Levels of evidence for human system risk evaluation.

NASA uses a continuous risk management process to seek out new knowledge of spaceflight-induced risk to human health and performance. The evidence base that informs the risk assessments in this domain is constantly changing as more information is gleaned from a continuous human presence in space and from ongoing research. However, the limitations of this evidence are difficult to characterize because fewer than 700 humans have ever flown in space, and information comes from a variety of sources that span disciplines, including engineering, medicine, food and nutrition, and many other life sciences.

Causal diagramming for assessing human system risk in spaceflight.

For over a decade, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has tracked and configuration-managed approximately 30 risks that affect astronaut health and performance before, during and after spaceflight. The Human System Risk Board (HSRB) at NASA Johnson Space Center is responsible for setting the official risk posture for each of the human system risks and determining-based on evaluation of the available evidence-when that risk posture changes. The ultimate purpose of tracking and researching these risks is to find ways to reduce spaceflight-induced risk to astronauts.

The difficult PICC insertion is associated with the significant increase of complications in 1 month follow-up.

Background: PICC is routinely inserted with assistance of ultrasonography and/or ECG navigation (RI- routine insertion). Only in a minority of patients the insertion of a PICC is difficult and fluoroscopic visualization with introduction of special guidewire is necessary for the success of the procedure (DI-difficult insertion). The aim of the study was to evaluate whether DI can be predicted and associated with a risk of complications during follow-up.

Time-resolved molecular measurements reveal changes in astronauts during spaceflight.

From the early days of spaceflight to current missions, astronauts continue to be exposed to multiple hazards that affect human health, including low gravity, high radiation, isolation during long-duration missions, a closed environment and distance from Earth. Their effects can lead to adverse physiological changes and necessitate countermeasure development and/or longitudinal monitoring. A time-resolved analysis of biological signals can detect and better characterize potential adverse events during spaceflight, ideally preventing them and maintaining astronauts' wellness.

The selection of the suitable long peripheral catheter in DIVA patients: The significance of ultrasonography.

Background: There are several types of LPC (long peripheral catheters) that vary in length, size, insertion method, and cost. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether ultrasonography can be useful for the selection of the suitable LPC in DIVA (difficult intravenous access) patients.

Methods: Based on the ultrasonographic examination, a long peripheral catheter was selected.