ORCID Profile
0000-0002-3709-7892
Current Organisation
The University of Hong Kong
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-05-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-10779-9
Abstract: Cardiovascular fitness has been associated with both executive function and academic achievement in multiple cohort studies including children and adolescents. However, research is scarce among children from low- and middle-income countries. Hence, this paper focuses on South African primary schoolchildren living in marginalized areas and examines if academic achievement and inhibitory control can be explained by children’s age, socioeconomic status, soil-transmitted helminth infections, food insecurity, stunting, grip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The s le of this cross-sectional study consisted of 1277 children (48% girls, mean age: 8.3 years). Data were assessed via questionnaires, stool s les, anthropometric measurements, 20 m shuttle run test, grip strength test, Flanker task, and school grades. Data were analysed with mixed linear regression models with random intercepts for school classes, separately for boys and girls. Higher socioeconomic status was most closely associated with academic achievement among boys ( p 0.05), whereas higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and not being stunted explained most variance in academic achievement in girls ( p 0.05). Higher age turned out to be associated with better performance in the Flanker task ( p 0.01). Additionally, in boys, higher grip strength was associated with better information processing and inhibitory control of attention ( p 0.01), whereas in girls, higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels were positively associated with these cognitive abilities ( p 0.05). Academic performance has been shown to be compromised in schoolchildren living in marginalised areas, compared to schoolchildren in less disadvantaged parts of South Africa. The present study suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength are two potentially modifiable factors that are associated with children’s academic achievement and cognitive performance, and that should be targeted in future school-based interventions.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2012
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 11-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2018
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 10-2012
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13063-019-3883-5
Abstract: In low- and middle-income countries, infectious diseases remain a key public health issue. Additionally, non-communicable diseases are a rapidly growing public health problem that impose a considerable burden on population health. One way to address this dual disease burden, is to incorporate (lifestyle) health promotion measures within the education sector. In the planned study, we will (i) assess and compare physical activity, physical fitness, micronutrient status, body composition, infections with soil-transmitted helminths, Schistosoma mansoni , malaria, inflammatory and cardiovascular health risk markers, cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and sleep in schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Tanzania. We will (ii) determine the bi- and multivariate associations between these variables and (iii) examine the effects of a school-based health intervention that consists of physical activity, multi-micronutrient supplementation, or both. Assuming that no interaction occurs between the two interventions (physical activity and multi-micronutrient supplementation), the study is designed as a cluster-randomised, placebo-controlled trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design. Data will be obtained at three time points: at baseline and at 9 months and 21 months after the baseline assessment. In each country, 1320 primary schoolchildren from grades 1–4 will be recruited. In each school, classes will be randomly assigned to one of four interventions: (i) physical activity (ii) multi-micronutrient supplementation (iii) physical activity plus multi-micronutrient supplementation and (iv) no intervention, which will serve as the control. A placebo product will be given to all children who do not receive multi-micronutrient supplementation. After obtaining written informed consent from the parents/guardians, the children will be subjected to anthropometric, clinical, parasitological and physiological assessments. Additionally, fitness tests will be performed, and children will be invited to wear an accelerometer device for 7 days to objectively assess their physical activity. Children infected with S. mansoni and soil-transmitted helminths will receive deworming drugs according to national policies. Health and nutrition education will be provided to the whole study population independently of the study arm allocation. The study builds on the experience and lessons of a previous study conducted in South Africa. It involves three African countries with different social-ecological contexts to investigate whether results are generalisable across the continent. The study was registered on August 9, 2018, with ISRCTN. 10.1186/ISRCTN29534081 .
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-09-2022
Abstract: Background: Over the past decades, childhood overweight has increased in many African countries. We examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body composition in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings. Methods: MVPA was measured via 7-day accelerometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis in 1090 learners (49.2% girls, Mage = 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The relationships between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with the various body composition indicators (body fat and fat-free mass [total, truncal, arms, and legs], bone mass, muscle mass, and body water) were tested with mixed linear regressions. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 6.6%, respectively 77.1% of the children engaged in ≥60 min of MVPA/day. Girls were more likely to be overweight/obese, to accumulate less than 60 min of MVPA/day, and had significantly higher relative body fat than boys (ps 0.001). Lower MVPA was associated with a higher likelihood of being overweight/obese, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water (ps 0.001). For lower sedentary behaviour, the associations with body composition pointed in the opposite direction. Conclusions: In this South African setting, girls are a particularly relevant target group for future physical activity interventions to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases in later life.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2019
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2008
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2022
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2013
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-04-2021
Abstract: Childhood stunting can have negative long-term consequences on cognitive development, academic achievement, and economic productivity later in life. We determined the prevalence of stunting and examined whether stunting and associated risk factors (low dietary ersity, insufficient hemoglobin, food insecurity, and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections) are associated with academic achievement and cognitive function among South African children living in marginalized communities. A cross-sectional s le of 1277 children (aged 5–12 years) was analyzed. Stunting was defined according to 2007 WHO growth references. Cognitive functioning was measured with the computerized Flanker task and academic performance via school grades. Blood and stool s les were collected to obtain hemoglobin level and STH infection. Dietary ersity was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Associations were examined via mixed linear regression (with school class as a random intercept). Nine percent of the children were stunted (95% CI: 7.6–10.8%). Low dietary ersity (β = 0.13, p = 0.004), food insecurity (β = −0.12, p = 0.034), and stunting (β = −0.13, p = 0.031) were associated with poorer end of the year results among girls. No such associations were found among boys. No significant associations were found for socioeconomic status and hemoglobin levels. The prevalence of stunting and STH infections were low in the present s le. Risk factors seem differently associated with girls’ and boys’ academic achievement. Promoting nutrition may help to promote academic achievement among girls living in low- and middle-income countries.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 06-2021
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 09-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2009
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 07-2022
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 20-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DTH.14360
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2020
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 03-2011
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 06-11-2020
DOI: 10.1093/ASJ/SJZ312
Abstract: Hyaluronic acid fillers have a satisfactory safety profile. However, adverse reactions do occur, and rarely intravascular injection may lead to blindness. Currently there is no internationally recognized consensus on the prevention or management of blindness from hyaluronic acid filler. The authors sought to give guidance on how to minimize the risk and optimize the management of this rare but catastrophic adverse reaction. A multinational group of experts in cosmetic injectables from multiple disciplines convened to review current best practice and develop updated consensus recommendations for prevention and bedside intervention if visual loss occurs after cosmetic injection of hyaluronic acid filler. The consensus group provided specific recommendations focusing on the consenting process, prevention, and early management of visual impairment related to intravascular hyaluronic acid filler injection. Although visual loss due to filler injections is rare, it is important that both patient and physician be aware of this risk. In this paper the authors describe methods and techniques available to reduce the risk and also document suggested initial management should a clinician find themselves in this situation.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 07-2018
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2010
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2008
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 19-08-2021
DOI: 10.3389/FPUBH.2021.671782
Abstract: Background: Physical inactivity and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are independent cardiovascular risk factors among children, but have rarely been investigated concurrently in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to compare physical activity (PA) and CRF of primary schoolchildren living in Côte d'Ivoire (CI), South Africa (ZA), and Tanzania (TZ), to test sex- and age-related differences, and to examine whether PA and CRF are associated with each other. Methods: Baseline data from an ongoing cluster-randomized controlled trial were used, including 499 children from CI (Taabo, 49% girls, M = 8.0 ± 1.6 years), 1,074 children from ZA (Gqeberha, 49% girls, M = 8.3 ± 1.4 years), and 593 children from TZ (Ifakara, 51% girls, M = 9.4 ± 1.7 years). PA was assessed by accelerometry and CRF by a 20 m shuttle-run test. The data were analyzed using multi-/univariate analyses of variance and mixed linear models. Results: Most children met recommendations put forward by the World Health Organization for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and achieved high CRF scores. In CI, 89.6% of the children met MVPA recommendations (boys: 91.7%, girls: 87.4%), whereas this rate was 76.9% in ZA (boys: 91.0%, girls: 62.4%), and 93.8% in TZ (boys: 95.5%, girls: 92.0%). Children from TZ had the highest CRF and MVPA levels, followed by children from CI and ZA. Boys had higher MVPA levels than girls, whereas girls engaged in more sedentary behavior. Sex differences were strongest in ZA. Sedentary behavior and MVPA were higher among older schoolchildren compared to their younger peers. Higher MVPA, but not sedentary behavior, was associated with better CRF. Conclusions: In all three settings, higher levels of MVPA were associated with higher CRF scores. Nevertheless, children living in the most urbanized setting (such as observed in ZA) were physically less active and had lower CRF than peers living in more rural areas (such as observed in CI and TZ). Particularly for girls, urbanization might increase the risk for insufficient MVPA, which may have negative effects on their CRF, thus negatively influencing health and well-being at later age.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-08-2021
DOI: 10.3390/NU13082735
Abstract: (1) Background: Early childhood malnutrition may result in increased fat mass (FM) among school-aged children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We explored whether South African children with shorter stature have greater overall and abdominal FM compared to normal stature children. (2) Methods: Baseline assessments of body composition and weight were determined among school-aged children enrolled in a randomized controlled trial in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multiple linear regression models tested associations of children’s height and degree of stunting with FM, fat free mass (FFM), truncal fat mass (TrFM), and truncal fat free mass (TrFFM) overall and by sex. (3) Results: A total of 1287 children (619 girls, 668 boys) were assessed at baseline. Reduced child height was associated with higher FM and lower FFM and TrFFM, but these associations were reversed with increases in height. Girls classified as mildly or moderately/severely stunted had higher FM and TrFM but lower FFM and TrFFM, while no association was found for boys. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that efforts to reduce the non-communicable disease burden in LMICs should target growth-impaired children who may have greater overall FM and greater abdominal FM.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-12-2014
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2020
Publisher: Human Kinetics
Date: 08-0100
Abstract: Background : Little is known whether physical activity (PA)-promoting environments are equally accessible to children with ergent socioeconomic status (SES) in low-/middle-income countries. The authors, therefore, examined whether South African children from poorer versus wealthier families living in marginalized communities differed in moderate to vigorous PA and cardiorespiratory fitness. We also tested associations between family car ownership and PA/cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods : Parents/guardians of 908 children (49% girls, mean age = 8.3 [1.4] y) completed a survey on household SES. PA was assessed via 7-day accelerometry, parental and child self-reports, and cardiorespiratory fitness with the 20-m shuttle run test. Results : Based on accelerometry, most children met current moderate to vigorous PA recommendations (≥60 min/d). About 73% of the children did not engage in structured physical education lessons. Whereas children of the lowest SES quintile accumulated higher levels of device-based moderate to vigorous PA, peers from the highest SES quintile engaged in more sedentary behaviors, but self-reported higher engagement in sports, dance, and moving games after school. Families’ car ownership was associated with higher parent/self-reported leisure-time PA. Conclusions : A deeper understanding is needed about why wealthier children are more sedentary, but simultaneously engage in more leisure-time PA. The fact that access to structural physical education is denied to most children is critical and needs to be addressed.
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 2007
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 15-05-2009
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-02-2021
Abstract: The coexistence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors has been reported in school-aged children from the age of nine years, but most evidence stems from high-income countries. This cross-sectional study aimed at describing the cardiovascular health risk, physical activity (PA) behavior and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels of South African primary schoolchildren, and at examining the associations between PA/CRF and a composite measure of cardiovascular risk. Cross-sectional data from 832 primary schoolchildren (grade 1–4) were analyzed. Total cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, body fat, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed as cardiovascular risk markers. Data were analyzed via mixed linear regressions and analyses of covariance. Overall, 24.2% of the participants did not meet current PA standards. Higher CRF/PA were associated with lower body fat and lower clustered cardiovascular risk (p 0.05). When categorizing children into CRF/PA quartiles, a lower clustered cardiovascular risk gradient was found in children with higher CRF (p 0.05) or PA (p 0.05). Our data shows that higher CRF/PA is associated with lower clustered cardiovascular risk already from a young age. Given that clustered cardiovascular risk present during childhood can track into adulthood, we advocate for PA participation and a healthy weight from a young age onwards.
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2023
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2019
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 06-2016
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 12-2017
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 2022
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 05-2019
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 04-2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2010
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2012
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 06-2012
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 12-2018
No related grants have been discovered for Tao Liu.