Brain – NSBRI http://nsbri.org National Space Biomedical Research Institute Tue, 26 Jul 2016 16:44:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.9 Feasibility of DPOAE Mapping as an In-Flight Measure of Intracranial Pressure In Space (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/feasibility-of-dpoae-mapping-as-an-in-flight-measure-of-intracranial-pressure-in-space-first-award-fellowship/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:15 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/feasibility-of-dpoae-mapping-as-an-in-flight-measure-of-intracranial-pressure-in-space-first-award-fellowship/ This project focuses on assessing distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) as a non-invasive measure of changes in intracranial pressure. It is hypothesized that visual acuity changes in spaceflight are caused by the long-term interaction between intracranial pressure (ICP) and the ocular globe. However, there is no noninvasive, easy-to-perform, on-orbit measure of ICP. Changes in DPOAE […]

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]]> This project focuses on assessing distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) as a non-invasive measure of changes in intracranial pressure. It is hypothesized that visual acuity changes in spaceflight are caused by the long-term interaction between intracranial pressure (ICP) and the ocular globe. However, there is no noninvasive, easy-to-perform, on-orbit measure of ICP. Changes in DPOAE response have been shown to correlate with changes in ICP, potentially making them very useful as a proxy measure. We will statistically assess DPOAE as a tool to noninvasively measure ICP by isolating the effects of fluid shifts and changes in hydrostatic gradients, two separate response mechanisms, by altering body position (hydrostatic gradient) and lower body pressure (fluid shift). In conjunction with this work, we will also be collecting additional measures using MRI, ocular geometry/structures, and cardiovascular data to look for anatomical and physiological predictors for changes in the DPOAE maps.

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]]> SPACE-COT: Studying the Physiological and Anatomical Cerebral Effects of Carbon Dioxide and Tilt http://nsbri.org/researches/space-cot-studying-physiological-anatomical-cerebral-effects-carbon-dioxide-tilt/ Tue, 26 Jul 2016 15:51:26 +0000 http://nsbri.org/?post_type=research&p=22325 The SPACE COT study was a landmark international collaboration led by investigators from Baylor College of Medicine and DLR (German Aerospace Institute) to simulate the conditions on International Space Station that may give rise to the visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome.  Healthy subjects were exposed to a combination of 12 degree head down tilt […]

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]]> The SPACE COT study was a landmark international collaboration led by investigators from Baylor College of Medicine and DLR (German Aerospace Institute) to simulate the conditions on International Space Station that may give rise to the visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome.  Healthy subjects were exposed to a combination of 12 degree head down tilt (HDT) with regular air versus HDT and elevated carbon dioxide (0.5% CO2).  An integrated approach was applied to measure brain, ocular, and systemic physiology using gold standard and novel innovative methods.  The results suggest that HDT and CO2 may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on various aspects of human performance.  Based on the findings so far, it is likely that an individualized assessment of astronauts will be necessary to understand how they will respond to the fluid shifting and carbon dioxide exposure during space flight.

Video: Watch this overview of the SPACE COT project, an international space biomedical study that took place in Cologne, Germany in June 2015.

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]]> Clinical Evaluation of the Newest Generation of a Non-Invasive ICP Meter (VITTAMED) in Subjects Undergoing Invasive ICP Measurement http://nsbri.org/researches/clinical-evaluation-newest-generation-non-invasive-icp-meter-vittamed-subjects-undergoing-invasive-icp-measurement/ Tue, 26 Jul 2016 16:44:05 +0000 http://nsbri.org/?post_type=research&p=22333 Measurement of the intracranial pressure during space flight is critical to understand whether the visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome is related to pathological elevation of the ICP. Currently only invasive measurement of ICP is considered accurate enough for determination of this parameter. Given that all invasive methods for measuring ICP carry some risk, this […]

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]]> Measurement of the intracranial pressure during space flight is critical to understand whether the visual impairment intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome is related to pathological elevation of the ICP. Currently only invasive measurement of ICP is considered accurate enough for determination of this parameter. Given that all invasive methods for measuring ICP carry some risk, this may be catastrophic in the space flight environment. Therefore development of non-invasive technologies for measuring the astronauts’ ICP is highly desirable. This study aims to evaluate the latest generation of a transcranial Doppler based technology for measuring ICP against gold standard invasive methods in patients on Earth requiring ICP measurement. The results of this study will help determine the accuracy and usability of this latest version of the non-invasive ICP meter (Vittamed).

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]]> The Suitability of the Vittamed Two-Depth Transcranial Doppler for the Non-Invasive Assessment of Intracranial Pressure in Astronauts Before and After Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/the-suitability-of-the-vittamed-two-depth-transcranial-doppler-for-the-non-invasive-assessment-of-intracranial-pressure-in-astronauts-before-and-after-spaceflight/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:14 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/the-suitability-of-the-vittamed-two-depth-transcranial-doppler-for-the-non-invasive-assessment-of-intracranial-pressure-in-astronauts-before-and-after-spaceflight/ Many of the long duration astronauts experience visual impairment and findings suggesting elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) while in microgravity. This condition has the potential for seriously impacting space flight operations, due to the effect on vision, and may not be fully reversible upon return to Earth. Currently, the ICP can only be measured by placing […]

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]]> Many of the long duration astronauts experience visual impairment and findings suggesting elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) while in microgravity. This condition has the potential for seriously impacting space flight operations, due to the effect on vision, and may not be fully reversible upon return to Earth. Currently, the ICP can only be measured by placing invasive catheters into the brain, or by performing a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). These methods carry significant risks, and therefore there is an urgent need to develop a non-invasive modality. Dr. Eric M. Bershad and colleagues are conducting a research project to validate the Vittamed Two Depth Transcranial Doppler (Vittamed, Kaunas, Lithuania) for minimally invasive ICP measurement in the astronauts. This device uses ultrasound technology to measure the difference in blood flow through two segments of the ophthalmic (eye) artery, while gradually applying pressure to the orbital tissues to balance the extracranial and intracranial artery segments. If the device operating characteristics including repeatability, reproducibility and accuracy are confirmed, this technology may find broad applications not only in the astronauts, but also in patients with traumatic brain injury, strokes, brain hemorrhages, and hydrocephalus in the global health care setting.

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]]> Psychosocial Performance Factors in Space-Dwelling Groups http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups-2/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:19 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/psychosocial-performance-factors-in-space-dwelling-groups-2/ Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal […]

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]]> Healthy communication and interaction among astronauts and with the ground crew is vital to the success of extended space missions. Dr. Joseph Brady is developing a multi-person simulation in computer-generated environments to analyze psychosocial interactions, looking at the effects of selection, training, and experience within and between group members. This model will help ensure optimal performance in space and on ground-based activities.

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]]> Optimizing Light for Long-Duration Space Exploration http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-for-long-duration-space-exploration/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-for-long-duration-space-exploration/ During a space mission, sleep and biological rhythm disruption can reduce crew performance and safety. A countermeasure to these disruptions is light, which plays a key role in many different aspects of healthy human body performance – vision, alertness, hormonal regulation and control of biological rhythms. Bright white fluorescent lighting is used as a countermeasure […]

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]]> During a space mission, sleep and biological rhythm disruption can reduce crew performance and safety. A countermeasure to these disruptions is light, which plays a key role in many different aspects of healthy human body performance – vision, alertness, hormonal regulation and control of biological rhythms. Bright white fluorescent lighting is used as a countermeasure during pre-launch activities, but it has not been used in flight within a spacecraft or habitat.

Dr. George C. Brainard and his colleagues are building on previous research to determine the best wavelengths and intensities of light to reduce sleep and biological rhythm disruption during spaceflight. Brainard is studying healthy men and women to determine the countermeasure potential of solid-state light sources being considered for the International Space Station as well as vehicles and habitats being developed for future space missions. Additional studies on human volunteers will determine the potency of ambient light transmitted though the spacesuit visor during spacewalks. This research could also benefit spaceflight ground support personnel and workers in other industries such as health care, manufacturing and homeland security.

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]]> Blue Light for Enhancing Alertness in Space Missions http://nsbri.org/researches/blue-light-for-enhancing-alertness-in-space-missions/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/blue-light-for-enhancing-alertness-in-space-missions/ Astronauts must be at their best during a spaceflight. Changing shifts, extended duty hours and other factors can disrupt sleep and lead to a decrease in alertness and concentration, which could seriously impact mission safety and operations. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep […]

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]]> Astronauts must be at their best during a spaceflight. Changing shifts, extended duty hours and other factors can disrupt sleep and lead to a decrease in alertness and concentration, which could seriously impact mission safety and operations. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is leading a project to test solid-state blue light for use as a countermeasure to enhance alertness during spaceflight. Using human volunteers, Brainard will study the effectiveness of this blue, solid-state light source for possible use in the International Space Station as well as vehicles and habitats being developed for future space missions. The results could also prove beneficial to ground spaceflight personnel and workers in other industries such as medical care, manufacturing and homeland security.

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]]> Optimizing Light Spectrum for Long-Duration Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight/ Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of […]

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]]> Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of light to use to readjust biological rhythms and sleep patterns in astronauts and ground control personnel.

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]]> Optimizing Light Spectrum for Long-Duration Spaceflight http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight-2/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:52:54 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/optimizing-light-spectrum-for-long-duration-spaceflight-2/ Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of […]

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]]> Disturbed sleep-wake patterns that occur during space missions result in decreased alertness and concentration, compromising the performance and safety of astronauts and NASA ground control workers. Studies show that light treatment can correct similar impairments that occur with shift work, jet lag and sleep disorders. Dr. George C. Brainard is determining the best wavelengths of light to use during long-duration spaceflight to readjust biological rhythms and sleep patterns in astronauts. Based on earlier studies, Brainard will determine whether blue-enriched fluorescent light can be used to regulate circadian rhythm in the low-lighting levels common to space craft. If successful, then onboard artificial lighting systems may serve the dual purpose of maintaining circadian entrainment while providing illumination that supports vision. These data also may be used to improve space suit visors and windows used in space vehicles and habitats, and to design ideal lighting for astronauts and mission control workers during long-duration space exploration.

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]]> Role of the Cranial Venous Circulation in Microgravity-Associated Visual Changes http://nsbri.org/researches/role-of-the-cranial-venous-circulation-in-microgravity-associated-visual-changes/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:14 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/role-of-the-cranial-venous-circulation-in-microgravity-associated-visual-changes/ Upon entering microgravity, astronauts’ legs become thinner and their faces can look puffy, because of a shift of body fluids toward the head. This headward fluid shift affects the volume and pressure within veins in the head. These pressure and volume changes may underlie microgravity-associated visual symptoms because changes in pressures within the head can […]

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]]> Upon entering microgravity, astronauts’ legs become thinner and their faces can look puffy, because of a shift of body fluids toward the head. This headward fluid shift affects the volume and pressure within veins in the head. These pressure and volume changes may underlie microgravity-associated visual symptoms because changes in pressures within the head can also affect the eye.

But, not all astronauts experience changes to their vision in weightlessness. Differences in the anatomy, flow, and compliance of the veins in the head between individuals may explain this discrepancy. Our goal is to develop a numerical model of the cerebral venous circulation that can predict the effects of the fluid shifts. We will validate the model by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head to measure changes in venous flow, venous volume, venous pressure, intracranial compliance, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume and flow pulsatility during both fluid shifts and changes in body position. The likely anatomic differences that could alter the responses to a fluid shift will be identified. This model and supporting data will provide a way to develop hypotheses about how microgravity produces visual changes over time and may allow predictions about which subjects may be at risk for the visual deficits associated with microgravity.

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