Development and Validation of a Brief Instrument to Measure Knowledge About the Energy Content of Meals.

Objective: To develop and validate a brief scale to assess knowledge about the energy content of meals for adults in Switzerland.

Methods: Based on a random sample, the scale was developed using a Rasch model approach. To assess validity and reliability, the model was replicated and scores were compared with another nutrition knowledge measure and with dietitian trainees' scores.

Consumers' practical understanding of healthy food choices: a fake food experiment.

Little is known about laypeople's practical understanding of a healthy diet, although this is important to successfully promote healthy eating. The present study is the first to experimentally examine how consumers define healthy and balanced food choices for an entire day compared with normal choices and compared with dietary guidelines. We used an extensive fake food buffet (FFB) with 179 foods commonly consumed in the Swiss diet.

Measuring practical knowledge about balanced meals: development and validation of the brief PKB-7 scale.

Background/objectives: As a high-quality diet is associated with a lower risk for several diseases and all-cause mortality, current nutrition education tools provide people with information regarding how to build a healthy and a balanced meal. To assess this basic nutrition knowledge, the research aim was to develop and validate a brief scale to measure the Practical Knowledge about Balanced meals (PKB-7).

Subjects/methods: A pool of 25 items was pretested with experts and laypeople before being tested on a random sample in Switzerland (n=517).

Man versus Machine: Comparison of Automated and Manual Methodologies for Measuring the QTc Interval: A Prospective Study.

Background: Electrocardiographic (ECG) safety evaluation is a required element of drug development. Performance characteristics of ECG measurement methodologies have rarely been studied prospectively.

Methods: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 24 subjects to evaluate effects of moxifloxacin on the Fridericia rate-corrected QT (QTcF) interval.