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Background Efficient infection control during carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales outbreaks demands rapid and simple techniques for outbreak investigations. WGS, the current gold standard for outbreak identification, is expensive, time-consuming and requires a high level of expertise. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (IR Biotyper) is a rapid typing method based on infrared radiation applied to samples, which provides a highly specific absorption spectrum. Objectives To investigate an outbreak of OXA-48-producing Escherichia coli in real-time using FTIR and subsequently compare the results with WGS. Methods Twenty-one isolates were collected during a nosocomial outbreak, and identification and antibiotic susceptibilities were confirmed by VITEK®2. FTIR was conducted for all isolates, and nine representative isolates were sequenced. Results FTIR was able to correctly determine the clonal relatedness of the isolates and to identify the outbreak cluster, as confirmed by WGS. By WGS, isolates in the main FTIR cluster belonged to the same MLST type and core-genome MLST type, and they harboured similar plasmids and resistance genes, whereas the singletons external to the FTIR cluster had different genetic content. Conclusions FTIR can operate as a rapid, efficient and reliable first-line tool for outbreak investigations during a real-time ongoing E. coli outbreak, which can contribute to limiting the spread of pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: although digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is used for diverse medical conditions of the upper limbs, no reference standards have been established. This study aims to establish reference standards by analyzing DITI results of the upper limbs. (2) Methods: we recruited 905 healthy Korean adults and conducted thermography on six regions (dorsal arm, ventral arm, lateral arm, medial arm, dorsal hand, and ventral hand region). We analyzed the data based on the proximity of regions of interest (ROIs), sex, and age. (3) Results: the average temperature (°C) and temperature discrepancy between the right and the left sides (ΔT) of each ROI varied significantly (p < 0.001), ranging from 28.45 ± 5.71 to 29.74 ± 5.14 and from 0.01 ± 0.49 to 0.15 ± 0.62, respectively. The temperature decreased towards the distal ROIs compared to proximal ROIs. The average temperatures of the same ROIs were significantly higher for men than women in all regions (p < 0.001). Across all regions, except the dorsal hand region, average temperatures tended to increase with age, particularly in individuals in their 30s and older (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: these data could be used as DITI reference standards to identify skin temperature abnormalities of the upper limbs. However, it is important to consider various confounding factors, and further research is required to validate the accuracy of our results under pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is a supplementary diagnostic technique to visualize the surface temperature of the human body. However, there is currently no reference standard for the lower limbs for accurate diagnosis. In this study, we performed DITI on the lower limbs of 905 healthy Korean volunteers (411 males and 494 females aged between 20 and 69 years) to obtain reference standard data. Thermography was conducted on the front, back, lateral sides, and sole area, and 188 regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted according to the proximity of ROIs, sex, and age groups. The mean temperatures of ROIs ranged from 24.60 ± 5.06 to 28.75 ± 5.76 °C and the absolute value of the temperature difference between both sides reached up to 1.06 ± 2.75 °C. According to subgroup analysis, the sole area had a significantly lower temperature than any other areas, men had higher temperatures than women, and the elderly had higher temperatures than the young adults except for the 20s age group (p < 0.001, respectively). This result could be used as a foundation for the establishment of a reference standard for DITI. Practical patient DITI can be accurately interpreted using these data, and it can serve as a basis for further scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infrared thermography has the potential to help assess human head and neck muscles, as thermal variation measurements due to muscle imbalance can contribute to the evaluation and therapeutic follow‐up of various clinical conditions in the field of health. Objective: This study investigated, with a scoping review, the use of infrared thermography in complementary assessments of human head and neck muscles to determine the extent of research on the topic, what methodologies are used in thermal assessment and thermographic analysis, what regions are assessed, and what results are expected in thermography. Methods: LILACS, MEDLINE, SciELO, and Web of Science were the databases searched to identify articles published on the topic, with no restriction of language or time of publication. Descriptive, analytical, and experimental observational studies on the assessment of the human head and neck muscle surface temperature with infrared thermography were included. Case studies, case series, methodological accuracy, literature review, animal studies, studies that assessed patients with head and neck cancer, and studies that did not assess head and neck muscle temperature with thermography were excluded. The articles were analysed with a protocol developed by the authors, with data on author, year, country, type of study, sample characterisation, muscles assessed, outcomes investigated, thermal assessment methodology, thermographic analysis methodology and thermography measurements. Results: This review identified and analysed 27 articles. The studies assessed thermal distribution in normal individuals and those with pathologies related to hyper‐ and hypofunctional head and neck muscle conditions for diagnosis or therapeutic follow‐up. The masseter, temporal, digastric, anterior cervical region, orbicularis oris, frontalis, buccinator, suprahyoid, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapulae muscles were assessed. Quantitative analyses with area selection tool predominated, considering absolute temperatures and temperature differences. The studies investigated temperature and its relationship with myogenic pain, quantitative assessment of muscle parameters and blood flow velocity. The mean temperature ranged from 32.97°C (±2.21) to 34.90°C, and hyper‐radiant and/or asymmetric regions were observed in hyperfunctional conditions and normal subjects after muscle activation. Conclusion: Thermography is used in complementary assessments of head and neck muscles, identifying hyper‐radiant regions and thermal asymmetry related to muscle tension and activation state. Papers are limited to specific clinical conditions and few muscle groups, besides having great methodological variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate carbon nanotubes‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposites as bioactive titanium implant coats and to assess the effect of near‐infrared radiation on these nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes were acid‐functionalized, and hydroxyapatite was prepared by the wet‐chemical precipitation method. Both precursors were used to prepare the carbon nanotubes‐hydroxyapatite nanocomposites in two concentrations of hydroxyapatite (0.5 and 1 wt.%). The formed nanocomposites were characterized and used to coat silanized titanium discs and cylinders. Half the specimens of each group were radiated by near‐infrared laser, then wettability and shear bond strength were tested for all specimens. Bioactivity was tested by monitoring the formation of calcium phosphate compounds after soaking in simulated body fluid. A significant increase in wettability and bond strength was found in the radiated coats compared to the non‐radiated ones with the 1% hydroxyapatite group showing the highest values followed by 0.5% hydroxyapatite then the carbon nanotubes group. The two‐way ANOVA test showed that both the difference in material and the laser treatment have had a statistically significant contribution to the increase in wettability and bond strength. The radiated groups also contributed to the formation of more calcium phosphate crystals of larger sizes and higher degrees of crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soybean (Glycine max) is used as one of the main protein sources in various animal fodders. However, the presence of anti-nutrients significantly reduces the nutritional value of the bean. To solve this problem, the present work is devoted to the inactivation of the anti-nutrients in soybeans by the use of micronisation as a means of thermal treatment. The purpose of the work is to improve the process of soybean micronisation by determining the impact of the process parameters on the soybean's quality and energy performance, namely -- the urease activity and specific energy consumption. A multifactor experiment was carried out using an experimental device for the heat treatment of the beans. The influence of the temperature and time of the heat treatment on the level of inactivation of anti-nutrients and the specific energy consumption for beans with different sizes were established. The modes of heat treatment which allow the inactivation of the anti-nutrients in the soybeans to admissible standard values were also defined. The obtained and studied functional dependencies of the quality and energy indices on the technological factors of the soybean micronisation allow one to improve this process and technical means for its implementation in reducing the anti-nutrient content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared thermal screening, via the use of handheld non-contact infrared thermometers (NCITs) and thermal scanners, has been widely implemented all over the world. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate its diagnostic accuracy for the detection of fever. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, medRxiv, bioRxiv, ClinicalTrials.gov, COVID-19 Open Research Dataset, COVID-19 research database, Epistemonikos, EPPI-Centre, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, Scopus and Web of Science databases for studies where a non-contact infrared device was used to detect fever against a reference standard of conventional thermometers. Forest plots and Hierarchical Summary Receiver Operating Characteristics curves were used to describe the pooled summary estimates of sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio. From a total of 1063 results, 30 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 19 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.808 (95%CI 0.656-0.903) and 0.920 (95%CI 0.769-0.975), respectively, for the NCITs (using forehead as the site of measurement), and 0.818 (95%CI 0.758-0.866) and 0.923 (95%CI 0.823-0.969), respectively, for thermal scanners. The sensitivity of NCITs increased on use of rectal temperature as the reference. The sensitivity of thermal scanners decreased in a disease outbreak/pandemic setting. Changes approaching statistical significance were also observed on the exclusion of neonates from the analysis. Thermal screening had a low positive predictive value, especially at the initial stage of an outbreak, whereas the negative predictive value (NPV) continued to be high even at later stages. Thermal screening has reasonable diagnostic accuracy in the detection of fever, although it may vary with changes in subject characteristics, setting, index test and the reference standard used. Thermal screening has a good NPV even during a pandemic. The policymakers must take into consideration the factors surrounding the screening strategy while forming ad-hoc guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although infrared heaters (IRH) are commonly seen in the daily life, ocular complications due to IRH have been reported rarely in the literature. In this case, we aimed to present acute retinal phototoxicity due to IRH exposure which has not been presented in the literature so far. A 24-years old man presented to our clinic with visual impairment in his left eye after exposure to the IRH for approximately 3 hours at a distance of 0.5 meter from left side of his face. Ophthalmic examination findings were normal in his right eye. The visual acuity of his left eye was 8/10 and there was loss in hyper-reflectivity of the ellipsoid zone under the fovea on the optical coherence tomography (OCT). In control visit on month 4, visual acuity was improved to 10/10 in the left eye and OCT findings returned to normal. Our case is the fi rst case regarding the development of acute macular damage due to IRH in the literature. The IRHs used for heating purposes should be used cautiously since they may cause retinal damage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite increased evidence of bio-activity following far-infrared (FIR) radiation, susceptibility of cell signaling to FIR radiation-induced homeostasis is poorly understood. To observe the effects of FIR radiation, FIR-radiated materials-coated fabric was put on experimental rats or applied to L6 cells, and microarray analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and wound healing assays were performed. Microarray analysis revealed that messenger RNA expressions of rat muscle were stimulated by FIR radiation in a dose-dependent manner in amount of 10% and 30% materials-coated. In 30% group, 1,473 differentially expressed genes were identified (fold change [FC] > 1.5), and 218 genes were significantly regulated (FC > 1.5 and p < 0.05). Microarray analysis showed that extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and cell migration-related pathways were significantly stimulated in rat muscle. ECM and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-mediated cell migration-related genes were increased. And, results showed that the relative gene expression of actin beta was increased. FIR radiation also stimulated actin subunit and actin-related genes. We observed that wound healing was certainly promoted by FIR radiation over 48 h in L6 cells. Therefore, we suggest that FIR radiation can penetrate the body and stimulate PDGF-mediated cell migration through ECMintegrin signaling in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anew technique represented in this study for evaluating the performance of dyeing cotton fabrics using infrared (IR) heating technique compared to conventional exhaust dyeing method. The effect of this new technique has been studied on the color strength (K/S), color fastness properties, tensile strength and elongation of the dyed cotton fabrics made of two Egyptian varieties Giza 90 and Giza 95 using Procion H-EXL blue reactive dye with concentrations 2%, 4% and 6% . The color strength values of the infrared heating technique in dyeing were better than those of the exhaust dyeing obtained using the same dye concentration 4% and the same recipes. Also the results for dyeing using infrared heating technique had no bad effect on the color fastness or on the dyed cotton fabric mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional motion capture system plays an increasingly important role in determining the program of treatment and checking the outcome of therapy in clinic. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of temporal-spatial parameters and kinematic parameters taken by three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system (BTS Bioengineering, Milan, Italy). METHODS: Totally 28 young volunteers were recruited for gait analysis with 3D motion capture system by two evaluators, A and B. The parameters which consisted of speed, step length, step width, cadence and the angle of the pelvis, the hip, the knee and the ankle at sagittal, horizontal, and coronal planes were recorded. Data were compared within the group evaluated by the same evaluator, and data were compared among groups evaluated by two evaluators. The reliability was analyzed using ICC. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Retest and interdetector reliability was poor in pelvic movement and ankle movement in the horizontal plane. The remaining parameters showed good correlation of the retest and interdetector reliability such as temporal-spatial and kinematic parameters, motion range at three planes, ankle sagittal, frontal planes within and between groups (ICC > 0.75). (2) Results indicate that the temporal-spatial and kinematic obtained from BTS 3D motion capture has clinically acceptable intertrial repeatability, except the movement of pelvis and ankle in the horizontal plane. It can be used in clinical research in mostly abnormal gait analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Infrared thermography has the potential to help assess human head and neck muscles, as thermal variation measurements due to muscle imbalance can contribute to the evaluation and therapeutic follow-up of various clinical conditions in the field of health. Objective: This study investigated, with a scoping review, the use of infrared thermography in complementary assessments of human head and neck muscles. Data synthesis: This review identified and analyzed 27 articles. The studies assessed thermal distribution in normal individuals and those with pathologies related to hyper- and hypofunctional head and neck muscle conditions for diagnosis or therapeutic follow-up. The masseter, temporal, digastric, anterior cervical region, orbicularis oris, frontalis, buccinator, suprahyoid, trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapulae muscles were assessed. Quantitative analyses with area selection tool predominated, considering absolute temperatures and temperature differences. The studies investigated temperature and its relationship with myogenic pain, quantitative assessment of muscle parameters, and blood flow velocity. The mean temperature ranged from 32.97 °C (±2.21) to 34.90 °C, and hyper-radiant and/or asymmetric regions were observed in hyperfunctional conditions and normal subjects after muscle activation. These results point to a possible use of thermography to monitor musculoskeletal tension dysphonia or the relationship between thermal distribution and vocal fatigue. Conclusion: Thermography is used in complementary assessments of head and neck muscles, identifying hyper-radiant regions and thermal asymmetry related to muscle tension and activation state. Papers are limited to specific clinical conditions and few muscle groups, besides having great methodological variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To this day, two methods of phototherapy (PT) have been successfully used in post-surgical immunorehabilitation of patients with breast cancer (BC): intravenous laser irradiation of the patients' blood and reinfusion of lympholeukosuspension of BC patients after single irradiation with HeNe laser. The objective of this pilot experimental study was to verify the effectiveness of the percutaneous use of polychromatic visible light combined with polychromatic infrared (pVIS + pIR) radiation similar to the major components of natural solar spectrum in post-surgical management of BC patients. Patients with BC (adenocarcinoma) of I–II stages, n = 19 who had undergone mastectomy, were divided into 2 groups. The control group of patients (n = 8) underwent a conventional course of post-surgical rehabilitation and sham irradiation. Patients of the PT group (n = 11) additionally received 7 days of daily treatment with polychromatic light on the sacral area, D = 15 cm. The PT course began on the day after mastectomy (Bioptron-2 device; Switzerland, 480–3400 nm, 95% polarization, 40 mW/cm 2 , 24 J/cm 2 ). Mastectomy produced many changes in cellular and humoral immunity, which was recorded on the 1st and 8th post-surgical days. The PT course resulted in a faster normalization of post-surgical leukocytosis and activation of cytotoxic CD8 + T-lymphocytes (Lym), reduced the elevated concentration in blood of immune complexes and in parallel promoted cytotoxic activity of CD16 + /CD56 + NK-cells. The PT up-regulated the number of NK-cells in patients with its decrease on the 1st post-surgical day and prevented the decrease in the amount of monocytes, CD19 + B-Lym, CD3 + T-Lym, CD4 + T-helpers, activated CD3 + /HLADR + T-Lym, and the decrease of the phagocytotic capability of neutrophils. PT blocked the down-regulation of the IgM, IgA concentration and abnormally sharp increase of the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ content. Therefore, a 7-day course with polychromatic light prevented the development of immunosupression in the BC patients at the early post-mastectomy period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureteral injuries are well-known complications of gynecologic surgery, with a higher prevalence in laparoscopic surgery than in laparotomy [1]. The use of near-infrared fluorescent imaging navigation is currently being considered a novel method to identify the ureters intraoperatively and prevent ureteral injuries [2]. The Near-Infrared Ray Catheter (NIRC) fluorescent ureteral catheter is a newly developed device, containing a fluorescent resin that can be recognized by near-infrared irradiation. We found few reports on the use of this catheter in laparoscopic surgery for colon and rectal cancer [3,4], but no reports in gynecologic surgery. We demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and potential usefulness of the real-time intraoperative visualization of the ureters using a novel NIRC fluorescent ureteral catheter in laparoscopic hysterectomy for endometrial cancer. A 30-year-old woman with early grade 1 endometrioid carcinoma was treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate for fertility preservation. After achieving complete response, she got pregnant and underwent cesarean section. The recurrence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia one year post-delivery prompted a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Before the laparoscopic surgery began, the NIRC fluorescent ureteral catheters were placed in the ureters under the obtainment of informed consent from the patient. During the surgery, the catheters were successfully visualized by near-infrared fluorescence observation, which helped identify the ureters clearly and prevent ureteral injuries. This novel ureteral imaging navigation is expected to be an effective tool in cases of obesity, severe pelvic adhesion, deep infiltrating endometriosis, and malignancy in gynecologic laparoscopic surgery to clearly identify the ureter and to reduce the risk of ureteral injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We deal with the thermal energy which is one of the ambient energy sources surely exploitable, but it has not been much interest as the mechanical energy. In this paper, our aim is to use thermal energy and show that it’s an important source for producing the electrical energy through pyroelectric effect which is the property of some dielectric materials to show a spontaneous electrical polarization versus temperature. In this context, we present a concept to harvest a thermal energy using infrared rays and pyroelectric effect. The pyroelectric material used in this work can generate an electrical voltage when it subjected to a temperature change which will be ensured by the use of infrared lamp. Our experimental results show that the electrical voltage, current and harvested power increased significantly when increasing the area of the pyroelectric element. The experimental results show also that with this simple concept we harvested a heavy amount value of power which will certainly be useful in an extensive range of applications, including sensors and infrared detection. These results shed light on the thermoelectric energy conversion by Ceramic lead zirconate titanate (PZT) buzzer having the pyroelectric property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate if body surface temperature close to the central venous catheter insertion area is different when patients develop catheter-related bloodstream infections. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study. Using a non-contact infrared thermometer, 3 consecutive measurements of body surface temperature were collected from 39 patients with central venous catheter on the following sites: nearby the catheter insertion area or totally implantable catheter reservoir, the equivalent contralateral region (without catheter), and forehead of the same subject. Results: A total of 323 observations were collected. Respectively, both in male and female patients, disregarding the occurrence of infection, the mean temperature on the catheter area minus that on the contralateral region (mean ± standard deviation: -0.3±0.6°C versus -0.2±0.5°C; p=0.36), and the mean temperature on the catheter area minus that on the forehead (mean ± standard deviation: -0.2±0.5°C versus -0.1±0.5°C; p=0.3) resulted in negative values. Moreover, in infected patients, higher values were obtained on the catheter area (95%CI: 36.6-37.5°C versus 36.3-36.5°C; p<0.01) and by temperature subtractions: catheter area minus contralateral region (95%CI: -0.17 - +0.33°C versus -0.33 - -0.20°C; p=0.02) and catheter area minus forehead (95%CI: -0.02 - +0.55°C versus -0.22 - -0.10°C; p<0.01). Conclusion: Using a non-contact infrared thermometer, patients with catheter-related bloodstream infections had higher temperature values both around catheter insertion area and in the subtraction of the temperatures on the contralateral and forehead regions from those on the catheter area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, various near-infrared vascular imaging devices aimed at facilitating peripheral intravenous cannulation ( PIC) were introduced, all claiming to increase success rate of PIC. We evaluated the clinical utility of a near-infrared vascular imaging device (VascuLuminator®) in pediatric patients who were referred to the anesthesiologist because of difficult cannulation. Methods There were 226 consecutive children referred to pediatric anesthesiologists by the treating pediatrician of the in- and outpatient clinic, because of difficulties with intravenous cannulation, were included in this cluster randomized clinical trial. The presence and use of the near-infrared vascular imaging device for PIC was randomized in clusters of 1 week. Success at first attempt (Fisher exact test) and time to successful cannulation (Log-rank test) were assessed to evaluate differences between groups. Results Success at first attempt in the group with the VascuLuminator® (59%) was not significantly different from the control group (54%, P = 0.41), neither was the median time to successful cannulation: 246 s and 300 s, respectively ( P = 0.54). Conclusions Visualization of blood vessels with near-infrared light and with near-infrared vascular imaging device did not improve success of PIC in pediatric patients who are known difficult to cannulate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micronization refers to high temperature short time processing of grains using near infrared rays. The present study is focused on optimization of process conditions for micronization of maize flour with an emphasis on enhancing rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content for enhancing starch digestibility and inactivation of peroxidase enzyme for probable extension of shelf-life. The study employed a central composite design (CCD) with three variables namely, time (60–180 s), temperature (130–170 °C) and moisture content (20–40%) with RDS and peroxidase contents as responses. The optimized micronization conditions (173 s, 159 °C, 40% mc; 164 s, 166 °C and 40% mc) resulted in 7.1–7.7% increase in RDS content and 92.5–96.2% inactivation of peroxidase enzyme, respectively, without significantly affecting protein, carbohydrate and fat content of flour. Validation studies showed that experimental values matched well with that of predicted, suggesting suitability of the model used. At the optimized conditions, micronization was also able to inactivate lipase activity by 66.9–68.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Background Cellulite refers to changes in skin relief on the thighs and buttocks of women, with a prevalence of 80-90%, causing dissatisfaction and search for treatment. Etiopathogenesis is multifactorial, as follows: herniation of the hypodermis towards the dermis, facilitated by perpendicular fibrous septa, changes in the dermal extracellular matrix, decreased adiponectin, genetic polymorphism, microcirculation alterations and inflammatory process. There are numerous therapeutic approaches, with little evidence of effectiveness. The long-wave infrared ( LWIR) radiation interacts with water, improves microcirculation and stimulates metabolic processes. To date, the use of tissues with potential reflection of LWIR radiation has not been systematically investigated as adjuvant treatment for cellulite. Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of the treatment of cellulite through the use of compression stockings made with thread reflecting LWIR radiation. Patients and methods Clinical study of therapeutic intervention, controlled and double-blind, including 30 women, aging from 25 to 40 years, with cellulite of grades II and III on the thighs and buttocks who used compression stockings, 'pantyhose' model, made with reflector thread of LWIR radiation, on only one randomized side. Women under other treatments for cellulite and with venous and/or blood insufficiencies were excluded. Evaluation of efficacy by clinical parameters, photographs, Dermatology Life Quality Index ( DLQI), cutometry and high frequency ultrasonography and security by observation of adverse events and venous EcoDoppler recordings. Results DLQI scores showed significant reduction; the two-dimensional high-frequency ultrasonography showed an insignificant increase in dermal echogenicity as well as other efficacy parameters demonstrated no or slight improvement, with no differences between the sides exposed or not to LWIR; and there were no severe adverse events. Conclusion Compression stockings, with or without thread reflector of LWIR, showed slight effects in the appearance of cellulite, but the treatment determined a positive impact on women quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Arterial cannulation is a common anaesthetic procedure that can be challenging and time-consuming in small children. By visualizing the position of the radial artery, near-infrared vascular imaging systems (NIRVISs) might be of assistance in arterial cannulation. The present study evaluates the effectiveness of an NIRVIS in arterial cannulation in infants. Methods An observational study was conducted in patients up to 3 yr old, undergoing arterial cannulation before cardiothoracic surgery. Arterial cannulation was performed as usual in 38 patients, and subsequently with the NIRVIS in 39 patients. Results The time to successful cannulation was 547 s (171–1183) without and 464 s (174–996) with the NIRVIS (P=0.76) and the time to first flashback of blood was 171 s (96–522) and 219 s (59–447), respectively (P=0.38). There was a tendency in favour of the NIRVIS in success at first attempt: 12/38 and 7/39, respectively (P=0.29) and in the number of punctures: 6 (2–12) and 3 (1–7), respectively (P=0.10). Conclusions The present study did not show a significant clinical improvement when NIR light was used during arterial cannulation in small children. There is a large difference between time to first flashback of blood and time to successful cannulation, indicating that inserting the cannula, and not localizing the artery, is the main difficulty in arterial cannulation in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate for the first time the value of visualizing veins by a prototype of a near-infrared (NIR) vascular imaging system for venipuncture in children. Methods. An observational feasibility study of venipunctures in children (0-6 years) attending the clinical laboratory of a pediatric university hospital during a period of 2 months without (n = 80) and subsequently during a period of 1 month with a prototype of an NIR vascular imaging system (n = 45) was conducted. Failure rate (ie, more than 1 puncture) and time of needle manipulation were determined. Results. With the NIR vascular imaging system, failure rate decreased from 10/80 to 1/45 (P = .05) and time decreased from 2 seconds (1-10) to 1 second (1-4, P = .07). Conclusion . This study showed promising results on the value of an NIR vascular imaging system in facilitating venipunctures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background/Aim. Complex regional pain syndrom type I (CRPS I) is characterised by continuous regional pain, disproportional according to duration and intensity and to the sort of trauma or other lesion it was caused by. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare, by using thermovison, the effects of low level laser therapy and therapy with interferential current in treatment of CRPS I. Methods. The prospective randomized controlled clinical study included 45 patients with unilateral CRPS I, after a fracture of the distal end of the radius, of the tibia and/or the fibula, treated in the Clinical Centre in Nis from 2004 to 2007. The group A consisted of 20 patients treated by low level laser therapy and kinesy-therapy, while the patients in the group B (n = 25) were treated by interferential current and kinesy-therapy. The regions of interest were filmed by a thermovision camera on both sides, before and after the 20 therapeutic procedures had been applied. Afterwards, the quantitative analysis and the comparing of thermograms taken before and after the applied therapy were performed. Results. There was statistically significant decrease of the mean maximum temperature difference between the injured and the contralateral extremity after the therapy in comparison to the status before the therapy, with the patients of the group A (p < 0.001) as well as those of the group B (p < 0.001). The decrease was statistically significantly higher in the group A than in the group B (p < 0.05). Conclusions. By the use of the infrared thermovision we showed that in the treatment of CRPS I both physical medicine methods were effective, but the effectiveness of laser therapy was statistically significantly higher compared to that of the interferential current therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although various metal oxide particles have been used as infrared (IR)-reflective materials, the development of cost-effective new materials has still been a challenge for highly efficient IR reflection. In this work, a spinel iron aluminate (FeAl 2 O 4) particle was first proposed as a new candidate IR-reflective material in the form of composite polymer particles prepared by suspension polymerization. High colloidal stable and spherical poly (methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate-divinyl benzene) (P (MMA-BA-DVB)) particles containing oleic coated-FeAl 2 O 4 particles (P (MMA-BA-DVB)/o-FeAl 2 O 4) with high encapsulation efficiency were obtained. Because of the low T g PBA component in the polymer particles, the prepared composite polymer particles were easily self-coated onto the substrate without an external binder. The obtained P (MMA-BA-DVB)/o-FeAl 2 O 4 particles at a 40:40:20 ratio of MMA: BA: DVB showed the highest IR reflection, close to that of the pristine FeAl 2 O 4 particles. Moreover, the temperature control efficiency in terms of ΔT of P (MMA-BA-DVB)/o-FeAl 2 O 4 -coated glass (15–16 °C) and metal sheets (12–13 °C) was much higher than that of the bare glass and metal sheets (3–4 °C). These results indicate that the prepared composite polymer particles represent excellent IR reflection, temperature control, and self-coating property on various substrates. They would be a good novel candidate for cooling applications. [Display omitted] • A composite particle containing FeAl 2 O 4 particle as a new candidate IR-reflective material. • P (MMA-BA-DVB)/o-FeAl 2 O 4 particle represent excellent IR reflection and temperature control. • They would be a novel, suitable alternative IR-reflecting material for cooling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Infrared (IR) rays, which comprise approximately 40% of the solar radiation which reaches the earth's surface, have received relatively scant attention. As no standard method has yet been agreed upon for the biological evaluation of IR irradiation, the objective of this study is to suggest a new unit for IR irradiation. Methods: The skin temperature of 38 Korean volunteers was measured after IR irradiation with varying irradiance. Results: Skin temperature after IR irradiation at an irradiance of 2.02 W/cm2 remained unchanged after 652±22 s (mean±standard error), which corresponds, in this case, to a total radiation dose of IR 1317.3±44.84 J/cm2. This quantity was designated as the minimal heating dose (MHD). We also demonstrated that MHD increased with increasing IR irradiance at lower IR irradiance (1.17 and 2.02 W/cm2), whereas it became constant at higher irradiance (2.87 and 3.22 W/cm2). No statistically significant correlations were detected between MHD and volunteers' ages, erythema index, or melanin index. Conclusion: We propose ‘MHD’ as a biological unit for the measurement of IR irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma arc has many useful characteristics such as high temperature, highly intense radiation and high current. Therefore, it is broadly applied in the industrial world for applications in material processing, lighting, and waste treatment. It is useful for lighting and plasma treatment of hazardous wastes because it has a highly intense radiation. In this paper, we tried to measure the collected temperature at the focus. A highly intense radiant power equipment with a semi-oval reflector has been developed in order to understand the basic characteristics. The temperature at the focus and its distribution in the argon-filled chamber are measured as a function of the current. The temperature increases in proportion to the current, and the maximum temperature at the focus is 407°C at 125 A current and 0.02 m arc length. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective To approach the chemical composition of urinary calculus for its clinical prevention and treatment. Methods The 326 samples of the inpatients with stone were included in this study in Qiyang People's Hospital from June 2013 to May 2014. The infrared spectrum analysis system were adopted to analyze stone samples. Results The mixed urinary stones prevailed in the urinary calculus,accounting for 87.738 "286/326) ,in which, the most component was the calcium oxalate and calcium oxalate monohydrate, accounting for 96.328 (314/326), followed by carbonate apatite, accounting for 61.048 (199/326), magnesium ammonium phosphate in the third place, accounting for 27.918 (91/326), uric acid stones in the last,hardly occurred, accounting for 3.688(12/326). The component proportion[84.368 (275/326)] of the upper urinary calculi were more than that in the lower urinary stones[16.56%(54/326)]. The male patients with stone was more than that of the females[71.17%(232/326), 28.83%(94/326)]. The magnesium ammonium phosphate proportion for the female patients[71.43%(65/91)] was significantly higher than that of the male[40.66% (37/91)]. Conclusion The application of infrared spectrum in detection of urinary calculus is benefit to guiding the drink, diet, living customs and medicine treatment for the patiemts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser skin resurfacing procedures can be classed into two categories – invasive and non-invasive. The last several decades have witnessed a host of advancements in ablative laser therapy and other ablative modalities for the rejuvenation of skin, including the CO2 laser, the erbium : yttrium aluminum garnet laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. Despite the excellent results that can result from the practice of these techniques by experienced surgeons, the invasive nature of these devices is associated with inherent risks and patient discomfort. Therefore, much of the focus has been on non-ablative lasers and intense-pulsed light devices. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with the new infrared light device (1100–1800 nm), Titan, and assessed the degree of improvement associated with two-time laser treatments, as compared to one-time laser treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]