Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-TL(B).

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase; EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizopus arrhizus strain AE-TL(B) by Amano Enzyme Inc. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in the modification of fats and oils by interesterification and in the manufacture of enzyme-modified dairy ingredients. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.057 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1,960 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 34,386. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no match found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme phospholipase A2 from the genetically modified Streptomyces violaceoruber strain AS-10.

The food enzyme phospholipase A2 (phosphatidylcholine 2-acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.4) is produced with the genetically modified Streptomyces violaceoruber strain AS-10 by Nagase (Europa) GmbH. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in four food manufacturing processes, i.e. egg processing, baking processes, degumming of fats and oils and milk processing for cheese production. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed in degumming of fats and oils, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining three food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 0.41 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 191.2 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the mid-dose tested, which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure above 460. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Multi-Sensing Techniques with Ultrasound for Musculoskeletal Assessment: A Review.

The study of muscle contractions generated by the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) plays a critical role in medical diagnoses, monitoring, rehabilitation, and functional assessments, including the potential for movement prediction modeling used for prosthetic control. Over the last decade, the use of combined traditional techniques to quantify information about the muscle condition that is correlated to neuromuscular electrical activation and the generation of muscle force and vibration has grown. The purpose of this review is to guide the reader to relevant works in different applications of ultrasound imaging in combination with other techniques for the characterization of biological signals. Several research groups have been using multi-sensing systems to carry out specific studies in the health area. We can divide these studies into two categories: human-machine interface (HMI), in which sensors are used to capture critical information to control computerized prostheses and/or robotic actuators, and physiological study, where sensors are used to investigate a hypothesis and/or a clinical diagnosis. In addition, the relevance, challenges, and expectations for future work are discussed.

Safety evaluation of the native and thermolabile forms of the food enzyme mucorpepsin from Rhizomucor miehei strain MMR 164.

The food enzyme mucorpepsin (aspartic endopeptidase, EC 3.4.23.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified microorganism Rhizomucor miehei strain MMR 164 by Takabio. The enzyme is chemically modified to produce a thermolabile form. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.98 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1,320 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 1,300. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and five matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but is considered low except for individuals sensitised to mustard proteins, but this risk will not exceed that of mustard consumption. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme mucorpepsin from Rhizomucor miehei strain DSM 29547.

The food enzyme mucorpepsin (EC 3.4.23.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified Rhizomucor miehei strain DSM 29547 by Chr. Hansen. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in dairy processing for cheese production. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.26 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 618 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 2,400. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and three matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded but is considered low except for individuals sensitised to mustard proteins, but this risk will not exceed that of mustard consumption. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing aspergillopepsin I and II from the Aspergillus niger var. macrosporus strain PTG8398.

The food enzyme with aspergillopepsin I (EC 3.4.23.18) and aspergillopepsin II (EC 3.4.23.19) activities is produced with a non-genetically modified Aspergillus niger var. macrosporus strain PTG8398 by Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in wine production. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.14 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 919 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested which, when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure above 6,700. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and four matches with respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the thermolabile form of the food enzyme mucorpepsin from Rhizomucor miehei strain MMR 164.

The food enzyme mucorpepsin (aspartic endopeptidase, EC 3.4.23.23) is produced with the non-genetically modified microorganism Rhizomucor miehei strain MMR 164. The enzyme is chemically modified by DuPont Nutrition Biosciences (now IFF) to produce a thermolabile form. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism. It is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. The dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.98 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1,320 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, resulted in a margin of exposure of at least 1,300. Similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and five matches were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions upon dietary exposure to this food enzyme cannot be excluded, but is considered low except for individuals sensitised to mustard proteins, but this risk will not exceed that of mustard consumption. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme mannan endo-1,4-ß-mannosidase from the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6232.

The food enzyme mannan endo-1,4-ß-mannosidase (1,4-ß-d-mannan mannanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.78) is produced with the genetically modified Trichoderma reesei strain RF6232 by AB Enzymes GmbH. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme was considered free from viable cells of the production organism and recombinant DNA. It is intended to be used in coffee processing, fruit and vegetable processing for juice production and for edible oil production. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed during refined edible oil production by repeated washing, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining two food manufacturing processes. Dietary exposure to the food enzyme-TOS was estimated to be up to 0.09 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 100 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the lowest dose tested. This results in a margin of exposure above 1,100. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, in particular for individuals allergic to avocado, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme catalase from porcine liver.

The food enzyme catalase (hydrogen-peroxide:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase; EC 1.11.1.6) is obtained from porcine liver by Avances Bioquímicos Alimentación, S.L. (Spain). The food enzyme is intended to be used in cheese production for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide in brine. The manufacturing process involves the use of a solvent not permitted in the production of foods and food ingredients according to Directive 2009/32/EC. Consequently, the food enzyme does not comply with the existing requirements in the EU.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme containing trypsin, chymotrypsin, α-amylase and triacylglycerol lipase from porcine pancreas.

The food enzyme complex, containing trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4), chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1), α-amylase (1,4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.1) and triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.3), is obtained from porcine pancreas by American Laboratories, Inc., USA. The food enzyme is intended primarily for the hydrolysis of milk proteins to be used in foods for special medical or nutritional dietary management. ■■■■■ is extensively used in the manufacturing process, and residual amounts of the solvent remain in the food enzyme. The applicant estimates a typical range of ■■■■■ in the food enzyme to be 10,000-13,000 mg/kg. Directive 2009/32/EC sets a maximum residue level of 10 mg/kg for foods and food ingredients produced in the EU or imported into the EU. The use of ■■■■■ for the production of a food enzyme falls within the scope of Directive 2009/32/EC. Consequently, the food enzyme does not comply with the existing requirements within the EU governing residual amount of solvent.

Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing chymosin, pepsin and gastricsin from the abomasum of suckling goats.

The food enzyme containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4), pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) and gastricsin (EC 3.4.23.3) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling goats by Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Queso Palmero and Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Queso Majorero. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme, from its manufacture, and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data were not required and no exposure assessment was necessary. Similarity of the amino acid sequences of the three proteins (chymosin, pepsin and gastricsin) to those of known allergens was searched and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concludes that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme d-psicose 3-epimerase from the genetically modified Corynebacterium glutamicum strain FIS002.

This assessment addresses a food enzyme preparation consisting of the immobilised intact but non-viable cells of the genetically modified Corynebacterium glutamicum strain FIS002 by CJ-Tereos Sweeteners Europe SAS. The production strain produces the food enzyme d-fructose 3-epimerase (d-psicose 3-epimerase; EC 5.1.3.30). The food enzyme preparation is used in processing fructose to produce a speciality carbohydrate d-allulose (synonym d-psicose). Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of d-allulose, dietary exposure was not calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1,796 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood of such reactions to occur is low. The food enzyme preparation contains multiple copies of an antimicrobial resistance gene, which is considered a hazard. However, under the specific intended conditions of use described by the applicant, and based on the evidence showing the removal of TOS during the production of d-allulose and the absence of recombinant DNA in the d-allulose, the Panel concluded that the identified hazard associated with the food enzyme d-psicose 3-epimerase produced with the genetically modified C. glutamicum strain FIS002 will not result in a risk.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme catalase from the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DP-Azw58.

The food enzyme catalase (hydrogen-peroxide:hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase; EC 1.11.1.6) is produced with the genetically modified Aspergillus niger strain DP-Azw58 by Danisco US, Inc. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is considered free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used in egg processing. Based on the maximum use levels, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 1 µg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. Genotoxicity tests did not indicate a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level of 1,288 mg TOS/kg bw per day, the highest dose tested, which when compared with the estimated dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 1.3 × 106. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of food enzyme trypsin from porcine pancreas.

The food enzyme trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) is extracted from porcine pancreas by Novozymes A/S. The food enzyme is intended to be used for hydrolysis of whey proteins employed as ingredients in infant formulae, follow-on formulae and in food for special medical purposes. Based on maximum use levels and the maximum permitted protein content in infant formula, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be 32 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day for infants. The Panel considered that this value covers all population groups consuming these formulae. In the toxicological evaluation, clinical studies with pancreatic enzymes were considered. Hypersensitivity to the pharmaceuticals was identified as the major side effect. However, allergic reactions to porcine pancreatic enzymes in hydrolysed foods have not been reported. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic sensitisation to this food enzyme after consumption of products prepared by hydrolysis of milk could not be excluded in infants but considered the likelihood to be low. Based on the origin of the food enzyme from edible parts of animals, the data provided by the applicant and supported by the evaluation of clinical studies based on pancreatic enzymes and the estimated dietary exposure, the Panel concluded that the trypsin from porcine pancreas does not give rise to safety concern under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme containing chymosin and pepsin from the abomasum of suckling lambs and goats.

The food enzyme containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) is derived from the abomasum of suckling lambs and goats by Caporal Enzymes, S.L. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme, from its manufacture, and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data were not required and no exposure assessment was necessary. On the basis of literature data, the Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure could not be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur was considered to be low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of a food enzyme containing trypsin and chymotrypsin from porcine pancreas.

The food enzyme is a serine protease complex containing trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) and chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) obtained from porcine pancreas by Paninkret Chem.-Pharm. Werk GmbH. The food enzyme is currently only used in protein processing to hydrolyse milk proteins. Milk protein hydrolysates and peptides are mainly used in formulae intended to have reduced allergenicity. Based on the recommended use level and the high consumption of formulae in very young babies, dietary exposure to the food enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be 180 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day for infants and toddlers. Toxicological evaluation was based on the available clinical studies with pancreatic enzymes. Hypersensitivity to the product was identified as the major side effect. However, the intact enzymes are inactivated during preparation of food products; therefore, the Panel considered that the likelihood of adverse effects of the intact enzyme to occur is low. The Panel considered that a risk of allergic sensitisation to these protein hydrolysates after consumption cannot be excluded, but the likelihood of occurrence was considered to be low. Based on the origin of the food enzyme from edible parts of animals, the data provided and the evaluation of clinical studies with pancreatic enzymes and the estimated dietary exposure, the Panel concluded that the food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns when used in the production of infant formulae based on milk protein hydrolysates.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase from the genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FL100SC.

The food enzyme triacylglycerol lipase (triacylglycerol acylhydrolase EC 3.1.1.3) is produced with a genetically modified Aspergillus luchuensis strain FL100SC by Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. The triacylglycerol lipase is intended to be used only in an immobilised form in the production of modified fats and oils by interesterification. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by filtration and purification steps applied during fats and oils processing for interesterification, no dietary exposure was calculated. Genotoxicity tests did not raise a safety concern. The systemic toxicity was assessed by means of a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rats. The Panel identified a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 849 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day, the highest dose tested. The similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to those of known allergens was searched and no match was found. The Panel considers that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood for this to occur is considered to be low. Based on the data provided, including the immobilisation process and the absence of TOS in the final product, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme α-amylase from the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP-Dzb52.

The food enzyme α-amylase (1,4-α-d-glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the genetically modified Bacillus licheniformis strain DP-Dzb52 by Danisco US Inc. The production strain contains multiple copies of an antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA from the production organism in the food enzyme, this is not considered to be a risk. The α-amylase is intended to be used in starch processing for the production of glucose syrups, brewing processes and distilled alcohol production. Since residual amounts of the food enzyme are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of glucose syrups and distillation, no dietary exposure was calculated. Based on the maximum use levels recommended for the brewing processes and individual data from the EFSA Comprehensive European Food Consumption Database, dietary exposure to the enzyme-total organic solids (TOS) was estimated to be up to 0.145 TOS/kg body weight per day in European populations. The toxicity studies were carried out with another α-amylase from B. licheniformis strain DP-Dzb54, considered by the Panel as a suitable substitute. Toxicological tests indicated that there was no concern with respect to genotoxicity or systemic toxicity. A no observed adverse effect level was identified in rats which, compared with the dietary exposure, results in a margin of exposure of at least 750. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence to known allergens was made and one match was found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use, the risk of allergic sensitisation and elicitation reactions can be excluded in distilled alcohol production and is considered low when the enzyme is used in starch processing and brewing. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme d-psicose 3-epimerase from the genetically modified Escherichia coli strain K-12 W3110 (pWKLP).

The food enzyme d-psicose 3-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.30) is produced with the genetically modified Escherichia coli strain K-12 W3110 (pWKLP) by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. The production strain of the food enzyme contains multiple copies of an antimicrobial resistance gene. However, based on the absence of viable cells and DNA from the production organism in the food enzyme, this is not considered to be a risk. The food enzyme is used as an immobilised preparation in processing fructose for the production of a speciality carbohydrate d-allulose (syn. d-psicose). Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed by the purification steps applied during the production of d-allulose, dietary exposure was not calculated and toxicological studies were not considered necessary. A search for similarity of the amino acid sequence of the enzyme to known allergens was made and no match was found. The Panel notes that the food enzyme may contain traces of protein, including a known allergen, after processing of the food enzyme. Therefore, allergenicity cannot be excluded, but the Panel considers that the likelihood of allergic reactions to occur is low. Based on the data provided, the immobilisation process and the removal of TOS during the production of d-allulose products, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns when used in the immobilised form.

Investigation of thermal changes in the thyroid gland region of individuals with hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia by analyzing the temperature of brown adipose tissue.

This exploratory retrospective study aims to investigate the thermal changes in the thyroid gland region of patients with hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia by analyzing the temperature of the brown adipose tissue (BAT). A total of 166 individuals from 1000 thermographic electronic medical records were classified into four groups: Group HP + FM-50 individuals with hypothyroidism and fibromyalgia; Group FM-56 individuals with fibromyalgia only; Group HP-30 individuals with hypothyroidism only, and Group Control-30 healthy individuals. The thermal images from the electronic medical records were acquired by a FLIR T650SC infrared camera (used for thermometry) and the temperature data for each group were statistically analyzed. Group HP + FM showed r = 0, meaning that the average temperatures of the thyroid and BAT are independent of each other. Groups FM, HP and Control showed r = 1, meaning that the average temperatures of the thyroid and BAT were directly related. Our findings showed that the average temperatures of the thyroid and BAT regions are similar. Also, there was no correlation between thyroid gland temperature and the presence of hypothyroidism or fibromyalgia using thermometry.