in different matrices show a strong dependence on the Ge oxidation and the matrix type.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to develop a consensus report to guide dietetic management of overweight or obese individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Method(s): Six statements relating to weight management in CKD guided a comprehensive review of the literature. A summary of the evidence was then presented at the renal nutrition meeting of the 2016 Asia Pacific Society of Nephrology and Australia and New Zealand Society of Nephrology. Majority agreement was defined as group agreement on a statement of between 50-74%, and consensus was considered >=75% agreement. The recommendations were developed via a mini Delphi process. Result(s): Two statements achieved group consensus: the current guidelines used by dietitians to estimate energy requirements for overweight and obese people with CKD are not relevant and weight loss medications may be unsafe or ineffective in isolation for those with CKD. One statement achieved group agreement: Meal replacement formulas are safe and efficacious in those with CKD. No agreement was achieved on the statements of whether there is strong evidence of benefit for weight loss prior to kidney transplantation; whether traditional weight loss strategies can be used in those with CKD and if bariatric surgery in those with end stage kidney disease is feasible and effective. Conclusion(s): There is a limited evidence base to guide the dietetic management of overweight and obese individuals with CKD. Medical or surgical strategies to facilitate weight loss are not recommended in isolation and require a multidisciplinary approach with the involvement of a skilled renal dietitian.Copyright © 2017 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology

Objective: Malnutrition is common in dialysis patients and is attributed to decreased food intake, and/or chronic systemic inflammation linked to dialysis-related comorbidities and complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in dialysis patients and whether this impacts food intake. Design(s): Cross-sectional study. Setting(s): Tertiary teaching hospital. Participant(s): All consenting hospital peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. Method(s): Patients were interviewed by a dietitian regarding the prevalence and impact of GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, diarrhea, heartburn, fatigue, and weight changes). Serum levels of albumin were measured, and the use of medication known to cause GI symptoms was recorded. Main Outcome Measure(s): Presence of GI symptoms. Result(s): The PD (n = 122) and HD (n = 172) groups were similar in age, gender, and presence of diabetes. Serum albumin levels were lower for those on PD compared with HD (3.2 vs. 3.5 g/dL, P < .001). Eighty-five percent of the patients on PD reported at least 1 GI symptom, compared with 51% on HD. Compared with HD, more PD patients reported that GI symptoms were related to the onset of dialysis (55% vs. 12%, P < .001). A greater number of PD patients (compared with HD patients) reported a decrease in food intake (53% vs. 14%, P < .001) and that they had attempted dietary changes to alleviate symptoms (34% vs. 9%, P < .001). Conclusion(s): These results should influence dietetic educational practice. In addition to the provision of adequate protein and energy, dialysis patients should be counselled regarding the management of GI symptoms and monitored for the prevalence and severity of these symptoms. © 2013.

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in dialysis patients. Appropriate assessment tools are key for its prevention and treatment. This study aimed to provide information regarding the Malnutrition Inflammation score (MIS) as a nutritional assessment tool in Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) patients by analysing relationships with other standard measures of nutritional status, and comparing them with the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA). The study also aimed to provide information regarding the nutritional status of a cohort of Australian PD patients, which is lacking in current literature. Ninety stable PD patients received a nutritional assessment over a period of 6 months. Nutritional status was assessed by MIS, SGA, serum albumin, c-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), mid arm muscle circumference (MAMC), and a 24-hour recall to measure energy and protein intake. Estimated glucose absorption from the dialysate was also included. Correlations between MIS, SGA and the other measures of nutritional status were analysed (using Spearman's analysis, SPSS, v 17.0) and compared. Thirty seven percent of the study group was considered to be malnourished according to SGA score. The median MIS score was 5.0 (2.5-7.5). MIS and SGA were both inversely correlated with energy intake (p=0.002, p=0.001 respectively), serum albumin (p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively), BMI (p=0.002, p=0.006 respectively) and MAMC (p=0.001, p=0.008 respectively).In conclusion, the MIS was comparable to the SGA when correlated with standard markers of nutritional assessment. The results indicate that the MIS is a useful nutritional assessment tool for PD patients. The study also showed that 37% of patients were malnourished, providing information regarding the nutritional status of Australian PD patients.

Aim: To establish if PD patients experience more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms than haemodialysis (HD) patients and whether this impacts on food intake. Background(s): Malnutrition is a frequent finding amongst dialysis patients. Many studies have reported gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in the peritoneal dialysis (PD) population. Nurses working with this group of patients at our hospital reported frequent complaints about gastric symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early satiety, poor appetite and constipation. Method(s): Experienced renal dietitians surveyed 122 PD patients and 172 HD patients regarding the prevalence and impact of gastrointestinal symptoms. Result(s): Those on PD reported significantly greater incidence of nausea, vomiting, bloating, early satiety, diarrhoea, heartburn and fatigue than those on HD. Eighty-five percent of patients on PD reported at least one GI symptom, compared to 51% of HD patients. When weight loss and fatigue were considered, 91% of PD and 60% of HD patients reported at least one symptom. Those on PD were also significantly more likely to report that the symptoms were related to the onset of dialysis. More patients on PD had noted a change in food intake and attempted dietary changes to alleviate symptoms. Serum albumin levels were significantly lower for those on PD. This group had lower body mass indexes at commencement of dialysis but this difference was not significant for current weight. Those on PD had dialysed for less average time than the group on HD. There was no difference in numbers of diabetics or those taking cinacalcet or sevelamer between the groups. Conclusion(s): PD patients report a significantly greater number and frequency of GI symptoms than HD patients, and that these symptoms result in decreased food intake.