Specific Association Research Articles

Mitochondrial quality control measures, systemic inflammation, and lower-limb muscle power in older adults: a PROMPT secondary analysis

ObjectivesThe study was conducted to explore associations between markers of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies, serum inflammatory markers, and measures of muscle power assessed by two different tools in a sample of older adults. DesignSecondary analysis of data collected in the PeppeR develOpMental ProjecT (PROMPT) at the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL, USA). MethodsForty-three older adults (n = 20 women) were included in the study. Muscle volume of the calf and thigh was quantified by three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging. Lower-limb muscle power was estimated using 5-time sit-to-stand (5STS) muscle power equations and isokinetic test. Protein markers of MQC were measured in muscle samples by Western immoblotting (n = 12–23), while type I and II fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) and their proportion were quantified using immunohistochemistry (n = 12). Cytochrome C oxidase enzyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Finally, inflammatory markers were quantified in the serum using a multiplex immunoassay (n = 39). ResultsMean age of participants was 78.1 ± 5.5 years, and the average body mass index was 26.2 ± 4.5 kg/m2. Markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (i.e., PGC-1α), mitochondrial import proteins (i.e., cHsp70 and mtHsp70), and type I fiber CSA were significantly associated with muscle power estimated via both 5STS muscle power equations and isokinetic test (p < 0.05). Specific associations were also found according to the muscle power assessment method. 5STS muscle power measures were negatively correlated with ClvCasp3, P-AMPK, T-AMPK, P-p38, GM-CSF, INF-γ, IL1b, IL6, IL8, and TNF-α, whereas positive associations were found with BAX (p < 0.05). In contrast, isokinetic measures were significantly and positively correlated with RIP140, Hsp60, and type II muscle fiber CSA (p < 0.05). ConclusionsMarkers of mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α), mitochondrial import proteins (cHsp70 and mtHsp70), and type I muscle fiber CSA were significantly linked to lower-limb muscle power in older adults. These results suggest that muscle power is influenced by mitochondrial signaling. We also found that the relationship between mitochondrial mediators, inflammatory markers, and muscle power varied according to the assessment tool used.

Association of daily physical activity and bone microarchitecture in young adults with type 1 diabetes — A pilot exploratory study

PurposePhysical activity (PA) is an important determinant of skeletal health. In young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) fracture risk is increased, yet few studies have examined the PA and bone health relationship. Therefore, this pilot cross-sectional study characterized PA levels and their association with bone parameters measured by high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in young adults with T1D. MethodsHR-pQCT (Xtreme CTII) was used to measure bone outcomes at the distal tibia and radius, and accelerometery (ActiGraph GT3X) recorded daily minutes of light and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Quadratic regression analyses were conducted with a p-value ≤ 0.05 considered significant. ResultsPA data from 19 young adults (23.1 ± 1.9 years) with T1D was analyzed. Over half (63 %) of participants completed ≥150 min of MVPA per week, however, most measured activity time per day (57 %) was spent in sedentary pursuits. Significant non-linear associations were found between the duration of MVPA and several trabecular bone parameters at the tibia. ConclusionsIn young adults with T1D, MVPA may have site specific (tibia) and compartment specific (trabecular) non-linear associations with bone. Further studies should confirm these findings, which may help inform evidence-based exercise recommendations to optimize bone health in young adults with T1D.

Impact of Antibiotic on Efficacy and Adverse Reactions of Chemoimmunotherapy in Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of antibiotic exposure on efficacy and adverse reactions in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving chemoimmunotherapy, and to explore any specific associations on the basis of antibiotic class.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on NSCLC patients who received chemoimmunotherapy in two Shandong hospitals between January 2018 and October 2023. The association between antibiotic exposure and progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR) and incidence of immune related adverse reactions (irAE) of patients were evaluated.ResultsOf the 316 patients, 134 (42.41%) received antibiotics (ATB group), and 182 (57.59%) did not (N‐ATB group). There was no significant difference in PFS (aHR = 1.009, 95% CI: 0.770–1.323; p = 0.946) or OS (aHR = 1.420, 95% CI: 0.986–2.047; p = 0.060) between ATB and N‐ATB groups. The impact on efficacy was related to the type of antibiotic. β‐Lactams (aHR = 1.737, 95% CI: 1.148–2.629; p = 0.009), in particular β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combinations (BLBLIs) (aHR = 1.885, 95% CI: 1.207–2.944, p = 0.005) were associated with poorer OS. However, quinolones (aHR = 1.192, 95% CI: 0.861–1.650; p = 0.291) were not associated with OS. The incidence of irAEs was not significantly different between ATB and N‐ATB groups (p = 0.073), but was higher with BLBLIs (p = 0.013).ConclusionsIn NSCLC patients receiving chemoimmunotherapy, no significant difference was observed in efficacy and incidence of irAEs between the ATB and the n‐ATB groups. In antibiotic class analysis, β‐lactams and specifically BLBLIs were observed to be associated with worse OS.

Constructive and Destructive Voice Behaviors in Cooperatives: The Role of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivational Drives

This study aims to understand how job satisfaction relates to constructive and destructive voice in cooperatives by developing an integrated theoretical model that combines Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Motivational Synergy Theory (MST). We investigate the underlying motivational explanation by adopting a follower-centric perspective and focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to leadership styles and performance-based rewards. The empirical mediation analyses of 300 workers of Italian cooperatives show specific associations of job satisfaction with constructive and destructive voice via transformational and transactional leadership and performance-based rewards. Unlike most existing literature, this study considers employee voice as an extra-role behavior that can be positive (constructive) or negative (destructive) for the organization. Moreover, it brings new theoretical perspectives to the voice debate by combining SET and MST, thus developing fertile grounds for further studies. Finally, it extends existing knowledge about employee voice to the under-investigated but highly relevant context of cooperatives.

Abstract B019: Clinical and molecular correlates of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in breast tumors resistant to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT)

Abstract Purpose: We examined the utility of serial ctDNA testing for refining risk stratification of NAT- resistant tumors (RTs, defined as residual cancer burden, RCB-II/III) and predicting early treatment response. We also characterized the molecular correlates of ctDNA dynamics in RTs to elucidate the mechanisms associated with increased metastatic potential. Methods: We performed serial ctDNA testing using a tumor-informed personalized assay (SignateraTM, Natera Inc.) in 723 patients (pts) with high-risk early-stage breast cancer receiving NAT (I-SPY2). Tumors were stratified according to RCB class and ctDNA dynamics (clearance patterns), and the distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS) between groups was compared. We examined the predictive value of ctDNA dynamics using the RCB index (the continuous measure of RCB) as the response endpoint. Serial whole exome sequencing (WES), gene expression profiling (GEP), and reverse-phase protein analysis (RPPA) data were analyzed to elucidate the molecular biology of RTs. Results: Of the 723 pts, 300 (41%) had hormone receptor (HR)+HER2-, 237 (33%) triple-negative (TN), and 186 (26%) HER2+ breast cancers with pretreatment ctDNA-positivity rates of 76%, 92%, and 77%, respectively. 321 (45%) pts had responding tumors (RCB-0/I), and 55% had RTs: RCB-II (n=255) and RCB-III (n=132). CtDNA dynamics revealed heterogeneity in the metastatic potential of RTs, including tumors with a reduced propensity to metastasize (persistent ctDNAneg and early clearance). Failure to clear ctDNA after NAT was associated with an increased risk of metastatic recurrence and death (3-yr DRFS rates: no clearance=35% vs. persistent ctDNAneg=98%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Early clearance of ctDNA, 3 weeks after treatment initiation, skewed the distributions toward lower RCB indices (favorable response), including in arms containing immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of the 387 RTs, 316 had ctDNA data post-NAT, of which only 51 (16%) were ctDNA+. We hypothesized that changes in the mutational landscape during NAT could have impacted the detection of patient-specific ctDNA targets selected from WES of pretreatment tumors. However, serial WES (n=100) of RTs showed that these targets remained detectable in solid tissue over time, even in persistent ctDNAneg. To investigate the biology of persistent ctDNA positivity, we used logistic regression to analyze serial GEP (n=174) and RPPA (n=98) data in RTs that were ctDNA+ at pretreatment, comparing those with ctDNA clearance by surgery vs. those that remained ctDNA+. We found subtype- specific associations: In HR+HER2-, failure to clear ctDNA during NAT was associated with low pretreatment ER/AR, high early on-treatment proliferation, and low HER2-signaling after NAT, while in TN, fewer associations were observed; these included high pretreatment levels of MYC and proliferation. Conclusions: ctDNA dynamics refined risk stratification of RTs and enabled early prediction of treatment response. Understanding the molecular profiles of RTs based on ctDNA dynamics could aid treatment selection to overcome resistance to NAT. Citation Format: Mark Jesus M. Magbanua, Denise M. Wolf, Samuel Rivera-Hinojosa, Ziad Ahmed, Nayelis A. Manon, Rosalyn Sayaman, Antony Tin, Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Lamorna Brown Swigart, Gillian L. Hirst, Christina Yau, Wen Li, Claudine Isaacs, Rebecca A. Shatsky, Amy L. Delson, Charuta C. Palsuledesai, Angel Rodriguez, Minetta C. Liu, Paula R. Pohlmann, Laura J. Esserman, Hope S. Rugo, Angela DeMichele, Laura van 't Veer. Clinical and molecular correlates of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics in breast tumors resistant to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr B019.

Influence of reef habitat on coral microbial associations.

Corals have complex symbiotic associations that can be influenced by the environment. We compare symbiotic dinoflagellate (family: Symbiodiniaceae) associations and the microbiome of five scleractinian coral species from three different reef habitats in Palau, Micronesia. Although pH and temperature corresponded with specific host-Symbiodiniaceae associations common to the nearshore and offshore habitats, bacterial community dissimilarity analyses indicated minimal influence of these factors on microbial community membership for the corals Coelastrea aspera, Psammocora digitata, and Pachyseris rugosa. However, coral colonies sampled close to human development exhibited greater differences in microbial community diversity compared to the nearshore habitat for the coral species Coelastrea aspera, Montipora foliosa, and Pocillopora acuta, and the offshore habitat for Coelastrea aspera, while also showing less consistency in Symbiodiniaceae associations. These findings indicate the influence that habitat location has on the bacterial and Symbiodiniaceae communities comprising the coral holobiont and provide important considerations for the conservation of coral reef communities, especially for island nations with increasing human populations and development.

Differential association between childhood trauma subtypes and neurocognitive performance in adults with major depression

BackgroundNeurocognitive impairment is one of the prominent manifestations of major depressive disorder (MDD). Childhood trauma enhances vulnerability to developing MDD and contributes to neurocognitive dysfunctions. However, the distinct impacts of different types of childhood trauma on neurocognitive processes in MDD remain unclear.MethodsThis study comprised 186 individuals diagnosed with MDD and 268 healthy controls. Childhood trauma was evaluated using the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form. Neurocognitive abilities, encompassing sustained attention, vigilance, visual memory, and executive functioning, were measured by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery.ResultsMultivariable linear regressions revealed that childhood trauma and MDD diagnosis were independently associated with neurocognitive impairment. Physical neglect was associated with impaired visual memory and working memory. MDD diagnosis is associated with working memory and planning. Interactive analysis revealed that physical/sexual abuse was associated with a high level of vigilance and that emotional neglect was linked with better performance on cognitive flexibility in MDD patients. Furthermore, childhood emotional abuse, physical abuse, and emotional neglect were revealed to be risk factors for developing early-onset, chronic depressive episodes.ConclusionThus, specific associations between various childhood traumas and cognitive development in depression are complex phenomena that need further study.

Novel Gene Biomarkers Specific to Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Bone Marrow

In this paper, we present a comparative analysis of the transcriptomic profile of three different human cell types: hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts (FIBs). The work aims to identify unique genes that are differentially expressed as specific markers of bone marrow-derived MSCs, and to achieve this undertakes a detailed analysis of three independent datasets that include quantification of the global gene expression profiles of three primary cell types: HSCs, MSCs and FIBs. A robust bioinformatics method, called GlobalTest, is used to assess the specific association between one or more genes expressed in a sample and the outcome variable, that is, the ‘cell type’ provided as a single univariate response. This outcome variable is predicted for each sample tested, based on the expression profile of the specific genes that are used as input to the test. The precision of the tests is calculated along with the statistical sensitivity and specificity for each gene in each dataset, yielding four genes that mark MSCs with high accuracy. Among these, the best performer is the protein-coding gene Transgelin (TAGLN, Gene ID: 6876) (with a Positive Predictive Value &gt; 0.96 and FDR &lt; 0.001), which identifies MSCs better than any of the currently used standard markers: ENG (CD105), THY1 (CD90) or NT5E (CD73). The results are validated by RT-qPCR, providing novel gene biomarkers specific for human MSCs.

Influence of APOE4 genotype on PCSK9-lipids association in cerebrospinal fluid and serum of patients in the Alzheimer's disease continuum.

Alterations in factors involved in cholesterol homeostasis are critical in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the stage of occurrence, their specific association, and a possible relationship with the APOE4 genotype are not clarified. We aimed to quantify and correlate specific lipid factors in patients with different degrees of cognitive decline, namely patients with AD and patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD), carriers or non-carriers of the APOE4 genotype. We evaluated Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cholesterol and the oxidative metabolites 24-, 25-, 27-hydroxycholesterol (HC) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of AD (n = 28) and MCI-AD (n = 27) patients. CSF and serum PCSK9 and lipids were similar, except for higher serum PCSK9 and triglycerides in MCI-AD compared to AD. In CSF, AD APOE4 carriers showed higher PCSK9 and 24-HC (+61.3%, p = 0.027 and +32.7%, p = 0.037), compared to non-carriers. There was a negative association between CSF PCSK9 and 27-HC in AD (r = -0.444, p = 0.049) and, exclusively among AD APOE4 carriers, a negative association between CSF PCSK9 and 24-HC (r = -0.786, p = 0.028). A positive correlation was observed between CSF and serum PCSK9 in AD (r = 0.520, p = 0.004), driven by APOE4 carriers (r = 0.544, p = 0.038), suggesting PCSK9 exchange between brain and periphery. A positive correlation was detected between serum and CSF 27-HC (r = 0.465, p = 0.039) in AD. None of these results were found in MCI-AD patients. PCSK9 and 24-HC might be specific markers of ApoE4-associated lipid alterations in AD, possibly contributing to clinical progression in the AD continuum.

Diversity Patterns of Bacteria in the Root Zone of Davidia involucrata Along an Altitudinal Gradient

Davidia involucrata has an ancient origin, representing a remnant from the paleotropical flora that thrived during the Tertiary period. Altitudinal gradient acts as a natural testing ground for studying climate change, and research on the distribution patterns of microorganisms along altitudinal gradients is crucial in understanding the adaptability of D. involucrata to climate change. In our study, we examined sample sites ranging from 1600 to 2200 m in elevation, which are part of the primary habitat zone for Davidia involucrata within the Xuebaoding National Nature Reserve. In 2021, field surveys were conducted across four altitudinal gradients (1600 m, 1800 m, 2000 m and 2200 m) of the D. involucrata distribution in the nature reserve. The sampling plots were set in each altitudinal gradient, and three representative and healthy mature trees were selected as sample trees for each plot. Rhizosphere soils were used to test the soil stoichiometry characteristics and root zone microbial communities. Our findings indicated pronounced differences in soil total carbon (TC) and total phosphorus (TP) content and C:P and N:P ratios between the four altitude sites (p &lt; 0.05). Analysis of the bacterial communities revealed higher richness (PD and Chao1 indexes) at ASL2000 and ASL2200 (high altitude) compared to ASL1600 and ASL2000 (low altitude) (p &lt; 0.05). Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis demonstrated a distinct clustering of bacterial communities between the high and low altitudes (p &lt; 0.01). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria were predominant at high altitudes, while Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi dominated at low altitudes. The core microbiome, shared among all altitudes, comprised 377 genes. The analysis of differential abundance revealed notable disparities in the prevalence of certain bacterial genera with altitude, with Arthrobacter and Acidothermus experiencing the most pronounced shifts (p &lt; 0.05). This confirmed that environmental factors significantly influenced bacterial community structure and abundance. Spearman’s rank correlations revealed that both Chao1 and PD indices were positively correlated with elevation, TC, and TN, with Chao1 showing stronger relationships. Both indices were negatively correlated with MAT, while only Chao1 exhibited a significant negative correlation with pH. Linear regression analysis further confirmed the significant associations between Chao1 index and elevation, TN, MAT, and pH. Furthermore, redundancy analysis demonstrated that altitude (ASL) and TN were the primary factors shaping soil bacterial community composition, explaining 21.32% and 30.70% of the variance, respectively. Altitude significantly influenced microbial community structure (p = 0.003). Distinct microbial taxa showed specific associations with environmental gradients, suggesting niche specialization in response to soil conditions. These findings suggest that altitude influences soil nutrient characteristics and microbial community composition in the D. involucrata habitat, offering insights into the ecological factors affecting this endangered species.

Factors Associated With The Incidence Of Diarrhea In ToddlersIn The Meureubo Health Center Working Area, Meureubo Sub-District, West Aceh District In 2023

Diarrhea in children under five is a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, where the incidence and mortality rate due to diarrhea is still high. This phenomenon is further exacerbated by the lack of access to proper sanitation and health education among the community. This study aims to identify factors related to the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers in the working area of the Meureubo Health Center, Meureubo District, West Aceh Regency, in 2023. The method used is a literature study, with data and information obtained from various sources, including scientific journals, articles, and related reports. The analysis was carried out on factors that affect the incidence of diarrhea, such as environmental sanitation, diet, immunization status, and parental knowledge about health and diarrhea prevention. Although there has been previous research on diarrhoea in toddlers, there is still a lack of understanding the specific association between parental knowledge and the incidence of diarrhoea in this local context. The results of the study showed that drinking water quality, hygiene practices, and parental knowledge about diarrhea prevention had a significant influence on the incidence of diarrhea in toddlers. These findings emphasize the need for health interventions that focus on improving access to clean water, good sanitation, and education for parents. This research is expected to provide useful information for the development of more effective health intervention programs in the region as well as increase public awareness about the importance of diarrhoea prevention among toddlers.

Causal relationship between hypothyroidism and ulcerative colitis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis frequently cooccur in patients with multiple autoimmune conditions, but the specific association between UC and hypothyroidism is unknown. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to determine the causal relationship between UC and hypothyroidism. We obtained single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to ulcerative colitis (UC) and hypothyroidism from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) available in the public database of the Integrated Epidemiology Unit (IEU). To assess the causal relationship between UC and hypothyroidism, we employed MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed using Cochran's Q test, the horizontal pleiotropy test, and the leave-one-out (LOO) method to assess the reliability of the MR data. The genes corresponding to instrumental variables (IVs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of the Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis to explore the mechanisms behind the causal relationships at the gene level. Forward MR analysis indicated that hypothyroidism was associated with an increased risk of UC (IVW: P = 0.02, OR = 9.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36-69.46). In contrast, reverse MR did not demonstrate a causal relationship between UC and hypothyroidism (IVW: P = 0.53). Sensitivity analysis proved the reliability of the results. The PPI network revealed CD247, CD80, and STAT4 as central genes. GO and KEGG analyses revealed significant enrichment of the T cell, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathways. Hypothyroidism was a risk factor for UC. The balance of T-cell differentiation played an important role in the process of hypothyroidism-induced UC, and IL-21 might be the key to finding a cure. Enrichment of PD-1/PD-L1 might attenuate inflammation by suppressing the immune action of T cells.

Investigating the patterns of air pollution exposure on major cardiovascular events by cluster analysis. Insights from the EP-PARTICLES study on a Polish smog cohort

Abstract Introduction Exposure to air pollution (AP) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Aim To analyse the short-term effects of AP on the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods The EP-PARTICLES study consists of a retrospective nationwide cohort of Eastern Poland residents (N= 8,077,671). The area is characterized by a specific type of pollution - Polish smog, featuring high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), benzo(a)pyrenes (BaP) and favourable atmospheric conditions of formation. Medical data were collected from the National Health Fund and the Central Statistical Office. The records included sex and age and the causes of hospitalization. The analysis utilized air quality modeling data from the GEM-AQ system, which allowed to provide daily pollution concentration at the level of each LAU (ie. local administrative units, at municipality level), throughout the observation period. We estimated LAU specific associations of AP concentration using quasi-Poisson generalized additive models. We controlled our models for long-term trends and weather conditions. In the second stage, we pooled LAU-specific estimates with a random-effects meta-analysis. The results are presented as % risk ratio (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the two-day moving average of AP concentration on the present day and the day after exposure (ie. LAG0-1). Cluster analysis was performed on LAU levels from 19 variables using the k-mens clustering using the Ward minimum variance method. The set of variables included demographic, ecological, socioeconomic, environmental conditions. Results Over the years 2011-20, we noted 2,141,213 hospitalizations due to CVD, including 139,697 ACS cases (45.2% STEMI). The main triggers for ACS were PM2.5 (RRLAG0-1 1.04 95%CI 1.028-1.053), BaP (RRLAG0-1 1.021 95%CI 1.01-1.032). We identified three distinct clusters: Cluster 1 was characterized by high population density and GPD per capita and highest prevalence of atrial fibrillation. Cluster 2 (40% of the entire population) exhibited significantly high variability, characterized by low population density and GPD per capita, the highest prevalence of heart failure, people drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco. Cluster 3 (7% of the entire population) was in the middle but showed the highest prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and renal failure. Cluster 2 inhabited areas with low concentrations of PMs and BaP and demonstrated increased vulnerability to the effects of PM2.5 and BaP from 3% to 5.2% (P&amp;lt;0.001). For details see Figure 1. Conclusions PM and BaP are important factors associated with the occurrence of MACE. AP exposure should be considered in CVD prevention models. Cluster classification helps in risk stratification and prognosis. Adverse effects of AP can be mitigated by attention to improving socio-economic status and hazardous habits.Associations between AP exposure and ACS

Specific Associations in the Alpha Frequency Between the Subcomponents of Rumination and the Subsystems of the Default Mode Network Among Bipolar I Disorder Patients.

Introduction: Rumination in bipolar disorder (BD) is well documented. Recent neuroimaging studies highlight the role of the default mode network (DMN) in rumination, while few studies have evaluated the DMN activity in BD rumination, particularly the underlying neuroelectrophysiology. Methods: A total of 44 patients with depressed bipolar I disorder (BD-I) and 46 healthy controls underwent resting-state magnetoencephalography. Two core hubs of the DMN, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), and anterior medial prefrontal cortex, together with the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and the medial temporal lobe (MTL) subsystems, were identified as the regions of interest. The power envelope method was used to determine the alpha band's cross-subsystem functional connectivity (FC). After comparing the rumination and DMN FC between the groups, Spearman partial correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between aberrant FC and rumination in BD-I patients. Results: BD-I patients demonstrated more global rumination, including higher subcomponent scores of brooding and reflection. In addition, the alpha frequency FC of the PCC-dmPFC and dmPFC-MTL subsystems within the DMN was dramatically increased in the BD-I group. The former was strongly associated with reflection, whereas the latter was related to brooding. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the reflection and brooding components of rumination are selectively related to the alpha frequency FC of the PCC-dmPFC and dmPFC-MTL subsystems, respectively. These associations highlight the significance of DMN activities in rumination among BD-I patients and have implications for future rumination interventions.

Preconception and prenatal vitamin D associations with positive behavioral health in Black children.

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with offspring behavioral problems but little is known about pre-pregnancy influences. Additionally, Black American individuals are underrepresented in studies, limiting translational impact. We tested independent and interactive effects of preconception and prenatal vitamin D in Black women in relation to positive behavioral and emotional outcomes in early childhood. Black-identifying participants (N = 156) enrolled in the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study (PGS) provided venous blood samples before and during pregnancy to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors, depression severity and life stress, and later reported on child behavioral and emotional problems and prosocial behavior between 2 and 4 years. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 15.5 ng/ml (s.d. = 7.7) before pregnancy and 18.0 ng/ml (s.d. = 9.2) during pregnancy; below the sufficiency threshold according to commonly used dietary guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, prenatal 25(OH)D was negatively related to behavior problems and positively related to prosocial behavior in children, although the association attenuated for behavior problems after accounting for preconception 25(OH)D, which may reflect patterns of stability. Maternal 25(OH)D was unrelated to child emotional problems, and no synergistic effects of 25(OH)D timing were observed for any child outcome. Findings have relevance for Black women living in the northeast U.S. Results suggest specific associations between maternal vitamin D and positive behaviors in early childhood, regardless of sufficiency levels and suggest potential opportunities for early interventions to support healthy child development.

Association of Myianoetus sp. (Acari: Histiostomatidae) with necrophagous fly Compsomyiops fulvicrura (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in the Prepuna ecoregion (Jujuy: Argentina)

The genus Myianoetus Oudemans (Acari: Histiostomatidae) is commonly associated with carrion, utilizing flies (Diptera) from various families as a means of dispersal through phoresy. The objective of this paper is to present a new association between Myianoetus sp. mites and Calliphoridae flies and discuss its relevance in forensic sciences. Samples were collected in 3 locations in the Prepuna ecoregion of Jujuy, Argentina. Specimens were captured using necrotraps baited with cow lung. Flies carrying phoretic mites were separated and identified to a specific level, while mites were counted and identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level. Compsomyiops fulvicrura (Robineau-Desvoidy) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was the only species that presented attached mites, with an average intensity of 12.26 mites per fly. The mites carried by C. fulvicrura were identified as deutonymphs of Myianoetus sp., with a prevalence of 2.56% of infested flies. Significant differences in the abundance of flies with mites were observed between locations and seasons. This article represents the first contribution to knowledge on the specific association between Myianoetus sp. and C. fulvicrura. These findings in forensic ecology are relevant for their potential contribution and application in the development of more precise methods in specific forensic cases.

Cognitive functions explain discrete parameters of normal walking and dual-task walking, but not postural sway in quiet stance among physically active older people.

Postural control is dependent on the central nervous system's accurate interpretation of sensory information to formulate and execute adequate motor actions. Research has shown that cognitive functions are associated with both postural control and fall risk, but specific associations are not established. The aim of this study was to explore how specific components of everyday postural control tasks are associated with both general and specific cognitive functions. Forty-six community-dwelling older adults reported their age, sex, physical activity level, falls and fall-related concerns. The following cognitive aspects were assessed: global cognition, executive functions, processing speed and intraindividual variability. Postural control was quantified by measuring postural sway in quiet stance, walking at a self-selected pace, and walking while performing a concurrent arithmetical task. Separate orthogonal projections of latent structures models were generated for each postural control outcome using descriptive and cognitive variables as explanatory variables. Longer step length and faster gait speed were related to faster processing speed and less intraindividual variability in the choice reaction test. Moreover, longer step length was also related to less fall-related concerns and less severe fall-related injuries, while faster gait speed was also related to female sex and poorer global cognition. Lower dual-task cost for gait speed was explained by the executive function inhibition and faster processing speed. Postural sway in quiet stance was not explained by cognitive functions. Cognitive functions explained gait speed and step length during normal walking, as well as the decrease of gait speed while performing a concurrent cognitive task. The results suggest that different cognitive processes are important for different postural control aspects. Postural sway in quiet stance, step time and gait variability seem to depend more on physical and automatic processes rather than higher cognitive functions among physically active older people. The relationships between cognitive functions and postural control likely vary depending on the specific tasks and the characteristics of different populations.

Serum 25 Hydroxy – D in Patients without Vitamin D Supplementation: Perspectives from Cohorts with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Hypovitaminosis D is common in the sunny UAE. This study focusses on the perspectives of 25 hydroxy-D in patients with RA and others with SLE ((Autoimmune disease, ADs)) and to compare them to others of patients without ADs) .The latter were used as control group. All included individuals were without history of vitamin D intake. Hypovitaminosis D was common in the 3 groups (RA, SLE and controls). However, the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with each of ADs was significantly lower to that of the control group yet with higher means of 25 (OH) D levels. These findings were in contrast to those of number of regional and international studies conducted earlier. Data on the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and the low mean values of 25 (OH) D were comparable between the two groups of ADs. Overall, the results of this study may lead to some controversy or perhaps a challenge to the widespread understanding of the contrary as per previous international and regional studies. They also argue further the concept of specific association of hypovitaminosis D and autoimmune disease and certainly encourage wider estimation of 25(OH) D among larger numbers of patients in general medical practice. Finally, the outcomes of this work deserve further study/ies in larger groups in the future.

Latent profile analysis identifies four different clinical schizophrenia profiles through aberrant salience

Understanding the role of aberrant salience (AS) in psychosis is crucial for comprehending schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Researchers emphasize the importance of salience attribution in schizophrenia, acknowledging its interaction with environmental stressors and multiple neurotransmitter systems. Childhood trauma and adversities (CTA) play a significant role in SSDs, potentially contributing to prodromal symptoms characterized by AS. While empirical evidence supports the relationship between AS and SSD, the interplay between different AS patterns, CTA, and psychotic symptoms remains unclear. Clinical diagnosis followed DSM-5 criteria, and participants completed assessments including the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – Short form (CTQ-SF), and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct AS profiles within the sample, with subsequent analyses examining differences in psychopathological variables among these profiles. Among 262 participants, four distinct AS profiles emerged from LPA: low AS, high AS with severe symptoms and CTA, intermediate AS with sexual abuse correlation, and chronic AS with specific childhood trauma associations. Profile distinctions included differences in age, hospitalizations, psychotic symptoms, and CTA. Logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between the four profiles and emotional and sexual abuse, physical neglect and clinical variables. Subtyping individuals with SSD based on AS revealed four distinct profiles, each with unique clinical characteristics and associations with CTA. Future studies should investigate whether these profiles correspond to diverse treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the complexity of schizophrenia presentation and underscore the importance of considering individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Effects of aging on otolith morphology and functions in mice.

Increased fall risk caused by vestibular system impairment is a significant problem associated with aging. A vestibule is composed of linear acceleration-sensing otoliths and rotation-sensing semicircular canals. Otoliths, composed of utricle and saccule, detect linear accelerations. Otolithic organs partially play a role in falls due to aging. Aging possibly changes the morphology and functions of otoliths. However, the specific associations between aging and otolith changes remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify these associations in mice. Young C56BL/6 N (8 week old) and old (108-117 weeks old) mice were used in a micro-computed tomography (μCT) experiment for morphological analysis and a linear acceleration experiment for functional analysis. Young C56BL/6 N (8 week old) and middle-aged (50 week old) mice were used in electron microscopy experiments for morphological analysis. μCT revealed no significant differences in the otolith volume (p = 0.11) but significant differences in the otolith density (p = 0.001) between young and old mice. μCT and electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the structure of striola at the center of the otolith (μCT; p = 0.029, electron microscopy; p = 0.017). Significant differences were also observed in the amplitude of the eye movement during the vestibulo-ocular reflex induced by linear acceleration (maximum amplitude of stimulation = 1.3G [p = 0.014]; maximum amplitude of stimulation = 0.7G [p = 0.015]), indicating that the otolith function was worse in old mice than in young mice. This study demonstrated the decline in otolith function with age caused by age-related morphological changes. Specifically, when otolith density decreased, inertial force acting on the hair cells decreased, and when the structure of striola collapsed, the function of cross-striolar inhibition decreased, thereby causing a decline in the overall otolith function.