Free versus total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in a murine model of colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease have been linked to vitamin D-deficiency. Using a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced model of IBD we have shown previously that mice raised on vitamin D-deficient diets from weaning have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and develop more severe colitis compared to vitamin D-sufficient counterparts. We have also shown in vitro that immune responses to 25OHD may depend on 'free' rather than total serum concentrations of 25OHD. To investigate the possible effects of free versus total 25OHD on anti-inflammatory immune responses in vivo we have studied DSS-induced colitis in wild type C57BL/6 mice raised from weaning on diets containing vitamin D2 (D2) or vitamin D3 (D3) only (both 1000 IU/kg feed). 25OHD2 has lower binding affinity for the vitamin D binding protein than 25OHD3 which results in higher levels of free 25OHD2 relative to free 25OHD3 in mice raised on a D2-only diet. Total serum 25OHD concentrations, measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), showed that D2 mice had significantly lower levels of 25OHD than D3 mice (6.85 ± 2.61 nmol/L vs. 49.16 ± 13.8 nmol/L for D2 and D3 respectively). Despite this, direct ELISA measurement showed no difference in free serum 25OHD levels between D2 and D3 mice (13.62 ± 2.26 pmol/L vs. 14.11 ± 2.24 pmol/L for D2 and D3 respectively). Analysis of DSS-induced colitis also showed no difference in weight loss or disease progression between D2 and D3 mice. These data indicate that despite D2-fed mice being vitamin D-deficient based on serum total 25OHD concentrations, these mice showed no evidence of increased inflammatory colitis disease relative to vitamin D-sufficient D3 mice. We therefore propose that free, rather than total serum 25OHD, may be a better marker of immune responses to vitamin D in vivo

Acceptability and feasibility of collecting psychosocial data from fathers of very low birth weight infants

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of collecting outcome data from parents of very low birth weight infants, and to explore the psychological and social adaptation of fathers. Questionnaires were distributed to 38 parents of very low birth weight infants and 36 parents of term infants within a hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Field notes were also taken. Parents indicated collecting outcome data in this population was feasible and acceptable, but barriers and difficulties in data collection were identified, particularly for fathers. Furthermore, parents highlighted a lack of emotional support for fathers. In conclusion, research with parents of very low birth weight infants should happen with consultation, flexibility, and measures designed specifically for this population

Age-Related Interactions with Wind During Migration Support the Hypothesis of Developmental Learning in a Migrating Long-Lived Seabird

Wind patterns shape migratory pathways and detours of many procellariiform bird species that seasonally migrate between hemispheres. These seabirds are long-lived, and the period of immaturity is presumed to be a time of development and learning the environment, specifically how to use wind to their advantage. We assess how wind encountered by individual Great Shearwaters (Ardenna gravis) varies along the migration journey and compare responses between presumed mature and immature birds (early and late, respectively) in southbound migration and mature birds in northbound migration. We analyze modeled Argos locations from 71 individual tracks of migratory Great Shearwaters with concurrent U (East/West) and V (North/South) wind components. Migration in seabirds is well studied, but there is limited quantitative work measuring individual birds directly interacting with wind and their associated changes in flight behavior during migration. We show that Great Shearwaters made optimal use of winds, and that different age groups made decisions that exposed them to different wind constraints. Overall, Great Shearwaters derived positive responses from wind under most conditions and did not rely on a drifting strategy, which would be suggested if wind effect (difference between ground and airspeed) was predominantly positive during migrations. Instead, they appeared to use a compensating strategy to achieve an acceptable course and speed. The difference we observed in migration phenologies suggests that by migrating later, immature birds might travel the path of least resistance and experience flight conditions that are less risky furthering their ability to withstand a variety of wind conditions encountered later in life as done by adults, which migrate earlier and are subject to more variable flight conditions. We conclude that like other procellariiforms, a longer period of sexual maturity is required to enhance flight performance and mediate energy expenditure through experiential learning and increased fitness

Is Profound Boredom Boredom?

Martin Heidegger is often credited as having offered one of the most thorough phenomenological investigations of the nature of boredom. In his 1929–1930 lecture course, The Fundamental Concepts of Metaphysics: World, Finitude, Solitude, he goes to great lengths to distinguish between three different types of boredom and to explicate their respective characters. Within the context of his discussion of one of these types of boredom, profound boredom [tiefe Langweile], Heidegger opposes much of the philosophical and literary tradition on boredom insofar as he articulates how the experience of boredom can be existentially beneficial to us. In this chapter, we undertake a study of the nature of profound boredom with the aim of investigating its place within contemporary psychological and philosophical research on boredom. Although boredom used to be a neglected emotional experience, it is no more. Boredom’s causal antecedents, effects, experiential profile, and neurophysiological correlates have become topics of active study; as a consequence, a proliferation of claims and findings about boredom has ensued. Such a situation provides an opportunity to scrutinize Heidegger’s claims and to try to understand them both on their own terms and in light of our contemporary understanding of boredom

A randomised clinical trial on cardiotocography plus fetal blood sampling versus cardiotocography plus ST-analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (STAN®) for intrapartum monitoring

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cardiotocography (CTG) is worldwide the method for fetal surveillance during labour. However, CTG alone shows many false positive test results and without fetal blood sampling (FBS), it results in an increase in operative deliveries without improvement of fetal outcome. FBS requires additional expertise, is invasive and has often to be repeated during labour. Two clinical trials have shown that a combination of CTG and ST-analysis of the fetal electrocardiogram (ECG) reduces the rates of metabolic acidosis and instrumental delivery. However, in both trials FBS was still performed in the ST-analysis arm, and it is therefore still unknown if the observed results were indeed due to the ST-analysis or to the use of FBS in combination with ST-analysis.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive monitoring (CTG + ST-analysis) as compared to normal care (CTG + FBS), in a multicentre randomised clinical trial setting. Secondary aims are: 1) to judge whether ST-analysis of fetal electrocardiogram can significantly decrease frequency of performance of FBS or even replace it; 2) perform a cost analysis to establish the economic impact of the two treatment options.</p> <p>Women in labour with a gestational age ≥ 36 weeks and an indication for CTG-monitoring can be included in the trial.</p> <p>Eligible women will be randomised for fetal surveillance with CTG and, if necessary, FBS or CTG combined with ST-analysis of the fetal ECG.</p> <p>The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of serious metabolic acidosis (defined as pH < 7.05 and Bd_ecf> 12 mmol/L in the umbilical cord artery). Secondary outcome measures are: instrumental delivery, neonatal outcome (Apgar score, admission to a neonatal ward), incidence of performance of FBS in both arms and cost-effectiveness of both monitoring strategies across hospitals.</p> <p>The analysis will follow the intention to treat principle. The incidence of metabolic acidosis will be compared across both groups. Assuming a reduction of metabolic acidosis from 3.5% to 2.1 %, using a two-sided test with an alpha of 0.05 and a power of 0.80, in favour of CTG plus ST-analysis, about 5100 women have to be randomised. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of CTG and ST-analysis as compared to CTG and FBS will be studied.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This study will provide data about the use of intrapartum ST-analysis with a strict protocol for performance of FBS to limit its incidence. We aim to clarify to what extent intrapartum ST-analysis can be used without the performance of FBS and in which cases FBS is still needed.</p> <p>Trial Registration Number</p> <p>ISRCTN95732366</p

Author correction : a global database for metacommunity ecology, integrating species, traits, environment and space

Correction to: Scientific Data https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0344-7, published online 08 January 202

Author correction : a global database for metacommunity ecology, integrating species, traits, environment and space

Correction to: Scientific Data https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-019-0344-7, published online 08 January 202

Tephrochronology

Tephrochronology is the use of primary, characterized tephras or cryptotephras as chronostratigraphic marker beds to connect and synchronize geological, paleoenvironmental, or archaeological sequences or events, or soils/paleosols, and, uniquely, to transfer relative or numerical ages or dates to them using stratigraphic and age information together with mineralogical and geochemical compositional data, especially from individual glass-shard analyses, obtained for the tephra/cryptotephra deposits. To function as an age-equivalent correlation and chronostratigraphic dating tool, tephrochronology may be undertaken in three steps: (i) mapping and describing tephras and determining their stratigraphic relationships, (ii) characterizing tephras or cryptotephras in the laboratory, and (iii) dating them using a wide range of geochronological methods. Tephrochronology is also an important tool in volcanology, informing studies on volcanic petrology, volcano eruption histories and hazards, and volcano-climate forcing. Although limitations and challenges remain, multidisciplinary applications of tephrochronology continue to grow markedly

A Nation-Wide Survey of High School Baseball Coaches’ Perceptions Indicates their Arm Care Programs Play a Role in Injury Prevention

# Background Arm care programs consisting of upper extremity strengthening and stretching have been recommended for injury prevention for pitchers of all ages. There has been no investigation into high school baseball coaches’ usage and perceptions of arm care programs to mitigate physical impairments associated with injuries in baseball players. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the current usage of arm care programs by high school baseball coaches. The primary objective was to determine if coaches use group-based or individualized arm care programs. The secondary objective sought to determine if the use of arm care programs is influenced by coaches’ age, education, and experience level. Finally, this study explored the potential barriers to arm care implementation and high school baseball coaches’ current awareness and beliefs of injury prevention. # Study Design Descriptive cross-sectional survey # Methods A 29-item online survey was emailed to 18,500 high school baseball coaches throughout the United States. Data were collected for three months, and the response rate was 3.7%. # Results A total of 87.3% (n=571/654) of responding coaches use arm care programs with their players. Of coaches performing arm care, only 18.5% of 571 individualize their arm care exercises based on specific player needs. However, older and more experienced coaches are more likely to individualize their programs. Among the 12.7% (n=83/654) of coaches who do not use arm care programs, the two most commonly cited reasons for not implementing arm care were lack of observed benefit (41%) and insufficient staff (31%). Although 42% of 654 coaches recognized reduced shoulder mobility as a major contributor to injury, risk factors such as throwing with a fatigued arm, previous injury history, and throwing \> 8 months per year were not consistently identified as primary risk factors. # Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the majority high school baseball coaches implement group-based arm care exercise programs to prevent injury. Lack of confidence in the effectiveness and staffing limitations were major barriers to implementation of arm care programming. However, the responding coaches exhibited inconsistent risk factor awareness and dated injury prevention beliefs. Therefore, better educational collaboration between rehabilitation professionals and high school coaches regarding injury risk factors and preventative strategies is warranted. # Level of Evidence Level