• Diving physiopathology: the end of certainties? Food for thoughtPeer reviewedClosed access 

      27 juin 2019, BALESTRA, Costantino; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Rocco, Monica; Biancofiore, Giovanni; Kot, Jacek, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Our understanding of decompression physiopathology has slowly improved during this last decade and some uncertainties have disappeared. A better understanding of anatomy and functional aspects of Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) have slowly resulted in a more liberal approach toward the medical fitness to dive for those bearing a PFO. Circulating vascular gas emboli (VGE) are considered the key actors in ...
    • Do Environmental Conditions Contribute to Narcosis Onset and Symptom Severity?Peer reviewedClosed access 

      14 octobre 2016, Lafère, Pierre; Balestra, Costantino; Hemelryck, Walter; Guerrero, François; Germonpré, Peter, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Although many factors contributing to inert gas narcosis onset and severity have been put forward, the available evidence is not particularly strong. Using objective criteria, we have assessed brain impairment associated with narcosis under various environmental diving conditions. 40 volunteers performed a no-decompression dive (33 m for 20 min) either in a dry chamber, a pool or open sea. They were ...
    • Early detection of diving-related cognitive impairment of different nitrogen-oxygen gas mixturesPeer reviewedOpen access 

      30 juin 2019, Lafère, Pierre; HEMELRYCK, Walter; GERMONPRÉ, Peter; Matity, Luba; Guerrero, François; BALESTRA, Costantino, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      NTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment related to inert gas narcosis (IGN) is a threat to diving safety and operations at depth that might be reduced by using enriched air nitrox (EANx) mixtures. Using critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF), a possible early detection of cognitive abilities/cerebral arousal impairment when breathing different oxygen (O2) fractions was investigated. METHODS: Eight male ...
    • Early Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 1 Diabetes Is Accompanied by an Impairment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Function: A Meta-AnalysisPeer reviewedOpen access 

      05 mai 2020, Lespagnol, Elodie; Dauchet, Luc; Pawlak-Chaouch, Mehdi; BALESTRA, Costantino; Berthoin, Serge; Feelish, Martin; Roustit, Mathieu; Boissiere, Julien; Fontaine, Pierre; Heyman, Elsa, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Background: A large yet heterogeneous body of literature exists suggesting that endothelial dysfunction appears early in type 1 diabetes, due to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. The latter may also affect vascular smooth muscles (VSM) function, a layer albeit less frequently considered in that pathology. This meta-analysis aims at evaluating the extent, and the contributing risk factors, of ...
    • Editorial: Feelings of energy and fatigue: Two different moodsPeer reviewedOpen access 

      19 avril 2023, Boolani, Ali; Martin, Joel; D'acquisto, Fulvio; BALESTRA, Costantino, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Editorial on a special topic : Fatigue
    • Editorial: Physiological telemonitoring and interventional telemedicine in extreme environmentsPeer reviewedOpen access 

      22 janvier 2024, BALESTRA, Costantino; Bosco, Gerardo; Cialoni, Danilo; Kot, Jacek; Pelliccia, Riccardo; Marroni, Alessandro, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Editorial on physiological measuring in extreme environments
    • The effect of a passive stretch training protocol on performance during a drop jump in humansPeer reviewedClosed access 

      30 mars 2013, Levenez, Morgan; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Bottero, Antoine; SNOECK, Thyl; Tinlot, Arnaud; BALESTRA, Costantino; Provyn, Steven, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      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 ...
    • The effect of a passive stretch training protocol on performance during a drop jump in humansPeer reviewedClosed access 

      15 juin 2013, Lévénez, Morgan; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Bottero, Antoine; SNOECK, Thyl; Bruyère, A; Tinlot, Arnaud; BALESTRA, Costantino; Provyn, Steven, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      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, ...
    • Effect of a single, open-sea, air scuba dive on human micro- and macrovascular functionPeer reviewedClosed access 

      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
      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 ...
    • Effect of decompression-induced bubble formation on highly trained divers microvascular functionPeer reviewedOpen access 

      07 novembre 2013, LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Pontier, Jean-Michel; Mazur, Aleksandra; Pontier, Jean-Michel; Buzzacott, Peter; Morin, Jean; Wang, Qiong; Theron, Michaël; Guerrero, François, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      We previously showed microvascular alteration of both endothelium-dependent and -independent reactivity after a single SCUBA dive. We aimed to study mechanisms involved in this postdive vascular dysfunction. Ten divers each completed three protocols: (1) a SCUBA dive at 400 kPa for 30 min; (2) a 41-min duration of seawater surface head immersed finning exercise to determine the effect of immersion ...
    • Effect Of Induced Relative Hypoxia On Reticulocyte Count In Oncologycal Abdominal Surgery: A Single-Centre, Controlled, Randomized Pilot Study.Peer reviewedOpen access 

      04 avril 2018, Khalife, Maher; Wiams, Kathleen; Ben Aziz, M; BALESTRA, Costantino; Sosnowski, Maurice, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Erythropoietin (EPO) stimulating agents are known as alternatives to transfusion. However, they expose patients to thrombosis and are expensive. A phenomenon, “the normobaric oxygen paradox” (NOP), has been described. A transient hyperoxia followed by a prolonged return to normoxia acts as an effective trigger for EPO production. The mechanism depends on free O2 radicals and on reduced gluthatione ...
    • Effect of oxygen-breathing during a decompression-stop on bubble-induced platelet activation after an open-sea air dive: oxygen-stop decompressionPeer reviewedClosed access 

      29 septembre 2013, Pontier, Jean-Michel; LAMBRECHTS, Kate, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Purpose: We highlighted a relationship between decompression-induced bubble formation and platelet micro-particle (PMP) release after a scuba air-dive. It is known that decompression protocol using oxygen-stop accelerates the washout of nitrogen loaded in tissues. The aim was to study the effect of oxygen deco-stop on bubble formation and cell-derived MP release. Methods: Healthy experienced ...
    • The effect of pre-dive ingestion of dark chocolate on endothelial function after a scuba divePeer reviewedClosed access 

      15 mars 2015, THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; BALESTRA, Costantino; BOUTROS, Antoine; De Bels, David; Guerrero, François; GERMONPRÉ, Peter, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Objective: The aim of the study was to observe the effects of dark chocolate on endothelial function after scuba diving. Methods: Forty-two male scuba divers were divided into two groups: a control (n=21) and a chocolate group (n=21). They performed a 33-metres deep scuba-air dive for 20 minutes in a diving pool (Nemo 33, Brussels). Water temperature was 33⁰C. The chocolate group ingested 30 g ...
    • Effect of SCUBA Diving on Ophthalmic ParametersPeer reviewedOpen access 

      09 mars 2022, Deleu, Laurent; Catherine, Janet; Postelmans, Laurence; BALESTRA, Costantino, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      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 ...
    • Effect of simulated air dive and decompression sickness on the plasma proteome of ratsPeer reviewedClosed access 

      12 avril 2016, Lautridou, Jacky; Pichereau, Vianney; Artigaud, Sébastien; Buzzacott, Peter; Wang, Qiong; Bernay, Benoit; Driad, Sabrina; Mazur, Aleksandra; LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Theron, Michaël; Guerrero, François, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Purpose: Decompression sickness (DCS) is a poorly understood systemic disease caused by inadequate desaturation following a reduction in ambient pressure. Although recent studies highlight the importance of circulating factors, the available data are still puzzling. In this study, we aimed to identify proteins and biological pathways involved in the development of DCS in rats. Experimental design: ...
    • Effect of splenectomy on platelet activation and decompression sickness outcome in a rat model of decompressionPeer reviewedClosed access 

      01 septembre 2014, LAMBRECHTS, Kate; Pontier, Jean-Michel; Mazur, Aleksandra; Buzzacott, Peter; Goanvec, Christel; Wang, Qiong; Theron, Michaël; Belhomme, Marc; Guerrero, François, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      Article scientifique
      Introduction: Splenic platelets have been recognized to have a greater prothrombotic potential than others platelets. We studied whether platelets released by splenic contraction could influence the severity and outcome of decompression sickness (DCS) and bubble-induced platelet activation. Methods: Sixteen, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a control or a splenectomized ...
    • Effect of tetrahydrobiopterin and exercise training on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in SHRPeer reviewedClosed access 

      02 juin 2013, Guerrero, François; Sanéo, Thioub; Goanvec, Christelle; THEUNISSEN, Sigrid; Feray, Annie; BALESTRA, Costantino; Mansourati, Jacques, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      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 Acute Hypobaric Hypoxia Exposure on Cardiovascular Function in Unacclimatized Healthy Subjects: A "Rapid Ascent" Hypobaric Chamber StudyPeer reviewedOpen access 

      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
      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 ...
    • Effects of Electrical Stimulation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Evidences from Laboratory and In-Field StudiesPeer reviewedOpen access 

      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
      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 ...
    • Effects of oxygen-enriched air on cognitive performance during SCUBA-diving - an open-water studyPeer reviewedClosed access 

      12 avril 2017, Brebeck, Anne-Kathrin; Deussen, Andreas; Schmitz-Pfeiffer, Henning; Range, Ursula; BALESTRA, Costantino; Cleveland, Sinclair; Schipke, Jochen, HE Bruxelles Brabant
      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 ...