Physical activity and temperature changes of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) participating in eco-tourism activities and elephant polo.

Captive and domestic animals are often required to engage in physical activity initiated or organised by humans, which may impact their body temperature, with consequences for their health and welfare. This is a particular concern for animals such as elephants that face thermoregulatory challenges because of their body size and physiology. Using infrared thermography, we measured changes in skin temperature associated with two types of physical activity in ten female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at an eco-tourism lodge in Nepal. Six elephants took part in an activity relatively unfamiliar to the elephants-a polo tournament-and four participated in more familiar ecotourism activities. We recorded skin temperatures for four body regions affected by the activities, as well as an average skin temperature. Temperature change was used as the response variable in the analysis and calculated as the difference in elephant temperature before and after activity. We found no significant differences in temperature change between the elephants in the polo-playing group and those from the non-polo playing group. However, for both groups, when comparing the average skin body temperature and several different body regions, we found significant differences in skin temperature change before and after activity. The ear pinna was the most impacted region and was significantly different to all other body regions. This result highlights the importance of this region in thermoregulation for elephants during physical activity. However, as we found no differences between the average body temperatures of the polo and non-polo playing groups, we suggest that thermoregulatory mechanisms can counteract the effects of both physical activities the elephants engaged in.

Thermal mapping the eye: A critical review of advances in infrared imaging for disease detection.

Infrared thermography (IRT) has become more accessible due to technological advancements, making thermal cameras more affordable. Infrared thermal cameras capture the infrared rays emitted by objects and convert it into temperature representations. IRT has emerged as a promising and non-invasive approach for examining the human eye. Ocular surface temperature assessment based on IRT is vital for the diagnosis and monitoring of various eye conditions like dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, allergic conjunctivitis, and inflammatory diseases. A collective sum of 192 articles was sourced from various databases, and through adherence to the PRISMA guidelines, 29 articles were ultimately chosen for systematic analysis. This systematic review article seeks to provide readers with a thorough understanding of IRT's applications, advantages, limitations, and recent developments in the context of eye examinations. It covers various aspects of IRT-based eye analysis, including image acquisition, processing techniques, ocular surface temperature measurement, three different approaches to identifying abnormalities, and different evaluation metrics used. Our review also delves into recent advancements, particularly the integration of machine learning and deep learning algorithms into IRT-based eye examinations. Our systematic review not only sheds light on the current state of research but also outlines promising future prospects for the integration of infrared thermography in advancing eye health diagnostics and care.

Facial and ocular thermal mapping in black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) by infrared thermography: An ex situ study.

BACKGROUND: This study used infrared thermography (IRT) for mapping the facial and ocular temperatures of howler monkeys, to determine parameters for the diagnosis of febrile processes. There are no published IRT study in this species. METHODS: Were evaluated images of a group of monkeys kept under human care at Sorocaba Zoo (São Paulo, Brazil). The images were recorded during 1 year, in all seasons. Face and eye temperatures were evaluated. RESULTS: There are statistically significant differences in face and eye temperatures. Mean values and standard deviations for facial and ocular temperature were respectively: 33.0°C (2.1) and 36.5°C (1.9) in the summer; 31.5°C (4.5) and 35.3°C (3.6) in the autumn; 30.0°C (4.3) and 35.6°C (3.9) in the winter; 30.8°C (2.9) and 35.5°C (2.1) in the spring. CONCLUSIONS: The IRT was effective to establish a parameter for facial and ocular temperatures of black-and-gold howler monkeys kept under human care.

A complementary analytical tool for hip prosthesis dislocation: Thermal imaging in rehabilitation.

The use of routine ionizing imaging in identify and classify patients with dislocation or infection after surgery has some medical contraindication, in addition to risks associated with the ionizing load and elevated costs. A novel, less expensive and non-ionizing imaging technique, called infrared thermal imaging, can be proposed as a complementary method to routinely evaluate hip prosthesis patients and track their inflammation response following serious complications. Here we report a case of a total hip prosthesis which was dislocated during inpatient rehabilitation, and ultimately reduced without surgical procedure. During the process, routine clinical and radiographic diagnosis was complemented with an infrared examination. The infrared images were easy to take bedside, without direct contact with the area of surgery, and well tolerated. After the dislocation reduction, the thermal imaging procedure provided important feedbacks on the local inflammation, helping to exclude other complications such as the infections.

Continuous monitoring using thermography can capture the heat oscillations maintaining body temperature in neonates.

The body temperature of infants at equilibrium with their surroundings is balanced between heat production from metabolism and the transfer of heat to the environment. Total heat production is related to body size, which is closely related to metabolic rate and oxygen consumption. Body temperature control is a crucial aspect of neonatal medicine but we have often struggled with temperature measures. Contactless infrared thermography (IRT) is useful for vulnerable neonates and may be able to assess their spontaneous thermal metabolism. The present study focused on heat oscillations and their cause. IRT was used to measure the skin temperature every 15 s of neonates in an incubator. We analyzed the thermal data of 27 neonates (32 measurements), calculated the average temperature within specified regions, and extracted two frequency components-Components A and B-using the Savitzky-Golay method. Furthermore, we derived an equation describing the cycle-named cycle T-for maintaining body temperature according to body weight. A positive correlation was observed between cycle T and Component B (median [IQR]: 368 [300-506] s). This study sheds light on the physiological thermoregulatory function of newborns and will lead to improved temperature management methods for newborns, particularly premature, low-birth-weight infants.

Subclinical joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis: comparing thermal and ultrasound imaging at the metacarpophalangeal joint.

BACKGROUND: While ultrasound and MRI are both superior to clinical examination in the detection of joint inflammation, there is presently a lack of data whether thermography may be similarly useful in the assessment of joint inflammation in patients with RA. Our study aims to evaluate the use of thermography in detecting subclinical joint inflammation at clinically quiescent (non-tender and non-swollen) metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The outcomes from thermography in our study will be compared with ultrasonography (which is a more established imaging tool used for joint inflammation assessment in RA). METHODS: The minimum (Tmin), average (Tavg) and maximum (Tmax) temperatures at the 10 MCPJs of each patient were summed to obtain the Total Tmin, Total Tavg and Total Tmax, respectively. Ultrasound grey-scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) joint inflammation (scored semi-quantitatively, 0-3) at the 10 MCPJs were summed up to derive the respective TGS and TPD scores per patient. Pearson's correlation and simple linear regression were respectively used to assess correlation and characterize relationships between thermographic parameters (Total Tmin, Total Tavg and Total Tmax) and ultrasound imaging parameters (TGS, TPD and the number of joint(s) with PD ≥ 1 or GS ≥ 2). RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, 420 clinically non-swollen and non-tender MCPJs from 42 RA patients were examined. All thermographic parameters (Total Tmin, Total Tavg and Total Tmax) correlated significantly (P-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.0012) with TGS score (correlation coefficient ranging from 0.421 to 0.430), TPD score (correlation coefficient ranging from 0.383 to 0.424), and the number of joint(s) with PD ≥ 1 or GS ≥ 2 (correlation coefficient ranging from 0.447 to 0.465). Similarly, simple linear regression demonstrated a statistically significant relationship (P-values ranging from 0.001 to 0.005) between all thermographic parameters (Total Tmin, Total Tavg and Total Tmax) and ultrasound imaging parameters (TPD and TGS). CONCLUSION: For the first time, thermographic temperatures were shown to correlate with ultrasound-detected joint inflammation at clinically quiescent MCPJs. The use of thermography in the detection of subclinical joint inflammation in RA appears promising and warrants further investigation.

Enhanced thyroid nodule segmentation through U-Net and VGG16 fusion with feature engineering: A comprehensive study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The thyroid gland, a key component of the endocrine system, is pivotal in regulating bodily functions. Thermography, a non-invasive imaging technique utilizing infrared cameras, has emerged as a diagnostic tool for thyroid-related conditions, offering advantages such as early detection and risk stratification. Artificial intelligence (AI) has demonstrated success in medical diagnostics, and its integration into thermal imaging analysis holds promise for improving diagnostic capabilities. This study aims to explore the potential of AI, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in enhancing the analysis of thyroid thermograms for the detection of nodules and abnormalities. METHODS: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques are integrated to enhance thyroid thermal image analysis. Specifically, a fusion of U-Net and VGG16, combined with feature engineering (FE), is proposed for accurate thyroid nodule segmentation. The novelty of this research lies in leveraging feature engineering in transfer learning for the segmentation of thyroid nodules, even in the presence of a limited dataset. RESULTS: The study presents results from four conducted studies, demonstrating the efficacy of this approach even with a limited dataset. It's observed that in study 4, using FE has led to a significant improvement in the value of the dice coefficient. Even for the small size of the masked region, incorporating radiomics with FE resulted in significant improvements in the segmentation dice coefficient. It's promising that one can achieve higher dice coefficients by employing different models and refining them. CONCLUSION: The findings here underscore the potential of AI for precise and efficient segmentation of thyroid nodules, paving the way for improved thyroid health assessment.

Infrared thermography for normal endothelial function screening.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) suspicion will allow to prevent accelerated atherosclerosis and premature death. OBJECTIVE: To establish the usefulness of thermography for endothelial function screening in adults with cardiovascular risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, analytical diagnostic test. A brachial arterial diameter (BAD) increase < 11% at one-minute post-ischemia meant probable ED and was confirmed if BAD was ≥ 11% post-sublingual nitroglycerin. Thermographic photographs of the palmar region were obtained at one minute. Descriptive statistics, ROC curve, Mann-Whitney's U-test, chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: Thirty-eight subjects with a median age of 50 years, and with 624 thermographic measurements were included. Nine had ED (flow-mediated vasodilation [FMV]: 2.5%). The best cutoff point for normal endothelial function in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors was ≥ 36 °C at one minute of ischemia, with 85% sensitivity, 70% specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 78 and 77%, area under the curve of 0.796, LR+ 2.82, LR- 0.22. CONCLUSION: An infrared thermography-measured temperature in the palmar region greater than or equal to 36 °C after one minute of ischemia is practical, non-invasive, and inexpensive for normal endothelial function screening in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.

ANTECEDENTES: La sospecha de disfunción endotelial (DE) permitirá prevenir la aterosclerosis acelerada y la muerte prematura. OBJETIVO: Establecer la utilidad de la termografía en el cribado de la función endotelial en adultos con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal analítico de prueba diagnóstica. El incremento del diámetro de la arteria braquial < 11 % a un minuto posisquemia significó probable DE, confirmada si el diámetro fue ≥ 11 % posnitroglicerina sublingual. Se obtuvieron fotografías termográficas al minuto de la región palmar. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva, curva ROC, pruebas U de Mann-Whitney, chi cuadrada o exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 38 sujetos, mediana de edad de 50 años, con 624 mediciones termográficas; nueve presentaron DE (vasodilatación mediada por flujo de 2.5 %). El mejor punto de corte para la función endotelial normal en sujetos con factores de riesgo cardiovascular fue ≥ 36 °C al minuto de isquemia, con sensibilidad de 85%, especificidad de 70%, valores predictivos positivo y negativo de 78 y 77%, área bajo la curva de 0.796, razón de verisimilitud positiva de 2.82 y razón de verisimilitud negativa de 0.22. CONCLUSIÓN: La medición de la temperatura en la región palmar mediante termografía infrarroja ≥ 36 °C tras un minuto de isquemia es práctica, no invasiva y económica para el cribado de la función endotelial normal en adultos con factores de riesgo cardiovascular.

Breathing mode assessment with thermography: a pilot study. / Avaliação do modo respiratório por meio da termografia: um estudo piloto.

PURPOSE: To present a method for analyzing breathing modes with infrared thermography. METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study used 38 thermal images of inspiration and expiration with nasal breathing and simulated mouth breathing in four nasal breathers without respiratory complaints. Three different data selection forms (line, rectangle, and ellipse) were used to extract the minimum, mean, and maximum temperatures of the regions of interest (nose and mouth) using the FLIR Tools® software. RESULTS: Among the three selection forms, there was greater temperature variability obtained with the line, revealing limitations in this measurement. There were no differences between the rectangle and ellipse values, showing that both selection forms present similar temperature extraction results. The comparison results between nose and mouth temperatures during inspiration and expiration indicated a statistically significant difference between all measurements, except for mean inspiration temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. The breathing mode can be distinguished in both inspiration and expiration when using mean mouth temperatures with the rectangle and ellipse. CONCLUSION: Breathing modes should be assessed based on mean mouth temperatures during inspiration, using the ellipse.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um método de análise do modo respiratório por meio da termografia infravermelha. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal exploratório de 38 imagens térmicas que representavam o momento da inspiração e da expiração durante a respiração nasal e durante a simulação da respiração oral de quatro voluntárias respiradoras nasais sem queixas respiratórias. Para a extração da temperatura das regiões de interesse (nariz e boca) foram utilizadas três formas de seleção distintas de dados (linha, retângulo e elipse) e três medidas de temperatura (mínima, média e máxima) por meio do software FLIR Tools®. RESULTADOS: Dentre as três formas de seleção houve maior variabilidade nas medidas obtidas pela linha, revelando limitações nessa medida. Não houve diferenças entre as medidas do retângulo e elipse, mostrando que ambas as formas de seleção apresentam resultados semelhantes para a extração das temperaturas. Na comparação entre as temperaturas do nariz e da boca na inspiração e expiração, os resultados indicaram que houve diferença com relevância estatística em todas as medidas realizadas, exceto para as medidas de temperatura média da inspiração, usando o retângulo e a elipse. Percebe-se diferenciação do modo respiratório tanto na inspiração quanto na expiração quando utilizada a temperatura média da boca com o retângulo e a elipse. CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se para avaliação do modo respiratório a avaliação da boca, por meio da elipse, com análise da temperatura média durante a inspiração.

Accuracy of infrared thermography evaluation in burn wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate assessment of burn depth and burn wound healing potential is essential to determine early treatments. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-invasive and objective tool to do this. This systematic review evaluated the accuracy of IRT to determine burn wound healing potential. METHOD: This systematic review and meta-analysis used MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, DiTA and CENTRAL databases. IRT data were extracted from primary studies and categorised into four cells (i.e., true positives, false positives, true negatives and false negatives). Subgroup analysis was performed according to methods used to capture thermal images. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 2727 publications; however, 15 articles were selected for review and 11 for meta-analysis. In our meta-analysis, the accuracy of IRT was 84.8% (63% sensitivity and 81.9% specificity). CONCLUSION: IRT is a moderately accurate tool to identify burn depth and healing potential. Thus, IRT should be used carefully for evaluating burn wounds.

Using Infrared Thermography for High-Throughput Plant Phenotyping.

Infrared thermography offers a rapid, noninvasive method for measuring plant temperature, which provides a proxy for stomatal conductance and plant water status and can therefore be used as an index for plant stress. Thermal imaging can provide an efficient method for high-throughput screening of large numbers of plants. This chapter provides guidelines for using thermal imaging equipment and illustrative methodologies, coupled with essential considerations, to access plant physiological processes.

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.

Use of thermography in the long-term evaluation of scrotal surface temperature and its impact on seminal quality in stallions.

Scrotal surface thermography is a non-invasive method for assessing testicular thermoregulation in stallions; however, few studies have explored the application of this technique concerning the thermal physiology of equine reproductive systems. This study aimed to evaluate the consistency of testicular thermoregulation in stallions over a year using thermography to measure the scrotal surface temperature (SST). Moreover, we assessed the best region for measuring the surface body temperature compared with the SST. Ten light-breed stallions were used in the experiment. Thermographic images of the scrotal and body surfaces (neck and abdomen) were captured. Fresh, cooled and frozen-thawed semen samples were evaluated to verify the impact of thermoregulation on semen quality. Testicular thermoregulation was maintained throughout the year in stallions amidst changes in the external temperature, as evidenced by the weak correlation between the SST and ambient temperature. A lower correlation was observed between the environmental temperature and body surface temperature (BTS) obtained from the abdomen (BTS-A; R = .4772; p < .0001) than with that obtained from the neck (BTS-N; R = .7259; p < .0001). Moreover, both BTS-A and SST were simultaneously captured in a single image. The consistent quality of the fresh, cooled and frozen semen suggests efficient thermoregulation in stallions throughout the year.

Thermal Imaging of the Tongue Surface as a Predictive Method in the Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Over the past 20 years, the high prevalence of diabetes has become a global public health problem. BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to develop a non-invasive screening method for diabetes which will enable the detection of the disease at an early stage. METHODS: This study included 63 adult patients of both sexes: 30 patients with type 2 diabetes (t2DM) and 33 healthy volunteers. The temperature distribution on the tongue's dorsum and apex surface was studied in patients after a mouth-cooling procedure had been introduced. The study used an FLIR T540 thermal imaging camera. An analysis of the correlation between the ∆T values of the tongue dorsum and apex and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was performed. RESULTS: The median of the average dorsum temperature measured 10 min after mouth rinsing was almost 0.8 [°C] lower than for healthy individuals. Also, studies showed a positive average correlation with a Pearson coefficient of r = 0.46 between the HbA1c level and the ∆T of the tongue dorsum. CONCLUSIONS: Tongue temperature measured using the IRT showed a correlation with standard biochemical parameters; it may also differentiate patients and constitute a specific screening method for patients with t2DM.

Relationships of infrared thermography temperature with core temperature in goat.

Rectal temperature is widely used as an indicator of animal health. However, rectal temperature is conventionally measured by an invasive method, which may reduce animal welfare. So, this study aimed to determine the relationships between the deep-body (core) temperature and body surface temperatures in goats and develop a linear regression equation to establish the core temperature based on body surface temperatures. Body surface temperatures (head, eye, muzzle, horn, back, scrotum and groin) of goats were measured by infrared thermography (IRT). Ambient temperatures were measured by digital thermometer. Core temperatures were measured by a digital vet thermometer. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between body surface temperatures, ambient temperature, and core temperature. Simple linear regression analysis was used to develop core temperature assessment equations. Correlation analysis showed that groin temperature was highly correlated with core temperature, and low correlated with ambient temperature. The body surface temperature of other region was low correlated with core temperature, and highly correlated with ambient temperature. Regression analysis showed that the determination coefficient of core temperature assessment equation based on groin temperature was the highest (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.55), and those based on surface temperature of other regions were low (P < 0.01, R2 ≤ 0.16). We concluded that body surface temperatures obtained by IRT could be used for the assessment of goat core temperature. The core temperature assessment equations developed by the temperature of the body surface, which is less affected by ambient temperature, was found to have a higher determination coefficient than the equations developed using body surface temperature that is more affected by ambient temperature.

Seasonal assessment of mastitis using thermogram analysis in murrah buffaloes.

Mastitis is a global threat that challenges dairy farmers' economies worldwide. Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) beholds the lion's share in it, as its visible clinical signs are not evident and are challenging to diagnose. The treatment of intramammary infection (IMI) demands antimicrobial therapy and subsequent milk withdrawal for a week or two. This context requires a non-invasive diagnostic tool like infrared thermography (IRT) to identify mastitis. It can form the basis of precision dairy farming. Therefore, the present study focuses on thermal imaging of the udder and teat quarters of Murrah buffaloes during different seasons to identify SCM and clinical mastitis (CM) cases using the Darvi DTL007 camera. A total of 30-45 lactating Murrah buffalo cows were screened out using IRT regularly throughout the year 2021-22. The IMI was further screened using the California mastitis test. The thermogram analysis revealed a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the mean values of the udder and teat skin surface temperature of Murrah buffaloes between healthy, SCM, and CM during different seasons. The mean values of udder skin surface temperature (USST) during different seasons ranged between 30.28 and 36.81 °C, 32.54 to 38.61 °C, and 34.32 to 40.02 °C among healthy, SCM, and CM-affected quarters. Correspondingly, the mean values of teat skin surface temperature (TSST) were 30.52 to 35.96 °C, 32.92 to 37.55 °C, and 34.51 to 39.05 °C, respectively. Further results revealed an increase (p < 0.01) in the mean values of USST during winter, summer, rainy, and autumn as 2.26, 4.04; 2.19, 3.35; 1.80, 3.21; and 1.45, 2.64 °C and TSST as 2.40, 3.99; 2.28, 3.26; 1.59, 3.09; and 1.68, 2.92 °C of SCM, CM-affected quarters to healthy quarters, respectively. The highest incidence of SCM was observed during autumn and CM during winter. Henceforth, irrespective of the seasons studied in the present study, IRT is an efficient, supportive tool for the early identification of SCM.

Effects of pre-exercise glycerol supplementation on dehydration, metabolic, kinematic, and thermographic variables in international race walkers.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increase in global temperature, it is necessary to investigate solutions so that athletes competing in hot conditions can perform in optimal conditions avoiding loss of performance and health problems. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of pre-exercise glycerol supplementation during a rectangular test at ambient temperature mid (28.2ºC) on dehydration variables in international race walkers. METHODS: Eight international male race walkers (age: 28.0 years (4.4); weight: 65.6 kg (6.6); height: 180.0 cm (5.0); fat mass: 6.72% (0.66); muscle mass: 33.3 kg (3.3); VO2MAX: 66.5 ml · kg-1·min-1 (1.9)) completed this randomized crossover design clinical trial. Subjects underwent two interventions: they consumed placebo (n = 8) and glycerol (n = 8) acutely, before a rectangular test where dehydration, RPE, metabolic, kinematic, and thermographic variables were analyzed before, during and after the test. RESULTS: After the intervention, significant differences were found between groups in body mass in favor of the placebo (Placebo: -2.23 kg vs Glycerol: -2.48 kg; p = 0.033). For other variables, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSION: Therefore, pre-exercise glycerol supplementation was not able to improve any dehydration, metabolic, kinematic, or thermographic variables during a rectangular test at temperature mid in international race walkers. Possibly, a higher environmental temperature could have generated a higher metabolic and thermoregulatory stress, generating differences between groups like other previous scientific evidence.

Thermography Sensor to Assess Motor and Sensitive Neuromuscular Sequels of Brain Damage.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to observe the validity, diagnostic capacity, and reliability of the thermographic technique in the analysis of sensitive and motor sequelae in patients with chronic brain damage. METHOD: A longitudinal descriptive observational study was performed. Forty-five people with impairment in at least one anatomical region participated in and completed this study. All patients who had become infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the past year were excluded. Thermographic measurement was conducted, and the Modified Ashworth Scale and Pressure Pain Threshold was analyzed. RESULTS: A high correlation between two times of thermography data was observed. The Spearman correlations obtained between the Ashworth score on each leg and the temperature given by thermography were all significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Despite the above, the Spearman correlations obtained between the PPT in each leg and the temperature offered by thermography were not significant in any of the measurements. For this reason, thermography is a potential tool for the diagnosis and assessment of neuromuscular motor sequelae, but not for sensitive sequelae, after brain injury. Nevertheless, for the time being, no statistical relationship has been observed between the data reported by thermography and PPT; thus, future studies are needed to further investigate these results.

Usefulness of thermography for differentiating Wallenberg's syndrome from noncentral vertigo in the acute phase.

OBJECTIVES: Wallenberg's syndrome (WS) is caused by a stroke in the lateral medulla and can present with various symptoms. One of the main symptoms is vertigo, which can be misdiagnosed as noncentral vertigo (NCV). Approximately 90% of the patients with acute WS have a lateral difference in body surface temperature (BST) due to autonomic pathway disturbances from infarction. Additionally, thermography can aid in WS diagnosis; however, whether BST differences occur in patients with acute NCV is unclear. METHODS: This study used thermography to measure the BST of patients with NCV and acute WS to determine the effectiveness of BST to differentiate between the conditions. Forty-eight consecutive patients diagnosed with NCV whose BST was measured using thermography during a hospital visit or admission were enrolled. The left and right BST of four sites (face, trunk, and upper and lower limbs) were measured and compared with obtained BST of nine patients with WS. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had lateral differences in BST ≥ 0.5°C, three with ≥1.5°C, and none with ≥2.5°C. Only one patient with NCV had lateral differences in BST at two or more ipsilateral sites. When WS differentiated from NCV, a left-right difference ≥0.5°C in two or more ipsilateral sites had a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 98%, and ≥1.0°C had a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 98%. DISCUSSION: Acute WS can be differentiated from NCV through BST and the number of sites with lateral differences via thermography, even in rooms where conditions are unregulated.

Confounding factors in peripheral thermal recovery time after active cooling.

OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of normal physiological thermoregulation complicates differentiation between pathologic changes in medical thermography associated with peripheral artery disease and a number of other clinical conditions. In this study we investigate a number of potential confounding factors to the thermal recovery rate after active limb cooling, with the main focus on age and sex. APPROACH: The source data consists of 53 healthy individuals with no diagnosed cardiovascular disease or reported symptoms and with a mean age of 38.4 (± 12.1) years. The sample population was further divided into male (N = 14) and female groups (N = 39). The thermal recovery time was measured using two thermal cameras from both lower limbs on plantar and dorsal sides. The active cooling was achieved using moldable cold pads placed on the plantar and dorsal side of the lower limb. The recovery was measured until the temperature had reached a stable level. The recovery time was determined from an exponential fit to the measured data. RESULTS: The correlation between the thermal recovery time constant and age varied from low to moderate linear correlation (0.31 ≤ ⍴ ≤ 70), depending on the inspected region of interest, with a higher statistically significant correlation in the medial regions. The contralateral limb temperature differences or the thermal time constants did not have statistically significant differences between the male and female sexes. Further, the secondary metrics such as participant's body mass, body-mass index, or systolic blood pressure had low or no correlation with the thermal recovery time in the study group. CONCLUSION: The thermal recovery time constant after active cooling appears as a relatively independent metric from the majority of the measured potential confounding factors. Age should be accounted for when performing thermal recovery measurements. However, dynamic thermal imaging and its methodologies require further research and exploration.