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Kuldavletova O, Navarro Morales DC, Quarck G, Denise P, Clément G. Spaceflight alters reaction time and duration judgment of astronauts. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1141078. [PMID: 37007995 PMCID: PMC10063900 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1141078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a study on astronauts aimed at characterizing duration judgment before, during, and after long-duration stays on board the International Space Station. Ten astronauts and a control group of 15 healthy (non-astronaut) participants performed a duration reproduction task and a duration production task using a visual target duration ranging from 2 to 38 s. Participants also performed a reaction time test for assessing attention. Compared to control participants and preflight responses, the astronauts’ reaction time increased during spaceflight. Also, during spaceflight, time intervals were under-produced while counting aloud and under-reproduced when there was a concurrent reading task. We hypothesize that time perception during spaceflight is altered by two mechanisms: (a) an acceleration of the internal clock through the changes in vestibular inputs in microgravity, and (b) difficulties in attention and working memory when a concurrent reading task is present. Prolonged isolation in confined areas, weightlessness, stress related to workload, and high-performance expectations could account for these cognitive impairments.
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Van Puyvelde M, Gijbels D, Van Caelenberg T, Smith N, Bessone L, Buckle-Charlesworth S, Pattyn N. Living on the edge: How to prepare for it? FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:1007774. [PMID: 38235444 PMCID: PMC10790891 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.1007774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments such as found at Antarctic, Arctic, and other remote research stations are considered space-analogs to study the long duration isolation aspects of operational space mission conditions. Methods We interviewed 24 sojourners that participated in different short/long duration missions in an Antarctic (Concordia, Halley VI, Rothera, Neumayer II) or non-Antarctic (e.g., MDRS, HI-SEAS) station or in polar treks, offering a unique insight based on first-hand information on the nature of demands by ICE-personnel at multiple levels of functioning. We conducted a qualitative thematic analysis to explore how sojourners were trained, prepared, how they experienced the ICE-impact in function of varieties in environment, provided trainings, station-culture, and type of mission. Results The ICE-environment shapes the impact of organizational, interpersonal, and individual working- and living systems, thus influencing the ICE-sojourners' functioning. Moreover, more specific training for operating in these settings would be beneficial. The identified pillars such as sensory deprivation, sleep, fatigue, group dynamics, displacement of negative emotions, gender-issues along with coping strategies such as positivity, salutogenic effects, job dedication and collectivistic thinking confirm previous literature. However, in this work, we applied a systemic perspective, assembling the multiple levels of functioning in ICE-environments. Discussion A systemic approach could serve as a guide to develop future preparatory ICE-training programs, including all the involved parties of the crew system (e.g., family, on-ground crew) with attention for the impact of organization- and station-related subcultures and the risk of unawareness about the impact of poor sleep, fatigue, and isolation on operational safety that may occur on location.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Van Puyvelde
- Vital Signs and PERformance Monitoring (VIPER) Research Unit, Life Sciences (LIFE) Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
- Brain, Body and Cognition (BBC), Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical and Lifespan Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daisy Gijbels
- Vital Signs and PERformance Monitoring (VIPER) Research Unit, Life Sciences (LIFE) Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Caelenberg
- Vital Signs and PERformance Monitoring (VIPER) Research Unit, Life Sciences (LIFE) Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
- Human Behavior and Performance Training, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany
| | - Nathan Smith
- Protective Security and Resilience Centre, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Loredana Bessone
- Human Behavior and Performance Training, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany
| | - Susan Buckle-Charlesworth
- Human Behavior and Performance Training, European Astronaut Centre, Cologne, Germany
- Oxford Human Performance, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nathalie Pattyn
- Vital Signs and PERformance Monitoring (VIPER) Research Unit, Life Sciences (LIFE) Department, Royal Military Academy, Brussels, Belgium
- Human Physiology and Human Performance Lab (MFYS-BLITS), Human Physiology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Barkaszi I, Ehmann B, Tölgyesi B, Balázs L, Altbäcker A. Are head-down tilt bedrest studies capturing the true nature of spaceflight-induced cognitive changes? A review. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1008508. [PMID: 36582360 PMCID: PMC9792854 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1008508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a number of studies have examined cognitive functions in space, the reasons behind the observed changes described by space research and anecdotal reports have not yet been elucidated. A potential source of cognitive changes is the cephalad fluid shift in the body caused by the lack of hydrostatic pressure under microgravity. These alterations can be modeled under terrestrial conditions using ground-based studies, such as head-down tilt bedrest (HDBR). In this review, we compare the results of the space and HDBR cognitive research. Results for baseline and in-flight/in-HDBR comparisons, and for baseline and post-flight/post-HDBR comparisons are detailed regarding sensorimotor skills, time estimation, attention, psychomotor speed, memory, executive functions, reasoning, mathematical processing, and cognitive processing of emotional stimuli. Beyond behavioral performance, results regarding brain electrical activity during simulated and real microgravity environments are also discussed. Finally, we highlight the research gaps and suggest future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irén Barkaszi
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Koller DP, Kasanin V, Flynn-Evans EE, Sullivan JP, Dijk DJ, Czeisler CA, Barger LK. Altered sleep spindles and slow waves during space shuttle missions. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:48. [PMID: 34795291 PMCID: PMC8602337 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep deficiencies and associated performance decrements are common among astronauts during spaceflight missions. Previously, sleep in space was analyzed with a focus on global measures while the intricate structure of sleep oscillations remains largely unexplored. This study extends previous findings by analyzing how spaceflight affects characteristics of sleep spindles and slow waves, two sleep oscillations associated with sleep quality and quantity, in four astronauts before, during and after two Space Shuttle missions. Analysis of these oscillations revealed significantly increased fast spindle density, elevated slow spindle frequency, and decreased slow wave amplitude in space compared to on Earth. These results reflect sleep characteristics during spaceflight on a finer electrophysiological scale and provide an opportunity for further research on sleep in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik P Koller
- Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
| | - Vida Kasanin
- Advanced Concepts Team, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Erin E Flynn-Evans
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory, Human Systems Integration Division, Exploration Technology Directorate, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Jason P Sullivan
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Derk-Jan Dijk
- Surrey Sleep Research Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute Care Research and Technology Centre, Imperial College London and the University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Charles A Czeisler
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura K Barger
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Neilson BN, Craig CM, Altman GC, Travis AT, Vance JA, Klein MI. Can the Biophilia Hypothesis Be Applied to Long-Duration Human Space Flight? A Mini-Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:703766. [PMID: 34566783 PMCID: PMC8459020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Space Station (ISS) has around 3–5 crew members on-board at all times, and they normally stay on the ISS for about 5–7months in duration. Since March 2020, 170 long-duration space missions have occurred on the ISS. Thus, long-duration space missions are an integral part of space exploration and will only continue to expand in duration as missions to the Moon and Mars are on the horizon. However, long-duration space missions present several challenges to human crew members. Most of these challenges have been associated with physiological adaptation to microgravity, including motion sickness, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular deconditioning. While not as well-studied, another major factor to consider when planning long-duration space missions is the psychological impact of the environment on the astronauts. Astronauts living in space will be unable to access natural landscapes and other environments found to have restorative effects on psychological stress and overall well-being. On top of being unable to access these restorative natural environments, astronauts will also be exposed to the stressful, unfamiliar environment of space. The purpose of this mini-review is to first summarize the literature related to stressors associated with space. Next, an overview of the large breadth of literature on the biophilia hypothesis and restorative environments will be provided, as these may serve as relatively simple and cost-effective solutions to mitigate the stress faced during long-duration space missions. Lastly, considerations related to the design of such environments in a space capsule as well as future directions will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany N Neilson
- Stress, Workload, and Performance Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Curtis M Craig
- HumanFIRST Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - George C Altman
- Stress, Workload, and Performance Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Alexandra T Travis
- Stress, Workload, and Performance Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Joseph A Vance
- Stress, Workload, and Performance Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Martina I Klein
- Stress, Workload, and Performance Laboratory, Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, United States
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Alterations in the activity and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster under simulated microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2021; 7:27. [PMID: 34294729 PMCID: PMC8298474 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-021-00157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate alterations in the activity and sleep of Drosophila melanogaster under simulated microgravity, which was implemented through the random positioning machine, while different light conditions (normal photoperiod and constant dark) were set. Fruit flies of different strains and sexes were treated for 3 days, and activity and sleep were monitored using the Drosophila Activity Monitoring System. After 3 days of treatment, fruit flies were sampled to detect the relative expression levels of the major clock genes and some neurotransmitter-related genes. The results showed that for the normal photoperiod (LD) condition, the activity increased and sleep decreased under simulated microgravity, while for the constant dark (DD) condition, the activity and sleep rhythms appeared disordered and the activity increased, thus decreasing the likelihood of waking up during the day. Light conditions, strains, and sexes, individually or in combination, had impacts on the simulated microgravity effects on behaviors. The clock genes and neurotransmitter-related genes had different degrees of response among sexes and strains, although the overall changes were slight. The results indicated that the normal photoperiod could ease the effects of simulated microgravity on fruit flies' activity and sleep and possible unidentified pathways involved in the regulatory mechanism need further exploration. This study is expected to provide ideas and references for studying the effects of microgravity on space life science.
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Ingram J, Hand CJ, Maciejewski G. Social isolation during COVID-19 lockdown impairs cognitive function. APPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 35:935-947. [PMID: 34230768 PMCID: PMC8250848 DOI: 10.1002/acp.3821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies examining the effect of social isolation on cognitive function typically involve older adults and/or specialist groups (e.g., expeditions). We considered the effects of COVID‐19‐induced social isolation on cognitive function within a representative sample of the general population. We additionally considered how participants ‘shielding’ due to underlying health complications, or living alone, performed. We predicted that performance would be poorest under strictest, most‐isolating conditions. At five timepoints over 13 weeks, participants (N = 342; aged 18–72 years) completed online tasks measuring attention, memory, decision‐making, time‐estimation, and learning. Participants indicated their mood as ‘lockdown’ was eased. Performance typically improved as opportunities for social contact increased. Interactions between participant sub‐groups and timepoint demonstrated that performance was shaped by individuals' social isolation levels. Social isolation is linked to cognitive decline in the absence of ageing covariates. The impact of social isolation on cognitive function should be considered when implementing prolonged pandemic‐related restrictive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ingram
- School of Education and Social Science University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK
| | | | - Greg Maciejewski
- School of Education and Social Science University of the West of Scotland Paisley UK
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8
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Flynn-Evans EE, Kirkley C, Young M, Bathurst N, Gregory K, Vogelpohl V, End A, Hillenius S, Pecena Y, Marquez JJ. Changes in performance and bio-mathematical model performance predictions during 45 days of sleep restriction in a simulated space mission. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15594. [PMID: 32973159 PMCID: PMC7515915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Lunar habitation and exploration of space beyond low-Earth orbit will require small crews to live in isolation and confinement while maintaining a high level of performance with limited support from mission control. Astronauts only achieve approximately 6 h of sleep per night, but few studies have linked sleep deficiency in space to performance impairment. We studied crewmembers over 45 days during a simulated space mission that included 5 h of sleep opportunity on weekdays and 8 h of sleep on weekends to characterize changes in performance on the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and subjective fatigue ratings. We further evaluated how well bio-mathematical models designed to predict performance changes due to sleep loss compared to objective performance. We studied 20 individuals during five missions and found that objective performance, but not subjective fatigue, declined from the beginning to the end of the mission. We found that bio-mathematical models were able to predict average changes across the mission but were less sensitive at predicting individual-level performance. Our findings suggest that sleep should be prioritized in lunar crews to minimize the potential for performance errors. Bio-mathematical models may be useful for aiding crews in schedule design but not for individual-level fitness-for-duty decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E Flynn-Evans
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory N262-4, Human Systems Integration Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA.
| | - Crystal Kirkley
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory, Human Systems Integration Division, San José State University Research Foundation, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Millennia Young
- Biomedical Research and Environmental Sciences Division, Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas Bathurst
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory, Human Systems Integration Division, San José State University Research Foundation, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Kevin Gregory
- Fatigue Countermeasures Laboratory N262-4, Human Systems Integration Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Verena Vogelpohl
- Department of Aviation and Space Psychology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Albert End
- Department of Aviation and Space Psychology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Steven Hillenius
- Human Computer Interaction Group, Human Systems Integration Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Yvonne Pecena
- Department of Aviation and Space Psychology, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica J Marquez
- Human Computer Interaction Group, Human Systems Integration Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
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9
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Zivi P, De Gennaro L, Ferlazzo F. Sleep in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE): A Review on the Different Factors Affecting Human Sleep in ICE. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:851. [PMID: 32848590 PMCID: PMC7433404 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The recently renewed focus on the human exploration of outer space has boosted the interest toward a variety of questions regarding health of astronauts and cosmonauts. Among the others, sleep has traditionally been considered a central issue. To extend the research chances, human sleep alterations have been investigated in several analog environments, called ICEs (Isolated, Confined, and Extreme). ICEs share different features with the spaceflight itself and have been implemented in natural facilities and artificial simulations. The current paper presents a systematic review of research findings on sleep disturbances in ICEs. We looked for evidence from studies run in polar settings (mostly Antarctica) during space missions, Head-Down Bed-Rest protocols, simulations, and in a few ICE-resembling settings such as caves and submarines. Even though research has shown that sleep can be widely affected in ICEs, mostly evidencing general and non-specific changes in REM and SWS sleep, results show a very blurred picture, often with contradictory findings. The variable coexistence of the many factors characterizing the ICE environments (such as isolation and confinement, microgravity, circadian disentrainment, hypoxia, noise levels, and radiations) does not provide a clear indication of what role is played by each factor per se or in association one with each other in determining the pattern observed, and how. Most importantly, a number of methodological limitations contribute immensely to the unclear pattern of results reported in the literature. Among them, small sample sizes, small effect sizes, and large variability among experimental conditions, protocols, and measurements make it difficult to draw hints about whether sleep alterations in ICEs do exist due to the specific environmental characteristics, and which of them plays a major role. More systematic and cross-settings research is needed to address the mechanisms underlying the sleep alterations in ICE environments and possibly develop appropriate countermeasures to be used during long-term space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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10
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Dinges DF, Basner M, Ecker AJ, Baskin P, Johnston SL. Effects of zolpidem and zaleplon on cognitive performance after emergent morning awakenings at Tmax: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Sleep 2020; 42:5257338. [PMID: 30576525 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsy258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Prescription sleep aids are frequently used in the general population and even more frequently in spaceflight. To evaluate the risk to operational safety, a ground-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the emergent awakening effects of zolpidem and zaleplon was conducted. METHODS N = 34 participants (age M = 42.1 ± 9.7; 25 males; 9 Astronauts, 7 Astronaut candidates, and 18 Flight Controllers) were investigated for three nights separated by M = 10 days. They were randomized to ingestion of one of the following at lights out: placebo, 10 mg zaleplon, and either 5 mg (N = 20) or 10 mg (N = 14) zolpidem. They were awakened abruptly by alarm at the expected PK,max (1 hr after lights out for zaleplon; 1.5 hr for placebo/zolpidem). Participants were required to turn off the alarm and perform a cognitive test battery twice, separated by a 20-30 min reading break. They then returned to sleep and were awakened to perform the same cognitive tasks at an average of 6.7 hr after drug ingestion. RESULTS Relative to placebo, the effects of 10 mg zaleplon and 5 mg zolpidem on cognitive performance were minor. In contrast, 10 mg zolpidem adversely affected cognitive throughput (p < 0.001), psychomotor vigilance (p < 0.001), working memory (p < 0.01), delayed word recall (p < 0.05), and subjective sleepiness (p < 0.01) at the first emergent awakening. At terminal awakening, neither cognitive performance nor subjective sleepiness was impaired after ingestion of zaleplon or zolpidem (5 mg and 10 mg) compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Presleep ingestion of sleep medications, especially 10 mg zolpidem, poses a risk for performance errors after emergent awakenings near the expected PK,max. REGISTRATION Optimize Astronaut Sleep Medication Efficacy and Individual Effects (clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT03526575).
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Dinges
- Department of Psychiatry, Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mathias Basner
- Department of Psychiatry, Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Adrian J Ecker
- Department of Psychiatry, Unit of Experimental Psychiatry, Division of Sleep and Chronobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pamela Baskin
- NASA Behavioral Health and Performance Research, Wyle Laboratories, Inc., Houston, TX
| | - Smith L Johnston
- Medical Officer and Flight Surgeon, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX
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11
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Meal replacement in isolated and confined mission environments: Consumption, acceptability, and implications for physical and behavioral health. Physiol Behav 2020; 219:112829. [PMID: 32068108 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Strategies that reduce food system mass without negatively impacting food intake, acceptability, and resulting astronaut health and performance are essential for mission success in extreme operational environments such as space exploration. Here, we report the impact of substituting the spaceflight standard breakfast with energy equivalent, calorically-dense meal replacement bars (MRBs) on consumption, acceptability, and satiety and on associations with physical and behavioral health outcomes in high-performing subjects completing 30-day missions in the isolated and confined operational environment of NASA's Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) habitat. MRB implementation was associated with reduced daily caloric intake, weight loss, and decrements in mood and neurobehavioral functioning, with no significant impacts on somatic symptoms and physical functioning. Food acceptability ratings suggest that flavor, texture, and menu fatigue attributed to limited variety are contributing factors, which are exacerbated by a daily implementation schedule. Meal replacement strategies for short-duration missions are operationally feasible, moderately acceptable, and can contribute to the practical goal of mass reduction, but more work is needed to define and optimize flavors, variety, and implementation schedules that sustain adequate nutrition, physical and behavioral health, and operational performance over time in isolated, confined, and extreme mission environments.
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12
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Lee JK, De Dios Y, Kofman I, Mulavara AP, Bloomberg JJ, Seidler RD. Head Down Tilt Bed Rest Plus Elevated CO 2 as a Spaceflight Analog: Effects on Cognitive and Sensorimotor Performance. Front Hum Neurosci 2019; 13:355. [PMID: 31680909 PMCID: PMC6811492 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long duration head down tilt bed rest (HDBR) has been widely used as a spaceflight analog environment to understand the effects of microgravity on human physiology and performance. Reports have indicated that crewmembers onboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience symptoms of elevated CO2 such as headaches at lower levels of CO2 than levels at which symptoms begin to appear on Earth. This suggests there may be combinatorial effects of elevated CO2 and the other physiological effects of microgravity including headward fluid shifts and body unloading. The purpose of the current study was to investigate these effects by evaluating the impact of 30 days of 6° HDBR and 0.5% CO2 (HDBR + CO2) on mission relevant cognitive and sensorimotor performance. We found a facilitation of processing speed and a decrement in functional mobility for subjects undergoing HDBR + CO2 relative to our previous study of HDBR in ambient air. In addition, nearly half of the participants in this study developed signs of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a constellation of ocular structural and functional changes seen in approximately one third of long duration astronauts. This allowed us the unique opportunity to compare the two subgroups. We found that participants who exhibited signs of SANS became more visually dependent and shifted their speed-accuracy tradeoff, such that they were slower but more accurate than those that did not incur ocular changes. These small subgroup findings suggest that SANS may have an impact on mission relevant performance inflight via sensory reweighting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Lee
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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13
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Strollo F, Gentile S, Strollo G, Mambro A, Vernikos J. Recent Progress in Space Physiology and Aging. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1551. [PMID: 30483144 PMCID: PMC6240610 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts coming back from long-term space missions present with different health problems potentially affecting mission performance, involving all functional systems and organs and closely resembling those found in the elderly. This review points out the most recent advances in the literature in areas of expertise in which specific research groups were particularly creative, and as they relate to aging and to possible benefits on Earth for disabled people. The update of new findings and approaches in space research refers especially to neuro-immuno-endocrine-metabolic interactions, optic nerve edema, motion sickness and muscle-tendon-bone interplay and aims at providing the curious - and even possibly naïve young researchers – with a source of inspiration and of creative ideas for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandro Gentile
- Campania University "Luigi Vanvitelli" and Nefrocenter Research Network, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mambro
- Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Unit, "Misercordia" Hospital, Grosseto, Italy
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14
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Chen H, Lv K, Ji G, Liu Z, Guo J, Wan Y, Wang L, Li Z, Li Y, Qu L. Characterization of sleep-wake patterns in crew members under a short-duration spaceflight. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2018.1533730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Department of health technology research and development, Space Institute of Southern China (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Ke Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guohua Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhizhen Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Human Factors Engineering, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yumin Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Linjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Zhili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yinghui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Department of health technology research and development, Space Institute of Southern China (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
| | - Lina Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Department of health technology research and development, Space Institute of Southern China (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, China
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15
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Mogilever NB, Zuccarelli L, Burles F, Iaria G, Strapazzon G, Bessone L, Coffey EBJ. Expedition Cognition: A Review and Prospective of Subterranean Neuroscience With Spaceflight Applications. Front Hum Neurosci 2018; 12:407. [PMID: 30425628 PMCID: PMC6218582 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2018.00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Renewed interest in human space exploration has highlighted the gaps in knowledge needed for successful long-duration missions outside low-Earth orbit. Although the technical challenges of such missions are being systematically overcome, many of the unknowns in predicting mission success depend on human behavior and performance, knowledge of which must be either obtained through space research or extrapolated from human experience on Earth. Particularly in human neuroscience, laboratory-based research efforts are not closely connected to real environments such as human space exploration. As caves share several of the physical and psychological challenges of spaceflight, underground expeditions have recently been developed as a spaceflight analog for astronaut training purposes, suggesting that they might also be suitable for studying aspects of behavior and cognition that cannot be fully examined under laboratory conditions. Our objective is to foster a bi-directional exchange between cognitive neuroscientists and expedition experts by (1) describing the cave environment as a worthy space analog for human research, (2) reviewing work conducted on human neuroscience and cognition within caves, (3) exploring the range of topics for which the unique environment may prove valuable as well as obstacles and limitations, (4) outlining technologies and methods appropriate for cave use, and (5) suggesting how researchers might establish contact with potential expedition collaborators. We believe that cave expeditions, as well as other sorts of expeditions, offer unique possibilities for cognitive neuroscience that will complement laboratory work and help to improve human performance and safety in operational environments, both on Earth and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ford Burles
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Iaria
- Department of Psychology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Eurac Research - Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Loredana Bessone
- Directorate of Human and Robotics, Exploration, European Space Agency, Köln, Germany
| | - Emily B J Coffey
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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16
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Gordon CJ, Comas M, Postnova S, Miller CB, Roy D, J. Bartlett D, R. Grunstein R. The effect of consecutive transmeridian flights on alertness, sleep–wake cycles and sleepiness: A case study. Chronobiol Int 2018; 35:1471-1480. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1493597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Gordon
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Comas
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Svetlana Postnova
- School of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher B. Miller
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dibyendu Roy
- School of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Delwyn J. Bartlett
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ronald R. Grunstein
- CIRUS, Centre for Sleep and Chronobiology, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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17
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Wu B, Wang Y, Wu X, Liu D, Xu D, Wang F. On-orbit sleep problems of astronauts and countermeasures. Mil Med Res 2018; 5:17. [PMID: 29843821 PMCID: PMC5975626 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-018-0165-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sufficient sleep duration and good sleep quality are crucial to ensure normal physical and mental health, cognition and work performance for the common people, as well as astronauts. On-orbit sleep problem is very common among astronauts and has potential detrimental influences on the health of crewmembers and the safety of flight missions. Sleep in space is becoming a new medical research frontier. In this review we summarized on-orbit sleep problems of astronauts and six kinds of causes, and we presented the effects of lack of sleep on performance as well as mental and physical health, then we proposed seven kinds of countermeasures for sleep disturbance in spaceflight, including pharmacologic interventions, light treatment, crew selection and training, Traditional Chinese Medicine and so on. Furthermore, we discussed and oriented the prospect of researches on sleep in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaorui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, No. 26 Beiqing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China
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18
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Wang H, Duan J, Liao Y, Wang C, Li H, Liu X. Objects Mental Rotation under 7 Days Simulated Weightlessness Condition: An ERP Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:553. [PMID: 29270115 PMCID: PMC5723662 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During the spaceflight under weightlessness condition, human's brain function may be affected by the changes of physiological effects along with the distribution of blood and body fluids to the head. This variation of brain function will influence the performance of astronauts and therefore create possible harm to flight safety. This study employs 20 male subjects in a 7-day-6° head-down tilted (HDT) bed rest model to simulate physiological effects under weightlessness condition, and use behavioral, electrophysiological techniques to compare the changes of mental rotation ability (MR ability) before and after short-term simulated weightlessness state. Behavioral results suggested that significant linear relationship existed between the rotation angle of stimuli and the reaction time, which means mental rotation process do happen during the MR task in simulated weightlessness state. In the first 3 days, the P300 component induced by object mental rotation followed the "down-up-down" pattern. In the following 4 days it changed randomly. On HDT D2, the mean of the amplitude of the P300 was the lowest, while increased gently on HDT D3. There was no obvious changing pattern of the amplitude of P300 observed after 3 days of HDT. Simulated weightlessness doesn't change the basic process of mental rotation. The effect of simulated weightlessness is neural mechanism of self-adaptation. MR ability didn't bounce back to the original level after HDT test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiaobo Duan
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Liao
- Aviation Psychology Center, Institute of Aviation Medicine, Air Force, Beijing, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Mental Health Center, 303 Hospital of PLA, Nanning, China
| | - Hongzheng Li
- Mental Health Center, 303 Hospital of PLA, Nanning, China
| | - Xufeng Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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19
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Darling JA, Circo DK. Measuring happiness in individuals with profound multiple disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 47:117-125. [PMID: 26476484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This quantitative study assessed whether presentation of preferred items and activities during multiple periods of the day (and over multiple days) increased indices of happiness (over time/sustained) in individuals with PMD. A multiple baseline design across participants was utilized to measure changes in indices of happiness of the participants. Participants were recruited from an adult day activity program specializing in providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. For Mary, baseline indices of happiness were 26.67% of intervals, increasing 6.76% during intervention to 33.43%. For Caleb, baseline indices of happiness were 20.84% of intervals, increasing 6.34% during intervention to 27.18%. For Mark, baseline indices of happiness were 40.00% of intervals, increasing 12.75% during intervention to 52.75%. Overall interobserver agreement was 82.8%, with interobserver agreement observations occurring during 63.04% of the observations. The results of the investigation demonstrated that presenting preferred items and activities increased the indices of happiness compared to baseline rates of indices of happiness. Results may have been more robust if the participants were assessed for overall responsiveness patterns prior to the initiation of measurement of indices of happiness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deborah K Circo
- Northcentral University, United States; University of Nebraska-Omaha, United States
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20
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Wotring VE. Medication use by U.S. crewmembers on the International Space Station. FASEB J 2015; 29:4417-23. [PMID: 26187345 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-264838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The environment on the International Space Station (ISS) includes a variety of potential physiologic stressors, including low gravity, elevated exposure to radiation, confined living and working quarters, a heavy workload, and high public visibility. This retrospective study examined medication use during long-duration spaceflights (>30 d). Medication records from 24 crewmembers on 20 missions longer than 30 d over a 10 yr period were examined for trends in usage rates, efficacy, and indication, as well as adverse event quality, frequency, and severity. Results were compared with those from crewmembers on shorter space shuttle missions (>16 d) and other reports of medication use by healthy adults. The most frequently used medications on the ISS were for sleep problems, pain, congestion, or allergy. Medication use during spaceflight missions was similar to that noted on the Space Shuttle and in adult ambulatory medicine, except that usage of sleep aids was about 10 times higher during spaceflight missions. There were also 2 apparent treatment failures in cases of skin rash, raising questions about the efficacy or suitability of the treatments used. Many spaceflight-related medication uses (at least 10%) were linked to extravehicular activities, exercise protocols, or equipment and operationally driven schedule changes. It seems likely that alterations in spaceflight mission operations (schedule-shifting and lighting) or hardware (extravehicular activity suits and exercise equipment) could reduce the need for a sizable fraction of medication uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia E Wotring
- Division of Space Life Sciences, Universities Space Research Association, Houston, Texas, USA
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21
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The weightlessness caused by prolonged bed rest results in changes in cerebral circulation and thus, brain functions, which is of interest. METHODS We investigated the effects of 45-day, -6° head-down bed rest, which stimulated microgravity, on working memory in 16 healthy male participants. The 2-back task was used to test the working memory variations on the 2nd day before bed rest (R-2); on the 11th (R11), 20th (R20), 32nd (R32), and 40th (R40) days of bed rest; and on the eighth day after bed rest (R+8). The cognitive response and the physiological reactivity (such as galvanic skin response, heart rate, and heart rate variability) under the 2-back task were recorded simultaneously. RESULTS The results showed that compared with R-2, on the R+8, the participants' galvanic skin response increased significantly, and the high frequency of heart rate variability (HF), low frequency of heart rate variability (LF), and reaction time in the 2-back task decreased significantly. There were positive correlations between the participants' reaction time of working memory and the LF/HF under head-down bed rest (at R11, R20, and R32). CONCLUSION The results suggested that the prolonged head-down bed rest may have a detrimental effect on individual physiology and working memory. Physiology indices, such as galvanic skin response and heart rate variability, were sensitive to the prolonged bed rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Beijing Key Lab of Applied Experimental Psychology, School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Research Center of Emotion Regulation, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, International Data Group/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China ; Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Behavior Rehabilitation Training Research Institution, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Po S Oei
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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22
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Nelson ES, Mulugeta L, Myers JG. Microgravity-induced fluid shift and ophthalmic changes. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:621-65. [PMID: 25387162 PMCID: PMC4284461 DOI: 10.3390/life4040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although changes to visual acuity in spaceflight have been observed in some astronauts since the early days of the space program, the impact to the crew was considered minor. Since that time, missions to the International Space Station have extended the typical duration of time spent in microgravity from a few days or weeks to many months. This has been accompanied by the emergence of a variety of ophthalmic pathologies in a significant proportion of long-duration crewmembers, including globe flattening, choroidal folding, optic disc edema, and optic nerve kinking, among others. The clinical findings of affected astronauts are reminiscent of terrestrial pathologies such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension that are characterized by high intracranial pressure. As a result, NASA has placed an emphasis on determining the relevant factors and their interactions that are responsible for detrimental ophthalmic response to space. This article will describe the Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure syndrome, link it to key factors in physiological adaptation to the microgravity environment, particularly a cephalad shifting of bodily fluids, and discuss the implications for ocular biomechanics and physiological function in long-duration spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily S Nelson
- NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135, USA.
| | - Lealem Mulugeta
- Universities Space Research Association, Division of Space Life Sciences, 3600 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, TX 77058, USA.
| | - Jerry G Myers
- NASA Glenn Research Center, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135, USA.
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23
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Barger LK, Flynn-Evans EE, Kubey A, Walsh L, Ronda JM, Wang W, Wright KP, Czeisler CA. Prevalence of sleep deficiency and use of hypnotic drugs in astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight: an observational study. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:904-12. [PMID: 25127232 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70122-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep deprivation and fatigue are common subjective complaints among astronauts. Previous studies of sleep and hypnotic drug use in space have been limited to post-flight subjective survey data or in-flight objective data collection from a small number of crew members. We aimed to characterise representative sleep patterns of astronauts on both short-duration and long-duration spaceflight missions. METHODS For this observational study, we recruited crew members assigned to Space Transportation System shuttle flights with in-flight experiments between July 12, 2001, and July 21, 2011, or assigned to International Space Station (ISS) expeditions between Sept 18, 2006, and March 16, 2011. We assessed sleep-wake timing objectively via wrist actigraphy, and subjective sleep characteristics and hypnotic drug use via daily logs, in-flight and during Earth-based data-collection intervals: for 2 weeks scheduled about 3 months before launch, 11 days before launch until launch day, and for 7 days upon return to Earth. FINDINGS We collected data from 64 astronauts on 80 space shuttle missions (26 flights, 1063 in-flight days) and 21 astronauts on 13 ISS missions (3248 in-flight days), with ground-based data from all astronauts (4014 days). Crew members attempted and obtained significantly less sleep per night as estimated by actigraphy during space shuttle missions (7·35 h [SD 0·47] attempted, 5·96 h [0·56] obtained), in the 11 days before spaceflight (7·35 h [0·51], 6·04 h [0·72]), and about 3 months before spaceflight (7·40 h [0·59], 6·29 h [0·67]) compared with the first week post-mission (8·01 h [0·78], 6·74 h [0·91]; p<0·0001 for both measures). Crew members on ISS missions obtained significantly less sleep during spaceflight (6·09 h [0·67]), in the 11 days before spaceflight (5·86 h [0·94]), and during the 2-week interval scheduled about 3 months before spaceflight (6·41 h [SD 0·65]) compared with in the first week post-mission (6·95 h [1·04]; p<0·0001). 61 (78%) of 78 shuttle-mission crew members reported taking a dose of sleep-promoting drug on 500 (52%) of 963 nights; 12 (75%) of 16 ISS crew members reported using sleep-promoting drugs. INTERPRETATION Sleep deficiency in astronauts was prevalent not only during space shuttle and ISS missions, but also throughout a 3 month preflight training interval. Despite chronic sleep curtailment, use of sleep-promoting drugs was pervasive during spaceflight. Because chronic sleep loss leads to performance decrements, our findings emphasise the need for development of effective countermeasures to promote sleep. FUNDING The National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Barger
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Erin E Flynn-Evans
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alan Kubey
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorcan Walsh
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph M Ronda
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth P Wright
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Charles A Czeisler
- Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Departments of Medicine and Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Thompson T. Joseph v. Brady: synthesis reunites what analysis has divided. THE BEHAVIOR ANALYST 2012; 35:197-208. [PMID: 23450040 PMCID: PMC3501422 DOI: 10.1007/bf03392278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Joseph V. Brady (1922-2011) created behavior-analytic neuroscience and the analytic framework for understanding how the external and internal neurobiological environments and mechanisms interact. Brady's approach offered synthesis as well as analysis. He embraced Findley's approach to constructing multioperant behavioral repertoires that found their way into designing environments for astronauts as well as studying drug effects on human social behavior in microenvironments. Brady created translational neurobehavioral science before such a concept existed. One of his most lasting contributions was developing a framework for ethical decision making to protect the rights of the people who participate in scientific research.
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25
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Mace FC, Critchfield TS. Translational research in behavior analysis: historical traditions and imperative for the future. J Exp Anal Behav 2010; 93:293-312. [PMID: 21119847 PMCID: PMC2861871 DOI: 10.1901/jeab.2010.93-293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
"Pure basic" science can become detached from the natural world that it is supposed to explain. "Pure applied" work can become detached from fundamental processes that shape the world it is supposed to improve. Neither demands the intellectual support of a broad scholarly community or the material support of society. Translational research can do better by seeking innovation in theory or practice through the synthesis of basic and applied questions, literatures, and methods. Although translational thinking has always occurred in behavior analysis, progress often has been constrained by a functional separation of basic and applied communities. A review of translational traditions in behavior analysis suggests that innovation is most likely when individuals with basic and applied expertise collaborate. Such innovation may have to accelerate for behavior analysis to be taken seriously as a general-purpose science of behavior. We discuss the need for better coordination between the basic and applied sectors, and argue that such coordination compromises neither while benefiting both.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Charles Mace
- Send correspondence to Thomas S Critchfield, Department of Psychology, Campus Box 4620, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, (309) 438-2998, e-mail: or F. Charles Mace, 407 Bailey Hall, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME 04038, e-mail:
| | - Thomas S Critchfield
- Send correspondence to Thomas S Critchfield, Department of Psychology, Campus Box 4620, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790, (309) 438-2998, e-mail: or F. Charles Mace, 407 Bailey Hall, University of Southern Maine, Gorham, ME 04038, e-mail:
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26
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Performance and subjective effects of diazepam and d-amphetamine in high and low sensation seekers. Behav Pharmacol 2009; 20:505-17. [PMID: 19654505 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e3283305e8d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Although sensation-seeking status is associated with age of initiation and amount of drug use among adolescents, and sensitivity to the behavioral and reinforcing effects of drugs among young adults, it is unclear whether sensation-seeking status among adolescents is predictive of sensitivity to the pharmacological effects of drugs (i.e. abuse potential) as adults. This study examined the acute behavioral effects of oral diazepam and d-amphetamine in young adults, ages 18-21 years, who had consistently scored in the highest or lowest third of their grade-based cohort on a modified Sensation Seeking Scale that was completed annually between ages 10 and 14 years. Healthy participants completed 16 7.5-h test days, with test days separated by a minimum of 48 h. Each day, assessments consisting of computer task performance, verbal report of drug effects, and cardiovascular measures were completed 0, 50, 110, 170, 230, and 290 min after drug administration. Placebo and three active doses of diazepam and d-amphetamine (2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mg/70 kg) were tested under double-blind conditions according to a randomized-block design. Typical stimulant and sedative effects were obtained with d-amphetamine and diazepam, respectively. Drug effects varied as a function of sensation-seeking status, with magnitude of effects on cardiovascular function, task performance, and report of positive drug effects being greater among high sensation seekers, and report of negative drug effects being greater among low sensation seekers. Adolescents who report high levels of sensation seeking on a consistent basis are more sensitive to pharmacological effects of stimulant and sedative drugs that are associated with abuse potential as young adults.
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27
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“40 Years Is An Awful Long Time”: Parents Caring For Adult Sons and Daughters With Disabilities. BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES 2009. [DOI: 10.5210/bsi.v18i1.2449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Evidence of how behavioral research and technology have evolved together abounds in the history of the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (JEAB). Technology from outside the discipline (exogenous), from such disciplines as electronics and computer science, has been adapted for use in behavioral research. Technology from within the discipline (endogenous) has developed from both basic behavioral research and existing apparatus. All of these sources of technology have contributed to the corpus of behavioral research as it has evolved in JEAB. Such research, in turn, has provided the environmental pressure necessary for continuing technological evolution both within and outside the discipline. The new technology thus evolved further spurs research along in novel directions. This dynamic coevolutionary interplay between research and technology is an important variable in the past, present, and future of JEAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennon A Lattal
- Department of Psychology, P.O. Box 6040, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-6040, USA.
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29
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Stoops WW, Lile JA, Robbins CG, Martin CA, Rush CR, Kelly TH. The reinforcing, subject-rated, performance, and cardiovascular effects of d-amphetamine: influence of sensation-seeking status. Addict Behav 2007; 32:1177-88. [PMID: 17011712 PMCID: PMC3191905 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2006.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Revised: 08/03/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences that may contribute to vulnerability to abuse drugs have been identified. Sensation-seeking status has been shown to influence both vulnerability to drug use and response to acute drug administration. The purpose of the present experiment was to examine the reinforcing effects of d-amphetamine in high and low sensation-seeking subjects using a modified progressive-ratio procedure. A battery of subject-rated, performance, and cardiovascular measures was also included to better characterize the effects of d-amphetamine in these groups. Ten high sensation seekers and ten low sensation seekers that were matched for education, age, drug use, height, and weight, first sampled doses of d-amphetamine (0, 8, and 16 mg). In subsequent sessions, subjects were offered the opportunity to work for the sampled dose on a modified progressive-ratio procedure. d-Amphetamine functioned as a reinforcer and produced prototypical stimulant-like effects (e.g., increased subject-ratings of Like Drug, enhanced performance, and increased heart rate). High sensation seekers were more sensitive than low sensation seekers to the reinforcing and some of the subject-rated effects of d-amphetamine. The results of the present experiment extend those of previous findings by demonstrating that the reinforcing effects of d-amphetamine vary as a function of the biologically based sensation-seeking personality trait. These results suggest that increased stimulant drug use and abuse among high sensation seekers may be related, in part, to increased sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of stimulants among these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W. Stoops
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
| | - Joshua A. Lile
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
| | - C. Glenn Robbins
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
| | - Catherine A. Martin
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, United States
| | - Craig R. Rush
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, United States
| | - Thomas H. Kelly
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Behavioral Science, United States
- University of Kentucky Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Psychology, United States
- Corresponding author. Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, United States. Fax: +1 859 323 5350. (T.H. Kelly)
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