Changes In Skin Temperature Research Articles

Mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain disorder characterized by a diverse array of symptoms, including pain that is disproportionate to the initial triggering event, accompanied by autonomic, sensory, motor, and sudomotor disturbances. The primary pathology of both types of CRPS (Type I, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy, RSD; Type II, also known as causalgia) is featured by allodynia, edema, changes in skin color and temperature, and dystrophy, predominantly affecting extremities. Recent studies started to unravel the complex pathogenic mechanisms of CRPS, particularly from an autoimmune and neuroimmune interaction perspective. CRPS is now recognized as a systemic disease that stems from a complex interplay of inflammatory, immunologic, neurogenic, genetic, and psychologic factors. The relative contributions of these factors may vary among patients and even within a single patient over time. Key mechanisms underlying clinical manifestations include peripheral and central sensitization, sympathetic dysregulation, and alterations in somatosensory processing. Enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of CRPS is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. While our mechanistic understanding of CRPS remains incomplete, this article updates recent research advancements and sheds light on the etiology, pathogenesis, and molecular underpinnings of CRPS.

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

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

Experimental Study on Thermal Environment and Thermal Comfort of Passenger Compartment in Winter with Personal Comfort System

The combined heating method of seat heating and air conditioning (A/C) was applied in the passenger compartment under different experiment conditions, using thermocouples to continuously measure the wall surfaces and air temperatures in the passenger compartment and the passengers’ skin temperatures of 17 segments. Meanwhile, a subjective evaluation questionnaire survey was conducted using a nine-point evaluation scale on the local and overall thermal sensation and thermal comfort of the passengers, and the data from the questionnaire were analyzed with the ANOVA method. The results showed that the use of the heating pad directly affected the changes in human skin temperature, which in turn affected the local and overall thermal sensation and thermal comfort. For the two thermally stimulated segments of the back and under the thighs, the skin temperature of the back was higher than that of the thighs. Using the heating pad resulted in a rapid increase in the mean skin temperature in the early period of the experiment. Thermal sensation of the back and under-thighs shifted rapidly towards the hot zone in the first 10 min, and then settled around +3, with even more significant differences between the groups. Thermal sensations in non-thermally stimulated segments changed in relation to their position on the heating pad, with slower changes in those at the “distal” end of the body, the head and the feet. Continued use of the heating pads at lower ambient temperatures maintained overall thermal comfort at a neutral level in the range of 0–1, whereas at higher ambient temperatures there was a gradual deterioration of local and overall thermal comfort.

THE EFFECT OF WATER DOUSING ON HEAT STRAIN AND PERFORMANCE DURING ENDURANCE RUNNING IN THE HEAT

INTRODUCTION Water dousing (pouring water on the body) is an easy-to-implement cooling method while running due to the availability of water at race aid stations, and may decrease the risk of heat illness and improve performance. However, dousing has not been investigated in extended duration running (i.e., ≥10 km), a typical distance in both elite and community level events. AIMS: Assess the effect of water dousing on heat strain and performance during self-paced and fixed-intensity exercise in the heat. DESIGN: Crossover, block randomised controlled trial. METHODS 13 trained runners completed a 10 km time trial (TT) and 60 min fixed pace run (60% velocity of VO2max) in a 30°C, 47% relative humidity environment using either water dousing (DOUSE) or no dousing (CON). RESULTS 10 km TT performance was faster in DOUSE compared to CON (44:11±6:14 vs. 44:38±6:03 min:s; p=0.033). Change in core temperature (Tc) was not different between groups during the TT (+0.02±0.33°C in DOUSE; p=0.853) or fixed pace run (+0.02±0.30°C; p=0.848). Change in mean skin temperature (Tsk) was lower in DOUSE during the TT (-1.80±0.63°C; p<0.001) and fixed pace run (-1.38±0.78°C; p<0.001). Heart rate (HR) was lower for DOUSE during the fixed pace run (-3.5±5.5 bpm; p=0.041) but not during the TT (-0.2±4.2 bpm; p=0.853). Thermal sensation was lower for DOUSE during the TT (-49.3±41.9 mm; p<0.001) and fixed pace run (-44.7±27.6 mm; p<0.001). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was not different between groups for the TT (-0.2±0.9; p=0.390) or fixed pace run (-0.2±1.0; p=0.480). CONCLUSION Water dousing improves 10 km TT performance in the heat but does not mitigate a rise in Tc. The positive change in thermal perception (via lower skin temperature) likely drives this ergogenic effect.

Role of cholinergic agonists & hyperthermia on regional skin barriers: exposure science implications

Regional differences in skin barrier properties are common in mammals, as some exterior surfaces are fairly impermeable and others are leakier. Neural-induced changes in skin physiology and temperature have the potential to alter skin barrier properties, but the circumstances and mechanisms are unclear. We hypothesized that increasing methylcholine (MCh) or acetylcholine (ACh) concentration would decrease the transepithelial resistance (an index of the skin barrier) measured across mouse paw pad skin jacketed at neutral skin (32°C) or internal (37°C) temperature. Additionally, we hypothesized that paw pads would have lower transepithelial resistance compared to mouse tail skin, and subjecting samples to 40°C (local cutaneous heat stress) would lower transepithelial resistance compared to paw pad skin tested at 32°C. 30 C57BL/6 mouse rear paw pads (containing sweat glands) and 7 mouse tail skins (no sweat glands) were dissected and mounted into a vertical Ussing chamber filled with Kreb’s bicarbonate buffer, gassed with 95% O₂ & 5% CO₂, and encased in a temperature jacket. Transepithelial resistance utilized a current clamp and was measured with Ag-AgCl2 electrodes placed in both epidermal and hypodermal baths during hypodermal-side-only cholinergic dosing (5 min/dose). ACh (0, 0.0833, 0.1666, 0.2499, 0.4166, 0.58323, and 0.74989 M) significantly decreased transepithelial resistance in paw pads clamped at 37°C in a dose-dependent manner. Tail skin had significantly higher transepithelial resistance than paw pad skin. However, transepithelial resistance decreased significantly with MCh (same dosing as ACh) at both skin sites. Increasing jacket temperature to 40°C did not alter the magnitude of decrease in transepithelial resistance to MCh in paw pads compared to 32°C. Transepithelial resistance observations were similar when data were expressed as absolute or relative changes to baseline. Increased ion movement in murine skin (signifying a leakier epithelium) occurred with cholinergic stimulation but not with local hyperthermia, suggesting that neural influences can suffciently affect skin function to directly alter regional skin barriers. P30ES026529 with additional support from TL1TR001997 and R25ES027684. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Thermoregulatory Responses to Very Hot and Dry Heat Exposure: Interactions Between Age and Sex

Extreme heat events can cause mass morbidity and mortality. Older adults are more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat. Additionally, sex is known to independently influence the physiological responses to heat stress. However, less is known regarding the interaction between age and sex on thermoregulation. Purpose: This study investigated differences in thermoregulatory responses between males and females in older and younger individuals exposed to a hot and dry environment with accompanying activities of daily living. Methods: Twenty older (70 ± 4 yrs) and twenty younger (29 ± 5 yrs) adults (10 males and 10 females per group) were exposed to 3-hours of ambient heating, replicating peak environmental conditions during the 2018 Los Angeles heat wave (47 °C, 15% relative humidity). Participants performed seven 5-minute periods of light exercise (≍3 METS; metabolic heat production: 2.99 ± 0.33 W/kg) dispersed throughout the heat exposure to simulate heat generation associated with activities of daily living. Participants ingested 3 mL/kg/hr of tap-temperature water throughout the trial. Core temperature, skin temperature, and heart rate changes were assessed from pre-post heat exposure. Whole-body sweat rate and forearm blood flow changes were indexed to changes in core temperature. Data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA (Age x Sex) Results: Delta core temperature was greater in older individuals (males: 1.43 ± 0.47°C, females: 1.31 ± 0.39°C) than in younger (males: 0.83 ± 0.22°C, females: 0.53 ± 0.24°C, p<0.001) but there was no difference between sex (p = 0.063) nor was there an interaction (p = 0.423). There was an interaction of age and sex on delta heart rate (p = 0.019). Older females (32 ± 9 bpm) had greater increases in heart rate than older males (18 ± 8 bpm), younger males (18 ± 6 bpm), and younger females (18 ± 12 bpm, p ≤ 0.009 for all comparisons). There was no effect of age (p = 0.529), sex (p = 0.670), or interaction (p = 0.422) on delta skin temperature. There was an interaction between age and sex for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL) indexed to changes in core temperature and body surface area (p = 0.009). Younger females (1688 ± 685 mL/m2/°C) had greater WBSL than older females (612 ± 211 mL/m2/°C, p < 0.0001), older males (694 ± 327 mL/m2/°C, p < 0.0001), and younger males (1038 ± 282 mL/m2/°C, p < 0.0001). There was a main effect of sex (p = 0.003) and age (p < 0.0001), but no interaction (p = 0.152) on delta forearm blood flow indexed to changes in core temperature (older males: 116 ± 67 mL/min/°C, older females: 194 ± 73 mL/min/°C, younger males: 263 ± 72 mL/min/°C, younger females: 468 ± 243 mL/min/°C). Conclusion: These data suggest that many thermoregulatory responses to heat stress are influenced by the interaction between age and sex. Supported by NIH R01AG069005 (CGC). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Changes in skin temperature and behaviors of preweaning Holstein calves in a hot environment monitored by a multimodal tail-attached device

This study aimed to determine the applicability of a tail-attached device in monitoring animal-based indicators (ABI) associated with changes in environmental conditions in calves through investigating the relationship between sensor-derived ABI and the temperature-humidity index (THI). Furthermore, to identify effective ABI indicative of heat stress status, sensor-derived ABI of calves under differing heat stress levels based on rectal temperature (RT) were compared. The tail-attached device, which is capable of measuring skin temperature (ST), activity intensity, and roll angle along the longitudinal axis of the tail at 3-min intervals, was attached to 99 preweaning female Holstein calves for an average of 4 wk (26.4 ± 6.8 d). After selecting data from mild to hot days (daily average THI of ≥55), physiological (daily maximum tail ST) and behavioral (daily average activity intensity, daily total lying time, and daily total body position change) ABI were computed, and their relationship with the daily average THI was determined using piecewise regression analysis. Additionally, during the hot season, RT of 20 randomly selected tested calves were measured thrice a week (every 2.4 ± 0.5 d), and a comparison was conducted between the ABI of calves with normal RT (<39.5°C) and those with high RT (≥39.5°C), utilizing data from days characterized by potential heat stress (daily average THI of ≥75). During the study, ambient temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) were recorded every 10 min using an automatic digital data logger, from which the daily average THI was calculated. Piecewise regression analysis identified THI breakpoints of 73.6 for tail ST, 79.1 for average activity intensity, 72.3 for lying time, and 79.1 for position change. All the tested ABI tended to increase as THI increased, and this trend was pronounced in tail ST, activity intensity, and position change after the breakpoint. These 3 ABI were higher in calves with high RT compared with those with normal RT, whereas lying time shared similar values between the RT groups. Overall, these findings suggest that the tail-attached device can simultaneously monitor both physiological and behavioral ABI in calves, and among the ABI, tail ST, activity intensity, and position change are the effective ABI indicative of heat stress status.

Exploring on the prediction model of human skin temperature and rectal temperature under heat stress

Hot environments cast direct influence on people's well-beings and health besides working productivity during the accelerating global warming. The systematic mechanism is not entirely clear due to the complex human physiological response which also handled human heat strain protection. This study carries out mathematical derivation on the rectal temperature and skin temperature under human heat strain based on the PHS model of ISO 7933 standard. The experimental validation was conducted in a climate chamber with continuously monitoring the typical physiological parameters of 10 subjects in 9 hot working environments. Physiological parameters of subjects were analyzed on average difference (AV), coefficient of variation (CV) and skewness (SKEW) to explore their mutual linkages. Both experimental and theoretical result shows that certain relationship existed between the rectal temperature and skin temperature. The Poisson's ratio on their average value, coefficient of variation, average difference and skew were 0.957, 0.991, 0.990 and 0.941 respectively. Linear relation with coefficient of 0.73 was found between rectal temperature and skin temperature coupling with the constant of 12.09. Comparison on the dynamic changes of rectal temperature and skin temperature was carried out and verified under PHS model. The results showed that rectal temperature was adjusted earlier and more forcefully than skin temperature indicating that human core temperature was better protected under heat stress. The findings contribute to a convenient method of human heat strain prediction when taking rectal temperature as the best physiological threshold with fast human skin temperature and environment parameters monitoring in complex high temperature working environments.

Utility of Thermal Imaging in Predicting Superficial Infections in Transfemoral Osseointegrated Implants.

Superficial infection is a common minor complication of transcutaneous implants that can be challenging to predict or diagnose. Although it remains unclear whether superficial infections progress to deep infections (which may require implant removal), predicting and treating any infection in these patients is important. Given that flap thinning during stage II surgery requires compromising vascularity for stability of the skin penetration aperture, we hypothesized that early skin temperature changes predict long-term superficial infection risk. We obtained standardized thermal imaging and recorded surface temperatures of the aperture and overlying flaps 2 weeks postoperatively for the first 34 patients (46 limbs) treated with the Osseointegrated Prosthesis for the Rehabilitation of Amputees transfemoral implant system. We used two-sided t tests to compare temperatures surrounding the aperture and adjacent soft tissues in patients with and without subsequent infection. During median follow-up of 3 years, 14 limbs (30.4%) developed 23 superficial infections. At patients' initial 2-week visit, mean skin temperature surrounding the aperture was 36.3ºC in limbs that later developed superficial infections and 36.7ºC in uninfected limbs (P = 0.35). In four patients with bilateral implants who later developed superficial infection in one limb, average temperature was 1.5ºC colder in the infected limb (P = 0.12). Superficial infections remain a frequent complication of transfemoral osseointegration surgery. We did not find differences in early heat signatures between limbs subsequently complicated and those not complicated by superficial infection. Further research should explore more objective measures to predict, diagnose, and prevent infections after osseointegration surgery.

Subjective sleep onset latency is influenced by sleep structure and body heat loss in human subjects.

The present study examined the relationship between subjective sleep onset latency (SOL), sleep structure, changes in skin and body temperature, and subjective evaluation of sleep in healthy young adults to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of insomnia. A total of 28 participants (age 21.54 [0.50] years) with no sleep problems participated in a 1-h polysomnographic recording that obtained objective sleep parameters during the daytime while skin and body temperatures were recorded. The distal-proximal skin temperature gradient (DPG) was calculated. Subjective parameters, such as subjective SOL, sleep time, and restorative sleepiness, were evaluated before and after sleep. Most participants estimated their sleep latency as being longer than their actual SOL (13.7 versus 7.6 min). Objective SOL was significantly correlated with each sleep stage parameter whereas subjective SOL was negatively correlated with Stage N2 sleep duration (Rho = -0.454, p = 0.020), slow-wave activity and delta power (Rho = -0.500, p = 0.011 and Rho = -0.432, p = 0.031, respectively), and ΔDPG (the degree of reduction of heat loss before and after lights-off). Stepwise regression analysis showed that ΔDPG was the strongest predictive factor in explaining the length of subjective SOL. The degree of heat dissipation before and after lights-off contributed most to the sensation of falling asleep in healthy young adults. This finding may be helpful for elucidating the physiological mechanisms of insomnia and its treatment.

Effect of Prewarming on Skin Temperature Changes After Spinal Anesthesia in Transurethral Resection of the Bladder

PurposeMonitoring of peripheral skin temperature changes is an objective and rapid method to evaluate the success of neuraxial block after spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of prewarming on peripheral temperature changes after the administration of spinal anesthesia. DesignRandomized, prospective, single-blind study. MethodsIn this study, patients scheduled for transurethral resection of the bladder surgery under spinal anesthesia were divided into two groups: those with active prewarming and those without active prewarming. The groups were compared in core and skin temperature changes after administration of spinal anesthesia, length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit, shivering score, and the thermal comfort scale. FindingsA statistically significant difference was found between the groups on time for a 1 °C increase in ankle and toe skin temperatures (P < .001). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in core temperature measurements (P < .001). When thermal comfort was compared between the groups, a statistically significant difference was found (P < .001). Patients' shivering score (P = .704), and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit (P = .059) between the groups were similar. ConclusionsSkin temperature changes in the prewarming group were lower, and this group had a lower rate of increase than the nonprewarming group. Therefore, skin temperature changes in the lower extremity can be used to determine the success of spinal anesthesia in patients who are prewarmed, with the awareness of these differences.

Mental Fatigue Under the Thermoneutral Environment in Buildings: Effects of the Constant and Altered Workload Sequences

In order to explore the effects of constant and altered workload sequences on mental fatigue in a thermoneutral environment, experiments and surveys were carried out in this study. n‐back tasks were used to design different workload sequences. Fifteen healthy right‐handed males were required to experience three different workload sequences for 30 min, respectively, including a constant workload (2‐back task) and 2 altered workload sequences that contained an elevating workload sequence (1‐2‐3‐back tasks) and a reducing workload sequence (3‐2‐1‐back tasks). The PANAS, VAS‐F, and NASA‐TLX scales were selected to investigate changes in the mood, the perceived fatigue, and the perceived workload. Meanwhile, the skin temperature during these three workload sequences was continuously collected. Results from the NASA‐TLX scale indicated that no significant difference in total workload was observed among all three workload sequences. Meanwhile, results from the VAS‐F scale showed that no significant changes in self‐reported mental fatigue were observed among these three workload sequences, which meant that mental fatigue was only related to the total workload. However, self‐reported “energy” from the VAS‐F scale did not reduce significantly during the reducing workload sequence, which meant that the reducing workload sequence could conserve more “energy” than that of the elevating and constant workload sequences. Furthermore, both positive and negative moods changed significantly under the constant workload sequence (2‐back task), but they did not show much changes under altered workloads, which meant that the altered workload sequence could attenuate the mood deterioration. What is more, the mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, effort, and the total workload increased significantly after both the constant workload and elevating workload sequence, but no significant changes in all these six items of the NASA‐TLX scale were observed under the reducing workload sequence. Finally, the mean skin temperature under the constant workload sequence was lower than that under the altered workload sequences (p &gt; 0.05), but significant changes in skin temperature at the left hand and neck were only observed between the constant and reducing workload sequences. In conclusion, constant and altered workload sequences contributed equally to the mental fatigue in a thermoneutral environment, but the differences in workload sequence produced some differences in mood, energy, and mental demand, which would affect the working performance. Findings of this study provided implications for the proper planning, assignment, and management of tasks in real working settings.

The thermal sensation threshold and its reliability induced by the exposure to 28 GHz millimeter-wave.

The application of 28 GHz millimeter-wave is prevalent owing to the global spread of fifth-generation wireless communication systems. Its thermal effect is a dominant factor which potentially causes pain and tissue damage to the body parts exposed to the millimeter waves. However, the threshold of this thermal sensation, that is, the degree of change in skin temperature from the baseline at which the first subjective response to the thermal effects of the millimeter waves occurs, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the thermal sensation threshold and assessed its reliability when exposed to millimeter waves. Twenty healthy adults were exposed to 28 GHz millimeter-wave on their left middle fingertip at five levels of antenna input power: 0.2, 1.1, 1.6, 2.1, and 3.4 W (incident power density: 27-399 mW/cm2). This measurement session was repeated twice on the same day to evaluate the threshold reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used as proxies for the relative and absolute reliability, respectively. The number of participants who perceived a sensation during the two sessions at each exposure level was also counted as the perception rate. Mean thermal sensation thresholds were within 0.9°C-1.0°C for the 126-399 mW/cm2 conditions, while that was 0.2°C for the 27 mW/cm2 condition. The ICCs for the threshold at 27 and 126 mW/cm2 were interpreted as poor and fair, respectively, while those at higher exposure levels were moderate to substantial. Apart from a proportional bias in the 191 mW/cm2 condition, there was no fixed bias. All participants perceived a thermal sensation at 399 mW/cm2 in both sessions, and the perception rate gradually decreased with lower exposure levels. Importantly, two-thirds of the participants answered that they felt a thermal sensation in both or one of the sessions at 27 mW/cm2, despite the low-temperature increase. These results suggest that the thermal sensation threshold is around 1.0°C, consistent across exposure levels, while its reliability increases with higher exposure levels. Furthermore, the perception of thermal sensation may be inherently ambiguous owing to the nature of human perception.

The effect of photobiomodulation on histamine and Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus, hyperknesis and alloknesis in healthy volunteers: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study.

Photobiomodulation, also referred to as Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), has emerged as a promising intervention for pruritus, a prevalent and often distressing symptom. This study investigated the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in alleviating pruritus, hyperknesis, and alloknesis induced by histamine and Mucuna pruriens. In a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial with a split-body design, healthy volunteers underwent 6 minutes of LLLT and sham treatments in separate upper back quadrants. The histamine model was applied to the upper quadrants, and Mucuna pruriens to the lower quadrants. Pruritus intensity, alloknesis, hyperknesis, flare area, and skin temperature were measured pre and post treatment. Seventeen individuals (eight females, nine males) participated in the study. In the histamine model, LLLT notably reduced itch intensity (difference = 13.9 (95% CI: 10.5 - 17.4), p = 0.001), alloknesis (difference = 0.80 (95% CI: 0.58-1.02), p = 0.001), and hyperknesis (difference = 0.48 (95% CI: 0.09-0.86), p = 0.01). Skin temperature changes were not significantly different between the two groups (difference = -2.0 (95% CI: -6.7-2.6), p = 0.37). For the Mucuna pruriens model, no significant differences were observed in any measures, including itch intensity (difference = 0.8 (95% CI: -2.3 - 3.8), p = 0.61) hyperknesis (difference = 0.08 (95% CI: -0.06-0.33), p = 0.16) and alloknesis (difference = 0. 0.09 (95% CI: -0.08-0.256), p = 0.27). LLLT effectively reduced histamine-induced pruritus, alloknesis, and hyperknesis; however, LLLT was ineffective against Mucuna pruriens-induced pruritus. Further investigations are required to determine LLLT's effectiveness of LLLT in various pruritus models.

The Design and Application of a New Type of Bed Sheet Restraint Device: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To observe the application effect of the new type of bed sheet restraint device in NICU. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. A total of 100 patients randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 50 patients in each group. Patients in the observation group used the new type of bed sheet restraint device, while the control group used the conventional restraint device. The restraint-related adverse reaction, restraint time and ICU stay time were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no fall from bed in the two groups of patients. The incidence of the change of skin color, temperature, texture and restraint devices break free, unplanned extubation of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group. The restraint time and ICU stay time of the observation group was significantly less than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The new type of bed sheet restraint device can effectively reduce the incidence of restraint-related adverse reactions of patients, and reduce the restraint time and ICU stay time of patients, which is worthy of clinical application.

Observational study of peripheral skin temperature changes following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean birth

BackgroundSpinal anaesthesia is widely used in obstetric anaesthesia practice but there is limited knowledge about the development of sympathetic blockade following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean birth. This study investigated the characteristics of sympathetic blockade by measuring peripheral skin temperature changes in the feet of patients given spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean birth. MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted involving 60 eligible parturients scheduled for elective caesarean birth with spinal anaesthesia. Skin temperature probes were attached to the dorsum of both feet, and temperature measurements were recorded every minute. The dose of spinal anaesthesia given, and other relevant patient data, were collected. ResultsAll participants had successful spinal anaesthesia. Following spinal anaesthesia, a sustained rise in skin temperature of both feet was observed, indicating the presence of sympathetic blockade. The maximum rate of temperature increase occurred between 6 and 15 min after the intrathecal injection and plateaued from 22 min after the injection. Control participants did not show any changes in foot temperature. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that successful spinal anaesthesia for caesarean birth results in a consistent and reliable rise in skin temperature of the feet that is evident after six minutes from intrathecal injection. The observed temperature changes provide indirect objective evidence of bilateral sympathetic blockade. Measurement of feet skin temperatures may serve as an additional objective indicator of successful spinal anaesthesia, along with tests of lower limb motor block and sensory block height. These findings contribute to the understanding of sympathetic blockade during spinal anaesthesia.

Peeling mechanism of tomato induced by HHAIB: Microscopic, ultrastructure, chemical, physical and mechanical properties perspectives

In order to better manage the peeling degree and avoid unnecessary losses, the current work aimed to explore the peeling mechanism of a novel peeling technology, high-humidity hot air impingement blanching (HHAIB). The relationships between HHAIB peeling performance and the changes in skin temperature, skin structure, water state, pectin fractions content, and skin mechanical properties of tomatoes were analyzed. Results showed, after HHAIB treatment, the epicuticular wax was disrupted, the skin exhibited more and longer random cracks, the degradation of inner skin tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy, the free water percentage increased resulting in water loss in the whole tomato, the water-soluble pectin contents decreased in tomato fleshes, while the contents of chelate-soluble pectin and sodium-carbonate-soluble pectin increased. HHAIB heating reduced the elongation at break, and increased Young's Modulus of tomato peel. This study revealed the HHAIB peeling mechanism and provided new insights for developing HHAIB peeling technology.

Optimization design of functional running pants and evaluation of thermal-humid comfort capabilities

In this study, we optimized the design of functional running pants and innovated a stereoscopic seaming technology. The purpose of the study was to explore the thermal and humid comfort of the athletes during running by assessing the changes in skin temperature, surface temperature, and skin humidity of a subject during running. The results of the study suggest that during continuous incremental running speed exercise and sweating heavily, the surface temperature of the running pants and the skin temperature of the human body gradually approached before running, and remained basically in equilibrium. At 40 min, the skin humidity of a subject decreased significantly, and the sweat accumulated by the human body was absorbed and evaporated. The running pants in this study still exhibit better thermal conductivity and quick-drying properties as compared to the moisture-wicking and quick-drying running pants on the market. In addition, the running pants provide designed comfort that meets the needs of the exercising human body. They effectively address the problems such as abrupt lines, rubbing against the skin, and unsuited pattern. The application of moisture-absorbing and quick-drying fabric and the innovative 0.2 cm stereoscopic seaming technology creates pores between the separation line and the human body. This allows for effective airflow throughout the pants, promoting the evaporation of sweat from the legs, which can aid athletic performance to some extent. The results of the study confirm that the optimized running pants significantly improve human body comfort and offer practical advantages in terms of athletic performance.

Evaluation of thermal properties and thermoregulatory impacts of lower back exosuit using thermal manikin

As exoskeletons and exosuits rapidly transition from laboratory to practice, the thermal discomfort posed by wearing the devices is emerging as a significant challenge towards their widespread adoption. We use a thermal manikin coupled with a thermoregulation model to evaluate the thermal properties and thermophysiological impacts of such devices. We measure thermal and evaporative resistances of summer and full clothing coupled with a legacy low-back supporting exosuit and its successor that features two design alterations to improve the user's thermal comfort. We quantify the decrease in evaporative resistance provided by substantial perforation of the back portion of the updated exosuit. The thermal manikin can replicate local skin temperature decrease associated with a release of a dual-mode thigh body attachment measured during a prior human trial. Using the thermal manikin coupled with a thermoregulation model, we simulate how the updated exosuit with several levels of assumed metabolic rate reduction impacts sweat rate, skin and core temperature changes during multiple work-rest cycles in a hot and humid climate. While a large metabolic rate reduction (>15%) is required to significantly slow the core temperature increase, even a minor metabolic rate reduction (5%) could provide a substantial reduction (20%) in the sweat rate (i.e. could reduce dehydration). Results suggest that thermal manikins with a thermoregulation model are an effective and efficient platform for comparing exosuit design features and for improving their thermal aspects. Our study highlights the comprehensive method and importance of considering thermal aspects when designing exosuits for occupational use.

Aging is associated with impaired triggering of TRPV3-mediated cutaneous vasodilation: a crucial process for local heat exposure.

Sensing temperature is vitally important to adapt our body to environmental changes. Local warm detection is required to initiate regulation of cutaneous blood flow, which is part of the peripheral thermoregulatory mechanisms, and thus avoid damage to surrounding tissues. The mechanisms mediating cutaneous vasodilation during local heat stress are impaired with aging. However, the impact of aging on the ability of the skin to detect subtle thermal changes is unknown. Among heat-activated cation channels, transient receptor potential vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) is a thermo-sensor predominantly expressed on keratinocytes and involved in local vascular thermoregulatory mechanisms of the skin in young mice. In the present study, using a murine in vivo model of local heat exposure of the skin, we showed that heat-induced vasodilation was reduced in old mice associated with reduced expression of TRPV3 channels. We also found a decrease in expression and activity of TRPV3 channel, as well as reduced TRPV3-dependent adenosine tri-phosphate release in human primary keratinocytes from old donors. This study shows that aging alters the epidermal TRPV3 channels, which might delay the detection of changes in skin temperature, thereby limiting the mechanisms triggered for local vascular thermoregulation in the old skin.