The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on human psychology and physical activity; a space analogue research perspective

Introduction Astronauts will encounter isolated, confined and extreme (ICE) conditions during future missions, and will have to be able to adapt. Until recently, however, few places on Earth could serve as acceptable space analogues (i.e., submarine and polar regions). The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-related lockdowns around the globe provided a good opportunity to obtain more comprehensive datasets on the impact of prolonged isolation on human functioning in a very large sample. Methods Seven hundred forty-eight individuals (Belgium 442, Spain 183, Germany 50, Italy 50, US 23; Mean age +/- SD: 41 +/- 14 years, with an age range of 18-83 years; 66% women) filled out an online survey assessing the impact of the COVID-lockdown on psychological, exercise and general health variables a first time near the beginning of the initial lockdown (hereafter 'T1'; 24 +/- 13 days after the start of the first lockdown; i.e., 3 weeks after the start of the first lockdown) and a second time a couple of weeks thereafter (hereafter 'T2'; 17 +/- 5 days after the first online survey; i.e., 6 weeks after the start of the first lockdown). Results From T1 to T2 an improvement of subjective sleep quality was observed (P = 0.003), that was related to an increase in subjective sleep efficiency and a decrease in sleep latency and disturbance (P <= 0.013). Weekly sitting time decreased, and the weekly amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity increased from T1 to T2 (P <= 0.049). No differences from T1 to T2 were observed in terms of mood, loneliness and state anxiety. A lower amount of sitting time was significantly correlated with improved subjective sleep quality (r = 0.096, P = 0.035) and with an increased amount of moderate (r = -0.126, P = 0.005) and vigorous (r = -0.110, P = 0.015) physical activity. Conclusion Compared to 3 weeks into the first COVID-imposed lockdown, 6-weeks after the start of the first COVID-imposed lockdown, physical activity and subjective sleep scores were positively impacted. The present, large sample size study further confirms exercise as a worthwhile countermeasure to psycho-physiological deconditioning during confinement

Ir-CPI, a coagulation contact phase inhibitor from the tick Ixodes ricinus, inhibits thrombus formation without impairing hemostasis

Blood coagulation starts immediately after damage to the vascular endothelium. This system is essential for minimizing blood loss from an injured blood vessel but also contributes to vascular thrombosis. Although it has long been thought that the intrinsic coagulation pathway is not important for clotting in vivo, recent data obtained with genetically altered mice indicate that contact phase proteins seem to be essential for thrombus formation. We show that recombinant Ixodes ricinus contact phase inhibitor (Ir-CPI), a Kunitz-type protein expressed by the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus, specifically interacts with activated human contact phase factors (FXIIa, FXIa, and kallikrein) and prolongs the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in vitro. The effects of Ir-CPI were also examined in vivo using both venous and arterial thrombosis models. Intravenous administration of Ir-CPI in rats and mice caused a dose-dependent reduction in venous thrombus formation and revealed a defect in the formation of arterial occlusive thrombi. Moreover, mice injected with Ir-CPI are protected against collagen- and epinephrine-induced thromboembolism. Remarkably, the effective antithrombotic dose of Ir-CPI did not promote bleeding or impair blood coagulation parameters. To conclude, our results show that a contact phase inhibitor is an effective and safe antithrombotic agent in vivo

Randomized prospective study on the efficacy of a new revitalizing filler composed of hyaluronic acid (Wipeline).

AIM: The aim of the study was to test the efficacy of a new revitalizing filler (Wipeline) formed by a buffer physiological solution of hyaluronic acid (HA). METHODS: A prospective study was performed on 100 patients (aging between 40 and 70 years), with clear signs of premature facial aging. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups, one treated with a HA concentration of 1.6%, the other with a concentration of 2% in the tested product. The treatment protocol consisted of three sessions with a four weeks intervals between them. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and digital photos were used to evaluate results after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months from treatment end. RESULTS: An improvement of turgidity, elasticity and luminosity of the skin and a reduction of folds and wrinkles of the treated areas were observed in both groups. The higher concentrated solution of HA had a more prolonged effect and a greater filling effect. Products were well tolerated and no adverse reactions observed. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of Wipeline has been clinically supported. This revitalizing filler succeeded in increasing skin elasticity and tone by dermal hydration. The procedure is simple and little invasive. It represents a good treatment option to restore vitality and turgidity of skin presenting the signs of aging

One-stage breast reconstruction techniques in elderly patients to preserve quality of life

The aim of this study was to review one-stage breast reconstruction techniques performed in elderly patients at our institution to identify the criteria of selection of each in terms of outcomes and quality of life