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Masalkhi M, Ong J, Waisberg E, Lee AG. Ocular immunology and inflammation under microgravity conditions and the pathogenesis of spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Eye (Lond) 2024; 38:1799-1801. [PMID: 38443543 PMCID: PMC11226705 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mouayad Masalkhi
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Joshua Ong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ethan Waisberg
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
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2
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Seylani A, Galsinh AS, Tasoula A, I AR, Camera A, Calleja-Agius J, Borg J, Goel C, Kim J, Clark KB, Das S, Arif S, Boerrigter M, Coffey C, Szewczyk N, Mason CE, Manoli M, Karouia F, Schwertz H, Beheshti A, Tulodziecki D. Ethical considerations for the age of non-governmental space exploration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4774. [PMID: 38862473 PMCID: PMC11166968 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mounting ambitions and capabilities for public and private, non-government sector crewed space exploration bring with them an increasingly diverse set of space travelers, raising new and nontrivial ethical, legal, and medical policy and practice concerns which are still relatively underexplored. In this piece, we lay out several pressing issues related to ethical considerations for selecting space travelers and conducting human subject research on them, especially in the context of non-governmental and commercial/private space operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Seylani
- School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside. 92521 Botanical Garden Dr, Riverside, CA, 92507, USA
| | - Aman Singh Galsinh
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, UK
| | - Alexia Tasoula
- Department of Life Science Engineering, FH Technikum, Vienna, Austria
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Anu R I
- Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, MVR Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Calicut, India
| | - Andrea Camera
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean Calleja-Agius
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Joseph Borg
- Department of Applied Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, MSD2080, Msida, Malta
| | - Chirag Goel
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - JangKeun Kim
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kevin B Clark
- Cures Within Reach, Chicago, IL, 60602, USA
- Peace Innovation Institute, The Hague 2511, Netherlands & Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
- Biometrics and Nanotechnology Councils, Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, New York, NY, 10016-5997, USA
| | - Saswati Das
- Department of Biochemistry, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shehbeel Arif
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Caroline Coffey
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Nathaniel Szewczyk
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Manoli
- School of Law, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UB, UK
| | - Fathi Karouia
- Blue Marble Space Institute for Science, Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
- Space Research Within Reach, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center for Space Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hansjörg Schwertz
- Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Division of Occupational Medicine at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
- Occupational Medicine at Billings Clinic Bozeman, Bozeman, MT, 59715, USA.
| | - Afshin Beheshti
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, US.
| | - Dana Tulodziecki
- Department of Philosophy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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3
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Metzger CE, Moore RC, Pirkle AS, Tak LY, Rau J, Bryan JA, Stefanov A, Allen MR, Hook MA. A moderate spinal contusion injury in rats alters bone turnover both below and above the level of injury with sex-based differences apparent in long-term recovery. Bone Rep 2024; 21:101761. [PMID: 38646090 PMCID: PMC11033081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2024.101761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to significant sublesional bone loss and high fracture rates. While loss of mechanical loading plays a significant role in SCI-induced bone loss, animal studies have demonstrated mechanical loading alone does not fully account for loss of bone following SCI. Indeed, we have shown that bone loss occurs below the level of an incomplete moderate contusion SCI, despite the resumption of weight-bearing and stepping. As systemic factors could also impact bone after SCI, bone alterations may also be present in bone sites above the level of injury. To examine this, we assessed bone microarchitecture and bone turnover in the supralesional humerus in male and female rats at two different ages following a moderate contusion injury in both sub-chronic (30 days) and chronic (180 days) time points after injury. At the 30-day timepoint, we found that both young and adult male SCI rats had decrements in trabecular bone volume at the supralesional proximal humerus (PH), while female SCI rats were not different from age-matched shams. At the 180-day timepoint, there were no statistical differences between SCI and sham groups, irrespective of age or sex, at the supralesional proximal humerus. At the 30-day timepoint, all SCI rats had lower BFR and higher osteoclast-covered trabecular surfaces in the proximal humerus compared to age-matched sham groups generally matching the pattern of SCI-induced changes in bone turnover seen in the sublesional proximal tibia. However, at the 180-day timepoint, only male SCI rats had lower BFR at the supralesional proximal humerus while female SCI rats had higher or no different BFR than their age-matched counterparts. Overall, this preclinical study demonstrates that a moderate contusion SCI leads to alterations in bone turnover above the level of injury within 30-days of injury; however male SCI rats maintained lower BFR in the supralesional humerus into long-term recovery. These data further highlight that bone loss after SCI is not driven solely by disuse. Additionally, these data allude to potential systemic factors exerting influence on bone following SCI and highlight the need to consider treatments for SCI-induced bone loss that impact both sublesional and systemic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne E. Metzger
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Moore
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Alexander S. Pirkle
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Landon Y. Tak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Josephina Rau
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - Jessica A. Bryan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - Alexander Stefanov
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Allen
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Michelle A. Hook
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States of America
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4
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Richmond SB, Seidler RD, Iliff JJ, Schwartz DL, Luther M, Silbert LC, Wood SJ, Bloomberg JJ, Mulder E, Lee JK, De Luca A, Piantino J. Dynamic changes in perivascular space morphology predict signs of spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome in bed rest. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:24. [PMID: 38429289 PMCID: PMC10907584 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-024-00368-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
During long-duration spaceflight, astronauts experience headward fluid shifts and expansion of the cerebral perivascular spaces (PVS). A major limitation to our understanding of the changes in brain structure and physiology induced by spaceflight stems from the logistical difficulties of studying astronauts. The current study aimed to determine whether PVS changes also occur on Earth with the spaceflight analog head-down tilt bed rest (HDBR). We examined how the number and morphology of magnetic resonance imaging-visible PVS (MV-PVS) are affected by HDBR with and without elevated carbon dioxide (CO2). These environments mimic the headward fluid shifts, body unloading, and elevated CO2 observed aboard the International Space Station. Additionally, we sought to understand how changes in MV-PVS are associated with signs of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), ocular structural alterations that can occur with spaceflight. Participants were separated into two bed rest campaigns: HDBR (60 days) and HDBR + CO2 (30 days with elevated ambient CO2). Both groups completed multiple magnetic resonance image acquisitions before, during, and post-bed rest. We found that at the group level, neither spaceflight analog affected MV-PVS quantity or morphology. However, when taking into account SANS status, persons exhibiting signs of SANS showed little or no MV-PVS changes, whereas their No-SANS counterparts showed MV-PVS morphological changes during the HDBR + CO2 campaign. These findings highlight spaceflight analogs as models for inducing changes in MV-PVS and implicate MV-PVS dynamic compliance as a mechanism underlying SANS. These findings may lead to countermeasures to mitigate health risks associated with human spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sutton B Richmond
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864, Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Rachael D Seidler
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864, Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL, USA
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Iliff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel L Schwartz
- Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Madison Luther
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lisa C Silbert
- Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Veteran's Affairs Portland Health Care System, Neurology, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jessica K Lee
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864, Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL, USA
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Alberto De Luca
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Juan Piantino
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Zaman N, Ong J, Waisberg E, Masalkhi M, Lee AG, Tavakkoli A, Zuckerbrod S. Advanced Visualization Engineering for Vision Disorders: A Clinically Focused Guide to Current Technology and Future Applications. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:178-207. [PMID: 37861913 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03379-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Head-mounted visualization technology, often in the form of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VAMR), has revolutionized how visual disorders may be approached clinically. In this manuscript, we review the available literature on VAMR for visual disorders and provide a clinically oriented guide to how VAMR technology has been deployed for visual impairments. The chief areas of clinical investigation with VAMR are divided include (1) vision assessment, (2) vision simulation, and (3) vision rehabilitation. We discuss in-depth the current literature of these areas in VAMR and upcoming/future applications to combat the detrimental impact of visual impairment worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasif Zaman
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Joshua Ong
- Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ethan Waisberg
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Mouayad Masalkhi
- University College Dublin School of Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Andrew G Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- The Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Alireza Tavakkoli
- Human-Machine Perception Laboratory, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
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6
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Meer E, Grob SR, Lehnhardt K, Sawyer A. Ocular complaints and diagnoses in spaceflight. NPJ Microgravity 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38167407 PMCID: PMC10762130 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The NASA human system risk board (HSRB) has long focused on trauma and acute medical illness as a key contributor to high level in-flight medical risk. However, ocular issues, trauma, and complaints during spaceflight are poorly characterized. In a retrospective case series, the NASA data from the life sciences data archieve (LSDA) and the lifetime surveillance of astronaught health (LSAH) was queried for eye related complaints and conditions in spaceflight across international space station (ISS) missions and space shuttle (STS) missions. The ISS dataset included missions from the year 2000 to 2020, and the STS dataset included missions from 1981 to 2011. Data were reviewed and segmented into categories of ocular complaints. 135 STS missions and 63 ISS missions were included in this analysis. Ocular events were only noted across 83 STS missions (61.5%) and 41 ISS missions (65.1%). Overall, the most common ocular complaints were eye irritation (n = 80, 33.1%), ocular foreign body or foreign body sensation (n = 55, 22.7%), dry eye syndromes (n = 38, 15.7%), epiphora or excessive tearing (n = 19, 7.85%). Of all ocular complaints or diagnoses, 9 (3.72%) were considered higher severity (keratitis, corneal ulcer, chemical exposure, and corneal abrasion). However, seemingly none required evacuation from mission. Improved depiction of ocular symptoms and diagnoses, and a more standard classification system and process to describe ocular symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments in space is crucial to provide more effective and comprehensive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elana Meer
- Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- University of California Space Health Program, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Seanna R Grob
- Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kris Lehnhardt
- Exploration Medical Capability, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aenor Sawyer
- University of California Space Health Program, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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7
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Bonetto V, Magnelli V, Sabbatini M, Caprì F, van Loon JJWA, Tavella S, Masini MA. The importance of gravity vector on adult mammalian organisms: Effects of hypergravity on mouse testis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282625. [PMID: 37773950 PMCID: PMC10540970 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In the age of space exploration, the effect of hypergravity on human physiology is a relatively neglected topic. However, astronauts have several experiences of hypergravity during their missions. The main disturbance of altered gravity can be imputed to cell cytoskeleton alteration and physiologic homeostasis of the body. Testis has proved to be a particularly sensible organ, subject to environmental alteration and physiological disturbance. This makes testis an organ eligible for investigating the alteration following exposure to altered gravity. In our study, mice were exposed to hypergravity (3g for 14 days) in the Large Diameter Centrifuge machine (ESA, Netherland). We have observed a morphological alteration of the regular architecture of the seminiferous tubules of testis as well as an altered expression of factors involved in the junctional complexes of Sertoli cells, responsible for ensuring the morpho-functional integrity of the organ. The expression of key receptors in physiological performance, such as Androgen Receptors and Interstitial Cells Stimulating Hormone receptors, was found lower expressed. All these findings indicate the occurrence of altered physiological organ performance such as the reduction of the spermatozoa number and altered endocrine parameters following hypergravity exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bonetto
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Valeria Magnelli
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Maurizio Sabbatini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Flavia Caprì
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
| | - Jack J. W. A. van Loon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Pathology, Amsterdam Movement Sciences & Amsterdam Bone Center (ABC), Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Section (TEC-MMG), European Space Agency (ESA), European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), Noordwijk, The Netherland
| | - Sara Tavella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa (GE), Italy
| | - Maria Angela Masini
- Department of Science and Technology Innovation, University of Eastern Piedmont (UPO), Alessandria (AL), Italy
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8
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Luria O, Elgarisi M, Frumkin V, Razin A, Ericson J, Gommed K, Widerker D, Gabay I, Belikov R, Bookbinder J, Balaban E, Bercovici M. Fluidic shaping and in-situ measurement of liquid lenses in microgravity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:74. [PMID: 37696908 PMCID: PMC10495324 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In the absence of gravity, surface tension dominates over the behavior of liquids. While this often poses a challenge in adapting Earth-based technologies to space, it can also provide an opportunity for novel technologies that utilize its advantages. In particular, surface tension drives a liquid body to a constant-mean-curvature shape with extremely smooth surfaces, properties which are highly beneficial for optical components. We here present the design, implementation and analysis of parabolic flight experiments demonstrating the creation and in-situ measurement of optical lenses made entirely by shaping liquids in microgravity. We provide details of the two experimental systems designed to inject the precise amount of liquid within the short microgravity timeframe provided in a parabolic flight, while also measuring the resulting lens' characteristics in real-time using both resolution target-imaging and Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensing. We successfully created more than 20 liquid lenses during the flights. We also present video recordings of the process, from the lenses' creation during microgravity and up until their collapse upon return to gravity. The work thus demonstrates the feasibility of creating and utilizing liquid-based optics in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Luria
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mor Elgarisi
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Valeri Frumkin
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexey Razin
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jonathan Ericson
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Khaled Gommed
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Widerker
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Israel Gabay
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ruslan Belikov
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Blvd., Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Jay Bookbinder
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Blvd., Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - Edward Balaban
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Blvd., Moffett Field, CA, USA.
| | - Moran Bercovici
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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9
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Koehle AP, Brumwell SL, Seto EP, Lynch AM, Urbaniak C. Microbial applications for sustainable space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:47. [PMID: 37344487 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00285-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Koehle
- Department of Plant Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L Brumwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anne M Lynch
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA.
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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10
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Boschert AL, Gauger P, Bach A, Gerlach D, Johannes B, Jordan J, Li Z, Elmenhorst D, Bauer A, Marshall-Goebel K, Tank J, Zange J, Rittweger J. External to internal cranial perfusion shifts during simulated weightlessness: Results from a randomized cross-over trial. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:25. [PMID: 36977696 PMCID: PMC10050182 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The exact pathophysiology of the spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) has so far not been completely elucidated. In this study we assessed the effect of acute head-down tilt position on the mean flow of the intra- and extracranial vessels. Our results suggest a shift from the external to the internal system that might play an important role in the pathomechanism of SANS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessa L Boschert
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany.
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Peter Gauger
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anja Bach
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Darius Gerlach
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Bernd Johannes
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Jordan
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Chair of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Zhili Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - David Elmenhorst
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bauer
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-2), Jülich, Germany
| | | | - Jens Tank
- Department of Cardiovascular Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Zange
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörn Rittweger
- Department of Muscle and Bone Metabolism, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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11
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Dubayle D, Vanden-Bossche A, Peixoto T, Morel JL. Hypergravity Increases Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability to Fluorescent Dextran and Antisense Oligonucleotide in Mice. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050734. [PMID: 36899870 PMCID: PMC10000817 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The earliest effect of spaceflight is an alteration in vestibular function due to microgravity. Hypergravity exposure induced by centrifugation is also able to provoke motion sickness. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the crucial interface between the vascular system and the brain to ensure efficient neuronal activity. We developed experimental protocols of hypergravity on C57Bl/6JRJ mice to induce motion sickness and reveal its effects on the BBB. Mice were centrifuged at 2× g for 24 h. Fluorescent dextrans with different sizes (40, 70 and 150 kDa) and fluorescent antisense oligonucleotides (AS) were injected into mice retro-orbitally. The presence of fluorescent molecules was revealed by epifluorescence and confocal microscopies in brain slices. Gene expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR from brain extracts. Only the 70 kDa dextran and AS were detected in the parenchyma of several brain regions, suggesting an alteration in the BBB. Moreover, Ctnnd1, Gja4 and Actn1 were upregulated, whereas Jup, Tjp2, Gja1, Actn2, Actn4, Cdh2 and Ocln genes were downregulated, specifically suggesting a dysregulation in the tight junctions of endothelial cells forming the BBB. Our results confirm the alteration in the BBB after a short period of hypergravity exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dubayle
- CNRS, INCC, UMR 8002, Université Paris Cité, F-75006 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (J.-L.M.)
| | - Arnaud Vanden-Bossche
- INSERM, SAINBIOSE U1059, Mines Saint-Etienne, Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne, F-42023 Saint-Étienne, France
| | - Tom Peixoto
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Luc Morel
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, IMN, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (D.D.); (J.-L.M.)
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12
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Saehle T. Cerebral Hemodynamics During Exposure to Hypergravity (+G z) or Microgravity (0 G). Aerosp Med Hum Perform 2022; 93:581-592. [DOI: 10.3357/amhp.6008.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Optimal human performance and health is dependent on steady blood supply to the brain. Hypergravity (+Gz) may impair cerebral blood flow (CBF), and several investigators have also reported that microgravity (0 G) may influence cerebral hemodynamics. This
has led to concerns for safe performance during acceleration maneuvers in aviation or the impact long-duration spaceflights may have on astronaut health.METHODS: A systematic PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) search was done in PubMed and Web of Science, addressing studies on
how elevated +Gz forces or absence of such may impact cerebral hemodynamics. All primary research containing anatomical or physiological data on relevant intracranial parameters were included. Quality of the evidence was analyzed using the GRADE tool.RESULTS: The search
revealed 92 eligible articles. It is evident that impaired CBF during +Gz acceleration remains an important challenge in aviation, but there are significant variations in individual tolerance. The reports on cerebral hemodynamics during weightlessness are inconsistent, but published
data indicate that adaptation to sustained microgravity is also characterized by significant variations among individuals.DISCUSSION: Despite a high number of publications, the quality of evidence is limited due to observational study design, too few included subjects, and methodological
challenges. Clinical consequences of high +Gz exposure are well described, but there are significant gaps in knowledge regarding the intracranial pathophysiology and individual hemodynamic tolerance to both hypergravity and microgravity environments.Saehle T. Cerebral
hemodynamics during exposure to hypergravity (+Gz) or microgravity (0 G). Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(7):581–592.
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13
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Ghanim MS, Muley D, Kharbeche M. ANN-Based traffic volume prediction models in response to COVID-19 imposed measures. SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY 2022; 81:103830. [PMID: 35291578 PMCID: PMC8906893 DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2022.103830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Many countries around the globe have imposed several response measures to suppress the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the beginning of 2020. These measures have impacted routine daily activities, along with their impact on economy, education, social and recreational activities, and domestic and international travels. Intuitively, the different imposed policies and measures have indirect impacts on urban traffic mobility. As a result of those imposed measures and policies, urban traffic flows have changed. However, those impacts are neither measured nor quantified. Therefore, estimating the impact of these combined yet different policies and measures on urban traffic flows is a challenging task. This paper demonstrates the development of an artificial neural networks (ANN) model which correlates the impact of the imposed response measure and other factors on urban traffic flows. The results show that the adopted ANN model is capable of mapping the complex relationship between traffic flows and the response measures with a high level of accuracy and good performance. The predicted values are closed to the observed ones. They are clustered around the regression line, with a coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) of 0.9761. Furthermore, the developed model can be generalized to determine the anticipated demand levels resulted from imposing any of the response measures in the post-pandemic era. This model can be used to manage traffic during mega-events. It can be also utilized for disaster or emergency situations, where traffic flow estimates are highly required for operational and planning purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deepti Muley
- Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, Department of Civil Engineering, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Kharbeche
- Qatar Transportation and Traffic Safety Center, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar
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14
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Hupfeld KE, Richmond SB, McGregor HR, Schwartz DL, Luther MN, Beltran NE, Kofman IS, De Dios YE, Riascos RF, Wood SJ, Bloomberg JJ, Mulavara AP, Silbert LC, Iliff JJ, Seidler RD, Piantino J. Longitudinal MRI-visible perivascular space (PVS) changes with long-duration spaceflight. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7238. [PMID: 35513698 PMCID: PMC9072425 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11593-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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 3 T 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 validated our automated segmentation algorithm by comparing algorithm PVS counts with those identified by two trained raters in 50 randomly selected slices from this cohort; the automated algorithm performed similarly to visual ratings (r(48) = 0.77, p < 0.001). In addition, we found high reliability for four of five PVS metrics across the two pre-flight time points and across the four control time points (ICC(3,k) > 0.50). Among the astronaut cohort, we found that novice astronauts showed an increase in total PVS volume from pre- to post-flight, whereas experienced crewmembers did not (p = 0.020), suggesting that experienced astronauts may exhibit holdover effects from prior spaceflight(s). Greater pre-flight PVS load was associated with more prior flight experience (r = 0.60-0.71), though these relationships did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Pre- to post-flight changes in ventricular volume were not significantly associated with changes in PVS characteristics, and the presence of spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) was not associated with PVS number or morphology. Together, these findings demonstrate that PVSs can be consistently identified on T1-weighted MRI scans, and that spaceflight is associated with PVS changes. Specifically, prior spaceflight experience may be an important factor in determining PVS characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E. Hupfeld
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Sutton B. Richmond
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Heather R. McGregor
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Daniel L. Schwartz
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Advanced Imaging Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Madison N. Luther
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines St., CDRC-P, Portland, OR 97239 USA
| | | | | | | | - Roy F. Riascos
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Scott J. Wood
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jacob J. Bloomberg
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX USA
| | | | - Lisa C. Silbert
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Layton-NIA Oregon Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR USA ,grid.484322.bNeurology, Veteran’s Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Iliff
- grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.34477.330000000122986657Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA USA ,grid.413919.70000 0004 0420 6540VISN 20 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Rachael D. Seidler
- grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, 1864 Stadium Rd., Gainesville, FL USA ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Juan Piantino
- grid.5288.70000 0000 9758 5690Division of Child Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University, 707 SW Gaines St., CDRC-P, Portland, OR 97239 USA
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15
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Rank EA, Agneter A, Schmoll T, Leitgeb RA, Drexler W. Miniaturizing optical coherence tomography. TRANSLATIONAL BIOPHOTONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/tbio.202100007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet A. Rank
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Anja Agneter
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Tilman Schmoll
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc. Dublin California USA
| | - Rainer A. Leitgeb
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Wolfgang Drexler
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
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16
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Islam Y, Leach AG, Smith J, Pluchino S, Coxon CR, Sivakumaran M, Downing J, Fatokun AA, Teixidò M, Ehtezazi T. Physiological and Pathological Factors Affecting Drug Delivery to the Brain by Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2002085. [PMID: 34105297 PMCID: PMC8188209 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease is known to be increasing due to an aging population and is anticipated to further grow in the decades ahead. The treatment of brain diseases is challenging partly due to the inaccessibility of therapeutic agents to the brain. An increasingly important observation is that the physiology of the brain alters during many brain diseases, and aging adds even more to the complexity of the disease. There is a notion that the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) increases with aging or disease, however, the body has a defense mechanism that still retains the separation of the brain from harmful chemicals in the blood. This makes drug delivery to the diseased brain, even more challenging and complex task. Here, the physiological changes to the diseased brain and aged brain are covered in the context of drug delivery to the brain using nanoparticles. Also, recent and novel approaches are discussed for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the diseased brain using nanoparticle based or magnetic resonance imaging guided systems. Furthermore, the complement activation, toxicity, and immunogenicity of brain targeting nanoparticles as well as novel in vitro BBB models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamir Islam
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Andrew G. Leach
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- Division of Pharmacy and OptometryThe University of ManchesterStopford Building, Oxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUK
| | - Jayden Smith
- Cambridge Innovation Technologies Consulting (CITC) LimitedSt. John's Innovation CentreCowley RoadCambridgeCB4 0WSUK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesClifford Allbutt Building – Cambridge Biosciences Campus and NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeHills RoadCambridgeCB2 0HAUK
| | - Christopher R. Coxon
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityWilliam Perkin BuildingEdinburghEH14 4ASUK
| | - Muttuswamy Sivakumaran
- Department of HaematologyPeterborough City HospitalEdith Cavell CampusBretton Gate PeterboroughPeterboroughPE3 9GZUK
| | - James Downing
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Amos A. Fatokun
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Meritxell Teixidò
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri Reixac 10Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Touraj Ehtezazi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
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17
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Bonnefoy J, Ghislin S, Beyrend J, Coste F, Calcagno G, Lartaud I, Gauquelin-Koch G, Poussier S, Frippiat JP. Gravitational Experimental Platform for Animal Models, a New Platform at ESA's Terrestrial Facilities to Study the Effects of Micro- and Hypergravity on Aquatic and Rodent Animal Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2961. [PMID: 33803957 PMCID: PMC7998548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Using rotors to expose animals to different levels of hypergravity is an efficient means of understanding how altered gravity affects physiological functions, interactions between physiological systems and animal development. Furthermore, rotors can be used to prepare space experiments, e.g., conducting hypergravity experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of a study before its implementation and to complement inflight experiments by comparing the effects of micro- and hypergravity. In this paper, we present a new platform called the Gravitational Experimental Platform for Animal Models (GEPAM), which has been part of European Space Agency (ESA)'s portfolio of ground-based facilities since 2020, to study the effects of altered gravity on aquatic animal models (amphibian embryos/tadpoles) and mice. This platform comprises rotors for hypergravity exposure (three aquatic rotors and one rodent rotor) and models to simulate microgravity (cages for mouse hindlimb unloading and a random positioning machine (RPM)). Four species of amphibians can be used at present. All murine strains can be used and are maintained in a specific pathogen-free area. This platform is surrounded by numerous facilities for sample preparation and analysis using state-of-the-art techniques. Finally, we illustrate how GEPAM can contribute to the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms and the identification of countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Bonnefoy
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (S.G.); (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Stéphanie Ghislin
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (S.G.); (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Jérôme Beyrend
- Animalerie du Campus Biologie Santé, ACBS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (I.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Florence Coste
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (S.G.); (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Gaetano Calcagno
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (S.G.); (F.C.); (G.C.)
| | - Isabelle Lartaud
- Animalerie du Campus Biologie Santé, ACBS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (I.L.); (S.P.)
| | | | - Sylvain Poussier
- Animalerie du Campus Biologie Santé, ACBS, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (J.B.); (I.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress, Immunity, Pathogens Laboratory, SIMPA, Université de Lorraine, F-54000 Nancy, France; (S.G.); (F.C.); (G.C.)
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18
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Janigro D, Bailey DM, Lehmann S, Badaut J, O'Flynn R, Hirtz C, Marchi N. Peripheral Blood and Salivary Biomarkers of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability and Neuronal Damage: Clinical and Applied Concepts. Front Neurol 2021; 11:577312. [PMID: 33613412 PMCID: PMC7890078 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.577312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the neurovascular unit (NVU), the blood–brain barrier (BBB) operates as a key cerebrovascular interface, dynamically insulating the brain parenchyma from peripheral blood and compartments. Increased BBB permeability is clinically relevant for at least two reasons: it actively participates to the etiology of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, and it enables the diagnosis of neurological disorders based on the detection of CNS molecules in peripheral body fluids. In pathological conditions, a suite of glial, neuronal, and pericyte biomarkers can exit the brain reaching the peripheral blood and, after a process of filtration, may also appear in saliva or urine according to varying temporal trajectories. Here, we specifically examine the evidence in favor of or against the use of protein biomarkers of NVU damage and BBB permeability in traumatic head injury, including sport (sub)concussive impacts, seizure disorders, and neurodegenerative processes such as Alzheimer's disease. We further extend this analysis by focusing on the correlates of human extreme physiology applied to the NVU and its biomarkers. To this end, we report NVU changes after prolonged exercise, freediving, and gravitational stress, focusing on the presence of peripheral biomarkers in these conditions. The development of a biomarker toolkit will enable minimally invasive routines for the assessment of brain health in a broad spectrum of clinical, emergency, and sport settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damir Janigro
- Department of Physiology Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States.,FloTBI Inc., Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Damian M Bailey
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- IRMB, INM, UFR Odontology, University Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Jerome Badaut
- Brain Molecular Imaging Lab, CNRS UMR 5287, INCIA, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Robin O'Flynn
- IRMB, INM, UFR Odontology, University Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Hirtz
- IRMB, INM, UFR Odontology, University Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicola Marchi
- Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Functional Genomics (UMR 5203 CNRS-U 1191 INSERM, University of Montpellier), Montpellier, France
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19
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Patel ZS, Brunstetter TJ, Tarver WJ, Whitmire AM, Zwart SR, Smith SM, Huff JL. Red risks for a journey to the red planet: The highest priority human health risks for a mission to Mars. NPJ Microgravity 2020; 6:33. [PMID: 33298950 PMCID: PMC7645687 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-020-00124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NASA's plans for space exploration include a return to the Moon to stay-boots back on the lunar surface with an orbital outpost. This station will be a launch point for voyages to destinations further away in our solar system, including journeys to the red planet Mars. To ensure success of these missions, health and performance risks associated with the unique hazards of spaceflight must be adequately controlled. These hazards-space radiation, altered gravity fields, isolation and confinement, closed environments, and distance from Earth-are linked with over 30 human health risks as documented by NASA's Human Research Program. The programmatic goal is to develop the tools and technologies to adequately mitigate, control, or accept these risks. The risks ranked as "red" have the highest priority based on both the likelihood of occurrence and the severity of their impact on human health, performance in mission, and long-term quality of life. These include: (1) space radiation health effects of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decrements (2) Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (3) behavioral health and performance decrements, and (4) inadequate food and nutrition. Evaluation of the hazards and risks in terms of the space exposome-the total sum of spaceflight and lifetime exposures and how they relate to genetics and determine the whole-body outcome-will provide a comprehensive picture of risk profiles for individual astronauts. In this review, we provide a primer on these "red" risks for the research community. The aim is to inform the development of studies and projects with high potential for generating both new knowledge and technologies to assist with mitigating multisystem risks to crew health during exploratory missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zarana S Patel
- KBR, Houston, TX, USA.
- NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Sara R Zwart
- NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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20
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Bailey DM, Lanéelle D, Trihan JE, Marchi N, Stacey BS, Tamiya K, Washio T, Tuaillon E, Hirtz C, Lehmann S, Ogoh S, Normand H. Gravitational Transitions Increase Posterior Cerebral Perfusion and Systemic Oxidative-nitrosative Stress: Implications for Neurovascular Unit Integrity. Neuroscience 2020; 441:142-160. [PMID: 32502571 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined if repeated bouts of micro- and hypergravity during parabolic flight (PF) alter structural integrity of the neurovascular unit (NVU) subsequent to free radical-mediated changes in regional cerebral perfusion. Six participants (5♂, 1♀) aged 29 ± 11 years were examined before, during and after a 3 h PF and compared to six sex and age-matched (27 ± 6 years) normogravity controls. Blood flow was measured in the anterior (middle cerebral artery, MCA; internal carotid artery, ICA) and posterior (vertebral artery, VA) circulation (duplex ultrasound) in-flight over the course of 15 parabolas. Venous blood was assayed for free radicals (electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy), nitric oxide (NO, ozone-based chemiluminescence) and NVU integrity (chemiluminescence/ELISA) in normogravity before and after exposure to 31 parabolas. While MCA velocity did not change (P > 0.05), a selective increase in VA flow was observed during the most marked gravitational transition from micro- to hypergravity (P < 0.05). Increased oxidative-nitrosative stress defined by a free radical-mediated reduction in NO and elevations in glio-vascular GFAP and S100ß were observed after PF (P < 0.05), the latter proportional to the increase in VA flow (r = 0.908, P < 0.05). In contrast, biomarkers of neuronal-axonal damage (neuron-specific enolase, neurofilament light-chain, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 and tau) did not change (P > 0.05). Collectively, these findings suggest that the cumulative effects of repeated gravitational transitions may promote minor blood-brain barrier disruption, potentially related to the combined effects of haemodynamic (posterior cerebral hyperperfusion) and molecular (systemic oxidative-nitrosative) stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian M Bailey
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Glamorgan, UK.
| | - Damien Lanéelle
- Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire, Caen, France; UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, GIP CYCERON, Normandie University, Caen, France
| | - Jean-Eudes Trihan
- Service de Médecine Vasculaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicola Marchi
- UMR, Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Glia Research, Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Functional Genomics (CNRS Unit Mixte de Recherche 5203; INSERM U1191), University of Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin S Stacey
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Glamorgan, UK
| | - Kazuki Tamiya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, Kawagoe-Shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Takuro Washio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, Kawagoe-Shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Unit Mixte de Recherche, INSERM l'Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier 1, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Hirtz
- LBPC-PPC, University of Montpellier, Institute of Regenerative Medicine-Biotherapy IRMB, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Lehmann
- LBPC-PPC, University of Montpellier, Institute of Regenerative Medicine-Biotherapy IRMB, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Shigehiko Ogoh
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Glamorgan, UK; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, Kawagoe-Shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hervé Normand
- UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, GIP CYCERON, Normandie University, Caen, France; UNICAEN, COMETE, Caen, France; INSERM, U 1075 COMETE, Caen, France; Department of Clinical Physiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Caen, Caen, France
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