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Dysregulated eating behaviors, comprising subthreshold and clinical binge-eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN), are increasing among the general population, with a consequent negative impact on one's health and well-being. Despite the severity of these outcomes, people with BED and BN often face a delay in receiving a diagnosis or treatment, often due to difficulties in accessing care. Hence, evidence-based and sustainable interventions for eating symptomatology are needed. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of a web-based 10-session multidisciplinary group intervention based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for BED and BN, aimed at reducing psychological distress and binge-eating-related symptomatology in a sample of patients with dysregulated eating behaviors and including one session of nutritional therapeutic education. A total of 65 participants (84.6% F; age M = 38.5 ± 13.2; experimental group, N = 43; treatment-as-usual group, TAU, N = 22) took part in the study. The results show, after the 9 weekly sessions, a significant reduction in binge-eating-related symptomatology and general psychopathology and an increased self-esteem and eating self-efficacy in social contexts in the experimental group compared to the treatment-as-usual group (T0 vs. T1). Improvements in the experimental group were significantly maintained after one month from the end of the intervention (T2) in terms of binge-eating symptoms, general psychopathology, and eating self-efficacy in social contexts. This study supports the effectiveness of a brief web-based multidisciplinary group intervention in reducing eating symptomatology and psychological distress and enhancing self-esteem and eating self-efficacy in a group of people with dysregulated eating behaviors. Brief web-based interventions could represent an accessible and sustainable resource to address binge-eating-related symptomatology in public clinical settings.
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Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Masculino , Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar/terapia , Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar/psicologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Terapia do Comportamento Dialético/métodos , Resultado do Tratamento , Autoeficácia , Intervenção Baseada em Internet , Autoimagem , Comportamento Alimentar/psicologia , Bulimia Nervosa/terapia , Bulimia Nervosa/psicologia , Bulimia/terapia , Bulimia/psicologiaRESUMO
Translational Relevance: A multi-stakeholder, patient centric approach will be critical to the design of future successful clinical trials with outcome measures relevant to the RDH12-IRD population.
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Oxirredutases do Álcool , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Degeneração Retiniana , Humanos , Oxirredutases do Álcool/genética , Oxirredutases do Álcool/metabolismo , Avaliação de Resultados em Cuidados de Saúde , Projetos de Pesquisa , Degeneração Retiniana/genética , Degeneração Retiniana/terapiaRESUMO
Significant changes in the quality and metabolic profile of fresh turkey sperm as a result of both cryopreservation and reproductive age have already been individually confirmed in our previous studies. This new dataset adds a relevant piece to the tangled puzzle of changes in metabolite levels affecting cryopreserved turkey sperm quality, taking into consideration two different reproductive period ages. Fresh semen samples were collected at 44 and 56 weeks of age and exposed to the cryopreservation process. All fresh and frozen-thawed samples were subjected to analysis of mobility, viability and osmotic tolerance as parameters for evaluating the sperm quality, while NMR spectroscopy was used to assess the quantitative changes in water and lipid-soluble metabolites. Our results showed that the cryopreservation process significantly affected all of the measured qualitative parameters both at 44 and 56 weeks. Concerning the metabolic profile, a greater number of quantitative changes for both water and lipid-soluble components were found in frozen semen at 56 weeks than at 44 weeks of age. These data could contribute to identifying new strategies aimed at improving freezing procedures even as reproductive age increases.
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BACKGROUND: Sleep is vital for maintaining individuals' physical and mental health and is particularly challenged during pregnancy. More than 70% of women during the gestational period report insomnia symptoms. Sleep dysfunction in the peripartum increases the risk for a cascade of negative health outcomes during late pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. While psychological interventions are considered the first line treatment for sleep difficulties, they are still scarcely offered during pregnancy and there is a lack of longitudinal research combining psychological and physiological indices. METHODS: The present protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial aimed at testing the long-term effectiveness of an automatized digitalized psychoeducational intervention for insomnia for expectant mothers complaining insomnia symptoms without comorbidity. Outcomes include physiological, hormonal, and subjective indices of maternal psychopathology, stress, and emotional processes, and sleep and wellbeing of the family system. The trial is part of a longitudinal study evaluating expectant mothers from early pregnancy (within the 15th gestational week) to 6-months postpartum through 6 observational phases: baseline (BSL), 6- and 12-weeks from BSL (FU1-FU2), 2-to-4 weeks after delivery (FU3), and 3- and 6-months after delivery (FU4-5). We plan to recruit 38 women without sleep difficulties (Group A) and 76 women with sleep difficulties (Group B). Group B will be randomly assigned to digital psychological control intervention (B1) or experimental psychoeducational intervention targeting insomnia (B2). At 3 time points, an ecological-momentary-assessment (EMA) design will be used to collect data on sleep and emotions (diaries), sleep-wake parameters (actigraphy) and stress reactivity (salivary cortisol). We will also test the DNA methylation of genes involved in the stress response as biomarkers of prenatal poor sleep. Information on partner's insomnia symptoms and new-borns' sleep will be collected at each stage. DISCUSSION: The proposed protocol aims at testing an easily accessible evidence-based psychoeducational intervention for expectant mothers to help them improving sleep, health, and wellbeing in the peripartum. The results could improve the understanding and management of sleep difficulties and peripartum depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol has been registered on 22 April 2024 with ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS), ID: NCT06379074. PROTOCOL VERSION: April 23, 2024.
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Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Gravidez , Estudos Longitudinais , Mães/psicologia , Período Pós-Parto/psicologia , Complicações na Gravidez/terapia , Complicações na Gravidez/psicologia , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/terapia , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono/psicologia , Saúde da Mulher , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como AssuntoRESUMO
Native breed conservation is an important component of poultry biodiversity. The aim of this work is to describe different steps that lead to donor selection for the implementation of the Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. The variability within and between breeds was evaluated, and the stored semen reproductive capacity was in vivo tested using artificial insemination. Semen from Bionda Piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo and Pepoi roosters was collected and processed. Concentration, volume, sperm membrane integrity, total motile sperm, progressive motile sperm and kinetic parameters were analyzed; sperm parameters accounting for bird variability were used to select male donors. Fresh semen quality parameters measured in donor ejaculates showed significant differences between breeds; no differences were found after cryopreservation. Variability in the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved semen was found within a breed (5-16%) and between birds within a breed (BP = 3-7%; BS = 7-31%; PP = 6-22%); only sperm quality parameters measured in fresh ejaculates, not frozen/thawed, may be associated with in vivo fertility results. In conclusion, sperm concentration and progressive motility were successfully used as selection parameters to identify chicken male donors with improved sperm quality for sperm cryobanking. However, new reliable sperm markers to predict cryopreserved semen's fertilizing ability are required.
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Introduction: Body shaming (BS) is a growing phenomenon within the school context, especially among adolescents. Recently, it has been described as an unrepeated act in which a person expresses unsolicited, mostly negative comments about an individual's body. The targeted person perceives these comments as negative, offensive or body shame-inducing. Empirical evidence also suggests that body weight is the most common reason that youths are teased and bullied. Indeed, weight stigma, described as bias or discriminatory behaviors, attitudes, feelings, and thinking about individuals, because of their weight, can lead to weight-based discrimination and victimization. Preliminary evidence suggests that BS and weight stigma have negative effects on psychological health both in the short and long term. In the delicate stage of adolescence development and pubertal maturation, BS experiences can be highly prevalent and it can lead to adverse outcomes such as eating disorders (ED). However, prevalence data in the Italian context are still lacking. Methods: The study aims to estimate weight-related BS perceived by different sources (i.e., peers and family members) and their associations with public and internalized weight bias, body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, and ED symptoms. A sample of 919 high school students (Mage = 15.97, SD = 1.58; 57.1% boys) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires assessing these variables. Results: One in four students reported experiences of weight-related BS by peers or family members. A total of 37% reported having at least one BS experience in a lifetime. Higher scores of ED symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and weight bias were reported by adolescents who experienced BS, especially females. Among overweight participants, results showed that internalized weight bias partially mediated the relationship between BS by family members and ED symptoms and fully mediated the relationship between BS by peers and ED symptoms, after controlling for age, sex and BMI. Discussion: These findings, despite their cross-sectional nature, add an important contribution to the creation of quantitative empirical evidence on the phenomenon of BS. Its role in explaining eating disorders, both alone and with the mediation of internalized weight stigma has been first proved and needs to be confirmed by longitudinal results.
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BACKGROUND: Existing research has revealed a robust association between bullying victimization and psychological distress, but less is known about the underlying mechanism of this link. cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies could be a potential mediator. The current study examined the role of functional and dysfunctional CER strategies as potential mediators of the association between bullying victimization and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among 638 high school students (53.9% boys; Mean age = 15.65, SD = 1.32). METHOD: Participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing bullying victimization (Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire), CER strategies (CERQ-18), and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS-21). The indirect relationships between bullying victimization and psychopathological symptoms via functional and dysfunctional CER strategies were tested through structural equation modeling. RESULTS: Dysfunctional CER strategies mediated the impact of bullying victimization on depression, anxiety, and stress. In contrast, bullying victimization did not significantly influence functional CER strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide additional support for the detrimental role of bullying victimization on mental distress, also suggesting that this effect is not only direct, but indirect is well. These results are particularly relevant in light of the absence of mediation by protective factors such as the use of positive emotion regulation strategies.
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University counseling services (UCSs) are actively involved in mental health assessment and in supplying interventions aimed at preventing, facing and possibly overcoming psychological problems. However, we do not have a global overview of psychological counseling among universities. This systematic review aims at reviewing the literature on university psychological counseling, including articles documenting: (1) mental health and attitudes regarding help-seeking behaviors and UCSs among university students or counselors, (2) the description of protocols/services among UCSs, (3) the efficacy of psychological counseling/interventions among university students (both face-to-face and internet-delivered interventions). The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. After defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, a literature search was conducted, identifying 7085 records. Finally, 152 articles met the review eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results are divided into seven thematic topics that emerged during the analysis of the literature. The results mainly showed that face-to-face and web-based counseling/psychological interventions improve university students' mental health. Cross-sectional studies showed that many biases exist toward help-seeking behaviors, especially among international students. Both students and counselors must strive to overcome cultural barriers. Available resources for UCSs are scarce and need to be strengthened, as well as efficacy studies through randomized clinical trials.
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PURPOSE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to an individual's perception of their physical and mental health status over time. Although emerging evidence has documented a negative association between weight stigma (i.e., negative weight-related attitudes and beliefs towards individuals with overweight or obesity) and mental HRQOL, its influence on physical HRQOL still needs to be fully clarified. This study aims to investigate the impact of internalized weight stigma on mental and physical HRQOL by employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. METHODS: The Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) and the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) were administered to a sample of 4450 women aged 18-71 (Mage = 33.91 years, SD = 9.56) who self-identified in a condition of overweight or obesity (MBMI = 28.54 kg/m2; SD = 5.86). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the dimensionality of the scales before testing the proposed structural model. RESULTS: After establishing the adequacy of the measurement model, SEM results revealed that internalized weight stigma was significantly and negatively associated with both mental (ß = - 0.617; p < 0.001) and physical (ß = - 0.355, p < 0.001) HRQOL. CONCLUSION: These findings offer additional support to prior research by confirming the association between weight stigma and mental HRQOL. Moreover, this study contributes to the existing literature by strengthening and extending these associations to the physical HRQOL domain. Although this study is cross-sectional in nature, it benefits from a large sample of women and the use of SEM, which offers advantages over traditional multivariate techniques, e.g., by explicitly accounting for measurement error. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Qualidade de Vida , Preconceito de Peso , Humanos , Feminino , Qualidade de Vida/psicologia , Sobrepeso , Estudos Transversais , Análise de Classes Latentes , Obesidade/psicologia , Estigma SocialRESUMO
Introduction: University counseling centers represent important resources for personal development, and students are increasingly turning to them for help. The present study aimed at, first, evaluating changing in psychological functioning before and after a university counseling intervention and, second, exploring which psychological variables predicted the intervention outcome. Methods: For this purpose, 122 students who attended university counseling services were administered measures to assess personality traits, and measures to assess state variables - intended as contextual, rather than stable, alterations in functioning - such as anxiety, hopelessness and depression. Several Linear Mixed Models were performed to measure the differences between OQ-45 scores before and after the intervention (one for each OQ dimension and OQ total score); then, two steps of multiple regression analyses were performed. Results: Significative reductions between pre-test and post-test OQ-45 scores were found, highlighting increased levels of well-being; personality traits seem not to be predictive of the intervention outcome, while state variables significantly contribute to the psychological wellbeing improvement after counseling intervention. Discussion: Our findings highlight the importance of paying attention to the role of affective difficulties in predicting the counseling effectiveness.
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While difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) are consistently linked to poor mental health in adulthood, findings in adolescence have been more mixed. Cognitive ER strategies, which involve the ability to manage emotions through mental processes, may be particularly important during different stages of development due to age-specific adjustments. We conducted two exploratory and cross-sectional studies to examine the relationships between cognitive ER strategies and mental health (i.e., depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms) in two samples: 431 young adults (Mage = 20.66 ± 2.21; 70% women and 30% men) and 271 adolescents (Mage = 14.80 ± 0.0.59; 44.6% girls and 55.4% boys). The participants completed a group of questionnaires, including the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Youth Self Report. We employed hierarchical multiple regressions to assess the unique contribution of cognitive ER strategies to mental health outcomes. Maladaptive strategies (such as rumination and catastrophizing) were consistently associated with impaired mental health in both samples, while adaptive strategies (such as positive refocusing and positive reappraisal) were only associated with better mental health in young adults. These findings support the importance of cognitive ER strategies as potential risk factors for psychopathology and suggest that interventions aimed at improving emotion regulation may be beneficial. The age-specific differences in the relationship between cognitive ER strategies and mental health may reflect the refinement of emotion regulation abilities across the lifespan.
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Regulação Emocional , Distúrbios do Início e da Manutenção do Sono , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Adolescente , Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Depressão/psicologia , Estudos Transversais , Ansiedade , Emoções/fisiologia , CogniçãoRESUMO
This article includes supporting data regarding the research article entitled "Concentration dependent effect of dimethylacetamide and N-methylacetamide on the quality and fertility of cryopreserved chicken semen" (Zaniboni et al., 2022). The effect of two permeant-cryoprotectants (CPA), dimethylacetamide (DMA) and N-methylacetamide (NMA) used at different concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 6%) on the quality of post thaw rooster semen was assessed. Ejaculates were processed according to 7 treatments: Lake pre-freezing+0.1 M trehalose (LPF-T) (control treatment), LPF-T+2% DMA (DMA2), LPF-T+4% DMA (DMA4), LPF-T+6% DMA (DMA6), LPF-T+2% NMA (NMA2), LPF-T+4% NMA (NMA4), LPF-T+6% NMA (NMA6). Sperm acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity were investigated in frozen-thawed semen with the use of the flow cytometry technique. Only the mitochondrial activity was significantly affected by the different cryoprotectant concentrations.
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The recovery, safeguarding, and valorization of autochthonous poultry breeds may contribute toward the preservation of animal biodiversity and utilization of marginal lands that otherwise offer little agricultural or industrial value. A key strategy in promoting local breeds involves the characterization of morphological traits and productive performances, which are influenced by the breed's genetic make-up as well as its environment. The Mugellese breed is an Italian local poultry breed originating in the Mugello area of north-east Tuscany. It is characterized by frugality, resilience and resistance to disease, cold, and heat stress. Moreover, these birds are particularly suitable for free-range farming. The Mugellese chicken is described as a dwarf breed with a medium neck, broad shoulders, fairly long and horizontal wings, wide, and well-developed breast (especially in the hen). Over the course of a 1-yr observation and data collection period, involving 23 breeders and 405 adult chickens, the Mugellese breed showed the following performances: 1) a hen-day egg production characterized by 2 major peaks: the first in the spring time (March-April, 65.75%), and the second in the late summer period (August-September, 51.86%); 2) high true fertility values (94.35%) throughout the entire breeding season; 3) a weight gain of 732.44 ± 117.06 g and a feed conversion ratio of 3.94 ± 2.42 at an age of 140 d; 4) a slaughter yield of 77.80% (± 3.91); v) a respective protein, fat, and mineral content in the yolk and albumen were: 27.21 ± 4.21 g, 57.77 ± 1.03 g and 3.47 ± 0.40 g per 100 g of yolk; and 82.50 ± 0.57 g, 0.12 ± 0.01 g and 5.43 ± 0.34 g per 100 g of albumen. More data are needed to validate the data obtained in this trial.
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Galinhas , Reprodução , Animais , Feminino , Galinhas/genética , Fertilidade , Agricultura , ItáliaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is a widely used instrument to assess cognitive emotion regulation strategies. The study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Italian short version of the CERQ (CERQ-IS). METHODS: Two separate samples of 442 young adults (Mage = 21.12; SD = 3.69) and 256 adolescents (Mage = 14.81; SD = 0.59) completed the CERQ, the Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to evaluate the dimensionality of the CERQ-IS. Internal consistency was analysed by calculating model-based composite reliability coefficients. Criterion and discriminant validity were gathered through the correlations with the ERQ and the MPS, respectively. Factorial invariances tests across gender and age were computed by means of multiple-group CFA. RESULTS: CFA confirmed the nine-factor structure showing an excellent fit to the data. Except for rumination which was minimally acceptable, all subscales had an acceptable to good reliability. Criterion validity was supported by significant correlations between CERQ-IS and ERQ subscales. Discriminant validity was confirmed by meaningless correlations with the MPS facets. Configural, metric and scalar invariance were established across both grouping variables. CONCLUSIONS: The brevity of this tool and its good psychometric properties suggest that CERQ-IS could be a useful screening tool in both clinical and research practice in adolescence and young adulthood.
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PURPOSE: Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (á½ρθÏς, right and á½ρεξις, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with "correct" eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included. METHODS: 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A-Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B-Consequences; C-Onset; D-Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants. RESULTS: 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: opinions of expert committees.
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Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos , Ortorexia Nervosa , Humanos , Transtornos da Alimentação e da Ingestão de Alimentos/diagnóstico , Atitude , Apetite , ConsensoRESUMO
Cryoinjury and protein changes are a consequence of cryopreservation and may have a negative impact on sperm quality regarding motility, viability and fertilizing ability. However, potential proteomic changes in rabbit semen throughout the cryopreservation process have never been previously investigated. The aim of the present study was to compare the whole proteome of fresh and cryopreserved rabbit semen (spermatozoa and extracellular fluid), to examine the effects of freeze-thawing on proteins changes in semen. Comparative analysis and identification of proteins was carried out using 2-dimensional difference in-gel electrophoresis coupled with a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. Proteomic raw data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD034832 for spermatozoa and PXD034853 for extracellular fluid. Respectively, 107 and 28 proteins differed in abundance in spermatozoa and extracellular fluid between fresh and frozen groups. Most of these proteins were involved in pathways related to energy metabolism and protein quality control under stress conditions, reproductive processes and mechanisms of cell death/survival regulation, resulting in a significant decrease of motility and viability of post-thawing rabbit sperm and its potential fertilizing ability. These results broaden the understanding of the effects of cryopreservation on rabbit semen and represent a new starting point for the development of improved freezing procedures.
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Preservação do Sêmen , Sêmen , Animais , Criopreservação/métodos , Criopreservação/veterinária , Masculino , Proteômica/métodos , Coelhos , Sêmen/metabolismo , Análise do Sêmen/veterinária , Preservação do Sêmen/métodos , Preservação do Sêmen/veterinária , Motilidade dos Espermatozoides/fisiologia , Espermatozoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Weight bias is defined as negative attitudes towards, and beliefs about, others because of their weight. Like other forms of stigma, weight stigma has a harmful impact on health, including depressive symptoms, disordered eating, body image disturbances and poor quality of life. Several instruments measuring weight-related attitudes have been developed, such as the Attitudes Toward Obese Persons (ATOP). The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ATOP (I-ATOP). METHODS: The ATOP was adapted into Italian following the back-translation procedure. A total of 800 participants (Mage=31.40; 54.9% females) completed the I-ATOP alongside the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted on half of the sample, while the remaining half was selected to cross-validate the resulting solution via confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Factorial invariance tests across gender were computed using multi-group CFA. RESULTS: EFA suggested a one-factor structure with four items excluded due to their low standardised loadings. The trimmed model was cross-validated showing an acceptable fit to the data: MLRχ2 = 159.467 (df=81); RMSEA= 0.049; CFI= 0.939; TLI= 0.910; SRMR= 0.046. An omega coefficient of 0.818 confirmed the strong reliability of the I-ATOP. Convergent validity was demonstrated by a significant and moderate correlation with the WBIS. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender were established. CONCLUSIONS: I-ATOP demonstrated to be a valid and reliable instrument useful for both clinical and research practices, as well as to support the development of educational and therapeutic actions able to reduce the stigma among the general public.
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Atitude , Qualidade de Vida , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Obesidade , Psicometria/métodos , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
Semen cryopreservation represents the main tool for preservation of biodiversity; however, in avian species, the freezing−thawing process results in a sharp reduction in sperm quality and consequently fertility. Thus, to gain a first insight into the molecular basis of the cryopreservation of turkey sperm, the NMR-assessed metabolite profiles of fresh and frozen−thawed samples were herein investigated and compared with sperm qualitative parameters. Cryopreservation decreased the sperm viability, mobility, and osmotic tolerance of frozen−thawed samples. This decrease in sperm quality was associated with the variation in the levels of some metabolites in both aqueous and lipid sperm extracts, as investigated by NMR analysis. Higher amounts of the amino acids Ala, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, and Val were found in fresh than in frozen−thawed sperm; on the contrary, Gly content increased after cryopreservation. A positive correlation (p < 0.01) between the amino acid levels and all qualitative parameters was found, except in the case of Gly, the levels of which were negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with sperm quality. Other water-soluble compounds, namely formate, lactate, AMP, creatine, and carnitine, turned out to be present at higher concentrations in fresh sperm, whereas cryopreserved samples showed increased levels of citrate and acetyl-carnitine. Frozen−thawed sperm also showed decreases in cholesterol and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas saturated fatty acids were found to be higher in cryopreserved than in fresh sperm. Interestingly, lactate, carnitine (p < 0.01), AMP, creatine, cholesterol, and phosphatidylcholine (p < 0.05) levels were positively correlated with all sperm quality parameters, whereas citrate (p < 0.01), fumarate, acetyl-carnitine, and saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05) showed negative correlations. A detailed discussion aimed at explaining these correlations in the sperm cell context is provided, returning a clearer scenario of metabolic changes occurring in turkey sperm cryopreservation.
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In order to preserve endangered psittacine species, more basic and applied research in reproductive biology is required. Assisted reproductive technologies such as artificial insemination play an important role in parrots species conservation programs to overcome the problem of infertile eggs and male infertility. The aim of this study was to define an effective in vitro protocol in order to standardize the sperm quality evaluation in psittacines, studying Melopsittacus undulatus as model species. Semen was collected from twenty adult males by massage technique from May to June. Sperm concentration was measured by the spectrophotometric method. Sperm quality (sperm membrane integrity (SMI), motility, and kinetic parameters) was assessed on fresh semen. Three different experimental protocols were performed to compare the effects of various processing conditions on SMI, motility, and kinetic parameters. In protocol 1, test was performed by Lake extender with three different pH, 7.4 versus 8.2 versus 8.4, and two different equilibration temperatures after dilution of fresh semen (4°C versus 25°C). In protocol 2, two dilution rates of semen after collection were valuated, 1 : 3 versus 1 : 4, as well as three different semen storage temperatures (4°C versus 25°C versus 38°C) before sperm motility analysis with the computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). In protocol 3, two different Makler chamber temperatures (38 versus 41°C) during motility analysis were tested. A significant progressive improvement in spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters was registered with pH 8.4. Progressive motility and all kinetic parameters were higher at 4°C equilibration temperature. Straightness (STR) kinetic parameter was better with 1 : 4 dilution rate. Total motile sperm was higher in 41°C Makler chamber. In this study, for the first time, the effects of different processing protocols on psittacines seminal quality analysis were investigated. Significant differences conditioning the effectiveness of analysis protocols have been described.