The purpose of this study was to investigate the measurement equivalence of a computerized version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies – Depression Scale, short form (CES-D:SF-C). It was ...hypothesized that: (a) the CES-D:SF-C would fit the single second–order four factor measurement model of the CES-D:SF, and (b) the CES-D:SF-C would be equivalent to the paper–and–pencil version as evidenced by either strict or strong factorial invariance using multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM). A total of 132 college students completed the computerized version with ages ranging from 19 to 55 years. These data were then compared with the paper–and–pencil data collected by Cole, Rabin, Smith, and Kaufman (2004) to test for measurement invariance. Results suggested that the CES-D:SF-C adequately fit the single second–order four factor CFA model previously applied to the CES-D:SF. The CES-D:SF-C was also found to be invariant across administration modalities, but not via strict or strong factorial invariance. The unconstrained model was accepted because the additional constraints applied to the multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were too restrictive to support metric, strong, or strict factorial invariant models. This study provides support for the equivalence of the CES-D:SF-C to the paper–and–pencil version. Additionally, it provides support for the use and continued research of computerized assessment with university students due to the accuracy, ease, and speed of administration and scoring.
The objective of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes in the mechanically unloaded rat heart by suppression subtractive hybridization. In male Wistar-Kyoto rats, mechanical ...unloading was achieved by infrarenal heterotopic heart transplantation. Differentially expressed genes were investigated systematically by suppression subtractive hybridization. Selected targets were validated by Northern blot analysis, real-time RT-PCR, and immunoblot analysis. Maximal ADP-stimulated oxygen consumption (state 3) was measured in isolated mitochondria. Transplantation caused atrophy (heart-to-body weight ratio: 1.6 +/- 0.1 vs. 2.4 +/- 0.1, P < 0.001). We selected 1,880 clones from the subtractive hybridization procedure (940 forward and 940 reverse runs assessing up- or downregulation). The first screen verified 465 forward and 140 reverse clones, and the second screen verified 67 forward and 30 reverse clones. On sequencing of 24 forward and 23 reverse clones, 9 forward and 14 reverse homologies to known genes were found. Specifically, we identified reduced mRNA expression of complex I (-49%, P < 0.05) and complex II (-61%, P < 0.001) of the respiratory chain. Significant reductions were also observed on the respiratory chain protein level: -42% for complex I (P < 0.01), -57% for complex II (P < 0.05), and -65% for complex IV (P < 0.05). Consistent with changes in gene and protein expression, state 3 respiration was significantly decreased in isolated mitochondria of atrophied hearts, with glutamate and succinate as substrates: 85 +/- 27 vs. 224 +/- 32 natoms O.min(-1).mg(-1) with glutamate (P < 0.01) and 59 +/- 18 vs. 154 +/- 30 natoms O.min(-1).mg(-1) with succinate (P < 0.05). Subtractive hybridization indicates major changes in overall gene expression by mechanical unloading and specifically identified downregulation of respiratory chain genes. This observation is functionally relevant and provides a mechanism for the regulation of respiratory capacity in response to chronic mechanical unloading.
Illness representations were assessed in 63 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 66 with multiple sclerosis (MS). The relationship of illness representations to concurrent and later mood was ...explored. MS patients' beliefs in symptom variability were associated with higher depressed mood 4 months later, over and above initial levels of depression. RA patients who saw RA as curable or who saw themselves as responsible for the illness reported significant increases in depression over time. Belief in the serious consequences of RA interacted with later illness severity to predict change in depression. When belief in the serious consequences of RA was high, less severe illness status was associated with less depression and more severe illness status was associated with more depression. When RA was initially viewed as only moderately serious, less severe illness was associated with somewhat higher levels of depression.
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