bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining extraction and cultivation methods for soil seed bank analysis increases number of captured species and their similarity to above-ground vegetation
Authors: Plohák Petr , Švehláková Hana , Stalmachová Barbara , Goňo Miroslava , Dvorský Tomáš 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAnalysis of aboveground vegetation and soil seed bank is an important source of data on the state and dynamics of vegetation. It is especially important in landscapes exposed to disturbances, which have lost their functions. For our research, a post-mining area in the region of the Upper Silesian Black Coal Basin was selected, whose relief and ecosystems are strongly disturbed by underground mining and are currently also affected by ongoing climate change.MethodData collection for our research took place in the territory of two waterlogged subsidence basins in the Karvina region, Czech Republic. We evaluated 30 phytosociological releves using techniques of Zurich – Montpellier school and 540 soil cores using cultivation and extraction method.ResultsIn the above-ground vegetation, 115 plant species were identified. By cultivating soil samples, we determined 60 species from 1,487 seedlings, by extraction method 66 species from 5,999 seeds. A statistically significant effect of the presence of the tree layer on the number of species obtained by the extraction method was demonstrated. There is also a statistically significant difference between the selected analysis methods in terms of the length of the captured seeds and their seed mass.DiscussionThe construction of a rarefaction curve demonstrated that the use of cultivation and extraction methods leads to a greater capture of soil seed bank species. The similarity between the species composition of aboveground vegetation and the soil seed bank correspond to similarities observed in other studies from degraded habitats. Very low similarity between the species of the soil seed bank from cultivation and extraction method is probably caused by the highly variable distribution of seeds in the soil in time and space.
Features and evolutionary adaptations of the mitochondrial genome of Garuga forrestii W. W. Sm
Authors: Chen Rong , Rao Rui , Wang Chun , Zhu Dongbo , Yuan Fen , Yue Liangliang 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionGaruga forrestii W. W. Sm. is a tree species of the Burseraceae family, endemic to China, found in hot/warm-dry valleys. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity in these ecosystems.MethodsWe performed de novo assembly of the Garuga forrestii mitochondrial genome using PMAT (v.1.5.4), resulting in a typical circular molecule of 606,853 bp. The genome consists of 31 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, 35 protein-coding genes, and 1 pseudogene. The study also investigates RNA editing sites and evolutionary patterns.ResultsThe mitochondrial genome exhibits a low proportion of repetitive sequences (3.30%), suggesting a highly conserved structure. A high copy number of the trnM-CAT gene (4 copies) is noted, which may contribute to genomic rearrangement and adaptive evolution. Among the 476 RNA editing sites, hydrophilic-hydrophobic and hydrophobic-hydrophobic editing events are most common, accounting for 77.10%. Negative selection predominates among most genes (Ka/Ks &lt; 1), while a few genes (e.g., matR, nad3, rps1, rps12, and rps4) show signs of positive selection (Ka/Ks &gt; 1), potentially conferring evolutionary advantages. Additionally, a significant A/T bias is observed at the third codon position. Phylogenomic analysis supports the APG IV classification, with no evidence of horizontal gene transfer.DiscussionThis mitochondrial genome offers valuable insights into the adaptive mechanisms and evolutionary processes of Garuga forrestii. It enhances our understanding of the species' biogeography in tropical Southeast Asia and Southwest China, providing key information on the evolutionary history of this genus.
How drinking motives mediate associations between sexual orientation and indicators of alcohol use – a study among young Swiss men
Authors: Wicki Matthias , Marmet Simon , Studer Joseph , Bloomfield Kim , Gmel Gerhard 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundIndividuals with a minority sexual orientation have consistently been found to face a greater risk of mental health problems and problematic substance use than heterosexual individuals. The present study examined whether differences in alcohol use or alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms across the spectrum of sexual orientations could be explained by drinking motives (i.e., enhancement, social, coping and conformity motives).MethodA non-self-selective sample of non-abstinent, young Swiss men (N = 5,139; mean age = 25.4, SD = 1.25) completed a self-reporting questionnaire on sexual orientation (on a five-point attraction scale: heterosexual, mostly-heterosexual, bisexual, mostly-homosexual, homosexual), drinking motives, alcohol use indicators (e.g., heavy episodic drinking, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption [AUDIT-C]), and AUD symptoms. Structural equation modeling was used to test whether drinking motives mediated the associations between dummy-coded sexual orientation (with heterosexual men as the reference) and alcohol use indicators or AUD symptoms.ResultsMostly-heterosexual men exhibited higher scores on alcohol use indicators than heterosexual men, with almost full mediation through their drinking motives, specifically higher enhancement motives. They also reported more AUD symptoms, partially mediated through drinking motives, with comparable contributions from enhancement and coping motives. Homosexual men, however, displayed similar or lower scores for alcohol use indicators and AUD symptoms than heterosexual men, but these differences were not mediated by drinking motives. Indeed, homosexual men exhibited greater coping motives than heterosexual men. No significant results or discernible patterns emerged for bisexual or mostly-homosexual men.DiscussionThese findings highlight the importance of considering the full spectrum of sexual orientations in healthcare and of broadening the focus on drinking motives beyond coping. Understanding the varied motives for alcohol use across the spectrum of sexual orientations facilitates tailored prevention strategies.
Cross-cultural validation and psychometric properties study of the Chinese college students’ life skills scale for sport—transfer scale
Authors: Luo Lin , He Meilin , Wen Shaojing , Yuan Junfeng , Xu Huilin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study aimed to conduct a cross-cultural validation of the Life Skills Scale for Sport—Transfer Scale (LSSS-TS) among Chinese college students and examine its psychometric properties.MethodsThe study was conducted in three phases. In the first phase, four translation experts and five academic researchers collaborated to develop the Chinese version of the scale (C-LSSS-TS). Expert evaluations and feedback from 25 participants engaged in sports activities provided preliminary evidence for the scale’s construct validity. In the second phase, 409 participants were recruited, and factor analysis was performed to validate the structural dimensions of the scale. In the third phase, 168 participants completed both the C-LSSS-TS and a standard Life Skills Scale to examine the external construct validity.ResultsThe results demonstrated significant positive correlations between the subscales of sports transferable life skills and participants’ overall life skills development. These findings provided robust evidence for the structural validity of the C LSSS-TS.ConclusionThe C-LSSS-TS is a valid and practical tool for assessing life skills development among Chinese college sports participants. It offers researchers and practitioners an effective instrument to promote and evaluate life skills development in college students.
Improving birth preparation with the hypnosis online course “The Peaceful Birth”: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Motz Luisa , Brückner Rosa Marie , Schmidt Barbara 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveStress, anxiety, and birth-related expectations affect the way women experience birth. In this study, we evaluate the German online hypnosis program “The Peaceful Birth” (“Die Friedliche Geburt”) to find out if it reduces stress, anxiety, and pain during pregnancy. We randomized pregnant women into a hypnosis and a control group and surveyed them via online questionnaires during their pregnancy and after their birth using standardized questionnaires.MethodsWe included 221 pregnant women and assigned 110 women to a hypnosis and 111 women to a control group. At four measurement points before and after birth, we surveyed all study participants. We used the Perceived Stress Scale to measure stress experiences and the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire to assess childbirth expectations and experiences.ResultsWe show that stress was significantly reduced in the hypnosis group before and after birth compared to the control group (p = 0.019) and childbirth expectations were significantly more positive compared to the control group after starting the hypnosis online course (p = 0.002). Subjective health ratings in the hypnosis group improved significantly compared to the control group before childbirth (p = 0.002). Furthermore, women in the hypnosis group described childbirth experience as significantly more positive concerning fear (p = 0.007), loneliness (p = 0.025), and self-efficacy (p = 0.047) compared to the control group. We show that the improvement of childbirth experience is causally related to more positive childbirth expectations. However, we found no significant group differences in the experience of pain (p = 0.08).ConclusionPregnant women preparing for birth with the hypnosis online course “The Peaceful Birth” showed significantly improved birth preparation showing lower stress, more positive birth expectation and experience compared to a control group. The hypnosis online course is therefore an efficient low-threshold method to enhance healthcare for expectant mothers.
Brain function abnormalities and inflammation in HIV-positive men who have sex with men with depressive disorders
Authors: Zhang Yang , He Yihui , Fang Yuan , Cai Miaotian , Sun Guangqiang , Wang Rui , Zhen Jiaxin , Zhang Yulin , Li Zhen , Ma Yundong , Zhang Tong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDepressive disorders are highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and are related to aberrant inflammation and immune responses. However, there is currently a lack of investigation into the neurological, inflammatory, endocrine, and immune aspects of HIV-associated depressive disorders (HADD).MethodsThe study involved 33 HIV-positive men who have sex with men with depressive disorders (HADD group) and 47 without neuropsychiatric disorders (HIV control group). Participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and assessments of peripheral blood. Peripheral blood cytokines, plasma concentrations of hormone and neurotrophic factors, and immune cell levels were determined using liquid chip, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. The correlation of imaging alterations with clinical variables and peripheral blood indicators was assessed.ResultsCompared to the HIV control group, the HADD group exhibited a higher fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in the left superior parietal gyrus, lower regional homogeneity in the left precentral gyrus, and reduced voxel-wise functional connectivity for the seed region in the right precentral gyrus with clusters in the right cuneus, etc. Furthermore, the HADD group had higher levels of interferon-gamma, a higher frequency of non-classical monocytes, and higher expression levels of perforin and CD38 on specific cells. These imaging results were significantly correlated with peripheral blood indicators and clinical variables.ConclusionThis rs-fMRI study provides considerable evidence for abnormal intrinsic brain activity in people with HADD. Furthermore, our data also indicate the detrimental effects of depression-related inflammation on PWH. Therefore, it is imperative to increase attention to HADD and implement effective preventive interventions accordingly.
Occupational violence toward mental health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international study
Authors: Robles Rebeca , Kogan Cary S. , Medina-Mora María Elena , García-Pacheco José Ángel , Rebello Tahilia J. , Khoury Brigitte , Kulygina Maya , Reed Geoffrey M. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionAccording to pre-COVID-19 pandemic studies, occupational violence (OV) toward mental healthcare professionals (MHCPs) is a common phenomenon with important consequences for their own mental health. This study sought to assess the prevalence of different types and sources of OV toward MHCPs during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyze the risk for OV conferred by relevant factors, and compare the emotional distress reported by MHCPs with and without OV.MethodsThe study is an international cross-sectional Internet-based study completed by 3,325 MHCPs having provided direct clinical services during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results13.11% experienced OV. The most frequent type/source of OV was psychological violence inside the workplace (59.6% of those who reported OV). Risk factors for any type/source of OV being younger, working in emergency services, treating COVID-19 patients, and living in a lower to upper middle-income country. Emotional distress was higher in those who had experienced OV. Risk factors for emotional distress among those reporting OV included being younger and having experienced physical violence outside the workplace.DiscussionApproximately one in ten MHCP experienced OV during the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure is consistent with the range of OV against MHCPs reported prior to the pandemic and indicates that efforts are needed to prevent and manage OV and its negative emotional consequences among MHCP, particularly in aforementioned high-risk groups during health emergencies, and addressing both proximal and distal environmental factors related to OV toward MHCPs.
Treatment of a schizophrenia patient on long-term super-dose antipsychotics: a case report
Authors: Xie Xiaobo , Chen Jinzhang , Song Hongli , Fan Zebin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionClozapine and chlorpromazine are widely used for treating schizophrenia. However, irregular medical follow-ups are common in patients with schizophrenia, potentially leading to long-term super-dose medication. Managing such cases poses significant challenges for clinical psychiatrists.Case presentationThis report describes a 24-year-old Han Chinese male diagnosed with schizophrenia who had been taking long-term super-doses of clozapine (18–107 tablets/day, 25 mg/tablet) and chlorpromazine (7–40 tablets/day, 50 mg/tablet) for five months due to irregular medical follow-ups. Upon hospitalization, the doses of antipsychotic drugs were gradually tapered, and the medication regimen was adjusted based on the patient’s previous treatment history. Comprehensive health education about schizophrenia was also provided. The patient was followed for four years, during which his psychiatric symptoms remained under partial control.ConclusionClinicians must consider individual differences in the efficacy and adverse effects of antipsychotics and weigh the benefits and risks of combination therapy. Future efforts should focus on strengthening health education for patients with schizophrenia and their families to improve treatment compliance and outcomes.
Practice of balanced scorecard implementation and its contributing factors among public primary hospital professionals in Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yeshaw Seid , Asrade Geta , Hagos Asebe , Chanie Muluken Genetu , Worku Nigusu 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundGlobally, a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is used to measure healthcare institutional performance. Thus, since 2010, Ethiopia has adopted and implemented BSC in all its civil service organizations. Ineffective implementation of this tool has a significant impact on the healthcare performance. The health sector’s healthcare provision, customer satisfaction, customer retention, organizational profit, changes and improvements in the healthcare delivery practice are affected by the implementation of BSC tools. However, no evidence or study indicates the implementation of BSC practice in the Ethiopian context. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of BSC implementation practice and associated factors among healthcare providers at public primary hospitals in the Central Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA mixed methods study was carried out at public primary hospitals from May 25 to June 26, 2022, in Central Gondar zone with 404 study participants. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique for the quantitative part, and 12 study subjects were chosen purposively for the qualitative part. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. The strength of associations was measured using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at 95% CI and a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis to declare significant factors. Thematic analysis was applied for the qualitative data using open code 4.03 version software.ResultsThe implementation practice of BSC was found at 48.5% (95% CI: 43.6, 53.4%) with a response rate of 95.28%. Teamwork (AOR: 2.68, 95% CI; 1.53, 4.69), organizational communication (AOR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.79, 5.89), and availability of infrastructure (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI; 1.14, 3.64) were significantly associated to balanced scorecard implementation practice.ConclusionThe implementation practice of BSC was poor compared to the national standard and the findings of prior studies. Thus, concerned stakeholders need to focus on improving and working on organizational communication channels, teamwork, and infrastructure fulfilment to facilitate the implementation practice of a balanced scorecard.
Self-compassion and work engagement among clinical nurses: the mediating role of moral resilience
Authors: Liu Xingxing , He Fang , Tian Tian , Zhang Jun , Ji Yuanjiao , Zhong Yuexia 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAs the workload of clinical nursing continues to increase, the mental health of nurses has emerged as a critical area of concern. Self-compassion, moral resilience, and work engagement are essential components in enhancing the mental health of clinical nurses. Although it is well-established that self-compassion significantly contributes to improved work engagement, there remains a notable lack of research investigating the specific mechanisms through which self-compassion influences work engagement, particularly from the perspective of moral resilience. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the relationships among self-compassion, moral resilience, and work engagement in clinical nurses, while also validating the mediating role of moral resilience in the relationship between self-compassion and work engagement.MethodsThis study utilized a convenience sampling method to conduct a cross-sectional online survey involving 844 clinical nurses from four tertiary A hospitals in Xi’an, China, between January and March 2024. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that included the Self-Compassion Scale, the Rushton Moral Resilience Scale, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. The data analysis involved descriptive statistics, the Mann–Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis H rank-sum test, Spearman correlation analysis, and the SPSS PROCESS macro.ResultsA significant positive correlation was observed between clinical nurses’ self-compassion and moral resilience (r = 0.700, p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was identified between self-compassion and work engagement (r = 0.455, p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between moral resilience and work engagement (r = 0.510, p &lt; 0.01). Mediation analysis indicated that moral resilience partially mediates the relationship between clinical nurses’ self-compassion and work engagement. The overall effect of self-compassion on work engagement (β = 0.493) consists of both a direct effect (β = 0.251) and an indirect effect mediated by moral resilience (β = 0.242). Notably, the mediating effect accounts for 49.09% of the total effect.ConclusionClinical nurses’ moral resilience plays a mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion and work engagement. Nursing managers should prioritize fostering and enhancing the self-compassion and moral resilience of clinical nurses to effectively elevate their levels of work engagement. These targeted interventions can ultimately improve not only the mental health and professional well-being of nurses but also the overall quality of care delivered in medical institutions.
Impact of subgingival periodontal treatment on systemic markers of inflammation in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Chavez Marie , Ramirez Asshly , Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Comandé Daniel , Azañedo Diego 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study synthesizes evidence on the impact of subgingival periodontal treatment combined with antibiotics on reducing systemic inflammation markers—C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)—in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and periodontal disease (PD), compared to supragingival periodontal treatment with placebo.MethodsRandomized clinical trials (RCTs) published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that addressed the research question were included. A search was conducted in eight databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, Scopus, WoS Core Collection, Dentistry &amp; Oral Science Source, and Cochrane Central) on June 20, 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool, and evidence certainty was evaluated following GRADE guidelines. A qualitative synthesis of the evidence was performed.ResultsTwo RCTs with 228 participants (ages 35–65) were included. Montero et al. reported significant reductions in CRP levels favoring the treatment group at 3 months (2.7 mg/L ± SE: 0.4 vs. 3.9 mg/L ± SE: 0.6; p = 0.001) and 6 months (2.9 mg/L ± SE: 0.4 vs. 4.0 mg/L ± SE: 0.8; p = 0.004). Lopez et al., however, found no significant differences throughout follow-up. Only Montero et al. reported on interleukin 1β and TNF-α, observing significant reductions at 3 months for interleukin 1β (0.9 pg/dl ± SE: 0.1 vs. 2.3 pg/dl ± SE: 0.5; p = 0.046) and TNF-α (6.4 pg/dl ± SE: 0.8 vs. 10.0 pg/dl ± SE: 2.3; p = 0.037).DiscussionThe evidence is limited by the small number of comparative RCTs. One RCT with low risk of bias demonstrated significant reductions in CRP, interleukins, and TNF-α levels at 3 months and CRP at 6 months. The other, with unclear risk of bias, showed no differences in CRP up to 12 months. Findings suggest that subgingival periodontal treatment with antibiotics reduces systemic inflammation for up to 6 months in patients with MS and PD. However, larger RCTs with standardized methods and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022366056, PROSPERO (CRD42022366056).