Institute For Biomedical Problems Research Articles

Dry immersion induced acute low back pain and its relationship with trunk myofascial viscoelastic changes.

Microgravity induces spinal elongation and Low Back Pain (LBP) but the pathophysiology is unknown. Changes in paraspinal muscle viscoelastic properties may play a role. Dry Immersion (DI) is a ground-based microgravity analogue that induces changes in m. erector spinae superficial myofascial tissue tone within 2 h. This study sought to determine whether bilateral m. erector spinae tone, creep, and stiffness persist beyond 2 h; and if such changes correlate with DI-induced spinal elongation and/or LBP.Ten healthy males lay in the DI bath at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia) for 6 h. Bilateral lumbar (L1, L4) and thoracic (T11, T9) trunk myofascial tone, stiffness and creep (MyotonPRO), and subjective LBP (0-10 NRS) were recorded before DI, after 1h, 6 h of DI, and 30min post. The non-standing spinal length was evaluated on the bath lifting platform using a bespoke stadiometer before and following DI.DI significantly modulated m. erector spinae viscoelastic properties at L4, L1, T11, and T9 with no effect of laterality. Bilateral tissue tone was significantly reduced after 1 and 6 h DI at L4, L1, T11, and T9 to a similar extent. Stiffness was also reduced by DI at 1 h but partially recovered at 6 h for L4, L1, and T11. Creep was increased by DI at 1 h, with partial recovery at 6 h, although only T11 was significant. All properties returned to baseline 30 min following DI. Significant spinal elongation (1.17 ± 0.20 cm) with mild (at 1 h) to moderate (at 6 h) LBP was induced, mainly in the upper lumbar and lower thoracic regions. Spinal length increases positively correlated (Rho = 0.847, p = 0.024) with middle thoracic (T9) tone reduction, but with no other stiffness or creep changes. Spinal length positively correlated (Rho = 0.557, p = 0.039) with Max LBP; LBP failed to correlate with any m. erector spinae measured parameters.The DI-induced bilateral m. erector spinae tone, creep, and stiffness changes persist beyond 2 h. Evidence of spinal elongation and LBP allows suggesting that the trunk myofascial tissue changes could play a role in LBP pathogenesis observed in real and simulated microgravity. Further study is warranted with longer duration DI, assessment of IVD geometry, and vertebral column stability.

Study of cognitive performance and psychophysiological state of an operator in conditions of isolation and crowding

Introduction. In the context of the pandemic of the new coronavirus and the measures taken to contain the spread of infection, including quarantine measures and transfer to remote work, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of short- and long-term isolation on psychological well-being and cognitive performance of a person. In this situation, the closest model for studying the processes of adaptation to the conditions of isolation and crowding are isolation experiments. The study aims to research the cognitive performance and psychophysiological state of a person in conditions of isolation and crowding. Materials and methods. Scientists conducted a 14-day isolation experiment simulating a flight to the moon at the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences: 6 subjects (4 men, 2 women) worked for two weeks and lived in a hermetic volume with an area of 12 sq2. With the help of situational anxiety assessment, acoustic speech analysis, cognitive and sensorimotor tests, experts obtained data on the relationship between the psychophysiological state of a person and his productivity. Results. Researchers have identified significant correlations between situational anxiety and acoustic characteristics of speech. On days when the subjects spoke at a lower volume (p<0,0001) and had more pauses in their speech (p<0,01), and there was additional variability in the voice amplitude of the speech signal (shimmer effect) (p<0,0001), the subjects noted greater anxiety. Subjectively perceived anxiety correlated with cognitive performance. In a more anxious state, the subjects made more mistakes in mathematical calculations (p<0.01), they needed more time to solve (p<0.001); lability (p<0.01) and errors (p<0.0001) also increased when performing the sensorimotor RDO test. Limitations. The limitations of this study were a small sample size, the duration of isolation exposure, as well as a limited number of methods used to study the physiological state of a person. Conclusions. The researchers found reliable connections between the indicator of situational anxiety, acoustic characteristics of speech and cognitive performance. The psychophysiological state of the subjects affected the quality of the operator's tasks. Isolation and crowding by themselves did not become significant psychological stressors in this experiment, this was due to the motivation of the subjects. Experts found an increase in anxiety a few days before the experiment due to changes in the usual lifestyle, feelings of insecurity and a large number of examinations. Ethics. The Commission on Biomedical Ethics of the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation (Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences) approved experimental program No. 573 dated April 1, 2021 in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration of 1964. Each study participant voluntarily signed an informed consent after having the potential risks, bene ts and nature of the upcoming study explained to her/him.

ОПЫТ ПРОСВЕТИТЕЛЬСКОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ И ПОПУЛЯРИЗАЦИИ ДОСТИЖЕНИЙ ОТЕЧЕСТВЕННОЙ КОСМИЧЕСКОЙ БИОЛОГИИ И МЕДИЦИНЫ В ГНЦ РФ – ИМБП РАН

Objectively assessing the contribution of outreach activities and the popularization of scientific achievements in the development of modern society, the Institute of Biomedical Problems has been actively working in this direction for many years. Effective interaction of the Institute with Russian and foreign mass media is being implemented. Much attention is paid to maintaining Internet resources and pages in social networks. Publication activity (preparation and printing of informational articles, booklets, books, etc.) makes it possible to acquaint a wide range of readers with the achievements of space biology and medicine. A significant amount of work is carried out on the organization of exhibitions (both innovative technologies and museum and educational). The Institute pays much attention to the formation of educational content and lecture activities. An important area is the development of cooperation with public organizations in the field of cosmonautics. The Institute widely uses not only traditional and customary methods in this work, but also develops and applies new approaches, technological and methodological techniques.

A New Approach to Images’ Pespective Transformation in Robotics Telemetry

Remotely controlled robots are the majority of contemporary robots’ population. As a rule such robots are used for inspection, patrolling, mines disposal. This is caused by a fact that today’s level of robots’ autonomy is rather low and autonomous robots can not secure reliable performance. However performance of remotely operated robots depends largely on efficiency of information perception by human-operator. This paper studies images representation to operators on robots’ control pendants. More specifically it studies 3D images representation on flat displays. The goal of this study is to increased reaction rate and decrease errors done by robot’s operator due to image’s uncertainty or poor quality. Our main attention is paid to the development of software that implements the technology of transforming the perspective of images. Matrixes for perspective transformation are studied. Hence application of these matrixes within remotely operated robots is discussed. A novelty of this research is in new knowledge about perspective transformation which is done for a better information perception by human-operator and, as an outcome, to increase efficiency of remotely operated robots. The related technologies in the field of telemetry and technical vision systems have been investigated. Also considered are works in medical fields, in particular, the psychology of perception of images and space. A static software model has been developed. The video camera has been implemented with the introduction of perspective distortions to improve the reliability of the transmission of the necessary areas in the image. Research on the technology is carried out jointly with the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences. A special prototype for perspective transformation basing on various scenarios is being developed.

External Communication of Autonomous Crews Under Simulation of Interplanetary Missions.

Two experiments, with 17-day and 120-day isolation, were carried out within the frame of the Scientific International Research in Unique Terrestrial Station (SIRIUS) international project at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia). Manifestations of the “detachment” phenomenon in the crew – mission control center (MCC) communication previously identified in the Mars-500 project were confirmed in this study. As in the Mars-500 experiment, in the SIRIUS-19, the landing simulation in the halfway of isolation caused a temporary increase of crew communication with MCC. We also revealed several differences in the communication styles of male and female crew members. By the end of the experiment, there was a convergence of communication styles of all the SIRIUS crew members and also an increase in crew cohesion.

The First Female Dry Immersion (NAIAD-2020): Design and Specifics of a 3-Day Study.

This article describes procedures and some results of the first study of females undergoing 3-day Dry Immersion. The experiment “NAIAD-2020” was carried out at the Institute of Biomedical Problems (Moscow, Russia) with the participation of six healthy women volunteers (age 30.17 ± 5.5 years, height 1.66 ± 0.1 m, weight 62.05 ± 8.4 kg, BMI 22.39 ± 2.2 kg/m2) with a natural menstrual cycle. During the study, a standard protocol was used, the same as for men, with a minimum period of time spent outside the immersion bath. Before, during and after Immersion, 22 experiments were carried out aimed at studying the neurophysiological, functional, metabolic and psychophysiological functions of the body, the results of which will be presented in future publications. The total time outside the bath for women did not exceed that for men. Systolic and diastolic pressure did not significantly change during the immersion. In the first 24 h after the end of the immersion, heart rate was significantly higher than the background values [F(4,20) = 14.67; P < 0.0001]. Changes in body temperature and water balance were consistent with the patterns found in men. No significant changes in height and weight were found during immersion. All women reported general discomfort and pain in the abdomen and back. The results of this study did not find significant risks to women’s health and showed the feasibility of using this model of the effects of space flight in women of reproductive age.

СОВМЕСТНЫЙ РОССИЙСКО-АМЕРИКАНСКИЙ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТ «ПОЛЕВОЙ ТЕСТ»: ВАЖНОСТЬ ДЛЯ ДЕКОНДИЦИОНИРОВАННОГО ЭКИПАЖА ПОСЛЕ ДЛИТЕЛЬНОГО КОСМИЧЕСКОГО ПОЛЕТА

A joint NASA and Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) study, designated as the Field Test, was designed to investigate how the immediate post-flight effects of long duration spaceflight impact performance on vestibular and sensorimotor-related functional tasks. One unique feature of this study was the use of functional tests typically associated with everyday living to track recovery. These tasks are also expected of crewmembers during recovery operations and include sit-to-stand and prone-to-stand transitions, translating objects, and jumping down from a platform. This paper provides an overview of the methodology used for the Field Test. As an example of the functional deficits observed, we present results for a seat egress and walking task that involved turning 180 degrees and stepping over obstacles. We observed significant increases in the time-to-complete this task on landing day. We recommend this task being incorporated into Standard Measures to evaluate the efficacy of countermeasures. The decrements observed at landing day have implications for the deconditioned crew during exploration missions where crewmembers will be unassisted after landing on a planetary surface.

Contribution of Researchers of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the Origin and Development of Space Physiology

This paper considers the role of the Academy of Sciences in the formation and development of space physiology. Academicians M.V. Keldysh, N.M. Sisakian, L.A. Orbeli, V.N. Chernigovsky, A.V. Lebedinsky, V.V. Parin, O.G. Gazenko, A.I. Grigoryev, and other famous Russian scientists made a significant contribution to research in the field of space life sciences. Their active participation in studies allowed manned spaceflights to be carried out. The accumulated experience of traditional physiology made it possible to solve the fundamental problems of new scientific areas related to the presence of man in space. The Institute of Biomedical Problems, which in its activities has always relied on cooperation with many institutes of the Academy of Sciences, has made a significant contribution to the development of space physiology and related sciences, which made our country one of the leaders in manned astronautics.

Application of Computer-Assisted Technologies to Optimization of Medical Care Measures in Piloted Space Exploration Missions

The system of medical care used in the Russian segment of the International Space Station in space missions is directed to support space crews in orbital flights. The system gives the priority to the telemedicine rather than medical procedures performed by the crew autonomously. The long-term experience showed effectiveness of the existing system for medical support of orbital flights; however, travels beyond the low-Earth’s orbit add substantial limitations calling for reconsideration of approaches to the crew medical care. Among the special features of these missions will be increasing time of autonomy. There is a high probability that crews will have to make medical decisions by themselves and computer-assisted systems are likely to be a proper tool of health care. The software of medical inventory control and practice guidance developed in the Institute for Biomedical Problems (IBMP) enhances quality of the day-to-day use of medical resources at the Russian Orbital Segment and can serve as a prototype of a medical decision support system within the intelligent circuit aboard future piloted spacecraft.

Experiments with Isolation: Past, Present, and Future

This paper provides a review of experiments with extended confinement and isolation of small groups of volunteers in controlled environments. These studies provide opportunities to test approaches and tools enhancing the systems of biomedical support to space crews and to lay the groundwork of remote autonomous space missions in future. This review describes scenarios, goals, objectives, and main results of the long-duration isolation projects carried out at the Ground-Based Test Facility of the Institute for Biomedical Problems (IBMP) since 1960s and a forthcoming series of the Sirius analog studies. The authors elaborate on the fundamental principles of successful and productive accomplishment of this type of projects.

On the Development of Intellectual Components of a Decision Support System for Medical Care in Manned Space Exploration Missions

The paper is dedicated to analysis of artificial neuron network efficiency in processing the data of remote medical monitoring of participants in the Sirius-17 analog study conducted by the Institute of Biomedical Problems in 2017. The authors propose an ingenious data processing algorithm involving a self-learning multilayer artificial neuron network (ANN) capable of predicting health dynamics with the help of an integrated index of subjective health assessment.

Detailed Analysis of the Central Osteodensitometry Data from Cosmonauts Participating in the Mir and ISS Programs

This paper analyzes results of osteodensitometric surveys of cosmonauts (participants of the Mir and ISS programs) carried out in the Laboratory of Osteology of the Institute of Biomedical Problems. The data array including 122 pre-flight and 74 post-flight surveys of 57 cosmonauts aged 30 to 60 years was investigated. Flight duration ranged from 73 to 438 days. Changes in osteodensitometry were considered selectively for individual vertebrae of the lumbar spine (L1–L4) and areas of the proximal femur differing in structure and metabolic activity. For the first time, we analyzed auxiliary and estimate indicators, such as the projection area (PA) of the investigated region and the mass fraction of its constituents. It was found that the decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) in the lumbar region L1–L4 in cosmonauts after long flights is mainly due to the lower vertebrae L3–L4, which carry a large functional load under conditions of earth gravity. BMD losses in the proximal femoral epiphysis are the same in regions with different bone structure and function. No significant differences were found in the pre- and post-flight (7–14 days after) values of the projection area of the lumbar spine, indicating no significant anatomical changes. The expected increase in the height of the lumbar segment L1–L4 in zero gravity due to intervertebral discs on the 7–14th day after the flight is not observed.

Changes in the cellular component of the human innate immunity system in short-term isolation

A systemic approach in the evaluation of the various components of the immune system gave an opportunity to identify a number of characteristics of adaptive changes, including the quantitative and functional changes in both innate and adaptive immunity in response to space flight. Among them the most important are the changes in the system of Toll like receptors (TLRs), namely, the decrease in the content of circulating monocytes and granulocytes expressing TLR2, TLR4, TLR6, and inhibition of T-cells functional potential. However, a fundamentally important problem of revealing the complex of intermolecular and intercellular interactions during the immune response development under space fight conditions in an organism as a whole still remains unsolved. By now there exists quite strong evidence that dendritic cells (DCs) play the important role in linking the innate and adaptive immunity through their characteristic expression patterns of TLRs and cytokine production. In this study we examined the number of circulating plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and monocytes expressing signaling PRRs in 6 healthy participants of the “SIRIUS-17″ project. Whole blood was collected at prior, during and post isolation periods from three male and three female volunteers aged 27 to 43 who spent 17 days in permanent isolation in an enclosed habitat consisting of hermetically sealed interconnecting modules at the Institute for Biomedical Problems (IBMP) in Moscow. Results of the investigation showed a distinct effect of short-term isolation on the immune system ability to mobilize. Although no significant changes in the percentages of cells which expressed surface TLRs (TLR1, TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR6) and endosomal TLRs (TLR3, TLR8 and TLR9) were noted, the percentage of pDCs (CD14-/CD16-CD123 + CD85k+) significantly increased on day 7 of the experiment compared with the baseline. These changes were independent of gender of volunteers. On the first day of recovery period the levels of TLRs and pDCs were lower than before the isolation almost in all volunteers, however observed changes in pDCs were not statistically significant. These data suggest that, unfavorable factors of a space flight make immune system function differently compared to the normal conditions. This mobility of the immune system allows adaptation to the constantly fluctuating environment. However, the adaptive restructuring requires mobilization of functional resources at an early stage of adaptation, which can lead to depletion of reserve capabilities of the immune system.

Dynamics of Lipid Metabolism in Volunteers during Short-Term Isolation in a Hermetic Chamber

In this study we have examined the crew of the SIRIUS 17 international experiment with a 17-day isolation in a hermetic chamber. The experiment was conducted at the experimental facilities of the Institute of Biomedical Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences. The crew consisted of six people of both sexes aged 27 to 43 years. We measured the serum level of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), apolipoproteins A1 and B, phospholipids, triglycerides, nonesterified (free) fatty acids, and β-hydroxybutyrate. Then we calculated the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL) and the values of atherogenic index (IA), ApoB/ApoA1 and phospholipids/cholesterol (PL/CHO) ratios. It was found that the “basic” parameters of cholesterol metabolism (cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, IA, the ratio of FL/CHO) were almost constant during the experiment, while the parameters indicative of the changes in the lipoprotein spectrum were changing, which reflects atherogenesis. The content of VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and ApoB was increasing, as did the value of the ApoB/ApoA1 index. Thus, even a short-term effect of the factors of hermetic chamber leads to the initial shifts in lipid metabolism, which indicate the activation of atherogenesis processes. Our findings show that further studies are needed to investigate the changes in lipid metabolism in experiments with longer periods of isolation.

The Association between Psychological Stability and Successful Interpersonal Interaction in Isolation: Theoretical and Methodical Aspects

Theoretical definitions of psychological stability of an individual are examined with the emphasis on the main components of this complex characteristic. The focus is laid on the aspects of adaptation in a team, in particular, the effect of psychological stability on the preferred styles of interpersonal interactions in isolation and confinement. We outline a three-stage psychological stability analysis at the cognitive, physiological, and behavior levels and describe the suite of tests used at the Institute of Biomedical Problems in the experiments with simulation of some spaceflight factors (2011–2016) to collect objective data on the strength and dynamics of personal psychological stability and its relevance to successful interaction within an isolated group.

Mineral Bone Density and Body Composition of Participants in Experiment Mars-500

The investigation of the bone system and body composition in the participants of the Mars-500 experiment (prior to and on completion of the experiment) employed dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) using a HOLOGIC Delphy osteodensitometer according to the protocol used in examination of cosmonauts. The bone density of lumber vertebrae and femoral proximal epiphysis, as well as the body composition were measured. Statistically significant changes in the mineral density of lumber vertebrae were found in three subjects and displayed different trends from +2.6 to –2.4%. At the same time, in the femoral proximal epiphysis, including in the cervical region, the mineral density after the experiment was significantly lower in all participants. Four subjects exhibited an increase (by 5–9%) in the mineralization of the skull bones, as in some cosmonauts after flights. All participants were characterized by loss of adipose tissue mass (from 2 to 7 kg; in one subject, 20 kg, by a factor of three). Changes in lean mass (by 1–3 kg) were often negative and in the limbs might be associated with preferences for a certain type of physical activity. It is shown that prolonged stay in a confined space can lead to a decrease in mineralization of individual parts of the skeleton. Unlike real spaceflights and long-duration experiments with hypokinesia carried out earlier at the Institute for Biomedical Problems, no clinically significant loss of mineral density (osteoporosis, osteopenia) was observed in the Mars-500 experiment, which may be due to the lack of microgravity effects.

Human Tolerance of G-Loads in Space Missions and Artificial Gravity

Abstract—Adilya Ravgatovna Kotovskaya is a head of laboratory of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Member of the International Academy of Astronautics, a specialist in the field of gravitational physiology and medicine. Prof. Kotovskaya is one of the founders of space biology and medicine in Russia. She took an active part in the preparation of the first animal flight (Laika) on the second artificial earth satellite and biological experiments on board satellite vehicles. Prof. Kotovskaya participated in the selection and preparation of the first cosmonaut Yu.A. Gagarin and other cosmonauts for missions on the Vostok, Voskhod, and Soyuz spaceships. She is a veteran of the Great Patriotic War, awarded with two Orders of the Red Banner of Labor and other national and foreign orders and medals. Prof. Kotovskaya is an honorary citizen of Toulouse. The editorial board of the journal sincerely congratulates Prof. Kotovskaya on her ninetieth birthday and wishes her good health and many years of active life.

PO-094 p38 MAPK controls of E3-ligases expression and soleus atrophy attenuation in rat upon hindlimb unloading

Objective Unloading causes rapid skeletal muscle atrophy mainly due to the increased protein degradation. Muscle proteolysis results from the activation of ubiquitin-proteasome systems. The ubiquitination proteins are carried out by muscle-specific E3 ubiquitin ligases – MuRF-1 and MAFbx. It is known that MuRF-1 and MAFbx expression significantly increases on the third day of muscle unloading. We tested the hypothesis that p38 MAPK participates in the regulation of E3 ligases expression and the development of skeletal muscle atrophy during unloading. To check this idea we inhibited p38 MAPK by VX-745.&#x0D; Methods 21 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups (7 rats in each group): intact control (C), rats suspended for 3 days (HS) and rats suspended and injected i.p. with VX-745 (10 mg/kg/day) (VX). The hindlimb suspension was carried out according to Morey-Holton technique. The animals were anaesthetised with an i.p. injection of tribromoethanol (240 mg/kg). Under anesthesia, the m.soleus were excised, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C until further analysis. All procedures with the animals were approved by the Biomedicine Ethics Committee of the Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences/Physiology section of the Russian Bioethics Committee. The statistical analysis was performed using the REST 2009 v.2.0.12 and Origin Pro programs at the significance level set at 0,05. The results are given as median in percent and interquartile range (0.25-0.75).&#x0D; Results The muscle weight in HS group was significantly reduced (72,3±2,5 mg) compared to C (83,0±3 mg), p&lt;0.05, while the soleus weight of VX group didn’t differ from the control (84.2±5 mg). The MuRF1 mRNA expression was elevated dramatically in HS group (165 (138-210) %) when compared with the control (100 (64.6-112.5) %), p&lt;0.05. In the VX group the level of MuRF1 mRNA expression (127 (105-138) %) didn’t differ from the control group. The MAFbx mRNA expression was observed to increase equally in both suspended groups (294 (265-342) % and (271 (239-309) %).) vs C (100 (91-106) %) so, VX-745 administration did not have any significant effect on its expression. We also found that the level of ubiquitin mRNA expression in the soleus of HS rats was higher (423 (325-485) %) in comparison with the C group (100 (78-166) %, p&lt;0.05) while VX-745 injection prevented increasing the mRNA ubiquitin expression (200 (190-237) %). We discovered that the elevation of calpain-1 mRNA expression upon HS was prevented by VX-745 administration and its level didn’t differ from the control group (C - 100 (97-105) %, HS – 120 (116-133) %, VX - 107 (100-115) %, p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusions Thus, the results indicate that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway takes part in the regulation of E3-ligase MuRF1 but not MAFbx expression. The p38 MAPK inhibition prevents muscle atrophy and the elevation of ubiquitin and calpain mRNA expression at the early stage of hindlimb unloading. This work was supported by RFBR grant No.17-04-01838.

ALTERATIONS OF ECCENTRICALLY EVOKED PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN ISOLATED RAT SOLEUS FOLLOWING GRAVITATIONAL UNLOADING: ROLE OF FAK

ALTERATIONS OF ECCENTRICALLY EVOKED PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN ISOLATED RAT SOLEUS FOLLOWING GRAVITATIONAL UNLOADING: ROLE OF FAK

Possible mechanisms of diverse spaceflight effects on endothelial function in different vascular beds

Possible mechanisms of diverse spaceflight effects on endothelial function in different vascular beds