Unique Link Research Articles

Perfusion-mechanics coupling of the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is a highly scrutinized brain structure due to its entanglement in multiple neuropathologies and vulnerability to metabolic insults. This study aims to non-invasively assess the perfusion-mechanics relationship of the hippocampus in the healthy brain across magnetic resonance imaging sequences and magnetic field strengths. In total, 17 subjects (aged 22-35, 7 males/10 females) were scanned with magnetic resonance elastography and arterial spin labelling acquisitions at 3T and 7T in a baseline physiological state. No significant differences in perfusion or stiffness were observed across magnetic field strengths or acquisitions. The hippocampus had the highest vascularity within the deep grey matter, followed closely by the caudate nucleus and putamen. We discovered a positive perfusion-mechanics correlation in the hippocampus across both 3T and 7T groups, with a highly significant correlation overall (R = 0.71, p = 0.0019), which was not observed in the caudate nucleus, a similarly vascular region. Furthermore, we supported our hypothesis that increased perfusion in the hippocampus would lead to greater pulsatile displacement in a small cohort (n = 10). Given that the hippocampus is an exceptionally vulnerable structure, with perfusion deficits often seen in diseases related to learning and memory, our results suggest a unique mechanistic link between metabolic health and stiffness biomarkers in this key region for the first time.

Social Stock Exchange – An Innovative Mechanism for Philanthropy through Bourse

Purpose: Two decades ago, Brazil established a formal social stock exchange, followed by several other countries. This unique concept links social enterprises with philanthropic investors, but their success rate is low. This paper analyzes the mechanisms of social stock exchanges in different countries and identifies factors affecting their success. Design: The present study is exploratory in nature whereby an attempt has been made to understand the framework of social stock exchanges established across the globe. Findings: The failure of social stock exchanges in Brazil, South Africa, Portugal, and the UK can be attributed to lack of investor awareness, higher economic cost for registered social enterprises and limited funding options in less diversified projects. However, the model of SSE is operational in other three countries apart from India. Originality: The concept of the social stock exchange is in the infancy stage and limited work has been done in this domain. The present paper attempts to make a significant contribution to the literature by providing a detailed analysis of such exchanges. Research limitations: The present paper is based on secondary data and inclusion of primary data can augment the findings. Practical implications: SSEs can be miraculous in addressing financial constraints in social enterprises but the concept still could not get momentum. The present paper aims to address challenges that hinder the success of these exchanges. Social implications: The findings of the study could improve the functioning of these exchanges, thereby supporting the financing of enterprises aimed at socio-economic upliftment in the deprived sections.

“Living in the City, You Can End Up With the City Living in You”: Urban Struggles and Mental Health in Accra, Ghana

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the intersection of city life and mental health in Accra, Ghana. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews and focus group discussions, it explores how urban precarity, infrastructural violence, and uncertainty in a rapidly shifting world contribute to mental distress. The findings highlight that urban precarity, passive infrastructural violence, and individual identity—encompassing personality, available opportunities, navigation of these opportunities based on qualifications and support, and perceptions by others—are central to processes leading to mental unease or breakdown. By emphasizing local perspectives, this paper underscores the importance of understanding the unique links between urban living and mental health in African cities. It advocates for a multidisciplinary approach that bridges global frameworks with the sociopolitical and infrastructural realities of urban Africa, offering fresh insights into the mental health challenges faced by those living on the margins of what Peter Sloterdijk has called the Palais de cristal.

Ketogenic diet, adenosine, and dopamine in addiction and psychiatry.

Adhering to the ketogenic diet can reduce or stop seizures, even when other treatments fail, via mechanism(s) distinct from other available therapies. These results have led to interest in the diet for treating conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and schizophrenia. Evidence points to the neuromodulator adenosine as a key mechanism underlying therapeutic benefits of a ketogenic diet. Adenosine represents a unique and direct link among cell energy, neuronal activity, and gene expression, and adenosine receptors form functional heteromers with dopamine receptors. The importance of the dopaminergic system is established in addiction, as are the challenges of modulating the dopamine system directly. A mediator that could antagonize dopamine's effects would be useful, and adenosine is such a mediator due to its function and location. Studies report that the ketogenic diet improves cognition, sociability, and perseverative behaviors, and might improve depression. Many of the translational opportunities based on the ketogenic diet/adenosine link have come to the fore, including addiction, autism spectrum disorder, painful conditions, and a range of hyperdopaminergic disorders.

Tumor microenvironment and drug resistance in lung adenocarcinoma: molecular mechanisms, prognostic implications, and therapeutic strategies

The fight against lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is challenged by tumor microenvironment (TME)-mediated drug resistance, which limits effective treatment. This study examines the LUAD TME and identifies four distinct subtypes through multi-omics profiling: immune-rich, immune-exhausted, stromal-dominant, and TME-desert. Each subtype has unique molecular features, tumor diversity, and links to clinical outcomes. Immune-rich subtypes respond better to immune checkpoint inhibitors, while stromal-dominant and TME-desert subtypes show resistance to treatment and poor prognosis. Molecular analysis uncovers subtype-specific mutations, chromosomal instability, and altered signaling pathways, pointing to potential therapeutic targets. In silico drug screening identifies promising treatments for resistant subtypes. These findings, validated in independent cohorts, highlight the critical role of the TME in drug resistance and treatment response, providing insights for personalized treatment strategies in LUAD.

Activation of the conserved Hippo kinases by inflammasome-triggered proteolytic cleavage controls programmed cell death in macrophages

The mammalian Hippo kinases, MST1 and MST2, regulate organ development and suppress tumor formation by balancing cell proliferation and death. In macrophages, inflammasomes detect molecular patterns from invading pathogens or damaged host cells and trigger programmed cell death. In addition to lytic pyroptosis, the signatures associated with apoptosis are induced by inflammasome activation, but how the inflammasomes coordinate different cell death processes remains unclear. Here, we identify the crucial role of MST1/2 in inflammasome-triggered cell death. Macrophages proteolytically convert full-length MST1/2 into the MST1/2 N-terminal fragments (MST1/2-NT) when the NLRC4 inflammasome detects flagellin from the pathogenic bacterium, Legionella pneumophila. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by the damage-associated molecular pattern, extracellular ATP, also produces MST1/2-NT. Caspase-1, the protease activated by these inflammasomes, directly cleaves MST1/2, and blockage of caspase-1 inhibits MST1/2-NT production in macrophages challenged with L. pneumophila. Importantly, MST1/2-NT production is critical for macrophages to trigger a set of death processes associated with apoptosis upon inflammasome activation and knocking out Mst1/2 causes dysregulated gasdermin protein cleavage for pyroptotic death. Furthermore, macrophages lacking MST1/2 have increased susceptibility to virulent L. pneumophila, revealing that the Hippo kinases are important restriction factors against the pathogen. These findings demonstrate that proteolytic cleavage of MST1/2 induced by inflammatory stimuli is an immune pathway to regulate programmed cell death in macrophages and uncover a unique link between the tumor-suppressive Hippo kinases and the inflammasomes in innate immunity.

Human Health Surveillance During Animal Disease Emergencies: Minnesota Department of Health Response to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreaks, 2015 and 2022–2023

ABSTRACT Objectives Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses an occupational risk for poultry workers, responders, and others in contact with infected birds. The objective of this analysis was to describe HPAI surveillance methods and outcomes, and highlight the challenges, successes, and lessons learned during the Minnesota Department of Health’s (MDH’s) public health response to HPAI outbreaks in Minnesota poultry flocks in the years 2015 and 2022–2023. Methods During both outbreaks, MDH staff attempted to contact all potentially exposed people and conduct a standardized interview. People were considered exposed and at risk if they had entered a barn with poultry on any HPAI test-positive premises. With their consent, exposed persons were entered into illness monitoring until 10 days from their last exposure. In 2015, MDH monitored the health of poultry workers only. In the 2022–2023 response, MDH monitored the health of poultry workers, backyard flock owners, responders, and private contract workers. In 2022–2023, interview responses were entered into a REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture) database in real time, which automatically entered the person into monitoring if they consented. Through REDCap, they received an automated email with a unique link to a short survey asking about any symptom development. Where appropriate, interview responses from poultry workers collected in 2015 were compared to interview responses from poultry workers collected in 2022–2023. Results From March 3 to June 5, 2015, MDH epidemiologists interviewed and evaluated 375 (86%) of 435 poultry workers from 110 HPAI-infected flocks. From March 25, 2022 through December 31, 2023, MDH epidemiologists interviewed and evaluated 649 (65%) of 992 poultry workers, responders, contractors, and backyard flock owners associated with 151 HPAI-infected flocks. Among poultry workers, self-reported personal protective equipment (PPE) usage declined significantly from 2015 to 2022–2023 (full PPE usage 51.8% vs. 23.9%, p < .01). Conclusion MDH’s long standing relationships with animal health officials and the poultry industry resulted in strong poultry worker participation rates in surveillance efforts during HPAI outbreaks in 2015 and 2022–2023. Self-reported PPE usage was low, particularly in 2022–2023. Improvements in PPE accessibility and technology are needed to protect workers and responders in the on-going HPAI outbreak.

The role of early temperament on oral language development of New Zealand children speaking Mandarin or Cantonese.

This study investigated the role of temperament in oral language development in over 200 Mandarin and Cantonese speakers in the Growing Up in New Zealand pre-birth longitudinal cohort study. Mothers assessed infant temperament at nine months using a five-factor Infant Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised Very Short Form. They also reported on children's vocabulary and word combinations at age two using adapted MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory short forms. Regression analyses were employed to examine unique links between infant temperament and language, respectively, controlling for demographic factors. Fear was associated with larger English vocabularies for English-Mandarin speakers and larger Cantonese vocabularies for Cantonese speakers. Orienting capacity was associated with more advanced word combinations for Mandarin speakers, whereas negative emotionality was associated with less advanced word combinations for Cantonese speakers. Positive affect/surgency was associated with more advanced word combinations for English-Cantonese speakers. This study revealed predictive patterns of infant temperament across Chinese-speaking children's multiple languages.

Affect dynamics and depressive symptomatology: Revisiting the inertia-instability paradox.

The inertia-instability paradox poses an intriguing question in depression research: How can the affective experiences of depressed individuals demonstrate both resistance to change and fluctuation? Prior studies examining this paradox have faced limitations, including small sample sizes, analytic approaches prone to biased parameter estimates, and inconsistent results. Using data from 842 adults (Mage = 54.31, SD = 13.25, age range: 18-88; 58.2% female) collected over 56 consecutive days, we applied dynamic structural equation modeling to quantify individualized indices of mean levels, variability, instability, and inertia of negative affect. When adjusting for shared variances among affect dynamic measures, depressive symptoms were uniquely associated with both higher mean levels and inertia of negative affect. However, neither variability nor instability demonstrated unique links to depressive symptoms after accounting for the mean and inertia. Findings indicate that greater predictability in day-to-day negative affect is an important dynamic feature of depression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

It is a "small world": Relations between performance on five spatial tasks and five mathematical tasks in undergraduate students.

One of the most robust relations in cognition is that between spatial and mathematical reasoning. One important question is whether this relation is domain general or if specific relations exist between performance on different types of spatial tasks and performance on different types of mathematical tasks. In this study, we explore unique relations between performance on five spatial tasks and five mathematical tasks. An exploratory factor analysis conducted on Data Set 1 (N = 391) yielded a two-factor model, one spatial factor and one mathematical factor with significant cross-domain factor loadings. The general two-factor model structure was replicated in a confirmatory factor analysis conducted in a separate data set (N = 364) but the strength of the factor loadings differed by task. Multidimensional scaling and network-based analyses conducted on the combined data sets reveal one spatial cluster, with a central node and one more tightly interconnected mathematical cluster. Both clusters were interconnected via the math task assessing geometry and spatial sense. The unique links identified with the network-based analysis are representative of a "small-world network." These results have theoretical implications for our understanding of the spatial-mathematical relation and practical implications for our understanding of the limitations of transfer between spatial training paradigms and mathematical tasks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Associations Between Vestibular Perception and Cognitive Performance in Healthy Adults.

A growing body of evidence has linked vestibular function to the higher-order cognitive ability in aging individuals. Past evidence has suggested unique links between vestibular function and cognition on the basis of end-organ involvement (i.e., otoliths versus canals). However, past studies have only assessed vestibular reflexes despite the diversity of vestibular pathways. Thus, this exploratory study aimed to assess associations between vestibular perception and cognition in aging adults to determine potential relationships. Fifty adults (21 to 84 years; mean = 52.9, SD = 19.8) were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants completed a vestibular perceptual threshold test battery designed to target perception predominantly mediated by each end-organ pair and intra-vestibular integration: 1 Hz y -translation (utricle), 1 Hz z -translation (saccule), 2 Hz yaw rotation (horizontal canals), 2 Hz right anterior, left posterior (RALP), and left anterior, right posterior (LARP) tilts (vertical canals), and 0.5 Hz roll tilt (canal-otolith integration). Participants also completed standard assessments of cognition and path integration: Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Trail Making Test (TMT), and the Gait Disorientation Test (GDT). Associations were assessed using Spearman rank correlation, and multivariable regression analyses. For correlation analyses, DSST correlated to RALP/LARP tilt, roll tilt, and z -translation. TMT-A only correlated to z -translation, and TMT-B correlated to roll tilt and z -translation after correcting for multiple comparisons. GDT correlated to RALP/LARP tilt and y -translation. In age-adjusted regression analyses, DSST and TMT-B were associated with z -translation thresholds and GDT was associated with y -translation thresholds. In this cross-sectional study, we identified associations between vestibular perceptual thresholds with otolith contributions and standard measures of cognition. These results are in line with past results suggesting unique associations between otolith function and cognitive performance.

Effect of “Egyptian Acute Seizure Management Guidelines” Education on Emergency Room Pediatricians

Abstract Background Acute convulsive seizure in children is the most terrifying experience to parents. Status epilepticus can be life threatening in children if not early and properly managed. There are no unified management guidelines for childhood acute seizure management in Egypt. The Egyptian acute seizure management in children's guidelines provides a framework for diagnosing and caring for children experiencing an acute convulsion, which is intended to assist health care providers Aim of the Work To assess pediatricians’ knowledge about acute seizure management in emergency department, and to evaluate the effect of education on their knowledge. Methods The current study is an interventional study, on physicians treating children with acute seizures in emergency departments, from August 2022 to May 2023, an online survey was prepared by the authors according to the “Egyptian acute seizure management in children’s guidelines”, then 3 electronic forms were designed online using Research Data Capture Software (REDCap). In the first form (pre-intervention phase) The public link is one link sent through whatsApp groups for pediatricians or general practitioner; containing their personal data and questions assessing their knowledge about acute seizure management in children, two hundred and twenty three pediatrician responded to it. The second form (intervention phase) educational materials (a PDF file contains the guidelines and educational video) sent automatically after the participant finished and submitted the pretest. One week later (post intervention phase) unique link was sent for each participant to his e-mail. Each participant initial (pre-test) and final (post-test) answers were analyzed for the level of knowledge and stratified into Poor ≤50%, 50-75% Fair and ≥ 75% good according to his/her correct answers. Results In the pre-intervention phase, the majority of the participants (66.8%) had poor knowledge about pediatric acute seizure management. Females were found to have lower knowledge levels than males. In the post-intervention phase of the study, the majority of participants (70%) who completed the post-intervention phase had good knowledge level (75%) and the rest (25%) had fair knowledge level. Conclusion We concluded that education to enhance healthcare providers' knowledge about acute pediatric seizure management is mandatory. The study's findings imply that focused education can significantly raise knowledge levels aiming at raising the standard of care given to children with acute seizures in the ER.

The Central Role of Oxo Clusters in Zirconium-Based Esterification Catalysis.

Oxo clusters are a unique link between oxide nanocrystals and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), representing the limit of downscaling each of the respective crystals. Herein, the superior catalytic activity of clusters, compared to zirconium MOF UiO-66 and nanocrystals is shown. Focus is on esterification reactions given their general importance in consumer products and the challenge of converting large substrates. Oxo clusters have a higher surface-to-volume ratio than nanocrystals, rendering them more active. For large substrates, for example, oleic acid, MOF UiO-66 has negligible catalytic activity while clusters provide almost quantitative conversion, a fact we ascribe to limited diffusion of large substrates through the MOF pores. Clusters do not suffer from limited mass transfer and we also obtain high conversion in solvent-free reactions with sterically hindered alcohols (hexanol, 2-ethyl hexanol, benzyl alcohol, and neopentyl alcohol). The cluster catalyst can be recovered and shows identical activity when reused. The structural integrity of the cluster is confirmed using X-ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis. Moreover, when homogeneous zirconium alkoxides are used as catalysts, the same oxo cluster is retrieved, showing that oxo clusters are the active catalytic species, even in previously assumed homogeneously catalyzed reactions.

Abstract B084: Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Create Equity in Prostate Cancer Outcomes through Identifying Community Priorities in Early Detection Research

Abstract Introduction: Black individuals have a two-fold higher rate of prostate cancer death in the US compared with other groups. This is the largest racial inequity in US cancer-related deaths. Annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing among Black individuals starting at age 45 years could reduce mortality by 30% compared with current screening practices. Few current practice guidelines make race-conscious screening recommendations due to a lack of trial data on screening in Black populations; only 0-3% of participants in practice-informing PSA screening trial cohorts were Black. An equity-informed approach is required to ensure that trial designs reflect the priorities and perspectives of Black individuals to ensure their participation in future research. Methods: We partnered with the Black and African-descent Collaborative for Prostate Cancer ACtion (BACPAC) to conduct a survey to identify community priorities in prostate cancer early detection research. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of 15 research topics, then select the three topics most critical for research. Members of the BACPAC Virtual Research Community (VRC), a nationally representative group of 2,016 Black prostate cancer survivors and community members, were invited to participate. Eligible members were Black prostate cancer survivors and family members/caregivers of Black prostate cancer survivors. Those who met the inclusion criteria were emailed a unique link to complete the online survey. Results: 1,557 eligible VRC members received a survey link, 1,224 surveys were completed (78.6% response rate). 60% of respondents were survivors, 38% were family members/caregivers, and 2% were both. More than 80% of respondents rated each of the 15 research topics as moderately to very important. Topic rankings revealed two overarching priority areas, representing 6 out of 15 topics included in the survey. These areas were 1) the use of reflex testing in the setting of elevated PSA to aid detection of clinically significant cancer and 2) establishing optimal timing for initiation or interval of PSA testing for prostate cancer screening. Regarding use of reflex testing, 97.7% of respondents prioritized blood (44.3%), urine (27.8%), or MRI (25.6%) reflex testing. Regarding timing of PSA testing, 51.5% of respondents prioritized customized screening schedules based on personal risk factors, with 24.9% selecting to improve rates of screening and 26.6% selecting to improve detection of clinically significant cancers, and 25% of respondents prioritized initiating screening at age 45 to improve early detection of prostate cancer. Conclusion: Our survey identified critical research topics that are of high importance to Black prostate cancer survivors and their families/caregivers. Our findings bridge a critical gap in prostate cancer early detection research, from which Black individuals have been historically excluded. Involving Black prostate cancer survivors in research design may help ensure that Black individuals are better represented in future clinical trials. Citation Format: Jenney R. Lee, Sung Min Kim, Erika M. Wolff, Yohali Burrola-Mendez, Dante' Morehead, Ben Young, Raymond Miller, Robert Ginyard, Frank Fields, Marty Chakoian, Patrick Bingham, Daniel VanArsdale, Mike Crosby, Tony Minter, Thomas Farrington, John Masembe, Burcu Darst, Ruth Etzioni, Adam Murphy, Sam L Washington, Jonathan Shoag, Yaw A Nyame. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement to Create Equity in Prostate Cancer Outcomes through Identifying Community Priorities in Early Detection Research [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B084.

Automating thresholds in probabilistic linkage

ObjectiveThe Office for National Statistics aim is to create a platform containing a variety of datasets interlinked via data spines. The resource burden linking this many datasets is high, and so research to maximise automation is a key aim of the platform’s methodology. Probabilistic linkage is a standard linkage technique that utilises clerical resolution – a very costly process – to find acceptance threshold parameters. Here, we present research into automating threshold assignment. Every admin dataset is different, causing the probabilistically matched pairs scores to change, a set threshold cannot be used. Instead, a data-informed threshold must be set. ApproachA gold standard linked dataset was linked through Fellegi-Sunter, stopping at the point of finding the probabilistic threshold. To find the threshold, graphs plotting the number of records at each rounded score were created and reviewed, specifically looking at the spread of gold standard links, deterministic links, unique and non-unique probabilistic links. This review suggested a method of threshold assignment that provides multiple quality levels: a high-precision threshold, and a high-recall threshold. This presentation will showcase these graphs and explain how the two thresholds are calculated. The 2021 Census is one dataset linked within the gold standard linked dataset. The 2021 Census has high quality and relatively clean data, but is likely not representative of administrative data needed in the data platform. Therefore, next steps are testing this method on other datasets with a variety of quality, characteristics, and types.

The gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating: Replication and extension of the model to explain intuitive eating facets among young adult women in China

The gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating: Replication and extension of the model to explain intuitive eating facets among young adult women in China

Facebook Groups for Multiracial People: A Latent Profile Analysis Reveals Unique User Subtypes and Links with Depressive Symptoms.

Social media (SM) groups can connect users to similar others and may be particularly valuable for marginalized populations who lack support in their offline lives. Prior research highlights substantial heterogeneity in users' engagement with and experience in SM groups, which may relate to social and emotional health in important ways. The current study used a cross-sectional survey of users of Facebook groups for multiracial people (N = 424) to identify user profiles and test how profiles relate to depressive symptoms and global sense of belonging. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles: (1) casual users (62% of users), who engaged more passively yet experienced moderate levels of belonging in the group; (2) invested users (21%), who reported high active participation, self-disclosure, belonging, and perceived similarity; and (3) dissatisfied users (17%), who reported moderate active and passive use and self-disclosure, yet low belonging and high negative experiences. Invested users reported significantly greater depressive symptoms compared to dissatisfied users (d = .46) and significantly lower global belonging compared to casual users (d = - .33). Men were more likely to be dissatisfied users, and LGBTQIA + individuals were more likely to be invested users. Findings support the social compensation hypothesis of SM use and the importance of considering gender and sexual orientation in the realm of online group participation. Although further research is needed to clarify causal pathways, findings suggest the potential value of SM groups as a source of connection and support for those who are distressed or lack access to offline support.

Relationship between facet joint osteoarthritis and lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy: a cross-sectional study.

The paraspinal muscles play an essential role in the stabilization of the lumbar spine. Lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy has been linked to chronic back pain and degenerative processes within the spinal motion segment. However, the relationship between the different paraspinal muscle groups and facet joint osteoarthritis (FJOA) has not been fully explored. In this cross-sectional study, the authors analyzed adult patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery between December 2014 and March 2023 for degenerative spinal conditions and had preoperative MRI and CT scans. The fatty infiltration (FI) and functional cross-sectional area (fCSA) of the psoas, erector spinae, and multifidus muscles were assessed on axial T2-weighted MR images at the level of the upper endplate of L4 based on established studies and calculated using custom-made software. Intervertebral disc degeneration at each lumbar level was evaluated using the Pfirrmann grading system. The grades from each level were summed to report the cumulative lumbar Pfirrmann grade. Weishaupt classification (0-3) was used to assess FJOA at all lumbar levels (L1 to S1) on preoperative CT scans. The total lumbar FJOA score was determined by adding the Weishaupt grades of both sides at all 5 levels. Correlation and linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between FJOA and paraspinal muscle parameters. A total of 225 patients (49.7% female) with a median age of 61 (IQR 54-70) years and a median BMI of 28.3 (IQR 25.1-33.1) kg/m2 were included. After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, and the cumulative lumbar Pfirrmann grade, only multifidus muscle fCSA (estimate -4.69, 95% CI -6.91 to -2.46; p < 0.001) and FI (estimate 0.64, 95% CI 0.33-0.94; p < 0.001) were independently predicted by the total FJOA score. A similar relation was seen with individual Weishaupt grades of each lumbar level after controlling for age, sex, BMI, and the Pfirrmann grade of the corresponding level. Atrophy of the multifidus muscle is significantly associated with FJOA in the lumbar spine. The absence of such correlation for the erector spinae and psoas muscles highlights the unique link between multifidus muscle quality and the degeneration of the spinal motion segment. Further research is necessary to establish the causal link and the clinical implications of these findings.

Affective and cognitive factors associated with Chinese and Italian children’s arithmetic performance

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the cognitive and affective factors associated with cross-cultural differences in arithmetic tasks.MethodsA total of 404 third- and fourth- graders were recruited from China and Italy to complete exact arithmetic, arithmetic estimation and cognitive tasks (i.e., short-term memory, executive functions, and fluid reasoning). Their mathematical anxiety was also measured.ResultsThe results showed that Chinese children performed better than Italian children in both arithmetic tasks and in shifting task. Italian children performed better in visuospatial updating task and reported higher levels of mathematical anxiety than their Chinese peers. Multi-group path analyses showed that the patterns of relations among cognitive factors (i.e., short-term memory, inhibition and shifting), mathematical anxiety, and arithmetic performance were similar across groups. The only exception was that visuospatial updating uniquely predicted arithmetic estimation for Chinese but not for Italian children.ConclusionsChinese children outperformed their Italian peers in the exact arithmetic task, likely due to the greater emphasis on arithmetic fluency in Chinese mathematics education, both in schools and at home. They also had a slight advantage than Italian peers in the arithmetic estimation task. The unique link between updating and arithmetic estimation found in Chinese children but not Italian children suggests that, although arithmetic estimation is not emphasized in the curricula of either country, instruction and practice in exact arithmetic may enhance Chinese children’s efficiency in solving arithmetic estimation problems.

Lipidomic scanning of self-lipids identifies headless antigens for natural killer T cells

To broadly measure the spectrum of cellular self-antigens for natural killer T cells (NKT), we developed a sensitive lipidomics system to analyze lipids trapped between CD1d and NKT T cell receptors (TCRs). We captured diverse antigen complexes formed in cells from natural endogenous lipids, with or without inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. After separating protein complexes with no, low, or high CD1d-TCR interaction, we eluted lipids to establish the spectrum of self-lipids that facilitate this interaction. Although this unbiased approach identified fifteen molecules, they clustered into only two related groups: previously known phospholipid antigens and unexpected neutral lipid antigens. Mass spectrometry studies identified the neutral lipids as ceramides, deoxyceramides, and diacylglycerols, which can be considered headless lipids because they lack polar headgroups that usually form the TCR epitope. The crystal structure of the TCR-ceramide-CD1d complex showed how the missing headgroup allowed the TCR to predominantly contact CD1d, supporting a model of CD1d autoreactivity. Ceramide and related headless antigens mediated physiological TCR binding affinity, weak NKT cell responses, and tetramer binding to polyclonal human and mouse NKT cells. Ceramide and sphingomyelin are oppositely regulated components of the "sphingomyelin cycle" that are altered during apoptosis, transformation, and ER stress. Thus, the unique molecular link of ceramide to NKT cell response, along with the recent identification of sphingomyelin blockers of NKT cell activation, provide two mutually reinforcing links for NKT cell response to sterile cellular stress conditions.