White Blood Cells, Platelets, Red Blood Cells and Gas Bubbles in SCUBA Diving: Is There a Relationship?

Monitoring platelet function in marine mammals: Intracellular Ca2+ mobilization as a biomarker of platelet activation

Platelet functionality plays a crucial role in marine mammals. Alterations in platelet function can result from stress, pathologies, or exposure to xenobiotics, among others. The early detection of platelet function abnormalities is essential in these species to prevent advanced pathology and mitigate potential risks. Our main objective was to establish a range of physiological values of platelet function in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), sea lions (Otaria flavescens) and walruses (Odobenus rosmarus). Intraplatelet Ca2+ mobilization using adenosine diphosphate (ADP) as a platelet agonist was used as a platelet function biomarker, adapting the methodology previously described by us in dolphins (Felipo-Benavent et al., 2022) to the rest of the species. The assay was also adapted to a seal (Phoca vitulina). Numerical indicators of intraplatelet Ca2+ mobilization kinetics were established, and statistical analyses were performed to compare the effects of species, sex, age, aquarium and species. Significant differences were observed between species, being the platelets of the sea lions the more reactive to the agonist. This work demonstrates the usefulness of this assay in the diagnosis or monitoring of animals with hemostatic diseases, showing two clinical cases in which intraplatelet calcium mobilization values were altered in marine mammals suffering haemorrhages. This assay may also serve as a means to monitor environmental changes and their potential impact on the health of marine mammal populations.

Influence of Scuba Diving on the Quality of Life of People with Physical Disabilities

The aim of the study was to assess quality of life related to mental and physical health among divers and non-divers with physical disabilities. The examined group consisted of 240 disabled people (both genders). The SF-36 questionnaire (Short-Form Health Survey) was used to measure the overall sense of health-related quality of life. Moreover, the authors’ survey was also used in the study. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the self-assessment of the quality of life (physical functioning, social functioning, mental health, and vitality) between the examined diving and non-diving groups. In other areas evaluated with the use of the SF-36 questionnaire, i.e., limitation in performing roles due to emotional problems and pain, limitations in performing roles due to physical health, a tendency to a higher rating was noticed in the group of divers. Scuba diving can improve various components of the life-quality of people with disabilities, and in general can be seen as a form of physical activity and rehabilitation for people with disabilities. However, it is necessary to conduct extensive research in this area.