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Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) is an adjuvant therapy used in conditions where tissue oxygenation is reduced and is implemented using pressures less than 1.5 ATA and 100% O2 (instead of the classical HBOT at 1.9-3 ATA) which results in cheaper, easier to implement, and equally effective. mHBOT is offered for wellness and beauty and as an anti-aging strategy, in spite of the absence of studies on the cardiovascular system. Consequently, we investigated the impact of mHBOT on the cardiovascular system. Mechanical and energetic parameters of isolated heart submitted to ischemia/reperfusion injury and arterial contractile response from mHBOT-exposed rats were evaluated. In the heart, mHBOT increased pre-ischemic velocity of contraction and ischemic end-diastolic pressure and developed pressure and contractile economy during reperfusion. mHBOT decreased infarct size and increased the plasma nitrite levels. In the artery, mHBOT increased acetylcholine sensitivity. mHBOT protects the heart during ischemia/reperfusion and affects vascular relaxation.

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OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize the population of Pediatric patients referred to our hyperbaric oxygen therapy center. METHODS: Retrospective and observational study, including pediatric patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, from 2006 to 2021, at the hyperbaric medicine reference center in the north of Portugal. Variables of interest were extracted from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Our study included 134 patients. The most frequent reasons for referral were carbon monoxide poisoning (n=59) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (n=41). In 75 cases (56%), treatment was initiated in an urgent context. Symptom presentation at Emergency Department varied among patients, the most frequent being headache and nausea/vomiting. Concerning carbon monoxide poisoning, the most common sources were water heater, fireplace/brazier, and boiler. Regarding adverse effects, it was identified one case of intoxication by oxygen and four cases of middle ear barotrauma. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent cause for referral was carbon monoxide poisoning. All patients evolved favorably, with few side effects being reported, emphasizing the safety of this therapy. While most pediatricians may not be aware of the potential benefits arising with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it is of upmost importance to promote them, so that this technique is increasingly implemented.

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Tumor hypoxia may compromise the results of chemotherapy for treating colorectal cancer because it stimulates angiogenesis and the release of tumor growth factors. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) supplementation may potentiate the effects of chemotherapy in such cases. This study aimed to assess the effect of HBO therapy combined with chemotherapy on the treatment of colorectal cancer in mice. C57BL6 mice were submitted to the intrarectal instillation of N-methyl-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and treated with 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and/or HBO therapy. The MNNG group presented the highest dysplastic crypt rate. The 5FU + HBO group presented the highest rate of apoptotic cells per dysplastic crypt. The 5FU group presented the highest expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha and CD44. HBO therapy increased the effect of 5FU on the treatment of the experimental colorectal neoplasia in mice.

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La oxigenoterapia hiperbárica (OHB) puede mejorar la cicatrización de las heridas. La hipoxia, la alteración de la angiogénesis y la inflamación prolongada son condiciones constantes que la OHB favorece su reversibilidad; hace ya muchos años que, en el listado de indicaciones reconocidas por Sociedades Científicas que rigen esta práctica, se encuentra como indicación aceptada para el tratamiento coadyuvante en injertos o colgajos en riesgo isquémico, como también en heridas refractarias; en la última década, paulatinamente, con la difusión y el aumento de las facilidades para acceder a equipos hiperbáricos, las indicaciones se extendieron al área de la cirugía plástica, para tratamiento de complicaciones posoperatorias en tejidos isquémicos o necrosados y también para preacodicionamiento preoperatorio y sostén posoperatorio de cierto grupo de pacientes con mayor riesgo de sufrir una complicación, en las lipotransferencias como coadyuvante para aumento de la preservación de una mayor cantidad de tejido graso. Las publicaciones al respecto son cada día más frecuentes, algunas presentan un pequeño número de casos, otras son estudios de cohorte retrospectivos, con un nivel de evidencia elevado. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el concepto básico de los efectos de la OHB, referencia al estado actual de las distintas indicaciones en uso en cirugía plástica y medicina cosmética y la experiencia personal al respecto.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) can improve wound healing, hypoxia, alteration of angiogenesis and prolonged infl ammation are constant conditions that HOT favors its reversibility for many years now, in the list of indications recognized by Scientifi c Societies. that govern this practice, is a recognized indication for adjuvant treatment in grafts or fl aps at ischemic risk, as well as in refractory wounds; In the last decade, gradually, with the dissemination and increase in the facilities to access hyperbaric equipment, the indications were extended to the area of plastic surgery, for the treatment of post-operative complications in ischemic or necrotic tissues as well as for preconditioning. operative and post-operative support of a certain group of patients with a higher risk of suff ering a complication, in lipotransferences as an adjuvant to increase the preservation of a greater amount of fatty tissue. Publications in this regard are becoming more frequent every day, some present a small number of cases, others are retrospective cohort studies, with a high level of evidence. The objective of this article is to present the basic concept of the eff ects of HOT, reference to the current state of the diff erent indications in use in plastic surgery, and cosmetic medicine and personal experience in this regard

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Introduction: Cerebral gas embolism is an unusual but extremely serious condition that occurs when air is introduced into the arterial or venous circulation of the brain. Although rare, it can lead to significant neurological deficits and even the death of the patient. Clinical Case: 76-year-old patient with pre-existing diffuse interstitial lung disease, who experienced a massive stroke due to spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Her presentation included confusion, seizures, and motor weakness. Imaging tests revealed air bubbles in the cerebral sulci and hypodense areas in the cerebellum and parietooccipitals. In addition, pneumothorax and air in the upper mediastinum were noted on chest radiographs and chest CT scan. Despite therapeutic measures such as hyperbaric oxygen, the patient unfortunately died due to multiple organ failure. Discussion: The diagnosis of cerebral gas embolism generally involves performing a cerebral computed tomography, which is highly sensitive for detecting the presence of air in the cerebral vessels. Management includes monitoring of vital and neurological signs, as well as specific measures such as airway closure, venous catheter aspiration, Trendelenburg positioning, and hyperbaric oxygen. Conclusion: Cerebral gas embolism is a potentially fatal condition that requires a brain computed tomography for diagnosis and it is vitally important to know the prevention measures to avoid the appearance of this complication and also to know the general measures to adopt when it occurs.

Introducción: La embolia gaseosa cerebral es una afección inusual pero extremadamente grave que se produce cuando se introduce aire en la circulación arterial o venosa del cerebro. Aunque poco común, puede derivar en déficits neurológicos significativos e incluso la muerte del paciente. Caso Clínico: Paciente de 76 años con una enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa preexistente, que experimentó un ictus masivo debido a un neumomediastino espontáneo. Su presentación incluyó confusión, convulsiones y debilidad motora. Las pruebas de imagen revelaron burbujas de aire en los surcos cerebrales y áreas hipodensas en el cerebelo y parietooccipitales. Además, se observó neumotórax y aire en el mediastino superior en las radiografías de tórax y la tomografía torácica. A pesar de las medidas terapéuticas como el oxígeno hiperbárico, la paciente lamentablemente falleció debido al fallo multiorgánico. Discusión: El diagnóstico de embolia gaseosa cerebral generalmente implica la realización de una tomografía computarizada cerebral, que es altamente sensible para detectar la presencia de aire en los vasos cerebrales. El manejo incluye el control de las constantes vitales y neurológicas, así como medidas específicas como cierre de la entrada de aire, aspiración de catéteres venosos, posicionamiento de Trendelenburg y oxígeno hiperbárico. Conclusión: La embolia gaseosa cerebral es una afección potencialmente mortal que requiere una tomografía computarizada cerebral para el diagnóstico y de vital importancia conocer las medidas de prevención para evitar la aparición de esta complicación y así mismo conocer las medidas generales a adoptar cuando ésta se presenta.

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PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review was to assess the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy  (HBOT) in patients with dysphagia after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. METHOD: A systematic search was conducted in the electronic databases Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant studies until March 14, 2023. No restriction on language or publication date. The criteria for inclusion: patients with HNC who had received both radiation therapy and HBOT as 1) a preventive treatment against swallowing difficulties, 2) to preserve swallowing function, or 3) to promote swallowing difficulties. RESULTS: We identified 1396 records. After removal of 31 duplicates, 1365 records were accessible for title and abstract screening. This yielded 53 studies for full text assessment. Six studies met the eligibility criteria and were included for qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION: Evidence of HBOT benefits in patients with dysphagia after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer is inconsistent. Well-designed studies using validated outcome measures and long-term follow-up are warranted.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has proven successful in wound healing. However, its potential effects on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of HBOT on graft healing following ACL reconstruction in rabbits. Male New Zealand rabbits underwent ACL reconstruction and were randomly divided into two groups: the HBOT group and the ambient air group. The HBOT group received 100% oxygen at 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 2 h daily for 5 consecutive days, starting from the first day after surgery. The ambient air group was maintained in normal room air throughout the entire period. After 12 weeks following the surgery, animals were euthanized, and their knees were harvested for analysis. The HBOT group demonstrated superior graft maturation and integration in comparison to the ambient air group, as evidenced by lower graft signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging, decreased femoral and tibial tunnel size, and higher bone mineral density values on high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography scans. Additionally, biomechanical testing indicated that the HBOT group had greater load to failure and stiffness values than the ambient air group. In conclusion, the adjuvant use of HBOT improved ACL graft maturation and integration, reduced tunnel widening, and enhanced the biomechanical properties of the graft. These results may provide important insights into the potential clinical application of HBOT as a therapeutic intervention to enhance graft healing after ACL reconstruction, paving the way for further research in this area.

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HBOT increases the proportion of dissolved oxygen in the blood, generating hyperoxia. This increased oxygen diffuses into the mitochondria, which consume the majority of inhaled oxygen and constitute the epicenter of HBOT effects. In this way, the oxygen entering the mitochondria can reverse tissue hypoxia, activating the electron transport chain to generate energy. Furthermore, intermittent HBOT is sensed by the cell as relative hypoxia, inducing cellular responses such as the activation of the HIF-1α pathway, which in turn, activates numerous cellular processes, including angiogenesis and inflammation, among others. These effects are harnessed for the treatment of various pathologies. This review summarizes the evidence indicating that the use of medium-pressure HBOT generates hyperoxia and activates cellular pathways capable of producing the mentioned effects. The possibility of using medium-pressure HBOT as a direct or adjunctive treatment in different pathologies may yield benefits, potentially leading to transformative therapeutic advancements in the future.

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INTRODUCTION: Treatments of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are able to control symptoms in most cases, however, a fraction of patients do not improve or have a loss of response to treatments, making it important to explore new therapeutic strategies. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) may represent one of them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBO therapy in an experimental model of IBD. METHODS: Sixty male BALBc mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 was colitis-induced with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) + ethanol, group 2 received TNBS + ethanol plus HBO, group 3 received only ethanol, group 4 received ethanol plus HBO, group 5 received saline solution, and group 6 received saline solution plus HBO. HBO was performed for four days, subsequently, the mice were evaluated daily. At the end of the study, samples from the intestine were collected for histological analysis as well as for measurement of antioxidant enzymes and cytokine levels. RESULTS: HBO significantly improved the clinical and histological status of the animals. Treatment with HBO increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in all of the groups; moreover, the difference was only significant between the TNBS and TNBS + HBO groups and treatments promoted a reduction in the proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17 and TNF-α and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, with no changes in IL-13. CONCLUSION: HBO effectively treats TNBS-induced colitis by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and modulating cytokine profiles.

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BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) has been reported to modulate the proliferation of neural and mesenchymal stem cell populations, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects are not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to assess HBOT somatic stem cell modulation by evaluating the role of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), a key regulator of cell metabolism whose activity is modified depending on oxygen levels, as a potential mediator of HBOT in murine intestinal stem cells (ISCs). RESULTS: We discovered that acute HBOT synchronously increases the proliferation of ISCs without affecting the animal's oxidative metabolism through activation of the mTORC1/S6K1 axis. mTORC1 inhibition by rapamycin administration for 20 days also increases ISCs proliferation, generating a paradoxical response in mice intestines, and has been proposed to mimic a partial starvation state. Interestingly, the combination of HBOT and rapamycin does not have a synergic effect, possibly due to their differential impact on the mTORC1/S6K1 axis. CONCLUSIONS: HBOT can induce an increase in ISCs proliferation along with other cell populations within the crypt through mTORC1/S6K1 modulation without altering the oxidative metabolism of the animal's small intestine. These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HBOT therapeutic action, laying the groundwork for future studies.

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