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Purpose: To study patient safety in third molar surgery, where two different doses of S-ketamine were administered for pain relief and compared to a placebo (saline). The primary focus was capillary oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO2) and secondarily, alterations in respiratory rate, blood pressure, pulse or adverse events. Methods: One hundred and sixty-eight subjects were included in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The two subanaesthetic study drugs were low-dose S-ketamine (0.125 mg/kg) and high-dose S-ketamine (0.25 mg/kg). Every patient was sedated with midazolam prior to infusion of the investigational drug. The teeth were surgically removed according to a routine clinical procedure, under local anaesthesia. Results: Primary end-point for the safety aspects was capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) after administration of the investigational drug was finished. A significant difference was found between the placebo and the high-dose group at that point (p =.021), with a decrease of saturation in the high-dose group. The lowest saturation and the number of registrations of SpO2 <90% did not show any difference between groups. Oxygen supplementation was given in circa 40% of the cases with no differences between the intervention groups. No other significant differences between groups regarding saturation or respiratory rate were noted. Conclusion: In this study, it was safe to use adjunct preoperative single-dose intravenous S-ketamine 0.25 mg/kg body weight for pain relief, in midazolam-sedated patients receiving third molar surgery. There were no serious adverse events or symptoms of overdose nor any clinically relevant effects on circulatory or respiratory parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of far-infrared (FIR) heat on quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Participants were assigned to either a convective heat group (CON) or a convective and FIR group. Participants received six, 30-min heat sessions over the course of three weeks. Pre- and post-assessments included physical measures such as range of motion, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, and hand grip strength. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine pain severity and its interference with daily life, and the impact pain had on overall QOL. Pain severity was significantly reduced (from 3.31 to 2.5, p <.05) in the FIR group from pre-to-post, and pain interference was significantly reduced (from 1.26 to 0.43, p <.05) in the CON group from pre-to-post testing. Findings suggest that heat therapy was successful in reducing pain over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peripheral I.V. access failure is a source of patient discomfort and dissatisfaction with a significant financial impact on healthcare. This article reviews the benefits and the risks of peripheral I.V. catheter (PIVC) utilization, infusate characteristics and their impact on peripheral vasculature, PIVC site assessment and management, and PIVC research priorities. Part 1 of this series was published in Nursing's September 2024 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical Scenario: Stress fractures are one of the most common injuries in athletes. Unfortunately, they are hard to diagnose, require multiple radiology exams and follow-up which leads to more exposure to radiation and an increase in cost. Stress fractures that are mismanaged can lead to serious complications and poorer outcomes for the athlete. During the rehabilitation process, it would be beneficial to be able to monitor the healing of fractures to know when it is safe to gradually allow a patient to a return to sport because the return to activity is not usually objective and based on pain level. Clinical Question: Can infrared thermography (IRT) be a useful tool to measure the pathophysiological state of the fracture healing? The aim of this critically appraised topic is to analyze the current evidence of IRT for measuring the temperature change in fractures to provide recommendations for medical practitioners. Summary of Key Findings: For this critically appraised topic, we examined 3 articles that compared medical imaging and IRT over multiple time points during the follow-up. The 3 articles concluded that a 1 °C asymmetry in temperature followed by a return to normal (less than 0.3 °C) temperature during the healing process of fractures can be monitored using IRT. Clinical Bottom Line: Once the patient has been diagnosed with a fracture, IRT can safely be used to monitor the evolution of a fracture. When the thermogram progresses from a hot thermogram to a cold thermogram, the healing is considered good enough to return to sport. Strength of Recommendation: Grade 2 evidence exists to support IRT being used by clinicians to monitor fracture healing. Due to the limited research and novelty of the technology, the current recommendations are for following the treatment of the fracture once the initial diagnosis is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This pilot study aimed to determine the capacity of automated infrared pupillometry (AIP) alone and in combination with transcranial doppler (TCD) on admission to rule out need for intense neuroAQ2 critical care (INCC) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In this observational pilot study clinicians performed AIP and TCD measurements on admission in blunt TBI patients with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) < 9 and/or motor score < 6. A Neurological Pupil index (NPi) < 3, Pulsatility Index (PI) > 1,4 or diastolic blood flow velocity (dV) of < 20 cm/s were used to rule out the need for INCC (exceeding the tier 0 Seattle Consensus Conference). The primary outcome was the negative likelihood ratio (nLR) of NPi < 3 alone or in combination with TCD to detect need for INCC. Results: A total of 69 TBI patients were included from May 2019 to September 2020. Of those, 52/69 (75%) median age was 45 [28–67], median prehospital GCS of 7 [5–8], median Injury Severity Scale of 13.0 [6.5–25.5], median Marshall Score of 4 [3–5], the median Glasgow Outcome Scale at discharge was 3 [1–5]. NPi < 3 was an independent predictor of INCC. NPi demonstrated a nLR of 0,6 (95%CI 0.4–0.9; AUROC, 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.79), a combination of NPi and TCD showed a nLR of 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–1.0; AUROC 0.67 95% CI 0.52–0.83) to predict INCC. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests a possible useful contribution of NPi to determine the need for INCC in severe blunt TBI patients on admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a recently developed cancer therapy that uses NIR light and conjugates of a tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody and phthalocyanine dye. In clinical practice, frontal and cylindrical diffusers are used for NIR illumination. However, the light illumination of a narrow space is technically difficult with such diffusers. Therefore, we evaluated the usefulness of a lateral illumination system using lateral emitting laser (LEL) fiber. The LEL fiber was capable of illuminating only a certain area in a lateral direction. NIR-PIT with an LEL fiber showed cytotoxic effects in vitro and suppressed tumor proliferation in vivo. Moreover, the LEL fiber delivered NIR light to an entire tumor more uniformly than a frontal diffuser in a narrow-space model. These results suggest that the LEL fiber can be used for NIR-PIT and is suitable for NIR light illumination in a narrow space. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new cancer therapy that uses NIR light and conjugates of a tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody and phthalocyanine dye. In clinical practice, frontal and cylindrical diffusers are the only options for NIR illumination. However, illumination in a narrow space is technically difficult with such diffusers. Therefore, we evaluated a lateral illumination system using a lateral emitting laser (LEL) fiber. The LEL fiber illuminated a certain area in a lateral direction. NIR-PIT with an LEL fiber reduced luciferase activity in a light-dose-dependent manner in A431-GFP-luc cells in vitro and significantly suppressed tumor proliferation in a xenograft mouse model. To evaluate the usefulness of the LEL fiber in the illumination of a narrow space, a tumor was illuminated from the inside of a cylinder, mimicking a narrow space, and the fluorescence intensity in the tumor was monitored. In the frontal diffuser, NIR light was unevenly delivered and little light reached a distal tumor area from the illuminated side. By contrast, the LEL fiber allowed a uniform illumination of the entire tumor, and a loss of fluorescence was observed even in distal areas. These findings suggested that the LEL fiber can be used for NIR-PIT and is suitable for NIR light illumination in a narrow space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) applied as a preconditioning treatment before exercise has been shown to attenuate fatigue and improve skeletal muscle contractile function during high-intensity resistance exercise. Practical implications for preconditioning muscles with PBMT before fatiguing exercise include a safe and noninvasive means to enhance performance and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury. To examine the muscle fatigue–attenuating effects of PBMT on performance of the shoulder external-rotator muscle group when applied as a preconditioning treatment before high-intensity, high-volume resistance exercise. Sham-controlled, crossover design. Laboratory. Twenty healthy men (n = 8) and women (n = 12) between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Photobiomodulation therapy was administered using a near-infrared laser (λ = 810/980 N·m, 1.8 W/cm2, treatment area = 80–120 cm2) to the shoulder external-rotator muscles at a radiant exposure of 10 J/cm2. Participants performed 12 sets of isokinetic shoulder exercise. Each set consisted of 21 concentric contractions of internal and external rotation at 60°/s. The sets were subdivided into 3 blocks of exercise (block 1: sets 1–4; block 2: sets 5–8; block 3: sets 9–12). Normalized peak torque (N·m/kg), average peak torque (N·m), total work (N·m), and average power (W). During the last block of exercise (sets 9–12), all performance measures for the active PBMT condition were 6.2% to 10% greater than the sham PBMT values (P <.02 to P <.001). Photobiomodulation therapy attenuated fatigue and improved muscular performance of the shoulder external rotators in the latter stages of strenuous resistance exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acupuncture is a method for treating tic disorder. However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical objective basis in regards of its treatment efficacy. Indeed, there are structural abnormalities present in energy metabolism and infrared thermography in children with tic disorder. Therefore, this study proposes a clinical trial scheme to explore the possible mechanism of acupuncture in treating tic disorder. Methods: This randomized controlled trial will recruit a total of 90 children, in which they will be divided into non-intervention group and intervention group. The non-intervention group consists of 30 healthy children while the intervention group consists of 60 children with tic disorder. The intervention group will be randomly allocated into either the treatment group or the control group, with 30 children randomly assigned in each group. Children either received acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (treatment group) or sham acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (control group), 3 treatment sessions per week for a period of 12 weeks, with a total of 36 treatment sessions. Outcome measures include YGTSS, urinary and fecal metabolomics, infrared thermography of body surface including governor vessel. For the intervention group, these outcome measures will be collected at the baseline and 90th day prior to intervention. Whereas for the non-intervention group, outcome measures (excluding YGTSS) will be collected at the baseline. Discussion: The main outcome will be to observe the changes of the severity of tic condition, the secondary outcome will be to observe the changes of structural characteristic of infrared thermography of body surface/acupoints along the governor vessel and to evaluate the changes of urinary and fecal metabolomics at the end of the treatment, so as to analyze the relationship between them and to provide further knowledge in understanding the possible mechanism of acupuncture in improving the clinical symptoms via regulating and restoring the body metabolomics network, which in future it can develop as a set of clinical guideline (diagnosis, treatment, assessment, prognosis) in treating tic disorder. ChiCTR2300075188(Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registered on 29 August 2023). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toloese, a bed composition, is formulated with a combination of minerals of various wavelengths by utilizing a specific ratio and particle size. A maturation mixing technique is used without additional compression processes, resulting in the natural formation of numerous fine pores in the bed structure. At 40 °C, far infrared radiation in the range of 5–20 μm is emitted with a 0.916 radiant ratio, and the measured emitted radiant energy is 3.69 × 102 W/m2·μm. This study aimed to investigate the influence of far infrared radiation emitted from a Toloese bed on endogenous nitric oxide production. Clinical trials were conducted with 20 healthy adults aged 20 years. Blood samples were collected before and after Toloese bed usage for 1 h daily for 3 weeks. Nitric oxide levels in the saliva and blood of men and women significant increased after they used the Toloese bed for 1 h. Additionally, sweating sharply increased in the upper and lower body regions after Toloese bed usage. No hematological changes or adverse effects were observed, but blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased after Toloese bed usage compared with those before Toloese bed usage. These findings demonstrated that far infrared radiation emitted by the Toloese bed induced endogenous nitric oxide production and contributed to significant reductions in blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of far‐infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy on changes in muscle damage and performance parameters following six sets of 15‐min Loughborough intermittent shuttle test (LIST), a simulated soccer match. Twenty‐four elite female soccer players (20–24 y) were assigned into FIR or sham treatment group (n = 12/group). The participants received a 60‐min FIR or sham treatment (30 min per muscle) over knee extensors (KE) and flexors (KF) at 2, 25, 49, 73, and 97 h post‐LIST. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque and muscle soreness of the KE and KF, plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity as muscle damage markers, and several performance parameters including countermovement jump (CMJ) and Yo‐Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 (YYIR1) were measured before and 1, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h post‐LIST. Changes in the measures were compared between groups by a mixed‐design two‐way ANOVA. The running distance covered during LIST and changes in the measures at 1‐h post‐LIST (before the treatment) were similar (p = 0.118–0.371) between groups. Changes in muscle damage markers at 24–120 h post‐LIST were smaller (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.208–0.467) for the FIR (e.g., MVC‐KE torque decrease at 48‐h post‐LIST: −1 ± 2%, peak KE soreness: 16 ± 10 mm, peak CK: 172 ± 42 IU/L) than sham group (−11 ± 9%, 33 ± 7 mm, 466 ± 220 IU/L, respectively). Performance parameters recovered faster (p < 0.05, η2 = 0.142–0.308) to baseline for the FIR (e.g., decreases at 48‐h post‐LIST; CMJ: 0 ± 1%, YYIR1: 0 ± 1%) than sham group (−6 ± 2%, −9 ± 6%, respectively). These results suggest that the FIR lamp therapy was effective for enhancing recovery from a soccer match. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The authors investigated whether far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy would reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery from multiple soccer-match-related running activities. Methods: Twenty-four elite female soccer players (20–24 y) were assigned into a FIR or a sham treatment group (n = 12/group). They performed a daily 90-minute Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) for 6 consecutive days. Maximal voluntary contraction torque of the knee extensors (KEs) and flexors, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase activity, countermovement jump, and several other performance measures (eg, 30-m dash, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1) were taken before the first LIST, 1 hour after each LIST, and 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after the last LIST. All participants received a 30-minute FIR or sham treatment on KEs and knee flexors, respectively, at 2 hour after each LIST and 25, 49, 73, and 97 hours after the last LIST. Results: All measures changed significantly (P <.05) at 1 hour after the first LIST without difference (P >.05) between groups. Maximal voluntary contraction torque (eg, the largest decrease of KE for FIR: 13% [4%], sham: 25% [5%]), countermovement jump height (4% [3%] vs 14% [4%]), and other performance measures (eg, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test: 11% [5%] vs 26% [5%]) decreased less, and peak muscle soreness (eg, KE: 26 [9] vs 51 [18] mm) and plasma creatine kinase activity (172 [32] vs 1289 [610] IU/L) were smaller for the FIR than for the sham group (P <.05), and they returned to the baseline earlier (P <.05) for the FIR group. Conclusions: These results suggest that the FIR therapy provided potent effects on reducing accumulated muscle damage and enhancing recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wellness-centric proactive healthcare is increasingly sought after, with individuals frequently embracing complementary modalities to achieve this goal. In this six-month study, healthy adult participants (n = 25) received specific therapies, including whole-body cryotherapy, infrared sauna, and photobiomodulation, along with guidance on physical activity, diet, and alcohol intake. Serum biomarkers were measured for all participants, while a subset also received biometric assessments for body composition (n = 10) and heart rate variability (n = 7). Over the course of the study (mean (SD) follow-up days = 174 (130)), participants exhibited significant improvements in health. LDL cholesterol (−9.77 (15.43) md/dL) and hsCRP (−1.75 (2.66) mg/L) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). HbA1c increased slightly (p < 0.05), but the effect size was small (0.12 (0.13)%). The body composition subset lost overall body weight (−3.29 (3.75) kg), primarily body fat, while preserving lean muscle mass (p < 0.05). Heart rate variability increased for those with existing cardiovascular risk factors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, participation in the multimodal Healthspan protocol is associated with substantial improvements in health-related biomarkers and biometrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a unique thermogenic tissue in mammals mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The energy generated by glucose and triglyceride metabolism is released and transmitted throughout the body as heat. Understanding the factors influencing BAT function is crucial to determine its metabolic significance and effects on overall health. Although studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at specific acupoints (e.g., ST36) can stimulate BAT, its effects at other acupoints are not well understood. Further research is needed to investigate the potential effects of EA at these acupoints and their association with BAT activation. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA at the GV20 and EX-HN3 acupoints. Specifically, the effects of EA on BAT thermogenesis were analyzed by infrared thermography, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 12 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the EA and control groups. The EA group received EA at GV20 and EX-HN3 for 20 min once daily for 14 days. The control group underwent the same procedure but without EA. The core body temperature was monitored. Infrared thermal images of the back of each mouse in both groups were captured. BAT samples were collected after euthanasia to analyze UCP1 protein and UCP1 mRNA. Results: The average skin temperature in the scapular region of the EA group was increased by 1.1 °C compared with that of the C group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average temperature along the governor vessel in the EA group was increased by 1.6C (p = 0.045). EA significantly increased the expression of UCP1 protein (p = 0.001) and UCP1 mRNA (p = 0.002) in BAT, suggesting a potential link between EA and BAT thermogenesis. Conclusion: EA induced BAT thermogenesis, suggesting GV20 and EX-HN3 as potential acupoints for BAT stimulation. The experimental results also highlighted unique meridian characteristics as demonstrated by elevated skin temperature along the governor vessel in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key pro-tumorigenic cell type in the tumor microenvironment; however, treatments targeting these cells have shown limited clinical efficacy. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of CAF depletion using near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT), a novel technique that selectively targets and depletes specific cells within a tumor. In two tumor models (lung, mammary) with immune-competent mice, selective depletion of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cells using NIR-PIT induced interferon-gamma production in tumor-infiltrating CD8 T and natural killer cells and successfully suppressed tumor growth and reduced lung metastasis in the mammary model. These findings highlight the role of CAFs in supporting tumor growth and introduce a promising therapeutic approach for selectively eliminating immunosuppressive FAP+ cells within the tumor microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a prominent cellular component of the tumor stroma, with various pro-tumorigenic roles. Numerous attempts to target fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a highly expressed marker in immunosuppressive CAFs, have failed to demonstrate anti-tumor efficacy in human clinical trials. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly selective tumor therapy that utilizes an antibody-photo-absorbing conjugate activated by near-infrared light. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of CAF depletion by NIR-PIT in two mouse tumor models. Using CAF-rich syngeneic lung and spontaneous mammary tumors, NIR-PIT against FAP or podoplanin was performed. Anti-FAP NIR-PIT effectively depleted FAP+ CAFs, as well as FAP+ myeloid cells, and suppressed tumor growth, whereas anti-podoplanin NIR-PIT was ineffective. Interferon-gamma production by CD8 T and natural killer cells was induced within hours after anti-FAP NIR-PIT. Additionally, lung metastases were reduced in the treated spontaneous mammary cancer model. Depletion of FAP+ stromal as well as FAP+ myeloid cells effectively suppressed tumor growth in bone marrow chimeras, suggesting that the depletion of both cell types in one treatment is an effective therapeutic approach. These findings highlight a promising therapy for selectively eliminating immunosuppressive FAP+ cells within the tumor microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental implants can cause complications, including the loosening of the abutment screw or fracture. However, there is no standardized technique for removing broken abutment screws. This necessitates further research. Objective: This study aimed to measure heat generation during screw removal to better understand its implications for dental implant procedures. Material and methods: The experimental setup involved using synthetic bone blocks and titanium implants. An ultrasonically operated instrument tip was utilized for screw removal. Infrared thermometry was employed for accurate temperature measurement, considering factors such as emissivity and distance. Statistical analysis using linear regression and ANOVA was conducted. Results: The findings revealed an initial rapid temperature increase during the removal process, followed by a gradual decrease. The regression model demonstrated a strong correlation between time and temperature, indicating the heat generation pattern. Conclusion: Heat generation during screw removal poses risks such as tissue damage and integration issues. Clinicians should minimize heat risks through an intermittent approach. The lack of a standardized technique requires further research and caution. Understanding the generated heat optimizes implant procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: RM-1929 near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an emerging treatment that is currently being investigated under a world-wide Phase III clinical trial and has been conditionally approved for the treatment of unresectable and/or recurrent HNSCC in Japan since 2021. Disease control rates ranged from 66.7 to 100% and overall response rates ranged from 43.3 to 100%. Low-grade postoperative localized pain and edema were the most frequently reported side effects. These preliminary data in real-world use of RM-1929 NIR-PIT show that it is a well-tolerated therapy that has clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with unresectable and/or recurrent HNSCC. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) contribute to a significant global cancer burden. Developments in current therapeutic approaches have improved patient outcomes but have limited efficacy in patients with unresectable and/or recurrent HNSCC. RM-1929 near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is an emerging treatment that is currently being investigated in a Phase III clinical trial and has been conditionally approved for the treatment of unresectable and/or recurrent HNSCC in Japan. Here, we collect a series of case reports and clinical trial data to assess the efficacy of RM-1929 NIR-PIT. Disease control rates ranged from 66.7 to 100% across these studies, and overall response rates ranged from 43.3 to 100%, suggesting positive clinical outcomes. Low-grade postoperative localized pain and edema were the most frequently reported side effects, and preliminary reports on quality of life and pain levels suggest that RM-1929 NIR-PIT does not significantly decrease quality of life and is manageable with existing pain management strategies, including opioids. These preliminary data in real-world use of RM-1929 NIR-PIT show that it is a well-tolerated therapy that has clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with unresectable and/or recurrent HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective study aimed to evaluate early and long-term results of Infrared coagulation therapy in hemorrhoids. Between January 2017 and January 2022, 169 consecutive patients diagnosed with grades I to IV bleeding hemorrhoids were treated with infrared coagulation. Patients were evaluated in terms of post-procedure bleeding, soiling, pruritus, size of hemorrhoids, prolapse, number of applications required for different grades and recurrence. Bleeding in hemorrhoids subsided in one application only in 79.88% but 14.79% required two to three applications while 5.33% required emergency sealing. Soiling and pruritus subsided in three applications. Prolapse associated with grades III and IV hemorrhoids decreased after five applications and took 60 days after last IRC sitting (61.29%). Maximum number of applications required for grades I, II, III, and IV was 3, 5, 7, and 9, respectively. Overall failure rate was 7.1%. Recurrence rate was 4.14% with a mean period of recurrence being 2.6 years. In patients with bleeding hemorrhoids IRC can be used as a safe, effective and painless office or ambulatory procedure, having less post-procedure bleeding with 100% success rate in grades I and II and variable success rates of 64% and 50% in higher grades III and IV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pressure injury (PI) development is multifactorial. In patients with dark skin tones, identifying impending PIs by visual skin assessment can be especially challenging. The need for improved skin assessment techniques, especially for persons with dark skin tones, continues to increase. Similarly, greater awareness of the need for inclusivity with regard to representation of diverse skin colours/tones in education materials has been apparent in recent years. Objective To provide current perspectives from the literature surrounding skin assessment and PI development in patients with dark skin tones. Methods The following elements will be discussed through the lens of skin tone: 1) historical perspectives of PI staging from the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, 2) epidemiology of PI, 3) anatomy and physiology of the skin, 3) skin tone assessment and measurement, 4) augmented visual assessment modalities, 5) PI prevention, 6) PI healing, 7) social determinants of health, and 8) gaps in clinician education. Conclusions This review highlights the gap in our clinical knowledge regarding PIs in patients with dark skin tones. Racial disparities with regard to PI development and healing are especially highlighted among patients with dark skin tones. Skin tone colour assessment must be standardised and quantifiable in clinical education, practice, and research. This work is urgently needed, and support from private and governmental agencies is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of a far-infrared radiation (FIR) lamp therapy on changes in muscle damage and proprioception markers after maximal eccentric exercise of the elbow flexors (EF: Study 1) and the knee flexors (KF: Study 2) in comparison to a sham treatment condition. In each study, 24 healthy sedentary women were assigned to a FIR or a sham treatment group (n = 12/group). They performed 72 maximal EF eccentric contractions (Study 1) or 100 maximal KF eccentric contractions (Study 2) with their non-dominant limbs. They received a 30-min FIR (wavelength: 8–14 µm) or sham treatment at 1, 25, 49, 73 and 97 h post-exercise to the exercised muscles. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) torque, muscle soreness, plasma creatine kinase activity, and proprioception assessed by position sense, joint reaction angle, and force match were measured before, and 0.5, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h post-exercise. The outcome measures showed significant changes (P < 0.05) at 0.5-hour post-exercise (before treatment) similarly (P > 0.05) between the conditions in both studies. However, changes in all measures at 24–120 h post-exercise were smaller (P < 0.05) for the FIR than sham condition in both studies. For example, MVC torque returned to the baseline by 72 h post-exercise for the FIR condition in both studies, but was still 19 ± 6% (Study 1) or 17 ± 12% (Study 2) lower than the baseline at 120 h post-exercise for the sham condition. These results suggested that the FIR lamp therapy was effective for accelerating recovery from muscle damage. FIR lamp therapy was effective for recovering muscle strength and proprioception 1–3 days faster to the baseline. FIR lamp therapy was effective for attenuating muscle soreness by 55–60%, and reducing peak plasma CK activity by 45–89%. The effects of the FIR lamp therapy appear to be greater than other therapeutic interventions for eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage that have been investigated previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed cancer treatment that uses photoreactive agents and light irradiation, while photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an existing phototherapy using photosensitizers and light irradiation as well as NIR-PIT. The current study investigated the properties of these therapies and their differences with a focus on their cellular binding/uptake specificity and cytotoxicity in vitro. NIR-PIT showed molecule-selective responses and cytotoxicity, whereas PDT showed non-selective cell type responses and cytotoxicity. Additionally, NIR-PIT and PDT induced damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), a surrogate marker of immunogenic cell death, although PDT had different sensitivity between cell lines. Therefore, molecule-specific NIR-PIT may have advantages compared with PDT in terms of efficiency in tumor visualization and induction of DAMPs. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a new phototherapy that utilizes a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against cancer antigens and a phthalocyanine dye, IRDye700DX (IR700) conjugate (mAb-IR700). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a combination therapy that utilizes photoreactive agents and light irradiation as well as NIR-PIT. In the present study, we compared these therapies in vitro. The characterization of cellular binding/uptake specificity and cytotoxicity were examined using two mAb-IR700 forms and a conventional PDT agent, talaporfin sodium, in three cell lines. As designed, mAb-IR700 had high molecular selectivity and visualized target molecule-positive cells at the lowest concentration examined. NIR-PIT induced necrosis and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), a surrogate maker of immunogenic cell death. In contrast, talaporfin sodium was taken up by cells regardless of cell type, and its uptake was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner. PDT induced cell death, with the pattern of cell death shifting from apoptosis to necrosis depending on the concentration of the photosensitizer. Induction of DAMPs was observed at the highest concentration, but their sensitivity differed among cell lines. Overall, our data suggest that molecule-specific NIR-PIT may have potential advantages compared with PDT in terms of the efficiency of tumor visualization and induction of DAMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report described the nursing experience of end-of-life care for a female patient with terminal lung cancer with physical and mental distress. During the nursing period, authors collected data through physical examination, observation, interviews, medical records, and Gordon's 11 functional health patterns to assess the patient's nursing needs. Authors confirmed that the patient presented the major health problems as following: ineffective breathing pattern, body fluid overload, and anticipatory grief. The medical team adjusted the patient's medication of morphine and sedatives, and assisted the patient to maintain a comfortable lying position, and gave the patient lymphatic massage with essential oils and the far-infrared therapy to improve the patient's health problems of the inefficient breathing pattern and body fluid overload. In addition, by using life review, authors helped the patient face the end of life and guided her and her families to express their feelings as well as expectations and also accompanied the patient and her families to review life and re-examine the meaning of life. The process of working together to fulfill the patient's dying wishes not only left precious memories to the patient and families, but also re-strengthened the connection among them to affirm the meaning of life that made the patient and families can carry out "the Four Principles of Life" to each other, including: gratitude, forgiveness, love and saying goodbye. We hope take this special nursing experience to share with everyone and provide an example of caring similar cases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate the impact of inflammation management on wound pH, temperature, and bacterial burden, using the principles of TIME and Wound Bed Preparation. A quantitative non‐comparative, prospective, descriptive observational design. Following ethical approval, 26 participants with 27 wounds of varying aetiologies were observed twice weekly for 2 weeks. Wounds were treated with cleansing, repeated sharp debridement, and topical cadexomer iodine. Wound pH (pH indicator strips), temperature (infrared camera), bacterial burden (fluorescence imaging) and size (ruler method) was monitored at each visit. The mean age of all participants was 47 years (SD: 20.3 years), and 79% (n = 19) were male, and most wounds were acute (70%; n = 19) and included surgical and trauma wounds, the remaining (30%; n = 8) were chronic and included vascular ulcers and non‐healing surgical wounds. Mean wound duration was 53.88 days (SD: 64.49 days). Over the follow up period, pH values ranged from 6 to 8.7, temperature (centre spot) ranged from 28.4°C to 36.4°C and there was an average 39% reduction in wound size. Inflammation management had a positive effect on pH, temperature, bacterial burden, and wound size. This study demonstrated that it was feasible to practice inflammation management using a structured approach to enhance wound outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Infrared thermography (IRT) is widely used to assess skin temperature in response to physiological changes. Yet, it remains challenging to standardize skin temperature measurements over repeated datasets. We developed an open-access semi-automated segmentation tool (the IRT-toolbox) for measuring skin temperatures in the thoracic area to estimate supraclavicular brown adipose tissue (scBAT) activity, and compared it to manual segmentations. The IRT-toolbox, designed in Python, consisted of image pre-alignment and non-rigid image registration. The toolbox was tested using datasets of 10 individuals (BMI = 22.1 ± 2.1 kg/m2, age = 22.0 ± 3.7 years) who underwent two cooling procedures, yielding four images per individual. Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated by two raters in the scBAT and deltoid areas on baseline images. The toolbox enabled direct transfer of baseline ROIs to the registered follow-up images. For comparison, both raters also manually drew ROIs in all follow-up images. Spatial ROI overlap between methods and raters was determined using the Dice coefficient. Mean bias and 95% limits of agreement in mean skin temperature between methods and raters were assessed using Bland–Altman analyses. ROI delineation time was four times faster with the IRT-toolbox (01:04 min) than with manual delineations (04:12 min). In both anatomical areas, there was a large variability in ROI placement between methods. Yet, relatively small skin temperature differences were found between methods (scBAT: 0.10 °C, 95%LoA[-0.13 to 0.33 °C] and deltoid: 0.05 °C, 95%LoA[-0.46 to 0.55 °C]). The variability in skin temperature between raters was comparable between methods. The IRT-toolbox enables faster ROI delineations, while maintaining inter-user reliability compared to manual delineations. (Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT04406922, [May 29, 2020]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) represents a potential novel treatment modality for a range of cancer types, including head and neck cancers. NIR-PIT is based on the conjugation of photoactivating chemicals to cancer cell-specific antibodies. Antibody-photoabsorber-conjugate causes killing of cancer cells when activated by near-infrared light. NIR-PIT is considered to have particularly promising applications in head and neck cancers and these tumors are typically more easily accessed for illumination. Two patients with oropharyngeal lesions treated with NIR-PIT at our institution had good response with no serious adverse events and no functional disorders. Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer has a better prognosis than other head and neck cancers. However, rates of recurrence and metastasis are similar and the prognosis of recurrent or metastatic HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer is poor. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a treatment involving administration of a photosensitizer (IRDye®700DX) conjugated to a monoclonal antibody followed by activation with near-infrared light illumination. It is a highly tumor-specific therapy with minimal toxicity in normal tissues. Moreover, NIR-PIT is expected to have not only direct effects on a treated lesion but also immune responses on untreated distant lesions. NIR-PIT with cetuximab-IR700 (AlluminoxTM) has been in routine clinical use since January 2021 for unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck cancer in patients that have previously undergone radiotherapy in Japan. NIR-PIT for head and neck cancer (HN-PIT) is expected to provide a curative treatment option for the locoregional recurrent or metastatic disease after radiotherapy and surgery. This article reviews the mechanism underlying the effect of NIR-PIT and recent clinical trials of NIR-PIT for head and neck cancers, treatment-specific adverse events, combination treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors, illumination approach and posttreatment quality of life, and provides a case of series of two patients who receive NIR-PIT for oropharyngeal cancer at our institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the accuracy, reliability and agreement between infrared forehead thermometers versus infrared tympanic thermometers temperature, a cross‐sectional study was conducted in April 2020. Methods: The forehead and tympanic temperatures of 615 subjects were measured simultaneously in three exposed SARS‐COV‐2 groups at one hospital in Iran, during April 2020. These comparisons were evaluated by Bland–Altman Plot, repeatability, Passing–Bablok regression and Lin's concordance correlation coefficient. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was done to describe the discrimination accuracy of a diagnostic test. The study adhered to STROBE checklist for cross‐sectional studies. Results: A Bland–Altman plot indicated that the limits of agreement between the forehead and tympanic temperature were −0.259 to +0.19°C. Passing–Bablok regression analysis illustrated that the infrared forehead was not linearly related to tympanic temperatures (reference method), with a slope estimate that was significantly different from 1.00. The infrared forehead thermometer showed poor precision and lower accuracy than the tympanic. The forehead temperature readings had 60.0% sensitivity and 44.4% specificity (p >.05) to predict disease. Conclusion: According to the results of study, there is no evidence that the assessment of temperature by infrared forehead thermometer could discriminate between the two groups (positive and negative). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ahi Evran Medical Journal is the property of Ahi Evran University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a cancer therapy that selectively destroys target cells by first injecting monoclonal antibodies conjugated with a photon absorber (IRDye700DX) into the subject and then activating it at the tumor site by applying nonthermal doses of NIR light at 690 nm. NIR-PIT causes immediate immunogenic cell death but also induces a slightly delayed activation of anti-tumor host immunity which can result in complete responses. The immediate therapeutic effect of NIR-PIT can be enhanced by increasing the dose of near-infrared light irradiation; however, this can cause local side effects such as edema. Since the activation of host immunity also adds to the anti-tumor effect it might be possible to reduce the light dose to avoid immediate side effects while maintaining efficacy of the therapy. In this study, we varied the light dose needed to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect in an immunocompetent mouse model. We show that higher-than-needed light doses caused significant local transient edema that could be avoided with lower but still effective light doses. Here, we present our strategy for optimizing the light dose for NIR-PIT. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed cancer therapy that targets cancer cells using a monoclonal antibody-photon absorber conjugate (APC) that is bound to the target cell surface. Subsequent application of low levels of NIR light results in immediate cancer cell death. The anti-tumor effect of NIR-PIT in immunocompromised mice depends on immediate cancer cell death; therefore, the efficacy increases in a light-dose-dependent manner. However, NIR-PIT also induces a strong anti-tumor immune activation in immunocompetent mice that begins soon after therapy. Thus, it may be possible to reduce the light dose, which might otherwise cause local edema while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we determined the optimal dose of NIR light in NIR-PIT based on a comparison of the therapeutic and adverse effects. Either one of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against human epidermal growth factor receptor (hEGFR), Cetuximab or Panitumumab, were conjugated with a photo-absorbing chemical, IRDye700DX (IR700), and then injected in hEGFR-expressing mEERL (mEERL-hEGFR) tumor-bearing C57BL/6 immunocompetent mice or A431-GFP-luc tumor-bearing athymic immunocompromised mice. NIR light was varied between 0 to 100 J/cm2 one day after administration of APC. In an immunocompromised mouse model, tumor growth was inhibited in a light-dose-dependent manner, yet extensive local edema and weight loss were observed at 100 J/cm2. On the other hand, in an immunocompetent mouse model using the mEERL-hEGFR cell line, maximal tumor response was achieved at 50 J/cm2, with a commensurate decrease in local edema. In this study, we show that a relatively low dose of NIR light is sufficient in an immunocompetent mouse model and avoids side effects seen with higher light doses required in immunocompetent mice. Thus, light dosing can be optimized in NIR-PIT based on the expected immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) create an immune suppressive tumor microenvironment making them an important target in cancer. Here we demonstrated, in proof-of-principle studies, the ability of near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) to visualize and selectively eliminate MDSCs that are significantly expanded in the spleen of tumor-bearing mice using an anti-Gr1 antibody conjugated to the NIR dye IR700. Characterization of spleen extracts, using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), identified metabolic changes indicative of MDSC elimination. (1) Background: MDSCs play an active role in the immune surveillance escape of cancer cells. Because MDSCs in mice are CD11b+Gr1+, near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) using the NIR dye IR700 conjugated to an MDSC-binding antibody provides an opportunity for targeted elimination of MDSCs. (2) Methods: The efficacy of Gr1-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT was evaluated in vitro using magnetically separated CD11b+Gr1+ MDSCs from spleens of 4T1-luc tumor-bearing (TB) mice. For in vivo evaluation, spleens of Gr1-IR700-injected 4T1-luc TB mice were irradiated with NIR light, and splenocyte viability was determined using CCK-8 assays. Metabolic profiling of NIR-PIT-irradiated spleens was performed using 1H MRS. (3) Results: Flow cytometric analysis confirmed a ten-fold increase in splenic MDSCs in 4T1-luc TB mice. Gr1-IR700-mediated NIR-PIT eliminated tumor-induced splenic MDSCs in culture. Ex vivo fluorescence imaging revealed an 8- and 9-fold increase in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) in the spleen and lungs of Gr1-IR700-injected compared to IgG-IR700-injected TB mice. Splenocytes from Gr1-IR700-injected TB mice exposed in vivo to NIR-PIT demonstrated significantly lower viability compared to no light exposure or untreated control groups. Significant metabolic changes were observed in spleens following NIR-PIT. (4) Conclusions: Our data confirm the ability of NIR-PIT to eliminate splenic MDSCs, identifying its potential to eliminate MDSCs in tumors to reduce immune suppression. The metabolic changes observed may identify potential biomarkers of splenic MDSC depletion as well as potential metabolic targets of MDSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new phenols and one new aminobenzoic acid derivative, with five known phenols were isolated from the roots of Rhus chinensis Mill. Their structures were elucidated by UV, IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR spectra, as well as optical rotations. Compound 4 significantly inhibited mouse ear inflammation (inhibitory rate of 44.03%), and significantly extended the time of pain response (extension rate of 48.55%), showing significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in vivo. [Display omitted] • Five new compounds were isolated from roots of Rhus chinensis Mill. • The structures were elucidated mainly by UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR spectra. • Compound 4 showed anti-inflammation and analgesic effects in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel molecularly-targeted therapy that induces rapid cancer cell death by systemically administering an antibody-photoabsorber conjugate (APC) that binds to cancer cells and irradiating NIR light that drives photochemical transformations of the APC. APCs are constructed by using a monoclonal antibody targeting a cancer cell surface antigen and conjugating it to IRDye700DX silica-phthalocyanine dye. NIR-PIT can selectively kill cancer cells while leaving normal tissues unaffected. Moreover, NIR-PIT activates anti-cancer immunity through the induction of immunogenic cell death of cancer cells. Currently, NIR-PIT is being applied clinically in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. In previous preclinical studies, NIR-PIT showed excellent efficacy against urologic cancers including bladder cancer and prostate cancer. The clinical application of NIR-PIT will expand to urologic cancers in the near future. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a novel molecularly-targeted therapy that selectively kills cancer cells by systemically injecting an antibody-photoabsorber conjugate (APC) that binds to cancer cells, followed by the application of NIR light that drives photochemical transformations of the APC. APCs are synthesized by selecting a monoclonal antibody that binds to a receptor on a cancer cell and conjugating it to IRDye700DX silica-phthalocyanine dye. Approximately 24 h after APC administration, NIR light is delivered to the tumor, resulting in nearly-immediate necrotic cell death of cancer cells while causing no harm to normal tissues. In addition, NIR-PIT induces a strong immunologic effect, activating anti-cancer immunity that can be further boosted when combined with either immune checkpoint inhibitors or immune suppressive cell-targeted (e.g., regulatory T cells) NIR-PIT. Currently, a global phase III study of NIR-PIT in recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is ongoing. The first APC and NIR laser systems were approved for clinical use in September 2020 in Japan. In the near future, the clinical applications of NIR-PIT will expand to other cancers, including urologic cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of NIR-PIT and its possible applications in urologic cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the AccuVeinAV400® viewing device for peripheral venous catheter insertion in children on the first try. Background: Inserting a peripheral venous catheter is the most frequent invasive procedure carried out by healthcare professionals in hospitalised children. Several attempts are sometimes necessary, and veins can be damaged. Design: A quasi‐experimental cluster randomised controlled trial based on the CONSORT 2010 guidelines. Methods: This randomised study comparing standard practice to the use of AccuVein400® was carried out on children who were less than 3 years old, with difficult intravenous access (DIVA Score), hospitalised in three paediatric units and who needed cannulation. Result: A total of 304 children were included (156 in the AccuVein arm and 148 in the standard arm). There was no significant difference between AccuVein and standard groups in age (respectively, 2.5 ± 0.9 years vs. 2.5 ± 0.8), or mean DIVA score (respectively 5.9 ± 1.3 vs. 5.5 ± 1.2). The success of cannulation on the first attempt was 40.38% in the AccuVein arm vs. 41.2% in the standard arm (p =.6). The caregiver's assessment of pain on the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability scale was 4.8 ± 0.2 in the AccuVein arm vs. 5.0 ± 0.2 (p =.4). Conclusions: The use of AccuVein400® did not lead to greater success in intravenous insertion at the first attempt in children under 3 years of age with difficult intravenous access. Relevance to clinical practice: This device can therefore be used according to the healthcare professionals' situation and needs. It is widely used in paediatric wards, and our study shows that it offers a support tool that reassures healthcare professionals and helps validate their choice of vein easiest to catheterise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoaging begins at an early age and accounts for most age-associated changes in skin appearance. The main environmental cause of photoaging is ultraviolet (UV) radiation, specifically UVA and UVB. In addition, there is increasing evidence that visible light (VL) and infrared (IR) radiation also play a role in photodamage and photoaging. Prevention is best, and patients should be urged to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of ≥ 30 daily that will offer protection against UVA, UVB and VL. Sunscreen additives such as antioxidants may also provide protection from IR radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Wellbeing among postpartum women needs to be assessed. This article aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation near infrared as a cultural nursing intervention for postpartum women in Indonesia. Methods: A research and development study design was undertaken from 2018 to 2020 in three stages to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation near infrared: a phenomenological study (n=20), a pre-experimental study (n=80) and a quasi-experimental design (n=90). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and a Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: Three themes emerged from the qualitative study that focused on development tools. Photobiomodulation near infrared was developed to cover postpartum women's needs. Significant statistical differences were found in multiple outcome measures after implementing photobiomodulation near infrared. Conclusions: Photobiomodulation near infrared is a promising intervention for postpartum mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemorrhoidal disease (HD) is a common anorectal disorder that affects at least 10 million people in the US, with a peak incidence in individuals between the ages of 45 and 65. This article discusses the signs, symptoms, risk factors, classification, treatment, and nursing interventions for patients with HD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Fire departments have employed far-infrared sauna (FIRS) use as part of post-fire call protocols to address concerns related to carcinogens. The inability of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to fully recover following an emergency call, as demonstrated by heightened sympathetic nervous system activity and delayed parasympathetic nervous system reactivation, has been implicated as a potential factor related to sudden cardiac death. The use of a sauna post-fire call, which has been demonstrated to elevate body temperature, may interfere with the ability of the ANS to fully recover. The purpose of this study was to examine ANS responses to FIRS exposure in firefighters (FFs) with (EX) and without (NONEX) prior maximal exercise. Methods Sixteen career FFs participated in this study. Body temperature (TEMP), heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure (BP), and blood lactate (La─) were measured at the start of each testing session, following a maximal exercise test (EX only), and immediately after a 15-min FIRS exposure for NONEX and EX. Results In NONEX, TEMP increased (P < 0.001); however, there was no change in HR, HRV, BP, or La─. In EX, BP remained unchanged while TEMP, HR, and La─ were significantly (P < 0.001) greater than baseline following FIRS exposure and HRV was significantly (P = 0.018) lower than baseline. Conclusions These findings indicate that FIRS following maximal exercise did support some ANS recovery, but may interfere with restoration of body temperature and parasympathetic nervous system reactivation, potentially influencing post-call cardiovascular risk in FFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term effects of locoregional water-filtered infrared A radiation (sl-wIRAR) in the treatment of lower back pain in patients with axSpA. METHODS: Patients with active axSpA with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy undergoing a 7-day multimodal rheumatologic complex treatment in an in-patient setting were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (IG) receiving sl-wIRAR treatment of the back (2 treatments/day for 30 min each for 6 days) or to the control group (CG) receiving no treatment. Primary outcome was a between-group difference in pain after sl-wIRAR therapy measured on a numeric rating scale (NRS) (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain). Secondary outcomes included an assessment of i) the onset and development of analgesic effects and an evaluation of whether sl-wIRAR ii) improved axSpA-specific well-being and iii) influenced serum cytokine levels. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were enrolled, completed the trial and were analyzed (IG: 36 patients, CG: 35 patients). In the IG, there was a statistically significant change (p < 0.0005) in pain level [NRS] (1.6 ± 1.9 [5; 2]) from baseline (4.1 ± 2.4 [0; 8]) to trial completion (2.6 ± 2.0 [0; 7]) and a significant difference to the CG (p = 0.006). In the IG there was a significant improvement in axSpA-specific well-being (BAS-G) (p = 0.006). A physiologically relevant change in serum cytokine levels could not be observed. CONCLUSION: sl-wIRAR treatment can be useful in the treatment of patients with active axSpA as it leads to a rapid reduction of pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates photobiomodulation (PBM) on cardio-respiratory function and swimming performance in parathletes. Ten swimming parathletes were tested before PBM, after PBM and placebo irradiation applied on upper musculature. After warmup, the parathletes rested for 1 min, and heart rate was recorded. Three sessions of 50 m free style swimming at maximum effort, with 5-min interval were performed and time, peak and recovery heart rate were recorded. After 1 week, biceps, deltoid, and trapezius received 108 J of energy from an LED array or sham-irradiation in a crossover study. After another week, the same protocol was repeated. All athletes improved time in 50 ms swimming. On average, time decreased 4 s after PBM and 1.5 s after placebo. Also, the peak heartbeat was 10% lower after PBM. A muscular pre-conditioning using PBM with an infrared LED could modulate upper musculature and cardio-respiratory function, leading tobetter swimming performance in parathletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical adverse events (AEs) indicate that medical intervention or prolonged hospitalization causes harm and disability to patients. In June 2017, a nurse in the unit of this study performed a far-infrared (FIR) therapy causing an accidental second-degree burn to the patient's right knee that needs wound debridement. Thus, a special group was set up to roll out the Perception Survey Questionnaire and the FIR checklist. The result showed that nurses have 62.5% and 67.6% correct recognition and operating rates, respectively. It was confirmed that the problem of accidentally causing the burn to the patient was due to the lack of knowledge with the familiar operating procedures and incomplete education and training (e.g., setting up standardized medical orders and auxiliary tools). Formulating standard operating procedures for FIR, completing education and training, designing irradiation safety posture maps, setting standardized medical orders, nursing records, and making use of far-infrared instrument teaching e-books are the corresponding countermeasures used. After the procedures, the post-test showed that the nurses have 98.7% and 97.5% correct recognition and operating rate, respectively. Consequently, the above interventions could effectively reduce medical AEs and improve the quality and safety of nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Light-emitting diode treatments are an established therapy in many medical aesthetic clinics. Most machines are designed for facial treatment and work by non-thermal photobiomodulation-stimulating fibroblast proliferation, collagen synthesis and growth factors. They use mainly blue, red and near infrared light and are efficacious in treating acne, psoriasis, photorejuvenation and wound healing. The treatment has relatively few side effects and has a short downtime. They tend to be used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as radiofrequency, skin-tightening and lasers, but can be used as a standalone treatment. Treatment protocols vary but usually require several treatments over a few weeks, with the effects taking 3 to 6 months to become evident. Recently, light-emitting diode masks have become popular, but their evidence base for effectiveness is currently weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we designed a low-power visible ray (V) drive module based on a light-emitting diode (LED) to initiate fat reduction using light source irradiation. A chemical phantom of muscle and fat was fabricated, and the performance of the proposed LED drive module was tested using this chemical phantom. The LED light source could reduce fat by irradiating the skin 4–5 cm deep. The device exhibits a negative feedback and parallel amplification to maintain a stable circuit based on low-power consumption. Muscles have a high-water content and low impedance, whereas fats have a low water content and significant salt content. Therefore, fat exhibits high impedance. Chemical phantoms were fabricated according to these impedance values, and the fat reduction effect using the LED circuits was analyzed. When the fat phantom was irradiated by the light source, the fat impedance lowered, and we confirmed that fat reduction could be obtained. This study is expected to be applicable to family medicine and weight management health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared thermography (IRT) has become increasingly common in sports assessment and has grown a lot over the past few years. Our objective was to identify the assessment protocols and the skin temperature behavior of practitioners of endurance sports. A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA recommendations between the 1st and the 31st of March 2020, at MEDLINE, LILACS, SCOPUS, SPORT Discus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane, and Scielo, using combinations with 11 descriptors for "Thermography" and 6 descriptors for "Endurance training". It was identified 24 different regions of interest (ROIs) evaluated region in endurance sports. The acclimatization time was respected in 75% of the selected studies, and the thermal images were acquired predominantly in three moments: before the test, immediately after the test, and 10 minutes after the test. It was observed that Tskin decreased in the initial moments and increased after exercise. It can be concluded that the ROIs used were mostly the specific muscle recruited in each modality, with emphasis on the muscle groups of the lower limbs, and after this initial decrease in temperature, the thermal response is mainly dependent on the duration and intensity of exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This prospective observational study evaluated the role of infrared (IR) dermal thermometry in the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: Thirty participants with unilateral neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers of University of Texas grade 1 or 2 (stage A) were followed up monthly for 1 year. At each visit, skin temperatures were measured with an IR dermal thermometer at corresponding sites on both feet, using the contralateral feet without ulcers as controls. Results: Average temperature and ulcer temperature in affected feet were significantly higher than in unaffected feet, with a mean difference of 1.2 °C [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7 to 1.7] and 3.1 °C (95% CI 2.3 to 3.9), respectively. Although the gradient between average temperature of affected foot and that of unaffected foot normalized (mean difference 0.2 °C, 95% CI −0.2 to 0.7) at healing, the temperature gradient between the ulcer and a corresponding site on the unaffected foot decreased but did not normalize (mean difference 2.1 °C, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.1) even at healing, as documented by skin closure, and persisted for up to 1 month after skin closure. A gradient of ≥1 °C between average temperature of affected foot and that of unaffected foot at initial presentation or at any time during ulcer healing was found to predict impaired healing and should alert clinicians to ulcers requiring more attention. An incremental trend in temperature gradient (median difference 2.2 °C; range 0.1–6.3 °C) at a site on the foot was predictive of a recurrent ulcer involving the same site. Conclusions: IR dermal thermometry may have a role in predicting diabetic foot ulcer healing, in determining the completeness of healing and in guiding the duration of offloading. Serial monitoring of the temperature gradient may predict the development of recurrent diabetic foot ulcers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study the first study that compared the effects of zinc oxide medicine, infrared, ultaviolet, and cold plasma treatment on full thickness infected wounds in diabetic rats. Moreover this is the first study that show the Pathological studies on visceral tissues (such as: testicles, livers, spleens, cardiac, and kidneys) after cold plasma treatment. The rats (14–15 weeks old and weight range of 200 ± 10 g) was selected. Aloxan injection induced for diabetes induction. Anesthesia induced and a 10 mm round full thickness wound was made and then the wound infected with 1 ml Staphylococcus aureus. Rats were treated by zinc oxide, uv, infrared, cold plasma for 3,7,14, and 21 days. Samples were taken from visceral and skin and have been sent for histopathological analysis. After 3 days cold plasma treatment epithial cells start to migrate and collagen was seen in the dermis layer. After 7 days treatment the plasma treatment increased the neovascularization and production of collagen in the dermis layer. The infrared and uv treatment improved epithiatial formation, neovasular, fibroblat, and collagen proliferation but less than plasma treatment. After 14 days treatment the cold plasma treated wounds completely healed, while wound healing was observed after 21 days of the infrared and uv treatment. After 21 days zinc oxide treatment wounds were not completely healed. Pathological studies on visceral tissues shows that there were not any abnormal side effects due to helium plasma usage. The results showed a low wound healing after, UV, infrared, and zinc oxide treatment compared with the cold plasma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Traditional Post-operative rehabilitation programs focus on quadriceps strengthening and knee range of motion. Hip muscles weakness is although evident in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of adding early hip muscles strengthening exercises to traditional rehabilitation program on pain, range of motion, quality of life and physical function in patients wih unilateral Total knee Arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and Methods: The intervention started from second day after surgery and continued for ten sessions, three times a week on twenty four participants in Control and Intervention groups. Both groups recieved Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation (TENS) and Infra Red (IR) and then started doing exersice. The control group did knee extensor and flexor strengthening and range of motion exersices. The intervention group did hip strengthening exercises in addition. Outcome measures include pain, knee flexion & extension range of motion, quality of life using Short Form 36, Timed up and go test, step test, six minute walk test and strength of hip and knee muscles. Ethical Considerations: Research Ethics Code: 1396.9511340012 and Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code: IRCT 20150314021459N6. Findings: All of outcome measures improved in both groups. Pain (P=0/03), knee extension range of motion (P=0/007), Timed up and go test (P=0/033) improvement was significantly higher in intervention group than control group. The Strength of knee flexors (P=0/023), hip flexors (P=0/040), hip extensors (P=0/028), hip adductors (P=0/040), hip external rotators (P=0/047) was significantly better improved in intervention group. Conclusion: According to the results, both treatments could be effective on patients with unilateral total knee arthroplasty. Considering better result of some of outcome measures in intervention group, addition of hip strengthening exercises to knee exercises can be useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]