bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results from the first autologous grafting of adult human testis tissue: a case report
Authors: Jensen Christian Fuglesang S , Mamsen Linn Salto , Wang Danyang , Fode Mikkel , Giwercman Aleksander , Jørgensen Niels , Ohl Dana A , Fedder Jens , Hoffmann Eva R , Yding Andersen Claus , Sønksen Jens 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fertility restoration using autologous testicular tissue transplantation is relevant for infertile men surviving from childhood cancer and, possibly, in men with absent or incomplete spermatogenesis resulting in the lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate (non-obstructive azoospermia, NOA). Currently, testicular tissue from pre-pubertal boys extracted before treatment with gonadotoxic cancer therapy can be cryopreserved with good survival of spermatogonial stem cells. However, strategies for fertility restoration, after successful cancer treatment, are still experimental and no clinical methods have yet been developed. Similarly, no clinically available treatments can help men with NOA to become biological fathers after failed attempts of testicular surgical sperm retrieval. We present a case of a 31-year-old man with NOA who had three pieces of testis tissue (each ∼2 × 4 × 2 mm3) extracted and cryopreserved in relation to performing microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). Approximately 2 years after mTESE, the thawed tissue pieces were engrafted in surgically created pockets bilaterally under the scrotal skin. Follow-up was performed after 2, 4, and 6 months with assessment of reproductive hormones and ultrasound of the scrotum. After 6 months, all engrafted tissue was extracted and microscopically analyzed for the presence of spermatozoa. Furthermore, parts of the extracted tissue were analyzed histologically and by immunohistochemical analysis. Active blood flow in the engrafted tissue was demonstrated by doppler ultrasound after 6 months. No spermatozoa were found in the extracted tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated graft survival with intact clear tubules and normal cell organization. Sertoli cells and spermatocytes with normal morphology were located near the basement membrane. MAGE-A and VASA positive spermatogonia/spermatocytes were detected together with SOX9 positive Sertoli cells. Spermatocytes and/or Sertoli cells positive for γH2AX was also detected. In summary, following autologous grafting of frozen-thawed testis tissue under the scrotal skin in a man with NOA, we demonstrated graft survival after 6 months. No mature spermatozoa were detected; however, this is likely due to the pre-existing spermatogenic failure.
Accuracy, acceptability and feasibility of photography for use in trachoma surveys: a mixed methods study in Tanzania
Authors: Bisanzio Donal , Butcher Robert , Turbé Valérian , Matsumoto Kenji , Dinesh Chaitra , Massae Patrick , Dejene Michael , Jimenez Cristina , Macleod Colin , Matayan Einoti , Mpyet Caleb , Pavluck Alex , Saboyá-Díaz Martha Idalí , Tadesse Fentahun , Talero Sandra Liliana , Solomon Anthony W , Ngondi Jeremiah , Kabona George , Uisso Cecilia , Simon Alistidia , Mwingira Upendo , Harding-Esch Emma M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Photography could be used to train individuals to diagnose trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) as trachoma prevalence decreases and to ensure accurate field TF grading in trachoma prevalence surveys. We compared photograph and field TF grading and determined the acceptability and feasibility of eyelid photography to community members and trachoma survey trainers.

Methods
A total of 100 children ages 1–9 y were examined for TF in two Maasai villages in Tanzania. Two images of the right everted superior tarsal conjunctiva of each child were taken with a smartphone and a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. Two graders independently graded all photos. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with community members and Tropical Data trainers.

Results
Of 391 photos, one-fifth were discarded as ungradable. Compared with field grading, photo grading consistently underdiagnosed TF. Compared with field grading, DSLR photo grading resulted in a higher prevalence and sensitivity than smartphone photo grading. FGDs indicated that communities and trainers found photography acceptable and preferred smartphones to DSLR in terms of practicalities, but image quality was of paramount importance for trainers.

Conclusions
Photography is acceptable and feasible, but further work is needed to ensure high-quality images that enable accurate and consistent grading before being routinely implemented in trachoma surveys.
Effects of a team Quality Improvement method in a national clinical audit programme of four clinical specialties in Ministry of Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Saleh , Dixon Nancy , Al-Senani Fahmi , Al Aseri Zohair , Al Saif Shukri , AlTahan Talal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Saudi Arabia developed a clinical excellence strategy. An objective was to reduce variation in clinical practices in MoH hospitals, particularly for conditions with high mortality in Saudi Arabia, by applying best practice clinical standards and using the clinical audit process to measure clinical practice. The strategy included working with multiprofessional teams in hospitals to implement improvements needed in clinical practice. To test the feasibility of carrying out national clinical audits in MoH hospitals, audits were carried out in 16 MoH hospitals on four clinical subjects—acute myocardial infarction, major trauma, sepsis, and stroke. Clinical expert groups, including Saudi clinicians and an international clinical expert, developed clinical care standards for the four conditions from analyses of international and Saudi clinical guidelines. The audits were designed with the expert groups. Multiprofessional teams were appointed to carry out the audits in designated MoH hospitals. Data collectors in each hospital were trained to collect data. Workshops were held with the teams on the clinical care standards and how data would be collected for the audits, and later, on the findings of data collection and how to use the improvement process to implement changes to improve compliance with the standards. After 4 months, data collection was repeated to determine if compliance with the clinical care standards had improved. Data collected from each hospital for both cycles of data collection were independently reliably tested. All designated hospitals participated in the audits, collecting and submitting data for two rounds of data collection and implementing improvement plans after the first round of data collection. All hospitals made substantial improvements in clinical practices. Of a total of 84 measures used to assess compliance with a total of 52 clinical care standards for the four clinical conditions, improvements were made by hospital teams in 58 (69.1%) measures. Improvements were statistically significant for 34 (40.5%) measures. The project demonstrated that well-designed and executed audits using evidence-based clinical care standards can result in substantial improvements in clinical practices in MoH hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Keys to success were the improvement methodology built into the audit process and the requirement for hospitals to appoint multiprofessional teams to carry out the audits. The approach adds to evidence on the effectiveness of clinical audits in achieving improvements in clinical quality and can be replicated in national audit programmes.
What If We Were There? A Counter-Factual Call for IR to Engage with Material-Technological Making
Authors: Austin Jonathan Luke , Leander Anna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
International relations (IR) shows growing interest in expanding its practical engagements into different domains: the visual, the artistic, the aesthetic, the diagrammatic, and so forth. But a gap remains. Despite widespread acknowledgment of the political transformations caused by material and technological change across world politics, IR rarely fully integrates forms of material-technological praxis into its work. We rarely make digital, architectural, computational, or other seemingly technical things within IR. This article suggests we should start doing so, in direct collaboration with practitioners, applied scientists, and technical experts. Specifically, it suggests that engaging in material-technological making has the potential to (1) increase our basic scientific knowledge of politics, (2) augment our capacity to theorize politics, and (3) radically expand how we normatively and political intervene in politics. To make that argument, the paper conducts a speculative form of counter-factual analysis of the kind of “difference” that might have been made if scholars of IR had been involved in the development of three technologies designed by the International Committee of the Red Cross for humanitarian purposes. In doing so, we show that the exclusion of the material-technological from IR’s praxis is not only damaging to its vitality as an intellectual field, but also an abdication of what Haraway terms its ethico-political response-ability within politics.
From illness management to quality of life: rethinking consumer health informatics opportunities for progressive, potentially fatal illnesses
Authors: Antonio Marcy G , Veinot Tiffany C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Investigate how people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)—an example of a progressive, potentially fatal illness—are using digital technologies (DTs) to address illness experiences, outcomes and social connectedness.

Materials and Methods
A transformative mixed methods study was conducted in Canada with people with COPD (n = 77) or with a progressive lung condition (n = 6). Stage-1 interviews (n = 7) informed the stage-2 survey. Survey responses (n = 80) facilitated the identification of participants for stage-3 interviews (n = 13). The interviews were thematically analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the survey. The integrative mixed method analysis involved mixing between and across the stages.

Results
Most COPD participants (87.0%) used DTs. However, few participants frequently used DTs to self-manage COPD. People used DTs to seek online information about COPD symptoms and treatments, but lacked tailored information about illness progression. Few expressed interest in using DTs for self- monitoring and tracking. The regular use of DTs for intergenerational connections may facilitate leaving a legacy and passing on traditions and memories. Use of DTs for leisure activities provided opportunities for connecting socially and for respite, reminiscing, distraction and spontaneity.

Discussion and Conclusion
We advocate reconceptualizing consumer health technologies to prioritize quality of life for people with a progressive, potentially fatal illness. “Quality of life informatics” should focus on reducing stigma regarding illness and disability and taboo towards death, improving access to palliative care resources and encouraging experiences to support social, emotional and mental health. For DTs to support people with fatal, progressive illnesses, we must expand informatics strategies to quality of life.
Engineered biosynthesis of plant heteroyohimbine and corynantheine alkaloids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Dror Moriel J , Misa Joshua , Yee Danielle A , Chu Angela M , Yu Rachel K , Chan Bradley B , Aoyama Lauren S , Chaparala Anjali P , O'Connor Sarah E , Tang Yi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a class of natural products comprised of thousands of structurally unique bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic values. Due to difficulties associated with isolation from native plant species and organic synthesis of these structurally complex molecules, microbial production of MIAs using engineered hosts are highly desired. In this work, we report the engineering of fully integrated Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that allow de novo access to strictosidine, the universal precursor to thousands of MIAs at 30–40 mg/L. The optimization efforts were based on a previously reported yeast strain that is engineered to produce high titers of the monoterpene precursor geraniol through compartmentalization of mevalonate pathway in the mitochondria. Our approaches here included the use of CRISPR-dCas9 interference to identify mitochondria diphosphate transporters that negatively impact the titer of the monoterpene, followed by genetic inactivation; the overexpression of transcriptional regulators that increase cellular respiration and mitochondria biogenesis. Strain construction included the strategic integration of genes encoding both MIA biosynthetic and accessory enzymes into the genome under a variety of constitutive and inducible promoters. Following successful de novo production of strictosidine, complex alkaloids belonging to heteroyohimbine and corynantheine families were reconstituted in the host with introduction of additional downstream enzymes. We demonstrate that the serpentine/alstonine pair can be produced at ∼5 mg/L titer, while corynantheidine, the precursor to mitragynine can be produced at ∼1 mg/L titer. Feeding of halogenated tryptamine led to the biosynthesis of analogs of alkaloids in both families. Collectively, our yeast strain represents an excellent starting point to further engineer biosynthetic bottlenecks in this pathway and to access additional MIAs and analogs through microbial fermentation.

One Sentence Summary
An Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based microbial platform was developed for the biosynthesis of monoterpene indole alkaloids, including the universal precursor strictosidine and further modified heteroyohimbine and corynantheidine alkaloids.
Gendered ecologies: Explaining interprofessional and gender inequalities in Ontario midwifery
Authors: Siberry Alexandra V , Adams Tracey L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although midwifery has been a self-regulating profession in Ontario, Canada for over 30 years, practitioners continue to face barriers and inequalities due to the intersection of professional and gender dynamics. To understand these dynamics better we develop a gendered ecologies approach, refining ecological theories of professions by drawing on research on gender and professions. We then apply this approach when analysing qualitative in-depth interviews with a sample of Ontario midwives about their work. We argue that a gendered ecological approach—by underscoring that gender and professional inequalities are reproduced at the micro, meso, and macro levels by gendered actors contesting (gendered) spaces as they pursue a variety of interests—illuminates midwives’ struggles on the job and their continued subordination within the Ontario healthcare system.
Emissions intensity: do we need a CBAM for oil and gas imports?
Authors: Hilson Chris 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The UK has seen significant recent attention being paid to the issue of the ‘emissions intensity’ of oil and gas operations, with the oil and gas industry and the Government using this as a climate justification for domestic North Sea production over imported oil and gas. This commentary explores these arguments in the context of the Rosebank decision and examines why emission intensity matters for lawyers. One key reason identified involves trade: without a carbon border adjustment mechanism (tax) or equivalent on imports of oil and gas from countries with poor records on electrification, flaring and vented emissions, domestic oil and gas production faces unfair climate competition.
Strong 21-cm fluctuations and anisotropy due to the line-of-sight effect of radio galaxies at cosmic dawn
Authors: Sikder Sudipta , Barkana Rennan , Fialkov Anastasia , Reis Itamar 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The reported detection of the global 21-cm signal by the EDGES collaboration is significantly stronger than standard astrophysical predictions. One possible explanation is an early radio excess above the cosmic microwave background. Such a radio background could have been produced by high-redshift galaxies, if they were especially efficient in producing low-frequency synchrotron radiation. We have previously studied the effects of such an inhomogeneous radio background on the 21-cm signal; however, we made a simplifying assumption of isotropy of the background seen by each hydrogen cloud. Here, we perform a complete calculation that accounts for the fact that the 21-cm absorption occurs along the line of sight, and is therefore sensitive to radio sources lying behind each absorbing cloud. We find that the complete calculation strongly enhances the 21-cm power spectrum during cosmic dawn, by up to two orders of magnitude; on the other hand, the effect on the global 21-cm signal is only at the 5 per cent level. In addition to making the high-redshift 21-cm fluctuations potentially more easily observable, the line-of-sight radio effect induces a new anisotropy in the 21-cm power spectrum. While these effects are particularly large for the case of an extremely enhanced radio efficiency, they make it more feasible to detect even a moderately enhanced radio efficiency in early galaxies. This is especially relevant since the EDGES signal has been contested by the SARAS experiment.
Laboratory astrochemical investigation of H-atom reactions and photochemistry of [H, C, N, S] isomers: astrophysical significance and implications
Authors: Keresztes Barbara , Góbi Sándor , Tarczay György 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The astrochemically relevant reactions of [H, C, N, S] isomers were studied both theoretically and experimentally. The energetics and barriers of H-atom-addition and H-atom-abstraction reactions were computed. Experimentally, [H, C, N, S] isomers were generated via in situ photolysis in a solid para-H2 matrix. The H-atom reaction and the photochemistry of these species were monitored by infrared spectroscopy. In the case of HNCS, the formation of HNCSH was observed. Tentatively two different conformers, syn,trans- and anti,trans-HNCSH, were identified. The subsequent H-atom-addition and H-atom-abstraction reactions did not effectively induce the isomerization of HNCS to HSCN. In the case of HCNS, the observation of the HCN product indirectly reveals H-atom addition to the S atom of HCNS, which is followed by the rupture of the N−S bond. While not explored experimentally, theoretical computations reveal negligible barrier heights for the H-atom-abstraction reactions of HSCN and HSNC. Therefore, H atoms might deplete these species in the interstellar medium (ISM). In contrast to the H-atom reactions, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation between 255 and 240 nm effectively isomerized the HNCS to HSCN and HSNC. Besides decomposition, HCNS isomerize to HNCS, HSCN, and HSNC upon exposure to UV radiation between 300 and 216 nm. In certain H-atom-free conditions, HSNC, not yet observed in the ISM, could potentially coexist in observable amounts with the already detected HNCS and HSCN in the ISM. Conversely, HCNS, another unidentified isomer in the ISM, is unlikely to accumulate there under UV radiation or in the presence of reactive radicals, including H atoms.
Critical magnetic Reynolds number of the turbulent dynamo in collisionless plasmas
Authors: Achikanath Chirakkara Radhika , Seta Amit , Federrath Christoph , Kunz Matthew W 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
The intracluster medium of galaxy clusters is an extremely hot and diffuse, nearly collisionless plasma, which hosts dynamically important magnetic fields of ∼μG strength. Seed magnetic fields of much weaker strength of astrophysical or primordial origin can be present in the intracluster medium. In collisional plasmas, which can be approximated in the magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) limit, the turbulent dynamo mechanism can amplify weak seed fields to strong dynamical levels efficiently by converting turbulent kinetic energy into magnetic energy. However, the viability of this mechanism in weakly collisional or completely collisionless plasma is much less understood. In this study, we explore the properties of the collisionless turbulent dynamo using three-dimensional hybrid-kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. We explore the properties of the collisionless turbulent dynamo in the kinematic regime for different values of the magnetic Reynolds number, Rm, initial magnetic-to-kinetic energy ratio, (Emag/Ekin)i, and initial Larmor ratio, (rLarmor/Lbox)i, i.e. the ratio of the Larmor radius to the size of the turbulent system. We find that in the ‘un-magnetized’ regime, (rLarmor/Lbox)i &gt; 1, the critical magnetic Reynolds number for the dynamo action Rmcrit ≈ 107 ± 3. In the ‘magnetized’ regime, (rLarmor/Lbox)i ≲ 1, we find a marginally higher Rmcrit = 124 ± 8. We find that the growth rate of the magnetic energy does not depend on the strength of the seed magnetic field when the initial magnetization is fixed. We also study the distribution and evolution of the pressure anisotropy in the collisionless plasma and compare our results with the MHD turbulent dynamo.
Regional variation in incidence and prognosis of acute kidney injury
Authors: Jensen Simon Kok , Rasmussen Thomas Bøjer , Jacobsen Bjarke Hejlskov , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Sawhney Simon , Gammelager Henrik , Birn Henrik , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Christiansen Christian Fynbo 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Examining regional variation in acute kidney injury (AKI) and associated outcomes may reveal inequalities and possibilities for optimization of the quality of care. Using the Danish medical databases, we examined regional variation in the incidence, follow-up and prognosis of AKI in Denmark.

Methods
Patients with one or more AKI episodes in 2017 were identified using population-based creatinine measurements covering all Danish residents. Crude and sex-and-age-standardized incidence rates of AKI were estimated using census statistics for each municipality. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of chronic kidney disease (CKD), all-cause death, biochemical follow-up and outpatient contact with a nephrology department after AKI were estimated across geographical regions and categories of municipalities, accounting for differences in demographics, comorbidities, medication use, lifestyle and social factors, and baseline kidney function.

Results
We identified 63 382 AKI episodes in 58 356 adults in 2017. The regional standardized AKI incidence rates ranged from 12.9 to 14.9 per 1000 person-years. Compared with the Capital Region of Denmark, the aHRs across regions ranged from 1.04 to 1.25 for CKD, from 0.97 to 1.04 for all-cause death, from 1.09 to 1.15 for biochemical follow-up and from 1.08 to 1.49 for outpatient contact with a nephrology department after AKI. Similar variations were found across municipality categories.

Conclusions
Within the uniform Danish healthcare system, we found modest regional variation in AKI incidence. The mortality after AKI was similar; however, CKD, biochemical follow-up and nephrology follow-up after AKI varied across regions and municipality categories.
Systemic Risk and Monetary Policy: The Haircut Gap Channel of the Lender of Last Resort
Authors: Jasova Martina , Laeven Luc , Mendicino Caterina , Peydró José-Luis , Supera Dominik 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We show that lender of last resort (LOLR) policy exacerbates bank interconnectedness. Using novel micro-level data, we analyze LOLR’s haircut gaps: the differences between the private market and central bank haircuts. LOLR policy incentivizes banks to increase pledging and holdings of higher haircut-gap bonds, especially those issued by domestic and systemically important banks. Effects only apply to banks, not to nonbanks without LOLR access. LOLR funding revives bank bond issuance associated with higher haircut gaps and increases the subsequent correlation between pledging and issuing banks’ bond prices, in particular during periods of low-market returns and for domestic, systemically important banks.