bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breech presentation and moxibustion: should it be offered to improve maternal outcomes?
Authors: Zanchin Claudia Dalcin 
Published: December 2021

Background It is known that moxibustion promotes cephalic version, thereby increasing the likelihood of vaginal birth, reducing the chances of a caesarean section and augmentation in labour. This study aimed to review and critically appraise research articles on the benefits of moxibustion use for low-risk women with breech presentation. Methods This study reviewed research articles published in English between July 2010 and July 2020. A computerised search using Maternity and Infant Care, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Medline databases was undertaken, using a combination of terms such as ‘moxibustion’, ‘childbirth’, ‘birth’, ‘labour’ and ‘labor’. One article was chosen after reading the references of the articles selected. Overall five research articles were analysed using specific critique guidelines. Results The studies confirmed the use of moxibustion to turn a breech fetus, and found that in combination with acupuncture, moxibustion decreases the rate of caesarean section syntocinon use before and during labour for women who had a vaginal birth, as well as slightly decreasing instrumental use at birth. Moxibustion was safe and well accepted by women. However, studies need to be interpreted with caution because of clinical and statistical heterogeneity, and further quality evidence is required. Conclusions Moxibustion use for women with uncomplicated pregnancies may reduce the number of breech presentations at birth, caesarean section rates, syntocinon use and instrumental births.
Effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cini Anelize , Sonda Francesca Chaida , de Oliveira Borges Mariana , Vaz Marco Aurélio , Lima Cláudia Silveira 
Published: December 2021

Background/Aims Little is known about the effectiveness of static stretching on the tendinous structures. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of acute static stretching on the passive mechanical properties of the Achilles tendon. Methods Databases were searched with the descriptors ‘muscle stretching exercises,’ ‘adult’ and ‘Achilles tendon’ with a sample consisting of physically active young adults. Two blind reviewers performed the review. Results A total of four studies were selected. After the meta-analysis, no significant difference was observed for range of motion (−0.73; 95% confidence interval −2.18–0.71; I2=0%), muscle-tendon unit (−0.02; 95% confidence interval −0.23–0.19; I2= 83%), muscle (−0.43; 95% confidence interval −0.92–0.06; I2= 0%) and tendon stiffness (3.70; 95% confidence interval 1.57–5,83; I2=0%; P=0.0007) and passive torque (−1.35; 95% confidence interval −4.75–2.05; I2= 0%). Maximum voluntary isometric contraction showed an alteration with a longer stretching time (1215 seconds). Conclusions Passive static stretching (60–1215 seconds) does not significantly alter the analysed variables.
Improved HIV case finding among key populations after differentiated data driven community testing approaches in Zambia
Authors: Kamanga Joseph , Stankevitz Kayla , Martinez Andres , Chiegil Robert , Nyirenda Lameck , Mulenga Florence , Chen Mario , Mpofu Mulamuli , Lubasi Sam , Bateganya Moses 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionOpen Doors, an HIV prevention project targeting key populations in Zambia, recorded low HIV positivity rates (9%) among HIV testing clients, compared to national adult prevalence (12.3%), suggesting case finding efficiency could be improved. To close this gap, they undertook a series of targeted programmatic and management interventions. We share the outcomes of these interventions, specifically changes in testing volume, HIV positivity rate, and total numbers of key populations living with HIV identified.MethodsThe project implemented a range of interventions to improve HIV case finding using a Total Quality Leadership and Accountability (TQLA) approach. We analyzed program data for key populations who received HIV testing six months before the interventions (October 2017–March 2018) and 12 months after (April 2018–March 2019). Interrupted time series analysis was used to evaluate the impact on HIV positivity and total case finding and trends in positivity and case finding over time, before and after the interventions.ResultsWhile the monthly average number of HIV tests performed increased by only 14% post-intervention, the monthly average number of HIV positive individuals identified increased by 290%. The average HIV positivity rate rose from 9.7% to 32.4%. Positivity rates and case finding remained significantly higher in all post-intervention months. Similar trends were observed among FSW and MSM.ConclusionsThe Open Doors project was able to reach large numbers of previously undiagnosed key populations by implementing a targeted managerial and technical intervention, resulting in a significant increase in the HIV positivity rate sustained over 12 months. These results demonstrate that differentiated, data-driven approaches can help close the 95-95-95 gaps among key populations.
Risk-taking behaviors in adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM): An association between homophobic victimization and alcohol consumption
Authors: Cordoba Evette , Garofalo Robert , Kuhns Lisa M. , Pearson Cynthia , Bruce Josh , Batey D. Scott , Radix Asa , Belkind Uri , Hidalgo Marco A. , Hirshfield Sabina , Garibay Rodriguez Rafael , Schnall Rebecca 
Published: December 2021

Objective
The aim of this study was to determine whether homophobic victimization was associated with alcohol consumption and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs among adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from a national HIV prevention trial (NCT03167606) for adolescent MSM aged 13–18 years (N = 747). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between homophobic victimization (independent variable) and alcohol-related outcomes (dependent variables), controlling for age, parents’ education level, sexual orientation, health literacy, race, and ethnicity.

Results
Most participants (87%) reported at least one form of homophobic victimization in their lifetime, with verbal insults being the most frequently reported (82%). In the bivariate analysis, alcohol consumption and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence were associated with many forms of victimization. Exposure to at least one form of victimization was associated with increased odds of alcohol consumption (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.38–3.87) and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.26–4.00), after controlling for covariates.

Conclusion
Increased risk of alcohol consumption and risky alcohol-related behaviors were found among adolescent MSM who experienced homophobic victimization. Interventions should address homophobic victimization and its impact on adolescent MSM, as well as disentangling motivations for underage drinking, riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence.
Do manual therapies have a specific autonomic effect? An overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Roura Sonia , Álvarez Gerard , Solà Ivan , Cerritelli Francesco 
Published: December 2021

Background
The impact of manual therapy interventions on the autonomic nervous system have been largely assessed, but with heterogeneous findings regarding the direction of these effects. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to describe if there is a specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapy interventions, its relation with the type of technique used and the body region where the intervention was applied.

Methods
We conducted an overview according to a publicly registered protocol. We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EPISTEMONIKOS and SCOPUS, from their inception to march 2021. We included systematic reviews for which the primary aim of the intervention was to assess the autonomic effect elicited by a manual therapy intervention in either healthy or symptomatic individuals. Two authors independently applied the selection criteria, assessed risk of bias from the included reviews and extracted data. An established model of generalisation guided the data analysis and interpretation.

Results
We included 12 reviews (5 rated as low risk of bias according the ROBIS tool). The findings showed that manual therapies may have an effect on both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. However, the results from included reviews were inconsistent due to differences in their methodological rigour and how the effects were measured. The reviews with a lower risk of bias could not discriminate the effects depending on the body region to which the technique was applied.

Conclusion
The magnitude of the specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapies and its clinical relevance is uncertain. We point out some specific recommendations in order to improve the quality and relevance of future research in this field.
Determinants of tuberculosis treatment interruption among patients in Vihiga County, Kenya
Authors: Wekunda Paul Waliaula , Aduda Dickens S. Omondi , Guyah Bernard 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDespite robust Tuberculosis (TB) program with effective chemotherapy and high coverage, treatment interruption remains a serious problem. Interrupting TB treatment means that patients remain infectious for longer time and are at risk of developing drug resistance and death. This study was conducted to identify and describe predictors of TB treatment interruption.MethodsA cohort of 291 notified TB patients from 20 selected health facilities in Vihiga County were enrolled in to the study and followed up until the end of treatment. Patient characteristics that potentially predict treatment interruption were recorded during treatment initiation using structured questionnaires. Patients who interrupted treatment were traced and reasons for stoppage of treatment recorded. Kaplan Meier method was used to estimate probabilities of treatment interruption by patient characteristics and determine time intervals. The Log rank test for the equality of survival distributions analyzed significance of survival differences among categorical variables. For multivariable analysis, Cox proportional hazard model, was fitted to identify predictors of TB treatment interruption through calculation of hazard ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). For variable analysis, statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Reasons for treatment interruption were categorized according to most recurrent behavioral or experiential characteristics.ResultsParticipants’ median age was 40 years (IQR = 32–53) and 72% were male. Of the 291 patients, 11% (n = 32) interrupted treatment. Incidences of treatment interruption significantly occurred during intensive phase of treatment. Independent predictors of treatment interruption included alcohol consumption (HR = 9.2, 95% CI; 2.6–32.5, p < 0.001), being female (HR = 5.01, 95% CI; 1.68–15.0, p = 0.004), having primary or lower education level (HR = 3.09, 95% CI; 1.13–8.49, p < 0.029) and having a treatment supporter (HR = 0.33, 95% CI; 0.14–0.76, p = 0.009). Reasons for interrupting treatment were categorized as: alcoholism, feeling better after treatment initiation, associated TB stigma, long distance to health facility, lack of food, perception of not having TB and pill burden.ConclusionTB treatment interruption was high and largely associated with patients’ socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics. These multidimensional factors suggest the need for interventions that not only target individual patients but also environment in which they live and receive healthcare services.
Allopurinol to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: van der Pol Karel H. , Wever Kimberley E. , Verbakel Mariette , Visseren Frank L. J. , Cornel Jan H. , Rongen Gerard A. 
Published: December 2021

Aims
To compare the effectiveness of allopurinol with no treatment or placebo for the prevention of cardiovascular events in hyperuricemic patients.

Methods and results
Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane library were searched from inception until July 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies in hyperuricemic patients without significant renal disease and treated with allopurinol, versus placebo or no treatment were included. Outcome measures were cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, or a combined endpoint (CM/MI/S). For RCT’s a random effects meta-analysis was performed. For observational studies a narrative synthesis was performed. Of the original 1995 references we ultimately included 26 RCT’s and 21 observational studies. We found a significantly reduced risk of combined endpoint (Risk Ratio 0.65 [95% CI] [0.46 to 0.91]; p = 0.012) and myocardial infarction (RR 0.47 [0.27 to 0.80]; p = 0.01) in the allopurinol group compared to controls. We found no significant effect of allopurinol on stroke or cardiovascular mortality. Of the 15 observational studies with sufficient quality, allopurinol was associated with reduced cardiovascular mortality in 1 out of 3 studies that reported this outcome, myocardial infarction in 6 out of 8, stroke in 4 out of 7, and combined end-point in 2 out of 2. Cardiovascular benefit was only observed when allopurinol therapy was prolonged for more than 6 months and when an appropriate allopurinol dose was administered (300 mg or more/day) or sufficient reduction of serum urate concentration was achieved (<0.36 mmol/l).

Conclusions
Data from RCT’s and observational studies indicate that allopurinol treatment reduces cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperuricemia. However, the quality of evidence from RCTs is low to moderate. To establish whether allopurinol lowers the risk of cardiovascular events a well-designed and adequately powered randomized, placebo-controlled trial is needed in high-risk patients with hyperuricemia.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO registration CRD42018089744
Factors associated with female students’ past year experience of sexual violence in South African public higher education settings: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Machisa Mercilene T. , Chirwa Esnat D. , Mahlangu Pinky , Sikweyiya Yandisa , Nunze Ncediswa , Dartnall Elizabeth , Pillay Managa , Jewkes Rachel 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundIntimate partner sexual violence and non-partner rape experiences are widely reported by female students in South African higher education institutions, as they are globally. However, limited research has focused on investigating vulnerability factors, which is vital for informing interventions.ObjectiveTo describe the factors and inter-relationships associated with female students’ increased vulnerability to past year experience of partner sexual violence and non-partner rape in South African higher education settings.MethodsWe interviewed 1293 female students, i.e., 519 students in six Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college campuses and 774 students at three university campuses. Participants were volunteers aged 18–30. The measured vulnerability factors included childhood sexual abuse, other trauma, mental ill-health, risky sexual behaviours, food insecurity, partner violence, and controlling behaviours. We used bivariate analysis, logistic regression, and structural equation modelling methods.ResultsTwenty percent of participants experienced past-year sexual violence (17% partner sexual violence and 7.5% non-partner rape). Childhood sexual abuse had direct effects on experiencing past year sexual violence and physical, emotional partner violence or controlling behaviours. Risky sexual behaviours mediated the relationships of childhood sexual abuse or harmful alcohol use and past-year sexual violence experience. Mental ill-health mediated the relationships between childhood sexual abuse, other traumatic exposures, food insecurity, physical, emotional partner violence or controlling behaviours, and past-year partner sexual violence or non-partner rape experience.ConclusionsRisky sexual behaviours, gender inequitable relationship dynamics, mental ill-health, and food insecurity are related and amenable vulnerability factors associated with female students’ sexual violence experiences. Therefore, addressing these through comprehensive campus interventions, which are implemented when students first enrol in higher education and are most vulnerable to sexual violence, is critical. Society-wide sexual violence prevention is also imperative.
Computational analysis of the particle size effect on the pressure profiles and type of flow regimes of TiO2 microparticles in a fluidized bed
Authors: Bahramian Alireza 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The effect of particle size on the pressure profiles and flow regimes of the bed containing TiO2 microparticles (MPs) was investigated in a fluidized bed. The fluidization behavior of particles with mean diameters, d

p
, of 170, 200, 225, and 300 μm at different gas velocities, U

g
, was investigated both experimental and computational viewpoints. A computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was developed by the Eulerian–Eulerian approach to evaluate the sensitivity of the Syamlal–O’Brien, and Gidaspow drag models on the predicted results of the bed pressure profiles. The results showed that with increasing particle size, the amplitude of pressure fluctuations increases and the type of flow regime in the bed tended from bubbling to slugging flow regime. The error analysis showed that the use of the Gidaspow model led to more accurate results than the Syamlal–O’Brien model in predicting the bed pressure drop and pressure fluctuations in the slugging flow regime. However, the Syamlal–O’Brien model was more suitable for predicting the pressure profiles in the bubbling flow regime. The results were more suitable for the bed containing particles of 300 μm than the beds with d

p
≤ 225 μm. The highest and lowest deviations between the experimental data and simulation outputs were obtained at U

g
of 0.295 and 0.650 m/s, respectively. The findings confirmed that the mutual effects existed between the d

p
pressure profiles, and the type of flow regimes in the bed.
On modeling column crystallizers and a Hermite predictor–corrector scheme for a system of integro-differential equations
Authors: El Khaldi Khaldoun , Rabiei Nima , Saleeby Elias G. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Multistaged crystallization systems are used in the production of many chemicals. In this article, employing the population balance framework, we develop a model for a column crystallizer where particle agglomeration is a significant growth mechanism. The main part of the model can be reduced to a system of integrodifferential equations (IDEs) of the Volterra type. To solve this system simultaneously, we examine two numerical schemes that yield a direct method of solution and an implicit Runge–Kutta type method. Our numerical experiments show that the extension of a Hermite predictor–corrector method originally advanced in Khanh (1994) for a single IDE is effective in solving our model. The numerical method is presented for a generalization of the model which can be used to study and simulate a number of possible operating profiles of the column.
High-power thin-disk lasers emitting beams with axially-symmetric polarizations
Authors: Abdou Ahmed Marwan , Beirow Frieder , Loescher André , Dietrich Tom , Bashir Danish , Didychenko Denys , Savchenko Anton , Pruss Christof , Fetisova Marina , Li Fangfang , Karvinen Petri , Kuittinen Markku , Graf Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We present the intracavity generation of beams with radial polarization at an average output power of 750 W and an optical efficiency of 43% from a continuous wave thin-disk laser. Circular grating waveguide output couplers (GWOC) were used to select the radial polarization. The sensitivity of the polarizing function of the GWOC with regards to the fabrication tolerances is also analysed in details with a particular emphasis on the effect of the duty cycle and the geometrical profile of the gratings. Furthermore, we present the conversion of femtosecond laser pulses from linear to azimuthal polarization using a nanograting-based polarization converter. Azimuthally polarized beams with an average power of up to 850 W, a pulse duration of 400 fs and a pulse repetition rate of 1 MHz were generated in this way with a conversion efficiency of >90%.
Dynamiken von Beschäftigungsfähigkeit – Erwerbsverläufe von gering qualifizierten Arbeitskräften
Authors: Nadai Eva , Gonon Anna , Hübscher Robin , John Anna 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFormale Qualifikation gilt als zentrale Voraussetzung für Beschäftigungsfähigkeit. Anhand von Erwerbsverläufen von gering qualifizierten Arbeitskräften in der Schweiz untersucht dieser Beitrag Beschäftigungsfähigkeit als dynamische Wechselwirkung zwischen Orientierungen und Erwerbshandeln des Subjekts und institutionellen Regulierungen und Praktiken von Betrieben, Branchen und Sozialstaat. Die Analyse beruht auf qualitativen Interviews mit Arbeitskräften, Betrieben und Personalvermittlern. Die Mehrheit der befragten Arbeitskräfte war ein- oder mehrmals arbeitslos, aber nur ein Drittel der Erwerbsverläufe war insgesamt prekär. Vielmehr waren stabile Verläufe am häufigsten, und es gab auch Aufstiegskarrieren. Branche, betriebliche Personalstrategien und außerberufliche Faktoren erwiesen sich als ebenso entscheidend für die Beschäftigungsfähigkeit wie individuelles Erwerbshandeln und Bildungsbemühungen.
Standardized Evaluation of Cord Gases in Neonates at Risk for Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Blecharczyk Elizabeth , Lee Lucy , Birnie Krista , Gupta Arun , Davis Alexis , Van Meurs Krisa , Bonifacio Sonia , Frymoyer Adam 
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND
Umbilical-cord acidemia may indicate perinatal asphyxia and places a neonate at increased risk for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Our specific aim was to develop a standardized clinical care pathway, ensuring timely identification and evaluation of neonates with umbilical-cord acidemia at risk for HIE.

METHODS
A standardized clinical care pathway to screen inborn neonates ≥36 weeks with abnormal cord blood gases (a pH of ≤7.0 or base deficit of ≥10) for HIE was implemented in January 2016. Abnormal cord blood gases resulted in a direct notification from the laboratory to an on-call physician. Evaluation included a modified Sarnat examination, postnatal blood gas, and standardized documentation. The percentage of neonates in which physician notification, documented Sarnat examination, and postnatal blood gas occurred was examined for 6 months before and 35 months after implementation.

RESULTS
Of 203 neonates with abnormal cord gases in the post–quality improvement (QI) period, physician notification occurred in 92%. In the post-QI period, 94% had a documented Sarnat examination, and 94% had postnatal blood gas, compared with 16% and 11%, respectively, of 87 neonates in the pre-QI period. In the post-QI period, of those evaluated, &gt;96% were documented within 4 hours of birth. In the post-QI period, 15 (7.4%) neonates were cooled; 13 were in the NICU at time of identification, but 2 were identified in the newborn nursery and redirected to the NICU for cooling.

CONCLUSIONS
A standardized screening pathway in neonates with umbilical-cord acidemia led to timely identification and evaluation of neonates at risk for HIE.