338 research outputs found
Trastuzumab beyond progression: a cost-utility analysis
Background: The continuation of trastuzumab beyond progression in combination with capecitabine as secondary chemotherapy for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) prolongs progression-free survival without a substantial increase in toxicity. Patients and methods: A Markov cohort simulation was used to follow the clinical course of typical patients with MBC. Information on response rates and major adverse effects was derived, and transition probabilities were estimated, based on the results of the Breast International Group 03-05 clinical trial. Direct costs were assessed from the perspective of the Swiss health care system. Results: The addition of trastuzumab to capecitabine is estimated to cost on average an additional of €33 980 and to yield a gain of 0.35 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €98 329/QALYs gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the willingness-to-pay threshold of €60 000/QALY was reached in 12% of cases. Conclusion: The addition of trastuzumab to capecitabine in MBC patients is more expensive than what is typically regarded as cost-effective but falls within the value ranges found for established regimens in the treatment of MB
Structural properties of crumpled cream layers
The cream layer is a complex heterogeneous material of biological origin
which forms spontaneously at the air-milk interface. Here, it is studied the
crumpling of a single cream layer packing under its own weight at room
temperature in three-dimensional space. The structure obtained in these
circumstances has low volume fraction and anomalous fractal dimensions. Direct
means and noninvasive NMR imaging technique are used to investigate the
internal and external structure of these systems.Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures, accepted in J. Phys. D: Appl. Phy
Rheological properties of oil-in-water emulsions prepared with oil and protein isolates from sesame (Sesamum Indicum)
Long-term frozen storage of wheat bread and dough – Effect of time, temperature and fibre on sensory quality, microstructure and state of water
Prevalence of potentially reversible dementias in a dementia outpatient clinic of a tertiary university-affiliated hospital in Brazil
Association between SNPs within candidate genes and compounds related to boar taint and reproduction
Is there a special mechanism behind the changes in somatic cell and polymorphonuclear leukocyte counts, and composition of milk after a single prolonged milking interval in cows?
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A single prolonged milking interval (PMI) e.g. after a technical stop in an automated milking system is of concern for the producer since it is associated with a short-lasting increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC), which is a major quality criterion used at the dairy plants. The content of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and how the milk quality is influenced has not been much investigated. The SCC peak occurs without any obvious antigen challenge, possibly indicating a different leukocyte attraction mechanism after a PMI than we see during mastitis.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Composite cow milk samples were taken at the milkings twice daily during 7 days before and 5 days after a PMI of 24 h. Milk was analyzed for SCC, PMN, fat, protein and lactose, and at some occasions also casein and free fatty acids (FFA).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>During the PMI the proportion of milk PMN increased sharply in spite of marginally increased SCC. The peak SCC was not observed until the second milking after the PMI, in the afternoon day 1. However, the peak SCC value in <it>morning </it>milk did not occur until one day later, concomitantly with a <it>decrease </it>in the proportion of PMN. After declining, SCC still remained elevated while PMN proportion was decreased throughout the study as was also the milk yield, after the first accumulation of milk during the PMI. Milk composition was changed the day after the PMI, (increased fat and protein content; decreased lactose, whey protein and FFA content) but the changes in the following days were not consistent except for lactose that remained decreased the rest of the study.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The PMI resulted in increased SCC and proportion of PMN. Additionally, it gave rise to minor alterations in the milk composition in the following milkings but no adverse effect on milk quality was observed. The recruitment of PMN, which was further enhanced the first day <it>after </it>the PMI, appeared to be independent of milk volume or accumulation of milk per se. Hence, we suggest that there is a special immunophysiological/chemoattractant background to the increased migration of leukocytes into the milk compartment observed during and after the PMI.</p
EQ-5D in Central and Eastern Europe : 2000-2015
Objective: Cost per quality-adjusted life year data are required for reimbursement decisions in many Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. EQ-5D is by far the most commonly used instrument to generate utility values in CEE. This study aims to systematically review the literature on EQ-5D from eight CEE countries. Methods: An electronic database search was performed up to July 1, 2015 to identify original EQ-5D studies from the countries of interest. We analysed the use of EQ-5D with respect to clinical areas, methodological rigor, population norms and value sets. Results: We identified 143 studies providing 152 country-specific results with a total sample size of 81,619: Austria (n=11), Bulgaria (n=6), Czech Republic (n=18), Hungary (n=47), Poland (n=51), Romania (n=2), Slovakia (n=3) and Slovenia (n=14). Cardiovascular (20%), neurologic (16%), musculoskeletal (15%) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic diseases (14%) were the most frequently studied clinical areas. Overall 112 (78%) of the studies reported EQ VAS results and 86 (60%) EQ-5D index scores, of which 27 (31%) did not specify the applied tariff. Hungary, Poland and Slovenia have population norms. Poland and Slovenia also have a national value set. Conclusions: Increasing use of EQ-5D is observed throughout CEE. The spread of health technology assessment activities in countries seems to be reflected in the number of EQ-5D studies. However, improvement in informed use and methodological quality of reporting is needed. In jurisdictions where no national value set is available, in order to ensure comparability we recommend to apply the most frequently used UK tariff. Regional collaboration between CEE countries should be strengthened
The effects of cow genetic group on the density of raw whole milk
peer reviewedThe density of milk is dependent upon various factors including temperature, processing conditions, and
animal breed. This study evaluated the effect of different cow genetic groups, Jersey, elite Holstein Friesians
(EHF), and national average Holstein Friesians (NAHF) on the compositional and physicochemical properties
of milk. Approximately 1,040 representative (morning and evening) milk samples (~115 per month during
9 mo) were collected once every 2 wk. Milk composition was determined with a Bentley Dairyspec instrument.
Data were analysed with a mixed linear model that included the fixed effects of sampling month, genetic
group, interaction between month and genetic group and the random effects of cow to account for repeated
measures on the same animal. Milk density was determined using three different analytical approaches –
a portable and a standard desktop density meter and 100 cm3 calibrated glass pycnometers. Milk density was
analysed with the same mixed model as for milk composition but including the analytical method as a fixed effect.
Jersey cows had the greatest mean for fat content (5.69 ± 0.13%), followed by EHF (4.81 ± 0.16%) and NAHF (4.30
± 0.15%). Milk density was significantly higher (1.0313 g/cm³ ± 0.00026, P < 0.05) for the milk of Jersey breed when
compared to the EHF (1.0304 ± 0.00026 g/cm³) and NAHF (1.0303 ± 0.00024 g/cm³) genetic groups. The results from
this study can be used by farmers and dairy processors alike to enhance accuracy when calculating the quantity
and value of milk solids depending upon the genetic merit of the animal/herd, and may also improve milk payment
systems through relating milk solids content and density
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