scholarly journals Astronauts well-being and possibly anti-aging improved during long-duration spaceflight

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuniaki Otsuka ◽  
Germaine Cornelissen ◽  
Satoshi Furukawa ◽  
Yutaka Kubo ◽  
Koichi Shibata ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study assesses how circadian rhythms of heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) and activity change during long-term missions in space and how they relate to sleep quality. Ambulatory 48-h ECG and 96-h actigraphy were performed four times on ten healthy astronauts (44.7 ± 6.9 years; 9 men): 120.4 ± 43.7 days (Before) launch; 21.1 ± 2.5 days (ISS01) and 143.0 ± 27.1 days (ISS02) after launch; and 86.6 ± 40.6 days (After) return to Earth. Sleep quality was determined by sleep-related changes in activity, RR-intervals, HRV HF- and VLF-components and LF-band. The circadian amplitude of HR (HR-A) was larger in space (ISS01: 12.54, P = 0.0099; ISS02: 12.77, P = 0.0364) than on Earth (Before: 10.90; After: 10.55 bpm). Sleep duration in space (ISS01/ISS02) increased in 3 (Group A, from 370.7 to 388.0/413.0 min) and decreased in 7 (Group B, from 454.0 to 408.9/381.6 min) astronauts. Sleep quality improved in Group B from 7.07 to 8.36 (ISS01) and 9.36 (ISS02, P = 0.0001). Sleep-related parasympathetic activity increased from 55.2% to 74.8% (pNN50, P = 0.0010) (ISS02). HR-A correlated with the 24-h (r = 0.8110, P = 0.0044), 12-h (r = 0.6963, P = 0.0253), and 48-h (r = 0.6921, P = 0.0266) amplitudes of the magnetic declination index. These findings suggest associations of mission duration with increased well-being and anti-aging benefitting from magnetic fluctuations.

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 519-522
Author(s):  
Jeyakumar S ◽  
Jagatheesan Alagesan ◽  
T.S. Muthukumar

Background: Frozen shoulder is disorder of the connective tissue that limits the normal Range of motion of the shoulder in diabetes, frozen shoulder is thought to be caused by changes to the collagen in the shoulder joint as a result of long term Hypoglycemia. Mobilization is a therapeutic movement of the joint. The goal is to restore normal joint motion and rhythm. The use of mobilization with movement for peripheral joints was developed by mulligan. This technique combines a sustained application of manual technique “gliding” force to the joint with concurrent physiologic motion of joint, either actively or passively. This study aims to find out the effects of mobilization with movement and end range mobilization in frozen shoulder in Type I diabetics. Materials and Methods: 30 subjects both male and female, suffering with shoulder pain and clinically diagnosed with frozen shoulder was recruited for the study and divided into two groups with 15 patients each based on convenient sampling method. Group A patients received mobilization with movement and Group B patients received end range mobilization for three weeks. The outcome measurements were SPADI, Functional hand to back scale, abduction range of motion using goniometer and VAS. Results: The mean values of all parameters showed significant differences in group A as compared to group B in terms of decreased pain, increased abduction range and other outcome measures. Conclusion: Based on the results it has been concluded that treating the type 1 diabetic patient with frozen shoulder, mobilization with movement exercise shows better results than end range mobilization in reducing pain and increase functional activities and mobility in frozen shoulder.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-146
Author(s):  
Simone Zanella ◽  
Enrico Lauro ◽  
Francesco Franceschi ◽  
Francesco Buccelletti ◽  
Annalisa Potenza ◽  
...  

Background: Laparoscopic Incisional and Ventral Hernia Repair (LIVHR) is a safe and worldwide accepted procedure performed using absorbable tacks. The aim of the study was to evaluate recurrence rate in a long term follow-up and whether the results of laparoscopic IVH repair in the elderly (≥65 years old) are different with respect to results obtained in younger patients. Methods: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive patients (74 women and 55 men, median age 67 years, range = 30-87 years) with ventral (N = 42, 32.5%) or post incisional (N = 87, 67.5%) hernia were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to their age: group A (N = 55, 42.6%) aged <65 years and group B (N = 74, 57.4%) aged ≥65 years. Results: The mean operative time was not significantly different between groups (66.7 ± 37 vs. 74 ± 48.4 min, p = 0.4). To the end of 2016, seven recurrences had occurred (group A = 3, group B = 4, p = 1). Complications occurred in 8 (16%) patients in group A and 21 (28.3%) patients in group B. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results confirm that the use of absorbable tacks does not increase recurrence frequency and laparoscopic incisional and ventral repair is a safety procedure also in elderly patients.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 4132
Author(s):  
Andrea Laufer ◽  
Adrien Frommer ◽  
Georg Gosheger ◽  
Robert Roedl ◽  
Frank Schiedel ◽  
...  

Treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia remains a major challenge in pediatric orthopedics. Ideal timing and preference of surgical procedures are discussed controversially. A variety of reconstructive treatment strategies have been described in literature, but so far none has proven its superiority. The aim of treatment is to obtain long-term bone union, to prevent refracture, and to correct angular deformities and leg length discrepancies. This study retrospectively evaluates the outcome of different reconstructive strategies. Sixty-nine patients were identified who presented to our outpatient department between 1997 and 2019. Twenty-six of these patients underwent reconstructive surgical treatment and were included in this study. The study cohort was divided into three groups. Excision of the pseudarthrosis was performed in all patients in Group A and B, and in two patients of Group C. Group A (six/26 patients) received subsequent bone transport through external fixation maintaining original length. In Group B (15/26 patients), patients underwent either previous, simultaneous, or subsequent extrafocal lengthening through external fixation to reconstitute length. In Group C (five/26 patients), internal fixation with intramedullary nails was applied. Radiological and clinical evaluation was performed to assess bone union and complication rates. Results varied considerably between the study groups. Overall, the primary bone fusion rate was 69.2%. There were four refractures, all occurring in Group B. The long-term bone union rate without refracture was 53.8%. The overall complication rate was 53.8% and 23.1% showed persistent pseudarthrosis. Two secondary amputations were performed due to failed bone fusion. In conclusion, excision of the pseudarthrosis and extrafocal lengthening achieves a satisfying bone union rate and limb reconstruction, while bone transport does not offer significant advantages but shows higher complication rates. Intramedullary stabilization should be applied to maintain bone union, but shows lower bone union rates when used as a stand-alone treatment regimen. Regardless of the primary bone fusion rates, the probability of long-term bone union remains unpredictable.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Durity ◽  
G Elliott ◽  
T Gana

Abstract Introduction Management of complicated diverticulitis has shifted towards a conservative approach over time. This study evaluates the feasibility and long-term outcomes of conservative management. Method We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of patients managed with perforated colonic diverticulitis from 2013-2017. Results Seventy-three (73) patients were included with a male to female ratio of 1:2. Thirty-one (31) underwent Hartmann’s procedure (Group A) and 42 patients were managed with antibiotics +/- radiological drainage (Group B). Mean follow-up was 64.9 months (range 3-7 years). CT Grade 3 and 4 disease was observed in 64.5% and 40.4% of Group A and Group B patients, respectively. During follow-up, 9 (21.4%) Group B patients required Hartmann’s. Group A had longer median length of stay compared to Group B (25.1 vs 9.2 days). Post-operative complications occurred in 80.6% with 40% being Clavien-Dindo grade III or higher in group A. Stoma reversal was performed in 8 patients (25.8%). Conclusions In carefully selected cases, complicated diverticulitis including CT grade 3 and 4 disease, can be managed conservatively with acceptable recurrence rates (16.7% at 30 days, 4.8% at 90 days, 19.0% at 5 years). Surgical intervention on the other hand, carries high post-operative complication rates and low stoma reversal rates.


2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132110015
Author(s):  
Filippo Ricciardiello ◽  
Davide Pisani ◽  
Pasquale Viola ◽  
Raul Pellini ◽  
Giuseppe Russo ◽  
...  

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term effectiveness of quantic molecular resonance (QMR) in the treatment of inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) in allergic and nonallergic rhinitis refractory to medical therapy. Methods: This study enrolled 281 patients, 160 males (56.9%) and 121 females (43.1%), mean age 37.8 ± 4.1 years, range 18 to 71. Fifty-four patients have been lost to follow up and have been therefore excluded from the final analysis. Based on skin prick test results, 69 patients were considered allergic (group A) and 158 nonallergic (group B). All subjects underwent before surgery (T0) and 3 (T1), 12 (T2), 24 (T3), and 36 months (T4) after QMR treatment to: 4-phase rhinomanometric examination, nasal endoscopy evaluation, and visual analogue scale to quantify the subjective feelings about nasal obstruction. Results: Subjective and objective parameters showed statistically significant improvement in both groups. Group B parameters not changed during follow-up, while group A showed significant worsening between T1 and subsequent assessments. T4 outcome indicates a better result in nonallergic patients. Conclusions: In accordance with the literature, our preliminary data validate QMR treatment as a successful therapeutic option for nasal obstruction due to ITH. Nonallergic patients had a very good T4 outcome. Allergic patients showed a worsening trend after 1 year probably due to other causes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11

OBJECTIVE Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion makes it possible to restore atlantoaxial motion after removing the implant, and it has been used as an alternative technique for odontoid fractures; however, the long-term efficacy of this technique remains uncertain. The purpose of the present study was to explore the long-term follow-up outcomes of patients with odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion. METHODS A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with type II/III fresh odontoid fractures who underwent posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and were followed up for more than 5 years. The patients were divided into group A (23 patients with implant removal) and group B (39 patients without implant removal) based on whether they underwent a second surgery to remove the implant. The clinical outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups. In group A, the range of motion (ROM) of C1–2 was calculated, and correlation analysis was performed to explore the factors that influence the ROM of C1–2. RESULTS A solid fracture fusion was found in all patients. At the final follow-up, no significant difference was found in visual analog scale score or American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale score between the two groups (p > 0.05), but patients in group A had a lower Neck Disability Index score and milder neck stiffness than did patients in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, 87.0% (20/23) of the patients had atlantoodontoid joint osteoarthritis at the final follow-up. In group A, the C1–2 ROM in rotation was 6.1° ± 4.5° at the final follow-up, whereas the C1–2 ROM in flexion-extension was 1.8° ± 1.2°. A negative correlation was found between the C1–2 ROM in rotation and the severity of tissue injury in the atlantoaxial region (r = –0.403, p = 0.024) and the degeneration of the atlantoodontoid joint (r = –0.586, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion can be used effectively for the management of fresh odontoid fractures. The removal of the implant can further improve the clinical efficacy, but satisfactory atlantoaxial motion cannot be maintained for a long time after implant removal. A surgeon should reconsider the contribution of posterior C1–2 fixation without fusion and secondary implant removal in preserving atlantoaxial mobility for patients with fresh odontoid fractures.


Author(s):  
Abhishek Yadav ◽  
Rajeev Mohan Kaushik ◽  
Reshma Kaushik

Abstract This prospective study assessed the effects of diaphragmatic breathing and systematic relaxation on depression, anxiety, and stress levels, as well as glycemic control, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). One hundred patients with T2DM were randomly assigned to two equal groups: Group A patients received conventional treatment for T2DM, and Group B patients received conventional treatment for T2DM plus training in diaphragmatic breathing and systematic relaxation and home practice of these stress-management techniques for 6 months. Stress, depression, and anxiety levels, blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were recorded at baseline and after 6 months of treatment in all patients. Baseline characteristics were compared using the chi-square test and student’s t test. Changes in mental well-being and glycemic status were assessed for their significance in each group using student’s t test and compared between two groups using one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Baseline levels of the respective change outcome and duration of diabetes were used as covariates in the ANCOVA. A significant decrease was seen in depression, anxiety, and stress scores in Group B, but in Group A only the stress score decreased after 6 months. A significant decline occurred in blood sugar (fasting, 2-hour postprandial, and random) and HbA1c in both groups after 6 months. There was a larger decrease in depression and anxiety scores and HbA1c in Group B than in Group A. The decrease in HbA1c was significantly correlated with the decrease in anxiety and stress scores in both groups and with the depression score in Group A. Thus, the addition of diaphragmatic breathing and systematic relaxation to conventional T2DM treatment appears to have led to improvement in mental well-being and glycemic control in patients with T2DM.


Author(s):  
Jan Vagedes ◽  
Silja Kuderer ◽  
Eduard Helmert ◽  
Katrin Vagedes ◽  
Matthias Kohl ◽  
...  

Objective: Warm footbaths infused with Sinapis nigra (mustard, or MU) or Zingiber officinale (ginger, or GI) are used for various thermoregulatory conditions, but little is known about how they are perceived by individuals, both short- and long-term. We analyzed the immediate and long-term effects of MU and GI on warmth and stimulus perception in healthy adults. Methods: Seventeen individuals (mean age 22.1±2.4 years; 11 female) received three footbaths (mean temperature was 40 ± 0.2 ℃, administered between 1:30-6:30pm) in a randomized order with a cross-over design: 1. with warm water only (WA), 2. with warm water and MU and 3. with warm water and GI. Warmth and stimulus perception at the feet were assessed at the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th minute of the footbaths, in the late evening (EVE), and the following morning (MG). We further assessed well-being (at EVE and MG) and sleep quality (at MG). The primary outcome measure was the warmth perception at the feet at the 10th minute of the footbath. Results: At the 10th minute of the footbath, warmth perception at the feet was significantly higher with MU and GI compared to WA. The immediate thermogenic effects pointed to a quick increase in warmth and stimulus perception with MU, a slower increase with GI, and a gradual decrease with WA. Regarding the long-term effects, warmth and stimulus perception were still higher after GI compared to WA at EVE and MG. No differences were seen for general well-being and sleep quality. Conclusion: Thermogenic substances can significantly alter the dynamics of warmth and stimulus perception when added to footbaths. The different profiles in the application of GI and MU could be relevant for a more differentiated and specific use of both substances in different therapeutic indications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e12587-e12587
Author(s):  
Sidra Afzal ◽  
Asad Parvaiz ◽  
Nida Javed

e12587 Background: : Although post mastectomy Immediate breast reconstruction has shown to improve physical and psychosocial well-being of breast cancer patients, this is not a usual procedure in Pakistan due to limited resources and lack of awareness. The aim of our study is to evaluate patient’s satisfaction/ aesthetic outcomes between the patients undergoing mastectomy alone (Group A) and the ones undergoing mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction (Group B). Methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Shaukat Khanum Hospital Pakistan comparing aesthetic outcome, patient’s satisfaction and Quality of life between two groups using Breast Q module. All patients undergoing mastectomy with and without reconstruction between April 2017 to July 2019 are included. Sample size of 84 was calculated (42 in each group). Results: The mean Q score of satisfaction with the breast in group B is 82.64 and in group A is 35.82 (P = 0.001). The mean Q score of Psychosocial well-being in group B is 89 vs 44.95 in group A (P = 0.001). The mean Q score of Physical well-being in group B is 98.23 vs 90.41 in group A (P = 0.002). The mean Q score of sexual well-being in group B is 81.93 vs 43 in Group A (P = 0.001). [Mean difference in score of 5-10 - little change, 10-20 - moderate change, > 20 - significant change].The mean difference between two groups in satisfaction with breast , psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being is more than 20 with a statistically significant p-value, while in physical well-being the mean difference is 7.8 which falls in little change group. Conclusions: Our study shows that reconstruction helps breast cancer patients in providing comprehensive care in a manner that they achieve a higher satisfaction with their appearance, psychological and sexual well-being without compromising oncological safety and this should be practiced more in our country. Also patients education about these procedures should be raised to help them fighting against this disease


Author(s):  
Masaharu Masuda ◽  
Mitsutoshi Asai ◽  
Osamu Iida ◽  
Shin Okamoto ◽  
Takayuki Ishihara ◽  
...  

Introduction: The randomized controlled VOLCANO trial demonstrated comparable 1-year rhythm outcomes between patients with and without ablation targeting low-voltage areas (LVAs) in addition to pulmonary vein isolation among paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with LVAs. To compare long-term AF/atrial tachycardia (AT) recurrence rates and types of recurrent-atrial-tachyarrhythmia between treatment cohorts during a > 2-year follow-up period. Methods: An extended-follow-up study of 402 patients enrolled in the VOLCANO trial with paroxysmal AF, divided into 4 groups based on the results of voltage mapping: Group A, no LVA (n=336); group B, LVA ablation (n=30); group C, LVA presence without ablation (n=32); and group D, incomplete voltage map (n=4). Results: At 25 (23, 31) months after the initial ablation, AF/AT recurrence rates were 19% in group A, 57% in group B, 59% in group C, and 100% in group D. Recurrence rates were higher in patients with LVAs than those without (group A vs. B+C, p<0.0001), and were comparable between those with and without LVA ablation (group B vs. C, p=0.83). Among patients who underwent repeat ablation, ATs were more frequently observed in patients with LVAs (Group B+C, 50% vs. A, 14%, p<0.0001). In addition, LVA ablation increased the incidence of AT development (group B, 71% vs. C, 32%, p<0.0001), especially biatrial tachycardia (20% vs. 0%, p=0.01). Conclusion: Patients with LVAs demonstrated poor long-term rhythm outcomes irrespective of LVA ablation. ATs were frequently observed in patients with LVAs, and LVA ablation might exacerbate iatrogenic ATs.


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