bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contributions of avoidable mortality to the sex gap in life expectancy and life disparity in Iran
Authors: Bayati Mohsen , Kiadaliri Ali 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Public health policies and healthcare quality play a pivotal role on the health outcome level and disparities across sociodemographic groups. However, there is little evidence on their role on disparities in life expectancy (LE) and life disparity (LD) in low and middle income countries. The present study aimed to assess the contributions of avoidable mortality, as a measure of inter-sectoral public health policies and healthcare quality, into the sex gap in LE (SGLE) and LD (SGLD) in Iran.

Methods
Latest available data of death causes, according to the ICD codes, for Iran was obtained from the WHO mortality database for the period 2015–2016. An upper age limit of 75 years was applied to define avoidable causes of death. LD was measured as the average years of life lost at birth. The SGLE and SGLD (both females minus males) were decomposed by age and cause of death using a continuous-change model.

Results
Females, on average, outlived males for 3.8 years (80.0 vs. 76.2 years) with 1.9 lower life years lost (12.6 vs. 14.4 years). Avoidable causes accounted for 2.5 (67%) and 1.5 (79%) years of the SGLE and SGLD, respectively. Among avoidable causes, injury-related deaths followed by ischaemic heart disease had the greatest contributions to both SGLE and SGLD. Across age groups, the age groups 55–59 and 60–64 accounted for the greatest contributions of avoidable causes to SGLE (0.3 years each), while age groups 20–24 and 55–59 had the greatest contributions to SGLD (0.15 years each). Lower mortality rates for females than males in age groups 50–74 years accounted for about half of the SGLE, while age groups 20–29 and 50–64 years accounted for around half of SGLD.

Conclusion
More than two third of the SGLE and SGLD in Iran were attributed to the avoidable mortality, particularly preventable causes. Our results suggest the need for public health policies targeting injuries in young males as well as lifestyle risk factors including smoking in middle aged males in Iran.
Calcareous nannofossil assemblage in paintings chalk ground for provenance analysis: three original paintings compared to european source materials
Authors: Jaques Victory Armida Janine , Holcová Katarína 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Chalk has been used since Antiquity for various purposes, and since Gothic for preparatory layers of painted cultural heritage objects. Several materials are called chalk in Cultural Heritage, but this work especially focuses on chalk composed of calcareous nannofossils (up to 98%). These are fossil remains of photoautotrophic algae generally smaller than 30 μm. They are mainly visible as platelets of various shapes under a cross-polarised or scanning electron microscope. The provenance of chalk can be determined using calcareous nannofossils due to their well-known paleobiogeographic localities. They are already used as proxies since the 90s in Cultural Heritage, but rarely for paintings. In this work, 6 chalk historical mining areas were chosen: Germany (Ruegen), France (Champagne, Meudon), Belgium (Mons), England (Norfolk) and Italy (Bologna). Natural and processed chalk were used as reference materials and compared to 3 original paintings. The difference between the chalks calcareous nannofossil assemblages was shown using multivariate statistical analysis based on species relative abundance. Marker nannofossil species were defined for each chalk locality. One painting material could not be originated due to the preservation of its nannofossils assemblage, but the origins of the rock chalk material from the two other paintings could be geographically located in France.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of SnSe by controlled vacancy population
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Kim Kyoo , Nguyen Van Quang , Hwang Jinwoong , Denlinger Jonathan D. , Min Byung Il , Cho Sunglae , Ryu Hyejin , Hwang Choongyu , Mo Sung-Kwan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe thermoelectric performance of SnSe strongly depends on its low-energy electron band structure that provides high density of states in a narrow energy window due to the multi-valley valence band maximum (VBM). Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements, in conjunction with first-principles calculations, reveal that the binding energy of the VBM of SnSe is tuned by the population of Sn vacancy, which is determined by the cooling rate during the sample growth. The VBM shift follows precisely the behavior of the thermoelectric power factor, while the effective mass is barely modified upon changing the population of Sn vacancies. These findings indicate that the low-energy electron band structure is closely correlated with the high thermoelectric performance of hole-doped SnSe, providing a viable route toward engineering the intrinsic defect-induced thermoelectric performance via the sample growth condition without an additional ex-situ process.
Graphical Abstract
Exploring senior engineering students’ engineering identity: the impact of practice-oriented learning experiences
Authors: Ju Tongjie , Zhu Jiabin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Engineering identity reflects students' acceptance and recognition of engineering, which has a great influence on their willingness to enter and stay in the engineering field. Existing studies have shown that curricular and co-curricular practice-oriented experiences may be helpful for developing students’ engineering identity. However, the actual impact of various practice-oriented learning experiences remained to be further examined. This quantitative study aims to explore the impact of three types of practice-oriented learning experiences (capstone experiences, technological innovation and entrepreneurship competitions, and engineering-related internships) in the development of engineering talents' engineering identity. A theoretical framework of engineering identity, which consists of three dimensions, that is, Interest, Performance/Competence and Recognition, was adopted to guide the research.

Results
Through responses from 160 senior engineering students at a leading research intensive Chinese university, the study explored the relationships between engagement in practice-oriented learning experiences and engineering identity. Senior capstone design was found to be associated positively with students' development of engineering identity and recognition by others. Participating in two or more technological innovation and entrepreneurship competitions associated positively with students' development of engineering identity, performance/competence and recognition. Meanwhile, internships did not show any statistically significant effect on engineering identity. Moreover, by analyzing the potential mediating effect, we found that recognition played a complete intermediary role between senior capstone design and engineering identity. In addition, recognition and performance/competence mediated the relationship between twice or more technological innovation and entrepreneurship competitions and engineering identity.

Conclusions
These findings add to our current understanding about the role of different practice-oriented learning activities on students’ development of engineering identity. These findings point to the importance of learning activities, including technological innovation and entrepreneurship competitions and senior capstone design, on the development of engineering identity. Moreover, the results highlighted the important role of students’ engagement in multiple authentic engineering projects throughout the curriculum and their gaining recognitions through these project experiences. Based on these findings, practical suggestions are proposed to help nurture students’ engineering identity. In addition, future qualitative investigations about the underlying mechanisms are recommended to facilitate the understanding of students’ development of engineering identity.
Integrative meta-omics in Galaxy and beyond
Authors: Schiml Valerie C. , Delogu Francesco , Kumar Praveen , Kunath Benoit , Batut Bérénice , Mehta Subina , Johnson James E. , Grüning Björn , Pope Phillip B. , Jagtap Pratik D. , Griffin Timothy J. , Arntzen Magnus Ø. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
‘Omics methods have empowered scientists to tackle the complexity of microbial communities on a scale not attainable before. Individually, omics analyses can provide great insight; while combined as “meta-omics”, they enhance the understanding of which organisms occupy specific metabolic niches, how they interact, and how they utilize environmental nutrients. Here we present three integrative meta-omics workflows, developed in Galaxy, for enhanced analysis and integration of metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics, combined with our newly developed web-application, ViMO (Visualizer for Meta-Omics) to analyse metabolisms in complex microbial communities.

Results
In this study, we applied the workflows on a highly efficient cellulose-degrading minimal consortium enriched from a biogas reactor to analyse the key roles of uncultured microorganisms in complex biomass degradation processes. Metagenomic analysis recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) for several constituent populations including Hungateiclostridium thermocellum, Thermoclostridium stercorarium and multiple heterogenic strains affiliated to Coprothermobacter proteolyticus. The metagenomics workflow was developed as two modules, one standard, and one optimized for improving the MAG quality in complex samples by implementing a combination of single- and co-assembly, and dereplication after binning. The exploration of the active pathways within the recovered MAGs can be visualized in ViMO, which also provides an overview of the MAG taxonomy and quality (contamination and completeness), and information about carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), as well as KEGG annotations and pathways, with counts and abundances at both mRNA and protein level. To achieve this, the metatranscriptomic reads and metaproteomic mass-spectrometry spectra are mapped onto predicted genes from the metagenome to analyse the functional potential of MAGs, as well as the actual expressed proteins and functions of the microbiome, all visualized in ViMO.

Conclusion
Our three workflows for integrative meta-omics in combination with ViMO presents a progression in the analysis of ‘omics data, particularly within Galaxy, but also beyond. The optimized metagenomics workflow allows for detailed reconstruction of microbial community consisting of MAGs with high quality, and thus improves analyses of the metabolism of the microbiome, using the metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics workflows.
Engineering considerations of iPSC-based personalized medicine
Authors: Park Sangbae , Gwon Yonghyun , Khan Shahidul Ahmed , Jang Kyoung-Je , Kim Jangho 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Personalized medicine aims to provide tailored medical treatment that considers the clinical, genetic, and environmental characteristics of patients. iPSCs have attracted considerable attention in the field of personalized medicine; however, the inherent limitations of iPSCs prevent their widespread use in clinical applications. That is, it would be important to develop notable engineering strategies to overcome the current limitations of iPSCs. Such engineering approaches could lead to significant advances in iPSC-based personalized therapy by offering innovative solutions to existing challenges, from iPSC preparation to clinical applications. In this review, we summarize how engineering strategies have been used to advance iPSC-based personalized medicine by categorizing the development process into three distinctive steps: 1) the production of therapeutic iPSCs; 2) engineering of therapeutic iPSCs; and 3) clinical applications of engineered iPSCs. Specifically, we focus on engineering strategies and their implications for each step in the development of iPSC-based personalized medicine.
Amelioration of intestinal barrier function and reduction of blood lead level in adult women with recurrent spontaneous abortion by a novel product of dietary fiber mixture, Holofood
Authors: Tian Ye , Pan Zhiyuan , Lan Liling , Chang Yuxiao , Zhao Ting , Fu Zhihong , Wu Shuhua , Deng Tianqin , Cao Meilan , Wang Weizhou , Bi Yujing , Yang Ruifu , Yang Lee B. J. , Liu Qingzhi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The elevated circulating toxins secondary to the impairment of intestinal barrier integrity commonly elicit a chronic inflammatory response and finally contribute to multiple diseases. These toxins, including bacterial by-products and heavy metals, are the potent risk factors for the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Preclinical evidence suggests that several dietary fibers can restore intestinal barrier function and decrease the accumulation of heavy metals. However, it is uncertain whether treatment with a newly developed blend of dietary fibers product (Holofood) benefits patients with RSA.

Methods
In this trial, we enrolled 70 adult women with RSA, who were randomly assigned into the experiment group and the control group in a 2:1 ratio. Upon the basis of conventional therapy, subjects in the experiment group (n = 48) received 8 weeks oral administration with Holofood three times daily at a dose of 10 g each time. Subjects without Holofood consumption were set as the control (n = 22). Blood samples were collected for the determinations of metabolic parameters, heavy mental lead, and the indices related to intestinal barrier integrity (d-lactate, bacterial endotoxin, and diamine oxidase activity).

Results
The reduction amplitude in blood lead from baseline to week 8 was 40.50 ± 54.28 (μg/L) in the experiment group as compared with 13.35 ± 36.81 (μg/L) in the control group (P = 0.037). The decreased level of serum d-lactate from baseline to week 8 was 5.58 ± 6.09 (mg/L) in the experiment group as compared with − 2.38 ± 8.90 (mg/L, P < 0.0001) in the control group. The change in serum DAO activity from baseline to week 8 was 3.26 ± 2.23 (U/L) in the experiment group as compared with − 1.24 ± 2.22 (U/L, P < 0.0001) in the control group. Participants who received Holofood had a greater decline in blood endotoxin from baseline to week 8 than those in the control group. Moreover, by comparing with the self-baseline, Holofood consumption significantly decreased the blood levels of lead, d-lactate, bacterial endotoxin, and DAO activity.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that Holofood affords a clinically relevant improvements in blood lead level and intestinal barrier dysfunction in patients with RSA.
Working Towards a Greener NHS: Exploring Psychiatrists’ Attitudes Towards the Climate Crisis
Authors: Hall David , Romeu Daniel , O'Donohoe Hannah , Srinivasaraghavan Gayathri , Nightingale Sharon 
Published: July 2023

AimsThe primary aim of this project was to explore the attitudes of doctors employed by Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) towards climate change and sustainability issues. Secondary aims were to ascertain psychiatrists’ knowledge of current efforts to mitigate the impact of healthcare on the climate, and to identify barriers to action against the climate crisis.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using a self-completed questionnaire designed by the team on an online platform (Survey Monkey, www.surveymonkey.co.uk). It was open from 23 August to 19 September 2022 and shared via email with doctors of all grades employed by LYPFT (n = 211). Likert-scale and multiple-choice responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and two-sided t-tests. Free-text responses were analysed independently by four researchers (DH, DR, HO, GS) using thematic analysis. Participants were required to agree to an online consent statement before proceeding. The study was carried out in accordance with University of Leeds ethical protocols.Results66 doctors completed the questionnaire (31.3% response rate) of whom 24 (36.3%) were consultants and 42 (63.6%) were junior doctors. 57 (86.3%) respondents agreed that climate change is harmful to mental and physical health. 42 (63.6%) indicated that the climate emergency was relevant to their role, and 46 (69.7%) felt that climate and sustainability issues should be included in educational curricula for all healthcare professionals. Only 4 (6.1%) were aware of the Trust's strategies to mitigate its impact on the climate, and 7 (10.6%) were familiar with the remit and content of the Greener NHS Plan. There were no statistical differences in responses to these questions between consultants and junior doctors.The most commonly perceived barriers to reducing the Trust's impact on the climate were a lack of willingness to change current practice (n = 28, 42.4%), poor awareness of the impact of the healthcare industry on the climate (n = 16, 24.2%), and an absence of guidance on sustainable practice (n = 15, 22.7%). Three themes emerged among free-text responses to this question: clinical priorities taking precedent, extensive use of pharmaceuticals and a lack of appropriate infrastructure and resources.ConclusionLYPFT doctors appreciated the significance of the climate crisis and its relevance to their role as healthcare professionals. However, there is a lack of awareness of local and national efforts to mitigate the impact of healthcare on the climate. Future work should raise awareness of the association between planetary and human health and encourage stakeholders to prioritise sustainability issues.
Improving a Psychiatry Teaching Programme for Junior Doctors on Placement in a Mental Health Trust
Authors: Williams Verity , Ajiteru Tonye , Hussein Abigail , Daly Rachel , Fry Lydia , Maczka Luke , Pendleton Angela , Pickard Max 
Published: July 2023

AimsFoundation Programme and GP trainees on psychiatry placement within Kent and Medway attend a teaching programme on core topics. The GP training and new Foundation Programme curricula require key mental health content to be covered. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to improve the delivery of mental health teaching to Foundation and GP trainees on psychiatry placement.MethodsThe existing teaching programme was fortnightly, full-day teaching, online via zoom. Drivers for change included: reduction in duplication of teaching; new curricula; changes to training patterns, including GP trainees moving to Integrated Training Posts (ITP); and promoting sustainability.The project team included Medical Education team members, trainee representative and clinical staff involved in education. In the first QIP cycle between March and August 2022, a Medical Education Working Group reviewed teaching content for congruence with GP and Foundation curricula and to reduce duplication with other training settings. Medical education teams from other local mental health trusts were contacted to gather examples of best practice, and teachers and trainee supervisors were consulted. Qualitative trainee feedback for teaching between December 2020 and April 2022 was evaluated. Teaching delivery was revised to half a day fortnightly, and session length standardised to 75 minutes. After the new programme commenced in August 2022, a second QIP cycle evaluated trainee qualitative feedback and there was further engagement with teachers.ResultsFirst cycle trainee feedback revealed several themes: teaching was too long; content was useful, especially focus on primary care; presenters were engaging. Suggestions for improvements included using interactive teaching tools such as online polls or quizzes, increasing case-based teaching, and small group breakout sessions. Shortening the teaching day preserved clinical exposure, especially for ITP trainees. Online format reduces travel time and expense, promotes sustainability, and reduces impact on clinical experience. Second cycle trainee feedback identified some sessions could be shortened. Consultation with education teams from neighbouring acute trusts identified schedule overlap with other mandatory training, so teaching was condensed to one 75-minute session weekly. Delivering teaching more efficiently releases time for direct patient care.ConclusionWe used a quality improvement approach to improve a teaching programme offered to GP and foundation trainees in Kent and Medway. Our outcome delivers an efficient teaching strategy, responding to trainee feedback, which meets curriculum objectives more efficiently, preserving time for direct patient care and to implement learning. Additional learning is the importance of liaison with medical education teams in acute trusts to optimise teaching.
Examination of Medical Students’ Expectations of Psychiatry Prior to Placement: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mark Isabel , Edgerley-Harris Georgina , Hutchinson Julia , O'Brien Aileen 
Published: July 2023

AimsThere is limited literature regarding medical students’ expectations of psychiatry placements, although studies focussing on nursing students reveal fear and anticipation of aggression and violence to be prominent factors. Anecdotally, authors have been aware of medical students having reported impressions of psychiatric wards which were at odds with the reality. This study aims to explore what medical students specifically imagine and expect from psychiatric wards and psychiatric intensive care units prior to their placement. Psychiatric intensive care, arguably the most intense experience students will have in psychiatry, was used as a specific focus to highlight the full extent of their preconceptions.MethodsStudents undertaking their psychiatry attachment between July and December 2021 were invited to complete a semi-structured questionnaire, deemed to be more preferable to interviews as it was thought that anonymity would encourage more students to participate, provide open and honest responses, thereby exposing the full scope of presumptions. Question content was designed by 2 psychiatrists, with modifications after consultation with 2 student advisors. Questions explored student emotions regarding their visits to psychiatric wards and psychiatric intensive care, as well as expectations of the ward atmosphere, layout, activities, where patients would be, what they would be doing and how they would be managed. 37 responses were received. Analysis followed the well-recognised six stages of thematic analysis. Two authors read and coded all text independently, before discussing any discrepancies and then defining and refining themes with involvement from all authors, in a process of several reviews.ResultsFive themes emerged from the data: 1) Mixed feelings about the placement (with anxiety being prominent), 2) Mixed views about patient behaviour with many assumed to be violent, 3) Caring and holistic-minded staff, 4) A restrictive and locked environment, 5) Assumed similarities to acute general hospital care. Some of the expectations of students were markedly different to the realities of psychiatric inpatient and intensive settings, with students reporting ideas of patients in locked rooms, physically restrained, sedated and attached to ventilators.ConclusionThis study offers a unique insight into what medical students expect from their psychiatry placement, a key issue of which all educators and clinicians who supervise students should be aware. Results can inform better student preparation and placement supervision, leading to more meaningful learning and improved well-being.