Публикации

Подборка научных публикаций по водолазной медицине и физиологии

2018 окт 2
Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: a marker of cerebral arousal during modified gravitational conditions related to parabolic flights
Balestra C., Machado ML., Theunissen S., Balestra A., Cialoni D., Clot C., Besnard S., Kammacher L., Delzenne J., Germonpré P., Lafère P.

In situ evaluation of human brain performance and arousal remains challenging during operational circumstances, hence the need for a rapid, reliable and reproducible tool. Here we hypothesized that the Critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) reflecting/requiring visual integration, visuo-motor skills and decision-taking process might be a powerful, fast and simple tool in modified gravity environments. Therefore 11 male healthy volunteers were assessed for higher cognitive functions with CFFF during parabolic flights. They were assessed at different time points: upon arrival to the base, 30 min after subcutaneous scopolamine administration, before parabolas, during hypergravity and microgravity at break time (between the 16th and the 17th parabola), on the return flight and on the ground after landing.

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2014 дек 1
Decompression Theory
apadopoulou V, Chatterton J, Popov G, Eckersley RJ, Balestra C, Karapantsios TD, Tang MX, Cialoni D & Kot J.

By using dive tables or diving computers, divers are effectively using decompression algorithms to manage the risk of developing decompression sickness (DCS). They dictate the time allowed at each depth before the dive converts from no-decompression dive into a decompression dive, as well as the decompression stops needed for a decompression dive (time to spend at various depths on the way up to the surface). These algorithms are calculations that follow from the principles of a given decompression theory; of these, different ones exist with wildly different approaches. It is clear that the principles of those algorithms are very different in terms of what the mathematical modelling translates to in reality. This highlights that we still do not know exactly how bubbles form and grow in the body and when they trigger DCS.

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2018 сен 1
Decreased incidence of pulmonary barotrauma after discontinuation of emergency free ascent training
Lafère P, Germonpré P, Guerrero F, Marroni A, Balestra C.

Introduction: Because a significant association between training to perform emergency free ascent (EFA) and the occurrence of pulmonary barotrauma (PBT) was demonstrated in 2006, the Belgian Underwater Federation (BUF) decided to discontinue this procedure. An evaluation was needed 10 yr after the implementation of this change. Methods: All medical records with a diagnosis of PBT that occurred in Belgium from November 2006 to September 2016 were prospectively collected. Data on the proportion of in-water skills training dives were obtained from BUF.

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2018 янв 1
Design and Implementation of an Underwater Telemetric Glucose Monitoring System for Scuba Divers
Egi S. M., Altepe C., Pieri M., Ruzgar Sinoplu D., Cialoni D., Özyiğit T., Pierleoni P., Marroni A.

Despite the abundance of telemetric applications for ecology, behavior and physiology of marine life, few efforts were reported about the use of acoustic telemetry for SCUBA divers. Such systems are required to study the medical conditions of some type of divers such as diabetic ones. This study communicates the details of a study to design, manufacture and test a prototype system that measures the blood glucose while diving and transmit the results in real time to the surface. The system design consists of a subcutaneous sensor to measure interstitial glycaemia, a microcontroller based RF receiver board in a custom built waterproof casing, a pair of acoustic modems to transmit data underwater and a computer on the surface to log the received data.

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2017 июн 9
Design and Validation of a Breathing Detection System for Scuba Divers
Altepe C., Egi S.M., Ozyigit T., Ruzgar Sinoplu D., Marroni A. and Pierleoni P.

Drowning is the major cause of death in self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving. This study proposes an embedded system with a live and light-weight algorithm which detects the breathing of divers through the analysis of the intermediate pressure (IP) signal of the SCUBA regulator. A system composed mainly of two pressure sensors and a low-power microcontroller was designed and programmed to record the pressure sensors signals and provide alarms in absence of breathing. An algorithm was developed to analyze the signals and identify inhalation events of the diver. A waterproof case was built to accommodate the system and was tested up to a depth of 25 m in a pressure chamber.

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