Data verification and sensitivity analysis of statistical analysis in bioequivalence studies / 药学实践杂志

Objective To sort out the key points, problems and countermeasures of data verification through data verification of statistical analysis in 18 bioequivalence studies, and provide reference for improving the statistical analysis reports of related research. Methods SAS and WinNonlin software was used to illustrate that whether the random number tables, main pharmacokinetic parameters and bioequivalence data could reproduce the corresponding results in the original statistical analysis reports. Results Among the 18 studies, sensitivity analysis was supplemented or re-performed for 5 studies due to sampling time deviation of individual subjects or adjustment of sensitivity data sets, resulting in differences in pharmacokinetic parameters from the original statistical analysis report, but same for the bioequivalence evaluation. Other verified data was consistent with the original statistical analysis reports. Conclusions The verification of statistical analysis data of bioequivalence studies is extremely important, and the problems found in this paper should be fully considered when writing such statistical analysis reports.

Analysis of pathogens and drug sensitivity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of children with severe community acquired pneumonia in Qingdao area / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To analyze the distribution and drug sensitivity of pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)of children with severe community acquired pneumonia(CAP)in Qingdao from 2018 to 2020.Methods:The clinical data of 482 children with severe CAP in Qingdao admitted to Women and Children′s Hospital of Qingdao University were collected.BALF was collected by bronchoscopy for detection of bacteria and mycoplasma.Results:(1)Bacterial infection was detected in 139 cases(27.84%), mycoplasma infection in 119 cases(24.69%), and virus infection in 141 cases(29.25%). (2)The detection rates of bacteria and virus infection in the 1-12 months old group were higher.The detection rate of mycoplasma pneumoniae was the highest in the group over 5 years old.(3)A total of 139 strains were positive in bacterial culture of lavage fluid under bronchoscope: 55 strains(39.57%) of gram-negative bacilli and 84 strains(60.43%) of gram-positive cocci.Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common gram-positive bacteria.Haemophilus influenzae was the most common gram-negative strain.(4)Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were highly sensitive to amoxicillin clavulanate potassium, vancomycin and linezolid.The resistance rate to erythromycin was high(100%). (5)Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were highly sensitive to meropenem and cefoperazone sulbactam.They were highly resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin and cefuroxime(>80%).Conclusion:Severe CAP in Qingdao area is mainly caused by virus and bacteria within 1 year old.Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is the main cause of children over 5 years old.Respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and parainfluenza virus are main causes of virus infection.Streptococcus pneumoniae and haemophilus influenzae are the main pathogens, which are more sensitive to vancomycin, linezolid, meropenem and cefoperazone sulbactam, but resistant to erythromycin and amoxicillin.

Patient treatment cost of oral diseases in Ghana

Objectives: To estimate patient treatment cost of oral diseases in Ghana Design: A cross-sectional study design using cost-of-illness analysis was employed Setting: The study was conducted at the dental unit of the University of Ghana Hospital, Legon Participants: About185 patients attending the dental unit of the hospital were selected Interventions: None Main outcome measures: Direct medical and non-medical costs, indirect costs, and intangible costs of treatment of oral conditions Results: The estimated average cost of treatment for oral diseases was US$ 35.75. The total cost was US$ 6,614.11, with the direct and indirect costs constituting 94.5% and 5.5%, respectively of the total cost. Direct medical costs constituted 86.9%, while direct non-medical costs constituted 13.1% of the total direct cost. The richer socio-economic group had the highest cost per quintile, with a mean of US$ 46.69. The intangible cost described was highest for pain (47.1%), followed by difficulty in eating (40.8%) and sleeping (34.6%) for both men and women. Conclusion: The costs of oral diseases are huge and cannot be overlooked. Oral diseases also pose significant productivity losses to patients

Exploring early prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak based on system dynamics model analysis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To explore early prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） outbreak based on system dynamics model analysis. The data of early outbreak of COVID-19 were collected from the World Health Organization，covering countries of the China，United States，United Kingdom，Australia，Serbia and Italy. The susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered （SEIR） model was generalized and then its parameters were optimized. According to the parameters in the basic infection number expression，the sensitivity in the system dynamics model was used to quantitatively analyze the influence of the protection rate，infection rate and average quarantine time on the early spread of the outbreak. Based on the analysis results，targeted prevention and control measures for the early outbreak of COVID-19 were proposed. The generalized SEIR model had a good fit for the early prediction and evaluation of COVID-19 outbreaks in six countries. The spread of COVID-19 was mainly affected by the protection rate，infection rate and average quarantine time. The improvement of the protection rate in the first ays was the most important:the greater the protection rate，the fewer the number of confirmed cases. The infection rate in the first 5 days was the most critical:the smaller the infection rate，the fewer the number of confirmed cases. The average quarantine time in the first 5 days was very important:the shorter the average quarantine time，the fewer the number of confirmed cases. Through the comparison of key parameters of six countries，Australia and China had implemented strict epidemic prevention policies，which had resulted in good epidemic prevention effects. In the early stage of the outbreak，it is necessary to improve the protection rate，shorten the average quarantine time，and implement strict isolation policies to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Study on extraction kinetics of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma: model establishment and investigation of critical process parameters / 中国中药杂志

In this study, Fick's first law and partition equilibrium were used to represent the internal and external mass transfer processes of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma at the macroscopic level, and a mass transfer model was established. The specific surface area was integrated into the mass transfer resistance, which effectively avoided the irregular shape of medicinal materials and expanded the application scope of the model. Meanwhile, the mass transfer model was further combined with the kinetic model of salvia-nolic acid degradation to establish the extraction kinetic models of salvianolic acid B, lithospermic acid and Danshensu. The model was applied to study the extraction process of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. According to the sensitivity analysis results, the relative error of the model prediction was within 5% near the maximum extraction rate(320 min), and the prediction performance of the model was good. According to the investigation results of different process parameters, stirring could significantly accelerate the mass transfer rate of salvianolic acid B, while the mass transfer resistance and degradation rate constant were not affected by solvent-to-solid ratio. The linear relationship between the reciprocal of temperature and the logarithm of mass transfer resistance was good(R~2=0.996), indicating that the temperature and mass transfer resistance conformed to Arrhenius formula. In addition, we also found that the concentration changes of lithospermic acid and Danshensu were weakly affected by mass transferwhen the extraction temperature was higher than 358 K. This study has provided the basis for the process optimization and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine extraction.

Avaliação da sensibilidade da função de distribuição de tamanho de partícula durante a floculação / Sensitivity analysis of particle size distribution function during flocculation

RESUMO Neste artigo, buscou-se avaliar a sensibilidade da função contínua de distribuição de tamanho de partículas (DTP) diante da modificação decorrente da floculação. Para tal, foram investigadas seis configurações discretas, subdivididas em 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 e 15 classes de tamanho. As configurações investigadas diferem na frequência de partículas presentes por faixa de tamanho e no comportamento, sendo este monotônico ou unimodal. O ajuste da função contínua na forma linearizada aos dados discretos foi avaliado por meio do coeficiente de determinação (R2). O coeficiente de potência da função (β) e o centro de massa (C.M) da distribuição foram tomados como representativos da DTP para a análise de sensibilidade, realizada por meio do estudo da correlação múltipla entre as variáveis. Experimentos em escala de bancada foram conduzidos visando a avaliar a simulação. Os resultados demonstraram que os parâmetros β e C.M foram sensíveis às variações da DTP, todavia os ajustes das funções para distribuições unimodais carecem de aprimoramento.

ABSTRACT In this paper, the sensitivity of the continuous particle size distribution function (PSD) was evaluated, as flocculation occurs. To this end, six discrete configurations were investigated, subdivided into 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 15 classes. The distribution studied here differ in the particles presented by size range and behavior, whether monotonic or unimodal. The adjustment of the continuous function in linearized form to the discrete data was evaluated by means of R2. The power law coefficient (β) and the center of mass (C.M) were taken as representative of PSD during the sensitivity analysis, which was carried out by means of multiple correlation between the variables. Batch essays were performed in order to evaluate simulations. Results showed that β and C.M were both sensitive to PSD variations; however, the function adjustments for unimodal distributions need improvement.

Kinetics of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus Growth Using Cane Molasses and Sucrose: Assessment of Kinetic Models / Cinética de crecimiento de gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus usando melaza de caña y sacarosa: evaluación de modelos cinéticos

RESUMEN Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus es una bacteria endófita promotora del crecimiento vegetal utilizada como inoculante microbiano en diferentes cultivos agrícolas. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue aplicar diferentes modelos matemáticos para representar su crecimiento en un cultivo sumergido por lotes empleando un biorreactor de 3 L y usando melazas de caña y sacarosa como fuente de energía. Se obtuvo el perfil temporal de pH, biomasa celular y azúcares totales. Se compararon los modelos estudiados por calidad de ajuste y complejidad y se realizó un análisis de sensibilidad paramétrica. Se consideraron modelos de cuatro y cinco parámetros con expresiones que incluyen efectos de inhibición por sustrato y por biomasa. El modelo con mayor calidad de ajuste fue el de Herbert-Pirt-Contois con coeficientes de determinación para biomasa y sustrato de 0,888 y 0,425 respectivamente. Estos valores indican una mayor correspondencia de los datos experimentales de biomasa con los datos calculados por el modelo, en comparación con los resultados obtenidos para azúcares totales para los que esta correspondencia fue menor. Este modelo generó la mejor combinación de calidad de ajuste y complejidad según el criterio de información de Akaike. El estudio cinético desarrollado permitió observar un comportamiento bifásico en la etapa de crecimiento de la bacteria cuando se cultiva en melaza y un efecto de limitación de su crecimiento por la biomasa. Los resultados obtenidos proporcionan una descripción matemática útil para el diseño, escalamiento y operación de un futuro proceso de producción de un inoculante microbiano a base de la bacteria G. diazotrophicus.

ABSTRACT Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus is a plant-growth promoting endophytic bacterium used as a microbial inoculant for different crops. The objective of this work was to apply different mathematical models to represent its growth in a batch submerged culture employing a 3-L bioreactor and using sugarcane molasses and sucrose as energy sources. The time profile of pH, cell biomass, and total sugars was obtained. Models studied were compared considering their fit quality and complexity, and a parametric sensitivity analysis was performed. Four- and five-parameter models with expressions involving substrate and biomass inhibition effects were considered. The Herbert-Pirt-Contois model achieved the highest fit quality with determination coefficients of 0.888 and 0.425 for biomass and substrate, respectively. These values indicate a higher correspondence between the experimental data of biomass concentration and the data calculated by the model, compared to results obtained for total sugars for which this correspondence was lower. This model reached the best combination considering the fit quality and complexity according to the Akaike's information criterion. The kinetic study performed enabled to observe a bi-phasic behavior in the growth stage of the bacterium when grown on molasses, and a growth limitation effect due to biomass concentration. The outcomes obtained provide a mathematical description useful for design, scale-up, and operation of a future process for the production of a microbial inoculant based on G. diazotrophicus.

Application of FMEA and Bayesian Network in Risk Assessment of Fluidized Bed Granulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To carry out the risk assessment on the factors in the process of granulation fluidized bed of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) by using failure model and effect analysis(FMEA) and Bayesian network(BN), in order to effectively control risk factors and improve product quality. Method:The risk analysis of the fluidized bed granulation process was carried out by FMEA and the selected medium risk and high risk factors were taken as the main control points, the corresponding BN was established. The sensitivity analysis was used to screen out the main risk factors affecting particle fluidity, particle size uniformity, solubility and product cleanliness, the occurrence probability of each risk factor was determined by the evidence of unqualified particle quality, finally, taking fluidized bed granulation process of Sanye tablets as an example, the FMEA and BN were combined into the risk assessment process to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the method. Result:Based on the middle and high risk points of fluidized bed process, particle size of raw materials, moisture content and hygroscopicity of raw materials, dosage, concentration and addition amount of binder, cleaning degree and integrity of collection bag, and nozzle position, which were selected by FMEA, a fluidized bed granulation risk network with causality was constructed. Among them, hygroscopicity of raw materials, concentration and addition amount of binder, inlet temperature and atomization pressure were high probability risk factors, and the probability of occurrence were 55%, 63%, 59%and 58%, respectively. According to the Bayesian risk relationship network which controlled Sanye tablets fluidized bed granulation analysis results showed that the P values of inlet temperature, atomization pressure and concentration of binder were 0.003 4, 0.032 6 and 0.041 8, respectively in the regression model of influencing factors and particle size uniformity, indicating that there was a significant correlation between the three factors and the particle quality, which was basically consistent with the conclusion obtained by FMEA-BN method. Conclusion:The combination of FMEA and BN for visualized risk assessment of fluidized bed granulation helps to effectively control the risk factors in the granulation process, reduce product quality risks and provide strong support for the improvement of granulation process of TCM.

Sensitivity analysis method for unmeasured confounding interference in observational study / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective@#To introduce the methods for sensitivity analysis, discuss and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.@*Methods@#The difference between confounding function method and bounding factor method in accuracy of identifying unmeasured confounding factors in observational studies through simulation trials and actual clinical data was compared.@*Results@#The results of simulation trials and actual clinical data showed that when there was unmeasured confounding between exposure (X) and outcome (Y), the results of confounding function and the bounding factor analysis were similar in terms of the effect of unmeasured confounding factor to lead to the complete change of the magnitude and direction of the observed effect value. However, the confounding function method needed smaller confounding effect to fully interpret the observed effect value than the bounding factor needed. In addition, the bounding factor method needed to analyze two confounding parameters, while only one parameter was needed in the confounding function method. The confounding function method was simpler and more sensitive than the bounding factor method.@*Conclusion@#For real-world observational data, the sensitivity analysis process is essential in analyzing the causal effects between exposure (X) and outcome (Y). In terms of the calculation process and result interpretation the sensitivity analysis method of confounding function is worth to recommend.

Comparison of the positive rate of microbiological examination in different clinical specimens / 中国基层医药

Objective@#To compare the positive rate of microbiological examination in different clinical specimens, and to provide reliable basis for improving the quality of microbiological examination and management of nosocomial infection.@*Methods@#A total of 2 028 bacterial culture specimens were collected from the hospitalized patients in the Second People's Hospital of Jinanfrom March 2016 to February 2018.The samples were examined by Micro Scan autoSCAN4 automatic bacteriological identification analyzer.Strictly according to the specification of the standard operation, the positive rates of microbial testingof all kinds of clinical specimens were statistically analyzed.@*Results@#The positive rate of microbiological examination in 2 028 clinical specimens was 44.33%.The positive rate of microbiological examination in sputum was the highest(58.96%), followed by ophthalmic secretion(40.64%), eye contents(37.96%), urine(34.55%), blood(21.11%).@*Conclusion@#The positive rate of microbiological examination is different in different clinical specimens.The epidemiological situation of nosocomial infection can be understood by analyzing the microbiological examination of different clinical specimens in clinic.In order to provide a reliable basis for clinical prevention and treatment of nosocomial infection, and to further improve the positive rate of clinical microbiological examination, we should actively carry out improvement countermeasures against its influencing factors.

How to adjust confounders in studies on observational comparative effectiveness: (3) approaches on sensitivity analysis for confounder adjustment / 中华流行病学杂志

Confounders are difficult to avoid in studies on observational comparative effectiveness. It is often unclear whether the confounders have been completely eliminated after controlling the measured or unmeasured potential confounding effects or if sensitivity analysis is needed when using the specific statistical methods, under given circumstances. This manuscript summarizes and evaluates the confounding sensitivity analysis methods. Based on different studies, sensitivity analyses need to use different approaches. The traditional sensitivity analysis can be applied for the measured confounders. Currently, the relatively systematic sensitivity analyses for unmeasured confounders would include confounding function, bounding factor and propensity score calibration. Additionally, more investigations are associated with Monte Carlo and Bayesian sensitivity analysis. Reliability of the research conclusion thus may largely be improved when the sensitivity analysis results are consistent with the main analysis.

Pharmacoeconomic Study on 3 Chemotherapy Regimens for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer in China Based on Markov Model / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the economical efficiency of gemcitabine(G),gemcitabine combined with oxaliplatin (GM),gemcitabine combined with S-1(GS)in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer(APC). METHODS:From the perspective of patients,Markov model was constructed to calculate long-term cost and health outcomes of 3 chemotherapy regimens in Chinese APC patients aged 18-75 old. Cost-effectiveness analysis were used to determine the economic level according to willingness-to-pay(WTP). The sensitivity analysis was conducted for cost,effectiveness and other indexes. RESULTS:The results of cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the cost effectiveness ratio(C/E)of G regimen in the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer was 145 228.52 yuan/12.26 QALMs;C/E of the GM regimen was 154 783.88 yuan/11.39 QALMs;C/E of GS regimen was 315 485.28 yuan/23.26 QALMs;and the G regimen was the best option. The incremental cost-effectiveness(ICER)of GS and G regimen was 15 479.64,exceeded the WTP(12 563 yuan)set in this sutdy,while ICER of GM and G regimen was -10 999.89, and the GM regimen was absolutely inferior. Results of sensitivity analysis showed that ICER of G regimen vs. GM regimen was unstable and influenced greatly by the parameters of the model. Results of ICER analysis of G regimen vs. GS regimen and GM regimen vs. GS regimen kept stable. Compared to GS regimen,G regimen showed cost-effectiveness characteristics and GM regimen showed economic characteristics;the superiority was relatively less obvious. CONCLUSIONS:Within the level of WTP, cost-effectiveness analysis shows that gemcitabine is the optimal solution. However,sensitivity analysis result can not yet determine which scheme is the best one.

Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of neonatal congenital hypothyroidism screening in Foshan City / 重庆医学

Objective To obtain the economic data in the aspects of cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of neonatal congenital hypothyroidism(CH) screening in Foshan City and to make assessment on the effect of screening works.Methods The economic related data were collected by the screening center,literatures,official resources and questionnaire investigation.The statistical tool and Tree Age Pro health decision analysis software were used to conduct the assessment on the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of screening works.Results The screening program invested 17.95 million Yuan in total during 2000-2007,and the gain benefits was 117.69 million Yuan,net benefit was 9 975.52 ten thousand Yuan.The cost-benefit ratio was 1.00∶6.56.Each investing 3 216 Yuan could avoid a disability-adjusted life year.Conclusion The CH screening item has good economic applicability and is worth investing more funding for further promotion and popularization.

Quantitative Study on the Development of Basic Medical Insurance Schemes in China: A Mixed Model Based on Universal Health Coverage / 中国卫生经济

Objective:Based on the perspective of Universal Health Coverage(UHC),a mathematical model was developed to conduct quantitative study on the development status of Basic Medical Insurance Schemes(BMIS) in China.Methods:A mixed model was developed to conduct quantitative study on the development of BMIS in the period of 2003-2015 from five dimensions:coverage of population,benefit package,reimbursement rate,risk pooling level and unity of the schemes.Sensitivity analysis was also performed.Results:The UHC scores for BMIS in China from 2003 to 2015 fluctuated obviously.Given the range of 0-100 percent,the UHC score in 2003 was 52.2％,28.5％ in 2006,23.9％ in 2010 and 26.5％ in 2015.The integration and equalization of BMIS and scaling up the risk pooling levels were shown to contribute significantly to UHC.Conclusion:The construction of mixed models was developed to provide a new calculation assessment tool for measuring the UHC,which consisted of completed evaluation tool package with addition model and multiplication model.Considering the future development of UHC,there is a still long way to go for BMIS in China.Emphases should be given to integration and equalization of BMIS as well as scaling up the risk polling to provincial and national level.

Economic analysis of supplementation with arborea and agro-industrial by-products in zebu cattle / Análisis económico de la suplementación con recursos arbóreos y agroindustriales en ganado cebú / Análise econô mica da suplementaçã o com recursos arbóreas e agroindustriais em gado zebu

This work aims to assess the economic impact of supplementation with arborea and agro-industrial by-products in zebu cattle. Productive performance test was conducted for 60 days in the municipality of Gómez Plata (Antioquia-Colombia). Twenty castrated males commercial zebu received five diets consisting for Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) (60%) and supplement (40%) containing matarratón (Gliricidia sepium) (MAT), coffee pulp (Coffea arabica) (CP), grape pomace (Vitis vinifera) (GP) or cottonseed (Gossypium sp.) (CS); the control diet (CON) was not formulated with these materials. The economic analysis included the cost-structure of diet, calculation of total and unit production cost, sensitivity analysis and cost-benefit ratio (B/C). In relation to CON diet, the cost per kilogram of diet was superior to CP and GP, 2.39 and 1.87 times, respectively. The value of a kilogram of meat for CP, GP and MAT diets was 3.47, 2.04 and 1.40 times higher compared with CON diet. The B/C ratio was negative for CP and GP diets, however, the sensitivity analysis showed that the introduction of GP is economically viable if its acquisition cost is lower. The costs associated with diet CS were slightly lower than the CON diet (93%), so the B/C ratio was slightly higher. It concludes that the introduction of arborea and by-products is not economically feasible in all cases because factors such as regional availability and dehydration increase production costs.

Este trabajo tiene por objetivo evaluar el impacto económico de la suplementación con recursos arbóreos y agroindustriales en ganado cebú. La prueba de desempeño productivo se realizó durante 60 días en el municipio de Gómez Plata (Antioquia-Colombia). Se emplearon 20 machos castrados cebú comercial, que recibieron cinco dietas constituidas por Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) (60%) y suplemento (40%) conteniendo matarratón (Gliricidia sepium) (MAT), pulpa de café (Coffea arabica) (PC), orujo de uva (Vitis vinifera) (OU) o semilla de algodón (Gossypium sp.) (SA); la dieta control (CON) no se formuló con estos materiales. El análisis económico incluyó elaboración de la estructura de costos por dieta, cálculo del costo total y unitario de producción, análisis de sensibilidad y relación beneficio-costo (B/C). En relación con la dieta CON, el costo por kilogramo de dieta fue superior para PC y OU, 2,39 y 1,87 veces, respectivamente. El valor del kilogramo de carne para las dietas PC, OU y MAT fue 3,47, 2,04 y 1,40 veces mayor respecto la dieta CON. La relación B/C para las dietas PC y OU fue negativa, no obstante, el análisis de sensibilidad mostró que la introducción de OU es económicamente viable si su costo de adquisición es menor. Los costos asociados con la dieta SA fueron ligeramente inferiores a la dieta CON (93%), por lo cual la relación B/C fue levemente superior. Se concluye que la introducción de subproductos no es económicamente viable en todos los casos, ya que factores como disponibilidad regional y procesos de deshidratación aumentan los costos de producción.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto económico da suplementaçã o com recursos arbóreas e agroindustriais em gado zebu. Teste de desempenho produtivo foi realizado durante 60 dias na cidade de Gomez Plata (Antioquia-Colô mbia). Foram utilizados 20 machos castrados zebu comercial, que receberam cinco dietas constituídas por Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) (60%) e suplemento (40%) contendo matarratón (Gliricidia sepium) (MAT), polpa de café (Coffea arabica) (PC), bagaço de uva (Vitis vinifera) (OU) ou caroço de algodã o (Gossypium sp.) (SA); a dieta controle (CON) nã o foi formulada com esses materiais. A análise econô mica incluiu elaboraçã o da estrutura de custo por dieta, cálculo do custo total e unitária da produçã o, análise de sensibilidade e relaçã o benefício/custo (B/C). Em relaçã o à dieta CON, o custo por quilograma de dieta foi maior para PC e OU, 2,39 e 1,87 vezes, respectivamente. O valor de um quilo de carne para as dietas PC, OU e MAT foi 3,47, 2,04 e 1,40 vezes maior do que a dieta CON. A relaçã o B/C para as dietas PC e OU foi negativa, no entanto, a análise de sensibilidade mostrou que a introduçã o de UO é economicamente viável se o custo de aquisiçã o for inferior. Os custos associados com a dieta SA foram ligeiramente menores do que a dieta CON (93%), de modo que a relaçã o B/C foi levemente superior. Conclui-se que a introduçã o de subprodutos nã o é economicamente viável em todos os casos porque fatores como a disponibilidade regional e processos de desidrataçã o aumentam os custos de produçã o.

Determinação do volume específico de Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids a partir de espessuras aparentes de fase livre em poços de monitoramento: análise de sensibilidade dos parâmetros envolvidos / Specific volume determination based on the apparent thickness of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids free phase in monitoring wells: Sensitivity analysis of the parameters

RESUMO: No presente artigo apresenta- se e discute-se a implantação de um modelo (algoritmo) derivado de um modelo teórico que foi desenvolvido com o propósito de determinar o volume específico (isto é, o volume de produto presente em subsuperfície por unidade de área planimétrica do aquífero) de Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL), a partir de medidas de espessura de fase livre registradas em poços de monitoramento. Utilizando esse modelo, contabilizou- se o volume específico de óleo para um caso real de pluma de fase livre em um posto de abastecimento de combustíveis, localizado no estado do Paraná, Brasil. Por fim, foi realizada uma análise de sensibilidade dos principais parâmetros envolvidos, tomando- se como referência esse caso real. A estimativa de volume de óleo no meio poroso mostrou-se mais sensível aos parâmetros relacionados à massa específica aparente seca do solo, à distribuição do tamanho dos grãos e à porosidade do solo, seguindo essa ordem de relevância. Os parâmetros relacionados ao contaminante (massa específica do óleo e fatores de escala) foram os que menos impactaram nos resultados de volume específico de LNAPL no meio poroso, para as faixas de variação consideradas nesse trabalho. Os resultados obtidos apontam para a necessidade da medição de alguns parâmetros que não são usualmente medidos durante a etapa de investigação ambiental. Sugere-se, portanto, a inclusão da medição desses parâmetros na etapa de investigação ambiental de um sítio contaminado por LNAPL.

ABSTRACT: In the present article it is presented and discussed a model (algorithm) derived from a theoretical model developed to determine the specific volume (i.e. the volume of the product in the soil by planimetric unit area of the aquifer) of Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids (LNAPL) in the subsurface from free phase thickness measurements recorded in monitoring wells. Using this model the specific volume of oil was accounted for in a real case of a free phase plume at a gas station, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of key parameters involved was performed, using as reference this real case. The estimated volume of oil in the porous medium was more sensitive to the parameters related to dry bulk density, the grain size distribution and the porosity of the soil, in this order of relevance. Parameters related to the contaminant (oil density and scale factors) presented the least impact on the results of specific volume of LNAPL in porous media, for the variation ranges considered in this work. The results point to the need of measuring some parameters that are not usually measured during environmental field survey stage of a site contaminated by LNAPL.

The Validity of the Assessment Criteria and Data Extraction in Meta-Analysis Articles / 医薬品情報学

<b>Objective: </b>Clinical articles are important for individualization of drug therapy.  Especially, meta-analysis is positioned at the highest evidence level.  Therefore, we assessed the Quality Score of Meta-Analysis (QSMA) which provides simple assessments of both the quality and the format of meta-analyses, by applying them to incretin-related drugs as a model.  Furthermore, we attempted to extract clinical data from the literature employing a certain minimum standard.<br><b>Method: </b>We searched for meta-analyses of incretin-related drugs for diabetes in PubMed and the Cochrane Library, scoring the extracted articles for format using PRISMA statements, and for quality using QSMA.  Additionally, we classified these articles into two groups with a QSMA score of 70% as the basis, and verified the analysis sets (ITT, FAS, PP or APT) and sensitivity analysis.  Furthermore, we looked into those articles that scored 70% or higher to extract data that were deemed to have significant statistical differences.<br><b>Results: </b>Scoring of the 66 articles studied yielded 69.9±19.4% (mean ± SD) for format and 62.1±17.8% for quality.  These two variables produced a regression line of <i>y</i>=0.777<i>x</i>+7.834.  Comparison of the two groups classified on the basis of a 70% score on QSMA yielded a significant difference in sensitivity analysis only (<i>p</i><0.05).  Seven effects and five side effects were extracted from articles with a QSMA score of 70% or higher.<br><b>Conclusion: </b>Although QSMA can provide simple assessment of quality and structure using eight items, analysis sets needs to be verified individually.  As the articles assessed provided statistically endorsed data, the clinical application of QSMA will be an issue in the future.

Yellow fever impact on brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans) in Argentina: a metamodelling approach based on population viability analysis and epidemiological dynamics

In South America, yellow fever (YF) is an established infectious disease that has been identified outside of its traditional endemic areas, affecting human and nonhuman primate (NHP) populations. In the epidemics that occurred in Argentina between 2007-2009, several outbreaks affecting humans and howler monkeys (Alouatta spp) were reported, highlighting the importance of this disease in the context of conservation medicine and public health policies. Considering the lack of information about YF dynamics in New World NHP, our main goal was to apply modelling tools to better understand YF transmission dynamics among endangered brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) populations in northeastern Argentina. Two complementary modelling tools were used to evaluate brown howler population dynamics in the presence of the disease: Vortex, a stochastic demographic simulation model, and Outbreak, a stochastic disease epidemiology simulation. The baseline model of YF disease epidemiology predicted a very high probability of population decline over the next 100 years. We believe the modelling approach discussed here is a reasonable description of the disease and its effects on the howler monkey population and can be useful to support evidence-based decision-making to guide actions at a regional level.

Experimental Identification of Mucoid Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Strains Causing Infections and Cases Review / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical distribution and antibacterial drug susceptibility of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mPa).Methods By looking at the patients’general information,disease information and the information of anti-microbial usage,cases of 53 strains of non-repetitive mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa were collected from hospitalized pa-tients from Jan 2013 to Dec 2013,and drug susceptibility were analyzed.Results A total of 53 strains of mucoid Pseudo-monas aeruginosa were isolated from sputum specimen,mainly elderly patients with a mean age of 66.7±9.1 years old;50 patients had chronic history of respiratory infections,all patients were used during the hospital stay of two or more kinds of antibiotics,used jointly only 11 cases of macrolides.All strains to commonly used antimicrobial agents showed a higher sen-sitivity in vitro,in addition to ticarcillin/clavulanate (64.2%),cefepime (60.4%),other drug sensitivity was higher than 70%.Conclusion Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa was susceptible to chronic respiratory infection history of the elderly,its antimicrobial susceptibility was high in vitro,the use of antimicrobial agents in clinical was combined therapy compared,but utilization rate of macrolides drugs was low.

Analysis of frequent species and antibacterial resistance of pathogenic bacteria causing infections in burn patients in a hospital from 2012 to 2014 / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To investigate the frequent species of pathogenic bacteria causing infections in burn patients and their re‐sistance to commonly used antibacterial agents ,so as to provide references for rational use of antibacterials in clinic .Methods The distribution and drug susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria isolated from secretions of wound surfaces of 140 cases of burn patients from January 2012 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed .Results A total of 152 strains of pathogenic bacteria were iso‐lated .The gram‐negative bacteria accounted for 59 .2% ,in which Pseudomonas aeruginosa ,Proteus mirabilis and Acinetobacter bau‐mannii were the most common isolates ;the gram‐positive bacteria accounted for 34 .2% ,in which Staphylococcus aures ,Staphylo‐coccus haemolyticus and Enterococcus faecalis were the most common isolates ;and fungi were accounted for 6 .6% .A majority of these isolates were multiple resistant to the antibacterial agents .Conclusion Culturing ,identifing and carring out drug‐sensitivity test of pathogenic bacteria isolated from burn patients could provide basis for rational application of antibacterial agents and effec‐tive control of infection .