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Li X, Xie L, Dai J, Zhou X, Chen T, Mao W. A whole-exome sequencing study of patent foramen ovale: investigating genetic variants and their association with cardiovascular disorders. Front Genet 2024; 15:1405307. [PMID: 38808331 PMCID: PMC11130352 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1405307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has a genetic predisposition and is closely associated with cryptogenic stroke (CS), migraine, decompression sickness, and hypoxemia. Identifying PFO-related mutant genes through whole-exome sequencing (WES) can help in the early recognition of cardiovascular genetic risk factors, guide timely clinical intervention, and reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Methods We analyzed mutant genes from ClinVar and OMIM databases. WES was performed on 25 PFO patients from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine. Pathogenicity of variants was evaluated using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and Association for Molecular Pathology. (AMP) guidelines. Results In ClinVar (4 Feb 2023), 113 coding gene mutations were found, including 83 associated with PFO. From OMIM (18 Apr 2023), 184 gene mutations were analyzed, with 110 mutant coding genes. WES identified pathogenic mutations in two of 25 PFO patients (8%). LDLR, SDHC, and NKX2-5 genes were linked to PFO and primarily involved in myocardial tissue function. NKX2-5 may play a crucial role in PFO development, interacting with NOTCH1, GATA4, MYH6, SCN5A signaling pathways regulating cardiomyocyte characteristics. Conclusion We identified pathogenic mutations in LDLR, SDHC, and NKX2-5 genes, implying their role in PFO development. Functional enrichment analysis revealed NKX2-5's interaction with signaling pathways regulating cardiomyocyte function. These findings enhance our understanding of PFO's genetic basis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Xie
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Dai
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinbin Zhou
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Medical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Zhejiang Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Integrative Chinese and Western Medicine for Diagnosis and Treatment of Circulatory Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Peppas S, Palaiodimos L, Nagraj S, Kokkinidis DG, Tiwari N, Kharawala A, Mojadidi MK, Mojaddedi S, Ntaios G, Faillace RT, Tobis JM. Right-to-Left Shunt in Divers with Neurological Decompression Sickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101407. [PMID: 37239692 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the association between the presence of a right-to-left shunt (RLS) and neurological decompression sickness (NDCS) and asymptomatic brain lesions among otherwise healthy divers. BACKGROUND Next to drowning, NDCS is the most severe phenotype of diving-related disease and may cause permanent damage to the brain and spinal cord. Several observational reports have described the presence of an RLS as a significant risk factor for neurological complications in divers, ranging from asymptomatic brain lesions to NDCS. METHODS We systematically reviewed the MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception until November 2021. A random-effects model was used to compute odds ratios. RESULTS Nine observational studies consisting of 1830 divers (neurological DCS: 954; healthy divers: 876) were included. RLS was significantly more prevalent in divers with NDCS compared to those without (62.6% vs. 27.3%; odds ratio (OR): 3.83; 95% CI: 2.79-5.27). Regarding RLS size, high-grade RLS was more prevalent in the NDCS group than the no NDCS group (57.8% versus 18.4%; OR: 4.98; 95% CI: 2.86-8.67). Further subgroup analysis revealed a stronger association with the inner ear (OR: 12.13; 95% CI: 8.10-18.17) compared to cerebral (OR: 4.96; 95% CI: 2.43-10.12) and spinal cord (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.74-7.42) DCS. RLS was more prevalent in divers with asymptomatic ischemic brain lesions than those without any lesions (46.0% vs. 38.0%); however, this was not statistically significant (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.80-2.91). CONCLUSIONS RLS, particularly high-grade RLS, is associated with greater risk of NDCS. No statistically significant association between RLS and asymptomatic brain lesions was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Peppas
- Department of Internal Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Leonidas Palaiodimos
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sanjana Nagraj
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University/Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Nidhish Tiwari
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Amrin Kharawala
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Mohammad K Mojadidi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Sanauallah Mojaddedi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, 382 21 Larissa, Greece
| | - Robert T Faillace
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jonathan M Tobis
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Bao XC, Wang N, Xu J, Ma J, Fang YQ. Effects of different simulated submarine escape depths by free ascent in animal models. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1107782. [PMID: 36776974 PMCID: PMC9911523 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1107782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: If a damaged submarine cannot be rescued in time, it is necessary to carry out a submarine escape by free ascent. Decompression illness is the greatest threat to the safety of submariners. The maximum depth at which a safe escape can be carried out is unknown. This study intends to explore the maximum safe escape depth by observing the effects of simulated submarine escape at different depths on animal models. Methods: We evaluated pulmonary function indexes, blood gas values, blood cell counts, the myocardial enzyme spectrum, coagulation parameters, and proinflammatory cytokine levels in rats, electrocardiographic activity in rabbits after simulated 150-m, 200-m, 220-m, and 250-m submarine escape by free ascent. Results: An escape depth of 150 m did not cause significant changes in the indicators. An escape depth of >200 m led to pulmonary ventilation and gas diffusion dysfunction, hypoxemia, myocardial ischemia, and activation of the fibrinolytic and inflammatory systems. The magnitudes of the changes in the indicators were proportional to escape depth. Conclusion: An escape depth of 150 m in animal models is safe, whereas escape at > 200 m can be harmful.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yi-Qun Fang
- *Correspondence: Xiao Chen Bao, ; Yi-Qun Fang,
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4
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Germonpré P, Lafère P, Portier W, Germonpré FL, Marroni A, Balestra C. Increased Risk of Decompression Sickness When Diving With a Right-to-Left Shunt: Results of a Prospective Single-Blinded Observational Study (The "Carotid Doppler" Study). Front Physiol 2021; 12:763408. [PMID: 34777020 PMCID: PMC8586212 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.763408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Divers with a patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) have an increased risk for decompression sickness (DCS) when diving with compressed breathing gas. The relative risk increase, however, is difficult to establish as the PFO status of divers is usually only determined after a DCS occurrence. Methods: This prospective, single-blinded, observational study was designed to collect DCS data from volunteer divers after screening for right-to-left shunt (RLS) using a Carotid Doppler test. Divers were blinded to the result of the test, but all received a standardized briefing on current scientific knowledge of diving physiology and “low-bubble” diving techniques; they were then allowed to dive without restrictions. After a mean interval of 8 years, a questionnaire was sent collecting data on their dives and cases of DCS (if any occurred). Results: Data was collected on 148 divers totaling 66,859 dives. There was no significant difference in diving data between divers with or without RLS. Divers with RLS had a 3.02 times higher incidence of (confirmed) DCS than divers without RLS (p = 0.04). When all cases of (confirmed or possible DCS) were considered, the Relative Risk was 1.42 (p = 0.46). DCS occurred mainly in divers who did not dive according to “low-bubble” diving techniques, in both groups. Conclusion: This prospective study confirms that DCS is more frequent in divers with RLS (such as a PFO), with a Relative Risk of 1.42 (all DCS) to 3.02 (confirmed DCS). It appears this risk is linked to diving behavior, more specifically diving to the limits of the adopted decompression procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Germonpré
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.,Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy
| | - Pierre Lafère
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.,Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Environmental & Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Lab, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Auderghem, Belgium
| | - William Portier
- Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Military Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Alessandro Marroni
- Environmental & Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Lab, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Auderghem, Belgium
| | - Costantino Balestra
- Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe Research Division, Roseto, Italy.,Environmental & Occupational, Ageing (Integrative) Physiology Lab, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Auderghem, Belgium.,Physical Activity Teaching Unit, Motor Sciences Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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5
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Li X, Liu C, Wu J, Jia Y, Li H, Yu H, Guan Z, Zhao Y, Sun S. Analysis of the characteristics of sleep in patients with patent foramen ovale complicated with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Breath 2021; 25:1831-1836. [PMID: 33439416 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-021-02289-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Analyzing sleep quality and sleep structure in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) complicated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the interaction between OSA and PFO in sleep. METHODS We compared patients with PFO complicated with OSA, patients with simple PFO, and controls. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to compare sleep quality and polysomnography was used to compare sleep structure of the three groups. RESULTS Compared with the control group (n = 62), PFO with OSA (n = 48) and simple PFO (n = 61) groups had more frequent occurrence of poor sleep quality (χ2 = 89.901; p < 0.001). These two groups also showed decreased sleep efficiency (p < 0.010), lower percentages of REM sleep, and reduced N3 sleep (p < 0.050). The N2 sleep was prolonged (p < 0.010). The nocturnal lowest SpO2 was lower and the oxygen desaturation index was higher (p < 0.50). Compared with the simple PFO group, the poor sleep quality was more frequent in the PFO with OSA group; sleep latency (p < 0.001) was prolonged; wake after sleep onset (p < 0.001) and arousal times (p = 0.031) were increased; and sleep micro-arousal index (p = 0.037), periodic leg movement index (p = 0.024), and apnea hypopnea index (p < 0.001) were higher in the PFO with OSA group. CONCLUSION Patients with PFO and OSA have poor sleep quality with changes in sleep stage and high occurrence rate of sleep disorders. OSA further deteriorates sleep quality and alters sleep structure in patients with PFO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Chunling Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China.
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanlu Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Haitao Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhitong Guan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Yimin Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
| | - Shuning Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, 450014, Henan Province, China
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Imbert JP, Egi SM, Germonpré P, Balestra C. Static Metabolic Bubbles as Precursors of Vascular Gas Emboli During Divers' Decompression: A Hypothesis Explaining Bubbling Variability. Front Physiol 2019; 10:807. [PMID: 31354506 PMCID: PMC6638188 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The risk for decompression sickness (DCS) after hyperbaric exposures (such as SCUBA diving) has been linked to the presence and quantity of vascular gas emboli (VGE) after surfacing from the dive. These VGE can be semi-quantified by ultrasound Doppler and quantified via precordial echocardiography. However, for an identical dive, VGE monitoring of divers shows variations related to individual susceptibility, and, for a same diver, dive-to-dive variations which may be influenced by pre-dive pre-conditioning. These variations are not explained by currently used algorithms. In this paper, we present a new hypothesis: individual metabolic processes, through the oxygen window (OW) or Inherent Unsaturation of tissues, modulate the presence and volume of static metabolic bubbles (SMB) that in turn act as precursors of circulating VGE after a dive. Methods We derive a coherent system of assumptions to describe static gas bubbles, located on the vessel endothelium at hydrophobic sites, that would be activated during decompression and become the source of VGE. We first refer to the OW and show that it creates a local tissue unsaturation that can generate and stabilize static gas phases in the diver at the surface. We then use Non-extensive thermodynamics to derive an equilibrium equation that avoids any geometrical description. The final equation links the SMB volume directly to the metabolism. Results and Discussion Our model introduces a stable population of small gas pockets of an intermediate size between the nanobubbles nucleating on the active sites and the VGE detected in the venous blood. The resulting equation, when checked against our own previously published data and the relevant scientific literature, supports both individual variation and the induced differences observed in pre-conditioning experiments. It also explains the variability in VGE counts based on age, fitness, type and frequency of physical activities. Finally, it fits into the general scheme of the arterial bubble assumption for the description of the DCS risk. Conclusion Metabolism characterization of the pre-dive SMB population opens new possibilities for decompression algorithms by considering the diver's individual susceptibility and recent history (life style, exercise) to predict the level of VGE during and after decompression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salih Murat Egi
- Department of Computer Engineering, Galatasaray University, Istanbul, Turkey.,DAN Europe Research Division, Divers Alert Network (DAN), Roseto, Italy
| | - Peter Germonpré
- DAN Europe Research Division, Divers Alert Network (DAN), Roseto, Italy.,Centre for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Military Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Costantino Balestra
- DAN Europe Research Division, Divers Alert Network (DAN), Roseto, Italy.,Environmental, Occupational and Ageing Physiology Laboratory, Haute Ecole Bruxelles-Brabant (HE2B), Brussels, Belgium
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7
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Eichhorn L, Doerner J, Luetkens JA, Lunkenheimer JM, Dolscheid-Pommerich RC, Erdfelder F, Fimmers R, Nadal J, Stoffel-Wagner B, Schild HH, Hoeft A, Zur B, Naehle CP. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance assessment of acute cardiovascular effects of voluntary apnoea in elite divers. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2018; 20:40. [PMID: 29909774 PMCID: PMC6004697 DOI: 10.1186/s12968-018-0455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged breath holding results in hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Compensatory mechanisms help maintain adequate oxygen supply to hypoxia sensitive organs, but burden the cardiovascular system. The aim was to investigate human compensatory mechanisms and their effects on the cardiovascular system with regard to cardiac function and morphology, blood flow redistribution, serum biomarkers of the adrenergic system and myocardial injury markers following prolonged apnoea. METHODS Seventeen elite apnoea divers performed maximal breath-hold during cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). Two breath-hold sessions were performed to assess (1) cardiac function, myocardial tissue properties and (2) blood flow. In between CMR sessions, a head MRI was performed for the assessment of signs of silent brain ischemia. Urine and blood samples were analysed prior to and up to 4 h after the first breath-hold. RESULTS Mean breath-hold time was 297 ± 52 s. Left ventricular (LV) end-systolic, end-diastolic, and stroke volume increased significantly (p < 0.05). Peripheral oxygen saturation, LV ejection fraction, LV fractional shortening, and heart rate decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Blood distribution was diverted to cerebral regions with no significant changes in the descending aorta. Catecholamine levels, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin, and NT-pro-BNP levels increased significantly, but did not reach pathological levels. CONCLUSION Compensatory effects of prolonged apnoea substantially burden the cardiovascular system. CMR tissue characterisation did not reveal acute myocardial injury, indicating that the resulting cardiovascular stress does not exceed compensatory physiological limits in healthy subjects. However, these compensatory mechanisms could overly tax those limits in subjects with pre-existing cardiac disease. For divers interested in competetive apnoea diving, a comprehensive medical exam with a special focus on the cardiovascular system may be warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION This prospective single-centre study was approved by the institutional ethics committee review board. It was retrospectively registered under ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial registration: NCT02280226 . Registered 29 October 2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Eichhorn
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J. Doerner
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. A. Luetkens
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - F. Erdfelder
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - R. Fimmers
- Medical Biometry, Information Technology and Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - J. Nadal
- Medical Biometry, Information Technology and Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - B. Stoffel-Wagner
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMBIE), Bonn, Germany
| | - H. H. Schild
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - A. Hoeft
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - B. Zur
- Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology (IMBIE), Bonn, Germany
| | - C. P. Naehle
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Lucrezi S, Egi SM, Pieri M, Burman F, Ozyigit T, Cialoni D, Thomas G, Marroni A, Saayman M. Safety Priorities and Underestimations in Recreational Scuba Diving Operations: A European Study Supporting the Implementation of New Risk Management Programmes. Front Psychol 2018; 9:383. [PMID: 29628904 PMCID: PMC5876297 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Scuba diving is an important marine tourism sector, but requires proper safety standards to reduce the risks and increase accessibility to its market. To achieve safety goals, safety awareness and positive safety attitudes in recreational scuba diving operations are essential. However, there is no published research exclusively focusing on scuba divers’ and dive centres’ perceptions toward safety. This study assessed safety perceptions in recreational scuba diving operations, with the aim to inform and enhance safety and risk management programmes within the scuba diving tourism industry. Materials and Methods: Two structured questionnaire surveys were prepared by the organisation Divers Alert Network and administered online to scuba diving operators in Italy and scuba divers in Europe, using a mixture of convenience and snowball sampling. Questions in the survey included experience and safety offered at the dive centre; the buddy system; equipment and accessories for safe diving activities; safety issues in the certification of new scuba divers; incidents/accidents; and attitudes toward safety. Results: 91 scuba diving centres and 3,766 scuba divers participated in the study. Scuba divers gave importance to safety and the responsiveness of service providers, here represented by the dive centres. However, they underestimated the importance of a personal emergency action/assistance plan and, partly, of the buddy system alongside other safety procedures. Scuba divers agreed that some risks, such as those associated with running out of gas, deserve attention. Dive centres gave importance to aspects such as training and emergency action/assistance plans. However, they were limitedly involved in safety campaigning. Dive centres’ perceptions of safety in part aligned with those of scuba divers, with some exceptions. Conclusion: Greater responsibility is required in raising awareness and educating scuba divers, through participation in prevention campaigns and training. The study supports the introduction of programmes aiming to create a culture of safety among dive centres and scuba divers. Two examples, which are described in this paper, include the Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment protocol for dive centres and scuba divers, and the Diving Safety Officer programme to create awareness, improve risk management, and mitigate health and safety risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Lucrezi
- Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Salih Murat Egi
- DAN Europe Research Division, DAN Europe Foundation, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy.,Department of Computer Engineering, Galatasaray University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Massimo Pieri
- DAN Europe Research Division, DAN Europe Foundation, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy
| | - Francois Burman
- DAN Southern Africa, Midrand, South Africa.,DAN USA, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Tamer Ozyigit
- Department of Computer Engineering, Galatasaray University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Danilo Cialoni
- DAN Europe Research Division, DAN Europe Foundation, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy
| | - Guy Thomas
- DAN Europe Research Division, DAN Europe Foundation, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marroni
- DAN Europe Research Division, DAN Europe Foundation, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy
| | - Melville Saayman
- Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Collado A, Hainaut JP, Monfort V, Bolmont B. Sensation Seeking and Adaptation in Parabonauts. Front Psychol 2018; 9:296. [PMID: 29662460 PMCID: PMC5890182 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence from extreme environments suggests that there are relationships between difficulties of adaptation and psychological factors such as personality. In the framework of microgravity research on humans, the aim of this exploratory study was to investigate inter-individual differences of parabonauts on the basis of quality of adaptation to the physical demands of parabolic flights. The personality characteristics of two groups of parabonauts with a different quality of adaptation (an Adaptive group, N = 7, and a Maladaptive group, N = 15) were assessed using the Sensation Seeking Scale, Brief COPE, and MSSQ-Short. Compared to the Maladaptive group, the individuals of the Adaptive group scored higher on Boredom Susceptibility (i.e., a subscale of the Sensation Seeking Scale), lower on scales of susceptibility to motion sickness (MSSQ-Short) and tended to score lower on Instrumental Support Seeking (i.e., a subscale of the Brief COPE). These results suggest that individuals of the Adaptive group are more intolerant to monotony, present an aversion to repetitive and routine activities, are less susceptible to motion sickness and less dependent on problem-focused strategies. These characteristics may have contributed to developing a certain degree of flexibility in these subjects when faced with the parabolic flight situation and thus, may have favored them. The identification of differences of personality characteristics between individuals who have expressed difficulties of adaptation from those who have adapted successfully could help to prevent the risk of maladaptation and improve the well-being of (future) commercial or occupational aerospace passengers. More generally, these results could be extended to extreme environments and professional and/or sports domains likely to involve risk taking and unusual situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Collado
- Université de Lorraine, 2LPN-CEMA Group (Cognition-EMotion-Action), EA 7489, Dept Sport Sciences, Metz, France.,Université des Antilles, ACTES (UPRES EA 3596), UFR STAPS, Pointe-à-Pitre, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Hainaut
- Université de Lorraine, 2LPN-CEMA Group (Cognition-EMotion-Action), EA 7489, Dept Sport Sciences, Metz, France
| | - Vincent Monfort
- Université de Lorraine, 2LPN-CEMA Group (Cognition-EMotion-Action), EA 7489, Dept Sport Sciences, Metz, France
| | - Benoît Bolmont
- Université de Lorraine, 2LPN-CEMA Group (Cognition-EMotion-Action), EA 7489, Dept Sport Sciences, Metz, France
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