Exploring the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points in patients with lumbar disc herniation induced low back pain based on infrared thermography. / åŸºäºŽçº¢å¤–çƒ­æˆåƒæŠ€æœ¯æŽ¢è®¨è °æ¤Žé—´ç›˜çªå‡ºç—‡è °ç—›æ‚£è€ è °éª¶éƒ¨åŠç›¸å ³èƒŒä¿žç©´è¡¨çš®æ¸©åº¦.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) induced low back pain utilizing infrared thermography, and to explore the functional attribute changes of acupoints under pathological conditions. METHODS: A total of 50 patients with LDH induced low back pain were included as the observation group, and 45 healthy subjects were included as the control group. Using infrared thermography, the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and bilateral Sanjiaoshu (BL 22), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Xiaochangshu (BL 27), and Pangguangshu (BL 28) was measured in both groups. The temperature difference values between the bilateral lumbosacral regions and back-shu points of the two groups were calculated. Additionally, the body surface temperature of the affected and healthy sides of the lumbosacral region and relevant back-shu points was compared in the observation group. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the body surface temperature of the lumbosacral region and the bilateral temperature difference values of the lumbosacral regions were increased in the observation group (P<0.001). The body surface temperature difference values of bilateral Shenshu (BL 23), Qihaishu (BL 24), Dachangshu (BL 25), Guanyuanshu (BL 26) and Xiaochangshu (BL 27) in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001). In the observation group, the body surface temperature of the affected side of the lumbosacral region as well as Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25) was elevated compared with that of healthy side (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The patients with LDH induced low back pain have imbalanced and asymmetrical distribution of body surface temperature in the lumbosacral region and related back-shu points, Shenshu (BL 23) and Dachangshu (BL 25) have the relative specificity.

3D motion strategy for online volumetric thermometry using simultaneous multi-slice EPI at 1.5T: an evaluation study.

PURPOSE: In presence of respiratory motion, temperature mapping is altered by in-plane and through-plane displacements between successive acquisitions together with periodic phase variations. Fast 2D Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) sequence can accommodate intra-scan motion, but limited volume coverage and inter-scan motion remain a challenge during free-breathing acquisition since position offsets can arise between the different slices. METHOD: To address this limitation, we evaluated a 2D simultaneous multi-slice EPI sequence with multiband (MB) acceleration during radiofrequency ablation on a mobile gel and in the liver of a volunteer (no heating). The sequence was evaluated in terms of resulting inter-scan motion, temperature uncertainty and elevation, potential false-positive heating and repeatability. Lastly, to account for potential through-plane motion, a 3D motion compensation pipeline was implemented and evaluated. RESULTS: In-plane motion was compensated whatever the MB factor and temperature distribution was found in agreement during both the heating and cooling periods. No obvious false-positive temperature was observed under the conditions being investigated. Repeatability of measurements results in a 95% uncertainty below 2 °C for MB1 and MB2. Uncertainty up to 4.5 °C was reported with MB3 together with the presence of aliasing artifacts. Lastly, fast simultaneous multi-slice EPI combined with 3D motion compensation reduce residual out-of-plane motion. CONCLUSION: Volumetric temperature imaging (12 slices/700 ms) could be performed with 2 °C accuracy or less, and offer tradeoffs in acquisition time or volume coverage. Such a strategy is expected to increase procedure safety by monitoring large volumes more rapidly for MR-guided thermotherapy on mobile organs.

Thermographic evaluation of acupoints in lower limb region of individuals with osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional case-control study protocol.

PURPOSE: Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but the selection of acupoints is indeterminate and lacks biological basis. The skin temperature of acupoints can reflect the state of local tissue and may be a potential factor for guiding acupoint selection. This study aims to compare the skin temperature of acupoints between KOA patients and the healthy population. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a protocol for a cross-sectional case-control study with 170 KOA patients and 170 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Diagnosed patients aged 45 to 70 will be recruited in the KOA group. Participants in the healthy group will be matched with the KOA group based on mean age and gender distribution. Skin temperature of 11 acupoints (ST35, EX-LE5, GB33, GB34, EX-LE2, ST34, ST36, GB39, BL40, SP9, SP10) will be extracted from infrared thermography (IRT) images of the lower limbs. Other measurements will include demographic data (gender, age, ethnicity, education, height, weight, BMI) and disease-related data (numerical rating scale, pain sites, duration of pain, pain descriptors, pain activities). DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide biological evidence for acupoint selection. This study is a precondition for follow-up studies, in which the value of optimized acupoint selection will be verified. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200058867.

Pilot study: Utility of long-wave infrared thermography as a correlate to transcutaneous oximetry for candidates of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2 ) has been used as an adjunctive treatment for the care of advanced non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). A patient's in-chamber transcutaneous oximetry measurement (TCOM) is currently the most effective predictor for response to HBO2 therapy but still excludes close to one in four patients who would benefit out of treatment groups when used for patient selection. Improving selection tools and criteria could potentially help better demonstrate HBO2 therapy's efficacy for such patients. We sought to identify if long-wave infrared thermography (LWIT) measurements held any correlation with a patient's TCOM measurements and if LWIT could be used in a response prediction role for adjunctive HBO2 therapy. To investigate, 24 patients already receiving TCOM measurements were enrolled to simultaneously be imaged with LWIT. LWIT measurements were taken throughout each patient's therapeutic course whether they underwent only standard wound care or adjunctive HBO2 treatments. A significant correlation was found between in-chamber TCOM and post-HBO2 LWIT. There was also a significant difference in the post-HBO2 LWIT measurement from 1st treatment to 6 weeks or the last treatment recorded. These initial findings are important as they indicate a possible clinical use for LWIT in the selection process for patients for HBO2 therapy. Larger studies should be carried out to further articulate the clinical use of LWIT in this capacity.

Infrared thermal imaging-based skin temperature response during cupping at two different negative pressures.

Cupping therapy can relieve muscle fatigue and pain after exercise by increasing blood flow at the treatment site, which may lead to dynamic changes of the local skin temperature. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cupping on local skin temperature under two different negative pressures using infrared thermography (IRT). Cupping therapy was performed on the forearms of 22 healthy subjects using the negative pressures of - 0.03 and - 0.04 MPa. IRT was used to record the dynamic changes in skin temperature before, during, and after cupping. Both cupping pressures induced a non-linear skin temperature response: temperature decreased first and then increased during cupping, while it first increased and then decreased after cupping. A significant difference was noted between the two negative pressure groups in the maximum temperature increment after cupping (P < 0.001). Compared with the basal temperature before cupping, the maximum increase in skin temperature after cupping in the - 0.03 and - 0.04 MPa groups was 0.92 and 1.42 °C, respectively. The findings of this study can lay the foundation evaluating the curative effect of cupping based on IRT and provide an objective reference for selecting the cupping negative pressure.

Effects of Preconditioning With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Monitored by Infrared Thermography on the Survival of Pedicled Perforator Flaps in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVE: Pedicled perforator partial or complete necrosis with a rate of 13.7%. This study was undertaken to test whether preconditioning with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) monitored by infrared thermography protect against partial necrosis by converting the choke anastomoses to the true anastomoses via inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a rat pedicled perforator flap model. METHODS: Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control, the TENS, the TENS + SnPP (tin protoporphyrin; HO-1 activity inhibitor; 50 µmol/kg) and the TENS +0.9% saline groups. On the unilateral dorsum of the rats, a rectangular flap donor site of 11 × 3 cm was marked out, which contained three perforator angiosomes and two choke zones. On days 1, 3 and 4, 1 hour of TENS (biphasic pulses, 25 mA, 80 Hz, 200 µs) was applied to the flap donor sites, respectively. On day 5, after the flap donor sites were assessed by infrared thermography, the flaps were harvested based on the deep circumflex iliac artery perforator. RESULTS: Infrared thermography showed that the choke zones in the flap donor sites presented white in the TENS and the TENS +0.9% saline groups, whereas they presented red in the control and the TENS + SnPP groups. Postmortem arteriography showed that the number of arterioles across each choke zone significantly increased in the TENS and the TENS +0.9% saline groups compared with the control and the TENS + SnPP groups. Immunohistochemistry and western blot showed a significant increase in HO-1 in the choke zones after TENS preconditioning. The necrotic area percentage of the flaps was significantly decreased in the TENS (4.3% ± 2.6%) and the TENS +0.9% saline groups (4.5% ± 2.3%) compared with the control (24.8% ± 5.0%) ( P < 0.001); there was no significant difference between the TENS and the TENS + SnPP (24.4% ± 7.3%) groups. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that TENS preconditioning monitored by infrared thermography might be a promising strategy to prevent pedicled perforator flaps from partial necrosis.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of arnica montana 6ch in the control of postoperative myalgia by isometric effort in dentistry

Arnica montana 6CH is a medicine indicated for inflammatory and painful conditions, especially in muscle structures. The RDC / TMD Axis II questionnaire is a validated tool for the diagnosis of Temporomandibular Muscle Dysfunction. Objective: This multicenter, randomized and controlled study, approved by Human or Animal Research Ethics Committee UniFOA -CAAE: 48680015.3.0000.5237 aimed to verify the clinical performance of Arnica montana 6CH in contractures and muscle pain triggered by isometric stress. Materials and Methods: 70 patients underwent prolongeddental treatment sessions, and they were selected after clinical examination and positive responses to the RDC / TMD questionnaire to confirm signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Muscle Dysfunction at the first consultation. Randomly, Arnica montana 6CH was prescribed for 35 patients called group I, and placebo for 35 patients called group II, at a dose of 5 globules, 03 times a day, for 1 week. In the second endodontic consultation, after 15 days, a new clinical examination was performed at the beginning and end of the prolonged dental consultation with crossing of data from the RDC questionnaire, to monitor the prevalence of TMD muscle signs and symptoms. The data were tabulated and analyzed. Statistical analysis: The test t de Student was used for paired samples, significant at the level ≤ 0.05%. Results:Anamnetic data from the RDC questionnaire, 86% of the individuals in the GI had lower pain and muscle contracture rates in the second consultation, compared with 22% in the GII. Conclusion:The drug Arnica montana 6CH proved to be effective in preventing muscle changes and clinical symptoms resulting from isometric efforts with a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05).

Monitoring of the copper persistence on plant leaves using pulsed thermography.

Copper-based fungicides are largely used in agriculture in the control of a wide range of plant diseases. Applied on plants, they remain deposited on leaf surfaces and are not absorbed into plant tissues. Because of accumulation problems and their ecotoxicological profiles in the soil, their use needs to be monitored and controlled, also by using modern technologies to better optimize the efficacy rendering minimum the amount of copper per season used. In this work, we test a novel approach based on pulsed thermography to evaluate the persistence of the copper on plant leaves so that the time between two applications should be the minimum needs. We monitored the thermal response observed on different treatments of both grapevine and tobacco plants over a 3-week period. Our experimental results demonstrate that the new methodological approach based on pulsed thermography can be an effective tool to evaluate in real time the presence of copper on differently treated plants allowing a tentative quantification and, therefore, to optimize its use in the agricultural practices, according also to the European Regulation n. 1107/2009.

Visual Sensor Image Analysis and Massage Techniques to Prevent and Treat Common Injuries of Sports Dance Practitioners.

In recent years, the performance of sports dance in China has become better and better. Naturally, the technical requirements for this dance are getting higher and higher, and the number and intensity of training have also increased, which has led to increasing injuries in sports dance. This article is based on visual sensor images to analyze and study the common injuries and prevention of sports dance practitioners. It is aimed at providing a certain reference basis for athletes' injuries, so that dance practitioners and coaches can better master sports dance training and teaching. Injury-related rules and prevention reduce the injury rate. This article puts forward the related technology of a visual sensor image and applies its technology to the prevention and research of common injuries in sports dance. At the same time, it analyzes the causes of sports dance practitioners' injuries and seeks economical and affordable massage techniques for prevention, and the method of treatment provides protection for dance practitioners. The experimental results in this article show that the Tuina group cured 15 subjects, 41 subjects were markedly effective, 13 subjects were improved, and 6 subjects were unhealed. The total effective rate was 92%.

Thermal and behavioral response of horses submitted to functional exercises and acupuncture / Resposta térmica e comportamental de equinos submetidos a exercícios funcionais e acupuntura

The present research evaluated muscle activation degrees and relaxation of patrolling horses submitted to dynamic mobilization exercises, associated or not with acupuncture. Twelve mixed breed gelding, aged 10 ± 2.0 years, were distributed in three treatments. Treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises (longitudinal cervical flexion of head between hooves, between carpus and to up to chest); treatment with a single acupuncture session during 20 minutes, and treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises with acupuncture. Thermographic images were analyzed before and after applying treatments to the cervical, thoracic, dorsal, abdominal and pelvic regions. Animal behavior was assessed through five minutes filming, before and ten minutes after the end of each treatment application, in an uninterrupted way. Increase in animals body temperature at the end of the single session of functional exercises (P < 0.0001) at all animal regions were reported, being cervical and thoracic areas with highest final temperature values. There was no temperature variation for other treatments (P > 0.05). All treatments stimulated higher expression frequency (P < 0.05) of relaxation behaviors. A single dynamic mobilization exercises session is enough to promote intense muscular response in entire horse body; and with acupuncture, individually or associated, promoted muscle and mental relaxation, interfering positively in animal welfare.

Objetivou-se avaliar o grau de ativação e relaxamento muscular de equinos de patrulhamento submetidos à exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados ou não à acupuntura. Doze cavalos castrados, sem raça definida, com idade de 10 ± 2,0 anos, foram distribuídos em três tratamentos: tratamento com uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica (flexão cervical longitudinal da cabeça entre os cascos, entre os carpos e até o peito); tratamento com sessão única de acupuntura (20 minutos); e tratamento com sessão única composta por exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados a acupuntura. Foram analisadas imagens termográficas antes e após a aplicação dos tratamentos das regiões cervical, torácica, dorsal, abdominal e pélvica. A avaliação comportamental foi obtida por meio de filmagens 5 minutos antes e 10 minutos após o término da aplicação dos tratamentos, de maneira ininterrupta. Houve aumento (P < 0,0001) na temperatura corporal dos animais ao final da sessão única de exercícios funcionais para todas as regiões estudadas, sendo a cervical e torácica aquelas com maior valor de temperatura final. Não houve variação da temperatura nos demais tratamentos (P > 0,05). Todos os tratamentos geraram maior frequência (P < 0,05) na expressão de comportamentos relacionados ao relaxamento. A realização de uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica é suficiente para promover uma intensa resposta muscular em todo o corpo do equino, e tanto os exercícios funcionais quanto a acupuntura, de maneira individual ou associada, foram capazes de promover relaxamento muscular e mental, interferindo de maneira positiva no bem-estar dos animais.

Thermography evaluation of low back pain in pregnant women: Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain during pregnancy is very common and thermography seems to be a promising method of evaluation for pregnant women, because it is painless and safe. The aim of the present study was to evaluate low back pain, during pregnancy, using thermography together with artificial intelligence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with pregnant women recruited from a university hospital. The following data were collected: (a) clinical data; (b) physical assessment with mobility and low back pain provocation tests; and (c) thermograms acquisitions, in a controlled environment. Artificial intelligence and the statistical tests were used to compare the groups' mean: with low back pain (LBP) and without low back pain (WLBP). RESULTS: Thirty pregnant women took part, with fifteen in each group. The mean ± Standard Deviation temperature of the lumbar region in both groups were 32.7 ± 1.05 °C and 32.6 ± 1.01 °C for LBP and WLBP, respectively. There was not any difference in temperature between the groups; however, the artificial intelligence software found thermogram differences between groups; furthermore, the correlation between pain intensity and functionality was found. CONCLUSION: Thermography associated with artificial intelligence analyses demonstrated to be a promising method as an adjunct to clinical evaluation.

Physically active men with high brown adipose tissue activity showed increased energy expenditure after caffeine supplementation.

This study measured the effect of caffeine on brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and the energy expenditure (EE) of subjects with high (HBAT) or low (LBAT) activation. We performed a quasi-experimental double-blind protocol in which 24 physically active healthy men were measured (age: 24.1 ± 6.0 yrs; BM: 75.3 ± 14.4 kg; HT: 171.8 ± 5.9 cm; BMI: 25.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2). Infrared thermography (IRT) protocol was used to separate the participants into the groups according to the BAT activation: high (HBAT; n = 11) and low (LBAT; n = 13). All participants ingested a single supplement caffeine capsule (CAF) of 375 mg (~5 mg/kg BM) or placebo (PLA). Our experimental protocol measured two groups (HBAT and LBAT) under two conditions (CAF and PLA), with intake 30-min before the data collection. BAT activity lasted 60-min (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 min) and was estimated by IRT in subclavicular (Δ SCV) and external (Δ EXT) regions of interest (ROI) and EE by indirect calorimetry. The main results indicated that HBAT at 40-min showed an increased EE versus the other groups and conditions (p = 0.009). There was a significant difference for BAT activation at the 30 (p = 0.019), 40 (p = 0.009), 50 (p = 0.007) and 60 min (p = 0.012) between HBAT-CAF vs. LBAT-CAF. There was also a significant difference at the 20 (p = 0.024), 30 (p = 0.036), 50 (p = 0.05) and 60 min (p = 0.011) between HBAT-CAF vs. HBAT-PLA. In conclusion CAF intake (≈5 mg) increases the thermogenic activity of BAT in healthy young men and increases EE in HBAT subjects.

Theoretical analysis on thermal treatment of skin with repetitive pulses.

Thermal ablation is an efficient method of medical treatment, such as cancer therapy, wound closure, laser cutting, freckle removal and other treatments. In order to guarantee the curative effect and the safety of the patients, the thermal response of the tissue which is subjected to the heat source need to be carefully monitored. However, it is too difficult to achieve real-time monitoring on the full-field temperature. In the present study, efforts were made to build up a theoretical model for the prediction of the thermal response in the human skin. The Dual-Phase-Lag (DPL) bio-heat transfer model and the Henrique's burn assessment model were employed to describe the interaction of multi-pulse heat source and the skin. The repeated multi-pulse laser is a common heat source in the thermal treatment and the thermal responses of the skin would be complicated under the common effects of the non-Fourier effects and the multi-pulse source. The Green's function approach was used to solve the governing equations analytically. The closed-form solution for the temperature distribution of the skin was obtained and the thermal damage was estimated based on the temperature results. The influences of the biological parameters (the phase lags of the heat flux and the temperature gradient) and the heat source parameters (the pulse number and the duty ratio) on the temperature distribution, the burn degree and the irreversible burn depth of the irradiated region were discussed.

Effects of the infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet: Analysis of plantar foot and static balance.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Overuse injuries and painful symptoms in athletes and dancers (especially classical ballerinas) may lead to reduced functional performance. However, laser application may reduce pain and increase physical conditioning. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of infrared laser on classical ballerinas' feet. METHODS: Eight female adults who perform classical ballet training and feel pain in their foot, but report no injuries in the last 6 months participated in the study. Infrared laser (808 nm) was applied on ballerina's feet twice a week during three months. The laser parameters utilized were 100 mW average optical power and spot size of 0.04 cm2 applied during 1 min, leading to 6 J and 125 J/cm2 per point. Thermography, algometry and unipodal static standing balance test were performed. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in plantar arch temperature (1.6 °C for center and 2.3 °C for border, p < 0.05) immediately after laser treatment for all ballerinas. The pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were significantly increased for 5 of 7 analyzed sites (p < 0.05). Regarding to the static standing balance, the time on one-foot showed a significant increases (from 23 ± 12 s to 34 ± 13 s, p < 0.05) only when the test was performed on the left foot (support foot). CONCLUSION: Then, there were pain relief and improvement of functional performance in ballerinas. The possible mechanism of laser action in reducing pain and thus enhancing performance, like higher blood flow of foot due to an increase of cutaneous temperature, will be discussed.

The difference in heat transport characteristics of the heart and lung meridians: A comparative study of COPD patients and healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: The vast majority of previous studies focused on the relationship between 1 meridian and 1 organ, and the comparison and specificity between 2 meridians is rarely explored. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare the heat transport characteristics between 2 different meridians and the specificity between them will also be investigated. METHODS: The Lung and Heart meridians are chosen for comparison of 2 different meridians. We will enroll 120 subjects and divide them into the healthy control group, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) group and healthy intervention group, in a 1:1:1 ratio. Infrared thermography (IRT) will be used to assess the heat transport characteristics of the Heart and Lung meridians. The specificity for the meridian-visceral association will be investigated by comparing the difference in heat transport characteristic between the Heart and Lung meridians in the healthy control group and COPD group. Meanwhile, moxibustion will be given to subjects in the Heart meridian and Lung meridian respectively in the healthy intervention group to verify the specificity for the surface-surface association. RESULTS: The primary outcomes will be the temperature of corresponding sites along the Heart and Lung meridians. CONCLUSION: This study will verify the specificity between different meridians by comparing the difference in heat transport characteristic. The findings will guide the selection of acupoints to optimize the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and help determine whether IRT could be used to assist in the diagnosis of COPD. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study has been approved by the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Approval No. ZSLL-KY-2019-001G-01). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT04046588.

Effect of 660/850 nm LED on the microcirculation of the foot: neurovascular biphasic reflex.

Phototherapy (LED) can be used to stimulate the healing of chronic ulcers of the lower limb, as it affects healing cells and neurons. In this way, this study has sought to know if the heat stimulus of the 660-/850-nm contact LED is sufficient to trigger the response in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system of normal volunteers. The LED was applied on the right foot of forty-two normal volunteers followed by serial infrared images. After the stimulus, a biphasic hyperthermia curve was observed synchronously in both feet, in the right and left halluxes, while hyperthermia was attributed to the redistribution of postural blood flow in the plantar region, which may indicate independent neurovascular mechanisms. Thus, periodic thermographic analysis can be used in the evolution of the LED treatment.

Thermographic follow-up of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) subsequent to Ramsay Hunt syndrome with multicranial nerve (V, VII, VIII and IX) involvement: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is caused by a reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection, and it is characterized by the symptoms of facial paralysis, otalgia, auricular rash, and/or an oral lesion. Elderly patients or immunocompromised patients, deep pain at the initial visit and no prompt treatment are significant predictors of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). When PHN occurs, especially involved cranial polyneuropathy, multiple modalities should be administered for patients with the intractable PHN. The use of thermography in the follow-up of PHN secondary to RHS with multicranial nerve involvement has not yet been described yet in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 78-year-old man with the chief complaint of a 3-month history of PHN secondary to RHS with polycranial nerve (V, VII, VIII, and IX) involvement. Multimodality therapy with oral gabapentin, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) application to the Gasserian ganglion for pain in the trigeminal nerve region, linear-polarized near-infrared light irradiation for pain in the facial nerve region, and 2% lidocaine spray for pain in the glossopharyngeal nerve region was used to the treat patient, and follow-up evaluations included thermography. This comprehensive treatment obviously improved the quality of life, resulting in considerable pain relief, as indicated by a decrease in the numerical rating scale (NRS) score from 9 to 3 and a decrease in thermal imaging temperature from higher to average temperature on the ipsilateral side compared with the contralateral side. Lidocaine spray on the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve resulted in an improvement in odynophagia, and the NRS score decreased from 9 to 0 for glossopharyngeal neuralgia after three applications. CONCLUSION: Although the use of thermography in the follow-up of RHS with multiple cranial nerve (V, VII, VIII, and IX) involvement is very rare, in this patient, thermal imaging showed the efficacy of combination therapy (oral gabapentin, 2% lidocaine sprayed, PRF application and linear-polarized near-infrared light irradiation) and that is a good option for treatment.

Heat-retention effects of hydrogen-rich water bath assessed by thermography for humans.

Hydrogen-rich water bath devices are commercially available, but have been scarcely clarified for heat-retention effects. In this study, heat-retention effects of hydrogen-rich water bath were assessed by thermographic clinical trials, which employed twenty-four healthy subjects. The thermograms indicated that, under the same conditions (41 °C, 10-min bathing), hydrogen-rich water bath (hydrogen concentrations: 185-548 µg/L; oxidation-reduction potentials: -167 to -91 mV, versus 0.8 µg/L and +479 mV for normal bath, respectively) brought about the heat-retention being more marked than those of normal water bath for several body-parts in the order as follows: abdomen > upper legs > arms > hands > feet, for 30- and 60-min post-bathing, being in contrast to scarce heat-retention for head, armpits and lower legs. Then, as reflection to promotive effects on blood stream, we also examined the thickness of fingertip-capillary in hands. The thickness was expanded in the hydrogen-rich water bath more markedly than that in the normal water bath, suggesting that the hydrogen-rich water bath may have the hydrogen-based promotive effect, exceeding over mere heat retention-based effects, on blood circulation of the whole body. Meanwhile, the heat-retention in hydrogen-rich water bath weakly or moderately correlated with contents of the subcutaneous fat, whole body fat and body mass index, and inversely correlated with skeletal muscle rates, although their correlation degrees did not obviously exceed over normal water bath, with a poor relation with the basal metabolism rate. Thus, the hydrogen-rich water bath was suggested to exert heat-retention effects exceeding over normal water bath, in diverse body-parts such as abdomen, upper legs, arms and hands, via promotion to blood flow which was reflected by expanding the thickness of capillary. The heat-retention after bathing can be noted as effects of the hydrogen-rich water bath, which is applicable for most of people widespread regardless of their body composition index.

A sport cream (Harpago-Boswellia-ginger-escin) for localized neck/shoulder pain.

BACKGROUND: Neck/shoulder, sudden pain, or muscular pain (not associated to structural or bone/joints components), due to fascial or muscular strain is common in active subjects, in non-professional athletes and sports performers. The aim of this supplement registry was the evaluation of a cream based on natural, active ingredients for topical application in supporting the improvement of pain and improving head/neck mobility, possibly minimizing the use of systemic drugs. METHODS: The cream includes standardized active ingredients of natural origin as an extract of Harpagophytum procumbes, an extract from Boswellia serrata, a CO2 extract of ginger and escin. Subjects were divided into three groups, all using the standard management (SM) in combination with the Sport Cream or in addition to Flector (diclofenac) patch. RESULTS: The groups were comparable and homogeneous at the baseline. No side effects or skin tolerability issues were observed with the Sport Cream nor with the SM or diclofenac patches. Subjects receiving sport cream + SM reported a significant improvement in pain, stiffness, altered mobility and altered working capacity, with a reduced need for rescue medication (diclofenac) compared to subjects in the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, subjects receiving sport cream + SM reported a more remarkable decrease in skin temperature in the affected area associated to an improvement in clinical symptoms.