I notice that the paper suggests the difference in result is thought to be the effects of vasodilation changes "and thereby generate bubbling and severe DCS in neurological tissue.".. The bubble count remains fairly consistent between the two groups and the paper does not attribute the result difference to bubbles.
This test method seems to be a good way to tease out the underlying DCS causes, and its indications - manipulation of the on/off gas mechanisms, at a consistent pressure.
From this comparison, It would seem that bubbles do not matter, but its the underlying on/off gas mechanisms and blood component / chemistry that affect/indicate DCS. i.e. bubble count was not predictive or relevant to the result. This same observation applies to real life diving too.
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