Ida Bodén

Characterization of healthy skin using near infrared spectroscopy and skin impedance

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and skin impedance (IMP) spectroscopy are two methods suggested for diagnoses of diseases inducing adverse effects in skin. The reproducibility of these methods and their potential value in non-invasive diagnostics were investigated. Measurements were performed in vivo on healthy skin at five anatomic body sites on eight young women. partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that both methods were useful for classification of the skin characteristics at the sites. Inter-individually the NIR model gave 100% correct classification while the IMP model provided 92%. Intra-individually the NIR model gave 88% correct classification whereas the IMP model did not provide any useful classification. The correct classification was increased to 93% when both datasets were combined, which demonstrates the value of adding information. Partial least squares discriminant analysis gave 72% correct predictions of skin sites while the combined model slightly improved to 73%.

In vivo skin measurements with a novel probe head for simultaneous skin impedance and near-infrared spectroscopy

Background/purpose: Near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and skin impedance (IMP) measurements are useful techniques for objective diagnostics of various skin diseases. Here, we present a combined probe head for simultaneous, time‐saving NIR spectroscopy and skin impedance measurements. The probe also ensures that both measurements are performed under equal conditions and at the same skin location.

Non‐invasive identification of melanoma with near‐infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy

An early diagnosis of cutaneous malignant melanoma is of high importance for good prognosis. An objective, non‐invasive instrument could improve the diagnostic accuracy of melanoma and decrease unnecessary biopsies. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Near‐infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy in combination as a tool to distinguish between malignant and benign skin tumours.

Near infrared and skin impedance spectroscopy – a possible support in the diagnostic process of skin tumours in primary health care

The global incidence of skin cancer has increased drastically in recent decades, especially in Australia and Northern Europe. Early detection is crucial for good prognosis and high survival rates. In general, primary care physicians have considerably lower sensitivity and specificity rates for detection of skin cancer, compared to dermatologists. A probable main reason for this is that current diagnostic tools are subjective in nature, and therefore diagnostic skills highly depend on experience. Illustratively, in Sweden, approximately 155 500 benign skin lesions are excised unnecessarily every year. An objective instrument, added to the clinical examination, might improve the diagnostic accuracy, and thus promote earlier detection of malignant skin tumours, as well as reduce medical costs associated with unnecessary biopsies and excisions. The general aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the combination of near infrared (NIR) and skin impedance spectroscopy as a supportive tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of skin tumours in primary health care.

A study of a mass casualty train crash, focusing on the cause of injuries

This case study includes 73 fatally and nonfatally injured passengers from a level-crossing train crash in Nosaby, Sweden, in 2004. The aim was to identify the injury panorama and the injury objects and to determine the injury-inducing variables. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, quantitative content analysis, and multivariate data analysis. The first carriage overturned, and its occupants were the ones who suffered the most severe and lethal injuries. Injury type and injury location for these passengers also differed significantly from the passengers on the other two carriages. Tables significantly influenced injury type and injury location in all carriages, whereas the injured persons’ seating position had significant effect only in the second and third carriage. Those who had travelled facing forward with a table in front of them in Carriages 2 and 3 were more likely to have sustained injuries to their abdomen or pelvis. Other injury-inducing objects were seats, interior structures, wood pellets from the truck, and other passengers. Neck sprains were significantly more prevalent among those who had travelled facing backward. Improved train crashworthiness also needs to include interior safety, which would have a potential to reduce crash injuries.

NIR and skin impedance spectroscopic measurements for studying the effect of coffee and alcohol on skin, and dysplastic naevi

Near infrared and impedance spectroscopy can be used for clinical skin measurements and need to be evaluated for possible confounding factors; (i) are skin conditions of the patient and the subsequent skin measurements influenced by alcohol and/or coffee consumption and (ii) are measurements of dysplastic naevi (DN) reproducible over time and significantly different compared to reference skin.