Increase In Skin Temperature Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Thermovision Images of Healthy Young Men with Different Terms of Adaptation to Conditions of the North

Introduction. The correlation between skin temperature and cutaneous blood flow is a factor that influences thermal imaging of the body in response to thermoregulation. The objective of our study was to identify features of thermal images of young male permanent residents of the Russian North belonging to different generations. Materials and methods. Thermography was carried out using a thermal imaging camera (FLIR SC620 thermal imager, Sweden), providing long-wave (7.5–13 μm) imaging with a thermal sensitivity of 0.1 °С. Quantitative analysis of thermovision images was performed for eight sites of the body captured from the front and back in a sitting position. We examined 90 young healthy men aged 17 to 21 years, permanently residing in the Magadan Region. Depending on the duration of adaptation to extreme conditions of the North, all subjects were divided into four groups: adapting migrants (“zero generation”) and those born in the North in the first, second and third generations. Results. We established a significant increase in skin temperature at all measured body sites in the series from adapting migrants (“zero generation”) to the natives in the first to third generation. The maximum differences were observed for the average temperature of the forehead, abdomen, and lower back, reaching 0.97, 1.04, and 0.98 °C, respectively. It should be noted that the young men of the city of Magadan had a higher average skin temperature than those living in optimal climatic and geographical conditions of Central Russia and Eastern Europe. The smallest difference (0.43 °С) was registered for breast temperature between the migrants and representatives of the third generation. Conclusions. Our findings prove compensatory and adaptive physiological changes occurring in the body over time to reduce adverse effects of the cold environment. This reorganization of the body is achieved through optimization of the thermoregulatory mechanism and changes in vegetative skin vasomotor responses.

Gravity-Induced Lower-Leg Swelling Can Be Ameliorated by Ingestion of α-Glucosyl Hesperidin Beverage.

The most likely cause of lower-leg swelling is prolonged sitting, which sometimes induces deep vein thrombosis, also known as, economy class syndrome. We aimed to clarify the influence of intake of 4G-α-glucopyranosyl hesperidin (G-Hsp) beverage on the lower-leg swelling caused by 6 h of sitting in six healthy women. All subjects ingested 100 mL of G-Hsp or Placebo beverages with 100 mL of mineral water after 10 min of rest in a chair. Subsequently, subjects were requested to sit in the chair in a relaxed position for 6 h with two breaks to walk for urination. Calf water content measured by impedance plethysmography, calf circumference, and calf skin temperature by infrared thermography were measured, along with assessment of calf swelling sensation on a visual analog scale. Increase in ankle % circumference was significantly less after the G-Hsp ingestion (101.8 ± 1.5%) than after placebo (103.3 ± 0.8%; P = 0.004). A significant difference was found between percent circumference after the G-Hsp and the placebo, that is, the calf swelling after the placebo was significantly larger (P = 0.043). A gradual increase in skin temperature at the lower limb was observed after G-Hsp ingestion, while there was no change after placebo. Gravity-induced calf and ankle swelling resulted by prolonged sitting can be ameliorated by oral ingestion of hesperidin-derived G-Hsp through production of nitric oxide. It might be helpful in preventing economy-class syndrome caused by enforced sitting for a long duration.

Evaluation of infrared thermography combined with behavioral biometrics for estrus detection in naturally cycling dairy cows

Low estrus detection rates (>50%) are associated to extended calving intervals, low economic profit and reduced longevity in Holstein dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of infrared thermography and behavioral biometrics combined as potential estrus alerts in naturally (not induced) cycling dairy cows housed in a tie-stall barn. Eighteen first lactation cows were subjected to transrectal ultrasonography to determine spontaneous ovulation. The dominant follicle (DF) disappearance was used retrospectively as an indirect indicator of ovulation, and to establish the estrus period (48–24 h prior the DF disappearance). Raw skin temperature (Raw IR) and residual skin temperature (Res IR) were recorded using an infrared camera at the Vulva area with the tail (Vtail), Vulva area without the tail (Vnotail), and Vulva’s external lips (Vlips) at AM and PM milking from Day 14 until two days after ovulation was confirmed. Behavioral biometrics were recorded on the same schedule as infrared scan. Behavioral biometrics included large hip movements (L-hip), small hip movements (S-hip), large tail movements and small tail movements to compare behavioral changes between estrus and nonestrus periods. Significant increases in Raw IR skin temperature were observed two days prior to ovulation (Vtail; 35.93 ± 0.27 °C, Vnotail; 35.59 ± 0.27 °C, and Vlips; 35.35 ± 0.27 °C) compared to d −5 (Proestrus; Vtail; 35.29 ± 0.27 °C, Vnotail; 34.93 ± 0.31 °C, and Vlips; 34.68 ± 0.27 °C). No significant changes were found for behavioral parameters with the exception of S-hip movements, which increased at two days before ovulation (d −2; 11.13 ± 1.44 Events/5min) compared to d −5 (7.30 ± 1.02 Events/5min). To evaluate the accuracy of thermal and behavioral biometrics, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed using Youden index (YJ), diagnostic odds ratio, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), Sensitivity, Specificity and Positive predicted value to score the estrus alerts. The greatest accuracy achieved using thermal parameters was for Res IR Vtail PM (YJ = 0.34) and L-hip PM (YJ = 0.27) for behavioral biometrics. Combining thermal and behavioral parameters did not improve the YJ index score but reduced the false-positive occurrence observed by increasing the diagnostic odds ratio (26.62), LR+ (12.47), Specificity (0.97) and positive predicted value (0.90) in a Res IR Vtail PM, S-hip AM, S-hip PM combination. The combination of thermal and behavioral parameters increased the accuracy of estrus detection compared to either thermal or behavioral biometrics, independently in naturally cycling cows during milking.

Postoperative wound assessment in cattle: How reliable is the back hand palpation?

BackgroundAs part of clinical wound assessment in bovine surgery, discrepancies in skin temperature are evaluated by placing the back of the hand on the area to be examined. Generally, an increased skin temperature at the wound site for a prolonged period is considered as an indicator of impaired wound healing.The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of palpation under bovine practice conditions using laparotomy as an example. Fourteen cows (German Holstein) with a left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) without other severe concurrent diseases were examined preoperatively and once daily for ten days after surgery. The skin temperature of the wound site in the right flank was assessed by palpation, followed by thermographic evaluation using an infrared camera after a 45-min acclimatisation period, under standardised conditions in a closed examination room daily for 10 days.ResultsAll the incisions healed without clinical detectable perturbances. The ambient temperature range during the study period was 7.8 − 24.1 °C. Two groups were retrospectively defined according to the ambient temperature: high ambient temperature (HT group; median: 20.2 °C 25/75 quartile: 18.5 °C / 21.7 °C; n = 6) and low ambient temperature (LT group; 10.8 °C; 9.4 °C / 12.8 °C; n = 8). The temperature differences (Δϑ) between the mean skin temperature of the wound site and a defined reference area cranial to the wound were assessed. A significant negative correlation was found between the ambient temperature (ϑAmb) and Δϑ (r=-0.51; P < 0.001). The Δϑ was postoperatively higher in the cows in the LT group (median of the individual animals 0.8–2.5 °C) than in the HT group (0.1–0.5 °C; P < 0.05). In contrast to the thermographic findings, manual palpation rarely detected local hyperthermia (> 1 °C) at the wound site (sensitivity 0.20; specificity 0.96).ConclusionsThe infrared thermography provides a more reliable assessment of temperature changes at the wound site in comparison to manual palpation. The ambient temperature markedly affects the extent of local hyperthermia at the wound site.

The Accuracy of Wrist Skin Temperature in Detecting Ovulation Compared to Basal Body Temperature: Prospective Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy Study

BackgroundAs a daily point measurement, basal body temperature (BBT) might not be able to capture the temperature shift in the menstrual cycle because a single temperature measurement is present on the sliding scale of the circadian rhythm. Wrist skin temperature measured continuously during sleep has the potential to overcome this limitation.ObjectiveThis study compares the diagnostic accuracy of these two temperatures for detecting ovulation and to investigate the correlation and agreement between these two temperatures in describing thermal changes in menstrual cycles.MethodsThis prospective study included 193 cycles (170 ovulatory and 23 anovulatory) collected from 57 healthy women. Participants wore a wearable device (Ava Fertility Tracker bracelet 2.0) that continuously measured the wrist skin temperature during sleep. Daily BBT was measured orally and immediately upon waking up using a computerized fertility tracker with a digital thermometer (Lady-Comp). An at-home luteinizing hormone test was used as the reference standard for ovulation. The diagnostic accuracy of using at least one temperature shift detected by the two temperatures in detecting ovulation was evaluated. For ovulatory cycles, repeated measures correlation was used to examine the correlation between the two temperatures, and mixed effect models were used to determine the agreement between the two temperature curves at different menstrual phases.ResultsWrist skin temperature was more sensitive than BBT (sensitivity 0.62 vs 0.23; P<.001) and had a higher true-positive rate (54.9% vs 20.2%) for detecting ovulation; however, it also had a higher false-positive rate (8.8% vs 3.6%), resulting in lower specificity (0.26 vs 0.70; P=.002). The probability that ovulation occurred when at least one temperature shift was detected was 86.2% for wrist skin temperature and 84.8% for BBT. Both temperatures had low negative predictive values (8.8% for wrist skin temperature and 10.9% for BBT). Significant positive correlation between the two temperatures was only found in the follicular phase (rmcorr correlation coefficient=0.294; P=.001). Both temperatures increased during the postovulatory phase with a greater increase in the wrist skin temperature (range of increase: 0.50 °C vs 0.20 °C). During the menstrual phase, the wrist skin temperature exhibited a greater and more rapid decrease (from 36.13 °C to 35.80 °C) than BBT (from 36.31 °C to 36.27 °C). During the preovulatory phase, there were minimal changes in both temperatures and small variations in the estimated daily difference between the two temperatures, indicating an agreement between the two curves.ConclusionsFor women interested in maximizing the chances of pregnancy, wrist skin temperature continuously measured during sleep is more sensitive than BBT for detecting ovulation. The difference in the diagnostic accuracy of these methods was likely attributed to the greater temperature increase in the postovulatory phase and greater temperature decrease during the menstrual phase for the wrist skin temperatures.

Delay in Arctic Sea Ice Freeze-Up Linked to Early Summer Sea Ice Loss: Evidence from Satellite Observations

The past decades have witnessed a rapid loss of the Arctic sea ice and a significant lengthening of the melt season. The years with the lowest summertime sea ice minimum were found to be accompanied by the latest freeze-up onset on record. Here, a synthetic approach is taken to examine the connections between sea ice melt timing and summer sea ice evolution from the remote sensing perspective. A 40-year (1979–2018) satellite-based time-series analysis shows that the date of autumn sea ice freeze-up is significantly correlated with the sea ice extent in early summer (r = −0.90, p &lt; 0.01), while the spring melt onset is not a promising predictor of summer sea ice evolution. The delay in Arctic sea ice freeze-up (0.61 days year−1) in the Arctic was accompanied by a decline in surface albedo (absolute change of −0.13% year−1), an increase in net short-wave radiation (0.21 W m−2 year−1), and an increase in skin temperature (0.08 °C year−1) in summer. Sea ice loss would be the key reason for the delay in autumn freeze-up, especially in the Laptev, East-Siberian, Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, where sea ice has significantly declined throughout the summer, and strong correlations were found between the freeze-up onset and the solar radiation budget since early summer. This study highlights a connection between the summer sea ice melting and the autumn refreezing process through the ice-albedo feedback based on multisource satellite-based observations.

Effects of neurokinin 3 receptor antagonist fezolinetant on hot flash-like symptoms in ovariectomized rats

The majority of women experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, during the menopausal transition. Recent evidence strongly suggests a connection between neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor signaling and VMS associated with menopause. The NK3 receptor antagonist fezolinetant is currently in phase 3 development for treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause. We investigated the pharmacological effects of repeated administration of fezolinetant on levels of sex hormones and gonadotropins, neuronal activity in the hypothalamus, and skin temperature as an index of hot flash-like symptoms in ovariectomized rats as a model of menopause. Ovariectomized rats exhibited several typical menopausal symptoms: hyperphagia, increased body weight, significantly decreased plasma estradiol levels, increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and significantly increased skin temperature. Increased c-Fos expression (an indirect marker of neuronal activity) in median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) hypothalamic neurons was also observed in ovariectomized rats. Repeated oral administration of fezolinetant (1–10 mg/kg, twice daily) for 1 week dose-dependently reduced plasma LH levels without affecting estradiol or FSH levels, inhibited the activation of MnPO neurons, and attenuated hot flash-like symptoms. In addition, fezolinetant dose-dependently reduced hyperphagia and weight gain in ovariectomized rats. These preclinical findings suggest that fezolinetant attenuates hot flash-like symptoms via inhibition of neuronal activity in the MnPO of ovariectomized rats and provides further support for the ongoing clinical development of fezolinetant for the treatment of VMS associated with menopause.

Factors Associated with the Local Increase of Skin Temperature, 'Hotspot,' of Callus in Diabetic Foot: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Increased local skin temperature (hotspot) on a callus site as detected by thermography is a well-known precursor of diabetic foot ulcers. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with callus hotspots in order to predict the risk of callus hotspots and then provide information for specific interventions. In this cross-sectional study, 1,007 patients' data from a diabetic foot prevention clinic between April 2008 and March 2020 were used. Data regarding patients' characteristics, foot calluses, and callus hotspots were collected and analyzed. Callus and callus hotspot were confirmed from foot photos and thermographs, respectively. A callus hotspot was defined as a relative increase in temperature compared to the skin surrounding the callus on the thermograph. Plantar pressure was measured with a pressure distribution measurement system. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify the factors associated with callus hotspots. Among the 2,014 feet, 28.5% had calluses, and 18.5% of feet with calluses had callus hotspots. The factors associated with callus hotspots were number of calluses (Adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.540, P = .003), static forefoot peak plantar pressure (SFPPP) (aOR: 1.008, P = .001), and body mass index (aOR: 0.912, P = .029). Patients with a higher SFPPP were more likely to have callus hotspots suggesting that SFPPP might contribute to callus inflammation. SFPPP has the potential to be a useful predictor of callus hotspots in people with diabetes and at the same time provide information for off-loading interventions to prevent callus hotspots.

259 Tracking naturalistic sleep over the menstrual cycle with a wearable in healthy young women

Abstract Introduction A woman’s menstrual cycle is characterized by hormonal changes that might affect sleep and therefore daily functionality. While some studies using self-reports have shown a lower sleep quality in the peri-menstruation phase, objective – in lab – studies have not found significant differences in sleep continuity during the menstrual cycle, but are limited by only a few recordings across the cycle. The aim of this study is to examine changes in sleep during the healthy menstrual cycle using a multi-sensory wearable, allowing continuous, objective, reliable and ecologically valid measurement. Methods 12 healthy young women (28.14 ± 2.33) were monitored using Oura ring – a sleep and activity tracker – during an entire menstrual cycle. Participants also reported mood, readiness, and sleep quality using a diary. Four phases of the menstrual cycle were compared (menstruation, periovulation, mid-luteal, and late-luteal). Ovulation day was determined using a urinary luteinizing hormone test. Results Ovulatory cycles were confirmed by the Oura ring, which showed a significant increase in average nocturnal heart rate and skin temperature during the post-ovulatory luteal phase relative to menstruation and periovulation. Oura ring measures of sleep continuity (Sleep Onset Latency, Wake After Sleep Onset) and self-reported sleep quality did not change across the 4 menstrual phases. We observed a trend for objective sleep duration, which tended to be shorter in the mid-luteal and late-luteal phases. We also observed a small reduction in perceived readiness and mood during these two phases. Conclusion Physiological changes (increase in heart rate and body temperature) in the postovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle are detectable with the Oura ring. Sleep features remain quite stable during the healthy, ovulatory menstrual cycle, apart from a trend for slightly shorter sleep duration in the post-ovulatory phases. In comparison to self-reports, which rely on retrospective memory and might be biased by perception and mood, wearable technologies seem to be a sensitive and informative tool to track sleep and physiological changes during the menstrual cycle. Support (if any) Supported by RF1AG061355 (Baker/Mednick)

Resting heart rates reflect thermal load during intermittent exercise

Background Assessment of thermal load during exercise is important in preventing heat-related injury. To evaluate the workload during exercise, heat rates (HR) have been widely used. In addition, we could get reliable and continuous monitoring of HR with several kinds of the wearable sensors. HR also increased with thermal load (i.e., increase in core body temperature, Tcore and/or skin temperature, Tsk). Therefore, researchers have been tried to assess the thermal load by measuring HR. However, they seem to fail, because the increase in HR is largely influenced by several factors besides Tcore such as relative workload for individuals, clothes, age, and sex, etc. In the present study, we hypothesized that, when individuals conduct intermittent exercise, resting HR between the exercise bouts increases with body temperature. Methods Young males (n = 12; age, 23.7 ± 2.4; body weight, 64.34 ± 8.86 kg) participated in the present study, consisting of two trials conducted on different days. In both trials, each participant conducted 63-min intermittent treadmill exercise, which consisted of 5-bout treadmill run with 2-min rest in between, of which speed was gradually increased. One trial was conducted at ambient temperature (Ta) of 35ºC with relative humidity (RH) of 65% (HH), and the other 25ºC and 30% RH (CON). Rectal temperature (Trec), skin temperature (Tsk) at 4 sites (chest, upper arm, thigh, and lower leg) and HR were measured. Changes in Trec and HR from the baseline values before the exercise were obtained (ΔTrec and ΔHR, respectively). Mean body temperature (T_b) was calculated by Trec and Tsk. The minimal value of ∆HR between the exercise bouts was assessed as HR recovery (HRRmin). The ratio of the maximal ∆HR during the exercise to HRRmin was estimated as HRRslope. Results ∆T_b and HRRmin in HH were higher than in CON in each period between the exercise bouts (P < 0.001). There were significant linear correlation HRRmin and T_b in both CON and HH (CON, y = 0.02 × – 0.09, P < 0.001; HH, y = 0.02 × – 0.01, P < 0.001; each equation denotes that for the regression line). No difference in the regression slope was observed between the values of the regression slope (P = 0.613). Conclusions HRRmin increased with ∆Tb in both CON and HH. In addition, the relationship between the two values was similar in both trials, which may suggest that resting HR during the intermittent exercise may reflect the thermal load per se (increases in core body and skin temperature). These results may indicate that, if we assess changes in resting HR during exercise and/or labor, the thermal load of individuals can be estimated. We also need to verify if the relationship between HRRmin and ∆Tb is similar among individuals with different physiological backgrounds.

Effects of self-myofascial release interventions with or without sliding pressures on skin temperature, range of motion and perceived well-being: a randomized control pilot trial

BackgroundSelf-myofascial release is an emerging technique in strength and conditioning. Yet, there is no consensus regarding optimal practice guidelines. Here, we investigated the acute effects of various foam rolling interventions targeting quadriceps muscles, with or without sliding pressures.MethodsWe conducted a blinded randomized control pilot trial in 42 healthy weightlifting athletes over 4 weeks. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the four intervention (120 s massage routine) groups: foam rolling, roller massager, foam rolling with axial sliding pressures, foam rolling with transverse sliding pressures. Knee range of motion, skin temperature and subjective scores of the perceived heat, range of motion, muscle pain and relaxation were the dependent variables. Measurements were carried on before, after and up to 15 min (follow-up) after the massage intervention.ResultsThe range of motion increased immediately after the various foam rolling interventions (+ 10.72%, 95% CI 9.51 to 11.95, p < 0.001), but progressively returned back to the pre-intervention baseline along within the 15 min post-intervention. Foam rolling was the most effective intervention to increase skin temperature from thermographic measures (+ 14.06%, 95% CI 10.97 to 17.10, p < 0.001), while the increase in perceived heat was comparable in all experimental groups (107%, 95% CI 91.08 to 122.61, p < 0.001).ConclusionsSubjective indexes of heat, range of motion, muscle pain and relaxation improved immediately after the intervention, but also gradually returned to the pre-intervention baseline. Overall, combining foam rolling with sliding pressures did not yield additional benefits from objective measures.

Normative values of the vibration perception thresholds at finger pulps and metatarsal heads in healthy adults.

AimsTo establish normative values of vibration perception thresholds (VPTs), using multi-frequency vibrometry at finger pulps and at metatarsal heads of the foot in healthy adults. We also aimed to investigate factors that could potentially affect VPTs such as age, sex, height, weight, foot- or handedness and skin temperature.MethodsVPTs were examined in 924 healthy and randomly selected subjects in the southern Sweden (mean 46 years; 628 women and 296 men). Inclusion criterias were adult subjects (>18 years) in considerable health without diabetes mellitus or other nerve affecting disorders. VPTs were measured at the finger pulps of index and little finger, as well as the first and fifth metatarsal heads of the foot, through multi-frequency vibrometry using the VibroSense Meter® I device. Patient characteristics were recorded and skin temperature was measured before assessment of VPTs.ResultsWe present normative values of VPTs for a large population of both male and female subjects in various ages. VPTs detoriated as age increased (0.09–0.59 dB per year; p<0.001), i.e. progressing with normal aging. Increasing skin temperature affected VPTs in finger pulps, but not at metatarsal heads, with -0.2 to -1.6 dB, i.e. vibration perception improved with higher temperatures. Height was only found to affect the VPTs of metatarsal heads (250 Hz: 0.42 dB per cm). Sex, weight and handedness did not affect the VPTs.ConclusionWe investigated the normative values of VPTs and presented affecting factors as age, skin temperature and height. With these results, VPT testing through multi-frequency vibrometry is enabled to be used in a clinical practice as a diagnostic tool when investigating neuropathy and other neurological disorders.

Classification of chronic venous diseases based on skin temperature patterns

Objective. Infrared thermography has the potential to complement the classification of chronic venous diseases (CVD), but lacks sophisticated insights on the association between recorded skin temperatures and the severity of CVD. This research aims to identify temperature patterns in the lower legs of patients that are distinct in specific forms of CVD, including florid ulcers. Approach. Infrared images were acquired in a clinical trial with 36 patients and segmented using a region selection algorithm. The regions were analyzed with respect to seven predefined features. The most prominent thermal features were translated into rules to classify CVD. Main results. Patients with mild forms of CVD show local increases in skin temperature by more than 1.5 °C. These regions were 2.0 °C warmer when CVD is more severe. Temperature variations of on average 0.4 °C occurred within venous leg ulcers. Furthermore, these wounds were 1.1 °C–6.3 °C colder than periwound skin. Significance. Temperature patterns characterized by differences in temperature that occur within a few centimeters or millimeters are distinct to specific stages of CVD. These patterns are present in the locations of varicose veins and tissue damages. Significance. The findings increase the body of knowledge on the potential for the early detection of CVD using infrared thermography. Applying the presented algorithms and rules, infrared thermography may become a complementary tool for the objective classification of CVD.

The effect of short and continuous absorbent patch application on local skin temperature underneath

Objective. By attaching absorbent patches to the skin to collect sweat, an increase in local skin temperature (T sk) underneath the patches seems unavoidable. Yet this effect has not been quantified. The present study investigates the effect of absorbent patch application on local T sk underneath. Approach. Ten healthy participants cycled for 60 min at an exercise intensity relative to their body surface area (40 W.m−2) in three environmental conditions (temperate: 25 °C 45% RH, hot-humid: 33 °C 65% RH and hot-dry: 40 °C 30% RH). The effect of short sweat sampling (i.e. from min 25–30 to min 55–60) on T sk was examined on the right scapula. T sk of the left scapula served as control. The effect of continuous sweat sampling (i.e. four consecutive 15 min periods) on T sk was examined on the right upper arm. T sk of the left upper arm served as control. Main results. Neither short nor continuous application of absorbent sweat patches affected T sk underneath the patches in the hot-humid and hot-dry condition (P > 0.05). In the temperate condition, continuous application led to a significant increase in T sk underneath the patches during the first and second minute. This increase remained throughout the experiment (1.8 ± 0.6 °C; P < 0.001). Short application of sweat patches did not affect the local T sk underneath (P > 0.05) in the temperate condition. Significance. To avoid a significant increase in local T sk underneath sweat patches, continuous application should be prevented in, especially, a temperate condition. Timely removal of sweat patches should be taken into account during longer periods of collecting sweat in field or laboratories settings.

Effects of dietary live yeast supplementation on growth performance and biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation in heat-stressed and nutrient-restricted pigs.

Study objectives were to determine the effects of dietary live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain CNCM I-4407; ActisafHR+; 0.25g/kg of feed; Phileo by Lesaffre, Milwaukee, WI) on growth performance and biomarkers of metabolism and inflammation in heat-stressed and nutrient-restricted pigs. Crossbred barrows (n = 96; 79 ± 1 kg body weight [BW]) were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to one of six dietary-environmental treatments: 1) thermoneutral (TN) and fed ad libitum the control diet (TNCon), 2) TN and fed ad libitum a yeast containing diet (TNYeast), 3) TN and pair-fed (PF) the control diet (PFCon), 4) TN and PF the yeast containing diet (PFYeast), 5) heat stress (HS) and fed ad libitum the control diet (HSCon), or 6) HS and fed ad libitum the yeast diet (HSYeast). Following 5 d of acclimation to individual pens, pigs were enrolled in two experimental periods (P). During P1 (7 d), pigs were housed in TN conditions (20 °C) and fed their respective dietary treatments ad libitum. During P2 (28 d), HSCon and HSYeast pigs were fed ad libitum and exposed to progressive cyclical HS (28–33 °C) while TN and PF pigs remained in TN conditions and were fed ad libitum or PF to their HSCon and HSYeast counterparts. Pigs exposed to HS had an overall increase in rectal temperature, skin temperature, and respiration rate compared to TN pigs (0.3 °C, 5.5 °C, and 23 breaths per minute, respectively; P < 0.01). During P2, average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased in HS compared to TN pigs (30%; P < 0.01). Average daily gain and final BW decreased in HS relative to TN pigs (P < 0.01); however, no differences in feed efficiency (G:F) were observed between HS and TN treatments (P > 0.16). A tendency for decreased ADFI and increased G:F was observed in TNYeast relative to TNCon pigs (P < 0.10). Circulating insulin was similar between HS and TN pigs (P > 0.42). Triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels decreased in HS compared to TN treatments (~19% and 20%, respectively; P < 0.05). Plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) did not differ across treatments (P > 0.57) but tended to decrease in HSYeast relative to HSCon pigs (P = 0.09). In summary, dietary live yeast did not affect body temperature indices or growth performance and had minimal effects on biomarkers of metabolism; however, it tended to improve G:F under TN conditions and tended to reduce the proinflammatory mediator TNF-α during HS. Further research on the potential role of dietary live yeast in pigs during HS or nutrient restriction scenarios is warranted.

Long-term oral administration of a novel estrogen receptor beta agonist enhances memory and alleviates drug-induced vasodilation in young ovariectomized mice

Development of estrogen therapies targeting the β (ERβ) but not α (ERα) estrogen receptor is critically needed for the treatment of negative menopausal symptoms, as ERα activation increases health risks like cancer. Here, we determined the effects of long-term oral treatment with EGX358, a novel highly selective ERβ agonist, on memory, vasodilation, and affect in young ovariectomized mice. Mice were orally gavaged daily for 9 weeks with vehicle, 17β-estradiol (E2), the ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN), or EGX358 at doses that enhance memory when delivered acutely. Tail skin temperature was recorded as a proxy for vasodilation following injection of vehicle or senktide, a tachykinin receptor 3 agonist used to model hot flashes. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed in the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM), and depression-like behavior was measured in the tail suspension (TST) and forced swim tests (FST). Finally, memory was assessed in object recognition (OR) and object placement (OP) tasks. E2, DPN, and EGX358 reduced senktide-mediated increases in tail skin temperature compared to vehicle. All three treatments also enhanced memory in the OR and OP tasks, whereas vehicle did not. Although E2 increased time spent in the center of the OF, no other treatment effects were observed in the OF, EPM, TST, or FST. These data suggest that long-term ERβ activation can reduce hot flash-like symptoms and enhance spatial and object recognition memories in ovariectomized mice. Thus, the highly selective ERβ agonist EGX358 may be a promising avenue for reducing menopause-related hot flashes and memory dysfunction.

The Use of Infrared Thermography to Develop and Assess a Wearable Sock and Monitor Foot Temperature in Diabetic Subjects.

One important health problem that could affect diabetics is diabetic foot syndrome, as risk of ulceration, neuropathy, ischemia and infection. Unnoticed minor injuries, subsequent infection and ulceration may end in a foot amputation. Preliminary studies have shown a relationship between increased skin temperature and asymmetries between the same regions of both feet. In the preulceration phase, to develop a smart device able to control the temperature of these types of patients to avoid this risk might be very useful. A statistical analysis has been carried out with a sample of foot temperature data obtained from 93 individuals, of whom 44 are diabetics and 49 nondiabetics and among them 43% are men and 57% are women. Data obtained with a thermographic camera has been successful in providing a set of regions of interest, where the temperature could influence the individual, and the behavior of several variables that could affect these subjects provides a mathematical model. Finally, an in-depth analysis of existing sensors situated in those positions, namely, heel, medial midfoot, first metatarsal head, fifth metatarsal head, and first toe has allowed for the development of a smart sock to store temperatures obtained every few minutes in a mobile device.

Development of a Constant Temperature Control Light Emitting Diode Light Cold Mask Reflecting Real-Time Skin Temperature Change.

To treat and improve skin condition, photo masks using LEDs have been developed and widely marketed to consumers. However, since the skin condition of the user varies, it is difficult to simulate suitable conditions, because various variables such as light output intensity and irradiation time must be applied to the mask development. Currently, photo masks on the market were developed considering only the parameters related to light irradiation. Existing products do not consider the burning sensation after skin treatment and skin temperature increase from the use of masks, which has been causing user inconvenience. In this paper, the LED light cold mask was designed, fabricated, and analyzed for light output characteristics to control wavelength selection and output to maximize the therapeutic effect of various LED lights. Additionally, circulating water was used to eliminate the burning sensation caused by the use of LED masks. The temperature of the circulating water was lowered below 10 °C using a thermoelectric element and PT100 Ω temperature sensor. An infrared temperature sensor was used to measure the skin temperature in real time. When the skin temperature increased by 0.5 °C, the water was cooled and circulated. As a result, it was confirmed that the temperature of the skin could be maintained uniformly within the set temperature range.

The "Maskne" microbiome - pathophysiology and therapeutics.

“Maskne” is a new term coined during the 2020 COVID‐19 pandemic. It refers to a subset of acne mechanica, deserving consideration in view of widespread reusable fabric mask‐wearing to control the pandemic worldwide. Understanding of underlying pathophysiology directly relates to the novel skin microenvironment and textile–skin friction created by mask‐wearing, distinct from nontextile‐related acne mechanica previously linked to wearing of headgear. Specifically, the occlusive microenvironment leads to microbiome dysbiosis, which is linked to various dermatological conditions. Additional textile–skin interactions include factors such as breathability, stickiness sensations, moisture saturation, and hygiene maintenance. Increased skin temperatures can trigger sweat/heat‐related dermatoses, and ear loops potentially trigger pressure‐induced dermatoses. Important therapeutic considerations include increased skin irritation potential of conventional acne treatments under occlusion, exacerbation of chronic dermatoses, that is, perioral dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema, and susceptibility of these same patient groups to heightened discomfort with mask‐wearing. Cotton, as the traditional fabric of choice for dermatology patients, has limited benefits in the context of face masks – increased subjective discomfort relates to increased moisture saturation and stickiness, inevitable because of high biofluid load of the nasal and oral orifices. Prolonged textile–skin contact time, directly proportional to the risk of maskne, can be an opportunity for the application of biofunctional textiles.

Evaluation of the environmental impacts of urbanization from the viewpoint of increased skin temperatures: a case study from Istanbul, Turkey

Urbanization is an inevitable process all around the world especially in developing countries like Turkey. Istanbul has been experiencing rapid urban expansion for the past 60 years. This urban expansion is leading to the replacement of forests by various artificial surfaces. This situation has a critical impact on the natural surfaces due to the alteration of heat energy balance. In this study, the authors tried to investigate the extent of urbanization of Istanbul within the past decades to unearth its impacts on the urban heat island (UHI) severity and the level of its ecological consequences in terms of decreased thermal comfort. To this end, land use/cover (LULC) and land surface temperature (LST) maps were generated using Landsat imageries based on random forest (RF) classifier (as a machine learning tool) and radiometric image processing algorithms, respectively, for four different dates from 1989 to 2019. The statistical and spectral indicators were calculated for the study area to evaluate the association between urban development and UHI. Results indicate that Istanbul has suffered a continuous land transformation from forest to urban and croplands so that the area of forest has diminished by 373.3 km2, and the artificial surfaces have increased by 260 km2. Skin temperatures over all the LULC classes show an increase during the study period with the highest values estimated over artificial surfaces. The statistical analysis of urbanization indicators (ULI, PD, UGSI, NDVI, and NDBI) and UHI indicator (UTFVI) resulted in good correlation coefficients with the best agreement found between NDBI and UTFVI which stresses the strong link between the expansion of built-up areas as a result of urbanization and the severity of UHI and its ecological impacts in Istanbul. Thus, it is a must for policy-makers and officials of the city to take accurate measures regarding the urban planning to mitigate the harsh environmental impacts of growing urbanization of Istanbul in upcoming years.