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BackgroundSphingolipids are components of cell membrane structure, but also circulate in serum and are essential mediators of many cellular functions. While ceramides have been proposed previously as a useful biomarker for cardiometabolic disease, the involvement of other sphingolipids is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between blood sphingolipidomic profiles and metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as other atherosclerotic risk factors in a large population-based study in the U.S.MethodsClinical data and serum sphingolipidomic profiling from 2,063 subjects who participated in the biomarker project of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study were used.ResultsConsistent with previous reports, we found a positive association between most ceramide levels and obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, impaired glucose metabolism, and MetS prevalence. In contrast, most simple β-glycosphingolipids (i.e., hexosylceramides and lactosylceramides) were inversely associated with dysmetabolic biomarkers. However, this latter sphingolipid class showed a positive link with inflammatory and vascular damage-associated biomarkers in subjects with MetS. Through metabolic network analysis, we found that the relationship between ceramides and simple β-glycosphingolipids differed significantly not only according to MetS status, but also with respect to the participants' C-reactive protein levels.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a comprehensive sphingolipid profile is more informative about MetS than ceramides alone, and it may reveal new insights into the pathophysiology and further diabetic vs. cardiovascular risk in patients with MetS.

Envisioning the future of positive psychology (PP) requires looking at its past. To that end, I first review prior critiques of PP to underscore that certain early problems have persisted over time. I then selectively examine recent research to illustrate progress in certain areas as well as draw attention to recurrent problems. Key among them is promulgation of poorly constructed measures of well-being and reliance on homogeneous, privileged research samples. Another concern is the commercialization of PP, which points to the need for greater oversight and quality control in profit-seeking endeavors. Looking ahead, I advocate for future science tied to contemporary challenges, particularly ever-widening inequality and the pandemic. These constitute intersecting catastrophes that need scientific attention. Such problems bring into focus “neglected negatives” that may be fueling current difficulties, including greed, indifference, and stupidity. Anger, which defies easy characterization as positive or negative, also warrants greater scientific study. Going forward I advocate for greater study of domains that likely nurture good lives and just societies – namely, participation in the arts and encounters with nature, both currently under study. Overall, my entreaty to PP is to reckon with persistent problems from its past, while striving toward a future that is societally relevant and virtuous.

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-jah-10.1177_08982643211046820 for The Association of Psychological Well-Being With Sensory and Cognitive Function and Neuronal Health in Aging Adults by Natascha Merten, Aaron Alex Pinto, Adam J Paulsen, Yanjun Chen, Lauren K Dillard, Mary E Fischer Carol D Ryff, Carla R Schubert and Karen J Cruickshanks in Journal of Aging and Health

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-jah-10.1177_08982643211046820 for The Association of Psychological Well-Being With Sensory and Cognitive Function and Neuronal Health in Aging Adults by Natascha Merten, Aaron Alex Pinto, Adam J Paulsen, Yanjun Chen, Lauren K Dillard, Mary E Fischer Carol D Ryff, Carla R Schubert and Karen J Cruickshanks in Journal of Aging and Health

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-jah-10.1177_08982643211018552 for Who Returns? Understanding Varieties of Longitudinal Participation in MIDUS by Jieun Song, Barry T. Radler, Margie E. Lachman, Marsha R. Mailick, Yajuan Si and Carol D. Ryff in Journal of Aging and Health

Supplemental Material, sj-pdf-1-ahp-10.1177_08901171211038545 for Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach by Eric S. Kim, Ying Chen, Julia S. Nakamura, Carol D. Ryff and Tyler J. VanderWeele in American Journal of Health Promotion

Supplemental material, Choi_Online_Appendix for A Cultural Perspective on Functional Limitations and Well-Being by Jeong Ha Choi, Yuri Miyamoto and Carol D. Ryff in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

Supplemental material, ADL.WB_Supplementary_Rev4 for A Cultural Perspective on Functional Limitations and Well-Being by Jeong Ha Choi, Yuri Miyamoto and Carol D. Ryff in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

Supplemental material, Sommerfeldt_SupplementalResults for Individual Differences in the Association Between Subjective Stress and Heart Rate Are Related to Psychological and Physical Well-Being by Sasha L. Sommerfeldt, Stacey M. Schaefer, Markus Brauer, Carol D. Ryff and Richard J. Davidson in Psychological Science

Supplemental material, SommerfeldtOpenPracticesDisclosure_rev for Individual Differences in the Association Between Subjective Stress and Heart Rate Are Related to Psychological and Physical Well-Being by Sasha L. Sommerfeldt, Stacey M. Schaefer, Markus Brauer, Carol D. Ryff and Richard J. Davidson in Psychological Science