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Liu H, Zhu Z, Jin X, Huang P. The diagnostic accuracy of infrared thermography in lumbosacral radicular pain: a prospective study. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:409. [PMID: 39014487 PMCID: PMC11253381 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To identify the sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of infrared thermography in diagnosing lumbosacral radicular pain. METHODS Patients sequentially presenting with lower extremity pain were enrolled. A clinical certainty score ranging from 0 to 10 was used to assess the likelihood of lumbosacral radicular pain, with higher scores indicating higher likelihood. Infrared Thermography scans were performed and the temperature difference (ΔT) was calculated as ΔT = T1 - T2, where T2 represents the skin temperature of the most painful area on the affected limb and T1 represents the skin temperature of the same area on the unaffected limb. Upon discharge from the hospital, two independent doctors diagnosed lumbosacral radicular pain based on intraoperative findings, surgical effectiveness, and medical records. RESULTS A total of 162 patients were included in the study, with the adjudicated golden standard diagnosis revealing that 101 (62%) patients had lumbosacral radicular pain, while the lower extremity pain in 61 patients was attributed to other diseases. The optimal diagnostic value for ΔT was identified to fall between 0.8℃ and 2.2℃, with a corresponding diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 80%, 89%, and 66% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for the clinical certainty score were reported as 69%, 62%, and 79% respectively. Combining the clinical certainty score with ΔT yielded a diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 84%, 77%, and 88% respectively. CONCLUSION Infrared thermography proves to be a highly sensitive tool for diagnosing lumbosacral radicular pain. It offers additional diagnostic value in cases where general clinical evaluation may not provide conclusive results. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR2300078786, 19/22/2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Pinghai Road NO. 899, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaoji Zhu
- Department of General Practice, Changshu Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Pinghai Road NO. 899, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Pinghai Road NO. 899, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Morales-Ivorra I, Taverner D, Codina O, Castell S, Fischer P, Onken D, Martínez-Osuna P, Battioui C, Marín-López MA. External Validation of the Machine Learning-Based Thermographic Indices for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1394. [PMID: 39001284 PMCID: PMC11241557 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
External validation is crucial in developing reliable machine learning models. This study aimed to validate three novel indices-Thermographic Joint Inflammation Score (ThermoJIS), Thermographic Disease Activity Index (ThermoDAI), and Thermographic Disease Activity Index-C-reactive protein (ThermoDAI-CRP)-based on hand thermography and machine learning to assess joint inflammation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A 12-week prospective observational study was conducted with 77 RA patients recruited from rheumatology departments of three hospitals. During routine care visits, indices were obtained at baseline and week 12 visits using a pre-trained machine learning model. The performance of these indices was assessed cross-sectionally and longitudinally using correlation coefficients, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP correlated with CDAI, SDAI, and DAS28-CRP cross-sectionally (ρ = 0.81; ρ = 0.83; ρ = 0.78) and longitudinally (ρ = 0.55; ρ = 0.61; ρ = 0.60), all p < 0.001. ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP also outperformed Patient Global Assessment (PGA) and PGA + C-reactive protein (CRP) in detecting changes in 28-swollen joint counts (SJC28). ThermoJIS had an AUROC of 0.67 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.76) for detecting patients with swollen joints and effectively identified patients transitioning from SJC28 > 1 at baseline visit to SJC28 ≤ 1 at week 12 visit. These results support the effectiveness of ThermoJIS in assessing joint inflammation, as well as ThermoDAI and ThermoDAI-CRP in evaluating disease activity in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Delia Taverner
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - Oriol Codina
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Figueres, 17600 Figueres, Spain
| | - Sonia Castell
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital de Figueres, 17600 Figueres, Spain
| | - Peter Fischer
- Immunology, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | - Derek Onken
- Advanced Analytics and Data Sciences, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
| | | | - Chakib Battioui
- Advanced Analytics and Data Sciences, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46225, USA
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de Carvalho JRG, Del Puppo D, Littiere TDO, de Sales NAA, Silva ACY, Ribeiro G, de Almeida FN, Alves BG, Gatto IRH, Ramos GV, Ferraz GDC. Functional infrared thermography imaging can be used to assess the effectiveness of Maxicam Gel ® in pre-emptively treating transient synovitis and lameness in horses. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1399815. [PMID: 38919154 PMCID: PMC11197459 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1399815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Diagnosing and treating lameness in horses is essential to improving their welfare. In equine orthopedic practice, infrared thermography (IRT) can indirectly detect soreness. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can treat painful and inflammatory processes in horses. Using IRT, the efficacy of meloxicam (Maxicam Gel®) was evaluated in pre-treating transient synovitis in horses induced by a middle carpal joint injection of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from E. coli 055:B5 at a dose of 10 endotoxin units. Methods In a cross-over design, six healthy horses were randomly assigned to receive either 0.6 mg/kg of oral Maxicam Gel® (MAXVO) or a mock administration (control group, C) following a two-week washout period. IRT of the middle carpal joint, visual lameness assessment and joint circumference were recorded over time. Clinical and hematological evaluations were performed. Synovial fluid aspirates were analyzed for total nucleated cell count, total protein, and prostaglandin E2. A mixed effects analysis of variance was performed for repeated measures over time, followed by Tukey's test. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between a thermography temperature change and the lameness score. Results There were no changes in joint circumference. The MAXVO group showed a lower rectal temperature 4 h after synovitis induction. The C group presented an increase in neutrophils and a decrease in total hemoglobin and hematocrit 8 h after induction. No changes were observed in the synovial fluid between groups. The horses that received meloxicam did not show clinically significant lameness at any time, while the C group showed an increase in lameness 2, 4, and 8 h after synovitis induction. Discussion IRT indicated that the skin surface temperature of the middle carpal joint was lower in horses who received meloxicam, suggesting a reduction in the inflammatory process induced by LPS. It was observed that the maximum temperature peaks in the dorsopalmar and lateropalmar positions can be utilized to predict the severity of lameness, particularly when the temperature rises above 34°C. Horses pre-treated with meloxicam showed either reduced or no indication of mild to moderate pain and presented a lowehr thermographic temperature, which indicates the effectiveness of Maxicam Gel® as an anti-inflammatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Ribeiro Garcia de Carvalho
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora Del Puppo
- Research and Development Department, Ourofino Animal Health Company, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thayssa de Oliveira Littiere
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathali Adrielli Agassi de Sales
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Yamamoto Silva
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gesiane Ribeiro
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University - Lisbon University Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Bruna Gomes Alves
- Research and Development Department, Ourofino Animal Health Company, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Vieira Ramos
- Equine Sports Medicine Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme de Camargo Ferraz
- Laboratory of Equine Exercise Physiology and Pharmacology (LAFEQ), Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University, FCAV/UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Mota-Rojas D, Ogi A, Villanueva-García D, Hernández-Ávalos I, Casas-Alvarado A, Domínguez-Oliva A, Lendez P, Ghezzi M. Thermal Imaging as a Method to Indirectly Assess Peripheral Vascular Integrity and Tissue Viability in Veterinary Medicine: Animal Models and Clinical Applications. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:142. [PMID: 38200873 PMCID: PMC10777915 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Infrared thermography (IRT) is a technique that indirectly assesses peripheral blood circulation and its resulting amount of radiated heat. Due to these properties, thermal imaging is currently applied in human medicine to noninvasively evaluate peripheral vascular disorders such as thrombosis, thromboembolisms, and other ischemic processes. Moreover, tissular damage (e.g., burn injuries) also causes microvasculature compromise. Therefore, thermography can be applied to determine the degree of damage according to the viability of tissues and blood vessels, and it can also be used as a technique to monitor skin transplant procedures such as grafting and free flaps. The present review aims to summarize and analyze the application of IRT in veterinary medicine as a method to indirectly assess peripheral vascular integrity and its relation to the amount of radiated heat and as a diagnostic technique for tissue viability, degree of damage, and wound care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Asahi Ogi
- Department of Neurobiology and Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Dina Villanueva-García
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Clinical Pharmacology and Veterinary Anesthesia, Biological Sciences Department, FESC, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology of Pain, Behavior and Assessment of Welfare in Domestic Animals, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana (UAM), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Pamela Lendez
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Ghezzi
- Anatomy Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
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Gómez-Arteaga N, Fandiño-Toro H, Henao-Higuita MC, Rondón-Payares K, Díaz-Londoño G. An application based on the analysis of thermograms to calculate the thermographic index for pain and swelling assessment. Med Eng Phys 2023; 119:104029. [PMID: 37634905 DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2023.104029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
As the world's population ages, the prevalence of rheumatic diseases is increasing. These diseases are often diagnosed and monitored using imaging techniques such as infrared thermography. In this study, we developed an application to calculate the thermographic index (TI) in a series of thermograms. Such index is used in rheumatology as a complementary diagnostic tool to assess pain and swelling. We designed the application in MATLAB App Designer; an environment for creating applications with a graphical user interface. To evaluate the performance of the developed application, we calculated the TI of ten trigger points (anterior shoulder, sternum, posterior shoulder, upper back, lower back, elbow, lateral shoulder, elbow pit, knee, and back of the knee) in a series of thermal images from 37 healthy participants. Results of the average temperature varied between 31.35 (knee for women) and 33.92 (lateral shoulder for men) in °C and TIs were lower than 2 and the results in the knee region are consistent with those reported in previous studies due to only the TI in the knee is known. This study contributes to the literature with reference values for nine trigger points other than the knee. This app is easy to use and may be useful in future applications for disease detection or monitoring of its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hermes Fandiño-Toro
- Grupo de Máquinas Inteligentes y Reconocimiento de Patrones, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Carrera 31, No. 54 - 22, Medellín 050013, Colombia.
| | | | - Karin Rondón-Payares
- Grupo de Salud Familiar, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Programa de Medicina, Universidad del Magdalena, Carrera 32 No. 22-08, Santa Marta 470004, Colombia.
| | - Gloria Díaz-Londoño
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Medellín, Facultad Ciencias, Escuela de Física, Grupo de Investigación de Física Radiológica, Carrera 65 No. 59A-110, Medellín, 050034, Colombia.
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Son S, Yoo BR, Zhang HY. Reference Standards for Digital Infrared Thermography Measuring Surface Temperature of the Upper Limbs. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:671. [PMID: 37370602 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: although digital infrared thermographic imaging (DITI) is used for diverse medical conditions of the upper limbs, no reference standards have been established. This study aims to establish reference standards by analyzing DITI results of the upper limbs. (2) Methods: we recruited 905 healthy Korean adults and conducted thermography on six regions (dorsal arm, ventral arm, lateral arm, medial arm, dorsal hand, and ventral hand region). We analyzed the data based on the proximity of regions of interest (ROIs), sex, and age. (3) Results: the average temperature (°C) and temperature discrepancy between the right and the left sides (ΔT) of each ROI varied significantly (p < 0.001), ranging from 28.45 ± 5.71 to 29.74 ± 5.14 and from 0.01 ± 0.49 to 0.15 ± 0.62, respectively. The temperature decreased towards the distal ROIs compared to proximal ROIs. The average temperatures of the same ROIs were significantly higher for men than women in all regions (p < 0.001). Across all regions, except the dorsal hand region, average temperatures tended to increase with age, particularly in individuals in their 30s and older (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: these data could be used as DITI reference standards to identify skin temperature abnormalities of the upper limbs. However, it is important to consider various confounding factors, and further research is required to validate the accuracy of our results under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Son
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Rhae Yoo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Yeol Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Ilsan 10444, Republic of Korea
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López-Pineda J, Rodríguez-Martínez MC, Gómez-Rodríguez R, García-Casares L, García-Casares N. Biomechanical Assessments in Woodwind Musicians: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11111621. [PMID: 37297764 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11111621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical methods are frequently used to provide information about the kinematics and kinetics of posture and movement during musical performance. The aim of this review was to identify and analyze the biomechanical methods performed on woodwind musicians to understand their musculoskeletal demands. A systemic review was carried out following the guidelines of the document Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). It was registered in PROSPERO (code 430304).The databases PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science were consulted between January 2000 and March 2022. The search in the databases identified 1625 articles, and 16 different studies were finally included in the review, with a sample size of 390 participants. Pressure sensors, surface electromyography, infrared thermography, goniometry in two dimensions, and ultrasound topometry in three dimensions were biomechanical methods useful to broaden the knowledge of musculoskeletal demands during musical practice. Piezoresistive pressure sensors were the most widely used method. The great heterogeneity of the studies limited the comparability of the results. The findings raised the need to increase both the quantity and the quality of studies in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier López-Pineda
- Clínica López & Cruzado, 29720 La Cala del Moral, Spain
- Instituto de Posturología y Promoción de la Salud del Músico (IPPSM), 29720 La Cala del Moral, Spain
| | - María Carmen Rodríguez-Martínez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29590 Malaga, Spain
| | | | - Lucía García-Casares
- Conservatorio Elemental de Música Santa Cecilia, 11130 Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain
| | - Natalia García-Casares
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), 29590 Malaga, Spain
- Departament of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, 29010 Malaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Médico-Sanitarias (CIMES), 29071 Malaga, Spain
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D’Oria M, Gandin I, Riccardo P, Hughes M, Lepidi S, Salton F, Confalonieri P, Confalonieri M, Tavano S, Ruaro B. Correlation between Microvascular Damage and Internal Organ Involvement in Scleroderma: Focus on Lung Damage and Endothelial Dysfunction. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 13:diagnostics13010055. [PMID: 36611347 PMCID: PMC9818898 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an incurable connective tissue disease characterized by decreased peripheral blood perfusion due to microvascular damage and skin thickening/hardening. The microcirculation deficit is typically secondary to structural vessel damage, which can be assessed morphologically and functionally in a variety of ways, exploiting different technologies. OBJECTIVE This paper focuses on reviewing new studies regarding the correlation between microvascular damage, endothelial dysfunction, and internal organ involvement, particularly pulmonary changes in SSc. METHODS We critically reviewed the most recent literature on the correlation between blood perfusion and organ involvement. RESULTS Many papers have demonstrated the link between structural microcirculatory damage and pulmonary involvement; however, studies that have investigated correlations between microvascular functional impairment and internal organ damage are scarce. Overall, the literature supports the correlation between organ involvement and functional microcirculatory impairment in SSc patients. CONCLUSIONS Morphological and functional techniques appear to be emerging biomarkers in SSc, but obviously need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario D’Oria
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gandin
- Biostatistics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Pozzan Riccardo
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Care Organisation and Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M6 8HD, UK
| | - Sandro Lepidi
- Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Salton
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Confalonieri
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Tavano
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology Unit, Department of Medical Surgical and Health Sciences, University Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-040-399-4871
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vascular assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is included in classification criteria for this disease, thus routinely used in the evaluation of patients in which this diagnosis is being considered. In this review, imaging techniques for assessment of vascular involvement in SSc hands and skin are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Longitudinal use of imaging techniques has important implications for understanding the progressive vasculopathy and fibrotic transition in SSc. Nailfold and oral capillaroscopy as well as laser speckle contrast analysis are established techniques for vascular functional assessment, but longitudinal use is challenged by equipment costs and clinical time constraints. Ultrasound techniques are well described but require technical training. Advances in mobile infrared thermography and optical coherence tomography could potentially provide a point-of-care, quantitative outcome measure in clinical trials and practice. SUMMARY The equipment cost, technical training, data standardization, and invasiveness of vascular assessment techniques that quantify morphological (microangiopathy) and functional (blood flow reduction) are critical for implementation into SSc clinical trials and practice to understand progressive vasculopathy, such as wound development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy M. Frech
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Veterans Affair Medical Center, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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The Thermographic Analysis of the Agglomeration Process in the Roller Press of Pillow-Shaped Briquettes. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15082870. [PMID: 35454562 PMCID: PMC9025926 DOI: 10.3390/ma15082870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
When the briquetting process of fine-grained material takes place in the roller press unit, the pressure reached is over a hundred megapascals. This parameter is a result, among other factors, of the geometry of a compaction unit and also the properties of the consolidated material. The pressure of the unit is not constant and the changes in value depend on a given place on the molding surface. By the process of generating different types of pressure on the surface of briquettes, their compaction is different as well. The distribution of temperature on the surface of the briquettes may determine the pressure used locally on them. Nevertheless, the distribution of stress in the briquetting material is still a subject of scientific study. However, it is known that the pressure exerted on the briquette is different for different compaction systems. The article includes authors’ further thermography studies on the classical pillow-shaped briquetting process (instead of the saddle-shaped ones that were previously conducted) of four materials (calcium hydroxide and water mixture, mill scale, charcoal fines and starch mixture, as well as a mixture of EAFD, scale, fine coke breeze, molasses, and calcium hydroxide). Immediately after the briquettes left the compaction zone, thermal images were taken of them, as well as forming rollers. Thermograms that were obtained and the variability of temperature at characteristic points of the surface of pillow-shaped briquettes were analyzed. They showed differences in temperature on the surface of briquettes. In all four cases, the highest briquette temperatures were recorded in their upper part, which proves their better densification in this part. The temperature differences between the lower and upper part of the briquettes ranged from 1.8 to 9.7 °C, depending on the mixture.
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