Changes In Skin Temperature Research Articles

The effectiveness of e-textiles in providing thermal comfort: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Thermal electronic textiles (e-textiles) are increasingly common in the market and aim to provide thermal comfort in cold environments. Currently, however, there is a paucity of information on the relative effectiveness of the different types of thermal e-textile. This study sets out to compare the effectiveness of a range of such textiles reported in the relevant literature. The study addresses the issue of heating effectiveness in terms of gender and particular body regions. Among the results reported, three primary categories emerged for investigation: (a) metabolic response, comprising metabolic rate and heart rate; (b) respiratory response i.e. mean skin temperature; and (c) perceptual response, including thermal sensation and comfort sensation. Eight eligible studies with a total of 83 subjects aged 23.4 ± 1.49 years, 40.96% male and 37.35% female and 21.69% in which gender was not reported, were investigated for the meta-analysis. Results show a significant improvement in changes in mean skin temperature and thermal sensation between the control and experimental groups via heating intervention ( p < 0.05), but results were not significant for changes in metabolic rate, heart rate, and comfort sensation ( p > 0.05). Regarding gender, thermal e-textiles significantly enhanced the changes in mean skin temperature in males and thermal sensation in both males and females ( p < 0.05). With regard to different body regions being heated, there were significant effects on changes in mean skin temperature, thermal sensation, and comfort sensation in heating the upper torso ( p < 0.05) and on changes in thermal sensation in heating the feet and toes ( p < 0.05). The results reported here may serve as reference points for the further development of smart heating textile technology.

Study of the Influence of Different Clothing Materials for Mine Ventilation Clothing on Human Body and Microclimate under Clothing

In order to study the influence of clothing materials on the cooling effect of mine ventilation clothing, the temperatures of human skin and micro-environment under clothing were used as reflection indexes of the cooling effect, and numerical simulations were carried out using fluent software to compare and analyze the temperature changes of human skin and micro-environment under the influence of mine ventilation clothing made of different clothing materials. The results regarding the human skin temperature showed that the modal fiber type resulted in a 0.4 °C lower temperature than the pure cotton type and that the pure cotton type resulted in a 0.6 °C lower temperature than the silica gel type. The temperature comparison of the micro-environment under clothing showed that the modal fiber type resulted in a lower value than the pure cotton type and that the pure cotton type resulted in a lower value than the silicone type; the cooling effect of the three kinds of mine ventilation clothing was modal fiber type > cotton type > silica gel type. In summary, fabric with good permeability and moisture permeability was helpful in improving the cooling effect of mine ventilation clothing.

The use of thermal imaging for monitoring the training progress of professional male sweep rowers

This study assesses the thermal profile of the skin in highly trained rowers and investigates the relationship between resting skin temperature (Ts) and the muscle peak torque (PT) measured in statics at the beginning (autumn) and the end (spring) of the preparatory period. Ten professional male sweep rowers, members of the Polish national rowing team, were investigated. A thermal imaging camera was used to analyze the Ts. The PT of the muscles involved in the rowing cycle were measured isometrically. No significant temperature asymmetries were found, except in front of arms after exercise in the spring (p = 0.0228). In contrast, the PT test in the autumn confirmed the significant asymmetry of the knee joint extensors (p = 0.0192). In spring compared to autumn, Ts in many areas of the body were slightly higher, as was PT of underlying muscles. Significant correlations between resting Ts and PT of the underlying muscles were found. Thermal imaging makes it possible to observe changes in skin temperature and symmetry before and after exercise. At this stage, it does not appear to be a method that, without supporting of other methods such as those assessing muscle function, will allow monitoring of training progress.

Reproducibility and robustness of motor cortical stimulation to assess muscle relaxation kinetics

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex can be used during a voluntary contraction to inhibit corticospinal drive to the muscle and consequently induce involuntary muscle relaxation. Our aim was to evaluate the reproducibility and the effect of varying experimental conditions (robustness) of TMS‐induced muscle relaxation. Relaxation of deep finger flexors was assessed in 10 healthy subjects (5 M, 5 F) using handgrip dynamometry with normalized peak relaxation rate as main outcome measure, that is, peak relaxation rate divided by (voluntary plus TMS‐evoked)force prior to relaxation. Both interday and interrater reliability of relaxation rate were high with intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.88 and 0.92 and coefficient of variation of 3.8 and 3.7%, respectively. Target forces of 37.5% of maximal voluntary force or higher resulted in similar relaxation rate. From 50% of maximal stimulator output and higher relaxation rate remained the same. Only the most lateral position (>2 cm from the vertex) rendered lower relaxation rate (mean ± SD: 11.1 ± 3.0 s−1, 95% CI: 9.0–13.3 s−1) compared to stimulation at the vertex (12.8 ± 1.89 s−1, 95% CI: 11.6–14.1 s−1). Within the range of baseline skin temperatures, an average change of 0.5 ± 0.2 s−1 in normalized peak relaxation rate was measured per 1°C change in skin temperature. In conclusion, interday and interrater reproducibility and reliability of TMS‐induced muscle relaxation of the finger flexors were high. Furthermore, this technique is robust with limited effect of target force, stimulation intensity, and coil position. Muscle relaxation is strongly affected by skin temperature; however, this effect is marginal within the normal skin temperature range. We deem this technique well suited for clinical and scientific assessment of muscle relaxation.

OPTIMIZATION OF PARAMETERS IN TUINA ROLLING MANIPULATION USING ORTHOGONAL DESIGN EXPERIMENT FOR PROMOTING QI AND BLOOD CIRCULATION

This study was envisaged to screen the best combination of parameters (time, force and frequency) in the operation of the Tuina rolling manipulation by using the L9(34) orthogonal design experiment, and to experimentally verify the mechanism of promoting qi and blood circulation. The Tactilus 4.0 software was used to measure the H-series pressure measurement system for collection of the force value, frequency and time of the operation of 10 massage teachers, and a 3-factor 3-level orthogonal test was designed. 90 volunteers were divided into 9 groups by random number table method, with 10 subjects in each group, and the experimental parameters of each group were determined. The force, frequency data, blood flow and the skin temperature of the Shenshu acupoint area (right) of the volunteers before and after the rolling manipulation of each group was recorded using the H-series pressure measuring device. Subsequently, the optimized values of the skin blood flow and temperature volunteers’ Shenshu acupoint area (right) were determined under various factors and the best combination of the parameters for improving the qi and blood circulation was obtained. The optimized parameters for the improved skin blood flow in the rolling manipulation method included time: 12[Formula: see text]min, force: 20[Formula: see text]g/cm2, and frequency: 140 times/min. The time factor, followed by frequency and force, had the largest impact on the skin blood flow. The rolling manipulation parameters for the largest change in skin temperature were time: 12[Formula: see text]min, force: 20[Formula: see text]g/cm2, and frequency: 120 times/min. The time factor influenced the skin temperature to the maximum extent, followed by force and frequency. The Pearson correlation coefficient [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) indicated a weak positive correlation between the skin blood flow and skin temperature immediately after massage. The Tuina rolling manipulation produced changes in the skin blood flow and temperature that lasted for 12 min at a force value of 20[Formula: see text]g/cm2 and a frequency of 120–140 times per min. This combination can be more effective in rolling manipulation—the impact of promoting qi and blood circulation. Immediately after the massage, a weak positive relation existed between the skin blood flow and skin temperature, while during the massage, the skin blood flow and skin temperature affected each other. This study provides a solid experimental support for increasing the therapeutic efficacy of the rolling manipulation and investigating its dose-effect connection, and can serve as a guide in the clinical procedure of rolling manipulation.

PREFACE: A SPECIAL SELECTION ON EMERGING TECHNIQUES FOR BIOMECHANICS–PART II

PREFACE: A SPECIAL SELECTION ON EMERGING TECHNIQUES FOR BIOMECHANICS–PART II

Infrared thermal imaging-based skin temperature response during cupping at two different negative pressures

Cupping therapy can relieve muscle fatigue and pain after exercise by increasing blood flow at the treatment site, which may lead to dynamic changes of the local skin temperature. This study aimed to analyze the effect of cupping on local skin temperature under two different negative pressures using infrared thermography (IRT). Cupping therapy was performed on the forearms of 22 healthy subjects using the negative pressures of − 0.03 and − 0.04 MPa. IRT was used to record the dynamic changes in skin temperature before, during, and after cupping. Both cupping pressures induced a non-linear skin temperature response: temperature decreased first and then increased during cupping, while it first increased and then decreased after cupping. A significant difference was noted between the two negative pressure groups in the maximum temperature increment after cupping (P < 0.001). Compared with the basal temperature before cupping, the maximum increase in skin temperature after cupping in the − 0.03 and − 0.04 MPa groups was 0.92 and 1.42 °C, respectively. The findings of this study can lay the foundation evaluating the curative effect of cupping based on IRT and provide an objective reference for selecting the cupping negative pressure.

Influence of Upper Footwear Material Properties on Foot Skin Temperature, Humidity and Perceived Comfort of Older Individuals.

Studying the in-shoe microclimate of older individuals is important for enhancing their foot comfort and preventing foot diseases. However, there is a lack of scientific work that explores the thermo-physiological wear comfort of older individuals with different footwear. This study aims to examine the effects of upper footwear materials on changes and distributions in the foot skin temperature and relative humidity for older individuals. Forty older individuals are recruited to perform sitting and walking activities under four experimental conditions in a conditioning chamber. The findings indicate that footwear upper constructed of highly permeable mesh fabric with large air holes shows fewer changes in foot skin temperature (ranging from 1.3 to 3.3 °C) and relative humidity (ranging from −13.3 to 5.7%) throughout the entire foot during dynamic walking, as well as higher subjective ratings on perceived thermal comfort when compared to footwear made of synthetic leather and composite layers. The findings serve to enhance current understanding of designing footwear with optimum comfort for older adults.

Regional skin wetness perception and its modulation by warm and cold whole body skin temperatures in people with multiple sclerosis.

Skin wetness sensing is important for thermal stress resilience. Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) present greater vulnerability to thermal stress; yet, it is unclear whether they present wetness-sensing abnormalities. We investigated the effects of MS on wetness sensing and their modulation with changes in mean skin temperature (Tsk). Twelve participants with MS [5 males (M)/7 females (F); 48.3 ± 10.8 yr; Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) range: 1-7] and 11 healthy controls (4 M/7 F; 47.5 ± 11.3 yr) undertook three trials, during which they performed a quantitative sensory test with either a thermoneutral (30.9°C), warm (34.8°C), or cold (26.5°C) mean Tsk. Participants reported on visual analog scales local wetness perceptions arising from the static and dynamic application of a cold-, neutral-, and warm-wet probe (1.32 cm2; water content: 0.8 mL), to the index finger pad, forearm, and forehead. Data were analyzed for the group-level effect of MS, as well as for its individual variability. Our results indicated that MS did not alter skin wetness sensitivity at a group level, across the skin sites and temperature tested, neither under normothermia nor under conditions of shifted thermal state. However, when taking an individualized approach to profiling wetness-sensing abnormalities in MS, we found that 3 of the 12 participants with MS (i.e., 25% of the sample) presented a reduced wetness sensitivity on multiple skin sites and to different wet stimuli (i.e., cold, neutral, and warm wet). We conclude that some individuals with MS may possess reduced wetness sensitivity; however, this sensory symptom may vary greatly at an individual level. Larger-scale studies are warranted to characterize the mechanisms underlying such individual variability.

Warm ears, a red flag for sleepiness?

Core body and skin temperatures are intimately linked to sleep and alertness. The distal-to-proximal skin temperature gradient has been described as a good physiological predictor for sleep onset. Increased ear skin temperature is often caused by increased blood flow reflected in redness, which is commonly noticed in people who are sleepy, especially anecdotally in children. Nonetheless, no prior study investigated the possible relation between sleepiness and ear skin temperature as a separate measurement. We assessed the relation between ear skin temperature and sleepiness in patients undergoing regular electroencephalographic examinations, because of suspicion of epilepsy, both without and after sleep deprivation. Subjective sleepiness was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and objective sleepiness by determining sleep onset with electroencephalography. Distal, proximal and ear skin temperature were measured repeatedly using wireless measurement devices (iButtons). Forty-four adult patients were included. Ear skin temperature correlates weakly with distal skin temperature (r= 0.174, p< 0.001) and distal-to-proximal gradient (r= 0.160, p< 0.001), but not with proximal skin temperature (r= -0.001, p= 0.975). Ear skin temperature increased significantly in a subgroup of 13 patients, between 5 and 1 min before sleep onset (p= 0.002; η2 = 0.059), even though this increase was also associated with supine posture. iButtons is a valid method to measure ear skin temperature, which appears to function partly like a distal and partly like a proximal skin temperature measurement. Change in ear skin temperature is associated with sleep onset and supine posture.

Influence of cilostazol on thromboangiitis obliterans in rats and the mechanism involved

Purpose: To study the effect of Cilostazol on rat thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), and the mechanism of action involved.&#x0D; Methods: Rats (N = 45) were injected with sodium laurate to establish the model of TAO, and then divided into Sham group (n = 15), TAO group (n = 15) and TAO + cilostazol group (n = 15). After administration of cilostazol, TAO lesions in the rats were graded, and the femoral arteries were stained by hematoxylin-eosin (H&amp;E) to determine the degree of vascular lesions. The status of vascular endothelial cells was determined using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the expression and transcription levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins were evaluated by Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) respectively.&#x0D; Results: In contrast to Sham group, TAO group exhibited symptoms such as changes in skin temperature and color, and limb swelling and thanatosis, while in the TAO + cilostazol group, the damage was reversed, vascular and vascular endothelial cell lesions were significantly ameliorated (p &lt; 0.05), and the transcription and translation levels of HIF-1α and VEGF significantly suppressed (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Cilostazol alleviates sodium laurate-induced TAO lesions in rats via HIF-1α/VEGF pathway. This study may provide new insights for the treatment of TAO.&#x0D; Keywords: Cilostazol; Hypoxia-inducible factor/vascular endothelial growth factor pathway; Thromboangiitis obliterans; Limb swelling; Thanatosis

Skin temperature change in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction following intense pulsed light treatment.

PurposeWe investigated the change in skin temperature of treated areas during intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients who have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) to determine whether there is superficial telangiectatic blood vessel ablation.MethodsThe medical records of 90 patients (90 eyes) with MGD who underwent IPL treatment were reviewed. The patients had undergone IPL treatment four times every 4 weeks. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores, dry eye (DE), and MGD parameters were obtained before the first and after the fourth IPL treatments. The skin temperatures of the upper and lower lids were measured before every IPL treatment.ResultsThe skin temperatures of the lower lids were 31.89 ± 0.72°C at the first IPL (IPL#1), 30.89 ± 0.63°C at the second IPL (IPL#2), 30.14 ± 0.95°C at the third IPL (IPL#3), and 29.74 ± 0.87°C at the fourth IPL (IPL#4) treatments. The skin temperatures of upper lids were 32.01 ± 0.69°C at IPL#1, 31.13 ± 0.75°C at IPL#2, 30.34 ± 1.07°C at IPL#3, and 29.91 ± 0.76°C at IPL#4. The skin temperature of the upper and lower lids significantly decreased with every IPL treatment. Schirmer 1 test (ST) result was 12.97 ± 10.22 mm before IPL#1 and 14.45 ± 9.99 mm after IPL#4. Tear break-up time (TBUT) was 3.15 ± 1.38 s before IPL#1 and 5.53 ± 2.34 s after IPL#4. Corneal staining scores (CFS) was 1.61 ± 3.09 before IPL#1 and 0.50 ± 0.78 after IPL#4. Lipid layer thickness (LLT) was 71.88 ± 26.34 nm before IPL#1 and 68.38 ± 24.16 nm after IPL#4. Lid margin abnormality score (LAS) was 1.96 ± 0.62 before IPL#1 and 0.86 ± 0.67 after IPL#4. Meibum expressibility (ME) was 1.67 ± 0.87 before IPL#1 and 1.03 ± 1.67 after IPL#4. Meibum quality (MQ) was 18.18 ± 6.34 before IPL#1 and 10.16 ± 5.48 after IPL#4. OSDI was 35.38 ± 19.97 before IPL#1 and 15.48 ± 34.32 after IPL#4. OSDI scores, DE, and MGD parameters significantly improved after the fourth IPL treatment but not ST and LLT.ConclusionOur study showed that the occurrence of superficial telangiectatic vessels were indirectly reduced by the decrease in skin temperature accompanying IPL treatments in patients with MGD.

Autonomic changes as reaction to experimental social stress in an inpatient psychosomatic cohort.

ObjectivesPatients with psychosomatic disorders suffer from social isolation that might further lead to destabilization and exacerbation of bodily symptoms via autonomic pathways. We aimed to investigate the influence of controlled social stress (model of social ostracism) on the autonomic nerve system (ANS) in an inpatient cohort with psychosomatic disorders.MethodsWe examined heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance (SC) and skin temperature (ST) as well as ECG-derived respiration rate (EDR) and subjective reports on stress during exposure to experimental social stress (cyberball game). Data were collected from 123 participants (f:m = 88:35, 42.01 ± 13.54 years) on admission and upon discharge from the university psychosomatic clinic. All data were recorded during baseline, inclusion and exclusion phases of the cyberball game as well as during the recovery phase.ResultsWe found significant changes between admission and discharge with a decline in parasympathetic-related HRV parameters (SDRR −3.20 ± 1.30 ms, p = 0.026; RMSSD: −3.77 ± 1.28 ms, p = 0.007) as well as a decrease in SC (−0.04 ± 0.17 μS, p = 0.019) and EDR (−0.01 ± 0.01 Hz, p = 0.007), suggesting a drop in sympathetic tonus, with no changes in ST (p = 0.089) and subjective stress levels (p = 0.322). HRV parameters decreased during the cyberball game (SDRR p = 0.026; RMSSD p = 0.002; lnHF p < 0.001). In contrast, both SC (p < 0.001) and EDR (p < 0.001) increased during the game with SC being slightly lower during the exclusion phase. This can point toward a stimulation of sympathetic nervous system during game participation, which was concordant with the rise in subjective stress values (p < 0.001). ST showed a continuous, unspecific rise over time (p < 0.001).ConclusionOur data demonstrate the decrease of ANS parameters during experimental social stress when data upon discharge were compared to those upon admission. These results are partially contradictory to previous studies that showed a rise in HRV in a psychiatric cohort over the course of (outpatient) treatment. Further research is required to help attributing these differences to effects of treatment or acute states relating to admission to or discharge from a psychosomatic department.

Clinical Characteristics of Venous Thrombosis Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter in Premature Infants.

Background: This study aimed to analyze clinical characteristics and risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in premature infants. Materials: This study included seven premature infants who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Peking University Third Hospital from 1 January 2014–30 June 2021, and suffered PICC-related venous thrombosis. The control group included premature infants (n = 56) matched (1:8) by the following: Did not experience venous thrombosis; born with a similar gestational age (±2 w), birth weight (±200 g); and received PICC catheterization in the same period (±4 w). Clinical neonatal data were collected through the hospital electronic medical record system and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: The incidence of PICC-related thrombus was 0.23% (7/3043. Univariate analysis revealed that, compared to the non-thrombotic group, mothers in the thrombosis group had autoimmune diseases (χ2 = 9.844, p = 0.030) and used anticoagulative drugs during pregnancy (χ2 = 8.036, p = 0.025). The corrected gestational age when PICC-related thrombosis occurred in the thrombosis group was 32 + 6 (30 + 1, 34 + 1) weeks. The average time from catheter placement to thrombosis was 5 (1, 12) days. Among infants, 85.7% (6/7) experienced deep vein thrombosis, of which four were in the lower extremity veins; three occurred within 2 days after central venous catheter extubation, and four occurred during central venous catheter indwelling. The clinical manifestations of thrombosis include skin edema, color changes, and skin temperature changes in the affected limbs. The seven neonates had normal coagulation at the time of thrombus diagnosis, but D-dimers significantly increased 1–2 days after thrombosis, returning to normal 5–8 days after thrombus. The thrombus persisted for 4.5 (3, 8) days. All seven neonates were treated with low molecular weight heparin calcium anticoagulation for 10 (3, 17) days and recovered completely. Conclusions: PICC-related thrombosis occurred within 1 week after catheter placement, and thrombosis more likely happened in infants whose mothers had autoimmune disease. When this high-risk factor exists and the patient has been intubated for 1 week and has sudden swelling in the intubated limb, venous ultrasound should be performed immediately to diagnose, and treatment should be provided in a timely manner to reduce adverse events.

Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis rats

To investigate the changes of skin temperature, blood infusion and inflammatory cytokines of cutaneous tissue in the sensitized area of colitis model rats, as well as the relationship between sensory and sympathetic nerves and the formation of sensitized area, and to initially reveal the partial physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area in the colitis model rats. Thirty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=10), a model group (n=18) and a guanethidine group (n=7). 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was adopted for 6-day free drinking to establish colitis model in the model group and the guanethidine group. On day 6 and 7, in the guanethidine group, guanethidine solution (30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally for sympathetic block. On day 7, after injection of evans blue (EB) solution, the EB extravasation areas on the body surface were observed to investigate the distribution and physical-chemical characteristics of the sensitized area. The control area was set up, 0.5 cm away from the sensitized area, and with the same nerve segment innervation. Disease activity index (DAI) score of rats was compared between the normal group and the model group, and the morphological changes in the colon tissue were investigated with HE method. Using infrared thermal imaging technology and laser speckle flow imaging technology, skin temperature and blood infusion were determined in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. Immunofluorescence technique was adopted to observe the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and the correlation with blood vessels; as well as the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in skin tissue in the sensitized area and the control area of the rats in the model group. MSD multi-level factorial method and ELISA were applied to determine the contents of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10) and anti-inflammatory substance corticosterone (CORT). Sensitization occurred at the T12-S1 segments of the colitis model rats, especially at L2-L5 segments. Compared with the normal group, DAI score was increased in the rats of the model group (P<0.05), and the colonic mucosal damage was obvious, with the epithelial cells disordered, even disappeared, crypt destructed, submucosal edema and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated. In comparison with the control area, the skin temperature and blood infusion were increased in the sensitized area of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01); as well as the expression levels of the positive nerve fibers of SP, CGRP and TH of skin tissue (P<0.05), which was specially distributed in peripheral vessels, the expression levels of SP positive nerve fibers/tryptase+ mast cells, and tryptase+ mast cells/5-HT of the skin tissue were all expanded (P<0.05) in the sensitized area of the model group. Compared with the model group, the number of sensitized areas was reduced in the guanethidine group (P<0.05). In comparison with the control area of the model group, in the sensitized area, the contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, and the anti-inflammatory substance CORT of skin tissue were all increased (P<0.05); and the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CORT (P<0.05). The sensitized areas on the body surface of colitis rats are mainly distributed in the L2-L5 segments. Sensory and sympathetic nerves are involved in the acupoint sensitization, and the sensitized areas may have the dynamic changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances.

The Effects of Skin Temperature Changes on the Integrity of Skin Tissue: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo determine whether changes in skin temperature can affect the integrity of skin.METHODOLOGYThe authors conducted a systematic literature search as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. They searched the CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane, MEDLINE Complete, Academic Search Ultimate, and HyDi databases for articles examining the effects of skin temperature on skin integrity published through April 2020. Two independent reviewers scored the methodologic quality of the 13 included studies.RESULTSOnly 11 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, as the other two articles had a critical risk of bias. There is strong evidence to indicate that an increase in skin temperature leads to changes in skin structure and function. However, ulcer formation was more affected by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, rather than by temperature alone.CONCLUSIONFurther high-quality randomized controlled trials are required to investigate the direct effect of skin temperature on ulceration.

Intensity-Adjustable Non-Contact Cold Sensation Presentation Based on the Vortex Effect.

Cold sensations of varying intensities are perceived when human skin is subject to diverse environments. The accurate presentation of temperature changes is important to elicit immersive sensations in applications such as virtual reality. In this article, we developed a method to elicit intensity-adjustable non-contact cold sensations based on the vortex effect. We applied this effect to generate cold air at approximately 0 °C and varied the skin temperature over a wide range. The perception of different temperatures can be elicited by adjusting the volume flow rate of the cold air. Additionally, we introduced a cooling model to relate the changes in skin temperature to various parameters such as the cold air volume flow rate and distance from the cold air outlet to the skin. For validation, we conducted measurement experiments and found that our model can estimate the change in skin temperature with a root mean-square error of 0.16 °C. Furthermore, we evaluated the performance of a prototype in psychophysical cold discrimination experiments based on the discrimination threshold. Thus, cold sensations of varying intensities can be generated by varying the parameters. These cold sensations can be combined with images, sounds, and other stimuli to create an immersive and realistic artificial environment.

Temporal Skin Temperature as an Indicator of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Assessed with Selected Methods.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to use infrared thermography to assess cardiovascular fitness and aerobic capacity. Changes in temporal temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise were measured from subjects with varying levels of physical activity. Significant correlation between the temporal temperature measured during recovery time with cardiovascular fitness parameters (HRR and HRV) and maximum oxygen consumption confirm the usefulness of thermal imagining in aerobic capacity evaluation. These results could foster the employment of infrared thermography to monitor athletic/athletes’ performance.The aim of this study was to determine whether there are associations between cardiovascular fitness (and aerobic capacity) and changes in temporal skin temperature during and after a single bout of high-intensity exercise. Twenty-three men with varying levels of physical activity (VO2max: 59.03 ± 11.19 (mL/kg/min), body mass 71.5 ± 10.4 (kg), body height 179 ± 8 (cm)) participated in the study. Each subject performed an incremental test and, after a 48-h interval, a 110%Pmax power test combined with an analysis of the thermal parameters, heart rate recovery and heart rate variability. Thermal radiation density from the body surface (temple) was measured using a Sonel KT384 thermal imaging camera immediately after warm-up (Tb), immediately after exercise (Te) and 120 sec after the end of exercise (Tr). The differences between measurements were then calculated. The correlation analysis between the thermal and cardiovascular function parameters during the recovery period showed strong positive associations between the Tr-Te difference and measures of cardiovascular fitness (50 < r < 69, p < 0.05). For example, the correlation coefficient between Tr-Te and VO2max reached 0.55 and between Tr-Te and Pmax reached 0.68. The results obtained indicate that the measurement of temporal temperature during and after an intense 3-min bout of exercise can be used to assess aerobic physical capacity and cardiovascular fitness.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Temperature Up-Step on Human Thermal Perception and Skin Temperature between Activity Intensities at Low Ambient Temperatures

In the north of China, during winter, a large number of activities (such as leisure, work, sightseeing and sports) are engaged in. This paper mainly focuses on human thermal perceptions of outdoor activities in a winter climate, especially the change in thermal perceptions when humans enter a temporary rest space with a shelter effect. A climate chamber was applied in our experiments, and temperature up-steps of 4, 8 and 12 °C were set, respectively. Twenty four college students were invited to engage in activities of different intensities, such as standing, walking (slowly) and biking. Through questionnaire survey and field measurement, the subjects’ thermal sensation, thermal comfort and skin temperature were obtained. Hypothesis testing and non-linear regression methods were introduced to analyze experiment data. Major results were as follows. After temperature up-step changes, thermal sensation and skin temperature reach steady state within 30 min. However, the change in skin temperature caused by a short-term thermal experience does not disappear completely within 40 min. In addition to the influence of ambient temperature changes, activity intensity also influenced the variation in thermal sensation (subjective) and skin temperature (objective). These study results provide a scientific reference for future research and design of a temporary rest space in low ambient temperatures. Experimental studies including broader age groups and outdoor field tests are valuable for future research.

Effect of wind speed and light intensity on reflex impairment of angled Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

AbstractWe quantified effects of wind speed and sunlight on Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), a popular gamefish in North America, after catch‐and‐release (C&amp;R) (n = 90) during August for various periods (0, 10, 30 and 90 s) in direct sunlight or shaded from direct sunlight. We evaluated change in skin temperature and reflex action mortality predictor (RAMP) scores. Changes in skin temperature were larger with increasing wind speeds and air exposure duration. Light intensity had no effect on skin temperature or RAMP. Generally, skin temperature decreased (i.e. colder) when wind speed exceeded ~5 km/h and increased (i.e. warmer) when wind speed was below ~5 km/h. Significantly, lower RAMP scores were associated with longer air exposure. Generally, Smallmouth Bass exposed to air for longer than 10 s were significantly more impaired prior to release. We recommend anglers reduce the time that large fish are exposed to air to reduce immediate reflex impairment.