Life satisfaction around the world: Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions.

Psychometric Properties of Various Factorial Models of the ORTO-15 Tested With Brazilian Respondents.

The ORTO-15 is a commonly used screening instrument for symptoms of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), an obsessive overconcern with healthy eating. However, its limitations have been evidenced in several published factorial models. We analyzed the psychometric properties of seven different ORTO-15 factorial models using data from Brazilian adult participants ( = 1455; 71.

Polystyrene Brush Evolution by Grafting to Reaction on Deglazed and Not-Deglazed Silicon Substrates.

Two model substrates for the grafting to reaction are considered: not-deglazed silicon, whose surface is coated by a thin oxide layer with reactive silanol groups on its surface; and deglazed silicon, where the oxide layer is removed by treatment with hydrofluoric acid. The reactive polymers are hydroxy-terminated polystyrenes with molecular weights ranging from 3.9 to 13.

Novel high-yield potato protease inhibitor panels block a wide array of proteases involved in viral infection and crucial tissue damage.

Viruses critically rely on various proteases to ensure host cell entry and replication. In response to viral infection, the host will induce acute tissue inflammation pulled by granulocytes. Upon hyperactivation, neutrophil granulocytes may cause undue tissue damage through proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age.

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset - with data collected between 2020 and 2022 - to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

Periodic Arrays of Dopants in Silicon by Ultralow Energy Implantation of Phosphorus Ions through a Block Copolymer Thin Film.

In this work, block copolymer lithography and ultralow energy ion implantation are combined to obtain nanovolumes with high concentrations of phosphorus atoms periodically disposed over a macroscopic area in a p-type silicon substrate. The high dose of implanted dopants grants a local amorphization of the silicon substrate. In this condition, phosphorus is activated by solid phase epitaxial regrowth (SPER) of the implanted region with a relatively low temperature thermal treatment preventing diffusion of phosphorus atoms and preserving their spatial localization.

Glyoxalase I Assay as a Possible Tool for Evaluation of Biological Activity of Antioxidant-Rich Plant Extracts.

The health-promoting properties of natural plant bioactive compounds are mainly attributable to their ability to counteract oxidative stress. This is considered a major causative factor in aging and aging-related human diseases, in which a causal role is also ascribed to dicarbonyl stress. This is due to accumulation of methylglyoxal (MG) and other reactive dicarbonyl species, leading to macromolecule glycation and cell/tissue dysfunction.

Secular trends in body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among adolescents (2007-2017/2018).

Objective: To assess secular trends in body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among adolescents over a 10-year period (2007-2017/2018).

Methods: The sample included 1,479 (2007, n = 531; 2017/2018, n = 948) high school adolescents of both sexes, aged 14 to 18 years, of schools in a city in southern Brazil, in 2007 and 2017/2018. Data were collected on sex, age, physical activity (IPAQ, short form), anthropometric measurements (body weight, height, and triceps and subscapular skinfolds), and body image dissatisfaction (figure rating scale).

Structure and stability of 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin self-assembled monolayers on gold: an experimental and computational analysis.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin (MMC) on a flat gold surface were studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, reference-free grazing incidence X-ray fluorescence (GIXRF) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), to determine the maximum monolayer density and to investigate the nature of the molecule/surface interface. In particular, the protonation state of the sulfur atom upon adsorption was analyzed, since some recent literature presented evidence for physisorbed thiols (preserving the S-H bond), unlike the common picture of chemisorbed thiyls (losing the hydrogen). MD with a specifically tailored force field was used to simulate either thiol or thiyl monolayers with increasing number of molecules, to determine the maximum dynamically stable densities.

Microplastic contamination of supraglacial debris differs among glaciers with different anthropic pressures.

Microplastic (MP) contamination is ubiquitous and widespread in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including remote areas. However, information on the presence and distribution of MPs in high-mountain ecosystems, including glaciers, is still limited. The present study aimed at investigating presence, spatial distribution, and patterns of contamination of MPs on three glaciers of the Ortles-Cevedale massif (Central Alps, Northern Italy) with different anthropic pressures, i.

A Biological Study of Composites Based on the Blends of Nanohydroxyapatite, Silk Fibroin and Chitosan.

In this work, the biological properties of three-dimensional scaffolds based on a blend of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), silk fibroin (SF), and chitosan (CTS), were prepared using a lyophilization technique with various weight ratios: 10:45:45, 15:15:70, 15:70:15, 20:40:40, 40:30:30, and 70:15:15 nHA:SF:CTS, respectively. The basic 3D scaffolds were obtained from 5% (/) chitosan and 5% silk fibroin solutions and then nHA was added. The morphology and physicochemical properties of scaffolds were studied and compared.

Genome-Wide Expression Analysis of Glyoxalase I Genes Under Hyperosmotic Stress and Existence of a Stress-Responsive Mitochondrial Glyoxalase I Activity in Durum Wheat ( Desf.).

Glyoxalase I (GLYI) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the glyoxalase pathway that, in the presence of GSH, detoxifies the cytotoxic molecule methylglyoxal (MG) into the non-toxic D-lactate. In plants, MG levels rise under various abiotic stresses, so GLYI may play a crucial role in providing stress tolerance. In this study, a comprehensive genome database analysis was performed in durum wheat ( Desf.

Validation and measurement invariance of the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test among Brazilian men and women.

Objective: The Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) is a 15-item unidimensional scale, designed to assess eating practices that occur in the pursuit of a muscular body. The aim of the present study was to describe the translation and cultural adaptation of the MOET to Brazilian Portuguese, to explore its factor structure and measurement invariance, and to evaluate its internal consistency, three-week test-retest reliability, and convergent validity in a community sample of Brazilian men and women.

Method: After the back-translation procedure, the Brazilian MOET was administered online to a sample of 1246 adults (634 men and 612 women), along with measures of drive for muscularity, muscle dysmorphia symptoms, muscular/athletic-ideal internalization, disordered eating behaviors, and exercise dependence.

The response rate of PET-CT in the follow-up of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical value and the role of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) during the follow-up of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. F-FDG PET/CT scanner combines functional and anatomical information in a synergistic manner to improve diagnostic interpretation.

Methods: Sixty-five patients (53 males, 12 females; mean age: 63.

Following the fate of microplastic in four abiotic and biotic matrices along the Ticino River (North Italy).

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants in freshwater systems that have already attracted much scientific interest, but little attention has been paid to a multi-matrix analysis of MP occurrences along the length of a river. The present research provides the first record of MP contamination of four abiotic and biotic matrices from a river ecosystem simultaneously analysed. MPs were isolated and identified by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (μ-FTIR) spectroscopy from samples collected along the Ticino River in North Italy during spring 2019.

Changes in Antioxidant Defence System in Durum Wheat under Hyperosmotic Stress: A Concise Overview.

Durum wheat is one of the most commonly cultivated species in the world and represents a key commodity for many areas worldwide, as its grain is used for production of many foods, such as pasta, bread, couscous, and bourghul. Durum wheat grain has a relevant role in the human diet, providing carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, fibres, vitamins, and minerals, as well as highly valued bioactive compounds contributing to a healthy diet. Durum wheat is largely cultivated in the Mediterranean basin, where it is mainly grown under rain-fed conditions, thus currently undergoing drought stress, as well as soil salinity, which can hamper yield potential and influence the qualitative characteristics of grain.

Influence of Drought and Salt Stress on Durum Wheat Grain Quality and Composition: A Review.

Durum wheat is a staple crop for the Mediterranean diet because of its adaptability to environmental pressure and for its large use in cereal-based food products, such as pasta and bread, as a source of calories and proteins. Durum wheat whole grains are also highly valued for their peculiar amount of dietary fiber and minerals, as well as bioactive compounds of particular interest for their putative health-beneficial properties, including polyphenols, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and phytosterols. In Mediterranean environments, durum wheat is mostly grown under rainfed conditions, where the crop often experiences environmental stresses, especially water deficit and soil salinity that may induce a hyperosmotic stress.

Outcome of surgical treatment of 54 Periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty at mid term follow-up.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to review the outcome of the surgical treatment of 54 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) after total hip arthroplasty at a mean follow-up of 45 months. At final follow-up, the clinical outcome was measured using the Harris Hip score (HHS), the Karnofsky score (KS), while, the radiographic results were evaluated using the Beals and Tower's criteria.

Results: There were 13 post-operative complications that occurred in 10 patients with an overall re-operation rate of 11%.

Cell instructive Liquid Crystalline Networks for myotube formation.

Development of biological tissues is not a trivial task and requires the correct maturation of the selected cell line. To this aim, many attempts were done mainly by mimicking the biological environment using micro/nanopatterned or stimulated scaffolds. However, the obtainment of functional tissues is still far from being achieved.

Quantification of molecular weight discrimination in reactions from ultrathin polymer films by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

In the present study, a reliable and robust method was developed to quantify the molecular weight discrimination that can occur in reactions indirect MALDI-TOF quantification of the molecular weights of grafted chains by comparing the characteristics of the polymeric material before the grafting reaction with those of the unreacted material recovered after grafting. Two polystyrene samples with different molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were employed to prepare model blends that were grafted to silicon wafers and an analytical method was developed and validated to assess and quantify the modification of the molecular weight distribution that takes place during the process. Particular attention was paid to the standardization of the sample treatment and to find the best data collection and calibration methodologies in order to have statistically significant data even in the presence of a very scarce amount of the sample.

Translation and validation of the Brazilian version of the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised in college women.

Brazilian women are known to present high levels of physical appearance concerns, and data suggest they often compare themselves with others. Nevertheless, there is no validated instrument to systematically assess appearance comparisons in the Brazilian population. Thus, this study aimed to translate the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) into Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity in Brazilian college women.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Anthocyanin-Rich Carrots: A Comparison between the Black Carrot and the Apulian Landrace "Polignano" Carrot.

The carrot is one of the most cultivated vegetables in the world. Black or purple carrots contain acylated anthocyanins which are of special interest to the food industry for their stability and nutraceutical characteristics. Anthocyanin-rich fruits and vegetables have gained popularity in the last ten years, due to the health benefits they provide.

Microplastic Contamination in Snow from Western Italian Alps.

Recent studies have documented the presence of microplastics (MPs) in remote areas, including soils or sediments collected in mountain and glacier environments, but information on their presence in snow is scant. The present study aimed at exploring the presence of MPs in residual snow collected in four locations of the Aosta Valley (Western Italian Alps), with different accessibility and human presence. Overall, the µ-FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of 18 MPs in snow, 7 (39%) items were fibres, while 11 (61%) were fragments.