Establishing time-qualified reference values for Spacelab 1, hematology experiment INS 103

摘要

This report provides the findings of the evaluation of the space environment and factors associated with space flight on selected hematologic variables. Since many of the investigated variables had been shown to exhibit circadian changes, these were taken into account by first obtaining time-qualified reference ranges for each astronaut using data acquired from three separate 28-hour transverse studies. During these, blood and urine were sampled and oral temperature was measured at 4-hour intervals. These data have been analyzed for circadian variation separately for each astronaut as well as for the three participating astronauts considered together as a homogeneous group. This final report is divided into four parts. Part 1 relates the results of the transverse studies conducted to evaluate the variables for circadian changes and to obtain data for creating the time-qualified reference ranges. Part 2 discusses based on urinary and also oral temperature data obtained prior to and immediately after flight the evidence for the achievement of successful biological rhythm adjustment following the scheduled alteration of the sleep-wakefulness routine of astronauts 1 and 3 by 12 hours from diurnal activity and nocturnal sleep to diurnal rest and nocturnal work. Part 3 presents the evaluation of the space environment and associated factors on the studied hematologic variables using the individualized time-qualified reference ranges. Part 4 discusses the findings with recommendations for follow-up investigations based on the experiences and results of this research.