US Organizations Research Articles

The Human Trafficking Campaign in Cameroon: Key Actors, Common and Competing Interests

This article examines how the legal framework of human trafficking, as established by the UN Palermo Protocol and shaped by the US Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), gains traction in Cameroon. It focuses on the power dynamics among key actors leading the anti-trafficking campaign in Cameroon and how this affects their efforts to combat trafficking. The actors are broadly classified into two groups: external partners, including the UN, the US, and international organizations, and internal partners, such as the Cameroonian government and local civil society organizations. The study draws on the concept of traveling models and their “aura” as developed by Behrends, Park, and Rottenburg and is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Cameroon between 2016 and 2024. The findings reveal tension between the two core elements of the Palermo Protocol—humanitarian and security considerations—as actors involved in anti-trafficking efforts tend to prioritize one element over the other. This highlights the significance of power dynamics and strategic alliances, with Cameroonian stakeholders often seeking to adapt the framework to local contexts. The article also relates to the special issue’s overarching question of how attempts at increasing equality often contribute to generating durable inequality. It shows how measures aimed at preventing human trafficking, particularly of women, inadvertently lead to them resorting to even riskier migration routes.

From Model Reform Country to Critic: Chile and its cooperation with the USA in urban planning and housing under Eduardo Frei Montalva (1964–1970)

ABSTRACT As Latin American cities grew rapidly from the mid-twentieth century onwards, most governments in the region took up the challenge of providing sufficient housing in urban areas, following developmentalist convictions. In Chile, this urban planning trend was promoted by US programmes and organizations, most notably the Alliance for Progress, which in the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution funded infrastructure measures to prevent the spread of leftist ideologies. However, favoured by this influx of financial means, personnel and expertise, Chile, as one of the prime targets of US involvement in the 1960s, soon developed its own institutions and approaches to tackling the housing shortage. While US engagement and housing policies in Chile in the 1960s have mostly been looked at individually, this article argues that the latter, especially for the first half of the decade, can only be fully grasped by considering inter-American relations. It therefore focuses on select institutional and individual actors from the USA, active in the field of urban planning in Chile, and examines the institutions and approaches that developed on the ground under the Christian Democratic President Eduardo Frei Montalva (1964–1970). Lastly, it analyzes the reasons for the end of the initially close US-Chilean cooperation in housing.

An international survey of optometric management of stroke survivors

Objectives A survey was conducted to describe the current status of optometric awareness and involvement regarding post-stroke management as literature suggests that visual impairment often goes undiagnosed and unmanaged in stroke survivors. Materials and methods A questionnaire was developed by the researchers, pilot tested by 5 other optometric researchers and 15 optometrists and modified based on the feedback. Practicing optometrists were invited to complete the anonymous online survey through optometric organizations in Canada, Hong Kong, India, UK, and US. Results Results showed that the majority of optometrists (61%) see 1–5 post-stroke patients per month, although 15% report seeing none. In all cases, optometrists referred stroke patients to other health care professionals more often than receiving incoming referrals from them. About 21% of all respondents were already fully involved in post-stroke vision care and 57% were interested in being more involved. Limiting factors to seeing more post-stroke patients included resources (29.8%), funding (25.8%), awareness (25.1%), and interest (9.8%). There was consensus among respondents in all countries that optometrists should be members of post-stroke care teams. Conclusion Optometrists are well suited to provide post-stroke visual rehabilitation but are often not included in care teams for these patients. As a result, the visual management of post-stroke patients often is unaddressed.

The impact of gender and underrepresented minority demographics on nationwide academic radiation oncology faculty promotion.

162 Background: The US is a diverse country with 13.6% of the population identifying as African-American, 19.1% as Hispanic or Latino, and 50.4% female according to the most recent US Census. Per demographic data from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) (the largest US organization of radiation oncologists), 28% of radiation oncologist members identify as female, 4% as African-American race, and 4% as Hispanic/Latino ethnicity; additional data has indicated the rate of URM radiation oncologists in US comprehensive cancer cents to be 5%. This data objectively indicates that females and URMs are underrepresented in the field of radiation oncology compared with the gender and racial/ethnic diversity of the US population. There is minimal data regarding promotion rates in academic radiation oncology, with virtually no data focusing on promotion rates among females and URMs. The primary objective of this study was to assess the relationships between gender and URM status in academic promotion of radiation oncology faculty. Methods: A database consisting of radiation oncologists from 51 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers from 2019 was accessed in September 2023 to assess academic promotion in a four-year timespan. Data regarding the gender, graduation year, institution, URM identification, and professional rank of radiation oncologists ranked as junior faculty was collected. URM was defined as African-American race and/or Hispanic ethnicity and was collected via self-described internet depictions, interviews, and facial recognition as previously described (PMID 30996695). Junior faculty status was defined as instructor/assistant professor. An online search was then conducted to identify the 2023 academic rank of previously identified faculty, focusing on promotion status from junior to senior faculty or from associate professor to full professor. Regression analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed model to assess the impact of gender and URM status on promotion, with statistical significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: In an analysis of 554 radiation oncologists comprised of 203 women (36.7%) and 21 URMs (3.8%), 338 (61%) received promotions. Analysis revealed that neither female gender (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval, 0.68 – 1.52; p -value 0.94) nor URM status (odds ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.19 – 1.71; p -value 0.32) was significantly associated with promotion. Conclusions: These findings indicate that radiation oncologist gender and URM status may not be associated with academic promotion. However, given the small URM sample size and odds ratio of 0.57, it is possible that this study may be underpowered to adequately assess URM status on promotion. Further studies involving longer time intervals will provide much needed additional data regarding academic promotion.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts in Graduate Medical Education: Identifying Opportunities for Collaborative Learning.

Background Physician-patient racial and cultural concordance is essential to address health care disparities. Yet, limited literature on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) outcomes in graduate medical education (GME) suggests the need for high-yield DEI resources. Objectives To describe and identify DEI efforts by US residency program director (PD) associations and areas for collaboration among the GME community. Methods Through bimonthly teleconferences and 5 iterative revisions from June to September 2022, the DEI workgroup of the US Organization of PD Associations developed a 17-question needs assessment survey to investigate DEI activities across residency PD associations, which was delivered twice electronically from September to November 2022 to 30 specialty PD association representatives. Results Survey response rate was 73% (22 of 30). Specialties track resident demographics more than PD demographics (11 of 22, 50% vs 7 of 22, 32%). Tracked demographics vary and include race, gender, and sexual orientation. Most PD associations have DEI committees (16 of 22, 73%) implementing various initiatives, the most common of which was providing resources to ensure diverse representation (11 of 16, 69%). Most specialties provide residency recruitment resources (14 of 22, 64%) and funding for visiting rotations or mentorship for underrepresented trainees (12 of 22, 54%). Resources for pipeline programs (7 of 22, 32%) and retention of diverse residents (7 of 22, 32%) were less common. Faculty development training focused more on teaching DEI to residents (14 of 22, 64%) than on teaching health disparities (7 of 22, 32%). Conclusions Our study demonstrates substantial DEI interventions among specialty PD associations. Yet, educational gaps exist in specific DEI content, faculty development, and curricular dissemination.

Modeling Air Pollution‐Related Health Benefits of Transportation Scenarios: A Collaboration Between Academic Researchers and Environmental Justice Organizations

AbstractTransportation is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and has become a focus for climate policies. Traffic‐related air pollution disproportionately affects environmental justice (EJ) communities—neighborhoods that have disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards, but health impact assessments rarely center EJ issues or prioritize the concerns of EJ communities. One explanation for the lack of focus on EJ communities is that both policymakers and academia have often failed to engage these communities. In this paper, academic researchers collaborate with seven EJ organizations in the northeastern US, working with collaboration advisors and facilitators, to design and evaluate potential transportation emissions reduction scenarios using air quality and health benefits modeling tools. We model and estimate the benefits of these scenarios, while working to build collaborative relationships between academic researchers and EJ organizations. The two primary outputs from this process are: quantification of health benefits attributable to emission reduction scenarios of interest to EJ organizations, and enhanced trust and community building between academic researchers and EJ organizations, with reflections on strengths, challenges, and opportunities for future work. We find the largest improvements to health result from scenarios that reduce car and truck traffic. Dialog between academic researchers and EJ organizations reinforce the disconnect between regional‐scale models and local community concerns as well as the more general gaps between statistical models and lived experience. Despite these challenges, the collaboration led to more meaningful models and valued insight for community organizations, and we recommend comparable collaborations in other settings where pollution control is being planned and evaluated in EJ communities.

Enhancing ultrasound education in obstetrics and gynecology in Germany: insights and innovations from postgraduate training

BackgroundUltrasound (US) has become integral to obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn), necessitating proficient training during residency. Despite its clinical importance, there is a perceived gap in the quality and structure of postgraduate ultrasound education in Germany.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among Ob/Gyn residents in Germany from October 2023 to March 2024, using the LimeSurvey platform. The survey, distributed via email, social media, and physical flyers, garnered 211 participants, with 115 completing all sections. The questionnaire covered demographic details, US training experiences, and the perceived importance of US in clinical practice.ResultsAlthough US was highly valued by respondents, with an average of 26.1% of their clinical activity devoted to it, there was significant dissatisfaction with the training quality. Key issues included inadequate supervision, the necessity of self-training, and low participation in certification courses. Despite 93.0% awareness of professional US organizations like the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM), engagement with structured training programs was minimal.DiscussionThe study highlights a critical need for standardized US training protocols and curricular reform in Ob/Gyn residencies in Germany. The discrepancy between the recognized importance of US and the quality of training indicates a pressing need for improvements. Addressing these gaps through comprehensive, structured educational reforms could significantly enhance the proficiency and confidence of future Ob/Gyn specialists, ultimately improving patient care.

ERC science and invention: Does ERC break free from the EU Paradox?

We explore the relationship between government-supported science and its translation into inventive activities, focusing on the European Research Council (ERC), the principal funding mechanism for top-quality research in Europe. We show that, compared to similar European research, ERC science accrues a greater number of patent citations. Moreover, patents that draw upon ERC research are of superior quality, measured by forward citations. Compared to similar European research, inventive activities arising from ERC science are more likely to be housed within universities and public research organizations. In absolute terms, however, US organizations, especially US companies, still lead in deriving the greatest benefits from ERC science. The significant disparity in corporate sector patenting linked to ERC science in the US and EU is fueled by inventions undertaken by startups, highlighting the crucial role of a dynamic startup landscape in driving inventions at the frontier of science. Overall, our findings suggest that ERC science continues to face challenges associated with the so-called European Paradox.

Making a Difference: 5 Years of Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA)

Informed by the almost unimaginable unmet need for cardiac surgery in the developing regions of the world, leading surgeons, cardiologists, editors in chief of the major cardiothoracic journals as well as representatives of medical industry and government convened in December 2017 to address this unacceptable disparity in access to care. The ensuing "Cape Town Declaration" constituted a clarion call to cardiac surgical societies to jointly advocate the strengthening of sustainable, local cardiac surgical capacity in the developing world. The Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA) was thus created, comprising The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the World Heart Federation (WHF). The guiding principle was advocacy for sustainable cardiac surgical capacity in low-income countries. As a first step, a global needs assessment confirmed rheumatic heart disease as the overwhelming pathology requiring cardiac surgery in these regions. Subsequently, CSIA published a request for proposals to support fledgling programs that could demonstrate the backing by their governments and health care institution. Out of 11 applicants, and following an evaluation of the sites, including site visits to the 3 finalists, Mozambique and Rwanda were selected as the first Pilot Sites. Subsequently, a mentorship and training agreement was completed between Mozambique and the University of Cape Town, a middle-income country with a comparable burden of rheumatic heart disease. The agreement entails regular video calls between the heart teams, targeted training across all aspects of cardiac surgery, as well as on-site presence of mentoring teams for complex cases with the strict observance of "assisting only." In Rwanda, Team Heart, a US and Rwanda-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been performing cardiac surgery in Rwanda and helping to train the cardiac surgery workforce since 2008, has agreed to continue providing mentorship for the local team and to assist in the establishment of independent cardiac surgery with all that entails. This involves intermittent virtual conferences between Rwandan and US cardiologists for surgical case selection. Five years after CSIA was founded, its "Seal of Approval" for the sustainability of endorsed programs in Mozambique and Rwanda has resulted in higher case numbers, a stronger government commitment, significant upgrades of infrastructure, the nurturing of generous consumable donations by industry and the commencement of negotiations with global donors for major grants. Extending the CSIA Seal to additional deserving programs could further align the international cardiac surgical community with the principle of local cardiac surgery capacity-building in developing countries.

How Post-1965 Asian Migration Changed US Protestant Christianity

The 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act (or the Hart-Celler Act) remade the racial and ethnic composition of the nation, opening the United States to large numbers of Asian migrants for the first time. The new immigration system, based on job skills and family reunification, flipped the racial demographics of US-bound migrants from majority European to majority Asian and Latin American. It is estimated that as many as 75 percent of Asians who migrated to the United States between 1965 and 2000 had some kind of Christian background. This article provides a brief overview of how post-1965 Asian migrants have changed a range of US Protestant institutions and organizations.

Making a difference: 5 years of Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA).

Informed by the almost unimaginable unmet need for cardiac surgery in the developing regions of the world, leading surgeons, cardiologists, editors in chief of the major cardiothoracic journals as well as representatives of medical industry and government convened in December 2017 to address this unacceptable disparity in access to care. The ensuing "Cape Town Declaration" constituted a clarion call to cardiac surgical societies to jointly advocate the strengthening of sustainable, local cardiac surgical capacity in the developing world. The Cardiac Surgery Intersociety Alliance (CSIA) was thus created, comprising The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS), the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), the Asian Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS), the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS) and the World Heart Federation (WHF). The guiding principle was advocacy for sustainable cardiac surgical capacity in low-income countries. As a first step, a global needs assessment confirmed rheumatic heart disease as the overwhelming pathology requiring cardiac surgery in these regions. Subsequently, CSIA published a request for proposals to support fledgling programmes that could demonstrate the backing by their governments and health care institution. Out of 11 applicants, and following an evaluation of the sites, including site visits to the 3 finalists, Mozambique and Rwanda were selected as the first Pilot Sites. Subsequently, a mentorship and training agreement was completed between Mozambique and the University of Cape Town, a middle-income country with a comparable burden of rheumatic heart disease. The agreement entails regular video calls between the heart teams, targeted training across all aspects of cardiac surgery, as well as on-site presence of mentoring teams for complex cases with the strict observance of 'assisting only'. In Rwanda, Team Heart, a US and Rwanda-based non-governmental organization (NGO) that has been performing cardiac surgery in Rwanda and helping to train the cardiac surgery workforce since 2008, has agreed to continue providing mentorship for the local team and to assist in the establishment of independent cardiac surgery with all that entails. This involves intermittent virtual conferences between Rwandan and US cardiologists for surgical case selection. Five years after CSIA was founded, its 'Seal of Approval' for the sustainability of endorsed programmes in Mozambique and Rwanda has resulted in higher case numbers, a stronger government commitment, significant upgrades of infrastructure, the nurturing of generous consumable donations by industry and the commencement of negotiations with global donors for major grants. Extending the CSIA Seal to additional deserving programmes could further align the international cardiac surgical community with the principle of local cardiac surgery capacity-building in developing countries.

Lipoprotein(a): A Review of Risk Factors, Measurements, and Novel Treatment Modalities.

The study of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has long been a source of interest as a possible independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The results of large sample observational studies, genome-wide association studies, and Mendelian randomization studies have been strong indicators supporting the link between ASCVD and Lp(a) despite early studies, with less sensitive assays, failing to show a connection. The recommendations for the indications and frequency of testing Lp(a) levels vary between US, Canadian, and European organizations due to the uncertain role of Lp(a) in ASCVD. The innovation of recent therapies, such as antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA, designed to specifically target and reduce Lp(a) levels by targeting mRNA translation have once more thrust LP(a) into the spotlight of inquiry. These emerging modalities serve the dual purpose of definitively elucidating the connection between elevated Lp(a) levels and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk, as well as the possibility of providing clinicians with the tools necessary to manage elevated Lp(a) levels in vulnerable populations. This review seeks to examine the mechanisms of atherogenicity of Lp(a) and explore the most current pharmacologic therapies currently in development.

Review of methods for estimating the prevalence of rare diseases

One of the main challenges in rare diseases is the unavailability of reliable estimates of prevalence and incidence. The lack of epidemiological data makes planning for therapeutic and management options challenging. Methods for estimating the prevalence and incidence of rare and genetic diseases primarily rely on the availability of accurate national patient registries or databases of birth defects. This gap is wider in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) such as India, where currently, the estimates of prevalence and incidence are either unknown or data from developed countries have to be used as a proxy. Here, we analyzed the current methods used to estimate the prevalence and incidence of rare genetic diseases to provide recommendations in the form of a decision tree to select the most feasible method, particularly in resource-constrained environments such as India. We selected ten rare diseases of shared importance to the Indo US Organization for Rare Diseases (IndoUSrare) and its Patients Alliance members for analysis. Our analysis suggests that retrospective study designs are the most commonly used method to estimate the prevalence and incidence of rare diseases. We propose a generalized decision tree or flowchart to aid epidemiology researchers during the selection of methods for estimating the prevalence and incidence of a rare or genetic disease.

Diversity and Inclusion: Deploying Technology in Driving Organizational Performance

This study examined diversity and inclusion technology on organizational performance in the USA. The primary objective was to find out the level of D&I tech tools used in US organisations and the relationship between the use of D&I technology and the organisation's performance. The survey design was adopted and purpose sampling was used to sample 550 respondents across public and private organisations in America. Descriptive analysis was performed on the data using Excel and SPSS. The findings suggest a connection between organizational performance and the perceived contribution of technology to D&I initiatives. The high agreement percentages in the organizational performance survey suggest that respondents who reflect technology can help D&I outcomes also tend to be more confident in the organization's capacity to achieve its goals.

Who counts as diverse? The strategic broadening and narrowing of diversity.

A large majority of US organizations profess a commitment to diversity, but their definitions of diversity can vary greatly. While previous research demonstrates a shift in diversity definitions to include fewer protected demographic groups and more non-demographic characteristics, the present research examines whether this shift might be a motivated process among dominant group members related to anti-egalitarian and colorblind belief systems. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we explored potential underlying ideologies that may be associated with White Americans' shifting definitions of diversity. White Americans (N = 498) were asked how they define diversity, as well as who should be included in a range of diversity initiatives. White participants' higher anti-egalitarian belief was associated with stronger colorblind ideology endorsement, which was then associated with shifting their definition of diversity to include fewer disadvantaged demographic groups, more advantaged demographic groups, and non-demographic groups, as well as employing a colorblind inclusion rhetoric. Instead of only "broadening" diversity to include more characteristics than diversity's original focus, White Americans higher in anti-egalitarian and colorblind motives exhibited a simultaneous "narrowing" of diversity to include fewer protected demographic characteristics. Taken together, these findings have implications for dominant group members' definition of diversity and the subtle ways in which colorblind ideology may be enacted.

The new EU-US data protection framework's implications for healthcare.

In July 2023, the United States and the European Union introduced the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), introducing the third generation of cross-border data transfer agreements constituting adequacy with respect to personal data transfers under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) between the European Union (EU) and the US. This framework may be used in cross-border healthcare and research relationships, which are highly desirable and increasingly essential to innovative health technology development and health services deployment. A reliable model meeting EU adequacy requirements could enhance the transfer of patient and research participant data. While the DPF might present a familiar terrain for US organizations, it also brings unique challenges. A notable concern is the ability of individual EU Member States to establish individual and additional requirements for health data that are more restrictive than GDPR requirements, which are not anticipated by the DPF. This article highlights the DPF's potential impact on the healthcare and research sectors, finding that the DPF may not provide the degree of lawful health data transfer desirable for healthcare entities. We examine the DPF against a background of existing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act obligations and other GDPR transfer tools to offer alternatives that can improve the likelihood of reliable, lawful health data transfer between the US and EU.

Technology status tracing and trends in construction robotics: A patent analysis

The advent of construction robotics (CR) has been rendered technically and economically viable by the proliferation of microprocessors and a decline in costs. A captivating epoch in CR has emerged, and it defies conventional interpretation. We ask how to extract the frontier research topics from patents, which countries are driving innovation in CR, and what policies are contributing to the current situation. This paper uses patent analysis and text mining to study 1831 C R-related patents and finds four clusters from the Derwent Innovations (DI) database. The patent remaining life impact (PRLI) index is calculated. The results show an increase in the number of CR-related patents annually. China leads in the number of patent publications, while the US and other patent organizations have played critical roles in the field. An improved technology evolutionary path tracing visualization identifies several hotspots. Additionally, the policy strategy matrix (PSM) analyzes the industrial stimulation policies of the two countries with the most considerable proportion, providing an explanation for predicting future technology research and development (R&D) and the direction of optimization.

Beyond the womb: a mosaic of organizational advocacy for reproductive justice

ABSTRACT Within the US, recent calls for greater work-family justice have not only forced organizations to re-conceptualize work, but to re-define the role of organizations themselves. This shift has been striking during times of socio-political change as demonstrated most recently by organizational responses to the reversal of Roe v. Wade, with many companies pledging funding for birthing people seeking abortions. While this type of support is valuable, the singular focus on abortion rights within the reproductive justice context minimizes the scope of its intersectional legacy. The purpose of this paper is to advocate for the organizational application of a comprehensive framework for reproductive justice (CFRJ) guided by intersectional Black Feminist epistemology. We will show that many US organizations have already engaged in reproductive justice by weaving together a mosaic of three socio-political moments (the pathway to marriage equality, restrictive immigration policies and COVID-19), that garnered organizational support and advocacy. These moments reflect the comprehensive nature of reproductive justice as conceived by the Black Feminists who originated the term. These ‘turning points’ demonstrate the organization’s capacity for leadership during times of crisis. The paper concludes with recommendations that explore potential pathways for moving forward in supporting work-family and reproductive justice within organizations.

Hypothyroidism in Adult Women: The Utility of Targeted vs Universal Thyroid Screening.

Hypothyroidism is a common disease that is more prevalent in female populations. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the evidence, risks, and benefits of screening asymptomatic women for hypothyroidism. There is lack of evidence to support clinical management of asymptomatic individuals with an elevated TSH and normal serum thyroxine levels. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, especially the elderly, are at risk of overtreatment. Given these considerations, the majority of US and UK professional organizations do not support universal screening. Many do offer caveats for special groups, including pregnant people, who may need screening if there are clinical symptoms or family history of autoimmune disease. In conclusion, targeted screening may be best recommended based on risk factors, symptoms, and clinical suspicion, rather than at a universal level.

Who counts as a woman? A critical discourse analysis of petitions against the participation of transgender athletes in women's sport

This article aims to analyze the organizational anti-trans discourse on the presence of transgender athletes in women's sport. To achieve this, the petitions published from 2019 to 2022 on the websites of three US organizations (Save Women's Sports, Independent Council on Women's Sports, and the Women's Sports Policy Working Group) were analyzed. The analysis addressed the research questions of how this discourse defines trans women and trans bodies and reproduces the indispensability of sex segregation in sport competitions. The research revealed that the petitions’ authors identified trans athletes as biological males who have an advantage over cis women. The organizations demand that the protection of women's sport from trans women's participation and women's rights be based on the sex (assigned at birth) category. The article emphasizes that members and allies of these organizations perceive biomedical science as providing objective arguments for the sex dichotomy and the exclusion of trans women from sport competitions. At the same time, the petitions’ authors ignore sociocultural factors that influence the perception of gender dichotomy and athletic performance.