Detection of Atherosclerosis Through Mapping Skin Temperature Variation Caused by Carotid Atherosclerosis Plaques

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Jing Liu
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Far Infrared ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Skin Surface Temperature ◽  
Infrared Thermal Imaging

This paper reports the effects of atherosclerosis plaque on the human cervicum skin surface temperature. The classical Pennes bioheat equation and a 3-D model consisting of cervical vertebra, muscle, and skin layer is adopted to characterize the heat transfer in the cervicum. Since the formation of atherosclerotic plaque is random, several parametric analyses are conducted to simulate actual situations. A medical far-infrared thermal imaging system is employed on two healthy human subjects to evaluate the feasibility of this technique. According to the simulations, there are variations in the temperature contours on the surface of the skin due to the axial variations in thermal parameters between healthy arterial intimae and atherosclerosis plaque. This suggests that far-infrared thermal imaging can be used to detect the marker safely via a noncontact way. Additional parametric studies indicated that the cervicum skin surface temperature distribution discloses the information regarding the plaque such as position, depth, pattern, quantity, and metabolic heat generation, etc. Furthermore, the external thermal conditions and calm physiological state can be implemented to enhance the detection of the plaque via mapping skin temperature. To test this strategy, a far-infrared imaging system was applied to record the dynamic thermal pictures on the cervicum of two human subjects, and the intentional cooling by the alcohol was proposed to improve detection. The thermograph reveals the surface effects of the main blood vessel and organs in the cervicum. The present study sets up a theoretical foundation for using noncontact far-infrared imaging method for a reliable assessment of atherosclerosis plaque without causing any wound or radiation to human body.

Far-Infrared Imaging Method for Non-Contact Monitoring of Ice Valve Array in Controlling Micro/Nano Fluidics

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Jing Liu
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Distribution ◽  
Convenient Method ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Far Infrared ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Infrared Thermal Imaging ◽  
Surface Temperature Distribution ◽  
Thermal Imaging System

Ice valve is a unique kind of micro valve without any moving elements and leakage. While in its operational process, appropriate control on the valve depends on well knowing the working statues of the valve system. In order to develop a quick and convenient method for guiding the operation of the ice valve, this paper is dedicated to establish a non-contact image way for monitoring the ice valve during controlling the micro fluid. The far-infrared thermal imaging system was adopted to detect and map the surface temperature distribution of the ice valve, which consequently could help achieve the non-contact monitoring of the ice valve.

Far-Infrared Imaging Method for Non-Contact Monitoring of Micromixer

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Jing Liu
Keyword(s):  
Convenient Method ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Far Infrared ◽  
Imaging Method ◽  
Working Process ◽  
Infrared Thermal Imaging ◽  
Thermal Imaging System

For many Lap-on-a-Chip applications, rapid and homogenous mixing of two or more fluid species is inevitable. However, it is also of great importance to developing a quick and convenient method for monitoring the mixture processing, as well as the entire working process of the Lab-on-a-chip. In order to develop a quick and convenient method, this paper is dedicated to establish a non-contact image way for monitoring not only the liquid flow behavior, but also the mixability between each reactant. The far-infrared thermal imaging system was adopted to detect and map the surface temperature distribution of the micromixer, which consequently could help achieve the non-contact monitoring of the mixing process.

scholarly journals Does skin surface temperature variation account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola K. Sexton-Oates ◽  
Andrew J. Stewardson ◽  
Arvind Yerramilli ◽  
Paul D.R. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Inverse Relationship ◽  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Mycobacterium Ulcerans ◽  
Skin Surface Temperature ◽  
Thermal Camera ◽  
Direct Exposure ◽  
Ulcer Lesion

AbstractBackgroundBuruli ulcer is a necrotising infection of skin and soft tissue caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans (M. ulcerans). Buruli ulcer most often occurs on limbs, and it is hypothesized this is explained by direct exposure to the environment. However, even on exposed areas Buruli ulcer is not randomly distributed. M. ulcerans prefers an in vitro temperature of 30-33°C and growth is inhibited at higher temperatures. This study investigated whether variations in skin surface temperature distribution in healthy volunteers could partly account for Buruli ulcer lesion distribution.Methodology/Principal FindingsIn this observational study, a thermal camera (FLIR E8) was used to measure skin surface temperature at the sternal notch and at 44 predetermined locations on the limbs of 18 human participants. Body locations of high, middle and low Buruli ulcer incidence were identified from existing density maps of lesion distribution. Skin temperature of the three incidence location groups were compared, and differences in age and sex groups were also analysed.We found an inverse relationship between skin temperature and lesion distribution, where high incidence locations were significantly cooler and low incidence locations significantly warmer (Kruskal-Wallis test p<0.0001). Linear mixed effects regression analysis estimated that skin surface temperature accounts for 9.5% of the variance in Buruli ulcer lesion distribution (marginal R-squared = 0.095). Men had warmer upper and lower limbs than females (Mann-Whitney U test p=0.0003 and p<0.0001 respectively).Conclusions/SignificanceWe have found an inverse relationship between skin temperature and Buruli ulcer lesion distribution, however this association is weak. Additional unknown factors are likely to be involved that explain the majority of the variation in Buruli lesion distribution.Author SummaryBuruli ulcer is a destructive soft tissue infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The precise mode of transmission remains unknown. One theory proposes that transmission occurs by direct contact with a contaminated environment. Lesions occur mostly on limbs, and it is hypothesized this is explained by direct exposure to the environment. However even on exposed areas, lesions are not randomly distributed. This study investigated whether skin surface temperature can partly explain Buruli ulcer lesion distribution. We measured the skin surface temperature of 18 healthy participants using a thermal camera and compared temperature distribution to the distribution of Buruli ulcer lesions investigated in a previously published study. We found that there is a negative correlation between skin temperature and Buruli ulcer lesion incidence. However, the association is weak and other factors e.g. clothing choice and insect biting patterns may explain the majority of Buruli ulcer lesion distribution.

scholarly journals 1033. Skin Surface Thermal Imaging to Differentiate Cellulitis and Pseudocellulitis in the Emergency Department

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S607-S607
Author(s):  
Michael Pulia ◽  
Rebecca Schwei ◽  
Edward Harwick ◽  
Ambar Haleem ◽  
Jamie Hess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Maximum Temperature ◽  
Skin Surface Temperature ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Diagnostic Uncertainty ◽  
Physician Review ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Cellulitis is misdiagnosed in up to 30% of cases, resulting in overuse of antibiotics. This represents a threat to patient safety and public health. Surface thermal imaging has been proposed as a tool to reduce errors in diagnosing cellulitis. The study objective was to compare skin surface temperature measurements between patients with cellulitis and pseudocellulitis. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dermatologic lower extremity complaints that involved visible erythema. Using a thermal imaging camera, the maximum temperature value (Tmax) for the affected area of skin and corresponding area on an unaffected limb were captured. The Tmax gradient between the affected and unaffected limb was calculated. Gold standard diagnosis (cellulitis versus pseudocellulitis) was determined by consensus of a blinded, multidisciplinary physician review panel (two infectious disease, two dermatologists and two emergency medicine). Differences in temperature variables (Tmax and Tmax gradient) between cellulitis and pseudocellulitis were compared using t-tests. Results The sample included 204 participants, 59% male with an average age of 57 years. Based on expert panel consensus diagnosis, 92 (45%) of the participants had cellulitis. The cellulitis group had an average Tmax of 33.2°C and 30.2°C for affected and unaffected skin respectively, which was a significant difference of 2.9°C (CI: 2.5 to 3.6; p&lt; 0.001). The difference in the Tmax gradients between patients with cellulitis and pseudocellulitis was 2.08°C (CI: 1.46-2.70; p&lt; 0.001). Conclusion This represents the largest validation study of skin surface temperature differences between cellulitis and pseudocellulitis. Significant difference in temperature gradients between cases of cellulitis and pseudocellulitis suggests thermal imaging could be a useful diagnostic adjunct that can help differentiate these conditions. Such a modality could be particularly helpful in the ED setting where providers must balance diagnostic uncertainty with antimicrobial stewardship principles. Future work will identify the best performing temperature variables and determine optimal cutoff values for use in diagnostic algorithms. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Effect on autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inaho Shishido ◽  
Issei Konya ◽  
Rika Yano
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Skin Temperature ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
The Body ◽  
Autonomic Nerve ◽  
Autonomic Nervous Activity ◽  
Skin Surface Temperature ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Autonomic Nervous

Abstract Background Bed baths are a daily nursing activity to maintain patients’ hygiene. Those may provide not only comfort but also relaxation. Notably, applying a hot towel to the skin for 10 s (AHT10s) during bed baths helped to reduce the risk of skin tears and provided comfort and warmth in previous studies. However, it is still unclear whether autonomic nervous system is affected by bed baths. Thus, this study investigated the effect on the autonomic nervous activity of applying hot towels for 10 s to the back during bed baths. Methods This crossover study had 50 participants (25 men and women each; average age 22.2 ± 1.6 years; average body mass index 21.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2) who took bed baths with and without (control condition: CON) AHT10s on their back. Skin temperature, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Subjective evaluations and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in Japanese were also performed. Results A significant interaction of time and bed bath type on skin surface temperature was observed (p < .001). Regarding the means of skin surface temperature at each measurement time point, those for AHT10s were significantly higher than those for CON. Although the total state-anxiety score significantly decreased in both the bed bath types after intervention, the mean values of comfort and warmth were higher for bed baths with AHT10s than for CON (p < .05) during bed baths; AHT10s was significantly higher in warmth than CON after 15 min (p = .032). The interaction and main effects of time on HRV and BP and that of bed bath type were not significant. Conclusion Bed baths that involved AHT10s caused participants to maintain a higher skin temperature and warmer feeling than under the wiping-only condition; they also provided comfort during the interventions. However, the bed baths with AHT10s did not allow participants to reach a relaxed state; moreover, there was no change in autonomic nerve activity. This may be due to participants’ increased anxiety from skin exposure and the intervention being limited to one part of the body.

scholarly journals Patellar Skin Surface Temperature by Thermography Reflects Knee Osteoarthritis Severity

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. CMAMD.S5916 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna E. Denoble ◽  
Norine Hall ◽  
Carl F. Pieper ◽  
Virginia B. Kraus
Keyword(s):  
Knee Osteoarthritis ◽  
Thermal Imaging ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Skin Surface ◽  
Regions Of Interest ◽  
Infrared Thermal Imaging ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Symptomatic Knee ◽  
Infrared Measurements ◽  
Cutaneous Temperature

Background Digital infrared thermal imaging is a means of measuring the heat radiated from the skin surface. Our goal was to develop and assess the reproducibility of serial infrared measurements of the knee and to assess the association of knee temperature by region of interest with radiographic severity of knee Osteoarthritis (rOA). Methods A total of 30 women (15 Cases with symptomatic knee OA and 15 age-matched Controls without knee pain or knee OA) participated in this study. Infrared imaging was performed with a Meditherm Med2000™ Pro infrared camera. The reproducibility of infrared imaging of the knee was evaluated through determination of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for temperature measurements from two images performed 6 months apart in Controls whose knee status was not expected to change. The average cutaneous temperature for each of five knee regions of interest was extracted using WinTes software. Knee x-rays were scored for severity of rOA based on the global Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale. Results The knee infrared thermal imaging procedure used here demonstrated long-term reproducibility with high ICCs (0.50–0.72 for the various regions of interest) in Controls. Cutaneous temperature of the patella (knee cap) yielded a significant correlation with severity of knee rOA (R = 0.594, P = 0.02). Conclusion The skin temperature of the patellar region correlated with x-ray severity of knee OA. This method of infrared knee imaging is reliable and as an objective measure of a sign of inflammation, temperature, indicates an interrelationship of inflammation and structural knee rOA damage.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document