bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochrane review: Prophylactic antibiotics for preventing pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hirst C , Owusu‐Ofori S 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundPeople with sickle cell disease are particularly susceptible to infection. Infants and very young children are especially vulnerable, and the 'Co‐operative Study of Sickle Cell Disease' observed an incidence rate of 10 per 100 patient years of pneumococcal septicaemia in children under the age of three. Vaccines, including customary pneumococcal vaccines, may be of limited use in this age group. Therefore, prophylactic penicillin regimens may be advisable for this population.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of prophylactic antibiotic regimens for preventing pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, which is comprised of references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings.Date of the most recent search: May 2006.Selection criteriaAll randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials comparing prophylactic antibiotics to prevent pneumococcal infection in children with sickle cell disease with placebo, no treatment or a comparator drug.Data collection and analysisBoth authors independently extracted data and assessed trial quality.Main resultsFive trials were identified by the initial search, of which three trials met the inclusion criteria. All of the included trials showed a reduced incidence of infection in children with sickle cell disease (SS or Sβ0Thal) receiving prophylactic penicillin. In trials which investigated initiation of penicillin on risk of pneumococcal infection, the odds ratio was 0.37 (95% CI 0.16 to 0.86), while for withdrawal the odds ratio was 0.49 (95% CI 0.09 to 2.71). Adverse drug effects were rare and minor. Rates of pneumococcal infection were found to be relatively low in children over the age of five.Authors' conclusionsProphylactic penicillin significantly reduces risk of pneumococcal infection in children with homozygous sickle cell disease, and is associated with minimal adverse reactions. Further research may help to determine the ideal age to safely withdraw penicillin.Plain language summaryRegular preventative antibiotics can reduce the risk of pneumococcal infection in young children with sickle cell diseasePeople with sickle cell disease are prone to infection, particularly respiratory infections and septicaemia (blood poisoning). Pneumococcal bacteria often cause these. Some vaccines are less effective in children younger than three years of age. Therefore, antibiotics can be given regularly to try and prevent infection in young children. The review found that penicillin reduced the rate of pneumococcal infection in children under the age of five with sickle cell disease, without major adverse effects. Older children were found to have a lower risk of infection, and therefore regular penicillin may not be as important in these children.
Cochrane review: Therapeutic interventions for Burkitt's lymphoma in children
Authors: Okebe JU , Lasserson TJ , Meremikwu MM , Richards S 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundBurkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a small non‐cleaved cell lymphoma which commonly presents as jaw swellings. Uncertainty remains as to the most effective form of management.ObjectivesTo assess the evidence of any therapeutic strategy in the treatment of BL.Search strategyWe searched MEDLINE (1966 ‐ March 2006), LILACS (1982 ‐ March 2006), EMBASE (1974 ‐ March 2006) and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (all years, latest Issue 01/2006) to identify relevant trials. All of these references were accessed in order to identify additional trials in BL.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any duration were included. We included studies conducted in children with a confirmed diagnosis of BL. Studies were not restricted by geographical location or by language of publication. Any therapeutic intervention was considered. The primary outcome was overall survival.Data collection and analysisTwo reviewers assessed studies for relevance. Studies that met the entry criteria were assessed for study quality. Data were extracted independently and were entered into RevMan 4.2.Main resultsTwelve studies met the entry criteria of the review but data could only be retrieved from ten. Inadequate reporting of study methodology was a common feature of the trials preventing thorough assessment of study quality. We were unable to pool data for any of the outcomes due to the differences between the interventions assessed in the studies. Seven studies aimed to induce remission: Overall survival did not differ significantly between treatment groups in three out of four studies reporting this outcome. Five studies aimed to maintain remission: In two out of three studies reporting survival, it was substantially, but not statistically significantly, different between treatment groups.Authors' conclusionsThis review does not currently provide any strong evidence on the relative effectiveness of interventions to treat Burkitt's lymphoma. The studies that have been conducted to date are small, underpowered and prone to both systematic and random error.Plain language summaryBurkitt's lymphoma is an important cancer particularly in children. It is a fast growing tumour but also very sensitive to chemotherapy. Different regimens have been used to treat this condition with varied success rates. This review was to evaluate these treatments to assess their effectiveness in providing lasting cure.
Data could only be reviewed for ten studies but results were difficult to collate due to study and reporting quality, with differing outcome measures, small trial sizes, and each addressing a different question. There is need for further research on treatment options.
Cochrane review: Corticosteroids for treating dengue shock syndrome
Authors: Panpanich R , Sornchai P , Kanjanaratanakorn K 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundDengue shock syndrome is the most severe from of dengue haemorrhagic fever, one of the leading causes of death in children. Observational studies have suggested corticosteroids may benefit people with dengue shock syndrome.ObjectivesTo compare corticosteroids with placebo or no corticosteroids for treating dengue shock syndrome.Search strategyWe searched the Cochrane Infectious Disease Group Specialized Register (January 2006), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE, (1974 to January 2006), LILACS (1982 to January 2006), and reference lists. We also contacted researchers.Selection criteriaRandomized and quasi‐randomized controlled trials comparing corticosteroids with no corticosteroids or placebo in people diagnosed with dengue shock syndrome.Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently applied the inclusion criteria, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. We calculated the relative risk (RR) for dichotomous data and weighted mean difference for continuous data, and presented them with 95% confidence intervals (CI).Main resultsFour trials involving 284 participants met the inclusion criteria. Corticosteroids were no more effective than placebo or no treatment for reducing the number of deaths (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.11; 284 participants, 4 trials), the need for blood transfusion (RR 1.08, 0.52 to 2.24; 89 participants, 2 trials), or the number of serious complications (convulsions and pulmonary haemorrhage) as reported in one trial (63 participants).Authors' conclusionsThere is insufficient evidence to justify the use of corticosteroids in managing dengue shock syndrome. As corticosteroids can potentially do harm, clinicians should not use them unless they are participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing corticosteroids with placebo.Plain language summaryNo good evidence that corticosteroids are helpful in dengue shock syndromeThe dengue virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and can cause either a mild illness with fever or a more severe illness with fever and bleeding (dengue haemorrhagic fever). The bleeding is generally seen as tiny red spots on the skin but can occasionally be more severe affecting the nose, gums, and gut. In its most severe form it can cause shock, collapse, and sometimes death (dengue shock syndrome). The current treatment for dengue shock syndrome is to give fluids directly into the bloodstream, but corticosteroids have been suggested as drugs that may help due to their anti‐inflammatory properties. This review of trials found only four small trials (with 284 participants) that were not of good quality and which showed no benefit overall. Further trials would be needed before this drug were used in these patients, as there is the potential for adverse effects due to the drugs' properties of suppressing the immune system and potentially leaving people open to other infections.
Commentary on ‘Vaccines for women to prevent neonatal tetanus’
Authors: Avenant Theunis , Pattinson R. C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Demicheli V, Barale A, Rivetti A. Vaccines for women to prevent neonatal tetanus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002959. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002959.pub2.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2007 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Summary of ‘Therapeutic interventions for Burkitt's lymphoma in children’
Authors: Milne Andrea 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis is a summary of a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Okebe JU, Lasserson TJ, Meremikwu MM, Richards S. Therapeutic interventions for Burkitt's lymphoma in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005198. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005198.pub2.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying Commentary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2007 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
The political economy of natural disaster insurance: lessons from the failure of a proposed compulsory insurance scheme in Germany
Authors: Schwarze Reimund , Wagner Gert G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper studies the politico‐economic reasons for the refusal of a proposed compulsory flood insurance scheme in Germany. It provides the rationale for such a scheme and outlines the basic features of a market‐orientated design. The main reasons for the political rejection of this proposal were the misperceived costs of a state guarantee, legal objections against a compulsory insurance, distributional conflicts between the federal government and the German states on the implied administrative costs and the well known charity hazard of ad hoc disaster relief. The focus on pure market solutions proved to be an ineffective strategy for policy advice in this field. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Slovak national SD strategy process: a mix of achievements and shortcomings
Authors: Sedlačko Michal 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNational strategies for sustainable development are gaining increasing recognition as an instrument to reconcile needs of development and environmental protection by improving policy‐making procedures. The paper assesses the Slovak sustainable development strategy in the context of two key documents, the National Strategy for Sustainable Development of the Slovak Republic (MESR, 2001a) and the Action Plan for Sustainable Development of the Slovak Republic for 2005–2010 (OGSR, 2005). Focus is mainly placed on horizontal policy integration, but institutional arrangements and mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and review, stakeholder participation and vertical integration are also assessed. Based on the results of a series of interviews with ministerial planners and utilizing the example of the Working Group for Environmental Education, the paper identifies barriers to horizontal policy integration. The main conclusion is that improvement of mechanisms for horizontal policy integration is offset by recession in other areas, including public participation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Influence of filling fat type on praline products with nougat filling
Authors: Pajin Biljana , Karlović Đerđ , Omorjan Radovan , Sovilj Verica , Antić Danka 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe aim of this research was to examine the composition and functional characteristics of three samples of commercial filling fat intended for the making of nougat fillings for confectionary products. The crystallization rate of the fats was measured under static conditions using the NMR technique and under dynamic conditions as well as using a rotational rheometer. The functional characteristics of the fats were estimated by means of sensory values of the prepared praline product. Under the static conditions, all investigated filling fats showed a fast crystallization rate (˜2–4%/min). The sample with the highest lauric acid contents started to crystallize immediately (no induction period). The longest induction period was found for the sample with the lowest saturated fatty acid and trans fatty acid contents. During the crystallization under dynamic conditions, all investigated samples started to crystallize more rapidly (rapid viscosity increase) at practically the same temperature (˜17 °C). Measuring solid fat content and viscosity are two approaches of determining the suitability of a filling fat to be used in pralines. Both measurements provide valuable information, and particularly viscosity build‐up is very important from the view of production on factory scale.
Differentiation of mixtures of monovarietal olive oils by mid‐infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Gurdeniz Gozde , Tokatli Figen , Ozen Banu 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometric techniques has become a useful tool for authenticity determination of extra‐virgin olive oils. Spectroscopic analysis of monovarietal extra‐virgin olive oils obtained from three different olive cultivars (Erkence, Ayvalik and Nizip) and mixtures (Erkence‐Nizip and Ayvalik‐Nizip) of monovarietal olive oils was performed with an FT‐IR spectrometer equipped with a ZnSe attenuated total reflection sample accessory and a deuterated tri‐glycine sulfate detector. Using spectral data, principal component analysis successfully classified each cultivar and differentiated the mixtures from pure monovarietal oils. Quantification of two different monovarietal oil mixtures (2–20%) is achieved using partial least square (PLS) regression models. Correlation coefficients (R2) of the proposed PLS regression models are 0.94 and 0.96 for the Erkence‐Nizip and Ayvalik‐Nizip mixtures, respectively. Cross‐validation was applied to check the goodness of fit for the PLS regression models, and R2 of the cross‐validation was determined as 0.84 and 0.91, respectively, for the two mixtures.
Influence of agitator design and catalyst concentration on partial hydrogenation of sunflower oil
Authors: Maes Jeroen , Houlton David , Himmelsbach Werner , De Greyt Wim 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn this study, lab‐scale hydrogenation of sunflower oil was conducted at 190 °C and 2 bar using two different catalyst types at varying concentrations and two different agitator designs (surface gassing and hollow shaft) at varying power inputs. At identical power input and reaction conditions, the reaction rate with the hollow‐shaft agitator was 1.68 times higher than with surface gassing agitation. The catalyst concentration had to exceed a certain feedstock‐dependent threshold value of 25 ppm Ni in order to start the reaction. At low catalyst concentration, the reaction rate increased proportionally with increasing catalyst concentration. When hydrogen consumption became higher than the available mass transfer provided by the agitation system, the reaction time became less dependent on the catalyst concentration. For the hollow‐shaft agitator, this situation was observed at a reaction rate of 3.7 ΔIV/min, where trans formation was at its maximum with more than 40% trans fatty acids in partially hydrogenated sunflower oil with IV 65. The region in which hydrogen mass transfer did not limit the reaction rate could be extended by more efficient agitation design or increased agitation power. In this way, productivity can be increased and trans formation can be controlled in a better way when compared to hydrogenation with a less efficient agitator.
Development of HPLC and NACE methods for the simultaneous determination of benzoic and sorbic acids in sour snap beans containing oil
Authors: Han Po , Jia Zhenmin , Liu Mian , Li Yongbo , Liu Hongxia , Yang Hui , Wang Xie , Ban Fuguo , Zhang Shusheng 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe practical methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of benzoic acid (BA) and sorbic acid (SA) in sour snap bean samples containing oil. BA and SA in the samples were extracted by ultrasonication with water, followed by cleanup procedures with precipitation for removing the potential proteins and with petroleum ether liquid–liquid extraction for removing the edible oil contained in the samples. The HPLC method was developed using Supelco C18 (250 mm×4.6 mm id, 5 μm) as column, MeOH–20 mM NH4Ac (25:75 v/v) at 1.0 mL/min as the mobile phase and 230 nm as the detection wavelength. The optimal NACE method was established with a running buffer of 20.0 mM NH4Ac in 95% MeOH (pH* 10.6), and an applied voltage of −30 kV over a capillary of 50 μm id×48.5 cm (40 cm to the detector window), which gave a baseline separation of BA and SA, and as well as of the blank matrix within ca. 10 min. Both HPLC and NACE methods gave the relatively lower limits of quantification at about 0.01–0.02 and 0.04–0.05 mg/kg, respectively, whereas the overall recoveries were larger than 85.0%. The proposed methods have been successfully applied to measure 15 real sour bean samples and the content profile of BA and SA in sour bean samples was obtained and evaluated.
Comparison of the contents of various antioxidants of sea buckthorn berries using CE
Authors: Gorbatsova Jelena , Lõugas Tiina , Vokk Raivo , Kaljurand Mihkel 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe increased interest in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) made it possible to investigate the antioxidant content in it. To address this issue, the presence of following antioxidant compounds were analyzed: trans‐resveratrol, catechin, myricetin, quercetin, p‐coumaric acid, caffeic acid, L‐ascorbic acid (AA), and gallic acid (linear range of 50–150 μmol/L) in six different varieties of sea buckthorn berries extracts (sea buckthorn varieties: “Trofimovskaja (TR),” “Podarok Sadu (PS),” and “Avgustinka (AV),”) received from two local Estonian companies. Trans‐Resveratrol, catechin, AA, myricetin, and quercetin were found in extracts of sea buckthorn. Moreover, AA, myricetin, and quercetin contents were quantified. The biggest average AA content was found in TR (740 mg/100 g of dried berries, respectively). Furthermore, the same varieties gave the biggest quercetin content 116 mg/100 g of dried berries, respectively. For analysis, CZE was used and the results were partly validated by HPLC. Statistically no big differences in levels of antioxidants were consistently found in different varieties of sea buckthorn extracts investigated in this work.
Analyses of alkaloids in different products by NACE‐MS
Authors: Chiu Chen‐Wen , Liang Hsin‐Hui , Huang Hsi‐Ya 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA simple method for the separation and characterization of five nicotine‐related alkaloids by NACE employing UV and MS detections is described here for the first time. Several factors, including NACE parameters (compositions of running solution) and MS parameters (such as nature and flow rate of sheath liquid, pressure of nebulization gas, and flow rate of dry gas), were optimized in order to obtain both an adequate CE separation and high MS signals for the alkaloid compounds used in this study. A reliable CE separation of five alkaloids was achieved in 50 mM ammonium formate that was dissolved in an ACN/methanol mixture (50:50, v/v) of pH* 4.0 (apparent pH 4.0). The optimal electrospray MS measurement was carried out in the positive ionization mode using a coaxial sheath liquid composed of isopropyl alcohol and water in the ratio of 80:20 v/v at a flow rate of 180 μL/h. In addition, the proposed NACE method was also applied in the analyses of alkaloids in several products including chewing gums, beverages, and tobaccos. This NACE‐MS method was found to provide a better detection ability and separation resolution for the analysis of nicotine alkaloids when compared to other aqueous CE‐MS reports.
Distortions in Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements Using 3‐Electrode Methods in SOFC. I – Effect of Cell Geometry
Authors: Cimenti M. , Co A. C. , Birss V. I. , Hill J. M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe use of a reference electrode (RE) is necessary to independently measure the overpotential of each electrode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). This type of set‐up, known as the 3‐electrode (or 3‐terminal) configuration, can give erroneous results if the RE does not effectively separate the potential of the two active electrodes. In this work, calculations and experiments were performed to verify the effectiveness of the 3‐electrode configuration used in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements for studying the kinetics of anodes and cathodes in SOFC. Initially, a theoretical analysis of the impedance distortions in relation to the electrode geometry and configuration is presented and the main causes of distortions are elucidated. Then, this analysis is corroborated by experimental results obtained using two specially designed cells. Calculations and experiments reconfirm that configurations characterised by electrodes of equal area and symmetrical placement do not produce EIS distortions when the electrodes have similar area‐specific polarisation resistances and time constants. Moreover, distortions can be low even in considerably misaligned configurations when electrodes are small and relatively inactive.