Hasil untuk "Physiology"

Jingying Zhang, Aashish Bhatt, Grigory Maksaev et al.

Abstract The mechanosensitive channel of small conductance (MscS) from E. coli (EcMscS) has served as the prevailing model system for understanding mechanotransduction in ion channels. Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite causing Chagas disease, encodes a miniature MscS ortholog (TcMscS) critical for parasite development and infectivity. TcMscS contains a minimal portion of the canonical EcMscS fold yet maintains mechanosensitive channel activity, thus presenting a unique model system to assess the essential molecular determinants underlying mechanotransduction. Using cryo-electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that TcMscS contains two short membrane-embedded helices that would not fully cross an intact lipid bilayer. Consequently, drastic membrane deformation is induced at the protein-lipid interface, resulting in a funnel-shaped bilayer surrounding the channel. Resident lipids within the central pore lumen block ion permeation pathway, and their departure driven by lateral membrane tension is required for ion conduction. Together with electrophysiology and mutagenesis studies, our results support a direct lipid-mediated mechanical gating transition. Moreover, these findings provide a foundation for the development of alternative treatment of Chagas disease by inhibition of the TcMscS channel.

Julia Keller, Pascale Plaisancié, Edwin Fouché et al.

Objective: Colorectal cancer is a major public health issue for which dietary factors such as red and processed meat consumption seem to play a prominent role. Heme iron, which is present in important concentration in those food products, was reported to play a role in colorectal cancer promotion in animal studies. However, its role in colorectal cancer initiation remains to be established. Methods: Male Fischer 344 rats were given experimental diets (control diet, ferric citrate-supplemented diet or hemin-supplemented diet) for 2 weeks before being initiated for colon cancer with azoxymethane. Rats were then fed a control diet for 8 weeks. Preneoplastic lesions, lipid peroxidation, genotoxicity and oxidative stress markers, together with gut microbiota, were analyzed. Results: Heme iron, given in the rat diet for only 2 weeks before the colorectal cancer initiating event, increased two types of preneoplastic lesions in the rat colon, namely aberrant crypt foci and mucin-depleted foci, when compared to a control diet containing the same amount of iron in a non-heminic form. This heme iron concentration in the diet, representative of human consumption, induced at the same time a huge increase in luminal lipid peroxidation, a significant increase in RNA/DNA oxidative damage and an increase in the expression of antioxidant defenses in colon mucosa, accompanied by epithelial cell proliferation together with a reduction in colon mucus cells, and a gut dysbiosis. Conclusion: These results, obtained in an animal model, suggest that iron, only in its heminic form, has a co-initiating effect on colorectal carcinogenesis.

Nuiyen Aussanee, Khumin Vinta, Wichai Siriwan

Cadmium contamination found in paddy fields in the Maesot District of Tak Province, Thailand. This area was remediated using 50mg/L of ZVI. The study aimed to isolate and identify soil bacteria in the soil and rice roots and to investigate ZVI’s effect on the isolated bacterial cells. The results indicated no significant difference in soil bacteria content before and after remediation at the 95% confidence level. Twelve isolates of nitrogen-fixing bacteria were obtained. Those isolates could grow at high concentrations of 300 mg/L of ZVI. RH17 had a high tolerance for TSA with 300 mg/L of ZVI at only 10 CFU/ml. The effects of ZVI at 150 mg/L on RH17 cells, a small amount of ZVI was observed adhering to the cells’ surface and forming giant cells, while at 300 mg/L of ZVI, caused a reduction in growth by 81.0%. The nifH gene of RH17 was related to Rhizobium sp. strain 5-1-2. The results demonstrated the cadmium remediation process with 50mg/L of ZVI did not affect the cell count of soil bacteria in the paddy field. However, at 150 mg/L or higher, ZVI damaged the isolated Rhizobium sp. cell membrane. So, the remediation using ZVI must consider the appropriate concentration.

Jihye Lee, Teresa Marshall, Harleah Buck et al.

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Growth failure is a common complication in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), yet its underlying mechanisms and consequences remain incompletely understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of growth failure in children with CHD and outline a framework of factors contributing to this condition. <b>Methods:</b> To lay the foundation for this narrative review, several databases were searched using broad search terms related to CHD and growth failure. <b>Results</b>: Growth failure is most pronounced during the first year of life, but often improves after achieving hemodynamic stability through surgical or medical interventions. However, children with complex conditions, such as single-ventricle physiology or multiple heart defects, may experience persistent growth impairment due to chronic disease effects. Specific features of CHD—cyanosis, pulmonary hypertension, and low cardiac output—can further hinder growth by disrupting endocrine function and impairing musculoskeletal development. Long-term use of medications and exposure to repeated diagnostic procedures also contribute to growth failure. Beyond physical effects, growth failure profoundly influences neurodevelopment, psychosocial well-being, and survival outcomes. Based on our review, we have developed a knowledge map to better understand the complexities of growth failure in children with CHD. <b>Conclusions</b>: A thorough understanding of the multifaceted contributors to growth failure in CHD is essential for identifying high-risk children and devising strategies to support optimal growth. Integrating this knowledge into clinical practice can improve long-term outcomes for children with CHD.

Priya Sharma, Talia Vasaturo-Kolodner, Valentina Mancini et al.

Mercy Hokah Kibathi, Mercy Hokah Kibathi, Edith Chepkorir et al.

BackgroundYellow fever virus (YFV) and dengue virus (DENV) are among the major re-emerging arboviruses that pose a significant threat to public health. Their associated burden and prevalence can be substantially underestimated due to insufficient surveillance and inadequate diagnosis. This study aimed to determine evidence of dengue, yellow and related flaviviruses circulation among the rural human populations residing in Nguruman (Kajiado County) and Kerio Valley (Baringo County), two dryland ecosystems in the Kenyan Rift Valley.MethodsSerum samples obtained from febrile patients between 5 and 85 years through a hospital-based cross-sectional survey from July 2020 – May 2023, were screened for neutralizing antibodies to YFV, DENV-2 and related flaviviruses, West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) via Plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). The study sites and important demographic characteristics were obtained using a structural questionnaire and the data analyzed and seroprevalence compared. A multinomial logistic regression model was done to predict risk for each of the most prevalent viruses with covariates; age, gender, and occupation.ResultsOverall, 54.5% (50.1–59.0% 95% confidence interval (CI) of the samples tested positive for at least one of the four Flaviviruses. The percentage was significantly higher in Kerio Valley (64.34%, 184/286) than in Nguruman (40.2%, 78/194) (P&lt;0.0001). YFV had the highest prevalence, followed by WNV (16.25%), ZIKV (5.2%), and DENV-2 (1%). Kerio Valley had a significantly higher YFV seroprevalence (51%) than Nguruman (6%) (P&lt;0.0001), while DENV-2 was observed only in Nguruman with a low seropositivity of 2%. In contrast to Nguruman, where seropositivity rates were higher in males at 47.47% (P=0.049), in Kerio Valley, females showed considerably higher viral seropositivity at 60.82% than males (P&lt;0001).ConclusionThe study suggests that there is significant circulation of Flaviviruses in both regions, posing a public health risk, that could potentially contribute to clinical disease. However, seropositivity rates vary for each specific site. Furthermore, there could be a risk of YFV, WNV, and ZIKV transmission in both sites with DENV transmission specifically noted in Nguruman. The study findings inform direct cost-effective actions (such as YF vaccines) and precise surveillance data of vector populations for improved disease risk prediction.

Rutger Osterthun, Katharina Sunnerhagen, Henk J. Stam et al.

Objective: As Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians are experts in functional prognoses of disabling health conditions, the aim of this study was to gain insight into their involvement in end-of-life decisions in patients with neurological or terminal diseases in European countries. Design: Exploratory cross-sectional survey. Subjects: Delegates of the Union of European Medical Specialists, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section. Methods: In July 2020, a self-constructed survey was sent to 82 delegates from 38 European countries, who were asked to answer from the point of view of their country. Topics included the legal status of end-of-life decisions and the involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians in these decisions. Results: Between July 2020 and December 2020, 32 delegates from 28 countries completed the survey (response rate country level of 74%). If legal frameworks allow for these specific end-of-life decisions, involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians was reported in 2 of 3 countries in euthanasia cases, 10 of 17 countries in non-treatment decision cases, and 13 of 16 countries in cases of intensified symptom management by the administration of drugs using potentially life-shortening doses. Conclusion: Estimated involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians in end-of-life decisions varied between European countries, even when legal frameworks allow for these decisions. LAY ABSTRACT End-of-life considerations may arise after severe disabling health conditions and lead to end-of-life decisions. As Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians are experts in functional prognosis for patients with these health conditions, their expertise could be of value to consider in these decisions. Legal frameworks and attitudes towards end-of-life decisions differ between European countries. However, there is a lack of information on the involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians in these decisions. Therefore, delegates of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians in European countries were surveyed on the legal status of end-of-life decisions and the involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians. The responses of delegates from 28 countries suggested differences in involvement of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine physicians in end-of-life decisions between European countries, even between countries with a legal status of these end-of-life decisions. In the light of the ageing population and a general tendency toward more liberal attitudes concerning end-of-life decisions in Europe, these findings could be of interest in order to optimize end-of-life care in the coming years.

Danang Dwi Cahyadi, Tomoko Warita, Nanami Irie et al.

ABSTRACTNormalization is a crucial step in gene expression analysis to avoid misinterpretation. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of 10 candidate housekeeping genes in non-differentiated (ND) and differentiated (DI) 3T3-L1 cells on days 5 and 10. We used geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder, and the ∆Ct method to evaluate expression stability. The findings revealed that (1) the expression levels of the reference genes changed over time, even in non-differentiating cells, and (2) peptidylprolyl isomerase A (Ppia) and TATA box-binding protein (Tbp) were stable reference genes for 10 days in both undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Notably, the expression of known reference genes in non-differentiating cells was altered throughout the experiment.

Augusto Vitale, Laura Ricceri

The Principle of the 3Rs is widely recognised as the methodological and ethical backbone of contemporary animal research. Different authors also stress the reciprocal links among the 3Rs, and how these often complement and reinforce each other. We very much agree with this point, but in this contribution we would like to raise some problems related to the application of the “3Rs”. There is an obvious link among “Replacement, “Reduction” and “Refinement”, but it is worth to notice also that each “R” has its own conceptual characteristics, as well as its own level of applicability. For example, a realistic “methodological inertia” has to be expected more in the case of “Replacement” than in the case of “Refinement”. This also leads to a second order of issues, and here we will offer our experience as projects evaluators. The “3Rs” differ also in the possibility to verify how are applied by the proponents of research protocols involving the use of animal models. Sometimes it appears that the application of the Principle still resolves itself in the use of formulaic sentences, from which it is difficult to really understand the reality of the laboratory decisional and procedural processes. However, the demanding characteristics of the “3Rs” can vary greatly, and this is something that has to be considered. We propose that a network, or a virtual platform, of evaluators could help both researchers and evaluators for a more satisfactory understanding and pragmatic application of the Principle of the 3Rs.

Zhiming Feng, Zhiming Feng, Mingyou Li et al.

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), is one of the most destructive diseases threatening rice production worldwide. Development of resistant cultivars using broad-spectrum resistance (R) genes with high breeding value is the most effective and economical approach to control this disease. In this study, the breeding potential of Pigm gene in geng/japonica rice breeding practice in Jiangsu province was comprehensively evaluated. Through backcross and marker-assisted selection (MAS), Pigm was introduced into two geng rice cultivars (Wuyungeng 32/WYG32 and Huageng 8/HG8). In each genetic background, five advanced backcross lines with Pigm (ABLs) and the same genotypes as the respective recurrent parent in the other 13 known R gene loci were developed. Compared with the corresponding recurrent parent, all these ABLs exhibited stronger resistance in seedling inoculation assay using 184 isolates collected from rice growing regions of the lower region of the Yangtze River. With respect to panicle blast resistance, all ABLs reached a high resistance level to blast disease in tests conducted in three consecutive years with the inoculation of seven mixed conidial suspensions collected from different regions of Jiangsu province. In natural field nursery assays, the ABLs showed significantly higher resistance than the recurrent parents. No common change on importantly morphological traits and yield-associated components was found among the ABLs, demonstrating the introduction of Pigm had no tightly linked undesirable effect on rice economically important traits and its associated grain weight reduction effect could be probably offset by others grain weight genes or at least in the background of the aforementioned two varieties. Notably, one rice line with Pigm, designated as Yangnonggeng 3091, had been authorized as a new variety in Jiangsu province in 2021, showing excellent performance on both grain yield and quality, as well as the blast resistance. Together, these results suggest that the Pigm gene has a high breeding value in developing rice varieties with durable and broad-spectrum resistance to blast disease.

Adrian Heald, Michael Cook, Leen Antonio et al.

Introduction The androgen receptor (AR) mediates peripheral effects of testosterone. Evidence suggests that the number of CAG repeats in exon-1 of the AR gene negatively correlates with AR transcriptional activity. The aim of this analysis was to determine the association between CAG repeat number and mortality in men. Methods Men aged 40–79 years were recruited from primary care for participation in the UK arm of the European Male Aging Study between 2003 and 2005. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine the association between CAG repeat number/mortality. Results were expressed as hazard ratios(HR)/95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 312 men were followed up. The mean baseline age was 59.5 years. At follow up, 85/312(27%) men had died. CAG repeat length ranged from 14 to 39, with the highest proportion of CAG repeat number at 21 repeats(16.4%). In a multivariable model, using men with CAG repeat numbers of 22-23 as the reference, men with a lower number of CAG repeats(<22) showed a trend for a higher mortality in the follow-up period (HR 1.46 (0.75, 2.81)) as did men with higher number of repeats (>23) (1.37 (0.65, 2.91)). Conclusion Our data suggest that CAG repeat number may partially influence the risk of mortality in men. Further larger studies are required to quantify the effect.

Hun-Young Park, Hun-Young Park, Won-Sang Jung et al.

Interval training under hypoxia (IHT) is commonly used to enhance endurance exercise performance. However, previous studies examining hematologic changes related to the immune system that affect health and conditioning are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT for 6-weeks on hematological parameters, hemodynamic function, and endurance exercise performance in amateur Korean female runners. Twenty healthy amateur Korean female runners (age: 24.85 ± 3.84 years) were equally assigned to normoxic training group (NTG) for interval training under normoxia (760 mmHg) and hypoxic training group (HTG) for interval training under hypobaric hypoxia (526 mmHg, 3000 m simulated altitude) according to their body composition and endurance exercise performance. All participants performed 120-min of training sessions, consisting of 20-min of warm-up, 60-min of interval training, and 20-min of cool-down. The training program was performed 3-days per week for 6-weeks. Warm-up and cool-down were performed for 20-min at 60% maximal heart rate (HRmax). The interval training sessions comprised 10 repetitions of interval exercise (5-min of exercise corresponding to 90–95% HRmax and 1-min of rest) on a treadmill. All participants underwent measurements of hematological parameters, hemodynamic function, and endurance exercise performance before and after training. Both groups showed a significant increase in erythropoietin (EPO) level and a decrease in monocyte abundance, with EPO showing a greater increase in the HTG than in the NTG. B cell abundance significantly increased in the NTG; hematocrit and neutrophil counts significantly increased, and lymphocyte counts significantly decreased in the HTG. The HTG showed a significant improvement in oxygen uptake, stroke volume index, and end-diastolic volume index compared to the NTG. In addition, both groups showed significant improvements in heart rate, end-systolic volume index, and cardiac output index. The maximal oxygen uptake and 3000 m time trial record were significantly improved in both groups, and the HTG showed a tendency to improve more than the NTG. In conclusion, the IHT was effective in enhancing endurance exercise performance through improved hemodynamic function. Furthermore, hematological parameters of immune system showed a normal range before and after training and were not negatively affected.

Lizel Göranson, Olof Svensson, Olof Svensson et al.

BackgroundWhich type of information experts use to make decisions regarding legal insanity within forensic psychiatric investigations (FPI) is relatively unknown, both in general and when considering variations due to case context. It is important to explore this area to be able to counteract the effects of various kinds of cognitive bias.MethodThe aim was to explore whether FPI expert groups differed regarding case-specific as well as general use of information types required to make decisions on severe mental disorder (SMD). Three FPI case vignettes were presented to three professional groups involved in FPIs in Sweden (n = 41): forensic psychiatrists (n = 15), psychologists (n = 15), and social workers (n = 11). The participants reported which types of information they required to reach conclusions regarding SMD in each case. They also reported which types of information they had used within general FPI praxis during the previous year and the information types’ perceived usefulness.ResultsThe expert groups differed somewhat regarding what type of information they required for the cases (e.g., results from cognitive testing), but some information was required in all cases (e.g., client’s self-report). Regarding the preliminary assessment of SMD in the three cases, minor differences were found. Within the general FPI praxis, experts reported using several information types, while the general perceived usefulness of these sources varied.DiscussionThe professional groups relied partly on a “core” of information sources, but some case-specific adaptations were found. The professional groups’ inclination to suspect SMD also varied somewhat. This indicates a need to explore the potential consequences of these similarities and differences.

Friedrich Meixner, Cornelia Herbert

Attentional focus during aerobic exercise has been studied in the context of sports performance, injury prevention and affective experience. Previous research suggests that an additional mental task parallel to the physical activity might influence exercise experience and performance. It has been tested if attentional focus influences cardiovascular activity, positive/negative affect, and subjective exertion during a cycling exercise. Data from N = 30 female participants has been collected using a repeated measures design, with the following experimental manipulations: (A) an internal attention focus (i.e., paying attention to force production of the quadriceps muscles), (B) an external attention focus (i.e., paying attention to changes in brightness in the cycling track simulation), and as control conditions, (C) exercise without attention focus (i.e., no specific instruction was given) and (D) no exercise, no attention focus. Subjective affect and subjective exertion were assessed, and changes in cardiovascular activity were recorded via mobile impedance cardiography (ICG) at rest, during and after the exercise, including HR, HRV (RMSSD, HF), PEP, CO, SV, LVET, and RSA. Exercise was associated with adaptations in cardiovascular activity, positive/negative affect, and subjective exertion. However, this did not interact with attentional focus. The original hypothesis could not be supported: instructed attentional focus does not influence affect, exertion, or cardiovascular activity during a cycling exercise. Therefore, attentional focusing during exercise does not appear to put notable additional mental demands on the physically active participant. Nonetheless, impedance cardiography delivered reliable measurements even during the cycling exercise.

Joachim Kloehn, Rebecca D. Oppenheim, Ghizal Siddiqui et al.

Abstract Background Acetyl-CoA is a key molecule in all organisms, implicated in several metabolic pathways as well as in transcriptional regulation and post-translational modification. The human pathogen Toxoplasma gondii possesses at least four enzymes which generate acetyl-CoA in the nucleo-cytosol (acetyl-CoA synthetase (ACS); ATP citrate lyase (ACL)), mitochondrion (branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase-complex (BCKDH)) and apicoplast (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH)). Given the diverse functions of acetyl-CoA, we know very little about the role of sub-cellular acetyl-CoA pools in parasite physiology. Results To assess the importance and functions of sub-cellular acetyl-CoA-pools, we measured the acetylome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome of parasites lacking ACL/ACS or BCKDH. We demonstrate that ACL/ACS constitute a synthetic lethal pair. Loss of both enzymes causes a halt in fatty acid elongation, hypo-acetylation of nucleo-cytosolic and secretory proteins and broad changes in gene expression. In contrast, loss of BCKDH results in an altered TCA cycle, hypo-acetylation of mitochondrial proteins and few specific changes in gene expression. We provide evidence that changes in the acetylome, transcriptome and proteome of cells lacking BCKDH enable the metabolic adaptations and thus the survival of these parasites. Conclusions Using multi-omics and molecular tools, we obtain a global and integrative picture of the role of distinct acetyl-CoA pools in T. gondii physiology. Cytosolic acetyl-CoA is essential and is required for the synthesis of parasite-specific fatty acids. In contrast, loss of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA can be compensated for through metabolic adaptations implemented at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational level.

Michael S. Lustgarten

Within the past year, several studies have reported a positive role for the gut microbiome on the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass, evidence that contrasts previous reports of a negative role for the gut microbiome on the maintenance of whole body lean mass. The purpose of this mini-review is to clarify these seemingly discordant findings, and to review recently published studies that further elucidate the gut-muscle axis.

K. B. Sumena, N. S. Sunilkumar , K. M. Lucy et al.

Present study was conducted with the aim to understand the morphological features of skull of barred jungle owlet.The head of the owletwascollected from the specimen brought for post-mortem, processed and morphological studies were conducted . Frontal bones were the largest and were convex and smooth.Temporal fossae were deep. Characteristic feature of the skull was that the bony orbits were located anteriorly, relatively large and were incomplete anteriorly. The supraorbital process was narrow, triangular and pointed.Thisprocess may prevent the rotation of sclerotic tube and fix its position which might be the reason why owlets cannot move their eye ball freely. The frontonasal hinge joint helped in the mobility of upper beak and anterior to this joint, the nasal bones presented adeep depression in the midline. Occipital bone showed well-developedexternal occipital protuberance and a vertically grooved occipital condylewhich helped the birds to swivel its head and neck. The ex-occipital and basi-occipital bones were broad. The foramen magnum was situated basally and ventrally. This assistedthe upright posture of the head in this species

Gennaro Boccia, Gennaro Boccia, Davide Dardanello et al.

The effect of muscle fatigue on rate of force development (RFD) is usually assessed during tasks that require participants to reach as quickly as possible maximal or near-maximal force. However, endurance sports require athletes to quickly produce force of submaximal, rather than maximal, amplitudes. Thus, this study investigated the effect of muscle fatigue induced by long-distance running on the capacity to quickly produce submaximal levels of force. Twenty-one male amateur runners were evaluated before and shortly after a half-marathon race. Knee extensors force was recorded under maximal voluntary and electrically evoked contractions. Moreover, a series of ballistic contractions at different submaximal amplitudes (from 20 to 100% of maximal voluntary force) was obtained, by asking the participants to reach submaximal forces as fast as possible. The RFD was calculated for each contraction. After the race, maximal voluntary activation, resting doublet twitch, maximal force, and RFD during maximal contraction decreased (-12, -12, -21, and -19%, respectively, all P-values &lt; 0.0001). Nevertheless, the RFD values measured during ballistic contractions up to 60% of maximal force were unaffected (all P-values &gt; 0.4). Long-distance running impaired the capacity to quickly produce force in ballistic contractions of maximal, but not of submaximal, amplitudes. Overall, these findings suggest that central and peripheral fatigue do not affect the quickness to which muscle contracts across a wide range of submaximal forces. This is a relevant finding for running and other daily life activities that rely on the production of rapid submaximal contractions rather than maximal force levels.

Cathrine E. Fagernes, Kåre-Olav Stensløkken, Åsmund K. Røhr et al.

Abstract Without oxygen, most vertebrates die within minutes as they cannot meet cellular energy demands with anaerobic metabolism. However, fish of the genus Carassius (crucian carp and goldfish) have evolved a specialized metabolic system that allows them to survive prolonged periods without oxygen by producing ethanol as their metabolic end-product. Here we show that this has been made possible by the evolution of a pyruvate decarboxylase, analogous to that in brewer’s yeast and the first described in vertebrates, in addition to a specialized alcohol dehydrogenase. Whole-genome duplication events have provided additional gene copies of the pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex that have evolved into a pyruvate decarboxylase, while other copies retained the essential function of the parent enzymes. We reveal the key molecular substitution in duplicated pyruvate dehydrogenase genes that underpins one of the most extreme hypoxic survival strategies among vertebrates and that is highly deleterious in humans.

Johanna Buchcik, Joachim Westenhöfer, Mick Fleming et al.

Objective: The Sf-36 is the most widely used instrument to measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with the most convincing evidence of both internal consistency and test–retest reliability. In addition, it is appropriate for use among elderly and minority groups like migrants. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the reliability and the factorial structure of the Sf-36 in a sample of elderly migrants and natives. The hypothesis is that the construct (the HRQoL consisting of eight dimensions correlated with two components) is the same for elderly Turkish migrants, Polish migrants and German natives. This means that the Sf-36 model shows good psychometric properties and model invariance for the three groups investigated in this study. Methods: The Sf-36 v.2 was forward and backward translated to Turkish and Polish. In this cross-sectional study, interviews were conducted with a sample of elderly migrants from Turkey (n = 100), from Poland (n = 103) and a sample of elderly German natives (n = 101). All data were entered and analysed using SPSS version 21 and AMOS Graphics. Cronbach’s α was used to analyse the reliability of the Sf-36. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used for the Sf-36 model invariance testing. Results: The reliability of the Sf-36 was good to excellent for all Sf-36 dimensions (α > 0.7) except for General Health (0.55) in the Polish group. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) showed non-invariance between the three groups (CMIN: 180.172, df: 51, CMIN/df: 3.533, p < 0.001, CFI: 0.895, RMSEA: 0.092 for the unconstrained model). Model modifications resulted in a good model fit for the Polish group. However, an applicable common Sf-36 model for the three groups was not attained. Conclusion: This study doesn’t support the idea that the factorial structure of the Sf-36 with two components and eight dimensions is the same across three ethnically and culturally diverse groups of elderly subjects. Therefore, comparing subscale scores of the Sf-36 between different ethnic groups may be problematic.