bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign influence: The international transmission of gender equality
Authors: Davis C. Austin , Poole Jennifer P. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAnecdotal evidence for several developing countries suggests that foreign direct investment and multinational enterprises (MNEs) may be an important conduit of cultural exchange. Recent work in economics has explored the role that MNEs play in transferring gender equality around the globe, but with mixed results. In this paper, we consider the implications of increased foreign direct investment in Brazil on the transmission of high‐quality gender policy and practice. In particular, we investigate whether workers with experience at multinational firms, now employed in domestic firms with no foreign influence, help to change gender‐specific outcomes at their Brazilian companies. We next ask whether it matters from where the foreign direct investment originates—that is, do workers with experience in MNEs with headquarters in relatively gender‐equal countries transfer best practices toward women better than do workers with experience in MNEs from relatively more gender‐unequal countries? Increasing the share of workers with MNE experience modestly improves the gender earnings gap in some specifications. Additionally, workers in management positions offer the strongest positive contributions to closing gender gaps. However, despite the many theoretical reasons and suggestive empirical evidence from previous literature to expect differential implications across FDI‐source countries, our data fail to support this notion.
Blood donor genotyping for prediction of blood group antigens: Results from 5 years' experience (2017–2022)
Authors: Rieneck Klaus , Krog Grethe Risum , Clausen Frederik Banch , Egeberg Hother Christoffer , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesFor 5 years, routine genotyping has been performed for selected blood groups of blood donors in the Copenhagen Capital Region, Denmark. The result is summarized in the following.Materials and MethodsGenotyping was carried out by an external service provider using the competitive allele specific PCR (KASP) technology. The genotypes were returned to the blood bank and translated into phenotypes by a proprietary IT application.ResultsIn total, 65 alleles from 16 blood group systems (ABO, MNS, Rh, Lutheran, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Diego, Yt, Dombrock, Colton, Landsteiner‐Wiener, Cromer, Knops, Vel, secretor status) and the HPA1, HPA5 and HPA15 antigens were interrogated. After translation, phenotypes were imported into the laboratory information management system of the blood bank. The results from 31,538 genotyped blood donors were used to calculate the allele frequencies for a Danish blood donor population. ABO genotyping was done for sample ID purposes. Determination of the 1061delC single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (NM_020469.2), most frequently characteristic of ABO*A2, was validated against a series of 1287 samples with Dolichos biflorus lectin determination of the A1 phenotype.ConclusionWe report allele frequencies and phenotype frequencies for 16 blood groups from a total of 31,538 genotyped blood donors. Blood products were supplied from a total of 64,312 active blood donors, and of these active blood donors 25,396 (39.5%) were genotyped. These donors represent a valuable resource for patient treatment. This genotyping has enabled the provision of rare genotyped donor blood for patients with alloantibodies and rare reagent cells for serology.
Degree zero Gromov–Witten invariants for smooth curves
Authors: Yang Di 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFor a smooth projective curve, we derive a closed formula for the generating series of its Gromov–Witten invariants in genus and degree zero. It is known that the calculation of these invariants can be reduced to that of the and integrals on the moduli space of stable algebraic curves. The closed formula for the integrals is given by the conjecture, proved by Faber and Pandharipande. We compute in this paper the integrals via solving the degree zero limit of the loop equation associated to the complex projective line.
Inertia Modulated Meta-Structure With Time-Varying Inertia Amplification
Authors: Gao Hao , Zhu Junzhe , Qu Yegao , Meng Guang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In this work, a new inertia modulated meta-structure is proposed to enable time-dependent inertia parameters, and thereby realize non-reciprocal wave propagation via spatiotemporal modulation. The designed cell structure is composed of an oscillatory disk and a mass that slides in a guide embedded in the disk frictionlessly with prescribed motion. Effective moment of inertia and damping coefficients of the rocking motion of the cell structure are rendered time-dependent due to the inertia and Coriolis forces of the periodically sliding mass, which allows us to implement the expected spatiotemporal modulation upon a super-cell. Non-reciprocal propagation behavior of the proposed meta-structure is verified via the theoretical solution of the dispersion relation as well as the dynamic response of a finite array. Effects of modulation parameters, including the frequency, amplitude, and phase, on the unidirectional propagation characteristic are thoroughly investigated.
Prenatal exposure to RSV season influences first-year risk of RSV lower respiratory illness and RSV-specific immune responses assessed at birth
Authors: Nenna Raffaella , Stern Debra A. , Carr Tara F. , Spangenberg Amber , Wright Anne L. , Martinez Fernando D. , Halonen Marilyn 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Maternal-to-fetal transmission of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been shown to occur but whether late prenatal exposure to RSV season influences offspring postnatal RSV-lower respiratory illness (LRI) risk in early life or RSV immune status at birth is unclear. In this study, the duration of third trimester RSV season exposure was determined for 1,094 newborns of the Tucson Children’s Respiratory Study (TCRS) and found to show an inverse relation to risk for first RSV-LRI in the first year. Cord blood anti-RSV antibody is related to third trimester RSV season exposure but not to first year RSV-LRI risk. In a separate birth cohort (the Infant Immune Study), supernatants from cord blood mononuclear cells stimulated with the recall antigen, UV-inactivated RSV, were assayed for IFN-γ and IL-4. The frequency of detectable IFN-γ (but not IL-4) was increased for those with at least 2 mo of third trimester RSV season exposure, suggestive of a fetal immune response to RSV.

IMPORTANCE

Our study found that duration of third trimester exposure to RSV season related inversely to subsequent risk of postnatal RSV-LRI in the first year, thus implicating this exposure as an important factor in reducing risk of postnatal RSV-LRIs, a risk reduction that appears to be independent of maternally transferred anti-RSV antibody level. The increase in frequency of detectable IFN-γ and not IL-4 in response to UV-inactivated RSV in cord blood immune cells for infants with greater third trimester exposure to RSV season is suggestive of a Type-1 immune response to RSV occurring
in utero
.
Treponema pallidum
PCR screening at mucosal sites of asymptomatic men who have sex with men taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Aung Ei T. , Fairley Christopher K. , Williamson Deborah A. , Azzato Francesca , Wigan Rebecca , Tran Julien , Buchanan Andrew , Schmidt Tina , Chow Eric P. F. , Chen Marcus Y. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Early detection and treatment of syphilis will reduce the infectious period and transmission. We aimed to determine whether screening men who have sex with men (MSM) taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for syphilis using
Treponema pallidum
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) could detect syphilis before the appearance of syphilis antibodies in serology. MSM attending 3-monthly PrEP clinic visits in Melbourne, Australia, were screened with a PCR assay targeting the
pol
A gene of
T. pallidum
from an anal swab and an oral rinse between November 2019 and March 2020. Participants were serologically screened for syphilis using chemiluminescence immunoassay. A total of 309 asymptomatic participants provided an anal swab and oral rinse sample for
T. pallidum
PCR screening. Two syphilis cases (0.6%) were detected: one man had a positive serology only; another man had
T. pallidum
detected by PCR from an anal swab and a positive serology. PCR positivity was 0.3% (
n
= 1) for anal swabs and 0% (
n
= 0) for oral rinse. In this study,
T. pallidum
PCR screening at routine PrEP clinic visits did not identify additional cases of early syphilis over serological screening performed at these visits.

IMPORTANCE

With the ongoing syphilis epidemic in men who have sex with men (MSM), we investigated the role of using
Treponema pallidum
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at the oral cavity and anus in MSM taking pre-exposure prophylaxis for the early detection of syphilis. We evaluated whether the PCR tests from these mucosal sites can detect syphilis infection early, before the development of syphilis antibodies in serology. Our study found two syphilis cases among 309 MSM, and only one syphilis case had a positive anal PCR swab, although serology was positive. We conclude that additional PCR testing is likely to be expensive and would not be cost effective for individuals who regularly screen for syphilis. However, future studies with a larger sample size are required.
Global trends in incidence, death, burden and risk factors of early-onset cancer from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Xu Liying , Sun Jing , Song Mingyang , Wang Lijuan , Yuan Shuai , Zhu Yingshuang , Wan Zhengwei , Larsson Susanna , Tsilidis Konstantinos , Dunlop Malcolm , Campbell Harry , Rudan Igor , Song Peige , Theodoratou Evropi , Ding Kefeng , Li Xue 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the global burden of early-onset cancer based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study for 29 cancers worldwid.Methods and analysisIncidence, deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and risk factors for 29 early-onset cancer groups were obtained from GBD.ResultsGlobal incidence of early-onset cancer increased by 79.1% and the number of early-onset cancer deaths increased by 27.7% between 1990 and 2019. Early-onset breast, tracheal, bronchus and lung, stomach and colorectal cancers showed the highest mortality and DALYs in 2019. Globally, the incidence rates of early-onset nasopharyngeal and prostate cancer showed the fastest increasing trend, whereas early-onset liver cancer showed the sharpest decrease. Early-onset colorectal cancers had high DALYs within the top five ranking for both men and women. High-middle and middle Sociodemographic Index (SDI) regions had the highest burden of early-onset cancer. The morbidity of early-onset cancer increased with the SDI, and the mortality rate decreased considerably when SDI increased from 0.7 to 1. The projections indicated that the global number of incidence and deaths of early-onset cancer would increase by 31% and 21% in 2030, respectively. Dietary risk factors (diet high in red meat, low in fruits, high in sodium and low in milk, etc), alcohol consumption and tobacco use are the main risk factors underlying early-onset cancers.ConclusionEarly-onset cancer morbidity continues to increase worldwide with notable variances in mortality and DALYs between areas, countries, sex and cancer types. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle could reduce early-onset cancer disease burden.
Characterising meaningful patient and public involvement in the pharmaceutical industry research setting: a retrospective quality assessment
Authors: Dews Sally-Anne , Bassi Adit , Buckland Sean , Clements Lucy , Daley Rachel , Davies Angela , Evett Sophie , Howland Samantha , Kinloch Emma , Phillips Berkeley , Powell Gareth , Preston Jennifer , Sterniczuk Kamil , Bohm Natalie 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesPatient and public involvement (PPI) in clinical research has a well-established infrastructure in the UK, and while there has been good progress within pharmaceutical-industry-sponsored research, further improvements are still needed. This review aims to share learnings from quality assessments of historical PPI projects within Pfizer UK to inform future projects and drive PPI progress in the pharmaceutical industry.Design and settingInternal assessments of Pfizer UK PPI projects were conducted to identify all relevant projects across the medicines development continuum between 2017 and 2021. Five sample projects were developed into case studies.Outcome measureRetrospective quality assessments were performed using the Patient Focused Medicines Development (PFMD) Patient Engagement Quality Guidance (PEQG) tool. Recommendations for improvement were developed.ResultsRetrospective case study analysis and quality framework assessment revealed benefits of PPI to both Pfizer UK and to external partners, as well as challenges and learnings to improve future practice. Recommendations for improvement based on these findings focused on processes and procedures for PPI, group dynamics and diversity for PPI activities, sharing of expertise, the importance of bidirectional and timely feedback, and the use of understandable language in materials.ConclusionsPPI in medicines development is impactful and beneficial but is still being optimised in the pharmaceutical industry. Using the PFMD PEQG tool to define gaps, share learnings and devise recommendations for improvement helps to ensure that PPI is genuine and empowering, rather than tokenistic. Ultimately, these recommendations should be acted on to further embed PPI as an integral part of medicines development and health research within the pharmaceutical industry. This article includes a plain language summary in the supplement.
Exploring barriers and facilitators of primary care physicians towards optimising statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidaemia in the very high-risk group: a qualitative study in Singapore
Authors: Beh Chun Yen , Fok Rose Wai-Yee , Goh Lay Hoon 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesTo explore the perspectives of primary care physicians with regard to the barriers and facilitators towards optimising statin therapy in patients with hyperlipidaemia in the very high-risk group.DesignQualitative descriptive study.SettingFour polyclinics in a public primary care institution in Singapore.ParticipantsSeven men and five women working as primary care physicians were recruited for in-depth interviews.ResultsThe major barriers to statin optimisation identified were patients’ lack of knowledge and awareness, patients’ fear of side effects, negative external influences on patients, poor doctor–patient relationship, time constraint during consultations, physicians’ unfamiliarity with guidelines, low health literacy among the local population and lack of strong national policy. The major facilitators identified were patient education, providing continuity of care, improving electronic medical record systems’ capabilities, physician education and public education.ConclusionWe identified several important barriers and facilitators of statin therapy optimisation in this study. This information offers insights into the development of a multipronged approach to address barriers across different levels with the aim of optimising statin use, reducing cardiovascular events and improving patient outcomes.
Consensus recommendations on holistic care in hereditary ATTR amyloidosis: an international Delphi survey of patient advocates and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals
Authors: Obici Laura , Callaghan Rosaline , Ablett Joanne , Bibiloni Catilena , Bueser Teofila , Conceição Isabel , Dongiglio Francesca , Farrugia Agnès , Knebel Fabian , Lane Thirusha , Larsson Lars-Ove , Morier Agnès , Nicholas Vincent , Coelho Teresa 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundHereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis is a rare, progressive and potentially life-limiting multisystem disease, affecting every aspect of a patient’s life.ObjectivesThis online international Delphi survey aimed to evolve clinical−patient-led practical guidance, to inspire and encourage a holistic approach to care that is managed in specialist settings by multidisciplinary teams and supported by allied healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patient advocacy groups (PAGs).DesignA 14-member joint patient advocate−HCP primary panel was convened including representation from PAGs and key clinical specialties (neurology, cardiology, internal medicine, physiotherapy, clinical psychology, dietetics and specialist nursing). Guidance evolved on the care provision needed to support seven core goals: early diagnosis and treatment; disease monitoring and organisation of care; maintenance of physical and mental health; family-centred care and caregiver support; patient−doctor dialogue; access to social support and social networking.ParticipantsFrom June to October 2022, 252 HCPs and 51 PAG representatives from 27 countries were invited to participate in a Delphi survey. Of the 122 respondents who answered at least one survey question, most were HCPs (100, 82%) from specialist centres; the remainder were PAG representatives (22, 18%).Main outcome measureBoth level of agreement and feasibility in practice of each recommendation was tested by two anonymised online Delphi voting rounds.ResultsBased on an a priori threshold for consensus of ≥75% agreement, the clinical–patient community endorsed all but one recommendation. However, only 17/49 (35%) recommendations were identified by most HCPs as a core part of routine care; the remainder (32/49 (65%)) were identified as part of core care by <50% of HCPs respondents, or as largely achievable by 30%–45% of HCPs. By comparison, PAGs recorded lower implementation levels.ConclusionsFurther consideration is needed on how to evolve multidisciplinary services (supported by allied HCPs and PAGs) to address the complex needs of those affected by this disease.
Where do those experiencing sexual violence seek help and is routine enquiry acceptable within a sexual healthcare setting? Findings from a population-based survey
Authors: Caswell Rachel J , Hodson James , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Ross Jonathan D C 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesMost sexual violence (SV) remains undisclosed to healthcare professionals. The aims of this study were to identify where support would be sought after SV and whether routine enquiry about SV was acceptable in a sexual healthcare setting.DesignAn online population-based survey collected data on a history of SV and preferences on support after SV, in addition to sociodemographic data. Respondents’ views on being routinely asked about SV were sought.Setting and participantsThis online survey was based in England, UK. There were 2007 respondents.ResultsThe police were the most frequent first choice for support after experiencing SV (n=520; 25.9%); however, this was less common in individuals in younger age groups (p<0.001) and in those with a history of SV (17.2% vs 29.9%, p<0.001). For the 27.1% (532 of 1960) of respondents who reported a history of SV, the first choice of place for support was Rape Crisis or similar third-sector organisation. The majority of respondents supported routine enquiry about SV during Sexual and Reproductive Health Service (SRHS) consultations (84.4%), although acceptability was significantly lower in older age groups.Conclusions and study implicationsA greater awareness of the influence of sociodemographic factors, including ethnicity, age, gender, disability and a history of SV, when planning and delivering services for those who have experienced SV is needed. A history of SV is common in the general population, and a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to encourage disclosure and access to support is unlikely to be optimal. Routine enquiry about SV is highly acceptable in an SRHS setting and likely to improve disclosure when appropriately implemented.
Health systems efficiency in China and ASEAN, 2015–2020: a DEA-Tobit and SFA analysis application
Authors: Kang Jing , Peng Rong , Feng Jun , Wei Junyuan , Li Zhen , Huang Fen , Yu Fu , Su Xiaorong , Chen Yujun , Qin Xianjing , Feng Qiming 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the health systems efficiency in China and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries from 2015 to 2020.DesignHealth efficiency analysis using data envelopment analysis (DEA) and stochastic frontier approach analysis.SettingHealth systems in China and ASEAN countries.MethodsDEA-Malmquist model and SFA model were used to analyse the health system efficiency among China and ASEAN countries, and the Tobit regression model was employed to analyse the factors affecting the efficiency of health system among these countries.ResultsIn 2020, the average technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of China and 10 ASEAN countries’ health systems were 0.700, 1 and 0.701, respectively. The average total factor productivity (TFP) index of the health systems in 11 countries from 2015 to 2020 was 0.962, with a decrease of 1.4%, among which the average technical efficiency index was 1.016, and the average technical progress efficiency index was 0.947. In the past 6 years, the TFP index of the health system in Malaysia was higher than 1, while the TFP index of other countries was lower than 1. The cost efficiency among China and ASEAN countries was relatively high and stable. The per capita gross domestic product (current US$) and the urban population have significant effects on the efficiency of health systems.ConclusionsHealth systems inefficiency is existing in China and the majority ASEAN countries. However, the lower/middle-income countries outperformed high-income countries. Technical efficiency is the key to improve the TFP of health systems. It is suggested that China and ASEAN countries should enhance scale efficiency, accelerate technological progress and strengthen regional health cooperation according to their respective situations.