Not as bad as you think: a comparison of the nutrient content of best price and brand name food products in Switzerland.

Several studies have shown that low-cost foods have an equivalent nutrient composition compared to high-cost foods, but such information is lacking in Switzerland. Thus, we compared the caloric and nutrient content of "best price" (BPF) and brand name foods (BNF) in Switzerland using the version 5.0 (April 2015) of the Swiss Food and Nutrient composition database. Over 4000 processed food items were included and 26 food categories were compared regarding total energy, protein, fat and carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, sugar, fiber and sodium. BPF, namely core food categories like Bread, Red meat, White meat and Fish products, were 42%, 39%, 42% and 46% less expensive than their BNF equivalents, respectively. No differences were found between BPF and BNF regarding total energy and protein, fat and carbohydrates for most food categories. In the Cheese category, BPF had a lower caloric content than BNF [Median (interquartile range, IQR): 307 (249-355) vs. 365 (308-395) kcal/100 g, respectively, p < 0.001]; BPF also had lower fat and saturated fatty acid content but higher carbohydrate content than BNF (both p < 0.01). In the Creams and puddings group, BPF had lower fat 1.3 (0.9-1.7) vs. 6.0 (3.5-11.0) g/100 g and saturated fatty acid 0.6 (0.6-0.8) vs. 2.9 (2.3-6.0) g/100 g content than BNF (both p < 0.005). In the Tinned fruits and vegetables group, BPF had lower sodium content than BNF: 175 (0-330) vs. 370 (150-600) mg/100 g, p = 0.006. BPF might be a reasonable and eventually healthier alternative of BNF for economically deprived people in Switzerland

Impact of nutritional risk screening in hospitalized patients on management, outcome and costs: A retrospective study.

Hospitalized patients should be screened for nutritional risk and adequately managed. Being nutritionally 'at-risk' increases in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and costs, but the impact on actual costs has seldom been assessed. We aimed to determine nutritional risk screening and management in a Swiss university hospital. The impact of being nutritionally 'at-risk' on in-hospital mortality, LOS and costs was also assessed. Retrospective analysis of administrative data for years 2013 and 2014 from the department of internal medicine of the Lausanne university hospital (8541 hospitalizations, mean age 72.8 ± 16.5 years, 50.4% women). Being nutritionally 'at-risk' was defined as a Nutritional risk screening-2002 score ≥ 3 and nutritional managements were collected from medical records. Screening increased from 16.5% in 2013 to 41.9% in 2014 (p < 0.001), while prevalence of 'at-risk' patients remained stable (64.6% in 2013 and 62.7% in 2014, p = 0.37). Prevalence of 'at-risk' patients was highest in patients with cancer (85.3% in 2013 and 70.2% in 2014) and lowest in patients with disease of skin (42% in 2013 and 44.8% in 2014). Less than half of patients 'at-risk' received any nutritional management, and this value decreased between 2013 and 2014 (46.9% vs. 40.3%, p < 0.05). After multivariate adjustment, 'at-risk' patients had a 3.7-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.91; 7.03) higher in-hospital mortality and higher costs (excess 5642.25 ± 1479.80 CHF in 2013 and 5529.52 ± 847.02 CHF in 2014, p < 0.001) than 'not at-risk' patients, while no difference was found for LOS. Despite an improvement in screening, management of nutritionally 'at-risk' patients is not totally covered yet. Being nutritionally 'at-risk' affects three in every five patients and is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization costs

Estimation of malnutrition prevalence using administrative data: Not as simple as it seems.

Estimation of malnutrition prevalence using administrative data: Not as simple as it seem

Perceived barriers to healthy eating and adherence to dietary guidelines: Nationwide study.

People report many barriers that prevent them from achieving a healthy diet. Whether perceived barriers are associated with dietary behavior remains unclear. To assess the association between barriers to healthy eating and adherence to the Swiss dietary guidelines. Cross-sectional data from the Swiss Health Survey 2012 (N = 15,450; 53% women). Barriers included price, daily habits, taste, gluttony, lack of time, lack of willpower, limited options in restaurants, in supermarkets, no social support, and social opposition. The associations between barriers and adherence to Swiss dietary guidelines were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Daily habits (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval: 0.91; 0.85-0.98) and taste (0.85; 0.79-0.91) were associated with lower adherence to the guidelines for fruits, while price (1.13; 1.06-1.21) and limited options in restaurants (1.33; 1.23-1.45) and in supermarkets (1.18; 1.03-1.35) were associated with higher adherence. Taste was associated with lower adherence to the guidelines for vegetables (0.72; 0.66-0.78), while price (1.20; 1.11-1.30), gluttony (1.17; 1.04-1.31), social group opposition (1.48; 1.18-1.85) and limited options in restaurants (1.56; 1.42-1.72) and in supermarkets (1.25; 1.07-1.47) were associated with higher adherence. Daily habits (0.82; 0.75-0.90), time (0.86; 0.78-0.94), lack of willpower (0.78; 0.70-0.87), and gluttony (0.86; 0.76-0.98) were associated with lower adherence to the guidelines for fish, whereas price (1.09; 1.01-1.19), and limited options in restaurants (1.26; 1.14-1.39) and supermarkets (1.40; 1.20-1.63) were associated with higher adherence. Daily habits (0.89; 0.82-0.97), taste (0.66; 0.61-0.72), lack of willpower (0.84; 0.76-0.92) and gluttony (0.66; 0.58-0.75) were associated with lower adherence to the guidelines for meat. Time (0.88; 0.78-0.99) was associated with lower adherence to the guidelines for dairy, while gluttony (1.26; 1.09-1.46) was associated with higher adherence. Daily habits was associated with lower adherence (0.91; 0.85-0.97) to the guidelines for liquids, while limited options in restaurants was associated with higher adherence (1.12; 1.03-1.22). In the Swiss adult population, several self-reported barriers to healthy eating appear to hinder adherence to the dietary guidelines, while other commonly reported barriers are linked to higher adherence

Adherence to hospital nutritional status monitoring and reporting guidelines.

Despite the widespread existence of guidelines regarding undernutrition monitoring and reporting, there is scarce information whether they are followed. We aimed to evaluate the adherence to guidelines regarding undernutrition monitoring and reporting as well as their determinants in a university hospital. Retrospective analysis of discharged patients with data on Nutritional Risk Screening score (NRS-2002) from the department of internal medicine of the Lausanne University Hospital for years 2013-14. Adherence to the hospital monitoring guidelines, i.e.: 1) discharged patients with NRS-2002 score≥3 should have prealbumin levels measured, and 2) discharged patients with prealbumin levels<0.20 g/l should be rechecked 7 days afterwards, was assessed. Reporting of nutritionally 'at-risk' status in the discharge letter was also assessed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine potential determinants of adherence to guidelines. Of the 2,539 discharged patients with NRS-2002 data, 1,605 (63.0%) were nutritionally 'at-risk'. Complete adherence to the monitoring guideline was observed in 238 (14.8%) of 'at-risk' patients. After multivariable analysis, adherence to the first step of monitoring guideline was associated with older age (≥ 80 years) [OR (95% CI): 2.03 (1.29-3.18)], high comorbidity index [1.36 (1.05-1.77)], and nutritional management [5.57 (4.38-7.07)]. Nutritional management was also associated with adherence to the second step of monitoring [3.98 (2.33-6.78)]. Adherence to the reporting guideline was observed in 343 (21.4%) of 'at-risk' patients. Multivariable analysis showed that adherence to the reporting guideline was associated with NRS-2002 score>4 [1.97 (1.47-2.64)], nutritional management [3.80 (2.85-5.07)], and adherence to the monitoring guideline [3.33 (2.35-4.71)]. Our results show a poor adherence to guidelines regarding undernutrition monitoring and reporting, possibly due to lack of training, staff, and time

Undernutrition is associated with increased financial losses in hospitals.

Undernutrition is associated with increased hospital costs. Whether these increased costs are totally compensated by third payer systems has not been assessed. We aimed to assess the differences between actual and reimbursed hospital costs according to presence/absence of nutritional risk, defined by a Nutritional risk screening-2002 (NRS-2002) score ≥3. Retrospective study. Administrative data for years 2013 and 2014 of the department of internal medicine of the Lausanne university hospital. The data included total and specific costs (i.e. clinical biology, treatments, pathology). Reimbursed costs were based on the Swiss Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) system. 2200 admissions with NRS-2002 data were included (mean age 76 years, 53.9% women), 1398 (63.6%) of which were considered nutritionally 'at-risk'. After multivariate adjustment, patients nutritionally 'at-risk' had higher costs (multivariate-adjusted difference ± standard error: 34,206 ± 1246 vs. 22,214 ± 1666 CHF, p < 0.001) and higher reimbursements (26,376 ± 1105 vs. 17,783 ± 1477 CHF, p < 0.001). Still, the latter failed to cover the costs, leading to a deficit between costs and reimbursements of 7831 ± 660 CHF in patients 'at-risk' vs. 4431 ± 881 in patients 'not at-risk' (p < 0.003). Being nutritionally 'at-risk' also led to a lower likelihood of complete coverage of costs: multivariate-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval 0.77 (0.62-0.97). Patients 'at-risk' had lower percentage of total costs in medical interventions, food, imaging and "other", but the absolute differences were less than 2%. Hospital costs of patients nutritionally 'at-risk' are less well reimbursed than of patients 'not at-risk'. Better reporting of undernutrition in medical records and better reimbursement of undernourished patients is needed

Description of Ultra-Processed Food Intake in a Swiss Population-Based Sample of Adults Aged 18 to 75 Years.

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with lower diet quality and several non-communicable diseases. Their consumption varies between countries/regions of the world. We aimed to describe the consumption of UPFs in adults aged 18-75 years living in Switzerland. We analysed data from the national food consumption survey conducted among 2085 participants aged 18 to 75 years. Foods and beverages resulting from two 24-h recalls were classified as UPFs or non-UPFs according to the NOVA classification, categorized into 18 food groups, and linked to the Swiss Food Composition Database. Overall, the median energy intake [P25-P75] from UPFs was 587 kcal/day [364-885] or 28.7% [19.9-38.9] of the total energy intake (TEI). The median intake of UPFs relative to TEI was higher among young participants (<30 years, p = 0.001) and those living in the German-speaking part of Switzerland (p = 0.002). The food groups providing the most ultra-processed calories were confectionary, cakes & biscuits (39.5% of total UPF kcal); meat, fish & eggs (14.9%); cereal products, legumes & potatoes (12.5%), and juices & soft drinks (8.0%). UPFs provided a large proportion of sugars (39.3% of total sugar intake), saturated fatty acids (32.8%), and total fats (31.8%) while providing less than 20% of dietary fibre. Consumption of UPFs accounted for nearly a third of the total calories consumed in Switzerland. Public health strategies to reduce UPF consumption should target sugary foods/beverages and processed meat

The association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and hepatic steatosis: cross-sectional analysis of two independent studies, the UK Fenland Study and the Swiss CoLaus Study.

The risk of hepatic steatosis may be reduced through changes to dietary intakes, but evidence is sparse, especially for dietary patterns including the Mediterranean diet. We investigated the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and prevalence of hepatic steatosis. Cross-sectional analysis of data from two population-based adult cohorts: the Fenland Study (England, n = 9645, 2005-2015) and CoLaus Study (Switzerland, n = 3957, 2009-2013). Habitual diet was assessed using cohort-specific food frequency questionnaires. Mediterranean diet scores (MDSs) were calculated in three ways based on adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pyramid, dietary cut-points derived from a published review, and cohort-specific tertiles of dietary consumption. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by abdominal ultrasound and fatty liver index (FLI) in Fenland and by FLI and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) score in CoLaus. FLI includes body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and triglyceride; NAFLD includes diabetes, fasting insulin level, fasting aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), and AST/alanine transaminase ratio. Associations were assessed using Poisson regression. In Fenland, the prevalence of hepatic steatosis was 23.9% and 27.1% based on ultrasound and FLI, respectively, and in CoLaus, 25.3% and 25.7% based on FLI and NAFLD score, respectively. In Fenland, higher adherence to pyramid-based MDS was associated with lower prevalence of hepatic steatosis assessed by ultrasound (prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval), 0.86 (0.81, 0.90) per one standard deviation of MDS). This association was attenuated [0.95 (0.90, 1.00)] after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). Associations of similar magnitude were found for hepatic steatosis assessed by FLI in Fenland [0.82 (0.78, 0.86)] and in CoLaus [0.85 (0.80, 0.91)], and these were also attenuated after adjustment for BMI. Findings were similar when the other two MDS definitions were used. Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower prevalence of hepatic steatosis, largely explained by adiposity. These findings suggest that an intervention promoting a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of hepatic steatosis

Investigation of dosimetry in four human head models for planar monopole antenna with a coupling feed for LTE/WWAN/WLAN internal mobile phone

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) within the human head model exposed to the radiation of planar monopole antenna with T-shaped coupling feed and an inductive shorting strip. The presented design has a compact structure, a planar configuration and occupying a small size of 36×20mm2. Two wide bands can be generated by the proposed antenna 546 MHz (734-1280 MHz) and 1066 MHz (1934-3000 MHz) for the LTE/WWAN/WLAN internal mobile phone. The antenna performance parameters comprising return loss, radiation patterns, and gain are discussed. In this research work four different human head models have been implemented: homogenous spherical head, spherical seven layer model, Specific Anthropomorphic Mannequin (SAM) phantom and HUGO human head model. On the other hand the effects of operating frequency and gap distance between the mobile phone antenna and the human head model on distributions of the SAR inside the human head are investigated. All the simulations are done for three different distances between the antenna and the head model (5 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm). Moreover, the SAR levels for the head tissues are calculated in accordance to the two currently accepted standards: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)

Prospective multicenter assessment of patient preferences for properties of gadolinium-based contrast media and their potential socioeconomic impact in a screening breast MRI setting

Objective: It is unknown how patients prioritize gadolinium-based contrast media (GBCM) benefits (detection sensitivity) and risks (reactions, gadolinium retention, cost). The purpose of this study is to measure preferences for properties of GBCM in women at intermediate or high risk of breast cancer undergoing annual screening MRI. Methods: An institutional reviewed board-approved prospective discrete choice conjoint survey was administered to patients at intermediate or high risk for breast cancer undergoing screening MRI at 4 institutions (July 2018-March 2020). Participants were given 15 tasks and asked to choose which of two hypothetical GBCM they would prefer. GBCMs varied by the following attributes: sensitivity for cancer detection (80-95%), intracranial gadolinium retention (1-100 molecules per 100 million administered), severe allergic-like reaction rate (1-19 per 100,000 administrations), mild allergic-like reaction rate (10-1000 per 100,000 administrations), out-of-pocket cost ($25-$100). Attribute levels were based on published values of existing GBCMs. Hierarchical Bayesian analysis was used to derive attribute "importance." Preference shares were determined by simulation. Results: Response (87% [247/284]) and completion (96% [236/247]) rates were excellent. Sensitivity (importance = 44.3%, 95% confidence interval = 42.0-46.7%) was valued more than GBCM-related risks (mild allergic-like reaction risk (19.5%, 17.9-21.1%), severe allergic-like reaction risk (17.0%, 15.8-18.1%), intracranial gadolinium retention (11.6%, 10.5-12.7%), out-of-pocket expense (7.5%, 6.8-8.3%)). Lower income participants placed more importance on cost and less on sensitivity (p < 0.01). A simulator is provided that models GBCM preference shares by GBCM attributes and competition. Conclusions: Patients at intermediate or high risk for breast cancer undergoing MRI screening prioritize cancer detection over GBCM-related risks, and prioritize reaction risks over gadolinium retention. Key points: • Among women undergoing annual breast MRI screening, cancer detection sensitivity (attribute "importance," 44.3%) was valued more than GBCM-related risks (mild allergic reaction risk 19.5%, severe allergic reaction risk 17.0%, intracranial gadolinium retention 11.6%, out-of-pocket expense 7.5%). • Prospective four-center patient preference data have been incorporated into a GBCM choice simulator that allows users to input GBCM properties and calculate patient preference shares for competitor GBCMs. • Lower-income women placed more importance on out-of-pocket cost and less importance on cancer detection (p < 0.01) when prioritizing GBCM properties