Hierarchical factor structure of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale short form (IUS-12) in the Italian version

Despite widespread use, few translations are available for the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale short form (IUS-12) as well as limited research on its psychometric properties in Italy. Moreover, recent evidence has suggested a multifaceted hierarchical structure for this scale. We compared the two-factor model to second-order and bi-factor models, in which a General IU factor was posited with two more narrow factors: Prospective IU and Inhibitory IU. Models were tested on a pooled dataset of students (N = 609) taking the IUS-12 alone or with other IUS-27 items. The bi-factor model fitted the sample data better than alternative models. The general factor accounted for 80% of the item variance. Presentation mode did not impact scalar invariance. Convergent validity with neuroticism, need for closure, and the uncertainty response scale was high for the total score. As such, scoring the IUS-12 total score is recommended in clinical research and assessmen

千葉医学雑誌 88巻3号 表紙 : 目次.千葉医学雑誌 88巻 3号

<p>Mediation analysis.</p

Proline synthesis in developing microspores is required for pollen development and fertility

Background: In many plants, the amino acid proline is strongly accumulated in pollen and disruption of proline synthesis caused abortion of microspore development in Arabidopsis. So far, it was unclear whether local biosynthesis or transport of proline determines the success of fertile pollen development. Results: We analyzed the expression pattern of the proline biosynthetic genes PYRROLINE-5-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHETASE 1 & 2 (P5CS1 & 2) in Arabidopsis anthers and both isoforms were strongly expressed in developing microspores and pollen grains but only inconsistently in surrounding sporophytic tissues. We introduced in a p5cs1/p5cs1 p5cs2/P5CS2 mutant background an additional copy of P5CS2 under the control of the Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, the tapetum-specific LIPID TRANSFER PROTEIN 12 (Ltp12) promoter or the pollen-specific At5g17340 promoter to determine in which site proline biosynthesis can restore the fertility of proline-deficient microspores. The specificity of these promoters was confirmed by β-glucuronidase (GUS) analysis, and by direct proline measurement in pollen grains and stage-9/10 anthers. Expression of P5CS2 under control of the At5g17340 promoter fully rescued proline content and normal morphology and fertility of mutant pollen. In contrast, expression of P5CS2 driven by either the Ltp12 or CaMV35S promoter caused only partial restoration of pollen development with little effect on pollen fertility. Conclusions: Overall, our results indicate that proline transport is not able to fulfill the demand of the cells of the male germ line. Pollen development and fertility depend on local proline biosynthesis during late stages of microspore development and in mature pollen grains

Erythrocyte's aging in microgravity highlights how environmental stimuli shape metabolism and morphology

The determination of the function of cells in zero-gravity conditions is a subject of interest in many different research fields. Due to their metabolic unicity, the characterization of the behaviour of erythrocytes maintained in prolonged microgravity conditions is of particular importance. Here, we used a 3D-clinostat to assess the microgravity-induced modifications of the structure and function of these cells, by investigating how they translate these peculiar mechanical stimuli into modifications, with potential clinical interest, of the biochemical pathways and the aging processes. We compared the erythrocyte's structural parameters and selected metabolic indicators that are characteristic of the aging in microgravity and standard static incubation conditions. The results suggest that, at first, human erythrocytes react to external stimuli by adapting their metabolic patterns and the rate of consumption of the cell resources. On longer timeframes, the cells translate even small differences in the environment mechanical solicitations into structural and morphologic features, leading to distinctive morphological patterns of agin

Role of the JP45-Calsequestrin Complex on Calcium Entry in Slow Twitch Skeletal Muscles

We exploited a variety of mouse models to assess the roles of JP45-CASQ1 (CASQ, calsequestrin) and JP45-CASQ2 on calcium entry in slow twitch muscles. In flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) fibers isolated from JP45-CASQ1-CASQ2 triple KO mice, calcium transients induced by tetanic stimulation rely on calcium entry via La3+- and nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels. The comparison of excitation-coupled calcium entry (ECCE) between FDB fibers from WT, JP45KO, CASQ1KO, CASQ2KO, JP45-CASQ1 double KO, JP45-CASQ2 double KO, and JP45-CASQ1-CASQ2 triple KO shows that ECCE enhancement requires ablation of both CASQs and JP45. Calcium entry activated by ablation of both JP45-CASQ1 and JP45-CASQ2 complexes supports tetanic force development in slow twitch soleus muscles. In addition, we show that CASQs interact with JP45 at Ca2+ concentrations similar to those present in the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum at rest, whereas Ca2+ concentrations similar to those present in the SR lumen after depolarization-induced calcium release cause the dissociation of JP45 from CASQs. Our results show that the complex JP45-CASQs is a negative regulator of ECCE and that tetanic force development in slow twitch muscles is supported by the dynamic interaction between JP45 and CASQs

A correlational analysis of the relationships among intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, subjective sleep quality, and insomnia symptoms

In this study, we used structural equation modeling to investigate the interplay among Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU), Anxiety Sensitivity (AS), and sleep problems. Three hundred undergraduate students completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Inventory, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index. 68% and 40% of the students reported poor sleep quality or sub-threshold insomnia problems, respectively. Depression and anxiety levels were above the cut-off for about one-fourth of the participants. Structural equation modeling revealed that IU was strongly associated with AS, in turn influencing both insomnia severity and sleep quality via depression and anxiety. Significant indirect effects revealed that an anxious pathway was more strongly associated with insomnia severity, while a depression pathway was more relevant for worsening the quality of sleep. We discussed the results in the frameworks of cognitive models of insomnia. Viewing AS and IU as antecedents of sleep problems and assigning to AS a pivotal role, our study suggested indications for clinical interventions on a population at risk for sleep disorders

A new approach for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles sensitized with metal chalcogenides

The present communication is a response to renewed interest in nanostructure based "coupled compounds", like ZnO-MeX (where Me = Cd, Pb,... and X = S, Se) which can find extensive use in the fabrication of a number of solid state devices, such as photoconductive, solar cells, electroluminescent cells, photocatalysts. Various oxide semiconductors, like TiO2 and ZnO, are known to have appropriate properties for these applications, although there are some drawbacks associated with their use: (i) charge carrier recombination occurs within a few nanoseconds, (ii) band edge absorption threshold does not allow the utilization of visible light. One of the main approaches to overcome these particular limitations involves the contact of the semiconductor particle with another semiconductor, called "sensitizer". For example, this is the case of nanostructured ZnO particles combined with metal chalcogenides. Infact it is known that in these coupled systems the absorption threshold is extended to the visible region and the photogenerated electrons are quickly transferred from sulphide/selenide layer into to the lower lying conduction band of ZnO, thus limiting recombination effects. In order to produce this type of material we have combined ZnO nanoparticles, in the specific "tetrapod" morphology, with nanoparticles of metal chalcogenides. The main innovative aspects of the preparation procedure are the following: &#61485; the use of appropriate organic solvents to keep both ZnO and the formed metal chalcogenides completely suspended and dispersed in the liquid; &#61485; an in situ direct formation of metal chalcogenides keeping pH value in the range 6-8 (no use of ammonia salt or complexing agents); &#61485; the limited use of chemical reagents, i.e. only metal and sulphur/selenium precursors are involved; &#61485; the possibility to deposit the "coupled compounds" in form of thin films directly from the liquid suspension onto the substrates (silicon, alumina, glass, TCO layers, etc.). This paper reports details on the preparation procedure, results of morphological and structural investigations (XRD, SEM), compositional analysis (EDS microanalysis) and optical-electrical measurements (I-V, impedance spectroscopy, etc.), which point out the great potentiality of the proposed method for the synthesis of different "sensitized nano-compounds"

The pharmacological perturbation of brain zinc impairs BDNF-related signaling and the cognitive performances of young mice.

Zinc (Zn2+) is a pleiotropic modulator of the neuronal and brain activity. The disruption of intraneuronal Zn2+ levels triggers neurotoxic processes and affects neuronal functioning. In this study, we investigated how the pharmacological modulation of brain Zn2+ affects synaptic plasticity and cognition in wild-type mice. To manipulate brain Zn2+ levels, we employed the Zn2+ (and copper) chelator 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline (clioquinol, CQ). CQ was administered for two weeks to 2.5-month-old (m.o.) mice, and effects studied on BDNF-related signaling, metalloproteinase activity as well as learning and memory performances. CQ treatment was found to negatively affect short- and long-term memory performances. The CQ-driven perturbation of brain Zn2+ was found to reduce levels of BDNF, synaptic plasticity-related proteins and dendritic spine density in vivo. Our study highlights the importance of choosing "when", "where", and "how much" in the modulation of brain Zn2+ levels. Our findings confirm the importance of targeting Zn2+ as a therapeutic approach against neurodegenerative conditions but, at the same time, underscore the potential drawbacks of reducing brain Zn2+ availability upon the early stages of development

Ecological risk assessment of sediment management areas : application to Sado Estuary, Portugal

The purpose of this work was to integrate different methodologies to assess the potential ecological risk of estuarine sedimentary management areas, using the Sado Estuary in Portugal as case study. To evaluate the environmental risk of sediment contamination, an integrative and innovative approach was used involving assessment of sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity, benthic community structure, human driving forces and pressures and management areas organic load levels. The basis for decisionmaking for overall assessment was a statistical multivariate analysis appended into a score matrix tables, using a best expert judgment. The integrated approach allowed to identify from the 19 management areas analyzed, three with no risk but other three with high risk to cause adverse effects in the biota, related with the contaminants analyzed. The methodologies used showed to be effective as a support for decision making leading to future estuarine management recommendations.peerreviewe

Sensitization of Metal Oxide Nanostructures by CH3NH3SnCl3 Hybrid Perovskite

Metal oxide nanostructures (NS) are attracting great interest due to the large variety of physical properties they present. Control of size, shape, surface, and assembly properties of nanoscale oxides are prerequisites to their implementation in technological devices as well as to the development of nanostructures modelled and designed to match the physical requirements of their applications. The achievement o