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Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 8 wk of no intervention (CON), lower limb heat therapy (HEAT), moderate-intensity exercise training (EX), or combined training and therapy (HEATEX) in young, healthy recreationally active adults. Methods: Sixty participants (23 ± 3 yr, 30 females) were randomly allocated into CON (n = 15), HEAT (n = 15), EX (n = 14), or HEATEX (n = 16). The primary outcome was vascular function, assessed through brachial artery flow-mediated dilation tests. Secondary measures included arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2peak), body composition, and quadriceps muscle strength. Results: There were no differences in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation between the groups before and after the interventions (all P > 0.05). Both interventions with a heating component were associated with within-group reductions in carotid-femoral pulse wave, and increase in absolute and relative V̇O2peak after 8 wk (HEAT: ∆−0.27 [−0.53, −0.02] m s−1, ∆0.18 [0.06, 0.29] L·min−1, ∆2.18 [0.60, 3.76] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively; HEATEX: ∆−0.33 [−0.58, −0.09], ∆0.21 [0.11, 0.32] L·min−1, ∆2.59 [1.06, 4.12] mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively), but no between-group differences were observed (P = 0.25, P = 0.21, and P = 0.55, respectively). There was also a within-group decrease in body fat percentage with EX (∆−1.37 [−2.45, −0.29] %), but no changes in leg strength in any of the groups (P = 0.79). Conclusions: This randomized controlled trial is the first to examine the efficacy of lower limb heating against traditionally prescribed exercise training. In our young cohort, 8 wk of training and/or therapy was insufficient to improve vascular function. More intense protocols and longer interventions involving lower limb heating may be required to elicit improvements in health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To develop patient-specific 3D models using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations and pre-treatment planning tools for the selective thermal ablation of prostate cancer with interstitial ultrasound. This involves the integration with a FDA 510(k) cleared catheter-based ultrasound interstitial applicators and delivery system. METHODS: A 3D generalized prostate model was developed to generate temperature and thermal dose profiles for different applicator operating parameters and anticipated perfusion ranges. A priori planning, based upon these pre-calculated lethal thermal dose and iso-temperature clouds, was devised for iterative device selection and positioning. Full 3D patient-specific anatomic modeling of actual placement of single or multiple applicators to conformally ablate target regions can be applied, with optional integrated pilot-point temperature-based feedback control and urethral/rectum cooling. These numerical models were verified against previously reported ex-vivo experimental results obtained in soft tissues. RESULTS: For generic prostate tissue, 360 treatment schemes were simulated based on the number of transducers (1-4), applied power (8-20 W/cm2), heating time (5, 7.5, 10 min), and blood perfusion (0, 2.5, 5 kg/m3/s) using forward treatment modelling. Selectable ablation zones ranged from 0.8-3.0 cm and 0.8-5.3 cm in radial and axial directions, respectively. 3D patient-specific thermal treatment modeling for 12 Cases of T2/T3 prostate disease demonstrate applicability of workflow and technique for focal, quadrant and hemi-gland ablation. A temperature threshold (e.g., Tthres = 52 °C) at the treatment margin, emulating placement of invasive temperature sensing, can be applied for pilot-point feedback control to improve conformality of thermal ablation. Also, binary power control (e.g., Treg = 45 °C) can be applied which will regulate the applied power level to maintain the surrounding temperature to a safe limit or maximum threshold until the set heating time. CONCLUSIONS: Prostate-specific simulations of interstitial ultrasound applicators were used to generate a library of thermal-dose distributions to visually optimize and set applicator positioning and directivity during a priori treatment planning pre-procedure. Anatomic 3D forward treatment planning in patient-specific models, along with optional temperature-based feedback control, demonstrated single and multi-applicator implant strategies to effectively ablate focal disease while affording protection of normal tissues.

Focused ultrasound (FUS) therapy generates sufficient heat for medical interventions like tumor ablation by concentrating energy at the focal point. The complex viscoelastic properties of biological tissues pose challenges in balancing focusing precision and penetration depth, impacting the safety of surrounding tissues and treatment efficacy. This study develops an acoustic-solid-thermal coupling computational model to elucidate the dynamic mechanical response and energy dissipation mechanisms of soft tissue during FUS thermal therapy using a hyper-viscoelastic constitutive model. Results indicate that the high compressibility and low shear resistance of biological tissues result in a unique shear dissipation mechanism. Energy dissipation efficiency per area is indirectly influenced by load frequency via its effect on the dynamic shear modulus and is directly proportional to load amplitude. Focusing precision, represented by the focal zone width, is inversely controlled by frequency via wavelength. A mathematical model for evaluating temperature rise efficiency is proposed, and an optimal frequency for efficient FUS thermal therapy in brain-like soft materials is identified. This research elucidates the link between viscoelastic tissue behavior and FUS treatment outcomes, offering insights for optimizing FUS applications in various medical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent health losses in adults worldwide. Historically, heat has been successfully used for treating pain and relieving tight muscles. Given the effective contact with the occupant's back and proximity to the heat source, coupled with increasing commute times, automotive seats offer an opportunity to intervene. Fifteen adults (nine female) who experienced acute, subacute, and chronic lower back pain were recruited to examine the effectiveness of heat delivered to the lower back in providing temporary pain relief. Participants sat in a car seat for 38 min on two days, which included a 5-min baseline followed by a 33-min intervention; control, or localized. For the control condition, participants sat for 33 min without any thermal devices on, while the localized condition heated and maintained the seat surface temperature of the lower seat back area to ~45 °C. Over the 33-min control condition, the back skin temperature increased by ~1–2 °C and did not impact the subjective LBP. Heating the lower back for 33 min to ~39 °C reduced the subjective LBP by 10%. We demonstrated that lower back pain can be alleviated from an automotive seat providing heat to the lower back within normal commute times in those with lower back pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Naturopathic medicine, including hydrotherapy, offers a holistic approach to disease management. Steam baths, a hydrotherapeutic intervention, have shown beneficial effects on pulmonary and cardiovascular functions. However, the immediate effects of steam baths on blood glucose levels in T2D patients remain understudied. This case series aims to explore the prompt effects of steam bath on blood glucose levels in individuals with T2D. Methods Three cases of T2D patients were included and underwent a steam bath intervention, where they were exposed to moist heat (except the head and neck) for 8-12 minutes, followed by a 2-minute cold shower. Random plasma glucose levels (RBGL) were measured before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 20 minutes after a supine rest. Results All three cases showed a prompt reduction in random blood glucose levels (mmol/L) after the steam bath intervention. Case 1 demonstrated a decrease from 10.94 to 10.61 (immediately) and 6.77 (after 20 mins). Case 2 showed a decrease from 17.66 to 17.55 (immediately) and 15.94 (after 20 mins). Case 3 exhibited a decrease from 10.61 to 10.33 (after 5 mins) and 6.72 (after 20 mins). Conclusion Steam baths can be used as an adjunctive treatment for reducing blood glucose levels in patients with T2D. Further research with larger sample sizes and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels is warranted to validate these findings and to explore the duration of the intervention effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a complication of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and direct oral anticoagulant therapy (DOAC). There is a lack of data comparing mechanical therapy (clips) with thermal therapy in this population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing urgent/emergent endoscopy for NVUGIB while being on DAPT or DOAC. Patients who had DAPT/DOAC held as per American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines were excluded from the study. Results: A total of 122 patients were included in the study. There was no difference in primary hemostasis, rebleeding rate, rescue hemostatic procedure, and 30-day mortality between the mechanical and thermal therapy groups. The mechanical therapy group had a significantly higher rate of prolonged length of stay (61.2% vs 38.9%, P = 0.02), serious clinical outcomes (56% vs 37.5%, P = 0.04), and intensive care unit admissions (50% vs 20.8%, P = 0.001) than the thermal therapy group. Conclusion: Patients on DAPT/DOAC presenting with NVUGIB can undergo mechanical or thermal endoscopic intervention without a significant difference in achieving primary hemostasis, rebleeding, requiring a secondary procedure, or mortality outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal pain is a major burden in our society. Management of musculoskeletal pain or injuries includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including heat therapy (HT). HT is a well-established treatment option due to its ability to promote muscle relaxation, enhance blood circulation, and modulate nociceptors with a good safety profile. The main focus of this paper is to review the available literature about HT in knee pathologies (i.e., arthrosis, arthritis, traumatic pathologies in the subacute phase, muscle and tendon pathologies linked to fatigue, muscle tension and distractions) and to provide an expert opinion in case of lack of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of functional products for medical textiles indicates that there are plenty of different classifications of this group. Requirements for compression generated by compression garments differ depending on the application area, and even more, sometimes are contradictory and can be fulfilled in very different ways. The effectiveness of such products depends on mechanical and physical properties as well as psychological barriers. Currently, there is no uniform classification of compression classes, furthermore, there is no uniform standard, test method or technic for evaluation of the product' compression. Knitted compression fabrics are made by knitting together at least two types of yarns: a ground yarn which ensures stiffness and thickness and an elastomeric yarn which generates compression. Knitted compression products can be produced on both flat and circular knitting machines, though parameters and usage of production are different. Additional elements used in the structure of the compression product can significantly change the generated compression. Purposes and number of additional details depend on the application and functionality of the compression support, nevertheless, all rigid elements must be taken into account at the designing stage. Additional functionality like antimicrobial activity or thermal therapy can also be provided for compression knits. It is highly important to ensure the longevity of all functional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Comparison of the efficacy and safety of Rezūm therapy and bipolar transurethral resection of prostate (B‐TURP) for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of 50–120 g size. Methods: One hundred patients with BPH who met the inclusion criteria were included and split into two equal groups to undergo Rezūm therapy or B‐TURP. The two groups were compared for efficacy using international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), operative time, catheter time, hospital stay, post‐void residual urine (PVR), prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), and residual prostate size and safety using the incidence of complications. Results: Rezūm significantly ameliorated IPSS from the baseline score by 55.3%, QoL by 50%, Qmax by 62.5%, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) by 7.1%, PVR by 50%, residual prostate size by 28.1% and PSA by 42% at 2 years. Meanwhile, the improvement in B‐TURP was significantly higher than Rezūm group, Rezūm therapy had a significantly shorter duration of operative time and hospital stay. Also, it had fewer complications in comparison with B‐TURP. Conclusions: Rezūm is a minimally invasive procedure that provides significantly improved symptomatic relief of BPH and quality of life with preservation of erectile and ejaculatory functions. However, it is not as effective as B‐TURP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) results in notable clinical symptoms and breast deformity. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility of microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of IGM through comparison with surgical excision. Methods From June 2016 to December 2020, a total of 234 consecutive patients admitted to the hospital were retrospectively included in this study. IGM was pathologically confirmed via breast biopsy in all included patients. These patients were divided into the MWA group (n = 91) and surgical group (n = 143) based on the type of treatment. Patients in both groups received oral prednisone prior to intervention. The clinical remission rate, recurrence rate, operative pain, complications, and BREAST Q score were compared between the two groups. Results There were 340 lesions in the MWA group, and 201 lesions in the surgical group were ultimately included. Significant differences in the complete remission rate (96.7% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.020), recurrence rate (3.3% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.020), operation time (48.7±14.6 min vs. 68.1±36.4 min, p

Abstract Clinical trials have generated encouraging outcomes for the utility of thermal agents (TAs) in cancer thermal therapy (TT). Although the fast breakdown of TAs alleviates safety concerns, it restricts the thermal stability necessary for effective treatment. TAs with excellent thermal stability, on the other hand, deteriorate slowly. Rare are the approaches that address the trade-off between high thermal stability and quick deterioration of TAs. Here we control the thermal signature of WS2-type 2D materials by utilizing previously undescribed DOX–WS2–PEG–M13 nanostructures (we term them D nanostructures) through Joule heating phenomena, and develop an integrated system for TT for enhancing thermal performance, and simultaneously, maintaining rapid degradation, and chemotherapy for efficacious treatment. A relative cell viability of ~ 50% was achieved by the D-based TT (DTT) configuration, as well as a 1 nM drug concentration. The D-driven chemotherapy (DCT) model also attains a relative cell viability of 80% for 1 nM drug concentration, while a 1-week degradation time was revealed by the D nanostructure. Theoretical studies elucidate the drug molecule–nanostructure and drug-on-nanostructure–solution interaction-facilitated enhancement in drug loading and drug release performance in DCT varieties. As a result, this work not only proposes a “ideal TA” that circumvents TA restrictions, but also enables proof-of-concept application of WS2-based materials in chemotherapy-unified combination cancer therapy. Graphical Abstract

This work presents the dual-phase lag-based non-Fourier bioheat transfer model of brain tissue subjected to interstitial laser ablation. The finite element method has been utilized to predict the brain tissue's temperature distributions and ablation volumes. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted to quantify the effect of variations in the input laser power, treatment time, laser fiber diameter, laser wavelength, and non-Fourier phase lags. Notably, in this work, the temperature-dependent thermal properties of brain tissue have been considered. The developed model has been validated by comparing the temperature obtained from the numerical and ex vivo brain tissue during interstitial laser ablation. The ex vivo brain model has been further extended to in vivo settings by incorporating the blood perfusion effects. The results of the systematic analysis highlight the importance of considering temperature-dependent thermal properties of the brain tissue, non-Fourier behavior, and microvascular perfusion effects in the computational models for accurate predictions of the treatment outcomes during interstitial laser ablation, thereby minimizing the damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The developed model and parametric analysis reported in this study would assist in a more accurate and precise prediction of the temperature distribution, thus allowing to optimize the thermal dosage during laser therapy in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trials have generated encouraging outcomes for the utility of thermal agents (TAs) in cancer thermal therapy (TT). Although the fast breakdown of TAs alleviates safety concerns, it restricts the thermal stability necessary for effective treatment. TAs with excellent thermal stability, on the other hand, deteriorate slowly. Rare are the approaches that address the trade-off between high thermal stability and quick deterioration of TAs. Here we control the thermal signature of WS2-type 2D materials by utilizing previously undescribed DOX–WS2–PEG–M13 nanostructures (we term them D nanostructures) through Joule heating phenomena, and develop an integrated system for TT for enhancing thermal performance, and simultaneously, maintaining rapid degradation, and chemotherapy for efficacious treatment. A relative cell viability of ~ 50% was achieved by the D-based TT (DTT) configuration, as well as a 1 nM drug concentration. The D-driven chemotherapy (DCT) model also attains a relative cell viability of 80% for 1 nM drug concentration, while a 1-week degradation time was revealed by the D nanostructure. Theoretical studies elucidate the drug molecule–nanostructure and drug-on-nanostructure–solution interaction-facilitated enhancement in drug loading and drug release performance in DCT varieties. As a result, this work not only proposes a "ideal TA" that circumvents TA restrictions, but also enables proof-of-concept application of WS2-based materials in chemotherapy-unified combination cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musculoskeletal pain is a major burden in our society. Management of musculoskeletal pain or injuries includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, including heat therapy (HT). HT is a well-established treatment option due to its ability to promote muscle relaxation, enhance blood circulation, and modulate nociceptors with a good safety profile. The main focus of this paper is to review the available literature about HT in knee pathologies (i.e., arthrosis, arthritis, traumatic pathologies in the subacute phase, muscle and tendon pathologies linked to fatigue, muscle tension and distractions) and to provide an expert opinion in case of lack of data.

Purpose: Transducer positioning for liver ablation by magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) is challenging due to the presence of air-filled organs or bones on the beam path. This paper presents a software tool developed to optimize the positioning of a HIFU transducer dedicated to abdominal thermal therapy, to maximize the treatment's efficiency while minimizing the near-field risk. Methods: A software tool was developed to determine the theoretical optimal position (TOP) of the transducer based on the minimization of a cost function using the particle swarm optimization (PSO). After an initialization phase and a manual segmentation of the abdomen of 5 pigs, the program randomly generates particles with 2 degrees of freedom and iteratively minimizes the cost function of the particles considering 3 parameters weighted according to their criticality. New particles are generated around the best position obtained at the previous step and the process is repeated until the optimal position of the transducer is reached. MR imaging data from in vivo HIFU ablation in pig livers was used for ground truth comparison between the TOP and the experimental position (EP). Results: As compared to the manual EP, the rotation difference with the TOP was on average −3.1 ± 7.1° and the distance difference was on average −7.1 ± 5.4 mm. The computational time to suggest the TOP was 20s. The software tool is modulable and demonstrated consistency and robustness when repeating the calculation and changing the initial position of the transducer.

Purpose: To develop patient-specific 3D models using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations and pre-treatment planning tools for the selective thermal ablation of prostate cancer with interstitial ultrasound. This involves the integration with a FDA 510(k) cleared catheter-based ultrasound interstitial applicators and delivery system. Methods: A 3D generalized “prostate” model was developed to generate temperature and thermal dose profiles for different applicator operating parameters and anticipated perfusion ranges. A priori planning, based upon these pre-calculated lethal thermal dose and iso-temperature clouds, was devised for iterative device selection and positioning. Full 3D patient-specific anatomic modeling of actual placement of single or multiple applicators to conformally ablate target regions can be applied, with optional integrated pilot-point temperature-based feedback control and urethral/rectum cooling. These numerical models were verified against previously reported ex-vivo experimental results obtained in soft tissues. Results: For generic prostate tissue, 360 treatment schemes were simulated based on the number of transducers (1-4), applied power (8-20 W/cm2), heating time (5, 7.5, 10 min), and blood perfusion (0, 2.5, 5 kg/m3/s) using forward treatment modelling. Selectable ablation zones ranged from 0.8-3.0 cm and 0.8-5.3 cm in radial and axial directions, respectively. 3D patient-specific thermal treatment modeling for 12 Cases of T2/T3 prostate disease demonstrate applicability of workflow and technique for focal, quadrant and hemi-gland ablation. A temperature threshold (e.g., Tthres = 52 °C) at the treatment margin, emulating placement of invasive temperature sensing, can be applied for pilot-point feedback control to improve conformality of thermal ablation. Also, binary power control (e.g., Treg = 45 °C) can be applied which will regulate the applied power level to maintain the surrounding temperature to a safe limit or maximum threshold until the set heating time. Conclusions: Prostate-specific simulations of interstitial ultrasound applicators were used to generate a library of thermal-dose distributions to visually optimize and set applicator positioning and directivity during a priori treatment planning pre-procedure. Anatomic 3D forward treatment planning in patient-specific models, along with optional temperature-based feedback control, demonstrated single and multi-applicator implant strategies to effectively ablate focal disease while affording protection of normal tissues.

Abstract This manuscript introduces a theoretical model to study the problem of heat and mass transfer in biological tissues in a magnetic field, which simulates cancer treatment using thermal therapy. In particular, this model incorporates the influence of the Brownian motion and thermal thermophoresis of nanoparticles. Firstly, the non-linear governing equations of motion are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, then solved numerically according to appropriate boundary conditions using MATLAB built-in solver- bvp4c. All parameters and their impacts on the flow have been investigated and studied. The model predictions showed that increasing the heat absorption by nanoparticles in the tissue increases the tumour temperature, which helps to improve the therapeutic efficiency and reduce the concentration of nanoparticles. Hence, the results of this study could enhance the effectiveness of thermal therapy for malignancies. Article Highlights The transport of nanoparticles (NPs) to the deep tissue is improved when the heat transfer coefficient is raised. The temperature of interstitial fluid significantly reduces the velocity of the interstitial fluid. Exposing tumours to an external heat source enhances the NP delivery to the tumour.

Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent health losses in adults worldwide. Historically, heat has been successfully used for treating pain and relieving tight muscles. Given the effective contact with the occupant’s back and proximity to the heat source, coupled with increasing commute times, automotive seats offer an opportunity to intervene. Fifteen adults (nine female) who experienced acute, subacute, and chronic lower back pain were recruited to examine the effectiveness of heat delivered to the lower back in providing temporary pain relief. Participants sat in a car seat for 38 min on two days, which included a 5-min baseline followed by a 33-min intervention; control, or localized. For the control condition, participants sat for 33 min without any thermal devices on, while the localized condition heated and maintained the seat surface temperature of the lower seat back area to ~45 °C. Over the 33-min control condition, the back skin temperature increased by ~1–2 °C and did not impact the subjective LBP. Heating the lower back for 33 min to ~39 °C reduced the subjective LBP by 10%. We demonstrated that lower back pain can be alleviated from an automotive seat providing heat to the lower back within normal commute times in those with lower back pain.

Objective(s): The waves of ultrasound and laser in the presence of nanoparticles are introduced as desirable candidates for the thermal treatment of cancer due to having fewer side effects, more speed, and superior treatment efficiency. Here, 2D Graphene oxide nanoparticle is used as a thermal nano-convertor for increasing the yield of thermal cancer therapy.Materials and Methods: The temperature of GO (in 0.2 and 0.4 mg/ml concentrations) and deionized water regarding heater, bath sonicate, probe sonicate (at a power range of 2-3.5 W), and laser properties at 808 nm with continuous wave (at a power of 0-2 W) in 10 min are investigated. Based on the experimental results, the effect of laser and ultrasound radiation on the temperature is simulated using a data mining approach.Results: Experimental and simulation results show that GO nanoparticle in this form is unsuitable for converting ultrasound waves into heat. But it is a strong absorber for electromagnetic waves at 808 nm and can raise the temperature to 85 °C. The results indicate that the laser + GO enhances the mortality percentage and treatment yield of MG63 cancerous cells by up to 85%. Also, GO uptake is analyzed by fluorescent microscopic images.Conclusion: This analysis confirmed that GO is important when laser radiation is used but not when Ultrasound is employed. Also, GO is an excellent photothermal nanoparticle for localized thermal therapy of osteosarcoma cancer cells by laser at 808 nm with low side effects.

Abstract Introduction Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated disease primarily manifesting as skin redness and inflammation. Balneotherapy proved to be a successful non-pharmacological option to reduce the skin areas affected by the disease, but the specific mechanisms underlying this effect have not been elucidated yet. Here we test the hypothesis that the effect of thermal treatments on psoriatic lesions could be partially mediated by changes in the resident microbial population, i.e., the microbiome. Methods In this study, we enrolled patients with psoriasis and monitored changes in their skin and gut microbiome after a 12-bath balneotherapy course with a combination of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomics. Changes in the resident microbiome were then correlated with thermal therapy outcomes evaluated as changes in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area index (BSA). Results The amplicon sequencing analysis of the skin microbiome showed that after thermal treatment the microbiome composition of affected areas improved to approach that typical of unaffected skin. We moreover identified some low-abundance bacterial biomarkers indicative of disease status and treatment efficacy, and we showed via metagenomic sequencing that thermal treatments and thermal water drinking affect the fecal microbiome to host more species associated with favorable metabolic health. Conclusions Changes in lower-abundance microbial taxa presence and abundance could be the basis for the positive effect of thermal water treatment and drinking on the cutaneous and systemic symptomatology of psoriasis.

This manuscript introduces a theoretical model to study the problem of heat and mass transfer in biological tissues in a magnetic field, which simulates cancer treatment using thermal therapy. In particular, this model incorporates the influence of the Brownian motion and thermal thermophoresis of nanoparticles. Firstly, the non-linear governing equations of motion are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, then solved numerically according to appropriate boundary conditions using MATLAB built-in solver- bvp4c. All parameters and their impacts on the flow have been investigated and studied. The model predictions showed that increasing the heat absorption by nanoparticles in the tissue increases the tumour temperature, which helps to improve the therapeutic efficiency and reduce the concentration of nanoparticles. Hence, the results of this study could enhance the effectiveness of thermal therapy for malignancies. Article Highlights: The transport of nanoparticles (NPs) to the deep tissue is improved when the heat transfer coefficient is raised. The temperature of interstitial fluid significantly reduces the velocity of the interstitial fluid. Exposing tumours to an external heat source enhances the NP delivery to the tumour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated disease primarily manifesting as skin redness and inflammation. Balneotherapy proved to be a successful non-pharmacological option to reduce the skin areas affected by the disease, but the specific mechanisms underlying this effect have not been elucidated yet. Here we test the hypothesis that the effect of thermal treatments on psoriatic lesions could be partially mediated by changes in the resident microbial population, i.e., the microbiome. Methods: In this study, we enrolled patients with psoriasis and monitored changes in their skin and gut microbiome after a 12-bath balneotherapy course with a combination of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metagenomics. Changes in the resident microbiome were then correlated with thermal therapy outcomes evaluated as changes in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Body Surface Area index (BSA). Results: The amplicon sequencing analysis of the skin microbiome showed that after thermal treatment the microbiome composition of affected areas improved to approach that typical of unaffected skin. We moreover identified some low-abundance bacterial biomarkers indicative of disease status and treatment efficacy, and we showed via metagenomic sequencing that thermal treatments and thermal water drinking affect the fecal microbiome to host more species associated with favorable metabolic health. Conclusions: Changes in lower-abundance microbial taxa presence and abundance could be the basis for the positive effect of thermal water treatment and drinking on the cutaneous and systemic symptomatology of psoriasis. Plain Language Summary: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease primarily manifesting as skin redness and inflammation that affects 2–3% of the world's population. No cure is currently available for this condition, and patients are offered pharmacological and non-pharmacological options to alleviate the discomfort. Previous studies and clinical practice have shown that thermal water treatment can be a non-pharmacological option to reduce the areas affected by the disease. However, the specific mechanisms causing this reduction have not been clarified yet. Given that neither the chemical nor the physical composition of thermal water can explain this beneficial effect, recent studies have suggested that it might be due to the effect of thermal water on the microbial communities living on the skin (i.e., the skin microbiome). In this work carried out at Terme di Comano, Northern Italy, we describe the effect of thermal water treatment on the skin microbiome of patients with psoriasis and we highlight the potentially beneficial effect of thermal water drinking on the microbial communities living in the gut, namely the gut microbiome. Specifically, we show that after balneotherapy the areas affected by psoriasis have a higher diversity of microbes usually present on healthy skin, potentially explaining the reduction in disease severity after treatment, and we describe how the gut microbiome of patients who drank thermal water changes to host more species linked with favorable metabolic health. These findings highlight that thermal water treatment and drinking could reduce both the skin and systemic symptomatology of psoriasis by affecting the skin and gut microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveChanges in ultrasound backscatter energy (CBE) imaging can monitor thermal therapy. Catheter-based ultrasound (CBUS) can treat deep tumors with precise spatial control of energy deposition and ablation zones, of which CBE estimation can be limited by low contrast and robustness due to small or inconsistent changes in ultrasound data. This study develops a multi-spatiotemporal compounding CBE (MST-CBE) imaging approach for monitoring specific to CBUS thermal therapy.MethodsEx vivo thermal ablations were performed with stereotactic positioning of a 180° directional CBUS applicator, temperature monitoring probes, endorectal US probe, and subsequent lesion sectioning and measurement. Five frames of raw radiofrequency data were acquired throughout in 15s intervals. Using window-by-window estimation methods, absolute and positive components of MST-CBE images at each point were obtained by the compounding ratio of squared envelope data within an increasing spatial size in each short-time window.ResultsCompared with conventional US, Nakagami, and CBE imaging, the detection contrast and robustness quantified by tissue-modification-ratio improved by 37.2 ± 4.7 (p < 0.001), 37.5 ± 5.2 (p < 0.001), and 6.4 ± 4.0 dB (p < 0.05) in the MST-CBE imaging, respectively. Correlation coefficient and bias between cross-sectional dimensions of the ablation zones measured in tissue sections and estimated from MST-CBE were up to 0.91 (p < 0.001) and -0.02 mm2, respectively.ConclusionThe MST-CBE approach can monitor the detailed changes within target tissues and effectively characterize the dimensions of the ablation zone during CBUS energy deposition.SignificanceThe MST-CBE approach could be practical for improved accuracy and contrast of monitoring and evaluation for CBUS thermal therapy.

The editorial discusses the use of computational modeling in thermal therapy for human tumors, highlighting the benefits of hyperthermia as a treatment method. Different types of thermal therapy, such as photothermal therapy, ultrasound thermal therapy, and radiofrequency thermal therapy, are explored. The research also includes numerical modeling to optimize thermal therapy procedures and experimental studies on alternative therapies like moxibustion for cancer-related fatigue. The authors emphasize the importance of precise temperature control in killing tumor cells selectively and suggest that further research in thermal therapy is needed to explore safe and effective treatment strategies for cancer. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractPurpose MR thermometry (MRT) enables noninvasive temperature monitoring during hyperthermia treatments. MRT is already clinically applied for hyperthermia treatments in the abdomen and extremities, and devices for the head are under development. In order to optimally exploit MRT in all anatomical regions, the best sequence setup and post-processing must be selected, and the accuracy needs to be demonstrated.Methods MRT performance of the traditionally used double-echo gradient-echo sequence (DE-GRE, 2 echoes, 2D) was compared to multi-echo sequences: a 2D fast gradient-echo (ME-FGRE, 11 echoes) and a 3D fast gradient-echo sequence (3D-ME-FGRE, 11 echoes). The different methods were assessed on a 1.5 T MR scanner (GE Healthcare) using a phantom cooling down from 59 °C to 34 °C and unheated brains of 10 volunteers. In-plane motion of volunteers was compensated by rigid body image registration. For the ME sequences, the off-resonance frequency was calculated using a multi-peak fitting tool. To correct for B0 drift, the internal body fat was selected automatically using water/fat density maps.Results The accuracy of the best performing 3D-ME-FGRE sequence was 0.20 °C in phantom (in the clinical temperature range) and 0.75 °C in volunteers, compared to DE-GRE values of 0.37 °C and 1.96 °C, respectively.Conclusion For hyperthermia applications, where accuracy is more important than resolution or scan-time, the 3D-ME-FGRE sequence is deemed the most promising candidate. Beyond its convincing MRT performance, the ME nature enables automatic selection of internal body fat for B0 drift correction, an important feature for clinical application.

Objective(s): The waves of ultrasound and laser in the presence of nanoparticles are introduced as desirable candidates for the thermal treatment of cancer due to having fewer side effects, more speed, and superior treatment efficiency. Here, 2D Graphene oxide nanoparticle is used as a thermal nano-convertor for increasing the yield of thermal cancer therapy. Materials and Methods: The temperature of GO (in 0.2 and 0.4 mg/ml concentrations) and deionized water regarding heater, bath sonicate, probe sonicate (at a power range of 2-3.5 W), and laser properties at 808 nm with continuous wave (at a power of 0-2 W) in 10 min are investigated. Based on the experimental results, the effect of laser and ultrasound radiation on the temperature is simulated using a data mining approach. Results: Experimental and simulation results show that GO nanoparticle in this form is unsuitable for converting ultrasound waves into heat. But it is a strong absorber for electromagnetic waves at 808 nm and can raise the temperature to 85 °C. The results indicate that the laser + GO enhances the mortality percentage and treatment yield of MG63 cancerous cells by up to 85%. Also, GO uptake is analyzed by fluorescent microscopic images. Conclusion: This analysis confirmed that GO is important when laser radiation is used but not when Ultrasound is employed. Also, GO is an excellent photothermal nanoparticle for localized thermal therapy of osteosarcoma cancer cells by laser at 808 nm with low side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Thermal therapy has existed for thousands of years and dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Finns, Romans, ancient Chinese, American Indians, and Egyptians. Sun therapy is a form of natural Far Infrared Rays (FIR) thermal therapy. Far infrared rays are invisible rays with the longest wavelength of natural sunlight. However, sun-bathing should only be done in moderation, as sunlight contains ultraviolet rays that can burn and damage the skin. More than 30 million people in Asia, Europe, and Australia receive Far Infrared Therapy with FIR lamps. They emit 2-25-micron wavebands. We aimed to investigate whether FIR therapy that uses a similar waveband improves sinusitis symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 10 New Zealand rabbits of both sexes, 7-8 months old, with an average weight of 1.8-2.4 kg. They were divided into four study groups. Sinusitis was induced in rabbits by blocking the sinus ostium, whereas some were left as control. Far infrared treatment with an infra-sin device was given with or without antibiotics. Mucosal samples were evaluated microscopically regarding epithelial eruption, epithelial vacuolization, interstitial edema, vascular congestion, leukocyte infiltration, and mucosal thickening. RESULTS: We found clinical and histopathological improvements in rabbits with sinusitis on the right side of the nose, to which we applied FIR treatment with the device Infra-Sin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in this animal study led us to conclude that it would be beneficial to study the effects of FIR treatment on people with allergic rhinitis and sinusitis and to identify the optimal dosing, treatment duration, and intensity. To add to our findings, looking into whether FIR therapy can be used as an alternative to antibiotic treatment for human sinusitis is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand if unexplained signal artifacts in MRg-LITT proton resonance frequency- (PRF-) shift thermometry images are caused by air bubbles or hemorrhages, and to characterize their effects on temperature measurements. Retrospective image data from an IRB-approved clinical trial of intracranial MRg-LITT were inspected for asymmetric distortions observed in phase data during ablations, which have been previously reported as likely hemorrhages. A total of eight patient cases were selected: seven with artifact occurrence and one without. Mathematical image models for air bubbles or hemorrhages were implemented to estimate the size of the air bubble or hemorrhage needed to explain the clinically observed phase artifacts. Correlations and Bland-Altman analyses were used to determine if an air bubble model or a hemorrhage model was better correlated to the clinical data. The model was used to inject bubbles into clean PRF phase data without artifacts to examine how temperature profile distortions change with slice orientation. The simulated air-bubble injected data were compared to clinical data containing artifacts to examine the bubbles' effects on temperature and thermal damage estimates. The model demonstrated that air bubbles up to approximately 1 cm in diameter could explain the clinically observed phase artifacts. The bubble model predicts that a hemorrhage would have to be 2.2 times as large as an air bubble in order to explain the same extent of phase distortion observed in clinical data. Air bubbles had 16% percent higher correlations to the clinical PRF phase data than hemorrhages, even after rescaling the hemorrhage phases to better match the data. The air bubble model also explains how the phase artifacts lead to both large positive and large negative temperature errors, up to ±100 °C, which could cascade to damage estimate errors of several millimeters. Results showed that the artifacts are likely caused by air bubbles rather than hemorrhages, which may be introduced before heating or appear during heating. Manufacturers and users of devices that rely upon PRF-shift thermometry should be aware these phase distortions from bubble artifacts can result in large temperature errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility and performance of a stationary, non-focused dual-sectored tubular transurethral ultrasound applicator for thermal exposure of tissue regions adjacent to the urethra for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) through acoustic and biothermal simulations on 3D anatomical models. Parametric studies in a generalized tissue model over dual-sectored ultrasound applicator configurations (acoustic surface intensities, lateral active acoustic output sector angles, and durations) were performed. Selected configurations and delivery strategies were applied on 3D pelvic anatomical models. Temperature and thermal dose distributions on the target region and surrounding tissues were calculated. Endovaginal cooling was explored as a strategy to mitigate vaginal heating. The 75-90° dual-sectored transurethral tubular transducer (3.5 mm outer diameter (OD), 14 mm length, 6.5 MHz, 8.8-10.2 W/cm2) and 2-3-min sonication duration were selected from the parametric study for acoustic and biothermal simulations on anatomical models. The transurethral applicator with two opposing 75-90° active lateral tubular sectors can create two heated volumes for a total of up to 1.8 cm3 over 60 EM43 °C, with at least 10 mm radial penetration depth, 1.2 mm urethral sparing, and no lethal damage to the vagina and adjacent bone (

Biological modeling for anti-cancer treatments using mathematical models can be very supportive in gaining more insight into dynamic processes responsible for cellular response to treatment, and predicting, evaluating and optimizing therapeutic effects of treatment. This review presents an overview of the current status of biological modeling for hyperthermia in combination with radiotherapy (thermoradiotherapy). Various distinct models have been proposed in the literature, with varying complexity; initially aiming to model the effect of hyperthermia alone, and later on to predict the effect of the combined thermoradiotherapy treatment. Most commonly used models are based on an extension of the linear-quadratic (LQ)-model enabling an easy translation to radiotherapy where the LQ model is widely used. Basic predictions of cell survival have further progressed toward 3 D equivalent dose predictions, i.e., the radiation dose that would be needed without hyperthermia to achieve the same biological effect as the combined thermoradiotherapy treatment. This approach, with the use of temperature-dependent model parameters, allows theoretical evaluation of the effectiveness of different treatment strategies in individual patients, as well as in patient cohorts. This review discusses the significant progress that has been made in biological modeling for hyperthermia combined with radiotherapy. In the future, when adequate temperature-dependent LQ-parameters will be available for a large number of tumor sites and normal tissues, biological modeling can be expected to be of great clinical importance to further optimize combined treatments, optimize clinical protocols and guide further clinical studies.

Background: Noxious acute cold stimuli cause cold shock via the sympathetic nervous system. However, no studies have investigated respiratory “heat shock” in response to noxious acute heat stimuli (≥ 42 °C). Methods: In the present study, we examined whether short-duration whole-body immersion (for 5 min) in noxious hot water (45 °C) is a sufficient stimulus to induce a respiratory acute shock response. Results and conclusion: Our results indicate that short-duration whole-body immersion in noxious 45 °C water produces a significantly greater body temperature, heart rate, and perceptual and respiratory strain than immersion in innocuous warm 37 °C water (p < .05). The initial first minute of hot water immersion (HWI) at 45 °C (vs. immersion at 37 °C) caused a cardiorespiratory shock response, which manifested as acute hyperventilation, and increased ventilatory tidal volume, respiratory exchange ratio, and heart rate (p < .05). Adjustment to this initial respiratory heat shock response within the first minute of immersion was observed as compared with remaining HWI time (1–5 min). Intriguingly, the time-course kinetics of breathing frequency, oxygen uptake, and carbon dioxide washout did not differ between whole-body immersion at 37 °C and immersion at 45 °C, but were higher than in control thermoneutral conditions of an empty bath (p < .05). This may be because of events initiated not only by the water temperature but also by the change in the hydrostatic pressure acting upon the body when immersed in the water bath.

Background Detailed information on the temperature dependence of tissue thermophysical and mechanical properties is pivotal for the optimal implementation of mathematical models and simulation-based tools for the pre-planning of thermal ablation therapies. These models require in-depth knowledge of the temperature sensitivity of these properties and other influential terms (e.g., blood perfusion and metabolic heat) to maximize the treatment prediction outcome. Methodology A systematic literature review of experimental trials investigating thermophysical and mechanical properties of biological media, as well as blood perfusion and metabolic heat, as a function of temperature in hyperthermic and ablative thermal range, was conducted up to June 2021. Results A total of 61 articles was selected, thus enabling a comprehensive overview of the temperature dependence of thermophysical properties (i.e. thermal conductivity, specific heat, volumetric heat capacity, density, thermal diffusivity), and mechanical properties (shear, elastic, storage, loss and complex moduli, loss factor, stiffness) along with the principal measurement techniques. The reviewed studies considered different tissues, e.g., liver, fat, cartilage, brain, myocardium, muscle, bone, skin, pancreas tissues, and also some tumorous tissues. Conclusions The thermophysical properties of soft tissues appear rather constant until 90 °C, with slight differences ascribable to tissues characteristics and measurement methods. Conversely, the information on mechanical properties is heterogeneous because most of the articles investigated different types of properties in different biological tissues. Furthermore, most of the experiments were conducted ex vivo; only a small percentage concerned in vivo studies. Limited recent information about the temperature dependence of metabolic heat and blood perfusion was observed.

Aim This study aimed to develop a novel tumor-bearing tissue phantom model that can be used for US/CT/MR-guided tumor puncture and thermal ablation.Methods The phantom model comprised two parts: a normal tissue-mimicking phantom and a tumor-mimicking phantom. A normal tissue phantom was prepared based on a polyacrylamide gel mixed with thermochromic ink. Moreover, a spherical phantom containing contrast agents was constructed and embedded in the tissue phantom to mimic a tumor lesion. US/CT/MR imaging features and thermochromic property of the phantom model were characterized. Finally, the utility of the phantom model for imaging-guided microwave ablation training was examined.Results The tumor phantom containing contrast agents showed hyper-echogenicity, higher CT numbers, and lower T2 signal intensity compared with the normal tissue phantom in US/CT/MR images. Consequently, we could locate the position of the tumor in US/CT/MR imaging and perform an imaging-guided tumor puncture. When the temperature reached the threshold of 60 °C, the phantom exhibited a permanent color change from cream white to magenta. Based on this obvious color change, our phantom model could clearly map the thermal ablation region after thermotherapy.Conclusions We developed a novel US/CT/MR-imageable tumor-bearing tissue model that can be used for imaging-guided tumor puncture and thermal ablation. Furthermore, it allows visual assessment of the ablation region by analyzing the obvious color change. Overall, this phantom model could be a good training tool in the field of thermal ablation.

Abstract Background Hot pack application is used to reduce pain and muscle stiffness at the treated site. However, the effects of hot pack application on the whole body have not been clarified. We investigated the relationship between body composition indices and the hot pack-induced increase in body temperature. Methods We recruited 17 healthy men (age, 22.0 ± 3.3 years) who participated in the study on five different days and applied “dry” hot packs at four different sites (the most frequently used sites): right shoulder, lower back, both popliteal areas, and lower back plus popliteal areas. The study protocol involved the measurement of body composition followed by 10 min of bed rest, 15 min of warming with a hot pack, and 20 min of subsequent rest. Heart rate and body temperature were measured continuously, and blood pressure was recorded at 5-min intervals. Body temperature was measured at the right upper arm, precordium, abdomen, lumbus, right hallux, right femur, and right auditory canal. Results Skin temperature increased significantly at and near the hot pack application site, but this finding showed no relationship with body composition indices. The warmability distal to the application site was negatively correlated with the body water content index. The auditory canal temperature did not change in any of the sessions. Conclusions Hot pack usage alone did not increase the deep-body temperature and only increased the temperature around the application area. Moreover, higher body water content may allow for easier dissipation of heat from the peripheral extremities.

Thermal strain imaging (TSI) is a widely investigated ultrasound (US) thermometry technique that is based on the temperature-dependent change in speed of sound. However, a major challenge of TSI is a calibration process to account for material-dependent thermal strain. In this study, we leverage nanoparticle (NP)-mediated photoacoustic (PA) thermometry to calibrate thermal strain and guide US thermal imaging. By controlling the molecular composition of the sub-micrometer layer surrounding the NPs, PA thermometry becomes independent of the thermal characteristics of the overall background tissue where the NPs reside. Thus accurate temperature measurements are obtainable from sparse NP-mediated PA signals. These measurements are used to guide TSI, allowing US thermometry to produce an expanded temperature map over the entire region of interest without prior knowledge of tissue composition. Our feasibility study in tissue-mimicking phantoms demonstrates the potential to improve TSI by integrating a PA-based calibration method that complements and guides US thermometry.

Acupuncture is one of the most extensively used complementary and alternative medicine therapies worldwide. In this study, we explore the use of near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide acupuncture-like physical stimulus to the skin tissue, but in a completely non-invasive way. A computational modeling framework has been developed to investigate the light-tissue interaction within a three-dimensional multi-layer model of skin tissue. Finite element-based analysis has been conducted, to obtain the spatiotemporal temperature distribution within the skin tissue, by solving Pennes' bioheat transfer equation, coupled with the Beer-Lambert law. The irradiation profile of the LED has been experimentally characterized and imposed in the numerical model. The experimental validation of the developed model has been conducted through comparing the numerical model predictions with those obtained experimentally on the agar phantom. The effects of the LED power, treatment duration, LED distance from the skin surface, and usage of multiple LEDs on the temperature distribution attained within the skin tissue have been systematically investigated, highlighting the safe operating power of the selected LEDs. The presented information about the spatiotemporal temperature distribution, and critical factors affecting it, would assist in better optimizing the desired thermal dosage, thereby enabling a safe and effective LED-based photothermal therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study assessed the efficacy, safety and durability outcomes of water vapor thermal therapy with Rezum in a real-world cohort of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostate obstruction. Methods: Consecutive, unselected patients undergoing Rezum treatment between January 2014 and August 2022 were candidates for this pragmatic, observational, longitudinal, single-center cohort study. Pre- and perioperative data were descriptively summarized. The primary outcome was surgical efficacy, determined by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) Score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) volume and prostate volume (PV) at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and > 2 years. Results: A total of 211 patients were enrolled for analysis. Overall, catheter removal was successful in 92.4% of patients after a median of 5 days. A preoperative catheter and the presence of a median lobe increased the risk of unsuccessful catheter removal. In total, 5.7% of patients were reoperated after a median of 407 days. Comparing baseline to the longest median follow-up, the postoperative IPSS decreased significantly by 65.7%, the QoL Score declined by 66.7% (both until a maximum median of 4.5 years) and Qmax improved by 66.7% (until 3.9 years). Post-void residual volume and PV were reduced by 85.7% (3.7 years) and 47% (4.0 years), respectively. Clavien–Dindo complication ≤ II occurred in 11.8%. Conclusion: Rezum is a safe minimally invasive treatment option in a real-world patient cohort with a beneficial improvement of micturition symptoms and voiding function during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine whether hot yoga could attenuate sodium-induced pressor responses and endothelial dysfunction in Black females. Fourteen participants (ages 20-60 yr old) completed 3 days of low-sodium intake (-31 mmol/day) followed by 3 days of high-sodium intake (201 mmol/day). Ambulatory blood pressure (BP), 24-h urinary sodium excretion, flowmediated dilation (FMD), urine-specific gravity, and hematocrit were measured during/after each dietary phase. Participants were randomly assigned to 4 wk of hot yoga or a wait-list control condition. Wait-listed participants were rerandomized to the yoga group after week 4. Blood pressure and FMD in response to low- and high-sodium diet conditions were assessed again at week 4. Sodium loading significantly increased body mass, laboratory systolic and mean arterial BP and urinary sodium excretion in the group overall (P < 0.05 for all). A significant time-by-group interaction was observed for sodium-induced changes in FMD (P < 0.05). In the yoga group, sodium loading tended to decrease FMD at baseline (P = 0.054), whereas sodium loading significantly increased FMD after 4 wk of hot yoga (P < 0.05). In conclusion, results suggest that a brief heated exercise intervention can alter sodium's effects on endothelial function in Black female adults. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Hot yoga significantly altered endothelial function responses to high-sodium intake in Black female adults. Blood pressure responses were unaltered by the yoga intervention in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent days, the number of cancer cases is escalating promptly around the world. In general, conventional ablation methods, encompassing comprehensive drawbacks, are employed to cure cancer. At present, photo thermal therapy (PTT) is showing great promise to the treatment of cancer. However, the effective implementation of this technology is utmost challenging as several parameters affect the tumor surroundings. In this work, the effects of different parameters on the performance of PTT have been thoroughly investigated by considering a realistic model of human tissue underneath the skin using a finite element solver, COMSOL Multiphysics. Two different conditions, with and without considering gold nanoparticles at tumor site, are investigated where a laser beam is used as a source of energy. Fluence rate, temperature distribution, and thermal damage are highlighted in this work. It is observed that by utilizing a miniature needle with integrated waveguide and gold nanoparticles, a tumor can be effectively eradicated along with assuaging the conventional drawbacks of PTT. This study would also be useful for designing operative PTT for different parts of human tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite the promising results of earlier studies on glioblastomas, hyperthermia is currently not applied in the treatment of brain cancer. Focused intracranial heating is a challenging task due to the presence of critical organs and their extra sensitivity to elevated temperatures. In this contribution, we introduce a new concept to design UWB applicators to achieve adequate temperatures in large brain tumors while protecting the healthy tissues from overheating. We introduce a fast E-field approximation scheme to quickly explore a large number of array configurations to determine the most optimal antenna arrangement around the head with respect to the multiple objectives and requirements of clinical hyperthermia. The proposed solution manages to achieve the level of tumor coverage and hot-spot suppression that is necessary for a successful treatment. The results show that the method is accurate enough to provide qualitative indications about the most suitable antenna arrangement for a given tumor shape and location, while yielding higher target temperatures than annular antenna arrays. Deep microwave hyperthermia applicators are typically designed as narrow-band conformal antenna arrays with equally spaced elements, arranged in one or more rings. This solution, while adequate for most body regions, might be sub-optimal for brain treatments. The introduction of ultra-wide-band semi-spherical applicators, with elements arranged around the head and not necessarily aligned, has the potential to enhance the selective thermal dose delivery in this challenging anatomical region. However, the additional degrees of freedom in this design make the problem non-trivial. We address this by treating the antenna arrangement as a global SAR-based optimization process aiming at maximizing target coverage and hot-spot suppression in a given patient. To enable the quick evaluation of a certain arrangement, we propose a novel E-field interpolation technique which calculates the field generated by an antenna at any location around the scalp from a limited number of initial simulations. We evaluate the approximation error against full array simulations. We demonstrate the design technique in the optimization of a helmet applicator for the treatment of a medulloblastoma in a paediatric patient. The optimized applicator achieves 0.3  ° C higher T90 than a conventional ring applicator with the same number of elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Electronic moxibustion (EM) was developed to minimize the side effects of traditional moxibustion, such as burns, and to overcome therapeutic compliances such as smoke or smell. Objectives: To investigate distributions and thermal stimulation of EM at various depths using silicon phantom and to compare this methodology to traditional indirect moxibustion (TIM). Methods : A silicon phantom composed of polydimethylsiloxane was heated and immersed in a hot plate containing warm water to set the phantom’s temperature to that of biological tissue. K-type thermocouples were inserted into the phantom at depths of 0, 2, 5, 7, and 10 mm to measure temperature changes with thermal stimulation of EM or TIM placed on top of the phantom. Results : At the surface of the phantom, the peak temperature after applying TIM (55.04 ± 0.92℃ [Δ23.79 ± 0.96℃]) was significantly higher than after EM (43.25 ± 1.95℃ [Δ13.00 ± 2.23℃]), with both interventions reaching the highest temperature after 2 minutes. The temperature increase for TIM was also statistically significant compared to EM when measured at a depth of 2 mm. For the experimental setting with TIM, after reaching peak surface temperature, a rapid decrease was observed at the surface and 2 mm while EM showed a much more gradual decline. There was no significant difference in temperature change between the groups at depths of 5, 7, and 10 mm. Conclusion : TIM resulted in a higher temperature rise compared to EM at the surface and at a 2 mm depth reaching over 50℃, which creates risk of burns. Thermal stimulation with EM had a lower risk of burns with temperature increment not being statistically different from TIM below the depth of 5 mm.