Physiology and applied sciences in Nepal: 1st annual conference
We report here about the first annual conference of Nepalese physiologists on 27-28 September 2013 organized by the Department of Clinical Physiology of the Nepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS) and Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUMS). Nepalese physiologists are trying to form their own physiological society. In this regard, NAIHS and KUMS have played an important role to bring physiologists from different parts of Nepal involved in teaching, learning, and research activities in medical schools. There were a number of foreign invitees (India, Israel, Italy, Japan, and Sweden). There were ple...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - March 1, 2014 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Anaemia secondary to critical illness: an unexplained phenomenon
Abstract
Almost all patients suffering critical illness become anaemic during their time in intensive care. The cause of this anaemia and its management has been a topic of debate in critical care medicine for the last two decades. Packed red cell transfusion has an associated cost and morbidity such that decreasing the number of units transfused would be of great benefit. Our understanding of the aetiology and importance of this anaemia is improving with recent and ongoing work to establish the cause, effect and best treatment options. This review aims to describe the current literature whilst suggesti...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - February 7, 2014 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
A cross-sectional study of differences in 6-min walk distance in healthy adults residing at high altitude versus sea level
Conclusions
The 6-min walk test predicted a lowered functional capacity among Andean high altitude vs. sea level natives at their altitude of residence, which could be explained by an incomplete adaptation or a protective mechanism favoring neuro- and cardioprotection over psychomotor activity. (Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine)
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - February 1, 2014 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Analysis of swimming performance in FINA World Cup long-distance open water races
Conclusion
Female long-distance swimmers competing in FINA World Cup races between 2000 and 2012 improved in 10 km but impaired in 5 and 25 km, whereas men only impaired in 5 km. The age of peak performance was younger in women (approximately 23 years) compared to men (about 25–27 years). (Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine)
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - January 2, 2014 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Age, sex and (the) race: gender and geriatrics in the ultra-endurance age
Abstract
Ultra-endurance challenges were once the stuff of legend isolated to the daring few who were driven to take on some of the greatest physical endurance challenges on the planet. With a growing fascination for major physical challenges during the nineteenth century, the end of the Victorian era witnessed probably the greatest ultra-endurance race of all time; Scott and Amundsen’s ill-fated race to the South Pole. Ultra-endurance races continued through the twentieth century; however, these events were isolated to the elite few. In the twenty-first century, mass participation ultra-endurance rac...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - January 1, 2014 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Career perspective: Ralph F. Goldman—military ergonomics
Abstract
Military Ergonomics is a name I made up when the Commander at the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM) told me 'The Surgeon General wants to give you a Research Division of your own.’ I demurred, saying 'That would make me an Administrator, and I prefer research,’ but the C.O. (who was a friend) insisted, saying that what I wanted had no impact on what the General wanted and I had to become the Director of either the Heat, Cold, Work, or Altitude Divisions. Thinking fast, I said 'I want the “Military Ergonomics Division” ’, and when he asked 'What's that?...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - December 6, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
A report on the Global Open Water Swimming (GOWS) Conference, Cork, Ireland, 12th October 2013
Abstract
The third Global Open Water Swimming Conference was for the first time held in Europe. Researchers, swim pioneers and leading marathon swimmers came together to present research related to the water environment, pioneer swims, young and old marathon swimmers and human physiology. (Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine)
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - December 1, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Haemoglobin concentration and mass as determinants of exercise performance and of surgical outcome
Abstract
The ability of the cardiorespiratory system (heart, lungs, blood) to deliver oxygen
to exercising skeletal muscle constrains maximum oxygen consumption
,
with cardiac output and the concentration of oxygen-carrying haemoglobin ([Hb]) being
key limiting parameters. Total blood volume (BV) is the sum of the plasma volume (PV)
and the total red cell volume. The measured [Hb] is dependent upon the total
circulating mass of haemoglobin (tHb-mass) and plasma volume (PV). While the
proportion of oxygen carried in...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - November 26, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Career perspective: Peter D Wagner
Abstract
This perspective focuses on key career decisions, explaining the basis of those decisions. In so doing, it exemplifies the unexpected influences of serendipity and the interaction between serendipity and planned events in shaping the career of one individual. (Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine)
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - November 8, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Xtreme Everest 2: unlocking the secrets of the Sherpa phenotype?
Abstract
Xtreme Everest 2 (XE2) was part of an ongoing programme of field, laboratory and clinical research focused on human responses to hypoxaemia that was conducted by the Caudwell Xtreme Everest Hypoxia Research Consortium. The aim of XE2 was to characterise acclimatisation to environmental hypoxia during a standardised ascent to high altitude in order to identify biomarkers of adaptation and maladaptation. Ultimately, this may lead to novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for the pathophysiological hypoxaemia and cellular hypoxia observed in critically ill patients. XE2 was unique in comparing ...
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - October 23, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
Accelerometry and salivary cortisol response during Air Force Special Tactics Officer selection
Conclusions
An individual's salivary cortisol response to the stresses incurred during the STO selection has the potential to be incorporated into the entire picture of a candidate's performance and ability to handle stress. (Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine)
Source: Extreme Physiology and Medicine - October 1, 2013 Category: Physiology Source Type: research
