Thais Russomano

Development and Validation of a 3D Clinostat for the Study of Cells during Microgravity Simulation

The clinostat was originally used to find out why plant roots appear to grow predominantly toward the center of the Earth. Over the last 2-3 decades, slow- and fast-rotating 2D and 3D clinostats have been used to assess cellular adaptation to this environment. A cell culture is placed in a spin module of the clinostat platform and its rotation is set empirically (2-3 rpm). The machine is then allowed to run for a specified period (hours to days) after which the cultures are removed and assayed for specific properties, such as cell growth, size and shape, distribution of receptors, integrity of the cytoskeleton or gene expression. A 3D clinostat was developed by the Microgravity Laboratory/IPCT-PUCRS group and validated by the Stem Cell Group of Kingston University London, which used 4 different types of human cancer cells and cord blood stem cells (CBSC). After rotation for 19h at 37degC, 5%CO2 humidified atmosphere, the 3D clinostat significantly improved proliferation potential of all tested cell populations when compared to static cultures. After only 5 days, high definition microscopic analysis revealed that all CBSC adhered and expanded onto the BDtrade 3D collagen composite scaffolds, and cross-developed into hepatocyte-like cells upon stimulation

Development and validation of an electrically controlled rotatory chair to be used as a simulator for spatial disorientation and motion sickness

The vestibular system, along with the eyes and proprioceptors, is responsible for the maintenance of balance. Two very common causes of accidents and incidents during flights and space missions are spatial disorientation and motion sickness. Since its invention by the physiologist Robert Barany, rotatory chairs have been widely used to train pilots and astronauts in relation to the effects of angular accelerations and microgravity on the semicircular canals. This paper presents the development of an electrically controlled rotatory chair (ECRC), the unique device of this type used as a simulator for spatial disorientation and motion sickness in Brazil. Validation of the ECRC was performed through the evaluation of the effects of a drug (scopolamine) on the prevention of signs and symptoms of motion sickness.

Development of educational tools to demonstrate the effects of hyper and microgravity on different test bodies

Educational and outreach programs in space sciences have been a major concern since the beginning of the Space Era. Education curricula in Brazil rarely consider topics related to manned and unmanned space flight. This lack in the Brazilian education system has motivated the development of educational tools, used to demonstrate the effects of hyper- and microgravity on test bodies, both gravitational environments commonly found in aerospace missions. This paper presents the conception and development of a lift and a centrifuge for microgravity and hypergravity research use, respectively. Experiments were recorded via a digital camera and the images acquired were processed for better visualization of the effects of simulated variation in the gravitational force on test bodies. A CD-ROM was then produced for academic purposes. The final goal of this study is to motivate the insertion of space science related topics in the Brazilian elementary and high schools curricula.

Transmission of Digital Electrocardiogram (ECG) via Modem Connection in Southern Brazil

A lack of cardiologists in remote areas can delay the diagnosis and the adequate management of cardiovascular emergencies. The digital tele-ECG system (DES) allows electronic data transmission to, and interpretation by, a remote cardiologist. An urban and a rural hospital in Sao Lourenco do Sul city and an outpatient unit in Turucu city employed the DES in Jan 2000, Jan 2001 and June 2003, respectively. DES includes a digital ECG machine, standard computers, a modem connection, telecommunication software and fixed or mobile phones. It allows data to be recorded, transmitted for immediate analysis and stored. A cardiologist performs the ECG analysis remotely, via either fixed or mobile phone, using the same telecommunication software. A total of 1950 digital tele-ECGs have been made in the three locations. The time between data transmission and analysis with online DES is around 9 min in online transmissions. The low cost of this system makes it useful and appropriate for small cities of developing countries where cardiologists are not available for on-site consultation. DES has promoted a significant improvement in the acute management of patients with a consequent decrease in the morbidity and mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases.

Development of walking pattern evaluation system for hypogravity simulation.

This study aimed to develop a Walking Pattern Evaluation System during Hypogravity Simulation (SAMSH), which included the adaptation of a body suspension device, the instrumentation of a treadmill and the development of a virtual environment. SAMSH was developed using one subject. Kinematic analyses were performed whilst one individual was walking on the treadmill during body weight reduction simulating the gravitational forces of the Moon (reduction of 60%) and Mars (reduction of 30%) with and without virtual reality glasses (Head Mounted Display, HMD). The walking pattern was evaluated by means of knee and ankle electrogoniometers, foot switches placed on the front and back part of the plantar region, and five video cameras. Results showed that the body weight reduction during Moon simulation alter the walking pattern, including the increase in step time, contact time, step length and aerial time, and the decrease of walking cadence time (steps per minute). The findings of this study also suggested that hypogravity simulation reduces walking effort. The utilization of the HMD allowed the evaluation of the head position three-dimensionally during hypogravity simulation. The virtual environment reduced postural balance, due to the absence of visual input, which was evidenced by a protective extension reaction

Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, Volume 150

The rapid evolution of telecommunication technology has enabled advances to be made in low cost video-conferencing through the improvement of high speed computer communication networks and the enhancement of Internet security protocols. As a result of this progress, eHealth education programs are becoming a reality in universities, providing the opportunity for students to have greater interaction at live surgery classes by means of virtual participation. Undergraduate students can be introduced to new concepts of medical care, remote second opinion and to telecommunication systems, whilst virtually experiencing surgical procedures and lectures. The better access this provides to the operating theater environment, the patient and the surgeon can improve the learning process for students. An analogical system was used for this experimental pilot project due to the benefits of it being low cost with a comparatively easy setup. The tele-surgery lectures were also transmitted to other universities by means of a Pentium 4 computer using open source software and connected to a portable image acquisition device located in the São Lucas University Hospital. Telemedicine technology has proven to be an important instrument for the improvement of medical education and health care. This study allowed health professionals, professors and students to have greater interaction during surgical procedures, thus enabling a greater opportunity for knowledge exchange.

The Effects of Hypergravity and Microgravity on Biomedical Experiment: Synthesis Lectures on Biomedical Engineering

Abstract Take one elephant and one man to the top of a tower and simultaneously drop. Which will hit the ground first? You are a pilot of a jet fighter performing a high-speed loop. Will you pass out during the maneuver? How can you simulate being an astronaut with your feet still firmly placed on planet Earth? In the aerospace environment, human, animal, and plant physiology differs significantly from that on Earth, and this book provides reasons for some of these changes. The challenges encountered by pilots in their missions can have implications on the health and safety of not only themselves but others. Knowing the effects of hypergravity on the human body during high-speed flight led to the development of human centrifuges. We also need to better understand the physiological responses of living organisms in space. It is therefore necessary to simulate weightlessness through the use of specially adapted equipment, such as clinostats, tilt tables, and body suspension devices. Each of these ideas, and ...

Effects of Hypergravity and Microgravity on Biomedical Experiments, The

Abstract Take one elephant and one man to the top of a tower and simultaneously drop. Which will hit the ground first? You are a pilot of a jet fighter performing a high-speed loop. Will you pass out during the maneuver? How can you simulate being an astronaut with your feet still firmly placed on planet Earth? In the aerospace environment, human, animal, and plant physiology differs significantly from that on Earth, and this book provides reasons for some of these changes. The challenges encountered by pilots in their missions can have implications on the health and safety of not only themselves but others. Knowing the effects of hypergravity on the human body during high-speed flight led to the development of human centrifuges. We also need to better understand the physiological responses of living organisms in space. It is therefore necessary to simulate weightlessness through the use of specially adapted equipment, such as clinostats, tilt tables, and body suspension devices. Each of these ideas, and ...

Automatic DarkAdaptation Threshold Detection Algorithm

This paper describes an algorithm used to automatically determine the threshold sensitivity in a new dark adaptometer. The new instrument is controlled by a personal computer and can be used in the investigation of several retinal diseases. The stimulus field is delivered to the eye through the modified optics of a fundus camera. An automated light stimulus source was developed to operate together with this fundus camera. New control parameters were developed in this instrument to improve the traditional Goldmann-Weekers dark adaptometer

A secure database for human specimen repositories

Secure storage and retrieval of ethically sensitive information about human samples presents a special problem for research groups and institutions. This problem is addressed by providing a randomized identification of samples, which can only be decoded by providing two passwords: one from the researcher, and one from an Ethics Committee (Institutional Review Board) representative.