Most of the cases of middle ear barotrauma in divers are due to the impassability of the Eustachian tube. The aim of our study is to compare the results of tympanometry and Valsalva part of Eustachian Tube Function test (ЕТF-test) with the ability of divers to compensate for the change in ambient pressure in a hyperbaric chamber.

The study included 35 professional divers undergoing annual medical examination. For all subjects is measured first intratympanal pressure at rest, then after the maneuver of Valsalva with impedancemeter. Then a barofunction test (BFT) was performed to assess the diving fitness and the passability of the Eustachian tubes. It consists of divers compressing and decompressing in a hyperbaric chamber to a pressure of 2.2 ATA for 1 minute. Based on results from previous studies we are using a 20 DaPa cutoff point on the ETF test to predict Eustachian tube passability and a successful barofunction test.

In the current study 24 divers have ETF test results higher than 20 DaPa. 3 divers. The results of the ETF test can also be used in the usual work of an otorhinolaryngologist to evaluate Eustachian function in cases of unilateral disease of middle ear.We report the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic with particular regard to seafarers and with the indications drawn up by the Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (C.I.R.M.) in this regard.
Work-related stress among seafarers is well known but a suspected excess of work-related stress due to the COVID-19 so far has not been published. The aim of the study was to evaluate the well- -being of the seafarers during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and their evaluation of the precautions taken by the shipping companies.

Seventy-two seafarers completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12) with three extra questions on how the COVID-19 precautions were taken on board.

The mean Likert score was 13.9 for the whole sample, corresponding to "no problems" while a subgroup of 40% had mean Likert sum scores of 16.1 (level 15-23) corresponding to "starting problems." In response to the extra items, 50% of the seafarers did not feel safe doing their job in relation to the epidemic and 60% did not think everything has been done to ensure their health at work in relation to the epidemic. Thirty per cent suffered of insomnia to the extent of becoming concerned and 26% had been unhappy and depressed during the latest tours of duty.

The hypothesis that excess work-related stress has been put on the seafarers in this specific situation was confirmed and calls for prevention. A combination of person-focused and organisation-focused prevention approaches has been advocated as the most promising for alleviation of job stress in the workplaces at sea.
The hypothesis that excess work-related stress has been put on the seafarers in this specific situation was confirmed and calls for prevention. A combination of person-focused and organisation-focused prevention approaches has been advocated as the most promising for alleviation of job stress in the workplaces at sea.
Global concern on seafarers' health and its potential cost is widely evident across the shipping industry. Seafarers are at increased cardiovascular risk since it is common to have risk factors associated with that risk such as hyperlipidaemia, obesity and smoking. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), i.e. hyperlipidaemia, smoking and obesity, in Greek seafarers.

During pre-embarkation medical examination, seafarers undergo an interview with a physician, physical examination and laboratory tests. The parameters studied included hyperlipidaemia, identified as low density lipoprotein > 150 mg/dL, tobacco use or severe obesity, as defined by body mass index > 35 kg/m2.

A total of 3712 seafarers have been examined. Seafarers had overall rates of 3% hyperlipidaemia, 4% tobacco use and 0.2% severe obesity, with similar distributions in all age groups. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/ins018-055-ism001-055.html Our study shows that Greek seafarers have lower risk for CVD, as low rates of obesity, tobacco use, and hyperlipidaemia are observed. The related literature is discussed. Unhealthy eating patterns are the rule and contribute to CVD. Shipping management could improve diet on board; however, smoking falls rather under individual control.

We conclude that, despite the low rates of hyperlipidaemia, smoking and obesity among Greek seafarers compared to other nations, campaigns for promoting awareness of the phenomenon and on the potential health impact of these conditions should be promoted.
We conclude that, despite the low rates of hyperlipidaemia, smoking and obesity among Greek seafarers compared to other nations, campaigns for promoting awareness of the phenomenon and on the potential health impact of these conditions should be promoted.
The present study describes the intercultural differences in the perception of stress and the preparation of seafarers.

Three hundred twenty-three seafarers (156 [48.3%] Europeans and 167 [51.7%] Southeast Asians) were interviewed about their subjective stress on board.

According to the interviews with ship's officers, mostly represented by Europeans, mental stress was most often due to high responsibilities (82.0%), extensive administrative tasks (81.1%) and lack of qualification of seafarers (64.8%). Subjectively, the Europeans questioned were significantly more likely to experience mental stress on board than the Southeast Asians (74.2% vs. 56.3%), whereas the latter were more prone to being physically stressed. 43.1% of the Southeast Asian seafarers often felt lonely on board compared with 26.2% of the Europeans. Preparation for maritime-specific stress in the form of specific training units is only provided in 1 of the 5 universities surveyed. The most important reason for this is a lack of time. Intercultural leadership training was also only offered at one university.

In view of the many psychophysical stressors in daily life on a ship and the lacking respective education, it is recommended to integrate stress management and diversity training in intercultural communication in the higher education of future superiors on board.
In view of the many psychophysical stressors in daily life on a ship and the lacking respective education, it is recommended to integrate stress management and diversity training in intercultural communication in the higher education of future superiors on board.