bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of vaccination with a quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Germany using a dynamic transmission model
Authors: Schobert Deniz , Remy Vanessa , Schoeffski Oliver 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Persistent infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) are a necessary cause of cervical cancer and are responsible for important morbidity in men and women. Since 2007, HPV vaccination has been recommended and funded for all girls aged 12 to 17 in Germany. A previously published cost-effectiveness analysis, using a static model, showed that a quadrivalent HPV vaccination programme for 12-year-old girls in Germany would be cost effective. Here we present the results from a dynamic transmission model that can be used to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of different vaccination schemas.

Methods
We adapted a HPV dynamic transmission model, which has been used in other countries, to the German context. The model was used to compare a cervical cancer screening only strategy with a strategy of combining vaccination of females aged 12–17 years old and cervical cancer screening, based on the current recommendations in Germany. In addition, the impact of increasing vaccination coverage in this cohort of females aged 12–17 years old was evaluated in sensitivity analysis.

Results
The results from this analysis show that the current quadrivalent HPV vaccination programme of females ages 12 to 17 in Germany is cost-effective with an ICER of 5,525€/QALY (quality adjusted life year). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) increased to 10,293€/QALY when the vaccine effects on HPV6/11 diseases were excluded. At steady state, the model predicted that vaccinating girls aged 12 to 17 could reduce the number of HPV 6/11/16/18-related cervical cancers by 65% and genital warts among women and men by 70% and 48%, respectively. The impact on HPV-related disease incidence and costs avoided would occur relatively soon after initiating the vaccine programme, with much of the early impact being due to the prevention of HPV6/11-related genital warts.

Conclusions
These results show that the current quadrivalent HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programmes in Germany will substantially reduce the incidence of cervical cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and genital warts. The evaluated vaccination strategies were all found to be cost-effective. Future analyses should include more HPV-related diseases.
Tumor Grade Is Associated With Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Cancer: Results From the Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study
Authors: Ahlbrecht Jonas , Dickmann Boris , Ay Cihan , Dunkler Daniela , Thaler Johannes , Schmidinger Manuela , Quehenberger Peter , Haitel Andrea , Zielinski Christoph , Pabinger Ingrid 
Published: September 2012

Purpose Patients with cancer are at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tumor-related factors could help estimate patients' individual risk for VTE. Currently, only scarce information on the association between tumor grade and VTE is available. We thus evaluated the role of tumor grade and its association with VTE. Patients and Methods The Vienna Cancer and Thrombosis Study is a prospective, observational cohort study including patients with newly diagnosed cancer or progression of disease after remission. Study end point is the occurrence of symptomatic VTE. Results Seven hundred forty-seven patients with solid tumors received follow-up for a median of 526 days. VTE occurred in 52 patients (7.0%). At study inclusion, 468 patients had low-grade tumors (G1 and G2) and 279 had high-grade tumors (G3 and G4). In multivariable Cox regression analysis including tumor grade, tumor histology, tumor sites, stage, sex, and age, patients with high-grade tumors had a significantly higher risk of VTE compared with those with low-grade tumors (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.5; P = .015). The cumulative probability of developing VTE after 6 months was higher in patients with high-grade tumors than in those with low-grade tumors (8.2% v 4.0%; log-rank test P = .037). Patients with high-grade tumors had higher D-dimer levels (P = .008) and leukocyte counts (P < .001), and lower hemoglobin levels (P = .008). Conclusion The tumor grade may help identify patients with cancer who are at high risk of VTE. The association of tumor grade with recently identified biomarkers indicates a link between tumor differentiation and pathogenesis of cancer-associated VTE.
Deregulated Expression ofEVI1Defines a Poor Prognostic Subset ofMLL-Rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemias: A Study of the German-Austrian Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study Group and the Dutch-Belgian-Swiss HOVON/SAKK Cooperative Group
Authors: Gröschel Stefan , Schlenk Richard F. , Engelmann Jan , Rockova Veronika , Teleanu Veronica , Kühn Michael W.M. , Eiwen Karina , Erpelinck Claudia , Havermans Marije , Lübbert Michael , Germing Ulrich , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G.H. , Beverloo H. Berna , Schuurhuis Gerrit J. , Ossenkoppele Gert J. , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Verdonck Leo F. , Vellenga Edo , Verhoef Gregor , Vandenberghe Peter , Pabst Thomas , Bargetzi Mario , Krauter Jürgen , Ganser Arnold , Valk Peter J.M. , Löwenberg Bob , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Delwel Ruud 
Published: September 2012

PurposeTo evaluate the prognostic value of ecotropic viral integration 1 gene (EVI1) overexpression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with MLL gene rearrangements.Patients and MethodsWe identified 286 patients with AML with t(11q23) enrolled onto German-Austrian Acute Myeloid Leukemia Study Group and Dutch-Belgian-Swiss Hemato-Oncology Cooperative Group prospective treatment trials. Material was available from 177 AML patients for EVI1 expression analysis.ResultsWe divided 286 MLL-rearranged AMLs into three subgroups: t(9;11)(p22;q23) (44.8%), t(6;11)(q27;q23) (14.7%), and t(v;11q23) (40.5%). EVI1 overexpression (EVI1+) was found in 45.8% of all patients with t(11q23), with t(6;11) showing the highest frequency (83.9%), followed by t(9;11) at 40.0%, and t(v;11q23) at 34.8%. Concurrent gene mutations were rare or absent in all three subgroups. Within all t(11q23) AMLs, EVI1+was the sole prognostic factor, predicting for inferior overall survival (OS; hazard ratio [HR], 2.06; P = .003), relapse-free survival (HR, 2.28; P = .002), and event-free survival (HR, 1.79; P = .009). EVI1+AMLs with t(11q23) in first complete remission (CR) had a significantly better outcome after allogeneic transplantation compared with other consolidation therapies (5-year OS, 54.7% v 0%; Mantel-Byar, P = .0006). EVI1−t(9;11) AMLs had lower WBC counts, more commonly FAB M5 morphology, and frequently had additional trisomy 8 (39.6%; P < .001). Among t(9;11) AMLs, EVI1+again was the sole independent adverse prognostic factor for survival.ConclusionDeregulated EVI1 expression defines poor prognostic subsets among AML with t(11q23) and AML with t(9;11)(p22;q23). Patients with EVI1+MLL-rearranged AML seem to benefit from allogeneic transplantation in first CR.
Disruptions of Global and Jagged1-Mediated Notch Signaling Affect Thyroid Morphogenesis in the Zebrafish
Authors: Porazzi Patrizia , Marelli Federica , Benato Francesca , de Filippis Tiziana , Calebiro Davide , Argenton Francesco , Tiso Natascia , Persani Luca 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the early steps of thyroid development are largely unknown. In search for novel candidate genes implicated in thyroid function, we performed a gene expression analysis on thyroid cells revealing that TSH regulates the expression of several elements of the Notch pathway, including the ligand Jagged1. Because the Notch pathway is involved in cell-fate determination of several foregut-derived endocrine tissues, we tested its contribution in thyroid development using the zebrafish, a teleost model recapitulating the mammalian molecular events during thyroid development. Perturbing the Notch signaling (e.g. mib mutants, γ-secretase inhibition, or Notch intracellular domain overexpression), we obtained evidence that this pathway has a biological role during the earlier phases of thyroid primordium induction, limiting the number of cells that proceed to a specialized fate and probably involving actions from surrounding tissues. Moreover, we were able to confirm the expression of Jagged1 during different phases of zebrafish thyroid development, as well as in mouse and human thyroid tissues. The two orthologues to the single jagged1 gene (JAG1) in humans, jag1a and jag1b, are expressed with different spatiotemporal patterns in the developing zebrafish thyroid. Both jag1a and jag1b morphants, as well as jag1b mutant fish line, display thyroid hypoplasia and impaired T4 production; this thyroid phenotype was rescued by coinjection of human JAG1 mRNA. In conclusion, Notch pathway is involved in the early steps of thyroid morphogenesis, and Jagged1-Notch signal is required for zebrafish thyroid development and function. Thus, genetic alterations affecting the Notch pathway may confer susceptibility for thyroid dysgenesis.
A new model for quality improvement in acute inpatient psychiatry: observational data from an acute assessment unit
Authors: Hayes Joseph , Gibbons Rachel , Outim Faizal , Tang Sylvia , Chakraborty Apu 
Published: September 2012

Objectives There is little research into the constituents of effective psychiatric inpatient care. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a newly adopted model of inpatient care; the acute assessment ward. Design Review of data collected over a year-long period. Setting Acute assessment ward in North London. Participants All Admissions between 8 October 2009 and 7 October 2010. Main outcome measures Duration of stay, need for readmission, patient satisfaction and frequency of conflict behaviours. Results A total of 485 admissions over the yearlong study period. The median stay to discharge from the assessment ward was 6 days, whereas in those transferred it was 19 days. Readmission within 28 days following discharge from the assessment ward was 13.9%, whereas those discharged from other wards was 9.2% ( P = 0.1). Patient satisfaction was no lower, for all domains, than for other wards in the trust. Frequency of conflict behaviour was equal to previous studies, 1 but self harm was significantly less common ( P = 0.01). Conclusions Our data show that focusing on the ‘point of entry’ to inpatient services means that some admission times can be reduced without an increase in 28-day readmission rates or conflict behaviours. The acute assessment model attempts to address the need for the NHS to deliver more for less, whilst remaining focused on service-user and staff satisfaction. Research into which areas of this complex intervention are effective is challenging, but we would urge others who run services with novel structures to publish data about their functioning.
Intravenous fluid prescribing practices by foundation year one doctors – a questionnaire study
Authors: Lim Chung Thong , Dunlop Michael , Lim Chung Sim 
Published: September 2012

Objectives Foundation Year Ones (FY1s) are the most junior doctors in the UK who are often required to prescribe intravenous fluid to patients not under their regular care, during on-call or out-of-hours ward cover. This study aimed to investigate FY1s’ practice and decision-making process of intravenous fluid prescribing to these patients. Design Questionnaire survey. Setting Survey on Practices during on-calls and out-of-hours ward covers. Participants FY1s of five National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England and Scotland. Results All 149 FY1s responded to survey. Eighty-six percent have been taught intravenous fluid prescribing during medical school, compared with only 48% in FY1 induction. More than half always/often checked the patient's urea and electrolytes (U&Es) (72%), read the fluid balance (58%) and observation charts (80%), discussed the case with nursing staff (75%), enquired about oral status (82%), identified the main diagnosis/operation (75%) and indication for intravenous fluid (72%) of the patient when prescribing intravenous fluid. However, less than half often/always read the medical notes (43%) or performed clinical examinations on patients (16%). Most FY1s (94%) always/often checked patient's U&Es when prescribing potassium. Conclusions The questionnaire study demonstrated variations among FY1s in the practice and decision-making process of intravenous fluid prescribing to patients unknown to them, during on-calls or out-of-hours ward covers. Such variations in practice should be addressed especially by medical and foundation schools, and NHS hospitals to improve patient care.
Numerical Simulation of Effect of Internals on Slugging Fluidization and Analysis of Nonuniformity Index
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Yu Liang , Wang Jun 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The Two-Fluid Model (TFM) using the Kinetic Theory of Granular Flow (KTGF) was applied to simulate 3-D dense fluidized beds with different complex internals. The slugging fluidization was found in the simulated results. When the internals were placed into the reactors, the simulated results showed that the slugs were broken up and bubbling fluidization was formed instead of slugging fluidization. The formation, growth, size, and shape of bubbles were validated to ensure a reasonable prediction. Furthermore, the simulated pressure drop was compared with the corresponding experimental data from the dense fluidized beds with different complex internals, and good agreements were observed. Finally, the flow nonuniformity in the dense fluidized beds was evaluated by a developed method. This method extended Radial Nonuniformity Index (RNI) to Face Nonuniformity Index (FNI) and Volume Nonuniformity Index (VNI). From the calculated FNI and VNI, the fluidization quality of the fluidized beds was quantitatively judged as follows: No.3 > No.1> No.2 > No.4 > Without Internal.
Determination of the fatty acid profile of neutral lipids, free fatty acids and phospholipids in human plasma
Authors: Firl Nina , Kienberger Hermine , Hauser Teresa , Rychlik Michael 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:Knowledge of the fatty acid composition of lipid classes in human plasma is an important factor in the investigation of human metabolism. Therefore, a method for the analysis of neutral lipid (NL), phospholipid (PL) and free fatty acids (FFA) in human plasma has been developed and validated.Methods:Separation of lipid classes was carried out by solid phase extraction of the lipid extract. The fractions were transesterified and the resulting fatty acid methyl esters were determined by GC/FID. For the method to be validated, precision, detection and quantification limits, as well as recovery, were determined for combined lipid extraction, solid phase extraction and GC analysis.Results:The lipid extraction was miniaturized and simplified by application of an ultrasound ‘Sonotrode’. The resolution of lipid classes was optimized with appropriate standards added to a representative plasma sample. In addition, a rapid derivatization procedure using trimethylsulfoniumhydroxide was established. Low determination limits (1.5, 0.2 and 1.3 μg/g plasma for NL, PL and FFA, respectively) indicate that the method’s sensitivity is sufficient to quantify even minor components. Furthermore, recovery for NL and PL fatty acids was found to range from 80% to 110%. The results were similar for FFA apart from more polar free fatty acids due to their higher solubility in water. Repetitive measurements showed very good precision apart from the long chain PUFA for which the coefficients of variation were significantly higher.Conclusions:The present method is applicable to the quantitation of fatty acids in lipid classes of human plasma including several minor components.
CA125 reference values change in male and postmenopausal female subjects
Authors: Cartei Giuseppe , Cartei Francesco , Bertin Martina , Padoan Andrea , Zustovich Fable , Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Plebani Mario 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground:In cancer patients, including women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is used to evaluate the presence of peritoneal involvement. The aims of the present study were to assess CA125 reference intervals and reference change values (RCV) in postmenopausal reference women, postmenopausal women breast cancer free, reference men and cancer free men.Methods:The series consisted of 433 subjects: 105 postmenopausal breast cancer free women and 56 cancer free men in addition to a total of 272 reference subjects (145 postmenopausal women and 127 men). Repeated CA125 measurements were made in a subset of 149 women and 54 men to calculate RCV and index of individuality. Serum CA125 levels were evaluated by a chemiluminescent assay.Results:In postmenopausal reference women, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentiles were 6.70, 2.60–11.00 kU/L, respectively, with a unidirectional RCV of 38.4%. In postmenopausal breast cancer free women, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentile were 7.45, 4.09–10.92 kU/L, respectively, with a RCV of 34.5%. The difference between the means was statistically significant (t=–3.02, p=0.003). In the two male subgroups, the difference between the means for CA125 was not statistically significant (t=0.43, p=0.665). On considering the entire male population, the mean CA125 value and 2.5th–97.5th percentiles were 7.50 and 2.40–13.2 kU/L, respectively, while the unidirectional RCV was 34.3%. In all the studied groups, the indices of individuality were equal to or below 0.6.Conclusions:The extremely low index of individuality found underlines the importance of using the RCV instead of absolute values as a parameter when interpreting the CA125 data in the monitoring and follow-up of patients with ovarian cancer.
A common generalization of metric, ultrametric and topological fixed point theorems
Authors: Kuhlmann Katarzyna , Kuhlmann Franz-Viktor 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We present a general fixed point theorem which can be seen as the
quintessence of the principles of proof for Banach's fixed point
theorem, ultrametric and certain topological fixed point theorems. It
works in a minimal setting, not involving any metrics. We demonstrate
its applications to the metric, ultrametric and topological cases, and
to ordered abelian groups and fields.
Rapid microwave-assisted acid extraction of southern pine waste wood to remove metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treatment
Authors: Hse Chung Y. , Shupe Todd F. , Yu Bin 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Recovery of metals from chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated southern pine wood particles was investigated by extraction in a microwave reactor with binary combinations of acetic acid (AA), oxalic acid (OxA), and phosphoric acid (PhA). Use of OxA was not successful, as insoluble copper oxalate complexes impeded copper removal. The combination of OxA and AA also had adverse effects on copper extraction. In contrast, the combination of AA and PhA enhanced the chromium recovery rate. The highest recovery rate of metals could be achieved with a mixture of 2.75% PhA and 0.5% AA at 130°C for 10 min in the microwave oven. The total recovery rate approached 100% for arsenic, 96.7% for chromium, and 98.6% for copper in a one-step process.
Effect of Wood Biomass Addition on the Char Making Process of Waste Plastic for Controlling the Combustion Efficiency
Authors: Ito Y. , Hasegawa M. , Kashiwaya Y. , Iwase M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAfter Kyoto protocol, many companies and institutions in the industrialized countries focused on the energy saving and the utilization of waste heat and materials widely for reducing the CO2 emission. In such a circumstance, it is key technology for reducing CO2 emission by using the waste materials efficiently such as a plastic and wood biomass.In this paper, a method for improving the reactivity of plastic char using wood biomass was investigated. The XRD analysis was performed for elucidating the carbon structure change by addition of wood to PE (polyethylene) and reactivity test with O2 gas was carried out to clarify the reaction rates of the mixtures of PE and wood.It was found that the crystallization degree of char decreased continuously with the addition of wood to polyethylene, which meant that the reactivity of polyethylene char increased.
The Rate of Boron Removal from Molten Silicon by CaO-SiO2 Slag and Cl2 Treatment
Authors: Nishimoto Hiroshi , Kang Youngjo , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Morita Kazuki 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIn order to optimize a boron removal process by slag refining to obtain solar grade silicon, the rate of boron removal from molten silicon using CaO-SiO2 slag was investigated at 1823 K in an Ar atmosphere. The rate of boron removal was found to be controlled by mass transfer in molten slags, and the mass-transfer coefficient of boron in molten slag in the present experimental condition was evaluated. Some experiments on chlorination of boron in silicon and that of borate in slag using Cl2 gas were also carried out. Experimental results showed that the slag refining process with chlorination was proposed as a promising method for the boron removal from molten silicon.
Advances in Transient-Liquid-Phase Bonding of Ultra-high Temperature ZrC Ceramics
Authors: Sciti Diletta , Silvestroni Laura , Esposito Laura , Nakashima Kunihiko , Saito Noritaka , Yamaoka Yoshinori , Glaeser Andreas M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFull exploitation of the many attractive engineering properties of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) requires that they can be joined. This paper explores progress in identifying joining strategies based on the use of transient liquid phases (TLPs). Wetting studies are used to explore the suitability of specific liquids for joining, while bonding studies provide the ultimate test. Sintering aids in the UHTC provide a major potential obstacle to successful joining, and dissolved impurities in the TLP can also complicate the joining process. Nonetheless, we show that well-bonding interfaces can be achieved when ZrC ceramics are bonded at 1673 K using a Ni/Nb/Ni multilayer interlayer.
Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis of La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 Perovskites for Soot Combustion Catalyst
Authors: Hirano T. , Tosho T. , Watanabe T. , Akiyama T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 samples of perovskite-type oxides were synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) method. In this study, first, we synthesized B-site substituted perovskite-type oxides, LaMnxFe1−xO3. The SHS method successfully synthesized LaMnxFe1−xO3. The most active composition for soot combustion among synthesized samples of LaMnxFe1−xO3 was x = 0.4, LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3, from model-soot combustion experiment with TG/DTA analysis. We then examined the effect of A-site substitution by Sr on LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 perovskite. The SHS of La1−xSrxMn0.4Fe0.6O3 was successfully ignited, propagated and completed. XRD peaks of perovskite-type oxide phase was detected in all the synthesized La1−xSrxMn0.4Fe0.6O3 but unreacted material, SrCO3, was also detected in the sample above x = 0.6 from XRD analysis. The soot combustion activity of Sr-doped LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 was not enhanced according to the impurity in the samples. The most active composition among synthesized samples of La1−xSrxMnyFe1−yO3 was LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 which exhibited lower activation energy than conventional Pt/Al2O3 catalyst, that is, LaMn0.4Fe0.6O3 synthesized by SHS method had superior soot combustion activity despite its relatively small specific area.