Effect of sportswear on performance and physiological heat strain during prolonged running in moderately hot conditions.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the impact of different upper-torso sportswear technologies on the performance and physiological heat strain of well-trained and national-level athletes during prolonged running in moderately hot conditions. METHODS: A randomized crossover design was employed in which 20 well-trained (n = 16) and national-level (n = 4) athletes completed four experimental trials in moderately hot conditions (35°C, 30% relative humidity). In each trial, participants ran at 70% of their peak oxygen uptake (70% V̇O2peak ) for 60 min, while wearing a different upper-body garment: cotton t-shirt, t-shirt with sweat-wicking fabric, compression t-shirt, and t-shirt with aluminum dots lining the inside of the upper back of the garment. Running speed was adjusted to elicit the predetermined oxygen consumption associated with 70% V̇O2peak . Physiological (core and skin temperatures, total body water loss, and urine specific gravity) and perceptual (thermal comfort and sensation, ratings of perceived exertion, and garment cooling functionality) parameters along with running speed at 70% V̇O2peak were continuously recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the four garments for running speed at 70% V̇O2peak , physiological heat strain, and perceptual responses (all p > 0.05). The tested athletes reported larger areas of perceived suboptimal cooling functionality in the cotton t-shirt and the t-shirt with aluminum dots relative to the sweat-wicking and compression t-shirts (d: 0.43-0.52). CONCLUSION: There were not differences among the tested garments regarding running speed at 70% V̇O2peak , physiological heat strain, and perceptual responses in well-trained and national-level endurance athletes exercising in moderate heat.

Agreement between measured and self-reported physiological strain in males and females during simulated occupational heat stress.

RATIONALE: Monitoring physiological strain is recommended to safeguard workers during heat exposure, but is logistically challenging. The perceptual strain index (PeSI) is a subjective estimate thought to reflect the physiological strain index (PSI) that requires no physiological monitoring. However, sex is known to influence perceptions of heat stress, potentially limiting the utility of the PeSI. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess whether sex modifies the relationship between PeSI and PSI. METHODS: Thirty-four adults (15 females) walked on a treadmill (moderate intensity; ~200 W/m2) for 180 min or until termination (volitional fatigue, rectal temperature ≥39.5°C) in 16°C, 24°C, 28°C, and 32°C wet-bulb globe temperatures. Rectal temperature and heart rate were recorded to calculate PSI (0-10 scale). Rating of perceived exertion and thermal sensation were recorded to calculate PeSI (0-10 scale). Relationships between PSI and PeSI were evaluated via linear mixed models. Mean bias (95% limits of agreement [LoA]) between PSI and PeSI was assessed via Bland-Altman analysis. Mean absolute error between measures was calculated by summing absolute errors between the PeSI and the PSI and dividing by the sample size. FINDINGS: PSI increased with PeSI (p < 0.01) but the slope of this relation was not different between males and females (p = 0.83). Mean bias between PSI and PeSI was small (-0.4 points), but the 95% LoA (-3.5 to 2.7 points) and mean absolute error were wide (1.3 points). IMPACT: Our findings indicate that sex does not appreciably impact the agreement between the PeSI and PSI during simulated occupational heat stress. The PeSI is not a suitable surrogate for the PSI in either male or female workers.

Central versus peripheral mechanisms of cold-induced vasodilation: a study in the fingers and toes of people with paraplegia.

PURPOSE: This study examined physiological and perceptual parameters related to cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) in the fingers and toes of people with paraplegia and compared them with responses observed in able-bodied individuals. METHODS: Seven participants with paraplegia and seven able-bodied individuals participated in a randomized matched-controlled study involving left-hand and -foot immersion in cold water (8 ± 1 °C) for 40 min during exposure to cool (16 ± 1 °C), thermoneutral (23 ± 1 °C), and hot (34 ± 1 °C) ambient conditions. RESULTS: Similar CIVD occurrence was observed in the fingers in the two groups. In toes, three of the seven participants with paraplegia revealed CIVDs: one in cool, two in thermoneutral, and three in hot conditions. No able-bodied participants revealed CIVDs in cool and thermoneutral conditions, while four revealed CIVDs in hot conditions. The toe CIVDs of paraplegic participants were counterintuitive in several respects: they were more frequent in cool and thermoneutral conditions (compared to the able-bodied participants), emerged in these conditions despite lower core and skin temperatures of these participants, and were evident only in cases of thoracic level lesions (instead of lesions at lower spinal levels). CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated considerable inter-individual variability in CIVD responses in both the paraplegic and able-bodied groups. While we observed vasodilatory responses in the toes of participants with paraplegia that technically fulfilled the criteria for CIVD, it is unlikely that they reflect the CIVD phenomenon observed in able-bodied individuals. Taken together, our findings favor the contribution of central over peripheral factors in relation to the origin and/or control of CIVD.

Efficacy of cooling vests based on different heat-extraction concepts: The HEAT-SHIELD project.

INTRODUCTION: A wide range of cooling vests for heat-strain mitigation purposes during physical work are available on the market. The decision regarding the optimal cooling vest/concept for a specific environment can be challenging by relying solely on the information provided by the manufacturers. The aim of this study was to investigate how different types of cooling vests would manifest/perform in a simulated industrial setting, in a warm and moderately humid environment with low air velocity. METHODS: Ten young males completed six experimental trials, including a control trial (no vest) and five trials with vests of different cooling concepts. Once entering the climatic chamber (ambient temperature: 35 °C, relative humidity: 50 %), participants remained seated for 30 min to induce passive heating, after which they donned a cooling vest and started a 2.5-h of walk at 4.5 km·h-1. During the trial, torso skin temperature (Tsk), microclimate temperature (Tmicro) and relative humidity (RHmicro), as well as core temperature (rectal and gastrointestinal; Tc) and heart rate (HR) were measured. Before and after the walk, participants conducted different cognitive tests and provided subjective ratings throughout the walk. RESULTS: The use of the vests attenuated the increase in HR (103 ± 12 bpm) when compared to control trial (116 ± 17 bpm, p < 0.05). Four vests maintained a lower torso Tsk (31.7 ± 1.5 °C) compared to control trial (36.1 ± 0.5 °C, p < 0.05). Two vests using PCM inserts attenuated the increase in Tc between 0.2 and 0.5 °C in relation to control trial (p < 0.05). Cognitive performance remained unchanged between the trials. Physiological responses were also well reflected in subjective reports. CONCLUSION: Most vests could be considered as an adequate mitigation strategy for workers in industry under the conditions simulated in the present study.

Developing a Feasible Integrated Framework for Occupational Heat Stress Protection: A Step Towards Safer Working Environments.

BACKGROUND: Specialized occupational health and safety (OHS) issues are covered at the EU level through detailed legislation and guidelines. Unfortunately, this does not extend to occupational heat stress, not only in Greece but also (with few exceptions) internationally. One possible explanation could be the difficulty in accurately identifying the dangerous conditions, as many environmental and individualized elements are involved, and hundreds of "thermal stress indicators" are available. Another explanation could be the difficulty in adequately measuring hazardous conditions for workers affected more (i.e., outdoor and high intensity) since the biological protection framework is based on the human body's internal temperature. METHODS: The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) has been proposed as the most efficacious thermal stress indicator. Since 2021, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service has provided 48-h WBGT forecast predictions to serve as a first level of alert. Real-time measurements and 48-h forecasts of WBGT are also available through a smartphone application. Additionally, as revealed when developing the occupational heat stress legislation in Cyprus and Qatar, crucial first steps are identifying the specific characteristics of worker exposure and the tripartite collaboration between employers, workers, and the State. RESULTS: Evaluating the simplified WBGT forecasted values and the smartphone application estimates proved well-established. The sound scientific basis can be effectively combined with administrative measures based on the EU OHS legislative experience to produce practical solutions. CONCLUSIONS: As the climate crisis exacerbates, worker productivity and well-being will decline, underscoring the urgent need for an integrated protection framework. Such a framework is proposed here.

Predicting Deep Body Temperature (Tb) from Forehead Skin Temperature: Tb or Not Tb?

There is a need to rapidly screen individuals for heat strain and fever using skin temperature (Tsk) as an index of deep body temperature (Tb). This study's aim was to assess whether Tsk could serve as an accurate and valid index of Tb during a simulated heatwave. Seven participants maintained a continuous schedule over 9-days, in 3-day parts; pre-/post-HW (25.4 °C), simulated-HW (35.4 °C). Contact thermistors measured Tsk (Tforehead, Tfinger); radio pills measured gastrointestinal temperature (Tgi). Proximal-distal temperature gradients (ΔTforehead-finger) were also measured. Measurements were grouped into ambient conditions: 22, 25, and 35 °C. Tgi and Tforehead only displayed a significant relationship in 22 °C (r: 0.591; p < 0.001) and 25 °C (r: 0.408; p < 0.001) conditions. A linear regression of all conditions identified Tforehead and ΔTforehead-finger as significant predictors of Tgi (r2: 0.588; F: 125.771; p < 0.001), producing a root mean square error of 0.26 °C. Additional residual analysis identified Tforehead to be responsible for a plateau in Tgi prediction above 37 °C. Contact Tforehead was shown to be a statistically suitable indicator of Tgi in non-HW conditions; however, an error of ~1 °C makes this physiologically redundant. The measurement of multiple sites may improve Tb prediction, though it is still physiologically unsuitable, especially at higher ambient temperatures.

Characteristics of the Protocols Used in Electrical Pulse Stimulation of Cultured Cells for Mimicking In Vivo Exercise: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.

While exercise benefits a wide spectrum of diseases and affects most tissues and organs, many aspects of its underlying mechanistic effects remain unsolved. In vitro exercise, mimicking neuronal signals leading to muscle contraction in vitro, can be a valuable tool to address this issue. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched EMBASE and PubMed (from database inception to 4 February 2022) for relevant studies assessing in vitro exercise using electrical pulse stimulation to mimic exercise. Meta-analyses of mean differences and meta-regression analyses were conducted. Of 985 reports identified, 41 were eligible for analysis. We observed variability among existing protocols of in vitro exercise and heterogeneity among protocols of the same type of exercise. Our analyses showed that AMPK, Akt, IL-6, and PGC1a levels and glucose uptake increased in stimulated compared to non-stimulated cells, following the patterns of in vivo exercise, and that these effects correlated with the duration of stimulation. We conclude that in vitro exercise follows motifs of exercise in humans, allowing biological parameters, such as the aforementioned, to be valuable tools in defining the types of in vitro exercise. It might be useful in transferring obtained knowledge to human research.

Implication of Irisin in Different Types of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cancer is a set of diseases characterized by several hallmark properties, such as increased angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The increased angiogenic activity constantly supplies the tumors with nutrients and a plethora of cytokines to ensure cell survival. Along these cytokines is a newly discovered protein, called irisin, which is released into the circulation after physical exercise. Irisin is the product of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) proteolytic cleavage. Recently it has been the topic of investigation in several types of cancer. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate its implication in different types of cancer. Our results suggest that irisin expression is decreased in cancer patients, thus it can be used as a valid biomarker for the diagnosis of several types of cancer. In addition, our results indicate that irisin may have an important role in tumor progression and metastasis since it is involved in multiple signaling pathways that promote cell proliferation and migration.

Determinants of heat stress and strain in electrical utilities workers across North America as assessed by means of an exploratory questionnaire.

Previous field studies monitoring small groups of participants showed that heat stress in the electrical utilities industry may be detrimental to worker health and safety. Our aim in this study was to characterize heat stress and strain in electrical utilities workers across North America. A total of 428 workers in the power generation, transmission, and distribution industry across 16 U.S. states and 3 Canadian Provinces completed a two-part on-line questionnaire anonymously. The first part comprised 13 general questions on the employee's workplace location, role in the organization, years of experience, general duties, average work shift duration, and other job-related information. It also included two questions on self-reported heat stress. The second part consisted of the "Heat Strain Score Index" (HSSI), a validated questionnaire which evaluates heat stress at the workplace as "safe level" (score ≤13.5: worker experiences no/low heat strain), "caution level" (score 13.6 to 18.0: moderate risk for heat strain), and "danger level" (score >18.0: high risk for heat strain). In addition to the survey, we obtained meteorological data from weather stations in proximity (12.3 ± 12.2 km) to the work locations. Based on the HSSI, 32.9%, 22.3%, and 44.4% of the responders' workplaces were diagnosed as "safe level," "caution level," and "danger level," respectively. The HSSI varied significantly depending on the occupation from 4.9 ± 3.2 in contact center workforce to 19.1 ± 5.4 in mechanics (p < 0.001), and demonstrated moderate linear relationships with summertime (June, July, August) midday air temperature (r = 0.317, p < 0.001) and outdoor midday Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (r = 0.322, p < 0.001). The highest HSSI was observed in mechanics, machine operators in line installations, line workers, electricians, and meter-readers. We conclude that electrical utilities workers experience instances of severe environmental heat stress resulting in elevated levels of heat strain, particularly when performing physically demanding tasks (e.g., manually climbing utility poles, installing lines).

Mortality due to circulatory causes in hot and cold environments in Greece.

Ambient temperature can affect the survival rate of humans. Studies have shown a relationship between ambient temperature and mortality rate in hot and cold environments. This effect of ambient temperature on mortality seems to be more pronounced in older people. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of thermal stress on cardiovascular mortality and the associated relative risk per degree Celsius in Greek individuals ≥70 years old. Mortality data 1999-2012 were matched with the midday temperature. The present study found a higher circulatory mortality when ambient temperature is below or above the temperature range 6 to 39 °C.

Understanding the physiological and biological response to ambient heat exposure in pregnancy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Climate change increases not only the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat events but also annual temperatures globally, resulting in many negative health effects, including harmful effects on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes. As temperatures continue to increase precipitously, there is a growing need to understand the underlying biological pathways of this association. This systematic review will focus on maternal, placental and fetal changes that occur in pregnancy due to environmental heat stress exposure, in order to identify the evidence-based pathways that play a role in this association. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We will search PubMed and Ovid Embase databases from inception using tested and validated search algorithms. Inclusion of any studies that involve pregnant women and have measured environmental heat stress exposure and either maternal, placental or fetal physiological or biochemical changes and are available in English. Modelling studies or those with only animals will be excluded. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation tool. Abstract screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers.Environmental parameters will be reported for each study and where possible these will be combined to calculate a heat stress indicator to allow comparison of exposure between studies. A narrative synthesis will be presented following standard guidelines. Where outcome measures have at least two levels of exposure, we will conduct a dose-response meta-analysis should there be at least three studies with the same outcome. A random effects meta-analysis will be conducted where at least three studies give the same outcome. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis does not require ethical approval. Dissemination will be through peer-reviewed journal publication and presentation at international conferences/interest groups. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024511153.

Quantifying Exercise Heat Acclimatisation in Athletes and Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Athletes and military personnel are often expected to compete and work in hot and/or humid environments, where decrements in performance and an increased risk of exertional heat illness are prevalent. A physiological strategy for reducing the adverse effects of heat stress is to acclimatise to the heat. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the effects of relocating to a hotter climate to undergo heat acclimatisation in athletes and military personnel. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies investigating the effects of heat acclimatisation in non-acclimatised athletes and military personnel via relocation to a hot climate for < 6 weeks were included. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL Plus with Full Text and Scopus were searched from inception to June 2022. RISK OF BIAS: A modified version of the McMaster critical review form was utilised independently by two authors to assess the risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS: A Bayesian multi-level meta-analysis was conducted on five outcome measures, including resting core temperature and heart rate, the change in core temperature and heart rate during a heat response test and sweat rate. Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT), daily training duration and protocol length were used as predictor variables. Along with posterior means and 90% credible intervals (CrI), the probability of direction (Pd) was calculated. RESULTS: Eighteen articles from twelve independent studies were included. Fourteen articles (nine studies) provided data for the meta-analyses. Whilst accounting for WBGT, daily training duration and protocol length, population estimates indicated a reduction in resting core temperature and heart rate of - 0.19 °C [90% CrI: - 0.41 to 0.05, Pd = 91%] and - 6 beats·min-1 [90% CrI: - 16 to 5, Pd = 83%], respectively. Furthermore, the rise in core temperature and heart rate during a heat response test were attenuated by - 0.24 °C [90% CrI: - 0.67 to 0.20, Pd = 85%] and - 7 beats·min-1 [90% CrI: - 18 to 4, Pd = 87%]. Changes in sweat rate were conflicting (0.01 L·h-1 [90% CrI: - 0.38 to 0.40, Pd = 53%]), primarily due to two studies demonstrating a reduction in sweat rate following heat acclimatisation. CONCLUSIONS: Data from athletes and military personnel relocating to a hotter climate were consistent with a reduction in resting core temperature and heart rate, in addition to an attenuated rise in core temperature and heart rate during an exercise-based heat response test. An increase in sweat rate is also attainable, with the extent of these adaptations dependent on WBGT, daily training duration and protocol length. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022337761.

Impact of a simulated multiday heatwave on nocturnal physiology, behavior, and sleep: A 10-day confinement study.

This study investigated the impact of a multiday heatwave on nocturnal physiology, behavior, and sleep under controlled conditions with comprehensive monitoring of environmental factors and participant activities. Seven young healthy males were confined for ten days in controlled conditions that ranged between hot-to-warm (day:35.4°C, night:26.3°C) during nights 4-6 and temperate (day:25.4°C, night:22.3°C) before (nights 1-3) and after (nights 7-10) the heatwave. Measurements included core and skin temperatures, heart rate, sympathovagal balance, vasomotion indicators, urine samples, blanket coverage, subjective sleep assessments, and partial polysomnography. The average nocturnal core temperature was 0.2°C higher during and after the heatwave compared to the pre-heatwave period, with this difference being more pronounced (+0.3°C) in the first two hours of sleep (p<0.001). For every 0.1°C rise in overnight core temperature, the total sleep time decreased by 14 minutes (pseudo-R2=0.26, p=0.01). The elevated core temperatures occurred despite the participants exhibiting evident thermoregulatory behavior, as they covered 30% less body surface during the heatwave compared to pre- and post-heatwave periods (p<0.001). During the heatwave, mean skin temperature at bedtime was 1.3°C higher than pre-heatwave and 0.8°C higher than post-heatwave periods (p<0.001). No differences in other responses, including heart rate and vasomotion indicators, were observed. The paper details a 20-minute sleepwalking episode that was coupled with marked changes in sleepwalker's thermophysiological responses. In conclusion, the simulated heatwave resulted in higher overnight core temperature which was associated with reduced total sleep time. Behavioral thermoregulation during sleep may serve as a defense against these effects, though more research is needed.

Working under the 2021 Heat Dome: A Content Analysis of Occupational Impacts Mentioned in the Canadian Media.

Extreme heat events directly impact worker health and cause additional cascading and transitional workplace impacts. However, current investigations on these impacts often rely on specific datasets (e.g., compensation claims, hospitalizations). Thus, to continue to work towards preventing and mitigating the occupational risks posed by extreme heat events, this study aimed to explore the occupational impacts of the 2021 Heat Dome in Canada using a qualitative content analysis method on a news-based dataset. A systematized review of news articles published before, during, and after the 2021 Heat Dome was conducted on academic (n = 8) and news (n = 5) databases, along with targeted grey literature. Two researchers qualitatively coded the articles in NVivo for occupational impacts or references mentioned within the articles. Overall, 52 different occupations were identified as being impacted by the 2021 Heat Dome. Impacts were diverse and ranged from work cancellations or delays to work modifications and reports of heat-related illnesses. The 2021 Heat Dome impacted the health and safety of many occupational groups and provided new insights into the expanding impacts that extreme heat events can have on the Canadian workforce. With climate projections showing a growing trend of more hot days and intense heat waves in Canada, addressing these concerns should be a critical priority.

Migrants from Low-Income Countries have Higher Heat-Health Risk Profiles Compared to Native Workers in Agriculture.

The present observational study was conducted to uncover potential differences in the risk of experiencing high occupational heat strain during agriculture work between migrants and their native coworkers, as well as to elucidate the factors that may contribute to such differences. The study took place over the period from 2016 through 2019 and involved monitoring 124 experienced and acclimatized individuals from high-income (HICs), upper-middle-income (UMICs), as well as lower-middle- and low-income (LMICs) countries. Baseline self-reported data for age, body stature, and body mass were collected at the start of the study. Second-by-second video recordings throughout the work shifts were captured using a video camera and were used to estimate workers' clothing insulation, covered body surface area, and body posture, as well as to calculate their walking speed, the amount of time they spent on different activities (and their intensity) and unplanned breaks throughout their work shifts. All information derived from the video data was used to calculate the physiological heat strain experienced by the workers. The core temperature of migrant workers from LMICs (37.81 ± 0.38 °C) and UMICs (37.71 ± 0.35 °C) was estimated to be significantly higher compared to the core temperature of native workers from HICs (37.60 ± 0.29 °C) (p < 0.001). Moreover, migrant workers from LMICs faced a 52% and 80% higher risk for experiencing core body temperature above the safety threshold of 38 °C compared to migrant workers from UMICs and native workers from HICs, respectively. Our findings show that migrant workers originating from LMICs experience higher levels of occupational heat strain, as compared to migrant workers from UMICs and native workers from HICs, because they take fewer unplanned breaks during work, they work at a higher intensity, they wear more clothing, and they have a smaller body size.

Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity Levels on Vaccination Efficacy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: We examined whether different intensities of exercise and/or physical activity (PA) levels affected and/or associated with vaccination efficacy. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021230108). The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (trials), SportDiscus, and CINAHL databases were searched up to January 2022. Results: In total, 38 eligible studies were included. Chronic exercise increased influenza antibodies (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.49, confidence interval (CI) = 0.25−0.73, Z = 3.95, I2 = 90%, p < 0.01), which was mainly driven by aerobic exercise (SMD = 0.39, CI = 0.19−0.58, Z = 3.96, I2 = 77%, p < 0.01) as opposed to combined (aerobic + resistance; p = 0.07) or other exercise types (i.e., taiji and qigong, unspecified; p > 0.05). PA levels positively affected antibodies in response to influenza vaccination (SMD = 0.18, CI = 0.02−0.34, Z = 2.21, I2 = 76%, p = 0.03), which was mainly driven by high PA levels compared to moderate PA levels (Chi2 = 10.35, I2 = 90.3%, p < 0.01). Physically active individuals developed influenza antibodies in response to vaccination in >4 weeks (SMD = 0.64, CI = 0.30−0.98, Z = 3.72, I2 = 83%, p < 0.01) as opposed to <4 weeks (p > 0.05; Chi2 = 13.40, I2 = 92.5%, p < 0.01) post vaccination. Conclusion: Chronic aerobic exercise or high PA levels increased influenza antibodies in humans more than vaccinated individuals with no participation in exercise/PA. The evidence regarding the effects of exercise/PA levels on antibodies in response to vaccines other than influenza is extremely limited.

Cardiovascular Stress and Characteristics of Cold-Induced Vasodilation in Women and Men during Cold-Water Immersion: A Randomized Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Cold-induced vasodilation (CIVD) is a phenomenon that refers to a paradoxical increase in finger temperature that sometimes occurs during cold exposure. The aim of this study was to compare CIVD responses between women and men, during exposure to different environmental conditions. METHODS: Seven men and seven women participated in a matched controlled study consisting of a familiarization protocol followed by three experimental sessions (cool (10.8 °C WBGT), thermoneutral (17.2 °C WBGT), and hot (27.2 °C WBGT)). In each session, participants were asked to immerse their left hand and foot in warm water (35 ± 1 °C) for five minutes. Thereafter, the left hand and foot were immersed in cold water (8 ± 1 °C) for 40 min. After that, the left hand and foot were removed from the water and participants remained seated for five minutes. RESULTS: For a matched thermal stress, women experienced an elevated cardiovascular strain (heart rate and in some cases mean arterial pressure) and higher frequency of CIVD reactions (men: 31 vs. women: 60) in comparison to their male counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that women experienced elevated cardiovascular strain and higher frequency of CIVD reactions, particularly in the toes, compared to their male counterparts during cold-water immersion.

Population Characteristics, Symptoms, and Risk Factors of Idiopathic Chilblains: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression.

BACKGROUND: Chilblains/perniosis is a non-freezing cold injury causing painful inflammatory skin lesions. Its pathogenesis remains poorly understood because it is often studied as secondary to other underlying conditions. METHODS: We systematically investigated the population characteristics, symptoms, and predisposing factors of chilblains in healthy adults exposed to cool/cold environments. We screened PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, and we adopted PRISMA reporting guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42021245307). The risk of bias was assessed by two independent reviewers (RTI item bank). Random-effects model meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled prevalence of histopathological features. Mixed-effects meta-regressions were used to assess other sources of between-study heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirteen studies (477 patients) were included. Chilblains affect more women than men, up to 12% of the body skin surface, and most frequently, the hands and fingers. Meta-analyses of nine studies (303 patients) showed a frequent presence of perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate (81%), basal epidermal-cell layer vacuolation (67%), papillary dermal edema (66%), and perieccrine lymphocytic infiltrate (57%). Meta-regressions (p ≤ 0.05) showed that smoking and frequent occupational exposure to water increase the likelihood of histopathological features. CONCLUSIONS: The population characteristics, symptoms, and predisposing factors of chilblains revealed in this analysis should be incorporated in medical care to improve the condition's diagnosis and management.

Cardiovascular responses to orthostasis during a simulated 3-day heatwave.

Global warming has caused an increase in the frequency, duration, and intensity of summer heatwaves (HWs). Prolonged exposure to hot environments and orthostasis may cause conflicting demands of thermoregulation and blood pressure regulation on the vasomotor system, potentially contributing to cardiovascular complications and occupational heat strain. This study assessed cardiovascular and skin blood flow (SkBF) responses to orthostasis before, during and after a 3-day simulated HW. Seven male participants maintained a standard work/rest schedule for nine consecutive days split into three 3-day parts; thermoneutral pre-HW (25.4 °C), simulated HW (35.4 °C), thermoneutral post-HW. Gastrointestinal (Tgi) and skin (Tsk) temperatures, cardiovascular responses, and SkBF were monitored during 10-min supine and 10-min 60° head-up tilt (HUT). SkBF, indexed using proximal-distal skin temperature gradient (∆TskP-D), was validated using Laser-Doppler Flowmetry (LDF). The HW significantly increased heart rate, cardiac output and SkBF of the leg in supine; HUT increased SkBF of the arm and leg, and significantly affected all cardiovascular variables besides cardiac output. Significant regional differences in SkBF presented between the arm and leg in all conditions; the arm displaying vasodilation throughout, while the leg vasoconstricted in non-HW before shifting to vasodilation in the HW. Additionally, ∆TskP-D strongly correlated with LDF (r = -.78, p < 0.001). Prolonged HW exposure and orthostasis, individually, elicited significant changes in cardiovascular and SkBF variables. Additionally, varying regional blood flow responses were observed, suggesting the upper and lower vasculature receives differing vasomotor control. Combined cardiovascular alterations and shifts towards vasodilation indicate an increased challenge to industrial workers during HWs.

Effects of Weather Parameters on Endurance Running Performance: Discipline-specific Analysis of 1258 Races.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated how single or combinations of weather parameters (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar load) affect peak performance during endurance running events and identified which events are most vulnerable to varying weather conditions. METHODS: Results for the marathon, 50-km racewalking, 20-km racewalking, and 10,000-, 5000-, and 3000-m steeplechase were obtained from the official Web sites of large competitions. We identified meteorological data from nearby (8.9 ± 9.3 km) weather stations for 1258 races held between 1936 and 2019 across 42 countries, enabling analysis of 7867 athletes. RESULTS: The wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) across races ranged from -7°C to 33°C, with 27% of races taking place in cold/cool, 47% in neutral, 18% in moderate heat, 7% in high heat, and 1% in extreme heat conditions, according to the World Athletics classification. Machine learning decision trees (R2 = 0.21-0.58) showed that air temperature (importance score = 40%) was the most important weather parameter. However, when used alone, air temperature had lower predictive power (R2 = 0.04-0.34) than WBGT (R2 = 0.11-0.47). Conditions of 7.5°C-15°C WBGT (or 10°C-17.5°C air temperature) increased the likelihood for peak performance. For every degree WBGT outside these optimum conditions, performance declined by 0.3%-0.4%. CONCLUSION: More than one-quarter of endurance running events were held in moderate, high, or extreme heat, and this number reached one-half when marathons were excluded. All four weather parameters should be evaluated when aiming to mitigate the health and performance implications of exercising at high intensities in a hot environment with athletes adopting heat mitigation strategies when possible.