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Neurological Sciences

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01-02-2021 | Original Article

Effects of acute mild hypoxia on cerebral blood flow in pilots

Authors: Jie Liu, Shujian Li, Long Qian, Xianrong Xu, Yong Zhang, Jingliang Cheng, Wanshi Zhang

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Background

Pilots often face and need to overcome a diverse range of unfavorable conditions, of which hypoxic exposure is the most common. Studies have reported that hypoxia can induce a decrease in cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the brains of both humans and animals. Hypoxia and the associated cerebral hemodynamic changes can contribute to cognitive performance deficits that may endanger flight safety and increase the risk of accidents.

Aim

In this study, we aimed to identify region-specific alterations in CBF in male pilots after exposure to hypoxia.

Material and methods

We used 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling sequences in 35 healthy male pilots (mean age: 30.6 ± 4.82 years) under simulated hypoxic conditions with a 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. The generated CBF maps were measured and averaged in several regions of interest.

Results

Hypoxia decreased CBF in various brain regions, including the right temporal and bilateral occipital lobes, the anterior and posterior lobes of the cerebellum, the culmen and declive, and the inferior semilunar lobule of the cerebellum.

Conclusion

These changes may impact the functional activity of the brains of pilots experiencing hypoxia in flight, but the related mechanisms require further investigation.

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Title: Effects of acute mild hypoxia on cerebral blood flow in pilots
Authors: Jie Liu
Shujian Li
Long Qian
Xianrong Xu
Yong Zhang
Jingliang Cheng
Wanshi Zhang
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Neurological Sciences / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-020-04567-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effects of acute mild hypoxia on cerebral blood flow in pilots

Abstract

Background

Aim

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Aim

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

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