Body composition and metabolic changes during a 520\u2011day mission simulation to Mars

Purpose The \u201cMars-500 project\u201d allowed to evaluate the changes in psychological/physiological adaptation over a prolonged confinement, in order to gather information for future missions. Here, we evaluated the impact of confinement and isolation on body composition, glucose metabolism/insulin resistance and adipokine levels. Methods The \u201cMars-500 project\u201d consisted of 520 consecutive days of confinement from June 3, 2010 to Nov 4, 2011. The crew was composed of six male subjects (three Russians, two Europeans, and one Chinese) with a median age of 31 years (range 27\u201338 years). Results During the 520-day confinement, total body mass and BMI progressively decreased, reaching a significant difference at the end (417 days) of the observation period ( 12 9.2 and 12 5.5%, respectively). Fat mass remained unchanged. A progressive and significant increase of fasting plasma glucose was observed between 249 and 417 days (+ 10/+ 17% vs baseline), with a further increase at the end of confinement (up to + 30%). Median plasma insulin showed a non-significant early increment (60 days; + 86%). Total adiponectin halved ( 12 47%) 60 days after hatch closure, remaining at this nadir ( 12 51%) level for a further 60 days. High molecular weight adiponectin remained significantly lower from 60 to 168 days. Conclusions Based on these data, countermeasures may be envisioned to balance the potentially harmful effects of prolonged confinement, including a better exercise program, with accurate monitoring of (1) the individual activity and (2) the relationship between body composition and metabolic derangement

Solar cell process development in the european integrated project crystalclear

CrystalClear is a large integrated project funded by the European Commission that aims to drastically reduce the cost of crystalline Si PV modules, down to 1 Euro/Wp. Among the different subprojects, the one dealing with the development of advanced solar cells is relatively large (with 11 partners out of the 15 Crystal Clear partners taking part) and has a crucial role. The goal of the subproject is to develop cell design concepts and manufacturing processes that would enable a reduction in the order of 40% of the cell processing costs per Wp. In this paper, we give an overview of all the development work that has taken place in the CrystalClear solar cells subproject so far. World class results have been achieved, particularly on high efficiency cells on Si ribbons, and on industrial-type solar cells on very thin (120 (j.m thick) substrates

Anatomical premises for the variability of the results of transobturator mid-urethral sling

Introduction. The implantation of a synthetic sub-urethral sling is the main method of surgical correction of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). However, the investigation results of long-term effectiveness indicate the ambiguity of the surgery outcomes. In addition, the problem of pain in the perineum remains relevant for everyday practice. One of the important aspects in this matter may be a variant technique for installing a suburethral sling, including based on the anatomical variability of the small pelvis.Purpose of the study. To identify key anatomical factors that can negatively affect the effectiveness and safety of the environment of suburethral sling surgery for urinary incontinence in women.Materials and methods. The study consisted of 2 parts - anatomical and clinical. In the anatomical part of the study, a suburethral sling was implanted on 20 preparations of a female pelvis with a lower limb and preserved soft tissues. The clinical part of the study involved 50 patients with stress urinary incontinence. These patients underwent installation of a transobturator suburethral sling in two ways using the “inside-out” technique: using the standard “external landmarks” technique and using the proposed anatomical technique developed in the first part of the study. After visualization of the suburethral sling using the original method, the outcomes of the operations were assessed depending on the location of the sling in the patient's tissues.Results. In the anatomical part of the study, the most atraumatic method of suburethral sling implantation was determined by rotating the tool around the lower branch of the pubic bone. In the clinical part of the study, this method demonstrated a higher efficiency of the operation at a follow-up of 1 year, presumably due to the U-shaped angle of the «hammock» for the urethra, which is characteristic of the retropubic sling.Conclusion. Outcomes of operations for SUI depend, among other things, on the method of the suburethral sling implantation

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and psychological wellness during long duration space missions: results for the MARS-105 and MARS-500 simulations

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) include the family of Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. Some Omega-6 fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid (AA), can be synthesized in the body using linoleic acid as precursor other Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaeboic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), are the final metabolites of the essential fatty acid alpha linoleic. It has been reported that omega-3 may play a role in nervous system activity improving cognitive development and reference memory-related learning, increasing neuroplasticity of nerve membranes, contributing to synaptogenesis and synaptic transmission. Low dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids has been inked to several psychiatric symptomatology, including depression, disorders of impulse control, and hostility. Intervention trials for clinical depression and other disorders have reported benefits, leading to the conclusion that Omega-3 can affect not only cognitive functions, but also mood and emotional states and may act as a mood stabilizer. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of omega-3 supplementation on cognitive and physiological parameters in subjects during long time confinement profile of MARS 500 mission, in order to enhance psychological wellness and counteract depression and mood instability, occurring in long term confinement due to space flight, that might interfere with astronaut activities. During first Mars experiment (105) we measured a significant decrease of omega-3 fatty acids in blood of crews that in some case is correlated to an increase of fatigue measured with questionnaire. During the MARS 500 simulation we followed the blood fatty acid composition during the first 250 days of the simulation and we used a double blind cross over study to assess the effect of 3 g/day EPA+DHA supplementation in comparison to placebo group. Preliminary results indicate that fatty acid status is strictly correlated with diet and the use of supplements may be useful during long time space missions or confinement to regulate and stabilize body fatty acid composition and probably also as mood stabilizer