Heat Sensation Research Articles

Effect of preferable wind directions on personal thermal comfort of occupants in the air-conditioned office in hot-humid climate

The utilization of a desk fan in the personal thermal comfort (PTC) method is a thermal adaptation that provides indoor comfort and energy-saving for office applications due to the high energy consumption of ACs in the HVAC sector. Researchers have conducted numerous studies on this utilization. However, the question of which wind direction provides thermal comfort for respondents remains an issue, along with the effect of different wind directions on thermal comfort and its influence on skin temperature. Field measurements were conducted inside an air-conditioned office room at a set point temperature of 29.0 °C, involving 400 questionnaire samples from 20 respondents. There were three stages of desk fan configurations; Stage 1 No-fan, Stage 2 Single fan, and Stage 3 Dual fan configurations. The result showed that most respondents preferred wind direction from front and head. Meanwhile, left and right were least favoured. Different wind directions from fans successfully lowered the heat sensation perceived by respondents up to 53% compared to the no-fan configuration. It improved the overall comfort from slightly uncomfortable to moderately comfortable, on a scale of 3.5 to 2.4, under the indoor temperature of 28.6 °C. Respondents' initial average skin temperature during no-fan configuration, ranging from 33.9 to 35.4 °C, was lowered during fan configurations, recorded at 33.2–34.5 °C. PTC setup used in the study also provides lower energy consumption, ranging from 8-20%, compared to low AC set point temperatures of 20.0 and 24.0°C commonly used in hot and humid tropical countries.

Association of Cold/Heat Sensation with Sleep Quality and Insomnia in Middle-aged Women

Objectives: Cold extremities have been suggested to correlate with sleep disturbances. This study aims to explore the relationship between thermal sensations in body, encompassing both cold and heat sensations, with sleep quality and insomnia.Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to assess thermal sensations in body, sleep quality and symptoms of insomnia in middle-aged women. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain the association between thermal sensations in body and both sleep quality and insomnia symptoms.Results: Among 899 participants, 255 (28.4%) were categorized in the cold sensation group, 95 (10.6%) in the heat sensation group, 70 (7.8%) in the group with both cold and heat sensations, and 479 (53.3%) in the no-sensation group. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Insomnia Severity Index were notably higher in the group experiencing both sensations when compared to the no-sensation group. After adjustments for covariates, the odds ratios for poor sleep quality, moderate/severe insomnia, and long sleep latency were significantly elevated in the group with both sensations when compared to the no-sensation group. The odds ratios for poor sleep quality in the cold sensation group and for moderate/severe insomnia and low sleep efficiency in the heat sensation group were significantly higher when compared to the no-sensation group.Conclusions: The risk for sleep disturbances varied depending on the presence of thermal sensations in body, with the greatest risk observed for low sleep quality and insomnia in individuals experiencing both cold and heat sensations.

IMPACT OF UNSEALED SURFACE PAVEMENTS ON AIR TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY IN PUBLIC SPACES

Public space allows the interaction and encounter of the population without distinction of age, race or gender. The use and permanence in these places depend on the accessibility and comfort experienced by the user. Among the main aspects that determine comfort is temperature control or control of the sensation of heat conditioned by thermal radiation, environmental conditions (air temperature and humidity, wind speed, shade and shelter), and individual factors (age, health, clothing, physical activity). Pavement options affect the sensation of heat, some, such as reflective or lighter-colored pavements can help mitigate the urban heat island effect by reducing the absorption of solar radiation and lowering surface temperatures. This research focuses on the effects of thermal radiation from unsealed surface pavements on air temperature and relative humidity at different heights (5 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm, 120 cm, and 150 cm). Measurements were recorded in central public places such as squares and parks in the city of Loja (Ecuador) exposed to high levels of solar radiation. The study mainly revealed that grass and white terrazzo presented lower surface temperatures and increased the relative humidity of the air at 150 cm, refreshing the environment and contributing to the mitigation of the heat island effect.

Immunomodulatory Prodrug Micelles Imitate Mild Heat Effects to Reshape Tumor Microenvironment for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy.

Physical stimulation with mild heat possesses the notable ability to induce immunomodulation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). It transforms the immunosuppressive TME into an immune-active state, making tumors more receptive to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), which can be activated by mild heat, holds the potential to induce these alterations in the TME. However, achieving precise temperature control within tumors while protecting neighboring tissues remains a significant challenge when using external heat sources. Taking inspiration from the heat sensation elicited by capsaicin-containing products activating TRPV1, this study employs capsaicin to chemically stimulate TRPV1, imitating immunomodulatory benefits akin to those induced by mild heat. This involves developing a glutathione (GSH)-responsive immunomodulatory prodrug micelle system to deliver capsaicin and an ICI (BMS202) concurrently. Following intravenous administration, the prodrug micelles accumulate at the tumor site through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Within the GSH-rich TME, the micelles disintegrate and release capsaicin and BMS202. The released capsaicin activates TRPV1 expressed in the TME, enhancing programmed death ligand 1 expression on tumor cell surfaces and promoting T cell recruitment into the TME, rendering it more immunologically active. Meanwhile, the liberated BMS202 blocks immune checkpoints on tumor cells and T cells, activating the recruited T cells and ultimately eradicating the tumors. This innovative strategy represents a comprehensive approach to fine-tune the TME, significantly amplifying the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy by exploiting the TRPV1 pathway and enabling in situ control of immunomodulation within the TME.

Predictors of sleep quality components in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation: a cross-sectional study.

Patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation experience postembolisation symptoms and interferences affecting sleep quality, which require intervention. The study aimed to identify the predictors of sleep quality components in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation. This study included two groups of participants: 50 patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation and 45 nurses caring for them. Data were collected from September to November 2022 using a structured questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, analysis of variance, Spearman's rank correlation, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS 27.0 program (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The mean sleep quality score was 40.28±14.10. Heat sensation (t=-2.08, p=.043) and fatigue (t=-4.47, p<.001) predicted sleep fragmentation in 38.6% of the patients. Abdominal pain (t=-2.54, p=.014), vomiting (t=-2.21, p=.032), and the expected fatigue by the nurses (t=2.68, p=.014) predicted sleep length in 41.7% of patients. Abdominal pain (t=-2.05, p=.046) explained 42.9% of sleep depth. Based on the predictors of sleep quality components obtained in this study, strategies to improve sleep quality tailored to patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation should be developed. This study highlighted the need to bridge the gap between patients' and nurses' expected fatigue and its contribution to sleep fragmentation and sleep length. It also highlighted the importance of noncontact temperature measurement, controlling vomiting, and pain relief for improving sleep length in patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolisation.

Factor analysis and risk assessment of indoor environmental parameters and TSV in fitness centres under different zones, exercise intensities and times

Maintaining regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining good health. In China, fitness centres are thriving, and the cleanliness of the exercise environment has become increasingly important. This study investigated the thermal response and indoor air environment of fitness personnel in various areas of a fitness centre using subjective evaluation and on-site air environment measurements. The findings revealed that the indoor air environment in different exercise areas of the fitness centre varied spatially, which can lead to discomfort amongst fitness personnel during exercise. Overall, the thermal sensation in different areas of the fitness centre was found consistently too hot. Temperature and humidity have the greatest impact on the thermal sensation of individuals in different areas, while indoor air pollutants have a minimal effect. The intensity and duration of exercise can also influence the body’s heat sensation and pollutant inhalation dose. The body’s heat balance mechanism can affect subjective evaluations. This study proposes three strategies for optimizing the indoor environment of fitness centres through principal component analysis. This paper provides data and a methodological framework for the development of specifications supporting the design, operation and management of the environment in fitness centres.

Selective neural inhibition via photobiomodulation alleviates behavioral hypersensitivity associated with small sensory fiber activation.

Photobiomodulation at higher irradiances has great potential as a pain-alleviating method that selectively inhibits small diameter nerve fibers and corresponding sensory experiences, such as nociception and heat sensation. The longevity and magnitude of these effects as a function of laser irradiation parameters at the nerve was explored. In a rodent chronic pain model (spared nerve injury-SNI), light was applied directly at the sural nerve with four delivery schemes: two irradiance levels (7.64 and 2.55 W/cm2 ) for two durations each, corresponding to either 4.8 or 14.4 J total energy, and the effect on sensory hypersensitivities was evaluated. At emitter irradiances of 7.64 W/cm2 (for 240 s), 2.55 W/cm2 (for 720 s), and 7.64 W/cm2 (for 80 s) the heat hypersensitivity was relieved the day following photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment by 37 ± 8.1% (statistically significant, p < 0.001), 26% ± 6% (p = 0.072), and 28 ± 6.1% (statistically significant, p = 0.032), respectively, and all three treatments reduced the hypersensitivity over the course of the experiment (13 days) at a statistically significant level (mixed-design analysis of variance, p < 0.05). The increases in tissue temperature (5.3 ± 1.0 and 1.3 ± 0.4°C from 33.3°C for the higher and lower power densities, respectively) at the neural target were well below those typically associated with permanent action potential disruption. The data from this study support the use of direct PBM on nerves of interest to reduce sensitivities associated with small-diameter fiber activity.

Influence of Contrast Media Temperature and Concentration on Patient Comfort and Safety in Computed Tomography: CATCHY II Trial.

Previous research on the necessity to reduce the viscosity of contrast media (CM) by either prewarming CM before injection during computed tomography (CT) or by using less concentrated CM has yielded conflicting results. In addition, there is limited evidence on patient comfort. The aim of the study was to examine if prewarming CM, with varying CM concentrations, is superior to CM at room temperature, with respect to patient comfort and safety in CT. All elective patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced CT scans at Maastricht University Medical Center+ between October 27, 2021 and October 31, 2022 were eligible for inclusion when a questionnaire evaluating patient comfort was completed. This 1-year period was divided into 4 intervals (4 groups): group 1 (370 mg I/mL, 37°C), group 2 (370 mg I/mL, room temperature), group 3 (300 mg I/mL, 37°C), and group 4 (300 mg I/mL, room temperature). All CT scans were performed using state of the art equipment (Siemens Healthineers; SOMATOM Force and SOMATOM Definition AS, Forchheim, Germany). Contrast media injections were performed using a dual-head power injector (Stellant; Bayer Healthcare, Berlin, Germany) and individualized to body weight and/or tube voltage, depending on the CM protocols. After the CT scan, patients completed a questionnaire covering the primary outcomes comfort, pain, and adverse events such as feelings of heat, nausea, vomiting, itchiness, urticaria, difficulty breathing, dizziness, goosebumps, or an odd taste. Technicians were asked to report any adverse events, including extravasation and allergic-like reactions. The secondary outcome involved attenuation (in Hounsfield unit, HU), which was evaluated by assessing the HU of the coronary arteries for vascular CT, and liver enhancement in portal venous CT. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used for continuous scale outcomes and χ 2 tests for examining adverse events. Results showed no significant differences examining comfort score ( P = 0.054), pain sensation ( P = 0.469), extravasation ( P = 0.542), or allergic-like reaction ( P = 0.253). Significant differences among the 4 groups were found with respect to heat sensation and dizziness ( P = 0.005 and P = 0.047, respectively), showing small effect sizes. All other adverse effects showed no significant results. No significant differences were observed in coronary attenuation among the 4 groups in coronary CT angiography ( P = 0.113). When analyzing attenuation in portal venous CT scans, significant differences were found among the 4 groups ( P = 0.008). Administrating prewarmed CM is nonsuperior compared with CM at room temperature in relation to patient comfort and safety, regardless of CM concentration. These findings suggest that prewarming CM before usage is unnecessary, which will improve the efficiency of daily clinical workflow and brings environmentally friendly benefits.

Ayurvedic management of acute calcaneal spur with Viddhakarma and Siravedha: A case report

The feet are a highly dependent yet most neglected part of the body. The negligence may result in various levels of discomforts and associated heel pain. Abnormal pressure over foot muscles and ligaments may lead to chronic plantar heel pain and further development of calcaneal spur, which are the most encountered orthopedic problems. Various modern treatment options are available for the management of calcaneal spur, but either they involve longer duration or are expensive. Hence, there is a need to opt treatment approaches that may provide satisfactory results with minimum adversities. Viddhakarma (~therapeutic needle-piercing) and Siravedha (~therapeutic bloodletting) are the therapies of Ayurveda origin, with proven efficacy in pain management and can be used in conditions such as calcaneal spur. A 42-year-old female patient presented to the outdoor patient department in the hospital on August 17, 2022, complaining of sharp pricking pain with heat sensation in the right heel, morning stiffness in bilateral heels, and difficulty in walking for four days. On assessment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Foot Function Index Scale for the right foot of the patient were scored 47, 9 and 127, respectively. The X-ray of the bilateral foot (anterio-posterior and lateral view) showed an inferior bony spur projecting forward from calcaneal tuberosity more on the right side than on the left. The patient was treated with Viddhakarma, Siravedha of the right foot, along with oral Ayurvedic medicines. On completion of the treatment, the WOMAC and VAS scores were reduced significantly to 37 and 6, respectively. Further, there was a significant reduction in the Foot Function Index scale score to 96 within ten days of the treatment. Based on the clinical observations, it may be inferred that a combination of Viddhakarma, Siravedha, and oral Ayurvedic medicines can be safe, convenient, and effective in managing patients suffering from calcaneal spur. Both of these procedures can be performed by trained health-care professionals on an outpatient basis, thus convenient to the sufferers too.

Preparation of hygroscopic fabric with a uniform and slow exothermic effect and its thermoregulation evaluation

Hygroscopic-exothermic textiles dissipate heat by absorbing moisture around the skin, which makes humans feel warm in a cold environment. However, the local rapid temperature rising and heat concentration due to uneven sweat distribution can cause a heat sensation that is unfavorable to personal thermal comfort in a relatively short period of time. Herein, hygroscopic fabric with a uniform and slow exothermic effect was prepared to achieve thermal-wet comfort of garments. The hierarchical structure textile consists of an inner layer with moisture diffusion and transport performance, a middle layer with moisture absorption and storage properties and an outer layer with moisture absorption and heat generation characteristics, which achieved the effect of slow and uniform heat dissipation during the moisture absorption by controlling the moisture transmission within the fabric. Based on the study of the uniform and slow exothermic effect of fabrics, five indexes, namely the average temperature value, the maximum temperature value, the temperature distribution uniformity index, the percentage of the heating area distribution at the maximum temperature point on the fabric surface and the initial heating rate, were proposed to evaluate the uniformity and the slowness of moisture absorption and heat dissipation in textiles. The result showed that the initial heating rate of multi-layer fabric could be reduced by 0.11–0.25°C/min compared to the single-layer hygroscopic-exothermic fabric and there was an up to 29.93% increase in the heat dissipation area at the maximum temperature point. The uniformity of temperature distribution after moisture absorption of fabrics increased by 41.6–58%.

Low-Frequency Stimulation of Trpv1-Lineage Peripheral Afferents Potentiates the Excitability of Spino-Periaqueductal Gray Projection Neurons.

High-threshold dorsal root ganglion (HT DRG) neurons fire at low frequencies during inflammatory injury, and low-frequency stimulation (LFS) of HT DRG neurons selectively potentiates excitatory synapses onto spinal neurons projecting to the periaqueductal gray (spino-PAG). Here, in male and female mice, we have identified an underlying peripheral sensory population driving this plasticity and its effects on the output of spino-PAG neurons. We provide the first evidence that Trpv1-lineage sensory neurons predominantly induce burst firing, a unique mode of neuronal activity, in lamina I spino-PAG projection neurons. We modeled inflammatory injury by optogenetically stimulating Trpv1+ primary afferents at 2 Hz for 2 min (LFS), as peripheral inflammation induces 1-2 Hz firing in high-threshold C fibers. LFS of Trpv1+ afferents enhanced the synaptically evoked and intrinsic excitability of spino-PAG projection neurons, eliciting a stable increase in the number of action potentials (APs) within a Trpv1+ fiber-induced burst, while decreasing the intrinsic AP threshold and increasing the membrane resistance. Further experiments revealed that this plasticity required Trpv1+ afferent input, postsynaptic G protein-coupled signaling, and NMDA receptor activation. Intriguingly, an inflammatory injury and heat exposure in vivo also increased APs per burst, in vitro These results suggest that inflammatory injury-mediated plasticity is driven though Trpv1+ DRG neurons and amplifies the spino-PAG pathway. Spinal inputs to the PAG could play an integral role in its modulation of heat sensation during peripheral inflammation, warranting further exploration of the organization and function of these neural pathways.

INNV-08. LONG-TERM GLOBAL POST-MARKETING SAFETY SURVEILLANCE DATA FROM PEDIATRIC, ADULT AND ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM MALIGNANCIES TREATED WITH TUMOR TREATING FIELDS (TTFIELDS) THERAPY

Abstract BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive central nervous system (CNS) malignancy with poor prognosis. TTFields are electric fields that exert physical forces to disrupt cellular processes critical for cancer cell viability. TTFields therapy is approved for recurrent and newly diagnosed GBM, and pleural mesothelioma. We report long-term safety data from pediatric, adult and elderly patients with CNS malignancies receiving TTFields, from a global post-marketing surveillance (PMS) dataset. METHODS Unsolicited PMS data were collected from patients receiving TTFields (October 2011–October 2022). AEs were categorized using MedDRA version 25.1, and data stratified by age group (&amp;lt; 18, 18–65, and &amp;gt; 65 years). RESULTS Overall, 25,898 patients from the US, Europe, Israel, and Japan were included. Of these, 93 (0.4%) were &amp;lt; 18 years (pediatric), 17,817 (69%) were 18–65 years (adult), and 7,808 (30%) were &amp;gt; 65 years (elderly). Two-thirds (66%) of all patients were male. Demographic characteristics were therefore consistent with a typical GBM population. Of pediatric patients, 62% experienced ≥ 1 AE, with 53% related to TTFields. This was comparable in adults (72% and 56%, respectively), and elderly patients (75% and 57%, respectively). The most common TTFields-related AEs were skin reaction (pediatric: 39%; adult: 42%; elderly: 45%), heat (warmth) sensation (pediatric: 14%; adult: 12%; elderly: 12%), and electric (tingling) sensation (pediatric: 10%; adult: 15%; elderly: 10%). All-cause serious AEs occurred in 14%, 21% and 25% of pediatric, adult and elderly patients, respectively. No systemic toxicities were reported, regardless of age. CONCLUSIONS These long-term, real-world PMS data demonstrate that TTFields has a tolerable safety profile in pediatric, adult and elderly patients with CNS malignancies, with no new safety signals in any age group. Most AEs were localized skin reactions which are manageable. These data provide supportive evidence of the safety and broad applicability of TTFields, regardless of patient age.

Problems and opportunities for biometeorological assessment of conditions cold season

The article is devoted to a discussion of the possibilities of biometeorological assessment of the severity of weather conditions during the cold season. The relevance of the study is ensured not only by the fact that residents of a number of states, whose total number is more than 27 million people, live in these extreme climatic conditions, but also by the need to improve biometeorological approaches to assessing the impact of these conditions on the body and health of the population. This study examined biometeorological characteristics that illustrate a measure of cold stress. These include the Siple wind-chill index; Bodman winter severity index; Arnoldi weather hardness coefficient; Mountain wind chill index; weather hardness coefficient according to I.M. Osokin. The results of a comparison of winter severity assessments based on the values of the calculated Siple and Bodman indices made it possible to establish that the Bodman index is more acceptable when assessing mildly severe winters. The most adequate for assessing the "severity" of the cold period against the background of a decrease in air temperature and an increase in wind speed is the Siple index. The need to provide the countries of the world with high-quality hydrometeorological and biometeorological forecast information is justified and relevant. In this regard, these studies are very promising.

Febrile Reactions Associated with High IgG Antibody Titers after the Second and Third BNT162b2 Vaccinations in Japan.

Adverse events are potentially associated with an IgG response after BNT162b2 vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. In this study, we investigated the side effects of the BNT162b2 vaccine using a health questionnaire and examined its relationship with IgG antibody titers. Serum samples were collected from participants 3 months after the second vaccination, immediately before the third vaccination, and 1 and 3 months after the third vaccination. A total of 505 participants who received three doses of vaccine were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. The results showed that post-vaccination body temperature correlated with anti-spike-receptor-binding domain (anti-S-RBD) antibody titers measured 3 months after the second (r = 0.30, P < 0.001) and third (r = 0.14, P < 0.001) vaccinations. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that age and severe swelling were negatively associated, whereas female sex, body temperature, and heat sensation were positively associated with log-transformed anti-S-RBD antibody levels after the second vaccination. After the third vaccination, body temperature and fatigue were positively associated, and female sex was negatively associated, with the log-transformed anti-S-RBD antibody levels. These results suggest that post-vaccination fever may be a marker of a high antibody titer.

Prediction of cell-cell communication patterns of dorsal root ganglion cells: single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis.

Abstract JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202406000-00042/inline-graphic1/v/2023-10-30T152229Z/r/image-tiff Dorsal root ganglion neurons transmit peripheral somatic information to the central nervous system, and dorsal root ganglion neuron excitability affects pain perception. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation is a new approach for managing pain sensation. Knowledge of the cell-cell communication among dorsal root ganglion cells may help in the development of new pain and itch management strategies. Here, we used the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) database to investigate intercellular communication networks among dorsal root ganglion cells. We collected scRNA-seq data from six samples from three studies, yielding data on a total of 17,766 cells. Based on genetic profiles, we identified satellite glial cells, Schwann cells, neurons, vascular endothelial cells, immune cells, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Further analysis revealed that eight types of dorsal root ganglion neurons mediated proprioceptive, itch, touch, mechanical, heat, and cold sensations. Moreover, we predicted several distinct forms of intercellular communication among dorsal root ganglion cells, including cell-cell contact, secreted signals, extracellular matrix, and neurotransmitter-mediated signals. The data mining predicted that Mrgpra3-positive neurons robustly express the genes encoding the adenosine Adora2b (A2B) receptor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα-1). Our immunohistochemistry results confirmed the coexpression of the A2B receptor and GFRα-1. Intrathecal injection of the A2B receptor antagonist PSB-603 effectively prevented histamine-induced scratching behaviour in a dose-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate the involvement of the A2B receptor in the modulation of itch sensation. Furthermore, our findings provide insight into dorsal root ganglion cell-cell communication patterns and mechanisms. Our results should contribute to the development of new strategies for the regulation of dorsal root ganglion excitability.

Effects of simulated high altitude on body temperature and heart rate in pilot reserves during the hot-dry exposure

Recent research has primarily focused on human thermoregulatory responses at high altitudes, but investigations involving extremely high-temperature and hypobaric compound environments are currently lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, this study aimed to enhance the prediction of human heat sensation for pilot reserves while operating in extremely hot cabins with decompression. To achieve this, an improved Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model was developed by incorporating the influence of air pressure on metabolic rate. The model's validity was assessed through experiments conducted at different altitudes (0m, 5000m, and 8000m) and varying environmental conditions (26°C and 45 °C, 10% RH and 40% RH) within an environmental simulation cabin. During these experiments, local skin temperature, core temperature, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation were measured. The findings revealed distinct variations in the skin temperature of the hand and foot segments across different experimental stages, and significant correlations were observed between heart rate, core temperature, and local skin temperatures. Furthermore, regression models were established to explore the relationship between heart rate and local skin temperatures. By comparing simulated and experimental core and local skin temperatures, the enhanced PHS model was successfully validated. The conclusions drawn from this study provide valuable insights for predicting thermal physiological indices accurately and conveniently in hot-dry and hypobaric environments.

Paradoxical heat sensation as a manifestation of thermal hypesthesia: a study of 1090 patients with lesions of the somatosensory system.

Paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) is the perception of warmth when the skin is cooled. Paradoxical heat sensation rarely occurs in healthy individuals but more frequently in patients suffering from lesions or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system. To further understand mechanisms and epidemiology of PHS, we evaluated the occurrence of PHS in relation to disease aetiology, pain levels, quantitative sensory testing parameters, and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) items in patients with nervous system lesions. Data of 1090 patients, including NPSI scores from 404 patients, were included in the analysis. We tested 11 quantitative sensory testing parameters for thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds, and 10 NPSI items in a multivariate generalised linear model with PHS, aetiology, and pain (yes or no) as fixed effects. In total, 30% of the neuropathic patients reported PHS in contrast to 2% of healthy individuals. The frequency of PHS was not linked to the presence or intensity of pain. Paradoxical heat sensation was more frequent in patients living with polyneuropathy compared with central or unilateral peripheral nerve lesions. Patients who reported PHS demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity to thermal perception, with lower sensitivity to normally painful heat and cold stimuli. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory scores were lower for burning and electric shock-like pain quality for patients with PHS. Our findings suggest that PHS is associated with loss of small thermosensory fibre function normally involved in cold and warm perception. Clinically, presence of PHS could help screening for loss of small fibre function as it is straightforward to measure or self-reported by patients.

Field investigation of thermal comfort with face masks in outdoor spaces in South China: A case study

After the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), individuals have paid significant attention to protecting themselves indoors and outdoors by wearing masks. However, wearing masks can affect the exchange of heat and moisture between the body and the environment, which in turn affects the thermal comfort of the body and causes discomfort, leading people to wear them in an unscientific and standardized manner, affecting people's healthy lives. Thus, to analyze its effects on thermal comfort, outdoor parameter measurements and field surveys were conducted at Guangzhou University to investigate the thermal comfort of pedestrians wearing masks outdoors. In this study, the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was chosen for thermal comfort evaluation. Based on the field survey, the neutral PET and preferred PET of the subjects with and without masks were determined. The results indicated that the neutral temperature of people wearing masks are slightly lower than that of people without masks, and people with masks need a lower ambient temperature to feel comfortable. Out of the total, wearing masks raised the heat sensation in the face more and caused discomfort to the face. In addition, the suitability of PET for the people with masks was initially evaluated.

Intoxication par vératre : description d’un cas grave et identification des alcaloïdes contenus dans la plante

ObjectiveConfusion between white veratrum and gentiana can lead to severe poisoning. We report the analytically documented case of a 34-year-old woman who ingested a ``homemade'' beverage prepared by maceration of a plant initially identified as gentiana. Clinical caseThe Lyon Poison Control Center was contacted by a patient reporting digestive disorders, dizziness, headache, visual hallucinations and sensation of heat with excessive sweating. The symptoms appeared after the ingestion of a glass of wine and a maceration based on a picked plant believed to be gentiana. The patient was hospitalized and presented arterial hypotension associated with bradycardia. Treatment with atropine and intravenous fluid allowed the recovery of the patient. Material and methodsThe plant-based beverage ingested by the patient was analyzed by the liquid chromatography screening method coupled to high resolution mass spectrometer (LC-HRMS). A hydroalcoholic solution of yellow gentiana was analyzed as a control. ResultsSeveral alkaloids were initially identified in the solution ingested by the patient because they were present in the screening database: jervine, cevadine and solanidine. Other characetristic alkaloids characteristic of veratrum were also found (veratramine, protoveratrine A and cyclopamine). DiscussionThe use of a screening method by CL-SMHR allowed the identification of alkaloids characteristic of white veratrum in the maceration ingested by the patient. These results and the patient's symptoms confirmed the confusion between gentiana and veratrum.

Research on thermal comfort of obese and overweight people during indoor running exercise

Regular and adequate physical exercise plays a pivotal role in enhancing physical fitness, mitigating the occurrence of obesity, and upholding body weight. The comfort of individuals engaging in exercise is significantly impacted by various environmental factors within sports fields, including ambient temperature, humidity, air velocity, and mean radiant temperature. To investigate the influence of ambient temperature, relative humidity, and body mass index (BMI) on the comfort levels of individuals with high body fat during exercise, treadmill running experiments were conducted within controlled environmental chambers. Furthermore, the subjects’ subjective sensations and physiological indexes were recorded. The results implied that subjects exhibited a broader range of acceptable thermal sensations during exercise compared to rest periods. Moreover, individuals with a higher BMI displayed heightened sensitivity to elevated temperatures and a greater propensity for perceiving sensations of heat, resulting in a narrower range of acceptable exercise conditions. Additionally, the findings highlighted that air temperature exerted a more pronounced impact on comfort levels than humidity. For indoor running exercises, it was advisable to maintain ambient temperatures within the ranges of 15.1°C–24.3 °C and 16.1°C–27.8 °C for obese and overweight individuals, respectively. Furthermore, it was recommended to maintain a relative humidity level between 50% and 80% in the exercise environment.