bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of exogenous calcium additions on the ecological stoichiometric characteristics of various organs and soil nutrients and their internal stability in Pinus tabuliformis
Authors: Li Hui , Zhao Yaoyao , Weng Xiaohang , Zhou Yongbin , Huo Yan , Zhang Songzhu , Liu Liying , Pei Jiubo 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionPinus tabuliformis as a crucial afforestation species in semi-arid regions, faces issues such as the reduction of plantations. Calcium plays a significant role in alleviating drought stress and promoting nutrient uptake in plants.MethodsUtilizing a pot experiment approach, seedlings were treated with exogenous calcium at five concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg•kg-1). The nutrient content of the plants and soil was measured, and their ecological stoichiometric characteristics and internal stability were analyzed. This was followed by a series of related studies.ResultsAs the concentration of calcium increases, the contents of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in various organs and the whole plant exhibit a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, peaking at calcium treatment of 50-100 mg•kg-1. Concurrently, the calcium concentration in plant organs and the entire plant gradually increases with the availability of calcium in the soil. The addition of exogenous calcium has a certain impact on the ecological stoichiometric ratios (C:N, C:P, N:P) of Pinus tabuliformis seedlings' leaves, stems, roots, and the whole plant, exhibiting distinct variation characteristics. At calcium concentrations of 50-100 mg•kg-1, the ratios of C:N and C:P are relatively lower. Under calcium concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg•kg-1, soil calcium shows a positive correlation with the total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and calcium contents in leaves, stems, roots, and the entire plant. However, at calcium concentrations of 200 and 400 mg•kg-1, soil calcium exhibits a significant positive correlation with the calcium content in leaves, stems, roots, and the entire plant, and a significant negative correlation with the total phosphorus, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium contents. After the addition of exogenous calcium at different concentrations, most stoichiometric indices of various organs of Pinus tabuliformis seedlings demonstrate strong balance.DiscussionCalcium, as an essential structural component and second messenger, regulates the nutrient uptake and utilization in plants, influencing the stoichiometry. However, both low and high concentrations of calcium can be detrimental to plant growth by disrupting nutrient metabolism and internal structures. Consequently, there exists an optimal calcium concentration for nutrient absorption.
Insect frass fertilizer as a regenerative input for improved biological nitrogen fixation and sustainable bush bean production
Authors: Chepkorir Agnes , Beesigamukama Dennis , Gitari Harun I. , Chia Shaphan Y. , Subramanian Sevgan , Ekesi Sunday , Abucheli Birachi Eliud , Rubyogo Jean Claude , Zahariadis Theodore , Athanasiou Gina , Zachariadi Aikaterini , Zachariadis Vasileios , Tenkouano Abdou , Tanga Chrysantus M. 
Published: September 2024

Bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production is undermined by soil degradation and low biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) capacity. This study evaluated the effect of black soldier fly frass fertilizer (BSFFF) on bush bean growth, yield, nutrient uptake, BNF, and profitability, in comparison with commercial organic fertilizer (Phymyx, Phytomedia International Ltd., Kiambu, Kenya), synthetic fertilizer (NPK), and rhizobia inoculant (Biofix, MEA Fertilizers, Nairobi, Kenya). The organic fertilizers were applied at rates of 0, 15, 30, and 45 kg N ha−1 while the NPK was applied at 40 kg N ha−1, 46 kg P ha−1, and 60 kg K ha−1. The fertilizers were applied singly and in combination with rhizobia inoculant to determine the interactive effects on bush bean production. Results showed that beans grown using BSFFF were the tallest, with the broadest leaves, and the highest chlorophyll content. Plots treated with 45 kg N ha−1 BSFFF produced beans with more flowers (7 – 8%), pods (4 – 9%), and seeds (9 – 11%) compared to Phymyx and NPK treatments. The same treatment also produced beans with 6, 8, and 18% higher 100-seed weight, compared to NPK, Phymyx, and control treatments, respectively. Beans grown in soil amended with 30 kg N ha−1 of BSFFF had 3–14-fold higher effective root nodules, fixed 48%, 31%, and 91% more N compared to Phymyx, NPK, and rhizobia, respectively, and boosted N uptake (19 – 39%) compared to Phymyx and NPK treatments. Application of 45 kg N ha−1 of BSFFF increased bean seed yield by 43%, 72%, and 67% compared to the control, NPK and equivalent rate of Phymyx, respectively. The net income and gross margin achieved using BSFFF treatments were 73 – 239% and 118 – 184% higher than the values obtained under Phymyx treatments. Our findings demonstrate the high efficacy of BSFFF as a novel soil input and sustainable alternative for boosting BNF and improving bush bean productivity.
Exploring the outcomes of psychotherapy sessions: how do therapists' responsiveness and emotional responses to patients with personality disorders affect the depth of elaboration?
Authors: Fiorentino Flavia , Gualco Ivan , Carcione Antonino , Lingiardi Vittorio , Tanzilli Annalisa 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundThe impact of depth of elaboration in individual psychotherapy sessions on overall treatment effectiveness was found in the empirical literature. In the best sessions, relevant content is processed with greater depth; in contrast, in the shallower sessions, the emerging content is more superficial. Evidence suggests that achieving a high level of depth is closely related to specific therapist characteristics and relational dimensions (including clinicians' emotional responses to patients). The present study aimed to (a) compare therapist responsiveness and countertransference patterns in psychotherapy sessions with different levels of depth of elaboration; and (b) examine if the positive countertransference pattern mediated the relationship between therapist responsiveness and depth of elaboration.MethodsEighty-four clinicians were asked to select one patient with personality disorders in their care and complete the Depth Scale of the Session Evaluation Questionnaire, the Patient's Experience of Attunement and Responsiveness Scale, and the Therapist Response Questionnaire concerning one of their sessions.ResultsThe results showed that sessions with higher levels of depth of elaboration were characterized by greater therapist responsiveness and more positive countertransference. Conversely, poor therapist responsiveness and hostile/angry, disengaged, and helpless/inadequate countertransference responses were found in shallower sessions. Moreover, positive countertransference mediated the relationship between therapist responsiveness and depth of elaboration.ConclusionThis study sought to shed light on the processes underlying the outcomes of psychotherapeutic sessions, highlighting the strong impact of relational factors. Advancing knowledge of these mechanisms seems crucial to identifying the active ingredients of the therapeutic process and understanding what (does not) promote successful outcomes.
Job satisfaction and psychological factors influence the caring behavior in nurses in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiao , Xue Juan , Zhang Aidi , Luo Yaoyue , Chen Ouying , Liu Caixia , Zhang Jie , Wu Meirong 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveIdentifying the status of caring behavior and its influencing factors in nurses is crucial for improving the quality of care for patients. However, there is a lack of studies on this in Sierra Leone. This study explored the status of caring behavior and associated factors in nurses working in Sierra Leone.Study designA cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted from October 3 to December 15, 2022, with clinical nurses recruited through convenience sampling.MethodsThe participants included 360 nurses from various nursing departments from 12 hospitals in Sierra Leone. Measurements included a general information questionnaire, the Caring Behavior Inventory, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Scale and Zung’s Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and independent-sample t-tests, Pearson’s correlation analyses, and multiple regression analyses were performed.ResultsCaring behavior score was 128.97 (SD 11.967); it significantly and positively correlated with job satisfaction and resilience and negatively correlated with anxiety. Linear regression analysis showed that resilience, job satisfaction, anxiety, daily working time, and position were the main predictors of caring behavior.ConclusionThe level of caring behavior in nurses in Sierra Leone was moderate. Resilience and job satisfaction significantly and positively predicted nurses’ caring behavior. Anxiety, daily working time, and position are important factors of caring behaviors.Implications for practiceIt is suggested to create a conducive working environment, reduce the excessive workload of nurses, enhance their positive psychological state, and their job satisfaction by providing recognition and rewards to improve the level of nurses’ caring behavior.
Reduction of peripersonal comfort space correlate with eating disorder symptoms in young adolescents: a network analysis approach
Authors: Pereira Da Silva Beatriz , Escelsior Andrea , Biggio Monica , Zizzi Alessio , Belvederi Murri Martino , Guglielmo Riccardo , Inuggi Alberto , Delfante Federico , Marenco Giacomo , Amore Mario , Serafini Gianluca 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPeripersonal Space (PS) is represented as the immediate area surrounding an individual. The extent of PS changes in relation to several factors, including emotional states, type of relationship or psychopathology. Attachment anxiety has an impact on the social adaptability of peripersonal space and anxiety and fear are associated with an expansion of peripersonal space, possibly serving as a mechanism of self-protection. Peripersonal space appears to be intricately linked to various psychiatric conditions like anxiety disorders and converging evidence suggests that social maladjustment may predict or exacerbate eating disorder symptoms expression.MethodsFifty-eight healthy adolescents (38F, 20M) performed a comfort distance estimation task to assess peripersonal space. The Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) was used to assess sensory profiles and the SAFA protocol to investigate psychopathological aspects. Data was analysed using Network Analysis, estimating a Gaussian Graphical Models with a Bayesian approach.ResultsWe found that the task related to comfort estimation distance demonstrated a correlation with the visual scale of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP). Additionally, a correlation was observed with the Eating Disorder scale of the SAFA protocol. The touch scale also was negatively correlated with Eating disorder symptoms but not with the comfort estimation task.ConclusionOur results demonstrate a relation between peripersonal space and eating disorder symptoms in healthy adolescents in line with previous findings in adults with eating disorders diagnosis. These findings suggest that socio-emotional difficulties may be possible precursors or reinforce for the development of an eating disorder symptoms.
Integrating digital and in-person therapy for PTSD: feasibility and acceptability of blended trauma-focused cognitive therapy in routine care
Authors: Lundin Johan , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Gustafsson-Björverud Linda , Grey Nick , Santoft Fredrik , Ehlers Anke , Carlbring Per , Lundgren Tobias , Bragesjö Maria , Salomonsson Sigrid 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAccess to evidence-based psychological therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is limited. Blended Trauma-focused Cognitive Therapy (bTF-CT), merging internet-modules with a few therapy sessions, may be a pathway to enhance treatment access while maintaining the benefits of face-to-face therapy.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of bTF-CT for PTSD in routine care, as well as the feasibility of assessments and data collection.MethodA single-arm design was adopted. bTF-CT was provided to 17 participants across two psychiatric and one primary care clinic. Assessments were conducted pre, during, post and 6-months following treatment. We assessed feasibility and acceptability via self-report questionnaires, retention, and attrition rates. To estimate preliminary treatment effectiveness the PTSD Symptom Checklist (PCL-5) was used to assess PTSD symptom severity.ResultsTreatment satisfaction was high with a mean score of 28.7 out of 32 on the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (SD = 3.5). The dropout rate was low, with 88% treatment retention. Program adherence was satisfactory, with scores ranging from 2.13 to 3.13 out of 4 on the internet intervention patient adherence scale. On the PCL-5, 88% made a reliable change, 64% demonstrated a clinically significant change, and the mean change from pre to post was 24 points (d = 2.13). Some negative effects were reported, such as unpleasant memories, feelings, and disrupted sleep, but these were temporary according to symptom scales.ConclusionsbTF-CT appears to be acceptable, feasible, and potentially effective when delivered in routine care. A large-scale non-inferiority trial to assess effectiveness compared to a gold-standard treatment is warranted.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04881643.
How does the double-track human resource management model contribute to job burnout and mental health among Chinese government departments? A Chinese police study
Authors: Liang Zhengyan , Yao Min , Li Hao , Chen Jiayu , Yang Mei , Tang Tian , Ye Hong , Zeng Yuqing , Zhang Minqiang 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the contribution of the double-track human resource management model to the job performance and mental health of frontline police within China’s public security organs.MethodologyAn individual-centered approach, latent profile analysis (LPA), was utilized in this study, which used cluster sampling to survey all police of all 118 frontline police stations in an economically underdeveloped area of China and 839 personnel were selected for the analysis. This method allowed for a detailed examination of the contribution of the double-track system to job performance and mental health.Findings and conclusionThe study identified three subtypes of job burnout among Chinese police: low job burnout, medium job burnout, and emotional exhaustion type. The double-track human resource management model in China’s public security organs has contributed to significant disparities between civilian and auxiliary police, such as more severe job burnout among civilian police, lower job performance, and mental health among auxiliary police.ImplicationsTo mitigate the potential risks associated with the double-track human resource management model, adjustments are necessary for both the management system and the treatment distribution system, which would also help address the disparities and improve the overall wellbeing and performance of all police officers.
Inhibitory effects of NaF on mitochondrial energy generation in human platelets in vitro
Authors: Tsujino Tetsuhiro , Kasahara Tomoni , Kawabata Hideo , Watanabe Taisuke , Nishiyama Koji , Kitamura Yutaka , Watanabe Takao , Okudera Hajime , Mochizuki Tomoharu , Ushiki Takashi , Kawase Tomoyuki 
Published: September 2024

Backgroundfluoride is a beneficial ion that has been used in various fields, from industrial products to therapeutics. However, due to its narrow therapeutic index, fluoride sometimes acts as a toxic agent at relatively higher concentrations in the human body. Based on the interest in genetic stability, its cytotoxic effects have been investigated mainly in nucleated, adherent cells, such as fibroblasts. However, the sensitivity of blood cells, especially anucleate platelets, to fluoride is poorly understood. To fill this gap in the literature, we investigated the effects of relatively low levels of fluoride on platelet energy metabolism, function, and viability.MethodsPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) was prepared from 15 non-smoking healthy male adults (age: 28–63) and treated with NaF (0.5 or 1.0 mM) in microtubes for up to 3 days. Platelet function was evaluated based on aggregation and adhesion activities. Platelet energy metabolism was evaluated based on intracellular ATP levels, extracellular lactate levels, and respiration activities. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Em) and localization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were visualized using cytochemical methods. Platelet viability was evaluated by cell counting and tetrazolium reduction.ResultNaF (1 mM) significantly reduced platelet viability and inhibited functions. Behind these phenomena, NaF substantially decreased mitochondrial Em and increased ROS production along with significant decreases in oxygen consumption and ATP levels. Simultaneously, NaF increased the lactate levels. Although not statistically significant, similar effects were observed at 0.5 mM NaF.ConclusionAt relatively low levels, NaF has the potential to attenuate platelet function probably primarily through the inhibition of mitochondrial energy generation. Cytotoxicity may be directly related to ROS production. These findings suggest that when used topically, for example, for caries prevention in the oral cavity, NaF could interfere with wound healing and tissue regeneration by endogenous and exogenously added platelets in the form of PRP.
UID-Dual Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis of the Molecular Interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 27956 and Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gong Jishang , Li Taotao , Li Yuanfei , Xiong Xinwei , Xu Jiguo , Chai Xuewen , Ma Youji 
Published: September 2024

Streptococcus agalactiae ATCC 27956 is a highly contagious Gram-positive bacterium that causes mastitis, has a high infectivity for mammary epithelial cells, and becomes challenging to treat. However, the molecular interactions between it and mammary epithelial cells remain poorly understood. This study analyzed differential gene expression in mammary epithelial cells with varying levels of S. agalactiae infection using UID-Dual transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics tools. This study identified 211 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and 452 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) in host cells, primarily enriched in anti-inflammatory responses, immune responses, and cancer-related processes. Additionally, 854 pathogen differentially expressed mRNAs (pDEmRNAs) were identified, mainly enriched in protein metabolism, gene expression, and biosynthesis processes. Mammary epithelial cells activate pathways, such as the ERK1/2 pathway, to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to eliminate bacteria. The bacteria disrupt the host’s innate immune mechanisms by interfering with the alternative splicing processes of mammary epithelial cells. Specifically, the bacterial genes of tsf, prfB, and infC can interfere with lncRNAs targeting RUNX1 and BCL2L11 in mammary epithelial cells, affecting the alternative splicing of target genes and altering normal molecular regulation.
Digitalised primary care in the UK: a qualitative study of the experiences of minoritised ethnic communities
Authors: Islam Farjana , Bailey Sara , Netto Gina 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundBarriers to accessing and using primary care services among minoritised ethnic communities have been extensively evidenced in the UK. However, the impact of the rapid digitalisation of these services on these communities remains under-researched.AimTo explore the impact of digitalisation on access to and use of primary care services among minoritised ethnic communities.Design and settingUnderpinned by a critical realist intersectional approach, and employing qualitative research methods, this study explores minoritised ethnic individuals’ experiences of digital primary care in the UK.MethodIn total, 100 minoritised ethnic adults who identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and of mixed or multiple ethnic heritage in four sites in the UK were purposively recruited and interviewed. Interviews were thematically analysed to increase understanding of how individuals’ ethnicity intersects with other characteristics (for example, language, age, gender, socioeconomic status) to identify constraints and enablements to accessing health care.ResultsMinoritised ethnic individuals’ access to digital primary care is impeded by factors such as digital precarity (for example, inadequate devices, internet connectivity, and digital literacy skills), a lack of language support, and staff shortcomings in responding to ethnically diverse populations. Intergenerational support and bespoke offerings by general practices in some areas enable some individuals to overcome some of the constraints.ConclusionThe rapid digitalisation of primary care services is replicating and potentially exacerbating barriers to using these services among minoritised ethnic communities, a finding that merits urgent attention by practitioners and policymakers.