Impact of Training Volume on Female Athlete Triad Risk for Female Collegiate D1 Track and Field Athletes

iv ABSTRACT The Female Athlete Triad is the joint-presentation of three intertwined conditions (i.e., low energy availability (LEA), low bone mineral density (BMD), and menstrual dysfunction) that range in severity across affected individuals and have been known to affect the mental, emotional, and physical health of female athletes in a number of sports, especially those that are leanness-orientated and feature a high prevalence of disordered eating. The purpose of this study is to assess the potential relationship between increasing amounts of training volume and individual Triad risk factors in women’s collegiate track and field. Online Qualtrics surveys were administered to NCAA D1 women’s track and field programs throughout the spring and summer seasons of competition and conditioning, respectively. The six sections of the survey included questions regarding demographic information, sport information, collegiate injury history, Triad risk, sleep quality, perceived stress, and self-perceived depressive symptoms. 34 female athletes between the ages of 18 and 29 years were analyzed via Pearson Chi-Square tests. When separated into high and low percentile training groups for competition total training volume hours, it was found that significant differences existed for “history of collegiate injury” (p=0.022), “desire to lose weight for ‘sporting image’” (p=0.042), and “suffer from eating disorder” (p=0.017). “Low BMD or osteoporosis diagnosis” (p=0.054) and “ferritin supplement usage” (p=0.051) were found to be approaching significance between the groups as well. Although some Triad risk factors were found to be increased in the higher training volume group, larger population pools and additional research is required to draw definite conclusions regarding the potential relationship between increases in training volume and elevated risks of developing the Triad in women’s track and field athletes

Is magnetic topology important for heating the solar atmosphere?

CEP and JT acknowledge the support of STFC through the St Andrew’s SMTG consolidated grant. JEHS is supported by STFC as a PhD student. SJE is supported STFC through the Durham University Impact Acceleration Account.Magnetic fields permeate the entire solar atmosphere weaving an extremely complex pattern on both local and global scales. In order to understand the nature of this tangled web of magnetic fields, its magnetic skeleton, which forms the boundaries between topologically distinct flux domains, may be determined. The magnetic skeleton consists of null points, separatrix surfaces, spines and separators. The skeleton is often used to clearly visualize key elements of the magnetic configuration, but parts of the skeleton are also locations where currents and waves may collect and dissipate. In this review, the nature of the magnetic skeleton on both global and local scales, over solar cycle time scales, is explained. The behaviour of wave pulses in the vicinity of both nulls and separators is discussed and so too is the formation of current layers and reconnection at the same features. Each of these processes leads to heating of the solar atmosphere, but collectively do they provide enough heat, spread over a wide enough area, to explain the energy losses throughout the solar atmosphere? Here, we consider this question for the three different solar regions: Active regions, open-field regions and the quiet Sun. We find that the heating of active regions and open-field regions is highly unlikely to be due to reconnection or wave dissipation at topological features, but it is possible that these may play a role in the heating of the quiet Sun. In active regions, the absence of a complex topology may play an important role in allowing large energies to build up and then, subsequently, be explosively released in the form of a solar flare. Additionally, knowledge of the intricate boundaries of open-field regions (which the magnetic skeleton provides) could be very important in determining the main acceleration mechanism(s) of the solar wind.PostprintPeer reviewe

Label information on ready-made clothing for pre-school children

For many years home economists have advocated that garment labeling be more informative to the homemaker. Clothing manufacturers are becoming more conscious of the values of informative labeling, and consumers are demanding more information on labels. Coughlin1 states that the number of manufacturers using informative tags is comparatively few today but would grow rapidly if more manufacturers were persuaded that consumers wanted tags and would use then in making their buying decisions. Since various studies show that approximately 75 per cent of pre-school children's clothing is purchased ready-made, it seems apparent that families need help in clothing selection. Clothing the pre-school child is a major problem for many families and remaining within the realms of a clothing budget is often a difficult task. More informative labeling would aid family members in making wiser selections of clothing purchases and also inform them as to definite qualities and services to expect from the garments

Conversion of CD4+ CD25− cells into CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in vivo requires B7 costimulation, but not the thymus

The CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells play a critical role in controlling autoimmunity, but little is known about their development and maintenance. In this study, we investigated whether CD4+ CD25− cells can convert to CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells in vivo under natural conditions. CD4+ CD25− cells from CD45.1+ mice were sorted and transferred into congenic CD45.2+ mice. Converted CD4+ CD25+ cells could be detected in lymphoid organs as early as 1 wk after transfer and by 6 wk after transfer, 5–12% of transferred CD4+ cells expressed CD25. Converted CD4+ CD25+ cells themselves failed to proliferate after stimulation, but could suppress proliferation of responder cells in vitro, and also expressed high levels of Foxp3 mRNA. In addition, CD4+ CD25− cells transferred into thymectomized congenic mice converted to CD4+ CD25+ cells that also suppressed responder cell proliferation in vitro, and expressed high levels of Foxp3 mRNA. Finally, CD4+ CD25− cells transferred into B7−/− mice failed to convert into CD4+ CD25+ cells that exhibit the regulatory phenotype. These data indicate that CD4+ CD25− cells convert into CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cells spontaneously in vivo and suggest that this conversion process could contribute significantly to the maintenance of the peripheral CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell population

Nature as a 'Lifeline': The Power of Photography when Exploring the Experiences of Older Adults living with Memory Loss and Memory Concerns

The visual is an underutilised modality through which to investigate experiences of memory loss in older people. We describe a visual ethnography with older adults experiencing subjective or objective memory loss, receiving a cognitive wellbeing group intervention designed to prevent cognitive decline and dementia (APPLE-Tree programme). We aimed to explore lived experiences of people with memory concerns, how participants engaged with this photography and co-design project, and how collaboration with an artist/photographer enhanced this process. Nineteen participants shared photographs reflecting what they valued in their daily lives, their experiences of memory concerns, and the intervention. Fourteen participated in qualitative photo-elicitation interviews, and thirteen collaborated with a professional artist/photographer to co-create an exhibition, in individual meetings and workshops, during which a researcher took ethnographic field notes. Eight participants were re-interviewed after the exhibition launch. We contextualise images produced by participants in relation to discourses around the visual and ageing and highlight their relationship with themes developed through thematic analysis that interconnects photographic, observational and interview data. We present themes around the use of photographs to: (1) celebrate connections to nature as a lifeline; (2) anchor lives within the context of relationships with family; (3) reflect on self and identity, enduring through ageing, memory concerns, pandemic, and ageing stereotypes. We explore visual research as a powerful tool for eliciting meaningful accounts from older adults experiencing cognitive change and to connect the arts and social sciences within ageing studies

Cross-continental comparison of national food consumption survey methods—A narrative review

Food consumption surveys are performed in many countries. Comparison of results from those surveys across nations is difficult because of differences in methodological approaches. While consensus about the preferred methodology associated with national food consumption surveys is increasing, no inventory of methodological aspects across continents is available. The aims of the present review are (1) to develop a framework of key methodological elements related to national food consumption surveys, (2) to create an inventory of these properties of surveys performed in the continents North- America, South-America, Asia and Australasia, and (3) to discuss and compare these methodological properties cross-continentally. A literature search was performed using a fixed set of search terms in different databases. The inventory was completed with all accessible information from all retrieved publications and corresponding authors were requested to provide additional information where missing. Surveys from ten individual countries, originating from four continents are listed in the inventory. The results are presented according to six major aspects of food consumption surveys. The most common dietary intake assessment method used in food consumption surveys worldwide is the 24-HDR (24 h dietary recall), occasionally administered repeatedly, mostly using interview software. Only three countries have incorporated their national food consumption surveys into continuous national health and nutrition examination surveys

An open source Bayesian Monte Carlo isotope mixing model with applications in Earth surface processes

The implementation of isotopic tracers as constraints on source contributions has become increasingly relevant to understanding Earth surface processes. Interpretation of these isotopic tracers has become more accessible with the development of Bayesian Monte Carlo (BMC) mixing models, which allow uncertainty in mixing end‐members and provide methodology for systems with multicomponent mixing. This study presents an open source multiple isotope BMC mixing model that is applicable to Earth surface environments with sources exhibiting distinct end‐member isotopic signatures. Our model is first applied to new δ18O and δD measurements from the Athabasca Glacier, which showed expected seasonal melt evolution trends and vigorously assessed the statistical relevance of the resulting fraction estimations. To highlight the broad applicability of our model to a variety of Earth surface environments and relevant isotopic systems, we expand our model to two additional case studies: deriving melt sources from δ18O, δD, and 222Rn measurements of Greenland Ice Sheet bulk water samples and assessing nutrient sources from ɛNd and 87Sr/86Sr measurements of Hawaiian soil cores. The model produces results for the Greenland Ice Sheet and Hawaiian soil data sets that are consistent with the originally published fractional contribution estimates. The advantage of this method is that it quantifies the error induced by variability in the end‐member compositions, unrealized by the models previously applied to the above case studies. Results from all three case studies demonstrate the broad applicability of this statistical BMC isotopic mixing model for estimating source contribution fractions in a variety of Earth surface systems.Key Points:Open source BMC model determines source contributions in Earth surface systemsEffectively applied to stable and radiogenic isotope systems in various settingsModel able to encompass end‐member uncertainties and multiple isotopic systemsPeer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111937/1/ggge20708.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/111937/2/ggge20708-sup-0001-2014GC005683-ts01.pd

'Motivate': the effect of a Football in the Community delivered weight loss programme on over 35-year old men and women's cardiovascular risk factors

The purpose of this study was to examine whether an innovative, inclusive and integrated 12-week exercise, behaviour change and nutrition advice-based weight management programme could significantly improve the cardiovascular risk factors of overweight and obese men and women over the age of 35. One hundred and ninety-four men and 98 women (mean age = 52.28 ± 9.74 and 51.19 ± 9.04) attending a community-based intervention delivered by Notts County Football in the Community over one year, took part in the study. Height (m), weight (kg), fitness (meters covered during a 6 min walk) and waist circumference (cm) were measured at weeks 1 and 12 as part of the intervention. Changes in body weight, waist circumference and fitness for men and women were measured by a 2-way repeated measures ANOVA, with significance set to p < 0.05.Weight, waist circumference and fitness significantly improved over time in both men (4.96 kg, 6.29 cm, 70.22 m; p < 0.05) and women (4.26 kg, 5.90 cm, 35.29 m; p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the FITC lead weight loss intervention was successful in significantly improving cardiovascular risk factors in both men and women. In particular, the weight loss reductions achieved were comparable to those seen in similar, more costly men-only programmes. This is the first study to demonstrate the efficacy of such an intervention in an inclusive, mixed gender programme and more specifically, in women

UK Flockdown: Exploring the knowledge, attitudes and practices of backyard poultry keepers surrounding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The scale of the current outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to the A/H5N1 virus in the United Kingdom is unprecedented. In addition to its economic impact on the commercial poultry sector, the disease has devastated wild bird colonies and represents a potential public health concern on account of its zoonotic potential. Although the implementation of biosecurity measures is paramount to reducing the spread of HPAI in domestic and commercial settings, little is known about the attitudes and perspectives of backyard poultry keepers who often keep their flocks in close proximity to the public. A large nationwide survey of backyard poultry keepers was undertaken in December 2021–March 2022, contemporaneous with the enforcement of an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) and additional housing measures in England, Scotland and Wales. The survey explored keepers’ understanding of the clinical manifestations of HPAI, compliance with housing and biosecurity measures, attitudes towards obligatory culling on confirmation of HPAI in their flocks, and the potential use of vaccination to control HPAI. Summary statistical analysis of the closed question responses was supplemented with qualitative data analysis and corpus linguistic approaches to draw out key themes and salient patterns in responses to open text questions. Survey responses were received from 1,559 small-scale poultry keepers across the United Kingdom. Awareness of the HPAI outbreak was very high (99.0%). The majority of respondents learned of it via social media (53%), with Defra (49.7%), British Hen Welfare Trust (33.8%) and the APHA (22.0%) identified as the principal sources of information. Analysis revealed that backyard keepers lacked knowledge of the clinical signs of avian influenza and legal requirements relating to compliance with biosecurity measures. Some respondents dismissed the seriousness of HPAI and were unwilling to comply with the measures in force. The issue of obligatory culling proved highly emotive and some expressed a lack of trust in authorities. Most respondents (93.1%) indicated a willingness to pay for vaccination if the option was availableCommunications on biosecurity measures that are relevant to large-scale industrial setups are inappropriate for backyard contexts. Understanding the barriers that backyard keepers face is essential if official agencies are to communicate biosecurity information effectively to such groups. Lack of trust in authorities is likely to make elimination of the virus in the UK difficult. We make recommendations for tailoring HPAI-related information for backyard contexts, to aid future HPAI control measures in the UK

Learning spaces:built, natural and digital considerations for learning and learners

Learning spaces: Built, natural and digital considerations for learning and learner