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Richard C Trevino,1 Carolyn E Majcher,1 Adreain M Henry,1 Melinda Rodriguez,1 William E Sponsel1–3 1Rosenberg School of Optometry, University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA; 2WESMDPA Baptist Medical Center Glaucoma Service, San Antonio, TX, USA; 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intrasession and intersession repeatability of visual evoked potentials in normal adults over 40 years of age as recorded using the Diopsys NOVA LX fixed protocol.Methods: Inclusion criteria were adults aged over 40 years with best corrected distance acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye. Subjects underwent three consecutive visual evoked potential examinations using the Diopsys NOVA LX fixed protocol. All examination procedures were carried out in accordance with the manufacturer recommendations. To assess intersession repeatability, nine subjects returned in 2–6 weeks for repeat examination.Results: A total of 46 subjects were recruited. Mean ± SD age: 53±9 years (range: 40–84 years); 69% of subjects were female and 80% were non-white. Coefficients of variation (CVs) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) revealed greater repeatability for P100 latency (CV: 3%–7%; ICC: 0.39–0.76) than for P100 amplitude (CV: 21%–33%; ICC: 0.34–0.69) and greater repeatability for recordings made with high contrast stimuli (amplitude CV: 21%–23%; latency CV: 3%–7%) than low contrast stimuli (amplitude CV: 24%–33%; latency CV: 6%–7%). Minimum detectable change values ranged between 4.50 and 9.95 µv for amplitude and 8.16–15.26 ms for latency. Repeatability was not influenced by age, sex, or race.Conclusion: The Diopsys NOVA LX fixed protocol demonstrated clinically acceptable intrasession and intersession repeatability in these healthy older adults, with latency being more repeatable than amplitude and examinations employing high contrast stimuli being more repeatable than those using low contrast stimuli. Keywords: electrophysiology, visual evoked potential, glaucoma, repeatability

Infrared technology is a practical, fast, non-destructive method that helps in forecasting plant development and can be used to select physiological traits, instead of other methodologies that require more time and breeding efforts. According to the statistical analyses and the relationship between the direct and indirect effects of the variables, this technology could serve as the basis for implementing a genotype selection methodology. Awnless barley was assessed in a randomized block design with three replicates in two crop seasons at Mexico’s northeastern region. Two samplings were carried out during crop development: at 75 and 90 days after sowing. The infrared and stomatal sensors were used to identify the direct and indirect effects of stomata’s traits on dry forage yield. The data were analyzed in a subdivided plot design, using mean comparison tests, correlation coefficients and path analyses, finding significant differences (p < 0.05) among localities and among samplings. Dry forage yield was significant and positively correlated with plant height (r = 0.578) and canopy temperature (r = 0.724), and negatively correlated with the leaf upper side stomatal width (r = −0.409) and the leaf lower side stomatal width (r = −0.641), chlorophyll content and vegetation index. Temperature, chlorophyll, density and leaf lower side stomatal index had the strongest direct effects on yield. Therefore, the infrared technology appears as a way to select high yielding awnless forage barley, to obtain the correlation, the positive direct effect of temperature and the negative effect of chlorophyll. Due to their direct effects, low density and low leaf underside stomatal indexes can also help in the indirect selection of higher yielding forage barley genotypes.

Introduction: Interspecific interactions among tropical mesocarnivorous species and other mammalian trophic guilds have been poorly studied, despite their important implications in the survival, structure, demography, and distribution of these species. Objective: To analyze if sympatric mesocarnivores coexist or compete in the axis of the temporal and spatial niche. Methods: From January 2015 to December 2016 we recorded mammals with 26 stations of camera traps (in pairs, facing each other) along roads and animal trails, at Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. We calculated temporal and spatial overlaps with the Czekanowski and Pianka indices. Results: We obtained 239 margay, 118 ocelot and 22 yaguarundi records. Margay and ocelot were nocturnal (75 % of their records) and had a high temporal overlap (0.85); whereas yaguarundi was fully diurnal, suggesting it may be able to coexist with the other two species. The three species used similar habitats: yaguarundi had 0.81 spatial overlap with margay and 0.72 with ocelot; spatial overlap between margay and ocelot was intermediate (0.53). Conclusions: There is no interspecific competition among these tropical mesocarnivores, probably due to antagonistic interactions leading to use of different parts of the temporal and spatial axes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective: To establish the frequency of presentation of multiple vertebral fractures and evaluate the relationship between the postsurgical condition and the initial neurological lesion, as well as to report the associated injuries in this group of patients. Methods: We conducted a review of patients with spinal trauma and a diagnosis of multiple vertebral fractures who were admitted to the “Dr. Manuel Dufoo Olvera” Spine Clinic of the Secretary of Health of Mexico City from January 1,2014 to June 30, 2017. The multiple fractures were classified as either contiguous or non-contiguous, according to the number of vertebral bodies and levels affected. The statistical analysis was conducted using formulas of descriptive statistics and the information was then tabulated and graphed to assess the relationship between the anatomical classification and the degree of neurological injury. Results: We observed 530 patients, of whom 47 met the criteria. Thirty-one (65.95%) of the cases corresponded to contiguous fractures and 16 cases (34.05%) to non-contiguous fractures. Fourteen patients (29.78%) with neurological integrity were classified as ASIA D, 20 patients (42.58%) with complete lesion as ASIA A, 7 seven patients (14.89%) as ASIA B, and 6 patients (12.76%) with partial injury as ASIA C. Conclusions: The correlation between the classification of vertebral injuries and the presence of neurological lesion did not show significant differences between contiguous and non-contiguous fractures. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective.

Surveillance of triatomines or kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), the insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, a Chagas disease agent, is hindered by the lack of an effective trap. To develop a kissing bug trap, we made iterative improvements over 3 years on a basic design resulting in 7 trap prototypes deployed across field sites in Texas, United States and Northern Mexico, yielding the capture of 325 triatomines of 4 species (Triatoma gerstaeckeri [Stål], T. sanguisuga [LeConte], T. neotomae [Neiva], and T. rubida [Uhler]). We began in 2019 with vertical transparent tarpaulin panel traps illuminated with artificial light powered by AC current, which were successful in autonomous trapping of flying triatomines, but were expensive, labor-intensive, and fragile. In 2020, we switched to white LED lights powered by a solar cell. We tested a scaled-down version of the vertical panel traps, a commercial cross-vane trap, and a multiple-funnel trap. The multiple-funnel traps captured 2.6× more kissing bugs per trap-day than cross-vane traps and approached the performance of the vertical panel traps in number of triatomines captured, number of triatomines per trap-day and triatomines per arthropod bycatch. Multiple-funnel traps required the least labor, were more durable, and had the highest triatomines per day per cost. Propylene glycol in the collection cups effectively preserved captured triatomines allowing for molecular detection of T. cruzi. The trapping experiments established dispersal patterns for the captured species. We conclude that multiple-funnel traps with solar-powered LED lights should be considered for adoption as surveillance and potentially mass-trapping management tools for triatomines., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: Nationwide shelter-in-place (SIP) orders during the pandemic have had long-lasting effects, including increased rates of domestic violence and interpersonal violence. Screening for violence varies by institution, which tool is used, and when. Given increases in burn and trauma admissions over the course of the pandemic, we sought to examine trends at our institution during this time period to better guide care and anticipate system-level effects., Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric burn and adult burn and trauma patients at our level 1 trauma/burn center between March-May 2019 and March-May 2020. Home safety screening was performed by nursing staff using a 1-part screening questionnaire. Patients presenting before March 15, 2020, were defined as "pre-SIP; " between March 16-May 19, 2020, were "during SIP; " and those after May 19, 2020, were designated as "post-SIP." Descriptive and chi-square statistics were used. Demographic, injury patterns, and screening information were collected., Results: Blunt trauma comprised 60% of injuries, followed by burns (30%) then penetrating injury (7%). Over the entire time period analyzed, 1822 patients had documented home safety screening; ∼2% of patients screened reported a safety concern pre-SIP, compared to 3% of patients during SIP. There were higher rates of burns and penetrating injury during SIP compared to other periods (P ≤ 0.0001). Home safety screening rates were 94%-95% pre- and during SIP, but dropped to 85% post-SIP (P < 0.0001). Home safety concerns were reported almost 2% of the time pre-SIP and 3% during SIP (P = 0.016)., Conclusions: We noted an increase in trauma and burns during and after SIP orders, consistent with the experiences of other institutions. Implementation of a nurse-driven screening process demonstrated high compliance with appropriate referrals. The burden of burn and traumatic injury remains significant, highlighting a need for continued psychosocial screening and the provision of psychosocial support resources in the acute trauma setting., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None.

The eastern population of the North American monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) overwinters from November through March in the high-altitude (3000 m+) forests of central Mexico during which time they rely largely on stored lipids. These are acquired during larval development and the conversion of sugars from floral nectar by adults. We sampled fall migrant monarchs from southern Canada through the migratory route to two overwintering sites in 2019 (n = 10 locations), 2020 (n = 8 locations) and 2021 (n = 7 locations). Moderate to extreme droughts along the migratory route were expected to result in low lipid levels in overwintering monarchs but our analysis of lipid levels of monarchs collected at overwintering sites indicated that in all years most had high levels of lipids prior to winter. Clearly, a significant proportion of lipids were consistently acquired in Mexico during the last portion of the migration. Drought conditions in Oklahoma, Texas and northern Mexico in 2019 resulted in the lowest levels of lipid mass and wing loading observed in that year but with higher levels at locations southward in Mexico to the overwintering sites. Compared with 2019, lipid levels increased during the 2020 and 2021 fall migrations but were again higher during the Mexican portion of the migration than for Oklahoma and Texas samples, emphasizing a recovery of lipids as monarchs advanced toward the overwintering locations. In all 3 years, body water was highest during the Canada-USA phase of migration but then declined during the nectar foraging phase in Mexico before recovering again at the overwintering sites. The increase in mass and lipids from those in Texas to the overwintering sites in Mexico indicates that nectar availability in Mexico can compensate for poor conditions experienced further north. Our work emphasizes the need to maintain the floral and therefore nectar resources that fuel both the migration and storage of lipids throughout the entire migratory route., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press and the Society for Experimental Biology.)

Introduction: Ursus americanus Pallas 1780 is the largest carnivore and the only ursid in Mexico. It is considered an endangered species in the country because its distribution and population have been reduced by up to 80% because of habitat loss or furtive hunting. These problems can lead to a diet change, which could result in metabolic disorders, such as fatty acid β-oxidation defects or organic acid metabolism disorders. In our study, a free amino acid and acylcarnitine profile was characterized., Methods: Peripheral blood samples were drawn from nine free-ranging black bears in a period of five months, from June to October of 2019 in Northeastern Mexico, and 12 amino acids and 30 acylcarnitines were determined and quantified. Age differences were observed in the samples through ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test., Results: Only three metabolites showed a significant difference with age: alanine (Ala) [cubs vs juvenile], free-carnitine (C0) [juvenile vs cubs] and acetylcarnitine (C2) [cubs vs adults and juvenile vs cubs]., Conclusion: Metabolites with variability due to age were identified, making them potential biomarkers to monitor metabolic status as early diagnosis in endangered species. This is the first study of black bear amino acid and acylcarnitine profiles, and the values found could be used as reference for free amino acid and acylcarnitine concentrations in further studies of the species., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Abellan-Borja et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to identify the main barriers to optimal acute management of stroke in a referral center. Methods: Demographic data was collected from patients assessed with acute stroke in the emergency department of the Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía (INNN) from January to June 2019. Additionally, a telephone interview was conducted with patients/primary caregiver to know which they considered the main reason for the delay in arrival at INNN since the onset of stroke. Results: 116 patients were assessed [age 65 ± 15 years, 67 (57.8%) men]. Patients consulted other facilities prior to arrival at INNN in 59 (50.9%) cases (range of hospitals visited 1-4), 83 (71.6%) arrived in a private car, with prenotification in only 4 (3.4%) of the total sample. The mean onset-to-door time was 17 h (45 min-10 days). Telephone interviews were done in 61 patients/primary caregivers, stating that they consider the multiple evaluations in other facilities [ n = 26/61 (42.6%)] as the main reason for delay in arrival at the ED, followed by ignorance of stroke symptoms and treatment urgency [ n = 21/61 (34.4%)]. Conclusion: In this small, retrospective, single center study, the main prehospital barrier to optimal acute management of stroke in a developing country is multiple medical evaluations prior to the patient's transport to a specialized stroke hospital, who mostly arrived in a private car and without prenotification. These barriers can be overcome by strengthening public education and improving patient transfer networks and telemedicine., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Cano-Nigenda, Castellanos-Pedroza, Manrique-Otero, Méndez, Menéndez-Manjarrez, Toledo-Treviño, Calderón and Arauz.)

Information on the ecology of jaguars (Panthera onca) in “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico is scant and limited to anecdotic records in a handful of publications. The objectives of our study were to: a) determine population density and structure of jaguars, b) compare their activity patterns with that of pumas (Puma concolor), c) ascertain potential prey relative abundance, and d) evaluate local resident’s perception on loss of domestic animals due to jaguar predation. Between April 2013 and April 2014 we conducted camera trapping in Gomez Farias Township with a total sampling effort of 8 580 camera trap days. Besides, we completed 136 semi-structured interviews among local residents of Gomez Farias and Llera Townships to gather information on domestic animal losses attributed to jaguars and other carnivores. We identified eight different jaguar individuals during a complete year of camera-trapping, composed of four adult females, one juvenile female, two adult males and one juvenile male. We estimated a jaguar density of 5.9 ± 1.3 jaguars/100 km². Activity patterns for jaguars and pumas were similar as both were nocturnal and crepuscular in nature. The most abundant potential prey species for jaguars in the study site were Crax rubra, Cuniculus paca, Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus and Didelphis virginiana; while the rarest were Mephitis macroura and Procyon lotor. Interview results suggested that chickens, dogs, and house cats were the most consumed domestic animals from all reported losses by local residents (n= 107). This study represents the first attempt to describe jaguar ecology in “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve; however, there is a need of additional monitoring efforts to determine the current status of jaguars in a larger area in order to establish conservation strategies. Finally, this jaguar population may have an important role in maintaining the species in the Sierra Madre Oriental biological corridor connecting populations in Nuevo Leon and San Luis states in Northeastern Mexico.

The association between health and partnership status is a growing concern within the social sciences. Some partnership situations exhibit positive effects on health, while partnership breakdowns display negative impacts. However, case studies show that these associations may change with age, due to potential sources of heterogeneity within a population. The current analysis explored this association over the adult life course (ages 30-64) of Europeans aged 50 years and older based on retrospective information on health and partnership from SHARELIFE ( N  = 23,535 after data screening). The data allowed us to control for socio-demographic covariates as well as for individual infirmity, measured by childhood health. We also considered contextual survival selection effects by comparing 13 European countries for which pre-adult mortality levels largely differed among the cohorts involved (1907-1958). Discrete-time hazard analyses examined the risk of suffering from a major episode of poor health (self-reported) in adulthood as a function of partnership history, using two approaches: a pooled model and country-specific models. The results revealed no differences between those who lived with a partner (first union) and single individuals in terms of the retrospective hazards of poor health. We hypothesize that this result stems from the cumulative effect of survival selection on individuals in advanced ages according to partnership status. The results also partially point to the plausibility of a contextual survival selection, which should be confirmed by further research based on additional health indicators.

Objectives: To evaluate shifts across BMI categories and associated changes in cardiometabolic risk factors over 2.5 years in an ethnically diverse middle school sample., Methods: As part of HEALTHY, a multisite school-based study designed to mitigate risk for type 2 diabetes, 3993 children participated in health screenings at the start of sixth and end of eighth grades. Assessments included anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and glucose, insulin, and lipids. Students were classified as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, obese, or severely obese. Mixed models controlling for school intervention status and covariates were used to evaluate shifts in BMI category over time and the relation between these shifts and changes in risk factors., Results: At baseline, students averaged 11.3 (±0.6) years; 47.6% were boys, 59.6% were Hispanic, and 49.8% were overweight or obese. Shifts in BMI category over time were common. For example, 35.7% of youth who were overweight moved to the healthy weight range, but 13% in the healthy weight range became overweight. BMI shifts were not associated with school intervention condition, household education, or youth gender, race/ethnicity, pubertal status, or changes in height. Increases in BMI category were associated with worsening of cardiometabolic risk factors, and decreases were associated with improvements. Boys who increased BMI category were more vulnerable to negative risk factor changes than girls., Conclusions: There are substantial shifts across BMI categories during middle school that are associated with clinically meaningful changes in cardiometabolic risk factors. Programs to promote decreases in BMI and prevent increases are clearly warranted.

Background/aims: Biliary reconstruction is performed according to the level of the injury. A comparative study between patients in whom the biliary junction was preserved and another group where the biliary junction was not preserved was done., Methodology: A retrospective review of the biliary reconstructions performed at our institution after iatrogenic lesions between 1990-2002 was done. Postoperative outcome, functional status of the anastomosis, recurrent cholangitis, need for radiological instrumentation and/or reoperation were analyzed., Results: We reviewed 204 cases, 130 cases had a preserved biliary junction while in 74 the injury included the junction. All patients were treated with a Roux-en-Y hepatojejunostomy. In the first group, 4% required reoperation, 4% underwent radiological percutaneous instrumentation, 8% had anastomotic dysfunction and 4% cholangitis. In the second group, 24% needed reoperation and 80% radiological instrumentation. Anastomotic dysfunction was observed in 64% and cholangitis in 55%. It is important to note that 52 of the 74 cases in the second group had a history of more than two reconstruction attempts., Conclusions: When the biliary junction is preserved after a iatrogenic injury we found a significantly better outcome. The results of biliary reconstruction in this type of patient are better long-term compared to those where the junction was not preserved, evidenced by a lower reoperation and radiological instrumentation rate.

Background/aims: Non-cirrhotic portal hypertension has a better prognosis than other forms of portal hypertension because of a well-preserved liver function in most cases. These patients are good candidates to receive surgical treatment, which is the therapeutic choice available with the lowest rebleeding rate. Because of abnormalities in the splanchnic vessels due to the nature of the diseases, many of them cannot be shunted. An extensive esophagogastric devascularization, the complete portoazygos disconnection, was evaluated., Methodology: A retrospective review of files of 31 patients, among 491 operations between 1991 an 2001 was carried out in a tertiary care Academic University Hospital. Patients comprised those with non-cirrhotic bleeding portal hypertension treated by means of complete portoazygos disconnection. Extensive two-stage (thoracic and abdominal) esophagogastric devascularization with modified transection of the esophagus was performed., Main Outcome Measures: recurrence of hemorrhage, encephalopathy and survival., Results: Thirty-one patients were treated. In 17 cases (54%) a hypercoagulable state was demonstrated. No operative mortality was observed (0-30 days) with a total of 62 operations (two stages per patient). No case of encephalopathy was observed and in 3 cases (9%) rebleeding was recorded. The survival curve showed a 5-year survival of 97% and a 10-year survival of 93%., Conclusions: Complete portoazygos disconnection is an excellent surgical alternative for patients with non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, with a low morbidity and mortality as well as a low rebleeding rate and good long-term survival.

Objective: Biliary duct lesions have a prevalence of 0.3-0.6% This prevalence is independent of the learning curve: The present paper evaluated survival and quality of life of patients following operative repair., Methods: In a 12-year period, 180 patients underwent bile duct reconstruction. Of these patients (61 males and 129 females, mean age 39 years), 52% sustained injury during open operation and 42% during laparoscopic procedure. Quality of life was evaluated in the postoperative period., Results: All 180 patients were treated surgically by means of Roux en Y hepaticojejunostomy. Transhepatic stents were used in 142 patients. Eight patients had independent left and right duct anastomosis and in 51 cases, partial resection of segment IV of liver to improve exposure of hilus was carried out. Mortality was 1.7%, due to multiorganic failure. After removal of stent, radiologic manipulation was required in 16% of cases to remove debris and stones or to dilate anastomosis. A total of 83% of patients were completely rehabilitated both clinically and biochemically., Conclusions: Bile duct injury has a good prognosis in specialized tertiary-care centers. Roux en Y hepatoyeyunostomy is procedure of choice with trans-hepatic stent when needed. Full rehabilitation can be achieved in 80% of patients.

Portal hypertension surgery has evolved widely in the last decades. Since the first surgical shunt was done in 1945 for the treatment of recurrent hemorrhage, many surgical options have been developed including selective shunts, low diameter shunts and extensive devascularization procedures. Many of them have been studied and compared showing their advantages and disadvantages, evolving also their role in the therapeutic armamentarium. Surgery is nowadays a second line treatment option (after b blockers and endoscopic therapy), and it's main indication is for patients whose main and only problem is history of bleeding, with good liver function (Child-Pugh A). For emergency situations it has a very limited role and for primary prophylaxis virtually has also no role. Patients with good liver function, electively operated with portal blood flow preserving procedures are the patients that benefit from surgical treatment. Patients with a bad liver function are better candidates for a liver transplant.

The beneficial effects of moderate-intensity exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition are well documented, with the greatest health benefits reported in sedentary individuals who engage in moderate levels of exercise. The published literature contains no quantification of the threshold of lower limits of beneficial exercise or estimates of benefits derived from lower exercise levels. The specific aim of this study was to compare the effects of two walking frequencies, holding intensity and duration constant, on blood lipids, body composition, and exercise maintenance regimens of Mexican American women. A quasi-experimental design, with two treatment groups and one comparison group, was used to explore the dose-response effects of low-intensity exercise on cardiovascular outcomes. Significant interactions were found between walking and total serum cholesterol and skin-fold sums. This study demonstrated the clinical efficacy of a low-intensity exercise regimen on cardiovascular risk factors and exercise adherence., (Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)

Introduction: This study explored the effectiveness of local wrist/palm warming as a potential countermeasure for providing finger comfort during extended duration EVA., Methods: There were six subjects (five males and one female) who were evaluated in a liquid cooling/warming garment (LCWG) wearing modified liquid cooling/warming (LCW) gloves in three different experimental conditions: Condition 1: Stage 1--no LCWG, LCW glove inlet water temperature 33 degrees C; Stage 2--no LCWG, LCW glove inlet water temperature cooled to 8 degrees C; Stage 3--no LCWG, LCW glove inlet water temperature warmed to 45 degrees C; Condition 2: Stage 1--LCWG and LCW glove inlet water temperature 33 degrees C; Stage 2--LCWG inlet temperature cooled to 31 degrees C, LCW gloves, 8 degrees C; Stage 3--LCWG inlet water temperature remains at 31 degrees C, LCW glove inlet water temperature warmed to 45 degrees C; Condition 3: Stage 1--LCWG and LCW gloves 33 degrees C; Stage 2--LCWG inlet water temperature cooled to 28 degrees C, LCW gloves, 8 degrees C; Stage 3--LCWG remains at 28 degrees C, LCW glove water temperature warmed to 45 degrees C., Results: Wrist/palm area warming showed a statistically significant increase in finger temperature (Tfing) in Stage 3 compared with Stage 2. Blood perfusion showed a trend toward a significantly greater value in Stage 3 compared with Stage 2. The LCW gloves were significantly more effective in increasing Stage 3 Tfing in Condition 1 (33 degrees C) compared with Condition 3 (28 degrees C). Across conditions, subjective perception of heat in the hands was significantly greater at Stage 3 than Stage 2; perception of overall body heat showed a trend for higher heat ratings in Stage 3 than Stage 2., Conclusions: Local wrist/palm warming was effective in increasing blood circulation to the distal upper extremities, suggesting the potential usefulness of this technique for enhancing astronaut comfort during EVA while decreasing power requirements.