scholarly journals The Impact of 6 and 12 Months in Space on Human Brain Structure and Intracranial Fluid Shifts

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen E Hupfeld ◽  
Heather R McGregor ◽  
Jessica K Lee ◽  
Nichole E Beltran ◽  
Igor S Kofman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Structure ◽  
Ventricular Volume ◽  
Brain Health ◽  
Reference Dataset ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Fluid Shifts ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract As plans develop for Mars missions, it is important to understand how long-duration spaceflight impacts brain health. Here we report how 12-month (n = 2 astronauts) versus 6-month (n = 10 astronauts) missions impact brain structure and fluid shifts. We collected MRI scans once before flight and four times after flight. Astronauts served as their own controls; we evaluated pre- to postflight changes and return toward preflight levels across the 4 postflight points. We also provide data to illustrate typical brain changes over 7 years in a reference dataset. Twelve months in space generally resulted in larger changes across multiple brain areas compared with 6-month missions and aging, particularly for fluid shifts. The majority of changes returned to preflight levels by 6 months after flight. Ventricular volume substantially increased for 1 of the 12-month astronauts (left: +25%, right: +23%) and the 6-month astronauts (left: 17 ± 12%, right: 24 ± 6%) and exhibited little recovery at 6 months. Several changes correlated with past flight experience; those with less time between subsequent missions had larger preflight ventricles and smaller ventricular volume increases with flight. This suggests that spaceflight-induced ventricular changes may endure for long periods after flight. These results provide insight into brain changes that occur with long-duration spaceflight and demonstrate the need for closer study of fluid shifts.

Optic Nerve Tortuosity on Earth and in Space

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-97
Author(s):  
Rachel A. Scott ◽  
William J. Tarver ◽  
Tyson J. Brunstetter ◽  
Emmanuel Urquieta
Keyword(s):  
Optic Nerve ◽  
Optic Disc ◽  
Vascular System ◽  
Pressure Change ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Choroidal Folds ◽  
Coronal Section ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

INTRODUCTION: Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) results from long-duration spaceflight and presents with a constellation of signs (e.g., optic disc edema, choroidal folds, globe flattening, refractive error shifts, etc.). Optic nerve tortuosity (ONT) has been detected in approximately 47% of astronauts after long-duration spaceflight but has not yet been fully analyzed. This review examines terrestrial ONT in order to better understand how the condition is caused and measured.METHODS: References were identified by PubMed and ScienceDirect searches covering 1955 to October 2018 using the terms “optic nerve tortuosity,” “optic nerve kinking,” “optic disc torsion,” “optic kinking,” and “ocular torsion.” Additional references were identified by searching relevant articles.RESULTS: ONT measurements have evolved and become more objective. One measure consists of meeting two criteria: 1) lack of optic nerve congruity in >1 coronal section; and 2) subarachnoid space dilation. This “criteria measure” is objective, sensitive, and specific for determining the presence of tortuosity. Another measure is the tortuosity index, which offers additional benefits by measuring the degree of ONT, including the potential to track changes over time. There are numerous terrestrial ONT causes, including intracranial hypertension, hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation, neurofibromatosis, glaucoma, and progeria, among others.DISCUSSION: To accurately measure ONT, it is crucial to adhere to objective, standardized techniques. The tortuosity index offers the potential to measure intraindividual change in ONT. Among the varied conditions associated with ONT, one commonality is pressure change. The impact of intracranial pressure on the vascular system and vice versa may offer insight into what is occurring in space.Scott RA, Tarver WJ, Brunstetter TJ, Urquieta E. Optic nerve tortuosity on Earth and in space. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(2):91–97.

The effects of aircraft use and available repair spares on aircraft sortie generation: a long-duration logistical wargaming simulation tool

2021 ◽  
pp. 154851292110407
Author(s):  
Nathaniel Choo ◽  
Darryl Ahner ◽  
Lance Champagne
Keyword(s):  
Real Life ◽  
Simulation Tool ◽  
Stepwise Approach ◽  
Critical Metrics ◽  
Dynamic Events ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Covering Design ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Long-duration logistical wargames within the Air domain are complex and highly dynamic events that are driven by aircraft availability. In order to gain insight into the impact of aircraft use, this research developed a simulation tool that uses a stepwise approach for adjudication and provides the user many capabilities including, but not limited to, the ability to have multiple bases and types of aircraft. Daily aircraft availability and missions accomplished are two critical metrics of interest. Within the simulation, the user has the ability to control types of part failures, control parts availability, control maintenance capabilities, and control number of mission scheduled. Finally, the user can account for the possibility of attrition along with the effects of numerous major events present in real-life scenarios. This tool is validated through application of a space covering design along with regression modeling and shows that the tool is well-behaved, functions as expected, and can quickly provide meaningful insights into operational scenarios.

scholarly journals MRI-Visible Perivascular Space (PVS) Changes with Long-Duration Spaceflight

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Hupfeld ◽  
Sutton Richmond ◽  
Heather McGregor ◽  
Daniel Schwartz ◽  
Madison Luther ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Ventricular Volume ◽  
Perivascular Spaces ◽  
Median Length ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri ◽  
And Shifts ◽  
Brain Homeostasis

Humans are exposed to extreme environmental stressors during spaceflight and return with alterations in brain structure and shifts in intracranial fluids. To date, no studies have evaluated the effects of spaceflight on perivascular spaces (PVSs) within the brain, which are believed to facilitate fluid drainage and brain homeostasis. Here, we examined how the number and morphology of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-visible PVSs are affected by spaceflight, including prior spaceflight experience. Fifteen astronauts underwent six T1-weighted 3T MRI scans, twice prior to launch and four times following their return to Earth after ~6-month missions to the International Space Station. White matter MRI-visible PVS number and morphology were calculated using an established automated segmentation algorithm. We found that novice astronauts showed an increase in total PVS volume from pre- to post-flight, whereas experienced crewmembers did not (adjusted for age, sex, and time between landing and first MRI scan). Moreover, experienced astronauts exhibited a significant correlation between more previous flight days and greater PVS median length at baseline, suggesting that experienced astronauts exhibit holdover effects from prior spaceflight(s). There was also a significant positive correlation between pre- to post-flight increases in PVS median length and increases in right lateral ventricular volume. The presence of spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) was not associated with PVS number or morphology. Together, these findings demonstrate that spaceflight is associated with PVS morphological changes, and specifically that spaceflight experience is an important factor in determining PVS characteristics.

scholarly journals Cognitive–Evaluative Dimension of Pain in Neuropathic Pain Relapse in Sciatica: A Case Report

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Tsubasa Kawasaki ◽  
Takuya Yada ◽  
Masahiro Ohira
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Evaluative Dimension ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Improvement Process ◽  
Insight Into

The cognitive–evaluative (C–E) dimension of pain is commonly observed in patients with a relatively long duration of pain. However, little is known about the effects of pain relapse on the C–E dimension of pain. Moreover, the improvement process of the C–E dimension of pain following treatment is unknown. The objective of this case report was to (a) demonstrate that the C–E dimension was affected in the acute phase of neuropathic pain in cases of pain relapse, and (b) demonstrate the improvement process of the C–E dimension of pain. A woman was diagnosed with low back pain (LBP) and sciatica. The patient had previously experienced symptoms of LBP and sciatica; thus, this episode was a case of pain relapse. At the beginning of rehabilitation, the C–E dimension of pain was present in addition to the sensory–discriminative (S–D) dimension of pain. It was observed that improvement of the C–E dimension of pain was delayed in comparison with that of the S–D dimension of pain. The C–E dimension of pain was observed with pain relapse even though it was in the acute phase of pain. This case provides a novel insight into the C–E dimension of pain. Moreover, the delay in improving the C–E dimension of pain indicates a difference in the improvement process for each pain dimension.

scholarly journals Food for Thought: The Impact of Polyphenols on Brain Health

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-138
Author(s):  
Catarina Rendeiro
Keyword(s):  
Brain Health ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Changing landscapes: Gay men in the west and northwest of Ireland

Sexualities ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 136346072098169
Author(s):  
Aidan McKearney
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Social Rights ◽  
Irish Society ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Lgbt People ◽  
The Many ◽  
Northwest Region ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

This article focuses on the experiences of gay men in the rural west and northwest region of Ireland, during a period of transformational social and political change in Irish society. These changes have helped facilitate new forms of LGBTQI visibility, and local radicalism in the region. Same-sex weddings, establishment of rural LGBT groups and marching under an LGBT banner at St Patricks Day parades would have been unthinkable in the recent past; but they are now becoming a reality. The men report continuing challenges in their lives as gay men in the nonmetropolitan space, but the emergence of new visibility, voice and cultural acceptance of LGBT people is helping change their lived experiences. The study demonstrates the impact of local activist LGBT citizens. Through their testimonies we can gain an insight into the many, varied and interwoven factors that have interplayed to create the conditions necessary for the men to: increasingly define themselves as gay to greater numbers of people in their localities; to embrace greater visibility and eschew strategies of silence; and aspire to a host of legal, political, cultural and social rights including same-sex marriage. Organic forms of visibility and local radicalism have emerged in the region and through an analysis of their testimonies we can see how the men continue to be transformed by an ever-changing landscape.

Double, triple or quadruple hits? Exploring the impact of cybercrime on victims in the Netherlands

2021 ◽  
pp. 026975802110106
Author(s):  
Raoul Notté ◽  
E.R. Leukfeldt ◽  
Marijke Malsch
Keyword(s):  
Public Opinion ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Public Discourse ◽  
Moral Judgments ◽  
Victim Blaming ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

This article explores the impact of online crime victimisation. A literature review and 41 interviews – 19 with victims and 22 with experts – were carried out to gain insight into this. The interviews show that most impacts of online offences correspond to the impacts of traditional offline offences. There are also differences with offline crime victimisation. Several forms of impact seem to be specific to victims of online crime: the substantial scale and visibility of victimhood, victimisation that does not stop in time, the interwovenness of online and offline, and victim blaming. Victims suffer from double, triple or even quadruple hits; it is the accumulation of different types of impact, enforced by the limitlessness in time and space, which makes online crime victimisation so extremely invasive. Furthermore, the characteristics of online crime victimisation greatly complicate the fight against and prevention of online crime. Finally, the high prevalence of cybercrime victimisation combined with the severe impact of these crimes seems contradictory with public opinion – and associated moral judgments – on victims. Further research into the dominant public discourse on victimisation and how this affects the functioning of the police and victim support would be valuable.

scholarly journals Using syndromic measures of mortality to capture the dynamics of COVID-19 in Java, Indonesia, in the context of vaccination rollout

BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bimandra A. Djaafara ◽  
Charles Whittaker ◽  
Oliver J. Watson ◽  
Robert Verity ◽  
Nicholas F. Brazeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Vaccination Campaign ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Additional Insight ◽  
Short Term ◽  
If Current ◽  
Vaccine Impact ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Background As in many countries, quantifying COVID-19 spread in Indonesia remains challenging due to testing limitations. In Java, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were implemented throughout 2020. However, as a vaccination campaign launches, cases and deaths are rising across the island. Methods We used modelling to explore the extent to which data on burials in Jakarta using strict COVID-19 protocols (C19P) provide additional insight into the transmissibility of the disease, epidemic trajectory, and the impact of NPIs. We assess how implementation of NPIs in early 2021 will shape the epidemic during the period of likely vaccine rollout. Results C19P burial data in Jakarta suggest a death toll approximately 3.3 times higher than reported. Transmission estimates using these data suggest earlier, larger, and more sustained impact of NPIs. Measures to reduce sub-national spread, particularly during Ramadan, substantially mitigated spread to more vulnerable rural areas. Given current trajectory, daily cases and deaths are likely to increase in most regions as the vaccine is rolled out. Transmission may peak in early 2021 in Jakarta if current levels of control are maintained. However, relaxation of control measures is likely to lead to a subsequent resurgence in the absence of an effective vaccination campaign. Conclusions Syndromic measures of mortality provide a more complete picture of COVID-19 severity upon which to base decision-making. The high potential impact of the vaccine in Java is attributable to reductions in transmission to date and dependent on these being maintained. Increases in control in the relatively short-term will likely yield large, synergistic increases in vaccine impact.

Insight into the impact of EGFR L792Y/F/H mutations on sensitivity to osimertinib: an in silico study

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (10) ◽  
pp. 4756-4765
Author(s):  
Daoxing Chen ◽  
Liting Zhang ◽  
Yanan Liu ◽  
Jiali Song ◽  
Jingwen Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Silico ◽  
In Silico Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Insight Into

EGFR L792Y/F/H mutation makes it difficult for Osimertinib to recognize ATP pockets.

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