bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal history of recurrent pregnancy loss increases the risk for long‐term pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring
Authors: Davidesko Sharon , Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal , Landau Daniella , Walfisch Asnat 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundWhile the etiology in many cases of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is unclear, recent evidence suggests possible immunological dysfunction, which is also implicated in the pathophysiology of many pediatric respiratory diseases.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate whether maternal history of RPL is associated with long‐term respiratory morbidity of the offspring.Study DesignA population based cohort analysis was performed comparing the risk of long‐term respiratory morbidity (up to the age of 18 years) of children born to mothers with and without a history of RPL (defined as two or more losses). Respiratory morbidity included hospitalizations involving a predefined set of ICD‐9 codes, as recorded in the hospital medical records. Deliveries occurred between the years 1991 and 2014 in a tertiary medical center. A Kaplan‐Meier survival curve was constructed to compare cumulative respiratory morbidity, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders.ResultsDuring the study period, 242 187 newborns met the inclusion criteria; 5% (n = 12 182) of which were offspring to mothers with a history of RPL. Respiratory morbidity was significantly more common in the exposed group (6.0% vs 4.8%, P < .001). Specifically, offspring to mothers with a history of RPL had higher rates of obstructive sleep apnea and asthma (P < .05). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve exhibited a higher cumulative incidence of total respiratory morbidity in offspring of mothers with a history of RPL (Log rank P < .001). In the Cox regression, maternal history of RPL was independently associated with increased pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.24 (95 % confidence interval [95%CI], 1.15‐1.34, P < .001).ConclusionMaternal history of RPL is associated with a higher risk of future pediatric respiratory morbidity of the offspring; possibly explained by a common immunological etiology.
Changes in mucociliary clearance over time in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Laube Beth L. , Carson Kathryn A. , Evans Christopher M. , Richardson Vanessa L. , Sharpless Gail , Zeitlin Pamela L. , Mogayzel Peter J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectives(a) To quantify changes in mucociliary clearance (MCC) over time in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and the relationship between MCC and rate of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA); (b) to determine the impact of MCC on the evolution of CF lung disease; and (c) to explore the role of mucus composition as a determinant of MCC.MethodsChildren with CF, who had previously undergone an MCC measurement (visit 1), underwent the following tests 3 to 10 years later: (a) second MCC measurement (visit 2); (b) multiple breath washout to assess ventilation inhomogeneity, expressed as lung clearance index (LCI); (c) high resolution computed tomography lung scan (HRCT); and (d) induced sputum test. Number of PA + cultures/year between visits was documented and mucus dry weight was quantified in the children and adult controls.ResultsNineteen children completed both visits. Median time between visits was 4.6 years. Clearance declined 30% between visits. Lower MCC on visit 2 was associated with more PA+ cultures/year between visits. Lower MCC values on visit 1 were associated with higher LCI values and higher HRCT scores on visit 2. Mucus dry weight was significantly higher in children with CF compared with controls. Higher dry weights were associated with lower MCC.ConclusionsMucociliary clearance declines significantly over time in children with CF. The decline is associated with PA infection rate and is affected by mucus composition. Children with early slowing of MCC appear to be at risk for developing ventilation inhomogeneity and parenchymal lung damage when they are older.
Bats actively prey on mosquitoes and other deleterious insects in rice paddies: Potential impact on human health and agriculture
Authors: Puig‐Montserrat Xavier , Flaquer Carles , Gómez‐Aguilera Noelia , Burgas Albert , Mas Maria , Tuneu Carme , Marquès Eduard , López‐Baucells Adrià 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe fact that bats suppress agricultural pests has been measured for some particular dyads of predator and prey species in both economic and food security terms. The recent emergence of new molecular techniques allows for more precise screenings of bat's diet than the traditional visual identification systems and provides further evidence that bats consume an ample array of agricultural pest species. The main focus of the regulatory services that bats provide in agroecosystems has been on crop pests that cause yield losses. Rice paddies constitute a particular agronomic system with specific challenges, not only related to crop productivity but also to human health. Dipteran density in such ecosystems poses a serious threat to human wellbeing and hinders crop production. Mosquitoes cause direct harm to human populations, transmitting a number of infectious diseases. Non‐biting midges (Chironomidae) can consume and weaken rice seedlings and can cause major yield losses.RESULTSMosquito populations and bat activity were assessed in rice paddies of Montgrí, Medes i Baix Ter Natural Park (NE Iberian Peninsula). Molecular analyses of bats faeces (6‐weekly samples of 15 faeces each between mid‐August and September) proved the presence of both mosquitoes and nonbiting midges in all diet samples. Furthermore, bat activity at the sampling locations was related to adult mosquito density.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that bats actively exploit the emergence of adult mosquitoes and further prove that they prey on mosquitoes, nonbiting midges and other deleterious insects. Promoting the presence of bats next to human settlements in such agroecosystems may constitute a biological control system with direct impact on both human health and crop yield. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The relationship between computed tomography‐derived body composition and survival in colorectal cancer: the effect of image software
Authors: Dolan Ross D. , Tien Yu‐Tzu , Horgan Paul G. , Edwards Christine A. , McMillan Donald C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the literature, there is considerable variation of the proportion of patients reported as having a low skeletal muscle index (SMI) (sarcopenia) or skeletal muscle radiodensity (SMD) (myosteatosis). The aim of the present study was to compare two commonly used software packages, one manual and one semi‐automated to quantify body composition of patients with colorectal cancer.MethodsThe study included 341 patients with colorectal cancer. ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic were used to quantify the computed tomography images for total fat index, visceral obesity (visceral fat index, VFI), high subcutaneous fat index (SFI), sarcopenia (SMI), and myosteatosis (SMD). Bland–Altman analysis was conducted to test agreement of the two software programs for these indices. Survival analysis was carried out using previously defined thresholds and Cox regression.ResultsIn Bland–Altman analysis, ImageJ gave consistently higher values for all body composition parameters (P < 0.001), resulting in more patients classified as high SFI (P < 0.001) and high VFI (P < 0.001) and fewer patients being classified as low SMI (P < 0.0001) and SMD (P < 0.001). The difference between SFI calculated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic was +7.9%. The difference between VFI, calculated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic, was +20.3%. The difference between low SMI and SMDs, estimated using ImageJ and Slice‐O‐Matic, was +2.9% and +1.2%, respectively. SFI, VFI, SMI (Dolan), SMD (Dolan), SMI (Martin), and SMD (Martin) were significantly associated with shorter overall survival using ImageJ (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsImageJ when compared with Slice‐O‐Matic gave higher values of different body composition parameters, and this impacted on the number of patients classified according to defined thresholds and their relationship with survival.
Consumer green behaviour: An approach towards environmental sustainability
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahid , Saengon Poramet , Alganad Amr Mohammed Nasser , Chongcharoen Duangkamol , Farrukh Muhammad 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLatest report of NASA claims that planet average surface temperature has risen about 1.62°F since the late 19th century because of increased human‐made emissions into atmosphere. Due to recent COVID‐19 pandemic, this planet is getting relief from pollution, as Wright stated that the sudden fall in pollution is observed in India, a country having world's 30 most polluted cities, similarly Gohd stated that satellite track emissions drop over china during this coronavirus outbreak. These facts showing, human is responsible to increase the pollution in this planet, therefore current study aims to test a model which can help in changing consumer behavior into consumer green behavior. A significant trend has been observed towards the recognition of the strategic importance of protecting the environment by enforcing laws. These kind of efforts are in favor of reducing consumption of plastic bags, and the need for practical and rapid measures to reduce the amount of plastic waste has increased, especially nylon bags, has increased. However, plastic bags are still the most common and used by many individuals, who prefer them to others to put their needs and belongings and their various purchases, or to save their food and drink because of its ease. Data were collected from shoppers at Cyberjaya (Malaysia) and Bangkok (Thailand). Findings indicate that knowledge and attitude have a significant and positive impact on consumer green behavior; the study also identified that the ban on plastic bags also has a significant and positive influence on consumer green behavior. This more considerable influence shows the need for such governmental interventions to moderate consumers' environmentally unfriendly behavior, and we cannot merely rely on consumers' acknowledgement of understanding the danger.
In Situ Formation of Compact PbI2 Shell Boosts the Efficiency and Thermostability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Tianyu , Ren Ming , Zhang Yuyan , Fang Lingyi , Zhang Jidong , Yuan Yi , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractJudicious tailoring of a robust interlayer is central to maintain the durable operation of optoelectronic devices. In this paper, an ultrathin, compact, and uniform PbI2 shell on the surface of perovskite via the method of ZnI2 aided in situ transformation is produced. The resultant PbI2 interlayer can prolong the excited‐state lifetime of perovskite and attenuate the recombination kinetics of separated charges, leading to an improvement of power conversion efficiency up to 22.5% for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) at the AM 1.5G conditions. Moreover, the PSC with PbI2 interlayer exhibits an enhanced thermostability, retaining 87% of initial efficiency after aging at 60 °C for 1000 h.
Evolving Conceptual and Policy Challenges
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Triandafyllidou Anna 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this book we set out to explore the conceptual challenges posed by the presence of migrants with irregular immigration status in Europe and the evolving policy responses. In contrast to many earlier texts, our focus has been on irregular migrants living in Europe, not crossing its borders; and viewed not as a temporary crisis but as a continuing, structural feature of European societies. The drivers, forms, and consequences of irregular migration are nevertheless in transition and a key theme throughout has been that of change. Conceptual tools are needed to explain the complex social realities of this section of the migrant population; coupled with a need to unravel the legal and policy responses at the European, national and municipal levels: their drivers, multiple actors and potential future course.
The Human Rights of Migrants with Irregular Status: Giving Substance to Aspirations of Universalism
Authors: O’Cinneide Colm 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHuman rights law is supposed to provide comprehensive protection for the fundamental rights of all individuals. However, this universalist aspiration is heavily qualified when it comes to migrants with irregular status. Various factors play a role in limiting the reach of human rights law in this context, including (i) ‘external’ constraints such as states resisting giving effect to certain international human rights guarantees; (ii) ‘internal’ factors such as a dilution of the relevant standards when it comes to applying them to irregular migrants; and (iii) the underdevelopment of human rights law in certain key respects. However, despite these limitations, human rights standards can still provide an important platform for challenging exclusionary policies directed against irregular migrants. Irregular migrants may have fewer rights than others, but they are not ‘rightless’—and the universalist aspirations of human rights law can still be leveraged to challenge their treatment.
The Transnational Mobilization of ‘Irregular Migrants’
Authors: Chimienti Milena , Solomos John 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis chapter explores the transnational movements of so called ‘irregular migrants’. We investigate why and how transnational collective action is taken by people in situations of vulnerability and ask how those with limited resources manage to mobilize at the transnational level. In order to frame that core arguments, we analyse one particular event which occurred in 2012, namely the European March of sans-papiers and migrants. We explore how the movement was triggered, how it was organized, what claims were made, and what impact it had. We argue that the movement was subversive in three different ways: irregular migrants sought to act like any other citizen; they questioned the boundaries of the nation state; and they refused to be defined and limited by the global social order. We show that the transnational character of the mobilization is closely related to the root of the problems it sought to address such as European migration policies. Finally, we illustrate how mobilization at a transnational level reinforces the social movements of ‘irregular migrants’.
Irregular Migration and Irregular Work: A Chicken and Egg Dilemma
Authors: Triandafyllidou Anna , Bartolini Laura 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe connection between irregular or undeclared work and irregular migration often combines in an explosive mix that stirs anxieties about the state’s control over migration flows, labour market regulation, and unfair competition with native workers as well as lost revenue for the state. This chapter discusses the different types of irregular employment and irregular migration and the intersection between the two to construct a typology of irregular employment of irregular foreign residents. We then investigate the dynamics of specific labour market sectors where irregularities in employment thrive, notably in domestic and care work, agriculture and the construction sector. The chapter adopts a double comparative European perspective, surveying findings from different countries, notably the Nordic states, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy with a focus on the different sectors. We seek to explain the role of (irregular) migrant workers within each sector and analyse the related socio-economic and policy dynamics. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the role of enforcement and sanctions vs a variable geometry of regulation for specific labour market sectors.
Brain-Death and Organ Transplantation: The First Japanese Path
Authors: Akabayashi Akira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBy analyzing the enactment process of the Organ Transplantation Law (OLT) in Japan, I illustrate one characteristic of the Japanese way to address bioethical issues. The final version of the bill did not establish a blanket definition of brain-death as equivalent to human death. Instead, it suggests that brain-death is the end of life only for patients who have given prior written consent to become organ donors. The family’s surrogate consent to donate the organs is not considered sufficient to enact the original 1997 law in every case.I also examine the extremely low number of brain-dead donors, since the enactment of the Organ Transplant Law twenty years ago, due to, among other things, the Japanese views on corpses (gotai manzoku), perspectives of family members, and characteristics of altruism in what I will refer to as the Japanese “village society.”I describe government policy that might support transplant tourism, as well as the background behind the prevalence of living donor organ transplantation. Finally, I refer to publications concerning organ reuse.
The Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Akabayashi Akira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 caused a massive tsunami that led to the nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This horrific accident revealed many systemic flaws, including a weak government program for emergency crisis management, non-transparency within governmental information control, and unscientific approaches to epidemiological research and government funding policy.Following World War II, Japan prioritized economic recovery over many other things, including preparation for severe natural disasters. My aim is to show how the government handled these emergencies and issues related to research ethics. I will address and criticize the non-transparency of the government’s evacuation policy, the secretive position taken by researchers and the government, and the unethical epidemiological research studies conducted under the guise of health surveillance, in particular, child thyroid screening.I will also discuss the closed nature of the population in Japan’s “Village Society.” Although Japanese people are known internationally for their courtesy and hospitality, I will discuss the dark side of these traits.Finally, I discuss environmental ethics, focusing on both animal and intergenerational ethics that were brought to light through the Fukushima accident.
Outcome Egalitarianism and Opportunity Egalitarianism
Authors: Akabayashi Akira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this chapter, I will explore the concept of equality in Japan. I ask, what concept of equality is prevalent in Japan? How does this differ from the use of equality in other countries? I will briefly analyze Japan’s (1) medical care (universal access to decent minimum fee-for-service care) and the social welfare system, (2) education system (no grade-skipping, teamwork-oriented education), (3) tax and salary system (a progressive taxation system with a high ceiling, a mechanism that strives to ensure that all citizens end up in the middle-income bracket), and (4) some governmental policies (restoration tax at the time of Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 and dole-out policies in 1999 and 2009). I will explain how “equal burden” and “mutual aids” are key ideas in these social systems using the example of the Japanese concept of equality. I will further describe the system that has been labeled “Japanese socialism.”In summary, I argue here that many of Japan’s social systems are based on outcome egalitarianism rather than opportunity egalitarianism.
Modern Medical Professionalism
Authors: Akabayashi Akira 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this chapter, I will examine whether or not medical professionalism should take the same form worldwide. Japan has its own culture and ethos, both of which have significance in the clinical setting. However, if a Japanese doctor graduated from a Japanese medical school which is not accredited by international (Western) standards, then the doctor will not be able to work in the USA after 2023. Japanese medical schools are concerned about international standards because “Professionalism” is one of key part of accreditation. However, the question remains: should medical professionalism be measured in a universal and internationally standardized way? How would, for example, Japanese medical schools teach their medical students about the concept of autonomy, for which so many interpretations are possible? (see Chap. 3).Further, I will explain the difficulties of teaching medical professionalism to medical students and young residents. In this chapter, I present two actual cases to illustrate these points. I bring to this discussion a case of medical professionalism using the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident as an example. Specifically, I question whether physicians are obliged to stay in an area highly contaminated with nuclear radiation. I also discuss whether one’s obligation as a physician might require them to provide care during disasters. This is a different type of discussion about medical professionalism from those focused around clinical ethics.Finally, I examine the happiness of the healthcare professional, a subject that has received little attention in the literature thus far in any country. I argue that the happiness of the healthcare professional should also be an important part of medical professionalism.
Impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT on the identification of regional lymph node metastases and delineation of the primary tumor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Münch Stefan , Marr Lisa , Feuerecker Benedikt , Dapper Hendrik , Braren Rickmer , Combs Stephanie E. , Duma Marciana-Nona 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Purpose
In patients undergoing chemoradiation for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), the extent of elective nodal irradiation (ENI) is still discussed controversially. This study aimed to analyze patterns of lymph node metastases and their correlation with the primary tumor using 18F‑fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) scans.

Methods
102 ESCC patients with pre-treatment FDG-PET/CT scans were evaluated retrospectively. After exclusion of patients with low FDG uptake and patients without FDG-PET-positive lymph node metastases (LNM), 76 patients were included in the final analysis. All LNM were assigned to 16 pre-defined anatomical regions and classified according to their position relative to the primary tumor (above, at the same height, or below the primary tumor). In addition, the longitudinal distance to the primary tumor was measured for all LNM above or below the primary tumor. The craniocaudal extent (i.e., length) of the primary tumor was measured using FDG-PET imaging (LPET) and also based on all other available clinical and imaging data (endoscopy, computed tomography, biopsy results) except FDG-PET (LCT/EUS).

Results
Significantly more LNM were identified with 18F‑FDG-PET/CT (177 LNM) compared to CT alone (131 LNM, p < 0.001). The most common sites of LNM were paraesophageal (63% of patients, 37% of LNM) and paratracheal (33% of patients, 20% of LNM), while less than 5% of patients had supraclavicular, subaortic, diaphragmatic, or hilar LNM. With regard to the primary tumor, 51% of LNM were at the same height, while 25% and 24% of lymph node metastases were above and below the primary tumor, respectively. For thirty-three LNM (19%), the distance to the primary tumor was larger than 4 cm. No significant difference was seen between LCT/EUS (median 6 cm) and LPET (median 6 cm, p = 0.846)

Conclusion
18F‑FDG-PET can help to identify subclinical lymph node metastases which are located outside of recommended radiation fields. PET-based involved-field irradiation might be the ideal compromise between small treatment volumes and decreasing the risk of undertreatment of subclinical metastatic lymph nodes and should be further evaluated.