Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain：a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect between head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy and conventional acupuncture for nonspecific low back pain.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with nonspecific low back pain were randomized into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Jiaji (EX-B 2) of L1 to L3, ashi point, Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Weizhong (BL 40). The observation group was treated with head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy, head acupuncture was applied at foot-motor-sensory area on the healthy side and Cuanzhu (BL 2), Tongziliao (GB 1) on the affected side, and McKenzie therapy was performed during retention. The needles were retained for 40 min, once a day, continuous treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day, 14 days were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back were compared in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI scores after treatment were decreased in the two groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back after treatment was increased in the two groups (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy could relieve pain, improve dysfunction and increase the local temperature of pain area in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and its curative effect is better than conventional acupuncture.

Comparison of acupuncture and acupuncture with infrared thermography-guided Chinese massage in treatment of children with Bell′s palsy / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy between acupuncture and acupuncture with infrared thermography-guided Chinese massage (Tuina) in treatment of children with Bell′s palsy (BP).Methods:Seventy two children with BP admitted to the Rehabilitation Department of Beijing Children′s Hospital from October 2019 to April 2020 were randomly assigned into two groups: 35 cases were treated with acupuncture alone (acupuncture group) and 37 cases received acupuncture combined with Tuina for treatment (combination group). In combination group, the temperature of forehead, cheek and mandible areas was examined by infrared thermography before each course. Compared healthy side if the temperature on the affected side was lower, higher or the same, rubbing method, tapping method and one-finger meditation push method of Tuina was applied, afterwards the acupuncture treatment was given as in the acupuncture group. Patients in both groups were treated once a day with 5 days for a course and a total of 3 courses. The patients were assessed with House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function evaluation scale and Portmann simple score scale before and after each course of treatment.Results:The H-B classification of the two groups of children at the end of the third course of treatment was significantly better than that before treatment (χ2=31.01, 56.41; P<0.01). There was no significant difference in H-B grading between the two groups before treatment, after the first and second course (χ2=0.58, 8.49, 6.79; P>0.05). After the third course of treatment, the H-B grading assessment of the combination group was significant better than that of the acupuncture group (χ2=10.03, P<0.05). The Portmann scores of the two groups were improved after each course of treatment ( F=9.68, 22.54; P<0.01); however, the facial nerve function of combination group was improved more significantly than that of acupuncture group [(13.97±4.58) vs.(10.97±5.40), t=2.55, P=0.01]. The total effective rate of combination group was higher than that of acupuncture group [51.35% (19/37) vs. 20.00% (7/35), χ2=6.79, P<0.05]. There was a significant difference in the application frequency of three Tuina methods among the forehead, cheek and mandibular areas in the first course and the third course (χ2=21.23, 13.33; P<0.05). In the same area (forehead, cheek and mandible) there was a significant difference in the application frequency of three massage techniques among the three courses of treatment (χ2=31.26, 21.35, P<0.01). Conclusion:With the guidance of infrared thermal imaging, individualized Chinese massage (Tuina) combined with acupuncture treatment is more effective in treatment of children with Bell′s palsy than using acupuncture alone.

A comparative study of mammography, sonography and infrared thermography in detection of cancer in breast

Background: Breast cancer has emerged as the commonest cancer in Indian women. In a large population country like India we need a rapid, economical, and accurate investigation to diagnose breast cancer in its earlier stage. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of mammography, sonography and infrared thermography in detection of breast cancer.Methods: Patients presenting to the surgical OPD with suspicious breast lump were evaluated by infrared thermography, sonography and mammography followed by biopsy of the breast lump. Results of the all 3 above radiological modalities were compared with the histopathological biopsy for the presence of the cancer. The study was done between 1st December 2012 to 31st August 2014 in Sassoon General Hospitals attached to B. J. Government Medical College, Pune. We compared the performance of all diagnostic methods individually and in combination using the results from all patients. Statistical analysis was performed for all variables with fisher's exact test.Results: Out of 50 patients, 31 patients had malignant breast lesions and 19 patients had benign lesions on biopsy. The mammography showed higher diagnostic accuracy and specificity than ultrasonography and thermography. As an individual modality the sensitivity of the sonography was higher than mammography and thermography.Conclusions: Sonography is found to have higher sensitivity than mammography and infrared thermography but it is less specific than mammography. Mammography is found to be more specific (89.47%) than sonography and infrared thermography.

Análise termográfica aplicada na produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ manejadas em diferentes microclimas / Thermographic analysis applied to body heat production of F1 HxZ cows managed in different microclimates

Avaliou-se a produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ manejadas em diferentes microclimas. Foram avaliadas 48 vacas, divididas em três grupos, manejadas em pastos e microclimas diferentes. Cada grupo foi subdividido em três grupos de suplementação fornecida durante a ordenha. Os registros termográficos dos flancos direito e esquerdo ocorreram com os animais a pasto. As temperaturas do olho e retal foram mensuradas após a ordenha. O ITGU caracterizou sinal de perigo para o microclima 1 no período da tarde (81,7) e para o microclima 2 nos turnos da manhã e da tarde (81,6 e 83,8, respectivamente). No microclima 2, houve diferença da temperatura do flanco direito para animais do grupo 2 em relação aos animais do grupo 3. A temperatura do flanco esquerdo foi superior para os animais do grupo 1. O microclima 1 foi caracterizado de conforto térmico, e o 2 de desconforto nos períodos da manhã e da tarde. A suplementação não influenciou na produção de calor dos animais. As médias da temperatura retal e do olho não diferiram entre os grupos, e a correlação apresentou valores baixos e moderados para os microclimas 1 e 2, respectivamente. A oferta de diferentes fontes de suplementação não interfere na produção de calor corporal de vacas F1 HxZ, mesmo quando fornecido em ambiente climático em que o ITGU é próximo a 84.(AU)

Body heat production of F1 HxZ cows managed in different microclimates was evaluated. We evaluated 48 cows, divided into two groups, managed in different pastures and microclimates. Each group was subdivided into three groups of supplementation provided during milking. The thermographic records of the right and left flanks occurred with the animals on the grass. Eye and rectal temperatures were measured after milking. The BGT had a danger signal for microclimate 1 in the afternoon (81.7) and microclimate 2 in the morning and afternoon shifts (81.6 and 83.8, respectively). In microclimate 2, there was difference in the temperature of the right flank for animals in group 2 in relation to the animals in group 3. The temperature of the left flank was higher for the animals in the group 1. Microclimate 1 was characterized by thermal comfort and 2 was discomfort in the morning and afternoon. Supplementation did not influence the heat production of the animals. Rectal and eye mean averages did not differ between groups and the correlation presented low and moderate values for microclimate 1 and 2, respectively. The supply of different sources of supplementation does not interfere with the production and body heat of F1 HxZ cows even when supplied in a climatic environment in which the BGT is close to 84.(AU)

A preliminary study on the diagnostic value of infrared thermography in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura / 生物医学工程学杂志

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common bloody disease with a high incidence in children, but its diagnostic method is exclusive diagnosis, and the existing detection techniques are mostly invasive, which may cause secondary injury to patients and also may increase the risk of disease. In order to make up for the lack of the detection method, this study made a preliminary exploration on the diagnosis of children's ITP from the perspective of infrared thermography. In this study, a total of 11 healthy children and 22 ITP children's frontal infrared thermal images were collected, and the pattern characteristic (PFD), average temperature (Troi) and maximum temperature (MAX) characteristics of 7 target areas were extracted. The weighted PFD parameters were correlated with the platelet count commonly used in clinical diagnosis, and the sensitivity and specificity of the weighted PFD parameters for children's ITP were calculated through the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The final results showed that the difference of the weighted PFD parameters between healthy children and ITP children was statistically significant, and the parameters negatively correlated with platelet count. Under the ROC curve, the area under the curve (AUC) of this parameter is as high as 92.1%. Based on the research results of this paper, infrared thermography can clearly show the difference between ITP children and healthy children. It is hoped that the methods proposed in this paper can non-invasively and objectively describe the characteristics of ITP infrared thermal imaging of children, and provide a new ideas for ITP diagnosis.

Body fat percentage and lower limbs temperature in recreational cyclists during an incremental test / Porcentagem de gordura e temperatura dos membros inferiores em ciclistas recreativos durante teste incremental

This study aimed to evaluate temperature variations on the thighs in an incremental cycling test in healthy recreational cyclists with two different fat percentages. Thirty-two male recreational cyclists were measured in height, body mass, thigh skinfold and body fat percentage, and from the body fat percentage were divided into two groups, Group 1: 16 cyclists who presented body fat percentage < 24% and Group 2: 16 cyclists who presented body fat percentage > 24%. Three thermographic photos were taken, before (Pre), just after (Post) and after 10 min (Post10) of the incremental cycling test to determine mean temperature of right and left Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Biceps Femoris. Temperature variations were defined as the difference among the three moments: (i) var1 = Post-Pre, (ii) var2 = Post10- Pre and (iii) var3 = Post10-Post. Differences between groups and moments were calculated using magnitude-based inferences. Group 1 evidenced a very likely large increase in the cycling peak power output. Group 2 showed a likely and most likely moderate, large and very large increase in age, body mass and fat. Group 1 depicted a very likely to likely moderate temperature increase in the right and left Vastus Lateralis, Rectus Femoris and Biceps Femoris on Post10 compared to Post effort moment. Both groups depicted a very likely and most likely moderate and large temperature decrease of right and left Biceps Femoris on Pre compared to Post effort. Percentage of fat seems to discreetly influence skin temperature response, finding that might not be observed when we evaluate trained cyclists exhibiting different percentages of fat....(AU)

Este estudo objetivou a avaliar as variações de temperatura das coxas em um teste incremental de ciclismo em ciclistas recreacionais saudáveis com dois diferentes percentuais de gordura. Trinta e dois ciclistas recreacionais do sexo masculino foram avaliados em estatura, massa corporal, dobras cutâneas da coxa e percentual de gordura corporal, e, a partir do percentual de gordura corporal, foram divididos em dois grupos, Grupo 1: 16 ciclistas que apresentaram percentual de gordura corporal < 24% e Grupo 2: 16 ciclistas que apresentaram percentual de gordura corporal > 24%. Foram tiradas três fotos termográficas, antes (Pré), logo após (Pós) e após 10 min (Pós10) do teste de ciclismo para determinar a temperatura média do Vasto Lateral, Reto Femoral e Bíceps Femoral direito e esquerdo. As variações de temperatura foram definidas como a diferença entre os três momentos: (i) var1 = Pós-Pré, (ii) var2= Pós10-Pré e (iii) var3= Pós10-Pós. Diferenças entre grupos e momentos foram calculadas usando inferências baseadas em magnitude. Grupo 1 apresentou um provável a muito provável aumento moderado da temperatura para os Vastos Laterais direito e esquerdo, o Reto Femoral e o Bíceps Femoral no Pós10 em comparação com o momento pós-esforço. Grupo 2 mostrou aumentos provável e muito provável moderado, grande e muito grande na idade, massa corporal e gordura. Ambos os grupos descreveram uma muito provável e mais provável moderada e grande queda de temperatura do Bíceps Femoral direito e esquerdo no Pré comparado ao Pós-esforço. Percentagem de gordura parece influenciar discretamente a resposta da temperatura da pele, resultado que poderá não ser observado quando avaliados ciclistas treinados que apresentam diferentes percentagens de gordura....(AU)

Use of infrared thermography in Quarter Horse submitted to team roping / Uso da termografia infravermelha em equinos da raça Quarto de Milha submetidos à prova de laço em dupla

This study aimed to verify whether the body and local temperatures change after high-intensity, short-duration exercise (team roping) and whether different pieces of training influence these changes. To this end, twelve animals, males and females, aged 3-6 years, with an average weight of 450 kg, were used. The horses were divided into two groups: regular training (RTG) and sporadic training (STG). The surface temperatures were assessed using a specific thermal camera. Temperatures of the ocular, thoracolumbar, distal tendon (thoracic and pelvic limbs) and croup regions were measured 30 min before, immediately after, and one, two, six and 24 hours after competition simulation. In the RTG, there was an increase in surface eye temperature two hours after exercise, returning to baseline level 24 hours later. In the STG, increase in eye temperature occurred immediately after exercise and returned to baseline level two hours later. Temperature of the pelvic limb tendons and croup (right side) rose immediately after exercise and did not return to baseline level 24 hours later. Team roping exercise increased the surface temperature of the distolateral thoracic and pelvic limb, croup and thoracolumbar regions in both groups and the eye temperature in the STG. Training frequency influenced the surface temperature profile in the distolateral pelvic limb, croup and thoracolumbar regions.(AU)

Os objetivos do presente estudo foram verificar se as temperaturas corpóreas e locais se alteram após exercício de alta intensidade e curta duração (prova de laço em dupla) e se treinamentos distintos podem influenciar nestas alterações. Foram utilizados 12 animais, machos e fêmeas, com idade entre 3 e 6 anos e peso médio de 450kg. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos: treino regular (GTR) e treino esporádico (GTE). As aferições da temperatura por meio de termografia infravermelha foram feitas por uma câmera termal específica. As medições das temperaturas das regiões ocular, toracolombar, tendíneas distais (membros torácicos e pélvicos) e garupa foram realizadas 30 minutos antes, imediatamente depois, uma, duas, seis e 24 horas após a simulação de competição. No GTR houve aumento de temperatura ocular duas horas após o exercício, retornando ao basal apenas 24 horas depois. No GTE o aumento ocorreu imediatamente após o exercício e retornando ao basal duas horas depois. As temperaturas da região dos tendões dos membros pélvicos e garupa (lado direito) elevaram-se imediatamente após o exercício e não retornaram ao basal após 24 horas. O exercício de laço em dupla aumentou as temperaturas superficiais nas regiões distolateral de membros torácicos e pélvicos, garupa e região toracolombar de ambos os grupos e da temperatura ocular do GTE. A frequência de treinamento influenciou o perfil de temperatura superficial na região distal de membros pélvicos, garupa e toracolombar.(AU)

Verification of the theory of "Lieque (LU 7) for the disorders of the head and neck" based on infrared thermography / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To verify that whether or not through the effects of the externally and internally related meridians in treatment, Lieque (LU 7) is adopted specially for the disorders of the head and neck.@*METHODS@#A total of 36 healthy volunteers were collected from the students of Gansu University of CM and were divided into a Lieque group and a Jingqu group according to the random number table, 18 cases in each one. In the Lieque group, Lieque (LU 7) on the unilateral side was punctured in the subjects. In the Jingqu group, Jingqu (LU 8) was taken as the control because it was located close to Lieque (LU 7) and on the same meridian. Before and after acupuncture in the two groups, separately, the infrared thermography was adopted to determine the temperature changes at the acupoints of the lung meridian of hand-, i.e. Jingqu (LU 8), Lieque (LU 7), Kongzui (LU 6), Chize (LU 5) and Tianfu (LU 3) as well as the acupoints of the large intestine meridian of hand-, i.e., Wenliu (LI 7), Shousanli (LI 10), Quchi (LI 11), Shouwuli (LI 13) and Binao (LI 14).@*RESULTS@#After acupuncture stimulation at Lieque (LU 7), the temperature at the acupoints of the lung meridian of hand-, i.e. Jingqu (LU 8), Lieque (LU 7), Kongzui (LU 6), Chize (LU 5) and Tianfu (LU 3) and the acupoints of the large intestine meridian of hand-, i.e. Wenliu (LI 7), Shousanli (LI 10), Quchi (LI 11), Shouwuli (LI 13) and Binao (LI 14) was all higher obviously as compared with the temperature before acupuncture stimulation (all 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#For the disorders of the head and neck, acupuncture at Lieque (LU 7) achieves the stimulation and communication of both the lung meridian and the large intestine meridians, so that it is applicable for the disorders of the externally and internally related meridians.

Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of radiofrequency combined with ozone in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation using infrared thermography / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of radiofrcquency combined with ozone in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation using infrared thermography,and discuss the application value.Methods A total of 160 patients with lumbar disc herniation were randomly divided into observation group (80 cases) and control group (80 cases).The observation group was treated with continuous radiofrequency combined with ozone injection,and the control group was treated with pulse radiofrequency combined with ozone injection.Pain visual analogue (VAS) score,Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) score,and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of the patients were compared before and 1 and 3 months after the treatment.The mean temperature and temperature difference of the lower body were compared by infrared thermography before and 3 months after the treatments.The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated 3 months after the treatments using the modified Macnab criteria.Results The comparison within groups showed that the VAS,ODI and JOA scores were significant changed after 1 and 3 months of the treatment (all P＜0.05).The average temperature of lower body from the infrared thermography was decreased after 3 months of the treatment (P＜0.05).The comparison among groups showed that the VAS,ODI and JOA scores after 1 and 3 months of the treatment had differences between the observation group and the control group,and all the differences were statistically significant (all P＜0.05).Moreover,the difference in the mean temperature of the low body after 3 months of the treatment was not statistically significant (P＞0.05),and in the temperature difference value was statistically significant between the two groups (P＜0.05).The overall clinical efficacy of the observation group was better than that of the control group after 3 months of the treatment (P＜0.05).Conclusions Radiofrequency combined with ozone injection is satisfactory for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation,and the continuous radiofrequency is superior to pulse radiofrequency.The clinical efficacy of radio-frequency combined with ozone injection can be effectively evaluated by Infrared thermography.

Thermographic images from healthy knees between dogs with long and short hair / Comparação termográfica entre joelhos saudáveis de cães de pelo longo e pelo curto

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of fur length in the evaluation of knees temperature in healthy dogs, using infrared thermography. This is a non-invasive diagnosis that is able to assess the microcirculation of the internal skin. Changes in temperature reflect from inflammatory reactions and vascular infarction to neurological disorders. Knees of 30 healthy dogs were analyzed, with up to 11 pounds of weight, screened by clinical examination and radiographic examination. Group A, consisting of 13 dogs with short fur, with 26 knees evaluated in total. Group B included animals with long fur, consisting of 17 animals, with 29 knees evaluated in total. The average temperatures of the cranial, lateral, caudal and medial sides of knees were analyzed. A significant difference between the groups was observed, with group A temperature being greater than the group B in all four analyzed faces. Comparing the temperatures of the faces in the contralateral limb, in both groups, the statistical analysis revealed no significant difference. In group A it was observed that temperatures in the cranial and lateral sides were similar, but different from the others. In group B, the statistical analysis showed the cranial lateral and caudal faces was similar, but differed from the medial side. The thermographic examination proved to be sensitive in the evaluation of temperature of small dogs' knees;however, the length of the fur influenced the result.

RESUMO: O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a influência do comprimento do pelo na avaliação da temperatura de joelhos de cães saudáveis, por meio do uso da termografia infravermelha. Trata-se de um exame de diagnóstico por imagem, não invasivo, capaz de avaliar a microcirculação da pele. Foram analisados os joelhos de 30 cães saudáveis, com até 11 quilos de peso, triados por meio de exame clínico e exame radiográfico. O grupo A, formado por 13 cães de pelo curto, totalizou 26 joelhos avaliados. O grupo B foi formado por animais de pelo longo, totalizando 17 animais, contando com 29 joelhos avaliados. Foram analisadas as temperaturas médias nas faces cranial, lateral, caudal e medial dos joelhos. Observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos, a temperatura do grupo A foi maior que a de B nas quatro faces analisadas. Comparando as temperaturas das faces no membro contralateral, nos dois grupos, não foi observado diferença significativa. No grupo A observou-se que as temperaturas nas faces cranial e lateral foram semelhantes, mas diferiram das demais, sendo a medial mais quente e a caudal mais fria. No grupo B a análise estatística mostrou as faces cranial, lateral e caudal semelhantes, entretanto diferiram da face medial, que apresentou a temperatura mais elevada. O exame termográfico mostrou ser sensível na avaliação da temperatura do joelho de cães de pequeno porte, entretanto o comprimento dos pelos influi no resultado da avaliação.

Avaliação termográfica do desenvolvimento mamário de búfalas e sua regulação endócrina em distintos estágios fisiológicos / Thermographic evaluation of the mammary development of buffaloes and their endocrine regulation in different physiological stages

O conhecimento do desenvolvimento mamário de um rebanho leiteiro é fundamental, pois relaciona-se à eficiência produtiva. Objetivou-se avaliar a associação dos parâmetros térmicos mamários com concentrações hormonais de búfalas em distintos estágios fisiológicos. Foram utilizadas 24 búfalas mestiças Murrah, em quatro grupos (n= 6): grupo 1 (bezerras), grupo 2 (novilhas), grupo 3 (gestantes) e grupo 4 (lactantes). A cada 28 dias, durante 4 meses, realizaram-se exames de termografia digital por infravermelho para verificar temperatura superficial dos corpos mamários craniais (CMCr) e caudais (CMC), das cisternas craniais (CGMCr) e caudais (CGMC) e tetas craniais (TGMCr) e caudais (TGMC). Foi aferida temperatura retal (TR) e colhido sangue para mensuração das concentrações plasmáticas do fator semelhante a insulina tipo-I, insulina (INS), hormônio do crescimento (GH), progesterona (P4) e estradiol. Grupos 1 e 2 apresentaram correlação de TR com CGMCr. No grupo 3, TR correlacionou-se com TGMCr, TGMC e concentrações plasmáticas de P4. No grupo 4, houve correlação de TR com CGMC, TGMCr e concentrações plasmáticas de INS e GH, e de TGMC com concentrações plasmáticas de GH. Nos quatro grupos, CGMCr correlacionou-se com CMCr e TGMCr, semelhantemente ao observado na porção caudal. Variações térmicas mamárias refletiram alterações fisiológicas aguardadas nos períodos avaliados.(AU)

The knowledge of the mammary development of a dairy herd is key, since it is related to its productive efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of mammary thermal parameters with hormonal concentrations of buffaloes at different physiological stages. Twenty-four Murrah crossbred buffaloes were used in four groups (n= 6): group 1 (calves), group 2 (heifers), group 3 (pregnant animals) and group 4 (lactating animals). Every 28 days, for 4 months, infrared digital thermography was performed to check the surface temperature of cranial (CrCM) and caudal (CCM) corpus mammae, cranial (CrC) and caudal (CC) cisterns and cranial (CrT) and caudal teats (CT). Rectal temperature (RT) was measured and blood was collected to measure plasma concentrations of insulin-like factor I, insulin (INS), growth hormone (GH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol. Groups 1 and 2 presented correlation of RT with CrC. In group 3, RT correlated with CrT, CT and plasma P4 concentrations. In group 4, there was correlation of RT with CC, CrT and plasma concentrations of INS and GH, and CT with plasma GH concentrations. In all four groups, CrC correlated with CrCM and CrT, similar to that observed in the caudal portion. The thermal changes in the mammary glands reflected the expected physiological changes in the evaluated periods.(AU)

Termografia infravermelha da superfície ocular como indicador de estresse em suínos na fase de creche / Infrared thermography of the ocular surface as stress indicator for piglets postweaning

Desmama é uma fase crítica na vida do suíno devido a separação materna e a introdução de uma dieta seca. A termografia infravermelha medida na região ocular se mostra como um indicador confiável para a condição de estresse pontual de suínos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relação entre medidas de termografia infravermelha da superfície ocular e de cortisol em situações de estresse em leitões na pós desmama. Foram avaliados 66 leitões, uma vez por semana, durante sete semanas, em dois períodos do dia (7h e 15h) com medidas de temperatura superficial ocular, temperatura superficial do dorso e amostras de saliva para determinação de cortisol salivar. A análise estatística contemplou os efeitos fixos de semana e período do dia e sua interação e correlações de Pearson para relação entre termografia ocular, temperatura superficial e cortisol a 5% de significância. Cortisol salivar não diferiu entre os períodos, mas foi superior nas três primeiras semanas após o desmame (P<0,05). Nas duas primeiras semanas após a desmama o cortisol apresentou correlação alta e positiva (P<0,05) com a temperatura ocular máxima (0,89) e a temperatura superficial do dorso (0,80). As duas temperaturas superficiais apresentaram uma associação moderada positiva (r=0,41; P<0,0001) durante todo o período experimental. Este estudo destaca que a temperatura de superfície ocular obtida por meio da termografia infravermelha pode ser um indicador de temperatura de superfície corporal e estado de bem-estar de leitões em fase de creche, além de ser um método não invasivo e de rápida mensuração. Entretanto, mais pesquisas são necessárias para aprofundar a relação entre temperatura ocular e cortisol durante estresse crônico.(AU)

Weaning is a critical phase in pigs' life due to maternal separation and the introduction of a new diet. Infrared thermography measurement taken in the ocular region appears to be a reliable indicator of the stress condition of the pig. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between ocular surface temperature by infrared thermography and cortisol in piglets post weaning. Sixty-six piglets were evaluated once a week, during 7 weeks, in two periods of the day (7am and 15pm) and ocular surface temperature and dorsal surface temperature were collected using a thermographic camera and a laser surface thermometer, respectively. Saliva was also collected to determine salivary cortisol. Statistical analysis included fixed effects of week and period of the day and their interaction, and relationship between thermography, dorsal surface temperature and cortisol were done by Pearson's correlations with 5% significance level. Salivary cortisol did not differ between periods, but it was higher in the first three weeks after weaning (P<0.05). During the first two weeks after weaning cortisol presented high and positive correlation (P<0.05) between ocular surface temperature (0.89) and dorsal surface temperature (0.80). The two superficial temperatures had a moderate and positive association (r=0.41; P<0.0001) during all experiment. This study highlights that the ocular surface temperature obtained through infrared thermography can be a superficial body temperature indicators, besides being a non-invasive and fast method of measurement. However, more research is needed to deepen the relationship between ocular surface temperature and cortisol during chronic stress.(AU)

Infrared thermography to diagnose and manage venomous animal bites and stings

Abstract INTRODUCTION Infrared imaging (IR) is a noninvasive technique that quantifies body surface temperature, producing a digital color image. IR has been used to study diseases in which skin temperature can reflect the presence of inflammation. METHODS This was an observational pilot study of eight patients envenomed by snakes, spiders, and scorpions. All patients were examined using a thermal camera. RESULTS In all cases, we obtained infrared images that corroborated clinical findings indicating localized effects of venom, specifically inflammation. CONCLUSIONS IR has potential for use as a research, diagnostic, and monitoring tool for localized effects of animal venoms.

Protocolo de adquisición de imágenes diagnósticas por termografía infrarroja / Acquisition protocol of diagnostic imaging by infrared thermography

Introducción: en aplicaciones biomédicas, la termografía infrarroja ha permitido visualizar el patrón de distribución de temperatura de la piel y el tejido subyacente, permitiendo diagnosticar problemas vasculares o nerviosos y, particularmente, trastornos en la termorregulación como el fenómeno de Raynaud y la intolerancia al frío. Sin embargo, las publicaciones no detallan el protocolo de adquisiciónde imágenes ni validan el mismo; factores determinantes para la calidad y relevancia de la informacióndiagnóstica obtenida. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un protocolo de adquisición de imágenes por termografía infrarroja para analizar la termorregulación en la mano. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un nuevo protocolo de adquisición de imágenes por termografía infrarroja utilizando un estímulofrío en la mano. Se analizaron estadísticamente regiones de interés de imágenes termográficas de 18 mediciones intrasujeto en un único sujeto y mediciones intersujeto en 17 individuos sanos. Resultados: En las mediciones intrasujeto e intersujeto se encontró que 10 minutos después del estímulo frío el porcentaje de recuperación de la temperatura fue cercano al 100%, excepto en un individuo en el cual, a pesar de no reportar enfermedades o lesiones previas, la punta de los dedos después del estímulo alcanzó apenas los 28 ºC. La prueba de fatiga en uno de los sujetos sanos mostró alteraciones en el proceso de termorregulación de la mano cuando el protocolo se repite en corto tiempo.

Introduction: in biomedical applications, infrared thermography has allowed to visualize the temperaturedistribution patterns of skin and underlying tissue, allowing the diagnosis of vascular or nervous disorders, particularly disturbances in the thermoregulation process as Raynaud’s phenomenon and cold intolerance. However, most papers not detailed the images acquisition protocol or its validation, being these two determining factors to the quality and relevance of the obtained diagnostic information.Objective: To design and validate an acquisition protocol of diagnostic imaging by infrared thermographyto analyze the thermoregulation process in hand. Material and methods: It was designed a new acquisition protocol of diagnostic imaging by infrared thermography using a cold stimulus in hand. It was statistically analyzed the regions of interest of thermographic images of 18 intrasubject measurements (in one individual) and intersubject measurements in 17 healthy individuals. Results: In the intrasubject and intersubject measurements, it found that 10 minutes after the cold stimulus the temperature measured was close to 100% of initial temperature, except for one of healthy subjects who, despite not report diseases or previous injuries, the temperature of the fingertips after stimulus barely reached 28 °C. The fatigue test in one healthy subject presents alterations in the thermoregulation process in hand when the protocol was repeated in a short time.

The Effectiveness of Infrared Thermography in Patients with Whiplash Injury

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to visualize the subjective symptoms before and after the treatment of whiplash injury using infrared (IR) thermography. METHODS: IR thermography was performed for 42 patients who were diagnosed with whiplash injury. There were 19 male and 23 female patients. The mean age was 43.12 years. Thermal differences (DeltaT) in the neck and shoulder and changes in the thermal differences (DeltadT) before and after treatment were analyzed. Pain after injury was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after treatment (DeltaVAS). The correlations between DeltadT and DeltaVAS results before and after the treatment were examined. We used Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging equipment of Dorex company for IR thermography. RESULTS: The skin temperature of the neck and shoulder immediately after injury showed 1-2degrees C hyperthermia than normal. After two weeks, the skin temperature was normal range. DeltaT after immediately injuy was higher than normal value, but it was gradually near the normal value after two weeks. DeltadT before and after treatment were statistically significant (p<0.05). VAS of the neck and shoulder significantly reduced after 2 week (p=0.001). Also, there was significant correlation between DeltadT and reduced DeltaVAS (the neck; r=0.412, p<0.007) (the shoulder; r=0.648, p<0.000). CONCLUSION: The skin temperature of sites with whiplash injury is immediately hyperthermia and gradually decreased after two weeks, finally it got close to normal temperature. These were highly correlated with reduced VAS. IR thermography can be a reliable tool to visualize the symptoms of whiplash injury and the effectiveness of treatment in clinical settings.

Neurilemmoma of Deep Peroneal Nerve Sensory Branch : Thermographic Findings with Compression Test

We report a case of neurilemmoma of deep peroneal nerve sensory branch that triggered sensory change with compression test on lower extremity. After resection of tumor, there are evoked thermal changes on pre- and post-operative infrared (IR) thermographic images. A 52-year-old female presented with low back pain, sciatica, and sensory change on the dorsal side of the right foot and big toe that has lasted for 9 months. She also presented with right tibial mass sized 1.2 cm by 1.4 cm. Ultrasonographic imaging revealed a peripheral nerve sheath tumor arising from the peroneal nerve. IR thermographic image showed hyperthermia when the neurilemoma induced sensory change with compression test on the fibular area, dorsum of foot, and big toe. After surgery, the symptoms and thermographic changes were relieved and disappeared. The clinical, surgical, radiographic, and thermographic perspectives regarding this case are discussed.

Thermographic and histological analysis of rabbit different tenorrhaphies techniques (4 and 6 strands) after early active mobilization / Análise termográfica e histológica de diferentes técnicas de tenorrafias (4 e 6 passadas) em coelhos após a mobilização ativa precoce

Introduction This research is based on the results of the surgeries of tenorraphy, which have been improved due to the association between strong and not voluminous sutures and physiotherapic protocols, which preconize the early active motion to the postoperative period. Objective To evaluate the healing process in vivo in different types of tenorraphies. Methods Thirty-six rabbits that underwent early active motion after tenorraphy. The sample was constituted of 3 groups of 12, in accordance with the 3 different types of suture (Brasil, Indiana and Tsai). Results On the 15th and 30th days after the surgery, thermographic and histological analyses revealed similar results that all groups showed similar behaviors in the same time of surgical repair, just differentiating between the periods. On the 30th day analysis were observed that collagen fibers being more exuberant thickening, thus being able to offer higher tensile strength to the tendon. Conclusion That suggests early active motion may be increased gradually to around the 30th day taking this as clinical relevance. .

Introdução Esta pesquisa é baseada nos resultados das cirurgias de tenorrafia, as quais têm evoluído em virtude da associação de suturas fortes e não volumosas e protocolos fisioterápicos, os quais preconizam mobilização ativa precoce no período pós-operatório. Objetivo Avaliar o processo de cicatrização in vivo em diferentes tipos de tenorrafias. Método Trinta e seis coelhos foram submetidos a mobilidade ativa precoce após tenorrafia. A amostra foi constituída por 3 grupos de 12, de acordo com os 3 tipos de sutura utilizados (Brasil, Indiana e Tsai). Resultados No 15º e 30º dia após a cirurgia, as análises termográficas e histológicas revelaram resultados similares evidenciando que todos os grupos apresentaram comportamentos semelhantes no mesmo tempo do reparo cirúrgico, diferenciando-se apenas entre os períodos. No trigésimo dia os estudos evidenciaram que as fibras de colágeno mostravam um exuberante afilamento, sendo assim, capazes de oferecer maior resistência tensil ao tendão. Conclusão Isto sugere que o movimento ativo precoce pode ser gradativamente aumentado em torno do trigésimo dia, o que é de grande relevância clínica. .

Do Severity Score and Skin Temperature Asymmetry Correlate with the Subjective Pain Score in the Patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic criteria of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) have mainly focused on dichotomous (yes/no) categorization, which makes it difficult to compare the inter-patient's condition and to evaluate the intra-patient's subtle severity over the course of time. To overcome this limitation, many efforts have been made to create laboratory methods or scoring systems to reflect the severity of CRPS; measurement of the skin temperature asymmetry is one of the former, and the CRPS severity score (CSS) is one of the latter. However, there has been no study on the correlations among the CSS, temperature asymmetry and subjective pain score. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there is any correlation between the CSS, skin temperature asymmetry and subjective pain score. METHODS: Patients affected with CRPS in a unilateral limb were included in this study. After making a diagnosis of CRPS according to the Budapest criteria, the CSS and skin temperature difference between the affected and unaffected limb (DeltaT) was measured in each patient. Finally, we conducted a correlation analysis among the CSS, DeltaT and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the patients. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were included in this study. There was no significant correlation between the DeltaT and VAS score (Spearman's rho = 0.066, P = 0.677). Also, the CSS and VAS score showed no significant correlation (Spearman's rho = 0.163, P = 0.303). CONCLUSIONS: The DeltaT and CSS do not seem to reflect the degree of subjective pain in CRPS patients.

01-4 Uneven temperature among fingers after cold-water immersion of hands is a useful parameter to identify disturbed peripheral circulation / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Background: Peripheral circulation is often disturbed in patients with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and its objective evaluation is an important issue. Infrared thermography has been used for the purpose for decades [1]. Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is prevalent in and considerably characteristic of CTDs and we have long noticed colour unevenness among fingers in patients during RP attacks. We hypothesized that temperature unevenness among fingers detected by thermography would be a useful parameter to evaluate peripheral circulation. Objectives: To evaluate temperature unevenness among fingers as a thermographic parameter by comparing it with other parameters validated in previous studies. Methods: Patients who visited our hospital and had been diagnosed as having RP by their attending physicians and underwent thermographic examinations were included and compared with healthy volunteers. Skin temperatures of dorsum of hands at 10 fingers’ nail folds and MCP joints were measured at baseline. Then hands were immersed in 10°C water for 10 seconds. Skin temperatures were measured at 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min after immersion. Mean temperature, recovery rate (temperature recovery from immersion/decrease by immersion), and coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean temperature) of nail fold temperature were calculated. Higher coefficient of variation means temperature among fingers is more uneven. Distal-dorsal difference (DDD: measured by subtracting mean temperature of MCP from that of nail fold) was also calculated and these parameters were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to compare these parameters in terms of their capability of differentiating patients with RP from HCs. Results: Thirty-one patients with RP (10 with primary Raynaud, 11 with systemic sclerosis (SSc), 11 with other CTDs) were included and compared with 25 healthy controls (HCs). Baseline nail fold temperature was significantly lower in patients of RP than in HC (30.8±3.1 °C vs. 33.2±1.8 °C, p=0.0002). Cold-water immersion of hands revealed patients with RP had lower recovery rate, lower DDD, and higher coefficient of variation than did HCs. The differences in these parameters were the most evident at 5 min after immersion (patients with RP vs HCs: recovery rate; 49.6±27.7 vs 71.5±26.8, p=0.004 DDD; -1.4±2.8 vs 0.85±2.7, p=0.0008 coefficient of variation; 0.053±0.024 vs 0.021±0.015, p=1.2x10-6). On the basis of ROC curve analyses for these parameters, coefficient of variation of nail fold temperature most effectively differentiated patients with RP from HCs (Area under the curve; recovery rate: 0.64 DDD: 0.79 coefficient of variation: 0.88). Conclusions: Unevenness of temperature among fingers was the most useful thermographic parameter to evaluate disturbed peripheral circulation.