Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus Research Articles

A retrospective study of oral pathoses in Israeli military divers and non-divers: 2011-2020.

Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving has grown tremendously as a recreational sport over the past decade. The pain divers experience due to barometric changes is referred to as barodontalgia, and it is known to cause various oral pathoses. Furthermore, divers suffer more frequently from temporomandibular disorders than non-divers. The aim of the study was to characterize oral pathoses between military divers and military non-divers. Data from the dental files of healthy Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers aged 18-40years were collected retrospectively for the years 2011-2020. The data for subjects exposed to diving were compared to commando and special forces soldiers. The study population was composed of 6398 soldiers, which included 1036 divers and 5362non-divers. All participants were male, with a median age of22years (mean=22.1 years). Overall, higher rates of faulty dental restorations were seen among divers than non-divers (9.3% vs. 6.7% p=.006). Temporomandibular disorders were more prevalent among divers, specifically Disc Displacement Without Reduction (DDWOR) (0.4% vs. 0.1% p=.003). While dental fractures showed no significant difference between divers and non-divers (3.8% vs. 3.5% p=0.8), other oral injuries were nine times more prevalent among divers versus non-divers. Military divers are, overall, at a higher risk of oral pathoses than non-divers. This may be related to the characteristics and intensity of their military service.

Ideas and perspectives: Ushering the Indian Ocean into the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UNDOSSD) through marine ecosystem research and operational services – an early career's take

Abstract. The Indian Ocean Rim hosts many of the world's underdeveloped and emerging economies that depend on the ocean resources for the livelihoods of the populations of millions. Operational ocean information services cater to the requirements of managers and end-users to efficiently harness those resources and to ensure safety. Fishery information is not the only operational service that will be needed to empower such communities in the coming decades. Coral bleaching alerts, SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus)-assisting advisories, conservation or ecotourism assisting services (e.g. TurtleWatch or WhaleWatch), poaching and/or by-catch reduction support and jellyfish, micro-plastic and oil spill watching to name a few, but not an exhaustive list, of the services that are needed operationally. This paper outlines the existing tools and explores the ongoing research that has potential to convert the findings into operational services in near- to midterm.

Inner Ear Disorders in SCUBA Divers: A Review.

Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diving is a popular sport. However, improper diving may injure different organs. The majority of dive-related disorders concern otolaryngology, and may include hearing loss, tinnitus, aural fullness, disequilibrium, and vertigo. Three main inner ear pathological conditions can occur underwater: inner ear barotrauma (IEB), inner ear decompression sickness (IEDS), and alternobaric vertigo (AV). IEB results from inappropriate equalization of middle ear pressure and consequent inner ear injury produced by pressure changes within the middle ear; IEDS is characterized by the formation of gas bubbles within the vessels of the inner ear during rapid ascent; AV typically develops while ascending or performing the Valsalva maneuver and can follow asymmetrical equalization of middle ear pressure transmitted via the oval and round window membranes. The clinical pictures of these pathological conditions are partly superimposable, even if they have specific peculiarities. Before starting SCUBA diving, a fit-to-dive assessment is recommended. It should include an otolaryngologic examination with audiological assessment to evaluate nasal, middle ear, and tubal patency and to minimize the risk of IEB, IEDS, and AV. It is of utmost importance to identify individual risk factors and predisposing pathological conditions that favor inner ear injury before diving, to prevent acute events and preserve auditory and vestibular functions in SCUBA divers. This review aims to provide an overview of the pathological conditions characterized by inner ear injury in SCUBA divers, discussing their pathogenetic mechanisms, diagnostic work-up, and prevention.

Effects of Hyperbaric Nitrogen Narcosis on Cognitive Performance in Recreational air SCUBA Divers: An Auditory Event-related Brain Potentials Study.

The narcotic effect of hyperbaric nitrogen is most pronounced in air-breathing divers because it impairs diver's cognitive and behavioral performance, and limits the depth of dive profiles. We aimed to investigate the cognitive effects of simulated (500 kPa) air environments in recreational SCUBA divers, revealed by auditory event-related potentials (AERPs). A total of 18 healthy volunteer recreational air SCUBA divers participated in the study. AERPs were recorded in pre-dive, deep-dive, and post-dive sessions. False-positive score variables were found with significantly higher differences and longer reaction times of hits during deep-dive and post-dive than pre-dive sessions. Also, P3 amplitudes were significantly reduced and peak latencies were prolonged during both deep-dive and post-dive compared with pre-dive sessions. We observed that nitrogen narcosis at 500 kPa pressure in the dry hyperbaric chamber has a mild-to-moderate negative effect on the cognitive performance of recreational air SCUBA divers, which threatened the safety of diving. Although relatively decreased, this effect also continued in the post-dive sessions. These negative effects are especially important for divers engaged in open-sea diving. Our results show crucial implications for the kinds of control measures that can help to prevent nitrogen narcosis and diving accidents at depths up to 40 msw.

Scuba divers' attitudes towards responsible behaviour and profile

Within the global tourism industry exists the niche sector of alternative tourism, which includes adventure tourism. A sub-category of adventure tourism is self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (Scuba diving). The goal of this study was to identify how a scuba diver’s underwater behaviour is related to a set of predisposing characteristics. This study used a quantitative research approach rooted in the theory of positivism to explain scuba diving tourism within a South African context. A comprehensive literature review exploring the uniqueness of adventure tourism and scuba diving and the importance of coral reefs within marine protected areas (MPAs) is presented. In addition to the literature review, an online survey was conducted among South African divers (n=137). The survey aimed to determine the divers’ level of specialisation, environmental awareness, and demographic information. The findings indicated that while the respondents were generally evenly distributed demographically, their experience and environmental awareness improved the longer they were involved in scuba diving. Respondents were observed to be generally responsible divers and to have a broad understanding of the coral reef ecosystem. These findings support existing studies conducted at dive sites across the world, which indicate that responsible diver behaviour increases with the level of specialisation.

Exploring the physical and psychosocial experience of Immersion Therapy for people living with a disability

Background: Immersion Therapy (IT), is an underwater experience using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) equipment for individuals with disabilities. The aim of this study was to produce a descriptive overview of IT and explore measures used to capture physical and psychosocial experiences. Methods: Six participants, two females and four males aged 24-54, with a range of disabilities were recruited. A single session was filmed and analysed, with a selection of outcome measures explored during and post session. Results: A typical session of IT involves both active and inactive time, with a range of observed activities. All participants showed an increase in heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and affect, however, these results varied. IT is described as ‘fun, challenging and social’, with participants expressing they enjoy the freedom and experience. The overall perception and experience of the activity tends to be positive. Conclusions: More research is required to determine if IT has significant effects on physical and psychosocial outcomes.

Overview of Indicator Coral Fish in Poncan Islands, Sibolga, North Sumatra

This study aims to determine the effect of coral reef conditions on the abundance of coral reef fish indicators of the Chaetodontidae family and to be compared descriptively. This research was conducted in February-April 2020 in Poncan Island coast, Sibolga City, North Sumatra Province. The method used in this research was a survey method, the data obtained directly on site in the form of primary data, while the secondary data was collected from the related institutions and references. The method for quantifying the number of fish used was Underwater Visual Census (UVC), for collecting data on coral reef fish indicators was using the Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method supported by SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). The results showed that the abundance of coral reef fish indicators for the Chaetodontidae family and coral reefs were in the average of 0-0.052 individuals/m2. The lowest abundance was found at stations 1 and 5, while the highest abundance was seen at station 2 with an average of 0.0248 individuals/m2. The abundance of live coral ranged from 5 - 51.8%. The lowest abundance was at station 1 and the highest was at station 4 with an average abundance of 30.804% which is categorized as moderate. The abundance of indicator reef fish in the waters of Poncan Island was influenced by the condition of coral reefs where in this study the abundance of live coral reefs was less than 23.02%. There was no indicator reef fish at the station.

Vestibular effects of diving

Over the last 45 years, recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving as a leisure activity has increased in popularity. According to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), more than 23 million diver certificates have been issued across the globe. Given the popularity of scuba diving, it is incumbent on every physician to know and understand the specific medical hazards and conditions associated with scuba diving. Although diving has become more accessible and the equipment is much safer now, diving still has its inherent dangers. Each year incidents occur, ranging from seasickness and sinus problems to heart conditions and mortality. More than 80% of all diving complications occur in the head and neck region. A number of studies have found that diving can lead to the development of vestibular disorders such as: Barotrauma, Decompression sickness, Otitis externa, Bilateral exostoses, Chronic sinusitis (barosinusitis), Serous tubotympanic catarrh, Tinnitus, Dizziness, Vertigo. The aim of this paper was to share our experience in the field of treating patients with different types of ENT disorders after or before a diving session. We briefly summarized the most important information for some of the disorders. We included in our study for a period of 12 years: a total of 24 patients (four females and 20 males), who dive. They were between 25 and 55 years of age. Some presented in clinics with an ENT disorder. 19 were professional, qualified divers, five (three males and two females) dove for the first time. On all 24 patients we performed: audiometry tests, Tympanometry tests, OAE, Static and dynamic vestibular tests, vHIT – in the last five years, otoscopy examination, dental check-ups. All divers – no matter professionalists or not – should follow these recommendations: a thorough prophylactic ENT check-up should be performed before an active diving session. Chronic ENT inflammations should be addressed in a timely manner. Divers should follow all instructions from the certified Diving Associations.

Background concentrations of Argon-39 in shallow soil gas

While radioisotopes of noble gases are known to be indicators of underground nuclear explosions (UNE), McIntyre et al. (2017) was the first to report the presence of 39Ar in shallow soil gas in association with a decades old UNE. While this finding hinted at the potential application of 39Ar to be used as an indicator of a UNE, doing so would also require an understanding of the natural concentrations of 39Ar present in soil gas. Without knowing the expected range and variability of naturally occurring concentrations of 39Ar, it is difficult to determine what measured concentrations would be indicative of an elevated concentration. This paper presents results from 16 soil gas samples and three atmospheric air samples collected from various locations across the western United States. Shallow soil gas samples were collected into self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) tanks using a custom-built soil gas sampling system and then processed and analyzed for 39Ar. The measured concentrations of 39Ar varied from atmospheric air concentrations to about 3.5 times atmospheric air concentrations (58 mBq/m3). The results presented here represent the first measurements of natural background 39Ar concentrations in shallow soil gas. This data will be necessary if 39Ar is to be used as an indicator of UNE.

DENSITY ZOOXANTHELLA BASED ON THE LIFE FORM OF CORAL ON MARAK ISLAND WEST SUMATERA PROVINCE

This study aims to determine differences in zooxanthella density based on the life forms of coral Acropora Branching, Submassive Acropora, Branching, Foliose, Heliopora and comparing zooxanthella densities between the forms of coral form. This study was conducted in January-February 2020 on Marak Island, Nagari Sungai Pinang, West Sumatera Province. Zooxanthella density was calculated at the Marine Biology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, University of Riau. The survey methode was used in this study, where the data collected was primary data. Coral Sampling was done by free collection using the SCUBA (Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). The result of study in the waters of Marak Island, West Sumatera on Acropora Branching corals were in the range of 0.004-0.13×106 cells/cm2. Acropora Submassive range of 2.95- 3.56×106 cells/cm2. Branching range of 2.41-2.59×106 cells/cm2. Foliose range of 0.44-1.09×106 cell/cm2. Heliopora range of 1.30-1.59×106 cell/cm2. The highest zooxanthella density was in Submassive Acropora and the lowest in Acropora Branching corals due to different forms of growth and temperature influences. Different forms of coral growth affect the zooxanthella density on a coral and the success of coral growth depends on the zooxanthella density and the size of the corallite of each coral life form.

Description and distribution of Nemacystus howei (W.R. Taylor) Kylin (Chordariaceae) from the northern coast of the Yucatán peninsula

Background: There are few studies about Nemacystus on the Atlantic coast, and N. howei has been reported only once for Mexico; that record, however, did not provide a description of this species.
 Question: What are the morphological characteristics of Nemacystus howei and its distribution on the Yucatan coast?
 Species study: Macroalgae, Phaeophyceae, Nemacystus howei. 
 Study site and year of study: North coast of Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. Dry and rainy seasons from 2017 to 2019.
 Methods: Sampling was carried out at five localities, at 5 and 10 m depths, with scuba equipment. Specimens were preserved in diluted formalin in sea water; silica gel and dried-pressed vouchers are housed at the UADY
 Results: Six samples were collected at the five localities. Each one contains a small mass of filamentous of specimens of Nemacystus howei , that were found only during dry season, at both depths sampled. This alga has a thallus of an entangled filamentous mass of cylindrical, mucilaginous axes, of a light brown color. Younger branches have a solid central axis. Branching is abundant. The main, older axes are hollow. The assimilatory filaments are branched a few times, producing uniseriate colorless hairs and with plurilocular sporangia arising from the base. Nemacystus howei is easily confused with Cladosiphon occidentalis Kylin due to their similar morphology, branching pattern, and size.
 Conclusion: The significant morphological similarities between these species as well as the paucity of specific works on the Phaeophyceae of the Yucatan Peninsula may explain why Nemacystus howei had not been previously reported.

Endothelial function may be enhanced in the cutaneous microcirculation after a single air dive.

The effects of scuba diving on the vessel wall have been studied mainly at the level of large conduit arteries. Data regarding the microcirculation are scarce and indicate that these two vascular beds are affected differently by diving. We assessed the changes in cutaneous microcirculation before an air scuba dive, then 30 min and 24 h after surfacing. Endothelium-dependent and independent vasomotion were successively elicited by iontophoretic administration of acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside respectively, and cutaneous blood flux was monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry. The response to sodium nitroprusside was significantly lower 30 min after surfacing than before diving (50 (SEM 6)% of the pre-dive values, P = 0.0003) and returned to normal values 24 h post-dive (102 (29)% of the pre-dive values, P = 0.113). When compared to pre-dive values, acetylcholine elicited a hyperaemia which was not statistically different 30 min after surfacing (123 (17)% of the pre-dive values, P = 0.230), but significantly increased 24 h post-dive (148 (10)% of the pre-dive values, P = 0.005). Microvascular smooth muscle function is transiently impaired after diving. On the contrary, microvascular endothelial function is enhanced for up to 24 h after diving. This further suggests that the microcirculation reacts differently than large conduit arteries to scuba diving. The impact of modifications occurring in the microvascular bed on the physiological effects of diving merits further study.

Deep anaesthesia: The Thailand cave rescue and its implications for management of the unconscious diver underwater.

In 2018 12 children and one adult were anaesthetised before being extricated through over a kilometre of flooded cave in Thailand. Full face dive masks (FFMs) putatively capable of maintaining constant positive airway pressure (CPAP) were employed. Here we describe the anaesthetic intervention and investigate the CPAP capability of the FFM. Pressure was measured inside and outside the Interspiro Divator FFM during 10 tidal and 10 vital capacity breaths in divers at the surface and submerged with the mask deployed on open-circuit scuba (10 divers); and a closed-circuit rebreather (five divers). Relative in-mask pressure was calculated as the difference between inside and outside pressures. We also measured the in-mask pressure generated by activation of the second stage regulator purge valve in open-circuit mode. When submerged in open-circuit mode the mean relative in-mask pressure remained positive in normal tidal breathing (inhalation 0.6 kPa [95% CI 0.3-0.9]; exhalation 1.1 [0.8-1.4]) and vital capacity breathing (inhalation 0.8 [0.4-1.1]; exhalation 1.2 [0.9-1.4]). As expected, the relative in-mask pressure was predominantly negative when used on closed-circuit with back mounted counter-lungs due to a negative static lung load. Mean in-mask pressure during purge valve operation was 3.99 kPa (approximately equal to 40 cmH2O) (range: 2.56 to 5.3 kPa). The CPAP function of the Interspiro Divator FFM works well configured with open-circuit scuba. This may have contributed to the success of the Thailand cave rescue. Caution is required in generalising this success to other diving scenarios.

The surgical management of recurrent acute and chronic barosinusitis in sports self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) divers

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the feasibility of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) with supplementary surgical procedures in scuba divers with recurrent acute barosinusitis (RABS) and chronic barosinusitis (CBS). In this retrospective study, 25 divers were classified into RABS (n:11) and CBS (n:14) groups. The presentation of divers have been reviewed. The PNS CT images were scored according to Lund-Mackay (L-M) system. A score has been assigned to the extent of endoscopic procedures performed. The outcome of surgery and life quality were determined by SNOT-22 and dive-related questions (DRQ) tests. The average L-M score was 3.8 ± 2 for RABS and 12.2 ± 3.4 for CBS groups. L-M score of CBS group was found to be statistically higher than RBS group (p < 0.05). The FESS score of CBS group (8.7 ± 2.4) was higher than RABS group (5.6 ± 2) which showed that the endoscopic sinus procedures were performed more extensively in CBS group (p < 0.05). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative SNOT-22 scores indicates that the degree of sinus symptoms improved better in RABS group than CBS group (p < 0.05). When DRQ test was evaluated, RABS group showed a better improvement in diving performance symptoms than the CBS group (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that divers with RABS and CBS can be managed successfully with FESS and supplementary surgical procedures. The improvement in the RABS group was superior to the CBS group, a difference attributed to the severity of chronic inflammation in CBS.

PENGARUH KAWASAN KONSERVASI PERAIRAN TERHADAP POPULASI IKAN KARANG DI PULAU AY DAN RHUN, KEPULAUAN BANDA, PROVINSI MALUKU

Kawasan konservasi perairan (KKP) berfungsi untuk mengelola sumber daya perikanan dan keanekaragaman hayati laut agar dapat dimanfaatkan secara berkelanjutan. Kondisi ikan karang merupakan salah satu bioindikator untuk mengukur dampak pengelolaan KKP. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat dampak pembentukan KKP Daerah (KKPD) Pulau Ay dan Pulau Rhun terhadap sumber daya perikanan karang di Kepulauan Banda, Maluku, Indonesia. Metode yang digunakan untuk pengumpulan data yaitu Underwater Visual Census (UVC) dan Fish Length Estimation dengan bantuan peralatan SCUBA. Analisis data dilakukan dengan membandingkan data sekunder dan data primer yang meliputi kelimpahan, biomassa, status tropik dan komposisi ukuran ikan besar dan ikan kecil dari 10 famili ikan target dan ekonomis penting sebelum dan sesudah Pulau Ay dan Pulau Rhun dicadangkan sebagai KKP. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa kelimpahan dan biomassa ikan karang secara temporal berfluktuasi sebelum dan sesudah Pulau Ay dan Pulau Rhun dicadangkan sebagai KKP, namun masih dalam kondisi melimpah dan tinggi. Status tropik dan komposisi ukuran ikan karang berubah-ubah sebelum dan sesudah pencadangan KKP, namun masih dalam kondisi seimbang antar kelompok tropik, ikan besar dan ikan kecil. Kesimpulan penelitian ini adalah pencadangan KKPD memberikan dampak positif terhadap sumber daya ikan karang di Pulau Ay dan Pulau Rhun.

A diver\u2019s dilemma \u2013 a case report on bronchopulmonary sequestration

BackgroundAn asymptomatic SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diver was discovered to have an intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration during routine pre-course screening. This is the first reported case of a diver who, having previously completed several recreational and military diving courses, was subsequently diagnosed with a congenital lung condition, possibly contraindicating diving. Presently, there is no available literature providing guidance on the diving fitness of patients with such a condition.Case presentationAn asymptomatic 26-year-old male diver was nominated to attend an overseas naval diving course. Prior to this, he had been medically certified to participate in, and had successfully completed other military and recreational diving courses. He had also completed several hyperbaric dives up to a depth of 50 m and 45 recreational dives up to a depth of 30 m. He did not have a history of diving-related injuries or complications. He had never smoked and did not have any medical or congenital conditions, specifically recurrent respiratory infections. As part of pre-course screening requirements, a lateral Chest X-ray was performed, which revealed a left lower lobe pulmonary nodule. This was subsequently diagnosed as a cavitatory left lower lobe intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration on Computed Tomography Thorax. The diver remains asymptomatic and well at the time of writing and has been accepted to participate in another overseas course involving only dry diving in a hyperbaric chamber, with no prerequisites for him to undergo surgery.ConclusionAlthough bronchopulmonary sequestrations lack communication with the tracheobronchial tree, they may still contain pockets of air, even if not radiologically visible. This can be attributed to anomalous connections which link them to other bronchi, lung parenchyma and/or pores of Kohn. As such, there is a higher theoretical risk of pulmonary barotrauma during diving, leading to pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or cerebral arterial gas embolism. Taking these into consideration, the current clinical consensus is that bronchopulmonary sequestrations and all other air-containing lung parenchymal lesions should be regarded as contraindications to diving. Patients who have undergone definitive and uncomplicated surgical resection may be considered fit to dive.

Istakoz (Homarus gammarus Linnaeus 1758) türüne özel yapay resif modelleri

The objective of this study is to determine the possible artificial reef models preferred by lobster species (Homarus gammarus Linnaeus, 1758). For this purpose, eight artificial reef models at different shapes and sizes have been designed. These models include flat, grilled, U-type, cowl, fireplace chimney brick shapes made from the materials of wood, concrete and metal. Artificial reefs were deployed at 5, 10, 20 m water depths and 500 m from the shore on the coast of Erdek Ocaklar Bay in Marmara Sea. Then, monthly monitoring was conducted and SCUBA equipment were used during underwater monitoring. The time for deploying artificial reefs on the sea bottom (effort) was 233 minutes/diver and the time spent underwater by the divers was calculated as 540 minutes/diver. As a result of the study, 32 individuals of H. gammarus were observed in/around the artificial reefs. A significant increase was observed in the number of lobsters when the temperature dropped below 14°C. However, it was determined that lobster individuals preferred only concrete artificial reef models at the depth of 20 m. In addition, it was observed that small individuals preferred 40×80 cm flat concrete model (24 individuals) and large individuals preferred U-type concrete model (8 individuals). Therefore, it has been proposed to the usage of concrete artificial reef models in order to protect and ensure the sustainability of the reared lobster stocks and to release them into these artificial reefs while introducing them to the natural environments. In this context, this study will shed light on future studies.

Blacktip Reefshark (Carcharhinus melanopterus) Movement Displays During Interaction with Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus Diver in Morotai Waters, Maluku Utara, Indonesia

Shark diving tourism as one of the conservation tools has been growing progressively in the recent decades. Shark diving is among the popular attraction for the marine tourism in Indonesia that plays major role—as rank fourth in the shark tourism world-for the coastal development in the eastern part of Indonesia. Morotai, as well as Derawan, Gorontalo, Biak, Raja Ampat, Nabire and Teluk Cenderawasih, Lombok, Komodo, and Banda Sea, is well known for its shark diving site. Despite its prominent status as a tourism appeal, little is known about the behavior of blacktip reefshark during the interaction with SCUBA diver. The knowledge of shark behavior during interaction with Self- Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) diver is important for developing safer diving practice, ecological assessment, and shark tourism carrying capacity. This research involves DOV (Diver Operated Video) to capture the movement patterns of shark while interacting with SCUBA Diver. Analysis of hundreds of movement displays of the Carcharhinus melanopterus during SCUBA diving shows that this shark is having a specific and consistent movement displays while engaging with SCUBA divers.

Galectin-3 and Cardiovascular Biomarkers Reflect Adaptation Response to Scuba Diving.

To understand better the adaptation response of the cardiovascular system (CVS) to self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving, Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and specific CVS biomarkers were measured in plasma of 16 male recreational divers before and after (30 min, 3 and 6 h) diving (total time of 30 min at 30 m depth) undertaken a after long non-dive period. The one-time SCUBA dive caused a significant increase in Gal-3, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin-I (hs-TnI), and myoglobin immediately after diving. Whereas Gal-3 and myoglobin dropped down to the basal levels during the recovery period, NT-proBNP and hs-TnI concentration continued to increase. An immediate increase of vascular endothelial growth factor, detected immediately after diving, was followed by a significant decrease and return to the basal level, 3 and 6 h after diving, respectively. After a significant initial decrease, endothelin-1 increased during the recovery period, but did not return to the basal level. The observed changes in these biomarkers reflect comprehensive, but transient adaptation of CVS and muscular system to the specific environmental conditions during the SCUBA dive. Whether the recurrent activation of these adaption mechanisms due to repetitive dives has positive or negative effects on CVS remains to be elucidated.

Exploring the Locker

This article is an effort to foster grace and to create genuine, humble community. A new sense of community, that is not conditional on our abilities to censor ourselves to be more palatable to those around us. Instead, the birth of a new way of relating that considers our deep inner selves that feel shame, remember traumas, and cower in fear of these experiences. Perhaps most of all, this article is an invitation to explore our deepest inner selves, and the cost of censoring this self. This exploration is not a leisurely dive into the corners of ourselves that lie in the shallows. It is an adventure that will require a full set of SCUBA gear, and a courageous spirit. A courageous spirit that is not only willing to dig through the shame, fear, and anger that covers our raw selves, but a spirit that will then sit with these wounded and forgotten parts, and begin to build a new sense of balance.