http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org:8080/xmlui The Rubicon Research Repository digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. 2012-02-23T02:18:16Z http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9697 Scientific diving by British Antarctic survey: 1962-1995 White, MG Diving in support of science undertaken by the British Antarctic Survey was started in December 1962 at Signy Island research station, Antarctica, and has continued year-round until February 1995. Scientific diving has also been carried out at intervals from coastal sites at South Georgia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula - and in the open-ocean from research vessels. From very simple beginnings, the equipment, training and protocols have evolved; in response to technical improvements, changes in legislation, safety procedures, knowledge of human physiology; to establish an effective system for low temperature scientific diving at very remote localities. A new marine research centre that will include a diving facility is planned to be opened during 1996/97 austral summer. American Academy of Underwater Sciences (http://www.aaus.org/) 2012-02-22T21:30:05Z http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9696 Effects of a single hyperbaric oxygen exposure on haematocrit, prothrombin time, serum calcium, and platelet count. Hibbs, HW; Harasym, MP; Bansal, D; Stewart, J We investigated whether administration of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) affects platelet counts and some components of the haemostatic system. Ten test subjects were treated with 100% hyperbaric oxygenation at 253 kPa (2.5 ATA) for 60 minutes. A comparison was made between pre-exposure and post-exposure measurements of haematocrit, prothrombin time (PT), serum calcium concentration, and platelet counts. While no significant changes were detected in haematocrit, PT, or serum calcium concentration, platelet levels demonstrated significant decreases with a mean pre-HBO platelet count of 283 x 10 exp3 mm exp3 +/- 32 compared to a mean post-HBO platelet count of 255 x 10 exp3 mm exp3 +/- 33 (P = 0.001). This is consistent with previous studies modelling coagulation pathways and suggests that HBO may activate components of the haemostatic system. Characterisation of the mechanisms associated with this decrease in platelet count by future studies may provide insight into platelet adhesion and aggregation properties during exposure to high oxygen tensions, and may find applicability towards the vascular component of disorders in which oxidant stress and coagulation are prominent, such as hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. The Journal of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (Incorporated in Victoria) A0020660B and the European Underwater and Baromedical Society 2012-02-22T13:30:07Z http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9695 Medical Defence Union report 1979 The following two cases are reprinted by kind permission of the MDU, whose annual report reminds doctors that misadventures can be nasty for them as well as their patients. Journal of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society 2012-02-22T05:30:05Z http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9694 Medical profile of the woman scuba diver Bangasser, SA The Medical Aspects of Women Divers Survey was widely distributed and the response by women scuba divers was tremendous. Data will be presented covering the following questions: What is the overall physical condition and diving practices of women divers? Are women more susceptible to decompression sickness than their male colleagues? Does the birth control pill affect women’s susceptibility to decompression sickness? Have women scuba divers dived during pregnancy? If so, were there any problems the mother or baby experienced? The Medical Aspects of Women Divers (MAWD) Survey was distributed to women scuba divers in an attempt to gather information on their health, effects of menstruation on diving, methods of birth control, susceptibility to decompression sickness, effects of diving on pregnancy, and effects of pregnancy on diving. There were around seven hundred responses to the survey, coming from the United States, many Caribbean countries, Australia, Singapore, Guam, and South America. This paper will present the information and analysis gathered from 610 surveys. An additional 72 surveys were analyzed under the Pregnant Diver category. (Reprint NAUI) Journal of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society 2012-02-21T21:30:04Z