Developmental epigenetics: Understanding genetic and sexually dimorphic responses to parental diet and outcomes following assisted reproduction.

The developmental integrity and wellbeing of offspring are influenced by events that occur in utero, particularly around the time of conception. While extraneous factors such as environmental temperature and exposure to environmental chemicals can each have a bearing on these events, the epigenetic mechanisms that direct cellular differentiation during early development in ruminants are best described for studies which have investigated the effects of parental nutrition or pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproduction. In this article the case is made that the genetic constitution of an individual directs epigenetic responses to environmental stimuli, and consideration in this regard is also given to the origins of sexual dimorphism and mechanisms of germline intergenerational inheritance.

A qualitative study of perceptions of the care pathway for familial hypercholesterolemia: screening, diagnosis, treatment, and family cascade screening.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that carries increased risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular events, and death. Due to low uptake of evidence-based practices, up to 80% of FH patients remain undiagnosed and most are undertreated. This project aimed to understand patient and clinician perceptions across the care pathway of evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of FH, to inform implementation strategy design for two clinical trials seeking to increase evidence-based care.

Smarter Pregnancy coaching and maternal blood pressure.

Introduction: Maternal lifestyle behaviours can affect blood pressure with consequences for maternal and offspring health. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the Smarter Pregnancy digital lifestyle coaching program on maternal blood pressure during the first trimester.

Methods: The study was conducted on data of the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort from 2010 to 2019 (analysis completed in 2024).

Ovarian follicular flushing as a means of increasing oocyte yield and embryo production in cattle.

Context The number of developmentally competent cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) retrieved during Ovum Pick-Up (OPU) determines success in both bovine and human assisted reproduction. Follicular flushing for COC retrieval is practicsed widely in humans but not in cattle. Aims To determine the benefits of follicular flushing in cattle and assess the merits of a novel 16G double-lumen needle ('OxIVF') that flushes laterally to the needle shaft.