Scientific Societies Research Articles

Cultural evolution: Where we have been and where we are going (maybe)

The study of cultural evolution using ideas from population biology began about 50 y ago, with the work of L.L. Cavalli-Sforza, Marcus Feldman, and ourselves. It has grown from this small beginning into a vital field with many publications and its own scientific society. In this essay, we give our perspective on the origins of the field and current unanswered questions.

PhysioCAFUN: A competency-based curriculum development guideline to strengthen physiology education in Africa.

Physiology education in Africa faces challenges due to gaps in curricula across many of its universities, such as divergent content, a lack of standardized competencies, and suitable benchmarking. Here, we describe the development of Physiology Curriculum for African Universities (PhysioCAFUN), a competency-based curriculum development guideline, as a first step to address such shortcomings. A committee of 15 physiologists from different African regions, Europe, and USA was constituted to draft the PhysioCAFUN, which was introduced and revised during the joint East African Society of Physiological Sciences (EASPS) and African Association of Physiological Sciences (AAPS) conference held in Tanzania late 2023. The PhysioCAFUN consists of 23 modules. Modules 1-15 cover the organ systems, including principles and concepts of physiology, molecular biology and cell physiology. Modules 16-23 contain optional content, including environmental physiology, pharmacology, and topics related to skill development. PhysioCAFUN serves as a freely available resource document for African stakeholders regarding the desired undergraduate physiology training and competencies. It will help universities in Africa, and elsewhere, to draft a curriculum suitable for their local needs where there is a dearth of physiologists, or to benchmark and revise their curricula where physiology programs are already in place.

An Updated Review For Hyperuricemia and Gout Management; Special Focus on the Available Drug Delivery Systems and Clinical Trials.

Hyperuricemia belongs to metabolic syndromes where increased uric acid levels are identified in the blood serum. Such a syndrome could be responsible for kidney stone formation, gout, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases. It has been reported that cardiovascular risks have been linked with hyperuricemia. Gout is of the most frequent manifestations due to hyperuricemia; its management involves various pharmacological available options and dietary changes. Throughout the literature, various dosage forms are studied as alternative options to the present drug delivery systems. To update and summarize the current information for gout and hyperuricemia management. Authors have performed a thorough literature research from 2010-2023 using keywords such as hyperuricemia, gout, diagnosis, guidelines, drug delivery and clinical trials. The databases used were PubMed, ScienceDirect. According to our inclusion criteria, all studies which include the previous terms, as well as drugs or other molecules that can be applied for gout and/or hyperuricemia management, were added. In this article, authors have summarized the pathogenesis, diagnosis and updated guidelines for gout and hyperuricemia management. Moreover, the authors have reviewed and discussed current drug delivery systems found in the literature, including drugs targeting the above disorders. Finally, the available clinical trials assessing the efficacy of newer drugs or combinations of the past ones, are being discussed. The available drugs and dosage forms are limited, and therefore, scientific society should focus on the development of more efficient drug delivery systems for hyperuricemia and gout management.

Valery Aleksandrovich Chereshnev – organizer of the immunological service in the Western Urals

The article is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Valery Aleksandrovich Chereshnev, a Russian scientist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, known for his works in the field of immunology and pathophysiology. V.A. Chereshnev began his career at Perm State Medical Institute, where he continued his postgraduate studies after graduating with honors. In 1970, he defended his PhD thesis on the topic “On the role of the properties of microbial cells and macroorganisms in the mechanism of development of an early phagocytic reaction to the introduction of typhoid vaccine”. In 1982, he defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Closed chest injury in combination with gamma irradiation (clinic, pathogenesis, treatment, medical protection).” He worked as a lecturer and professor in various educational institutions, and also headed scientific laboratories. In 1988, he became the director of the Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and then organized a branch in Yekaterinburg, which was later transformed into the Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, where he also became the director. Valery Aleksandrovich was elected a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Committee on Science and High Technologies of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation. In addition, he was elected President of the Russian Scientific Society of Immunologists, organized the Society of Immunologists of the Urals. Currently he is actively developing immunological services in the Western Urals.

Quality in aesthetic medicine and surgery. a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines

Background:Guidelines in medicine are essential tools to provide quality and standardised medical care. We analysed the quality of aesthetic medicine guidelines. Methods: A systematic review with a prospective registration protocol (https://osf.io/8pdyv) of databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CDSR), web pages of scientific societies and grey literature was done from inception to February 2023 and without language restrictions. Quality was evaluated using AGREE II (% of the maximum score), RIGHT (% of the total 35 items) and a shared decision making (SDM) quality assessment tool (31 items score) individually and in duplicate, respectively. Results:Six (86%) guidelines were classified as not recommended; one (14%) was recommended with modifications, and all were classified as poorly reported (7/7; 100%). The median overall quality was 27% (IQR: 26-43) and 26% (IQR 1536) for AGREE II and RIGHT, respectively. No document used these tools for its development. SDM appeared superfluity in almost all of the guidelines explored. Conclusions:Aesthetic medicine and surgical guidelines had low quality and must be improved. There is a wide range of improvement, especially in applicability, reporting of evidence, recommendations, conflict of interest, quality control and SDM. These guidelines require a rigorous methodology based on systematic reviews to ensure quality evidence-based recommendations.

Italian Ryegrass Control Using a Capsule Suspension Formulation of S-metolachlor in Fenclorim-treated Wheat

Abstract Italian ryegrass control is one of the most significant limitations in wheat production in the U.S. today. Resistance to Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC)/Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Groups 1, 2, and 9 in Arkansas have further complicated postemergence control, while residual herbicides still show effective weed control. One problem is the potential of HRAC/WSSA Group 15 herbicides to injure wheat when applied preemergence, indicating the need for a herbicide safener. A series of experiments were conducted in Fayetteville, AR, to evaluate crop tolerance and Italian ryegrass control using a capsule suspension formulation of S-metolachlor in conjunction with fenclorim-treated wheat. Experiments were conducted as a two-factor factorial with S-metolachlor applied at three rates (0.37, 0.74, and 1.12 kg ai ha-1) and a microencapsulated formulation of acetochlor at 1.05 kg ai ha-1, and three rates of a fenclorim seed treatment at 0, 0.5, and 2.0 g ai kg-1 of seed. Separate experiments utilized either a preemergence (PRE) or a delayed-preemergence (DPRE) application timing. In both experiments, S-metolachlor at 0.74 and 1.12 kg ai ha-1 provided 77 to 96% control of Italian ryegrass by preharvest, whereas acetochlor only provided 49 to 72% control. Visible wheat injury from PRE applications ranged from 7 to 49% for all treatments 21 d after treatment (DAT), with a reduction in injury when fenclorim-treated wheat was used for both the 0.74 and 1.12 kg ai ha-1 rate of S-metolachlor. In the DPRE experiments, wheat injury ranged from 5 to 16% 21 DAT with no noticeable safening from the presence of fenclorim at any herbicide rate. The results of these experiments indicate that a DPRE application using a CS formulation of S-metolachlor would be more favorable for producers to mitigate the potential for injury to wheat while providing Italian ryegrass control. Additionally, at the DPRE application timing, fenclorim is unnecessary for S-metolachlor to be safely applied at the rates evaluated.

Abstract 4114714: Impact of Cardiology Interest Groups on the Professional Development of Medical Students

Background: Launched in 2023, the American College of Cardiology Medical Student Member Community (ACC MSMC) began recognizing Cardiology Interest Groups (CIGs) at medical schools worldwide. This initiative fosters a robust network among ACC medical student members and celebrates their contributions within their institutions and broader communities. We surveyed medical students from 50 recognized CIGs to evaluate the influence of this network on their members' career trajectories. Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was sent to 50 student leaders of CIGs recognized by the ACC from 20 countries and was distributed to their members. The objective was to evaluate the impact of their involvement in these groups on their clinical knowledge, research activities and publications, professional advancement, and the promotion of diversity and equity. Results: Of 215 respondents (71% ACC members), 49.3% identified as female, with significant representation from Asia (35.7%), and the USA (17.6%). The majority joined CIGs to explore cardiology as a career path (61%), build professional networks (60%), and participate in specialized workshops (59.5%). Most rated their access to CIG resources as excellent (73.8%), supporting ACC's mission to enhance diversity and inclusion. Regarding educational outcomes, 48.6% rated their knowledge acquisition in cardiology as excellent, and 41% noted excellent preparation for a cardiology career. Additionally, 26.4% of students published research papers post-CIG involvement, with 39% attending ACC or AHA conferences. Survey feedback also highlighted strong networking (38.6% excellent) and mentoring opportunities (36.2% excellent) provided by CIGs. Conclusions: CIGs significantly enrich medical students' professional development by offering extensive networking, education, research, and mentorship opportunities. They play a crucial role in nurturing a global interest in cardiology, thereby enhancing diversity within the field. This model serves as a valuable blueprint for other scientific societies considering the establishment of student interest groups.

Petrograd (Leningrad) physical and mathematical society in 1921–1930: science management, publishing activities, and international relations

Drawing on the archival materials, the article examines the activities of the Petrograd (Leningrad) Physical and Mathematical Society in the 1920s, focusing on those concerned with research, science management, publishing and international relations. Despite its relatively short lifespan, the Society’s efforts proved to be very fruitful: regular meetings were held where scientific papers were presented and discussed, a dedicated scientific journal was published, and scientific links were maintained both domestically and internationally. Prominent Russian scientists took an active part in the Society’s activities, including Ya. V. Uspensky, V. I. Smirnov, B. N. Delone (Delaunay), G. M. Fikhtengol’ts (Fichtenholz), V. A. Steklov, A. A. Fridman (Friedmann), V. A. Fok (Fock), A. S. Besikovich, S. N. Bernshtein (Bernstein), Ya. D. Tamarkin, R. O. Kuzmin, N. I. Muskhelishvili, L. G. Loitsyansky, B. G. Galerkin. Society members attended international congresses and conferences, establishing and promoting important scientific contacts with foreign scientists and enhancing the worldwide authority of Soviet mathematicians and physicists. However, in 1930, the Society decided upon self-dissolution due to a number of reasons: introduction of new regulation aimed at the reorganization of scientific societies, the escalation of conflicts among the mathematical community, and the beginning of repressions against some mathematicians. Nevertheless the Petrograd (Leningrad) Physical and Mathematical Society had made a significant contribution to the advancement of physical and mathematical sciences in our country.

Status of the implementation of pharmacogenetics in clinical practice in Spain: from regional to national initiatives.

Pharmacogenetics (PGx) has the potential to improve patient care, allowing to transform medical interventions by providing personalized therapeutic strategies. Scientific evidence supports the use of PGx in clinical practice and international organizations are developing clinical guidelines to facilitate the utilization of PGx testing. However, clinical implementation of PGx is limited and unequal worldwide. This review summarizes regional and national Spanish initiatives to implement PGx in the clinical practice. Diverse strategies to implement PGx in healthcare are applied across countries or even in the different regions of a specific country. Such was the case of Spain, a European country with 17 Autonomous Regions and two Autonomous Cities, each one with capacity to manage their own healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the past years, many initiatives and strategies have been launched in Spain to develop different aspects of PGx. Importantly, the National Healthcare System has approved a PGx testing catalogue. This review highlights the crucial work and efforts of scientific societies (like the Spanish Society of Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics), of experts in PGx, of healthcare providers and of governmental parties in the implementation of PGx to personalize patient therapy, focused in Spain.

Expert opinion on factors associated with severe laryngeal injury after intubation in the pediatric population: a worldwide survey study.

To minimize post-intubation laryngeal injury it is important to identify the factors that contribute to the development of these lesions. Previous literature has been inconsistent. This survey aims to investigate experts' opinions on the various factors associated with severe laryngeal injury following intubation in the pediatric population and to determine whether these opinions influence the treatment of patients with one or more of these factors. A multiple-choice questionnaire with the possibility to provide open text answers was developed and sent by email, WhatsApp and Siilo to members of the scientific societies of anesthesiology, pediatric intensive care, emergency medicine and ear nose throat surgeons worldwide. Responses were analyzed thematically. A total of 363 physicians worldwide responded to the survey, mainly anesthesiologists (31%), intensivists (35%) and ENT surgeons (29%). The majority of the respondents (69%) had over 10years of experience in pediatric airway management. Overall, factors with the highest agreement (> 80% of respondents) were 'traumatic intubation', 'multiple intubation attempts', 'the use of oversized tubes', 'skill level of the intubator', 'repeated intubations' and 'period of intubation', specifically in small (weight < 2kg, age < 1year) children. The factors 'use of muscle relaxants' and 'biological sex' were not considered relevant. In accordance with their daily practice, physicians from different specialties reported varying factors as being relevant. These assumptions influence their routine decisions regarding intubation and extubation procedures. Although not extensively supported by literature, the majority of the experts indicate that factors such as 'traumatic intubation', 'multiple intubation attempts', 'oversized tubes', 'skill level of the intubator', 'repeated intubations' and 'period of intubation' are the most relevant factors in the development of post-intubation severe laryngeal injury in the pediatric population. Physicians from different specialisms also highlight specialism specific factors they consider most significant which influence their day-to-day clinical practice.

MiRNAs, dd-cf-DNA, and Chemokines as Potential Noninvasive Biomarkers for the Assessment of Clinical Graft Evolution and Personalized Immunosuppression Requirement in Solid Organ Transplantation.

The use of noninvasive biomarkers may reduce the need for biopsy and guide immunosuppression adjustments during transplantation. The scientific community in solid organ transplantation currently considers that chemokines, T- and B-cell immunophenotypes, and gene expression, among other molecular biomarkers, have great potential as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for graft evolution; however, in clinical practice, few valid early biomarkers have emerged. This review focuses on the most relevant scientific advances in this field in the last 5 years regarding the role of 3 biomarkers: miRNAs, chemokines, and ddcf-DNA, in both adult and pediatric populations. An update was provided on the scores based on the combination of these biomarkers. The most-featured articles were identified through a literature search of the PubMed database. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential clinical applications of these biomarkers in the diagnosis and prediction of graft outcomes and discusses the reasons why none have been implemented in clinical practice to date. Translating these biomarkers into routine clinical practice and combining them with pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetic monitoring is challenging; however, it is the key to present/future individualized immunosuppressive therapies. It is essential that they be shown to be applicable and robust in real-life patient conditions and properly evaluate their added value when combined with the standard-of-care factor monitoring for graft clinical assessment. Partnership strategies among scientists, academic institutions, consortia, including expert working groups and scientific societies, and pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies should promote the development of prospective, randomized, multicenter intervention studies for adequate clinical validation of these biomarkers and their monitoring frequency, and their commercialization to make them available to transplant physicians.

Desafios e aprendizados da comunicação pública na pandemia de COVID-19: o caso de uma instituição do Estado Português

This is a qualitative case study on the communication actions of the Portuguese state expressed in initiatives of Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA, Portuguese Ministry of Health) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (from 2020 to 2022). Its exploratory research employed documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews indicates how communication practices carried out in the context of infodemic and disinfodemic addressed this scientific institution with other public instances and the civil society and advanced public communication of science guided toward dialogue and the strengthening of citizenship.

List of Critical Drugs in Dermatology: Results of a Delphi Consensus in France.

Drug shortages are increasing nowadays, affecting every country worldwide. The French Ministry of Health asked various scientific societies to establish a list of “critical” drugs for each specialty. The aim of this list was to enable the public authorities to control the production chain and guarantee the availability of drugs. We present the list of critical dermatological drugs, which is the result of a strong consensus between all representative entities of the French Society of Dermatology.

On increasing equity and inclusion of early-career professionals for conferences and conference networking in Canadian fisheries and aquatic science societies

As early-career professionals (ECPs) navigate their education and professional development in the aquatic sciences, many seek to build a network to help guide their entrance into the field. As influential organizations, scientific societies play a vital role through hosted conferences, where ECPs can meet and share ideas with others, and find mentors to facilitate their colleagues’ journey within the profession. However, not all ECPs are the same, and those from marginalized backgrounds face unique challenges. Here, we provide a perspective on ways scientific societies can ensure all members are provided with equitable opportunity to discover, access, and build career-defining networks at conference events, including the critical role of mentors in navigating obstacles to success. Our recommendations originate from an early-career networking workshop in 2022 at a Canadian fisheries and aquatic sciences conference. The day-long hybrid event comprised interactive activities and discussions on how societies and their conferences can foster and promote inclusive networking for all, including suggestions on maximizing inclusivity for online attendees. This perspective serves as a call to action for scientific societies and senior-career professionals to meaningfully engage with ECPs and marginalized members to promote transformative science.

Hair follicle-targeted delivery for hair recoloration using scalp-curvature-conforming microneedles based on sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone

Hair-related disorders are currently widely concerned issues for not only the scientific society but also the public attentions. Microneedle-based drug delivery system has been regarded as a promise hair follicle-targeted drug delivery approach, largely because they can effectively penetrate the stratum corneum barrier and deliver drugs to hair follicles within dermis. However, the currently reported microneedles for treating hair-related disorders usually rely on rigid backings, showing poor adaptability to the curved scalp and thereby restricting their usability for hair follicles targeted drug delivery. To this end, this study utilized sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone to construct a scalp-curvature-conforming microneedle with flexible backing. Subsequently, Psoralea corylifolia extract (PE) was loaded into the microneedles to investigate its capability in delivering PE to the hair follicle site for treating leukotrichia associated with vitiligo. These PE-loaded microneedles can effectively conform to the curvature of skin, enhancing the efficiency of microneedle insertion and ensuring stable drug delivery. Moreover, animal studies demonstrate that the PE loaded microneedles can effectively penetrate the stratum corneum, benefiting the drug delivery to hair follicles located site, and consequently showing a successful inhibition of hair graying. In summary, the present study reports a design and preparation of scalp-curvature-conforming microneedle. This design may offer a potential solution for efficient drug delivery using microneedles to the curved skin.

The role for ω-3 polyunsaturated and short chain fatty acids in hypertension: an updated view on the interaction with gut microbiota

As of 2024, arterial hypertension is still considered the leading modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and, due to high rates of undertreatment and poor blood pressure control, the major contributor to human morbidity and mortality. Development of new treatment options and better interventions in lifestyle correction have become a priority of experimental and clinical research. In the last decades, dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) and generation of gut microbiota-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) have surged as potential and promising interventions for hypertension and cardiovascular prevention. ω-3 PUFAs are considered “essential” fatty acids that can be obtained only from dietary sources. Although previous intervention trials were not consistent in reporting a significant benefit of ω-3 PUFAs, the recent REDUCE-IT trial has provided robust evidence in support of their role in cardiovascular prevention. Recent studies have also identified the intestinal microbiota as a potential player in the pathophysiology and progression of hypertension. Although this might occur through many pathways, generation of SCFAs that is highly dependent on dietary fiber intake is primarily involved, providing an additional target for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. For these reasons, some scientific societies currently recommend dietary supplementation of ω-3 PUFAs and fiber-containing foods in patients with hypertension. In this narrative review, we summarize the results of studies that examined the effects of ω-3 PUFAs and SCFAs on blood pressure, highlighting the mechanisms of action on the vascular system and their possible impact on hypertension, hypertension-related organ damage and, ultimately, cardiovascular outcomes.

Reproductive and pregnancy control in Wilson disease patients in Spain.

Recommendations on pregnancy, lactation, and contraception in women with Wilson disease are briefly stated in international guidelines but are not entirely homogeneous. Data regarding the management of these special events among patients with Wilson disease in Spain are lacking. We used the Wilson Registry platform of the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver to question patients on their reproductive and gestational lives. This was a multicentre ambispective study including adult women with Wilson disease in the Spanish Wilson Registry interviewed about their contraception, childbearing, pregnancy, and lactation experiences. Clinical and analytical data were extracted from the registry. The study included 92 women from 17 centres in Spain. Most (63%) reported having a previous pregnancy history. The rate of spontaneous miscarriages was 21.6%, mainly occurring in the first trimester and up to one third among undiagnosed patients. Most pregnant women received chelator therapy during pregnancy, but dose reduction was recommended in less than 10%. After delivery, artificial lactation predominated (60.3%) and its use was mainly based on physician's recommendations (68%). Up to 40% of the women included reported some concerns about their reproductive lives, mainly related to the potential drug toxicity to their children. Most of the patients considered the information given by specialists to be sufficient. Gestational management among women with Wilson disease in Spain was found to be highly heterogeneous and frequently different from what is described in international guidelines. Education on rare liver diseases should be a priority for scientific societies in order to homogenize patient follow-up and recommendations.

Recommendations for fast-track extubation in adult cardiac surgery patients: a consensus statement.

Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery in selected low-risk patients, has the potential to improve outcomes and reduce the burden of healthcare costs. Anesthesia-related challenges play a major role in the successful implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, with particular emphasis placed on fast-track extubation. Acknowledging the importance of this practice, the Italian Association of Cardiac Anesthesiologists and Intensive Care (ITACTAIC) has advocated for an initiative to establish a consensus offering practical recommendations for fast-track extubation after adult cardiac surgery. After conducting a systematic review, all randomised control trials (RCTs) published between 2013 and 2023 were meticulously selected and analysed during a consensus meeting that involved statement voting. Out of the 2268 publications identified using the search string, 60 RCTs were selected and classified into six groups, each evaluating specific interventions associated with extubation within 6 hours post-surgery. The authors examined 20 RCTs pertaining to loco-regional anesthesia, 19 analysing elements of general anesthesia, 12 focused on surgery-related aspects and techniques, three examining ventilation, two exploring anesthesia depth monitoring, and four addressing miscellaneous aspects. The expert panel approved 16 statements with 15 achieving high agreement and one obtaining moderate agreement. Finally a total of eight interventions were considered associated with fast-track extubation: parasternal block, erector spinae plane block, alpha agonist in the operating room (OR), opioids in the OR, dexmedetomidine in the intensive care unit (ICU), minimal invasive surgical access, anesthesia depth monitoring, adaptative support ventilation. In the first consensus document ever published by a scientific society addressing practical recommendations for fast-track extubation post-cardiac surgery, the authors identified sixteen interventions commonly associated with fast-track extubation in selected adult cardiac surgery patients.

Ibero-American consensus statement on migraine treatment

Introduction and objectivesMigraine is the most common reason for neurology outpatient consultation; more than 80% of patients with migraine suffer some degree of associated disability. Migraine is an underdiagnosed disorder and patients frequently receive inappropriate treatment, which is why it is necessary to establish recommendations to improve patient management. The objective of this document is to establish a consensus position on the pharmacological treatment of migraine, including general measures and detailed analysis of the different options for the treatment of attacks and their prevention, from the perspective of Ibero-American countries. Methods and resultsBased on the recommendation documents published by the scientific societies of different Ibero-American countries, 2 surveys were prepared; through the application of the Delphi methodology and discussions in subsequent meetings, a document was developed in consensus format, supported by evidence from the literature and expert recommendations. ConclusionsA series of recommendations were agreed upon for the treatment of episodic migraine and chronic migraine, both for the acute management of attacks and for their prevention. These recommendations are based on the consensus process and a literature review, and are adapted to the regional conditions of the Ibero-American countries.

Affiliate Plan of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society

Affiliate Plan of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society