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Journal of Behavioral Addictions Jun 2023Sports betting has increased markedly in recent years, in part due to legislative changes and the introduction of novel forms of sports betting (e.g., in-play betting)....
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Sports betting has increased markedly in recent years, in part due to legislative changes and the introduction of novel forms of sports betting (e.g., in-play betting). Some evidence suggests that in-play betting is more harmful than other types of sports betting (i.e., traditional and single-event). However, existing research on in-play sports betting has been limited in scope. To address this gap, the present study examined the extent to which demographic, psychological, and gambling-related constructs (e.g., harms) are endorsed by in-play sports bettors relative to single-event and traditional sports bettors.
METHODS
Sports bettors (N = 920) aged 18+ from Ontario, Canada completed an online survey containing self-report measures of demographic, psychological, and gambling-related variables. Participants were classified as either in-play (n = 223), single-event (n = 533), or traditional bettors (n = 164) based on their sports betting engagement.
RESULTS
In-play sports bettors reported higher problem gambling severity, endorsed greater gambling-related harms across several domains, and reported greater mental health and substance use difficulties compared to single-event and traditional sports bettors. There were generally no differences between single-event and traditional sports bettors.
DISCUSSION
Results provide empirical support for the potential harms associated with in-play sports betting and inform our understanding of who may be at risk for increased harms associated with in-play betting.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings may be important for the development of public health and responsible gambling initiatives to reduce the potential harms of in-play betting, particularly as many jurisdictions globally move towards legalization of sports betting.
Topics: Humans; Gambling; Sports; Surveys and Questionnaires; Self Report; Demography
PubMed: 37335776
DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00030 -
Asia-Pacific Psychiatry : Official... Jun 2021The objective of this study was to explore the gender differences of community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia in terms of socio-demographics, clinical...
INTRODUCTION
The objective of this study was to explore the gender differences of community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia in terms of socio-demographics, clinical characteristic and quality of life (QOL).
METHODS
A total of 433 community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia were recruited in Shenzhen city, China. Data were obtained from a face-to-face interview with standard research questionnaire. The QOL and insight were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF and the Chinese version of the insight and treatment attitude questionnaire, respectively.
RESULTS
This cross-sectional study included 206 male and 227 female patients. Male patients were more likely to be educated, employed, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, and have an early age of illness onset. In contrast, female patients were more likely to be married/cohabitating and have drug side effects. There was no significant difference between genders across all QOL domain. Multiple regression analyzes showed that mental symptoms were negatively associated with all QOL domains, whereas frequency of exercise in the past year was positively associated with all QOL domains. Higher education levels, household per capita annual income in past year (≥100 000 RMB), employment status, IATQ score, drug side effects, marital status, and number of hospitalization were also significantly associated with specific QOL domains.
DISCUSSION
There was significant gender difference in socio-demographics and clinical characteristics among community schizophrenia patients in Shenzhen city. Gender-specific intervention measures are needed to improve the functioning and QOL in patients with schizophrenia.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Quality of Life; Schizophrenia; Sex Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 33327044
DOI: 10.1111/appy.12446 -
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal... Jan 2021Population matters. Demographic patterns are both a cause and a consequence of human behaviour in other important domains, such as subsistence, cooperation, politics and... (Review)
Review
Population matters. Demographic patterns are both a cause and a consequence of human behaviour in other important domains, such as subsistence, cooperation, politics and culture. Demographers interested in contemporary and recent historical populations have rich data at their fingertips; the importance of demography means many interested parties have gathered demographic data, much of which is now readily available for all to explore. Those interested in the demography of the distant past are not so fortunate, given the lack of written records. Nevertheless, the emergence in recent years of a new interest in the demography of ancient populations has seen the development of a range of new methods for piecing together archaeological, skeletal and DNA evidence to reconstruct past population patterns. These efforts have found evidence in support of the view that the relatively low long-term population growth rates of prehistoric human populations, albeit ultimately conditioned by carrying capacities, may have been owing to 'boom-bust' cycles at the regional level; rapid population growth, followed by population decline. In fact, this archaeological research may have come to the same conclusion as some contemporary demographers: that demography can be remarkably hard to predict, at least in the short term. It also fits with evidence from biology that primates, and particularly humans, may be adapted to environmental variability, leading to associated demographic stochasticity. This evidence of the fluctuating nature of human demographic patterns may be of considerable significance in understanding our species' evolution, and of understanding what our species future demographic trajectories might be. This article is part of the theme issue 'Cross-disciplinary approaches to prehistoric demography'.
Topics: Archaeology; Demography; Humans; Life History Traits; Population Dynamics; Population Growth
PubMed: 33250034
DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0711 -
Circulation. Genomic and Precision... Apr 2021Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right and left ventricle, often causing ventricular...
BACKGROUND
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disease characterized by fibrofatty replacement of the right and left ventricle, often causing ventricular dysfunction and life-threatening arrhythmias. Variants in desmosomal genes account for up to 60% of cases. Our objective was to establish the prevalence and clinical features of ACM stemming from pathogenic variants in the nondesmosomal cadherin 2 (CDH2), a novel genetic substrate of ACM.
METHODS
A cohort of 500 unrelated patients with a definite diagnosis of ACM and no disease-causing variants in the main ACM genes was assembled. Genetic screening of was performed through next-generation or Sanger sequencing. Whenever possible, cascade screening was initiated in the families of -positive probands, and clinical evaluation was performed.
RESULTS
Genetic screening of led to the identification of 7 rare variants: 5, identified in 6 probands, were classified as pathogenic or likely pathogenic. The previously established p.D407N pathogenic variant was detected in 2 additional probands. Probands and family members with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in were clinically evaluated, and along with previously published cases, altogether contributed to the identification of gene-specific features (13 cases from this cohort and 11 previously published, for a total of 9 probands and 15 family members). Ventricular arrhythmic events occurred in most -positive subjects (20/24, 83%), while the occurrence of heart failure was rare (2/24, 8.3%). Among probands, sustained ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death occurred in 5/9 (56%).
CONCLUSIONS
In this worldwide cohort of previously genotype-negative ACM patients, the prevalence of probands with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants was 1.2% (6/500). Our data show that this cohort of -ACM patients has a high incidence of ventricular arrhythmias, while evolution toward heart failure is rare.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia; Cadherins; Female; Gene Frequency; Genetic Variation; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pedigree; Prevalence; Protein Domains; Young Adult
PubMed: 33566628
DOI: 10.1161/CIRCGEN.120.003097 -
PloS One 2014The identification of founder mutations in cancer predisposing genes is important to improve risk assessment in geographically defined populations, since it may provide...
The identification of founder mutations in cancer predisposing genes is important to improve risk assessment in geographically defined populations, since it may provide specific targets resulting in cost-effective genetic testing. Here, we report the characterization of the BRCA1 c.190T>C (p.Cys64Arg) mutation, mapped to the RING-finger domain coding region, that we detected in 43 hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) families, for the large part originating from the province of Bergamo (Northern Italy). Haplotype analysis was performed in 21 families, and led to the identification of a shared haplotype extending over three BRCA1-associated marker loci (0.4 cM). Using the DMLE+2.2 software program and regional population demographic data, we were able to estimate the age of the mutation to vary between 3,100 and 3,350 years old. Functional characterization of the mutation was carried out at both transcript and protein level. Reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis on lymphoblastoid cells revealed expression of full length mRNA from the mutant allele. A green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fragment reassembly assay showed that the p.Cys64Arg substitution prevents the binding of the BRCA1 protein to the interacting protein BARD1, in a similar way as proven deleterious mutations in the RING-domain. Overall, 55 of 83 (66%) female mutation carriers had a diagnosis of breast and/or ovarian cancer. Our observations indicate that the BRCA1 c.190T>C is a pathogenic founder mutation present in the Italian population. Further analyses will evaluate whether screening for this mutation can be suggested as an effective strategy for the rapid identification of at-risk individuals in the Bergamo area.
Topics: Adult; Age Factors; BRCA1 Protein; Breast Neoplasms; Chromosome Segregation; Exons; Family; Female; Founder Effect; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Geography; Green Fluorescent Proteins; Haplotypes; Humans; Italy; Middle Aged; Mutation; Mutation Rate; Ovarian Neoplasms; Protein Binding; Protein Isoforms; RING Finger Domains; RNA, Messenger; Tumor Suppressor Proteins; Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
PubMed: 24516540
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0086924 -
The World Journal of Biological... Dec 2023To describe the cognitive test battery of the German National Cohort (NAKO), a population-based mega cohort of 205,000 randomly selected participants, and to examine...
OBJECTIVES
To describe the cognitive test battery of the German National Cohort (NAKO), a population-based mega cohort of 205,000 randomly selected participants, and to examine associations with demographic variables and selected psychiatric and neurological conditions.
METHODS
Initial data from 96,401 participants providing data on the cognitive performance measured by a brief cognitive test battery (12-word list recall task, semantic fluency, Stroop test, digit span backwards) was examined. Test results were summarised in cognitive domain scores using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Associations with sociodemographic and psychiatric factors were analysed using linear regression and generalised additive models.
RESULTS
Cognitive test results were best represented by two domain scores reflecting memory and executive functions. Lower cognitive functions were associated with increasing age and male sex. Higher education and absence of childhood trauma were associated with better cognitive function. Moderate to severe levels of anxiety and depression, and a history of stroke, were related to lower cognitive function with a stronger effect on executive function as compared to memory. Some associations with cognition differed by German language proficiency.
CONCLUSIONS
The NAKO cognitive test battery and the derived cognitive domain scores for memory and executive function are sensitive measures of cognition.
Topics: Humans; Male; Cognition; Executive Function; Neuropsychological Tests; Language; Demography
PubMed: 35175181
DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2011408 -
Annual Review of Anthropology 1991
Topics: Behavior; Child Rearing; Delivery of Health Care; Delivery, Obstetric; Demography; Economics; Family; Family Characteristics; Fertility; Health; Health Personnel; Infertility; Life Cycle Stages; Menopause; Midwifery; Philosophy; Politics; Population; Population Dynamics; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Reproduction; Reproductive Techniques; Sexual Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Women's Rights
PubMed: 12288961
DOI: 10.1146/annurev.an.20.100191.001523 -
PLoS Genetics Jan 2024Blood vessels in different vascular beds vary in size, which is essential for their function and fluid flow along the vascular network. Molecular mechanisms involved in...
Blood vessels in different vascular beds vary in size, which is essential for their function and fluid flow along the vascular network. Molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of a vascular lumen of appropriate size, or tubulogenesis, are still only partially understood. Src homology 2 domain containing E (She) protein was previously identified in a screen for proteins that interact with Abelson (Abl)-kinase. However, its biological role has remained unknown. Here we demonstrate that She and Abl signaling regulate vessel size in zebrafish embryos and human endothelial cell culture. Zebrafish she mutants displayed increased endothelial cell number and enlarged lumen size of the dorsal aorta (DA) and defects in blood flow, eventually leading to the DA collapse. Vascular endothelial specific overexpression of she resulted in a reduced diameter of the DA, which correlated with the reduced arterial cell number and lower endothelial cell proliferation. Chemical inhibition of Abl signaling in zebrafish embryos caused a similar reduction in the DA diameter and alleviated the she mutant phenotype, suggesting that She acts as a negative regulator of Abl signaling. Enlargement of the DA size in she mutants correlated with an increased endothelial expression of claudin 5a (cldn5a), which encodes a protein enriched in tight junctions. Inhibition of cldn5a expression partially rescued the enlarged DA in she mutants, suggesting that She regulates DA size, in part, by promoting cldn5a expression. SHE knockdown in human endothelial umbilical vein cells resulted in a similar increase in the diameter of vascular tubes, and also increased phosphorylation of a known ABL downstream effector CRKL. These results argue that SHE functions as an evolutionarily conserved inhibitor of ABL signaling and regulates vessel and lumen size during vascular tubulogenesis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Zebrafish; src Homology Domains; China; Ethnicity; Signal Transduction; Zebrafish Proteins; Claudin-5
PubMed: 38190417
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010851 -
Ecology Letters Feb 2006Species richness varies enormously across geographical gradients, a well-known phenomenon for which there are many hypothesized explanations. One recent hypothesis uses...
Species richness varies enormously across geographical gradients, a well-known phenomenon for which there are many hypothesized explanations. One recent hypothesis uses null models to demonstrate that random re-distribution of species' ranges within a given domain leads to a 'mid-domain effect' (MDE): increasing species richness towards the centre of the area. Madagascar is especially well-suited for empirical evaluation of mid-domain models by virtue of its large endemic fauna and its clearly defined boundaries. Lees et al. [Biol. J. Linn. Soc.67 (1999) 529] observed patterns of species richness consistent with MDEs in the Madagascan rainforest (a slim, north-south belt). In this study, we test one-dimensional and two-dimensional mid-domain model predictions for the birds and mammals of the entire island of Madagascar. When only latitudinal extents of species' distribution are considered, patterns of richness in Madagascar show an MDE. However, this pattern disappears for both taxa after accounting for the tendency of latitudinal bands nearer the middle of the country to be larger. Two-dimensional mid-domain model predictions of species richness are qualitatively opposite to observed patterns. Instead, island-wide spatial gradients of species richness in Madagascar relate strongly to patterns of primary productivity and amount of remaining natural habitat. Earlier work that showed a mid-domain peak within the rainforest biome (effectively after controlling for climate and natural habitat) seems likely to have reflected methodological artefacts. The classic case in which MDEs should occur is, in fact, inconsistent with the mid-domain hypothesis.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Demography; Ecosystem; Madagascar; Mammals; Models, Biological; Population Dynamics; Trees
PubMed: 16958880
DOI: 10.1111/j.1461-0248.2005.00860.x -
Journal of Applied Gerontology : the... Apr 2013This study investigated correlates of functional capacity among participants of the Georgia Centenarian Study. Six domains (demographics and health, positive and...
This study investigated correlates of functional capacity among participants of the Georgia Centenarian Study. Six domains (demographics and health, positive and negative affect, personality, social and economic support, life events and coping, distal influences) were related to functional capacity for 234 centenarians and near centenarians (i.e., 98 years and older). Data were provided by proxy informants. Domain-specific multiple regression analyses suggested that younger centenarians, those living in the community and rated to be in better health were more likely to have higher functional capacity scores. Higher scores in positive affect, conscientiousness, social provisions, religious coping, and engaged lifestyle were also associated with higher levels of functional capacity. The results suggest that functional capacity levels continue to be associated with age after 100 years of life and that positive affect levels and past lifestyle activities as reported by proxies are salient factors of adaptation in very late life.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adaptation, Psychological; Affect; Age Factors; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Georgia; Geriatric Assessment; Humans; Independent Living; Life Style; Male; Religion; Social Support; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 25474392
DOI: 10.1177/0733464811420563