bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycystic ovary syndrome and risk of stillbirth: a nationwide register‐based study
Authors: Valgeirsdottir H , Kunovac Kallak T , Sundström Poromaa I , Jonsson M , Roos N , Lindström L , Wikström A‐K 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate whether polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased risk of stillbirth and whether any such association is linked to PCOS with a severe hyperandrogenic profile.DesignNationwide register‐based cohort study.SettingSweden.PopulationThe cohort consisted of women giving birth to singleton infants in 1997–2015. All women with a diagnosis of PCOS in the period 1997–2017 and a randomly selected reference group of women without PCOS diagnosis were included. PCOS with a severe hyperandrogenic profile was defined as a PCOS diagnosis with at least two dispensations of prescribed anti‐androgens during 2005–2017.MethodsThe risk of stillbirth in women with PCOS was estimated through multiple logistic regression, using women without PCOS as a reference. Risks were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), adjusted for maternal age, parity, body mass index, type‐1 diabetes, educational level and country of birth.Main outcome measuresStillbirth, at ≥22 weeks of gestation in 2008–2015 and at ≥28 weeks of gestation in 1997–2007.ResultsCompared with women without PCOS (n = 241 750), women with PCOS (n = 41 851) had a 50% increased risk of stillbirth (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.28–1.77). The incidence of stillbirth in women with PCOS was particularly increased at term. Women with PCOS and a severe hyperandrogenic profile (n = 13 713) did not have a stronger association with stillbirth than women with PCOS who did not have such a profile.ConclusionsPCOS is associated with stillbirth and should be considered as a possible risk factor in antenatal care. Further research is warranted to investigate possible causal mechanisms.Tweetable abstractWomen with PCOS have increased risk of stillbirth, and the incidence is particularly increased at term.
Do indicators influence treaty ratification? The relationship between mid‐range performance and policy change
Authors: WESTERN SHAINA D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTreaties are a valuable tool for policymakers because they are both legally binding on, and symbolically powerful signals of, commitments of states that ratify. Why states choose to ratify treaties is unclear, although social pressures appear to play some role. This article argues that global performance indicators can influence the ratification process, but that the effect varies depending on where states fall on these measures. In the mid‐range of a scale, fast ratification has significant benefits and relatively few costs. However, indicators have less of a catalysing effect at the extreme ends of the scale, where the costs are higher and the benefits are lower. This article uses policy performance indicators as independent variables in duration analyses of the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (2003) and the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children (2000). It finds states in the mid‐range of the indicator are faster to ratify than states that are not ranked, whereas the other categories are statistically insignificant. These findings imply that indicators matter for those in the middle, but not as much for those at the extremes. This finding enriches our understanding of treaty ratification and has potential implications for performance metrics as a tool to promote policy change for those states in the middle, highlighting the strengths and limitations of indicators as a force for change.
Cultural intelligence and establishment of organisational diversity management practices: An upper echelons perspective
Authors: Turner Lauren A. , Merriman Kimberly K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDrawing from upper echelons theory, this study examines Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs) level of cultural intelligence as a predictor of diversity management practices established during their tenure. We model cultural intelligence (CQ) as an individual difference that combines with functional expertise to bolster attention to diversity management. CHRO cultural intelligence is further posited to have an indirect effect on the establishment of diversity management practices through CHRO propensity for transformational leadership behaviours, in this case directed towards other TMT members to garner support for diversity management practices. We test arguments with primary and secondary data from a sample of 193 CHROs and their institutions. Findings address the call to analyse functional TMT roles and factors that impact their effectiveness, and speak to the continued evolution of CQ as a research construct. We conclude with research and practical implications at a time of heightened attention to diversity.
Crafting Compliance Regime under COVID‐19: Using Taiwan's Quarantine Policy as a Case Study
Authors: Yen Wei‐Ting , Liu Li‐Yin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOne year after the World Health Organization declared COVID‐19 a global pandemic, governments around the world adopt similar practices in containing the COVID‐19 spread. Nevertheless, variation exists in the level of policy compliance, which directly contribute to policy success/failure across countries. As the pandemic continues, pandemic fatigue also decreases the public’s willingness to comply. Increasing policy compliance during the remainder of pandemic has become a transnational concern. Using Taiwan’s quarantine policy as an example, this article illustrates three aspects to craft an effective compliance regime to fight public health crises like COVID‐19: (1) a comprehensive policy mix to reduce heterogeneous compliance barriers that impact different social groups; (2) constant and various policy communication with heterogeneous target audiences; and (3) leveraging and integrating street‐level bureaucrats in the policy implementation stages. Taiwan’s case provides several policy lessons for other countries: compliance regime is not driven by top‐down enforcement but through the integration of policy design and implementation that remove all barriers for compliance. Taiwan’s street level bureaucrats are the glue of the compliance regime. This article bears policy implications for policy makers around the world when aiming for increasing policy compliance.
Long‐term financing effects of Chinese non‐SOEs Belt and Road OFDI
Authors: Huang Ling , Liu Haiyue , Hou Jack , Xiao Fulong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTaking a political legitimacy perspective, this paper examines how the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) of Chinese non‐state‐owned enterprises (non‐SOEs) in countries along the Belt and Road (B&R) affected their financing capabilities. It was found that the OFDI in B&R countries significantly increased the access of non‐SOE to long‐term and policy‐based loans, with this effect being more pronounced in firms that had stronger political connections and in areas that had greater political pressure, no prefecture‐level terminations of officials, and a lower marketisation degree. It was further found that the non‐SOE OFDI along the B&R improved the political performance of local officials and was an effective mechanism for enhancing financing capabilities.
Informed consent and birth preparedness/complication readiness: A qualitative study at two tertiary maternity units
Authors: Ely Sally , Langer Susanne , Dietz Hans Peter 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundInformed consent in obstetrics should involve full disclosure of risks, benefits and alternative interventions. However, we have found no evidence of a formal informed consent process before an attempt at vaginal delivery in published policy or practice. The idea of informed consent in vaginal birth has attracted controversy and has been the subject of some debate.AimTo explore the perspectives and experiences of informed consent and birth preparedness/complication readiness for birthing women in a high resource setting.Materials and methodsQualitative study using semi‐structured interviews to examine experiences and perspectives of women following birth.ResultsForty telephone interviews were concluded. Eight statement categories were identified: (i) no issues of consent, (ii) absent/inadequate informed consent, (iii) adequate birth preparedness/complication readiness, (iv) inadequate birth preparedness/complication readiness, (v) desire to forfeit decision making to a trusted and accountable health professional, (vi) belief that informed consent is not realistic in birth under some circumstances, (vii) negative feelings related to birth and (viii) poor postnatal follow‐up.ConclusionsWhen complications arose during birth, 20% of participants felt that informed consent was absent/inadequate, 25% of participants suggested policy change in favour of a formal informed consent process and 55% of participants suggested policy change in favour of increased birth preparedness/complication readiness. Our study suggests that informed consent for vaginal birth and formal birth preparedness/complication readiness should form part of routine antenatal care. Women’s preferences for decision‐making and informed consent should be established before birth.
Investigating the link between social cooperation sector and economic well‐being of Italian provinces through the lens of social capital
Authors: Terzo Giuseppe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates, through the lens of social capital, the contribution of social cooperation to the economic well‐being of Italian provinces. The empirical investigation is in two phases. First, I carry out a cross‐sectional analysis on data from 2015 to 2019 to verify whether social‐cooperation diffusion, expressed by social‐cooperative‐employee density, is positively related to a composite index of social capital. This analysis confirms the hypothesis that the diffusion of social cooperation effectively approximates the territorial social‐capital endowment. Second, I structure a panel data analysis for the period 2012 to 2017 to investigate the link between social cooperation as a source of social capital and the economic well‐being of Italian provinces. The results of this analysis corroborate the hypothesis—consistent with copious literature showing the positive role of social capital in the economic development processes—that social cooperation positively affects material living conditions through the generation of social value.
A survey of producer practices and reproductive performance of containment and supplementary fed ewes
Authors: Robertson SM , Gunn A , Piltz J , Friend MA 
Published: September 2021

Containment feeding, where ewes are fed complete rations, is used to maintain flock numbers in periods of inadequate pasture supply. Producer practices influence both the reproductive performance of ewes and the risk of health challenges. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive, feeding and health management practices of producers using containment or supplementary feeding, and quantify any associations between practice and reproductive performance. An online survey of Australian producers was conducted in 2020. The number of responses (n = 43) allowed benchmarking but was insufficient to determine correlations between practice and performance. The reported pregnancy rate of adult Merino ewes was variable between respondents (78%–95%; n = 11), and lambs marked per ewe joined ranged from 60% to 110% (n = 9). In non‐Merino flocks, lambs marked ranged from 82% to 161% (n = 4). Most respondents (9/11) fed cereal grain with hay or straw, either daily or two or three times a week. However, some respondents fed grain only or roughage only, such that the percentage of roughage in diets ranged from 0% to 100%. Ewes were most frequently separated into age groups for feeding, and shy feeders were only removed by 25% of respondents. Although generally the reported reproductive rate was high, wide variation indicates potential for improvement. Best practice management for containment remains unclear and requires further research given the diverse practices used. Veterinary practitioners should be aware that some of the practices used may contribute to reduced productivity or health issues in ewes.
Stakeholder relations of sustainable banks: Community benefit above the common good
Authors: Naranova‐Nassauer Anastasia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper explores stakeholder relations of sustainable banks as organizations that simultaneously pursue the community development and market profitability goals. The study features the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), an international group of 62 financial institutions and 16 strategic partners, which collectively hold $200 billion USD of assets under management. Using the organizational identity orientation framework (Brickson, 2005, 2007), it reveals that, contrary to widely held assumptions that community‐focused organizations serve a broad common good purpose, sustainable banks take a relational stance based on effectively prioritizing community issues aligned with their missions and establishing strong partnerships with selected counterparts. Sustainable banks approach their stakeholder relations through the relational identity orientation expressed in the practices of inclusion of affected communities, full incorporation of local needs, philanthropic inclusiveness, transparency and power balance among stakeholders, governmental commitments, and relational hiring and socializing.
Review: Mental health impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children and youth – a systematic review
Authors: Samji Hasina , Wu Judy , Ladak Amilya , Vossen Caralyn , Stewart Evelyn , Dove Naomi , Long David , Snell Gaelen 
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented threat to global mental health. Children and adolescents may be more susceptible to mental health impacts related to their vulnerable developmental stage, fear of infection, home confinement, suspension of regular school and extracurricular activities, physical distancing mandates, and larger scale threats such as global financial recessions and associated impacts. Our objective was to review existing evidence of the COVID‐19 pandemic’s global impact on the mental health of children and adolescents <19 years of age and to identify personal and contextual factors that may enhance risk or confer protection in relation to mental health outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a search of peer‐reviewed and preprint research published in English from January 1, 2020, to February 22, 2021. We included studies collecting primary data on COVID‐19‐related mental health impacts on children and adolescents. We graded the strength of included articles using the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine rating scheme.ResultsOur search and review yielded 116 articles presenting data on a total of 127,923 children and adolescents; 50,984 child and adolescent proxy reports (e.g., parents, healthcare practitioners); and >3,000 chart reviews. A high prevalence of COVID‐19‐related fear was noted among children and adolescents, as well as more depressive and anxious symptoms compared with prepandemic estimates. Older adolescents, girls, and children and adolescents living with neurodiversities and/or chronic physical conditions were more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Many studies reported mental health deterioration among children and adolescents due to COVID‐19 pandemic control measures. Physical exercise, access to entertainment, positive familial relationships, and social support were associated with better mental health outcomes.ConclusionsThis review highlights the urgent need for practitioners and policymakers to attend to and collaborate with children and adolescents, especially those in higher risk subgroups, to mitigate short‐ and long‐term pandemic‐associated mental health effects.
Review: Economic evidence of preventive interventions for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents – a systematic review
Authors: Anna‐Kaisa Vartiainen , Virpi Kuvaja‐Köllner , Mervi Rantsi , Elisa Rissanen , Terhi Luntamo , Marjo Kurki , André Sourander , Eila Kankaanpää 
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAnxiety disorders are common in children and youth. Also, in prevention, be it universal, selective or indicated, economic evaluation supports decision‐making in the allocation of scarce resources. This review identified and summarised the existing evidence of economic evaluations for the prevention of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on the EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Cochrane and PubMed databases. We included studies that focused on children and adolescents under 18 years of age, aimed to prevent anxiety disorders and presented an incremental analysis of costs and effectiveness. A registered checklist was used that assessed the quality of the included articles.ResultsThe search yielded 1697 articles. Five articles were included in this review. Three were RCT‐based, and two were model‐based studies. Out of five included interventions, one was a universal school‐based intervention, two selective interventions and two indicated interventions. Universal school‐based prevention of anxiety was not cost‐effective compared with usual teaching. Selective parent training and indicative child‐ and parent‐focused CBT prevention were likely cost‐effective compared with usual care or doing nothing.ConclusionParent education and cognitive behaviour therapy interventions can be cautiously interpreted as being a cost‐effective way of preventing anxiety in children and adolescents. However, the evidence is weakly related to cost‐effectiveness as there are only a few studies, with relatively small sample sizes and short follow‐ups.
Parent–child relationship quality and adolescent health: Testing the differential susceptibility and diathesis‐stress hypotheses in African American youths
Authors: Shakiba Nila , Gao Mengyu (Miranda) , Conradt Elisabeth , Terrell Sarah , Lester Barry M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study tested two competing models of differential susceptibility and diathesis‐stress in a prospective longitudinal study of African American youths (N = 935). It examined whether individual variations in the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis at age 11 interact with middle childhood parent–child relationship quality to predict mental and physical health problems in adolescence (ages 11–15 years old). Adolescent boys with lower levels of cortisol reactivity to laboratory challenges had the highest levels of internalizing problems if they experienced a high conflictual relationship with their parents. Equally low‐reactive boys, however, reported the lowest number of physical illnesses if their relationship with their parents was characterized by high levels of intimacy and support.
Vaccination with circulating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis prevents recurrent intraocular inflammation
Authors: Jiang Guomin , Yun Juan , Kaplan Henry J. , Zhao Yuan , Sun Deming , Shao Hui 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundExosomes participate in intercellular communication and act as important molecular vehicles in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes, including autoimmune development. The role of circulating exosomes in the development of autoimmune uveitis is unknown. In this study, using the rat model of experimental autoimmune uveitis, which has clinical and histological features of pan uveitis in man, we evaluated the immunoregulatory function of circulating exosomes.MethodsExperimental autoimmune uveitis was induced in Lewis rats either immunised with interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein R16 peptides or injected with activated R16‐specific T cells. The disease incidence and severity were examined by indirect fundoscopy and flow cytometry. Circulating exosomes were isolated from peripheral blood of naïve and Day 14 R16 immunised Lewis rats. The effect of exosomes on specific T cells was evaluated by R16‐specific T cell proliferation, cytokine production and recurrent uveitis induction.ResultsCirculating exosomes derived from active immunised uveitis rats selectively inhibited immune responses of R16‐specific T cells in vitro. Vaccination of naïve rats with these exosomes reduced the incidence of recurrent uveitis in an antigen‐specific manner. Antigen‐specific uveitogenic T cells reduced IFN‐γ production and increased IL‐10 after vaccination.ConclusionsCirculating exosomes in autoimmune uveitis have the potential to be a novel treatment for recurrent autoimmune uveitis.
Negative pressure wound therapy following excision of pilonidal sinus disease: A retrospective review
Authors: Hannan Enda , Harding Tim , Feizal Hanna , Martin Sean 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThere is no agreed definitive surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) with several techniques in use with varying success. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is used to accelerate wound healing but literature in the context of PSD remains sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients with PSD treated by a standardised technique of complete surgical excision followed by the application of NPWT.MethodsA retrospective observational cohort study of all patients with PSD managed by complete surgical excision followed by application of NPWT was performed over a five year period. The primary endpoints were PSD recurrence and failed wound healing.ResultsSixty‐one patients underwent treatment during the study period. There was 100% compliance with NPWT. All patients’ wounds healed successfully, with the median time to healing being 28 days. One patient (1.6%) developed recurrent PSD and required further surgery. Two patients (3.3%) developed postoperative wound infections. Five patients, who had been managed previously by other operative approaches and subsequently developed recurrence, were successfully managed by this technique. Most patients (52.4%) were managed as a day case procedure.ConclusionsSurgery for PSD should have low recurrence rates, prompt wound healing, minimal complications, short inpatient lengths of stay and be tolerated by the patient. Our results demonstrate that our technique meets these criteria. To our knowledge, this study contains the largest number of patients with PSD managed by excision and NPWT in the literature.
Thiocarbazone‐appended coumarin: An easily accessible ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for multianalyte (Zn2+ and Cu2+) systems
Authors: Lv Mu‐Xuan , Bian Lin‐Yan , Wu Wei‐Na , Xu Zhi‐Hong , Wang Yuan , Zhao Xiao‐Lei , Xu Zhou‐Qing , Fan Yun‐Chang , Yan Ling‐Ling 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA simple thiocarbazone‐appended coumarin derivative 1 with high selectivity as a ratiometric fluorescence sensor towards Cu2+ and Zn2+ in a semi‐aqueous solution was synthesised and characterised. Upon the addition of Cu2+ and Zn2+, the emission of 1 solution undergoes a blue and red shift to 480 and 545 nm according to the intense blue and yellow colour under a 365‐nm ultraviolet lamp, respectively. Binding was confirmed by ultraviolet‐visible absorption analysis, fluorescence measurement, mass spectrometry, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation. The results show that 1 coordinated with Cu2+ and Zn2+ in different modes, resulting in different ratiometric fluorescence responses. The detection limits of the sensor 1 for Cu2+ and Zn2+ were 100.8 and 11.5 nM, respectively. The association constants (Ka) of Cu2+ and Zn2+ with 1 were determined to be 5.59 × 104 and 5.08 × 104 M−1, respectively. Fluorescent microscopy experiments demonstrated that probe 1 has the potential to be used to monitor Zn2+ and Cu2+ in living cells.