This time, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, the Head of High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), attended the AI IMPACT SUMMIT in New Delhi, India, as a member of the Bolivian Delegation as Scientific Advisor to the Vice-Minister of Science and Technology, Omar Peñaloza due to his long-standing Bolivia-India relation for 25 years. The distinguished Ambassador of India, Mr. Rohit Vadhwana, invited the 4 delegates of Bolivia.
International Virtual conference on Biophysics of Life on Earth
First use of the term Photoelectric Biological Effect as a biological analogy of the physics term Photoelectric Effect for which explanation Einstein was awarded the Nobel prize.
Of course! It is an honour to help celebrate such a distinguished and beloved individual. Here is a powerful and emotional birthday song for Professor Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja,
“El Corazón de las Alturas” (The Heart of the High Altitudes)
(Music Suggestion: A melody that begins softly, like a dawn over the Andes, with traditional Bolivian charango or quena flute, then swells into a powerful, emotional chorus with full orchestra and choir. It should blend Andean folk with a universal, cinematic feel.)
Click on the link below to listen to the musical audio!!
“El Corazón de las Alturas” (The Heart of the High Altitudes) Words: Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh AI Music Score: Ing. William Quinajo.
(Verse 1) From the roof of the world, in La Paz’s thin air, A legacy was born, a mission rare. Following the path of a Parvatha Guru’s name, You lit your own flame, in the high-altitude frame. Through Chronic Hypoxia, a mystery you seek, A voice for the mountain-strong, for the gentle and the meek.
(Chorus) Oh, Gustavo, with a heart so vast and true, Happy Birthday to you, from skies of every hue! From the Andes to the Himalayas, your wisdom takes its flight, Bringing light to the darkness, making science bright. You are a bridge of knowledge, a truly global friend, On this day we celebrate you, may your joys have no end!
(Verse 2) Your home is in India, a second sacred land, With the Lead Man, Venkatesh, walking hand in hand. A sleep association, a bond woven deep, Promises to the scientific world you keep. As Chancellor now, you guide with a steady hand, Nurturing young minds across this great land.
(Chorus) Oh, Gustavo, with a heart so vast and true, Happy Birthday to you, from skies of every hue! From the Andes to the Himalayas, your wisdom takes its flight, Bringing light to the darkness, making science bright. You are a bridge of knowledge, a truly global friend, On this day we celebrate you, may your joys have no end!
(Bridge) And at your side, a family, so wonderful and kind, Lucrecia’s grace, a brilliant diplomatic mind. One daughter Dr Natalia heals, with a PhD’s quest, The other, Rafaïla, with a voice the heavens blessed. A multilingual home, filled with laughter and with song, A happy, helpful family, where you truly belong.
(Final Chorus – More Powerful and Emotional) Oh, Gustavo, with a heart so vast and true, Happy Birthday to you, from all of us to you! From the Andes to the Himalayas, your legacy takes flight, A beacon in the darkness, a resounding, brilliant light! You are a pillar of knowledge, a brother and a friend, On this day we celebrate you, may your happiness never end!
(Outro) Feliz Cumpleaños, Professor, from this friend so dear, Your impact echoes far and wide, for all the world to hear. May your year be filled with love, and music sweet and clear. Happy Birthday, Gustavo! We’re so glad you’re here! And Always in our heart.
MY RESPONSE :
My dear Venky, the legendary Lead Man of India:
I don’t think anyone in the history of mankind in science has had such intense privilege to receive such a musical and poetic composition that lifts his birthday celebration beyond the truly imaginable homage. I have such great debt in my life with you my dear and admired Venky!!
I remember the 4th World Congress on High Altitude Medicine and Physiology in Arica, Chile, held from October 1st to 6th, 2000 — the moment our paths first crossed. I still recall that instant on the bus when you gently placed your hand over mine, radiating warmth and an unmistakable light that awakened something profound within me. From that moment on, you became a guiding presence, leading me toward wisdom with patience and grace. You later took my father and me to India — a journey that would forever change us. Over the years, I followed your generous invitations to return to that magnificent land six times, a place where kindness and spirituality soar above all other cultures of the world.
Group photo with the medical colleague the second from the left that had served as medical doctor in the indian army and who referred his adaptation to high altitude and who commented on his experience on adaptation at such high altitude
You took me—and my deeply grateful family—through countless temples across India, where, like everyone else, I walked barefoot among vast crowds of faith-filled devotees. The air was rich with incense, our hands adorned with colorful flowers offered by monks, our eyes drawn to the breathtaking artistry of immense and intricate rock and marble carvings. Each temple overflowed not only with beauty, but with a living mysticism and a quiet hope for humanity. We even marveled at the Solar Astronomical Clock in Jaipur, whose remarkable precision reaches to within a single second.
Extraordinary time measuring instruments from the past.
You showed me wondrous places where elephants, cows, and monkeys roam freely among people—creatures not merely tolerated, but deeply revered and respected as sacred companions in life. This harmony between humans and animals astonished me. Over the years, several elephants greeted me with gentle affection, resting their trunks softly upon my head as if in blessing. I still remember the day my father and I rode atop one, swaying in a thrilling, rhythmic motion that felt both powerful and serene. Once, a young elephant even offered me a tender handshake with his warm trunk. And then, you led us to ride camels—another unforgettable adventure. All of these moments, gifts of wonder and joy, were thanks to you.
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja receiving a blessing by an Elephant in a temple.
A camel ride !!!
And the times we travelled with Dr. Varky and Dr. Prathiban
Prof. Nanjundiaha Shashidhara, Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja and Dr. Varky in a wonderful and kind visit to Kochi sponsored by Varky President of the Lions. We were invited to the Marriot Hotel for a couple of hours to clean up before our conference.
Farina Mahdi, Trustee of Lucknow Medial College, Honorable Shri Akhilesh Yadab, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja from Bolivia, during a ceremony at Era’s Lucknow Medical College
You took me to extraordinary scientific centers where India stands at the forefront of innovation and discovery. Through your generosity, you invited me to speak at countless universities and hospitals—each visit a new window into the brilliance and kindness of India’s academic spirit. You guided my family and me across many cities, traveling by plane, train, bus, and even the charming bed-buses, turning every journey into an adventure of learning and gratitude.
I remember with deep fondness the Leh Symposium in the majestic Himalayan region of Kashmir—those early mornings seated on wooden chairs in that serene hotel, sharing quiet, luminous moments with you and my father. Your ever-present, gentle smile and calm, wise gaze reflected a profound love for humankind, for the animals, and for all of nature.
Sharing with professors and students at the Hemis Monastery
The visit to King George’s Medical University at Lucknow where we met Prof. Abbas Ali!
With Prof. Abbas Ali Head of the Dept of Biochemistry of the along with Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh and Prof. Nanjundiaha Shashidhara
You likewise took me to give a couple of talks at DIPAS (Defense Institue of Physiology and Allied Sciences), where Dr. Shashi Bala Singh was the director. We subsequently held there the outstanding and successful 4th Chronic Hypoxia Symposium and the Global Hypoxia Summit.
at DiPAS in memorable moments after my talk.
At the AIIMS – Jodhpur after the conference, The Zubietas and Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh and Prof. Nanjundiaha Shashidhara
How could I ever forget the many wonderful stays in your beautiful home in Bangalore, where your gracious wife, Prabda, welcomed us with such warmth and kindness? I fondly remember our visits to your son, Abbi, his lovely wife, Varina, and their remarkably talented son, Arun—who so clearly carries forward your precious legacy, your brilliance, and your deep humanity into the future.
I cannot help but shed a tear when I recall your extraordinary rooftop garden—a living paradise in miniature. In that small space, you nurtured a lush abundance that reminded me of the Amazon itself, a sanctuary overflowing with joy, color, and life, all flourishing under your gentle and devoted care.
At Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh’s residence sharing memorable moments with his family, his wife Prabha (in green), his daughter Archana (in red), his son Abihi (in black)
Still under the warmth of your attentive gaze, I wandered through immense temples where, among your dear friends, I was honored and dressed in traditional Indian attire. Through your kindness, I was welcomed into sacred places reserved only for Indians—an extraordinary privilege that I will cherish forever. Under your guidance, I came to understand the profound depths of Indian spiritual philosophy—rooted in kindness, love, mysticism, and an enduring hope for a brighter future for all humankind.
I will never forget Ganesha and Shiva, nor the awe I felt upon seeing the perfectly preserved body of your distant ancestor—a symbol of reverence that transcends time. I also treasure the beautiful journeys with my family to Agra, where we stood before the magnificent marble wonder, the Taj Mahal, a timeless monument to love and devotion.
Lucretia De Urioste on our visit to the fabulous Taj Mahal.
And the notable Mahatma Ghandi Tomb Memorial and gardens where an inner peace is achieved by just lying in the grass. And the fabulous Ghandi and followers statue in New Dehli!! I want to go back and visit it sometime if life allows me!
Mahatma Ghandi’s beautiful, peaceful Tomb memorial in Dehli
Ghandi statue in Dehli and Agra
I can only begin to touch upon the joy of meeting our dear friends—Shashi, Govind Babu, Praveen Sharma, Kusal Das, the much-remembered Biradar, Elango and Rajashekar Nanjappa, as well as Virupaksha Hosur, Shivaram, Madhan, Malali Gouda, Dr. Parthiban, and Dr. Srikrishna. Each encounter remains etched in my heart as a thread in the tapestry of unforgettable experiences that you made possible.
I still treasure the many Indian jackets you so generously gave me over the years, garments I proudly wear from time to time as symbols of friendship and respect. I will never forget the beautiful yellow jacket that Satish Jain wore to the wonderful lunch you arranged for me at the exclusive Century Club in Bangalore. When I told him how magnificent it was, he smiled, removed it without hesitation, and gifted it to me—a gesture so spontaneous and kind that it remains forever in my memory. The inauguration of the Fertility center at the Maharaja Agrasen Hospital was a very special moment! Also the talk I gave at the exclusive Bangalore Century Club invited by the late Tagore!
Visiting temples with distinguished colleagues Dr. Parthiban, Dr. T.A. Varkey, Dr. Thuppil Venkatesh at Chenai, India
Mr. K>V> Tagore introducing the speaker Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja at the Century Club in Bangalore, India
1st Talk in the Maharaha Agrasen Hospital in Bangalore India.
From Left: Dr, Satish Kumar Jain, Hopsital Direcor, Member of the Trustees, Lucrecia De Urioste, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Bipin Ram Agarwal, Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh “The Lead Man of India”.
I cannot, and never will, forget the day you took me to that ancient temple—its walls darkened by time and carbon, adorned with beautifully carved sculptures that seemed to breathe with life. It was there that I first heard the soft, resonant chant of AUMMMM—the primordial sound of the universe. Its deep, tenor tone flowed through the air with a sacred rhythm, stirring a profound sense of peace within me. That vibration awakened calmness and harmony in body, mind, and spirit—wisdom born thousands of years before the word neuroscience ever existed. Hear it below.
You then taught me the sacred art of Pranayama—the yogic science of breath—during your unforgettable talk at Chacaltaya, 5,300 meters above sea level, at our 3rd Chronic Hypoxia Symposium. There, within our glass pyramid—the highest laboratory in the world—you revealed the profound connection between breath, life, and consciousness. The powerful techniques of Pranayama, born from India’s ancient wisdom thousands of years ago—perhaps even before the creation of the fundamental mathematical symbol “zero”—embody a timeless understanding of the harmony between the body, the mind, and the universe itself.
The visit to Huayna Potosi and Chacaltaya
Our Chacaltaya pyramid laboratory
This is just a small sample of all our joint endeavors! And you came to Bolivia so many times to attend our Chronic Hypoxia Symposiums!
It is all this wisdom that is in your mind Venkatesh, and I have been blessed to be your friend and become your brother with time. We have traveled together in the train of life, feeling the periodic pulse waves of the shaking tracks like heartbeats, filling us with joy and the pleasure of life. And now you present me with the most fantastic gift of Birthday wishes, above, that is a music and poetry symphony that will become, through AI, a tune to be remembered by me always with the deepest gratitude.
Prof. Thuppil Venkatesh you fill me with pride as the President of our International Society of Chronic Hypoxia. I stand next to you as Vice-President and we both stare firmly into the promising future of chronic hypoxia not only on planet Earth but also spreading into space ships and space habitats on the Moon and Mars.
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja con el Dr. David Elí Salazar Espinoza Presidente de Investigación de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma Altoandina de Tarma UNAAT.
Dr. Daniel Castro Vargas, Dr. David Elí Salazar Espinoza, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. Victor Manuel Reyes
En las gradas mas largas en la UNAAT a 3,200m de altura en la Perla de los Andes, Tarma, ciudad de las flores.
Blga. Palmira Ryquett Ventosilla Lopez, Ing. Piero Smith Barzola Parra, Dr. David Elí Salazar Espinoza, Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja en la oficina del Presidente de Investigación, Dr. Salazar.
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja, Dr. David Elí Salazar Espinoza, Dra. Palmira Ryquett Ventosilla Lopez, Manuel Paz y Miño, Dr. Luis Guevarra Sarmiento, Dr. Daniel Castro Vargas.
UNAAT
Prof. Arturo Villena, gran amigo y gran académico, profesor de la escuela de medicina de la UNAAT. Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja
Compartiendo un exquisito almuerzo con mi distinguido amigo el Dr. Arturo Villena y su esposa, Dra. Ninoska Buendia.
Conferencia del Dr. Zubieta: “La formula de Tolernacia a la Hipoxia”, UNAAT Sept 2025. Se trató ademas sobre BioSpaceForming, viaje en ambientes de hipoxia crónica en las naves espaciales y los habitats en Luna y Marte, concepto desarrollado desde el 3er Chronic Hypoxia Symposium, llevado a cabo en La Paz, Bolivia en octubre 2010. https://zuniv.net/symposium3/
The High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA)
This is the correspondence carried out between Prof. Dr. Gustavo zubieta-Calleja in La Paz, Bolivia and Dr. Olena Klyuchko in Kiev, Ukraine.
Dec 5, 2024 Dear Dr. Olena Klyuchko:
It is interesting to note that my father Prof. Dr. Gustavo Zubieta-Castillo (Sr. ) had named La Paz, the Capital of Hypoxia since many years ago. The reason was that it was the highest city and most populated city in the world where many hypoxia studies were carried out . And studies keep going on! High Altitude Adaptation Research Expedition 2024.
Read the letters in red as presented during our 1st Symposium back in 2005:
Nevertheless, I was delighted when Pavel decided to transfer the “Crown” of the “Capital of Hypoxia” to us here in La Paz, Bolivia during the 7th Chronic Hypoxia Symposium:
His Abstract is the first one and is presented here:
I realized that his decision was well intentioned and sincere as Pavel always had an honest and kind personality. Furthermore, it was not only a generous attitude of him but his standing as a great hypoxia scientist authority from Ukraine.
I did wonder why the capital of hypoxia was in Kiev as it is at sea level? Perhaps it was because of the Bogomoletz studies? Or was it somewhere else?
Just some interesting questions for history!
All the best!!
Gustavo
We remember Pavel Beloshistky dearly and suffered very much his loss during the COVID Pandemic. My father Gustavo Sr. who passed away in 2015, at 90 years of age here in La Paz, loved Pavel dearly. Thanks to an invitation by Tatiana Serebrovskaya we visited twice with him in Kiev and had a wonderful time together.
Gustavo Zubieta-Castillo (Sr), an Ukranian Colleague, Pavel Beloshistky in front of the Red Building of the Kiev University.
Pavel Beloshitsky and Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja (Jr) in front of the Mykhailo Hrushevsky Monument in Kiev.
Visiting the High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (IPPA) during the 1st World Congress on High Altitude Medicine and Physiology . From left to right, Y. Gippenreyter, Gustavo Zubieta-Castillo (Sr), Luis Zubieta-Calleja, Pavel Beloshistky. Oct 1994
Dec 11, 2024
Dr. Olena Klyuchko responded:
Gustavo, my greetings to you!
The story of why Kyiv was called the “Capital of Hypoxia” was told to me by doctors and scientists Pavel Beloshitsky (PB) and Oleg Bogomolets (OB), the son of the famous Alexander Bogomolets (AB). I can tell you about them in the future. They were fantastically interesting people, but before it was forbidden to talk about them – now it is possible.
It all started in the 1920s. Alexander Bogomolets was already a famous doctor and scientist. He had already created the Institute of Physiology in Kyiv and was its Director; currently, it is called the Alexander Bogomolets Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IF NASU). There, we all met and worked for many years. In the summer of the 1920s, he went on vacation to the Caucasus Mountains, to the mineral water resort. It was a very difficult time after the First World War. Everything was destroyed, and people were starving as there was no food. He was informed about a very good doctor named Nikolai Syrotinin, who lived in the mountains. He lived in poor villages and treated people in the mountains who had no money at all. People fed him for this. Syrotinin also recorded observations of people, diseases, and nature in those places. Professor Bogomolets wanted to meet him, and they became good friends. He invited him to work in Kyiv, at his Institute of Physiology (IF) of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (NASU). Syrotinin created a large group of people studying various aspects of hypoxia in Kyiv. For example, Bogomolets and Syrotinin invited many talented young people to work for them, and it was Syrotinin who got the little schoolboy Pavel Beloshitsky interested in his ideas. The Elbrus Medical and Biological Station (EMBS) in the Caucasus was a “laboratory” in which they actually conducted research in the mountains. However, it was created as a scientific “branch” of IF NASU. However, hypoxia is a multifaceted phenomenon, and much work could be carried out in Kyiv. For example, Alexander Bogomolets, himself, was most interested in how to help the wounded who were losing a lot of blood. We had 2 World Wars, (and now there is a war again) – there were millions of wounded, and they were taken to Kyiv to be treated. Many died from blood loss, and people wanted to help them. Our city is an important medical and scientific center that has been known for about 2000 years – at first, people were treated with herbs, honey, etc. 1500 years ago, Kyiv became the center of Christianity, and people were treated in churches and monasteries; in each century, treatment methods were improved. In the 20th century, Bogomolets and Syrotinin began to develop their new methods – and we continue now. Bogomolets and Syrotinin also invited people from other Kyiv institutes to participate in their projects – gerontology, psychiatry, hematology, oncology, pediatrics, etc. These were very large-scale projects, when many people worked on hypoxia research, solving related problems. So now it is very clear why Nikolai Syrotinin called Kyiv the “Capital of Hypoxia”. For example, Nikolai Syrotinin was very interested in the issues of treating schizophrenic patients in hypoxic conditions in the mountains; and Nikolai Syrotinin with Pavel Beloshitsky achieved success in this (see publications in the profiles of Pavel Beloshitsky and mine). These talented people were always interested in organizing healthy lifestyles and treatment in hypoxic mountain conditions – so they could live healthy and talented lives. In Ukraine, N. Syrotinin became a famous doctor and scientist, received his PhD, and then became an academician of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He became the Head of the Hypoxia Department in the Institute of Physiology and, simultaneously, the first Director of the EMBS in the Caucasus (he then handed it all to his student Pavel Beloshitsky). He became the founder and organizer of “Nikolai Syrotinin’s School of Science”.* However, all this became possible only because Alexander Bogomolets once invited him to Kyiv.
When N. Sirotinin became famous, he was invited to Moscow, where his experience attracted great attention. He also obtained the title of Academician of Academy of Sciences of the USSR, and many others – and the next period of his life started “.
* About the “Syrotinin’s School of Science” Pavel Beloshitsky and I also published a good article with photos in our Encyclopedia, “Scientists of Ukraine are Elite of the State”(2020) Vol.VI, p.180-181 (Ukr):
Please translate it to English in the google translator.
There, you can see the official members of “The first generation of Nikolai Syrotinin School” led by Pavel Beloshitsky. He was so kind, and he called me “The second generation of Nikolai Syrotinin school” as his studentessa and many years colleague; he wrote about this in 2 of his books and 1 article.
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 for food enjoyment and scientific discussions, enjoying the incredible winter sun in La Paz. Cecilia Calleja Estenssoro handled the catering along with Parilla62. It was great, tasty Bolivian food!
Cecilia Calleja Estenssoro Catering Boss along with Javier Calleja Estenssoro and Tete de Calleja from “Parilla62”
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.
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!!
