Scientific papers 2025 & 2026
Back to the menu BUTTON TEXT Previous page
Click on the octopus to return to the top of the page
01 - Cellular Mechanisms of Oxygen Transport Hemoglobin Dynamics - Published by Uva Clinical Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
Authors: Indunil Karunarathna, Sanjeewa Dius, R Ranwala, Sau Bandara, Sanjaya Godage, PN Rodrigo, Asoka Jayawardana, U Vidanagama, Cam Fernando, Upul Ekanayake, T Hapuarachchi, Prasanna Gunasena, P Aluthge, Nihal Perera , Senaka Gunathilake, Kapila De Alvis , Kapila Gunawardana, Samadi Rajapaksha, A Warnakulasooriya , P Athulgama Student performance is key for solving learning issues and measuring outcomes. This paper suggests a machine learning method to predict student performance in online learning by analyzing eleven behavioral indicators. Results highlight the link between students' learning initiative and duration, significantly impacting performance prediction.
02 - Machine learning approach to student performance prediction of online learning. - Published by PLOS One
Author: Jing Wang, Yun Yu Student performance is important for solving learning problems and measuring outcomes. This paper presents a machine learning method to predict student performance in online learning. Eleven behavioral indicators are analyzed, filtering out weakly correlated ones. The logistic regression model shows better prediction ability, highlighting the link between student initiative, learning duration, and performance.
03 - Therapeutic delivery of oxygen using artificial oxygen carriers demonstrates the possibility of treating a wide range of diseases - Published by the Journal of Nanobiotechnology - BMC.
Authors: Nijaya Mohanto, Himangsu Monda, Young- Joon Park, and Jun-Pil Jee Artificial oxygen carriers may replace red blood cells in cases of significant blood loss from accidents, surgeries, trauma, and more. They show promise for treating various diseases. There is a need for stable, non-toxic carriers amid challenges. This paper reviews different types of artificial carriers, their effects, and ongoing research.
08 - An Overview of Rebreather Trimix Diving Practices in France and Self-reported Accidentology. - Published by the Universite de Bretagne Occidentale
Authors: E. Gouin, F. Guerrero, J-É. Blatteau This study assessed practices and accidents in trimix rebreather diving. An anonymous survey was shared with certified trimix divers in France, gathering data on demographics, planning, and abnormal symptoms during dives. Results showed a predominantly male population with high certification levels. Many divers experienced gas toxicity symptoms and decompression incidents. The study highlights the need for better data and continued research on decompression and its physiological effects.
09 - In-water Electrical Impedance Tomography: EIT and the Sea - Published by IOP Sciences
Author: Andy Adler, Tarek el Harake, Martina Mosing, Andreas Fahlman Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can provide valuable information on ventilation in humans and land mammals, particularly in sea mammals and human divers. However, in-water use is challenging due to the conductive nature of sea water. This study demonstrates that EIT can produce reasonable images with an outer insulating layer and custom belts, demonstrating its feasibility with appropriate techniques.
10 - Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in vertebrate tissues vary by diet type - Published by Frontiers
Authors: Linda M. Reynard, Jennifer N. Leichliter, Daniela E. Winkler, Marcus Clauss, and Thomas Tütken This study investigates the isotopic variation in diet components and diet type across different taxa in rats, guinea pigs, and quail. The diet to tissue offsets for d2H and d18O of tissue-bound organic matter in muscle and dentine collagen were found to vary by diet type. The study also found large variation in Dd2H and Dd18O by tissue type and moderate differences by species. This isotopic variability is crucial for studies such as migratory research, diet reconstructions, and climate inferences, especially in species with varying dietary habits.
11 - Divergent thinking in groups during cold-water immersion is impaired by cold stress not the cold shock response - Published by Frontiers
Authors: Max Kailler Smith, Rebecca Weller, Tony Duong, Rebecca McClintock, Matthew Peterson, Nathaniel Barr, Douglas M. Jones, and Timothy L. Dunn Examining the impact of cold shock response on higher- level thinking in active duty service members during a 13- minute cold-water immersion revealed no relationship between the magnitude of cold shock response and DAT performance. However, those with lower skin temperatures performed worse on the Divergent Association Task. This study suggests that the ability to engage in divergent thinking is relatively preserved during the critical ~10-minute window, although skin cooling may bias attention toward cold stress, affecting task performance.
13 - The Impact of Recreational Diving to a Depth of 40 m on Selected Intracellular DAMPs - Published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences - MDPI
Authors: Anna Nowakowska, Małgorzata Marchelek-My´sliwiec, Marta Skórka-Majewicz, Wojciech ˙Zwierełło, Konrad Grzeszczak, and Izabela Gutowska Recreational diving, a popular activity under extreme environmental conditions, can induce increased levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the body, potentially modulating damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), their receptors, and antioxidant response. Diving also influenced the expression of genes encoding key enzymes associated with glutathione synthesis and reduced plasma glutathione levels. However, the study found that key inflammation-related molecules (NF-rB, NOS2, TLR4, RAGE) did not change significantly.
14 - Measuring the research productivity on environmental toxicology: A scientometric study - Published by The Scientific Temper
Authors: Shanmuganathi Ayyankalai, Srinivasaragavan Subburaj, Prasanna Kumari Nataraj This paper analyzes the growth and development of Environmental Toxicology literature, revealing 6,663 publications in 2022, with 183279 Citations. The most productive countries are the USA, China, Germany, Canada, and England. Highly cited journals include Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, Environmental Health Perspectives, and Toxicological Sciences.
15 - The Impact of Recreational Diving to a Depth of 40 m on Selected Intracellular DAMPs - Published by Molecular Science - MDPI
Authors: Anna Nowakowska, Małgorzata Marchelek-Mysliwiec, Marta Skórka-Majewicz, Wojciech ˙Zwierełło, Konrad Grzeszczak, and Izabela Gutowska Recreational diving can affect the body due to extreme conditions, such as high oxygen and pressure, which increase reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. A study involving 21 divers at a depth of 40 meters analyzed various intracellular damage markers before and after diving. There was a significant decrease in molecules released by cells in response to stress, injury, or inflammation, one hour later, indicating an adaptive response to oxidative stress.
Authors: Sandra Arhesa, Amung Ma’mun, Boyke Mulyana, Nina Sutresna, Silvia Agustin This study explores the freediving abilities of the Bajo people in Wakatobi, Indonesia. Using a qualitative case study approach, data was collected from 20 informants. Thematic analysis revealed key aspects of Bajo diving, including factors influencing performance, specific techniques, dive duration and depth, training methods, and traditional equipment. The study highlights the profound interaction between the marine environment and socio-cultural practices, distinguishing traditional methods from modern practices. The study concludes that this diving culture needs preservation and health education.
18 - Case study on the diving ability of the Bajo tribe in Indonesia - Published by Retos Publications
Author: Ahmet Sedat Dünda, Mucahit Oruç, Osman Celbis, Emine  Türkmen samdancı, Ayse Nur Akatlı, Hasan Okumus, Çasatay Taskapan, Onural Özhan, Hakan Parlakpınars The study aimed to determine the cause of deaths associated with electric shock, particularly those formed with water conduction. It involved 42 rats and examined serum NT-ProBNP, H-FABP levels, histopathological changes, and antibody status in various tissues. The results showed a significant difference between groups in serum H-FABP values and immunohistochemical staining. This study is the first in literature to use an experimental model of electric shock with water conduction.
19 - An experimental rat model of electric shock injury with isolated electric shock and water conduction: the histopathological changes on the skin and internal organs and the effect on biochemical Parameters. - Published by the International Journal of Legal Medicine - Springer
20 - An EPHA2-centered gene regulatory network associates with hyperbaric oxygen treatment response in perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease patients - Published by Digestive Desease Week - DDW
Authors: I.C.N Fung, L.G.M. Mulders, R. Weiss, I.A.M van Thiel, K.J. Beek , I. Admiraal, C. Verseijden, J. Verhoeff, M. Zwart, M.L. Ridderikhof, J. Tielbeek, J. Stoker, R.A. van Hulst, C.J. Buskens, M.E. Wildenberg, K.B. Gecse , A.Y.F. Li Yim, W.J. de Jonge, G.R. D’Haens Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD) is a severe Crohn's disease complication with low long-term remission rates. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used as an adjunct therapy to reduce disease activity and improve surgical closure.
21 - Diving into discomfort: orofacial pain dynamic: A systematic Review - Published by Frontiers
Authors: Lubna A. Alolaiwi, Fawziah A. Alzahrani, and Sulaiman A. AlShammari This study investigates the prevalence of orofacial pain among divers, focusing on military, occupational, and recreational divers. A systematic literature search revealed that barodontalgia had the highest prevalence rate among the four types of orofacial pain, ranging from 10.8% to 56.1%. Periodontal issues had the lowest rate, ranging from 2.8 to 6.6%. Military divers were most affected by all types of pain. The study emphasizes the need for tailored preventive strategies, including dental care, ergonomic interventions, oral hygiene education, equipment fitting, and clenching management.
22 - Extremely deep bounce dives: planning and physiological challenges based on the experiences of a sample of French- speaking technical Divers - Published by EUBS (Author-provided)
Authors: Emmanuel Gouin, Emmanuel Dugrenot, Bernard Gardette This study explores the limits of extreme-depth diving and strategies developed to overcome them. Eight experienced rebreather divers were interviewed about their preparation, planning, and execution of such dives. The results showed that gas density, oxygen exposure, and ascent rate exceeded current recommendations. High pressure nervous syndrome was not a major limiting factor, but decompression posed greater challenges. Decompression procedures must be adapted for these demanding mixed-gas dives, and a dry underwater habitat could improve decompression tolerance. The role of hydrogen as a breathing gas remains uncertain.
23 - Diving practices in technical divers’ community and behaviour towards self-reported unusual symptoms - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine (Author-provided)
Authors: Emmanuel Gouin, David PM Monnot, Thierry Michot, François Guerrero, Jean-Éric Blatteau The use of gas mixtures containing helium for deep recreational diving is becoming more common, but its risks remain poorly documented. A study analyzed 558 questionnaires from certified trimix divers, revealing that 42.2% reported medical risk factors related to diving. Rebreather use was prevalent, and decompression was primarily managed using compartmental models. Dive planning varied among individuals, and gas density at depth often exceeded current recommendations. Decompression sickness or breathing symptoms were common, but no treatment was initiated. The study suggests continued research into decompression and physiological effects, as well as awareness and education efforts in diving first aid.
24 - Mechanisms of Drowning in Children: Influence of Cold Shock Response on Repolarization Patterns and Arrhythmia Burden in Healthy Children. - Published by Research Square
Authors: Sophie Peter The study examines the effects of cold shock response in healthy children during immersion into cold water. Participants were immersed in warm water and then cold water, measuring their heart rate, heart rate, and respiratory rate. Results showed lower heart rate variability parameters in cold water, shorter Tp-Te intervals, and inadequate QT interval adaptation. No arrhythmias were detected in healthy children, but the cold shock response could induce repolarization abnormalities in individuals with pre-existing conditions. This study provides the first data on drowning mechanisms in children.
04 - Snorkelling and Breath-Hold Diving Fatalities in Australia—A Review of 317 Deaths - Published by MDPI
Authors: John M. Lippmann This article investigates snorkelling and breath-hold diving fatalities in Australia from 2000 to 2021, analyzing the causes and potential countermeasures. The study drew on data from the Australasian Diving Safety Foundation and the National Coronial Information System, finding that the median age of victims was 48, with many suffering from health issues such as ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Overweight individuals and those with cardiac arrhythmias were particularly at risk. The study highlights the need for targeted health screenings, skill practice in controlled environments, and improved supervision to prevent such incidents.
05 - Effects of Hook Maneuver on Oxygen Saturation Recovery After −40 m Apnea Dive—A Randomized Crossover Trial - Published by MDPI
Authors: Francisco DeAsís-Fernandez, Alvaro Reina- Varona, Evangelos Papotsidakis, Juan Lafuente, and Jose Fierro-Marrero This study investigates the effectiveness of a specialized breathing technique known as hook breathing (HB) for reducing syncope risk and enhancing oxygen saturation recovery in trained breath-hold divers (BHDs) following a deep apnea dive. Comparing HB with usual breathing (UB), the research indicates that HB leads to a more rapid recovery of oxygen saturation after a dive to -40 meters, with significant differences noted 30 to 45 seconds after surfacing.
06 - Impact of SCUBA diving on French military divers’ lung function: a retrospective cohort - Published by Chest Pulmonary
Authors: Justin Ulm, Jean-Eric Blatteau, Luc Aigle, Roman Glogowski, Olivier Castagna, Arnaud Druelle This article investigates the long-term impacts of SCUBA diving on pulmonary function, specifically within the military diving population. A longitudinal study conducted over 20 years involved 331 male divers with a significant number of spirometric measurements. The findings indicate that SCUBA diving is associated with improved spirometric values, such as forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), suggesting beneficial effects on lung health. The study also discusses how factors such as body mass index (BMI) and smoking history can influence pulmonary function.
07 - Recent updates on cold adaptation in population and laboratory studies, including cross-adaptation with nonthermal factors - Published by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology - BMC
Authors: Hitoshi Wakabayashi, Hiroyuki Sakaue & Takayuki Nishimura This article reviews and updates our understanding of human cold adaptation, focusing on the thermoregulatory responses to cold, particularly the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in thermogenesis. It examines the mechanisms underlying cold-induced vasoconstriction and vasodilation, evaluates cold acclimatization processes, highlights the significance of the cold shock response, and discusses the interaction between exercise and cold exposure on thermoregulation. It suggests that individuals with less BAT may rely on shivering, while those in colder regions exhibit varied responses to cold exposure, underscoring the complexity of cold adaptation mechanisms.
16 - Metabolomic analysis of fatal hypothermia using ultra-high- performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry - Published by Frontiers
Authors: Jia-Hao Li, Jia-Li Liu, Jian-Wen Song, Wei-Liang Deng, Xin-Zhi Cao, Zhong-Wen Wu, Ding-Hao Chen, Hui Wang, Song Yu, and Qi Wang The article discusses the challenges of identifying fatal hypothermia in forensic medicine and highlights the potential of metabolomics to uncover disease mechanisms and molecular markers. Through a comprehensive analysis using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) on various tissues of mice with fatal hypothermia, the study identifies significant metabolic differences in 67 metabolites across tissues, revealing unique alterations and potential survival time indicators that could aid in forensic investigations.
17 - Heliox in the management of respiratory failure in a Morquio A syndrome patient with trachea narrowing. - Published by Science Direct - Elsevier
Authors: Minghan Shi, & Birubi Biman This paper discusses Morquio A Syndrome, a mucopolysaccharide deposition disease leading to respiratory complications due to airway narrowing. Surgical management is risky and often not feasible due to intubation challenges. As a result, patients may require long-term BiPAP support, which can cause adverse effects. The article highlights a case where a patient with 24-hour BiPAP dependence was successfully treated using Heliox, allowing for reduced BiPAP usage and improved quality of life.
25 - A Temporal Comparison of 50 Years of Australian Scuba Diving Fatalities - Published by MDPI
Author: John M. Lippmann The article examines Australian scuba diving fatalities over a span of 50 years, comparing data between two periods: 1972-1999 and 2000-2021. It highlights a total of 430 deaths, with shifts in demographics, such as a decrease in male casualties and an increase in median age and female participation. The study found trends indicating increased training and improved safety measures, which led to a reduction in drowning incidents. However, it also noted a rise in cardiac-related fatalities associated with older divers, highlighting the need for enhanced health education and dive planning to further reduce risks.
26 - Peak VO2Q: A new approach for the interpretation of cardiorespiratory fitness estimates - Published by Wiley
Author: Ben Knox-Brown, Joshua Barnes, Chris Harding, Jonathan Fuld, Karl P. Sylvester The article discusses the challenges of standardizing interpretative strategies for peak oxygen uptake (peak V O2), particularly due to the quality of reference equations. It introduces peak V O2Q, a new approach that assesses how a measured value deviates from the 1st percentile. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing at two hospitals. The study found consistent 1st percentile values across demographics and established a strong association between peak V O2Q and all-cause mortality, suggesting peak V O2Q could serve as a useful alternative for interpreting cardiorespiratory fitness without relying on traditional reference equations.
30 - Myocardial Fibrosis in Athletes: Risk Marker or Physiological Adaptation? - Published by MDPI
Author: Vasiliki Katsi, Epameinondas Triantafyllou, Christos Fragoulis, Christos Vazaios, Spyridon Maragkoudakis, Alexandros Kasiakogias, Charalampos Vlachopoulos, and Konstantinos P. Tsioufis This review discusses the twofold nature of myocardial fibrosis in athletes: as a potential indicator of serious arrhythmias or a harmless result of physiological remodeling. While moderate exercise fosters beneficial cardiac adaptations, ultra-endurance training can lead to significant cardiac alterations. Importantly, the presence of myocardial fibrosis is linked to potential arrhythmic events and increased risk of sudden cardiac death, stressing the need for careful risk assessment in athletes.
31 - Advancing Laboratory Diagnostics for Future Pandemics: Challenges and Innovations - Published by MDPI
Author: Lechuang Chen and Qing H. Meng The article discusses the challenges posed by major epidemics and pandemics such as SARS, H1N1, Ebola, and COVID-19 to global disease diagnostics and control systems. It highlights the deficiencies of traditional diagnostic models and emphasizes the urgent need for more advanced and integrated diagnostic technologies. Key innovations in diagnostics, including molecular techniques like LAMP and NGS, rapid antigen testing, serological assays, and point-of-care testing, are examined as crucial components of a multi-layered approach to effectively respond to future health crises.
27 - Vascular Ultrasonography Performed by Special Operations Forces Combat Medics - Published by The special operation medical association’s official Journal
Authors: Benjamin L. Turner, Jan Cornelis van de Voort, Boke Linso Sjirk Borger van der Burg, Casper M. Fransen, Pieter-Jan A.M. van Ooij, Rigo Hoencamp. This study evaluated a microteaching program to train Dutch Special Operations Forces combat medics with limited ultrasound experience to perform two-dimensional venous ultrasound of the inferior vena cava and popliteal vein for self-monitoring of decompression stress. Using handheld devices with abdominal and linear probes, 25 medics completed vessel imaging on partners after only 2 minutes of instruction. Participants reported no difference in difficulty between vessels, and expert assessors rated image quality as high. This shows that brief microteaching enables rapid, reliable, diagnostic-quality imaging, supporting feasibility for field-deployable screening.
28 - Returning to SCUBA Diving After COVID-19 - Published by Divers Alert Network (DAN)
Authors: Beaubien E, Filozof A, Lindholm P, Saraiva C, Chimiak J, Tillmans F Divers Alert Network initiated the 5-year DRACO study (2020–2022). Of 1,283 divers enrolled, 75.8% (973) resumed diving, with most infections mild (85.9%). However, 14.6% reported post-infection issues, primarily pulmonary complications and fatigue. Among 776 Fitness to Dive exams, 10.6% failed, often linked to pre-existing conditions or delayed return to diving. While most divers with initial failures eventually resumed diving, 40% of those who returned reported ongoing issues. The study concludes that cautious, medically evaluated returns to diving are essential, as COVID-19’s long-term effects persist.
12 - Predicting Post-Dive Inert Gas Bubble Grades in Non- Decompression Scuba Diving with Air: Simplified Model for Enhanced Diver Safety - Published by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences - MDPI
Authors: Andreas Fichtner, Björn Hannesen, Felix Stein, Benedikt Schrofner-Brunner, Thomas Pohl, Thomas Grab, Thea Koch, and Tobias Fieback This study validates a previously proposed formula for predicting post-dive bubble grades based on individual factors and dive parameters using an independent dataset. It also investigates the relevance of detailed dive profile data in predicting echocardiography-derived bubble grades and explores the potential of machine learning models to improve predictive accuracy.
29 - Predictors of acute stress disorder following a military maritime accident - Published by Frontiers
Author: Sverre Sanden, Jarle Eid, and Sigurd William Hystad This study investigated acute stress disorder (ASD) symptoms in 118 crew members of the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad after its collision and sinking in November 2018. Six months before the accident (T1), pre- deployment measures included anxiety, depression, general health, and professional self-efficacy. Three weeks post-accident (T2), 28% of participants showed clinically significant ASD symptoms. Higher pre-incident anxiety and depression scores, as well as female sex, were linked to increased ASD risk, while perceived control during the incident reduced ASD symptoms. Other factors showed no predictive value.
32 - Revised guideline for central nervous system oxygen toxicity exposure limits when using an inspired PO2 of 1.3 atmospheres - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Author: Joseph Hoyt, F Gregory Murphy, Neal W Pollock, Dawn Kernagis, Nicholas Bird, Michael Menduno, John Bright, Simon J Mitchell This study concludes that a four-hour exposure to an inspired PO2 of 1.3 atm during a dive poses a low risk of CNS oxygen toxicity. A second four-hour exposure while resting is also low risk. Longer exposures increase pulmonary toxicity symptoms, but they are reversible. It is advised to dive again only after symptoms resolve. For multiple dives in a day, limit the cumulative total to 4 hours of working dive time and 4 hours of rest. The risk of CNS oxygen toxicity can also be reduced by lowering the likelihood of CO2 retention through strategies such as minimizing underwater work where practicable, and avoiding gas densities greater than 6 g/L, which is the density of air at 40 m.
33 - Heliox at 4 ATA Reduces Error Rates Compared to Trimix and Air, but It Does Not Affect Short-Term Memory in Hyperbaric Conditions - Published by MDPI
Authors: Rita I. Sharma, Natalia D. Mankowska, Anna B. Marcinkowska, Pawel J. Winklewski, and Jacek Kot Cognitive impairment while diving can be lessened with specific breathing mixtures. Hyperbaric conditions are not only found underwater but also in hyperbaric chambers used for therapy. Divers face cognitive challenges due to hyperbaric effects, particularly at depths of 4 atmospheres absolute (ATA). This study assessed healthy volunteers on their reaction times, memory, and errors in tasks at three stages: normal pressure, at 4 ATA, and after returning to normal. Results indicated that using heliox as a breathing mixture decreased errors in hyperbaric conditions, suggesting it could improve safety for both divers and medical staff in these environments.
34 - Evaluating the Impact of Flight Hours on Pulmonary Function in Military Pilots - Published by Aerospace medicine and human performance
Author: Mette Konings, alex C. Wiekenkamp, Yara Q. Wingelaar-Jagt, thijs t. Wingelaar This study examined the impact of military flying on pilots' lung function, analyzing 9,182 medical assessments from 2012 to 2025. Only 3 pilots were declared unfit due to abnormal spirometry. Using a Generalized Estimating Equation model, cumulative flight hours showed a nonsignificant, clinically irrelevant positive trend with FEV/FVC ratio. Some may question the relevance of such a study to diving activities. The answer is that many pilots breathe through masks in a low-pressure environment, while divers work in hyperbaric conditions, which is interesting to put in perspective.
35 - Case Report: Successful treatment of severe type II decompression sickness characterized by multiple gas emboli - Published by Frontiers
Authors: Yan Wang, Yujie Wang, Shuping Li, Donghua Ai, Yubo Chen, and Mei Jing Decompression sickness (DCS) typically results from inadequate decompression, though strict adherence to protocols reduces but does not eliminate risk. Severe cases, marked by gas emboli in critical systems (e.g., pulmonary artery, right ventricle), are rare even when protocols are followed. A diver developed severe Type II DCS despite conservative adherence to decompression tables (19m depth, 120min dive, 45min decompression), experiencing symptoms like chest tightness, dyspnea, and joint pain shortly after surfacing. CT scans confirmed gas emboli in multiple locations. The patient fully recovered after prompt recompression therapy.
36 - Use of in-water recompression for decompression illness after deep freediving: a case series - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Nicole Lin, Elaine Yu, Anna Lussier, Emmanuel Gouin, Peter Lindholm Anecdotal reports indicate rising use of in-water recompression (IWR) by freedivers with neurological symptoms suggestive of decompression illness (DCI), often due to lack of access to hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) in remote settings. This study interviewed six competitive freedivers about 13 DCI cases. Diagnoses included 3 likely decompression sickness, 6 consistent with arterial gas embolism, and 4 ambiguous. Six cases underwent IWR at 5–25 m for 20–90 min, yielding partial or full symptom resolution; four later received HBOT. One diver suffered permanent disability.
37 - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diving routines and diving hygiene - Published by Biological Diversity and Conservation
Authors: Yavuz Aslan, Ayse Sena Yumbul Kardas The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced diving activities in Turkey, with recovery to pre-pandemic levels still pending despite increased virus knowledge and adopted safety measures. A study surveyed 46 divers (mostly experienced, middle-aged, and long-term practitioners) via a 20-question questionnaire distributed to four diving schools. Findings revealed heightened hygiene awareness post-pandemic but noted gaps in safety measure implementation and diminished motivation to resume diving.
38 - Perceptions of airway protection tools: an international survey on the use of mouthpiece retaining straps in closed-circuit rebreather diving. - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Emmanuel Gouin, Emmanuel Dugrenot, Rachel M Lance , Thierry Michot, Laura Marroni, Frauke Tillmans Rebreather diving has a high fatality rate, yet is increasing in popularity. A mouthpiece retaining strap (MRS) has been shown to prevent fatalities in military divers, but its use is limited among recreational divers where drowning is a significant risk. An online survey of 563 certified rebreather divers revealed that only 37.3% had received MRS training. Divers who received training rated MRS importance significantly higher than those without training. Key barriers to MRS adoption include negative past experiences, inadequate training, perceived misuse, and concerns about complications during emergency procedures.
39 - Validation and clinical use of the Maquet (Getinge) original series Rotaflow extracorporeal membrane oxygenation device in hyperbaric conditions: a technical report - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Theo Tsouras, Bridget Devaney, Zhiliang Caleb Lin, Christopher Covelli, Lloyd Roberts, Vinodh Bhagyalakshmi Nanjayya, Ian Millar This study describes the first clinical application of ECMO in a hyperbaric chamber using modified Maquet Rotaflow 1 and Quadrox-i oxygenator components in a PLS circuit. Rigorous testing and 13 hyperbaric oxygen treatment sessions for a patient with life-threatening fungal infection demonstrated stable circuit flow (with up to 10% variability between displays), consistent performance during pressurization/decompression, safe device temperatures, and no bubble formation or structural issues. Clinically, the patient remained stable with achieved hyperoxygenation targets, while oxygen inflow up to 8 L/min maintained CO2 clearance.
40 - Therapeutic Potential of GYY4137 in Reducing Oxidative Stress and Mortality in Experimental Decompression Sickness - Published by Nature
Authors: Lucile Daubresse, Marion Marlinge, Hélène Lavner, Julia-Sophie Dodivers, Alexandrine Bertaud, Simon Lledo, Samantha Conte, Julien Fromonot, Marguerite Gastaldi, Jean Jacques Risso, Jean Claude Rostain, Jean Eric Blatteau, Nicolas Vallee, Régis Guieu & Regis Guieu This study focuses on decompression sickness (DCS) and its biological processes, including bubble formation and oxidative stress. Researchers examined the effects of GYY4137, a compound that donates hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and has antioxidant properties, in mice. Sixty mice received either GYY4137 or saline before undergoing rapid decompression. GYY4137 improved survival rates and reduced oxidative stress without significantly altering certain enzyme activities, suggesting that H2S may protect against DCS.
40 - Review of excursion procedures used in commercial heliox saturation diving - Published by Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
Authors: Jean-Pierre Imbert, Lyubisa Matity, Jean-Yves Massimelli, Christian Cadieux, Jan Risberg, Philip Bryson This study reviews heliox-saturation procedures used in offshore commercial diving, with a focus on bell-excursion dives. It excludes initial compression and final decompression. Its first objective is to trace the history and the reasons behind the successive changes that led to the current practices. Its second objective is to review current practice, identify problem areas, and outline future perspectives.