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Purpose: To investigate the influence of shorter, more frequent rest breaks with per-cooling as an alternative heat-acclimation session on physiological, perceptual, and self-paced maximal cycling performance, compared with continuous heat exposure. Methods: Thirteen participants completed 1 continuous and 3 intermittent-heat-exposure (IHE) maximal self-paced cycling protocols in a random order in heat (36 °C, 80% relative humidity): 1 × 60-minute exercise (CON), 3 × 20-minute exercise with 7.5-minute rest between sets (IHE-20), 4 × 15-minute exercise with 5-minute rest between sets (IHE-15), and 6 × 10-minute exercise with 3-minute rest between sets (IHE-10). Mixed-method per-cooling (crushed-ice ingestion and cooling vest) was applied during rest periods of all IHE protocols. Results: Total distance completed was greater in IHE-10, IHE-15, and IHE-20 than in CON (+11%, +9%, and +8%, respectively), with no difference observed between IHE protocols. Total time spent above 38.5 °C core temperature was longer in CON compared with IHE-15 and IHE-20 (+62% and +78%, respectively) but similar to IHE-10 (+5%). Furthermore, a longer time above 38.5 °C core temperature occurred in IHE-10 versus IHE-15 and IHE-20 (+54% and +69%, respectively). Sweat loss did not differ between conditions. Conclusion: IHE with per-cooling may be a viable alternative heat-acclimation protocol in situations where training quality takes precedence over thermal stimulus or when both factors hold equal priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is an important parameter to be monitored in new wearable electronic devices. Layered black phosphorus (BP) has inherent good thermal stability and semiconductor properties and has a promising application as a temperature sensing layer. Here, we investigate the temperature sensing properties of BP, using in situ Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction techniques. Flexible sensors are constructed, and temperature response is investigated in the range of 6–38 °C. The prospect application for monitoring the temperature of human body parts is demonstrated. The results show that the BP-based temperature sensors demonstrate good negative temperature coefficient characteristics and display high sensitivity and reproducible sensing performance. The temperature-dependent performance suggests the feasibility of BP as a sensitive layer in a wide temperature range. This work paves the way for exploring new applications of amazing layered materials, such as BP, in wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Precooling (PreC) may only benefit performance when thermal strain experienced by an individual is sufficiently high. We explored the effect of mixed-method PreC on 20-km cycling time-trial (CTT) performance under 3 different apparent temperatures (AT). Methods: On separate days, 12 trained or highly trained male cyclists/triathletes completed six 20-km CTTs in 3 different ATs: hot-dry (35 °C AT), moderately hot-humid (40 °C AT), and hot-humid (46 °C AT). All trials were preceded by 30 minutes of mixed-method PreC or no PreC (control [CON]). Results: Faster 2.5-km-split completion times occurred in PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.02), but not in 40 °C AT (P =.62) or 35 °C AT (P =.57). PreC did not affect rectal and body temperature during the 20-km CTT. Skin temperature was lower throughout the CTT in PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.01), but not in 40 °C AT (P = 1.00) and 35 °C AT (P = 1.00). Heart rate had a greater rate of increase during the CTT for PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT (P =.01), but not in 40 °C AT (P =.57) and 35 °C AT (P = 1.00). Ratings of perceived exertion (P <.001) and thermal comfort (P =.04) were lower for PreC compared with CON in 46 °C AT only, while thermal sensation was not different between PreC and CON. Conclusion: Mixed-method PreC should be applied prior to 20-km CTTs conducted in hot-humid conditions (≥46 °C AT). Alternatively, mixed-method PreC may be a priority in moderately hot-humid (∼40 °C AT) conditions but should not be in hot-dry (∼35 °C AT) conditions for 20-km CTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Open-water swimmers need to train with wetsuits to get familiar with them; however, body core temperature (Tcore) kinetics when using wetsuits in swimming-pool training remains unclear. The present study assessed the effects of wetsuit use in pool training on Tcore, subjective perceptions, and swimming performance to obtain suggestions for wearing wetsuits in training situations. Methods: Four elite/international-level Japanese swimmers (2 female, age 24 [1] y) completed two 10-km trials with (WS) and without wetsuit (SS) in the swimming pool (Tw: 29.0 °C). During the trial, swimmers were allowed to remove their wetsuit if they could no longer tolerate the heat. Tcore was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors. Swimming speed was estimated from every 100-m lap time. Results:Tcore increased by distance in both trials in all swimmers. Tcore when swimmers removed their wetsuit in the WS (distance: 3800 [245] m, time: 2744 [247] s) was higher than that at the same distance in the SS in all swimmers. Rating of perceived exertion was higher in the SS than the WS, and swimming speed was slower in the WS than the SS in all swimmers. Conclusion: Wetsuit use during pool training increases Tcore and decreases swimming performance. Although wearing wetsuits in training situations is important for familiarization, for the safety of the swimmers, it is recommended that they remove their wetsuit if they feel too hot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined fluid intake, the relation between body mass (BM) loss and performance, and core temperature in young triathletes during a competition in tropical climate. Methods: Fluid intake and pre and post BM were measured in 35 adolescent athletes, and core temperature was measured in one female and one male. Results: Mean urine specific gravity (1.024 [0.007]) indicated that athletes were in suboptimal state of hydration upon waking. Race time was 73.2 (8.0) minutes. BM decreased by 0.6 (0.3) kg (P <.05). Fluid intake (528.5 [221.6] mL) replaced 47% of the fluid loss (1184.9 [256.4] mL) and was higher during run (11.5 [6.6] mL·min−1) compared to bike (7.3 [3.1] mL·min−1), P <.01. Loss in BM was ≥1.0% in 66% and ≥1.5% in 29% of the athletes. Males showed a moderate association between percentage loss in BM and finishing time (r = −.52), higher sweat rates (1.0 [0.3] L·h−1), and faster times (69.4 [7.5] min; P <.05). Core temperature rose to 40.1 °C in the female and 39.6 °C in the male. Conclusion: Young triathletes competing in a hot/humid climate became mildly to moderately dehydrated and hyperthermic even when water and sports drinks were available but did not show symptoms of heat illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the core temperature fluctuations during 10-km open-water swimming (OWS) in cool water and the relationship between thermal sensation (TS) after 10-km OWS, core temperature, and local skin thermal sensitivity. Methods: Nine highly trained OWS swimmers (4 female; age 22 [3] y) completed a single 10-km trial in cool water (22.3 °C) wearing swimsuits for OWS. During the trial, core temperature was continuously recorded via ingestible temperature sensors, and TS after trial was also measured. Then, local skin warm/cool sensitivity was measured in the forearm. Results: All swimmers completed the 10-km OWS. Mean swimming speed for males and females were 1.39 (1.37–1.42 m/s) and 1.33 m/s (1.29–1.38 m/s), respectively. Core temperature increased in 8 out of 9 swimmers during 10-km OWS (P =.047), with an average increase of 0.8 °C. TS after 10-km OWS varied among swimmers. There were no correlations between post-OWS TS and post-OWS core temperature (P =.9333), whereas there was a negative correlation between post-OWS TS and local skin cool sensitivity (P =.0056). Conclusion: These results suggest that core temperature in elite swimmers might not decrease during 10-km OWS in the cool water temperature of official OWS. In addition, individual differences in TS after 10-km OWS may be related to skin cool sensitivity rather than core temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic factors significantly affect the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. However, the specific pathogenic mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Recent extensive genomic studies have implicated the protocadherin-related 15 (PCDH15) gene in the onset of psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD). To further investigate the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders, we developed a mouse model lacking Pcdh15. Notably, although PCDH15 is primarily identified as the causative gene of Usher syndrome, which presents with visual and auditory impairments, our mice with Pcdh15 homozygous deletion (Pcdh15-null) did not exhibit observable structural abnormalities in either the retina or the inner ear. The Pcdh15-null mice showed very high levels of spontaneous motor activity which was too disturbed to perform standard behavioral testing. However, the Pcdh15 heterozygous deletion mice (Pcdh15-het) exhibited enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity, reduced prepulse inhibition, and diminished cliff avoidance behavior. These observations agreed with the symptoms observed in patients with various psychiatric disorders and several mouse models of psychiatric diseases. Specifically, the hyperactivity may mirror the manic episodes in BD. To obtain a more physiological, long-term quantification of the hyperactive phenotype, we implanted nano tag® sensor chips in the animals, to enable the continuous monitoring of both activity and body temperature. During the light-off period, Pcdh15-null exhibited elevated activity and body temperature compared with wild-type (WT) mice. However, we observed a decreased body temperature during the light-on period. Comprehensive brain activity was visualized using c-Fos mapping, which was assessed during the activity and temperature peak and trough. There was a stark contrast between the distribution of c-Fos expression in Pcdh15-null and WT brains during both the light-on and light-off periods. These results provide valuable insights into the neural basis of the behavioral and thermal characteristics of Pcdh15-deletion mice. Therefore, Pcdh15-deletion mice can be a novel model for BD with mania and other psychiatric disorders, with a strong genetic component that satisfies both construct and surface validity.

Correlations between altered body temperature and depression have been reported in small samples; greater confidence in these associations would provide a rationale for further examining potential mechanisms of depression related to body temperature regulation. We sought to test the hypotheses that greater depression symptom severity is associated with (1) higher body temperature, (2) smaller differences between body temperature when awake versus asleep, and (3) lower diurnal body temperature amplitude. Data collected included both self-reported body temperature (using standard thermometers), wearable sensor-assessed distal body temperature (using an off-the-shelf wearable sensor that collected minute-level physiological data), and self-reported depressive symptoms from > 20,000 participants over the course of ~ 7 months as part of the TemPredict Study. Higher self-reported and wearable sensor-assessed body temperatures when awake were associated with greater depression symptom severity. Lower diurnal body temperature amplitude, computed using wearable sensor-assessed distal body temperature data, tended to be associated with greater depression symptom severity, though this association did not achieve statistical significance. These findings, drawn from a large sample, replicate and expand upon prior data pointing to body temperature alterations as potentially relevant factors in depression etiology and may hold implications for development of novel approaches to the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Heat waves are becoming increasingly common due to climate change, making it crucial to identify and understand the capacities for insect pollinators, such as honey bees, to avoid overheating. We examined the effects of hot, dry air temperatures on the physiological and behavioral mechanisms that honey bees use to fly when carrying nectar loads, to assess how foraging is limited by overheating or desiccation. We found that flight muscle temperatures increased linearly with load mass at air temperatures of 20 or 30 °C, but, remarkably, there was no change with increasing nectar loads at an air temperature of 40 °C. Flying, nectar-loaded bees were able to avoid overheating at 40 °C by reducing their flight metabolic rates and increasing evaporative cooling. At high body temperatures, bees apparently increase flight efficiency by lowering their wingbeat frequency and increasing stroke amplitude to compensate, reducing the need for evaporative cooling. However, even with reductions in metabolic heat production, desiccation likely limits foraging at temperatures well below bees critical thermal maxima in hot, dry conditions.

Clinical Scenario: Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in athletes. Unfortunately, they are hard to diagnose, require multiple radiology exams and follow-up which leads to more exposure to radiation and an increase in cost. Stress fractures that are mismanaged can lead to serious complications and poorer outcomes for the athlete. During the rehabilitation process, it would be beneficial to be able to monitor the healing of fractures to know when it is safe to gradually allow a patient to a return to sport because the return to activity is not usually objective and based on pain level. Clinical Question: Can infrared thermography (IRT) be a useful tool to measure the pathophysiological state of the fracture healing? The aim of this critically appraised topic is to analyze the current evidence of IRT for measuring the temperature change in fractures to provide recommendations for medical practitioners. Summary of Key Findings: For this critically appraised topic, we examined 3 articles that compared medical imaging and IRT over multiple time points during the follow-up. The 3 articles concluded that a 1 °C asymmetry in temperature followed by a return to normal (less than 0.3 °C) temperature during the healing process of fractures can be monitored using IRT. Clinical Bottom Line: Once the patient has been diagnosed with a fracture, IRT can safely be used to monitor the evolution of a fracture. When the thermogram progresses from a hot thermogram to a cold thermogram, the healing is considered good enough to return to sport. Strength of Recommendation: Grade 2 evidence exists to support IRT being used by clinicians to monitor fracture healing. Due to the limited research and novelty of the technology, the current recommendations are for following the treatment of the fracture once the initial diagnosis is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess elite racewalkers' preparation strategies, knowledge, and general practices for competition in the heat and their health status during the World Athletics Race Walking Teams Championships (WRW) Muscat 2022. Methods: Sixty-six elite racewalkers (male: n = 42; mean age = 25.8 y) completed an online survey prior to WRW Muscat 2022. Athletes were grouped by sex (males vs females) and climate (self-reported) they live/trained in (hot vs temperate/cold), with differences/relationships between groups assessed. Relationships between ranking (medalist/top 10 vs nonmedalist/nontop 10) and precompetition use of heat acclimation/acclimatization (HA) were assessed. Results: All surveyed medalists (n = 4) implemented, and top 10 finishers were more likely to report using (P =.049; OR = 0.25; 95% CI, 0.06%–1%), HA before the championships. Forty-three percent of athletes did not complete specific HA training. Females (8% [males 31%]) were less likely to have measured core temperature (P =.049; OR = 0.2; 95% CI, 0.041–0.99) and more likely to not know expected conditions in Muscat (42% vs 14%; P =.016; OR = 4.3; 95% CI, 1%–14%) or what wet bulb globe temperature is (83% vs 55%; P =.024; OR = 4.1; 95% CI, 1%–14%). Conclusions: Athletes who implemented HA before the championships tended to place better than those who did not. Forty-three percent of athletes did not prepare for the expected hot conditions at the WRW Muscat 2022, primarily attributed to challenges in accessing and/or cost of equipment/facilities for HA strategies. Further efforts to bridge the gap between research and practice in this elite sport are needed, particularly in female athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: We extend the characterization of the TRPM8 antagonist VBJ103 with tests of selectivity, specificity and distribution, therapeutic efficacy of systemic administration against oxaliplatin‐induced cold hyperalgesia and the impact of systemic administration on core body temperature (CBT). Experimental Approach: Selectivity at human TRPA1 and TRPV1 as well as in vitro safety profiling was determined. Effects of systemic administration of VBJ103 were evaluated in a model of oxaliplatin‐induced cold hyperalgesia. Both peripheral and centrally mediated effects of VBJ103 on CBT were assessed with radiotelemetry. Key Results: VBJ103 had no antagonist activity at TRPV1 and TRPA1, but low potency TRPA1 activation. The only safety liability detected was partial inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT). VBJ103 delivered subcutaneously dose‐dependently attenuated cold hypersensitivity in oxaliplatin‐treated mice at 3, 10 and 30 mg·kg−1 (n = 7, P < 0.05). VBJ103 (30 mg·kg−1) antinociception was influenced by neither the TRPA1 antagonist HC‐030031 nor the DAT antagonist GBR12909. Subcutaneous administration of VBJ103 (3, 10 and 30 mg·kg−1, but not 100 or 300 mg·kg−1, n = 7) decreased CBT (2°C). Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of VBJ103 (3, 10 and 30 mg·kg−1) dose‐dependently decreased CBT to an extent larger than that detected with subcutaneous administration. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration (306 nmol/1 μL; n = 5) did not alter CBT. Conclusions and Implications: We achieve therapeutic efficacy with subcutaneous administration of a novel TRPM8 antagonist that attenuates deleterious influences on CBT, a side effect that has largely prevented the translation of TRPM8 as a target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, including antinociceptive effects, of a transdermal buprenorphine solution in horses. It was hypothesized that transdermal application would lead to sustained blood concentrations and antinociceptive effects with fewer adverse effects compared with intravenous (IV) injection. Prospective nonrandomized four-part parallel experimental study. A group of eight horses (three mares and five geldings) aged 6–12 years. Horses were administered incremental doses of 15, 30 and 45 μg kg–1 of buprenorphine transdermal solution and a single IV dose of 5 μg kg–1 of buprenorphine with a 2 week washout period between treatments. Concentrations of buprenorphine were determined in plasma using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and modeled using a nonlinear mixed effects population pharmacokinetic model to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. Pharmacodynamic effects, including changes in locomotor activity, heart rate, body temperature, gastrointestinal borborygmi, thermal and mechanical nociceptive thresholds were recorded. Mixed effects analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons were performed using a Bonferroni multiple comparison adjustment to assess differences in pharmacodynamic parameters between baseline and each time point within each dose group and between dose groups at the same time point. Transdermal application of buprenorphine resulted in low systemic concentrations relative to IV injection. Bioavailability after transdermal application was 11%. Thermal nociceptive thresholds were significantly (p < 0.05) increased (4.3–10.7% relative to baseline) for up to 72 hours in the IV dose group, but only sporadically in the transdermal dose groups (2.5–9.9% relative to baseline). Changes in locomotor activity, heart rate and borborygmi varied over time and with dose. Limited thermal antinociceptive effects were observed at the transdermal doses studied likely owing to limited absorption relative to IV dosing. Future studies may be directed toward investigating antinociceptive effects of higher transdermal doses and different application sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Animals exhibit physiological changes designed to eliminate the perceived danger, provoking similar symptoms of fever. However, a high‐grade fever indicates poor clinical outcomes. Caspase11 (Casp11) is involved in many inflammatory diseases. Whether Casp11 leads to fever remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the role of the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (PO/AH) microglia Casp11 in fever. Methods: We perform experiments using a rat model of LPS‐induced fever. We measure body temperature and explore the functions of peripheral macrophages and PO/AH microglia in fever signaling by ELISA, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, macrophage depletion, protein blotting, and RNA‐seq. Then, the effects of macrophages on microglia in a hyperthermic environment are observed in vitro. Finally, adeno‐associated viruses are used to knockdown or overexpress microglia Casp11 in PO/AH to determine the role of Casp11 in fever. Results: We find peripheral macrophages and PO/AH microglia play important roles in the process of fever, which is proved by macrophage and microglia depletion. By RNA‐seq analysis, we find Casp11 expression in PO/AH is significantly increased during fever. Co‐culture and conditioned‐culture simulate the induction of microglia Casp11 activation by macrophages in a non‐contact manner. Microglia Casp11 knockdown decreases body temperature, pyrogenic factors, and inflammasome, and vice versa. Conclusion: We report that Casp11 drives fever. Mechanistically, peripheral macrophages transmit immune signals via cytokines to microglia in PO/AH, which activate the Casp11 non‐canonical inflammasome. Our findings identify a novel player, the microglia Casp11, in the control of fever, providing an explanation for the transmission and amplification of fever immune signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional body temperature monitoring technology has some problems, such as inaccurate manual reading, unable to monitor continuously for a long time, and difficult data storage and analysis. To solve these problems, this paper designs an application scenario of Internet of Things in body temperature monitoring, which integrates Internet of Things, network communication, network programming and other technologies, designs the overall architecture, topology structure and IP address allocation scheme of the system, and realizes real-time acquisition, transmission, storage, analysis, and display functions based on the Packet Tracer simulation platform. The performance evaluation and optimization are also carried out. The system realizes wireless monitoring and analysis of the body temperature data collected by the temperature sensor through the home gateway and single chip microcomputer and other devices. After testing, the designed system is stable, which provides a solution for the application of Internet of Things in body temperature monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heatstroke (HS), associated with the early activation of the coagulation system and frequently presenting with thrombocytopenia, poses a significant healthcare challenge. Understanding the relationship of nadir platelet count (PLT) within 24 h for adverse outcomes in HS patients is crucial for optimizing management strategies. This retrospective cohort study, conducted in six tertiary care hospitals, involved patients diagnosed with HS and admitted to the emergency departments. The primary and secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality and various acute complications, respectively, with logistic regression models utilized for assessing associations between nadir PLT and outcomes. The PLT count change curve was described using a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM), with additional analyses involving body temperature (BT) at 2 h also conducted. Of the 152 patients included, 19 (12.5%) died in-hospital. The median nadir PLT within 24 h was 99.5 (58.8–145.0)*10^9/L. Notably, as a continuous variable (10*10^9/L), nadir PLT was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.64–0.91; P = 0.003) and other adverse outcomes like acute kidney and liver injury, even after adjustment for confounders. GAMM revealed a more rapid and significant PLT decline in the non-survival group over 24 h, with differential PLT dynamics also observed based on BT at 2 h. Nadir PLT within 24 h were tied to in-hospital mortality and various adverse outcomes in HS patients. Early effective cooling measures demonstrated a positive impact on these associations, underscoring their importance in patient management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Platelet to albumin ratio (PAR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are potential indicators for evaluating nutritional and inflammatory status. This study aimed to examine the relationship between PAR and PNI and the acute complicated course of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO). Methods: AHO patients were divided into the simple course group and the acute complicated course group. The patient’s gender, age, site of infection, body temperature, laboratory results, and pathogen culture results were collected and compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors of the acute complicated course group. The receiver operating characteristic curve was applied to determine the optimal cut-off value. Results: In total, 101 AHO patients with a median age of 7.58 years were included. There were 63 cases (62.4 %) in the simple course group and 38 cases (37.6 %) in the complicated course group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that PAR and PNI were independent risk factors for predicting the acute complicated course of AHO (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the combination of PAR and PNI had an area under the curve of 0.777 (95 % CI: 0.680(0.873, p < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 0.51. Conclusions: The incidence of acute complicated courses was significantly higher in patients with high PAR and low PNI. A combined factor greater than 0.51, derived from PAR and PNI measurements within 24 h of admission, may be useful for predicting AHO patients who are likely to develop severe disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Olympic Committee recently introduced a consensus statement on recommendations for outdoor sports in the heat. However, indoor sports such as fencing whereby athletes are required to wear full body protective clothing when competing have received no recommendations. Such scenarios could cause high thermoregulatory demands particularly as competition progresses into latter rounds (direct elimination; DE). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the thermoregulatory responses of épée fencing across different phases of competition (Poule and DE). Seven well-trained fencers competed in a simulated competition comprising of seven Poule and seven DE fights. Gastrointestinal temperature (Tgast), skin temperature (Tskin), mask temperature (Tmask), heart rate (HR), thermal sensation, differentiated ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and movement characteristics were collected for all fights. There was a moderate thermoregulatory demand during Poule rounds shown by post-fight Tgast (38.1 ± 0.4°C), Tskin (34.4 ± 0.7°C), and thermal sensation ratings (6 ± 1). A greater thermoregulatory and perceptual demand observed during DE rounds evidenced by Tgast (38.7 ± 0.3°C post fight), Tskin (35.1 ± 0.7°C), thermal sensation (7 ± 1), increases in Tmask across DE rounds (~1.1°C), and RPE (~15). Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in distance covered from DE 1 to DE 7 suggests a thermoregulatory based impact on performance. This is the first study demonstrating the thermoregulatory demands of épée fencing, highlighting the need to develop heat exertion guidelines within fencing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uncontrolled bleeding during surgery is associated with high mortality and prolonged hospital stay, necessitating the use of hemostatic agents. Fibrin sealant patches offer an efficient solution to achieve hemostasis and improve patient outcomes in liver resection surgery. We have previously demonstrated the efficacy of a nanostructured fibrin-agarose hydrogel (NFAH). However, for the widespread distribution and commercialization of the product, it is necessary to develop an optimal preservation method that allows for prolonged stability and facilitates storage and distribution. We investigated cryopreservation as a potential method for preserving NFAH using trehalose. Structural changes in cryopreserved NFAH (Cryo-NFAH) were investigated and comparative in vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety studies were performed with freshly prepared NFAH. We also examined the long-term safety of Cryo-NFAH versus TachoSil in a rat partial hepatectomy model, including time to hemostasis, intra-abdominal adhesion, hepatic hematoma, inflammatory factors, histopathological variables, temperature and body weight, hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity. Structural analyses demonstrated that Cryo-NFAH retained most of its macro- and microscopic properties after cryopreservation. Likewise, hemostatic efficacy assays showed no significant differences with fresh NFAH. Safety evaluations indicated that Cryo-NFAH had a similar overall profile to TachoSil up to 40 days post-surgery in rats. In addition, Cryo-NFAH demonstrated superior hemostatic efficacy compared with TachoSil while also demonstrating lower levels of erythrolysis and cytotoxicity than both TachoSil and other commercially available hemostatic agents. These results indicate that Cryo-NFAH is highly effective hemostatic patch with a favorable safety and tolerability profile, supporting its potential for clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the cyclic fatigue resistance (CFR) of the newly developed pediatric nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary file systems for root canal preparation of primary teeth. Methods: Eighty pediatric NiTi rotary file systems files were used in this study, including 20 EasyInSmile X-Baby (25/0.04), 20 Scope miniScope (25/0.04), 20 EndoArt Pedo Gold (25/0.04), and 20 EndoArt Pedo Blue (25/0.04) files. Static CFR tests; performed on a custom-made stainless steel block with an inner diameter of 1.5 mm, an angle of curvature of 60° and a curved artificial canal with a radius of curvature of 5 mm. The test system was filled with distilled water and the temperature was kept constant at 35 ± 1 °C. The files were rotated in the simulated canal until fracture occurred. The number of cycles to failure (NCF) data was recorded, and all the fracture surfaces of the files were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). One-way ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis of the data, and the significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: EndoArt Pedo Blue showed the highest NCF values (2668.10 ± 755.26), while the miniScope showed the lowest NCF values (453.65 ± 72.51), with a statistically significant difference between all the tested file systems (p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in terms of fractured fragment lengths among all tested files (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The EndoArt Pedo Blue file system showed the best CFR performance among the four file systems specifically designed for primary teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: General guideline recommendations in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) include blood pressure-, temperature- and glucose management. The therapeutic effect of such a "care bundle" (blood pressure lowering, glycemic control, and treatment of pyrexia) on clinical outcomes becomes increasingly established. For the present study, we aimed to investigate associations of strict bundled care treatment (BCT) with clinical outcomes and characterize associations with key outcome effectors such as hematoma enlargement (HE) and peak perihemorrhagic edema (PHE). Methods: We screened consecutive ICH patients (n = 1,322) from the prospective UKER-ICH cohort study. BCT was defined as achieving and maintaining therapeutic ranges for systolic blood pressure (110-160 mmHg), glucose (80-180 mg/dL), and body temperature (35.5-37.5°C) over the first 72 h. The primary outcome was the functional outcome at 12 months (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-3). Secondary outcomes included mortality at 12 months, the occurrence of hematoma enlargement, and the development of peak perihemorrhagic edema. Confounding was addressed by a doubly robust methodology to calculate the absolute treatment effect (ATE) and by calculating e-values. Results: A total of 681 patients remained for analysis, and 182 patients fulfilled all three BCT criteria and were compared to 499 controls. The ATE of BCT to achieve the primary outcome was 9.3%, 95% CI (1.7 to 16.9), p < 0.001; e-value: 3.1, CI (1.8). Mortality at 12 months was significantly reduced by BCT [ATE: -12.8%, 95% CI (-19.8 to -5.7), p < 0.001; e-value: 3.8, CI (2.2)], and no association was observed for HE or peak PHE. Significant drivers of BCT effect on the primary outcome were systolic blood pressure control (ATE: 15.9%) and maintenance of normothermia (ATE: 10.9%). Conclusion: Strict adherence to this "care bundle" over the first 72 h during acute hospital care in patients with ICH was independently associated with improved functional long-term outcome, driven by systolic blood pressure control and maintenance of normothermia. Our findings strongly warrant prospective validation to determine the generalizability especially in Western countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Location Time Period Major Taxa Studied Methods Results Main Conclusions Diet is a key aspect of life in animals. There have been numerous independent origins of herbivorous diet across animals, but the factors that explain these origins remain poorly understood. One potentially crucial factor is body temperature (Tb), as the gut‐dwelling bacteria that help digest cellulose in many herbivores are thought to require high temperatures. However, analyses in birds, lizards and mammals found only limited evidence for higher Tb in herbivores than in carnivores. These analyses tested whether diet explains Tb evolution. Here, we focus instead on testing whether Tb helps explain the evolution of diet across tetrapods.Global.Past 350 million years.Tetrapods.We analysed 1712 species with matched data on diet and Tb using diverse phylogenetic methods.Ancestral reconstructions indicated that tetrapods likely had a carnivorous ancestor, followed by repeated transitions to omnivory and herbivory, especially in the last 110 million years. Thus, extant herbivorous lineages in tetrapods are relatively young, in contrast to many older carnivorous lineages. They are also relatively unstable in that reversals from herbivory back to omnivory and from omnivory back to carnivory were as frequent as the origins of herbivory and omnivory. Using phylogenetic logistic regression, we support the hypothesis that higher Tb helps explain the evolution of herbivory across tetrapods and within birds, mammals, lepidosaurs and turtles. Phylogenetic path analyses suggest that Tb generally drives the evolution of herbivory, and not vice versa. Our analyses also suggest that Tb is more important for the evolution of herbivory than large body size or diurnal diel activity, which are both significant predictors of herbivory in some cases.Our results show for the first time that Tb is a significant predictor of diet evolution among and within many major animal clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinosaurus from the Lufeng Basin, Yunnan Province, is the largest and most famous predatory dinosaur from the Early Jurassic in China. Although a number of specimens have been discovered in the past, no studies to date have focused exclusively on complete skeletal articulation, estimation of mass, or life strategies. Based on surface scans of a new well-preserved specimen, a digital skeleton of Sinosaurus was produced in two poses: osteologically neutral pose and extended pose. We estimated the possible living body mass by three volumetric-density methods, advocating the use of the expanding convex hulls method of 849.6 kg with the COM (0.41, 1.31, 0.00) as a more reliable result, which is greater than the mass of traditional regression formulas. The body shape and skull/body length suggested that Sinosaurus was a great runner, and this, combined with the weak crests and large forelimbs, further led to the conclusion that both the head and forelimbs were required to prey. This finding is also consistent with the finding that Sinosaurus has a moderate ability to metabolise body heat in the skin, as reflected by the surface/volume ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Postinterventional hypothermia is a frequent complication in patients with large-vessel occlusion strokes (LVOS) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). This inadvertent hypothermia might potentially have neuroprotective but also adverse effects on patients' outcomes. The aim of the study was to determine the rate of hypothermia in patients with LVOS receiving MT and its influence on functional outcome. Methods: We performed a monocentric, retrospective study using a prospectively derived databank, including all LVOS patients receiving MT between 2015 and 2021. Predictive values of postinterventional body temperature and body temperature categories (hyperthermia (=38°C), normothermia (35°C-37.9°C), and hypothermia (<35°C)) on functional outcome were analyzed using multivariable Bayesian logistic regression models. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) =3. Results: Of the 480 included LVOS patients with MT (46.0% men; mean ± SD age 73 ± 12.9 years), 5 (1.0%) were hyperthermic, 382 (79.6%) normothermic, and 93 (19.4%) hypothermic. Postinterventional hypothermia was significantly associated with unfavorable functional outcome (mRS > 3) after 90 days (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01-4.18, p = 0.045). For short-term functional outcome, patients with hypothermia had a higher discharge NIHSS (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.79, p = 0.015) and a higher change of NIHSS from admission to discharge (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.76, p = 0.029). Conclusion: Approximately a fifth of LVOS patients in this cohort were hypothermic after MT. Hypothermia was an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcomes. Our findings warrant a prospective trial investigating active warming during MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Increasing global temperatures present a significant challenge to livestock production. The dry period is an important stage in the production cycle of cow, and environmental heat stress (HS) during this period can have adverse effects on the subsequent lactation performance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of HS on endocrine, thermoregulatory, and lactation parameters in heat-tolerant dry cows (HTDC) and heat-sensitive dry cows (HSDC). Methods: We measured the respiratory rate (RR), body temperature (BT), and temperature-humidity index (THI) in 66 dry cows during HS. The slopes of RR and BT to THI were determined through analysis of measurements and dry cows background information using a mixed-effects model. Subsequently, the heat tolerance or sensitivity of dry cows was assessed using clustering method (HTDC = 19 and HSDC = 47). Results: Compared with that of HSDC, the RR of HTDC significantly increased after exposure to HS (p < 0.05). The average reduction in milk yield from new lactation to the previous lactation was significantly lower in HTDC compared to HSDC (p < 0.05). Plasma cortisol and non-esterified fatty acid levels were significantly lower in HTDC compared to HSDC (p < 0.05), while plasma triiodothyronine (p = 0.07) and growth hormone (p = 0.08) levels tended to be higher in HTDC relative to HSDC. Discussion: HTDC can more effectively alleviate the impacts of HS through their superior thermoregulation and metabolism, thereby ensuring optimal postpartum lactation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature is closely linked to the various lifestyles of reptiles, considerably influencing many aspects of their behaviour. Species with contrasting foraging modes or associated with different microhabitats are expected to thermoregulate in distinct ways. We sought to describe the thermal ecology of three model snake species, highlighting how their distinct lifestyles account for variation in thermoregulatory strategies. We chose the fossorial Conopsis lineata, the terrestrial Crotalus polystictus, and the semi-aquatic Thamnophis melanogaster. Following the protocol proposed by Hertz et al. (1993), we gathered data on body and operative temperatures in the field and preferred temperatures ( T set ) in the laboratory. The three species exhibited a wide range of T set , with differences between lower and upper limits ranging from 6.4°C to 8°C. The E index of effectiveness of thermoregulation was 0.685 for C. polystictus, 0.644 for C. lineata, and 0.486 for T. melanogaster. These results indicate that C. lineata and C. polystictus are precise and active thermoregulators. C. lineata has cryptic and fossorial habits, and we propose that its efficient thermoregulation likely results from the strategic selection of thermally favourable retreat sites. Contrary to what we predicted, T. melanogaster turned out to be the least accurate thermoregulator. Its semiaquatic lifestyle can help it to maintain beneficial body temperatures with less effort since aquatic environments are more thermally homogeneous. Overall, our study shows that lifestyle affects thermoregulation to an extent in these species, but that the thermal environments they inhabit also plays a key role in delimiting their thermoregulatory strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A cost-effective Escherichia coli expression system has gained popularity for producing virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines. However, the challenge lies in balancing the endotoxin residue and removal costs, as residual endotoxins can cause inflammatory reactions in the body. Results: In this study, porcine parvovirus virus-like particles (PPV-VLPs) were successfully assembled from Decreased Endotoxic BL21 (BL21-DeE), and the effect of structural changes in the lipid A of BL21 on endotoxin activity, immunogenicity, and safety was investigated. The lipopolysaccharide purified from BL21-DeE produced lower IL-6 and TNF-α than that from wild-type BL21 (BL21-W) in both RAW264.7 cells and BALB/c mice. Additionally, mice immunized with PPV-VLP derived form BL21-DeE (BL21-DeE-VLP) showed significantly lower production of inflammatory factors and a smaller increase in body temperature within 3 h than those immunized with VLP from BL21-W (BL21-W-VLP) and endotoxin-removed VLP (ReE-VLP). Moreover, mice in the BL21-DeE-VLP immunized group had similar levels of serum antibodies as those in the BL21-W-VLP group but significantly higher levels than those in the ReE-VLP group. Furthermore, the liver, lungs, and kidneys showed no pathological damage compared with the BL21-W-VLP group. Conclusion: Overall, this study proposes a method for producing VLP with high immunogenicity and minimal endotoxin activity without chemical or physical endotoxin removal methods. This method could address the issue of endotoxin residues in the VLP and provide production benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Duffing equation to model body temperature’s circadian rhythms, we simulated four cases with varying driving force parameters γ (0.32, 0.33, 0.34, and 0.35). We compared these simulations to published experimental data using Fourier and entropy analyses along Poincaré sections. For normal work-sleep conditions (γ = 0.35), the system showed precise resetting at specific times. Under shift work conditions (γ = 0.34), resetting behavior was reduced, causing a phase shift in the rhythm. Long-term constant temperature conditions (γ = 0.33) displayed a reset at the period’s start, similar to normal conditions. With no external driving forces (γ = 0.32), multiple resets occurred within the period, emphasizing the need for frequent resets to maintain stability. The simulation results align partially with experimental data, highlighting the system’s adaptability to external changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LBX1 gene is located near a single nucleotide polymorphism that is highly associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and is considered one of the strongest candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of this condition. We have previously found that loss of LBX1 from skeletal muscle results not only in spinal deformity but also in lean body mass, suggesting a potential role for LBX1 in energy metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to test this hypothesis by analyzing the phenotype of mice lacking LBX1 in skeletal muscle with a focus on energy metabolism. We found that loss of LBX1 rendered mice more resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity, despite comparable food intake between mutant and control mice. Notably, the mutant mice exhibited improved glucose tolerance, increased maximal aerobic capacity, and higher core body temperature compared to control mice. In addition, we found that overexpression of LBX1 decreased glucose uptake in cultured cells. Taken together, our data show that LBX1 functions as a negative regulator of energy metabolism and that loss of LBX1 from skeletal muscle increases systemic energy expenditure resulting in lean body mass. The present study thus suggests a potential association between LBX1 dysfunction and lean body mass in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objective Methods Results Conclusion The use of fertility indicators to predict ovulation has largely been studied for contraceptive purposes, while less so as fertility‐promoting tools.To investigate the association between fertility indicators and fecundability in Danish women trying to conceive.Web‐based preconception cohort study. We analysed data from 11,328 females aged 18–49 years trying to conceive without fertility treatment for ≤6 menstrual cycles, from the Danish SnartGravid.dk and SnartForældre.dk cohorts (2007–2023). Participants reported the use of fertility indicators (counting days since the last menstrual period, cervical fluid monitoring, urinary ovulation testing, feeling ovulation, using a smartphone fertility app and measuring basal body temperature [BBT]). Time to pregnancy was measured in menstrual cycles ascertained by self‐reported pregnancy status. We estimated fecundability ratios (FR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using proportional probabilities regression models adjusted for age, socio‐economic position, health indicators, reproductive history and gynaecological factors.Fertility indicators were used by 63.3% of participants at study entry. Counting days was the most common (46.9%), while measuring BBT was the least (3.0%). Other indicators ranged from 17.0% to 23.6%, with 69.7% using more than one indicator. Compared with non‐use, use of any fertility indicator was associated with greater fecundability (adjusted FR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08, 1.19). Cervical fluid monitoring showed the strongest association (aFR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03, 2.07), followed by urinary ovulation testing (aFR 1.35, 95% CI 1.16, 1.58) and counting days (aFR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09, 1.29). Feeling ovulation and fertility apps were modestly associated with fecundability, while measuring BBT was not associated. Sensitivity analysis restricting to ≤2 cycles of attempt time and two cycles of follow‐up showed an aFR for any indicator use of 1.21 (95% CI 1.13, 1.31).In this Danish preconception cohort, use of fertility indicators was associated with a higher fecundability, varying by type of indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) in Italy show a striking variation in body coloration across the landscape, with highly exaggerated black and green colors in hot and dry climates and brown and white colors in cool and wet climates. Males are more intensely colored than females, and previous work has suggested that the maintenance of variation in coloration across the landscape reflects climatic effects on the strength of male–male competition, and through this sexual selection. However climatic effects on the intensity of male–male competition would need to be exceptionally strong to fully explain the geographic patterns of color variation. Thus, additional processes may contribute to the maintenance of color variation. Here we test the hypothesis that selection for green and black ornamentation in the context of male–male competition is opposed by selection against ornamentation because the genes involved in the regulation of coloration have pleiotropic effects on thermal physiology, such that ornamentation is selected against in cool climates. Field observations revealed no association between body coloration and microhabitat use or field active body temperatures. Consistent with these field data, lizards at the extreme ends of the phenotypic distribution for body coloration did not show any differences in critical minimum temperature, preferred body temperature, temperature‐dependent metabolic rate, or evaporative water loss when tested in the laboratory. Combined, these results provide no evidence that genes that underlie sexual ornamentation are selected against in cool climate because of pleiotropic effects on thermal biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the fabrication of ambient room temperature responsive shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)‐coated fabric using a simple dip coating method, aiming to enhance the shape memory response of smart textiles. Two SMPU were synthesized using different chain extender 1,4 butanediol (BDO‐SMPU) and polyethylenimine (PEI‐SMPU). Critical parameters such as SMPU concentration, dwell time, and coating solution temperature are optimized to ensure exceptional shape memory performance while also maintaining the fabric's handle, comfort, and durability. We determined that PEI‐SMPU/Cotton fabric exhibits superior memory performance, with a 90.2% shape recovery at a 1% PEI‐SMPU concentration. Conversely, BDO‐SMPU fabric demonstrated a 75.8% shape recovery under different conditions (10% SMPU concentration, 50°C solution temperature). Furthermore, shape recovery is influenced by programming temperature and load; at 35°C and 10 N load, PEI‐SMPU/Cotton significantly outperforms BDO‐SMPU/Cotton, showing about 20% improvement in shape recovery. This study indicates that modifying SMPU from BDO‐SMPU to PEI‐SMPU can notably enhance shape recovery performance at 35°C, marking a significant advancement in human body temperature responsive smart fabric technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on climatic parameters contributing to psychiatric disorder seasonality is limited, particularly in subtropical, arid climates like Rajasthan, necessitating investigation into seasonal variations in psychiatric disorder incidence in the region. This study investigates seasonal variations in psychiatric disorder prevalence over 2 years at a Rajasthan tertiary healthcare center, aiming to uncover links with climatic factors. Aims: To investigate seasonal variations in the utilization of outpatient psychiatry services and elucidate potential determinants contributing to these temporal variations. Settings and Design: This is a hospital-based study. A retrospective chart review of all new patients who utilized psychiatry outpatient services from July 2021 to July 2023 was conducted. Methods and Material: Data were gathered from psychiatric outpatient records of adults (July 2021 to July 2023), diagnosed using ICD-10. Seasons were categorized: winter (November-January), spring (February-April), summer (May-July), and rainy (August-October). Meteorological data, temperature, and day length were obtained. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation and Chi-square fitness, assessed seasonal associations with psychiatric disorders. Results: A total of 29,164 patient records were observed. Depression correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Mania peaked in August, linked to day length. Schizophrenia showed seasonal variation without environmental correlation. Anxiety peaked in March with no statistical significance. Obsessive compulsive disorder cases spiked in June, moderately correlated with temperature and photoperiod. Alcohol-related disorders peaked in December, while opioid dependence remained steady. Cannabis-induced psychosis peaked in summer, strongly correlated with temperature and day length. Headaches surged in August, positively correlated with temperature and day length. Conclusions: This study reveals complex relationships between seasonality, environmental factors, and psychiatric disorders, emphasizing their importance in mental health research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The rising frequency of extreme heat events poses an escalating threat of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, placing an additional strain on global healthcare systems. Whether the risk of heat-related issues is sex specific, particularly among the elderly, remains uncertain. Methods: 16 men and 15 women of similar age (69 ± 5 years) were exposed to an air temperature of 39.1 ± 0.3 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 25.1 ± 1.9%, during 20 min of seated rest and at least 40 min of low-intensity (10 W) cycling exercise. RH was gradually increased by 2% every 5 min starting at minute 30. We measured sweat rate, heart rate, thermal sensation, and the rise in gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi) and skin temperature (Tsk). Results: Tgi consistently increased from minute 30 to 60, with no significant difference between females and males (0.012 ± 0.004 °C/min vs. 0.011 ± 0.005 °C/min; p = 0.64). Similarly, Tsk increase did not differ between females and males (0.044 ± 0.007 °C/min vs. 0.038 ± 0.011 °C/min; p = 0.07). Females exhibited lower sweat rates than males (0.29 ± 0.06 vs. 0.45 ± 0.14 mg/m2/min; p < 0.001) in particular at relative humidities exceeding 30%. No sex differences in heart rate and thermal sensation were observed. Conclusion: Elderly females exhibit significantly lower sweat rates than their male counterparts during low-intensity exercise at ambient temperatures of 39 °C when humidity exceeds 30%. However, both elderly males and females demonstrate a comparable rise in core temperature, skin temperature, and mean body temperature, indicating similar health-related risks associated with heat exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultradian rhythms of metabolism, body temperature and activity are attenuated or disappear completely during torpor in Djungarian hamsters, for all three ultradian periodicities (URsmall, URmedium and URlarge). URsmall and URmedium disappear during entrance into torpor, whereas URlarge disappear later or continue with a low amplitude. This suggests a tight functional link between torpor and the expression of ultradian rhythms, i.e. torpor is achieved by suppression of metabolic rate as well as silencing of ultradian rhythms. Spontaneous torpor is often initiated after an ultradian burst of activity and metabolic rate, beginning with a period of motionless rest and accompanied by a decrease of metabolic rate and body temperature. To extend previous findings on the potential role of the adrenergic system on torpor induction we analysed the influence of the ß3-adrenergic agonist Mirabegron on torpor in Djungarian hamsters, as compared to the influence of the ß-adrenergic antagonist Propranolol. Hamsters were implanted with 10 day release pellets of Mirabegron (0.06 mg day−1) or Propranolol (0.3 mg day−1). Mirabegron transiently supressed and accelerated ultradian rhythms but had no effect on torpor behaviour. Propranolol did not affect torpor behaviour nor the expression of ultradian rhythms with the dosage applied during this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) living at constant 15 °C Ta in short photoperiod (8:16 h L:D) showed pronounced ultradian rhythms (URs) of metabolic rate (MR), body temperature (Tb) and locomotor activity. The ultradian patterns differed between individuals and varied over time. The period length of URs for MR, Tb and activity was similar although not identical. Wavelet analysis showed that three different URs are existing in parallel, URs of small amplitude and short duration (URsmall), URs of medium amplitude and medium duration (URmedium) and URs of large amplitude (URlarge), superimposed on each other. URlarge were accompanied by an increase in locomotor activity, whereas URsmall and URmedium were of metabolic origin with lacking or delayed responses of activity. An energetic challenge to cold which raised total energy requirements by about 50% did not accelerate the period length of URs, but extended the amplitude of URsmall and URmedium. URlarge corresponds with the URs of activity, feeding and drinking, sleep and arousal as described in previous studies, which are related to midbrain dopaminergic signalling and hypothalamic ultradian signalling. The cause and control of URmedium and URsmall is unknown. Their periods are similar to periods of central and peripheral endocrine ultradian signalling, suggesting a link with URs of metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study presents morphological research on the tail, with particular emphasis on its skeleton, musculature, and accumulated fat tissue. Additionally, it provides an examination of the spinal cord and anal glands of the Komodo dragon. This project sheds new light on the biological importance of the tail in this lizard, offering insights into conservation implications, which are of utmost importance due to the threat of extinction of this species. As a result of the conducted research is a multifaceted analysis of the tail, with particular emphasis on its numerous biological functions. The Komodo dragon is a unique reptile with an elongated tail that exhibits hitherto unknown adaptations and functions. This tail, composed of 60–86 vertebrae, serves diverse ecological and physiological roles. In juveniles, it is essential for an arboreal lifestyle and balance, while in adults, it functions as a tool for defense and offensive actions. It possesses characteristic haemal arches and a dorsal keel, along with well-developed muscles which enable precise tail control, influencing the Komodo dragon's maneuverability and directional changes. The tail stores adipose tissue, providing Komodo dragons with the ability to regulate body temperature and independence from other seasonal variations. The tail adipose tissue impacts numerous biochemical processes and may play a crucial role in the animals' metabolic strategies and reproductive capabilities. Its functions include providing essential mineral compounds for the organism, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Analysing the biochemical composition of tail fat is crucial for understanding the health of Komodo dragons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body temperature must be monitored in patients receiving Hospital-at-Home (HaH) care for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Continuous temperature telemonitoring (CTT) detects fever and patient deterioration early, facilitating decision-making. We performed a validation clinical study assessing the safety, comfort, and impact on healthcare practice of Viture®, a CTT system, compared with a standard digital axillary thermometer in 208 patients with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases treated in HaH at the Navarra University Hospital (HUN). Overall, 3258 pairs of measurements showed a clinical bias of −0.02 °C with limits of agreement of −0.96/+0.92 °C, a 95% acceptance rate, and a mean absolute deviation of 0.36 (SD 0.30) °C. Viture® detected 3 times more febrile episodes and revealed fever in 50% more patients compared with spot measurements. Febrile episodes were detected 7.23 h (mean) earlier and modified the diagnostic and/or therapeutic approach in 43.2% of patients. Viture® was validated for use in a clinical setting and was more effective in detecting febrile episodes than conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition from wakefulness to sleep occurs when the core body temperature decreases. The latter is facilitated by an increase in the cutaneous blood flow, which dissipates internal heat into the micro-environment surrounding the sleeper's body. The rise in cutaneous blood flow near sleep onset causes the distal (hands and feet) and proximal (abdomen) temperatures to increase by about 1 °C and 0.5 °C, respectively. Characterizing the dynamics of skin temperature changes throughout sleep phases and understanding its relationship with sleep quality requires a means to unobtrusively and longitudinally estimate the skin temperature. Leveraging the data from a temperature sensor strip (TSS) with five individual temperature sensors embedded near the surface of a smart bed's mattress, we have developed an algorithm to estimate the distal skin temperature with a minute-long temporal resolution. The data from 18 participants who recorded TSS and ground-truth temperature data from sleep during 14 nights at home and 2 nights in a lab were used to develop an algorithm that uses a two-stage regression model (gradient boosted tree followed by a random forest) to estimate the distal skin temperature. A five-fold cross-validation procedure was applied to train and validate the model such that the data from a participant could only be either in the training or validation set but not in both. The algorithm verification was performed with the in-lab data. The algorithm presented in this research can estimate the distal skin temperature at a minute-level resolution, with accuracy characterized by the mean limits of agreement [−0.79 to +0.79 °C] and mean coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.87 . This method may enable the unobtrusive, longitudinal and ecologically valid collection of distal skin temperature values during sleep. Therelatively small sample size motivates the need for further validation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectotherms often thermoregulate behaviourally within variable thermal environments in their attempts to acquire optimal body temperatures. Thermoregulation accrues benefits but incurs costs, which are crucial for understanding thermoregulatory behaviour. Costs of thermoregulating are influenced by two key attributes of the thermal environment—heterogeneity of thermal microhabitats and the deviation of the mean temperature from an animal's preferred temperature. However, empirical research has rarely distinguished between these two drivers of thermoregulatory costs or examined them concurrently.Our experiment used a novel thermoregulatory arena to examine the independent and interactive effects of the two environmental drivers of costs of thermoregulation on the thermoregulatory behaviour of a small ectotherm, the jacky dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus).Following previous theory, we predicted that (i) thermoregulation would be higher in environments with greater thermal heterogeneity (body temperatures closer to preferred temperatures, higher thermoregulatory accuracy and higher effectiveness of thermoregulation) and (ii) changes in thermoregulation as a function of mean environmental temperatures would differ depending on thermal heterogeneity.We found support for our prediction that these two environmental attributes had an interactive effect on thermoregulation but not for our prediction that thermal heterogeneity would impact thermoregulation independently. Individuals in highly heterogeneous environments maintained greater thermoregulatory accuracy compared with those in less heterogeneous environments as the mean environment increasingly deviated from the preferred temperature range.The results emphasise the crucial conceptual distinction between thermal mean and heterogeneity as drivers of thermoregulatory costs and how this distinction underpins variation in the thermal behaviour of ectotherms. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body temperature is critical indicator of human health, and its real‐time monitoring is crucial for assessing body status and disease diagnosis. In this work, a flexible temperature sensor is presented that employs a graphite/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polyaniline composite and demonstrates a negative temperature coefficient (NTC). This sensor exhibits high sensitivity (−0.832%/ °C), rapid response time (11.05 s), and excellent linearity (R2 = 0.98). Its integration with a self‐adhesion PDMS‐PEG substrate layer ensures close skin contact, enhancing the accuracy of temperature measurements. Notably, the sensor's stability and resistance to sweat and deformation ensure continuous, reliable temperature monitoring, even during extensive exercise. This sensor thus represents a significant advancement in flexible and waterproof temperature sensing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The bed bath is an important part of nursing care. There are few studies evaluating the effects of traditional and dry bed baths on patients. Aim: This study was performed with the aim of investigating the effect of traditional and dry bed baths given to intensive care unit patients on the patients' hemodynamic parameters, the duration of the bathing procedure and the cost of consumable items. Methods: This was a randomized crossover clinical trial and a prospective study. The study was conducted in a General Surgery Intensive Care Unit with 22 intensive care patients aged 18 and over, who had a nursing diagnosis of bathing personal care deficiency. Each patient was given two types of bed baths at an interval of 24 h: a traditional bed bath and a dry bed bath performed with single‐use tissues. Immediately before each bath, in the 5th, 10th and 15th minute of bathing, immediately after bathing and 30 min after bathing, body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and peripheral oxygen saturation measurement changes over time were compared within the group using the Friedman test. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to compare the variables of bathing duration and bathing consumable item costs between the bathing procedures. Results: It was found that at the completion of traditional and dry bed bathing, the participants' body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing rate parameters were statistically significantly lower than before bathing, whereas peripheral oxygen saturation values showed a significant increase (p < 0.05). It was found that the dry bed bath took a statistically significantly shorter time than the traditional bed bath and that the cost of consumable bathing materials was less (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It was concluded that traditional and dry bed baths given to intensive care patients affected their hemodynamic parameters and that the dry bed bath was superior to the traditional bed bath in that it took less time and that it cost less. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Traditional and dry bed baths are personal care procedures that are frequently carried out by nurses with patients in intensive care units.Bed baths may affect the hemodynamic parameters of patients in intensive care units, but few studies have evaluated their effects.Determination of the hemodynamic parameters of patients during bed baths, the duration of bathing and the cost of consumable bathing materials may help nurses to achieve patients' body hygiene in a more reliable way and to decide on and adopt measures to minimize risks. What this paper adds? This paper contributes to the performance of personal hygiene. It is necessary to closely monitor the hemodynamic parameters of intensive care patients when they are being given bed baths.This study has direct effects in awakening nurses to the potential risk of bed baths causing a change in hemodynamic parameters in intensive care patients and in taking measures to reduce these risks to a minimum. Also, giving dry bed baths, which are superior in taking less time and having lower costs, provides advantages to nurses in terms of work load, physical difficulties and finance. The implications of this paper: This study emphasizes the positive impacts of dry bed baths carried out by nurses for patients in intensive care units.The dry bed bath can be accepted as enhancing patient safety by being easy to perform and by shortening the time when the patient is exposed to environmental risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The menstrual cycle is a loop involving the interplay of different organs and hormones, with the capacity to impact numerous physiological processes, including body temperature and heart rate, which in turn display menstrual rhythms. The advent of wearable devices that can continuously track physiological data opens the possibility of using these prolonged time series of skin temperature data to noninvasively detect the temperature variations that occur in ovulatory menstrual cycles. Here, we show that the menstrual skin temperature variation is better represented by a model of oscillation, the cosinor, than by a biphasic square wave model. We describe how applying a cosinor model to a menstrual cycle of distal skin temperature data can be used to assess whether the data oscillate or not, and in cases of oscillation, rhythm metrics for the cycle, including mesor, amplitude, and acrophase, can be obtained. We apply the method to wearable temperature data collected at a minute resolution each day from 120 female individuals over a menstrual cycle to illustrate how the method can be used to derive and present menstrual cycle characteristics, which can be used in other analyses examining indicators of female health. The cosinor method, frequently used in circadian rhythms studies, can be employed in research to facilitate the assessment of menstrual cycle effects on physiological parameters, and in clinical settings to use the characteristics of the menstrual cycles as health markers or to facilitate menstrual chronotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No standard treatment guidelines have been established for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We aimed to assess the differences in outcomes and prognoses between patients with PPH who underwent surgical and non-surgical treatment. Methods: This retrospective study included 230 patients diagnosed with PPH at two referral hospitals between August 2013 and October 2023. The patients were divided into non-surgical (group 1, n = 159) and surgical intervention groups (group 2, n = 71). A subgroup analysis was performed by dividing the surgical intervention group into immediate (n = 45) and delayed surgical intervention groups (n = 26). Results: Initial lactic acid levels and shock index were significantly higher in group 2 (2.85 ± 1.37 vs. 4.54 ± 3.63 mmol/L, p = 0.001, and 0.83 ± 0.26 vs. 1.10 ± 0.51, p < 0.001, respectively). Conversely, initial heart rate and body temperature were significantly lower in group 2 (92.5 ± 21.0 vs. 109.0 ± 28.1 beat/min, p < 0.001, and 37.3 ± 0.8 °C vs. 37.0 ± 0.9 °C, p = 0.011, respectively). Logistic regression analysis identified low initial body temperature, high lactic acid level, and shock index as independent predictors of surgical intervention (p = 0.029, p = 0.027, and p = 0.049, respectively). Regarding the causes of PPH, tone was significantly more prevalent in group 1 (57.2% vs. 35.2%, p = 0.002), whereas trauma was significantly more prevalent in group 2 (24.5% vs. 39.4%, p = 0.030). Group 2 had worse overall outcomes and prognoses than group 1. The subgroup analysis showed significantly higher rates of uterine atony combined with other causes, hysterectomy, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in the delayed surgical intervention group than the immediate surgical intervention group (42.2% vs. 69.2%, p = 0.027; 51.1% vs. 73.1%, p = 0.049; and 17.8% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.018, respectively). Conclusions: Patients with PPH presenting with increased lactic acid levels and shock index and decreased body temperature may be surgical candidates. Additionally, immediate surgical intervention in patients with uterine atony combined with other causes of PPH could improve prognosis and reduce postoperative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]