Individualised nutritional treatment increases the positive effects of a novel á la carte hospital food service concept: Results of a quasi-experimental study.

Background & Aims: One-third of hospitalised patients are at nutritional risk, and limited choice regarding meals and meal times, and inadequate nutritional support may contribute to inadequate nutritional intake during hospitalisation. The aim was to test the effect of a novel á la carte hospital food service concept as a stand-alone intervention and combined with individualised nutritional treatment.

Methods: Medical inpatients at nutritional risk were recruited for this three-arm quasi-experimental study.

Characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 convalescent plasma donors and donations in the New York metropolitan area.

Background: Convalescent plasma (CP) is an important initial treatment in pandemics and the New York (NY) metropolitan area is likely to remain a hotspot for collection and distribution of such units. This study reports characteristics of coronavirus disease 19 CP (CCP) donors and their donations to the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

Study Design And Methods: All CCP data from our first day of collection on March 26th through July 7th, 2020 are included in this retrospective analysis.

Validation of reaction time as a measure of cognitive function and quality of life in healthy subjects and patients.

Objective: Malnutrition is a common problem in hospitalized patients and is related to decreased cognitive function and impaired quality of life (QoL). We investigated the validity of reaction time as a simple bedside tool for measuring cognitive function in healthy subjects and patients, and additionally the relationships with QoL and malnutrition in patients.

Methods: Healthy subjects (N = 130) were assessed for simple and complex reaction time and cognitive function (Addenbrooke cognitive examination, ACE).

Validation of handgrip strength and endurance as a measure of physical function and quality of life in healthy subjects and patients.

Objective: Handgrip strength (HGS) is often used as a bedside measurement of muscle function in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which HGS, endurance, and work (force during endurance x time) are related to physical function as measured by mobility and physical activity (PA) in young, healthy volunteers. Further, the relations between HGS, mobility, PA and quality of life (QoL) in patients were investigated.

Effects of alginate composition on the metabolic, secretory, and growth characteristics of entrapped beta TC3 mouse insulinoma cells.

The effects of alginate composition on cell growth as well as the metabolic and secretory profile of transformed beta-cells entrapped in alginate/poly-L-lysine/alginate (APA) solid beads were investigated following entrapment of beta TC3 mouse insulinoma cells in alginate composed of either high mannuronic acid or high guluronic acid residues. Entrapped cultures were maintained in spinner flasks for 40-60 days. The pattern of cell growth and the overall rates of glucose consumption and insulin secretion were investigated.