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In species distribution modelling (SDM), it is common practice to explore multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms and combine their results into ensembles. In R, many implementations of different ML algorithms are available but, as they were mostly developed independently, they often use inconsistent syntax and data structures. For this reason, repeating an analysis with multiple algorithms and combining their results can be challenging.Specialised SDM packages solve this problem by providing a simpler, unified interface by wrapping the original functions to tackle each specific requirement. However, creating and maintaining such interfaces is time‐consuming, and with this approach, the user cannot easily integrate other methods that may become available.Here, we present tidysdm, an R package that solves this problem by taking advantage of the tidymodels universe. tidymodels provide standardised grammar, data structures and modelling interfaces, and a well‐documented infrastructure to integrate new algorithms and metrics. The wide adoption of tidymodels means that most ML algorithms and metrics are already integrated, and the user can add additional ones. Moreover, because of the broad adoption of tidymodels, new statistical approaches tend to be implemented quickly, making them easily integrated into existing pipelines and analyses.tidysdm takes advantage of the tidymodels universe to provide a flexible and fully customisable pipeline to fit SDM. It includes SDM‐specific algorithms and metrics, and methods to facilitate the use of spatial data within tidymodels.Additionally, tidysdm is the first software that natively allows SDM to be performed using data from different periods, expanding the availability of SDM for scholars working in palaeontology, archaeology, palaeobiology, palaeoecology and other disciplines focussing on the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of anuran larvae to efficiently locate food is essential for their growth and development, but little is known about the sensory modalities they use to find food. We experimentally assessed the role of visual and chemical cues in finding food in tadpoles of the invasive species Lithobates catesbeianus. In the two‐choice experiment, using rectangular containers that offer visual and/or chemical food cues on opposite ends, tadpoles chose the side where the chemical cues of the food were present consistently. The visual cues alone showed an initial transient attraction of tadpoles, which disappeared after a few minutes, suggesting that tadpoles are potentially capable of seeing contrasting objects, at least, at a close range and in clear waters and daylight conditions. We also evaluated the foraging behaviour and the capability of tadpoles to find food in an open field experiment under two different lighting conditions: natural daylight and darkness. Results showed that tadpoles find food faster in dark conditions, confirming that chemical cues alone are sufficient for tadpoles of this species to find food. Moreover, the time spent feeding and the number of tadpoles simultaneously exploiting the food patch were greater in darkness suggesting that environments with low visibility conditions could favour the establishment of L. catesbeianus. Understanding the sensory modalities used by tadpoles of this invasive species to find food could help to understand the potential abilities to expand and establish in novel environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For decades, the evolutionary role of melanism in reptiles has been highly debated. According to the thermal melanism hypothesis, melanistic phenotypes should provide thermal advantages, thus positively impacting various biological aspects of these individuals. Nevertheless, these benefits seem to be countered by environmental constraints and predatory pressure. Here, we mapped for the first time the distribution of the melanistic phenotypes in the highly polymorphic asp viper (Vipera aspis). We focused our research effort on the Italian peninsula, where this species reaches its highest level of taxonomic diversity with three currently described subspecies. Furthermore, we investigated via bioclimatic niche modelling, the influence of a wide array of bioclimatic variables on the distribution of melanism in Italian asp vipers. In general, our results seem to support the implications of the thermal melanism hypothesis, highlighting the central influence of mean annual temperature and elevation on the geographic distribution of melanistic V. aspis. At the finest scale, our analyses have highlighted a distinction in bioclimatic niches among the three assessed subspecies. However, further fine-scale investigations are needed in order to exclude the potential influence of latitude and elevation on the observed the intersubspecific bioclimatic niche segregation pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is a lysosome storage disorder resulting from an X-linked inheritance of a mutation in the galactosidase A (GLA) gene encoding for the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A (α-GAL A). This mutation results in a deficiency or absence of α-GAL A activity, with a progressive intracellular deposition of glycosphingolipids leading to organ dysfunction and failure. Cardiac damage starts early in life, often occurring sub-clinically before overt cardiac symptoms. Left ventricular hypertrophy represents a common cardiac manifestation, albeit conduction system impairment, arrhythmias, and valvular abnormalities may also characterize AFD. Even in consideration of pleiotropic manifestation, diagnosis is often challenging. Thus, knowledge of cardiac and extracardiac diagnostic "red flags" is needed to guide a timely diagnosis. Indeed, considering its systemic involvement, a multidisciplinary approach may be helpful in discerning AFD-related cardiac disease. Beyond clinical pearls, a practical approach to assist clinicians in diagnosing AFD includes optimal management of biochemical tests, genetic tests, and cardiac biopsy. We extensively reviewed the current literature on AFD cardiomyopathy, focusing on cardiac "red flags" that may represent key diagnostic tools to establish a timely diagnosis. Furthermore, clinical findings to identify patients at higher risk of sudden death are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inotropes are prescribed to enhance myocardial contractility while vasopressors serve to improve vascular tone. Although these medications remain a life-saving therapy in cardiovascular clinical scenarios with hemodynamic impairment, the paucity of evidence on these drugs makes the choice of the most appropriate vasoactive agent challenging. As such, deep knowledge of their pharmacological and hemodynamic effects becomes crucial to optimizing hemodynamic profile while reducing the potential adverse effects. Given this perspective, it is imperative for cardiologists to possess a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing these agents and to discern optimal strategies for their application across diverse clinical contexts. Thus, we briefly review these agents' pharmacological and hemodynamic properties and their reasonable clinical applications in cardiovascular settings. Critical interpretation of available data and the opportunities for future investigations are also highlighted.

It is well established that gender strongly influences cardiovascular risk factors, playing a crucial role in cardiovascular prevention, clinical pathways, diagnostic approach and treatment. Beyond the sex, which is a biological factor, gender entails a socio-cultural condition that impacts access and quality of care due to structural and institutional barriers. However, despite its great importance, this issue has not been adequately covered. Indeed sex and gender differences scarcely impact the clinical approach, creating a lot of disparities in care and outcomes of patients. Therefore, it becomes essential to increase the awareness of the importance of sex and gender influences on cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, new strategies for reducing disparities should be developed. Importantly, these differences should be taken into account in guideline recommendations. In this regard, it is crucial to include a greater number of women in clinical trials, since they are currently underrepresented. Furthermore, more women should be involved as member of international boards in order to develop recommendations and guidelines with more attention to this important topic.The aim of this ANMCO position paper is to shed light on gender differences concerning many cardiovascular drugs in order to encourage a more personalized therapeutic approach.