G-Induced Loss of Consciousness Prediction Using a Support Vector Machine.

Gravity-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) is a major threat to fighter pilots and may result in fatal accidents. The brain has a period of 5-6 s from the onset of high +G exposure, called the functional buffer period, during which transient ischemia is tolerated without loss of consciousness. We tried to establish a method for predicting G-LOC within the functional buffer period by using machine learning.

Statin inhibits hypoxia-induced endothelin-1 via accelerated degradation of HIF-1α in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Aims: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases with multiple properties such as vasoconstriction. Human ET-1 gene expression is up-regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) through hypoxia response element (HRE). Although previous studies suggested that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) alter HIF-1-related gene expression, it remained unclear whether statins modulate HIF-1-mediated ET-1 expression.

Decadal electrocardiographic changes between age 40 and 50 in military pilots.

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases can lead to sudden in-flight incapacitation and long-term disability in aircraft pilots. Electrocardiogram (ECG) has been widely used to screen for these diseases in routine aeromedical examinations. Several ECG changes such as complete left bundle-branch block (CLBBB) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) have been associated with increased likelihood of underlying structural cardiac diseases in addition to the emergence of newly recognized cardiovascular diseases such as Brugada syndrome.

Urinary catecholamine responses in F-15 pilots: evaluation of the stress induced by long-distance flights.

Included in the Cooperative Cope Thunder exercises from Japan to Alaska is one of the longest distance flight missions carried out by Japan Air-Self Defense Force F-15 pilots. The magnitude of the flight stress of these pilots is considered to be quite high. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the flight stress induced by the long-distance flights.

Ear pain and its treatment in hypobaric chamber training in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Background: We have documented that ear pain is the most prevalent physiologic incident during hypobaric chamber training in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Ear pain may increase also in flight in the future because it is closely related to allergic rhinitis. Therefore, it is very important to know the characteristic of ear pain and the efficacy of its treatment.

Allergic rhinitis and ear pain in flight.

Background: Ear pain is the most common physiologic incident in hypobaric chamber training in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and the incidence of ear pain has been gradually increasing. There has been a concomitant increase in the incidence of allergic rhinitis in Japan. We hypothesized that the increased incidence of ear pain may be due to the increased incidence of eustachian tube dysfunction associated with allergic rhinitis.

Expression of endothelin-1 in the brain and lung of rats exposed to permanent hypobaric hypoxia.

High-altitude hypoxia causes pulmonary hypertension in humans and animals. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a novel and long-lasting vasoconstrictor. However, no study has dealt with the effects of a hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE) on ET-1 activity in the brain.

Expressions of adrenomedullin mRNA and protein in rats with hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Experimental pulmonary hypertension induced in a hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE) is characterized by structural remodeling of the heart and pulmonary arteries. Adrenomedullin (AM) has diuretic, natriuretic, and hypotensive effects. To study the possible effects of HHE on the AM synthesis system, 150 male Wistar rats were housed in a chamber at the equivalent of a 5,500-m altitude level for 21 days.

Peptic ulcer data from 4 years of endoscopy in 955 pilots of the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

Background: The treatment of peptic ulcer disease has undergone profound changes due to the recognition of Helicobacter pylori as a causative factor. A survey of medical records was made to determine the prevalence of peptic ulcer among pilots of the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and to decide on a possible change in JASDF medical policy toward an ulcer-treatment regime involving therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

Methods: The subjects were 955 male pilots, age 40 or older.

Long-term disability among aviators in Japan Air Self-Defense Force: analysis of 260 cases.

Background: As part of a study of the risks associated with aviator incapacitation, we identified the diseases that caused long-term disability (LTD) among aviators in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), and then assessed the magnitude of the problem that each group of diseases represented with regard to the safety of flight.

Methods: Case-notes for JASDF aviators who stopped work for more than 3 mo during 1980-2002 were identified from all files kept at the Medical Evaluation Section of the Aeromedical Laboratory. The case-notes were divided into four age groups and analyzed by diagnostic category or injury.

Physiological incidents during 39 years of hypobaric chamber training in Japan.

Background: Hypobaric chamber training for military aircrew is very important for flight safety. Since we began hypobaric training in our laboratory in 1960, some trainees have suffered physiological incidents. This study will characterize the physiological incidents during hypobaric chamber training at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).