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Background: Cold stress has negative effects on the growth and health of mammals, and has become a factor restricting livestock development at high latitudes and on plateaus. The gut-liver axis is central to energy metabolism, and the mechanisms by which it regulates host energy metabolism at cold temperatures have rarely been illustrated. In this study, we evaluated the status of glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in pigs based on the gut-liver axis and propose that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key target for alleviating energy stress at cold temperatures by dietary fat supplementation. Results: Dietary fat supplementation alleviated the negative effects of cold temperatures on growth performance and digestive enzymes, while hormonal homeostasis was also restored. Moreover, cold temperature exposure increased glucose transport in the jejunum. In contrast, we observed abnormalities in lipid metabolism, which was characterized by the accumulation of bile acids in the ileum and plasma. In addition, the results of the ileal metabolomic analysis were consistent with the energy metabolism measurements in the jejunum, and dietary fat supplementation increased the activity of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and lipid metabolism. As the central nexus of energy metabolism, the state of glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress in the liver are inconsistent with that in the small intestine. Specifically, we found that cold temperature exposure increased glucose transport in the liver, which fully validates the idea that hormones can act on the liver to regulate glucose output. Additionally, dietary fat supplementation inhibited glucose transport and glycolysis, but increased gluconeogenesis, bile acid cycling, and lipid metabolism. Sustained activation of AMPK, which an energy receptor and regulator, leads to oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver; dietary fat supplementation alleviates energy stress by reducing AMPK phosphorylation. Conclusions: Cold stress reduced the growth performance and aggravated glycolipid metabolism disorders and oxidative stress damage in pigs. Dietary fat supplementation improved growth performance and alleviated cold temperature-induced energy stress through AMPK-mediated mitochondrial homeostasis. In this study, we highlight the importance of AMPK in dietary fat supplementation-mediated alleviation of host energy stress in response to environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Persons with asthma may experience excessive airway narrowing due to exercise or exposure to cold air, worsening their daily functionality. Exercise has several benefits for asthma control, but it may induce airway narrowing in some persons with asthma. When combined with cold temperatures, it introduces another layer of challenges. Therefore, managing this interaction is crucial to increase the quality of life in individuals with asthma. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable experimental protocol to assess the effects of exercise and cold air on airway narrowing in adults with asthma in a controlled and safe environment. Methods: This study was a randomized cross-over study in adults with and without asthma. Participants underwent a protocol involving a 10-min seated rest, followed by a 10-min cycling on a stationary bike in different temperatures of 0, 10, or 20 ∘ C. The sequence of room temperatures was randomized, and there was a 30-min interval for recovery between each temperature transition. In each temperature, to measure lung function and respiratory symptoms, oscillometry and a questionnaire were used at 0 min (baseline), after 10 min of sitting and before starting biking (pre-exercise), and after 10 min of biking (post-exercise). At each room temperature, the changes in airway mechanics and asthma symptoms among baseline, pre-exercise, and post-exercise were compared with one-way repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman Rank Test. Within each arm, cardiac and thoraco-abdominal motion respiration signals were also measured continuously using electrodes and calibrated respiratory inductance plethysmographs, respectively. Results: A total of 23 persons with asthma (11 females, age: 56.3 ± 10.9 years, BMI: 27.4 ± 5.7 kg/m2) and 6 healthy subjects (3 females, age: 61.8 ± 9.1 years, BMI: 28.5 ± 3.1 kg/m2) were enrolled in the study. Cold temperature of 0 ∘ C induced airway narrowing in those with and without asthma after 10 and 20 min, respectively. Exercise intervention had significant changes in airway narrowing in participants with asthma in the range of 10–20 ∘ C. Our results showed that in asthma, changes in subjective respiratory symptoms were due to both cold temperatures of 0 and 10 ∘ C and exercise in the 0–20 ∘ C range. Respiratory symptoms were not noticed among the healthy participants. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings suggest that exposure to cold temperatures of 0 ∘ C could serve as a reliable method in the experimental protocol for inducing airway narrowing in asthma. The impact of exercise on airway narrowing was more variable among participants. Understanding these triggers in the experimental protocol is essential for the successful management of asthma in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments were conducted to characterize and develop predictive constitutive equations for the elastic-plastic, post-yield hysteresis behavior of Divinycell H100 foam at temperatures as low as −40°C. The initial elastic modulus and yield strength of the foam increased almost linearly by about 50% as temperatures decreased from 23 to−40°C. Post-yield hysteresis, which was described by strain hardening, viscoelasticity and damage also increased as the temperature fell to −40°C, but this behavior was curtailed by a sharp reduction in tensile and shear ductility as the foam approached its ductile-to-brittle transition temperature near −50°C. An anisotropic elastic-plastic, viscoelastic damage constitutive model was extended to predict cold temperature behavior. Good agreement was found between analytical predictions and the experimental results. The temperature-dependent constitutive equation can be used in conjunction with appropriate failure criteria to predict foam-core sandwich panel behavior in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers across disciplines are increasing attention to cold housing environments. Public health, environmental and social sciences, architecture, and engineering each define and measure cold housing environments differently. Lack of standardisation hinders our ability to combine evidence, determine prevalence, understand who is most at risk––and to formulate policy responses. We conducted a systematic, cross-disciplinary review of literature to document the measures used. We examined benefits and limitations of each approach and propose a conceptualisation of cold housing: where temperature is too low to support optimal health and wellbeing of inhabitants, measured using one or a combination of economic, 'objective', or subjective approaches. More accurate data on home temperatures for all population groups, combined with an understanding of factors leading to cold homes, will enable appropriate policy response to reduce adverse health effects and costs. Policies targeting better building standards and energy subsidies both improve temperature conditions in housing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Extreme temperature events (ETEs), including heat wave and cold spell, have been linked to myocardial infarction (MI) morbidity; however, their effects on MI mortality are less clear. Although ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is suggested to act synergistically with extreme temperatures on cardiovascular mortality, it remains unknown if and how ETEs and PM2.5 interact to trigger MI deaths. METHODS: A time-stratified case-crossover study of 202 678 MI deaths in Jiangsu province, China, from 2015 to 2020, was conducted to investigate the association of exposure to ETEs and PM2.5 with MI mortality and evaluate their interactive effects. On the basis of ambient apparent temperature, multiple temperature thresholds and durations were used to build 12 ETE definitions. Daily ETEs and PM2.5 exposures were assessed by extracting values from validated grid datasets at each subject's geocoded residential address. Conditional logistic regression models were applied to perform exposure-response analyses and estimate relative excess odds due to interaction, proportion attributable to interaction, and synergy index. RESULTS: Under different ETE definitions, the odds ratio of MI mortality associated with heat wave and cold spell ranged from 1.18 (95% CI, 1.14-1.21) to 1.74 (1.66-1.83), and 1.04 (1.02-1.06) to 1.12 (1.07-1.18), respectively. Lag 01-day exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with an increased odds of MI mortality, which attenuated at higher exposures. We observed a significant synergistic interaction of heat wave and PM2.5 on MI mortality (relative excess odds due to interaction >0, proportion attributable to interaction >0, and synergy index >1), which was higher, in general, for heat wave with greater intensities and longer durations. We estimated that up to 2.8% of the MI deaths were attributable to exposure to ETEs and PM2.5 at levels exceeding the interim target 3 value (37.5 µg/m³) of World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Women and older adults were more vulnerable to ETEs and PM2.5. The interactive effects of ETEs or PM2.5 on MI mortality did not vary across sex, age, or socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides consistent evidence that exposure to both ETEs and PM2.5 is significantly associated with an increased odds of MI mortality, especially for women and older adults, and that heat wave interacts synergistically with PM2.5 to trigger MI deaths but cold spell does not. Our findings suggest that mitigating both ETE and PM2.5 exposures may bring health cobenefits in preventing premature deaths from MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is confusing evidence in the literature regarding the association between seasonal variations and events of testicular torsion (TT). We attempted to assess the correlation between seasonal variations, including season, ambient temperatures, and humidity levels to onset and laterality of testicular torsion. We conducted a retrospective review of patients diagnosed with testicular torsion and confirmed surgically between January 2009 and December 2019, at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. Weather data was collected from meteorological observation stations near the hospital. TT incidents were stratified into five temperature categories (< 15 °C, 15–20 °C, 20–25 °C, 25–30 °C, > 30 °C) and into two categories of humidity (≤ 50%, > 50%). Potential associations between TT and seasonal variations were investigated. Of 235 patients diagnosed with TT, 156 (66%) were children and adolescents and 79 (34%) were adults. In both groups, rate of TT incidents increased in winter and fall months. Significant correlation between TT and temperatures below 15 °C was observed in both groups; OR 3.3 [95% IC 1.54–7.07], p = 0.002 in children and adolescents and 3.77 [1.79–7.94], p < 0.001) in adults. The correlation between TT and humidity was non-significant in both groups. Among children and adolescents left-sided TT was observed in most of the cases, with strong correlation to lower temperatures; OR 3.15 [1.34–7.40], p = 0.008. Higher rates of acute TT were observed in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) during the cold seasons in Israel. Significant association was observed between left-side TT and temperatures below 15 °C in the children and adolescents' group. Our findings suggest that there might be a predilection for TT occurrence in cold weather, particularly left-side laterality among children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate how Shewanella putrefaciens survives and produces spoilage products in response to cold conditions, the metabolic and protease activity of S. putrefaciens DSM6067 cultured at three different temperatures (30 °C, 10 °C, and 4 °C) was studied by determining the bacterial growth, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), biogenic amines, extracellular protease activity, as well as the differential expressed proteins via Label-free quantitative proteomics analysis. The lag phase of the strain cultured at 10 °C and 4 °C was about 20 h and 120 h longer than at 30 °C, respectively. The TVB-N increased to 89.23 mg N/100 g within 28 h at 30 °C, and it needed at least 72 h and 224 h at 10 °C and 4 °C, respectively. Cold temperatures (10 °C and 4 °C) also inhibited the yield factors and the extracellular protease activity per cell at the lag phase. However, the protease activity per cell and the yield factors of the sample cultivated at 10 °C and 4 °C well recovered, especially at the mid and latter stages of the log phase. The further quantitative proteomic analysis displayed a complex biological network to tackle cold stress: cold stress responses, nutrient uptake, and energy conservation strategy. It was observed that the protease and peptidase were upregulated, so as to the degradation pathways of serine, arginine, and aspartate, which might lead to the accumulation of spoilage products. This study highlighted the spoilage potential of S. putrefaciens still should be concerned even at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no standardized storage temperature of whole blood for acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH). Study Design and Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study to examine the difference in platelet function between short‐term whole blood storage at 4 and 22°C. Venous blood (40 ml) was collected from seven healthy subjects who gave prior written consent. The samples were divided into three groups: before storage (group Pre), cold (4°C) storage (group C), and room temperature (22°C) storage (group R). Groups C and R were tested after 6 h of blood storage. Platelet aggregability, platelet factor 4 (PF4), β‐thromboglobulin (β‐TG), P‐selectin expression, pH, PO2, PCO2, glucose, lactate, blood count, and thromboelastography (TEG) parameters were measured. The percentage change in each parameter in groups C and R was calculated using the value in group Pre as a reference. These data were then compared between groups C and R using a Wilcoxon matched pairs test. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Compared with group R, group C showed significantly higher platelet aggregability with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 2, 4, and 6 μM (all p = 0.016) and collagen 1 μg/ml (p = 0.047) stimulation, and significantly lower PF4 and β‐TG elevation (both p = 0.031), glucose consumption (p = 0.031), and lactate production (p = 0.016). The ADP channel in TEG showed a significant increase in platelet aggregation rate in group C compared to group R. Discussion: Cold storage of whole blood in ANH may provide improved storage conditions for platelets and contribute to improved hemostasis compared to room temperature storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Existing studies on the association between temperatures and cardiovascular deaths have been limited in geographic zones and have generally considered associations with total cardiovascular deaths rather than cause-specific cardiovascular deaths. Methods: We used unified data collection protocols within the Multi-Country Multi-City Collaborative Network to assemble a database of daily counts of specific cardiovascular causes of death from 567 cities in 27 countries across 5 continents in overlapping periods ranging from 1979 to 2019. City-specific daily ambient temperatures were obtained from weather stations and climate reanalysis models. To investigate cardiovascular mortality associations with extreme hot and cold temperatures, we fit case-crossover models in each city and then used a mixed-effects meta-analytic framework to pool individual city estimates. Extreme temperature percentiles were compared with the minimum mortality temperature in each location. Excess deaths were calculated for a range of extreme temperature days. Results: The analyses included deaths from any cardiovascular cause (32 154  935), ischemic heart disease (11 745 880), stroke (9 351 312), heart failure (3 673 723), and arrhythmia (670 859). At extreme temperature percentiles, heat (99th percentile) and cold (1st percentile) were associated with higher risk of dying from any cardiovascular cause, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure as compared to the minimum mortality temperature, which is the temperature associated with least mortality. Across a range of extreme temperatures, hot days (above 97.5th percentile) and cold days (below 2.5th percentile) accounted for 2.2 (95% empirical CI [eCI], 2.1–2.3) and 9.1 (95% eCI, 8.9–9.2) excess deaths for every 1000 cardiovascular deaths, respectively. Heart failure was associated with the highest excess deaths proportion from extreme hot and cold days with 2.6 (95% eCI, 2.4–2.8) and 12.8 (95% eCI, 12.2–13.1) for every 1000 heart failure deaths, respectively. Conclusions: Across a large, multinational sample, exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures was associated with a greater risk of mortality from multiple common cardiovascular conditions. The intersections between extreme temperatures and cardiovascular health need to be thoroughly characterized in the present day—and especially under a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exposure to cold air may harm the airways. It is unclear to what extent heavy exercise adds to the cold-induced effects on peripheral airways, airway epithelium, and systemic immunity among healthy individuals. We investigated acute effects of heavy exercise in sub-zero temperatures on the healthy airways. Methods: Twenty-nine healthy individuals underwent whole body exposures to cold air in an environmental chamber at − 15 °C for 50 min on two occasions; a 35-min exercise protocol consisting of a 5-min warm-up followed by 2 × 15 min of running at 85% of VO2max vs. 50 min at rest. Lung function was measured by impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry before and immediately after exposures. CC16 in plasma and urine, and cytokines in plasma were measured before and 60 min after exposures. Symptoms were surveyed pre-, during and post-trials. Results: FEV1 decreased after rest (− 0.10 ± 0.03 L, p < 0.001) and after exercise (− 0.06 ± 0.02 L, p = 0.012), with no difference between trials. Exercise in − 15 °C induced greater increases in lung reactance (X5; p = 0.023), plasma CC16 (p < 0.001) as well as plasma IL-8 (p < 0.001), compared to rest. Exercise induced more intense symptoms from the lower airways, whereas rest gave rise to more general symptoms. Conclusion: Heavy exercise during cold air exposure at − 15 °C induced signs of an airway constriction to a similar extent as rest in the same environment. However, biochemical signs of airway epithelial stress, cytokine responses, and symptoms from the lower airways were more pronounced after the exercise trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal stress causes the reduction in productivity and harvest quality. To adapt to different temperature ranges, plants activate protecting metabolic pathways. Previous studies have reported that stressful environments due to abiotic stresses have an impact on the accumulation of glucosinolates (GSLs) in Brassicaceae plants. In order to determine the role of GSLs in the plant response to thermal stress, we conducted a study comparing four populations with a high and low GSL content. The GSL levels were analysed at different temperatures [control (20), 12 and 32 °C], detecting that populations with a higher GSL content increased their resistance to the cold. In addition, populations subjected to the cold increased the content of indolic GSLs. Populations with high levels of GSLs show higher levels of glucobrassicin (GBS) and sinigrin (SIN) under cold temperatures than plants grown under control conditions. High temperatures have a lower impact on GSLs accumulation. To elucidate the induced metabolic changes due to the accumulation of GSLs under cold conditions, we performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis and identified 25 compounds differentially expressed under cold conditions in the populations with a high GSL content. Almost 50% of these compounds are classified as lipids (fatty amides, monoradylglycerols, diterpenes, glycosylglycerols, linoleic acids and derivatives). Organoheterocyclic and nitrogenous organic compounds are also over-represented. Therefore, the current results suggest that GSLs play a key role in cold tolerance. Although the associated molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated, the non-targeted metabolomics assay shows a significant change in the lipid profile, with compounds that need to be studied further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold stress restricts the growth and development of plants. Lignin plays an important role in stress resistance. However, there are few studies on lignin mechanisms regulation under low-temperature stress. In this study, the contents of both acid-soluble and -insoluble lignin were reduced after a short period of cold treatment. A targeted metabolomics analysis showed that the contents of caffeate, ferulic acid, coniferaldehyde, and p-coumaraldehyde decreased after cold stress, while the contents of L-phenylalanine and sinapaldehyde increased. The C3′H (p-coumaroylshikimate 3-hydroxylase) and COMT (caffeic acid O-methyltransferase) families, which catalyze the formation of caffeate and coniferaldehyde, were analyzed. Among them, the transcriptional levels of PtrC3′H1, PtrCOMTL4, and PtrCOMT1 were positively correlated with the decreased lignin after cold stimulation. The lignin-related transcription factor PtrMYBs, such as PtrMYB021, PtrMYB074, PtrMYB125/85, and PtrMYB103/46, were clearly induced by cold stress. The reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) further verified that the level of transcription of key genes was consistent with the transcriptomic data. The identified key genes and metabolic intermediates in lignin synthesis provide a foundation for the functional characterization of the molecular mechanism of lignin biosynthesis under cold stress, which should help to efficiently utilize lignin in forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) is a calcium‐permeable, nonselective cation channel expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and also in other tissues such as the kidney, synovium, and odontoblasts. TRPC5 has been recently confirmed to play a key role in spontaneous, inflammatory mechanical, and cold pain. Although TRPC5 activation is known to be cold sensitive, it is unclear whether this property is intrinsic to the channel protein and whether or to what extent it may be determined by the cellular environment. In this study, we explored the cold sensitivity of human TRPC5 at the single‐channel level using transiently transfected HEK293T cells. Upon decreasing the temperature, the channel demonstrated prolonged mean open dwell times and a robust increase in the open probability (Po), whereas the amplitude of unitary currents decreased ~1.5‐fold per 10°C of temperature difference. In the absence of any agonists, the temperature dependence of Po was sigmoidal, with a steep slope within the temperature range of 16°C–11°C, and exhibited saturation below 8–5°C. Thermodynamic analysis revealed significant changes in enthalpy and entropy, suggesting that substantial conformational changes accompany cold‐induced gating. The mutant channel T970A, in which the regulation downstream of G‐protein coupled receptor signaling was abrogated, exhibited higher basal activity at room temperature and a less steep temperature response profile, with an apparent threshold below 22°C. An even more pronounced decrease in the activation threshold was observed in a mutant that disrupted the electrostatic interaction of TRPC5 with the endoplasmic reticulum calcium sensor stromal interaction molecule 1. Thus, TRPC5 exhibits features of an intrinsically cold‐gated channel; its sensitivity to cold tightly depends on the phosphorylation status of the protein and intracellular calcium homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is assumed that cold exposure triggers inflammation in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), seasonal differences in FMF have not yet been investigated. This study aims to investigate the association of seasonal changes with the frequency of attacks, disease severity, and subclinical inflammation in FMF. This longitudinal study examined adult patients with FMF on an established treatment followed up for at least 1 year in Istanbul. Clinical characteristics, medications, intraseasonal attacks counts, arthralgia and arthritis, disease severity, and the subclinical inflammation parameters were recorded covering four seasons. Friedman's and Cochran's Q tests were used to analyze changes in the above-mentioned data over seasons. Additionally, all attacks experienced in each season were added, and interseasonal differences were compared with the Chi-square goodness-of-fit test. Data for 240 observations (60 patients) were analyzed. The mean age and disease duration were 39.78 (SD 11.91) and 10 (IQR 6–22.75) years, respectively. The comparison of medians for four seasons did not show any statistical differences in terms of attack frequency, disease severity parameters, markers of subclinical inflammation, and the presence of arthralgia and arthritis. The total number of intraseasonal attacks experienced by patients differed among the seasons (p = 0.023), with a higher count in winter. Adult individuals with established FMF are more likely to experience attacks in winter than summer, but this difference may not be seen in the general parameters of disease activity/severity. This result supports the notion that there is a pronounced residual activity in winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cold air exposure is associated with increased respiratory morbidity and mortality. Repeated inhalation of cold and dry air is considered the cause of the high prevalence of asthma among winter endurance athletes. This study assessed whether a heat- and moisture-exchanging breathing device (HME) attenuates airway responses to high-intensity exercise in sub-zero temperatures among healthy subjects. Methods: Using a randomized cross-over design, 23 healthy trained participants performed a 30-min warm-up followed by a 4-min maximal, self-paced running time trial in − 15 °C, with and without HME. Lung function was assessed pre- and immediately post-trials. Club cell protein (CC-16), 8-isoprostane, and cytokine concentrations were measured in plasma and urine pre- and 60 min post trials. Symptoms were assessed prior to, during, and immediately after each trial in the chamber. Results: HME use attenuated the decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) post trials (∆FEV1: mean (SD) HME − 0.5 (1.9) % vs. no-HME − 2.7 (2.7) %, p = 0.002). HME also substantially attenuated the median relative increase in plasma-CC16 concentrations (with HME + 27% (interquartile range 9–38) vs no-HME + 121% (55–162), p < 0.001) and reduced airway and general symptom intensity, compared to the trial without HME. No significant changes between trials were detected in urine CC16, 8-isoprostane, or cytokine concentrations. Conclusion: The HME attenuated acute airway responses induced by moderate-to-maximal-intensity exercise in − 15 °C in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to examine whether this HMEs could constitute primary prevention against asthma in winter endurance athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between ambient air temperature and mortality has not been assessed in Norway. This study aimed to quantify for seven Norwegian cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Drammen, Fredrikstad, Trondheim and Tromsø) the non-accidental, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases mortality burden due to non-optimal ambient temperatures.We used a historical daily dataset (1996–2018) to perform city-specific analyses with a distributed lag non-linear model with 14 days of lag, and pooled results in a multivariate meta-regression. We calculated attributable deaths for heat and cold, defined as days with temperatures above and below the city-specific optimum temperature. We further divided temperatures into moderate and extreme using cut-offs at the 1st and 99th percentiles.We observed that 5.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–8.3) of the non-accidental related deaths, 11.8% (95% CI 6.4–16.4) of the cardiovascular and 5.9% (95% CI –4.0 to 14.3) of the respiratory were attributable to non-optimal temperatures. Notable variations were found between cities and subgroups stratified by sex and age. The mortality burden related to cold dominated in all three health outcomes (5.1%, 2.0–8.1, 11.4%, 6.0–15.4, and 5.1%, –5.5 to 13.8 respectively). Heat had a more pronounced effect on the burden of respiratory deaths (0.9%, 0.2–1.0). Extreme cold accounted for 0.2% of non-accidental deaths and 0.3% of cardiovascular and respiratory deaths, while extreme heat contributed to 0.2% of non-accidental and to 0.3% of respiratory deaths. Most of the burden could be attributed to the contribution of moderate cold. This evidence has significant implications for enhancing public-health policies to better address health consequences in the Norwegian setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cooling the dialysate is an important factor that contributes to the hemodynamic stability in patients during hemodialysis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cool dialysate on vital signs, and the adequacy and common complications of hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: The present crossover, triple-blind, clinical trial was performed on 62 dialysis patients, who were selected through stratified block randomization. First, one group underwent hemodialysis using a cool dialysate (35°C), and the other received routine hemodialysis (36.5°C). Each patient received a total of eight hemodialysis sessions. Then, treatment methods were swapped, and each group received the other group's method. The patients' blood pressure, pulse rate, and temperature were measured before dialysis, and in the first, second, third, and fourth hours of dialysis. The frequency of common complications of hemodialysis and dialysis efficacy were measured. The marginal model and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to analyze the data. Results: The participants' systolic (p = 0.01) and diastolic blood pressures significantly increased with a decrease in temperature (p = 0.005). The patients' pulse rate (p = 0.143), adequacy of dialysis (p = 0.922), and common complications of hemodialysis did not significantly differ between the two temperatures (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Reducing dialysate temperature from 36.5 to 35°C led to hemodynamic stability; the blood pressure of the patients undergoing hemodialysis was more stable with the cool dialysate method and the number of drops in the blood pressure during the hemodialysis was reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The temperature at which filtration takes place has been reported to influence the efficacy of leukoreduction. We aimed to compare the residual leukocyte count (RLC) in red cell units (RCUs) filtered at cold (CT) versus room temperature (RT) and to assess whether this correlates clinically with a difference in the incidence of acute transfusion reactions (ATRs). Methods and materials: In the first part of the study, whole blood units collected were randomly allocated for subsequent filtration at CT and RT, respectively. RLC postfiltration was assessed using flow cytometry. The second part of the study was a nonrandomized clinical trial in which incidence of ATR was compared between RCUs filtered at RT and CT for 6 months each. Results: Thirty‐five RCUs each underwent leukofiltration at CT and RT, respectively. The median RLCs in the filtered units at CT and RT were 0.02 × 106 and 0.1 × 106 leukocytes/unit, respectively (p =.0001), with no difference in red blood cell (RBC) recovery (p =.41). During the second part, 3455 RCUs filtered at RT and 3539 RCUs filtered at CT were transfused to patients. The rate of febrile non‐hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) among transfused patients was less with units filtered at CT (1 per 2000 transfusions) in comparison to RT (1 per 588 transfusions). The difference was, however, not significant (p =.14). Conclusion: If change in temperature alone can cause significant reduction in leukocytes, then it is a simple way to curtail the rate of this common yet unpleasant reaction and reduce the reaction rate at minimal cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators of chromatin dynamics, impacting on transcriptional programs leading to different developmental outputs. The lncRNA AUXIN-REGULATED PROMOTER LOOP (APOLO) directly recognizes multiple independent loci across the Arabidopsis genome and modulates their three-dimensional chromatin conformation, leading to transcriptional shifts. Here, we show that APOLO recognizes the locus encoding the root hair (RH) master regulator ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE 6 (RHD6) and controls RHD6 transcriptional activity, leading to cold-enhanced RH elongation through the consequent activation of the transcription factor gene RHD6-like RSL4. Furthermore, we demonstrate that APOLO interacts with the transcription factor WRKY42 and modulates its binding to the RHD6 promoter. WRKY42 is required for the activation of RHD6 by low temperatures and WRKY42 deregulation impairs cold-induced RH expansion. Collectively, our results indicate that a novel ribonucleoprotein complex with APOLO and WRKY42 forms a regulatory hub to activate RHD6 by shaping its epigenetic environment and integrate signals governing RH growth and development. The lncRNA APOLO directly regulates the transcription of the root hair-master gene RHD6. In response to cold, APOLO is induced and it decoys the H3K27me3 binding protein LHP1 away from RHD6. In addition, APOLO modulates the binding of the transcription factor WRKY42 to the RHD6 promoter at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the daily average temperature from March 19 to April 2, 2021 at three surface meteorological stations in western Guizhou and the daily average temperature, maximum temperature and minimum temperature from March 19 to April 2, 2021 at 12 main automatic meteorological stations of red cartridge kiwifruit base, the effects of low temperature and high temperature on flowering and pollination of red cartridge kiwifruit in early spring of 2021 were analyzed. The results showed that slight cold spell in later spring in western Guizhou occurred from March 21 to 23. The lower limit of the daily average temperature required for flowering period (12 °C or below) appeared in each base of red cartridge kiwifruit during March 21 -23, which affected the red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Faer, Houchang, Miluo, Shunchang, Panlong and Jichang bases flowering and pollinating before March 20. From March 29 to April 2, the daily maximum temperature of Faer and other eleven bases was 30 °C or above, which caused the wilting and abscission of flowers and young fruits of of red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Faer, Houchang, Miluo, Shunchang, Panlong, shaomi, Jichang and Aga bases blooming and pollinating before March 24, but the flowers of red cartridge kiwifruit trees in Langdai, Longhe, Pugu and Shuangfeng bases blooming and pollinating after March 28 were not damaged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Exposure to a cold environment at work is associated with a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and chronic pain in cross-sectional studies. This study aims to determine the association between working in a cold environment ≥ 25% of the time and musculoskeletal complaints (MSC) 7–8 years later. Methods: We followed participants from the sixth survey (Tromsø 6, 2007–2008) to the seventh survey (Tromsø 7, 2015–2016) of the Tromsø Study. Analyses included 2347 men and women aged 32–60 years who were not retired and not receiving full-time disability benefits in Tromsø 6. Three different binary outcomes were investigated in Tromsø 7: any MSC, severe MSC, and MSC in ≥ 3 anatomical regions. We excluded participants with severe MSC, MSC in ≥ 3 regions, or missing values in Tromsø 6. The association between working in a cold environment and future MSC were examined using Poisson regression and adjusted for age, sex, number of moderate MSC, education, physical activity at work, smoking status, body mass index, and self-reported health in Tromsø 6. Results: 258 participants reported to work in a cold environment ≥ 25% of the time in Tromsø 6. They had an increased risk of having any MSC in Tromsø 7 (incidence rate ratio 1.15; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.29). There was no significantly increased risk of severe MSC or MSC in ≥ 3 regions. Conclusion: Working in a cold environment was associated with future MSC, but not with future severe MSC or future MSC in ≥ 3 regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Animal studies are an important knowledge base when information from clinical trials is missing or conflicting. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of conventional targeted temperature management (TTM) between 32-36 °C in animal cardiac arrest models, and to estimate the influence of effect modifiers on the pooled effect of TTM.Data Sources: We searched Medline and Scopus from inception to May 2020 for randomised controlled animal trials assessing the effect of conventional TTM versus normothermia on neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest. We extracted data on study characteristics, study quality data, neurologic outcome, mortality, and potential effect modifiers.Results: We retrieved 1635 studies, 45 studies comprising data of 981 animals met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was high in 17 studies and moderate in 28 studies. We undertook random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression analyses to calculate the pooled effect and the influence of effect modifiers. There was a strong beneficial effect of TTM as compared to normothermia on neurologic outcome (standardised mean difference of 1.4 [95% CI -1.7 to -1.1; I2 = 75%]). Faster cooling rates, lower target temperature of TTM within the range of 32-36 °C, and shorter duration of cooling were independently associated with an increasing effect size of TTM.Conclusions: This systematic review of animal cardiac arrest studies showed a consistent favourable effect of postresuscitation TTM as compared to normothermia on neurologic outcome that increased with lower target temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating craniofacial pain syndrome that is characterized by paroxysms of intense, short-lived electric shock-like pains in the trigeminal nerve distribution. Recently, the presence of triggers has become one of the key diagnostic criteria in the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Light touch is the most common trigger, however other non-mechanical triggers, such as cold weather and certain foods, have been thought to provoke trigeminal neuralgia anecdotally. We aimed to characterize the prevalence and characteristics of these atypical triggers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study of atypical triggers in trigeminal neuralgia patients seen in a tertiary pain clinic in Singapore. Patients were recruited via clinic records, and study data were identified from physician documentation. Results: A total of 60 patients met the inclusion criteria. Weather triggers were observed in 12 patients (20%), of which five patients (8%) reported strong winds, 4 patients (7%) reported cold temperatures, and 3 patients (5%) reported cold winds as triggers. Fifteen patients (25%) had a specific food trigger, of which 10 patients (17%) reported hard or tough food, 5 patients (8%) reported hot/cold food, 4 patients (7%) reported spicy food, and 2 patients (3%) reported sweet food as triggers. Conclusions: Although trigeminal neuralgia is most commonly triggered by mechanical stimuli, atypical triggers such as cold temperatures and certain foods are seen in a significant proportion of patients. These atypical triggers may share a common pathway of sensory afferent Aδ fiber activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A full‐scale biofilm‐enhanced aerated lagoon using fixed submerged media was monitored using automated water quality monitoring stations over the span of one year to quantify its nitrification performance. The system was operating at a high organic loading rate averaging 5.8 g total CBOD5/m2 of media per day (23.9 g total CBOD5/m3 of lagoon per day), a total ammonia nitrogen loading rate averaging 0.9 g NH4‐N/m2 day (3.7 g NH4‐N/m3 day), and temperatures ranging from 1.6 to 20.8°C. The system showed an extended seasonal nitrification period compared with a simulated aerated lagoon system of the same dimensions. This extension of complete nitrification with approximately 1 month was observed in the fall despite the decrease of operating temperature down to 4°C. During this maximum nitrification period, substantial denitrification occurred, and the effluent un‐ionized ammonia ratio was reduced. A temporary loss of nitrification was also experienced in relation to an episode of elevated suspended solids concentration. Measured biofilm characteristics, namely the detachment dynamics and the biofilm thickness, were used to explain this temporary nitrification loss. During wintertime, a low nitrate production was still observed, suggesting year‐long retention of nitrifying bacteria in the biofilm. Practitioner points: Nitrification in a highly loaded biofilm‐enhanced aerated lagoon is mainly affected by operating temperature. Maximum nitrification is observed during the warmer months and occurs even at high organic loading rates (>5 g CBOD5/m2 day).Compared with a simulated suspended growth system, the biofilm‐enhanced lagoon shows a significantly extended nitrification period. The extension is observed at the end of the summertime maximum nitrification period.Low amounts of nitrate still produced during winter in the biofilm‐enhanced aerated lagoon suggest year‐long retention of autotrophic nitrifying biomass in the biofilm.Nitrification in the biofilm‐enhanced aerated lagoon is negatively impacted by the presence of important quantities of accumulated solids that resuspend when their digestion starts as temperature increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel, lytic, halo-forming phage vB_SalA_KFSST3 was isolated and purified. • The presence of endolysin and depolymerases was genetically confirmed in the phage. • Phage exhibited cold temperature-robust lytic activity with a broad specificity. • Phage almost controlled Salmonella and its biofilm on cantaloupe at 4 °C. • Phage exhibited the excellent potential for use as a commercial antibiofilm agent in fresh produce. This study investigated the efficacy of a novel Salmonella phage with depolymerase activity to control S. Typhimurium (ST) and its biofilm on cantaloupes, for the first time, under simulated cold temperature. vB_SalA_KFSST3 forming a halo zone was isolated and purified from a slaughterhouse with a final concentration of 12.1 ± 0.1 log PFU/mL. Based on the morphological and bioinformatics analyses, vB_SalA_KFSST3 was identified as a novel phage belonging to the family Ackermannviridae. Before employing the phage on cantaloupe, its genetic characteristics, specificity, stability, and bactericidal effect were investigated. Genetic analyses confirmed its safety and identified endolysin and two depolymerase domains possessing antibiofilm potential. In addition, the phage exhibited a broad specificity with great efficiencies toward five Salmonella strains at 4 °C, 22 °C, and 37 °C, as well as stable lytic activity over a wide range of pHs (3 to 11) and temperatures (−20 °C to 60 °C). The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) and exposure time of phage were determined to be 100 and 2 h, respectively, based on the highest bacterial reduction of ∼2.7 log CFU/mL. Following the formation of ST biofilm on cantaloupe at 4 °C and 22 °C, the cantaloupe was treated with phage at an MOI of 100 for 2 h. The antibiofilm efficacy of phage was evaluated via the plate count method, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The initial biofilm population at 22 °C was significantly greater and more condensed than that at 4 °C. After phage treatment, biofilm population and the percentage of viable ST in biofilm were reduced by ∼4.6 log CFU/cm2 and ∼90% within 2 h, respectively, which were significantly greater than those at 22 °C (∼2.0 log CFU/cm2 and ∼45%) (P < 0.05). SEM images also confirmed more drastic destruction of the cohesive biofilm architecture at 4 °C than at 22 °C. As a result of its cold temperature-robust lytic activity and the contribution of endolysin and two depolymerases, vB_SalA_KFSST3 demonstrated excellent antibiofilm efficacy at cold temperature, highlighting its potential as a promising practical biocontrol agent for the control of ST and its biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many occupations and sports require high levels of manual dexterity under thermal stress and mental fatigue. Yet, multistressor studies remain scarce. We quantified the interactive effects of thermal stress and mental fatigue on manual dexterity. Seven males (21.1 ± 1.3 yr) underwent six separate 60-min trials characterized by a combination of three air temperatures (hot, 37°C; neutral, 21°C; cold, 7°C) and two mental fatigue states (MF, mental fatigue induced by a 35-min cognitive battery; no-MF, no mental fatigue). Participants performed complex (O'Connor test) and simple (hand-tool test) manual tasks pre- and posttrial to determine stressor-induced performance changes. We monitored participants' rectal temperature and hand skin temperature (Thand) continuously and assessed the reaction time (handclick test) and subjective mental fatigue (5-point scale). Thermal stress (P < 0.0001), but not mental fatigue (P = 0.290), modulated Thand (heat, +3.3°C [95% CI: +0.2, +6.5]; cold, -7.5°C [-10.7, -4.4]). Mental fatigue (P = 0.021), but not thermal stress (P = 0.646), slowed the reaction time (-10%) and increased subjective fatigue. Thermal stress and mental fatigue had an interactive effect on the complex manual task (P = 0.040), with cold-no-MF decreasing the performance by -22% [-39, -5], whereas neutral-MF, cold-MF, and heat-MF by -36% [-53, -19], -34% [-52, -17], and -36% [-53, -19], respectively. Only mental fatigue decreased the performance in the simple manual task (-30% [-43, -16] across all thermal conditions; P = 0.002). Cold stress-induced impairments in complex manipulation increase with mental fatigue; yet combined stressors' effects are no greater than those of mental fatigue alone, which also impairs simple manipulation. Mental fatigue poses a greater challenge to manual dexterity than thermal stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cold treatment enhanced in vitro germination of L.viridiflora and L.doleritica seeds. • Differences in seedling parameters between genotypes were found. • The results relate to the issues of wild Lachenalia propagation and conservation. Lachenalia viridiflora and L. doleritica seed germination under in vitro conditions is presented. The authors wanted to morphologically verify how these species germinate after cold treatment. The results demonstrate, that one week of 5°C significantly improve the germination process, what can be used in germplasm conservation of these endangered plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to explore whether there were cold and heat temperature adverse effects on years of life lost (YLL) for non-accidental mortality in Yuxi, a southwest plateau region of China. From data for 89,467 non-accidental deaths over an 8-year study period, we used a general linear regression model combined with a distributed lag non-linear model to assess the burden of disease non-accidental mortality due to ambient temperature with the YLL indicator. We estimated the mean YLL change per 1 °C decrease from the 25th to 1st percentile mean temperature as the cold effect and per 1 °C increase from the 75th to 99th percentile as the heat effect. The 95% empirical confidence intervals (eCIs) were calculated by using a bootstrap simulation method. The exposure–response curve between average temperature and YLL was U-shaped. The cold effect peaked at the first day after exposure and disappeared at 2 weeks, and the heat effect only lasted for the first 3 days. A per 1 °C decrease from the 25th to 1st mean temperature percentile was associated with an increase of 15.6 (95% eCI: 2.4, 22.9) in YLL for non-accidental diseases, and the cumulative effects due to cold were stronger in contrast to that attributed by heat. Cold temperature had a significant impact on YLL among the subgroups, with higher YLL in cardiovascular disease, stroke, males, Han nationality, married, and those engaged in agriculture than their corresponding categories. An increasing death burden of non-accidental in Yuxi of China due to cold temperature was demonstrated, and the association was also modified by specific disease causes and individual features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low body temperature can cause the heart, nervous system and other organs to enter a state of shock. It also includes shivering, slurred speech, slow breathing. It affects our haemoglobin level white blood cell count and platelets count too.It affects our brain mainly our hypothalamus part of the brain. The study aims to analyze the effect of cold temperature on haematological parameters. A questionnaire was distributed through an online google forms link to about 100 people. The study population were asked to fill out the online form after reading each question thoroughly. The results were collected and the data was analysed using SPSS version 20. From the study population, the whole of 100% of the participants gave a positive response when asked if they were aware about the effect of cold temperature on haematological parameters . And from the results cold temperature affects our blood flow rate and rbc cells and other haematological parameters.This study evaluated the effect of cold temperature on haematological parameters. Majority of the study population are aware that cold temperature affects the haematological parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular long‐term physical exercise has favourable effects on endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the effects of an acute exercise bout in the cold on endothelial function are not known. Methods: At first, the effects of moderate‐intensity aerobic lower‐body exercise were assessed in CAD patients (n = 16) in a neutral [+22°C] and cold [−15°C] environment. Secondly, responses to static and dynamic upper‐body exercise in a neutral [+22°C] and cold [−15°C] environment were investigated in CAD patients (n = 15). All experiments were performed in a random order. Endothelial function was measured by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery in response to reactive hyperaemia, before and after the exposures in a neutral environment. Results: No significant temperature*exercise*condition (pre–post) interaction was observed in FMD% when comparing rest versus aerobic exercise or static versus dynamic upper‐body exercise. Relative reactive hyperaemia during FMD protocol, measured by changes in shear rate, was elevated after rest compared to aerobic exercise (p =.001) and after static compared to dynamic upper‐body exercise (p <.001). However, no significant temperature*exercise*condition interaction was observed when FMD% was normalized for shear rate. Conclusions: Endothelial function to an acute bout of exercise among CAD patients was not modified by the environmental temperature where the exercise was performed. The present findings argue against the hypothesis that exercise in cold environmental conditions impairs endothelial function in patients with CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Platelet (PLT) storage at 4°C has several benefits, however, it is accompanied by increased clearance of PLTs after transfusion. In this study, we evaluated the potential of sodium octanoate (SO) for reducing apoptosis and clearance rate of PLTs after long-term storage in cold. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, PLT concentrates (PCs) were stored for 5 days under the following three conditions: 20-24°C, 4°C, and 4°C in the presence of SO. To measure the viability of PLTs, the water-soluble tetrazolium salt (WST-1) assay was performed. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure was determined on PLTs using flow cytometry technique. The amount of human active caspase-3 was determined in PLTs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, the amount of PLT ingestion or clearance was determined by using HepG2 cell line. Results: The viability was higher in the SO-treated PLTs compared to the other groups. The level of PS exposure on PLTs was lower in the SO-treated PLTs compared to the other groups. The amount of active caspase-3 increased in all groups during 5-day storage. The highest increase in the amount of caspase-3 levels was observed at cold temperature. However, PLTs kept at 4°C in the presence of SO had a lower amount of active caspase-3 compared to PLTs kept at 4°C. The amount of PLTs removal by HepG2 cells was increased for 4°C-kept PLTs but it was lower for PLTs kept at 4°C in the presence of SO but, the differences were not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: SO could partially moderate the effects of cold temperature on apoptosis and viability of platelets. It also decreases the ingestion rate of long-time refrigerated PLTs in vitro. Further studies using higher numbers of samples are required to demonstrate the effect of SO on reducing the clearance rate of PLTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chlorophyte microalga Lobosphaera incisa was isolated from the snowy slopes of Mt. Tateyama in Japan. This microalga stores exceptionally high amounts of the omega‐6 LC‐PUFA arachidonic acid in triacylglycerols, and therefore represents a potent photosynthetic source for this essential LC‐PUFA. Assuming that freezing tolerance may play a role in adaptation of L. incisa to specific ecological niches, we examined the capability of L. incisa to tolerate extreme sub‐zero temperatures. We report here, that the vegetative cells of L. incisa survived freezing at −20°C and −80°C (over 1 month), without cryoprotective agents or prior treatments. Cells successfully recovered upon thawing and proliferated under optimal growth conditions (25°C). However, cells frozen at −80°C showed better recovery and lower cellular ROS generation upon thawing, compared to those preserved at −20°C. Photosynthetic yield of PSII, estimated by Fv/Fm, temporarily decreased at day 1 post freezing and resumed to the original level at day 3. Interestingly, the thawed algal cultures produced a higher level of chlorophylls, exceeding the control culture. The polar metabolome of the vegetative cells comprised a range of compatible solutes, dominated by glutamate, sucrose, and proline. We posit that the presence of endogenous cryoprotectants, a rigid multilayer cell wall, the high LC‐PUFA content in membrane lipids, and putative cold‐responsive proteins may contribute to the retention of functionality upon recovery from the frozen state, and therefore for the survival under cryospheric conditions. From the applied perspective, this beneficial property holds promise for the cryopreservation of starter cultures for research and commercial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exercise at temperatures below −15°C induces drying and cooling of lung airways which causes exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and respiratory symptoms, especially in winter sport athletes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) worn during intense cold air exercise improves lung function and reduces respiratory symptoms in healthy winter sport athletes. Methods: Seven active males and six active females (maximum oxygen uptake 61.9 ± 6.9 and 52.2 ± 5.3 mL/kg/min), all active or former winter sport athletes, completed running trials with and without HME in random order on 2 days in an environmental chamber (−20°C temperature, humidity 46.2%). Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25%‐75% (FEF25%‐75%), and FEF at 50% (FEF50%) were measured pre‐ and post‐exercise (3, 6, 10, 15, and 20 minutes). Respiratory symptoms were reported after exercise. Results: Significant interaction effects were observed for FEV1 and FEF25%‐75%. Mean decrease of FVC (−5.9%, P ≤.001) and FEV1 (−4.2%, P =.003) was largest 3 minutes post‐exercise without HME. There was an increase of FEV1, FEF25%‐75%, and FEF50% post‐exercise compared to pre‐exercise with HME. More respiratory symptoms overall were reported without HME (P =.046). Conclusion: Intense cold air exercise likely causes transient acute bronchoconstriction and symptoms of cough in individuals participating in winter sports. However, this study finds that the application of an HME during intense cold air exercise improves lung function and reduces prevalence of EIB‐associated symptoms compared to unprotected intense cold air exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In view of the contradictory results for the use of cold tubes for the purpose of enhancing nasogastric tube insertion success there is a pressing need for further research in this area. This study aimed to determine the effect of using cold versus regular temperature nasogastric tube on successful nasogastric tube insertion for patients referring to toxicology emergency department. Methods: This study is a clinical trial with two groups design of 65 patients admitted to toxicology emergency department who were divided into two groups by random allocation. Nasogastric tubes used in the intervention group had been stored in a refrigerator at 2°-8° C while the ones employed in the control group had been maintained at the room temperature of 22-28° C. Nasogastric tube insertions in both groups were done by the investigator according to standard methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS ver. 13. Results: The placement of nasogastric tube was done in the first attempt with 27 (%84.4) of the subjects in the control group and 33 (%100.0) in the intervention group. The chi-square test results showed that the frequency of the number of attempts for gastric intubation in subjects between the two groups was statistically significant. Conclusion: Cooling gastric tubes reduces the time required for nasogastric intubation. Thus, it is suggested that the gastric tubes be cooled before the application of the procedure so as to reduce complications, increase patient comfort and save nurses time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient management of the newborn dairy calf around birth results in reduced rearing costs and increased future milk yield. To maintain young calves healthy and maximize performance and profit it is important to create an environment that maintain low levels of stress. Low environment temperature directly affects newborn and young calves' performance, health and survival due hypothermia. For that reason, the adaptation of the dairy calf to the cold environment is important, with body responses of primary importance. However, some strategies may also be adopted to reduce cold stress induced by heat loss. There are several ways to aid the young calf in low environmental temperature, starting immediately after birth with colostrum feeding. Besides that, factors such as adequate housing, management and nutrition, result in significantly decrease morbidity and mortality, and similar growth rates as calves in the zone of thermoneutrality. The calf physiology adaptation to cope with cold stress and the positive effect of feeding systems, resulting in greater heat production, health, and performance will be approach in this literature review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cement mortars were cured in frozen sands to mimic the influence of permafrost. • Temperature profiles in calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement mortar were recorded. • Hydration reaction of CSA cement cured at cold temperatures was investigated. • Hydration reaction of CSA cement was fast regardless of cold curing temperatures. • CSA-based mortar achieved fast strength development even at −5 °C and −10 °C. The objective of this paper is to investigate the hydration reaction and strength development of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement mortar cured in various cold temperatures (i.e., 5 °C, 0 °C, −5 °C and −10 °C). In this study, both CSA cement-based and GU (General Use) cement-based mortar samples were cured in wet sands at temperatures of 5 °C, 0 °C, −5 °C and −10 °C. During the investigation, the temperature profiles in both sands and the centers of mortar samples were recorded. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests were conducted on the samples at 1, 3, 7 and 28 days. The TGA results showed that the hydration reaction rate of GU cement was slow at cold temperatures and decreased with a drop in the curing temperature. However, the hydration reaction of CSA cement was very fast—it was mostly completed within the first 24 h—regardless of the curing temperatures. The UCS test results indicated that the strength development of CSA-based mortar was much faster than that of GU-based mortar. The CSA-based mortar achieved rapid strength development even cured in frozen sands with temperatures at −5 °C and −10 °C. In conclusion, CSA cement can be substituted for GU cement to accelerate the strength development of cement-based materials constructed in cold temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors describe the etiology, pathomechanism, symptoms and treatment options of frostbite injury patients. In 2017, the Department of Traumatology and Hand Surgery of the University of Pécs took over the care of frostbite patients. Initial experience encouraged them to develop their own internal procedures based on „The University of Utah frostbite treatment algorithm” and „Helsinki frostbite management protocol” For the purpose of limb rescue, after studying several international articles, they developed their treatment proposal based on the products available in Hungary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Abdominal pain can be evoked or exacerbated after gastrointestinal cold stimulation in some patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), indicating a low temperature-induced sensitization of visceral perception. We investigated the role of vagal transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1, a cold-sensing ion channel) in cold-aggravated visceral mechanonociception in a stress-induced IBS animal model. Methods: TRPA1 expression was examined in antral biopsies of healthy controls and IBS-D patients. Abdominal symptoms were assessed before and after warm or cold water intake. The visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distention (CRD) following intra-antral infusion of cold saline was measured in animals undergoing sham or chronic water avoidance stress. TRPA1 expression, extracellular signalregulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, and neuronal calcium influx in vagal afferents were assessed. Results: Compared to healthy controls, IBS-D patients displayed elevated antral TRPA1 expression, which was associated with symptom scores after cold (4°C) water intake. Intra-antral infusion of cold saline increased VMR to CRD in naive rats, an effect dependent on vagal afferents. In stressed rats, this effect was greatly enhanced. Functional blockade and gene deletion of TRPA1 abolished the cold effect on visceral nociception. TRPA1 expression in vagal (but not spinal) afferents increased after stress. Moreover, the cold-induced, TRPA1-dependent ERK1/2 activation and calcium influx in nodose neurons were more robust in stressed rats. Conclusions: Stress-exaggerated visceral mechanonociception after antral cold exposure may involve up-regulation of TRPA1 expression and function on vagal afferents. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism for abnormal gastrointestinal cold sensing in IBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Quantification of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is challenging and requires standardised, graded stimulation by natural‐like stimuli. Objective: The present study aimed at identifying DH subjects and longitudinally monitoring their pain thresholds by cold air quantitative sensory testing (QST). Methods: Subject recruitment started with an online DH questionnaire. Respondents were screened by dental air stimulation. Sensitising and habituating subjects were excluded. A recently developed stimulation device was employed for cold air QST. Single tooth DH was verified by applying an equi‐intense stimulus to a control tooth. Descriptive statistics were applied for subject characteristics. Mean values were calculated for the stimulation parameters temperature and air flow. Reliability of temperatures for detecting pain and for evoking moderate pain over multiple time points within a 3‐week period was analysed by two‐way random single‐ and average‐measure intra‐class correlation coefficients. Results: A total of 353 persons completed the online DH questionnaire of which 117 were screened. Forty‐four passed the screening, yet 15 were excluded for various reasons. Twenty‐nine subjects were monitored by QST across 3 weeks. Results revealed a high intra‐individual stability of the temperature inducing moderate to strong pain intensity (MPI) (single‐measure ICC of TMPI 0.83, P < 0.001). Mean TMPI was −13.69°C, yet it highly varied among the 29 subjects (SD ± 10.04°C). Conclusions: Using a novel approach, namely dental QST based on cold air stimuli, we present evidence for temporally stable DH perceptions over a 3‐week period. The method fulfils international guideline requirements and is recommendable for obtaining valid results when testing various interventions for DH management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have isolated several poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH) degradable bacteria from the deep-sea sediment samples. The isolated microbes were involved into α-, γ- Proteobacteria group and the phylum Firmicutes, which were commonly diverged in the ocean environment. Four bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. MH10, Alteromonas sp. MH53, Psychrobacillus sp. PL87 and Rheinheimera sp. PL100, were selected as more active strains for the PHBH bio-degradation at high pressure and cold temperature conditions, and showed that those strains were piezotolerant up to 20–30 MPa. Our findings indicated that the PHBH could be well degraded not only in the ocean environment, but also at the deep-sea bottom, by means of those marine microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Twelve UHPFRC panels were tested at two different temperatures. • Cold temperatures increased the panel load capacity and residual strength. • Panel residual strength can be predicted using residual deflection from impact test. • Fibres provide ductility and increase energy absorption capacity. • SDOF model was used to accurately predict midspan panel deflection. Abstract In this study, lightweight armoured panels were designed using ultra high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and experimental testing was conducted. Panels were cast with the dimensions of 1040 mm × 535 mm × 38 mm to limit their mass to approximately 50 kg and allow them to be carried by two individuals. These panels were designed to be a part of a modular protective system that could be used to protect key infrastructure and assets in a deployed military environment. Experimental quasi-static and dynamic tests were conducted. Quasi-static tests were done to determine a baseline loading capacity of the panels using three-point flexural bending. Dynamic testing was conducted using a pendulum-type impact hammer that could vary the amount of impact energy by altering the drop height of the hammer. Residual panel strength was determined after each panel was tested dynamically by using the same three-point flexural bending test that was used for quasi-static testing. All tests were conducted with panels at ambient laboratory temperatures and extreme cold temperatures to simulate Arctic conditions. Panels were tested at Arctic temperatures to determine their feasibility protecting critical infrastructure in Canada's Arctic. The testing demonstrated that the UHPFRC panels could resist impact loads with energies up to 2000 J without complete failure. Panels were not adversely affected by the extreme cold temperatures and in fact displayed increased effectiveness at cold temperatures. Single degree of freedom (SDOF) modelling was used to predict panel deflections based on various impact energies. The model developed can accurately predict peak displacements based on impact loading data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background We sought to determine if cold temperature and snowfall are independently associated with stroke mortality, and whether effects differ between hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Materials and methods We conducted a case-crossover study of 13,201 stroke deaths utilizing weather records between the months of November and April for Quebec, Canada from 1981 to 2015. We compared exposure to cold temperature and snowfall with controls days when stroke death did not occur. We computed odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of minimum temperature and duration of snowfall with stroke, adjusted for change in barometric pressure and relative humidity. Results The likelihood of mortality the day following exposure to cold temperature was elevated for hemorrhagic stroke in men, independent of snowfall. Relative to 0 °C, a temperature of −20 °C was associated with 1.17 times the odds of hemorrhagic stroke death (95% CI 1.04–1.32). An independent effect of snowfall was also present in men, with 12 h of snowfall associated with 1.12 times the odds of hemorrhagic stroke death (95% CI 1.00–1.24) compared with no snowfall. There was no evidence of an increased risk in women. Cold temperature and snowfall were not associated with ischemic stroke death in either men or women. Conclusion Our results suggest that cold temperature and snowfall are independent risk factors for death from hemorrhagic stroke in men. These findings imply that interventions to prevent fatal hemorrhagic stroke during winter should include both cold temperature exposure and snowfall in men. Highlights • We studied the independent effects of cold temperature and snowfall on stroke. • We analyzed 13,201 stroke deaths using a case-crossover study design. • Cold temperature and snowfall were associated with hemorrhagic stroke in men. • Cold temperature and snowfall were not associated with ischemic stroke. • There was no association with the risk of stroke in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular year-round exercise is recommended for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the combined effects of cold and moderate sustained exercise, both known to increase cardiac workload, on cardiovascular responses are not known. We tested the hypothesis that cardiac workload is increased, and evidence of ischemia would be observed during exercise in the cold in patients with CAD. Sixteen men (59.3 ± 7.0 yr, means ± SD) with stable CAD each underwent 4, 30 min exposures in a randomized order: seated rest and moderate-intensity exercise [walking, 60%-70% of max heart rate (HR)] performed at +22°C and -15°C. Systolic brachial blood pressure (SBP), HR, electrocardiogram (ECG), and skin temperatures were recorded throughout the intervention. Rate pressure product (RPP) and ECG parameters were obtained. The combined effects of cold and submaximal exercise were additive for SBP and RPP and synergistic for HR when compared with rest in a neutral environment. RPP (mmHg·beats/min) was 17% higher during exercise in the cold (18,080 ± 3540) compared with neutral (15,490 ± 2,940) conditions (P = 0.001). Only a few ST depressions were detected during exercise but without an effect of ambient temperature. The corrected QT interval increased while exercising in the cold compared with neutral temperature (P = 0.023). Recovery of postexercise blood pressure was similar regardless of temperature. Whole body exposure to cold during submaximal exercise results in higher cardiac workload compared with a neutral environment. Despite the higher RPP, no signs of myocardial ischemia or abnormal ECG responses were observed. The results of this study are useful for planning year-round exercise-based rehabilitation programs for stable CAD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To maintain a thermal balance when experiencing cold, humans reduce heat loss and enhance heat production. A potent and rapid mechanism for heat generation is shivering. Research has shown that women prefer a warmer environment and feel less comfortable than men in the same thermal condition. Using the Blanketrol® III, a temperature management device commonly used to study brown adipose tissue activity, we tested whether the experimental temperature (T E) at which men and women start to shiver differs. Twenty male and 23 female volunteers underwent a cooling protocol, starting at 24 °C and gradually decreasing by 1–2 °C every 5 min until an electromyogram detected the shivering or the temperature reached 9 °C. Women started shivering at a higher T E than men (11.3 ± 1.8 °C for women vs 9.6 ± 1.8 °C for men, P = 0.003). In addition, women felt cool, scored by a visual analogue scale, at a higher T E than men (18.3 ± 3.0 °C for women vs 14.6 ± 2.6 °C for men, P < 0.001). This study demonstrates a sex difference in response to cold exposure: women require shivering as a source of heat production earlier than men. This difference could be important and sex should be considered when using cooling protocols in physiological studies. Highlights • Women start shivering at a higher experimental temperature than men. • Women feel colder and less comfortable than men during the same cooling protocol. • Thermal perception at room temperature and sex are determinants of shivering onset. • Sex of a participant should be considered for thermoregulation studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of treatment of guar gum coating coupled with essential oils. Harvested unripe green mangoes (UGM) were preserved using edible coatings containing essential oils of Nigella sativa , Coriandrum sativum , Foeniculum vulgare and Laurus nobilis derived using two different solvents (methanol and ethanol) and stored at refrigeration temperature (10 °C, 80–85% relative humidity). Physiological and biochemical parameters that assess the quality of fruits were determined. Microbiological analysis was also performed at the start and end of shelf life. Generally, it was observed that ethanolic essential oils supplemented coatings conferred a greater retention of fruit quality as compared to both controls. Bacterial counts were significantly reduced in fruits that were coated with ethanolic essential oil edible coatings. Secondly, the coatings supplemented with ethanolic and methanolic essential oils extended shelf life up to 24 days whereas treated and untreated control decayed after 10 and 6 days respectively ( P < 0.05). These results suggested the application of these edible coatings for preservation of unripe green mangoes during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an iron-rich steel-slag-based sulfoaluminate cementitious material (SSCM) was prepared using steel slag, flue gas desulphurisation gypsum, aluminium ash, and limestone tailings. The basic and cold-temperature characteristics of SSCM were studied. The results show that Fe 2 O 3 introduced by steel slag promotes the transformation of C 4 A 3 S ¯ -o to C 4 A 3 S ¯ -c, making SSCM more resistant to freezing injuries than Portland cement. As the curing temperature decreases, the formation rate of ettringite in the early stage slows down obviously. With the hydration progressing, the ettringite content in pastes cured at low temperatures (0–5 °C) becomes similar to that cured at 20 °C, and the proportion of harmful pores is decreased. Although the pastes cured at negative temperatures still contain a large amount of unhydrated phase and a significantly increased proportion of harmful pores, the hydration reaction can still be maintained. The performance of SSCM shows a promising application prospect for construction in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold temperature is an important environmental factor that affects the lives of many organisms in various ways. In this study, cold temperature was found to promote the release of zoospores from Phytophthora sojae sporangia. To better understand this phenomenon, Illumina sequencing was used to examine the differential expression of P. sojae genes between three control libraries and three cold temperature (4°C) treatment libraries. The six libraries generated 1.04, 1.17, 1.11, 0.96, 1.23, and 1.13 million clean sequencing reads. Comparison of the gene expression levels between the control and cold treatment conditions revealed 175 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 38 up-regulated and 137 down-regulated genes in the cold temperature group compared to the control group. The DEGs were functionally classified using the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) database, and the results indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in signal transduction, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, transcription and carbohydrate transport and metabolism. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the top 20 pathways significantly enriched in DEGs included amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Some of the DEGs are involved in the release of zoospores from P. sojae sporangia is discussed in the present work. This information will be helpful for understanding the mechanism of zoospore release induced by cold temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stormwater retention ponds can play a critical role in mitigating the detrimental effects of urbanization on receiving waters that result from increases in polluted runoff. However, the benthic oxygen demand of stormwater facilities may cause significant hypoxia and trigger the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This process is not well-documented and further research is needed to characterize benthic processes in stormwater retention ponds in order to improve their design and operation. In this study, sediment oxygen demand (SOD), sediment ammonia release (SAR) and sediment sulfide production (SSP) kinetics were characterized in situ and in the laboratory. In situ SOD and SSP data were utilized to develop a stormwater retention pond water sulfide concentration model which demonstrates strong correlation with sulfide concentrations observed in situ (r = 0.724, N = 91, p<0.001) and in laboratory experiments (r = 0.691, N = 38, p <0.001). At 4 °C, in situ rates of SOD, SAR and SSP were higher than those measured in laboratory. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represented 4.99% of the bacteria present in the top 30 cm of the pond sediment, with Desulfobulbaceae spp., Desulfobacteraceae spp. and Desulfococcus spp. being the dominant SRB taxa identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nefopam is a non-opioid, non-steroidal analgesic drug with fewer adverse effects than narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and is widely used for postoperative pain control. Because nefopam sometimes causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, somnolence, hyperhidrosis and injection-related pain, manufacturers are advised to infuse it slowly, over a duration of 15 minutes. Nevertheless, pain at the injection site is very common. Therefore, we investigated the effect of warmed carrier fluid on nefopam injection-induced pain. Methods: A total of 48 patients were randomly selected and allocated to either a control or a warming group. Warming was performed by diluting 40 mg of nefopam in 100 ml of normal saline heated to 31-32°C using two fluid warmers. The control group was administered 40 mg of nefopam dissolved in 100 ml of normal saline stored at room temperature (21-22°C) through the fluid warmers, but the fluid warmers were not activated. Results: The pain intensity was lower in the warming group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The pain severity and tolerance measurements also showed statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). In the analysis of vital signs before and after the injection, the mean blood pressure after the injection differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.005), but the heart rate did not. The incidence of hypertension also showed a significant difference between groups (P = 0.017). Conclusions: Use of warmed carrier fluid for nefopam injection decreased injection-induced pain compared to mildly cool carrier fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]