Scientific papers 2024 - Part A
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Authors: Marc Roig, & Jacopo Cristini
Dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, is crucial for managing
mood, motivation, learning, and other functions. Changes
in dopamine levels are linked to cognitive decline and
various mental and neurological disorders, including the
cardiorespiratory system. Research, including animal
studies, shows that regular cardiovascular exercise, like
treadmill running, can boost dopamine levels in the brain,
potentially offsetting some of these issues.
Authors: Edward Tom Ashworth, Ryotaro Ogawa, David
Robert Vera, Peter Lindholm
Using a radioactive nitrogen isotope, this study found that
pre-breathing oxygen at normobaric levels increased
nitrogen levels in the blood, liver, and muscle. However,
hyperbaric exposure showed no differences in tissue
nitrogen levels. Both bone and muscle had higher
nitrogen levels after hyperbaric exposure than normobaric
exposure. The study concludes that pre-breathing oxygen
eliminates nitrogen at normobaric levels, and tissues are
slower to adjust their nitrogen levels under hyperbaric
conditions.
Authors: Antonis Elia, Matthew J. Barlow, Matthew J. Lees,
Georgios Petri, Michail E. Keramidas
This study investigated the physiological effects of
repeated maximal static and dynamic apnea on stress-
related biomarkers in eleven healthy men. The results
showed significant increases in modified albumin and
myoglobin levels after the apnea interventions, particularly
after dynamic apnea, indicating muscle damage.
However, there were no significant changes in neuron-
specific enolase or cardiac troponin, suggesting no
myocardial or neuronal damage. The study concludes that
dynamic apnea causes more muscle damage than static
apnea, but neither causes heart or brain damage.
Authors: Warren Burggren, Andreas Fahlman, William
Milsom
Many animals exhibit irregular breathing patterns with
long pauses between breaths, even when their hearts are
beating. This phenomenon is common among all species,
from crustaceans to whales. In humans, this irregular
breathing pattern is associated with health issues.Diving
animals exhibit cardiovascular phenomena that lack
standardized terminology, leading to confusion regarding
the underlying mechanisms and pathologies. To avoid
confusion and emphasize understanding of biological
processes rather than terminology, more precise terms are
proposed.
Authors: Costantino Balestra, Sara Baldelli, Fabio Virgili,
Michele Salvagno, Simona Mrakic-Sposta, &
Deborah Fratantonio
The "normobaric oxygen paradox" (NOP) refers to the
perceived lack of oxygen by tissues following a hyperoxic
event. The authors investigate whether this phenomenon
results in the production of advanced glycation end
products (proteins or lipids glycated by exposure to
sugars) and advanced oxidation protein products
(modified proteins resulting from oxidative stress) as
circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress.
Authors: Taylor Diederich, Allyson M. Briggs, Adrienne
Malik, Bryan Beaver
This article discusses the case of a 32-year-old individual
who developed a mottled rash, joint pain, muscle aches,
headaches, vision changes, and weakness due to
decompression sickness resulting from working in a
pressurized chamber at a factory. The individual
underwent two sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, which
completely resolved the symptoms. During the hospital
stay, a patent foramen ovale was discovered. The patient
was advised to avoid any further exposure to similar work
environments.
Authors: Elsye Fitriasari, Ni Komang Sri Dewi Untari,
Nasywa Annisa Fitra
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a serious health problem
for divers caused by pressure changes during and after
dives. It is important for all medical professionals and divers
to understand the risks associated with DCS in order to
promote safe diving practices. Symptoms of DCS can be
rapid or gradual and may be delayed, making diagnosis
difficult, especially if the diver has traveled by air after
diving. Factors such as obesity, smoking, alcohol
consumption, anxiety, previous injuries, and diving
conditions, including cold water, duration, and depth,
increase the risk of DCS.
Authors: Muhamad Nanang Solikhin, Sumaryanti,
Sulistiyono, Fauzi, Bonifacius Arbanto
This review covers studies on breath-holding exercises and
their health benefits, including their impact on freedive
training, lung function through diaphragmatic breathing,
and breath-hold performance with mental imagery
training. Research also shows improvements in
cardiorespiratory function for individuals with bronchial
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and
cancer, noting better pulse rates, blood pressure,
respiratory function, and quality of life.
Authors: Jean-Pierre Imbert, Lyubisa Matity, Jean-Yves
Massimelli, Philip Bryson
This is a review of commercial heliox saturation
decompression procedures. The scope does not include
compression, storage depth or bell excursion dive
procedures. The objectives are to: identify the sources of
the procedures; trace their evolution; describe the current
practice; and detect relevant trends.
Authors:
Felix R. M. Beinlich , Antonios Asiminas, Verena Untiet,
Zuzanna Bojarowska, Virginia Plá, Björn Sigurdsson,
Vincenzo Timmel, Lukas Gehrig, ichael H. Graber, Hajime
Hirase, Maiken Nedergaard
Consciousness disappears within seconds after blood flow
to the brain stops because the brain cannot store oxygen
and requires a continuous supply to function. The
researchers developed a new tool to monitor oxygen
levels in the brain. Using this tool, they discovered
spontaneous low-oxygen areas in the brains of awake
mice. This research sheds light on how the brain manages
oxygen and could help understand various brain
conditions and diseases.
Authors: Alessandra Vezzoli, Simona Mrakic-Sposta,
Andrea Brizzolari, Costantino Balestra, Enrico
Maria Camporesi, and Gerardo Bosco
Underwater activities expose divers to conditions that can
lead to oxidative stress and inflammation caused by an
imbalance between reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and
antioxidants. These conditions are influenced by factors
such as hypoxic and hyperoxic environments, hyperbaric
pressure, cold water, and different breathing gases. Divers
experience physiological adaptations known as the "dive
response,", which includes cardiovascular stress, increased
blood pressure, peripheral vasoconstriction, altered blood
gas levels, and the risk of bubble formation during
decompression.
Authors:
Sotiris P. Evgenidis, Konstantinos Zacharias, Virginie
Papadopoulou, Sigrid Theunissen, Costantino Balestra,
Thodoris D. Karapantsios
Impedance spectroscopy technology (I-VED),was used for
the first time in humans to provide qualitative in vivo
electrical impedance measurements that may contribute
to the assessment of decompression stress. Compared to
ultrasound imaging, the proposed method is less
expensive, operator-independent, and compatible with
continuous monitoring and the use of multiple probes.
This study presents preliminary findings. Further calibration
and validation are necessary to determine the sensitivity
and specificity of I-VED.
Authors: José A. Bragada, Pedro M. Magalhães, Eric São-
Pedro, Raul F. Bartolomeu, and Jorge E. Morais
The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of predicting
oxygen consumption (O2) during aerobic activities using
net heart rate (netHR), sex, and BMI in active adults. NetHR
is calculated by subtracting the resting heart rate from the
average heart rate during the activity. The study involved
156 participants, aged 18 to 81, including 52 women and
104 men, who had their netHR and net oxygen intake
(netVO2) measured.
Authors:
Nikolaus C. Netzer, Heidelinde Jaekel, Roland Popp,
Johanna M. Gostner, Michael Decker, Frederik Eisendle,
Rachel Turner, Petra Netzer, Carsten Patzelt, Christian
Steurer, Marco Cavalli, Florian Forstner, and Stephan
Pramsohler on behalf of the Hypoxiflight Study Group
This study aimed to investigate whether flight conditions in
a hypobaric chamber, simulating altitudes of 2500 m and
4500 m with varying oxygen levels, could induce oxidative
stress in healthy individuals. Twelve vaccinated participants
underwent a 3-hour simulation with oxygen levels
adjusted between 35% and 100%. Their arterial blood
pressure and oxygen saturation were monitored, and
blood samples were analyzed for oxidative stress markers
at different stages of the experiment.
Authors: Maya V. Voronina, Anastasia S. Frolova, Ekaterina
P. Kolesova, Nikita A. Kuldyushev, Alessandro
Parodi, and Andrey A. Zamyatnin
Cell survival depends on a balance between the
accumulation of damage and repair mechanisms.
Oxidants, now recognized as physiological molecules, can
damage vital cell components and lead to cell death. Cells
counteract this with processes such as autophagy, which
recycles damaged parts with the help of lysosomes and
enzymes such as cathepsins. These elements help
determine whether a cell undergoes apoptosis or
autophagy. This review examines the role of ROS and
cathepsins in cell death and autophagy, emphasizing their
interrelated dynamics.
Authors: Lidia Maeso, Pablo Edmundo Antezana, Ailen
Gala Hvozda Arana, Pablo Andrés Evelson, Gorka
Orive, and Martín Federico Desimone
Skin is important for protection and healing. Chronic
wounds are a worldwide problem caused by oxidative
stress that damages cells and delays healing. Proper care
and antioxidants can help manage chronic wounds.
Natural polymers with antioxidants can create
regenerative environments for skin wound healing.
Authors: Harry B. Rossiter, David C. Poole
This text acknowledges and corrects a previous mistake in
a scholarly work, clarify the correct references, and
engage in a professional discussion about the specifics of
breath-by-breath gas exchange measurement algorithms.
The authors thank Drs. Francescato and Cettolo for their
input, correct the misattribution of an algorithm to
Grønlund (1984) instead of the intended IND algorithm,
and clarify the context of their references. Additionally,
they discuss the technical details of the algorithms and
seek agreement on a specific point related to the
occurrence of expiration between consecutive
inspirations.
Authors: Dominik André-Lévigne, Rodrigue Pignel, Sylvain
Boet, Vincent Jaquet, Daniel F. Kalbermatten, &
Srinivas Madduri
This study intends to review and discuss the various roles
of oxygen in peripheral nerve regeneration, with a
particular focus on the potential therapeutic benefits of
hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It highlights the influence of
different oxygenation states on nerve repair and
regeneration, summarizes current knowledge and data on
the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for treating
nerve injuries, and suggests future research directions in
this area.
Authors: Anna Taboni, Nazzareno Fagoni, Timothée
Fontolliet, Giovanni Vinetti, Guido Ferretti
This study investigated the physiological responses during
a transition from rest to exercise under hypoxic (H) and
normoxic (N) conditions. Specifically, the study aimed to
test two hypotheses: (i) that the initial decrease in
baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) would be slower in hypoxia
compared to normoxia, and (ii) that the fast heart rate (HR)
and cardiac output (CO) responses would have smaller
amplitudes in hypoxia due to lower vagal activity. The text
details the study's methods, results, and conclusions,
highlighting the differences in physiological responses
between the two conditions.
Authors: Marina Vulic, Branislav Milovanovic, Ante Obad,
Duška Glavaš, Igor Glavicic, Damir Zubac, Maja
Valic, & Zoran Valic
This study investigated the effects of SCUBA diving at
different depths (10 m and 20 m) on heart rate variability
(HRV) parameters in healthy individuals to determine if
cardiac sympathetic activity adapts proportionally to diving
depth and if HRV parameters can track changes in cardiac
autonomic nervous system (ANS) function during and
after diving. The results indicate that SCUBA diving affects
the cardiac ANS, with specific HRV parameters showing
significant changes during dives and returning to baseline
after ascent. The authors suggest that these HRV markers
could be used to monitor cardiovascular risks and
potential benefits associated with underwater activities.
Authors: Benjamin L Turner, Pieter-Jan AM van Ooij, Thijs T
Wingelaar, Rob A van Hulst, Edwin L Endert, Paul
Clarijs, Rigo Hoencamp
This document discusses a study that applied a 'chain of
events analysis' (CEA) framework to understand the causes
of diving injuries treated by the Diving Medical Centre of
the Royal Netherlands Navy to identify the factors leading
to these injuries, including predisposing factors, triggers,
disabling agents, and disabling conditions, and to evaluate
the effectiveness of the CEA framework in analyzing diving
injuries.
Author: Simon J Mitchell
This document provides a comprehensive overview of
decompression illness, specifically focusing on the
pathophysiology, manifestations, prevention, and
treatment of decompression sickness (DCS) and arterial
gas embolism (AGE). It aims to educate readers about the
causes, mechanisms, and potential health impacts of these
conditions, as well as to inform them about how to
prevent and manage these diving-related disorders.
Authors: Md-Billal Hossain, Kia Golzari, Youngsun Kong,
Bruce J. Derrick, Richard E. Moon, Michael J.
Natoli, M. Claire Ellis, Christopher Winstead-
Derlega, Sara I. Gonzalez, Christopher M. Allen,
Mathew S. Makowski, Brian M. Keuski, John J.
Freiberger, Hugo F. Posada-Quintero, Ki H. Chon
This study aimed to predict central nervous system oxygen
toxicity (CNS-OT) in SCUBA divers by analyzing
electrodermal activity (EDA) using machine learning
techniques. It focused on the dynamics of EDA while
subjects are exposed to elevated oxygen partial pressures
in a hyperbaric environment. The goal was to develop a
predictive model to identify the onset of CNS-OT
symptoms early enough to allow for countermeasures,
thereby improving diver safety.
Authors:
Boxiong Guo, Yixuan Sun, Yuehua Wang, Ya Zhang, Yu
Zheng, Shixia Xu, Guang Yang, & Wenhua Ren
This study investigates the evolutionary adaptations in the
respiratory systems of cetaceans and other marine
mammals. It focuses on the genetic basis of these
adaptations, particularly in relation to pulmonary fibrosis
and diving behavior. It highlights the identification of
specific genes that have undergone accelerated evolution
and positive selection and how these genetic changes
contribute to lung morphology that reduces the risk of
decompression sickness (DCS) during diving. The research
also aims to provide insights relevant to understanding
human diving physiology.
Authors: Costantino Balestra, Clément Lévêque, Simona
Mrakic-Sposta, Alessandra Vezzoli, Pierre Wauthy,
Peter Germonpré, Frauke Tillmans, François
Guerrero, & Pierre Lafère.
This study discusses the relationship between diving
decompression and inflammatory processes. It aims to test
the hypothesis that inflammatory processes can generate
micronuclei, which may increase the risks associated with
diving. It outlines the methodology, including using
echocardiography to count venous gas emboli (VGE) and
collecting saliva and urine samples to measure various
markers of inflammation. The results indicate a correlation
between inflammation and the presence of VGE,
suggesting that inflammation may play a role in the
formation of micronuclei during diving.
Authors:
Jean-Pierre Imbert, Axel Barbaud, Sian Stevens, Craig Miller,
Hilary Peace, Helene Rossin, Alain Letourneur, Phil Bryson,
Bo Damsgaard, Costantino Balestra
This study on saturation diving stressors and the
effectiveness of different saturation procedures was
conducted in the North Sea Danish sector and aimed to
document the level of diving stress and compare the
Boskalis and NORSOK procedures. The results indicated
minimal stress and no significant differences between the
two procedures at depths of 40-50 msw. The authors
suggest further research for deeper dives where more
significant stress is anticipated.
Authors: Feiko J. M. de Jong, Thijs A. Lilien, Dominic W.
Fenn, Thijs T. Wingelaar , Pieter-Jan A. M. van
Ooij, Anke H. Maitland-van der Zee, Markus W.
Hollmann, Rob A. van Hulst, & Paul Brinkman
This paper describes a pilot study to identify volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) associated with pulmonary
oxygen toxicity (POT) using an in vitro model of alveolar
basal epithelial cells exposed to hyperbaric and hyperoxic
conditions. It also evaluates the feasibility of using this in
vitro model for POT biomarker research and details the
experimental protocol, the analysis of VOCs using gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the findings,
which include significant variations in certain VOCs and
increased cellular stress markers in the intervention group.
Authors: Janne Bouten, Louise Declercq, Jan Boone,
Franck Brocherie, Jan G. Bourgois
This document evaluates the potential of apnoea as a
training method to enhance aerobic performance and
discusses the effectiveness of different apnoea protocols. It
concludes that while apnoea-induced spleen contraction
can improve oxygen uptake kinetics, it does not
immediately enhance aerobic performance. Additionally,
only long and intense apnoea protocols in experienced
individuals show significant increases in erythropoietin and
reticulocytes. The authors suggest that variations of
apnoea training may have potential for improving exercise
performance.
Authors:
Campbell Menzies, Neil D. Clarke, Christopher J. A. Pugh,
Charles J. Steward, C. Douglas Thake, Tom Cullen
This document presents the findings of a scientific study
that investigated the effects of post-exercise hot water
immersion (HWI) and cold water immersion (CWI) on
recovery and subsequent performance in endurance-
trained runners. It determines whether these recovery
strategies influence physiological and psychological
responses, as well as performance in a second training
session performed later the same day. The results suggest
that while HWI and CWI affect certain physiological
markers, they do not negatively impact perceived effort,
recovery, or performance in subsequent moderate-
intensity training sessions.
Authors: Haiyi Zong, Wen Yi, Maxwell Fordjour Antwi-
Afari, Yantao Yu
This paper presents a systematic review of research on
fatigue among construction workers. It aims to elucidate
the current state of research, identify issues, and propose
potential improvements in understanding and managing
fatigue in the construction industry, outlining an approach
that combines systematic review and bibliometric analysis
to examine research themes, methods, and findings
related to worker fatigue. It also highlights the causes of
fatigue, evaluation methods, interventions, research
challenges, and future research directions, with the
ultimate goal of enhancing occupational health and safety
in the construction industry.
Authors: Dimitra Ioanna Lampropoulou, Dimitrios
Papageorgiou, Evangelia Pliakou
This document is an analysis of diving medicine's historical
development and significance, mainly focusing on the
advancements in hyperbaric medicine and its applications.
It highlights the challenges faced by divers, the
emergence of decompression illness, and the
contributions of hyperbaric treatment to modern medical
science. In addition, it emphasizes ongoing research and
interest in using hyperbaric oxygen for various medical
conditions.
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiro, Peng Heng, Hayashi
Naoyuki
This study investigates the interaction between breath
holding (apnea) and muscle mechanoreflex on
cardiovascular responses in breath-hold divers (BHDs)
compared to non-breath-hold divers (non-BHDs) to
understand how these two opposing
responses—bradycardia from apnea and tachycardia from
exercise—affect heart rate and cardiac output during
diving. The results indicate that BHDs prioritize bradycardia
over tachycardia, suggesting that diving training alters
cardiovascular control mechanisms.
Authors: Steve Sheppard
This Helix presentation provides information about the age
profiles for various positions employed by North Sea
Contractors, acknowledging the potential for data
duplication due to personnel being employed by multiple
contractors. However, its author estimated that this
duplication was less than 4% of the total dataset.
Authors: Costantino Balestra, Clément Lévêque, Simona
Mrakic-Sposta, Alessandra Vezzoli, Pierre Wauthy,
Peter Germonpré, Frauke Tillmans, François
Guerrero, and Pierre Lafère
The Paper presents a study on diving decompression
theory, specifically examining the role of inflammatory
processes in the formation of micronuclei and their
potential risks by testing divers to observe changes in
inflammatory markers and venous gas emboli (VGE) post-
dive. It details the methods, results, and discussion of the
findings, highlighting the relationship between
inflammation and VGE and suggesting that increased
inflammation may lead to the formation of new
micronuclei.
Author: Jan Risberg
The editors of the Norwegian Diving and Treatment
Tables (NDTT) inform readers about safety performance
since the fourth edition.
This document explains the difference between the
observed and predicted DCS rates. It has been created by
the first author of the editorial team and is meant as
supplementary information, not part of the tables. It does
not meet scientific manuscript quality criteria.
24 - Oxidative Stress and Cerebral Vascular Tone: The Role of
Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species.
- Published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences - MDPI.
Author: Michele Salvagno, Elda Diletta Sterchele, Mario
Zaccarelli, Simona Mrakic-Sposta, Ian James
Welsby, Costantino Balestra, and Fabio Silvio
Taccone
The brain is highly vulnerable to oxidative stress due to its
characteristics, which can harm its vascular tone in
critically ill patients or those with acute brain injuries. High
metabolism and poor mitochondrial function cause
significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Non-
replicating neurons and low repair abilities increase
vulnerability. ROS affects blood vessel function, and
different species have varying effects. Antioxidants like
superoxide dismutase, vitamin C, and vitamin E show the
potential to protect against oxidative stress.
25 - Safety of Hyperbaric Medicine in Clinical Scenarios
- Published by the Annals of African Medicine
Author: Vishal Mago
Hyperbaric therapy is generally considered a safe therapy
for the treatment of wounds, mucormycosis, and
orthopedic injuries. It is fraught with complications such as
barotrauma, pulmonary toxicity, fire hazards, and
claustrophobia. This article discusses the safety protocols
and preventive aspects on usefulness of this new
emerging therapy.
39 - Barodontalgia and its implications for Navy divers and dentists:
A narrative review.
- Published by the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry
Author: Javier García-Torres, Juan J. Segura-Egea
This study reviews barodontalgia and its impact on divers .
A search for relevant articles was conducted in several
databases. Barodontalgia is rare but more common in
military divers, especially affecting upper teeth. It is linked
to how teeth respond to pressure changes. Diagnosis is
difficult because the conditions cannot be easily recreated
in dental offices. Military dentists need to be aware of
barodontalgia to prevent it in divers.
05 - Compression and excursion parameters for saturation dives 0 -
250 msw
- Published by the Norwegian Underwater Institute (NUI)
Author: Jan Risberg, & Kare Segadal
A study by the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA)
compared commercial heliox saturation compression and
excursion procedures for diving up to 250 msw. The study
found significant variation in compression rates and
excursion ranges, but no outcome data suggested
superiority. The study also found no evidence of excessive
high pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS) during
compression, and no data suggesting unsafe excursion
ranges. There is a lack of data supporting NORSOK U-
100:2015 restrictions on ascending excursions and
narrow excursion ranges for shallow saturation diving.
06 - Combined effects of mild hypothermia and nitrous-oxide-
induced narcosis on manual and cognitive performance
- Published by the American Physiological society
Author: Maaike I. Moes, Antonis Elia, Mikael Gennser, and
Michail E. Keramidas
Divers are at risk of cognitive deterioration due to low
ambient temperatures and high-pressure inert gases. A
study found that mild hypothermia and nitrous oxide
narcosis during prolonged cold exposure aggravate basic
and higher-order cognitive abilities. The study found that
cooling impaired short-term memory and learning, but
not finger dexterity or attention.
07 - Effects of Oxygen Prebreathing on Bubble Formation, Flow-
Mediated Dilatation, and Psychomotor Performance during
Trimix Dives
- Published by Sports - MDPI
Author: Ivana Segrt Ribicic, Maja Valic, Linda Lusic
Kalcina, Josko Bozic, Ante Obad, Duska Glavas,
Igor Glavicic, and Zoran Valic
The study investigated the impact of air and oxygen pre-
breathing on bubble formation, flow-mediated dilatation,
and psychomotor performance after scuba dives. Twelve
divers performed two dives using a gas mixture of
oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. The oxygen prebreathing
protocol significantly reduced bubble grade and post-dive
psychomotor speed, suggesting a beneficial role for
endothelial function. The total test solving times after the
dives were shorter in the oxygen prebreathing protocol.
21 - The first deep rebreather dive using hydrogen: case report
- Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Author: Richard J Harris, Craig J Challen, Simon J Mitchell
Bounce diving can cause high-pressure neurological
syndrome (HPNS) if rapid descents to deep depths are
made. Nitrogen in the respired gas can help reduce
HPNS, but it may exceed guidelines. In 2020, a team
explored Pearse Resurgence cave, New Zealand, using a
breathing trimix. Hydrogen, a light, slightly narcotic gas,
was suggested as a solution, but concerns include
potential ignition and explosion. Hydrogen could help
improve HPNS symptoms while maintaining gas density.
22 - Acute and chronic central nervous system oxidative stress /
toxicity during hyperbaric oxygen treatment of subacute and
chronic neurological conditions
- Published by Frontiers
Author: Paul G. Harch, and Stacey Rhodes
This study identifies acute and chronic CNS oxygen toxicity
under 2.0 atmospheres absolute pressure of oxygen. It
found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy-generated cases of
CNS oxygen toxicity in chronic neurological conditions
were identified at <2.0 ATA. Chronic CNS oxygen toxicity
is unpredictable and occurs at an average threshold of
103-116 AHs with wide variability.
Authors: John Benjamin Slade, Nathan Kwan,
Peter Lennox and Russell Gray
Thalamic pain syndrome is a distressing type of central
post-stroke pain (CPSP) that occurs in up to 10% of cases
following a cerebrovascular accident. It is often chronic or
life-long and is difficult to treat. The thalamus may play a
significant role in some patients with central pain. Long-
term post-stroke pain disorders can reduce quality of life,
affect mood, sleep, and social functioning, and can lead to
suicide. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which has been
shown to be beneficial in brain-related hemorrhages,
stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases, may be a
treatment option for thalamic pain syndrome.
38 - Real-time imaging of decompression gas bubble growth in the
spinal cord of live rats.
- Published by Magnetic Resonance in Medicine - Wiley
Author: Roman Alvarado, Ulrich M. Scheven, Jens-
Christian Meiners
The study used an MRI-compatible pressure chamber
system to observe the growth and resolution of
decompression gas bubbles in the spinal cord of live rats
in real time. The system pressurizes and depressurizes
rodents, monitoring their respiratory rate, heart rate, and
body temperature while providing gaseous anesthesia.
51 - Breath-Hold Diving Injuries - A Primer for Medical Providers
- Published by the American College of Sports medicine
Authors: Elaine Yu, DO, Juan M. Valdivia-Valdivia,
Fernando Silva, and Peter Lindholm
Breath-hold divers face unique injuries compared to
surface swimmers and compressed air divers. This guide
provides medical providers with information on
managing breath-hold diving injuries in the field. Hypoxia,
negative pressure barotrauma, positive pressure
barotrauma, inert gas loading, asymptomatic cardiac
arrhythmias, and glossopharyngeal breathing methods
can all contribute to these risks. The guide also includes
equipment for medical support at organized breath-hold
diving events to facilitate diagnosis and treatment outside
of the hospital setting.
Authors: Gerard Laden, Bruce Mathew
Nitrogen narcosis, a substance that impairs prefrontal
cortex function, can lead to cognitive impairment and
fatal accidents. Studies have shown that divers may
experience negative effects of a narcotic agent, even at
shallow depths. In 1872, English law made it illegal to be
"drunk" while driving, but it took 100 years for driving
above a legal limit in the UK. The question remains
whether modern society will tolerate another century
before legally defining safe parameters for nitrogen
narcosis.
Author: Sven Dreyer, Johannes Schneppendahl, Martin
Hoffmanns, Thomas Muth, and Jochen D.
Schipke
This study tested the hypothesis that breathing oxygen
before surfacing can reduce postdive IGN. A group of 58
experienced divers underwent a 5 minute dive at 50 m in
a hyperbaric chamber. The participants performed the
Sharpened Romberg test and a modified tweezers test.
Results showed that the air group had a greater
impairment in the vestibular system, while the O2 group
had a higher number of beads picked due to the learning
effect.
04 - Hypothesized mechanisms of death in swimming: a systematic
review
- Published by BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
Authors: Yunheng Yao, Michael A. DiNenna, Lili Chen,
Shirong Jin, Sixian He & Jinshen He
This paper aims to establish the rationale behind various
classifications by analyzing characteristics from several
cases of death related to swimming. The study utilized a
systematic review of original articles sourced from various
medical databases, with a focus on those offering a
credible level of evidence. The results indicate that
cardiovascular diseases predominantly contribute to
swimming-related deaths, while respiratory and
cerebrovascular diseases show insufficient evidence for
definitive classification. The study also highlights the role of
hazardous conditions in swimming deaths and suggests
that further research is necessary to inform safety
protocols
17 - Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on ischaemia-reperfusion
injury in rats detorsioned after experimental ovarian torsion.
- Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Eralp Bulutlar, Ali Yilmaz, Gizem Berfin Uluutku
Bulutlar, Yavuz Aslan, Hale Nur Bozdag, Zafer
Küçükodaci
This study investigates the potential of hyperbaric oxygen
treatment (HBOT) to mitigate ischaemia-reperfusion injury
in a rat model following ovarian torsion and detorsion.
Through experimental procedures, the research identified
that HBOT significantly reduced oxidative stress markers
and histopathological damage compared to groups
subjected to torsion and detorsion alone, suggesting its
beneficial effects on ovarian health after ischaemic events.
18 - Efficacy of searching in biomedical databases beyond MEDLINE
in identifying randomised controlled trials on hyperbaric oxygen
treatment
- Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Author: Hira Khan, Mohammad Sindeed Islam, Manvinder
Kaur, Joseph K Burns, Cole Etherington, Pierre-
Marc Dion, Sarah Alsayadi, Sylvain Boet
This document analyzes the necessity of using multiple
biomedical databases in literature searches for
randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on hyperbaric
oxygen treatment (HBOT). It highlights a two-phase
methodology consisting of a scoping review and statistical
analysis, ultimately revealing that while MEDLINE excels in
precision, additional databases like Embase and CENTRAL
enhance sensitivity and the number of unique references.
The findings advocate for the utilization of multiple
databases in systematic reviews of HBOT trials.
19 - Validation of necrotising infection clinical composite endpoint in
a retrospective cohort of patients with necrotising soft tissue
infections
- Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Victoria Bion, Dylan Jape, Rachel Niesen,
Margaret Angliss, Frank Bruscino-Raiola,
Biswadev Mitra, Bridget Devaney
This article discusses the validation of the Necrotising
Infections Clinical Composite Endpoint (NICCE) in
assessing interventions for rapidly progressive necrotising
soft tissue infections (NSTIs), which are linked to high
mortality and morbidity. Utilizing a retrospective cohort of
235 NSTI patients, the study reveals that those with higher
acuity during admission were less likely to meet the NICCE
criteria for positive outcomes. Moreover, meeting NICCE
criteria was associated with reduced healthcare resource
utilization, supporting its use in clinical trials and patient
risk stratification.
20 - EffecHyperbaric oxygen treatment for infants: retrospective
analysis of 54 patients treated in two tertiary care centres
- Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Kubra Ozgok Kangal, Bengusu Mirasoglu
The article presents a study analyzing the outcomes and
challenges of hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in
infants under 12 months of age, a population with limited
prior research. The retrospective analysis included 54
infants, primarily treated for acute carbon monoxide
poisoning. The findings indicate that HBOT is a safe and
effective treatment for this demographic, with a high
resolution of acute symptoms and minimal complications.
Author: Cammi K. Borden, Daniel G. McHail, and Kara J.
Blacker
This paper discusses the effects of hypoxia, particularly in
tactical aviation, where reduced oxygen levels at high
altitudes can impair cognitive functions critical for safe
aircraft operation. The study investigates how simulated
hypoxia, using standard aviation survival training
equipment, affects pilot performance and neural
responses. Key findings reveal that while basic cognitive
tasks are minimally impacted, more complex tasks
involving visual search and working memory show
significant degradation in performance. These results
emphasize the need for effective training measures and
further research in aviation environments.
Authors: Arnaud Druelle, Jean-Eric Blatteau,
Lucile Daubresse Duchadeuil, Jean Morin,
Romain Roffi, Pierre-Louis Dufresne, Henri Lehot,
and Olivier Castagna
This article discusses the challenges faced by recreational
divers seeking to return to diving activities after
experiencing Spinal Decompression Sickness (DCS). It
presents a case study of a 51-year-old scuba diver who
suffered two episodes of DCS, with no detected anomalies
or Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). The article stresses the
importance of thorough clinical evaluations before
resuming diving and outlines key preventive measures to
mitigate the risk of recurrence.
Authors: Elizabeth J Elliott, Karl Price, & Bernard Peters
This article discusses a review conducted in Tasmania
following an increase in diving-related deaths. Despite
Tasmania’s high participation rate in diving, it significantly
surpasses the national average in mortality associated with
the sport. The review involved first responders and
healthcare professionals to develop improved response
protocols, resulting in the creation of systematic aids
designed to enhance communication and data
management during diving fatalities.
Authors: John RB Currie, Ian C Gawthrope, & Neil D
Banham
This article examines the effectiveness of hyperbaric
oxygen treatment (HBOT) for avascular necrosis (AVN),
particularly in the femoral region, based on a retrospective
study conducted over 30 years at two hospitals. The study
evaluated radiological outcomes, subjective patient
improvements, surgical interventions, and complications
related to HBOT. Results indicated that HBOT can
effectively prevent disease progression in femoral AVN,
aligning with findings from other studies in the field.
Authors: William Emmerton, Neil D Banham, Ian C
Gawthrope
The document discusses a survey conducted among
hyperbaric medicine units (HMUs) in Australia and New
Zealand regarding the management of Central Retinal
Artery Occlusion (CRAO). It highlights the low incidence of
meaningful vision improvement in CRAO cases,
emphasizes the potential benefits of hyperbaric oxygen
treatment (HBOT) if administered before retinal infarction,
and notes discrepancies between current practices in ANZ
HMUs and the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
(UHMS) guidelines established in 2019. The survey
revealed that a significant number of cases were treated
under differing protocols, suggesting a need for a
streamlined management protocol in these regions.
Authors: Arne Melessen, Thijs T Wingelaar, Pieter-Jan AM
van Ooij
This article examines the efficacy of routine dipstick
urinalysis in dive medical assessments conducted on
personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy over a decade.
The study revealed a low incidence of positive urinalysis
results (0.8%) predominantly related to microscopic
hematuria, with significant differences noted between
initial assessments and revisions. Despite the findings, the
authors conclude that routine urinalysis for asymptomatic,
healthy individuals is neither cost-effective nor clinically
necessary, recommending a focus on thorough medical
history and selective urine testing only when clinical
indications arise.
02 - Barotrauma of the ear and paranasal sinuses
- Published by the Portal of Croatian scientific and professional journals
Authors: Dražen Shejbal, Tajana Gudlin Sbull, Davor Vagic
With the increasing popularity of amateur scuba diving
and the availability of commercial airplane flights,
otorhinolaryngologists will increasingly encounter patients
suffering from the effects of barotrauma.
Barotrauma occurs according to the principles of Boyle's
law, more precisely, due to the inability to equalize
pressures within the body cavities. The pathophysiology of
barotrauma of the ear and paranasal cavities is reviewed,
as well as therapeutic options for prevention and
treatment.
03 - Problems in selecting a decompression table for saturation
diving for commercial purpose in Poland - Part 2
- Published by the Journal of Polish Hyperbaric Medicine and Technology Society
Authors: Stanisław Skrzynski, Piotr Siermontowski
This article assesses saturation diving needs for the Polish
Baltic shelf, reviewing existing global saturation diving
systems and comparing their features. It highlights
differences, similarities, and development trends among
these systems. Boundary conditions that all diving
technologies must meet are analyzed, along with current
directions and growth trajectories in the field. The study
evaluates which historical technologies remain best suited
to the southern Baltic’s conditions. It also finds that the
saturation parameters devised in Poland at the end of the
twentieth century, with participation from one co-author,
align with today’s leading technologies for policy and
project planning in the region.
