Scientific Societies Research Articles

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.

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

Abstract Introduction 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. Content This review summarizes regional and national Spanish initiatives to implement PGx in the clinical practice. Summary and Outlook 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.

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.

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.

Affiliate Plan of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society

Affiliate Plan of the IEEE Nuclear and Plasma Sciences Society

Survival and Toxicity Outcomes with Radiotherapy Technique and Timing in the Management of Wilms Tumor: a Systematic Review to Inform a National Clinical Practice Guideline Development

Purpose: Wilms tumor (WT) management has evolved into a multimodality paradigm that includes radiotherapy (RT), usually as an adjuvant or consolidative modality. Protocols are refined to maximize cure and compliance while minimizing acute toxicity and long-term effects. RT technique and timing are two factors that could improve these outcomes. We reviewed the evidence on survival and toxicity outcomes among WT patients with conventional versus advanced RT techniques and early versus delayed RT to inform a Department of Health (DOH) commissioned guideline. Materials and Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, EuropePMC, EBSCOHost, HERDIN, systematic review and clinical trial registries and official websites of scientific societies for relevant publications and grey literature. Eligibility screening, risk-of-bias assessment and data extraction were performed using a single-reviewer approach. Given the study and data heterogeneity, only a qualitative synthesis was performed. Certainty of evidence assessment was done using the GRADE approach. Results: We screened 314 studies and included seven in the review, including a phase 1/2 trial and six retrospective studies, all from first-world countries (US, France, Netherlands), except one from a newly industrialized country (Brazil). The certainty of evidence on the survival and toxicity outcomes with advanced RT techniques was very low. Moderate-certainty evidence supports that giving RT >14 days after surgery leads to increased mortality. Conclusion: Current evidence does not support the routine use of advanced RT techniques; proper contextualization is necessary. Tertiary centers managing WT should strive to administer RT within 14 days after surgery whenever possible. Keywords: Wilms tumor, nephroblastoma, radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiotherapy, survival, toxicity

Oxyfluorfen use in Combination with Clomazone or Quinclorac

Abstract Oxyfluorfen, a Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC)/Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Group 14 herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase, has shown significant potential in controlling barnyardgrass. Despite its current lack of labeling for use in midsouthern U.S. rice due to the potential for crop injury, the introduction of a trait in rice that confers resistance to oxyfluorfen could provide producers with an effective alternative site of action for weed control. Field experiments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons near Stuttgart, AR, and near Lonoke, AR, to determine the optimum rates of clomazone (280 or 336 g ha-1) and oxyfluorfen (673 or 840 g ha-1) to use in sequential preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) applications on a silt loam soil and to assess the efficacy of oxyfluorfen when combined with clomazone and quinclorac PRE, followed by oxyfluorfen POST. No differences in barnyardgrass control were observed among treatments 14 days after emergence (DAE) in three site years, as all control was ≥90%. By 35 days after the postemergence application (DAPOST), all barnyardgrass control was ≥94% for herbicide treatments in all site years. All herbicide treatments resulted in lower barnyardgrass seed production than the nontreated in 2021. Contrasts revealed that oxyfluorfen applied PRE on a silt loam soil resulting in barnyardgrass control similar to clomazone or quinclorac alone at 14 DAE. Although oxyfluorfen combined with clomazone or quinclorac did not increase barnyardgrass control, an additional site of action for control of this weed could help reduce the evolution of resistance. Mixing oxyfluorfen with clomazone in a dry-seeded rice production system in the midsouthern U.S. would effectively control barnyardgrass and reduce the risk for resistance to both herbicides, further highlighting the potential of oxyfluorfen in rice production.

Anticoagulant monotherapy versus anticoagulant therapy in combination with single antiplatelet agent in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting - analysis of real-world data

Abstract Introduction Among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), in a significant group chronic anticoagulant treatment is indicated. Current recommendations from scientific societies do not clearly indicate the optimal antithrombotic treatment strategy in this group of patients. Addition of antiplatelet therapy recommended after CABG to chronic anticoagulant therapy increases the risk of bleeding complications, however, efficacy of antithrombotic treatment strategies has not been compared in large prospective studies. Purpose The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of post-CABG antithrombotic treatment strategies in patients after CABG with coexisting indications for chronic anticoagulant treatment, based on the analysis of the real-world database. Methods Real-world data from the THIN database were analyzed. The population included adult patients from France and Great Britain undergoing CABG between 2010 and 2022 who were treated with anticoagulants within a year after CABG and who were followed for at least one year after CABG or until death. The endpoints were compared between groups of patients treated with anticoagulants in monotherapy (VKA or NOAC) (MT) and patients treated with anticoagulants (VKA or NOAC) in combination with antiplatelet agent (ASA or oral P2Y12 inhibitor) (CT). The primary efficacy endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), the primary safety endpoint was major bleeding and the secondary safety endpoint was death from any cause. Results A database query obtained records of 3500 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, but due to missing data, 710 patients were included in the analysis. In this group, 193 (27.2%) patients were in MT group, and 517 (72.8%) in CT group. The majority (87.0%) were men, the mean age was 72.8 (9.4) years. The MACE occurred in 19.2% patients in the MT and in 19.3% in the CT. There was no significant effect of antithrombotic treatment strategy on time to event (log-rank test p=0.553) and on risk of MACE occurrence (HR 0.89 (95% CI 0.61 - 1.31) for CT vs. MT). The major bleeding occurred in 6.2% patients in the MT and in 10.3% in the CT and no significant effect of group was observed (log-rank test p=0.170, HR 1.55 [95% CI 0.83 - 2.90] for CT vs. MT). The death from any cause occurred in 10.9% patients in the MT and in 10.1% in the CT and no significant effect of group was observed (log-rank test p=0.174, HR 0.70 [95% CI 0.42 - 1.17] for CT vs. MT). Conclusions The results indicate the comparable efficacy and safety of both antithrombotic treatment strategies: anticoagulants in monotherapy versus anticoagulants in combination with antiplatelet agent in the group of patients after CABG with coexisting indications for chronic anticoagulation.

The efficacy of vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus across priority population subgroups

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has recently become a vaccine-preventable disease as two vaccines have been approved for use and a third one is likely to become available by the end of the year. National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups as well as scientific societies across the world have issued recommendations on RSV vaccination that differ in respect to the identification of the target group. The latter has been identified in respect to age or underlying medical conditions mostly according to epidemiological data. In order to strengthen the evidence basis for future decisions, we performed a stratified meta-analysis of efficacy data considering all the three RSV vaccines currently or soon available. Methods We searched Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy of RSV vaccines in terms of reduction of RSV-related Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI). The research was conducted on PubMed and clinicaltrial.gov. The extraction of relevant data was stratified by pre-defined age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80+) and presence of underlying conditions increasing the risk for RSV. Results Three RCTs, one for each of the three vaccines, were considered for the quantitative analysis. Considering the overall 60+ population, the efficacy of RSV vaccines was 78% (95%CI 76-86%) in preventing LRTI. Considering the different age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80+), efficacy was respectively 72% (95%CI 53-84%), 90% (95%CI 66-97%) and 57% (95%CI 0-93%). The efficacy in healthy people and those with at least one underlying condition was similar, namely 77% (95%CI 60-87%) and 78% (95%CI 50-90%). Conclusions The available evidence shows the efficacy of RSV vaccines in reducing LRTI with no differences across different priority groups. Further studies may contribute to better understanding if the efficacy may change according to individual characteristics, that could be highly relevant in the decision-making process. Key messages • The available evidence from RCTs shows the efficacy of RSV vaccines in reducing LRTI with no differences across different priority groups. • National recommendations on RSV vaccination can be further informed for future studies investigating RSV vaccines efficacy across different subgroups.

RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FORMATION OF THE SYSTEM OF STUDENT RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES

The article presents a historical and pedagogical analysis of the formation and development of the system of student scientific research activities in European institutions of higher education. The evolution of this system is studied, tracing its roots from the birth of the first universities in the Middle Ages to the modern stage of higher education development in Europe. Special attention is given to analyzing the impact of world wars, technological progress, and globalization on the development of student research. The article examines the peculiarities of organizing student research activities in leading European universities, including the University of Oxford, the Technical University of Munich, and Leiden University. The role of student scientific societies in cultivating a research culture and shaping the scientific outlook of students is also analyzed. Attention is paid to the issue of financing student research activities, with various mechanisms for supporting student research considered, including state grants, university funds, and private company programs. The components of the student research activity system discussed ‒ such as the integration of research into the educational process, international cooperation, use of advanced technologies, interdisciplinary approaches, and alignment with societal needs ‒ demonstrate their effectiveness in training new researchers who can address modern challenges and contribute to the development of science and society. The purpose of the article is to conduct a historical-pedagogical analysis of student research activity systems in different European countries. The research methods applied: historical-pedagogical, literature analysis, synthesis, comparison, and theoretical generalization.

What is the true normal: comparison of different equations for estimating peak oxygen uptake for outcome prediction in heart failure

Abstract Background and Objectives One of the strongest prognostic parameters obtained during Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with heart failure (HF) is the peak oxygen uptake (pVO2), as a standalone or as a percentage of the predicted peak oxygen uptake (ppVO2) reached. However, traditional standards by which ppVO2 is calculated have limitations, having been derived from small cohorts, lacking portability and poorly represented by women. Thus, we aim to compare the FRIEND Registry equation to previously used methods of calculating ppVO2 as it relates to prognostic value imparted by the percentage of ppVO2 (%ppVO2) reached during CPET and portability to the Portuguese HF population. Methods Single centre retrospective study of patients with HF with LVEF < 50% who underwent CPET between 2015-2021. Patients who did not reach RER≥ 1.05 were excluded from our analysis. All tests were evaluated and ventilatory thresholds determined by 3 independent, experienced operators. ppVO2 was calculated according to 1) the Wasserman equation; 2) the Wasserman equation using ideal body weight; 3) the Neder equation, 4) the SHIP equation and 5) the FRIEND equation. Our primary endpoint was a composite of CV death, urgent transplant or left ventricular assist device implantation and HF hospitalization. Results We included 238 patients (mean age 59 ± 11 years, 83% males). The HF aetiology was mostly ischemic in nature (68%), with LVEF of 34 ± 9% and median NTproBNP of 776 (2566 – 2342) pg/mL. Most patients (67%) were in class NYHA I-II and with high prevalence of GDMT (93% ACEi/ARB; 97% beta-blockers and 64% on MRA). Mean BMI in this group was 27.3 ± 4.7 kg/min. Patients performed CPET on a treadmill with a protocol adjusted to their predicted exercise capacity. Mean pVO2 was 18.1 ± 6.2mL/kg/min, corresponding to a median %ppVO2 that ranges from 51 ± 16% to 71 ± 22%, depending on the equation that is used. Mean VE/VCO2 Slope was 42 ± 13 and 48 % (n = 98) of patients showed exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV). Mean ppVO2 as per the FRIEND and Wasserman equations was 18.9 ± 6.6 and 21.2 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min, with no statistically significant difference between both. %ppVO2 as calculated through all equations was an independent predictor of prognosis on multivariate analysis adjusted for LVEF, NTproBNP and VE/VCO2 Slope (p < 0.001 for values derived from all equations). However, the FRIEND and Wasserman equations showed a slight advantage over the remaining 2 equations, with higher AUC on ROC curve analysis (see figure). Conclusions In our population of Portuguese patients with HF, both the FRIEND registry and Wasserman equations for predicting pVO2 yielded strong prognostic power. However, these equations provide different absolute predicted VO2 values for the same patients and thus should not be used interchangeably. Standardisation of the type ppVO2 equation used should be recommended by local scientific societies.

Confirmation of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) populations in New York and responses to alternative chemistries

Abstract Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson, AMAPA) is one of the most troublesome weeds in North America due to its rapid growth rate, substantial seed production, competitiveness and the evolution of herbicide-resistant populations. Though frequently encountered in the South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, A. palmeri was recently identified in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields in Genesee, Orange, and Steuben counties, NY, where glyphosate was the primary herbicide for in-crop weed control. This research, conducted in 2023, aimed to (1) describe the dose response of three putative resistant NY A. palmeri populations to glyphosate, (2) determine their mechanisms of resistance, and (3) assess their sensitivity to other postemergence herbicides commonly used in NY crop production systems. Based on the effective dose necessary to reduce aboveground biomass by 50% (ED50), the NY populations were 42 to 67 times more resistant to glyphosate compared with a glyphosate-susceptible population. Additionally, the NY populations had elevated EPSPS gene copy numbers ranging from 25 to 135 located within extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA). Label rate applications of Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Group 2 herbicides killed up to 42% of the NY populations of A. palmeri. Some variability was observed among populations in response to WSSA Group 5 and 27 herbicides. All populations were effectively controlled by labeled rates of herbicides belonging to WSSA Groups 4, 10, 14, and 22. Additional research is warranted to confirm whether NY populations have evolved multiple resistance to herbicides within other WSSA groups and to develop effective A. palmeri management strategies suitable for NY crop production.

Statistical Committees and Establishment of Museums in Russia during Late 19th to Early 20th Centuries

This article examines the activities of provincial and regional statistical committees as centers for the establishment of provincial museums in pre-revolutionary Russia. It highlights that, despite a considerable number of studies dedicated to the emergence of museum practices and the contributions of individual statistical committees to the creation and development of museums, this topic has yet to undergo systematic investigation. The formation of museum collections and the emergence of a network of museums affiliated with statistical committees are traced, beginning with the first museums established by the Vladimir and Arkhangelsk committees and concluding with the unsuccessful attempts to open museums by the Nizhny Novgorod, Saratov, and Transbaikal statistical committees. Common features in the development of provincial museums and the specific organizational characteristics of those associated with statistical committees are identified. The article emphasizes the classification of statistical committees as state-type institutions and clarifies the specialized focus of museum activities. Particular attention is paid to the reasons for the reorganization and separation of museums from statistical committees in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Based on the examined sources, it is established that many museums previously under the auspices of statistical committees transitioned to scientific societies, archival commissions, and specially created committees.

Promotion of breastfeeding in Italian Maternity Hospitals: a pre-intervention study

BackgroundIn Italy, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at hospital discharge range unsatisfactorily between 20–97%.MethodsIn 2023, the Project for Hospital Policy on Breastfeeding (HPB) has been launched to promote breastfeeding in Italian Maternity Hospitals (MHs) as a joint initiative of the Italian Scientific Societies involved in perinatal care together with the National Midwife (FNOPO) and Nurse (FNOPI) Boards and with Vivere Onlus, a family association. The HBP Project has been designed as an uncontrolled before-after study to increase EBF rate at hospital discharge in the population of healthy, term infant with a normal weight at birth following an intervention bundle comprising: 1) Establishment of a local hospital Working Group; 2) Adoption of a hospital policy; 3) Implementation of breastfeeding monitoring; 4) Training for perinatal care professionals; 5) Enhanced implementation of the practices of skin-to-skin contact (SSC) and mother-baby rooming-in; 6) Development/Improvement of perinatal care protocols.ResultsWe report the pre-intervention assessment of 89 out of the 111 enrolled MHs (80.2%) at the beginning of the Project (Time 1 or T1). Almost all MHs (96.6%) have a multi-professional Breastfeeding Working Group, while a hospital policy on breastfeeding is available only in 48.2%. Moreover, only 56.2% of the 9,777 perinatal health workers have been trained in breastfeeding. Over a 1-month period, SSC has been practiced in the delivery room by 76.9% of 6,304 term healthy newborn infants and rooming-in by 83.4% of 6,735 healthy term newborns of normal weight at birth. Over a 4-month period, 69.1% of 33,367 healthy term newborns of normal birth weight were exclusively breastfed at hospital discharge. Noticeably, EBF rate of MHs ranges from 4% up to 100%, the second quartile being 73%.ConclusionAt T1 of the HPB Project, breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge for healthy, term infants with a normal weight at birth appear to be suboptimal among Italians MHs. Particularly, the range of EBF rates among participating centers is wide, with 50% of the MHs having EBF rate lower than 73%. Therefore, the ongoing HPB Project might represent not only an opportunity to increase the initiation of breastfeeding and to improve quality of health care in the whole study group of MHs, but possibly also to level differences between centers.

The anomalous Mr Hubert H.D. Griffith (1877–1958), Australian field naturalist, collector and benefactor

ABSTRACT Hubert H.D. Griffith was a significant but neglected contributor in the scientific discovery of Australia’s natural heritage. Although his interests were forged in his youth in Tasmania, his return to Adelaide as a young man heralded an energetic engagement with leading scientific societies and figures over nearly two decades at the beginning of the twentieth century. His interests were wide, spanning insects, birds, plants and photography. In particular, he supported J.M. Black in his preparation of the Flora of South Australia. Griffith’s impressive collections of beetles and plants have been consulted by taxonomists for more than a century and are now preserved in various state and national museums and herbaria in Australia. One genus (Griffithia) and 14 species of beetles and an important southern Australian seagrass, Amphibolis griffithii, are named after him in recognition of his contributions to science. A longtime and respected citizen of Adelaide, another enduring legacy of Hubert and his wife May (née Scott) is the Griffith Hospital, a private rehabilitation hospital they endowed in the 1950s, which continues to provide valued services to the South Australian community.

A Survey on Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Vaccination Against Herpes Zoster Virus Among Medical Oncologists for Patients with Solid Tumors.

Herpes zoster (HZ) virus reactivation is a significant medical problem among immunocompromised patients, especially considering its potential complications. Although the recombinant HZ vaccine has demonstrated > 90% efficacy against HZ in adults, its use is not as frequent as needed in daily oncology practice due to several barriers, including oncologists' knowledge, patients' willingness, and organizational issues. A web-based survey was sent to 139 oncologists treating solid tumors concerning their knowledge and attitudes toward the adjuvanted gE-based recombinant HZ vaccination. The survey included questions regarding the characteristics of medical oncologists participating, such as the type of hospital, main field of expertise, percent of work with patients, awareness of the HZ risk in cancer patients, knowledge of scientific data and scientific societies guidelines on HZ vaccination, familiarity with vaccinations, frequency of HZ detection in clinical practice, barriers, and challenges toward vaccine administration. Fifty-four physicians (46%; 95% CI 0.2918 to 0.5069) responded to all the questions. The main reason for non-response was the lack of time due to the overwhelming burden of assistance. When the survey was launched, 31 participants reported good knowledge of scientific and clinical data of HZ vaccines, 10% none, and 36 were aware of guidelines. Reported barriers included knowledge of the problem, patients' willingness, and organizational issues. Surveying medical oncologists on the adjuvanted gE-based recombinant HZ vaccination provides essential insights into their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding vaccination for cancer patients. These data suggest that continuing medical education is necessary to implement HZ vaccination prescription among oncologists.