Updated Current Thermographic Abstracts
Current Thermographic Abstracts
CD available for older abstracts and reports from
drdudley@earthlink.net.
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will take upwards of 1 minute to load. Record 2 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Computer-assisted infrared thermographic study of axon reflex induced by
intradermal melittin. AU: Koyama-N; Hirata-K; Hori-K; Dan-K; Yokota-T SO: Pain. 2000 Feb; 84(2-3): 133-9 AB: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether melittin, the
principal toxin of the honeybee (Apis mellifera) venom, can be used as an
algogenic agent in the study of pain in humans. Five micrograms of melittin in
0.5 ml of saline was intradermally injected into the volar aspect of the
forearm. Resultant pain was scored by a visual analogue scale (VAS), and skin
temperature change was analyzed by means of a computer-assisted infrared
thermography. Intradermal melittin temporarily produced severe pain, followed by
a sustained increase in skin temperature. The skin temperature increase peaked
in about 10 min and outlasted 1 h. Topical application of 10% lidocaine gel did
not significantly suppress the melittin-induced pain, but markedly suppressed
both the increase in the peak temperature and the area of temperature increase.
In conclusion, 5 microg of melittin is sufficient to produce pain in humans and
10% lidocaine gel differentially decreases the melittin-induced axon reflex
without any significant analgesic effect. AN: 20133051 Record 3 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Comparison of infrared thermometer with thermocouple for monitoring skin
temperature. AU: Matsukawa-T; Ozaki-M; Nishiyama-T; Imamura-M; Kumazawa-T SO: Crit-Care-Med. 2000 Feb; 28(2): 532-6 AB: OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the infrared thermometer (Genius)
is comparably useful with thermocouples that are routinely used for skin
temperature monitoring. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, not blinded study.
SETTING: Operating room of a university hospital. SUBJECTS: Ten healthy male
volunteers. INTERVENTIONS: Volunteers were minimally clothed and were initially
warmed by a forced air warmer until they became vasodilated at the finger and
the foot for approximately 30 mins. Subsequently, they were kept in the room
with no blanket. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Skin temperatures were measured
continuously with the Mon-a-Therm thermocouple and were also measured with the
Genius thermometer just before and after the warming and subsequently every 10
mins for 70 mins. Forearm and finger-tip skin temperatures and skin-surface
temperature gradients (from arm to finger and from calf to toe) measured by the
Genius thermometer were compared with those measured by the Mon-a-Therm
thermocouple using linear regression and Bland and Altman statistics. Forearm
temperature and finger-tip temperature ranged from approximately 31 degrees to
approximately 36.5 degrees C (87.8-97.7 degrees F) and approximately 22.5
degrees to approximately 36 degrees C (72.5-96.8 degrees F), respectively.
Gradients (from arm to finger and from calf to toe) ranged from approximately -3
degrees to approximately 10 degrees C (26.6-50.0 degrees F) and approximately -3
degrees to approximately 11 degrees C (26.6-51.8 degrees F), respectively.
Correlations between the temperatures measured by the Genius thermometer and
those by the Mon-a-Therm thermocouple were similar and reliable. The correlation
coefficients were as follows: 0.78 at forearm, 0.97 at finger-tip, and 0.97 at
skin-surface temperature gradients. CONCLUSIONS: The infrared thermometer with a
special probe is useful to measure the change of skin-surface temperatures and
to evaluate the severity of shock in patients. AN: 20170469 Record 4 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Investigation of the anti-allergic activity of azelastine on the
immediate and late-phase reactions to allergens and histamine using
telethermography. AU: De-Weck-AL; Derer-T; Bahre-M SO: Clin-Exp-Allergy. 2000 Feb; 30(2): 283-7 AB: BACKGROUND: Due to the interest in azelastine's diverse modes of action,
this study investigated its effects on immediate and late-phase cutaneous
allergic reactions using visual methods and telethermography. OBJECTIVE: The aim
of the study was to investigate the effect of azelastine on the immediate and
late-phase skin reactions using both planimetric evaluation of weal and erythema
and a telethermographic technique. METHODS: The study was a double-blind
crossover study; medication consisted of one tablet per day for 7 days of either
placebo or azelastine 4 mg. Eight allergic patients were assessed on five
occasions: prior to treatment, at the end of the first 7-day treatment, after a
21-day washout period, following the second 7-day treatment period and finally
following a 2-6 week washout period. Skin prick tests with timothy grass and
intradermal tests with Alternaria allergens were performed on the patients'
back. In addition, patients were tested with intradermal histamine as a positive
control. Surfaces of weal, erythema and infiltration were calculated using
computerized planimetry at 0, 20, 40 and 60 min, and 3, 6 and 8 h. Thermographic
images were recorded and the thermographic area and the increase in average
temperature (DeltaT) were calculated. RESULTS: The coefficient of variation
within baseline reactions ranged from 3 to 32% for weal and erythema and from 5
to 25% for thermographically recorded reactions. The stronger the reaction, the
more constant the baseline was. Treatment with azelastine (4 mg/os once daily)
inhibited immediate reactions to allergens by 65% (range 55-74) and to histamine
by 68% (range 47-82). The late-phase reactions to allergens were less well
defined and showed larger individual differences in the degree of inhibition
caused by azelastine, they were inhibited by 49% (range 32-67). Late-phase
reactions to histamine were less intense and could only be detected with
thermography; only thermographic units showed a decrease (26%) in response to
azelastine. CONCLUSION: This study has confirmed azelastine's histamine-blocking
activity. In addition, the late-phase results suggest that azelastine has
anti-inflammatory activity. The reproducibility and sensitivity of the
thermographic results confirm the usefulness of this technique in
immunopharmacology. AN: 20117616 Record 5 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Heating and pain sensation produced in human skin by millimeter waves:
comparison to a simple thermal model. AU: Walters-TJ; Blick-DW; Johnson-LR; Adair-ER; Foster-KR SO: Health-Phys. 2000 Mar; 78(3): 259-67 AB: Cutaneous thresholds for thermal pain were measured in 10 human subjects
during 3-s exposures at 94 GHz continuous wave microwave energy at intensities
up to approximately 1.8 W cm(-2). During each exposure, the temperature increase
at the skin's surface was measured by infrared thermography. The mean (+/- s.e.m.)
baseline temperature of the skin was 34.0+/-0.2 degrees C. The threshold for
pricking pain was 43.9+/-0.7 degrees C, which corresponded to an increase in
surface temperature of approximately 9.9 degrees C (from 34.0 degrees C to 43.9
degrees C). The measured increases in surface temperature were in good agreement
with a simple thermal model that accounted for heat conduction and for the
penetration depth of the microwave energy into tissue. Taken together, these
results support the use of the model for predicting thresholds of thermal pain
at other millimeter wave (length) frequencies. AN: 20151156 Record 6 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Estimating power curves of flying vertebrates. AU: Rayner-JM SO: J-Exp-Biol. 1999 Dec; 202 Pt 23: 3449-61 AB: The power required for flight in any flying animal is a function of
flight speed. The power curve that describes this function has become an icon of
studies of flight mechanics and physiology because it encapsulates the
accessible animal's flight performance. The mechanical or aerodynamic power
curve, describing the increase in kinetic energy of the air due to the passage
of the bird, is necessarily U-shaped, for aerodynamic reasons, and can be
estimated adequately by lifting-line theory. Predictions from this and related
models agree well with measured mechanical work in flight and with results from
flow visualization experiments. The total or metabolic power curve also includes
energy released by the animal as heat, and is more variable in shape. These
curves may be J-shaped for smaller birds and bats, but are difficult to predict
theoretically owing to uncertainty about internal physiological processes and
the efficiency of the flight muscles. The limitations of some existing models
aiming to predict metabolic power curves are considered. The metabolic power
curve can be measured for birds or bats flying in wind tunnels at controlled
speeds. Simultaneous determination in European starlings Sturnus vulgaris of
oxygen uptake, total metabolic rate (using labelled isotopes), aerodynamic power
output and heat released (using digital video thermography) enable power curves
to be determined with confidence; flight muscle efficiency is surprisingly low
(averaging 15-18 %) and increases moderately with flight speed, so that the
metabolic power curve is shallower than predicted by models. Accurate knowledge
of the power curve is essential since extensive predictions of flight behaviour
have been based upon it. The hypothesis that the power curve may not in fact
exist, in the sense that the cost of flight may not be perceived by a bird as a
continuous smooth function of air speed, is advanced but has not yet formally
been tested. This hypothesis is considered together with evidence from variation
in flight behaviour, wingbeat kinematics and flight gait with speed. Possible
constraints on flight behaviour can be modelled by the power curves: these
include the effect of a maximum power output and a constraint on maximum speed
determined by downstroke wingbeat geometry and the relationship between thrust
and lift. AN: 20032013 Record 7 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Temperature measurement in pediatric trauma patients: A comparison of
thermometry and measurement routes. AU: Bernardo-LM; Henker-R; O'Connor-J SO: J-Emerg-Nurs. 1999 Aug; 25(4): 327-9 AN: 99354104 Record 8 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Losartan therapy for Raynaud's phenomenon and scleroderma: clinical and
biochemical findings in a fifteen-week, randomized, parallel-group, controlled
trial. AU: Dziadzio-M; Denton-CP; Smith-R; Howell-K; Blann-A; Bowers-E; Black-CM SO: Arthritis-Rheum. 1999 Dec; 42(12): 2646-55 AB: OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of losartan, an
antagonist of angiotensin II receptor type 1, with nifedipine for the treatment
of primary and secondary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) in a pilot study. METHODS: In
a randomized, parallel-group, controlled trial, patients with primary RP (n =
25) or RP secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc [scleroderma]; n = 27) were
allocated to receive 12 weeks' treatment with either losartan (50 mg/day) or
nifedipine (40 mg/day). Primary outcome variables were the severity and
frequency of RP episodes and findings on vascular measurements, including
thermography and laser Doppler flowmetry. Serum levels of soluble adhesion
molecules, endothelin 1, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor, and procollagen type
I N-terminal propeptide (PINP) were also measured. RESULTS: There was a
reduction in the severity of RP episodes following treatment with losartan and
with nifedipine, but this effect was greater in the losartan arm of the study
(P<0.05): episode frequency was reduced only in the losartan group (P<0.01
versus baseline). Symptomatic improvement was associated with a significant
reduction in soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and PINP (P<0.01).
Subgroup analysis suggested that although these biochemical changes occurred
mainly in SSc patients, the clinical benefit was greater in the primary RP
group. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the tolerability of short-term treatment
of RP with losartan, and our data suggest its clinical benefit. Further
evaluation of this drug as a long-term treatment for SSc-associated RP should be
considered, since it may have additional disease-modifying potential. AN: 20081759 Record 9 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Comparison of rectal and infrared ear temperatures in older hospital
inpatients. AU: Smitz-S; Giagoultsis-T; Dewe-W; Albert-A SO: J-Am-Geriatr-Soc. 2000 Jan; 48(1): 63-6 AB: OBJECTIVES: To assess the agreement between infrared emission detection (IRED)
ear and rectal temperatures and to determine the validity of IRED ear
thermometry in detecting rectal fever. DESIGN: Prospective, convenience sample,
unblinded study. SETTING: An acute geriatric unit (teaching hospital) and a
multidisciplinary intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 45
inpatients (26 women and 19 men), aged 78.3+/-6.9 years, admitted over a 4-month
period. Twelve of the patients were definitely infected. MEASUREMENTS:
Sequential rectal (RT) and ear temperature (ET) measurements were performed
using mercury-in-glass and IRED ear thermometers, respectively. IRED ear
temperatures were measured at both ears (unadjusted mode), with the highest of
six ear temperatures considered the true value. RESULTS: Mean RT (37.39 degrees
C +/- 0.52 degrees C) was significantly (P<.001) higher than mean ET (36.89
degrees C +/-0.59 degrees C). A highly significant positive correlation was
found between RT and ET (slope = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.52-0.86; P<.001; r = 0.78). The
mean bias (mean of the differences) between RT and ET was 0.50 degrees C +/-0.37
degrees C (95% CI, 0.41 degrees C-0.59 degrees C), and the 95% limits of
agreement -0.22 degrees C and 1.23 degrees C (95% CI, -0.38 degrees C to 1.39
degrees C). According to the standard criterion (RT > or =37.6 degrees C), 14
patients were febrile. Using an optimum IRED ear fever threshold (37.2 degrees
C), the sensitivity and specificity of IRED ear thermometry for predicting
rectal fever were 86% and 89%, respectively (positive predictive value, 80%;
negative predictive value, 93%). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of agreement between
rectal temperature and the highest of six IRED ear temperatures was acceptable.
Using an optimal IRED ear fever threshold of 37.2 degrees C (99 degrees F), IRED
ear thermometry had acceptable sensitivity and specificity for predicting rectal
fever. AN: 20105009 Record 10 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: New trends in thermometry for the patient in the ICU. AU: Holtzclaw-BJ SO: Crit-Care-Nurs-Q. 1998 Nov; 21(3): 12-25 AB: Modern engineering and space-age technology introduce innovations in
thermometry at a crucial time in critical care history. Today's assessment and
care decisions are based, in part, on emerging scientific evidence about
thermoregulatory responses. Accurate body temperature measurements and the
correct interpretation of their meaning are crucial for competent care.
Confusion exists as to which instrument or site is "ideal." Interpretation of
temperature correlations, between temperature sites or without consideration of
linearity, has little meaning outside the clinical context. This article
discusses hemodynamic and thermal conditions influencing regional body
temperatures along with instrument accuracy, reliability, linearity, precision,
safety, comfort, and need for staff training. AN: 20111896 Record 11 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Thermatomal changes in cervical disc herniations. AU: Zhang-HY; Kim-YS; Cho-YE SO: Yonsei-Med-J. 1999 Oct; 40(5): 401-12 AB: Subjective symptoms of a cool or warm sensation in the arm could be shown
objectively by using of thermography with the detection of thermal change in the
case of radiculopathy, including cervical disc herniation (CDH). However, the
precise location of each thermal change at CDH has not been established in
humans. This study used digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) for 50
controls and 115 CDH patients, analyzed the data statistically with t-test, and
defined the areas of thermatomal change in CDH C3/4, C4/5, C5/6, C6/7 and C7/T1.
The temperature of the upper trunk and upper extremities of the control group
ranged from 29.8 degrees C to 32.8 degrees C. The minimal abnormal thermal
difference in the right and left upper extremities ranged from 0.1 degree C to
0.3 degree C in 99% confidence interval. If delta T was more than 0.1 degree C,
the anterior middle shoulder sector was considered abnormal (p < 0.01). If delta
T was more than 0.3 degree C, the medial upper aspect of the forearm and dorsal
aspect of the arm, some areas of the palm and anterior part of the fourth
finger, and their opposite side sectors and all dorsal aspects of fingers were
considered abnormal (p < 0.01). Other areas except those mentioned above were
considered abnormal if delta T was more than 0.2 degree C (p < 0.01). In p <
0.05, thermal change in CDH C3/4 included the posterior upper back and shoulder
and the anterior shoulder. Thermal change in CDH C4/5 included the middle and
lateral aspect of the triceps muscle, proximal radial region, the posterior
medial aspect of the forearm and distal lateral forearm. Thermal change in CDH
C5/6 included the anterior aspects of the thenar, thumb and second finger and
the anterior aspects of the radial region and posterior aspects of the
pararadial region. Thermal change in CDH C6/7 included the posterior aspect of
the ulnar and palmar region and the anterior aspects of the ulnar region and
some fingers. Thermal change in CDH C7/T1 included the scapula and posterior
medial aspect of the arm and the anterior medial aspect of the arm. The areas of
thermal change in each CDH included wider sensory dermatome and sympathetic
dermatome. There was a statistically significant change of temperature in the
areas of thermal change in all CDH patients. In conclusion, the areas of thermal
change in CDH can be helpful in diagnosing the level of disc protrusion and in
detecting the symptomatic level in multiple CDH patients. AN: 20030486 Record 12 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Thermometers. SO: RN. 1999 Nov; 62(11): 61-3 AN: 20104382 Record 13 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Ocular temperature in carotid artery stenosis. AU: Morgan-PB; Smyth-JV; Tullo-AB; Efron-N SO: Optom-Vis-Sci. 1999 Dec; 76(12): 850-4 AB: PURPOSE: To explore the potential application of wide-field, color-coded
infrared ocular thermography in the investigation of carotid artery stenosis (CAS).
METHODS: Ocular thermography and color duplex ultrasonography were undertaken in
a masked study of 24 asymptomatic, consecutively presenting patients who were
examined for vascular occlusive disease. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis
indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between ocular
surface temperature and the degree of CAS (r = -0.67, p < 0.001). Similar
results were demonstrated between the relative difference in CAS (right - left)
and the relative difference in ocular surface temperature (right - left) (r =
-0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the circle of Willis
and the other anastomoses within the brain are unable to compensate fully for
the reduction in blood flow on the affected side. Noncontact ocular temperature
measurement has potential as both a screening test and a supplementary
diagnostic clinical test for CAS. AN: 20077654 Record 14 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Reliability and normal values for measuring the skin temperature of the
hand with an infrared tympanic thermometer: a pilot study. AU: Oerlemans-HM; Graff-MJ; Dijkstra-Hekkink-JB; de-Boo-T; Goris-RJ;
Oostendorp-RA SO: J-Hand-Ther. 1999 Oct-Dec; 12(4): 284-90 AB: Recording asymmetry in skin temperature between symmetric body areas is
useful in monitoring diseases that alter skin temperature. This pilot study
checked the reported high reliability of recording skin temperature of the hands
with an infrared tympanic thermometer, provided insight into the relationship
between dorsal and palmar temperature differences, and assessed the agreement
between these data and normative data obtained from thermograms. Using an
infrared tympanic thermometer, two independent assessors measured the
temperature of 13 asymptomatic, right-handed subjects (mean age, 30 years;
range, 21 to 44 years). Both test-retest and interobserver reliabilities were
high. Skin temperature of the hand differed with the site where it was measured;
differences between sites changed over time. The mean absolute differences in
skin temperature between dorsal and palmar aspects of the hands were 0.30
degrees C and 0.25 degrees C, respectively. These data match normative values
reported in the literature for infrared thermograms. AN: 20085906 Record 15 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Validation of MR thermometry technology: a small animal model for
hyperthermic treatment of tumours. AU: Pahernik-SA; Peller-M; Dellian-M; Loeffler-R; Issels-R; Reiser-M; Messmer-K;
Goetz-AE SO: Res-Exp-Med-Berl. 1999 Oct; 199(2): 59-71 AB: BACKGROUND: Local hyperthermia has been shown to be an effective adjuvant
therapy for cancer. However, progress in this treatment modality requires the
non-invasive assessment of temperature distribution in the entire tumour to
enable administration of an efficient thermal dose to all tumour areas. Magnetic
resonance (MR) imaging offers a promising tool to quantify, non-invasively and
three-dimensionally, temperature distribution within tumours. An animal model
taking into account the complex interrelationship between pathophysiological
changes within a tumour during hyperthermia and temperature-sensitive MR
parameters is warranted for the development and validation of new MR thermometry
technology. METHODS: An experimental set-up was implemented to allow
simultaneous measurements of temperature, tumour blood flow and
temperature-sensitive MR parameters under standardised conditions in vivo. Local
hyperthermia was induced at 44 degrees C for 20 min under inhalation anaesthesia
on seven Syrian Golden hamsters bearing an amelanotic melanoma. Fibreoptic
probes were used for reference temperature measurements. Laser Doppler flowmetry
served for on-line tumour blood flow determination, and MR thermometry was
performed using longitudinal T1 relaxation time measurements. RESULTS: The
experimental design enables multifunctional MR thermometry. T1 relaxation times
of tumours were 1.44 s (1.36, 1.46) and 1.53 s (1. 48, 1.75) at 37 degrees C and
during hyperthermia at 44 degrees C, respectively (median, 25% and 75%
quartiles, respectively; P<0.05). At the end of 20 min of hyperthermic treatment
at 44 degrees C, relative tumour blood flow was reduced to 40.5% (20.7, 43.3)
compared to values before treatment (median, 25% and 75% quartiles,
respectively; P<0.05). Imaging of T1 relaxation times revealed a heterogeneous
distribution in temperature during hyperthermic treatment. Conclusion: This
novel in vivo model allows standardised investigations for the development and
validation of MR thermography methods. AN: 20020487 Record 16 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Fast spectroscopic imaging for non-invasive thermometry using the
Pr[MOE-DO3A] complex. AU: Hentschel-M; Dreher-W; Wust-P; Roll-S; Leibfritz-D; Felix-R SO: Phys-Med-Biol. 1999 Oct; 44(10): 2397-408 AB: The praseodymium complex of
10-(2-methoxyethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododecane-1,4,7-tr iacetate) was
evaluated as a temperature-sensitive contrast agent using the temperature
dependence (approximately 0.12 ppm degrees C(-1)) of the chemical shift of its
methoxy side group signal. Pr[MOE-DO3A] was employed in combination with
spectroscopic imaging (SI) methods for the determination of spatially resolved
2D and 3D temperature distributions in phantoms. Conventional SI and fast echo
planar SI sequences (EPSI) were implemented on a 4.7 T MR imaging system
fulfilling the demands for non-invasive thermometry (NIT) with respect to
thermal and temporal resolution, being <1 degree C and <20 s total measuring
time, respectively. The sequences are based on a fast spin echo SI method taking
into account the very short relaxation times of the Pr complex methoxy group (T1
= 28 ms, T2 = 13 ms) and its chemical shift difference (-24 ppm) from water.
Calibration curves were measured in a uniformly heated water phantom and 2D SI
methods were applied to dynamic heating experiments. The average differences
between the temperatures measured via fibreoptic thermometer and those derived
from the spectroscopic methods were < or =0.2 degrees C. Furthermore, 3D EPSI
experiments with a 16 x 16 x 16 matrix size yielded temperature measurements
within 17 s from voxels of size 3 x 3 x 3 mm3. AN: 20001485 Record 17 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Coccygeal muscle injury in English Pointers (limber tail). AU: Steiss-J; Braund-K; Wright-J; Lenz-S; Hudson-J; Brawner-W; Hathcock-J;
Purohit-R; Bell-L; Horne-R SO: J-Vet-Intern-Med. 1999 Nov-Dec; 13(6): 540-8 AB: A condition colloquially referred to as "limber tail" and "cold tail" is
familiar to people working with hunting dogs, primarily Pointers and Labrador
Retrievers. The typical case consists of an adult dog that suddenly develops a
flaccid tail. The tail either hangs down from the tail base or is held out
horizontally for several inches from the tail base and then hangs straight down
or at some degree below horizontal. Initially, the hair on the dorsal aspect of
the proximal tail may be raised and dogs may resent palpation of the area 3-4
inches (8-10 cm) from the tail base. Most dogs recover spontaneously within a
few days to weeks. Anecdotal reports suggest that anti-inflammatory drugs
administered within 24 hours after onset hasten recovery. Less than one half of
affected dogs experience a recurrence. Affected Pointers almost always have a
history of prolonged cage transport, a hard workout the previous day, or
exposure to cold or wet weather Most owners and trainers familiar with the
condition do not seek veterinary assistance. In cases where people are not
familiar with this disease, other conditions such as a fracture, spinal cord
disease, impacted anal glands, or prostatic disease have been incorrectly
diagnosed. We examined 4 affected Pointers and found evidence of coccygeal
muscle damage, which included mild elevation of creatine kinase early after
onset of clinical signs, needle electromyographic examination showing abnormal
spontaneous discharges restricted to the coccygeal muscles several days after
onset, and histopathologic evidence of muscle fiber damage. Specific muscle
groups, namely the laterally positioned intertransversarius ventralis caudalis
muscles, were affected most severely. Abnormal findings on thermography and
scintigraphy further supported the diagnosis. AN: 20052536 Record 18 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Use of infrared thermography to detect inflammation caused by
contaminated growth promotant ear implants in cattle. AU: Spire-MF; Drouillard-JS; Galland-JC; Sargeant-JM SO: J-Am-Vet-Med-Assoc. 1999 Nov 1; 215(9): 1320-4 AB: OBJECTIVE: To compare the infrared thermographic appearance of bovine
ears that had received contaminated growth promotant implants with ears that had
received clean implants and ears without implants. DESIGN: Prospective study.
ANIMALS: 32 yearling crossbred beef steers with a mean weight of 322 kg (708
lbs). PROCEDURE: Contaminated (n = 16) and clean (16) implants were placed in
the ears of feedlot cattle. Nonimplanted (n = 32) ears served as a within-animal
control for thermographic comparisons. Images of rostral and caudal surfaces
were obtained during a 21-day period, using an infrared thermal imaging
radiometer. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine the relationship
between mean temperature in a zone on the rostral surface of the ear and at 3
locations (proximal, middle, distal) on the caudal surface of the ear (response
variables) with treatment (ears with contaminated implants or clean implants vs
control ears with no implants), time (repeated day of measurement), and
interactions among these variables. RESULTS: Significant temperature differences
existed between ears with contaminated implants and control ears. Temperatures
for ears with clean implants were significantly higher than control ears on day
2. At low ambient temperatures when the ears became wet, a greater temperature
contrast was detected between ears with contaminated implants and control ears.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thermal imaging of the ears of feedlot
cattle is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can be used to identify cattle with
abscesses caused by contaminated growth-promotant implants. AN: 20021020 Record 19 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Current imaging modalities for the diagnosis of breast cancer. AU: Edell-SL; Eisen-MD SO: Del-Med-J. 1999 Sep; 71(9): 377-82 AB: Although mammography still remains the gold standard for breast cancer
screening and diagnosis, it typically cannot differentiate benign from malignant
disease and is less accurate in patients with dense glandular breasts. This
article is an overview of imaging modalities that have emerged to augment
mammography and improve the accuracy of non-invasive breast cancer diagnosis.
Ultrasound is currently used to differentiate breast masses and guide
aspirations and biopsies. Magnetic resonance imaging has excellent sensitivity
in demonstrating breast cancer but a low specificity. Nuclear medicine studies
have recently emerged that detect the increased metabolic rate and vascularity
of breast cancers. Other modalities, such as thermography and computed
tomography, have a more limited utility for breast cancer diagnosis. Digital
mammography is among other emerging technological advancements that will
continue to develop and improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis in the
future. AN: 20051826 Record 20 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: [A case of progressive hemifacial atrophy with Pourfour de Petit syndrome
which was successfully treated by stellate ganglion block] AU: Kawano-Y; Araki-E; Arakawa-K; Matsumono-S; Yamada-T; Kira-J SO: Rinsho-Shinkeigaku. 1999 Jul; 39(7): 731-4 AB: We herein report a 31-year-old woman with progressive hemifacial atrophy.
The atrophy at her left face began about ten years ago. She had been in a
traffic accident one year before the onset of her facial atrophy. Neurological
examination revealed anisocoria (right < left) and retraction of the left
eyelid, which thus suggested the presence of Pourfour de Petit syndrome. The
pupillary reaction to both cocaine and tyramine were reduced bilaterally.
Thermography of the face showed slightly lower surface temperature on the left
side. A facial thermal sweat test was normal. These findings indicated local
hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system at the Th 1-Th2 levels on the
left side. A left stellate ganglion block effectively induced an accumulation of
the subcutaneus tissue of her face on the left side. This is a very rare case in
which local sympathetic hyperactivity is present and has caused progressive
hemifacial atrophy. AN: 20016627 Record 21 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Infrared emission tympanic thermometers cannot be relied upon in a
wilderness setting [letter] AU: Rogers-IR; O'Brien-DL; Wee-C; Smith-A; Lopez-D SO: Wilderness-Environ-Med. 1999 Autumn; 10(3): 201-3 AN: 20024106 Record 22 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced May TI: Recording tympanic temperature. AU: Craig-J SO: Paediatr-Nurs. 1999 Jul; 11(6): 10 AN: 20061536 Record 23 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The thermal activity of the rabbit brain during the interaction of
"animal hypnosis" and of the hunger dominant] AU: Malikova-AK; Petrova-EV SO: Zh-Vyssh-Nerv-Deiat-Im-I-P-Pavlova. 1999 Jul-Aug; 49(4): 635-44 AB: The character of interaction between two dominant foci (motivation hunger
dominant and "animal hypnosis") which had been formed in the rabbit brain was
ambiguous: the foci could either function simultaneously or compete. In the
first case, summation food reactions were observed when the hunger dominant was
tested during a hypnotic episode against the background of deep and continuous
hypnotic state. Brain thermal activity was asymmetric the temperature being
higher in the parieto-occipital areas of the left hemisphere. If the hypnosis
inhibited the hunger dominant, summation reactions were absent and the brain
temperature was higher in the parieto-occipital areas of the right hemisphere.
In cases when despite the repeated immobilization sessions the hunger dominant
prevented from induction of hypnosis, the left-hemisphere thermal dominance
persisted against the background of general brain cooling. AN: 99441696 Record 24 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Changes in passive electric parameters of human erythrocyte membrane
during hyperthermia: role of spectrin phosphorylation. AU: Ivanov-IT SO: Gen-Physiol-Biophys. 1999 Jun; 18(2): 165-80 AB: In prefixed by 1 mmol/l OsO4 human erythrocytes, the discocyte shape was
preserved upon heating to temperatures which include the denaturation
temperature of the main peripheral protein spectrin. Nevertheless, the
suspension of fixed cells displayed threshold decrease in its capacitance and
resistance at the temperature range where spectrin denaturates. The same changes
were established using intact cells and their resealed ghosts. For packed cells
(ghosts), the capacitance and resistance decreased about 17% (31%) and 30%
(19%). These data indicate a decrease in the beta dispersion of erythrocyte
membrane associated, according to a previous study (Ivanov 1997), with the heat
denaturation of spectrin at 49.5 degrees C. The amplitude of the 49.5 degrees C
decrease in beta dispersion was reversibly reduced in intact erythrocytes and
white ghosts following reversible decrease in the phosphorylation of their
membrane proteins. It was fully eliminated in ghosts following their resealing
with alkaline phosphatase (0.1 mg/ml) which dephosphorylated membrane proteins.
These findings are discussed in relation to similar changes found in normal and
tumour tissues and cells during hyperthermia. AN: 99444879 Record 25 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a patient with the antiphospholipid
syndrome. AU: Tsutsumi-A; Horita-T; Ohmuro-J; Atsumi-T; Ichikawa-K; Tashiro-K; Koike-T SO: Lupus. 1999; 8(6): 471-3 AB: We describe a 50-year-old woman who developed severe pain of the left
lower limb after an episode of thrombophlebitis. Bone scintigraphy and
thermography showed results indicative of reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
Laboratory analysis revealed the presence of the lupus anticoagulant. The
patient was diagnosed as antiphospholipid syndrome complicated with reflex
sympathetic dystrophy of the left lower limb. To our knowledge, this is the
first report of a patient with reflex sympathetic dystrophy with underlying
antiphospholipid syndrome. AN: 99414291 Record 26 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Facial warming increases the threshold for shivering. AU: Iaizzo-PA; Jeon-YM; Sigg-DC SO: J-Neurosurg-Anesthesiol. 1999 Oct; 11(4): 231-9 AB: A decrease of 1-2 degrees C core temperature provides protection against
cerebral ischemia. However, shivering usually prevents reduction in core
temperature in unanesthetized patients. Therefore, it was tested whether facial
and airway heating increases the shivering threshold and enables core cooling in
unanesthetized patients. Nine trials were performed on seven healthy male
volunteers. Each subject was positioned supine on a circulating-water mattress
(8-15 degrees C) with a convective-air coverlet (15-18 degrees C) extending from
the neck to the feet. A dynamic study protocol governed by individualized
physiological responses was used. Focal facial (and airway) warming was employed
to suppress involuntary motor activity (muscle tensing, shivering) and, thereby,
enabling noninvasive cooling to lower the core temperature. The following
parameters were monitored: 1) heart rate, 2) blood pressure, 3) core temperature
(tympanic, axilla, and rectal), 4) cutaneous temperatures, and 5) a subjective
shiver index (scale 1-10). In three, electromyograms and infrared thermographs
were also obtained. Upon cooling without facial and airway warming, involuntary
motor activity increased until it was widespread. This vigorous motor activity
prevented any significant lowering of core temperature or caused it to slightly
increase. Subsequently, in all subjects, within seconds after the application of
facial focal warming, motor activity was suppressed almost completely, and
within minutes core temperatures significantly decreased. Preliminary studies
described here indicate that focal facial warming applied during active whole
body cooling to initiate mild hypothermia might minimize the need to
pharmacologically suppress involuntary motor activity. Such a procedure might be
useful for initiating as soon as possible (such as during emergency transport),
cerebral mild hypothermia in order to maximize protection and thus improve
outcome in neurologically injured patients (head trauma, stroke). AN: 99454265 Record 27 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Experimental study on heat production by a 23.5-kHz ultrasonically
activated device for endoscopic surgery. AU: Kinoshita-T; Kanehira-E; Omura-K; Kawakami-K; Watanabe-Y SO: Surg-Endosc. 1999 Jun; 13(6): 621-5 AB: An experimental study was carried out to evaluate heat production by an
ultrasonically activated device (USAD) using an animal model. In an anesthetized
living pig, the gastroepiploic and mesenteric vessels were coagulated and cut by
an USAD at a power level of 70% (n = 8) or 100% (n = 8). During the division,
the time-discrete temperature change on the surface of the animal tissue
adjacent to the blade was measured by thermography. To compare the USAD with
conventional electrocautery (EC), a full-thickness incision of the gastric wall
was performed by each device, and the temperature change was measured. With the
USAD, the temperature increased gradually and remained below 150 degrees C
during the entire activating time at both power levels. By contrast, with EC at
30 W, the temperature increased rapidly and exceeded 350 degrees C within only a
few seconds. The area above 60 degrees C reached a final width of 10 mm for the
USAD, as compared with 22 mm for EC. Microscopically, thermal alterations such
as carbonization and vaporization were much more severe and extensive in the
adjacent tissue when using EC rather than the USAD. With the USAD, heat
production is much slower and more limited than with conventional EC; thus, the
USAD causes fewer thermal alterations in adjacent tissue. USAD should be
preferred for tissue coagulation and cutting during endscopic surgery. AN: 99278551 Record 28 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Thermal interhemispheric asymmetry of the brain in rats in a cataleptic
state] AU: Petrova-EV SO: Zh-Vyssh-Nerv-Deiat-Im-I-P-Pavlova. 1999 Mar-Apr; 49(2): 338-44 AB: The rat brain thermal fields were studied using the thermoencephaloscopic
technique in three experimental conditions: the genetic catalepsy (GC rat
strain), cataleptic phase of an audiogenic epileptic seizure (Krushinskii-Molodkina
strain), and pharmacological catalepsy produced by haloperidol injection (Wistar
rats). Irrespective of the experimental conditions, the state of catalepsy,
accompanied by a decrease in the muscle tone and inhibition of motor reactions,
was characterized by total asymmetric cooling of the brain cortex with the
dominance of the right hemisphere. Temperature difference between the parieto-occipital
areas of the right and left hemispheres reached 0.3-0.6 degree C. AN: 99416371 Record 29 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Polyangiitis overlap syndrome with eosinophilia associated with an
elevated serum level of major basic protein. AU: Koarada-S; Tada-Y; Aihara-S; Ushiyama-O; Suzuki-N; Ohta-A; Nagasawa-K SO: Intern-Med. 1999 Sep; 38(9): 739-43 AB: Polyangiitis overlap syndrome is a new disease entity and the reported
cases in the literature are still limited. We describe a female patient
presenting with finger ulcers, skin eruptions, pleural effusion, interstitial
pneumonia and eosinophilia. Skin biopsy showed systemic small-sized angiitis and
thrombosis. She was diagnosed as having polyangiitis overlap syndrome and was
successfully then treated with corticosteroid. It is also of interest that the
disease activity was correlated with the number of eosinophils in peripheral
blood. The measurement of the serum level of major basic protein released from
eosinophils functioning as a coagulant indicated the possible association of
eosinophilia with thrombosis and polyangiitis. AN: 99408184 Record 30 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The "ear fever thermometer"--studies of ear thermography] AU: Sievert-U; Pau-HW; Weidemann-T SO: Laryngorhinootologie. 1999 Jul; 78(7): 397-400 AB: BACKGROUND: Though rarely mentioned in the ENT literature, the "ear
thermometer" has become more and more popular in recent years, not only in
hospitals but also in households. These instruments are easy to use, and their
infrared technology is said to provide precise measurements. The purpose of this
study was to verify these claims. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Infrared thermometers
were tested in various conditions, and the results were compared. We assessed
the effects of "distending" the outer ear canal, different body positions, and
irritation of the ear (slight external otitis, hearing aids, otitis media,
etc.). We did not specifically test effects of ear wax, as it had sufficiently
been studied in pediatric or anesthesiological papers before (almost no effect,
except in cases of occlusion of the auditory canal). RESULTS: Using the ear
thermometer we found small but statistically significant differences in febrile
patients in different body positions. Irritated ears always showed higher
temperatures than the normal contralateral ears. The most significant
differences were found in persons lying on one side. The "pillow ear" was found
0.7 degree C (average) warmer than the contralateral ear. CONCLUSIONS: Ear
thermometers for estimating the body temperature permit easy and fast
measurements. However, they include possible sources of measurement error. This
study describes possible errors that the therapists should be aware of to avoid
misinterpreting the course of a disease. AN: 99385973 Record 31 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Cyclophotocoagulation: experimental investigations of dosage problems. AU: Rosenow-SE; Stave-J; Langnau-E; Wild-W; Strophal-G; Guthoff-R SO: Graefes-Arch-Clin-Exp-Ophthalmol. 1999 Jul; 237(7): 583-92 AB: BACKGROUND: During cyclophotocoagulation, transsclerally applied laser
light reduces the aqueous-producing structures of the eye. One problem using
this therapy is patient-specific dosage of the applied laser energy. The aim of
our investigations was to obtain information about intensity and distribution of
tissue destruction in the coagulation area. This may provide a basis for further
on-line control of cyclophotocoagulation by ultrasound-controlled engineering of
the diode laser. METHODS: To visualize the process of cyclophotocoagulation, a
multifunctional measurement set-up was developed. It allowed the visualization
of structural changes in the coagulation area using a common light microscope
and comparison in the first set-up to the results detected by high-resolution
ultrasound, applied in different working modes (B-mode, M-mode and RF signal
analyses). In a second set-up an infrared thermography system showing
temperature distribution on the scleral surface at the contact point of the
laser probe was used. RESULTS: High resolution working in B- and M-mode was
unsuitable to visualize structural changes within the therapeutic width. By
analyzing RF ultrasound date, structural changes within the therapeutic width
could be detected. Surface temperatures measured by infrared thermography
correlated with visible structural changes when long exposure times and low
laser power were applied. CONCLUSIONS: In certain cases the visualization of
coagulation effects was possible with the help of either high-resolution
ultrasound or infrared thermography. Spectrum analysis of RF ultrasound signals
seems to be a potential method for successful control of cyclophotocoagulation. AN: 99351595 Record 32 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Dynamics of thermographic changes in patients with ischemic contracture
of the foot] AU: Lieskov-VH; Seipi-LP; Liabakh-AP SO: Klin-Khir. 1999; (7): 26-8 AB: In 28 patients with the foot ischemic contracture (FIC) the thermographic
changes were studied up in reactive-restoration and residual periods. The
patients' distribution in the reactive-restoration period according to the level
of thermoasymmetry and radiation temperature has significance for the FIC of
middle and severe stage prognostication. AN: 99412710 Record 33 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Magnetic stimulation in the recuperative therapy of patients with
spondylogenic diseases of the nervous system. AU: Skoromets-AA; Nikitina-VV SO: Neurosci-Behav-Physiol. 1999 Mar-Apr; 29(2): 211-5 AB: The value and optimal parameters of a new method of therapy, magnetic
impulse stimulation, was studied in 225 patients with neurological
manifestations of osteochondrosis and vertebral spondyloarthrosis.
Electromyography, thermography, rheovasography, and assays of lipid peroxidation
were used to assess the mechanisms of the therapeutic actions of magnetic
impulse stimulation. AN: 99361076 Record 34 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Telethermography in pulmonology] AU: Voloshyn-HH SO: Lik-Sprava. 1999 Apr-May; (3): 24-9 AN: 99404177 Record 35 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Dynamic radiation telethermometry in the diagnosis of acute
appendicitis] AU: Lobenko-AA; Gozhenko-AI; Mishchenko-VV SO: Lik-Sprava. 1999 Apr-May; (3): 103-6 AB: Density was studied of heat flow from the area of the anterior abdominal
wall in 167 patients with acute appendicitis. A novel methodological approach
has been developed to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis making use of remote
thermometry with the unit "Radiation heat flows meter". Recording of heat flows
from the region of the anterior abdominal wall helps in the diagnosis of acute
appendicitis, allows some preliminary judgement about the degree of affection of
the organ, permits choosing relevant policy of managing a particular patient.
The method can be employed in planned and urgent surgery. AN: 99404198 Record 36 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Accuracy of tympanic temperature readings in children under 6 years of
age. AU: Lanham-DM; Walker-B; Klocke-E; Jennings-M SO: Pediatr-Nurs. 1999 Jan-Feb; 25(1): 39-42 AB: PURPOSE: Infrared tympanic thermometry (ITT) is increasingly used as a
convenient, noninvasive assessment method for febrile children. However, the
accuracy of ITT for children has been questioned, particularly in relation to
specificity and sensitivity. This study was designed to (a) determine the
correlation and extent of agreement between rectal temperature (RT) readings
obtained by electronic thermometer and ear-based temperature readings obtained
by ITT, and (b) determine the accuracy of detecting fever in children under 6
years of age. METHODS: This correlational study used a sample of 241 paired ear
and rectal temperatures obtained in the emergency department (ED) of a 920-bed
regional hospital. All children under the age of 6 years who routinely received
a rectal temperature measurement were eligible to participate. According to the
ED protocol, rectal temperatures were obtained on all patients less than 3 years
or patients 3-6 years that presented with a complaint of fever. For the study,
tympanic measurements were also taken. RESULTS: Correlation between rectal and
tympanic temperature readings was statistically significant (r = 0.84, p <
.001). The mean difference between rectal and tympanic temperatures was -0.60
degrees C. Threshold-adjusted accuracy in screening for fever was determined by
sensitivity (80%), specificity (85%), positive predictive value (87%), and
negative predictive value (85%). CONCLUSIONS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive
predictive value, and negative predictive value are unacceptably low and the
number of children with fever who would be missed by screening with a tympanic
thermometer is unacceptable. Findings of this study do not support the use of
tympanic thermometers to detect fever in children under 6 years of age. AN: 99267729 Record 37 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Presymptomatic visualization of plant-virus interactions by thermography. AU: Chaerle-L; Van-Caeneghem-W; Messens-E; Lambers-H; Van-Montagu-M; Van-Der-Straeten-D SO: Nat-Biotechnol. 1999 Aug; 17(8): 813-6 AB: Salicylic acid (SA), produced by plants as a signal in defense against
pathogens, induces metabolic heating mediated by alternative respiration in
flowers of thermogenic plants, and, when exogenously applied, increases leaf
temperature in nonthermogenic plants. We have postulated that the latter
phenomenon would be detectable when SA is synthesized locally in plant leaves.
Here, resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) was monitored thermographically
before any disease symptoms became visible on tobacco leaves. Spots of elevated
temperature that were confined to the place of infection increased in intensity
from 8 h before the onset of visible cell death, and remained detectable as a
halo around the ongoing necrosis. Salicylic acid accumulates during the
prenecrotic phase in TMV-infected tobacco and is known to induce stomatal
closure in certain species. We show that the time course of SA accumulation
correlates with the evolution of both localized thermal effect and stomatal
closure. Since the contribution of leaf respiration is marginal, we concluded
that the thermal effect results predominantly from localized, SA-induced
stomatal closure. The presymptomatic temperature increase could be of general
significance in incompatible plant-pathogen interactions. AN: 99359794 Record 38 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The potentials and outlook for the clinical use of infrared
telethermography in traumatic lesions of the lower extremity] AU: Rozenfel'd-LH; Ternovyi-MK; Samokhin-AV SO: Lik-Sprava. 1999 Mar; (2): 63-7 AB: The article contains a description of a thermographic pattern of a
healthy inferior limb and elucidates the question of thermographic
characterization of healthy people. Reasons are provided for a limited
application of the method of remote infrared thermography in the orthopedic and
traumatological practice. Analyzing the results obtained the authors come to the
conclusion that it is justifiable to use the method in the orthopedic and
traumatological practice, in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the
locomotor system in particular. In addition, remote infrared thermography
permits carrying out an early assessment of effectiveness of the treatments
administered and allows its effects to be prognosticated. AN: 99352844 Record 39 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Comparative tablet and rheological properties of new microcrystalline
cellulose: direct compression and wet granulation methods. AU: Opota-D; Prinderre-P; Kaloustian-J; Joachim-G; Piccerelle-P; Ebba-F;
Reynier-JP; Joachim-J SO: Drug-Dev-Ind-Pharm. 1999 Jun; 25(6): 795-9 AB: The overall objective of this study was to compare the rheological
properties and tablet characteristics of two new varieties of celluloses (Vivacel
101 and 102), recently produced and commercialized, with the classical varieties
of celluloses (Avicel and Elcema). The results showed no significant differences
in the rheological properties of Vivacel and Avicel, while significant
differences were found between the two celluloses and Elcema. Furthermore, there
were no statistically significant differences in the disintegration times and Td
values of Vivacel and Avicel. In conclusion, it was found that these new
celluloses offer all the known advantages of Avicel. AN: 99279183 Record 40 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Evaluation of three brands of tympanic thermometer. AU: Hoffman-C; Boyd-M; Briere-B; Loos-F; Norton-PJ SO: Can-J-Nurs-Res. 1999 Jun; 31(1): 117-30 AB: Infrared tympanic thermometers (ITT) have many documented benefits,
including speed, ease of use, and noninvasiveness, to support their use in
emergency departments (ED) and intensive care units (ICU). However, concerns
have been raised about the accuracy of temperatures reported by ITT. This study
was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of 3 brands of ITT, compared to rectal
and pulmonary artery thermometers, in ED and ICU settings. Results indicated
adequate specificity for all 3 ITT in ED (range = 0.9242 to 1.0000) and ICU
(range = 0.9737 to 1.0000), but unacceptable sensitivity in ED (range = 0.5455
to 0.8000) and ICU (range = 0.0000). Further analyses indicated highly variable
ITT-reported temperatures. In ED, ITT temperatures were, on average, 0.3684
degree C lower, and could be expected to vary by more than 2 degrees C from the
actual temperature as reported by rectal thermometer. In ICU, the average
reported temperature was similar to the actual pulmonary artery temperature
(0.0259 degree C lower), but again could vary by more than 2 degrees C.
Recommendations for nursing and education are discussed. AN: 99384504 Record 41 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Thermographic detection of heat radiation in caloric vestibular function
tests] AU: Pau-HW; Fichelmann-J; Wild-W SO: Laryngorhinootologie. 1999 Apr; 78(4): 217-21 AB: BACKGROUND: Since Barany; caloric irrigations in the external ear canal
have been used for unilateral stimulation of the peripheral vestibular system.
However, the mechanism of heat transfer from the auditory canal to the
vestibular organ is not completely known. From the physical point of view, three
mechanisms may be discussed: heat conduction via the bone, convection via the
middle ear gas, or radiation. Feldmann et al. (1991) singled out radiation as a
very important factor in this regard. Using high-resolution thermography, we
were able to "see" radiation almost directly in temporal bone experiments.
METHODS: Using the system of infrared thermovision specially adapted for
close-up studies, the effect of calorization can be observed and documented in
colored planar thermograms. Fresh temporal bone specimens had to be prepared so
as to permit simultaneous observation of the tympanic membrane and the medial
tympanic wall. RESULTS: Changes in temperature were readily visible during
experimental caloric tests: turning blue indicated cooling and red indicated
warming. In the caloric test with 44 degrees C or 30 degrees C water, changes in
color of the eardrum appeared immediately. At the very same time, however, an
area of the medial tympanic wall also changed color. This velocity of transfer
cannot be attained by conduction or convection: heat radiation is the only
possible explanation. This could only be demonstrated at the very onset of the
reaction; subsequent thermograms became more and more diffuse. In this stage the
heat transfer may also be effected by conduction and/or convection. CONCLUSIONS:
Thermography demonstrates that radiation is a very important factor in heat
transfer; at least in the initial phase of calorization. AN: 99336167 Record 42 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: A point of view about "point of view" [comment] AU: Anbar-M SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1999 Mar-Apr; 18(2): 35-7 AN: 99201881 Record 43 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: The influence of wind and locomotor activity on surface temperature and
energy expenditure of the Eastern house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) during cold
stress. AU: Zerba-E; Dana-AN; Lucia-MA SO: Physiol-Biochem-Zool. 1999 May-Jun; 72(3): 265-76 AB: We investigated the extent to which exercise-generated heat compensates
for regulatory thermogenesis of Eastern house finches (Carpodacus mexicanus
Muller) exposed to ambient temperatures (Ta) and convective conditions typical
of that which birds experience in nature while perched in the open or foraging
on the ground. We addressed the hypothesis that resting and active birds exposed
to similar net convective conditions will exhibit similar surface temperatures
(Ts) and metabolic energy expenditures. To test this hypothesis, resting birds
were exposed to a wind speed equivalent to the treadmill speed (0.5 m s-1) for a
hopping bird (active). Ts of resting birds in no wind, resting birds exposed to
wind, and active birds were measured with infrared thermography at Ta between 0
degrees and 25 degrees C. Metabolic heat production was estimated from measures
of respiratory gases at Ta between -5 degrees and 25 degrees C. For resting
birds in no wind, resting birds in wind, and active birds, Ts decreased with
decreasing Ta. The effects of variation in Ta on Ts depended on activity level
(F=3.91, df=2,40, P=0.0280). The regression relationship of Ts on Ta, however,
did not differ significantly between resting birds exposed to wind and active
birds (F=0.12, df=2,40, P=0.8865), whereas the slope was lower and intercept
higher for resting birds in no wind compared with those of resting birds exposed
to wind and active birds combined (F=20.96, df=2,42, P<0.0001). Metabolic heat
production for resting birds exposed to wind and active birds increased with
decreasing Ta. Average metabolic heat production of resting (46.01 mW
g-1+/-10.60 SD) and active birds (47.63 mW g-1+/-8.76 SD) exposed to similar net
convective conditions did not differ significantly (F=3.87, df=1,44, P=0.0556).
These results support our hypothesis and provide evidence that exercise
generated compensates for thermostatic requirements at Ta just below
thermoneutrality, which resembles conditions under which house finches naturally
forage. We conclude that the compensation of exercise-generated heat for
regulatory thermogenesis may occur more frequently under natural environmental
conditions than implied by most previous investigators and can result in
considerable energy savings for birds living in cold environments. AN: 99340403 Record 44 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Thermographic visualization of changes in peripheral perfusion during
acupuncture] AU: Litscher-G; Wang-L SO: Biomed-Tech-Berl. 1999 May; 44(5): 129-34 AB: Using infrared thermography, the present study evaluated the effects of
changes in peripheral perfusion occurring during the initial phase of manual
acupuncture (Nei Guan, Qu Chi) under standardised conditions. Thermographic
recordings (AGEMA 570 PRO, Flir Systems Inc., Portland, USA) were used to assess
superficial changes in temperature in the hands of 6 normal subjects (mean age
33.3 +/- 7.5 years, 3 females, 3 males). Baseline status, acupuncture needling
and stimulation were analysed in a single session under controlled conditions
(24 degrees C ambient temperature). In all subjects a significant (p = 0.015)
short-term cooling effect on superficial hand temperature occurred following
needle placement. Thereafter, acupuncture stimulation produced different
generalised long-lasting effects. In three subjects a warming effect was seen
(increase > 2 degrees C) while in the other three subjects the temperature
decreased in all fingers and in the wrist. AN: 99342391 Record 45 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Long pulse biphasic electrical stimulation of denervated muscle. AU: Woodcock-AH; Taylor-PN; Ewins-DJ SO: Artif-Organs. 1999 May; 23(5): 457-9 AB: In recent years a number of studies have employed long pulse biphasic
stimulation as a treatment for denervated muscle to improve tissue quality and
in some cases to improve contractile capability sufficient to restore function.
However, in the U.K., this treatment is yet to be widely adopted clinically. A 5
subject, case based pilot study of long pulse biphasic direct stimulation of
peripheral limb denervated muscle is being conducted and its effect on the
tissue evaluated by measurement of muscle bulk, limb blood flow, and skin
temperature. In cases of partial denervation. trapezoidal shaped pulses are used
to minimize sensory and motor nerve fiber recruitment. AN: 99305287 Record 46 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Hope for the infrared tympanic thermometer: one model outperforms the
others [letter; comment] AU: Modell-JG; Strong-CA; Hagood-L SO: South-Med-J. 1999 Jul; 92(7): 737-8 AN: 99341437 Record 47 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Combinatorial catalyst discovery. AU: Kuntz-KW; Snapper-ML; Hoveyda-AH SO: Curr-Opin-Chem-Biol. 1999 Jun; 3(3): 313-9 AB: There have been recent attempts to use the principles of combinatorial
chemistry and high-throughput screening strategies for catalyst identification.
With the technology available that allows the synthesis of large libraries,
scientists of varied backgrounds have implemented screening efforts to identify
active and selective catalysts. Within this context, several techniques have
come to light in the past year: infrared thermography is used to identify
optimal catalysts by monitoring the change in temperature for exothermic
reactions; fluorescence and colored-dye assays, a familiar tool to biologists,
is being applied to the identification of catalysts that exhibit the highest
activity. Whereas none of these screening methods provide a general solution to
the problem of screening large combinatorial libraries (there is likely to be no
general solution), each advance represents an important intellectual and
technological step forward. AN: 99289667 Record 48 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: A comparative study of infrared tympanic thermometry and rectal mercury
thermometry. AU: Valle-PC; Kildahl-Andersen-O; Steinvoll-K SO: Scand-J-Infect-Dis. 1999; 31(1): 105-6 AB: In this study we compared infrared tympanic thermometry with rectal
mercury thermometry and digital rectal thermometry in patients admitted to a
medical department. We found that infrared tympanic thermometry has a low
sensitivity for detecting fever. Digital rectal thermometry is a good
alternative to rectal mercury thermometry. AN: 99308961 Record 49 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Development of a rat head exposure system for simulating human exposure
to RF fields from handheld wireless telephones. AU: Chou-CK; Chan-KW; McDougall-JA; Guy-AW SO: Bioelectromagnetics. 1999; Suppl 4: 75-92 AB: The aim of this project was to develop an animal exposure system for the
biological effect studies of radio frequency fields from handheld wireless
telephones, with energy deposition in animal brains comparable to those in
humans. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method was initially used to
compute specific absorption rate (SAR) in an ellipsoidal rat model exposed with
various size loop antennas at different distances from the model. A 3 x 1 cm
rectangular loop produced acceptable SAR patterns. A numerical rat model based
on CT images was developed by curve-fitting Hounsfield Units of CT image pixels
to tissue dielectric properties and densities. To design a loop for operating at
high power levels, energy coupling and impedance matching were optimized using
capacitively coupled feed lines embedded in a Teflon rod. Sprague Dawley rats
were exposed with the 3 x 1 cm loop antennas, tuned to 837 or 1957 MHz for
thermographically determined SAR distributions. Point SARs in brains of
restrained rats were also determined thermometrically using fiberoptic probes.
Calculated and measured SAR patterns and results from the various exposure
configurations are in general agreement. The FDTD computed average brain SAR and
ratio of head to whole body absorption were 23.8 W/kg/W and 62% at 837 MHz, and
22.6 W/kg/W and 89% at 1957 MHz. The average brain to whole body SAR ratio was
20 to 1 for both frequencies. At 837 MHz, the maximum measured SAR in the
restrained rat brains was 51 W/kg/W in the cerebellum and 40 W/kg/W at the top
of the cerebrum. An exposure system operating at 837 MHz is ready for in vivo
biological effect studies of radio frequency fields from portable cellular
telephones. Two-tenths of a watt input power to the loop antenna will produce 10
W/kg maximum SAR, and an estimated 4.8 W/kg average brain SAR in a 300 g medium
size rat. AN: 99265886 Record 50 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: The "distal-dorsal difference" as a possible predictor of secondary
Raynaud's phenomenon. AU: Clark-S; Hollis-S; Campbell-F; Moore-T; Jayson-M; Herrick-A SO: J-Rheumatol. 1999 May; 26(5): 1125-8 AB: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility that a hand distal-dorsal
difference in temperature of greater than 1 degree C (fingers colder than the
dorsum) at a room temperature of 30 degrees C is a good predictor of secondary
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). METHODS: We imaged the hands of patients with primary
Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) using a thermal camera
at room temperatures of 23 and 30 degrees C. From these images we measured the
distal-dorsal difference in temperature for all fingers excluding the thumbs. At
a room temperature of 23 degrees C we also performed a cold challenge test using
water at 15 degrees C for 1 min and thermally imaged the rewarming process for
15 min. Several variables were derived from the rewarming curve. The procedure
was repeated within 3 days to assess reproducibility. RESULTS: The best
discriminator between PRP and SSc was found to be a distal-dorsal difference of
> 1 degree C at 30 degrees C (p = 0.005). There is reasonable reproducibility
when considering groups of patients. However, the intra-subject standard
deviations were large, indicating that measurements for the same patient on
separate visits may vary considerably. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the
finding of a distal-dorsal difference of > 1 degree C (cold fingers) at 30
degrees C in a patient with RP is specific for underlying connective tissue
disease. AN: 99263773 Record 51 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Clinical examination of the lacrimal film] AU: Creuzot-Garcher-C SO: J-Fr-Ophtalmol. 1999 May; 22(4): 461-6 AN: 99293670 Record 52 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Corneal surface temperature change as the mode of stimulation of the
non-contact corneal aesthesiometer. AU: Murphy-PJ; Morgan-PB; Patel-S; Marshall-J SO: Cornea. 1999 May; 18(3): 333-42 AB: PURPOSE: The non-contact corneal aesthesiometer (NCCA) assesses corneal
sensitivity by using a controlled pulse of air, directed at the corneal surface.
The purpose of this paper was to investigate whether corneal surface temperature
change was a component in the mode of stimulation. METHODS: Thermocouple
experiment: A simple model corneal surface was developed that was composed of a
moistened circle of filter paper placed on a thermocouple and mounted on a glass
slide. The temperature change produced by different stimulus pressures was
measured for five different ambient temperatures. Thermal camera experiment:
Using a thermal camera, the corneal surface temperature change was measured in
nine young, healthy subjects after exposure to different stimulus air pulses.
Pulse duration was set at 0.9 s but was varied in pressure from 0.5 to 3.5
millibars. RESULTS: Thermocouple experiment: An immediate drop in temperature
was detected by the thermocouple as soon as the air flow was incident on the
filter paper. A greater temperature change was produced by increasing the
pressure of the incident air flow. A relationship was found and a calibration
curve plotted. Thermal camera experiment: For each subject, a drop in surface
temperature was detected at each stimulus pressure. Furthermore, as the stimulus
pressure increased, the induced reduction in temperature also increased. A
relationship was found and a calibration curve plotted. CONCLUSION: The NCCA
air-pulse stimulus was capable of producing a localized temperature change on
the corneal surface. The principal mode of corneal nerve stimulation, by the
NCCA air pulse, was the rate of temperature change of the corneal surface. AN: 99267080 Record 53 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [New types of multi-size cameras] AU: Gorelik-FG; Kozlovskii-EB SO: Med-Tekh. 1999 Mar-Apr; (2): 44-6 AB: The paper provides a technical evaluation of the thermographic
multi-sized chambers and recorders used in them, which have appeared on the
market. It compares the control images obtained by employing thermographic and
conventional multi-sized chambers. AN: 99267992 Record 54 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Dilatation of subcutaneous perforating blood vessels associated with
capsaicin-induced cutaneous axon reflex: demonstration with subtraction
thermography. AU: Takahashi-Y; Murata-A; Nakajima-Y SO: J-Auton-Nerv-Syst. 1999 Feb 15; 75(2-3): 87-92 AB: The axon reflex induced by intracutaneous application of capsaicin to the
forearm of human subjects and the back of anesthetized rats pretreated with
intravenous injection of Evans blue was investigated using sequential
subtraction thermography. In the human experiment, thermograms showed an
immediate and general temperature decrease after capsaicin injection. Four min
after application, several spotty areas with a temperature increase ('hot
spots') appeared within and outside of the flare caused by capsaicin-induced
axon reflex. A vascular murmur was observed on ultrasonic Doppler flowscopy at
the hot spots. In the rat experiment, two hot spots appeared, one cranial to and
one caudal to the site of injection, within different dermatomes. Hot spots
appeared in rats with the pretreatment of intravenous hexamethonium and surgical
removal of the bilateral lumbar paravertebral sympathetic trunks. Postmortem
examination of the rats revealed that these hot spots coincided with perforating
blood vessels. It was suggested that hot spots in the axon reflex identified by
subtraction thermograms are induced by a passive dilatation of perforating
vessels which supply blood to the flare. AN: 99202991 Record 55 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermographic diagnostics in equine back pain. AU: Graf-von-Schweinitz-D SO: Vet-Clin-North-Am-Equine-Pract. 1999 Apr; 15(1): 161-77, viii AB: Infrared thermographic imaging (ITI) is the most sensitive objective
imaging currently available for the detection of back disease in horses. It is,
however, only a physiological study primarily of vasomotor tone overlying other
superficial tissue factors. Interpretation requires extreme care in imaging
protocol and in understanding the significance of altered sympathetic nervous
tone and the sympathetic distribution. Most discussions on back pain have
centered on nociception and inflammatory events. ITI provides information and
localization for more significant than diagnosing areas of hot spots. Chronic
back pain usually involves vasoconstriction at the affected sites and from ITI
studies in man, we have an opportunity to appreciate chronic pain phenomena that
involves non-inflammatory events. These occur commonly in horses, but are still
seldom recognized and treated. AN: 99234871 Record 56 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermal image analysis of electrothermal debonding of ceramic brackets:
an in vitro study. AU: Cummings-M; Biagioni-P; Lamey-PJ; Burden-DJ SO: Eur-J-Orthod. 1999 Apr; 21(2): 111-8 AB: This study used modern thermal imaging techniques to investigate the
temperature rise induced at the pulpal well during thermal debonding of ceramic
brackets. Ceramic brackets were debonded from vertically sectioned premolar
teeth using an electrothermal debonding unit. Ten teeth were debonded at the end
of a single 3-second heating cycle. For a further group of 10 teeth, the bracket
and heating element were left in contact with the tooth during the 3-second
heating cycle and the 6-second cooling cycle. The average pulpal wall
temperature increase for the teeth debonded at the end of the 3-second heating
cycle was 16.8 degrees C. When the heating element and bracket remained in
contact with the tooth during the 6-second cooling cycle an average temperature
increase of 45.6 degrees C was recorded. AN: 99259718 Record 57 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Radio-thermal mapping of the brain late after radioactive irradiation] AU: Kholodova-NB; Kuznetsova-GD; Sel'skii-AG; Pasechnik-VI; Trushin-VI;
Ianovich-AV SO: Zh-Nevrol-Psikhiatr-Im-S-S-Korsakova. 1999; 99(4): 56-7 AN: 99252960 Record 58 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Interstitial thermometry in men undergoing electrovaporization of the
prostate. AU: Reis-RB; Te-AE; Cologna-AJ; Suaid-HJ; Kaplan-SA SO: J-Endourol. 1999 Feb; 13(1): 53-6 AB: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transurethral electrovaporization of the
prostate (TVP) has been utilized increasingly in the therapeutic management of
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The temperature profile within both
prostatic and periprostatic tissue has been presented as a parameter of safety
in various preliminary studies. This prospective study measured interstitial
temperature during TVP in both the prostate and the surrounding tissue of 18
men. METHODS: These 18 men undergoing TVP had three interstitial thermocouple
probes placed under ultrasound guidance. Probes were positioned in the rectal
wall and at the 5 and 7 o'clock position of the prostate capsule. A fourth probe
was placed within 1 mm of the area of vaporization to determine "lesion"
temperature. Temperature was measured at baseline and at 15-minute intervals as
TVP was performed utilizing the VaporTrode at 240 to 280 W with a Valley Lab
Force 40 generator. RESULTS: The maximum temperature variability was 1.9 degrees
C. The temperature within 0.5 mm of the area of vaporization was >100 degrees C.
These results were independent of the temperature of the irrigating solution.
CONCLUSIONS: These results provide compelling evidence that high vaporization
temperatures do not affect surrounding prostatic tissue. In theory, the risk of
injury to either the rectum or the neurovascular bundle during TVP should be
extremely low. AN: 99200253 Record 59 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Breast cancer detection [news] AU: Joseph-LP SO: Science. 1999 Apr 30; 284(5415): 743 AN: 99266686 Record 60 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The thermal imaging assessment of peripheral vascular reactions during
local cold exposure in subjects with differing hypoxic resistances] AU: Maksimova-AL; Ryzhenkov-AA SO: Fiziol-Cheloveka. 1999 Jan-Feb; 25(1): 109-14 AN: 99220502 Record 61 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Demonstration of the effective of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous
system by examination of the microcirculation] AU: Suter-B; Kistler-A SO: Forsch-Komplementarmed. 1999 Feb; 6 Suppl 1: 32-4 AB: This study served to compare the effect of needling at true acupuncture
points with that of needling at non-acupuncture points. Various parameters were
used to quantify the results such as measurement of the peripheral blood
circulation in finger tips and the nasal mucous membrane, measurement of the
skin temperature at various sites of the body by means of infrared thermography
or contact thermometry, testing of skin conductance, or recording of heart
frequency and respiration. These are all indicators of the functional state of
the autonomic nervous system. This model experiment was performed on healthy
volunteers and showed identical, transient, quick reflex responses of the
sympathetic nervous system after true acupuncture as well as after needling at
non-acupuncture points. These reactions are related to pain and do not allow to
draw any conclusions on the specificity of the points that were needled. The aim
of this project was not to make a statement about the therapeutic efficacy of
acupuncture. It was meant to be a model allowing the study of some basic
regulatory mechanisms which are fundamental for most treatments in complementary
medicine. AN: 99179092 Record 62 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Respecified larval proleg and body wall muscles circulate hemolymph in
developing wings of Manduca sexta pupae. AU: Lubischer-JL; Verhegge-LD; Weeks-JC SO: J-Exp-Biol. 1999 Apr; 202 ( Pt 7): 787-96 AB: Most larval external muscles in Manduca sexta degenerate at pupation,
with the exception of the accessory planta retractor muscles (APRMs) in proleg-bearing
abdominal segment 3 and their homologs in non-proleg-bearing abdominal segment
2. In pupae, these APRMs exhibit a rhythmic 'pupal motor pattern' in which all
four muscles contract synchronously at approximately 4 s intervals for long
bouts, without externally visible movements. On the basis of indirect evidence,
it was proposed previously that APRM contractions during the pupal motor pattern
circulate hemolymph in the developing wings and legs. This hypothesis was tested
in the present study by making simultaneous electromyographic recordings of APRM
activity and contact thermographic recordings of hemolymph flow in pupal wings.
APRM contractions and hemolymph flow were strictly correlated during the pupal
motor pattern. The proposed circulatory mechanism was further supported by the
findings that unilateral ablation of APRMs or mechanical uncoupling of the wings
from the abdomen essentially abolished wing hemolymph flow on the manipulated
side of the body. Rhythmic contractions of intersegmental muscles, which
sometimes accompany the pupal motor pattern, had a negligible effect on
hemolymph flow. The conversion of larval proleg and body wall muscles to a
circulatory function in pupae represents a particularly dramatic example of
functional respecification during metamorphosis. AN: 99170703 Record 63 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermal heterogeneity within human atherosclerotic coronary arteries
detected in vivo: A new method of detection by application of a special
thermography catheter. AU: Stefanadis-C; Diamantopoulos-L; Vlachopoulos-C; Tsiamis-E; Dernellis-J;
Toutouzas-K; Stefanadi-E; Toutouzas-P SO: Circulation. 1999 Apr 20; 99(15): 1965-71 AB: BACKGROUND: Activated macrophages play an important role in the
pathogenesis of acute ischemic syndromes. It has been postulated that detection
of heat released by activated inflammatory cells of atherosclerotic plaques may
predict plaque rupture and thrombosis. Previous ex vivo studies have shown that
there is thermal heterogeneity in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS
AND RESULTS: To measure the temperature of human arteries in vivo, we developed
a catheter-based technique. Ninety patients (45 with normal coronary arteries,
15 with stable angina [SA], 15 with unstable angina [UA], and 15 with acute
myocardial infarction [AMI]) were studied. The thermistor of the thermography
catheter has a temperature accuracy of 0.05 degrees C, a time constant of 300
ms, and a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm. Temperature was constant within the
arteries of the control subjects, whereas most atherosclerotic plaques showed
higher temperature compared with healthy vessel wall. Temperature differences
between atherosclerotic plaque and healthy vessel wall increased progressively
from SA to AMI patients (difference of plaque temperature from background
temperature, 0. 106+/-0.110 degrees C in SA, 0.683+/-0.347 degrees C in UA, and
1. 472+/-0.691 degrees C in AMI). Heterogeneity within the plaque was shown in
20%, 40%, and 67% of the patients with SA, UA, and AMI, respectively, whereas no
heterogeneity was shown in the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal
heterogeneity within human atherosclerotic coronary arteries was shown in vivo
by use of a special thermography catheter. This heterogeneity is larger in UA
and AMI, suggesting that it may be related to the pathogenesis. AN: 99225398 Record 64 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: The formation of the demarcation line at experimental frostbite. AU: Junila-J; Kaarela-O; Waris-T SO: Int-J-Circumpolar-Health. 1999 Jan; 58(1): 44-51 AB: Experiments were carried out to gain a better understanding of the
pathogenesis of frostbite and changes at the demarcation line after freezing and
thawing and to determine the forming demarcation line as early as possible.
These changes were investigated by histochemical techniques, by
histofluorescence, by determining noradrenaline content in the tissue and nerve,
by scintigraphy and thermography. The experimental animal was New Zealand white
rabbit. The frostbite was produced using a small laboratory bottle filled with
liquid nitrogen pressing against the shaved skin in the middle of the proximal
part of the ear. Enzyme histochemistry was good in demonstrating the demarcation
line between irreversibly damaged and healing frostbitten tissue. Especially the
reaction to esterase was the clearest, the demarcation line was visible already
after one week. The glyoxylic acid-induced fluorescence method was available for
showing adrenergic nerves around the vessels and the accumulation of
catecholamines in these nerves in the demarcation line. The result of
quantitative measurement of catecholamines in the nerve and tissue was similar
and the reaction was the most powerful during the first three days. Scintigraphy
was better than thermography and necrotic areas in the middle of the frostbitten
area became clearly visible after three weeks. It seems that many changes caused
by frostbite happen both in tissue and cells. The role of catecholamines in
vascular circumstances is important and that's why chemical or surgical
sympathectomy could be useful. AN: 99224476 Record 65 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Compact shielded exposure system for the simultaneous long-term UHF
irradiation of forty small mammals. II. Dosimetry. AU: Moros-EG; Straube-WL; Pickard-WF SO: Bioelectromagnetics. 1999; 20(2): 81-93 AB: A four-antenna collinear array in an electromagnetically shielded chamber
was designed and constructed to preferentially irradiate the brains of a large
number of small mammals using cellular telephony microwave signals. Ten animals
in special restrainers were positioned symmetrically around a centrally located
antenna. These restrainers are resting on a circular structure made of acrylic
plastic called a "carousel." Four carousels are stacked vertically, forming the
array, inside a microwave anechoic chamber called a "chamberette." (Details of
the design of this irradiator and of a 12-chamberette irradiation facility are
given in a previous article.) In this article, the dosimetry on rats is
reported. Both thermometric and thermographic measurements were performed. The
average specific absorption rate (SAR) in brain tissue measured thermometrically
was 0.85+/-0.34 W/kg per watt of net input power into the radiating antenna.
This range agrees with the SAR levels reported in the literature for cellular
telephones. Thermographic evaluation using splittable phantoms showed that most
of the energy absorbed by the rats is concentrated in and around the brain.
Moreover, it was found that the SAR in brain tissue can vary considerably for
rats of similar weights, depending on position of the rats' heads inside the
restrainers, and that there exists a significant dependence of SAR on animal
weight. These variations may be of importance in the interpretation of results
of lifelong studies. The data presented clearly show that the chamberette is,
dosimetrically, a suitable irradiation system for electromagnetic bioeffects
studies in the cellular communication frequency range, especially when a large
number of laboratory animals is required. AN: 99151592 Record 66 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermography of Clostridium perfringens infection in childhood. AU: Saxena-AK; Schleef-J; Morcate-JJ; Schaarschmidt-K; Willital-GH SO: Pediatr-Surg-Int. 1999; 15(1): 75-6 AB: Gas gangrene is not a frequently encountered toxic wound infection in
childhood. We present a case of postoperative Clostridium perfringens infection
with proximal forearm myonecrosis. In order to reveal the full extent of tissue
viability in the right upper extremity, infrared thermography was performed.
Although dyschromia was evident in the proximal forearm, thermographs revealed
viable tissue only up to the supracondylar region. Angiography, which provided
valuable clues to the patency of the vascular supply, and subsequent
intraoperative findings confirmed the extent of tissue perfusion as revealed by
infrared thermography. AN: 99115950 Record 67 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Efficacy and safety of infrared warming of the eyelids. AU: Mori-A; Oguchi-Y; Goto-E; Nakamori-K; Ohtsuki-T; Egami-F; Shimazaki-J;
Tsubota-K SO: Cornea. 1999 Mar; 18(2): 188-93 AB: PURPOSE: To evaluate our newly developed infrared heater (IRH) and
compare it to a broad-spectrum heater (BSH) for warming the eyelids. MATERIALS
AND METHODS: Ten normal subjects were enrolled in this study. All measurements
were recorded in a room with temperature 23 degrees C, 40% humidity, and no
wind. The IRH is composed of two hard eye patches that have light-emitting
diodes (LEDs) emitting near-infrared radiation. We first compared the
temperature rises in the cornea, lacrimal gland, and eyelids after warming
through closed eyelids with the IRH for 5 and 10 min. Next, we compared warming
with the IRH or BSH for 30 min. We then used the IRH for 5 min with the eyes
open to confirm its safety. Finally, we determined subjective feeling after
warming the eyes. RESULTS: Direct comparison of 5 versus 10 min of warming with
the IRH showed no significant differences in temperature rises in the upper
eyelid (p = 0.09). The IRH caused significantly more heating (p < 0.05) than did
the BSH everywhere except the cornea. The temperatures never rose above 37.7
degrees C for either heater during 30 min or with the IRH with the eyes open for
5 min. The subjects' comfort level rose significantly (p < 0.05) after treatment
with the IRH. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed the efficacy and safety of warming
the eyelids with a newly developed IRH. Only 5 min is necessary to increase
ocular temperature and enhance comfort. AN: 99188751 Record 68 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Impairment of hepatic microcirculation as an early manifestation of acute
rejection after clinical liver transplantation. AU: Klar-E; Angelescu-M; Zapletal-C; Kraus-T; Herfarth-C SO: Transplant-Proc. 1999 Feb-Mar; 31(1-2): 385-7 AN: 99182723 Record 69 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Microvascular thermal equilibration in rat spinotrapezius muscle. AU: Song-J; Xu-LX; Lemons-DE; Weinbaum-S SO: Ann-Biomed-Eng. 1999 Jan-Feb; 27(1): 56-66 AB: The current study investigates heat exchange in the thermally significant
countercurrent paired vessels of the rat spinotrapezius muscle. Detailed tissue
surface temperatures under normal (after the microvascular surgery) and
pharmacologically vasodilated states were measured using high-resolution
infrared thermography. During vasodilation, a measurable thermal disturbance was
observed above the first-order feeding vessel pair. The measured tissue
temperatures were compared with those predicted by modifying the theoretical
model for two-dimensional muscle preparations given by Zhu et al. (Zhu, L., D.
E. Lemons, and S. Weinbaum. Ann. Biomed. Eng. 24:109-123, 1996). They were found
in good agreement. The Weinbaum-Jiji k(eff) theory (Weinbaum, S., and L. M. Jiji.
J. Biomech. Eng. 107:131-139, 1985) for heat exchange between the paired vessels
and their surrounding tissue was also examined in this muscle. A close agreement
was obtained between the theoretically predicted k(eff) and the measured value
calculated using a fin approximation for the tissue layer. This experimental
study revealed for the first time the nonequilibration between blood vessels and
the surrounding tissue, where the enhancement in k(eff) due to the incomplete
countercurrent heat exchange is comparable to the tissue axial conduction. AN: 99113799 Record 70 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Dosimetry in mice exposed to 1.6 GHz microwaves in a carrousel
irradiator. AU: Swicord-M; Morrissey-J; Zakharia-D; Ballen-M; Balzano-Q SO: Bioelectromagnetics. 1999; 20(1): 42-7 AB: We have developed a carrousel irradiator for mice which delivers a
head-first and near-field radiofrequency exposure that more closely simulates
cellular telephone and radio use than conventional whole body exposure systems.
Mouse cadavers were placed on the carrousel irradiator and exposed with their
noses 5 mm from the feedpoint of a 1.6 GHz antenna. Local measured specific
absorption rates (SAR) in brain regions corresponding to the frontal cortex,
medial caudate putamen, and midhippocampal areas were 2.9, 2.4, and 2.2 W/kg per
watt of irradiated power, respectively. In addition, average SAR was estimated
to be 3.4 W/kg per watt along the sagittal plane of the brain, 2.0 W/kg per watt
along the sagittal plane of the body, and between 6.8 and 8.1 W/kg per watt at
peak locations along the sagittal plane at the body surface. This detailed SAR
information in mice is critical to the interpretation of biological studies of
IRIDIUM exposure, and similar analysis should be included for all studies of in
vivo exposure of small animals to microwaves. AN: 99112798 Record 71 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Comparison of four magnetic resonance methods for mapping small
temperature changes. AU: Wlodarczyk-W; Hentschel-M; Wust-P; Noeske-R; Hosten-N; Rinneberg-H;
Felix-R SO: Phys-Med-Biol. 1999 Feb; 44(2): 607-24 AB: Non-invasive detection of small temperature changes (< 1 degree C) is
pivotal to the further advance of regional hyperthermia as a treatment modality
for deep-seated tumours. Magnetic resonance (MR) thermography methods are
considered to be a promising approach. Four methods exploiting
temperature-dependent parameters were evaluated in phantom experiments. The
investigated temperature indicators were spin-lattice relaxation time T1,
diffusion coefficient D, shift of water proton resonance frequency (water PRF)
and resonance frequency shift of the methoxy group of the praseodymium complex
(Pr probe). The respective pulse sequences employed to detect
temperature-dependent signal changes were the multiple readout single inversion
recovery (T One by Multiple Read Out Pulses; TOMROP), the pulsed gradient spin
echo (PGSE), the fast low-angle shot (FLASH) with phase difference
reconstruction, and the classical chemical shift imaging (CSI). Applying these
sequences, experiments were performed in two separate and consecutive steps. In
the first step, calibration curves were recorded for all four methods. In the
second step, applying these calibration data, maps of temperature changes were
generated and verified. With the equal total acquisition time of approximately 4
min for all four methods, the uncertainties of temperature changes derived from
the calibration curves were less than 1 degree C (Pr probe 0.11 degrees C, water
PRF 0.22 degrees C, D 0.48 degrees C and T1 0.93 degrees C). The corresponding
maps of temperature changes exhibited slightly higher errors but still in the
range or less than 1 degree C (0.97 degrees C, 0.41 degrees C, 0.70 degrees C,
1.06 degrees C respectively). The calibration results indicate the Pr probe
method to be most sensitive and accurate. However, this advantage could only be
partially transferred to the thermographic maps because of the coarse 16 x 16
matrix of the classical CSI sequence. Therefore, at present the water PRF method
appears to be most suitable for MR monitoring of small temperature changes
during hyperthermia treatment. AN: 99168352 Record 72 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermal effect on corneal incisions with different phacoemulsification
ultrasonic tips. AU: Bissen-Miyajima-H; Shimmura-S; Tsubota-K SO: J-Cataract-Refract-Surg. 1999 Jan; 25(1): 60-4 AB: PURPOSE: To evaluate the thermal effects of 3 phacoemulsification
ultrasound (US) tips (standard, MicroTip, and Mackool) on the corneal incision
based on the tip's position. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Dental
College, Tokyo, Japan. METHODS: Thermal changes were recorded with an infrared
thermal video during phacoemulsification in 18 porcine eyes. The 3 US tips were
placed in 3 positions (primary, roofing, and flanking) in the corneal incision,
and the resultant temperature changes were recorded. RESULTS: With the 3 US tips
in the primary position, the temperature remained under 36 degrees C. When the
tips were in the roofing position, a marked temperature increase (51.4 degrees
C) was observed with the standard tip; with the MicroTip, a temperature increase
occurred but was lower than with the standard tip; with the Mackool tip, the
temperature remained stable. The temperature around the incision site increased
with all tips when they were moved toward the corner of the incision, which
resulted in direct contact with the silicone sleeve. This change was most
obvious with the standard tip (temperature 51.5 degrees C), and a wound burn was
observed. With the MicroTip, the temperature increase was moderate (44.2 degrees
C), and the wound burn area was smaller. With the Mackool tip, the temperature
increased the least (42.1 degrees C). CONCLUSION: The position of the US tips
resulted in a temperature increase in the incision area and caused wound burn.
Newly developed US tips could minimize this complication. AN: 99105025 Record 73 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Effects of qigong on late-stage complex regional pain syndrome. AU: Wu-WH; Bandilla-E; Ciccone-DS; Yang-J; Cheng-SC; Carner-N; Wu-Y; Shen-R SO: Altern-Ther-Health-Med. 1999 Jan; 5(1): 45-54 AB: CONTEXT: Despite the growing popularity of qigong in the West, few
well-controlled studies using a sham master to assess the clinical efficacy of
qigong have been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of qigong on
treatment-resistant patients with late-stage complex regional pain syndrome type
I. DESIGN: Block-random placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Pain
Management Center at New Jersey Medical School. PATIENTS: 26 adult patients
(aged 18 to 65 years) with complex regional pain syndrome type I. INTERVENTIONS:
The experimental group received qi emission and qigong instruction (including
home exercise) by a qigong master. The control group received a similar set of
instructions by a sham master. The experimental protocol included 6 forty-minute
qigong sessions over 3 weeks, with reevaluation at 6 and 10 weeks. Assessment
included comprehensive medical history, physical exam, psychological evaluation,
necessary diagnostic testing. Symptom Check List 90, and the Carleton University
Responsiveness to Suggestion Scale. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thermography,
swelling, discoloration, muscle wasting, range of motion, pain intensity rating,
medication usage, behavior assessment (activity level and domestic disability),
frequency of pain awakening, mood assessment, and anxiety assessment. RESULTS:
22 subjects completed the protocol. Among the genuine qigong group, 82% reported
less pain by the end of the first training session compared to 45% of control
patients. By the last training session, 91% of qigong patients reported
analgesia compared to 36% of control patients. Anxiety was reduced in both
groups over time, but the reduction was significantly greater in the
experimental group than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Using a credible
placebo to control for nonspecific treatment effects, qigong training was found
to result in transient pain reduction and long-term anxiety reduction. The
positive findings were not related to preexperimental differences between groups
in hypnotizability. Future studies of qigong should control for possible
confounding influences and perhaps use clinical disorders more responsive to
psychological intervention. AN: 99109193 Record 74 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Quality in drug administration: review of the therapeutic information
system during hospitalization] AU: Severi-F SO: Prof-Inferm. 1998 Apr-Jun; 51(2): 41-5 AB: The mistakes taking place in therapy administration are regarded as
indicative elements of a bad work quality. In order to avoid them and to get the
best obtainable quality, the Arezzo USL Administration has established a Work
Group charged to ascertain the possible errors and to review the different
methods enforced inside the informations therapeutic system. An experimentation
has been carried out in sixteen hospital wards, with a subsequent control of the
results. In all the U.U.O.O. of Arezzo the "Thermography with direct control"
system has been adopted, as it has proved to succeed in eliminating a great deal
of the possible risks. AN: 99384716 Record 75 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Infrared thermographic imaging of normal vulva and uterine cervix: a
preliminary report] AU: Sikorski-R; Smaga-A; Paszkowski-T; Walczak-R SO: Ginekol-Pol. 1998 Dec; 69(12): 1268-72 AB: OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in the standardized conditions the thermal
emission by normal uterine cervix and vulva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infrared
telethermography (ITT) was used to examine vulva and uterine cervix in 32 women
aged 24-54 years without colposcopic and cytologic abnormalities. RESULTS: The
measured temperatures differed between different topographic points of vulva and
uterine vaginal portio. The inter-individual variability of temperatures
determined at the same vulvar structures was relatively low. CONCLUSION: The
obtained results constitute a basis for further studies on thermovisual
definition of therapeutic targets in cases of vulvar and cervical lesions. AN: 99241327 Record 76 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Infrared thermography of bullfrog skeletal muscle at rest and during an
isometric tetanus. AU: Kobayashi-T; Shimo-M; Sugi-H SO: Jpn-J-Physiol. 1998 Dec; 48(6): 477-82 AB: Heat production in skeletal muscle has been studied with a thermopile
consisting of several thermocouples in contact with muscle surface, and the
experimental results have been interpreted on the assumption that heat is
produced in a uniform manner. In the present study we have examined the
temperature distribution of bullfrog sartorius muscle by the technique of
infrared thermography, in which muscle temperatures at various regions can be
measured and displayed as a thermogram on the monitor screen without thermal
contact. It was found that in the muscle at rest and during an isometric
tetanus, the temperature was not uniform, but differed from region to region.
The amount of heat production during an isometric tetanus also differed from
region to region, but the time course of heat production was nearly uniform in
every region. By putting position markers on the muscle surface, it was possible
to record muscle segment length changes together with temperature changes. It
was found that during an isometric tetanus, the tibial region was stretched by
the other regions, and the amount of heat produced was significantly greater in
the other regions than in the tibial region. The application of infrared
thermography in muscle energetics studies seems promising if the sensitivity of
infrared detectors is improved. AN: 99146993 Record 77 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Effect of subcutaneous sumatriptan on head temperature in migraines. AU: Parrinello-G; Paterna-S; Di-Pasquale-P; Pinto-A; Cardinale-A; Maniscalchi-T;
Cottone-C; Follone-G; Tuttolomondo-A; Bologna-P; Colomba-D; D'Angelo-A; Ortoleva-A;
Garofalo-L; Piovana-G; Capodieci-E; Bova-A; Giubilato-A; Licata-G SO: Drugs-Exp-Clin-Res. 1998; 24(4): 197-205 AB: Sumatriptan, a selective 5-hydroxy-triptamine (5-HT1) receptor agonist,
has been used recently in the treatment of acute migraine. Some in vitro
experiments suggested that sumatriptan has vasoactive properties in vascular
beds distinct from cerebral circulation. In view of this we investigated the
vascular effects of the standard 6 mg subcutaneous (s.c.) dose of sumatriptan,
on the surface areas of the head using thermography, a simple and reliable
method for detecting temperature changes. The head temperature of 127 patients
(double-blind), 102 migraines (52 during headache attack and 50 headache-free)
and 25 healthy control subjects were evaluated using thermography in basal
condition and 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after s.c. sumatriptan injection of
placebo. During the entire observation period systemic blood pressure (SBP),
heart rate (HR) and continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) were detected
automatically. A significant head temperature decrease was observed after s.c.
sumatriptan administration, in both healthy controls and migraine subjects;
placebo administration did not show any change of temperature. In migraine
patients during headache attack, head temperature reduction corresponded to the
relief of headache symptoms. This vasoconstrictor effect detected with
thermography is not isolated to cranial circulation but it is also systemic. In
fact, we observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in both systolic and
diastolic systemic blood pressure. No significant changes in heart rate and ECG
abnormalities were otherwise detected. These findings suggest that sumatriptan
is effective in the treatment of migraine attack, but it must be used with
caution in migraines with concomitant hypertension. AN: 99161118 Record 78 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: A reappraisal of the use of infrared thermal image analysis in medicine. AU: Jones-BF SO: IEEE-Trans-Med-Imaging. 1998 Dec; 17(6): 1019-27 AB: Infrared thermal imaging of the skin has been used for several decades to
monitor the temperature distribution of human skin. Abnormalities such as
malignancies, inflammation, and infection cause localized increases in
temperature which show as hot spots or as asymmetrical patterns in an infrared
thermogram. Even though it is nonspecific, infrared thermology is a powerful
detector of problems that affect a patient's physiology. While the use of
infrared imaging is increasing in many industrial and security applications, it
has declined in medicine probably because of the continued reliance on first
generation cameras. The transfer of military technology for medical use has
prompted this reappraisal of infrared thermology in medicine. Digital infrared
cameras have much improved spatial and thermal resolutions, and libraries of
image processing routines are available to analyze images captured both
statically and dynamically. If thermographs are captured under controlled
conditions, they may be interpreted readily to diagnose certain conditions and
to monitor the reaction of a patient's physiology to thermal and other stresses.
Some of the major areas where infrared thermography is being used successfully
are neurology, vascular disorders, rheumatic diseases, tissue viability,
oncology (especially breast cancer), dermatological disorders, neonatal,
ophthalmology, and surgery. AN: 99156646 Record 79 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Thermographic study of temperature gradient during ear surgery
intervention] AU: Pau-HW; Fichelmann-J; Wild-W SO: Laryngorhinootologie. 1998 Dec; 77(12): 677-81 AB: BACKGROUND: During middle ear surgery manipulations like burring, cooling
with water, suction or even screwing cause changes of temperature which should
be known to the surgeon. METHOD: An infrared thermovision device was introduced
for registration. RESULTS: Thermography is an easy way for continuously
recording thermic effects during surgery. If sufficient cooling is guaranteed,
no temperatures high enough to cause tissue damage or functional defects could
be observed. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate cooling provided, thermal injuries during ear
surgery can be neglected. Thermography is an easy method for answering such
questions, not only in ear surgery but also in other medical fields. AN: 99155694 Record 80 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Infrared thermographic analysis of temperature rise on implant surfaces:
a pilot study on abutment preparation [news] AU: McCullagh-P; Setchell-DJ; Nesbit-M; Biagioni-PA; Lamey-PJ SO: Pract-Periodontics-Aesthet-Dent. 1998 Nov-Dec; 10(9): 1163-6, 1167 AN: 99193521 Record 81 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Peripheral vascular reactions to smoking--profound vasoconstriction by
atherosclerosis. AU: Fushimi-H; Kubo-M; Inoue-T; Yamada-Y; Matsuyama-Y; Kameyama-M SO: Diabetes-Res-Clin-Pract. 1998 Oct; 42(1): 29-34 AB: Analyses of direct effects of smoking on peripheral arteries were done
using thermography, blood fluorometry and echography on 97 habitual
smoker-diabetics without triopathy. There were found to be four types of
thermographic changes following smoking, which varied according to the degree of
atherosclerosis of the artery. The smoking-stimulated thermographic pattern in
the control group of healthy volunteers was a small wavy pattern, fluctuating
along the base line every few minutes within a temperature range of 1.0-1.5
degrees C (N type). In diabetics, four types of thermographic patterns were
produced: normal (N) type as control, increasing (I) type (increasing in skin
temperature), decreasing (D) type (decreasing in temperature), and F type (no
changes in temperature). The most significant finding was the decreasing pattern
which closely connected to clinical and echographic aspects of macroangiopathic
changes. The increasing type was characterized by a paradoxical increase in
temperature after smoking in order diabetics with good blood glucose control and
who were less atherosclerotic. Blood flow was correlated to the skin temperature
at the base state and changes after smoking. Moreover, blood flow changes
measured by fluorometry suggest that vasoconstriction or vasodilatation
following smoking took place. These results suggest that this smoking test might
be a good tool for diagnosing for the degree of atherosclerosis and for its
following up. AN: 99098499 Record 82 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy: facts and hypotheses. AU: Kurvers-HA SO: Vasc-Med. 1998; 3(3): 207-14 AB: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) syndrome has been recognized
clinically for many years. It is most often initiated by trauma to a nerve,
neural plexus, or soft tissue. Diagnostic criteria are the presence of regional
pain and other sensory changes following a noxious event. The pain is associated
with changes in skin colour, skin temperature, abnormal sweating, oedema, and
sometimes motor abnormalities. The clinical course is commonly divided into
three stages: first (acute or hyperaemic), second (dystrophic or ischaemic), and
third (atrophic) stage. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, but roentgenography,
scintigraphy, thermography, electromyography and assessment of nerve conduction
velocity can help to confirm the diagnosis. Although a wide variety of
treatments have been recommended, the only therapies found to be effective in
large studies aim at interfering with the activity of the sympathetic nervous
system. To this end, efferent sympathetic nerve activity can be interrupted
surgically or chemically. Alternatively, adrenoceptor blockers may be used to
relieve pain. Numerous theories have been proposed to explain the
pathophysiology. Sympathetic dysfunction, which often has been purported to play
a pivotal role in RSD, has been suggested to consist of an increased rate of
efferent sympathetic nerve impulses towards the involved extremity induced by
increased afferent activity. However, the results of several experimental
studies suggest that sympathetic dysfunction consists of supersensitivity to
catecholamines induced by (partial) autonomic denervation. Besides, it has been
suggested that excitation of sensory nerve fibres at axonal level causes release
of neuropeptides at the peripheral endings of these fibres. These neuropeptides
may induce vasodilation, increase vascular permeability, and excite surrounding
sensory nerve fibres -- a phenomenon referred to as neurogenic inflammation. At
the level of the central nervous system, it has been suggested that the
increased input from peripheral nociceptors alters the central processing
mechanisms. AN: 99107531 Record 83 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The application of colored liquid-crystallic thermography in diagnosis
of gastric cancer] AU: Cheshenko-VP SO: Klin-Khir. 1998; (6): 20-1 AB: The efficacy of application of colour liquid crystallic thermography in
the gastric cancer diagnosis was studied. The method permits to establish
localization and spreading of gastric malignancy, excels by informativity in the
diagnosis complex and treatment monitoring of patients. AN: 99143586 Record 84 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Dynamic thermography: analysis of hand temperature during exercise. AU: Zontak-A; Sideman-S; Verbitsky-O; Beyar-R SO: Ann-Biomed-Eng. 1998 Nov-Dec; 26(6): 988-93 AB: Exercise has a noted effect on skin blood flow and temperature. We aimed
to characterize the normal skin temperature response to exercise by
thermographic imaging. A study was conducted on ten healthy and active subjects
(age=25.8+/-0.7 years) who were exposed to graded exercise for determination of
maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), and subsequently to constant loads
corresponding to 50%, 70%, and 90% of VO2 max. The skin temperature response
during 20 min of constant load exercise is characterized by an initial
descending limb, an ascending limb and a quasi-steady-state period. For 50% VO2
max, the temperature decrease rate was - 0.0075+/-0.001 degrees C/s during a
time interval of 390+/-47 s and the temperature increase rate was
0.0055+/-0.0031 degrees C/s during a time interval of 484+/-99 s. The level of
load did not influence the temperature decrease and increase rates. In contrast,
during graded load exercise, a continuous temperature decrease of
-0.0049+/-0.0032 degrees C/s was observed throughout the test. In summary, the
thermographic skin response to exercise is characterized by a specific pattern
which reflects the dynamic balance between hemodynamic and thermoregulatory
processes. AN: 99061394 Record 85 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Can rotational atherectomy cause thermal tissue damage? A study of the
potential heating and thermal tissue effects of a rotational atherectomy device. AU: Gehani-AA; Rees-MR SO: Cardiovasc-Intervent-Radiol. 1998 Nov-Dec; 21(6): 481-6 AB: PURPOSE: Thermal tissue damage (TTD) is customarily associated with some
lasers. The thermal potential of rotational atherectomy (RA) devices is unknown.
We investigated the temperature profile and potential TTD as well as the value
of fluid flushing of an RA device. METHODS: We used a high-resolution infrared
imaging system that can detect changes as small as 0.1 degree C to measure the
temperature changes at the tip of a fast RA device with and without fluid
flushing. To assess TTD, segments of porcine aorta were subjected to the
rotating tip under controlled conditions, stained by a special histochemical
stain (picrisirius red) and examined under normal and polarized light
microscopy. RESULTS: There was significant heating of the rotating cam. The mean
"peak" temperature rise was 52.8 +/- 16.9 degrees C. This was related to
rotational speed; thus the "peak" temperature rise was 88.3 +/- 12.6 degrees C
at 80,000 rpm and 17.3 +/- 3.8 degrees C at 20,000 rpm (p < 0.001, t-test).
Fluid flushing at 18 ml/min reduced, but did not abolish, heating of the device
(11.8 +/- 2.9 degrees C). A crater was observed in all segments exposed to the
rotating tip. The following features were most notable: (i) A zone of "thermal"
tissue damage extended radially from the crater reaching adventitia in some
sections, especially at high speeds. This zone showed markedly reduced or absent
birefringence. (ii) Fluid flushing of the catheter reduced the above changes but
increased the incidence and extent of dissections in the media, especially when
combined with high atherectomy speeds. (iii) These changes were observed in five
of six specimens exposed to RA without flushing, but in only one of six with
flushing (p < 0.05). (iv) None of the above changes was seen in control
segments. CONCLUSION: RA is capable of generating significant heat and potential
TTD. Fluid flushing reduced heating and TTD. These findings warrant further
studies in vivo, and may influence the design of atherectomy devices. AN: 99070278 Record 86 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Progress in diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome] AU: Akita-H; Yokoyama-M SO: Nippon-Rinsho. 1998 Oct; 56(10): 2471-6 AB: Acute coronary syndrome is caused by disruption of a coronary
atherosclerotic plaque. It is recognized that the risk of plaque disruption
depends more on plaque composition than on plaque size. Therefore, it is
important to establish imaging techniques and clinical markers for the
identification of vulnerable plaques. Intravascular ultrasound and angioscope
may reveal important features of vulnerable plaques. In the near future, optical
coherence tomography and intravascular thermography may further improve the
characterization of plaques. Systemic markers of inflammation, such as CRP and
SAA, may reflect the intensity of inflammation in the atherosclerotic lesion.
Clinical observations indicate that plaques may be stabilized by lipid-lowering
drugs, anti-oxidants, estrogen and Chlamydia-killing antibiotics. After plaque
rupture, new generation antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs, such as GPIIb/IIIa
antagonists and low-molecular heparin, can limit the mural thrombi formation
more effectively. AN: 99012396 Record 87 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Flare and hyperalgesia after intradermal capsaicin injection in human
skin. AU: Serra-J; Campero-M; Ochoa-J SO: J-Neurophysiol. 1998 Dec; 80(6): 2801-10 AB: Flare and hyperalgesia after intradermal capsaicin injection in human
skin. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 2801-2810, 1998. We investigated the neurovascular
mechanisms that determine the flare response to intradermal capsaicin injection
in humans and delineated the associated areas of mechanical and heat
hyperalgesia. The flare response was monitored both visually and with infrared
telethermography. The areas of mechanical and heat hyperalgesia were determined
psychophysically. Thermography detected very large areas of flare. As an early
event underlying the flare and before onset of the area of rubor of the skin,
thermography detected the appearance of multifocal spots of increased
temperature caused by dilatation of cutaneous arterioles. Repetition of
capsaicin injection days apart into the same forearm induced multifocal spots of
temperature elevation identical to the ones obtained in the first session,
indicating dilatation of the same arterioles. Reactive hyperemia also consisted
in the appearance of multifocal spots of increased temperature, which were
identical to the ones reacting during the flare response, suggesting
participation of the same arterioles in both events. Strips of local anesthetic
placed to block cutaneous nerves prevented the spread of both the thermographic
flare and associated hyperalgesia. It is inferred that the cutaneous nerve
fibers responsible for the thermographic flare branch, or have coupled axons,
over a long distance. The large area of flare coincided with the area of
mechanical and heat hyperalgesia. Equivalence of the areas of flare and
mechanical and heat hyperalgesia induced by intradermal capsaicin injection
suggests that all three phenomena are the consequence of neural factors that
operate peripherally. AN: 99081940 Record 88 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Effects of CO2 laser in treatment of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity. AU: Zhang-C; Matsumoto-K; Kimura-Y; Harashima-T; Takeda-FH; Zhou-H SO: J-Endod. 1998 Sep; 24(9): 595-7 AB: The effectiveness of CO2 laser therapy in the reduction and elimination
of dentinal hypersensitivity in vivo and its thermal effects on tooth surfaces
in vitro were investigated. Twenty-three patients with 91 sensitive teeth
participated in this study and were followed for 3 months. The parameters used
with CO2 laser were 1 W in a continuous wave mode and irradiation time ranging
from 5 to 10 s. Hypersensitivity was assessed by thermal stimulus (a blast of
air from a dental syringe). Thermal effects were measured by thermography using
10 extracted human teeth. After laser treatment, all patients were immediately
free from sensitive pain. Over 3 months, the CO2 laser treatment reduced
dentinal hypersensitivity to air stimulus by 50%. All teeth remained vital with
no adverse effects. Thermography revealed no temperature increase on irradiated
tooth surfaces subjected to water coolant. These results show that the CO2 laser
is useful in the treatment of cervical dentinal hypersensitivity without thermal
damage to pulp. AN: 99121502 Record 89 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Ambient temperature does not affect the tactile sensitivity of mystacial
vibrissae in harbour seals. AU: Dehnhardt-G; Mauck-B; Hyvarinen-H SO: J-Exp-Biol. 1998 Nov; 201 ( Pt 22): 3023-9 AB: Vibrissae provide pinnipeds with tactile information primarily in the
aquatic environment, which is characterized by its high thermal conductivity and
large potential cooling power. Since studies of thermal effects on human tactile
sensitivity have revealed that cooling below normal skin temperature impairs
sensitivity, the present study investigates the tactile sensitivity of the
vibrissal system of harbour seals at varying ambient temperatures. Using plates
bearing gratings of alternating grooves and ridges, the texture difference
thresholds of two adult seals were determined under water. We took advantage of
the natural difference in ambient temperature between summer and winter. Mean
water temperature was 1. 2 degreesC during the winter and 22 degreesC during the
summer. During the cold season, the thermal status of both seals was examined
using an infrared-sensitive camera system. The texture difference threshold of
both seals remained the same (0.18 mm groove width difference) under both test
conditions. The thermographic examination revealed that the skin areas of the
head where the mystacial and supraorbital vibrissae are located show a
substantially higher degree of thermal emission than do adjacent skin areas.
This suggests that, in the vibrissal follicles of harbour seals, no
vasoconstriction occurs during cold acclimation, so that the appropriate
operating temperature for the mechanoreceptors is maintained. AN: 99005442 Record 90 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermographic detection of breast cancer [see comments] AU: Foster-KR SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Nov-Dec; 17(6): 10-4 AN: 99042195 Record 91 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermographic imaging in the beating heart: a method for coronary flow
estimation based on a heat transfer model. AU: Gordon-N; Rispler-S; Sideman-S; Shofty-R; Beyar-R SO: Med-Eng-Phys. 1998 Sep; 20(6): 443-51 AB: Intraoperative thermographic imaging in open-chest conditions can provide
the surgeon with important qualitative information regarding coronary flow by
utilizing heat transfer analysis following injection of cold saline into the
aortic root. The heat transfer model is based on the assumption that the
epicardial temperature changes are mainly due to convection of heat by the blood
flow, which may, therefore, be estimated by measuring the temperature
variations. Hearts of eight dogs were exposed and imaged by a thermographic
camera. Flow in the left arterial descending (LAD) coronary branch was measured
by a transit-time flowmeter. 20 ml of cold saline were injected into the aortic
root (just after the aortic valve) and the epicardial temperature images were
recorded at end-diastole, for 20-30 s. Different flow rates were achieved by 1
min occlusion of the LAD, which affected a reactive hyperemic response. The
dynamics of the temperature in the arterial coronary tree was obtained by
averaging the temperature over an edge-detected arterial segment for each frame.
The heat transfer equation was curve-fitted, and the flow-dependent heat
transfer index was correlated with the experimentally determined coronary flow
(r = 0.69, p < 0.001). In summary: a method for quantitative estimation of
coronary blood flow by thermography and heat transfer analysis was developed and
tested in animal experiments. This method can provide important information
regarding coronary blood flow during open-chest surgical procedures. AN: 99010974 Record 92 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Comparative study of peripheral circulation, lipid metabolism and
hemocoagulation in families with atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus] AU: Liberman-IS; Ivanov-SN; Vinogradova-TV; Avenirova-EA SO: Ter-Arkh. 1998; 70(10): 10-5 AB: AIM: The study of peripheral circulation (PC) in patients with
atherosclerosis (AS), diabetes mellitus (DM) type I and II as well as their
close relatives to clarify correlations between circulatory disorders,
disturbances of lipid metabolism (LM) and hemocoagulation. MATERIALS AND
METHODS: The patients and their relatives were divided into 3 groups: with AS,
DM type I and II. Individuals without relevant hereditary predisposition served
control. A total of 564 subjects were examined. Thermography (TG), TV
capillaroscopy of the nail bed (TVCNB), measurements of total blood cholesterol
(TBC), high density lipoproteins (HDLP) cholesterol, triglycerides, coagulation
time, plasma recalcification, free heparin, fibrinogen concentration,
calculation of the atherogenic and prothrombin indices were conducted. RESULTS:
Microcirculation suffered most of all, especially in patients and their
relatives with AS and DM type I. TVCNB detected morphological changes of the
capillaries confirmed by TG. DM patients and their relatives, especially those
with DM type I had most distinct morphological shifts. CONCLUSION: The above PC
disorders result from lipid metabolism and hemocoagulation abnormalities
affecting blood rheology. In DM patients and their relatives especially in those
with DM type I specific alterations of the capillary structure in DM and
hereditary predisposition to DM are a contributing factor. AN: 99082314 Record 93 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Diagnostic validity of thermography of lameness in horses] AU: Weil-M; Litzke-LF; Fritsch-R SO: Tierarztl-Prax-Ausg-G-Grosstiere-Nutztiere. 1998 Nov; 26(6): 346-54 AB: Thirty-six lameness free horses and 119 horses with lameness of the
distal forelimb including the carpus were evaluated through thermography.
Examination was done with an infrared thermography camera "Thermovision 470" and
a specially developed analyzing software program. Temperature differences
between corresponding regions of the left and right forelimb were determined and
scrutinized statistically between various lameness groups. By creating
temperature differences between both limbs a parameter for skin temperature was
found which is independent of surrounding temperature. In lameness free horses
skin temperature was contralaterally symmetric and there was no significant
temperature difference between left and right limb. A significant (p < 0.01)
temperature difference of all regions in comparison to lameness free horses was
demonstrated in diseases like navicular disease, pododermatitis and tendopathia.
Horses with a diagnosis of coffin bone fracture and arthropathia showed a
significant (p < 0.05) temperature difference in almost all regions compared to
controls, whereas horses with laminitis and periostitis did not show a
significant difference. Loss of symmetric distribution of skin temperature could
be demonstrated between affected and non-affected regions. Thermography can show
and quantitatively prove very well changes in skin temperature in forelimb
lameness. It must be emphasized that thermography in lameness diagnosis of
horses is only useful in combination with a thorough clinical examination
including additional examination procedures. AN: 99074741 Record 94 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [A clinico-thermographic assessment of the efficacy of naphthalan therapy
in patients with diabetic microangiopathies of the lower extremities] AU: Musaev-AV; Nasrullaeva-SN; Namazov-DZ SO: Vopr-Kurortol-Fizioter-Lech-Fiz-Kult. 1998 Jul-Aug; (4): 26-9 AB: Naphthalan was applied in 58 patients with diabetic microangiopathy of
the lower limbs. Clinical and infra-red imaging proved high effectiveness of the
treatment as naphthalan relieved symptoms of diabetic microangiopathy by means
of correction of microcirculation and peripheral blood flow. Infra-red imaging
showed that exercise and single procedure tests are able to give prognosis of
the treatment effect. The success of naphthalan therapy is very important as
microangiopathy of the lower limbs underlies serious complications in diabetics. AN: 99073002 Record 95 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Imaging of the irradiation of skin with a clinical CO2 laser system:
implications for laser skin resurfacing. AU: Choi-B; Barton-JK; Chan-EK; Welch-AJ SO: Lasers-Surg-Med. 1998; 23(4): 185-93 AB: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Several published reports describe the benefits
of using the carbon dioxide laser for cutaneous resurfacing. The mechanisms on
which skin resurfacing work are still not completely understood. This study was
performed to obtain quantitative and qualitative information describing the
thermal response of skin during high-energy, short-pulsed CO2 laser irradiation.
STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Tissue Technologies TruPulse CO2 laser was
used to irradiate an in vivo rat model. The laser parameters that were used were
a 100-micros pulse width, a 1-Hz repetition rate, a 3 mm x 3 mm square spot
size, and 2.4 J/cm2 and 3.9 J/cm2 radiant exposures. A 3-5 microm thermal camera
was used to obtain temperature information during irradiation. Single spots were
irradiated with one pulse, and the temperature-time history was obtained. In a
different experiment, 15 pulses were applied to single spots, and both thermal
and video images were obtained. RESULTS: Irradiation with one pulse at 2.4 J/cm2
and 3.9 J/cm2 led to peak temperatures >100 degrees C. The temperature
relaxation time was approximately 25-150 ms. Multiple-pulse irradiation at 2.4
J/cm2 led to a slight rise in the peak temperature with each pulse. At 3.9
J/cm2, the peak temperature increased with successive pulses until pulse 10,
after which the peak temperature oscillated between 300 and 400 degrees C. Video
images showed concurrent burning events that occurred during pulses 10-15.
CONCLUSION: Temperatures >100 degrees C were measured during CO2 laser
irradiation of skin. Pulse stacking can lead to peak temperatures approaching
400 degrees C and to tissue charring with as few as three stacked pulses. It is
crucial for the physician to manipulate the laser handpiece at parameters with
which he or she can avoid pulse overlap. AN: 99044894 Record 96 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: A comparison of temperature measurements using three ear thermometers. AU: Weiss-ME; Sitzer-V; Clarke-M; Haley-K; Richards-M; Sanchez-A; Gocka-I SO: Appl-Nurs-Res. 1998 Nov; 11(4): 158-66 AB: Following anecdotal and research-based reports of inaccuracies
encountered with the use of ear thermometers in patient care settings, this
two-phase study was designed to compare the accuracy of three ear thermometers
when used in a multioperator environment. The within-subject variation (limits
of agreement) in ear temperature measurements obtained with the three ear
thermometers in a multioperator condition by using an oral temperature reference
standard ranged from +/- 1.25 degrees F to 1.85 degrees F. In multioperator,
multisubject patient care environments using a pulmonary artery catheter core
temperature as the reference standard, the limits of agreement for ear
temperature measurements obtained with the three different ear thermometers
ranged from +/- 2.19 degrees F to 2.85 degrees F. These results suggest that
there is substantial variation in ear measurements and raise questions about the
use of ear thermometers when there are multiple personnel taking temperatures,
as occurs in hospital-based clinical practice environments. Handedness of the
operator, position of the patient, and the ear used for measurement did not
produce clinically significant variability in ear temperature measurements. AN: 99069760 Record 97 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: In vivo local thermography of coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques in
humans [letter] AU: Stefanadis-C; Toutouzas-P SO: Ann-Intern-Med. 1998 Dec 15; 129(12): 1079-80 AN: 99064862 Record 98 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The role of angiotrophoneurosis of the upper extremity in the course of
complicated forms of paronychia] AU: Konychev-AV; Kaiukov-AV; Vishtaliuk-SV; Kokorin-KV SO: Vestn-Khir-Im-I-I-Grek. 1998; 157(4): 50-2 AB: The degree of the influence of angiotrophoneurosis on the development and
outcome of purulent diseases of fingers and hand is analyzed on the basis of
treatment of 394 patients with complicated forms of panaritium. It was
established that angiotrophoneurosis is a predisposing factor to the development
of complicated forms of panaritium and profound phlegmons of the hand. A scheme
of using reovasotropic medicines is proposed for the compensation of trophic
lesions of tissues of the upper limb distal segments. AN: 99042879 Record 99 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Evaluation of thermovision images in pain syndrome associated with
instability of the cervical segment of the spine] AU: Jasiak-Tyrkalska-B; Franczuk-B SO: Przegl-Lek. 1998; 55(5): 246-9 AB: The aim of this work is to attempt to evaluate the characteristics of the
thermovision image in pain syndrome associated with instability of the cervical
segment of the spine (CSPS), to identify the variables and the impact of the
characteristics of the thermovision image in the process of rehabilitation, and
to specify the suitability of thermovision testing in the evaluation of
rehabilitation. The results from tests performed in 71 patients indicate that
patients with CSPS, in comparison to healthy subjects, are characterized by high
asymmetry of the neck and severe cervical hyperthermia. When the characteristics
of the thermovision image in the process of rehabilitation are traced, one can
see a high dynamics of changes in these parameters, towards temperature symmetry
in the neck and a reduction of cervical hyperthermia. The results of the tests
point to the suitability of the thermovision testing in the evaluation of the
effectiveness of rehabilitation procedures in patients with CSPS. AN: 98413625 Record 100 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Functional imaging of the brain by infrared radiation (thermoencephaloscopy). AU: Shevelev-IA SO: Prog-Neurobiol. 1998 Oct; 56(3): 269-305 AB: A technique for thermal imaging of the animal and human brain cortex
using an infrared optical system is described. Thermoencephaloscopy (TES) is
based on improved thermovision and image processing techniques and allows
two-dimensional, contact-free, dynamic and non-invasive recording of background
and evoked cortical activity through an unopened skull. Activated (heated) and
deactivated (cooled) zones of the cerebral cortex are revealed. The instrumental
temporal resolution of TES is 40 msec (25 maps sec-1), the spatial resolution is
up to 70 x 70 microns pixel-1. The diameter of the smallest recordable active
region of the cortex is 200-300 microns. TES allows to detect the position, size
and sequence of activation of precisely located specific cortical zones, and to
measure their dynamics before, during and after sensory and direct cortical
stimulation, motor acts and conditioning (associative learning). TES effects
were recorded in rats, rabbits, cats, monkeys and humans. Waves were found
spreading over the cortex with a speed up to 33 mm sec-1 along trajectories
specific for the sensory modality and the site of stimulation. Some pathological
processes in the brain are detectable by TES: spreading depression; stress;
catalepsy; experimental tumors; and epileptic focuses. The main mechanisms of
thermal responses recorded by TES are discussed: neural activity; local
metabolism of units; local cerebral blood flow; and thermoconductivity in the
activated zones of the cortex. Thermoencephaloscopy is a dynamic, non-invasive,
contact-free, comparatively cheap, simple and inexpensive method of neuroimaging
with a relatively high temporal and spatial resolution and sensitivity. It can
be a useful tool in basic neuroscience and medicine. AN: 98442377 Record 101 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Estimation of coronary blood flow by ECG gated cardiac thermography in
open-chest conditions. AU: Gordon-N; Rispler-S; Sideman-S; Shofti-R; Beyar-R SO: Physiol-Meas. 1998 Aug; 19(3): 353-66 AB: Thermography is suggested as a tool to estimate myocardial and coronary
epicardial flow in open-chest heart surgery. To test the feasibility and compare
various methods for coronary flow estimation in open-chest surgery,
thermographic imaging was applied to eight open-chest dogs which were injected
with cold saline into the aortic root. Blood flow in the left arterial
descending (LAD) coronary vessel was measured by a transit-time flowmeter. ECG
gated images were acquired for 20-30 s, while the cold saline (20 ml) was
injected into the aortic root. Several flow levels were achieved during repeated
hyperaemic response to transient occlusions of the LAD. A temperature response
curve for each flow level was obtained by averaging over an edge-detected
arterial segment for each image frame. Several indices were calculated from the
temperature curve and correlated with the measured coronary flow. These include:
an index based on a corrective heat transfer model (r = 0.69, p < 0.001), the
slope of the descending part of the response curve (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), the
peak temperature difference (r = 0.66, p < 0.001), and the area above the
temperature response curve (r = 0.61, p < 0.01). As shown, coronary flow can be
estimated quantitatively by intraoperative epicardial thermography, and may
therefore provide important on-line information regarding blood flow during
open-chest surgical procedures. Further studies are required for optimal
application of this technique so as to increase its potential as a valid
clinical tool. AN: 98405293 Record 102 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [The parenteral administration of terridecase in the treatment of
suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the hand] AU: Konychev-AV; Kaiukov-AV SO: Vestn-Khir-Im-I-I-Grek. 1998; 157(3): 79-81 AB: Patients with purulent inflammatory diseases were treated by parenteral
administration of terrydecaza (polyglucin-immobilised terrylythin). It was noted
that injections of terrydecaza facilitated the penetration of antibiotics to the
purulent focus. The terms of cleansing the purulent wounds and transition of the
inflammatory process to the second stage were 2-3 days shorter. The
microcirculation was improved by the daily thermographic monitoring method. The
increased penetration through the biological membranes was confirmed by higher
concentration of middle weight molecules in plasma of the venous blood flowing
off from the purulent focus. AN: 98424535 Record 103 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Quantitative evaluation of 2 x 2 arrays of Lucite cone applicators in
flat layered phantoms using Gaussian-beam-predicted and thermographically
measured SAR distributions. AU: Rietveld-PJ; Lumori-ML; van-der-Zee-J; van-Rhoon-GC SO: Phys-Med-Biol. 1998 Aug; 43(8): 2207-20 AB: SAR distributions from four different E-field-orientated 2 x 2 arrays of
incoherently driven Lucite cone applicators (LCAs) were investigated. The LCAs
operated at 433 MHz with an aperture of 10.5 cm x 10.5 cm each. Two techniques
were used to obtain SAR distributions in flat layered phantoms: Gaussian beam
(GB) predictions and thermographical (TG) imaging. The GB predictions showed
that the effective field size of the different array configurations varied by up
to 3%. The TG-measured SAR distribution showed significant deviations from the
GB-predicted SAR distributions (maximum 34.6%). The difference between
GB-predicted and TG-measured SAR levels (averaged per 10% GB-predicted SAR
intervals) equalled less than 11.3% for the parallel E-field orientated array
and respectively 15.1% for the clockwise-orientated array. When antennae in the
clockwise-orientated array were more widely spread (array aperture 23 cm x 23
cm) in order to diminish their mutual interactions, these differences decreased
to 12.4%. However, the overall difference within the 50% SAR or higher range
decreased from 14% to 9%. The results lead us to conclude that LCAs can be used
clinically and their antenna interactions are not considered to be a problem
under clinical conditions. AN: 98391415 Record 104 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Joint actions of deltamethrin and azole fungicides on honey bee
thermoregulation [published erratum appears in Neurosci Lett 1998 Oct
9;255(1):61] AU: Vandame-R; Belzunces-LP SO: Neurosci-Lett. 1998 Jul 17; 251(1): 57-60 AB: The effects of sublethal doses of deltamethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide,
and prochloraz and difenoconazole, two azole fungicides, on honey bee
thermoregulation were investigated by infrared thermography of honey bees kept
at 22 degrees C. Deltamethrin at doses of 0.5 and 1.5 ng/bee did not elicit any
significant effect on bee thermogenesis whereas doses of 2.5 and 4.5 ng/bee
caused a severe hypothermia. Similarly, prochloraz and difenoconazole did not
elicit any significant effect on thermogenesis at doses of up to 850 ng/bee
whereas they triggered hypothermia at 1250 ng/bee. When associated with
prochloraz or difenoconazole at 850 ng/bee, deltamethrin elicited a joint
hypothermia at doses that did not induce a significant effect on
thermoregulation when used alone. AN: 98378266 Record 105 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Upper airway mucosa temperature in obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea
syndrome, nonapnoeic snorers and nonsnorers. AU: Series-F; Marc-I SO: Eur-Respir-J. 1998 Jul; 12(1): 193-7 AB: Upper airway (UA) inflammation (oedema and hyperaemia) is frequently
observed in snorers and patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea patients. The
temperature of different UA regions measured in 11 male nonsnorers, 13
nonapnoeic snorers and 10 untreated sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome (SAHS)
patients using infra-red video recording. Measurements were taken with the mouth
open during tidal volume mouth breathing, and at the beginning and end of a 10 s
end-inspiratory voluntary apnoea which followed either mouth or nasal breathing.
Three measurements were obtained from the uvula and from each side of the
posterior pharyngeal wall and two from each side of the soft palate. The
different UA regions were characterized by their inspiratory temperature, the
expiratory rewarming and the changes in UA temperature during apnoea. The
temperature of the uvula was significantly lower than that of the other UA
regions. For each anatomical region, there were no differences in inspiratory
temperature between normals, snorers and SAHS. In normals, the expiratory
rewarming was significantly higher in the uvula than in the velum and the
posterior pharyngeal wall, whereas these regional differences were not observed
in snorers and SAHS. The velum and posterior pharyngeal rewarming was
significantly less in normals than in snorers and SAHS. During apnoea, the UA
rewarming was similar to that observed during expiration. In conclusion, tissue
temperature varies between the different upper airway regions and during tidal
breathing and the intensity of the regional expiratory rewarming differs between
normals, snorers and patients with sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. AN: 98365166 Record 106 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Catalyst discovery through combinatorial chemistry. AU: Hoveyda-AH SO: Chem-Biol. 1998 Aug; 5(8): R187-91 AB: Combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput strategies can be used to
identify effective small-molecule chiral catalysts. Infrared thermography has
been used recently as the means to identify the most active catalyst. AN: 98388313 Record 107 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Simultaneous measurement of brain and core temperature in the rat during
fever, hyperthermia, hypothermia and sleep. AU: Sundgren-Andersson-AK; Ostlund-P; Bartfai-T SO: Neuroimmunomodulation. 1998 Sep-Oct; 5(5): 241-7 AB: The neuropathological outcome of metabolic, vascular or mechanical
insults to the CNS depends on brain temperature; mild hypothermia is
neuroprotective, whereas elevated brain temperature can cause additional neural
damage. Studies in both animals and humans have shown that the core and the
brain temperature do not always concur with one another. It is therefore
important to develop methods for monitoring brain temperature. This paper
describes an animal model (the rat) in which we have developed a method to
measure, at thermoneutral ambient temperature, the brain and core temperature
concomitantly, during different drug treatments. We have used this animal model
to study body temperature during fever (induced by human recombinant IL-1 beta,
5 microgram/kg, i.p.), stress-induced hyperthermia (handling of the animal),
hypothermia (induced by (+/-)-8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide,
0.5 mg/kg, i.p. ) and sleep (non-induced, other than by light and diurnal
variation). We show that the thermal curves are similar in the brain and the
peritoneum, independent of the thermal state. AN: 98400143 Record 108 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Infra-red thermography testicular studies of patients with short
spermatic cords and quality of sperm morphology] AU: Zieniuk-S; Stawarz-B; Zieniuk-K SO: Ginekol-Pol. 1998 Jun; 69(6): 551-4 AB: 116 patients with too short spermatic cords were examined by infra-red
thermography and semen analysis. Examinations of semen included number,
mobility, viability and pathological forms of spermatozoa. The values of the
thermographic index of scrotum were compared with the control parts of the body.
The incidence of hyperthermia of scrotum in observed men was 79%. In analysis of
semen there were 79% teratozo-ospermia, 73% oligozoospermia, 59%
astenozoospermia and good viability in 70%. We suppose that hyperthermia of
scrotum in infra-red thermography, oligoteratozoospermia in semen analysis and
no progress in pharmacological treatment may be an excellent qualification
method for surgical treatment of too short spermatic cords. AN: 98360495 Record 109 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Biomedical infrared imaging in Japan. AU: Harrison-B; Mabuchi-K SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 66-70 AN: 98336684 Record 110 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: An uncooled IR sensor with digital focal plane array. AU: White-T; Butler-N; Murphy-R SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 60-5 AN: 98336683 Record 111 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: High-resolution infrared technology for soft-tissue injury detection. AU: Bales-M SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 56-9 AN: 98336682 Record 112 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Evaluating asymmetrical thermal distributions through image processing. AU: Mabuchi-K; Chinzei-T; Fujimasa-I; Haeno-S; Motomura-K; Abe-Y; Yonezawa-T SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 47-55 AN: 98336681 Record 113 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Investigating deep venous thrombosis with infrared imaging. AU: Harding-JR SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 43-6 AN: 98336680 Record 114 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Pathophysiological expression and analysis of far infrared thermal
images. AU: Fujimasa-I SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 34-42 AN: 98336679 Record 115 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Clinical thermal imaging today. AU: Anbar-M SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 25-33 AN: 98336678 Record 116 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Progress in the measurement of human body temperature. AU: Ring-EF SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 19-24 AN: 98336677 Record 117 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Infrared imaging: an emerging technology in medicine [editorial] AU: Diakides-NA SO: IEEE-Eng-Med-Biol-Mag. 1998 Jul-Aug; 17(4): 17-8 AN: 98336676 Record 118 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Diagnosis of acute localized irradiation lesions: review of the French
experimental experience. AU: Lefaix-JL; Daburon-F SO: Health-Phys. 1998 Oct; 75(4): 375-84 AB: In the last 50 years several radiation accidents occurred in which
industrial radiographers and others suffered severe radiation injuries from
inadvertent contact with radiation sources. Such accidents involving acute
localized injuries are characterized by a severe initial reaction progressing
through erythema to skin necrosis with a spontaneous resolution of the lesion
over a 2-mo period for the lower doses. However, the early symptoms observed on
the skin give no indication as to the in-depth pathology, and cutaneous and
muscular radionecrosis started generally from early epithelial, microvascular,
and vascular lesions and from delayed muscular and connective tissue lesions. In
a case of acute localized irradiation, different biophysical techniques are able
to give real responses in biological dosimetry. More numerous are the methods,
especially imaging methods, that make it possible for the clinician to evaluate
the extent of the early injuries and to manage the medical intervention. We have
developed animal experimental models of acute localized irradiation:
overexposure to the gamma rays of a 192Ir industrial radiographic collimated
source (in the pig and the rabbit) and overexposure to the beta rays of a
90Sr-90Y collimated source (in the pig). In these experimental models, most of
the imaging techniques used in clinical practice, as infra-red thermography,
microwave thermography, cutaneous and tissular vascular scintigraphy (beta or
gamma emitters), cutaneous blood flow measurements by cutaneous laser Doppler, x
ray computed tomography, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, and skin
topography, were correlated with clinical evaluation and histopathological
observations, after high doses of gamma or beta irradiations ranging from 4 to
340 Gy at the skin surface. All these techniques are not for isolated use and
the present review indicates that their combination is necessary to give an
improved diagnostic and prognostic picture of early and late delayed radiation
damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissues. AN: 98424282 Record 119 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Spinal cord stimulation revisited. AU: Segal-R; Stacey-BR; Rudy-TE; Baser-S; Markham-J SO: Neurol-Res. 1998 Jul; 20(5): 391-6 AB: The proportion of patients with intractable pain successfully managed
with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) remains disputed. We analyze 27 consecutive
patients with intractable pain treated with SCS using identical hardware (Itrel
II System; Medtronic Neurological, Inc Minneapolis, MN, USA) by a single
satisfactory diagnosis 1992 through 1995. A rigid selection protocol was used:
1. A satisfactory diagnosis of the pathologic process resulting in pain was
made. 2. A corrective surgical procedure was judged not feasible by surgeons
experienced in the particular pathology, e.g., vascular peripheral nerve, spine.
3. Lack of satisfactory response to noninterventional pain management modalities
by an interdisciplinary pain clinic. 4. Independent psychological evaluation,
including a structured interview was performed by a psychologist specialized in
chronic pain management. In the last eight cases, a battery of self-report tests
designed to assess psychosocial and behavioral consequences of the chronic pain
problem were administered as well. All cases were of nonmalignant pain, except
for one patient. Thirteen cases were diagnosed with failed back surgery syndrome
(FBSS), one older patient with lumbosacral radiculopathy who refused
decompression, one cervical radiculopathy and Klippel-Feil syndrome, six with
reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), two with peripheral vascular ischemic
disease, one with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, one with leg pain following
resection of angiolipoma, one with traumatic superficial peroneal neuropathy,
and one with Pancoast's tumor. Fifteen patients were female and twelve were
male. All were Caucasian. Their ages ranged from 27 to 84 years (mean:48). The
average follow-up was 21 months (range: 48-6). All patients underwent a three
day trial screening with Pisces-Quad/Resume epidural leads connected to a
temporary external stimulator. An Itrel II System pulse-generator was
internalized in each of the 24 patients who had successful trial (three cervical
and twenty-one thoracic-lumbar). There was no morbidity. Pain reduction was
sustained in 22 out of the 24 patients who continue to use the stimulator. The
same number would choose to receive in an electrical stimulator again.
Normalization or improvement in Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (Q-SART)
and Thermography was documented in the patients with RSD. We conclude that rigid
selection protocol can maximize the proportion of patients with intractable pain
who are successfully treated with SCS. Strict neurosurgical technique eliminates
infection risk. Hardware selection minimizes incidence of malfunction. AN: 98329285 Record 120 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: The effect of electrical acupuncture-stimulation therapy using
thermography and plasma endothelin (ET-1) levels in patients with progressive
systemic sclerosis (PSS). AU: Maeda-M; Kachi-H; Ichihashi-N; Oyama-Z; Kitajima-Y SO: J-Dermatol-Sci. 1998 Jun; 17(2): 151-5 AB: In all 11 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS; Barnett type
I, 2; type II, 5; type III, 4 cases; male 1; female 10 cases; 45.2 +/- 10.2
years-old), 6 cases of scleroderma spectrum disorders (SSD, male 1; female 5
cases; 51.2 +/- 13.2 years-old) and 7 healthy controls (HC, male 1; female 6
cases; 43.1 +/- 8.4 years-old) were entered to be examined. The plasma
endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels of PSS, SSD and HC were 1.98 +/- 0.69, 1.76 +/- 0.39
and 1.15 +/- 0.38 pg/ml, respectively. After the stimulation with the low
frequency electrical current, electrical acupuncture, for unilateral side of
hand/arm (30 min), the plasma ET-1 levels decreased in 10 cases of PSS treated
(1.61 +/- 0.45 pg/ml), but no change of plasma serotonin levels. In 4 of 6 cases
of SSD, plasma ET-1 levels increased (2.06 +/- 0.39 pg/ml), however, nitrate
levels increased and serotonin decreased in 3 of 5 cases of SSD. In 6 cases of
HC treated with the electrical acupuncture, the plasma ET-1 levels increased
(1.72 +/- 0.58 pg/ml). Thermographically, 9 of 11 cases of PSS and 5 of 6 cases
of SSD showed temporally temperature-elevation of hand/fingers not only in
treated sides, but also in non treated sides, although none of 7 HC showed
temperature-elevation of hands/fingers. The decrease in plasma ET-1 levels due
to the electrical acupuncture was thought to induce the vasodilatation and
elevate the surface temperature in patients with PSS. These results will provide
an excellent basis to study the efficacy of electrical acupunctural stimulation. AN: 98338685 Record 121 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Digital infrared thermographic imaging in patients with gastroesophageal
reflux disease. AU: Park-HJ; Nah-JS; Zhang-HY; Cho-YE; Lee-SI; Park-IS SO: J-Korean-Med-Sci. 1998 Jun; 13(3): 291-4 AB: We performed a thermographic study to observe any possible interaction
between the esophageal acid perfusion and the temperature changes of skin
surface in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Twenty-seven
patients with GERD were categorized as group I(globus symptoms with posterior
laryngitis) and group II (heartburn and/or regurgitation symptoms). Patients and
6 healthy volunteers underwent Bernstein test (BT) and digital infrared
thermographic imaging (DITI) simultaneously. The positive rate for BT in group I
and group II was 22.2% and 55.6%, respectively, and the DITI positive rate was
55.6% for group I and 50.0% for group II. None of healthy control were positive
in BT or DITI. All subjects with DITI positive were hypothermic. The overall
accordance rate between DITI and BT was 69.7%. All group I patients showed a
diffuse type, while in group 11, 4 patients showed diffuse type and 5 patients
showed localized type (p<0.05). In patients with DITI (+)/BT (-), 83.3% showed
diffuse type, whereas equal numbers of diffuse and localized type were noted in
patients with DITI (+)/BT (+). In conclusion, add contact with a sensitive
mucosa leads to an activation of the sympathetic nervous system in some patients
with GERD, inducing skin surface hypothermia. AN: 98345133 Record 122 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Evaluation of ear temperature measurements in a geriatric department
(see comments)] AU: Christensen-PM; Christensen-VB; Matzen-LE SO: Ugeskr-Laeger. 1998 Aug 31; 160(36): 5175-7 AB: We evaluated an infrared tympanic thermometer (Genius 3000A) by comparing
it with parallel measurements with an electronic rectal thermometer (Philips HP
5316) on 121 patients admitted to a geriatric department. Rectal temperature was
on average 0.14 degree C +/- (ISD) above the ear temperature. 95% of the
differences are within the interval from -1.18 degrees C to 1.46 degrees C. The
coefficient of determination was only 0.30. The tympanic thermometer, Genius
3000A, cannot be recommended for daily use on a geriatric ward. AN: 98413707 Record 123 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Temperature measurement--how? (editorial; comment)] AU: Gaub-J SO: Ugeskr-Laeger. 1998 Aug 31; 160(36): 5165 AN: 98413704 Record 124 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Measuring lateral skin temperature profile of premature infants in
incubators with thermography] AU: Frankenberger-RT; Bussmann-O; Nahm-W; Konecny-E; Gortner-L SO: Biomed-Tech-Berl. 1998 Jun; 43(6): 174-8 AB: Thermography enables the measurement of patients skin temperature
profiles without stress caused by direct contact of probes to the skin. In
previous incubator studies, frontal recordings were made through a hole in the
top wall of the incubator hood. Using this method it is not possible to record
the lateral temperature gradient from the back to the abdomen of the infant (in
supine position), which is due to very limited heat loss near the incubator
mattress. In this study temperature recordings were made from a lateral
position. For this purpose a new front door of the incubator (Draeger 8000) was
designed, which replaced the standard front door during measurements. In a
clinical study thermography was compared to temperature measurements by standard
thermistors. The mean difference between thermography and thermistors was 0.16
degree C. These results verify the use of thermography for measuring skin
temperature of preterm infants in incubators. AN: 98342722 Record 125 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Morphologic, endocrine and thermographic measurements of testicles in
comparison with semen characteristics in mature Holstein-Friesian breeding
bulls. AU: Gabor-G; Sasser-RG; Kastelic-JP; Coulter-GH; Falkay-G; Mezes-M; Bozo-S;
Volgyi-Csik-J; Barany-I; Szasz-F Jr SO: Anim-Reprod-Sci. 1998 May 15; 51(3): 215-24 AB: Twenty Holstein-Friesian breeding bulls (62-79 months of age) were
examined 3 times, at 30-day intervals. Scrotal thermograms for assessment of
scrotal surface temperature (SST) and blood samples for plasma testosterone
concentrations were taken just before and then 45 and 90 min, respectively,
after treatment with GnRH (50 micrograms, Gonavet, i.m. per bull). Following
GnRH treatment, there generally were significant increases in mean values of
both top SST (range, -0.1 to 1.4 degrees C) and bottom SST (range, 0.3 to 1.8
degrees C). Scrotal circumference was highly repeatable but SST and
video-measurements of scrotal dimensions were less repeatable, because
apparently they were affected by ambient temperature. Plasma testosterone
concentrations before GnRH treatment were more repeatable than those after GnRH
treatment. Correlations between examinations of 0.67 to 0.81 and -0.14 to 0.47,
respectively, but the converse was true for SST measurements. Semen was
collected with an artificial vagina 3 times per week for 12 weeks starting 2
weeks before the first examination. The total number of spermatozoa per
ejaculate was highly repeatable and the percentage of motile and live
spermatozoa were relatively consistent. Separate regressions for each variable
and for each examination were conducted for these 3 semen characteristics as
dependent variables. For the number of spermatozoa per ejaculate and for the
percentage of motile spermatozoa, significant independent variables were plasma
testosterone concentrations and difference between top and bottom SST,
respectively. The slopes of these equations were nearly all negative and the R2
was from 0.15 to 0.42. For prediction of the percentage of live spermatozoa,
both SST gradient and plasma testosterone concentrations were significant
independent variables. For these regressions, the slopes were negative and the
regression coefficients were generally lower than for the other 2 dependent
variables (range, 0.16 to 0.25). Treatment with GnRH and assessment of SST and
plasma testosterone concentrations have some correlation with the semen
production in the mature bull. AN: 98340003 Record 126 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Changes in the thermogram of the precordial area and the hands under the
influence of the No-Shpa test in stenocardia patients] AU: Selivonenko-VG; Porada-LV; Kovaleva-OV SO: Lik-Sprava. 1998 May; (3): 50-2 AN: 98360676 Record 127 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Effects of nicotine on peripheral cutaneous blood flow and skin
temperature. AU: Usuki-K; Kanekura-T; Aradono-K; Kanzaki-T SO: J-Dermatol-Sci. 1998 Mar; 16(3): 173-81 AB: We hypothesized that if nicotine was used in a form that was not
adulterated with other hazardous substances found in tobacco, it would increase
cutaneous blood flow (CBF) resulting in an increase in skin temperature. The
effects of nicotine on CBF was investigated in 80 healthy volunteers and 6
patients with peripheral circulation disturbances. Each subject was required to
chew nicotine gum (containing 2 mg nicotine) for 15 min and the CBF was then
measured with laser blood flowmetry. Skin temperature of 35 volunteers was
measured with thermography before and after chewing the gum for 15 min. A
control study was performed using ordinary gum without nicotine. Increased CBF
(> or = + 1 ml/min/100 g) was observed in 55 of 86 subjects (64%, 33.7-38.6
ml/min/100 g, P < 0.01). An elevation in skin temperature (> + 0.1 degree C) was
also observed with nicotine gum in 26 of 35 healthy subjects (74%, + 0.62 +/-
0.96 degree C, P < 0.001). The increase in CBF was greater in subjects in which
the initial CBF was lower than in others (P < 0.01). Nicotine gum was found to
increase CBF (55/86) and elevate skin temperature (26/35). The smaller the
initial CBF value, the greater was the increase in CBF. Nicotine or nicotine
derivatives might prove to be useful agents for the treatment of peripheral
circulation disturbances. AN: 98315614 Record 128 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Sarpogrelate hydrochloride for Raynaud's phenomenon of patients with
collagen diseases] AU: Kumagai-S; Morinobu-A; Ozaki-S; Nakao-K; Ishida-H SO: Ryumachi. 1998 Jun; 38(3): 504-10 AB: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical efficacy of sarpogrelate hydrochloride (SPG),
a novel 5HT2- serotonergic receptor antagonist, for Raynaud's phenomenon
associated with collagen diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty two patients
with collagen diseases such as scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease,
systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis were
enrolled. SPG (300mg/day) was administered for 8 weeks. Patients were asked to
record the frequency of Raynaud's phenomenon and subjective symptoms in a diary,
and evaluations were made in weeks 4 and 8 of treatment. Thermography and
determination of whole blood serotonin levels were also conducted in some
patients. RESULTS: The frequency and duration of Raynaud's phenomenon and
subjective symptoms such as coldness and pain significantly improved in weeks 4
and 8 compared to the pre-treatment baseline. Thermography showed significantly
improvements of skin temperature recovery rate following cold water loading
after treatment with SPG. Epigastric distress was reported by 3 patients, but no
other adverse reaction or abnormal changes in laboratory tests were observed.
Whole blood serotonin levels per platelet increased significantly after
treatment with SPG, suggesting that administration of SPG might inhibit
activation of the platelets. CONCLUSION: A global improvement rate ("markedly
improved" + " moderately improved") of 66% was obtained and SPG was regarded as
safe in 85% of patients and useful or very useful in 82%. SPG is expected to be
a useful new therapy for Raynaud's phenomenon in patients with collagen disease. AN: 98388454 Record 129 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Non-invasive temperature mapping using MRI: comparison of two methods
based on chemical shift and T1-relaxation. AU: Bertsch-F; Mattner-J; Stehling-MK; Muller-Lisse-U; Peller-M; Loeffler-R;
Weber-J; Messmer-K; Wilmanns-W; Issels-R; Reiser-M SO: Magn-Reson-Imaging. 1998 May; 16(4): 393-404 AB: PURPOSE: To implement and evaluate the accuracy of non-invasive
temperature mapping using MRI methods based on the chemical shift (CS) and T1
relaxation in media of various heterogeneity during focal (laser) and external
thermal energy deposition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All measurements were
performed on a 1.5 T superconducting clinical scanner using the temperature
dependence of the water proton chemical shift and the T1 relaxation time.
Homogeneous gel and heterogeneous muscle phantoms were heated focally with a
fiberoptic laser probe and externally of varying degree ex vivo by water
circulating in a temperature range of 20-50 degrees C. Magnetic resonance
imaging data were compared to simultaneously recorded fiberoptic temperature
readings. RESULTS: Both methods provided accurate results in homogeneous media
(turkey) with better accuracy for the chemical shift method (CS:+/-1.5 degrees
C, T1:+/-2.0 degrees C). In gel, the accuracy with the CS method was +/-0.6
degrees C. The accuracy decreased in heterogeneous media containing fat
(T1:+/-3.5 degrees C, CS: +5 degrees C). In focal heating of turkey muscle, the
accuracy was within 1.5 degrees C with the T1 method. CONCLUSION: Temperature
monitoring with the chemical shift provides better results in homogeneous media
containing no fat. In fat tissue, the temperature calculation proved to be
difficult. AN: 98328487 Record 130 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Changes in the thermogram in performing the anaprilin test on
stenocardia patients] AU: Selivonenko-VG; Boev-SS; Kovaleva-OV SO: Lik-Sprava. 1998 Mar-Apr; (2): 38-40 AN: 98335306 Record 131 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Intraoperative evaluation of the patency of coronary grafts] AU: Moriones-I; Sanchez-R; de-la-Fuente-A; Fernandez-JL SO: Rev-Esp-Cardiol. 1998; 51 Suppl 3: 62-6 AB: Patency of coronary by-pass grafts is a challenge for the surgeon in
order to reduce graft obstructions due to technical reasons. We analyze
different published methods and show our experience with 1,010 coronary grafts
whose flow was measured using a electromagnetic flowmeter. We also show our
experience with infra-red angiography. We consider these two methods more
practical and feasible than others because it is possible to save between 3 to
4% of the coronary grafts and to make an immediate record and to determine the
relative prognosis of the grafts patency. AN: 98383133 Record 132 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Injection of the rheumatoid knee: does intra-articular methotrexate or
rifampicin add to the benefits of triamcinolone hexacetonide? AU: Blyth-T; Stirling-A; Coote-J; Land-D; Hunter-JA SO: Br-J-Rheumatol. 1998 Jul; 37(7): 770-2 AB: OBJECTIVE: Does the addition of 600 mg rifampicin or 50 mg methotrexate
improve pain relief after injection of the rheumatoid knee with 20 mg
triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH)? METHODS: Eighty-two patients on stable therapy
were allocated at random to receive intra-articular TH alone, TH and
methotrexate (TH+M) or TH and rifampicin (TH+R). Pain was recorded by a weekly
chart and analysed using the area under the curve (AUC), periods of total pain
relief and duration of effect. Examinations and microwave thermography were
performed by an independent meteorologist at baseline, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS:
Using the AUC, pain was significantly better in the TH+R group compared with TH
alone (P=0.039, Mann Whitney U). The median duration of improved pain scores was
13.5 weeks with TH alone, 10 with TH+M and 19 with TH+R. Examination and
microwave thermography revealed improvements compared with baseline, but there
were no significant differences between the groups. Eleven of 28 patients
treated with TH + R developed a flare of post-injection pain. CONCLUSIONS:
Whilst the addition of rifampicin improved pain relief, the occurrence of pain
after injection remains a problem. Measures to minimize this are needed when
TH+R is used. AN: 98378157 Record 133 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Fingertip temperature as an indicator for sympathetic responses. AU: Kistler-A; Mariauzouls-C; von-Berlepsch-K SO: Int-J-Psychophysiol. 1998 Jun; 29(1): 35-41 AB: Changes of acral skin blood flow are a commonly used indicator for
sympathetic reflex responses to various stimuli. The goal of the present study
was to determine whether decreases in fingertip temperature are indicative for
sympathetic induced changes in microcirculation. Infrared thermography
demonstrated that various stimuli triggering the sympathetic nervous system
induced decreases in cutaneous microcirculation, most prominently in fingertip
skin. Various such stimuli induced almost immediate temporary vasoconstriction,
measured by laser Doppler flux and photoplethysmography. With a lag phase of
approximately 15 s, reduced microcirculation was also reflected by a transient
decrease in fingertip temperature. Vasoconstrictions were easily demonstrable by
fingertip temperature when the starting fingertip temperature was above 32
degrees C and vasoconstriction lasted at least 5 s. Temperature measurement
offers the advantages of ease and simplicity of performance and analysis,
compared with the more complex analyses of flux and pulse volume. AN: 98302948 Record 134 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Is there a bilateral block of the thoracic sympathetic chain after
unilateral intrapleural analgesia? AU: Ramajoli-F; De-Amici-D SO: Anesth-Analg. 1998 Aug; 87(2): 360-7 AB: This study was designed to ascertain, by telethermography and clinical
observation, the effect of injecting anesthetic solutions into the intrapleural
space on thoracic sympathetic chains and splanchnic nerves. We studied 15
patients with neoplastic (n = 8) or benign (n = 7) pain, divided into three
groups of 5 patients each. The first group received 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.25%
in the intrapleural space, the second received 20 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%, and
the third received 20 mL of isotonic sodium chloride solution. Each patient was
examined telethermographically 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after the blockade.
Visceral pain intensity was measured in eight patients using a visual analog
scale. Patients receiving bupivacaine had a uniform bilateral increase of
cutaneous temperature (+2 degrees C). In those with diffuse visceral pain, the
mean value of the pain score decreased from 82 +/- 10 mm at the time of
injection to 16 +/- 5 at 120 min. We conclude that intrapleural bupivacaine
0.25% and 0.5% results in bilateral blockade of the thoracic sympathetic chain
and also of the splanchnic nerves, which pass in front of the spinal column
between the two thoracic sympathetic chains. Our data indicate that intrapleural
analgesia can be used in the treatment of not only unilateral visceral and
somatic pain, but also diffuse abdominal visceral pain. The bilateral increase
of the cutaneous temperature of the trunk (measured telethermographically) and
the reduction of the diffuse visceral pain suggest a bilateral block of the
sympathetic chain and of the splanchnic nerves. Implications: We subjected 10
patients to monolateral intrapleural analgesia. Five other patients served as
controls. The bilateral increase of the cutaneous temperature of the trunk
(measured telethermographically) and the reduction of the diffuse visceral pain
suggest a bilateral block of the sympathetic chain and of the splanchnic nerves.
Our data indicate that intrapleural analgesia can be used in the treatment of
not only unilateral visceral and somatic pain, but also diffuse abdominal
visceral pain. AN: 98370428 Record 135 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Sex differences in facial skin temperature when exposed to darkness with
and without warning. AU: Tanaka-A; Okuzumi-H; Hosokawa-T; Murai-N SO: Psychol-Rep. 1998 Jun; 82(3 Pt 1): 1083-9 AB: The changes in skin temperature under anxiety were investigated by
noninvasive measurements. The nasal skin temperature of 20 subjects was assessed
by thermography. The measurement of the skin temperature by thermistor causes
stress in subjects. The primary advantages of a thermography over use of a
thermistor are noninvasive and accurate. Each subject was made anxious under the
2 conditions of sudden darkness (Sudden darkness condition) or experienced
darkness (Experienced darkness condition). Under former, after a baseline facial
skin temperature was established, the room light was suddenly turned off. The
subject remained seated in darkness for 2 min. The time-series changes were
significant for women, but not for men. For women, skin temperature
significantly declined in sudden darkness. Experiments on experienced darkness
were performed a week later. After a baseline facial skin temperature was
established, the subject was told; "The room light would be turned off from now
on, but please remain seated without moving". After the instruction, the room
light was turned off. The subject remained seated in darkness for 2 min. The
resultant time-series changes in skin temperatures were significant in neither
men nor women. AN: 98341274 Record 136 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Development of infrared imaging to measure thermogenesis in cell culture:
thermogenic effects of uncoupling protein-2, troglitazone, and beta-adrenoceptor
agonists. AU: Paulik-MA; Buckholz-RG; Lancaster-ME; Dallas-WS; Hull-Ryde-EA; Weiel-JE;
Lenhard-JM SO: Pharm-Res. 1998 Jun; 15(6): 944-9 AB: PURPOSE: Although the effects of thermogenic agents in cell culture can
be measured by direct microcalorimetry, only a few samples can be analyzed over
several hours. In this report, we describe a robust non-invasive technique to
measure real-time thermogenesis of cells cultured in microtiter plates using
infrared thermography. METHODS: Yeast were transformed with uncoupling protein-2
(UCP2) or exposed to carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP)
or rotenone. Adipocytes were exposed to rotenone, FCCP, cycloheximide.
troglitazone, or CL316243. Thermogenesis was measured using infrared
thermography. RESULTS: Thermogenesis increased after exposing yeast to the
mitochondrial uncoupler, FCCP, or transforming the cells with UCP2. Further,
thermogenesis in adipocytes was stimulated by CL316243, a beta3-adrenoceptor
agonist being developed to treat obesity. The protein synthesis inhibitor,
cycloheximide, did not inhibit CL316243-mediated thermogenesis. In contrast, the
mitochondrial proton transport inhibitor, rotenone, inhibited thermogenesis in
yeast and adipocytes. Similarly, the antidiabetic agent, troglitazone,
suppressed thermogenesis in adipocytes. Although increased UCP synthesis
resulted in increased thermogenesis in yeast, UCP expression did not correlate
with thermogenesis in adipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The results, taken together with
the high resolution (0.002 degrees C) and robustness (384-well format) of the
approach, indicate infrared-imaging is a rapid and effective method for
measuring thermogenesis in vitro. AN: 98309578 Record 137 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Unreliability of the infrared tympanic thermometer in clinical practice:
a comparative study with oral mercury and oral electronic thermometers [see
comments] AU: Modell-JG; Katholi-CR; Kumaramangalam-SM; Hudson-EC; Graham-D SO: South-Med-J. 1998 Jul; 91(7): 649-54 AB: BACKGROUND: This study was designed to determine the magnitude and
frequency of measurement errors with infrared tympanic thermometers in the
clinical setting. METHODS: In a convenience sample of 137 adult inpatients, we
compared body temperatures measured by a Diatek 9000 Infrared Aural Thermometer
and an IVAC 2090 CoreCheck Tympanic Thermometer between themselves, in right
versus left ears, and against concurrently measured oral temperatures using both
an electronic thermoprobe and conventional glass mercury thermometer. RESULTS:
There was a significant between-brand difference of 0.6 degrees C (IVAC <Diatek)
for both ears; right-versus-left ear temperature group differences were not
statistically significant with either thermometer, but ear-to-ear temperature
variation was large, with individual right-left differences as great as 2.5
degrees C; significant differences were found between oral and ear temperatures
with the IVAC thermometer (0.5 degrees C, ear <oral) but not with the Diatek
thermometer; no significant difference was found between oral electronic and
mercury temperature measurements; and cerumen had no significant effect on ear
temperature measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The variability and inaccuracy of
temperatures measured by the infrared tympanic thermometers were sufficiently
large to suggest that the use of these devices for routine thermometry may be
potentially hazardous. AN: 98335557 Record 138 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [A complex of methods for the early diagnosis of premorbid states of the
bronchopulmonary system and of the main forms of chronic nonspecific lung
diseases in those who took part in the cleanup of the aftermath of the accident
at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station] AU: Tkachyshyn-VS SO: Lik-Sprava. 1998 Jan-Feb; (1): 21-4 AB: The author suggests including questionnaire survey, recording of the
external respiration, and thermography into a complex of methods for early
diagnosis of premorbid states of the bronchopulmonary system and main forms of
chronic unspecific lung diseases in those persons who took part in the
elimination of the aftereffects of the ChNPP breakdown. The above complex can be
used as a screening for contingents to be put to further in-depth study. AN: 98284628 Record 139 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Infrared thermography in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in
vibration-induced white finger. AU: von-Bierbrauer-A; Schilk-I; Lucke-C; Schmidt-JA SO: Vasa. 1998 May; 27(2): 94-9 AB: BACKGROUND: Frequent use of vibrating tools over several years may lead
to a neurovascular disturbance of finger circulation with the development of
typical Raynaud's phenomenon, attacks being triggered by vibration and/or cold
exposure. The condition is recognized as an occupational disease and known as
vibration-induced white finger (VWF). Aim of the present study was to evaluate
the usefulness of infrared thermography (IRT) with a cold provocation test in
the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in VWF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 24 patients
with the diagnosis of VWF, previously established by other methods, were
compared with 12 matched control subjects. We carried out IRT-measurements
simultaneously on both hands before, directly after and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30
mins following a 3 min exposure of both hands to a waterbath of 12 degrees C.
The results of temperature measurements of all fingers were analyzed and the
time to complete rewarming of all fingers was recorded. RESULTS: The basal
thermograms did not differ between both groups, whereas the mean finger
temperatures after cold exposure were significantly lower in VWF-patients
compared to controls, with a considerable individual overlap between both
groups. Therefore, determination of absolute finger temperature reveals not to
be a useful diagnostic tool in individual cases, but might be helpful for
pharmacological studies (group-analysis). In contrast to absolute finger
temperatures, the parameter of rewarming time after cold exposure revealed to be
diagnostic on an individual basis: a complete rewarming after 15 min indicates a
normal vascular reactivity and an incomplete rewarming 30 min following the cold
provocation points to an impaired vascular reactivity due to VWF. CONCLUSIONS:
IRT revealed to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon in VWF,
and provides a sufficient documentation suitable for further follow-up
examination. AN: 98275060 Record 140 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Pattern of autonomic dysfunction in time course of complex regional pain
syndrome. AU: Birklein-F; Riedl-B; Claus-D; Neundorfer-B SO: Clin-Auton-Res. 1998 Apr; 8(2): 79-85 AB: The objective of the present investigation was to describe and localize
autonomic dysfunction in acute and chronic stages of complex regional pain
syndrome (CRPS). Patients were investigated twice: the first investigation was
performed as soon as diagnosis was established during the acute stage of CRPS
and the second investigation was performed about 2 years later. Twenty-one
patients completed the follow-up investigation. The median duration of CRPS was
5 (range 2-21) weeks at first investigation and 94 weeks (22-148) at follow-up.
Skin temperature was recorded by thermography, sudomotor function was assessed
by thermoregulatory sweat test (TST) and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test
(QSART). Skin temperature was warmer on the affected side at the first
investigation (P < 0.001) and colder at follow-up (P < 0.02) compared with the
contralateral limb. Sudomotor output was enhanced after both TST (P < 0.005) and
QSART (P < 0.05) at the first investigation on the affected side. However, at
follow-up, sweating after TST was still increased (P < 0.04) while QSART
responses were not different between the affected and unaffected limbs. As
compared to controls there was no statistically significant difference, neither
in skin temperature nor sweating, neither on the affected nor on the unaffected
side. In conclusion, the present investigation proved that vasomotor and
sudomotor control are substantially altered in CRPS. In the acute stage
vasomotor control is decreased in the affected limb whereas sudomotor function
is enhanced. This may be the result of disturbances of thermoregulation, but
different secondary peripheral mechanisms, concerning vasomotor and sudomotor
function, contribute to clinical presentation of CRPS and affect autonomic
function at all stages of CRPS. AN: 98273878 Record 141 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: [Rational radiologic diagnosis of breast carcinoma] AU: Modder-U; Mosny-DS SO: Schweiz-Rundsch-Med-Prax. 1998 Apr 8; 87(15): 499-503 AB: For a favourable prognosis breast cancer must be diagnosed as early as
possible. Among available imaging modalities (mammography, sonography, DAS,
thermography, CT, MR) only mammography has been shown to produce a significant
reduction in mortality, but unfortunately only for women above 50 years of age.
The technical requirements, and the standard techniques and the appearance of
benign and malignant breast tissues are described. The routine use of ultrasound
in the evaluation of palpable masses remains controversial. Ultrasound
technology is incapable of detecting early-stage cancers reliably. By "using
dynamic MRM", i.e., repetitive imaging of the same slice before and at short
time intervals after the injection of a contrast medium, high sensitivity and
specificity is achieved in detecting breast cancer of different histologies. MR-mammography
should be used in all cases where there is a discrepancy among radiographic,
sonographic or clinical findings. AN: 98271171 Record 142 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermography and nailfold capillaroscopy as noninvasive measures of
circulation in children with Raynaud's phenomenon. AU: Jayanetti-S; Smith-CP; Moore-T; Jayson-MI; Herrick-AL SO: J-Rheumatol. 1998 May; 25(5): 997-9 AB: OBJECTIVE: To determine in a pilot study the feasibility of noninvasive
techniques of (a) measurement of rewarming response after a standard cold
challenge test (using thermographic imaging) and (b) measurement of nailfold
capillary dimensions using video capillaroscopy, in the assessment of children
presenting with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP). METHODS: Ten children with RP and 10
age matched healthy controls were studied. No child had definite evidence of
underlying connective tissue disease. RESULTS: Children with RP had abnormal
rewarming curves. The gradient of the rewarming curve was significantly lower in
children with RP (median 1.5 vs 5.0 degrees C/min in controls; p = 0.015), and
there was a trend for the lag time (the interval between the end of the cold
challenge and the onset of rewarming) to be increased in children with RP
(median 4.7 vs 0.5 min in controls; p = 0.08). Capillary dimensions were
measured in 7 of the children with RP, and were similar to those of healthy
controls. CONCLUSION: Thermography and nailfold capillaroscopy are feasible in
children and should be further evaluated. AN: 98258853 Record 143 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermology and facial telethermography: Part II. Current and future
clinical applications in dentistry. AU: Gratt-BM; Anbar-M SO: Dentomaxillofac-Radiol. 1998 Mar; 27(2): 68-74 AB: Selected clinical applications using thermal imaging as an aid in
dentistry are reviewed. Facial skin temperature can easily be measured in a
clinical setting, without direct skin contact, by monitoring the emitted
infrared radiation. This is the basis of static area telethermography (SAT) and
dynamic area telethermography (DAT). SAT has recently been shown to be of help
to the dentist in (1) the diagnosis of chronic orofacial pain, (2) as a unique
tool in assessment of TMJ disorders, (3) as an aid in assessment of inferior
alveolar nerve deficit, and (4) as a promising research tool. DAT, recently made
possible by advances in computing technology combined with advanced infrared
sensor technology, extracts quantitative information about hemodynamic processes
from hundreds to thousands of digital thermal images of the affected facial
areas, measured and collected within less than 3 min. DAT has promise of
offering a better insight into aberrations of the neuronal control of facial
skin perfusion and aiding our understanding of the correlation between orofacial
pain and facial thermal abnormalities. This promising new insight may help in
the management of orofacial pain. AN: 98321025 Record 144 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermology and facial telethermography. Part I: History and technical
review. AU: Anbar-M; Gratt-BM; Hong-D SO: Dentomaxillofac-Radiol. 1998 Mar; 27(2): 61-7 AB: This paper is a review of historical trends and technical advances in
measurement of skin temperature. Most biochemical processes generate heat which
must be dissipated. Skin is the major route for heat dissipation using blood as
the heat exchange fluid. Skin temperature is an indicator of aberrations in
metabolism, hemodynamics or in neuronal thermoregulatory processes. Since most
of the heat dissipation of skin is by infrared blackbody emission, skin
temperature should be measured without contact by monitoring the emitted
infrared radiation. This has been the basis of telethermography. Recent advances
in computing technology combined with advanced infrared sensor technology has
led to the development of dynamic area telethermometry (DAT) which promises to
be as an important new quantitative method to analyse the pathophysiology of
thermoregulatory processes. AN: 98321024 Record 145 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Correlation between local vascular and sensory changes following tissue
inflammation induced by repetitive application of topical capsaicin. AU: Mohammadian-P; Andersen-OK; Arendt-Nielsen-L SO: Brain-Res. 1998 May 4; 792(1): 1-9 AB: The aim of the present study was to investigate local vascular and
sensory changes and their correlation in order to obtain a better understanding
of the mechanisms of allodynia, hyperalgesia and vascular changes following
tissue inflammation induced by repetitive application of capsaicin cream. This
type of application was utilized as a controlled model of inflammation which was
altered in intensity due to its repetitive applicability. Ten healthy volunteers
participated in two experiments separated by at least five days. Each experiment
consisted of a baseline session followed by five additional sessions. Before
these sessions either 1.5 g capsaicin (1%) or placebo cream was applied to the
volar site of the forearm for 15 min. The areas of stroking allodynia and
pin-prick hyperalgesia were mapped and the intensity of spontaneous pain (VAS)
was assessed after each application of the cream. In addition, the visible
flare, temperature (IR-Thermography), and blood- flow (Laser-Doppler) were
measured. The first application of capsaicin was perceived as painful; it
induced both secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia. Compared to placebo, the
first application of capsaicin cream also resulted in an increased blood-flow,
elevated temperature and visible flare. The highest values of these sensory and
vascular parameters were reached after the third application. A direct
correlation between visible flare, secondary mechanical hyperalgesia and
allodynia following repetitive application of capsaicin indicates that both
common central and peripheral mechanisms were involved in these changes.
Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. AN: 98256131 Record 146 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Structure and binding properties of serum albumin in uremic patients at
different periods of hemodialysis. AU: Sarnatskaya-VV; Ivanov-AI; Nikolaev-VG; Rotellar-E; von-Appen-K; Haspar-M;
Maslenny-VN; Klinkmann-H SO: Artif-Organs. 1998 Feb; 22(2): 107-15 AB: Few diagnostic methods are available that describe uremia related changes
of the albumin molecule structure in hemodialysis patients. The impaired human
serum albumin (HSA) function is an essential part of the uremic syndrome and
probably influences the long-term outcome of patients on maintenance dialysis.
The albumin binding capacity (characterized for different binding centers on the
molecule) is one of the relevant clinical parameters. During the current study,
marker substances were utilized to evaluate center-specific binding capacity.
Patients were divided into 3 groups depending on the time on hemodialysis (HD)
treatment (in years) with healthy blood donors as control. Compared to healthy
persons, results demonstrate a considerable impairment of binding
characteristics in HD patients. Only in patients on maintenance HD for more than
5 years did ligand binding properties improve significantly. A correlation
between the time of chronic HD and the recovery in binding capacity was found
for the majority of binding centers of the HSA molecule. Similar results were
seen applying such analytical methods as thermography (melting points) and
thermofluorescence. Binding capacity impairment found for specified binding
centers on the HSA molecule as the main serum carrier protein may have a direct
impact on different clinical situations and the HD long-term outcome. AN: 98150863 Record 147 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Low-intensity laser irradiation improves skin circulation in patients
with diabetic microangiopathy. AU: Schindl-A; Schindl-M; Schon-H; Knobler-R; Havelec-L; Schindl-L SO: Diabetes-Care. 1998 Apr; 21(4): 580-4 AB: OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot problems due to angiopathy and neuropathy
account for 50% of all nontraumatic amputations and constitute a significant
economic burden to society. Low-intensity laser irradiation has been shown to
induce wound healing in conditions of reduced microcirculation. We investigated
the influence of low-intensity laser irradiation by means of infrared
thermography on skin blood circulation in diabetic patients with diabetic
microangiopathy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty consecutive patients with
diabetic ulcers or gangrenes and elevated levels of glycosylated hemoglobin were
randomized by blocks of two to receive either a single low-intensity laser
irradiation with an energy density of 30 J/cm2 or a sham irradiation over both
forefoot regions in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study. Skin blood
circulation as indicated by temperature recordings over the forefoot region was
detected by infrared thermography. RESULTS: After a single transcutaneous
low-intensity laser irradiation, a statistically significant rise in skin
temperature was noted (P < 0.001 by ANOVA for repeated measurements), whereas in
the sham-irradiated control group, a slight but significant drop in temperature
(P < 0.001) was found. Subsequently performed contrasts for comparison of
measurements before and after irradiation revealed significant temperature
increases at 20 min of irradiation time (P < 0.001), at the end of the
irradiation (P < 0.001), and 15 min after stopping the irradiation (P < 0.001).
In the sham-irradiated feet, the drop in local skin temperature was not
significant at 20 min (P = 0.1), but reached significance at the end of the
sham-irradiation procedure (P < 0.001) and 15 min after the end of sham
irradiation (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this first randomized
double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial demonstrate an increase in skin
microcirculation due to athermic laser irradiation in patients with diabetic
microangiopathy. AN: 98232837 Record 148 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Quantifying digital vascular disease in patients with primary Raynaud's
phenomenon and systemic sclerosis. AU: Herrick-AL; Clark-S SO: Ann-Rheum-Dis. 1998 Feb; 57(2): 70-8 AN: 98276282 Record 149 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Radiofrequency volumetric tissue reduction of the palate in subjects with
sleep-disordered breathing [see comments] AU: Powell-NB; Riley-RW; Troell-RJ; Li-K; Blumen-MB; Guilleminault-C SO: Chest. 1998 May; 113(5): 1163-74 AB: STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate pain, swallowing, speech, edematous
response, tissue shrinkage, sleep, snoring, and safety (energy limits and
adverse effects) following radiofrequency (RF) treatment to the palate in 22
subjects with sleep-disordered breathing. DESIGN: This investigation is a
prospective nonrandomized study. Polysomnography, radiographic imaging, and
infrared thermography, along with questionnaires and visual analog scales, were
used to evaluate the effects of RF treatment to the palate. SETTING: Treatments
were delivered on an outpatient basis at Stanford University Medical Center.
PATIENTS: Twenty-two healthy patients (18 men), with a mean age of 45.3+/-9.1
years, were enrolled. All were snorers seeking treatment and met predetermined
criteria: a respiratory disturbance index < or = 15, oxygen saturation > or =
85%, and a complaint of daytime sleepiness. INTERVENTION: RF was delivered to
the submucosa of the palate with a custom-fabricated electrode for a mean
duration of 141+/-30 s with a mean of 3.6+/-1.2 treatments per patient.
Reduction of their snoring scores determined the end point of the study.
RESULTS: Neither speech nor swallowing was adversely affected. Pain was of short
duration (0 to 48 h) and was controlled with acetaminophen. There were no
infections. Although there was documented edema at 24 to 48 h, there were no
clinical airway compromises. Polysomnographic data showed improvement in
esophageal pressure measurements of the mean nadir and the 95th percentile nadir
(p=0.031, p=0.001) respectively, as well as the mean sleep efficiency index
(p=0.002). Radiographic imaging showed a mean shrinkage of 5.5+/-3.7 mm (p< or
=0.0001). Subjective snoring scores fell by a mean of 77% (8.3+/-1.8 to
1.9+/-1.7, p=0.0001) accompanied by improved mean Epworth sleepiness scores
(8.5+/-4.4 to 5.2+/-3.3, p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results of this
investigation allowed the formulation of safety parameters for RF in this
defined population with mild sleep-disordered breathing. There was a documented
tissue reduction and improvement in symptoms in all subjects. However, given the
small sample size and short-term follow-up, these results should be confirmed by
further investigation. AN: 98255728 Record 150 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy associated with deep peroneal nerve
entrapment. AU: Parano-E; Pavone-V; Greco-F; Majorana-M; Trifiletti-RR SO: Brain-Dev. 1998 Mar; 20(2): 80-2 AB: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD or causalgia) has been rarely reported
in children. We now report a 10-year-old boy with RSD in whom we performed
extensive ancillary investigations including thermography, bone scintigraphy and
dermo-echography. The clinical, laboratory and ancillary studies reported here
highlight the profound focal acquired autonomic disturbance in this disorder.
The patient presented a compression of the deep peroneal nerve at the inferior
extensor retinaculum in the affected limb. Surgical decompression lead to rapid
improvement of the patient's condition. Peripheral nerve decompression should be
considered as a possible treatment of RSD in children, particularly those that
are refractory to conservative maneuvers. AN: 98204737 Record 151 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: An experimental approach to quantitative thermal coronary angiography. AU: Falk-V; Walther-T; Kitzinger-H; Rauch-T; Diegeler-A; Autschbach-R;
Mohr-FW SO: Thorac-Cardiovasc-Surg. 1998 Feb; 46(1): 25-7 AB: Thermal coronary angiography is a noninvasive but not yet quantitative
method to intraoperatively assess graft patency in CABG surgery. Aim of this
study was to quantify graft flow by measuring perfusion-induced myocardial
temperature changes over time. Saphenous vein grafts to the left anterior
descending artery were perfused at flow rates of 16-105 ml/min with warm saline.
A thermal scanner with a 256 x 256 focal-plane array detector providing a
spatial resolution of 1.2 mrad was used. The resulting temperature curves were
averaged and a non-linear fit procedure was performed to calculate the time
constant (tau) at each flow rate. An increase of myocardial temperature along
the LAD with different flow rates could be demonstrated. There was an excellent
correlation between the calculated time constant and actual flow (r = 0.96, p <
0.0002). By determining the time constant for different flow rates an estimate
of actual graft flow is possible using thermal coronary angiography. Clinical
studies have to show if the time constant can be used as a predictor of graft
flow in patients. AN: 98214662 Record 152 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Role of thermography in the diagnosis of undescended testes. AU: Lai-HS; Duh-YC; Tsai-WS; Sun-WZ SO: Eur-Urol. 1998; 33(2): 209-13 AB: OBJECTIVES: The location of an undescended testis is important for the
choice of therapy. Ultrasonography cannot serve as a stand-alone screening
method in the management of the undescended testis because of its limited
sensitivity and accuracy. The aim of this study was to clarify the diagnostic
value of thermography in the patients with undescended testes. METHODS: We
evaluated prospectively 28 patients with 36 undescended testes from January 1995
to December 1996. The patients' ages ranged from 16 to 39 months with a mean age
of 26.3 +/- 8.2 months. In addition to physical palpation by a pediatric
surgeon, ultrasonography and thermography were performed for screening the
locations of retained testes. RESULTS: The diagnostic rates were 63.9% (23/36)
by palpation, 65.7% (23/35) by ultrasonography and 54.5% (18/33) by
thermography. The results of the three diagnostic methods showed no significant
difference by Fisher's exact test. Of the 17 higher located testes (inguinal
canal and above external ring) 7 were palpable, 8 were identified by
ultrasonography, 10 were detected by thermography. Of the 7 nonpalpable testes
and testes not detected by ultrasonography, 5, including 2 intra-abdominal
testes, were identified by thermography. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that
thermography can play a role in locating high undescended testes which are
nonpalpable and not detected by ultrasonography. AN: 98179893 Record 153 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Sympathetic vasoconstrictor reflex pattern in patients with complex
regional pain syndrome. AU: Birklein-F; Riedl-B; Neundorfer-B; Handwerker-HO SO: Pain. 1998 Mar; 75(1): 93-100 AB: Twenty patients suffering from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and
21 healthy control subjects were examined to evaluate sympathetic reflex
vasoconstriction. The mean age of the 12 female and eight male patients was 48.9
(21-72) years. At the time of investigation the median duration of the disease
was 8.5 weeks (2-70). Twenty-one healthy subjects were investigated for control.
Different maneuvers, such as the veno-arteriolar reflex (VAR), inspiratory gasp
(IG), cold pressor test (CP) and mental arithmetic (MA), were employed to induce
vasoconstriction while the cutaneous blood flow of the affected and the
contralateral limb was recorded. In addition, the skin temperature of both limbs
was measured by infrared thermography. In 14 of 20 patients and in 14 of 21
control subjects vasoconstriction due to the provocation tests could be
measured, while the remaining six patients and seven controls showed
vasodilatation in at least one test, and by that they were excluded from
analysis of vasoconstrictor reflex pattern. After thermoregulatory adaptation
skin temperature was not different between the affected and the unaffected limb.
Sympathetic reflex vasoconstriction triggered by MA which represents cortical
generated, moderate vasoconstrictor stimulus, was significantly reduced on the
affected limb (102.9% of prestimulus period) when compared to the control limb
(85.0%, P < 0.002) or to controls (84.8%, P < 0.001). VAR (pure postganglionic),
IG and CP (both spinal and supraspinal), representing stronger vasoconstrictor
stimuli, revealed no significant side to side difference of sympathetic
vasoconstriction and no significant difference as compared to controls. In
conclusion our findings prove impairment of sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity
after central vasoconstrictor stimulation in CRPS, and possible mechanisms are
discussed. AN: 98199086 Record 154 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Intravascular ultrasound: state of the art and future directions. AU: Yock-PG; Fitzgerald-PJ SO: Am-J-Cardiol. 1998 Apr 9; 81(7A): 27E-32E AB: A variety of new devices in the field of intravascular ultrasound imaging
are being designed and tested. Mechanical intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)
devices with rotating transducers have been developed that allow transducer
pullback with integrated longitudinal 2-dimensional displays. Recent advances in
the area of imaging include (1) solid-state systems that combine ultrasound with
balloon and stent placement; (2) combined imaging atherectomy devices; (3)
imaging cores or guidewires; (4) forward-looking devices; (5) 3-dimensional
reconstruction techniques; (6) high-frequency imaging; and (7) improved methods
for characterizing tissue. Other promising approaches include magnetic resonance
imaging, thermography, and optical coherence tomography. An important goal for
long-term technologic improvement is visualization of lipid accumulations and
fibrous caps during their early stages of development. AN: 98211314 Record 155 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Acyclovir cream prevents clinical and thermographic progression of
recrudescent herpes labialis beyond the prodromal stage [published erratum
appears in Acta Derm Venereol 1998 May;78(3):239] AU: Biagioni-PA; Lamey-PJ SO: Acta-Derm-Venereol. 1998 Jan; 78(1): 46-7 AB: Early treatment of recrudescent herpes labialis over the symptomatic area
has been claimed to inhibit the clinical signs of recrudescent herpes labialis.
Electronic infrared thermography can both recognise the prodromal phase and
identify the area requiring drug therapy. Our objective was to use infrared
thermography to identify prodromal herpes and follow the response to topical
acyclovir cream therapy over the thermographically active area. Seventy
instances of prodromal cold sores were confirmed thermographically. Zovirax cold
sore cream (acyclovir) was applied 5 times per day for 5 days to the
thermographically positive area. All returned after 72 h for a further
thermographic and clinical examination of the initially active area. All 70
patients illustrated a localised increase in temperature over the symptomatic
area during the prodromal stage. The development of a clinical herpes lesion was
prevented in 46% of the patients. In the lesions that did develop, an 80%
reduction in clinical lesion size was observed in 82% of the subjects. The
remaining 18% showed a reduction in healing time. AN: 98159462 Record 156 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Three-dimensional monitoring of small temperature changes for therapeutic
hyperthermia using MR. AU: Wlodarczyk-W; Boroschewski-R; Hentschel-M; Wust-P; Monich-G; Felix-R SO: J-Magn-Reson-Imaging. 1998 Jan-Feb; 8(1): 165-74 AB: Radiofrequency hyperthermia of deep-seated pelvic tumors requires
noninvasive monitoring of temperature distributions in patients. Methods of MR
thermography were reported to be a promising tool in solving this problem.
However, to be truly useful for monitoring hyperthermia treatments, MR
thermography should be able to cover the entire pelvis in acquisition times no
longer than for a breath-hold (< or = 15 seconds) and to resolve small
temperature differences (< 1 degrees C). Three methods exploiting the
temperature dependence of spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), of self-diffusion
coefficient (D), and of chemical shift of proton resonance frequency (PRF) were
applied in phantom experiments; the pulse sequences were the T1-weighted
gradient echo, the pulsed diffusion gradient spin echo made faster through the
keyhole technique, and the gradient echo with the phase reconstruction,
respectively. The high planar resolution was compromised, and instead, coarse
and more isotropic voxels were used. Experiments were performed in two
consecutive steps, thus imitating a possible scenario for monitoring
hyperthermia. In the first step, calibration curves were recorded, which were
then used in the second step to obtain maps of temperature changes. The results
show a clear superiority of the PRF method, followed by the D and the T1
methods. The uncertainty of temperature changes predicted both from calibration
curves and from maps was less than 1 degrees C only with the PRF and the D-based
methods. AN: 98159912 Record 157 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Microwave applications in clinical medicine. AU: Lantis-JC-2nd; Carr-KL; Grabowy-R; Connolly-RJ; Schwaitzberg-SD SO: Surg-Endosc. 1998 Feb; 12(2): 170-6 AB: Over the last fifty years, energy has been applied to various human
tissues for both the diagnosis and therapy of numerous diseases. However, in
general, the medical community remains uninformed about the many potential
applications of this energy source. We review the many areas in which microwave
energy has shown clinical utility. AN: 98140364 Record 158 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: New technique for mediastinal temperature measurement in hyperthermic
cancer treatment: balloon catheter in the azygos vein. AU: Murata-T; Nagata-K; Akagi-K; Nasu-R; Imamura-M; Kimura-H; Tanaka-Y SO: J-Int-Med-Res. 1998 Jan-Feb; 26(1): 50-6 AB: The temperature in the mediastinum during hyperthermia is difficult to
determine accurately. We measured the temperature in the azygos vein, using a
new technique, and compared the measurements with temperatures in the oesophagus.
Eight patients with mediastinal tumours resulting from lung cancer or
oesophageal cancer were given hyperthermo-radiotherapy. The temperatures in the
azygos vein and in the oesophagus were measured before and during blockage of
the blood flow of the azygos vein using an angiographic balloon catheter. None
of the patients had complications as a result of these procedures, and
hyperthermia by capacitative heating was safely performed. The temperature in
the azygos vein increased by a mean of 1.7 degrees C (0.2-2.8 degrees C) after
blockage of the blood flow. The temperature in the oesophagus was 0.83 +/- 1.09
degrees C (mean +/- SD) higher than that in the azygos vein. Measurement of the
temperature in the azygos vein gives a more accurate estimate of mediastinal
temperature than does oesophageal temperature but it is an invasive procedure. AN: 98174262 Record 159 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Functional evidence for the differential control of superficial and deep
blood vessels by sympathetic vasoconstrictor and primary afferent vasodilator
fibres in rat hairless skin. AU: Habler-HJ; Stegmann-JU; Timmermann-L; Janig-W SO: Exp-Brain-Res. 1998 Jan; 118(2): 230-4 AB: We quantitatively investigated sympathetic vasoconstriction and
antidromic vasodilation mediated by small-diameter primary afferents on the
plantar hairless skin of the hindpaws in Wistar rats using laser Doppler (LD)
flowmetry and an infrared thermometer. Sympathetic vasoconstriction was elicited
by electrical stimulation of the centrally cut ipsilateral lumbar sympathetic
trunk (LST) with 50-s trains at 0.1-20 Hz. Antidromic vasodilation was evoked by
electrical stimulation of the dorsal root (DR) L5 with 20-s or 50-s trains at
1-4 Hz. Cutting the LST resulted in increases in skin temperature (SKT) by 6.1
+/- 1.0 degrees C (mean +/- SEM) and in LD flow by 128 +/- 20%. Stimulation of
the LST resulted in a graded decrease in LD flow and SKT that was most
pronounced between 0 and 0.1 Hz. However, DR stimulation evoked a large increase
in LD flow but only little change in SKT in rats with sectioned LST. When the DR
was stimulated either in animals with intact LST or during continuous
stimulation of vasoconstrictor fibres in the sectioned LST, i.e. while baseline
temperature was relatively low (26.3 +/- 1.1 degrees C), DR stimulation still
resulted in large increases in LD flow, but only minor changes in SKT. These
results suggest that blood flow through both deep and superficial layers of rat
hairless skin is regulated by activity in sympathetic postganglionic
vasoconstrictor fibres, whereas small-diameter primary afferent fibres appear to
influence predominantly the blood flow through superficial layers of rat plantar
skin. AN: 98138940 Record 160 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: The palpable breast lump: information and recommendations to assist
decision-making when a breast lump is detected. The Steering Committee on
Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer.
Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists [see comments] SO: CMAJ. 1998 Feb 10; 158 Suppl 3: S3-8 AB: OBJECTIVE: To provide information and recommendations for assisting women
and their physicians in making the decisions necessary to establish or exclude
the presence of cancer when a lump is felt in the breast. EVIDENCE: Guidelines
are based on a systematic review of published evidence and expert opinion.
References were identified through a computerized citation search using MED-LINE
(from 1966) and CANCERLIT (from 1985) to January 1996. Nonsystematic review of
breast cancer literature continued to January 1997. BENEFITS: Exclusion or
confirmation of the presence of cancer with the minimum of intervention and
delay. RECOMMENDATIONS: Investigation of women with a breast lump or suspicious
change in breast texture starts with a history, physical examination and usually
mammography. The clinical history should establish how long the lump has been
noted, whether any change has been observed and whether there is a history of
biopsy or breast cancer. Risk factors for breast cancer should be noted, but
their presence or absence should not influence the decision to investigate a
lump further. The physical examination of the breast should aim to identify
those features that distinguish malignant from benign lumps. Mammography can
often clarify the nature of the lump and detect clinically occult lesions in
either breast. Fine-needle aspiration can establish whether the lump is solid or
cystic. When a tumour is solid, cells can be obtained for cytologic examination.
Ultrasonography is an alternative method to fine-needle aspiration for
distinguishing a cyst from a solid tumour. Whenever reasonable doubt remains as
to whether a lump is benign or malignant, a biopsy should be carried out. When
surgical biopsy is used, the aim is to remove the whole lump in one piece along
with a surrounding cuff of normal tissue. Core biopsy, either clinically or
image-guided, can usually establish or exclude malignancy, thus reducing the
need for surgical biopsy. Thermography and light scanning are not recommended
diagnostic procedures. The value of magnetic resonance imaging is still under
investigation. It is not a routine diagnostic procedure at this time. The choice
of procedure should take into account the experience of the diagnostician and
availability of the technology in question. The work-up should be completed
expeditiously and the patient kept fully informed throughout. Even when
malignancy is not found, it may be prudent, in some cases, to arrange follow-up
surveillance. VALIDATION: Guidelines were reviewed and revised by the Writing
Committee, expert primary reviewers, secondary reviewers selected from all
regions of Canada and by the Steering Committee. The final document reflects a
consensus of all these contributors. AN: 98145266 Record 161 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Diagnostic value of duplex ultrasound and liquid crystal contact
thermography in preclinical detection of deep vein thrombosis after proximal
femur fractures. AU: Kohler-A; Hoffmann-R; Platz-A; Bino-M SO: Arch-Orthop-Trauma-Surg. 1998; 117(1-2): 39-42 AB: During a prospective clinical study the diagnostic value of the two
non-invasive examinations colour-coded duplex ultrasound (Duplex) and fluid
crystal contact thermography (LCCT) was investigated in relation to phlebography,
the standard examination for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), in 112
patients with proximal femur fractures. In 19% of the patients, DVT was
diagnosed by phlebography, with the main localisation in the lower leg in 19 of
21 (90%) thromboses. With a negative prediction value of 83%, Duplex is less
suitable than LCCT under such difficult examination conditions as the early
postoperative period. The specificity of Duplex is 95%, but the sensitivity only
18%. The specificity of LCCT is 85% and the sensitivity 75%. Considering the
frequency of postoperative DVT after surgery on the legs, especially hip
surgery, a postoperative screening for DVT should become mandatory. LCCT has
proved to be a suitable, cheap, non-invasive examination with a negative
prediction value of 94%. AN: 98118660 Record 162 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Thermal coronary angiography in CABG [letter; comment] AU: Robicsek-F SO: Ann-Thorac-Surg. 1998 Jan; 65(1): 303-4 AN: 98115690 Record 163 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Post exercise changes in compartmental body temperature accompanying
intermittent cold water cooling in the hyperthermic horse. AU: Marlin-DJ; Scott-CM; Roberts-CA; Casas-I; Holah-G; Schroter-RC SO: Equine-Vet-J. 1998 Jan; 30(1): 28-34 AB: Whereas the efficacy of cold water cooling of horses has been
demonstrated by several studies, the dynamics of temperature changes within and
between compartments (primarily muscle, blood [core], skin and deep core
[rectal]) have not been investigated. Changes in body temperature associated
with cold water cooling were investigated in the hyperthermic horse. Muscle (TMU),
pulmonary artery (TPA), rectal (TREC), tail-skin (TTSK) and coat surface (TCOAT)
temperatures, were monitored continuously in 5 Thoroughbred horses during and
after exercise in hot humid (30 degrees C and 80% RH) conditions on a treadmill.
Horses were cooled in the hot humid environment with cold water (approximately 6
degrees C) for 6 30 s periods. Between each 30 s cooling period the horses stood
for 30 s. A total of 180 l of cold water was applied. Horses were monitored for
a further 4 min following the final cooling period. From the end of exercise to
the end of the final cooling (6.5 min), mean (+/- s.e.) rates of decrease for
TTSK and TPA were similar (0.8 +/- 0.1 and 0.8 +/- 0.1 degrees C/min,
respectively). The effects on TMU and TREC were less marked, with average rates
of 0.2 +/- 0.1 and 0.0 +/- 0.1 degrees C/min, respectively. During the first 4
min of cooling, TPA fell during the 30 s period of water application and rose
during each 30 s period of standing. When TPA fell below approximately 36.5
degrees C, these variations were suppressed and TPA rose steadily, despite
continued applications; TREC and TMU continued to fall, although less rapidly
than before. These observations are consistent with the onset of skin
vasoconstriction at low TPA. The mechanism is mediated through a cooling of
circulating blood volume providing a greater capacity for heat transfer between
muscle and circulation. Intermittent application of cold water (approximately 6
degrees C) improves heat removal without apparent deleterious effects and is
well tolerated. Even when hypothermia develops (based on TPA), muscle and rectal
temperatures continue to fall. AN: 98119979 Record 164 of 164 - MEDLINE (R) Advanced TI: Use of thermography in diagnosis of local radiation injuries [letter;
comment] AU: Koteles-GJ; Benko-I; Nemeth-G SO: Health-Phys. 1998 Feb; 74(2): 264-5 AN: 98111058 31 164 thermography *