Search Results (262)

Background: Chronic wounds are a growing clinical challenge due to their prolonged healing time and associated healthcare burden. Combined therapeutic approaches, including topical oxygen therapy (TOT) and negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT), have shown promise in enhancing wound healing. This pilot exploratory study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of combined TOT and NPWT in chronic wound treatment and to explore the prognostic value of selected laboratory and thermographic markers. Methods: Eighteen patients with chronic wounds due to type 2 diabetes mellitus or chronic venous insufficiency were treated with either TOT alone (control group) or TOT combined with NPWT (intervention group). Wound characteristics, thermographic data, and laboratory parameters (NLR, MLR, PLR, CRP, and total protein) were collected at baseline and during therapy. The primary endpoints were the total treatment duration and complete wound closure. Statistical analyses were exploratory and used non-parametric tests, correlation analyses, and simple linear regression. Results: Ulcer duration was significantly associated with the wound surface area. Lower serum total protein levels correlated negatively with ulcer duration, wound size, and granulation tissue area. A significant reduction in treatment duration was observed in the intervention group compared to the controls. One strong correlation was found between MLR and peripheral wound temperature on day 7 in the control group. No significant group differences were observed in wound size or thermographic measures after one week of treatment. Conclusions: Combining TOT and NPWT may reduce treatment duration in chronic wound management. Selected laboratory and thermographic markers show promise as prognostic tools. These exploratory findings require confirmation in larger, randomized trials. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower limb defects often present significant reconstructive challenges due to limited soft tissue availability and exposure of critical structures. Perforator-based flaps offer reliable solutions, with minimal donor site morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of infrared thermography (IRT) in preoperative planning and postoperative monitoring of perforator-based flaps, assessing its accuracy in identifying perforators, predicting complications, and optimizing outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 76 patients undergoing lower limb reconstruction with fascio-cutaneous perforator flaps between 2022 and 2024. Perforator mapping was performed concurrently with IRT and Doppler ultrasonography (D-US), with intraoperative confirmation. Flap design variables and systemic parameters were recorded. Postoperative monitoring employed thermal imaging on days 1 and 7. Outcomes were correlated with thermal, anatomical, and systemic factors using statistical analyses, including t-tests and Pearson correlation. Results: IRT showed high sensitivity (97.4%) and positive predictive value (96.8%) for perforator detection. A total of nine minor complications occurred, predominantly in patients with diabetes mellitus and/or elevated glycemia (p = 0.05). Larger flap-to-defect ratios (A/C and B/C) correlated with increased complications in propeller flaps, while smaller ratios posed risks for V-Y and Keystone flaps. Thermal analysis indicated significantly lower flap temperatures and greater temperature gradients in flaps with complications by postoperative day 7 (p < 0.05). CRP levels correlated with glycemia and white blood cell counts, highlighting systemic inflammation’s impact on outcomes. Conclusions: IRT proves to be a reliable, non-invasive method for perforator localization and flap monitoring, enhancing surgical planning and early complication detection. Combined with D-US, it improves perforator selection and perfusion assessment. Thermographic parameters, systemic factors, and flap design metrics collectively predict flap viability. Integration of IRT into surgical workflows offers a cost-effective tool for optimizing reconstructive outcomes in lower limb surgery. Full article

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, with bioactive food components offering a therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. Among these, edible oils are recognised for their functional properties, which contribute to disease prevention and metabolic regulation. The proposed study aims to evaluate the quality of four bioactive oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, tomato seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil) by analysing their thermal behaviour through infrared (IR) imaging. The study designed a customised electronic system to acquire thermographic signals under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The acquisition system was used to extract thermal data. Analysis of the acquired thermal signals revealed characteristic heat absorption profiles used to infer differences in oil properties related to stability and degradation potential. A hybrid deep learning model that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) units was used to classify and differentiate the oils based on stability, thermal reactivity, and potential health benefits. A signal analysis showed that the AI-based method improves both the accuracy (achieving an F1-score of 93.66%) and the repeatability of quality assessments, providing a non-invasive and intelligent framework for the validation and traceability of nutritional compounds. Full article

Background/Objectives: The heterogeneity of cancer disease and the frequent ineffectiveness and resistance observed with currently available treatments highlight the importance of developing new antitumor therapies. The properties of gold nanoparticles, such as their photon-energy heating, are attractive for oncology therapy; this can be effective and localized. The combination of chemotherapy and hyperthermia is promising. Our aim was to evaluate the combination therapy of photon hyperthermia with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) both in vitro and in vivo. Methods: This study evaluated the antitumor efficacy of a combined chemo-photothermal therapy using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and branched gold nanoshells (BGNSs) in a colorectal cancer model. BGNSs were synthesized via a seed-mediated method and characterized by electron microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy, revealing an average diameter of 126.3 nm and a plasmon resonance peak at 800 nm, suitable for near-infrared (NIR) photothermal applications. In vitro assays using SW620-GFP colon cancer cells demonstrated a ≥90% reduction in cell viability after 24 h of combined treatment with 5-FU and BGNS under NIR irradiation. In vivo, xenograft-bearing nude mice received weekly intratumoral administrations of the combined therapy for four weeks. The group treated with 5-FU + BGNS + NIR exhibited a final tumor volume of 0.4 mm³ on day 28, compared to 1010 mm³ in the control group, corresponding to a tumor growth inhibition (TGI) of 100.74% (p < 0.001), which indicates not only complete inhibition of tumor growth but also regression below the initial tumor volume. Thermographic imaging confirmed that localized hyperthermia reached 45 ± 0.5 °C at the tumor site. Results: These findings suggest that the combination of 5-FU and BGNS-mediated hyperthermia may offer a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer while potentially minimizing systemic toxicity. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of integrating nanotechnology with conventional chemotherapy for more effective and targeted cancer treatment. Full article

This study aimed to identify anatomical regions and developmental stages in broiler chickens that serve as reliable thermographic indicators of acute heat stress. Broilers aged 14, 21, 35, and 39 days were exposed to controlled heat stress, and surface temperatures across 12 anatomical regions were recorded using infrared thermography. Thermal response metrics (maximum, minimum, and mean peak variation) were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA and eta squared (η²) to quantify the strength of physiological responses. Principal component and cluster analyses grouped body regions based on their thermal sensitivity. The comb and wattle consistently showed the highest temperature increases (ΔT = 2.3–4.1 °C) and strongest effect sizes (η² ≥ 0.70), establishing them as primary thermoregulatory markers. As age increased, more body regions—especially peripheral zones like the drumstick and tail—exhibited strong responses (η² > 0.40), indicating an expansion of thermoregulatory activity. Cluster analysis identified three distinct sensitivity groups, confirming anatomical differences in thermal regulation. Thermographic responses to heat stress in broilers depend on age and region. The comb and wattle are the most reliable biomarkers, while peripheral responses grow more prominent with maturity. These findings support the use of targeted, age-specific infrared thermography for monitoring poultry welfare. Full article

Thermal camouflage technologies manipulate heat fluxes to conceal objects from thermographic detection, offering potential solutions for thermal management in high-power-density electronics. Most reported approaches are aimed at scenarios where the target is not a heat source; however, any target with a non-zero temperature emits thermal radiation described by the Stefan–Boltzmann law since the thermal radiation of an object is proportional to the fourth power of its temperature (T⁴). To address this issue, this study proposes a thermal camouflage device that considers the influence of radiative thermal transfer from the target. The underlying principle involves maintaining synchronous heat transfer separately along both the device and background surfaces. Numerical simulation confirms the feasibility of this proposed thermal camouflage strategy. Moreover, by altering some parameters related to the target such as geometry, location, temperature, and surface emissivity, excellent performance can be achieved using this device. This work advances thermal management strategies for high-power electronics and infrared-sensitive systems, with applications in infrared stealth, thermal diagnostics, and energy-efficient heat dissipation. Full article

Hypocalcemia is common in dairy cows within the first 72 h post-calving, and can be either clinical or subclinical. Early detection is critical, but traditional laboratory tests are time-consuming and cow-side tests remain costly. A classic symptom of hypocalcemia is reduced ear skin temperature, which has been explored as a diagnostic tool in a previous study, but was not recommended at the end. Additionally, ambient temperature was found to strongly influence ear skin temperature, complicating diagnosis. The present study investigates infrared thermography of the ear as a potential non-invasive method for helping in the detection of hypocalcemia in Holstein cows. In order to differ from the previous study, with the goal of improving diagnosis accuracy, this research analyzed the entire ear temperature using infrared imaging software. Ambient temperature was factored in by categorizing samples into two groups based on air temperature: colder (−1.6 to 14.6 °C) and hotter (15.3 to 31.2 °C). Forty-two cows were monitored during the perinatal period, with blood samples and thermographic images taken twice a day until 48 h after calving. This study found that the median surface temperature of the ear correlated strongly with environmental temperature (r = 0.806, p < 0.001) and weakly with blood ionized calcium levels (r = 0.310, p < 0.01). In colder air temperatures, ear surface temperature was significantly different between healthy and hypocalcemic cows (p = 0.014). Logistic regression models were used to assess ionized calcium status based on different combinations of ear surface temperature, its difference from air temperature, and days in milk. In hotter air temperatures, only ear surface temperature, with no other covariates, was able to generate a valid model (p = 0.029). In colder air temperatures, multiple combinations of those variables generated valid models (p < 0.05), with the difference between ear and air temperature, together with days in milk, performing the best. Thus, this study concluded that ear surface temperature obtained through infrared thermography, while not promising for warmer environments, does show application potential for helping in the detection of hypocalcemia in colder environments. Full article

Introduction: Successful root canal therapy relies on thorough cleaning and disinfection to eliminate microorganisms and residual pulp tissue. Advanced irrigation activation techniques, including Sonic, Ultrasonic, and Diode Laser activation, have improved cleaning efficacy, bacterial reduction, smear layer removal, and irrigant hydrodynamics. On the other hand, these irrigation activation techniques may lead to a temperature rise that may risk the surrounding periodontal tissue. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the temperature rise during different irrigation activation techniques at various time intervals and evaluate the efficacy of these techniques in removing biofilm-mimicking hydrogel BMH of a simulated root canal system in 3D-printed tooth models. Methods: Ten extracted human mandibular premolars, prepared to size 40/0.04 taper, and a hundred 3D-printed resin premolars with simulated main (0.25 mm) and lateral canals (0.15 mm at 3, 7, 11 mm from apex) were used; 50 of them were filled with biofilm-mimicking hydrogel (BMH). Five irrigation activation techniques were evaluated: Diode Laser, Ultrasonic, Sonic, XP-Finisher, and Control (n = 10). Temperature rises were measured on the extracted premolars after 30 and 60 s of activation using a thermographic camera in a controlled environment (23 ± 2 °C). Irrigant penetration, with and without BMH, was assessed in 3D-printed premolars using a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite-contrast medium mixture, visualized with a CMOS radiographic sensor. Penetration was scored (main canal: 3 points; lateral canals: 0–2 points) and analyzed with non-parametric tests. Results: Diode Laser activation technique resulted in the highest temperature rise on the external root surface, followed by the Ultrasonic, with no statistically significant difference observed among the remaining groups. In terms of efficacy, Ultrasonic and Sonic activation achieved significantly greater irrigant penetration in samples without BMH, and greater BMH removal in samples with BMH, compared to Diode Laser, XP-Finisher, and Control groups. Conclusions: In this in vitro study, Diode Laser caused the highest temperature rise, followed by Ultrasonic, with significant increases from 30 to 60 s. Temperature rise did not significantly affect penetration or BMH removal. Ultrasonic and Sonic irrigation techniques achieved the highest depth of penetration (without BMH) and biofilm-mimicking Hydrogel removal (with BMH) compared to Diode Laser, XP-Finisher, and Control. Full article

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the development of non-invasive and non-destructive analytical techniques in the field of cultural heritage. The present study aims to characterize the frescoes in the hypogeum environment of the San Pietro a Corte complex in Salerno (Campania, Italy) through a multi-analytical approach that couples Infrared Reflectography with X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. Thermographic and hygrometric measurements were also performed to evaluate their state of conservation in relation to environmental parameters such as relative humidity and temperature at the frescoed walls. Spectroscopic investigations revealed a predominant use of natural pigments—chiefly iron-rich earths—and uncovered details invisible to the naked eye that aid art historians in refining stylistic attributions. Hygrometric data showed that the central zones of the frescoes retain the highest moisture levels, underscoring the need for a carefully tailored conservation plan. Overall, this multi-analytical methodology provides important information that enables conservators and restorers to understand both the materials and the preservation requirements of these artworks from a scientific and conservation perspective. Full article

The Palma Cathedral, a landmark of Mediterranean Gothic architecture, features some of the most structurally daring slender piers in European ecclesiastical design. This study examines the role of marés stone—a local marine calcarenite—in enabling such architectural feats despite its inherent fragility. A multi-technique, non-invasive diagnostic campaign was conducted, including visual inspection, portable microscopy, and infrared thermography, to evaluate the physical condition and behavior of the stone under structural and environmental stress. The results reveal widespread deterioration processes—granular disintegration, alveolization, biological colonization, and structural cracking—exacerbated by the stone’s high porosity and exposure to marine aerosols and thermal fluctuations. Thermographic analysis highlighted moisture retention zones and hidden material discontinuities, while crack monitoring confirmed long-standing, localized structural strain. These findings demonstrate that the Cathedral’s formal audacity was grounded in a refined empirical understanding of marés’ properties. The study underscores the importance of material-based diagnostics for the sustainable conservation of Gothic heritage architecture. Full article

The increasing demand for environmentally friendly materials has driven researchers and industries to explore alternatives that combine performance with reduced environmental impact. In this framework, the possibility of replacing glass-fibre-reinforced composites (GFRCs) with basalt-fibre-reinforced composites (BFRCs) is attracting increasing attention. In this study, basalt–vinyl ester specimens and glass–vinyl ester specimens were mechanically characterized using both the Risitano Thermographic and Static Thermographic Methods. The results indicate that energy methods are effective for the mechanical characterization of complex materials like basalt and glass fibre composites. The average ultimate tensile strength was 374 ± 20.2 MPa for BFRCs and 295 ± 4.7 MPa for GFRCs, showing a 26.7% improvement with basalt. The fatigue limit was 96.5 ± 0.2 MPa for BFRCs and 104.8 ± 0.8 MPa for GFRCs, while the static stress limit estimated via thermography was 99.9 ± 6.45 MPa and 101.7 ± 5.24 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the failure mechanisms of both BFRC and GFRC specimens were investigated. Additionally, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was performed to evaluate the environmental impact of basalt and glass fibre composites. The results showed that BFRCs have lower environmental impacts, including 0.67 kg CO₂-eq with respect to climate change versus 0.81 kg CO₂-eq for GFRCs. This work highlights how the two materials are comparable in terms of their mechanical performance but different in terms of their sustainability and environmental impact. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of periodontal blood flow on the periapical region during various endodontic disinfection procedures. The hypothesis that periodontal blood flow reduces the increase in root surface temperature during disinfection procedures was tested. Methods: One hundred and twenty extracted human teeth were shortened to 11 mm and the root canal was prepared using the F4 ProTaper Gold system. The specimens were covered with wax and then sealed in a thermoforming sheet, leaving a gap of 0.2 mm. Cannulas were attached to simulate stable fluid circulation. Thermographic evaluation was carried out using an infrared camera. The following methods were chosen for disinfection: I, λ445 nm diode laser (0.6 W, cw); II, λ445 nm diode laser, 3 W, pulsed, duty cycle 50%, 10 Hz; III, λ445 nm diode laser, 3 W, pulsed, duty cycle 75%, 10 Hz; IV, λ970 nm diode laser, 2 W, pulsed, duty cycle 50%, 10 Hz; V, λ970 nm diode laser, 2 W, pulsed, duty cycle 75%, 10 Hz; VI, experimental plasma device (2.5 W, 3.7 V); VII, heat plugger (200.0 °C); VIII, NaOCl 3% (60 °C). The results were analyzed statistically using the Kruskal–Wallis test. When there were significant differences between the groups (p < 0.05), the pairwise Mann–Whitney test with sequential Bonferroni correction was applied. Results: The smallest temperature changes, with a median value of 0.82 °C (max. 2.02 °C, min. 0.15 °C, IQR 0.87 °C), were observed using the laser at a setting of λ445 nm, 0.6 W cw, and a circulation rate of 6 mL/min. The highest temperature changes were measured at a fluid circulation rate of 0 mL/min with a laser setting of λ445 nm, 3 W, pulsed, duty cycle 75% with a median value of 21.7 °C (max. 25.02 °C, min. 20.29 °C, IQR 2.04 °C). Conclusions: Disinfection procedures with laser, NaOCl, and an experimental plasma device can lead to an increase in root surface temperature. With the exception of the heat plugger, no significant temperature changes were observed. This study was conducted in vitro, which may limit the direct applicability of the results to clinical scenarios. Nevertheless, the simulation of blood flow showed a thermally protective effect, suggesting that clinical protocols should consider this variable when selecting thermal disinfection methods. These results support the hypothesis that periodontal blood flow may have a potentially positive influence on temperature changes during disinfection procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the aging population. Among non-invasive assessment tools, infrared thermography (IRT) has been highlighted as a radiation-free method to evaluate thermal variations in the lumbar region. However, its applicability in clinical practice and correlation with functional and pain-related parameters remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze the thermal profile of the lumbar region in elderly individuals with CLBP and explore potential correlations between lumbar temperature patterns and clinical factors such as pain intensity and functional capacity. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was performed in an outpatient setting. The population included thirty-one elderly individuals diagnosed with CLBP. IRT was used to assess the lumbar temperature distribution, including participants who reported pain radiating to the lower limbs. Pain intensity was measured using a numerical rating scale (0–10). The functional assessments included spine mobility tests and validated questionnaires evaluating clinical characteristics. Results: No significant differences in lumbar temperature patterns were observed among the participants. Additionally, no correlation was found between pain intensity and functional capacity based on a thermographic analysis. Nonetheless, individuals reporting lower fatigue levels and those with a higher body mass index (BMI) were generally associated with cooler thermal readings on the lumbar region’s thermographic maps. Conclusions: These findings suggest that IRT may require methodological refinements, including optimized technical specifications and image acquisition protocols, to enhance its applicability in assessing CLBP. Indeed, IRT might not be the most effective tool for evaluating pain-related thermal changes in elderly populations. Further research is needed to clarify its role in clinical assessments. Full article

This study explores the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) techniques with infrared thermography for diagnosing diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Diabetes-related foot complications, including DPN and PAD, are leading causes of morbidity and disability worldwide. Traditional diagnostic methods, such as the monofilament test for DPN and ankle–brachial pressure index for PAD, have limitations in sensitivity, highlighting the need for improved solutions. Thermographic imaging, a non-invasive, cost-effective, and reliable tool, captures temperature distributions of the patient plantar surface, enabling the detection of physiological changes linked to these conditions. This study collected thermographic data from diabetic patients and employed convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and vision transformers (ViTs) to classify individuals as healthy or affected by DPN or PAD (not healthy). These neural networks demonstrated superior diagnostic performance, compared to traditional methods (an accuracy of 95.00%, a sensitivity of 100.00%, and a specificity of 90% in the case of the ResNet-50 network). The results underscored the potential of combining thermography with AI to provide scalable, accurate, and patient-friendly diagnostics for diabetic foot care. Future work should focus on expanding datasets and integrating explainability techniques to enhance clinical trust and adoption. Full article

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of ice boots in cooling the metacarpal and coronary regions of a horse after training over 8 days (n = 8). Background: While cryotherapy is effective in managing exertional heat illness, stress fractures, and laminitis in horses, conventional methods are often costly and impractical. This pilot study assessed the efficacy of ice boots as an accessible alternative for cooling the metacarpal and coronary regions post-training. Methods: A four-year-old Warmblood mare was trained on a treadmill over 8 days. An ice boot was applied to the right thoracic limb for 20 min post-exercise. Thermographic images were captured at six time points from pre-training to 30 min post-cooling. Mean temperatures in four regions were analyzed using the FLIR Tools software v6.4.18039.1003. Results: Post-training, metacarpal temperatures increased by 10.97 ± 0.46 °C (p = 0.000). Ice boot application reduced metacarpal temperature by 20.27 ± 0.22 °C (p = 0.001) and coronary band temperature by 5.28 ± 0.30 °C (p = 0.001), with altered thermal patterns visible on the imaging. Treated regions returned to baseline within 30 min, while the control limb took 50 min. Conclusions: Ice boots provide rapid, effective cooling and distinctive thermal pattern changes, offering a practical cryotherapy alternative for equine limb care post-training. These initial findings lay the groundwork for larger studies involving more horses under varied conditions, which will be necessary to confirm the results and establish clear guidelines for the clinical use of ice boots in equine practice. Full article