Introduction: Currently, there are no objective techniques to assess burn depth. An early assessment of burn depth would enable accurate management decisions, which would improve patient outcomes. Near infrared (NIR) technology has shown promise as a non-invasive monitor of oxygenation and perfusion, and its potential to assess the depth of burn injuries has been investigated clinically over the past five years. The purpose of the thesis was to determine the capacity of NIR technology to differentiate acute thermal injuries. Methods: Burn sites (n=5) and control sites (n=5) were created on the dorsum of sixteen animals with brass rods held at constant pressure and heated to 100°C and 37.5°C respectively. NIR data was collected from the burns and control sites pre-burn, immediately post-burn, and 1, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 96 hours after the burn injury. Biopsies of the burn and control sites were acquired at each time point and used to confirm the depth of injury. NIR data was processed for the content of water, oxy-, deoxy- and methemoglobin. Results: Oxyhemoglobin and total hemoglobin decreased as burn depth increased. The proportion of oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin to total hemoglobin showed that the ratio of oxy- to deoxyhemoglobin decreased as burn injury increased. Methemoglobin levels as a ratio of total hemoglobin also showed that as the severity of injury increased the proportion of methemoglobin also increased. Finally, superficial partial thickness injuries (3 s and 12 s) showed early peak levels of water, which rapidly declined towards baseline. The deep partial thickness injuries (20 s and 30 s) do not experience peak levels and retain water over the course of the experiment. The full thickness injuries water levels remain close or below baseline levels throughout the experiment. Conclusion: NIR spectroscopy could distinguish burn depth using water, oxy-, met- and total hemoglobin as separate entities. The presence of methemoglobin in the burn wounds is a novel finding that has not been described previously in burn literature.

Dissertation (Ph. D.)--University of Akron, Dept. of Psychology, 2007. / "December, 2007." Title from electronic dissertation title page (viewed 03/21/2008) Advisor, James M. Diefendorff; Committee members, Robert G. Lord, Rebecca J. Erickson, Rosalie J. Hall, Aaron M. Schmidt; Department Chair, Paul E. Levy; Dean of the College, Ronald F. Levant; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Dissertation (Ph. D.)--University of Akron, Dept. of Public Affairs and Urban Studies, 2007. / "August, 2007." Title from electronic dissertation title page (viewed 04/23/2008) Advisor, Raymond W. Cox III; Committee members, RaJade M. Berry-James, Lucinda M. Deason, Dena Hanley, Lawrence F. Keller; Department Chair, Sonia Alemagno; Dean of the College, Ronald F. Levant; Dean of the Graduate School, George R. Newkome. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Hons.)) -- University of Western Sydney, 2003. / "October 2003". References : leaves 165 - 178.

Zugl.: Hagen, Fernuniv., Diss., 2007

Thesis (M. Min.)--Northwest Baptist Theological College and Seminary, 1992. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-67).

Thesis (Ph.D.) - James Cook University, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy) Bibliography: leaves 361-372.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Abilene Christian University, 1991. / Bibliography: leaves 102-106.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Colgate Rochester Divinity School/Bexley Hall/Crozer Theological Seminary, 1998. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 94-97).