L5. Integrative physiology Flashcards
What are the main stages of the research journey in integrative physiology?
Research question, literature review, experimental design, funding, sponsorship, ethical approval, regulatory approvals, local NHS approvals, and publication
What are the advantages of field research in human physiology?
High-impact findings, international collaborations, and the ability to study real-world conditions
What are the disadvantages of field research in human physiology?
Logistical challenges, safety risks, and lack of control over experimental variables
What are systematic reviews in the context of literature review?
A structured method to capture all relevant studies using defined inclusion and exclusion criteria
Why is publication bias a concern in scientific research?
It skews the scientific record by favoring studies with positive results over negative or null results
What are the challenges of conducting research at high-altitude locations like Cerro de Pasco?
Harsh conditions, limited resources, and logistical difficulties
What is Monge’s disease and where was it first described?
A chronic condition caused by hypoxia, first described in Cerro de Pasco, Peru
What are double-blind studies and why are they important?
Studies where neither the participants nor the researchers know which treatment is being given
What is the significance of ethical approval in human physiology research?
Ensures research is conducted ethically and participant safety is maintained
What is the importance of pre-registering studies in clinical and physiology research?
Improves transparency and prevents selective reporting of favorable results
What is the role of sponsorship in human physiology research?
Provides legal and logistical support for the research process
How does power calculation guide experimental design?
Determines the number of participants needed to achieve statistical significance
Why is it difficult to study certain physiological responses in controlled conditions?
Controlled settings often fail to replicate real-world variables such as environmental factors
What are the benefits of combining field and lab-based studies in physiology?
Combines the strengths of controlled conditions with real-world applicability
What lessons can be learned from the ‘Operation Everest II’ study?
It demonstrated the feasibility of high-altitude physiological research in controlled settings
What role does funding play in integrative physiology research?
Provides financial resources necessary to execute the research plan
What are the practical challenges of collecting field samples in remote locations?
Transport, storage, and preservation of biological samples can be difficult
How do integrative physiology studies contribute to clinical advancements?
They bridge the gap between basic science and patient care
What is the relevance of regulatory approvals in conducting physiology research?
Ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards
What are the rewards of conducting integrative physiology research?
Insightful findings that advance both science and medicine
What was the purpose of the ‘Operation Everest II’ study?
To study physiological responses to simulated high-altitude conditions in a controlled environment
How did researchers measure cardiorespiratory responses at high altitudes?
By using invasive techniques like right heart catheterization and exercise tests
What are the benefits and limitations of using hypobaric chambers in research?
Mimics high-altitude conditions but lacks real-world environmental variables
What did the study on intravenous iron and hypoxic pulmonary hypertension find?
Iron infusion reduced pulmonary artery pressure during hypoxia
What is the role of the Margerhita Hut in integrative physiology research?
A high-altitude research station used for studying hypoxia-related conditions
How does publication bias affect the reliability of meta-analyses?
Leads to overestimation of treatment effects in meta-analyses
What is the role of systematic reviews in identifying gaps in research?
Helps identify unexplored areas and refine research questions
What are the logistical challenges of conducting research at remote locations like the Andes?
Transporting equipment, acclimatizing participants, and ensuring sample preservation
How does the double-blind method enhance the validity of results in field research?
Prevents bias in subjective measurements such as echocardiography
What practical challenges arise during field research in extreme environments?
Equipment failure, harsh climates, and participant safety concerns
How can field samples be preserved and transported from remote locations?
Dry ice and portable refrigeration units are commonly used
What insights did the study on chronic mountain sickness provide?
Venesection studies revealed links between haematocrit and pulmonary pressure
Why are systematic reviews critical in clinical and human physiology research?
They ensure that no redundant or unethical studies are conducted
How do power calculations prevent resource wastage in experiments?
Helps plan participant numbers to ensure meaningful results
What are the benefits of combining genetic studies with integrative physiology?
Integrates systemic physiological findings with genetic markers for better insights
What ethical considerations are unique to field research in remote areas?
Consent, safety measures, and cultural sensitivity must be considered
What are the potential biases introduced by sponsorship in research?
May influence study design to align with commercial or political goals
What lessons were learned from the ‘Operation Everest II’ on physiological responses to hypoxia?
Revealed how acclimatization affects systemic physiology
What are the implications of combining human and animal studies in integrative physiology?
Animal studies provide mechanistic insights that complement human findings
What role does technology play in overcoming logistical challenges in field research?
Portable monitoring devices and advanced logistics aid remote research
