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Oxygen Variations
26 septembre 2023, BALESTRA, Costantino; Virgili, Fabio; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
For many years, diving and hyperbaric medicine has strived to increase our understanding of the effects of environmental stressors on human pathophysiology. It has demonstrated the importance of oxygen and has taught us not to fear this oxidative molecule, the name of which is derived from the ancient Greek meaning the “acid generator” or Oxy-Gene; indeed, at that time, it was believed that all acids ...
Hyperbaric medicine
12 février 2023, BALESTRA, Costantino; Kot, Jacek,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
Oxygen (both its presence and absence) acts as a potent signaling mechanism in many, if not
most, cellular processes.
Oxygen has been used therapeutically mainly to alleviate or correct hypoxia, and has been
administered in supra-atmospheric doses in the form of hyperbaric oxygen (a method derived from
diving medicine practices, but has been used in non-diving applications since the 1960s).
Hyperbaric ...
Qu'est-ce qui va changer? - Capitre dans Coeur et Plongée
Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
Le monde sous-marin est devenu accessible au plus grand nombre. Les méthodes de plongée se sont diversifiées, la population de plongeurs aussi... Mais la plongée demeure une activité à risques. Les pathologies cardiaques peuvent faire courir des dangers importants, non seulement au plongeur, mais aussi à tous ceux impliqués en cas d'assistance. Or, les données concernant les décès en plongée mettent ...
Diving deeper into SCUBA Science
12 février 2017, BALESTRA, Costantino; GERMONPRÉ, Peter,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
Livre/Ouvrage ou monographie
The editors of and authors of this book are a cadre of scientists and physicians with broad experience and knowledge of diving physiology and decompression theory. As is often the case, it requires a group effort to succeed in advancing practical knowledge. The colloquialism "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts" is often true and the PHYPODE Reasearch Group epitomizes this concept. By ...
Pulmonary Effects of One Week of Repeated Recreational Closed-Circuit Rebreather Dives in Cold Water
28 décembre 2022, Gouin, Emmanuel; BALESTRA, Costantino; Orsat, Jeremy; Dugrenot, Emmanuel; L'Her, Erwan,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background and Objectives: The use of closed-circuit rebreathers (CCRs) in recreational diving is gaining interest. However, data regarding its physiological effects are still scarce. Immersion, cold water, hyperoxia, exercise or the equipment itself could challenge the cardiopulmonary system. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of CCR diving on lung function and autonomous cardiac ...
Full-Face Mask Use during SCUBA Diving Counters Related Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Dysfunction
15 janvier 2022, Levenez, Morgan; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Germonpré, Peter; Pique, Hadrien; Virgili, Fabi; Bosco, Gerardo; Lafere, Pierre; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Impaired flow mediated dilation (FMD), an index of vascular stress, is known after SCUBA diving. This is related to a dysfunction of nitric oxide (NO) availability and a disturbance of the redox status, possibly induced by hyperoxic/hyperbaric gas breathing. SCUBA diving is usually performed with a mask only covering "half face" (HF) and therefore forcing oral breathing. Nasal NO production is ...
The Normobaric Oxygen Paradox-Hyperoxic Hypoxic Paradox: A Novel Expedient Strategy in Hematopoiesis Clinical Issues
janvier 2023, Salvagno, Michele; Coppalini, Giacomo; Taccone, Fabio-Silvio; Strapazzon, Giacomo; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Rocco, Monica; Khalife, Maher; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Hypoxia, even at non-lethal levels, is one of the most stressful events for all aerobic organisms as it significantly affects a wide spectrum of physiological functions and energy production. Aerobic organisms activate countless molecular responses directed to respond at cellular, tissue, organ, and whole-body levels to cope with oxygen shortage allowing survival, including enhanced neo-angiogenesis ...
Architectural and Mechanical Changes after Five Weeks of Intermittent Static Stretch Training on the Medial Gastrocnemius Muscle of Active Adults
27 mars 2023, Levenez, Morgan; Moeremans, Mathieu; Boorghs, Cédric; Vigouroux, Florent; Leveque, Clément; HEMELRYCK, Walter; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
We investigated the effects of intermittent long-term stretch training (5 weeks) on the architectural and mechanical properties of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) in healthy humans. MTU's viscoelastic and architectural properties in the human medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle and the contribution of muscle and tendon structures to the MTU lengthening were analyzed. Ten healthy volunteers participated ...
Elevations of Extracellular Vesicles and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Closed Circuit SCUBA Divers
22 mars 2023, Arya, Awadhesh; BALESTRA, Costantino; Bhopale, Veena; Tominen, Laura; Raisanen-Sokolowski, Anne; Dugrenot, Emmanuel; Thom, Stephen,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Blood-borne extracellular vesicles and inflammatory mediators were evaluated in divers using a closed circuit rebreathing apparatus and custom-mixed gases to diminish some diving risks. "Deep" divers (n = 8) dove once to mean (+/-SD) 102.5 +/- 1.2 m of sea water (msw) for 167.3 +/- 11.5 min. "Shallow" divers (n = 6) dove 3 times on day 1, and then repetitively over 7 days to 16.4 +/- 3.7 msw, for ...
Hydration status during commercial saturation diving measured by bioimpedance and urine specific gravity
29 septembre 2022, Werke, Stian Lande; Landswerk, Halvor Dagsson; Lautridou, Jacky; Imbert, Jean-Pierre; BALESTRA, Costantino; Eftedal, Ingrid,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Excessive fluid loss triggered by hyperbaric pressure, water immersion and hot water suits causes saturation divers to be at risk of dehydration. Dehydration is associated with reductions in mental and physical performance, resulting in less effective work and an increased risk of work-related accidents. In this study we examined the hydration status of 11 male divers over 19 days of a commercial ...
Oxygen Variations-Insights into Hypoxia, Hyperoxia and Hyperbaric Hyperoxia - Is the Dose the Clue?
20 septembre 2023, BALESTRA, Costantino; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Virgili, Fabio,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
on, nitrogen and hydrogen); aerobic organisms depend on it to release energy from carbon-based molecules. The concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere is ~20.93–20.95% (209–460 ppm), but this has fluctuated markedly throughout geological history. It stabilized within a habitable range, between ~15% and 35%, which has been maintained from the Cambrian period 540 million years ago until today [1].
The ...
Editorial: Feelings of energy and fatigue: Two different moods
19 avril 2023, Boolani, Ali; Martin, Joel; D'acquisto, Fulvio; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
The "normobaric oxygen paradox": a new tool for the anesthetist?
10 janvier 2014, Rocco, Monica; Ditri, Luciano; De Bels, David; Corazza, Francis; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Hypoxia is the natural trigger for endogenous EPO production but recently the use of intermittent hyperoxia to stimulate EPO has been postulated and this phenomenon has been called the "normobaric oxygen paradox" (NOP). The "NOP" is a mechanism by which oxygen regulates the expression of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF-1alpha). The HIF-1alpha-depending gene regulation is responsible for ...
Relationships between plasma lipids, proteins, surface tension and post-dive bubbles
13 février 2015, Schellart, Nico; Rozloznik, Miroslav; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Decompression sickness (DCS) in divers is caused by bubbles of inert gas. When DCS occurs, most bubbles can be found in the venous circulation: venous gas emboli (VGE). Bubbles are thought to be stabilized by low molecular weight surfactant reducing the plasma-air surface tension (γ). Proteins may play a role as well. We studied the interrelations between these substances, γ and VGE, measured before ...
Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), Personality Traits, and Iterative Decompression Sickness. Retrospective Analysis of 209 Cases
20 août 2017, Lafère, Pierre; BALESTRA, Costantino; Caers, Dirk; GERMONPRÉ, Peter,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Introduction: There is a need to evaluate the influence of risk factors such as patency of foramen ovale (PFO) or "daredevil" psychological profile on contra-indication policy after a decompression sickness (DCS). Methods: By crossing information obtained from Belgian Hyperbaric Centers, DAN Emergency Hotline, the press, and Internet diving forums, it was possible to be accountable for the majority ...
Correlation between Patent Foramen Ovale, cerebral “lesions” and neuropsychometric testing in experienced sports divers: does diving damage the brain?
Article scientifique
SCUBA diving exposes divers to decompression sickness (DCS). There has been considerable debate whether divers with a Patent Foramen Ovale of the heart have a higher risk of DCS because of the possible right-to-left shunt of venous decompression bubbles into the arterial circulation. Symptomatic neurological DCS has been shown to cause permanent damage to brain and spinal cord tissue; it has been ...
Dive Risk Factors, Gas Bubble Formation, and Decompression Illness in Recreational SCUBA Diving: Analysis of DAN Europe DSL Data Base
10 mai 2017, Cialoni, Danilo; Pieri, Massimo; BALESTRA, Costantino; Marroni, Alessandro,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Introduction: The popularity of SCUBA diving is steadily increasing together with the number of dives and correlated diseases per year. The rules that govern correct decompression procedures are considered well known even if the majority of Decompression Sickness (DCS) cases are considered unexpected confirming a bias in the "mathematical ability" to predict DCS by the current algorithms. Furthermore, ...
Preconditioning to Reduce Decompression Stress in Scuba Divers
Article scientifique
BACKGROUND: Using ultrasound imaging, vascular gas emboli (VGE) are observed after asymptomatic scuba dives and are considered a key element in the potential development of decompression sickness (DCS). Diving is also accompanied with vascular dysfunction, as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Previous studies showed significant intersubject variability to VGE for the same diving exposure and ...
Objective vs. Subjective Evaluation of Cognitive Performance During 0.4-MPa Dives Breathing Air or Nitrox
19 avril 2017, GERMONPRÉ, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino; Hemelryck, Walter; Buzzacott, Peter; Lafère, Pierre,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
BACKGROUND: Divers try to limit risks associated with their sport, for instance by breathing enriched air nitrox (EANx) instead of air. This double blinded, randomized trial was designed to see if the use of EANx could effectively improve cognitive performance while diving. METHODS: Eight volunteers performed two no-decompression dry dives breathing air or EANx for 20 min at 0.4 MPa. Cognitive ...
Evidence of Heritable Determinants of Decompression Sickness in Rats
22 juillet 2017, Lautridou, Jacky; Buzzacott, Peter; Belhomme, Marc; Dugrenot, Emmanuel; Lafère, Pierre; BALESTRA, Costantino; Guerrero, François,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
NTRODUCTION: Decompression sickness (DCS) is a complex and poorly understood systemic disease caused by inadequate desaturation following a decrease of ambient pressure. Strong variability between individuals is observed for DCS occurrence. This raises questions concerning factors that may be involved in the inter-individual variability of DCS occurrence. This study aimed to experimentally assess ...
Effects of Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Cardiovascular Function in Unacclimatized Healthy Subjects: A "Rapid Ascent" Hypobaric Chamber Study
28 avril 2022, THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; BALESTRA, Costantino; Bolognési, Sébastien; Borgers, Guy; Vissenaeken, Dirk; Obeid, Georges; Germonpré, Peter; Honoré, Patrick M.; De Bels, David,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background: This study aimed to observe the effects of a fast acute ascent to simulated high altitudes on cardiovascular function both in the main arteries and in peripheral circulation. Methods: We examined 17 healthy volunteers, between 18 and 50 years old, at sea level, at 3842 m of hypobaric hypoxia and after return to sea level. Cardiac output (CO) was measured with Doppler transthoracic ...
Oxidative Stress Response Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different (1.4 ATA and 2.5 ATA) Hyperbaric Hyperoxia Exposures
02 août 2023, Leveque, Clément; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Germonpré, Peter; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Bosco, Gerardo; Levenez, Morgan; Lafère, Pierre; Guerrero, François; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a therapeutical approach based on exposure to pure oxygen in an augmented atmospheric pressure. Although it has been used for years, the exact kinetics of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) between different pressures of hyperbaric oxygen exposure are still not clearly evidenced. In this study, the metabolic responses of hyperbaric hyperoxia exposures for 1 h at ...
Oxidative Stress Response Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different Levels (10% or 15%) of Normobaric Hypoxia Exposure
15 juin 2023, Leveque, Clément; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Germonpré, Peter; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Gussoni, Maristella; Levenez, Morgan; Lafère, Pierre; Guerrero, François; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
In this study, the metabolic responses of hypoxic breathing for 1 h to inspired fractions of 10% and 15% oxygen were investigated. To this end, 14 healthy nonsmoking subjects (6 females and 8 males, age: 32.2 ± 13.3 years old (mean ± SD), height: 169.1 ± 9.9 cm, and weight: 61.6 ± 16.2 kg) volunteered for the study. Blood samples were taken before, and at 30 min, 2 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h after a 1 ...
Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Evidences from Laboratory and In-Field Studies
12 septembre 2023, Gussoni, Maristella; Moretti, Sarah; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Genitoni, Valerio; Giardini, Guido; BALESTRA, Costantino; Bosco, Gerardo; Pratali, Lorenza; Spagnolo, Elisabetta; Montorsi, Michela; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Intense, long exercise can increase oxidative stress, leading to higher levels of inflammatory
mediators and muscle damage. At the same time, fatigue has been suggested as one of the factors
giving rise to delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The aim of this study was to investigate the
efficacy of a specific electrical stimulation (ES) treatment (without elicited muscular contraction) on
two ...
Effect of SCUBA Diving on Ophthalmic Parameters
09 mars 2022, Deleu, Laurent; Catherine, Janet; Postelmans, Laurence; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background and Objective: Several cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) in divers have been reported in our medical retina center over the past few years. This study was designed to evaluate possible changes induced by SCUBA diving in ophthalmic parameters and especially subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), since the choroid seems to play a crucial role in physiopathology of CSC. Materials ...
Vascular Function Recovery Following Saturation Diving
17 octobre 2022, Imbert, Jean-Pierre; Egi, Sahli-Murat; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background and Objectives: Saturation diving is a technique used in commercial diving. Decompression sickness (DCS) was the main concern of saturation safety, but procedures have evolved over the last 50 years and DCS has become a rare event. New needs have evolved to evaluate the diving and decompression stress to improve the flexibility of the operations (minimum interval between dives, optimal ...
The effect of a passive stretch training protocol on performance during a drop jump in humans
30 mars 2013, Levenez, Morgan; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Bottero, Antoine; SNOECK, Thyl; Tinlot, Arnaud; BALESTRA, Costantino; Provyn, Steven,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Our study's aim is to show how a five-week stretch training protocol, based on passive stretching, can change muscle performance during a drop jump (stretch shortening cycle). METHODS: This study observes in 8 healthy subjects (four males and four females), the effect of a 5-week passive stretch training protocol on the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) during the performance of a drop jump, and identify ...
A fully automated method for late ventricular diastole frame selection in post-dive echocardiography without ECG gatingEr
02 mars 2021, Markley, Eric; Germonpré, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino; Tillmans, Frauke; Denoble, Petar; Freiberger, Jake; Moon, Richard; Dayton, Paul; Papadopoulou, Virginie,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Venous gas emboli (VGE) are often quantified as a marker of decompression stress on echocardiograms. Bubble-counting has been proposed as an easy to learn method, but remains time-consuming, rendering large dataset analysis impractical. Computer automation of VGE counting following this method has therefore been suggested as a means to eliminate rater bias and save time. A necessary step for this ...
Oxidative Stress Response’s Kinetics after 60 Minutes at Different (30% or 100%) Normobaric Hyperoxia Exposures
30 décembre 2022, Leveque, Clément; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Lafère, Pierre; Vezzoli, Alessandra; Germonpré, Peter; Beer, Alexandre; Mievis, Stéphane; Virgili, Fabio; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Guerrero, François; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Oxygen is a powerful trigger for cellular reactions and is used in many pathologies,
including oxidative stress. However, the effects of oxygen over time and at different partial pressures
remain poorly understood. In this study, the metabolic responses of normobaric oxygen intake
for 1 h to mild (30%) and high (100%) inspired fractions were investigated. Fourteen healthy nonsmoking subjects (7 ...
The "ON-OFF" Switching Response of Reactive Oxygen Species in Acute Normobaric Hypoxia: Preliminary Outcome
16 février 2023, BALESTRA, Costantino; Mrakic-Sposta, Simona; Gussoni, Maristella; Marzorati, Mauro; Porcelli, Simone; Bosco, Gerardo; Montorsi, Michela; Lafortuna, Claudio; Vezzoli, Alessandra,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Exposure to acute normobaric hypoxia (NH) elicits reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, whose production kinetics and oxidative damage were here investigated. Nine subjects were monitored while breathing an NH mixture (0.125 F(I)O(2) in air, about 4100 m) and during recovery with room air. ROS production was assessed by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance in capillary blood. Total antioxidant ...
A fully automated method for late ventricular diastole frame selection in post-dive echocardiography without ECG gating
02 mars 2021, Markley, Eric; Le, David; Germonpré, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino; Tillmans, Frauke; Denoble, Petar; Freiberger, Jake; Moon, Richard; Dayton, Paul; Papadopoulou, Virginie,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Venous gas emboli (VGE) are often quantified as a marker of decompression stress on echocardiograms. Bubble-counting has been proposed as an easy to learn method, but remains time-consuming, rendering large dataset analysis impractical. Computer automation of VGE counting following this method has therefore been suggested as a means to eliminate rater bias and save time. A necessary step for this ...
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF NECK MUSCULAR SIZE AND RANGE OF MOTION IN RUGBY PLAYERS
01 février 2018, HEMELRYCK, Walter; Calistri, Josselin; Papadopoulou, Virginie; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Dugardeyn, Christian; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background: World Rugby Union laws are constantly evolving towards stringent injury-prevention, particularly for contested scrums, since front row players are most at risk of cervical spine injuries. Recently, some countries have also introduced tailored training programs and minimum performance requirements for playing in the front row. Nevertheless, these approaches lack an objective assessment ...
Editorial: Physiological telemonitoring and interventional telemedicine in extreme environments
22 janvier 2024, BALESTRA, Costantino; Bosco, Gerardo; Cialoni, Danilo; Kot, Jacek; Pelliccia, Riccardo; Marroni, Alessandro,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Physiological and Clinical Impact of Repeated Inhaled Oxygen Variation on Erythropoietin Levels in Patients After Surgery
15 septembre 2021, Khalifé, Maher; Ben Haziz, Mohamed; BALESTRA, Costantino; Valsamis, Joseph; Sosnowski, Maurice,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
The "Normobaric Oxygen Paradox" (NOP) is a physiologic mechanism that induces an increase of endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) production by creating a state of relative hypoxia in subjects previously exposed to hyperoxia, followed by a rapid return to normoxia. Oxygen exposure duration and inspired oxygen fraction required to observe a significant increase in EPO or hemoglobin are not clearly defined. ...
Decompression induced bubble dynamics on ex vivo fat and muscle tissue surfaces with a new experimental set up
04 avril 2015, Papadopoulou, Virginie; Evgenidis, Sotiris; Eckersley, Robert; Mesimeris, Thodoris; BALESTRA, Costantino; Kostoglou, Margaritis; Tang, Meng-Xing; Karapantsios, Thodoris,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Vascular gas bubbles are routinely observed after scuba dives using ultrasound imaging, however the precise formation mechanism and site of these bubbles are still debated and growth from decompression in vivo has not been extensively studied, due in part to imaging difficulties. An experimental set-up was developed for optical recording of bubble growth and density on tissue surface area during ...
Cutis Marmorata skin decompression sickness is a manifestation of brainstem bubble embolization, not of local skin bubbles
10 avril 2015, Germonpré, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino; Obeid, Georges; Chers, Dirk,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
"Cutis Marmorata" skin symptoms after diving, most frequently in the form of an itching or painful cutaneous red-bluish discoloration are commonly regarded as a mild form of decompression sickness (DCS), and treated with oxygen inhalation without reverting to hyperbaric recompression treatment. It has been observed that the occurrence of Cutis Marmorata is frequently associated with the presence of ...
Flying after diving: should recommendations be reviewed? In-flight echocardiographic study in bubble-prone and bubble-resistant divers
13 mai 2015, Cialoni, Danilo; Pieri, Massimo; BALESTRA, Costantino; Marroni, Alessandro,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
INTRODUCTION: Inert gas accumulated after multiple recreational dives can generate tissue supersaturation and bubble formation when ambient pressure decreases. We hypothesized that this could happen even if divers respected the currently recommended 24-hour pre-flight surface interval (PFSI). METHODS: We performed transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) on a group of 56 healthy scuba divers (39 male, ...
A ternary model of decompression sickness in rats
01 décembre 2014, Buzzacott, Peter; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Mazur, Aleksandra; Wang, Qiong; Papadopoulou, Virginie; Theron, Michaël; BALESTRA, Costantino; Guerrero, François,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background: Decompression sickness (DCS) in rats is commonly modelled as a binary outcome. The present study aimed to develop a ternary model of predicting probability of DCS in rats, (as no-DCS, survivable-DCS or death), based upon the compression/decompression profile and physiological characteristics of each rat.
Methods: A literature search identified dive profiles with outcomes no-DCS, ...
Ultrasound lung "comets" increase after breath-hold diving
23 octobre 2010, LAMBRECHTS, Kate; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Charbel, Brian; Cialoni, Danilo; Musimu, Patrick; Sponsiello, Nicola; Marroni, Alessandro; Pastouret, Fredéric; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
The purpose of the study was to analyze the ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) variation, which are a sign of extra-vascular lung water. Forty-two healthy individuals performed breath-hold diving in different conditions: dynamic surface apnea; deep variable-weight apnea and shallow, face immersed without effort (static maximal and non-maximal). The number of ULCs was evaluated by means of an ultrasound ...
Effect of a single, open-sea, air scuba dive on human micro- and macrovascular function
15 août 2013, LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Pontier, Jean-Michel; BALESTRA, Costantino; Mazur, Aleksandra; Wang, Qiong; Buzzacott, Peter; Theron, Michaël; Mansourati, Jacques; Guerrero, François,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Purpose: Previous studies have shown that bubble formation induced endothelial damage on conduit arteries. We aim to evaluate the effect of diving on microvascular and macrovascular function.
Methods: Nine divers took part in a SCUBA dive at 30 msw (400 kPa), for 30 min of bottom time. Pre- and post-dive, they underwent an assessment of endothelial-dependent (acetylcholine) and endothelial-independent ...
One-week cocoa flavanol intake increases prefrontal cortex oxygenation at rest and during moderate-intensity exercise in normoxia and hypoxia
12 juillet 2018, Decroix, Lieselot; Tonoli, Cajsa; Lespagnol, Elodie; BALESTRA, Costantino; Descat, Amandine; Drittij-Reijnders, Marie José; Blackwell, Jamie; Stahl, Wilhelm; Jones, Andrew; Wesseler, Antje; Bast, Aalt; Meeusen, Romain; Heyman, Elsa,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
During exercise in hypoxia, O2 delivery to brain and muscle is compromised, and oxidative stress is elicited. Cocoa flavanols (CF) have antioxidant capacities and can increase blood flow by stimulating endothelial function. We aimed to examine the effects of 7-day CF intake on oxidative stress, nitric oxide production, and tissue oxygenation in response to exercise in normobaric hypoxia (14.3% O2). ...
Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Marker of Cerebral Arousal During Modified Gravitational Conditions Related to Parabolic Flights
02 octobre 2018, BALESTRA, Costantino; Machado, Marie-Laure; Theunissen, Sigrid; BALESTRA, Ambre; Cialoni, Danilo; Clot, Christian; Besnard, Stépane; Kammacher, Laura; Delzenne, Julie; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Lafère, Pierre,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
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. ...
Ultrasonographic Assessment of Neck Muscular Size and Range of Motion in Rugby Players
28 février 2018, HEMELRYCK, Walter; Calistri, Josselin; Dugardeyn, Christian; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background: World Rugby Union laws are constantly evolving towards stringent injury-prevention, particularly for contested scrums, since front row players are most at risk of cervical spine injuries. Recently, some countries have also introduced tailored training programs and minimum performance requirements for playing in the front row. Nevertheless, these approaches lack an objective assessment ...
Pre-dive Whole-Body Vibration Better Reduces Decompression-Induced Vascular Gas Emboli than Oxygenation or a Combination of Both
30 novembre 2016, BALESTRA, Costantino; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Papadopoulou, Virginie; Le Mener, Cédric; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Guerrero, François; Lafère, Pierre,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Purpose: Since non-provocative dive profiles are no guarantor of protection against decompression sickness, novel means including pre-dive "preconditioning" interventions, are proposed for its prevention. This study investigated and compared the effect of pre-dive oxygenation, pre-dive whole body vibration or a combination of both on post-dive bubble formation. Methods: Six healthy volunteers performed ...
Beneficial effect of enriched air nitrox on bubble formation during scuba diving. An open-water study
12 avril 2017, Brebek, Anne-Kathrin; Deussen, Andreas; Schmitz-Peiffer, Henning; Range, Ursula; BALESTRA, Costantino; Cleveland, Sinclair; Schipke, Jochen,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Backround: Nitrogen narcosis impairs cognitive function, a fact relevant during SCUBA-diving. Oxygen-enriched air (nitrox) became popular in recreational diving, while evidence of its advantages over air is limited. AIM: Compare effects of nitrox28 and air on two psychometric tests. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, open-water study, 108 advanced divers (38 females) were randomized to an ...
Commercial Divers' Subjective Evaluation of Saturation
30 janvier 2019, Imbert, Jean Pierre; BALESTRA, Costantino; Kiboub, Fatima Zohra; Loennechen, Øyvind; Eftedal, Ingrid,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Commercial saturation diving involves divers living and working in an enclosed atmosphere with elevated partial pressure of oxygen (ppO2) for weeks. The divers must acclimatize to these conditions during compression, and for up to 28 days until decompression is completed. During decompression, the ppO2 and ambient pressure are gradually decreased; then the divers must acclimatize again to breathing ...
Comparison of insulation provided by dry or wetsuits among recreational divers during cold water immersion (< 5 degrees C)
05 octobre 2021, Lafère, Pierre; Guerrero, François; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
BACKGROUND: Divers thermal status influences susceptibility to decompression sickness hence the need for proper insulation during immersion in cold water. However, there is a lack of data on thermal protection provided by diving suits, hence this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different groups of divers wearing either a wetsuit (n = 15) or a dry suit (n = 15) volunteered for this study. Anthropometric ...
Comparison of insulation provided by dry or wetsuits among recreational divers during cold water immersion (< 5 degrees C)
05 octobre 2021, Lafère, Pierre; Guerrero, François; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
BACKGROUND: Divers thermal status influences susceptibility to decompression sickness hence the need for proper insulation during immersion in cold water. However, there is a lack of data on thermal protection provided by diving suits, hence this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different groups of divers wearing either a wetsuit (n = 15) or a dry suit (n = 15) volunteered for this study. Anthropometric ...
Varying Oxygen Partial Pressure Elicits Blood-Borne Microparticles Expressing Different Cell-Specific Proteins-Toward a Targeted Use of Oxygen?
17 juillet 2022, BALESTRA, Costantino; Arya, Awadhesh; Leveque, Clément; Virgili, Fabio; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Lafere, Pierre; Thom, Stephen,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Oxygen is a powerful trigger for cellular reactions, but there are few comparative investigations assessing the effects over a large range of partial pressures. We investigated a metabolic response to single exposures to either normobaric (10%, 15%, 30%, 100%) or hyperbaric (1.4 ATA, 2.5 ATA) oxygen. Forty-eight healthy subjects (32 males/16 females; age: 43.7 +/- 13.4 years, height: 172.7 +/- 10.07 ...
Coping With Extreme Environments: A Physiological/Psychological Approach
25 juin 2019, BALESTRA, Costantino; Kot, Jacek; Efrati, Shai; Guerrero, François; Blatteau, Jean-Eric; Besnard, Stéphane,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Effect of tetrahydrobiopterin and exercise training on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in SHR
02 juin 2013, Guerrero, François; Sanéo, Thioub; Goanvec, Christelle; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Feray, Annie; BALESTRA, Costantino; Mansourati, Jacques,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
We examined whether the improvement of impaired NO-dependent vasorelaxation by exercise training could be mediated through a BH4-dependent mechanism. Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, n = 20) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY, n = 20) were trained (Tr) for 9 weeks on a treadmill and compared to age-matched sedentary animals (Sed). Endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation (EDV) was assessed with ...
Effects of oxygen-enriched air on cognitive performance during SCUBA-diving - an open-water study
12 avril 2017, Brebeck, Anne-Kathrin; Deussen, Andreas; Schmitz-Pfeiffer, Henning; Range, Ursula; BALESTRA, Costantino; Cleveland, Sinclair; Schipke, Jochen,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Backround: Nitrogen narcosis impairs cognitive function, a fact relevant during SCUBA-diving. Oxygen-enriched air (nitrox) became popular in recreational diving, while evidence of its advantages over air is limited. AIM: Compare effects of nitrox28 and air on two psychometric tests. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, open-water study, 108 advanced divers (38 females) were randomized to an ...
The effect of a passive stretch training protocol on performance during a drop jump in humans
15 juin 2013, Lévénez, Morgan; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Bottero, Antoine; SNOECK, Thyl; Bruyère, A; Tinlot, Arnaud; BALESTRA, Costantino; Provyn, Steven,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Aim: Our study's aim is to show how a five-week stretch training protocol, based on passive stretching, can change muscle performance during a drop jump (stretch shortening cycle).
Methods: This study observes in 8 healthy subjects (four males and four females), the effect of a 5-week passive stretch training protocol on the stretch shortening cycle (SSC) during the performance of a drop jump, ...
Oxidative stress in breath-hold divers after repetitive dives
08 juin 2013, THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Sponciello, Nicholas; Rozloznik, Miroslav; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Guerrero, François; Cialoni, Danilo; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Introduction: Hyperoxia causes oxidative stress. Breath-hold diving is associated with transient hyperoxia followed by hypoxia and a build-up of carbon dioxide (CO₂), chest-wall compression and significant haemodynamic changes. This study analyses variations in plasma oxidative stress markers after a series of repetitive breath-hold dives.
Methods: Thirteen breath-hold divers were asked to perform ...
The 'normobaric oxygen paradox': does it increase haemoglobin?
14 juin 2012, De Bels, David; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Devriendt, Jacques; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Lafère, Pierre; Valsamis, Joseph; SNOECK, Thyl; Meeus, Philippe; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Background: A novel approach to increasing erythropoietin (EPO) using oxygen (O2) (the 'normobaric oxygen paradox') has been reported in healthy volunteers. We investigated whether the EPO increase is sufficient to induce erythropoiesis by comparing two protocols of O2 administration.
Methods: We compared the effect of daily versus alternate days 100% O2, breathed for 30 minutes, on haemoglobin ...
A red orange extract modulates the vascular response to a recreational dive: a pilot study on the effect of anthocyanins on the physiological consequences of scuba diving
07 novembre 2015, BALESTRA, Costantino; Cimino, Francesco; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; SNOECK, Thyl; Provyn, Steven; Canali, Raffaella; Bonina, Andrea; Virgili, Fabio,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Nutritional antioxidants have been proposed as an expedient strategy to counter the potentially deleterious effects of scuba diving on endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and heart function. Sixteen volunteers performing a single standard dive (20 min at 33 m) according to US Navy diving procedures were randomly assigned to two groups: one was administered with two doses of 200 mg of ...
Relationships between plasma lipids, proteins, surface tension and post-dive bubbles
13 février 2015, Schellaert, Nicolas; Rolzoznik, Miroslav; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Decompression sickness (DCS) in divers is caused by bubbles of inert gas. When DCS occurs, most bubbles can be found in the venous circulation: venous gas emboli (VGE). Bubbles are thought to be stabilized by low molecular weight surfactant reducing the plasma-air surface tension (γ). Proteins may play a role as well. We studied the interrelations between these substances, γ and VGE, measured before ...
Pre-dive Whole-Body Vibration Better Reduces Decompression-Induced Vascular Gas Emboli than Oxygenation or a Combination of Both
17 février 2015, Cavalade, Maxence; Papadopoulou, Virginie; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
,
- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Purpose: The purpose of this study was (1) to further explore the heart rate dynamics and assess a potential cardiovascular risk in response to 4000 m jumps in experienced skydivers; (2) to assess whether there is an impact of such jumps on skydivers' cortical arousal or not, which may impact their decision making processes.
Method: 18 experienced skydivers performed successive jumps from a plane ...
Dark chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction after successive breath-hold dives in cool water
16 septembre 2013, THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Schumacker, Julie; Guerrero, François; Tillmans, Frauke; BOUTROS, Antoine; Lambrechts, Kate; Mazur, Alexandra; Pieri, Massimo; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; BALESTRA, Costantino,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Objective: The aim of this study is to observe the effects of dark chocolate on endothelial function after a series of successive apnea dives in non-thermoneutral water.
Methods: Twenty breath-hold divers were divided into two groups: a control group (8 males and 2 females) and a chocolate group (9 males and 1 female). The control group was asked to perform a series of dives to 20 m adding up to ...
Venous gas emboli are involved in post-dive macro, but not microvascular dysfunction
21 janvier 2017, LAMBRECHTS, Kate; BALESTRA, Costantino; Theron, Michaël; Henckes, Anne; Galinat, Hubert; Mignant, Fanny; Belhomme, Marc; Pontier, Jean-Michel; Guerrero, François,
- HE Bruxelles Brabant
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- Article scientifique
Article scientifique
Purpose: Previous studies have shown vascular dysfunction of main conductance arteries and microvessels after diving. We aim to evaluate the impact of bubble formation on vascular function and haemostasis. To achieve this, we used a vibration preconditioning to influence bubble levels without changing any other parameters linked to the dive.
Methods: Twentty-six divers were randomly assigned to ...