headed by Dr. Richard Wilson from the University of Calgary, Canada, and Dr. Trevor Day from Mount Royal University and University of Calgary, Canada, hosted by Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja at our Institute located in the Capital of Hypoxia (La Paz, Bolivia).
2) Mark your calendar!! We invite you to join us at a unique:
High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA) THE BEST HIGH-ALTITUDE RESEARCH FACILITY IN THE WORLD, located in the “Capital of Hypoxia”, La Paz, Bolivia 3,500masl.
The High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute celebrating 54 years of creation on July 9th, 2024, was the hosting Institution for the Bolivia High-Altitude Research Expedition, a scientific event with the special collaboration from the Bolivian Navy (Armada). The international team, composed of 16 Principal Investigators and 28 PhD and Post-Doc students, arrived at 4:00 pm at the Airport in La Paz, Bolivia (4,100m). They set up all their equipment in the different laboratories on floor 1 (auditorium and the auditorium large annex room -1 project), on the 6th floor (2 labs – 3 projects), and on the 7th floor (2 projects). The cafeteria provided the breakfast, lunch, and dinner services with a gradual taste bud adaptation to Bolivian tasty natural food.
The Expedition was headed by Richard Wilson (University of Calgary) and Trevor Day (Mount Royal University) and sponsored in large part by UCalgary’s Brain Create NSERC Training Program, A University of Calgary Transdisciplinary Connector Award, and an HBI Rebecca Hotchkiss International Scholar Exchange grant. Initially conceived in Sept 2023, research teams from across Canada, France, Ireland, and the USA quickly joined in. It had a unique, original, innovative concept of scientific collaboration between top-line researchers with leading-edge technology in a very friendly and harmonic environment where the human touch allowed extraordinary success!!
Integrative physiological, metabolic, and microbiota responses to rapid ascent and residence at high altitude.
LOCAL HOST/COLLABORATOR
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta (MD), High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), La Paz, Bolivia
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS/ORGANIZERS (alphabetical by last name):
Dr. Trevor Day (PhD, Mount Royal University and University of Calgary, Canada)
Dr. Richard Wilson (PhD), University of Calgary, Canada
CO-INVESTIGATORS (alphabetical by last name)
Dr. Marie (Claire) Arrieta (PhD), University of Calgary, Canada
Dr. Jacquie Baker (PhD), University of Calgary, Canada
Dr. Kevin Cummings (PhD), University of Missouri, USA
Dr. Paolo Dominelli (PhD), University of Waterloo, Canada
Dr. Marie-Noëlle Fiamma (PhD), University of Sorbonne, France
Dr. Glen Foster (PhD), University of British Columbia, Canada
Dr. Eileen Hasser (PhD), University of Missouri, USA
Dr. Daniel Keir (PhD), Western University, Canada
Dr. Ken O’Halloran (PhD), University College Cork, Ireland
Dr. Maxime Patout (MD), University of Sorbonne, France
Dr. Jane Shearer (PhD), University of Calgary, Canada
Dr. Nicholas Stzalkowski (PhD), Mount Royal University, Canada
Marina Rincon Sartori (PhD) University of Calgary, Canada
Dr. Christopher Wilson (PhD), Loma Linda University, USA
SUPPORT STAFF AND RESOURCES (alphabetical by last name) Dr. Jamie Keess (MD), Emergency Physician, Banff, Canada and Clinical Lecturer, University of Calgary
It was 10 days of intensive work in the diferent laboratories and a recording of massive amount of data regarding Adaptation to High Altitude.
On Sunday July 14th we visited the ruins of Tiahuanacu located at 3,800m.
The French team Marie-Noelle Fiamma, Maxime Patout, Clara Bianchi in Tiawanaku. Foto courtesy of Marie-Noelle.
Bruce Fernandez our coordinator, Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja Bolivian host and Director of the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA) and Richard Wilson of the Univ of Calgary The mastermind behind this expedition with Trevor Day (Univ. of Calgary and Mount Royal Univ.).
Richard Wilson contributed the following beautiful photos and hilarious poetic comments!
The statues!
The hats.
The lovebirds.The smiles.
The stowaways.The crew.The Admiral.The Marina.The Karina.And the local.The Irish contingent. Photo courtesy of Erik Lucking.Mount Royal University team. Photo courtesy of Trevor Day.
And then the testing days:
Right after the testing, we presume! Courtesy of Ken O’Halloran.Ken and electrodes. Photo courtesy of Ken O’Halloran.Glen Foster. Pre or post testing? not sure! Photo courtesy of Ken O’Halloran.
Maxime pulmonary function testing. Foto courtesy of Marie-Noelle.Marie-Noelle pulmonary function testing
Natalia being tested in Glen Foster’s lab.
Polysomnography preparation by Clara. Foto courtesy of Marie-Noelle.
The cafeteria was a place of food enjoyment and scientific discussions enjoying the incredible winter sun in La Paz.
Symposium
High Altitude and Brain Symposium – La Paz, Bolivia July 11 – 19, 2024
Sponsored by the Rebecca Hotchkiss International Scholar Exchange (RHISE) Program and a University of Calgary Transdisciplinary Connector Award.
Organizer: Richard Wilson (Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary)
Distinguished Chair and Master of Ceremonies: Dr. Eileen Hasser (University of Missouri)
This symposium ran in the evenings during an HBI-led expedition to La Paz, Bolivia to explore the effects of high altitude on the nervous system involving 14 PIs from 5 countries and 30 trainees. Days were filled with intensive experiments; the symposium occurred in the evenings, immediately after dinner. In addition to the 44 expedition participants, we invited South American scientists to the symposium each evening. A major goal was to increase networks between Canada, USA, France, Ireland, Bolivia and other South American countries, and plan future scientific collaborations. July 14 was set aside for sight-seeing. The Symposium Program was as follows:
July 10: Opening Night
6:00 pm – 6:10 pm: Opening Remarks and Introductions by Dr. Richard Wilson
6:10 pm – 7:00 pm: KEYNOTE: Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja (Head of the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute, La Paz, Bolivia)
Topic: “Adaptation to high altitude: a positive physiological and molecular stimulus enhancing better possibilities of survival and its projection to future space travel and space colonies”
July 11: Research Day 1
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Jane Shearer (UCalgary, Canada)
Topic: “The highs and lows of eating on the brain”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Marie-Claire Arrieta (UCalgary, Canada)
Topic: “A bug’s life at high altitude”
July 12: Research Day 2
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Ken O’Halloran (University of Cork, Ireland)
Topic: “Pouring a pint at high altitude: how the brain regulates blood flow”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Christopher Wilson (University of Loma Linda, USA)
Topic “The (non-linear) dynamics of life at high altitude when breathing stops”
July 13: Research Day 3
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Glen Foster (UBC-O, Canada)
Topic: “How the brain feels muscles burn at altitude”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Jacquie Baker (HBI, Canada)
Topic: “Keeping the brain pumped when standing in the clouds”
July 14: Free day
July 15: Research Day 4
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm Dr Marina Sartori gave a talk on the first night alongside Claire and Jane: title “Burning mitochondria in low oxygen”.
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Trevor Day (MRU, Canada)
Topic: “Acid (bicarbonate, the kidneys and Mount Everest) on the brain”
July 16: Research Day 5
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Marie Noëlle Fiamma (University of Sorbonne, France)
Topic: “Be happy and breathe, the role of serotonin in central sleep apnea”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Daniel Keir (Western, Canada)
Topic: “Peripheral (David) vs Central (Goliath) respiratory chemoreceptors: are there winners at altitude?”
July 17: Research Day 6
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Nicholas Strzalkowski (MRU, Canada)
Topic: “Stepping on the mountain – how the nervous system finds balance”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Maxime Patout (University of Sorbonne, France)
Topic: “Starving for air in an air famine”
July 18: Research Day 7
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Dr. Ricardo Ramos (Hospital san Juan de Dios, La Paz, Bolivia”
Topic: “Coca tea for high altitude effects”
7:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Kevin Cummings (University of Missouri, USA)
Topic: “Orexin high – the role of neuropeptides in sensing brain oxygen”
8:00 pm – 8:30 pm: Dr. Eileen Hasser (University of Missouri, USA)
Topic: “Hypothalamus: putting the head ganglia on a mountain tops”
July 19: Closing Night
8:00 pm – 8:15 pm: Closing Remarks by Dr. Trevor Day (MRU)
Dr. Eileen Hasser Chairing the Symposium
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA).
Dr. Richard Wilson, University of Calgary, Canada.
Dr. Chris Wilson University of Missouri, USA.Dr. Trevor Day & Dr. Richard Wilson. U of Calgary and Mount Royal University, Canada.Dr. Ken O’Halloran. University of Cork, Ireland.Dr. Daniel Keir, Western University, CanadaDr. Maxime Patout from Sorbone University, Paris, France Dr. Daniel Keir, Western University, CanadaDr. Nick Strzalkowski, Mount Royal University, Canada Dr. Ricardo Ramos, Bolivian Psychiatrist.
Symposium in the IPPA auditorium.
Closing dinner and celebration at the “Club de Oficiales Navales”!! With the great support of the Bolivian Armada Educational Dept.
Natalia Zubieta De Urioste agradeciendo al CONTRALMIRANTE Alberto Pio Loza Machaca
Recognition to CONTRALMIRANTE Alberto Pio Loza Machaca
CAPITÁN DE NAVÍO DAEN. Freddy Pozo Rodríguez receiving a gratitude gift from Trevor Day.
Ing. Bruce Fernandez received a gratitude gift from Trevor Day.
Discurso de clausura del
CONTRALMIRANTE Alberto Pio Loza Machaca a nombre del señor Comandante de la Armada VICEALMIRANTE Renán Winsor Guardia Ramírez
El Ing. Bruce Fernandez entregando un reconocimiento al CAPITÁN DE NAVÍO DAEN. Víctor Hugo Valdivia Romero
Caporales dancing for the scientists
Caporales dancers and the scientists at 3,300m!The scientists moving their muscles dancing the Caporales dance in La Paz closing ceremony.
The monolito gift for the PIs!!
And then the scientist showing their musical talents!!!
Daniel signing, Chris and Maxime playing the guitars!! Great music!!
What a musical talent in Science! Clara singing, Chris and Maxime guitars!!
The Bolivian team Daughter and Father interpreting “La Vie en Rose” Edith Piaf and “Kiss from a Rose” Seal and Gustavo “Stairway to Heaven” starting from 3,500m above sea level!!
The list of PhD and Post-Doc students that did great work!
Natalia Zubieta De Urioste University of Calgary, Canada Maggie Tu-Wood University of Missouri, USA Tony Marullo University College Cork, Ireland Jane Shearer University of Calgary, Canada Clara Bianquis Sorbonne Université Paris, France Ben Thompson Waterloo University, Canada Ben MacKenzie Mount Royal University, Canada Katherine Taylor University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), Canada Jamie Keess University of Calgary, Canada Rashmin University of Calgary, Canada Nasimi Guluzade Western University, Canada James Baker University of Calgary, Canada Rodion Isakovich Mount Royal University, Canada Minal Ahuja Mount Royal University, Canada Jessica Dickenson University of Calgary/Mount Royal University , Canada Nicole Johnson Mount Royal University, Canada Megan Lance University of British Columbia , Canada Luany Saldana University of Calgary, Canada Leah Mann Waterloo University, Canada Jou-Chung (Victoria) Chang Waterloo University, Canada Michael Maxwell University College Cork, Ireland Amy O Donoghue University college Cork, Ireland Scott Thrall University of British Columbia (UBC) Jack Leacy University College Cork, Ireland Luany Saldana University of Calgary, Canada Ben Murphy University College Cork, Ireland Nasimi Guluzade Western University, Canada Ben Murphy University College Cork, Ireland Oghene fejiro Erome University of Calgary, Canada Amna Mount Royal University, Canada
The Irish team climbing Mount Huayna Potosi (6088 m) right next to La Paz, at the end of the Expedition! Hats off!!!
Now some amazing photos by Maxime Patout !!
Glen Foster respiratory tests
The view of the city from HAPPI-IPPA
Maxime testing
The artistic face of HAPPI-IPPA, through the camera eyes of Maxime Patout!!
Scientific and joyful spirit of both!!
Preparing for sleep apnea studies.
Respiratory function studies.
Photo courtesy of Maxime Patout
Science and Art at high altitude.
Hats-off for the Irish team who climbed Mount Huayana Potosi (6,088m) right after the event.
Closing remarks:
Great scientific articles coming up soon!!
Special thanks to the Canadian Embassy, Bratislav Obrenovic, Dr. Freddy Armijo Subieta and our efficient team for all their collaboration.
Any research group interested in using our exclusive facilities is welcome to contact us: zubieta@altitudeclinic.com
Our Illimani, next to La Paz. Photo courtesy of Maxime Patout.
Invited by the Dr. Shyama Narang Foundation President Vasanth Rao for the 2nd International Conference on ALS/MND organized jointly by NIMHANS & Dr. Shyama Narang Foundation 21st-22nd June 2023. Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja Head of the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA) presented his innovative talk “Can Exposure to Hypoxia and Chronic Hypoxia be beneficial in ALS/MND?”.
Following the invitation by Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh “The Lead Man of India”, he likewise presented conferences regarding acid-base at high altitude, tolerance to hypoxia, and adaptation to high altitude at different Universities and Hospitals in several cities in the Karnataka area.
Additionally, he participated in the inauguration of the Center for rainforest restoration headed by Dr. Malali Gowda. Finally, he visited outstanding research centers and many temples with magnificent structures. These were nine days of intense activity, travel by plane, train, and car, enjoying the excellent food in different restaurants, and above all re-encounter with very dear friends.
Recognition at the CDSIMER Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar University Institute of Medical Education and Research. Dr. Madan Aekward, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. A C Ashok, Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh.With Dr. Madan Aekward, special Officer and Dr. A C Ashok, Principal and Dean of CDSIMER of the Dayananda Sagar University.Dr. Chandramma Dayananda Sagar University Institute of Medical Education and Research.
Group Photo
Mr. Vasanth Rao, President of the Dr. Shyama Narang Trust, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh, Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Dr. Shrivaram K.R. and Dr. Malali Gowda.The speakers of the 2nd International Conference on ALS/MND.With Dr. Pruthvi ChakravarthiCelebrating some beautiful moments at the hostel at NIMHANS. Dr. Girdhar Gyani, Dr. Shirvaram K.R. Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh, Dr. Mahdan Srinivasan and Dr. Malali Gowda.Recognition by Dr. S. Revwathy, Dean of Trichy SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Center.Visiting temples with distinguished colleagues Dr. Parthiban, Dr. T.A. Varkey, Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh.At the Foundation for Quality India in Bangalore. With Prof. Shashi and Prof. Venkatesh, the head of this center. A meeting in Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh’s office at Foundation for Quality India. From Left: Dr. Rhagu, Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. Shivaram K.R. Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh, Dr. Natalia Zubieta (in the screen from Calgary, Canada), Dr. ________, Dr. Malali Gowda, Dr. Madhan Srinivasan.Visiting C-CAMP in Bangalore, one of the most advanced research innovation centers in India.Visiting the advanced laboratories at C-CAMP.Dr. Malali Gowda, The Gene Man of India, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, The Hypoxia and Oxygen Man of the World and Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh, The Lead Man of India.
Atending a wedding ceremony by invitation of Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh.Dr. Abbas Ali, Vice-Chancellor of ERA University in Lucknow, India Dr. Girdhar Gyani , Director General at ASSOCIATION of HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS in Dehli, India, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja for the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA) in La Paz, Bolivia.
Receiving a blessing by an elephant.
Inauguration of the Center for Rainforest Restoration by Dr. Malali Gowda in Anuganaly, Hassan Karnataka, India.The tree Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja planted at the Center for Rainforest Restoration.Planting a bush in the rocks for the project Center for Rainforest Restoration.Guyani, Gustavo Zubieta, Thuppil Venkatesh and Malali Gowda.Observing the biodiversity with Dr. Shivaram K.R. Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja and Dr. Malali Gowda (first and last from DNAi World. Sharing a wonderful dinner with Dr. Parthiban, Dr. T.A. Varkey, Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh.A wonderful re-encounter with Dr. Girdhar Gyani from Quality India in Dehli and Dr. Krishna, cardiovascular surgeon in Bangalore. He came to Bolivia to one of the Chronic Hypoxia Symposiums.Dr. Parthiban, Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh and Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja at Magapallupuram templeAt Magapallupuram temple. Dr. Parthiban, Master E. Shakthi Saran (Dr. Elangovan’s son), Dr. Thuppil, Dr. Zubieta-Calleja At Magapallupuram temple. Dr. Parthiban, Dr. Thuppil, Dr. Zubieta-Calleja and Dr. S. Elangovan.At Magapallupuram temple. Dr. Parthiban, Dr. Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. Thuppil, and Dr. S. Elangovan.
At Magapallupuram temple. Dr. Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. Parthiban, Dr. S. Elangovan and Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh.
[12:09, 12/5/2022] Gustavo Zubieta: Dear Dr. Meera: [12:10, 12/5/2022] Gustavo Zubieta: Wonderful article! Very detailed and extensive. Congratulations, well done!!! Thank you for citing me!! All the best!! [12:12, 12/5/2022] +91 86100 66441: 🙏💐it was a pleasure to have met the scientific community through the conference. Your thoughts and work mean a lot to ayurveda. It will establish ayurveda’s scientificity in the long run.. A few centuries from now.. [12:13, 12/5/2022] +91 86100 66441: You are much ahead.. Our world is much behind Dr Gustavo [12:19, 12/5/2022] Gustavo Zubieta: I am truly impressed on how you have interpreted our work. Splendid because you understand the concepts!!! Ayurveda has great wisdom instilled, and it results from millenary experience and the adequate use of intelligence based on doing good for the well-being of the whole world community. It also uses nature to heal. That is magnificent!!! Thank you so much for those sincere and warm words, which honor us greatly!! Hope to meet you soon in the near future!!
Once again, we had a magnificent scientific and friendly event on Oct 10-14, 2022. We had outstanding speakers from around the globe and a great scientific program. We thank all of you for helping us make this a great event in chronic hypoxia unique in the world.
We thank all the organizers that did a splendid job! The full details can be found here.
During the conference at CIBA at Titicaca Lake.
At the auditorium in front of the Titicaca Lake 8CHS.With the commanders of the High Altitude Diving Instruction Center (CIBA).The CIBA Hyperbaric Chamber
International Undergraduate Medical Students´ Research Conference of INFORMER
Bench to Bedside: Translational Medicine. Era University ConferenceBench to Bedside: Translational MedicineBench to Bedside: Translational Medicine
Professor Hari Sharma and Professor Doctor Gustavo Zubieta-CallejaBench to Bedside: Translational Medicine Prof. Thuppil VenkateshBench to Bedside: Translational Medicine
Professor Lindsay BrownBench to Bedside: Translational Medicine
Doctor Roli MathurBench to Bedside: Translational Medicine
Professor Abbas Ali Mahdi
Winner of the first prize of the Science and Technology Plurinational prize by the Ministry of Education, Bolivia 2021 as the leader of a group of researchers under the theme “Effect of life at high altitude on incidence and severity of COVID-19
The French team Marie-Noelle Fiamma, Maxime Patout, Clara Bianchi in Tiawanaku. Foto courtesy of Marie-Noelle.
Maxime pulmonary function testing. Foto courtesy of Marie-Noelle.
Dr. Eileen Hasser Chairing the Symposium
Symposium in the IPPA auditorium.
The monolito gift for the PIs!!
Daniel signing, Chris and Maxime playing the guitars!! Great music!!
What a musical talent in Science! Clara singing, Chris and Maxime guitars!!
