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Tailoring cardiovascular risk prediction to females
Get PDFAtherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in females worldwide. In this review, we provide insights into how sex differences may affect traditional risk factors associated with ASCVD, and give an overview of non-traditional risk factors that have the potential to enhance cardiovascular risk prediction in females. We review clinically applied cardiovascular risk estimation systems discussing the integration of promising risk factors within these systems. We also explore the role of novel approaches and future directions to refine primary prevention of ASCVD in females. The development of ASCVD varies by sex and age, therefore cardiovascular risk estimation systems should incorporate both sex and age interactions with risk factors to improve ASCVD risk estimates. As the incidence of non-ASCVD (such as heart failure and arrhythmias) in females continue to rise, it is crucial to adopt a more holistic approach to risk assessment that extends beyond ASCVD outcomes. This review highlights the need for further studies on female-prevalent diseases and female-specific factors that may refine cardiovascular risk estimation in young females. Raising awareness is crucial to ensure studies include individuals from deprived areas and ethnic minorities, as more insights on the intersection between sex and social determinants of health will enhance understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ASCVD risk prevention in females. And finally, taking steps to improve and standardise data of female-specific risk factors throughout a female's life course could improve preventive cardiovascular care for females
Investigating age-related differences in semantic control mechanisms involved in creative cognition
Get PDFCreative thinking is a complex higher-order ability that draws on multiple cognitive systems. However, the contribution of specific semantic control processes to creativity remains unclear. The current study had two goals: First, we investigated how individual differences in semantic knowledge and control contribute to divergent and convergent styles of creative thinking, beyond the involvement of domain-general executive functions. Second, we explored whether there were age-related differences in semantic and executive abilities, and if these differences influenced the ability to think creatively. Specifically, we examined the role of the two components of semantic control: controlled retrieval and semantic selection. In our study, 63 younger adults and 64 older adults completed semantic, executive, and creative thinking measures. Younger adults demonstrated better executive functioning, while older adults exhibited superior semantic knowledge, controlled retrieval, and convergent thinking abilities. Crucially, there were no age differences across several divergent thinking metrics: automated originality scoring, human ratings or uniqueness. Regression analyses indicated that semantic knowledge and updating executive ability influenced convergent thinking abilities across both age groups. In contrast, semantic control abilities were predictive of divergent thinking skills, but only in the younger group. Our results emphasize the key role of the semantic system in creative thought, and, critically, indicate that divergent and convergent thinking may rely on different aspects of semantic cognition. Moreover, the recruitment of these abilities varies across the lifespan, in line with increased knowledge reserves and declines in executive control seen in older adults
100 Years of Penaeid Domestication and Meta-Analysis of Breeding Traits
Get PDFPenaeid shrimp farming plays a pivotal role in ensuring future food security and promoting economic sustainability. Compared with the extensive long history of domestication observed in terrestrial agriculture species, the domestication and selective breeding of penaeids are relatively recent endeavors. Selective breeding aimed at improving production traits holds significant promise for enhancing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of shrimp farming, thereby contributing to its long-term sustainability. Assessing genotype-by-environment interactions is essential in breeding programs to ensure that improved penaeid shrimp strains perform consistently across different production environments, with genomic selection offers significant advantages over traditional pedigree-based selection in breeding programs. Precision genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 offer significant potential to accelerate genetic gains in penaeid shrimp by enabling rapid introduction of desired genetic changes to enhance production efficiency, improve disease resistance, and reduce environmental impacts. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is being leveraged to streamline phenotyping and enhance decision-making in shrimp breeding and farming, improving efficiency and accuracy in managing traits and predicting disease outbreaks. Herein, this manuscript provides an overview and update of penaeid shrimp domestication, including the current status for principal farmed species, key historical milestones, targeted breeding traits in selective breeding programs, the advantages of integrating genomic selection for enhancing production traits, and future directions for selective breeding of penaeid shrimp.</p
Peri-atrial adipose tissue inflammation in atrial fibrillation: quantification of electrophysiological effects using electroanatomic mapping
Get PDFBackgroundPeri-atrial adipose tissue is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). Increased peri-atrial adipose volume and attenuation, detected by cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA), have been observed in patients with AF. However, the electrophysiological correlates of both peri-atrial adipose tissue volume and attenuation are unknown.ObjectivesThis study sought to investigate the spatial relationship between peri-atrial adipose tissue, peri-atrial adipose tissue attenuation, and atrial electrophysiological remodeling.MethodsCardiac CTA was performed in 37 control subjects and 44 patients with AF. Left atrial bipolar voltage and conduction velocity were co-registered with cardiac CTA–derived peri-atrial adipose tissue segmentations. Mean adipose tissue volume and attenuation were compared with local voltage and conduction velocity measurements.ResultsPeri-atrial adipose tissue volume was greater in patients with AF (20.9 cm3 vs 14.2 cm3; adjusted odds ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.24), independent of left atrial volume indexed to body mass index, left atrial mass, age, sex, sleep apnea, and coronary heart disease. In patients with AF, areas with the highest burden of peri-atrial adipose tissue had lower voltage (1.75 ± 1.72 mV vs 2.11 ± 2.02 mV; P < 0.001) and conduction velocity (0.627 ± 0.55 ms–1 vs 0.683 ± 0.48 ms–1; P < 0.001), compared with areas with the lowest burden of peri-atrial adipose tissue. Mean peri-atrial adipose tissue attenuation was similar in both groups. In patients with AF, low peri-atrial adipose tissue attenuation was weakly correlated with reduced bipolar voltage (1.69 ± 1.68 mV vs 2.16 ± 2.07 mV; P < 0.001) and conduction velocity (0.615 ± 0.47 ms–1 vs 0.684 ± 0.43 ms–1; P < 0.001).ConclusionsPeri-atrial adipose tissue volume was greater in patients with AF. Increased peri-atrial adipose tissue burden and reduced attenuation were spatially but weakly correlated with adverse electrophysiological remodeling in patients with AF
Qualitative interview study exploring Maltese veterinarians' practice of behavioural medicine
Get PDFBACKGROUND: Veterinary behavioural medicine (VBM) is an emerging discipline, and behavioural support offered by veterinarians has been shown to positively impact One Welfare. However, the practice of VBM by veterinarians is reportedly limited. Research in this field is scant and predominantly quantitative in nature. This qualitative study aimed to explore the attitudes of small animal veterinarians in Malta towards VBM and canine mental health, their practice of VBM and any related barriers.METHODS: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted, and a template analysis approach was applied to the collected data.RESULTS: Eleven Malta-based veterinarians were interviewed. Their responses suggest a positive regard towards canine mental health, with opportunities for improvement in VBM practice. Potential barriers to the practice of VBM included knowledge gaps, time constraints, difficulties in communicating with clients, limited availability of trusted behavioural service providers (BSPs), challenges in establishing effective working relationships with BSPs and lack of BSP regulation.LIMITATIONS: The generalisability of the findings is limited due to the nature of the study, and recruitment bias was possible.CONCLUSION: This study highlights avenues for changes in veterinary practices that could positively impact One Welfare. Improving veterinary knowledge of VBM and regulating BSPs are suggested as key factors in achieving this goal.</p
Effect of idiosyncratic and relevant focus of attention strategies in explosive strength tasks:An exploratory study
Get PDFPurpose: Focus of attention (FOA) research typically supports an external focus (EF) over internal focus (IF) for motor learning and performance. However, task-specific factors, such as athletes’ techniques and training goals, may influence FOA efficacy. This study compared the effects of FOA strategies—Idiosyncratic Core Component (ICC), EF, and IF—on explosive isometric back squats (EIBS) and squat jumps (SJ) in skilled basketball athletes. Methods: Eighteen elite basketball players performed three trials of EIBS and SJ under each FOA condition. Force peak (Fp), impulse (Im), and mean rate of force development (mRFD) were assessed using a force plate. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived emotional state (PES) were also recorded. Results: ICC significantly enhanced mRFD during EIBS compared to EF (p = .014) and IF (p = .015), with no difference between EF and IF. FOA did not significantly affect Fp or Im during EIBS. In SJ, FOA strategies had no significant effects on mRFD, Fp, or Im. RPE and PES scores remained consistent across conditions. Conclusions: ICC improved explosive strength during EIBS, highlighting the benefit of individualized FOA strategies for tasks >200 ms in duration. However, FOA showed limited impact on SJ performance metrics, possibly due to the task’s shorter duration. Strength and conditioning coaches should tailor FOA strategies to specific tasks and outcomes, using ICC to optimize explosive strength in longer-duration tasks
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis on water poverty in Scotland:A lived-experience analysis
Get PDFDuring the ongoing ‘cost-of-living (CoL) crisis’, households have faced increased household expenses, including water bills, which will hinder efforts towards tackling water poverty. Using a quota-based online panel survey (n = 726), we aimed to quantify the impact of the CoL crisis on water poverty in Scotland. Using lived experience rather than the typical income-based approach, we found that age and household income were significant predictors of water poverty, with younger respondents being more likely to struggle, contrary to conventional wisdom. We argue for the involvement of people with lived experience, government financial support and better targeting of that support.</p
“Close enough to speak; distant enough to learn?” A critique of the entrepreneurial ecosystem metaphor
Get PDFOver the past decade, publications about the ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem’ (EE) have increased. EE promotes entrepreneurship-based innovation, value creation, and economic development. It emphasises the role of human agents, mainly entrepreneurs, and their interconnected actions within complex adaptive networks. This paper builds on previous critiques of the ecosystem metaphor and its flawed application to entrepreneurship (Mars et al., 2012; Pickett and Cadenasso in Ecosystems, 5:1–10, 2002; Krivý in Digit Geograph Soc, 5:100057, 2023; Kuckertz in J Bus Ventur Insights, 11:1–7, 2019; Harrison and Rocha, in: Huggins, Kitagawa, Prokop, Theodoraki, Thompson (eds) Entrepreneurial ecosystems in cities and regions: emergence, evolution, future, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2024). At best, the EE is a weak and inappropriate metaphor, offering limited value as an analytical tool. This analysis lays the groundwork for a critical perspective on future research regarding entrepreneurial ecosystems. This should focus on a paradigm of ‘closing down’—setting clear boundaries, reducing ambiguity, and examining what can and cannot be transferred from the source metaphor (ecosystem) to the target domain (place-specific entrepreneurship-led economic development).</p
Recurrent de novo variants in the spliceosomal factor CRNKL1 are associated with severe microcephaly and pontocerebellar hypoplasia with seizures
Get PDFSplicing is a complex process, required to create the transcriptomic diversity needed for specialised functions in higher eukaryotes. The spliceosome contains more than 100 proteins and RNA molecules which coordinate this dynamic process. Despite the ubiquity of splicing, pathogenic variants in spliceosomal components often cause a tissue-specific phenotype, hinting at further complexities which are not yet fully understood. We have identified a cohort of ten families with de novo missense variants in a spliceosomal component, CRNKL1, where nine individuals harbour one of two missense variants that both affect the same amino acid, p.Arg267. All affected individuals share a common and specific phenotype: profound pre- and post-natal microcephaly, with pontocerebellar hypoplasia, seizures and severe intellectual disability. Microinjection of mRNA encoding mutant Crnkl1 into a zebrafish model caused severe lack of brain development accompanied by a significant reduction in proliferating cells and widespread cellular stress, as indicated by p53 staining. RNA-seq analysis of injected zebrafish embryos showed broad transcriptomic changes, with altered expression of neuronal and cell cycle genes. Together, we have identified CRNKL1 as a disease-associated gene and demonstrate the requirement for this protein in brain development. Our findings contribute to a growing disease cluster, where associated components act at the same spliceosomal stage and cause a severe neurological phenotype, suggesting a more intricate role for these spliceosomal subcomplexes than previously thought
Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy
Get PDFTemperate coastal marine ecosystems have undergone severe global loss and degradation. We provide a framework for considering ecological connectivity in marine systems and evidence for ecological connectivity across temperate coastal seascapes, developed through expert consensus and structured review. We demonstrate that ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services require the existence of a healthy mosaic of coastal habitats, maintained by the exchanges of matter and energy between them. We advocate a seascape approach, that restores connectivity and optimal structure-function relationships, is crucial for successful ecosystem restoration. Consequently, we provide recommendations to deliver seascape restoration of coastal habitats to support the targets set by the 2021-30 UN Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of coastal ecosystems has implications for policy. We identify opportunities and actions to support nature recovery and integrate policy frameworks across climate and biodiversity agendas to achieve international goals for planetary resilience
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