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Liu S, Wang J, Chen S, Chai J, Wen J, Tian X, Chen N, Xu C. Vagal predominance correlates with mood state changes of winter-over expeditioners during prolonged Antarctic residence. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298751. [PMID: 38968274 PMCID: PMC11226091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298751] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Winter-over expeditioners in Antarctica are challenged by various environmental and psycho-social stress factors, which may induce psychophysiological changes. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in the adaptation process under stress. However, the relationship between ANS activity and the mood states of expeditioners remains largely unexplored. This study aims to uncover the pattern of ANS adjustment under extreme Antarctic environments and provide new insights into the correlations between ANS activity and mood state changes, which may provide scientific data for medical interventions. METHODS Fourteen expeditioners at Zhongshan Station participated in this study. The study was conducted during four representative periods: pre-Antarctica, Antarctica-1 (pre-winter), Antarctica-2 (winter), and Antarctica-3 (summer). The heart rate variability (HRV) of the expeditioners was continuously measured for 24 hours to evaluate ANS activity. Plasma levels of catecholamines were tested by ELISA. Mood states were assessed by the Profile of Mood States (POMS) scale. RESULTS HRV analysis showed a disturbance of ANS during winter and summer periods. For frequency domain parameters, very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and total power (TP) significantly increased during the second half of the mission. Especially, LF/HF ratio decreased during summer, indicating the predominance of vagal tone. Results of the time domain analysis showed increased heart rate variability during the austral winter and summer. Plasma epinephrine (E) significantly increased during residence in Antarctica. Compared with pre-Antarctica, the vigor, depression, and anger scores of the expeditioners decreased significantly during the austral summer. Notably, the depression score showed a moderate positive correlation with LF/HF, while weak negative correlations with other HRV indicators, including TP, VLF, and LF. Anger score showed a moderate positive correlation with LF/HF and weak negative correlations with the average normal-to-normal (NN) interval, and the root mean square of differences between adjacent RR intervals (RMSSD). Plasma E level weakly correlated with the average NN interval. CONCLUSION Prolonged residence in Antarctica increased the ANS activities and shifted the cardiac autonomic modulation towards vagal predominance. The alteration of HRV correlated with mood states and plasma epinephrine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Liu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianan Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoling Chen
- Pingxiang Third People’s Hospital, Pingxiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiamin Chai
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jigang Wen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Tian
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengli Xu
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center of Environmental and Health Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Le Roy B, Martin-Krumm C, Pinol N, Dutheil F, Trousselard M. Human challenges to adaptation to extreme professional environments: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105054. [PMID: 36682426 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
NASA is planning human exploration of the Moon, while preparations are underway for human missions to Mars, and deeper into the solar system. These missions will expose space travelers to unusual conditions, which they will have to adapt to. Similar conditions are found in several analogous environments on Earth, and studies can provide an initial understanding of the challenges for human adaptation. Such environments can be marked by an extreme climate, danger, limited facilities and supplies, isolation from loved ones, or mandatory interaction with others. They are rarely encountered by most human beings, and mainly concern certain professions in limited missions. This systematic review focuses on professional extreme environments and captures data from papers published since 2005. Our findings provide an insight into their physiological, biological, cognitive, and behavioral impacts for better understand how humans adapt or not to them. This study provides a framework for studying adaptation, which is particularly important in light of upcoming longer space expeditions to more distant destinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Le Roy
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; CNES, Paris, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France.
| | - Charles Martin-Krumm
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; École de Psychologues Praticiens, Catholic Institute of Paris, EA Religion, Culture et société, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Pinol
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Health Library, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- University Hospital of Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, WittyFit, F 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, LaPSCo, Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, 34 Avenue Carnot, 63 037 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- Stress Neurophysiology Unit, French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute, Brétigny-sur-Orge Cedex, France; APEMAC/EPSAM, EA 4360 Metz Cedex, France; French Military Health Service Academy, Paris, France
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Miao C, Gaggiotti H, Brewster C. Popping the “bubble” metaphor: separation and integration of expatriate communities. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL MOBILITY: THE HOME OF EXPATRIATE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jgm-05-2022-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThis paper aims to discuss multiple uses of the concept of “bubble” as a metaphor to refer to different experiences of foreign working communities and suggests a more flexible and comprehensive approach.Design/methodology/approachBased on ethnographic fieldwork conducted at different locations, the authors propose changing the use of the bubble metaphor from an analogy of living in isolation to a way of conceptualising the changing contexts and characteristics that impact the porosity and permeability of communities.FindingsThe paper suggests that when using the metaphor as a concept, the following considerations need to be taken into account: (1) the conventional thinking that “expat-bubbles” are isolated places, (2) any simplistic notion that different internationally mobile workers will be less or more immersed in the local community and (3) the use of the bubble metaphor without a careful delineation and reference to its permeability and porosity.Originality/valueThe paper helps to visualise a different dimension of the traditional taken-for-granted representation of the bubble. The bubble emerges as a rich analogical concept not to explain binomial representations of integration-separation. Rather than a simple “open” or “closed”, bubbles became more or less porous and permeable depending on the experiences of foreign working communities.
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Mental, Physical, and Cognitive Wellbeing during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Data from Scotland and Japan. JOURNAL OF OPEN PSYCHOLOGY DATA 2022. [DOI: 10.5334/jopd.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Tortello C, Folgueira A, Nicolas M, Cuiuli JM, Cairoli G, Crippa V, Barbarito M, Abulafia C, Golombek DA, Vigo DE, Plano SA. Coping with Antarctic demands: Psychological implications of isolation and confinement. Stress Health 2021; 37:431-441. [PMID: 33166090 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Working in extreme environments requires a wide range of cognitive, psychological and social competences. Antarctica represents one of the most challenging habitats to work in due to its aridity, extremely cold weather, and isolated conditions. This study aimed to assess mood variations and coping strategies, as well as their possible modulation by group dynamics in a crew at the Belgrano II Argentine Antarctic Station throughout 1 year of confinement. Thirteen members of the Argentine Army completed emotional, coping and social dynamics questionnaires bimonthly in March, May, July, September and November. Results showed a significant decline in social dynamics scales, evidenced by decreases in perceived peer and hierarchical support. Additionally, coping strategies displayed a drop in mature defence throughout the expedition. A positive correlation was found between social support and recovery from stress. Our results highlight the importance of interpersonal relationships in psychological adjustment to isolation and extreme environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Tortello
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Folgueira
- Neurology Department, Central Military Hospital, Argentine Army, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michel Nicolas
- Laboratory Psy-DREPI (EA 7458), University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Juan Manuel Cuiuli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Germán Cairoli
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Crippa
- Argentine Joint Antarctic Command, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Carolina Abulafia
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Movement Disorders Unit, Raul Carrea Institute of Neurological Research, Institute for Neurological Research (FLENI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Andrés Golombek
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Eduardo Vigo
- Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Santiago Andrés Plano
- Chronobiology Lab, National University of Quilmes (UNQ), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Institute for Biomedical Research (BIOMED), Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) and National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Palinkas LA, Suedfeld P. Psychosocial issues in isolated and confined extreme environments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:413-429. [PMID: 33836214 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PALINKAS, L.A., and P. SUEDFELD. Psychosocial Issues in Isolated and Confined Extreme Environments. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV (1) XXX-XXX, 2020. Psychosocial elements of behavior and performance will significantly impact the outcomes of long duration missions in space, ranging from individual and team decrements to positive benefits associated with successful adaptation. This paper reviews our current understanding of the individual, interpersonal and organizational issues related to living and working in isolated and confined extreme (ICE) environments. Individual issues include changes in emotions and cognitive performance; seasonal syndromes linked to changes in the physical environment; and positive effects of adapting to ICE environments. Interpersonal issues include processes of crew cohesion, tension and conflict; interpersonal relations and social support; the impact of group diversity and leadership styles on small group dynamics; and crew-mission control interactions. Organizational issues include the influence of organizational culture and mission duration on individual and group performance, crew autonomy, and managerial requirements for long duration missions. Improved screening and selection, leadership, coping and interpersonal skills training, and organizational change are key elements to optimizing adjustment to the environment and preventing decrements during and after long duration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence A Palinkas
- Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 W. 34(th) Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0411, USA.
| | - Peter Suedfeld
- Department of Psychology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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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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