Beibei Gao, Hazwani Ahmad Yusof, Toby Mündel, Tatsuro Amano, Narihiko Kondo, Tze-Huan Lei, Ahmad Munir Che Muhamed
{"title":"Skin wettedness does not influence thermoregulatory behavior during moderate-intensity exercise in tropical natives","authors":"Beibei Gao, Hazwani Ahmad Yusof, Toby Mündel, Tatsuro Amano, Narihiko Kondo, Tze-Huan Lei, Ahmad Munir Che Muhamed","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The influence of skin wettedness on thermal behavior responses during exercise was investigated under different ambient temperature and relative humidity at a fixed vapor pressure of 2.69 kPa (E1: 35.0°C, 48% relative humidity; E2: 31.0°C, 60% relative humidity; E3: 25.0°C, 85% relative humidity) in tropical natives. Eleven physically active, heat-acclimated males completed three trials: 15 min passive exposure before exercise, 45 min cycling at 60% <span><math><mrow><mover><mi>V</mi><mo>˙</mo></mover></mrow></math></span> O<sub>2</sub>peak and 15 min of passive exposure after exercise, with voluntary fan use to maintain thermal comfort. The results indicated that mean skin wettedness was significantly lower in E1 vs. E2 and E3 (0.68 ± 0.05 a.u. vs. 0.76 ± 0.06 and 0.88 ± 0.05 a.u., respectively, all P < 0.05) at the end of exercise. Despite these differences, no participants used the fan in any of the trials (P = 1.000). Rectal and mean skin temperatures were significantly higher in E1 and E2 compared to E3 at the end of exercise (all P < 0.05). Regarding sudomotor responses, forearm sweat rate was higher in E1 and E2 compared to E3 throughout the exercise, whereas forehead sweat rate was significantly higher in E1 than E3 at 45 min (P < 0.05). In contrast, no differences were observed in skin blood flow between environments at 45 min (P > 0.05). These findings indicated that behavioral thermal effectors were not recruited despite greater sudomotor responses, suggesting that tropical natives maintained their thermal perception via effective autonomic effector activation rather than relying on thermoregulatory behavior.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104563"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148818908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Duan Chenxi, Wang Miaomiao, Fan Jiahui, Zhang Hongming, Gan Lu, Wang Lihua, Zhu Ying, Cai Xiaoqing, Zhang Jing, Sun Yanhong
{"title":"Technological evolution of hyperthermia: From traditional moxibustion to nanomaterial-mediated platforms for inflammatory diseases","authors":"Duan Chenxi, Wang Miaomiao, Fan Jiahui, Zhang Hongming, Gan Lu, Wang Lihua, Zhu Ying, Cai Xiaoqing, Zhang Jing, Sun Yanhong","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104557","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104557","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hyperthermia, a physical therapeutic modality with unique advantages in treating inflammatory diseases, has evolved rapidly from empirical practice to precision medicine. Technologically, it has expanded from whole-body hyperthermia and traditional moxibustion to localized approaches, including photothermal, magnetothermal, ultrasound, and implantable platforms. Traditional moxibustion acts through heat and near-infrared radiation, while nanomaterials and smart devices now enable precise control over temperature, spatial targeting, and treatment duration. these modalities converge on conserved mechanisms: TRPV channel activation, HSF1–HSP70 induction, and immune modulation, which collectively alleviate inflammation and promote tissue repair in inflammatory bowel disease, osteoarthritis, and Alzheimer's disease. This review summarizes technological evolution, mechanistic insights and therapeutic applications, thereby providing a framework for developing precision hyperthermia strategies and multifunctional platforms for inflammatory diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104557"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148770898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Luisa Maria Diele-Viegas, Julio Proença, Vanderlaine A. Menezes, Barry Sinervo, Donald B. Miles, Carlos F.D. Rocha
{"title":"Climate change implications on thermal biology of the African hallow in South America, the endemic skink Trachylepis atlantica","authors":"Luisa Maria Diele-Viegas, Julio Proença, Vanderlaine A. Menezes, Barry Sinervo, Donald B. Miles, Carlos F.D. Rocha","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104546","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104546","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We studied the thermal ecology of the endemic skink, <em>Trachylepis atlantica</em>, and applied a physiologically-based mechanistic model to assess its vulnerability to climate change. We estimated thermal performance curves, thermal safety margins (TSM), and hours of activity restriction (<span><math><mrow><msub><mi>H</mi><mi>r</mi></msub></mrow></math></span>), while evaluating environmental thermal quality, body-temperature accuracy, and thermoregulatory effectiveness. Field body temperatures frequently exceeded both preferred and optimal temperatures for locomotor performance, while <span><math><mrow><mtext>TSM</mtext></mrow></math></span> s were negative, indicating that individuals already operate close to their physiological limits. The species exhibited low thermoregulatory accuracy, and available habitats were generally thermally suboptimal, suggesting limited opportunities for effective thermoregulation. Our projections indicate a severe increase in daily <span><math><mrow><msub><mi>H</mi><mi>r</mi></msub></mrow></math></span> by 2070, with environmental temperatures frequently surpassing physiological thresholds. Under these climate scenarios, the archipelago’s thermal landscape becomes increasingly unsuitable, significantly compressing the species' viable activity periods. Our findings demonstrate the value of integrating physiological mechanisms into climate-vulnerability assessments and highlight the urgent need for conservation measures, such as microclimatic buffering and habitat management, to safeguard this island-endemic species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104546"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148579055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sylvester William Chisale, Perfecto Mnjeza, John Taulo
{"title":"Climate change and heat stress in Malawi: A multi-index assessment with implications for health, labor, and cooling energy demand","authors":"Sylvester William Chisale, Perfecto Mnjeza, John Taulo","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104559","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104559","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malawi's population, predominantly engaged in rain-fed agriculture and outdoor labor, faces increasing heat stress risks under climate change. This study characterizes historical heat stress at 22 stations (2000–2023) using ERA5 reanalysis and seven complementary thermo-physiological indices, establishing an evidence-based baseline for climate-health adaptation planning. Validation against station observations confirms ERA5 reliability with a conservative cool bias. Bangula (Nsanje) in the Lower Shire Valley emerges as the extreme heat hotspot, with maximum UTCI reaching 48.44°C and \"very strong heat stress\" (>38°C) persisting for 139 days per year (38% of the year). Critically, highland stations (>1000 m) are warming three times faster than lowlands (0.64 vs 0.22 °C/decade), threatening traditional climatic refugia. Nocturnal heat stress, quantified by tropical nights and diurnal temperature range, reveals emerging recovery limitations in lakeshore districts. The findings identify five priority districts requiring immediate intervention: Nsanje (extreme daytime heat, 74 events >46°C), Kasungu/Mchinji (rapid highland warming, +0.93-0.94°C/decade), Salima (emerging nighttime stress), Blantyre (urban heat), and Mangochi (reduced nocturnal recovery). These results provide physiologically relevant thresholds for public health advisories, occupational safety guidelines, agricultural planning, and energy demand management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104559"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148813337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Flemming T. Dahlke, Megan Harvey, Ralf Vorberg, Andreas Dänhardt, Andreas Nerlich, Myron A. Peck
{"title":"Ontogenetic shifts in thermal windows of six anadromous fish species (Alosa spp.)","authors":"Flemming T. Dahlke, Megan Harvey, Ralf Vorberg, Andreas Dänhardt, Andreas Nerlich, Myron A. Peck","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Twaite shad (<em>Alosa fallax</em>) is a protected anadromous fish of European estuaries with regionally threatened populations, yet temperature requirements for embryo and early larval development remain poorly resolved. We present new experimental data on embryonic and yolk-sac larval temperature sensitivity of <em>A. fallax</em> from the Elbe River and complement these results with a structured literature compilation of life-stage-specific thermal windows across <em>A. fallax</em> and five congeneric Alosa species (<em>A. alosa</em>, <em>A. sapidissima</em>, <em>A. pseudoharengus</em>, <em>A. aestivalis</em>, <em>A. mediocris</em>). Development of <em>A. fallax</em> embryos was examined across a controlled temperature gradient (9.7–26.1°C) spanning and extending spawning-season conditions. Embryos hatched successfully between 12.1 and 26.1°C, with an optimum range for hatching success of 13.9–22.4°C. Embryonic development rate increased exponentially with temperature, corresponding to an apparent activation energy of 0.46 eV and a Q<sub>10</sub> of 1.9. Warmer incubation produced larger larvae at hatch with reduced yolk reserves, but these larvae reached a smaller size at 90% yolk depletion than larvae reared at colder temperatures. Integrating daily growth rate and yolk consumption indicated an upper threshold for post-hatch yolk utilization efficiency (YUE<sub>Day</sub>) at 24.2°C. The thermal windows of <em>A. fallax</em> embryos and yolk-sac larvae were broadly consistent with stage-specific data from other Alosa species in Europe and North America, supporting the pattern that thermal windows shift toward warmer conditions and broaden during ontogeny. Together, the experimental data and genus-level compilation provide a basis for assessing spawning and nursery habitat suitability and incorporating climate risks into conservation planning for vulnerable anadromous fishes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104534"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148592412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeffrey M. Goessling, Karin Ebey, Michael L. Hilton
{"title":"Winter activity and thermal performance of gopher tortoises in their southern range edge","authors":"Jeffrey M. Goessling, Karin Ebey, Michael L. Hilton","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104542","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104542","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Animals face myriad decisions when confronting challenges to the maintenance of thermoregulatory setpoints and a frequent response to seasonal thermal challenges is a reduction in function and dormancy induction. Tradeoffs exist that result in strategies that either favor dormancy or sustained activity through thermal challenges, such as winter. Our study focused on a population of gopher tortoises (<em>Gopherus polyphemus</em>), a species that is distributed along the lower southeastern coastal plain of North America (i.e. a warm-temperate to sub-tropical climate range). Our study population was located near the edge of the species' southern range. Using affixed autonomous GPS trackers containing temperature sensors, we investigated shifts in field thermal performance curves (TPC) in response to shifts in environmental temperature between seasons and we also tested the relationship between winter activity and temperatures to test which strategy (i.e., dormancy vs activity) this study population utilized during the coldest period of the year. Field TPCs were significantly cold shifted during the coldest 28-day period of winter and 80% thermal performance breadth (B80) was greatest during the coldest winter period. Although most individuals were active throughout the coldest period, overall performance, as measured by spatial velocity, was reduced. Tortoises, however, maintained high activity levels as measured by distances moved during the coldest period. Only seven out of 30 individuals induced dormancy, and in those individuals, the mean overwintering period was only 17 days; both proportion of individuals dormant and dormancy duration of gopher tortoises in this study was lower than has been previously observed in other studies. This study indicates this species facultatively utilizes numerous strategies for mitigating winter constraints.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104542"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148620725","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Corrigendum to “Effects of betaine on viability, apoptosis, function protein expression and oxidative status in heat-stressed IEC-6 cells” [J. Therm. Biol. (2022) 103348]","authors":"Shiang Sun, Qirun Yin, Bing Li, Yafei Deng, Jing Li, Yongjie Xiong, He Shaojun","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104536","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104536","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104536"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148471521","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Ambient temperature as the main driver of circannual variations in human semen quality in Southwest China","authors":"Zhongyi Zhao, Xiao Liu, Jiao Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104520","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104520","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Male fertility decline and environmental deterioration are global concerns, but the link between rhythmic changes in male semen quality and environmental fluctuations remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Using big data, this study identified monthly and seasonal variations in semen parameters among men in Chengdu and their associations with temperature, precipitation, and air pollution, aiming to aid clinical interpretation and pregnancy preparation guidance.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We analyzed semen parameters from 56,035 men in Chengdu during 2024. Participants were grouped by month and season to assess parameter differences and calculate abnormality rates. Environmental data (temperature, precipitation, AQI) were included. Partial correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used to explore environmental links and the impact of extreme temperatures.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Semen parameters showed significant monthly and seasonal fluctuations. December exhibited higher quality (greater volume, concentration, total sperm, normal morphology, acrosome function; lower DNA fragmentation), while January showed poorer quality. Seasonally, spring had better progressive motility and survival rate; winter was worse. Temperatures of 26–29 °C (July-August) negatively affected viability (p = 0.023) but positively influenced morphology (p = 0.009). Routine parameters were more susceptible to extreme temperatures (coldest 2.5%: ≤4 °C; hottest 2.5%: ≥30 °C).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study confirms that semen parameters exhibit circannual changes linked to temperature, precipitation, and AQI. These fluctuations should be considered in male fertility evaluation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104520"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148549625","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preceding high-intensity interval exercise alters cooling responses during temperate-water immersion after exercise-induced hyperthermia","authors":"Gang Wang, Junli Fan, Chansol Hurr","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104560","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104560","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Post-exercise cooling after exercise-induced hyperthermia is commonly evaluated by the rate of core temperature decline. However, cooling may also depend on the physiological state at the onset of cooling. This study examined whether preceding exercise condition influences responses to 20 °C temperate-water immersion after exercise-induced hyperthermia. Fifteen recreationally active adults completed randomized crossover trials involving low-intensity exercise with restricted evaporative heat loss and high-intensity interval exercise in a hot environment (40 °C, 20 % relative humidity). Exercise continued until core temperature reached 39.5 °C or volitional fatigue, followed by a 5-min preparation period and sternum-level immersion until core temperature declined to 37.5 °C. Heating rate and peak core temperature did not differ between conditions. Cooling time was longer after high-intensity interval exercise than after low-intensity exercise (22.93 ± 10.93 vs. 9.93 ± 4.92 min, p < 0.0001), and overall cooling rate was lower (0.10 ± 0.04 vs. 0.23 ± 0.08 °C·min<sup>−1</sup>, p < 0.0001). High-intensity interval exercise elicited greater metabolic and cardiovascular strain during exercise and was followed by lower cutaneous vascular conductance and skin temperature during immersion, whereas post-exercise body mass loss was similar between conditions. Although mean cooling rates exceeded the commonly cited minimum acceptable threshold in both conditions, cooling was markedly slower after high-intensity interval exercise. These findings indicate that the cooling response to temperate-water immersion is not determined by pre-immersion core temperature alone, but can vary according to the preceding exercise condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104560"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148840572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Regulatory mechanisms in Anadara granosa with different hemoglobin concentrations in response to heat stress","authors":"Xin He, Xiaohui Guan, Junfa Shao, Yongbo Bao","doi":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104544","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtherbio.2026.104544","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change impacts the physiological processes of species, with rising seawater temperatures posing severe existential threats to marine mollusks. Therefore, studying the responses of marine organisms to heat stress is crucial. The blood clam, <em>Anadara granosa</em>, is a marine bivalve species that contains hemoglobin, and individuals with higher hemoglobin concentrations (HCs) exhibit better physiological health. In this study, we analyzed the regulatory mechanisms in the blood clam with different HCs in response to heat stress. Enzyme activity indicates that blood clams with different HC levels respond to heat stress by regulating oxidative stress and altering metabolic pathways, with clams with higher HCs showing greater adaptability and stress resistance. Transcriptome analysis of the control group (C), the high-HC heat-stressed group (TH), and the low-HC heat-stressed group (TL) revealed that endoplasmic reticulum processing and cytochrome P450 metabolism are crucial for the heat stress response. Additionally, the IP3R/Ca<sup>2+</sup> signaling pathway regulates the response in clams with higher HCs. Combined miRNA-mRNA analysis showed that clams with higher HCs have more heat-responsive genes, forming a more complex regulatory network. Dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that agr-miR-936 negatively regulates <em>Calr</em>, involved in the heat stress response, while agr-miR-1935-<em>Cenph</em> may affect HC differences by regulating total hemocyte counts. Our findings deepen the understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms that allow blood clams to cope with heat stress, offering new insights for aquaculture to manage extreme temperatures amid global warming.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17428,"journal":{"name":"Journal of thermal biology","volume":"140 ","pages":"Article 104544"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148562327","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}