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Effects of Lifestyle Modification on Psychosocial Function in Patients With Resistant Hypertension: SECONDARY OUTCOMES FROM THE TRIUMPH RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL.
Blumenthal, JA, Smith, PJ, Mabe, S, Hinderliter, A, Craighead, L, Watkins, LL, Ingle, K, Tyson, CC, Lin, PH, Kraus, WE, et al
Journal of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and prevention. 2024;(1):64-70
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Abstract
PURPOSE In a secondary analysis of the TRIUMPH clinical trial, psychological outcomes in patients with resistant hypertension (RH) receiving a diet and exercise intervention delivered in a cardiac rehabilitation setting were compared with those receiving a similar prescription of diet and exercise provided in a single counseling session by a health educator. METHODS One hundred forty patients with RH were randomly assigned to a 4-mo program of dietary counseling, behavioral weight management, and exercise (C-LIFE) or a single counseling session providing standardized education and physician advice (SEPA). Participants completed a battery of questionnaires to assess psychological functioning before and after the intervention. A global measure of psychological functioning was derived from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Anger scale. RESULTS Participants in the C-LIFE intervention achieved greater improvements in psychological functioning compared with SEPA (C-LIFE: 58.9 [56.1, 61.8] vs SEPA 66.5 [62.1, 70.9]; P = .024). Greater improvements were especially evident for the GHQ, PSS, and HADS. Examination of mediation revealed that greater weight loss ( B =-0.17, P = .004) and improved oxygen uptake ( B =-0.12, P = .044) were associated with improved psychological functioning. CONCLUSION Compared with standard education and physician advice, a structured program of diet and exercise not only reduced blood pressure but also improved psychological functioning in patients with RH.
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Effects of Chinese heart-healthy diet on blood lipids, glucose, and estimated 10-y cardiovascular disease risk among Chinese adults: results on secondary outcomes of a randomized controlled trial.
Li, Q, Feng, L, Sun, J, Zhu, H, Zeng, G, Gao, P, Yuan, J, Zhao, Y, Li, S, Lan, X, et al
The American journal of clinical nutrition. 2024;(2):333-343
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy diet is essential for cardiovascular disease risk management, but its effects among Chinese patients, whose diets differ from Western diets, remain largely unknown. METHODS In this multicenter, patient- and outcome assessor-blind, randomized controlled feeding trial, 265 Chinese adults with baseline systolic blood pressure 130 to 159 mmHg were randomly assigned into Chinese heart-healthy (CHH) diet or usual diet for a 28-d intervention after a 7-d run-in period on usual diet. Blood lipids and glucose were measured from overnight fasting blood samples before and after the intervention. Ten-year cardiovascular disease risk was estimated using models previously developed and validated in Chinese. The changes in secondary outcomes of serum total cholesterol (TC), blood glucose, and 10-y cardiovascular disease risk over the intervention period were compared between intervention groups, adjusting for center, among participants with baseline and follow-up blood samples available. Sensitivity analyses were done with further adjustment for baseline values and covariables; missing data imputed; and among per-protocol population. RESULTS Among 256 eligible participants (130 on CHH diet, 126 on control diet), 42% had hypercholesterolemia and 15% had diabetes at baseline. In the control group, TC and 10-y cardiovascular disease risk decreased after the intervention by 0.16 mmol/L and 0.91%, respectively, but blood glucose increased by 0.25 mmol/L. Compared with usual diet, the CHH diet lowered TC (-0.14 mmol/L, P = 0.017) and 10-y cardiovascular disease risk (-1.24%, P = 0.001) further. No effect on blood glucose was found. All sensitivity analyses confirmed the results on TC and 10-y cardiovascular disease risk, and analysis with multiple variables adjusted showed a borderline significant effect on blood glucose (-0.17 mmol/L, P = 0.051). The differences in intake of nutrients and food groups between intervention groups explained the results. CONCLUSIONS The CHH diet reduced TC and 10-y cardiovascular disease risk and was likely to reduce blood glucose among Chinese adults with mild hypertension. Further studies with longer terms are warranted. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03882645.
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The Value of Electroretinography in Identifying Candidate Genes for Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: A Diagnostic Guide.
Yang, TH, Kang, EY, Lin, PH, Wu, PL, Sachs, JA, Wang, NK
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland). 2023;(19)
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a group of heterogeneous diseases caused by genetic mutations that specifically affect the function of the rod, cone, or bipolar cells in the retina. Electroretinography (ERG) is a diagnostic tool that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to light stimuli, and it can help to determine the function of these cells. A normal ERG response consists of two waves, the a-wave and the b-wave, which reflect the activity of the photoreceptor cells and the bipolar and Muller cells, respectively. Despite the growing availability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, identifying the precise genetic mutation causing an IRD can be challenging and costly. However, certain types of IRDs present with unique ERG features that can help guide genetic testing. By combining these ERG findings with other clinical information, such as on family history and retinal imaging, physicians can effectively narrow down the list of candidate genes to be sequenced, thereby reducing the cost of genetic testing. This review article focuses on certain types of IRDs with unique ERG features. We will discuss the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of, and ERG findings on, these disorders, emphasizing the unique role ERG plays in their diagnosis and genetic testing.
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Inflammation moderates the effects of lifestyle modification on neurocognition among individuals with resistant hypertension.
Avorgbedor, F, Blumenthal, JA, Hinderliter, A, Ingle, K, Lin, PH, Craighead, L, Tyson, C, Kraus, W, Sherwood, A, Smith, PJ
Journal of clinical hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.). 2023;25(1):106-110
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Hypertension is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Among individuals with hypertension, those with resistant hypertension (RH) appear to have the greatest risk of cerebrovascular disease and associated cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential influence of individual differences in pre-treatment inflammatory profiles on changes in cognition following lifestyle modification among RH participants in the TRIUMPH clinical trial. This study is a report based on the TRIUMPH study which was a randomised clinical trial. One hundred forty patients with RH were randomised with 2:1 allocation to either a 4-month Centre-based Lifestyle intervention or Standardized Education and Physician Advice. Results show that basal levels of elevated peripheral inflammation may represent an intermediate phenotype of risk for cognitive decline. In fact, individuals with higher levels of c-reactive protein at baseline demonstrated greater improvements in Executive Function/Learning following participation in an intensive lifestyle intervention. Authors conclude that their findings may help inform targeted treatments to reduce ADRD among middle-aged and older adults with cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Abstract
Individuals with resistant hypertension (RH) have the greatest risk of cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment among individuals with hypertension. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines may represent a critical yet unexamined factor influencing the impact of healthy lifestyle changes on cognitive function. We explored the influence of inflammation on changes in cognition following lifestyle modification among individuals with RH participating in the TRIUMPH clinical trial. One hundred forty participants with RH completed a battery of neurocognitive tests along with the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and were subsequently randomized to an intensive 4-month lifestyle modification intervention or to education and physician advice control. Results indicated that the effects of lifestyle modification on Executive Function and Learning were moderated by pre-intervention hsCRP levels (P = .049), with treatment efficacy increasing across levels of baseline inflammation levels (low: d = 0.12; mild: d = 0.43; moderate: d = 0.81). We conclude that inflammatory profiles may help identify individuals more likely to improve executive functioning resulting from lifestyle modification.
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A cross-sectional, observational study of nutritional status and eating behaviours in people living with dementia in acute care settings.
Lin, PH, Ataiza, C, Ho, MH, Chung, YV, Sharp, L, Chang, HR
Journal of clinical nursing. 2023;(15-16):5028-5036
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To understand the nutritional status, observing eating difficulties during mealtimes for people living with dementia in acute care settings. BACKGROUND Changed eating behaviours caused by declining cognitive function is common in people living with dementia which can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition is associated with prolonged hospitalisation and increased mortality. People living with dementia in acute care settings are at high risk of malnutrition. This highlights the importance of better understanding the nutritional intake and eating behaviours of people living with dementia in acute care settings. DESIGN This study is a cross-sectional, observational study. METHODS Data of mealtime difficulties and nutritional status of people living with dementia were collected in four geriatric care wards (in acute or sub-acute hospitals) by using Feeding Difficulty Index and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form. The STROBE checklist was used throughout this study. RESULTS The study included 94 people living with dementia. The median age of the participants was 85.86 years old, with a Feeding Difficulty Index of 8.27 and had stayed in hospitals for average 14.46 days, with an average total feeding time of 24.61 min. Only 1.2% of participants were considered to be in normal nutritional status, whereas 72.1% were malnourished. All participants required partial or full assistance during mealtime. Participants with higher scores on the Feeding Difficulty Index have longer total feeding times, compared to those with lower scores. CONCLUSIONS Malnutrition is prevalent in people living with dementia. People living with dementia demonstrate varying mealtime difficulties depending on the level of dependence. Mealtime assistance training programs are warranted and are beneficial for nursing staff and family members to improve their feeding skills and knowledge. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study did not involve patients, service users, caregivers or members of the public. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The study is relevant to clinical practice by identifying changed eating behaviours or mealtime difficulties in people living with dementia in acute care settings can significantly decrease the risk of malnutrition.
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Development and assessment of a self-management intervention for urinary incontinence among patients with prostate cancer: protocol for a randomized feasibility study.
Chien, CH, Liu, KL, Wu, CT, Chuang, CK, Yu, KJ, Lin, PH, Huang, XY, Pang, ST
BMC urology. 2023;(1):193
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urinary incontinence is a common complication among patients with prostate cancer who have undergone radical prostatectomy. Guided by social cognitive theory and a framework for the recovery of health and well-being, we propose to develop and test a self-management intervention for patients with prostate cancer who experience urinary incontinence after undergoing radical prostatectomy. METHODS In this study, a self-management intervention for urinary incontinence (SMI-UI) is developed, comprising a mobile self-management application, a self-management handbook, and professional support. The feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of this intervention will be assessed. Patient data from the urology departments of two hospitals will be collected through convenience sampling by adopting an experimental, parallel, and random assignment research design. Patients experiencing urinary incontinence after undergoing radical prostatectomy will be invited to participate. After completing the pretest questionnaire, patients will be randomly divided into the experimental and attention control groups. The experimental group will undergo a 12-week SMI-UI, whereas the attention control group will receive an intervention consisting of a single dietetic education information package. The two groups will be tested 12 and 16 weeks after the pretest. In this study, we recorded the sociodemographic and clinical variables; recruitment rate; retention rate; satisfaction with the intervention; cancer-related self-efficacy; urination symptoms and disturbance; social participation and satisfaction; resilience; and demoralization. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05335967 [date of registration 04-04-2022].
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Weight loss via a low-carbohydrate diet improved the intestinal permeability marker, zonulin, in prostate cancer patients.
Lin, PH, Howard, L, Freedland, SJ
Annals of medicine. 2022;(1):1221-1225
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BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggest that gut microbiota may impact urologic health including prostate cancer (PC), potentially via affecting intestinal permeability (IP). Studies have indicated that disrupted IP may be improved by healthy diets and weight loss. In the Carbohydrate and Prostate Study 2 (CAPS2) clinical trial, which showed that a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD) reduced weight significantly in men with PC and suggestively slowed PC disease progression, we explored the impact of LCD on an IP marker, zonulin and an inflammation marker, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). METHODS CAPS2 was a 6-month randomized controlled trial testing a LCD intervention vs. control on PC progression using prostate-specific antigen doubling time (PSADT) as the marker. All 45 participants had prior primary PC treatment, PSADT >3 and <36 months, and body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2. RESULTS At 6-month, zonulin decreased in the LCD arm (median -8.3%, IQR -16.6, 0.3%) while the control increased slightly (median 1.4%, IQR -3.0, 13.3%; p = .014). No changes were observed in hsCRP. Linear regression models showed that weight change was significantly associated with log(PSADT) such that the greater the weight loss, the longer the PSADT(p = .003). There was a similar inverse trend between change in zonulin and log(PSADT) (p = .050). Nevertheless, the mediation analysis showed that zonulin was not a significant intermediary mechanism of the effect of weight change on PSADT (p = .3). CONCLUSION Future studies are merited to examine further the potential association of IP with inflammation and to clarify if improvement in IP is associated with decreased PC progression. Trial registration: NCT01763944. KEY MESSAGESGut microbiota may impact urologic health including prostate cancer, potentially via affecting intestinal permeability.Weight loss significantly improved intestinal permeability in prostate cancer patients.Improvement in intestinal permeability was associated with slowed prostate cancer progression as indicated by the PSA doubling time.
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Microbiota responses to different prebiotics are conserved within individuals and associated with habitual fiber intake.
Holmes, ZC, Villa, MM, Durand, HK, Jiang, S, Dallow, EP, Petrone, BL, Silverman, JD, Lin, PH, David, LA
Microbiome. 2022;(1):114
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) derived from gut bacteria are associated with protective roles in diseases ranging from obesity to colorectal cancers. Intake of microbially accessible dietary fibers (prebiotics) lead to varying effects on SCFA production in human studies, and gut microbial responses to nutritional interventions vary by individual. It is therefore possible that prebiotic therapies will require customizing to individuals. RESULTS Here, we explored prebiotic personalization by conducting a three-way crossover study of three prebiotic treatments in healthy adults. We found that within individuals, metabolic responses were correlated across the three prebiotics. Individual identity, rather than prebiotic choice, was also the major determinant of SCFA response. Across individuals, prebiotic response was inversely related to basal fecal SCFA concentration, which, in turn, was associated with habitual fiber intake. Experimental measures of gut microbial SCFA production for each participant also negatively correlated with fiber consumption, supporting a model in which individuals' gut microbiota are limited in their overall capacity to produce fecal SCFAs from fiber. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support developing personalized prebiotic regimens that focus on selecting individuals who stand to benefit, and that such individuals are likely to be deficient in fiber intake. Video Abstract.
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Effects of Cuisine-Based Chinese Heart-Healthy Diet in Lowering Blood Pressure Among Adults in China: Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized, Parallel Controlled Feeding Trial.
Wang, Y, Feng, L, Zeng, G, Zhu, H, Sun, J, Gao, P, Yuan, J, Lan, X, Li, S, Zhao, Y, et al
Circulation. 2022;(4):303-315
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BACKGROUND More than one-fifth of the world's population consumes Chinese cuisines regularly, but no evidence-based healthy diets fitting the Chinese food culture are available for implementation. METHODS A multicenter, patient- and outcome assessor-blind, randomized feeding trial was conducted among 265 participants with 130 to 159 mm Hg baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) for 4 major Chinese cuisines (Shangdong, Huaiyang, Cantonese, Szechuan). After a 7-day run-in period on a control diet matching the usual local diets, participants were randomized to continue with the control diet or the cuisine-based Chinese heart-healthy diet for another 28 days. The primary outcome was SBP, and secondary outcomes included diastolic blood pressure and food preference score. Linear regression models were used to estimate the intervention effects and adjustments for the center. The incremental cost per 1 mm Hg reduction in SBP was also calculated. RESULTS A total of 265 participants were randomized (135 on the Chinese heart-healthy diet and 130 on the control diet), with 52% women, mean age of 56.5±9.8 years, and mean SBP and diastolic blood pressure of 139.4±8.3 and 88.1±8.0 mm Hg, respectively, at baseline. The change in SBP and diastolic blood pressure from baseline to the end of the study in the control group was -5.0 (95% CI, -6.5 to -3.5) mm Hg and -2.8 (95% CI, -3.7 to -1.9) mm Hg, respectively. The net difference of change between the 2 groups in SBP and diastolic blood pressure were -10.0 (95% CI, -12.1 to -7.9) mm Hg and -3.8 (95% CI, -5.0 to -2.5) mm Hg, respectively. The effect size did not differ among cuisines (P for interaction=0.173). The mean food preference score was 9.5 (with 10 the best preferred) at baseline, and the net change during intervention was 0.1 (95% CI, -0.1 to 0.2; P=0.558). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per 1 mm Hg SBP reduction was CNY 0.4 (USD 0.06) per day. No difference in the number of adverse events was found between the 2 groups (P=0.259), and none of the adverse events was associated with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The Chinese heart-healthy diet is effective, palatable, and cost-effective in reducing blood pressure in Chinese adults with high blood pressure, with a clinically significant effect applicable across major Chinese cuisine cultures. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT03882645.
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Lifestyle modification and cognitive function among individuals with resistant hypertension: cognitive outcomes from the TRIUMPH trial.
Smith, PJ, Sherwood, A, Hinderliter, AL, Mabe, S, Watkins, LL, Craighead, L, Ingle, K, Tyson, C, Avorgbedor, F, Lin, PH, et al
Journal of hypertension. 2022;(7):1359-1368
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BACKGROUND Resistant hypertension is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline, stroke, and dementia. Lifestyle modification has been suggested to improve cognitive function through its salutary effects on vascular function. METHODS Participants included 140 patients with resistant hypertension participating in the TRIUMPH trial. Participants were randomized to a cardiac rehabilitation-based lifestyle program (C-LIFE) or a standardized education and physician advice condition (SEPA). Participants completed a 45-min cognitive test battery consisting of tests of Executive Functioning and Learning, Memory, and Processing Speed. Biomarkers of vascular [flow mediated dilation of the brachial artery (FMD)], microvascular, and cerebrovascular function were also collected, in addition to weight, fitness, and ambulatory blood pressure. RESULTS Participants averaged 63 years of age, 48% women, 59% black, and obese [mean BMI = 36 kg/m 2 (SD = 4)]. Cognitive performance improved across the entire cohort during the 4-month trial [ t -scores pretreatment = 48.9 (48, 50) vs. posttreatment = 50.0 (49, 51), P < 0.001]. Postintervention Executive Function/Learning composite performance was higher for participants in C-LIFE compared to SEPA ( d = 0.37, P = 0.039). C-LIFE intervention effects on Memory and Processing Speed were moderated by sex and baseline stroke risk, respectively ( P = 0.026 and P = 0.043 for interactions), such that males and participants with greater stroke risk showed the greatest cognitive changes. FMD [C-LIFE: +0.3% (-0.3, 1.0) vs. SEPA -1.4% (-2.5, -0.3), P = 0.022], and microvascular function [C-LIFE: 97 (65, 130) vs. SEPA 025 (-75, 23), P < 0.001] were improved in C-LIFE compared with SEPA, whereas cerebrovascular reactivity was not [C-LIFE: -0.2 (-0.4, 0) vs. SEPA 0.1 (-0.2, 0.4), P = 0.197). Mediation analyses suggested that increased executive function/learning was associated with reduced ambulatory SBP levels secondary to weight loss [indirect effect: B = 0.25 (0.03, 0.71)]. CONCLUSION Lifestyle modification individuals with resistant hypertension improves cognition, which appeared to be associated with reduced ambulatory SBP changes through weight loss. Cognitive improvements were accompanied by parallel improvements in endothelial and microvascular function.