Evaluation of newly developed wearable ear canal thermometer, mimicking the application to activities on sports and labor fields

We evaluated the reliability of a newly developed wearable ear canal thermometer based on three different experiments, in which ear canal and rectal temperature (T_ear and T_rec, respectively) were simultaneously monitored. In Experiment 1, participants sat at 28 °C and 50% relative humidity (RH), during which fanning or 41 °C lower legs water immersion was conducted. In Experiment 2, participants conducted a 70-min treadmill exercise (4 km/h, 0.5% slope) at 35 °C and 50% RH with intermittent fanning. In Experiment 3, participants completed a 20 min treadmill exercise (6 km/h, 5% slope) at 35 °C and 65% RH. Bland-Altman analysis for T_ear and T_rec showed the difference of - 0.2-0.3 °C and the limit of agreement of the mean ± 0.3-0.6 °C. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.44-0.83. The results may suggest that the ear canal thermometer is useful to assess core body temperature in sports and/or labor fields.

Characteristics of wet perception during the static touch of moist paper by the index fingertip alongside thermal stimulus application

Several factors have been reported to affect the perception of wetness. In the present study, we aimed to examine how wet perception changes when the factors related to thermal and/or wetness stimuli are modulated. First, the percentage of participants experiencing wet perception among filter papers with different water contents (0.00, 3.75, 7.50, 11.25, 15.00, and 18.75 µg/cm², corresponding to 0.00, 0.18, 0.37, 0.55,0.73 and 0.91 µg/mm³) was evaluated during static touch by the right index finger pad. The stimulus temperature was maintained at 30 °C. Second, the wet perception of paper with a water content of 18.75 µg/cm² was evaluated at stimulus temperature of 20 °C, 25 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, and 40 °C. In the first experiment, the percentage of participants experiencing wet perception elevated with the increasing water content; however, the percentage plateaued at 11.25 µg/cm² of water (68.1 ± 25.5%). In the second experiment, when the stimulus temperature was < 30 °C, the wet perception increased as the stimulation temperature decreased. However, the wet perception reached a plateau at a stimulation temperature ≥30 °C. Participants experienced wet perception more consistently as the water content increased when the stimulus temperature was 30 ˚C. The effect of temperature on wet perception was limited to the stimulus temperature of <30 °C at which cold sensation was induced. However, no clear relationship between stimulus temperature and wet perception was observed when the stimulus temperature was ≥30 ˚C at which warm/hot sensation was induced.

Differences in the neural networks of thermal sensation with and without evaluation process

Several neuroimaging studies have analyzed the neural networks involved in thermal sensation. In some of these studies, participants were instructed to evaluate and report the thermal sensation using a point scale, visual analog scale, or other psychophysical rating tool while the imaging data were obtained. Therefore, the imaging data may reflect signals involved in the processes of both sensation and evaluation. The present study aimed to discriminate the neural networks involved in identifying different temperature stimuli and the two different processes by using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We applied four different thermal stimuli (“hot,” 40C; “warm,” 36 °C, “cool,” 27 °C; and “cold,” 22 °C) to the left forearm using Peltier apparatus. During the stimuli, participants were instructed to either evaluate (evaluation task) or not evaluate (no-evaluation task) and report the thermal sensation. We found brain activation in the medial prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral insula, and posterior parietal cortex during the four thermal stimuli both with and without the evaluation task. Additionally, the stimuli with the evaluation task induced stronger and broader activation, including the right fronto-parietal and anterior insula regions. These results indicate that thermal stimulation activates the common neural networks, independent of the thermal conditions and evaluation process. Moreover, the evaluation process may increase the attention to the thermal stimuli, resulting in the activation of the right lateralized ventral attentional network.

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Neural networks involved in thermal sensation were assessed by functional MRI.

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Warm or cold stimulation was applied to the left forearm.

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The stimulation was conducted with or without the evaluation of the sensation.

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Greater activation of a right-lateralized attention network was induced by the evaluation process.

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A common neural network was found, which was activated by both warm and cold stimuli.

Predicting new-onset heart failure hospitalization of patients with atrial fibrillation: development and external validations of a risk score

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known risk factor for heart failure (HF), and HF development as a complication of AF is associated with a decline in the quality of life and poor prognosis. However, unlike thrombotic events, incidence of HF in patients with AF has not changed for decades, and a preventive strategy has yet to be developed.

Purpose

We sought to develop a risk model for new-onset HF admission in patients with AF and without a history of HF. Additionally, we attempted to externally validate the developed risk model.

Methods

We utilized two multicenter, prospective, observational registries of AF and analyzed the patients without a history of AF. One of which is defined as a derivation cohort, which included 2,857 patients, and the other is defined as a validation cohort, which included 2,516 patients. We developed a risk model by selecting variables with regularized regression and weighing coefficients by Cox regression analysis with the derivation cohort. The external validity was tested in the validation cohort.

Results

During the follow-up period, 148 patients (5.2%) in the derivation cohort and 104 patients (4.1%) in the validation cohort developed HF during the median follow-up period of 1,396 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1,078–1,820) days and 1,168 (IQR: 844–1,309) days, respectively. In the derivation cohort, four predictors (age, hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and log-transformed brain natriuretic peptide) were identified as potential risk factors for HF development. The developed risk model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the derivation (area under the curve [AUC], 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73–0.81]; Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.257) and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.76 [95% CI 0.72–0.81]; Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P=0.475). Considering death not due to HF as a competing risk, the cumulative incidence curves for HF admission stratified by the risk score were generated, which showed higher HF hospitalization rate for the higher risk score categories.

Conclusion

The newly developed risk model with four readily available clinical characteristics and biomarkers performed well in the prediction of new-onset HF admission of patients with AF in both derivation and validation cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Quantitative estimation of pulmonary artery wedge pressure from chest radiographs by a regression convolutional neural network

Introduction

Recent studies reported that a convolutional neural network (CNN; a deep learning model) can detect elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) from chest radiographs, the diagnostic images most commonly used for assessing pulmonary congestion in heart failure. However, no method has been published for quantitatively estimating PAWP from such radiographs. We hypothesized that a regression CNN, an alternative type of deep learning, could be a useful tool for quantitatively estimating PAWP from chest radiographs in cardiovascular diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 936 patients with cardiovascular diseases who had undergone right heart catheterization (RHC) and chest radiography and estimated PAWP by constructing a regression CNN based on the VGG16 model. We randomly categorized 80% of the data as training data (training group, n=748) and 20% as test data (test group, n=188). Moreover, we tuned the learning rate–one of the model parameters–by 5-hold cross-validation of the training group. Correlations between PAWP measured by RHC (ground truth [GT] PAWP) and PAWP derived from the regression CNN (estimated PAWP) were tested. To visualize how the regression CNN assessed the images, we created a regression activation map (RAM), a visualization technique for regression CNN.

Results

Estimated PAWP correlated significantly with GT PAWP in both the training (r=0.76, P&lt;0.001) and test group (r=0.62, P&lt;0.001). Bland-Altman plots found a mean (SEM) difference between GT and estimated PAWP of −0.23 (0.16) mm Hg in the training and −0.05 (0.41) mm Hg in the test group. The RAM showed that our regression CNN model estimated high PAWP by focusing on the cardiomegaly and pulmonary congestion. In the test group, the area under the curve (AUC) for detecting elevated PAWP (≥18 mm Hg) produced by the regression CNN model was similar to the AUC of an experienced cardiologist (0.86 vs 0.83, respectively; P=0.24).

Conclusion

This proof-of-concept study shows that regression CNN can quantitatively estimate PAWP from standard chest radiographs in cardiovascular diseases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): The Bayer Academic Support

High-power laser experiment forming a supercritical collisionless shock in a magnetized uniform plasma at rest

We present an experimental method to generate quasiperpendicular supercritical magnetized collisionless shocks. In our experiment, ambient nitrogen (N) plasma is at rest and well magnetized, and it has uniform mass density. The plasma is pushed by laser-driven ablation aluminum (Al) plasma. Streaked optical pyrometry and spatially resolved laser collective Thomson scattering clarify structures of plasma density and temperatures, which are compared with one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It is indicated that just after the laser irradiation, the Al plasma is magnetized by a self-generated Biermann battery field, and the plasma slaps the incident N plasma. The compressed external field in the N plasma reflects N ions, leading to counterstreaming magnetized N flows. Namely, we identify the edge of the reflected N ions. Such interacting plasmas form a magnetized collisionless shock.

Probing Gluon Spin-Momentum Correlations in Transversely Polarized Protons through Midrapidity Isolated Direct Photons in p^{↑}+p Collisions at sqrt[s]=200 GeV

Studying spin-momentum correlations in hadronic collisions offers a glimpse into a three-dimensional picture of proton structure. The transverse single-spin asymmetry for midrapidity isolated direct photons in p^{↑}+p collisions at sqrt[s]=200  GeV is measured with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC). Because direct photons in particular are produced from the hard scattering and do not interact via the strong force, this measurement is a clean probe of initial-state spin-momentum correlations inside the proton and is in particular sensitive to gluon interference effects within the proton. This is the first time direct photons have been used as a probe of spin-momentum correlations at RHIC. The uncertainties on the results are a 50-fold improvement with respect to those of the one prior measurement for the same observable, from the Fermilab E704 experiment. These results constrain gluon spin-momentum correlations in transversely polarized protons.

Fast-slow atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia phenotype mimicking the slow-slow type

Background

Fast-slow (F/S-) atrioventricular (AV) nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is characterized by a short atrio-His (AH) interval and the earliest site of atrial activation (EAA) in the proximal coronary sinus (EAA-CS), while slow-slow (S/S-) AVNRT presents a long AH interval and EAA-CS. Those intracardiac appearances are initial indicators for making a diagnosis.

Purpose

To identify an unknown phenotype of F/S-AVNRT.

Methods

Among 46 consecutive patients with F/S-AVNRT, 6 patients (1 man, age 59±9) had an apparent but not typical (pseudo-) S/S-AVNRT during an electrophysiologic study. In 2 patients, pseudo-S/S-AVNRT was clinically documented.

Results

In all 6 patients, the diagnosis of F/S-AVNRT was made by an exclusion of atrial tachycardia with findings of 1) a V-A-V response following ventricular entrainment or 2) termination without atrial capture by ventricular pacing, and an exclusion of AV reentrant tachycardia with a ventriculoatrial dissociation during an initial (so-called QRS transition) zone of ventricular entrainment. An initial A-A-V activation sequence on atrial induction of F/S-AVNRT observed in 1 patient and Wenckebach-type AV block during ongoing F/S-AVNRT developing in 3 patients suggested the presence of the lower common pathway (LCP). Like the typical S/S-AVNRT, pseudo-S/S-AVNRT was induced with atrial stimulation after a jump in the AH interval or double ventricular response. However, in all patients, the pseudo-S/S-AVNRT transited to F/S-AVNRT following AV block in a single cycle and/or pseudo-S/S-AVNRT transited from spontaneously or triggered by atrial contractions. Importantly, on these transitions, the atrial cycle length (CL) and EAA-CS remained unchanged, that is, the atrial CL of S/S-AVNRT was almost identical to that of F/S-AVNRT, suggesting that the essential circuit of both tachycardias was identical. Actually, both tachycardias were cured by ablation at a single site in the traditional slow pathway (SP). Collectively, the pseudo-S/S-AVNRT was diagnosed as another phenotype of F/S-AVNRT accompanied by sustained antegrade conduction via another bystander (likely the left-sided or superior) SP breaking through the His bundle owing to the repetitive antegrade block at the LCP occurring by linking phenomenon, thus representing a long AH interval during the ongoing F/S-AVNRT. When the antegrade conduction is blocked at the bystander SP during the pseudo-S/S-AVNRT, releasing the linking phenomenon, the subsequent antegrade conduction reach the His-bundle via the fast pathway, thus returning to F/S-AVNRT.

Conclusions

An unknown, but not rare F/S-AVNRT phenotype exists that apparently mimics the typical S/S-AVNRT and is also an unknown subtype of apparent S/S-AVNRT. The presence of this pseudo-S/S-AVNRT suggests the limitation of classifying types of AVNRT based on AH and HA intervals during tachycardia. Understandings of this phenotype can advance a diagnosis of atypical AVNRT with multiple phenotypes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Surgical masks do not increase the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in hot and humid environment

Surgical masks are widely used for the prevention of respiratory infections. However, the risk of heat stroke during intense work or exercise in hot and humid environment is a concern. This study aimed to examine whether wearing a surgical mask increases the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in such environment. Twelve participants conducted treadmill exercise for 30 min at 6 km/h, with 5% slope, 35°C ambient temperature, and 65% relative humidity, while wearing or not a surgical mask (mask and control trials, respectively). Rectal temperature (T_rec), ear canal temperature (T_ear), and mean skin temperature (mean T_skin) were assessed. Skin temperature and humidity of the perioral area of the face (T_face and RH_face) were also estimated. Thermal sensation and discomfort, sensation of humidity, fatigue, and thirst were rated using the visual analogue scale. T_rec, T_ear, mean T_skin, and T_face increased during the exercise, without any difference between the two trials. RH_face during the exercise was greater in the mask trial. Hot sensation was greater in the mask trial, but no influence on fatigue and thirst was found. These results suggest that wearing a surgical mask does not increase the risk of heat stroke during mild exercise in moist heat.

Regular exercise stimulates endothelium autophagy via IL-1 signaling in ApoE deficient mice

Regular exercise maintains arterial endothelial cell homeostasis and protects the arteries from vascular disease, such as peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis. Autophagy, which is a cellular process that degrades misfolded or aggregate proteins and damaged organelles, plays an important role in maintaining organ and cellular homeostasis. However, it is unknown whether regular exercise stimulates autophagy in aorta endothelial cells of mice prone to atherosclerosis independently of their circulating lipid profile. Here, we observed that 16 weeks of voluntary exercise reduced high-fat diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation in the aortic root of ApoE deficient mice, and that this protection occurred without changes in circulating triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipoproteins. Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that voluntary exercise increased levels of the autophagy protein LC3 in aortic endothelial cells. Interestingly, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to serum from voluntarily exercised mice displayed significantly increased LC3-I and LC3-II protein levels. Analysis of circulating cytokines demonstrated that voluntary exercise caused changes directly relevant to IL-1 signaling (ie, decreased interleukin-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1ra] while also increasing IL-1α). HUVECs exposed to IL-1α and IL-1β recombinant protein significantly increased LC3 mRNA expression, LC3-I and LC3-II protein levels, and autophagy flux. Collectively, these results suggest that regular exercise protects arteries from ApoE deficient mice against atherosclerosis at least in part by stimulating endothelial cell autophagy via enhanced IL-1 signaling.

Influence of exogenous and endogenous estrogen on thermoregulatory responses to mild heat and the interaction with light and dark phases

The present study aimed to determine the influence of estradiol (E2) and the interaction with circadian phases on thermoregulatory responses to mild heat in female rats. Heat loss and production during 3-h exposure to the environment at an ambient temperature of 28-34 °C were assessed by measuring abdominal temperature (Tabd), tail skin temperature, and oxygen consumption in ovariectomized rats with and without E2 replacement (OVX + E2 and OVX, respectively) and in control rats in the proestrus (P) and diestrus (D) phases. In the light phase, Tabd remained unchanged in all groups. Tabd increased in the dark phase, but was lower in the OVX + E2 and P groups than in the OVX and D groups. Oxygen consumption decreased at 34 °C, but to a lesser extent in the OVX + E2 group than in the OVX group. These results suggest that E2 activates thermoregulation in mild heat in the dark phase.

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events: insights from AF frontier ablation registry

Background

Recent observational studies have suggested that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) is significantly associated with reduced risk for stroke, cardiovascular events and all-cause death. However, little is known whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Purpose

We aimed to clarify whether late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 2,737 participants (74.4% men, mean age 63.4±10.3 years, 62.7% paroxysmal AF) who received first catheter ablation for AF and completed follow-up more than 3 months after the procedure from AF Frontier Ablation Registry, a multicenter cohort study in Japan. We evaluated an association between late recurrence of AF after catheter ablation and first MACCE in cox-regression hazard models adjusted for known risk factors. MACCE were defined as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cardiovascular events or all-cause death. Late recurrence was defined as AF relapse more than 3 months after the procedure.

Results

During a mean follow-up period of 25.2 months, 2,070 patients (75.6%) were free from AF after catheter ablation and 122 patients (4.5%) had MACCE (ischemic stroke 18 [14.8%], hemorrhagic stroke 16 [13.1%], TIA 7 [5.7%], hospitalization for heart failure 19 [15.6%], acute coronary syndrome 19 [15.6%], hospitalization for other cardiovascular events 24 [20%] and all-cause death 19 [15.6%]). The MACCE occurred significantly more frequently in the recurrence group than in non-recurrence group (7.5% vs. 3.5%; hazard ratio [HR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–2.65; P=0.001) (Figure). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.03–1.08; P&lt;0.001), heart failure (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.17–2.66; P=0.007), old myocardial infarction (HR 4.49; 95% CI 2.59–7.81; P&lt;0.001), non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46; P=0.001), left atrial diameter (HR 1.22 per 5-mm increase; 95% CI, 1.06–1.41; P=0.006) and recurrence of AF (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.17–2.44; P=0.005) were independently associated with the incidence of MACCE after catheter ablation.

Conclusion

In the Japanese multicenter cohort of AF ablation, late recurrence of AF was independently associated with increased MACCE, suggesting the significance of sinus rhythm maintenance by catheter ablation.

Kaplan-Meier curves for MACCE

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Influence of obesity and epicardial fat on the progression of electrical and structural remodeling in a canine obese rapid atrial pacing model

Background

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and abnormal cholesterol, which increases the cardiovascular risk. Metabolic syndrome or obesity has been reported to provide systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Increased epicardial fat volume is a manifestation of obesity or metabolic syndrome. Those systemic and local conditions related to obesity or metabolic syndrome have been linking to the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying mechanisms of obesity linking epicardial fat to AF progression have not been fully examined.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of obesity linked to epicardial fat on electrophysiologic and anatomical AF substrates.

Methods

Twenty dogs aged 3 years were divided into four groups (n=5 per each): normal diet for over 20 weeks (control group [median body weight: 12.0 kg]), rapid atrial pacing (RAP) for last 4–15 (median 8) weeks during a normal diet for the same period (RAP group [10.5 kg]), high-fat diet (HFD) maintained for over 20 weeks without RAP (MetS group [16.0 kg]), and RAP for last 4–12 (median 6) weeks during HFD maintained for 24 weeks (MetS-RAP group [17.0 kg]), respectively. Activation/voltage maps of the atria during sinus rhythm were created with Ensite NavX mapping system. The effective refractory period (ERP) at 5 left atrial (LA) and pulmonary vein (PV) sites (LA appendage [LAA], LA body, right and left superior PVs, and inferior PV), and AF inducibility by burst LAA pacing were determined. At study completion, hearts were excised for histopathological and gene expression analyses.

Results

The LA pressure was more significantly increased in MetS than the MetS-RAP, RAP, and control groups (22.5 [17–28.8] mmHg vs. 14.0 [10.5–16.3] mmHg, 10.5 [7.4–17.2] mmHg and 10.7 [9.6–13.5] mmHg, respectively, P&lt;0.05). The LA/PV ERP at a basic cycle length of 400 ms was shorter in the MetS-RAP and RAP than MetS and control groups (118±39 ms and 122±44 ms vs. 136±18 ms and 155±39 ms, respectively, P&lt;0.05). Short duration AF was more induced in the MetS and MetS-RAP than RAP and control groups (3 [0–5.5] sec and 2 [0.5–3.5] sec vs. 0 [0–4.5] sec and 0 [0–0] sec, P&lt;0.05). Histological examinations showed the fatty infiltration extending from epicardial fat increased more in the Mets and Mets-RAP than RAP and control groups (Figure). The Fibronectin 1 and collagen I/III mRNA levels increased more in the MetS-RAP and AF than MetS and control groups.

Conclusions

AF vulnerability was associated with increased LA pressures and fibrofatty infiltration from epicardial fat in the MetS group, and with fibrofatty infiltration from epicardial fat with subtle fibrosis in the MetS-RAP group. This suggested that fibrofatty infiltration and epicardial fat plays an important role in AF pathogenesis in obese patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)

B-Type natriuretic peptide predicts major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: insights from AF frontier ablation registry

Background

High plasma B-Type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is associated with cardiac events or stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is still unknown whether BNP predicts worse clinical outcomes after catheter ablation ofAF.

Purpose

We aimed to see if plasma BNP level is associated with major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after catheter ablation of AF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 1,853 participants (73.1% men, mean age 63.3±10.3 years, 60.7% paroxysmal AF) who received first catheter ablation of AF with pre-ablation plasma BNP level measurement and completed follow-up more than 3 months after the procedure from AF Frontier Ablation Registry, a multicenter cohort study in Japan. We evaluated an association between plasma BNP level before catheter ablation and first MACCE in cox-regression hazard models adjusted for known risk factors. MACCE were defined as stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), cardiovascular events or all-cause death.

Results

The mean plasma BNP level was 120.2±3.7 pg/mL. During a mean follow-up period of 21.9 months, 57 patients (3.1%) suffered MACCE (ischemic stroke 8 [14.0%], hemorrhagic stroke 5 [8.8%], TIA 5 [8.8%], hospitalization for heart failure 11 [19.2%], acute coronary syndrome 9 [15.8%], hospitalization for other cardiovascular events 8 [14.0%] and all-cause death 11 [19.2%]). Plasma BNP level of patients with MACCE were significantly higher than those without MACCE (291.7±47.0 vs 114.7±3.42 pg/mL, P&lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that plasma BNP level (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 pg/mL increase 1.014; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005–1.023; P=0.001), baseline age (HR 1.052; 95% CI 1.022–1.084; P=0.001), heart failure (HR 2.698; 95% CI 1.512–4.815; P=0.001), old myocardial infarction (HR 3.593; 95% CI 1.675–7.708; P=0.001) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 2.676; 95% CI 1.337 - 5.355; P=0.005) were independently associated with MACCE. At receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, plasma BNP level before catheter ablation ≥162.7 pg/mL was the best threshold to predict MACCE (area under the curve: 0.71). Kaplan-Meier curve analysis (Figure) showed that the cumulative incidence of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with a BNP ≥162.7 pg/mL than in those with a BNP below 162.7 pg/mL (HR 4.85; 95% CI 2.86–8.21; P&lt;0.001).

Conclusions

Elevation of plasma BNP level was independently related to the increased risk of MACCE after catheter ablation ofAF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Bristol-Meiers Squibb

Non-invasive and wearable thermometer for continuous monitoring of core body temperature under various convective conditions

We describe the design of a thermometer that can be worn during everyday activities for monitoring core body temperature (CBT) at the skin surface. This sensor estimates the CBT by measuring the heat flux from the body core based on a thermal conductive model. The heat flux is usually affected by the ambient convective conditions (e.g. air conditioner or posture), which in turn affects the model's accuracy. Thus, we analytically investigated heat conduction and designed a sensor interface that would be robust to convection changes. We performed an in vitro experiment and a preliminary in vivo experiment. The accuracy of CBT in an in vitro experiments was 0.1°C for convective values ranging from 0 to 1.2 m/s. The wearable thermometer has high potential as non-invasive CBT monitor.

Muscle-derived SDF-1α/CXCL12 modulates endothelial cell proliferation but not exercise training-induced angiogenesis

Chemokines are critical mediators of angiogenesis in several physiological and pathological conditions; however, a potential role for muscle-derived chemokines in exercise-stimulated angiogenesis in skeletal muscle remains poorly understood. Here, we postulated that the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1α/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12: CXCL12), shown to promote neovascularization in several organs, contributes to angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. We found that CXCL12 is abundantly expressed in capillary-rich oxidative soleus and exercise-trained plantaris muscles. CXCL12 mRNA and protein were also abundantly expressed in muscle-specific peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α transgenic mice, which have a high proportion of oxidative muscle fibers and capillaries when compared with wild-type littermates. We then generated CXCL12 muscle-specific knockout mice but observed normal baseline capillary density and normal angiogenesis in these mice when they were exercise trained. To get further insight into a potential CXCL12 role in a myofiber-endothelial cell crosstalk, we first mechanically stretched C2C12 myotubes, a model known to induce stretch-related chemokine release, and observed increased CXCL12 mRNA and protein. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) exposed to conditioned medium from cyclically stretched C2C12 myotubes displayed increased proliferation, which was dependent on CXCL12-mediated signaling through the CXCR4 receptor. However, HUVEC migration and tube formation were unaltered under these conditions. Collectively, our findings indicate that increased muscle contractile activity enhances CXCL12 production and release from muscle, potentially contributing to endothelial cell proliferation. However, redundant signals from other angiogenic factors are likely sufficient to sustain normal endothelial cell migration and tube formation activity, thereby preserving baseline capillary density and exercise training-mediated angiogenesis in muscles lacking CXCL12.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse Single-Spin Asymmetry in the Production of Charged Hadrons at Forward Rapidity in Polarized p+p, p+Al, and p+Au Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

We report on the nuclear dependence of transverse single-spin asymmetries (TSSAs) in the production of positively charged hadrons in polarized p^{↑}+p, p^{↑}+Al, and p^{↑}+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. The measurements have been performed at forward rapidity (1.4<η<2.4) over the range of transverse momentum (1.8<p_{T}<7.0  GeV/c) and Feynman x (0.1<x_{F}<0.2). We observed positive asymmetries for positively charged hadrons in p^{↑}+p collisions, and significantly reduced asymmetries in p^{↑}+A collisions. These results reveal a nuclear dependence of TSSAs for charged-hadron production in a regime where perturbative techniques are applicable. These results provide new opportunities to use p^{↑}+A collisions as a tool to investigate the rich phenomena behind TSSAs in hadronic collisions and to use TSSAs as a new handle in studying small-system collisions.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

Thermal and cardiovascular responses and thermal sensation during hot-water bathing and the influence of room temperature

The aim of the present study was to clarify physical risks during hot-water bathing by measuring thermal and cardiovascular responses and thermal sensation. Young men and women (n = 7 and 5, respectively) participated in the present study, which consisted of two trials mimicking bathing behavior at room temperature of 25 °C and 15 °C. Participants bathed in 41 °C water for 20 min to the subclavian level. Before bathing, participants rested fully clothed for 15 min and then rested for 15 min without clothes. After bathing, they rested without clothes for 15 min and afterwards rested fully clothed for another 15 min. Tympanic temperature (T_ty), heart rates (HR), mean skin temperature (T_sk), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and laser-Doppler flow at the chest and forehead (LDF_head and LDF_chest) were evaluated. Thermal perception was assessed with a visual analogue scale. Mean T_sk in the 15 °C trial decreased during the period without clothing while MAP increased. The value remained unchanged in the 25 °C trial. During bathing, T_ty, mean T_sk, HR, LDF_head, and LDF_chest increased in both trials, and MAP decreased to similar levels. Relative change in LDF_chest was greater in the 15 °C trial than in the 25 °C trial. Participants felt cold when they were without clothes at 15 °C; however, the thermal perception during bathing was similar between the two trials. Greater changes in cardiovascular and thermal responses were observed during the bathing behavior. In addition, bathing in cold room augmented the changes, which may induce some physical risks during bathing.

Condensate refractory inclusions from the CO3.00 chondrite Dominion Range 08006: Petrography, mineral chemistry, and isotopic compositions

We have found two refractory inclusions in the CO3.00 carbonaceous chondrite Dominion Range (DOM) 08006 that appear to be primary condensates from the early solar nebula. One, inclusion 56-1, contains the first four phases predicted to form by equilibrium gas-solid condensation: corundum; hibonite; grossite; and perovskite. The other, 31-2, contains nine predicted condensate phases: hibonite; grossite; perovskite; melilite; spinel; FeNi metal; diopside; forsterite; and enstatite. Except for melilite/spinel, the phases occur in the predicted sequence from core to rim of the inclusion, which has an irregular shape inconsistent with a molten stage. This inclusion preserves the most complete record of condensation in the early solar nebula that has yet been found. The physical evidence reported here supports equilibrium condensation calculations that predict the observed sequence as well as the assumptions upon which they are based, such as total pressure (~10-3 atm), bulk system composition (solar), and C-O-H proportions. All phases in both inclusions and the associated ferromagnesian silicates are 16O-rich, with ∆17O between -25 and -20‰, implying that this is the original composition of the vast majority of primary condensates and that 16O-poor compositions observed in many isotopically heterogeneous inclusions are largely due to subsequent isotopic exchange. While the nebula was well-mixed with respect to oxygen isotopic composition, clearly resolved anomalies in Ca and Ti isotopic compositions indicate that some isotopic heterogeneity existed early and was preserved during condensation. Inclusion 31-2 did not incorporate live 26Al and has nucleosynthetic anomalies in the heavy Ca and Ti isotopes (i.e., δ48Ca = 4.3 ± 1.9‰; δ50Ti = 8.8 ± 2.0‰). In contrast, inclusion 56-1 has radiogenic 26Mg excesses yielding a (26Al/27Al)0 ratio of (1.0 ± 0.1) × 10-5 and negative nucleosynthetic isotopic anomalies in Ca (δ48Ca = -10.3 ± 4.2‰) and Ti (δ50Ti = -4.3 ± 2.9‰). Thus, it represents a deviation from the mutual exclusivity relationship between 26Al incorporation and large nucleosynthetic anomalies. The reservoirs in which these inclusions formed had similar O-isotopic and different Al-, Ca- and Ti-isotopic compositions, suggesting that while the CAI-forming region was well-mixed with respect to oxygen isotopic composition, clearly resolved anomalies in Ca and Ti isotopic compositions indicate that some isotopic heterogeneity existed and was preserved during condensation.

Assessment of brain mechanisms involved in the processes of thermal sensation, pleasantness/unpleasantness, and evaluation

The conscious perception of thermal stimuli is divided into two categories: thermal sensation (i.e., discriminative component) and pleasantness/unpleasantness (i.e., hedonic component). There have been very few studies which clearly dissociated the two components. The aim of the present study was 1) to identify brain regions involved in perception of thermal stimuli per se, dissociating those related to the two components, and additionally 2) to examine brain regions of the explicit evaluation processes for the two components. Sixteen participants received local thermal stimuli of either 41.5 °C or 18.0 °C during whole-body thermal stimuli of 47.0 °C, 32.0 °C, or 17.0 °C. The local stimuli were delivered to the right forearm with the Peltier device. The whole-body stimuli delivered through a water-perfusion suit was aimed to modulate thermal pleasantness/unpleasantness to the local stimulus. The local stimulation at the same temperature was conducted five times with 30-s intervals. Brain activation was assessed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and the participants were asked to report their ratings of thermal sensation and pleasantness/unpleasantness following the cessation of each local stimulus. Local thermal stimulation activated specific brain regions such as the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, and inferior parietal lobe, irrespective of the temperature of local and whole-body stimuli; however, no specific activation for hot or cold sensation was observed. Different brain regions were associated with pleasantness and unpleasantness; the caudate nucleus and frontal regions for pleasantness, and the medial frontal and anterior cingulate cortex for unpleasantness. In addition, the explicit evaluation process for the discriminative and hedonic components immediately following the cessation of local stimulus involved different brain regions; the medial prefrontal cortex extending to the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, middle frontal cortex, and parietal lobes during the explicit evaluation of thermal sensation, and the medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and inferior parietal lobes during that of pleasantness/unpleasantness.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Analysis of the National Database of Japan

This study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The National Database of Japan, in which insurance claim data have been comprehensively accumulated, was utilized. The subjects were 76 641 RA patients who were plausibly initiated on immunosuppressive therapy from April 2013 to March 2014. Laboratory tests of the hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-hepatitis B virus surface antibody, and anti-hepatitis B virus core antibody were performed in 28.23%, 12.52% and 14.63% of patients, respectively, when the therapy was initiated. We found that HBV reactivation and fulminant hepatitis occurred in both the patients with and without HBV DNA monitoring, indicating insufficient monitoring in Japan during the study. The cumulative incidence of HBV reactivation over 24 months was 1.57% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28%-1.92%) in the monitoring group, which consisted of those with resolved HBV infection. Glucocorticoid administration was a potent risk factor for HBV reactivation (hazard ratio [HR]  = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.26-2.29, P = .001 in all subjects, and HR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.18-2.81, P = .007 in the nonmonitoring group), although it was not statistically significant in the monitoring group (HR = 1.49, 95% CI = 0.99-2.26 and P = .057). No significant risk difference was observed between single administration of methotrexate and biological drugs.

Fasting or systemic des-acyl ghrelin administration to rats facilitates thermoregulatory behavior in a cold environment

Fasted rats place their tails underneath their body trunks in the cold (tail-hiding behavior), which is a thermoregulatory behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fasting and des-acyl ghrelin, a hormone related to fasting, on tail-hiding behavior and neural activity in the cold. Wistar rats were divided into 'fed', '42-h fasting' and des-acyl ghrelin groups. The rats received an intraperitoneal saline or 30-μg des-acyl ghrelin injection, and were then exposed to 27 °C or 15 °C for 2-h with continuous body temperature (T_b), tail skin temperature (T_tail), and tail-hiding behavior measurements. cFos immunoreactive (cFos-IR) cells in the insula, secondary somatosensory cortex, medial preoptic nucleus, parastrial nucleus, amygdala, and lateral parabrachial nucleus were counted in four segments: seg1, 2, 3, and 4 (bregma -0.36, -1.44, -2.64, and -9.00 mm), respectively. At 15 °C, T_b and T_tail were lower in the 42-h fasting group than in the fed and des-acyl ghrelin groups, and the duration of tail-hiding behavior was longer in the 42-h fasting and des-acyl ghrelin groups than in the fed group. The onset of tail-hiding behavior more advanced in the des-acyl ghrelin group than in the fed group at 15 °C. Only at the insula in seg3 at 15 °C, the number of cFos-IR cells was greater in the 42-h fasting group than in the fed group. Both the 42-h fasting and des-acyl ghrelin groups might modulate the tail-hiding behavior of rats in a cold, and a part of the insula might be involved this response during fasting.

Abstract P1-07-23: The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer

Background: Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with inferior levels of chemosensitivity and overall prognosis for breast cancer (BC) treatment. Recent studies suggest that the quality and quantity of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) play a significant role in adipocyte function, and are related to insulin resistance. We therefore tested the hypothesis that high amount and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes via insulin resistance mechanisms.

Patients and Methods: We examined two independent studies: a cross-sectional study (cohort 1) and a retrospective study (cohort 2). Cohort 1 included 106 women with early-stage BC who were undergoing surgery. Patients with normal weight (17.5&lt; body mass index [BMI, kg/m2] ≤25, n = 53) and overweight/obese patients (BMI &gt;25, n = 53) were selected by a pair-matching method. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-R: fasting insulin (microU/L) × fasting glucose (nmol/L)/22.5. And insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family including IGF-1 and IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) were measured before beginning treatment. The amounts of visceral fat (aVAT) was measured by 3-dimensional volumetric software using the stocked computed tomography (CT) imaging data. The quality of VAT was assessed based on the mode value of CT Hounsfield Unit of VAT (VAT-HU) at navel level of CT axial view. The association between the former variables and the quality and quantity of VAT was analyzed. Cohort 2 included 271 patients who received chemotherapy in the neo-adjuvant (NAC) or adjuvant setting. Imaging analysis was performed in the same way, and the association between those values and survival outcome after chemotherapy was analyzed by retrospective chart review.

Results: In cohort 1, aVAT was significantly correlated with serum insulin and HOMA-R levels (Pearson's R 0.44 and 0.42, respectively; P&lt;0.05). On comparing the two groups divided by BMI, the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP3 were not significantly different between the normal weight and the overweight/obese groups (P = 0.31 and 0.77, respectively). However, the overweight/obese group demonstrated significantly higher HOMA-R (P&lt;0.05). In cohort 2, aVAT was significantly correlated with BMI (P&lt;0.05). In a multivariate analysis, pathological complete responses were not associated with aVAT (P = 0.60). After a median follow-up of 112 months, tertile stratification revealed that the third tertile of aVAT had a significantly shorter distant disease free survival (DDFS) in the NAC setting (p&lt;0.05). When adjusted by covariates in the Cox proportional regression model, aVAT and VAT-HU demonstrated significant contribution to a worsened DDFS ([p&lt;0.05, hazard ratio {HR} 1.39; 95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11 to 1.75] and [p&lt;0.05, HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.43], respectively).

Conclusions: Our study found that high amounts and low quality of VAT worsen treatment outcomes. Furthermore, we found that insulin resistance was related to those two factors. Although further validation is needed, our present work suggests the importance of evaluating the quality and quantity of visceral fat for estimating insulin resistance and treatment outcomes after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage BC.

Citation Format: Iwase T, Sangai T, Nagashima T, Sakakibara M, Fujimoto H, Sawabe Y, Nagashima K, Otsuka M. The quality and quantity of visceral fat tissue are associated with insulin resistance and survival outcome after chemotherapy for patients with early-stage breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-07-23.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Changes regarding Age and Correlations between Serum Lipids and Body Mass Index in Humankind

Objectives: To improve insight into age and gender related distributions of serum lipids and their correlation with body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Serum lipids embracing atherogenic index (AI) and BMI were analyzed from the results obtained in 19,823 men and 14,788 women undergoing a health examination between 1986 and 1996.

Results: The changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), AI and BMI differed regarding gender. Although high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) showed a flat pattern for all ages in both genders, its level in women was higher than in men. The ratio of the number in the unsuitable range to those in the suitable range increased with age as to TC in both sexes, then more than half of the population have an unsuitable level in the sixth decade. As for the correlation between serum lipids and BMI: TC, TG and AI correlated positively, but HDL-C correlated negatively. There were significant gaps between both age and gender.

Conclusions: We suggest that the normal range of values of serum lipids needs to be revised according to gender and age to evaluate the risk status for a cardio-cerebrovascular disease more precisely in the field of preventive medicine. Simpler guidelines are preferable in specialized care as well as in general practice, particularly since computer technology is not yet universally adapted. In the near future, when computed information technology will be as common as the electricity and the telephone are current on the whole earth, all guidelines will have to be computed on the spot and personally.

Regional differences of cFos immunoreactive cells in the preoptic areas in hypothalamus associated with heat and cold responses in mice

cFos expression in the preoptic area (PO), which is thermoregulatory center increased by both heat and cold exposures; however, the regional difference is unknown yet. We aimed to determine if cFos expression in the PO was regionally different between heat and cold exposures. Mice were exposed to 27, 10, or 38°C for 90min, and body temperature (T_b) was measured. cFos-immunoreactive (cFos-IR) cells in the PO were counted by separating the PO into the ventral and dorsal parts in the rostral (bregma 0.38mm), central (-0.10mm), and caudal (-0.46mm) planes. T_b at 10°C remained unchanged; however, it increased at 38°C. Counts of cFos-IR cells in all areas were greater at 38°C than at 27°C. In the dorsal and ventral parts of the central and the dorsal part of caudal PO, counts of cFos-IR cells were greater at 10°C than at 27°C. In conclusion, the areas of increased cFos expression in the PO in the heat were different that in the cold in mice.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

Thermal comfort

The processes of thermoregulation are roughly divided into two categories: autonomic and behavioral. Behavioral thermoregulation alone does not have the capacity to regulate core temperature, as autonomic thermoregulation. However, behavioral thermoregulation is often utilized to maintain core temperature in a normal environment and is critical for surviving extreme environments. Thermal comfort, i.e., the hedonic component of thermal perception, is believed to be important for initiating and/or activating behavioral thermoregulation. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Thermal comfort is usually obtained when thermal stimuli to the skin restore core temperature to a regulated level. Conversely, thermal discomfort is produced when thermal stimuli result in deviations of core temperature away from a regulated level. Regional differences in the thermal sensitivity of the skin, hypohydration, and adaptation of the skin may affect thermal perception. Thermal comfort and discomfort seem to be determined by brain mechanisms, not by peripheral mechanisms such as thermal sensing by the skin. The insular and cingulate cortices may play a role in assessing thermal comfort and discomfort. In addition, brain sites involved in decision making may trigger behavioral responses to environmental changes.

Body temperature and cold sensation during and following exercise under temperate room conditions in cold-sensitive young trained females

We evaluated cold sensation at rest and in response to exercise-induced changes in core and skin temperatures in cold-sensitive exercise trained females. Fifty-eight trained young females were screened by a questionnaire, selecting cold-sensitive (Cold-sensitive, n = 7) and non-cold-sensitive (Control, n = 7) individuals. Participants rested in a room at 29.5°C for ~100 min after which ambient temperature was reduced to 23.5°C where they remained resting for 60 min. Participants then performed 30-min of moderate intensity cycling (50% peak oxygen uptake) followed by a 60-min recovery. Core and mean skin temperatures and cold sensation over the whole-body and extremities (fingers and toes) were assessed throughout. Resting core temperature was lower in the Cold-sensitive relative to Control group (36.4 ± 0.3 vs. 36.7 ± 0.2°C). Core temperature increased to similar levels at end-exercise (~37.2°C) and gradually returned to near preexercise rest levels at the end of recovery (>36.6°C). Whole-body cold sensation was greater in the Cold-sensitive relative to Control group during resting at a room temperature of 23.5°C only without a difference in mean skin temperature between groups. In contrast, cold sensation of the extremities was greater in the Cold-sensitive group prior to, during and following exercise albeit this was not paralleled by differences in mean extremity skin temperature. We show that young trained females who are sensitive to cold exhibit augmented whole-body cold sensation during rest under temperate ambient conditions. However, this response is diminished during and following exercise. In contrast, cold sensation of extremities is augmented during resting that persists during and following exercise.