Cold Exposure

Partial-body cryostimulation after training improves sleep quality in professional soccer players

Wafa Douzi, Olivier Dupuy, Dimitri Theurot +2 more · BMC Research Notes · 2019 · 32 citations

A single 180-second session of partial-body cryostimulation at -180°C immediately after intense training significantly reduced nighttime movements in professional soccer players, suggesting improved sleep quality for those looking to optimize post-exercise recovery.

PRISMA harms checklist: improving harms reporting in systematic reviews

Liliane Zorzela, Yoon K. Loke, John P. A. Ioannidis +6 more · BMJ · 2016 · 549 citations

INTRODUCTION: For any health intervention, accurate knowledge of both benefits and harms is needed. Systematic reviews often compound poor reporting of harms in primary studies by failing to report harms or doing so inadequately. While the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) helps systematic review authors ensure complete and transparent reporting, it is focused mainly on efficacy. Thus, a PRISMA harms checklist has been developed to improve harms reporting in systematic reviews, promoting a more balanced assessment of benefits and harms. METHODS: A development strategy, endorsed by the EQUATOR Network and existing reporting guidelines (including the PRISMA statement, PRISMA for abstracts, and PRISMA for protocols), was used. After the development of a draft checklist of items, a modified Delphi process was initiated. The Delphi consisted of three rounds of electronic feedback followed by an in-person meeting. RESULTS: The PRISMA harms checklist contains four essential reporting elements to be added to the original PRISMA statement to improve harms reporting in reviews. These are reported in the title ("Specifically mention 'harms' or other related terms, or the harm of interest in the review"), synthesis of results ("Specify how zero events were handled, if relevant"), study characteristics ("Define each harm addressed, how it was ascertained (eg, patient report, active search), and over what time period"), and synthesis of results ("Describe any assessment of possible causality"). Additional guidance regarding existing PRISMA items was developed to demonstrate relevance when synthesising information about harms. CONCLUSION: The PRISMA harms checklist identifies a minimal set of items to be reported when reviewing adverse events. This guideline extension is intended to improve harms reporting in systematic reviews, whether harms are a primary or secondary outcome.

Automated Diagnosis of Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks

James M. Brown, J. Peter Campbell, Andrew Beers +8 more · JAMA Ophthalmology · 2018 · 640 citations

A deep learning algorithm was developed that can diagnose a severe eye condition in premature babies ("plus disease" in Retinopathy of Prematurity) from retinal images with accuracy comparable to or better than experienced human ophthalmologists, demonstrating the powerful potential of artificial intelligence to automate or assist in complex medical diagnostic tasks, which a self-experimenter could explore by comparing AI versus human performance in image-based diagnostic challenges.

The experiences of health-care providers during the COVID-19 crisis in China: a qualitative study

Qian Liu, Dan Luo, Joan E. Haase +7 more · The Lancet Global Health · 2020 · 1,619 citations

Frontline nurses and physicians in Hubei, China, during the early COVID-19 outbreak reported three core themes: a strong sense of duty to provide care, severe physical and emotional exhaustion from working in a new context with heavy workloads and protective gear, and resilience through social support and self-management strategies—but this was a small qualitative study (n=13) that cannot quantify effects or prove causal relationships.

Recovery and Performance in Sport: Consensus Statement

Michael Kellmann, Maurizio Bertollo, Laurent Bosquet +14 more · International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance · 2018 · 731 citations

The relationship between recovery and fatigue and its impact on performance has attracted the interest of sport science for many years. An adequate balance between stress (training and competition load, other life demands) and recovery is essential for athletes to achieve continuous high-level performance. Research has focused on the examination of physiological and psychological recovery strategies to compensate external and internal training and competition loads. A systematic monitoring of recovery and the subsequent implementation of recovery routines aims at maximizing performance and preventing negative developments such as underrecovery, nonfunctional overreaching, the overtraining syndrome, injuries, or illnesses. Due to the inter- and intraindividual variability of responses to training, competition, and recovery strategies, a diverse set of expertise is required to address the multifaceted phenomena of recovery, performance, and their interactions to transfer knowledge from sport science to sport practice. For this purpose, a symposium on Recovery and Performance was organized at the Technical University Munich Science and Study Center Raitenhaslach (Germany) in September 2016. Various international experts from many disciplines and research areas gathered to discuss and share their knowledge of recovery for performance enhancement in a variety of settings. The results of this meeting are outlined in this consensus statement that provides central definitions, theoretical frameworks, and practical implications as a synopsis of the current knowledge of recovery and performance. While our understanding of the complex relationship between recovery and performance has significantly increased through research, some important issues for future investigations are also elaborated.

Onset Patterns and Course of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Lily Chu, Ian J. Valencia, Donn W. Garvert +1 more · Frontiers in Pediatrics · 2019 · 226 citations

This observational study of 150 ME/CFS patients found that the majority experienced a sudden, infection-triggered onset (rather than gradual onset), and that symptom severity remained relatively stable over time—meaning if you suspect ME/CFS, the pattern of how your symptoms began and whether they fluctuate may be a key diagnostic clue, and you should not expect spontaneous recovery without intervention.

Physical and Mental Effects of Bathing: A Randomized Intervention Study

Yasuaki Goto, Shinya Hayasaka, Shigeo Kurihara +1 more · Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2018 · 41 citations

A randomized crossover study found that 2 weeks of daily 10-minute warm immersion baths significantly improved subjective fatigue, stress, pain, mood, and quality of life compared to showering, suggesting a simple way to boost well-being.

Health, Wealth, Social Integration, and Sexuality of Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Prematurely Born Adults in the Fourth Decade of Life

Saroj Saigal, Kimberly L. Day, Ryan J. Van Lieshout +3 more · JAMA Pediatrics · 2016 · 109 citations

Being born at extremely low birth weight (≤1000 g) is associated with a $20,000 lower annual personal income, 4x higher odds of needing social assistance, 11x higher odds of never having had sexual intercourse, and lower self-esteem by age 29–36, even though educational attainment and relationship quality are similar to normal-birth-weight peers.

Altered smell and taste: Anosmia, parosmia and the impact of long Covid-19

Duika Burges Watson, Miglena Campbell, Claire Hopkins +3 more · PLoS ONE · 2021 · 204 citations

BACKGROUND: Qualitative olfactory (smell) dysfunctions are a common side effect of post-viral illness and known to impact quality of life and health status. Evidence is emerging that taste and smell loss are common symptoms of Covid-19 that may emerge and persist long after initial infection. The aim of the present study was to document the impact of post Covid-19 alterations to taste and smell. METHODS: We conducted exploratory thematic analysis of user-generated text from 9000 users of the AbScent Covid-19 Smell and Taste Loss moderated Facebook support group from March 24 to 30th September 2020. RESULTS: Participants reported difficulty explaining and managing an altered sense of taste and smell; a lack of interpersonal and professional explanation or support; altered eating; appetite loss, weight change; loss of pleasure in food, eating and social engagement; altered intimacy and an altered relationship to self and others. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest altered taste and smell with Covid-19 may lead to severe disruption to daily living that impacts on psychological well-being, physical health, relationships and sense of self. More specifically, participants reported impacts that related to reduced desire and ability to eat and prepare food; weight gain, weight loss and nutritional insufficiency; emotional wellbeing; professional practice; intimacy and social bonding; and the disruption of people's sense of reality and themselves. Our findings should inform further research and suggest areas for the training, assessment and treatment practices of health care professionals working with long Covid.

Empowering interventions to promote sustainable lifestyles: Testing the habit discontinuity hypothesis in a field experiment

Bas Verplanken, Deborah Roy · Journal of Environmental Psychology · 2015 · 422 citations

This study tested the habit discontinuity hypothesis, which states that behaviour change interventions are more effective when delivered in the context of life course changes. The assumption was that when habits are (temporarily) disturbed, people are more sensitive to new information and adopt a mind-set that is conducive to behaviour change. A field experiment was conducted among 800 participants, who received either an intervention promoting sustainable behaviours, or were in a no-intervention control condition. In both conditions half of the households had recently relocated, and were matched with households that had not relocated. Self-reported frequencies of twenty-five environment-related behaviours were assessed at baseline and eight weeks later. While controlling for past behaviour, habit strength, intentions, perceived control, biospheric values, personal norms, and personal involvement, the intervention was more effective among recently relocated participants. The results suggested that the duration of the ‘window of opportunity’ was three months after relocation.

Impact of Five Nights of Sleep Restriction on Glucose Metabolism, Leptin and Testosterone in Young Adult Men

Amy C. Reynolds, Jillian Dorrian, Peter Y. Liu +4 more · PLoS ONE · 2012 · 229 citations

BACKGROUND: Sleep restriction is associated with development of metabolic ill-health, and hormonal mechanisms may underlie these effects. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of short term sleep restriction on male health, particularly glucose metabolism, by examining adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, leptin, testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: N = 14 healthy men (aged 27.4±3.8, BMI 23.5±2.9) underwent a laboratory-based sleep restriction protocol consisting of 2 baseline nights of 10 h time in bed (TIB) (B1, B2; 22:00-08:00), followed by 5 nights of 4 h TIB (SR1-SR5; 04:00-08:00) and a recovery night of 10 h TIB (R1; 22:00-08:00). Subjects were allowed to move freely inside the laboratory; no strenuous activity was permitted during the study. Food intake was controlled, with subjects consuming an average 2000 kcal/day. Blood was sampled through an indwelling catheter on B1 and SR5, at 09:00 (fasting) and then every 2 hours from 10:00-20:00. On SR5 relative to B1, glucose (F(1,168) = 25.3, p<0.001) and insulin (F(1,168) = 12.2, p<0.001) were increased, triglycerides (F(1,168) = 7.5, p = 0.007) fell and there was no significant change in fasting homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) determined insulin resistance (F(1,168) = 1.3, p = 0.18). Also, cortisol (F(1,168) = 10.2, p = 0.002) and leptin (F(1,168) = 10.7, p = 0.001) increased, sex hormone binding globulin (F(1,167) = 12.1, p<0.001) fell and there were no significant changes in ACTH (F(1,168) = 0.3, p = 0.59) or total testosterone (F(1,168) = 2.8, p = 0.089). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Sleep restriction impaired glucose, but improved lipid metabolism. This was associated with an increase in afternoon cortisol, without significant changes in ACTH, suggesting enhanced adrenal reactivity. Increased cortisol and reduced sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) are both consistent with development of insulin resistance, although hepatic insulin resistance calculated from fasting HOMA did not change significantly. Short term sleep curtailment leads to changes in glucose metabolism and adrenal reactivity, which when experienced repeatedly may increase the risk for type 2 diabetes.

Inter-relationship between sleep quality, insomnia and sleep disorders in professional soccer players

Karim Khalladi, Abdulaziz Farooq, Sofiane Souissi +4 more · BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine · 2019 · 58 citations

Nearly 7 out of 10 professional soccer players in this study had poor sleep quality, and more than 1 in 4 showed signs of insomnia — meaning that even elite athletes who train daily are not immune to sleep problems, and if you're running your own experiment on sleep and performance, you need to measure sleep quality (not just duration) and watch for daytime sleepiness as a hidden confound.

Evaluation of an Integrated System of Wearable Physiological Sensors for Stress Monitoring in Working Environments by Using Biological Markers

Stefano Betti, Raffaele Molino Lova, Erika Rovini +5 more · IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering · 2017 · 213 citations

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this paper are to develop and test the ability of a wearable physiological sensors system, based on ECG, EDA, and EEG, to capture human stress and to assess whether the detected changes in physiological signals correlate with changes in salivary cortisol level, which is a reliable, objective biomarker of stress. METHODS: 15 healthy participants, eight males and seven females, mean age 40.8 ± 9.5 years, wore a set of three commercial sensors to record physiological signals during the Maastricht Acute Stress Test, an experimental protocol known to elicit robust physical and mental stress in humans. Salivary samples were collected throughout the different phases of the test. Statistical analysis was performed using a support vector machine (SVM) classification algorithm. A correlation analysis between extracted physiological features and salivary cortisol levels was also performed. RESULTS: = 0.714). CONCLUSION: The tested set of wearable sensors was able to successfully capture human stress and quantify stress level. SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this pilot study may be useful in designing portable and remote control systems, such as medical devices used to turn on interventions and prevent stress consequences.

The effects of normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia on cognitive performance and physiological responses: A crossover study

Erich Hohenauer, Livia Freitag, Joseph T. Costello +5 more · PLoS ONE · 2022 · 11 citations

This study found that while cognitive performance and brain oxygenation were similar between normobaric (simulated altitude) and hypobaric (actual altitude) hypoxia, actual altitude led to slightly higher heart rate and sympathetic nervous system activation, suggesting it might be more physiologically stressful.

Qualitative study: burden of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and validation of PROMIS Sleep Disturbance and Sleep-Related Impairment measures for assessment of VMS impact on sleep

Marci English, Boyka Stoykova, Christina Slota +4 more · Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes · 2021 · 48 citations

Among postmenopausal women experiencing 35 or more hot flashes and night sweats per week, 94% reported that vasomotor symptoms (VMS) directly disrupted their sleep—primarily through waking drenched in sweat and struggling to fall back asleep—and this sleep disruption was rated as the single most bothersome aspect of their menopause experience, ahead of the hot flashes themselves.

Cost-effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence–Based Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening

S. Morrison, Dmitry Dukhovny, R.V. Paul Chan +2 more · JAMA Ophthalmology · 2022 · 46 citations

An economic model of 52,000 US infants found that autonomous AI screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) could be as effective as and less costly than standard ophthalmoscopy or telemedicine, potentially reducing late treatments from 265 to 40 cases per year if AI achieves 99% sensitivity.

Chronic occupational exposures can influence the rate of PTSD and depressive disorders in first responders and military personnel

Anthony Walker, Andrew J. McKune, Sally A. Ferguson +2 more · Extreme Physiology & Medicine · 2016 · 61 citations

This review argues that chronic, non-traumatic occupational exposures (heat, smoke, sleep restriction, physical exertion, and injury) create a primed inflammatory state that lowers resilience, making first responders and military personnel more vulnerable to PTSD and depression when they later encounter an acute traumatic event — meaning your baseline physical environment may matter as much as the trauma itself.

Solar radiation and human health

Asta Juzeniene, P. Brekke, Arne Dahlback +6 more · Reports on Progress in Physics · 2011 · 164 citations

The Sun has played a major role in the development of life on Earth. In Western culture, people are warned against Sun exposure because of its adverse effects: erythema, photoimmunosuppression, photoageing, photocarcinogenesis, cataracts and photokeratitis. However, Sun exposure is also beneficial, since moderate doses give beneficial physiological effects: vitamin D synthesis, reduction of blood pressure and mental health. Shortage of Sun exposure may be even more dangerous to human health than excessive exposure. Avoiding Sun exposure leads to vitamin D deficiency which is associated not only with rickets and osteomalacia, but also with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, influenza, many types of cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Solar radiation induces nitric oxide release in tissue and immediate pigment darkening which certainly play important roles, although these are still unknown. Action spectra relevant for health are described. We will also review what is known about spectral and intensity variations of terrestrial solar radiation as well as its penetration through the atmosphere and into human skin and tissue.

Conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention in adults with chronic low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study

Steven D. Pratscher, Kimberly T. Sibille, Roger B. Fillingim · Pilot and Feasibility Studies · 2023 · 8 citations

This document describes the planned design for a pilot study, not its results, aiming to determine if a specific breathing technique (conscious connected breathing with breath retention) is feasible and acceptable for adults with chronic low back pain, which is a crucial first step before testing if it actually reduces pain.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: First aid

David Zideman, Eunice M. Singletary, Vere Borra +9 more · Resuscitation · 2021 · 109 citations

Validity of trunk extensor and flexor torque measurements using isokinetic dynamometry

Gaël Guilhem, Caroline Giroux, Antoine Couturier +1 more · Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology · 2014 · 69 citations

Trunk muscle strength measured with a modern isokinetic dynamometer is valid (correlates strongly with muscle size and electrical activity) and highly reliable (test-retest differences average less than 4%), meaning you can trust the numbers if you run a trunk-strength self-experiment using this equipment.

One size fits all? Mixed methods evaluation of the impact of 100% single-room accommodation on staff and patient experience, safety and costs

Jill Maben, Peter Griffiths, Clarissa Penfold +7 more · BMJ Quality & Safety · 2015 · 136 citations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is little strong evidence relating to the impact of single-room accommodation on healthcare quality and safety. We explore the impact of all single rooms on staff and patient experience; safety outcomes; and costs. METHODS: Mixed methods pre/post 'move' comparison within four nested case study wards in a single acute hospital with 100% single rooms; quasi-experimental before-and-after study with two control hospitals; analysis of capital and operational costs associated with single rooms. RESULTS: Two-thirds of patients expressed a preference for single rooms with comfort and control outweighing any disadvantages (sense of isolation) felt by some. Patients appreciated privacy, confidentiality and flexibility for visitors afforded by single rooms. Staff perceived improvements (patient comfort and confidentiality), but single rooms were worse for visibility, surveillance, teamwork, monitoring and keeping patients safe. Staff walking distances increased significantly post move. A temporary increase of falls and medication errors in one ward was likely to be associated with the need to adjust work patterns rather than associated with single rooms per se. We found no evidence that single rooms reduced infection rates. Building an all single-room hospital can cost 5% more with higher housekeeping and cleaning costs but the difference is marginal over time. CONCLUSIONS: Staff needed to adapt their working practices significantly and felt unprepared for new ways of working with potentially significant implications for the nature of teamwork in the longer term. Staff preference remained for a mix of single rooms and bays. Patients preferred single rooms.

Patient‐reported and clinician‐reported chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy in patients with early breast cancer: Current clinical practice

Kirsten A. Nyrop, Allison M. Deal, Kathryn E. Reeder‐Hayes +15 more · Cancer · 2019 · 98 citations

BACKGROUND: In the current study, the authors investigated the incidence of moderate to severe chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) for chemotherapy regimens commonly used in current clinical practice for the treatment of patients with early breast cancer. Patient-reported and clinician-assessed CIPN severity scores were compared, and risk factors for CIPN severity were identified. METHODS: Patients completed a Patient-Reported Symptom Monitoring form and oncologists completed a Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events form. CIPN reports were collected prospectively during regularly scheduled infusion visits throughout the duration of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The sample included 184 women with a mean age of 55 years; approximately 73% were white. The 4 chemotherapy regimens used were doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel (60 patients); docetaxel and cyclophosphamide (50 patients); docetaxel, carboplatin, and anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) (24 patients); and doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel and carboplatin (18 patients). All patients treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel and doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide plus paclitaxel and carboplatin received paclitaxel; all patients treated with docetaxel and cyclophosphamide and docetaxel, carboplatin, and anti-HER2 received docetaxel. The chemotherapy dose was reduced in 52 patients (28%); in 15 patients (29%), this reduction was due to CIPN. Chemotherapy was discontinued in 26 patients (14%), 8 because of CIPN. Agreement between patient-reported and clinician-assessed CIPN severity scores was minimal (weighted Cohen kappa, P = .34). Patient-reported moderate to severe CIPN was higher for paclitaxel (50%) compared with docetaxel (17.7%) (P < .001). Pretreatment arthritis and/or rheumatism (relative risk [RR], 1.58; 95% CI, 1.06-2.35 [P = .023]) and regimens containing paclitaxel (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.72-4.83 [P < .0001]) were associated with higher CIPN severity. Being married (RR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.887 [P = .01]) was found to be associated with lower CIPN severity. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancy between patient-reported and clinician-assessed CIPN underscores the need for both patient and clinician perspectives regarding this common, dose-limiting, and potentially disabling side effect of chemotherapy.

Probabilistic diffusion tractography of the optic radiations and visual function in preterm infants at term equivalent age

Laura Bassi, Daniela Ricci, Anna Volzone +11 more · Brain · 2008 · 191 citations

Children born prematurely have a high incidence of visual disorders which cannot always be explained by focal retinal or brain lesions. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that visual function in preterm infants is related to the microstructural development of white matter in the optic radiations. We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with probabilistic diffusion tractography to delineate the optic radiations at term equivalent age and compared the fractional anisotropy (FA) to a contemporaneous evaluation of visual function. Thirty-seven preterm infants (19 male) born at median (range) 28(+4) (24(+1)-32(+3)) weeks gestational age, were examined at a post-menstrual age of 42 (39(+6)-43) weeks. MRI and DTI were acquired on a 3 Tesla MR system with DTI obtained in 15 non-collinear directions with a b value of 750 s/mm(2). Tracts were generated from a seed mask placed in the white matter lateral to the lateral geniculate nucleus and mean FA values of these tracts were determined. Visual assessment was performed using a battery of nine items assessing different aspects of visual abilities. Ten infants had evidence of cerebral lesions on conventional MRI. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the visual assessment score was independently correlated with FA values, but not gestational age at birth, post-menstrual age at scan or the presence of lesions on conventional MRI. The occurrence of mild retinopathy of prematurity did not affect the FA measures or visual scores. We then performed a secondary analysis using tract-based spatial statistics to determine whether global brain white matter development was related to visual function and found that only FA in the optic radiations was correlated with visual assessment score. Our results suggest that in preterm infants at term equivalent age visual function is directly related to the development of white matter in the optic radiations.

Environmental Literature as Persuasion: An Experimental Test of the Effects of Reading Climate Fiction

Matthew Schneider-Mayerson, Abel Gustafson, Anthony Leiserowitz +3 more · Environmental Communication · 2020 · 90 citations

Literary works of fiction about climate change are becoming more common and more popular among critics and readers. While much research has indicated the persuasive effectiveness of narrative storytelling in general, empirical research has not yet tested the effects of reading climate fiction. This paper reports results from the first experimental study to test the immediate and delayed impacts of climate fiction on readers’ beliefs and attitudes about climate change. We found that reading climate fiction had small but significant positive effects on several important beliefs and attitudes about global warming – observed immediately after participants read the stories. However, these effects diminished to statistical nonsignificance after a one-month interval. In this paper, we review the relevant literature, present the design and results of this experiment, and discuss implications for future research and practice.

Classification of COVID-19 individuals using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system

Celestine Iwendi, Kainaat Mahboob, Zarnab Khalid +3 more · Multimedia Systems · 2021 · 89 citations

What Doesn't Kill Us: How Freezing Water, Extreme Altitude, and Environmental Conditioning Will Renew Our Lost Evolutionary Strength

Scott Carney · Rodale Books · 2018

This is a work of investigative journalism and participatory self-experimentation, not a controlled scientific study; it reports the author's personal journey and anecdotal evidence that repeated exposure to cold, breath-holding, and altitude can improve immune function, mood, and metabolic health, but provides no controlled data, effect sizes, or statistical analyses that would allow a reader to replicate or verify any specific claim.

The effect of an acute sleep hygiene strategy following a late-night soccer match on recovery of players

Hugh H.K. Fullagar, Sabrina Skorski, Rob Duffield +1 more · Chronobiology International · 2016 · 126 citations

Elite soccer players are at risk of reduced recovery following periods of sleep disruption, particularly following late-night matches. It remains unknown whether improving sleep quality or quantity in such scenarios can improve post-match recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an acute sleep hygiene strategy (SHS) on physical and perceptual recovery of players following a late-night soccer match. In a randomised cross-over design, two highly-trained amateur teams (20 players) played two late-night (20:45) friendly matches against each other seven days apart. Players completed an SHS after the match or proceeded with their normal post-game routine (NSHS). Over the ensuing 48 h, objective sleep parameters (sleep duration, onset latency, efficiency, wake episodes), countermovement jump (CMJ; height, force production), YoYo Intermittent Recovery test (YYIR2; distance, maximum heart rate, lactate), venous blood (creatine kinase, urea and c-reactive protein) and perceived recovery and stress markers were collected. Sleep duration was significantly greater in SHS compared to NSHS on match night (P = 0.002, d = 1.50), with NSHS significantly less than baseline (P < 0.001, d = 1.95). Significant greater wake episodes occurred on match night for SHS (P = 0.04, d = 1.01), without significant differences between- or within-conditions for sleep onset latency (P = 0.12), efficiency (P = 0.39) or wake episode duration (P = 0.07). No significant differences were observed between conditions for any physical performance or venous blood marker (all P > 0.05); although maximum heart rate during the YYIR2 was significantly higher in NSHS than SHS at 36 h post-match (P = 0.01; d = 0.81). There were no significant differences between conditions for perceptual "overall recovery" (P = 0.47) or "overall stress" (P = 0.17). Overall, an acute SHS improved sleep quantity following a late-night soccer match; albeit without any improvement in physical performance, perceptual recovery or blood-borne markers of muscle damage and inflammation.

Traditional beliefs and practices in the postpartum period in Fujian Province, China: a qualitative study

Joanna Raven, Qiyan Chen, Rachel Tolhurst +1 more · BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth · 2007 · 180 citations

BACKGROUND: Zuo yuezi is the month postpartum in China associated with a variety of traditional beliefs and practices. We explored the current status of zuo yuezi from social, cultural and western medical perspectives. METHODS: We interviewed family members (36) and health workers (8) in Fujian Province, selecting one rural and one rapidly developing urban county. We asked about their traditional beliefs and their behaviour postpartum. We used a framework approach to identify main themes. We categorised reported behaviour against their probable effects on health, drawing on Western standards. RESULTS: Respondents reported that zuo yuezi was commonly practiced in urban and rural families to help the mother regain her strength and protect her future health. Zuo yuezi included: dietary precautions, such as eating more food and avoiding cold food; behavioural precautions, such as staying inside the home, avoiding housework and limiting visitors; hygiene precautions, such as restricting bathing and dental hygiene; and practices associated with infant feeding, including supplementary feeding and giving honeysuckle herb to the infant. Respondents reported that the main reasons for adhering to these practices were respect for tradition, and following the advice of elders. Categorised against Western medical standards, several zuo yuezi practices are beneficial, including eating more, eating protein rich food, avoiding housework, and daily vulval and perineal hygiene. A few are potentially harmful, including giving honeysuckle herb, and avoiding dental hygiene. Some women reported giving infants supplementary feeds, although zuo yuezi emphasises breast feeding. CONCLUSION: Zuo yuezi is an important ritual in Fujian. In medical terms, most practices are beneficial, and could be used by health staff to promote health in this period. Further research on reported potentially harmful practices, such as supplements to breast feeding, is needed.

High temperatures on mental health: Recognizing the association and the need for proactive strategies—A perspective

Moustaq Karim Khan Rony, Hasnat M. Alamgir · Health Science Reports · 2023 · 88 citations

Background and Aims: The influence of temperature on various aspects of daily life is often underestimated, and its effects on mental health are not widely recognized. Understanding and addressing the relationship between temperature and mental well-being is crucial in the context of climate change and rising global temperatures. This perspective aimed to investigate the effects of high temperatures on mental health and identify proactive strategies to mitigate these effects. Methods: This perspective adopted a twofold approach, including a comprehensive literature review and socioecological framework. The literature review involved extensive searches across Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus to identify relevant, peer-reviewed articles, and reports from diverse disciplines. Results: The perspective emphasized the significance of recognizing heat stress and its consequences on mental well-being. Chronic heat stress can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Vulnerable populations include, the very young, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. Socioeconomic factors can further exacerbate vulnerability, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to manage mental health challenges during high temperatures. Additionally, the article identified and discussed proactive coping strategies to minimize both the psychological and physical impacts of heat stress. Mindfulness, stress management techniques, and therapy are suggested as effective means for individuals to manage psychological distress. Conclusion: Implementing preventive measures are essential steps in promoting mental wellness in high temperatures. Proactive strategies by addressing the physiological and psychological effects of heat and considering the specific needs of vulnerable populations can help individuals and communities navigate the challenges posed by rising temperatures and promote resilience and preserve their mental well-being.

Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) with Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Clinical Recommendations from a Systematic Scoping Review and an Expert Consensus Process

Nadja Klafke, Jasmin Bossert, Birgit Kröger +19 more · Medical Sciences · 2023 · 47 citations

The evidence of both the review and the expert panel supports a variety of complementary procedures regarding the supportive treatment of CIPN; however, the application on patients should be individually weighed in each case. Based on this meta-synthesis, interprofessional healthcare teams may open up a dialogue with patients interested in non-pharmacological treatment options to tailor complementary counselling and treatments to their needs.

Utilization of multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in clinical practice and focal therapy: report from a Delphi consensus project

Matthijs J. Scheltema, Kae Jack Tay, Arnoud W. Postema +20 more · World Journal of Urology · 2016 · 82 citations

PURPOSE: To codify the use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the interrogation of prostate neoplasia (PCa) in clinical practice and focal therapy (FT). METHODS: An international collaborative consensus project was undertaken using the Delphi method among experts in the field of PCa. An online questionnaire was presented in three consecutive rounds and modified each round based on the comments provided by the experts. Subsequently, a face-to-face meeting was held to discuss and finalize the consensus results. RESULTS: mpMRI should be performed in patients with prior negative biopsies if clinical suspicion remains, but not instead of the PSA test, nor as a stand-alone diagnostic tool or mpMRI-targeted biopsies only. It is not recommended to use a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner without an endorectal or pelvic phased-array coil. mpMRI should be performed following standard biopsy-based PCa diagnosis in both the planning and follow-up of FT. If a lesion is seen, MRI-TRUS fusion biopsies should be performed for FT planning. Systematic biopsies are still required for FT planning in biopsy-naïve patients and for patients with residual PCa after FT. Standard repeat biopsies should be taken during the follow-up of FT. The final decision to perform FT should be based on histopathology. However, these consensus statements may differ for expert centers versus non-expert centers. CONCLUSIONS: The mpMRI is an important tool for characterizing and targeting PCa in clinical practice and FT. Standardization of acquisition and reading should be the main priority to guarantee consistent mpMRI quality throughout the urological community.

Preservation of Upper Limb Function Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Clinical Practice Guideline for Health-Care Professionals

· Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine · 2005 · 336 citations

The neural correlates of ‘vitality form’ recognition: an fMRI study

Giuseppe Di Cesare, Cinzia Di Dio, Magali Jane Rochat +4 more · Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience · 2013 · 81 citations

The observation of goal-directed actions performed by another individual allows one to understand what that individual is doing and why he/she is doing it. Important information about others' behaviour is also carried out by the dynamics of the observed action. Action dynamics characterize the 'vitality form' of an action describing the cognitive and affective relation between the performing agent and the action recipient. Here, using the fMRI technique, we assessed the neural correlates of vitality form recognition presenting participants with videos showing two actors executing actions with different vitality forms: energetic and gentle. The participants viewed the actions in two tasks. In one task (what), they had to focus on the goal of the presented action; in the other task (how), they had to focus on the vitality form. For both tasks, activations were found in the action observation/execution circuit. Most interestingly, the contrast how vs what revealed activation in right dorso-central insula, highlighting the involvement, in the recognition of vitality form, of an anatomical region connecting somatosensory areas with the medial temporal region and, in particular, with the hippocampus. This somatosensory-insular-limbic circuit could underlie the observers' capacity to understand the vitality forms conveyed by the observed action.

Systematic changes in position sense accompany normal aging across adulthood

Troy M. Herter, Stephen H. Scott, Sean P. Dukelow · Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation · 2014 · 109 citations

BACKGROUND: Development of clinical neurological assessments aimed at separating normal from abnormal capabilities requires a comprehensive understanding of how basic neurological functions change (or do not change) with increasing age across adulthood. In the case of proprioception, the research literature has failed to conclusively determine whether or not position sense in the upper limb deteriorates in elderly individuals. The present study was conducted a) to quantify whether upper limb position sense deteriorates with increasing age, and b) to generate a set of normative data that can be used for future comparisons with clinical populations. METHODS: We examined position sense in 209 healthy males and females between the ages of 18 and 90 using a robotic arm position-matching task that is both objective and reliable. In this task, the robot moved an arm to one of nine positions and subjects attempted to mirror-match that position with the opposite limb. Measures of position sense were recorded by the robotic apparatus in hand-and joint-based coordinates, and linear regressions were used to quantify age-related changes and percentile boundaries of normal behaviour. For clinical comparisons, we also examined influences of sex (male versus female) and test-hand (dominant versus non-dominant) on all measures of position sense. RESULTS: Analyses of hand-based parameters identified several measures of position sense (Variability, Shift, Spatial Contraction, Absolute Error) with significant effects of age, sex, and test-hand. Joint-based parameters at the shoulder (Absolute Error) and elbow (Variability, Shift, Absolute Error) also exhibited significant effects of age and test-hand. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides strong evidence that several measures of upper extremity position sense exhibit declines with age. Furthermore, this data provides a basis for quantifying when changes in position sense are related to normal aging or alternatively, pathology.

High Prevalence and Magnitude of Rapid Weight Loss in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

Mathew Hillier, Louise C. Starfelt, Lewis J. James +3 more · International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism · 2019 · 55 citations

The practice of rapid weight loss (RWL) in mixed martial arts (MMA) is an increasing concern but data remain scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, magnitude, methods, and influencers of RWL in professional and amateur MMA athletes. MMA athletes (N = 314; 287 men and 27 women) across nine weight categories (strawweight to heavyweight), completed a validated questionnaire adapted for this sport. Sex-specific data were analyzed, and subgroup comparisons were made between athletes competing at professional and amateur levels. Most athletes purposefully reduced body weight for competition (men: 97.2%; women: 100%). The magnitude of RWL in 1 week prior to weigh-in was significantly greater for professional athletes compared with those competing at amateur level (men: 5.9% vs. 4.2%; women: 5.0% vs. 2.1% of body weight; p < .05). In the 24 hr preceding weigh-in, the magnitude of RWL was greater at professional than amateur level in men (3.7% vs. 2.5% of body weight; p < .05). Most athletes "always" or "sometimes" used water loading (72.9%), restricting fluid intake (71.3%), and sweat suits (55.4%) for RWL. Coaches were cited as the primary source of influence on RWL practices (men: 29.3%; women: 48.1%). There is a high reported prevalence of RWL in MMA, at professional and amateur levels. Our findings, constituting the largest inquiry to date, call for urgent action from MMA organizations to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes competing in this sport.

Final Visual Acuity Results in the Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Study

The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Cooperative Group · Archives of Ophthalmology · 2010 · 200 citations

OBJECTIVE: To compare visual acuity at 6 years of age in eyes that received early treatment for high-risk prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with conventionally managed eyes. METHODS: Infants with symmetrical, high-risk prethreshold ROP (n = 317) had one eye randomized to earlier treatment at high-risk prethreshold disease and the other eye managed conventionally, treated if ROP progressed to threshold severity. For asymmetric cases (n = 84), the high-risk prethreshold eye was randomized to either early treatment or conventional management. The main outcome measure was ETDRS visual acuity measured at 6 years of age by masked testers. Retinal structure was assessed as a secondary outcome. RESULTS: Analysis of all subjects with high-risk prethreshold ROP showed no statistically significant benefit for early treatment (24.3% vs 28.6% [corrected] unfavorable outcome; P = .15). Analysis of 6-year visual acuity results according to the Type 1 and 2 clinical algorithm showed a benefit for Type 1 eyes (25.1% vs 32.8%; P = .02) treated early but not Type 2 eyes (23.6% vs 19.4%; P = .37). Early-treated eyes showed a significantly better structural outcome compared with conventionally managed eyes (8.9% vs 15.2% unfavorable outcome; P < .001), with no greater risk of ocular complications. CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment for Type 1 high-risk prethreshold eyes improved visual acuity outcomes at 6 years of age. Early treatment for Type 2 high-risk prethreshold eyes did not. Application to Clinical Practice Type 1 eyes, not Type 2 eyes, should be treated early. These results are particularly important considering that 52% of Type 2 high-risk prethreshold eyes underwent regression of ROP without requiring treatment. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00027222.

Intense Embodiment

Jacquelyn Allen‐Collinson, Helen Owton · Body & Society · 2014 · 133 citations

In recent years, calls have been made to address the relative dearth of qualitative sociological investigation into the sensory dimensions of embodiment, including within physical cultures. This article contributes to a small, innovative and developing literature utilizing sociological phenomenology to examine sensuous embodiment. Drawing upon data from three research projects, here we explore some of the ‘sensuousities’ of ‘intense embodiment’ experiences as a distance-running-woman and a boxing-woman, respectively. Our analysis addresses the relatively unexplored haptic senses, particularly the ‘touch’ of heat. Heat has been argued to constitute a specific sensory mode, a trans-boundary sense. Our findings suggest that ‘lived’ heat, in our own physical-cultural experiences, has highly proprioceptive elements and is experienced as both a form of touch and as a distinct perceptual mode, dependent upon context. Our analysis coheres around two key themes that emerged as salient: (1) warming up, and (2) thermoregulation, which in lived experience were encountered as strongly interwoven.

Developmental risks and protective factors for influencing cognitive outcome at 5½ years of age in very‐low‐birthweight children

Birgitta Böhm, Miriam Katz‐Salamon, Ann‐Charlotte Smedler +2 more · Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology · 2002 · 101 citations

In a population‐based follow‐up study (the Stockholm Neonatal Project), 182 children with a birth weight of 1500g or less (very‐low birth weight: VLBW) and a control group of 125 children born healthy at term were examined with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised (WPPSI‐R) and a neuropsychological test battery (Nepsy) at 5½ years of age. The WPPSI‐R results of the VLBW children fell well within the normal range: WPPSI‐R full‐scale IQ 95.7, verbal subscale IQ 99.9, and performance subscale IQ 91.6. Nevertheless, the control group had significantly better results than the VLBW group which could be attributed to the greater variability of the VLBW group, with a larger proportion falling in the lower area of the IQ distribution, especially on the performance subscale. Likewise, the control group displayed better executive function (Nepsy). Paternal education was equal in the two groups and was the single most important predictor of IQ, possibly acting as a protective factor. The need for glasses or lenses was inversely associated with all IQ measures and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) had the most negative impact on full‐scale and performance IQ. These two IQ measures were also negatively associated with intrauterine growth retardation late in pregnancy. We conclude that VLBW children, in the absence of these identified risk factors, have normal cognitive development.

Effect of a Simulated Heat Wave on Physiological Strain and Labour Productivity

Leonidas G. Ioannou, Konstantinos Mantzios, Lydia Tsoutsoubi +6 more · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2021 · 47 citations

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a simulated heat-wave on the labour productivity and physiological strain experienced by workers. METHODS: Seven males were confined for ten days in controlled ambient conditions. A familiarisation day was followed by three (pre, during, and post-heat-wave) 3-day periods. During each day volunteers participated in a simulated work-shift incorporating two physical activity sessions each followed by a session of assembly line task. Conditions were hot (work: 35.4 °C; rest: 26.3 °C) during, and temperate (work: 25.4 °C; rest: 22.3 °C) pre and post the simulated heat-wave. Physiological, biological, behavioural, and subjective data were collected throughout the study. RESULTS: The simulated heat-wave undermined human capacity for work by increasing the number of mistakes committed, time spent on unplanned breaks, and the physiological strain experienced by the participants. Early adaptations were able to mitigate the observed implications on the second and third days of the heat-wave, as well as impacting positively on the post-heat-wave period. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we show for first time that a controlled simulated heat-wave increases workers' physiological strain and reduces labour productivity on the first day, but it promotes adaptations mitigating the observed implications during the subsequent days.

Effect of athletic taping and kinesiotaping on measurements of functional performance in basketball players with chronic inversion ankle sprains

Jonas Puluikis · Lithuanian University of Health Sciences · 2020 · 86 citations

SANTRAUKA Jonas Puluikis. Atletinio ir kineziologinio teipavimo poveikis krepšininkų funkciniams rodikliams po lėtinių inversinių čiurnos sąnario raiščių patempimų. Darbo vadovas Prof. Laimonas Šiupšinskas. Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universitetas, Medicinos akademija, Slaugos fakultetas, Reabilitacijos klinika. Kaunas, 2020m. -65p. Darbo tikslas. Įvertinti atletinio ir kineziologinio teipavimo poveikį krepšininkų funkciniams rodikliams po lėtinių inversinių čiurnos sąnario raičių patempimų. Darbo uždaviniai. 1) Įvertinti ir palyginti atletinio ir kineziologinio teipavimo poveikį krepšininkų apatinių galūnių statiniam ir dinaminiam stabilumui. 2) Įvertinti ir palyginti atletinio ir kineziologinio teipavimo poveikį krepšininkų apatinių galūnių jėgai ir vikrumui 3) Įvertinti ir palyginti atletinio ir kineziologinio teipavimo poveikį krepšininkų apatinių galūnių ištvermei ir neuroraumeninei koordinacijai. Tyrimo metodai. 1) Dinaminis stabilumas ir pusiausvyra tiriami modifikuotu žvaigždės nuokrypio testu 2) Statinis stabilumas ir pusiausvyra tiriami flamingo testu. 3) Raumenų jėga, greitis, neuroraumeninė kordinacija ir dinaminis stabilumas tiriami šuolio viena koja testu. 4) Jėga ir ištvermė tiriami kvadrato šuolio testu. Tyrimo dalyviai. Tyrime dalyvavo 12 mėgėjiškai krepšinį sportuojančių asmenų, kurių amžiaus vidurkis 24.75 ± 2.989 metai. Tiriamieji atliko testavimus savaitės laiko intervalais su skirtingais teipavimo metodais. Tiriamųjų rezultatai buvo matuojami ir lyginami tarp skirtingų teipavimo metodikų. Darbo išvados. 1) Atletinis ir kineziologinis teipavimas neturėjo poveikio krepšininkų statinei pusiausvyrai po lėtinių inversinių čiurnos sąnario raiščių patempimų. Atletinis čiurnos teipavimo metodas statistiškai reikšmingai sumažino dinaminės pusiausvyros rodiklius lyginant su kineziologiniu teipavimu. 2) Atletinio teipavimo grupėje raumenų jėga ir neuroraumeninė koordinacija buvo mažesnė lyginant su tiriamaisiais, kuriems nebuvo taikyta jokia intervencija. Tiek atletinis teipavimas tiek kineziologinis teipavimas turėjo panašų poveikį raumenų jėgos ir neuroraumeninės koordinacijos rodikliams. 3) Apatinių galūnių ištvermės ir vikrumo teste nustatyti reikšmingai didesni kineziologinio teipavimo rezultatai lyginant su tiriamaisias atletinio teipavimo grupėje. Kineziologinio teipavimo grupės ir asmenų kuriems nebuvo taikyta jokia intervencija rezultatai buvo panašūs.

Temporal dynamics of circadian phase shifting response to consecutive night shifts in healthcare workers: role of light–dark exposure

J. Stone, Tracey L. Sletten, Michelle Magee +6 more · The Journal of Physiology · 2018 · 62 citations

Key points Shift work is highly prevalent and is associated with significant adverse health impacts. There is substantial inter‐individual variability in the way the circadian clock responds to changing shift cycles. The mechanisms underlying this variability are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that light–dark exposure is a significant contributor to this variability; when combined with diurnal preference, the relative timing of light exposure accounted for 71% of individual variability in circadian phase response to night shift work. These results will drive development of personalised approaches to manage circadian disruption among shift workers and other vulnerable populations to potentially reduce the increased risk of disease in these populations. Abstract Night shift workers show highly variable rates of circadian adaptation. This study examined the relationship between light exposure patterns and the magnitude of circadian phase resetting in response to night shift work. In 21 participants (nursing and medical staff in an intensive care unit) circadian phase was measured using 6‐sulphatoxymelatonin at baseline (day/evening shifts or days off) and after 3–4 consecutive night shifts. Daily light exposure was examined relative to individual circadian phase to quantify light intensity in the phase delay and phase advance portions of the light phase response curve (PRC). There was substantial inter‐individual variability in the direction and magnitude of phase shift after three or four consecutive night shifts (mean phase delay −1:08 ± 1:31 h; range −3:43 h delay to +3:07 h phase advance). The relative difference in the distribution of light relative to the PRC combined with diurnal preference accounted for 71% of the variability in phase shift. Regression analysis incorporating these factors estimated phase shift to within ±60 min in 85% of participants. No participants met criteria for partial adaptation to night work after three or four consecutive night shifts. Our findings provide evidence that the phase resetting that does occur is based on individual light exposure patterns relative to an individual's baseline circadian phase. Thus, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to promoting adaptation to shift work using light therapy, implemented without knowledge of circadian phase, may not be efficacious for all individuals.

Maturity Related Differences in Body Composition Assessed by Classic and Specific Bioimpedance Vector Analysis among Male Elite Youth Soccer Players

Stefania Toselli, Elisabetta Marini, Pasqualino Maietta Latessa +2 more · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020 · 45 citations

= -0.263). Specific BIVA turns out to be accurate for the analysis of FM% in athletes, while classic BIVA shows to be a valid approach to evaluate TBW. An original data set of bioelectric impedance reference values of male elite youth soccer players was provided.

Effects of cold-water immersion on health and wellbeing: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cain T, Brinsley J, Bennett H +3 more · PLoS One · 2025 · 25 citations

**[Unable to provide due to missing full text/abstract.]** A systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a comprehensive overview of an intervention's effects. Without the specific findings, a concise summary of what was found and why it matters for self-experimentation cannot be generated.

Socio-cultural reflections on heat in Australia with implications for health and climate change adaptation

Cathy Banwell, Jane Dixon, Hilary Bambrick +2 more · Global Health Action · 2012 · 58 citations

BACKGROUND: Australia has a hot climate with maximum summer temperatures in its major cities frequently exceeding 35°C. Although 'heat waves' are an annual occurrence, the associated heat-related deaths among vulnerable groups, such as older people, suggest that Australians could be better prepared to deal with extreme heat. OBJECTIVE: To understand ways in which a vulnerable sub-population adapt their personal behaviour to cope with heat within the context of Australians' relationship with heat. DESIGN: We draw upon scientific, historical and literary sources and on a set of repeat interviews in the suburbs of Western Sydney with eight older participants and two focus group discussions. We discuss ways in which this group of older people modifies their behaviour to adapt to heat, and reflect on manifestations of Australians' ambivalence towards heat. RESULTS: Participants reported a number of methods for coping with extreme heat, including a number of methods of personal cooling, changing patterns of daily activity and altering dietary habits. The use of air-conditioning was near universal, but with recognition that increasing energy costs may become more prohibitive over time. CONCLUSIONS: While a number of methods are employed by older people to stay cool, these may become limited in the future. Australians' attitudes may contribute to the ill-health and mortality associated with excessive heat.

Long-Term Ambulatory Temperature Monitoring in a Subject with a Hypernychthemeral Sleep-Wake Cycle Disturbance

Christos P. Kokkoris, Elliot D. Weitzman, Charles P. Pollak +3 more · SLEEP · 1978 · 86 citations

A portable temperature data logger was used for prolonged rectal temperature monitoring in an ambulatory subject with a longer than 24 hr (hypernychthemeral) sleep-wake cycle. The mean period of the sleep-wake and circadian temperature cycles was 24.8 hr. However, the period of the sleep-wake cycle fluctuated considerably, being less than 24.8 hr when he slept during the socially desirable sleep hours and more than 24.8 hr when he slept during the day. In the first instance, the daily temperature fall occurred later than, and in the second earlier than, sleep onset. During the times of desynchronization of the two cycles, he complained of insomnia, fatigue, and reduced performance. We postulate that his hypernychthemeral cycles were the result of either a primary defect in the mechanism of entrainment or "weakened" social zeitgebers due to a personality disorder. These concepts are supported by a sleep-wake pattern resembling that of relative coordination. We therefore raise the possibility that 24 hr was beyond the range of entrainment of the subject's circadian temperature cycle during the study.

Bodies in Protest: Environmental Illness and the Struggle over Medical Knowledge

Peter Conrad, Steve Kroll‐Smith, H. Hugh Floyd · Contemporary Sociology A Journal of Reviews · 1998 · 115 citations

Martha Ward, research professor of anthropology at the University of New Orleans, read chapters 1 through 3, attending to their symbolic, somatic arguments.Susan Kroll-Smith read each chapter from the standpoint of one versed in psychodynamics and interested in bodies and environments.Steve Couch and Phil Brown, good friends

Cardiovascular autonomic regulation, inflammation and pain in rheumatoid arthritis

Ahmed Adlan, Jet Veldhuijzen Zanten, Gregory Y.H. Lip +3 more · Autonomic Neuroscience · 2017 · 51 citations

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by reduced heart rate variability (HRV) of unknown cause. We tested the hypothesis that low HRV, indicative of cardiac autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction, was associated with systemic inflammation and pain. Given the high prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in RA, a condition itself associated with low HRV, we also assessed whether the presence of hypertension further reduced HRV in RA. METHODS: In RA-normotensive (n=13), RA-HTN (n=17), normotensive controls (NC; n=17) and HTN (n=16) controls, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. Time and frequency domain measures of HRV along with serological markers of inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α] and interleukins [IL]) were determined. Reported pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Time (rMSSD, pNN50%) and frequency (high frequency power, low frequency power, total power) domain measures of HRV were lower in the RA, RA-HTN and HTN groups, compared to NC (p=0.001). However, no significant differences in HRV were noted between the RA, RA-HTN and HTN groups. Inverse associations were found between time and frequency measures of HRV and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10), but were not independent after multivariable analysis. hs-CRP and pain were independently and inversely associated with time domain (rMMSD, pNN50%) parameters of HRV. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that lower HRV is associated with increased inflammation and independently associated with increased reported pain, but not compounded by the presence of HTN in patients with RA.

Fluoroquinolone-induced serious, persistent, multisymptom adverse effects

Beatrice A. Golomb, Hayley J. Koslik, Alan J. Redd · BMJ Case Reports · 2015 · 69 citations

We present a case series of four previously healthy, employed adults without significant prior medical history in each of whom symptoms developed while on fluoroquinolones (FQs), with progression that continued following discontinuation evolving to a severe, disabling multisymptom profile variably involving tendinopathy, muscle weakness, peripheral neuropathy, autonomic dysfunction, sleep disorder, cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric disturbance. Physicians and patients should be alert to the potential for FQ-induced severe disabling multisymptom pathology that may persist and progress following FQ use. Known induction by FQs of delayed mitochondrial toxicity provides a compatible mechanism, with symptom profiles (and documented mechanisms of FQ toxicity) compatible with the hypothesis of an exposure-induced mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy.

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Coactivation Induces Perturbed Heart Rate Dynamics in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Christian Eickholt, Christiane Jungen, T. Drexel +10 more · Medical Science Monitor · 2018 · 18 citations

When the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are activated simultaneously (coactivation), people with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation show a paradoxical heart rate increase and disrupted heart rate variability—effects that disappear after catheter ablation of the pulmonary veins—suggesting that coactivation tests could reveal hidden autonomic dysfunction relevant to AF risk.