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High pressure is an environmental characteristic of the deep sea that may exert critical effects on the physiology and mental abilities of divers. In this study we evaluated the performance efficacy and mental ability of four divers during a 300-meter helium-oxygen saturation dive at sea. Spatial memory, 2D/3D mental rotation functioning, grip strength, and hand-eye coordination ability were examined for four divers during the pre-dive, compression, decompression, and post-dive phases. The results showed that both the reaction time and the correct responses for the mental rotation and hand-eye coordination were slightly fluctuated. In addition, there was a significant decline ..

Purpose: To identify the most prevalent health conditions among divers during their last year of Navy service. Methods: For this retrospective descriptive study we used data from the Dive Jump Reporting System to identify 4,623 active-duty divers who separated between 2008 and 2018. Medical records, dive histories, and personnel files were merged, linked and analyzed at the individual level. Results: On average, 420 divers separated each year. Among the separating divers, 99% were male, 26% were aged 25 to 29 years old with a mean age of 35 (SD = 9, range 18 to 65). The major medical categories with the ..

A recent rise in snorkeling-related deaths in Hawaii has inspired several bans on full face snorkel masks (FFSMs). However, while there are theories to explain the deaths, little physiological data exists about the way the FFSMs provide gas to an exercising subject. To evaluate the safety of the FFSM concept, this  study was designed to test how use of a full face snorkel mask (FFSM) may be physiologically different than use of a conventional snorkel, and to assess if any of those differences could lead to increased risk for the snorkeler. Ten (10) volunteer human subjects were tested using a ..

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition for which new therapies are needed. The objective of this literature review was to compile evidence related to the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy in sepsis. The goal of this analysis was to determine whether human trials are indicated. The study was designed as a narrative review of literature for studies of HBO2 therapy in sepsis. Literature was reviewed to understand potentially beneficial and harmful clinical and physiological effects of HBO2 therapy in animals with sepsis. HBO2 has several physiologic mechanisms which may be beneficial in sepsis, including restoration of mitochondrial function, improved ..

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an existing and approved treatment to address multiple medical conditions, including decompression sickness, air or gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, and profound blood loss when transfusion cannot be accomplished. However, recent efforts have emerged to promote hyperbaric oxygen therapy for other purposes. The most controversial applications have been utilizing this therapy as a treatment for mild traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. As evidence accumulates and the debate continues about whether published studies have satisfied the threshold of clinical significance, a common issue is raised regarding current clinical practices and health insurance coverage as allowed ..

Background: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) is intractable, and spinal cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) are potential therapeutic targets for CINP. Previous studies demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) may contribute in alleviating specific peripheral neuropathic pain. However, neither CINP nor CBR have been clarified. We hypothesized that HBO2 is capable of alleviating CINP, and the effect could be explained by the activation of spinal CBRs. Methods: A series of paclitaxel-induced CINP models were established on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Then HBO2 treatment was administered for seven consecutive days at 2.5 atmospheres absolute. Two groups were treated with AM251 (an antagonist of CBR type-1, CBR1) ..

Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema are known complications of liposuction and body sculpting procedures. Treatment options are limited, and recovery is often prolonged. We discuss a case of severe subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema after a skin-tightening procedure involving helium gas. The patient received one treatment of hyperbaric oxygen and was followed until symptom resolution. We review the known literature on hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a treatment for subcutaneous emphysema. 10.22462/01.02.2022.7

Background and Purpose: Following carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, altered mental status is an important predictor of poor neurological prognosis, including delayed neurological sequelae (DNS). However, it is difficult to interview CO-poisoned patients accurately about exposure intervals and loss of consciousness (LOC). Thus, we investigated whether DNS can be predicted using objective factors such as laboratory results and brain imaging in patients suffering CO poisoning with altered mental status. Methods: This was a prospective observational study involving all CO-poisoned patients who visited the university hospital emergency department (ED) in Bucheon, South Korea, between January 2019 and April 2020. All were registered ..

2022 UHMS Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts and Author Index 10.22462/01.02.2022.9