Tips and tricks for writing a manuscript to publish in a biomedical journal. / Consejos para escribir un manuscrito y publicarlo en una revista biomédica.

Science barely exists until it is published. It is only then that the information surpasses the limits of the author and can be shared by the scientific community. Although scientific articles must follow a rigidly defined structure, there is still room to tell a fascinating story, one that clearly conveys the science and is, at the same time, enjoyable for the reader. To do this, we must use the attributes that characterize good scientific style, with simple, clear, precise, direct, rigorous, and consistent language. Authorship implies authenticity and authority, and considering a researcher as an author entails rights and responsibilities. Scientific writing is not easy, it requires patience and practice; learning to write well is a lifelong task. With the philosophy that most of the qualities required to proficiently write a scientific article depend on attitude, and can be learned and improved upon, in this manuscript we will share with the reader a series of recommendations (based on our own experiences, both positive and negative), which we consider important for writing and successfully publishing. We will focus on the so-called «original¼ articles (as opposed to review articles, although many of the recommendations presented are applicable to both). Our main purpose is to encourage researchers to take the necessary step and face the challenge of becoming authors of their own scientific articles and successfully publishing their research.

PPy-Coated Mo3S4/CoMo2S4 Nanotube-like Heterostructure for High-Performance Lithium Storage.

Heterostructured materials show great potential to enhance the specific capacity, rate performance and cycling lifespan of lithium-ion batteries owing to their unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects. Herein, a polypyrrole (PPy)-coated nanotube-like Mo3S4/CoMo2S4 heterostructure is prepared by the hydrothermal and subsequent in situ polymerization methods. The well-designed nanotube-like structure is beneficial to relieve the serious volume changes and facilitate the infiltration of electrolytes during the charge/discharge process. The Mo3S4/CoMo2S4 heterostructure could effectively enhance the electrical conductivity and Li+ transport kinetics owing to the refined energy band structure and the internal electric field at the heterostructure interface. Moreover, the conductive PPy-coated layer could inhibit the obvious volume expansion like a firm armor and further avoid the pulverization of the active material and aggregation of generated products. Benefiting from the synergistic effects of the well-designed heterostructure and PPy-coated nanotube-like architecture, the prepared Mo3S4/CoMo2S4 heterostructure delivers high reversible capacity (1251.3 mAh g-1 at 300 mA g-1), superior rate performance (340.3 mAh g-1 at 5.0 A g-1) and excellent cycling lifespan (744.1 mAh g-1 after 600 cycles at a current density of 2.0 A g-1). Such a design concept provides a promising strategy towards heterostructure materials to enhance their lithium storage performances and boost their practical applications.

Interface-engineered Co3S4/CoMo2S4nanosheets as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for alkaline overall water splitting.

Exploring bifunctional electrocatalysts with high efficiency, inexpensive, and easy integration is still the daunt challenge for the production of hydrogen on a large scale by means of water electrolysis. In this work, a novel free-standing Co3S4/CoMo2S4heterostructure on nickel foam by a facial hydrothermal method is demonstrated to be an effective bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting (OWS). The synthesized Co3S4/CoMo2S4electrocatalyst achieves ultralow overpotentials of 143 mV@10 mA cm-2for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 221 mV@25 mA cm-2for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, in 1 M KOH. Moreover, it presents a greatly improved durability and stability under operando electrochemical conditions. When used as catalysts for OWS, the Co3S4/CoMo2S4-3//Co3S4/CoMo2S4-3 electrodes just need 1.514 V to make it to the current density of 10 mA cm-2. It is supposed that the introduction of heterogeneous interface between Co3S4and CoMo2S4could give rise to plentiful active sites and enhanced conductivity, and thus boost excellent catalytic performances. Moreover, the porous feature of free-standing nanosheets on nickel foam could benefits catalytic performances by accelerating charge transport and releasing bubbles rapidly. This work proposes a bifunctional catalyst system with the heterogeneous interface, which could be used in a sustainable green energy system.

[Bibliometric analysis of female authorship in original articles in the journal ATENCIÓN PRIMARIA]. / Análisis bibliométrico de la autoría femenina en artículos originales en la revista ATENCIÓN PRIMARIA.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the percentage of female authors in original articles published during 2periods, in the journal of Atención Primaria (Primary Care), and to examine the differences between the categories of authorship (first, last author, and co-author) between both periods. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Feminine scientific production published during the periods 2007-2008 and 2017-2018. PARTICIPANTS: The study was focused on original articles. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The following variables were collected in an ad hoc form: gender based on the name of the author, total number of women and men appearing as authors, and order of authorship. Absolute and relative authorship frequencies were calculated, and the χ2 test was used to examine the evolution of the percentages by type of authorship and gender. RESULTS: A total of 108 articles were analysed in 2007-2008, and 100 in 2017-2018. No statistically significant differences were observed between the mean numbers of women authors within and between periods. In 2007-2008 a total of 548 female authors were identified and 540 in 2017-2018, the percentage of female authors was 48.7% and 54.4%, respectively. Only an increase in the percentage of first authors was observed between periods. CONCLUSIONS: Practically one out of every 2authors of original articles published in the journal Atención Primaria was female. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of female first authors between the 2periods. Nevertheless, and despite the greater number of health workers, the number of latest female authors remain unchanged, which points to the persistence of female under-representation.

Infant illness severity and family adjustment in the aftermath of NICU hospitalization.

Up to 15% of parents have an infant who will spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After discharge, parents may care for a medically fragile infant and worry about their development. The current study examined how infant illness severity is associated with family adjustment. Participants included parents with infants who had been discharged from the NICU 6 months to 3 years prior to study participation (N = 199). Via a Qualtrics online survey, parents reported their infants' medical history, parenting stress, family burden, couple functioning, and access to resources. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that more severe infant medical issues during hospitalization (e.g., longer length of stay and more medical devices) were associated with greater family burden, but not stress or couple functioning. Infant health issues following hospitalization (i.e., medical diagnosis and more medical specialists) were associated with greater stress, poorer couple functioning, and greater family burden. Less time for parents was associated with increased stress and poorer couple functioning. Surprisingly, parents of infants who were rehospitalized reported less stress and better couple functioning, but greater family burden. Family-focused interventions that incorporate psychoeducation about provider-patient communication, partner support, and self-care may be effective to prevent negative psychosocial sequelae among families.

Hasta un 15% de progenitores tiene un infante que pasará un tiempo en una Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal (NICU). Después de la salida, los progenitores deben cuidar de un infante médicamente débil y preocuparse por su desarrollo. El presente estudio examinó cómo la severidad de la enfermedad del infante se asocia con la adaptabilidad familiar. Los participantes eran progenitores con infantes que habían salido de la Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal entre 6 meses y 3 años antes de participar en el estudio (N = 199). Por medio de una encuesta electrónica tipo Qualtrics, los progenitores reportaron el historial médico de su infante, el estrés de la crianza, la carga familiar, el funcionamiento como pareja y el acceso a recursos. Los análisis de regresión de variables múltiples revelaron que asuntos médicos más severos del infante durante la hospitalización (v.g. período más largo de hospitalización, más aparatos médicos) se asociaban con mayor carga familiar, aunque no así con estrés o el funcionamiento como pareja. Los asuntos de salud infantil posteriores a la hospitalización (v.g. diagnóstico médico, más médicos especialistas) se asociaron con mayor estrés, un más pobre funcionamiento como pareja y mayor carga familiar. Menos tiempo para los progenitores se asoció con un aumento en el estrés y un más pobre funcionamiento como pareja. De modo sorprendente, los progenitores de infantes que habían sido hospitalizados otra vez reportaron menos estrés y mejor funcionamiento como pareja, pero mayor carga familiar. Las intervenciones con enfoque familiar que incorporan educación sicológica acerca de la comunicación entre proveedor y paciente, apoyo a la propia pareja y el cuidado propio pudieran ser eficaces para prevenir la secuela sicosocial entre familias.

Jusqu'à 15% des parents ont un bébé qui passera du temps en Unité Néonatale de Soins Intensifs. A la sortie de l'hôpital les parents peuvent se retrouver à prendre soin d'un bébé fragile du point de vue médical et s'inquiéter de son développement. Cette étude a examiné comment la sévérité de la maladie du bébé est liée à l'ajustement de la famille. Les participants ont inclu des parents avec des bébés étant sortis de l'Unité Néonatale de Soins Intensifs 6 mois à trois ans avant la participation à l'étude (N = 199). Au travers d'un questionnaire Qualtrics en ligne, les parents ont fait état de l'histoire médicale des bébés, du stress de parentage, du poids sur la famille, du fonctionnement du couple et de l'accès aux ressources. Des analyses de régression multivariables ont révélé que les problèmes médicaux du bébé durant l'hospitalisation les plus graves (i.e. durée plus longue du séjour, plus de dispositifs médicaux) étaient liés à un poids sur la famille plus fort, mais pas au stress ni n'affectait le fonctionnement du couple. Les problèmes de santé du bébé après l'hospitalisation (soit un diagnostic médical, plus de spécialistes médicaux) étaient liés à un stress plus élevé, à un fonctionnement du couple moins bon, et à un poids sur la famille plus fort. Moins de temps pour les parents était lié à un stress supplémentaire et à un fonctionnement du couple moins bon. Avec surprise, les parents de bébés qui étaient réhospitalisés ont fait état de moins de stress et d'un meilleur fonctionnement de couple, mais d'un poids plus fort sur la famille. Les interventions centrées sur la famille qui incorporent une psychoéducation sur la communication médecin-parent, le soutien du partenaire et le soin de soi peut s'avérer efficace afin d'éviter des séquelles psychosociales négatives chez les familles.

[Differential impact and heterogeneous needs. A peer-led training program for improving chronic patients' health status and health behaviors]. / Impacto diferencial, necesidades heterogéneas. La formación entre iguales para mejorar la salud y los hábitos de vida de los pacientes crónicos.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact of the peer-led training for chronic patients on their health status and behaviors. DESIGN: Descriptive, transversal pretest and posttest quantitative approach. PLACEMENT: Andalusia. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred sixty-four patients with Diabetes, fibromyalgia and heart failure, trained at the School of Patients between 2013 and 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Peer-training intervention for self-efficacy for chronic patients. MAIN MEASUREMENT: Self-reported health status, activity limitation, diet and physical activity. Statistical analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics, correlation coefficient and net gains for paired variables. RESULTS: Health status improved after the training, with less limitations and better diet and physical activity, with significant differences by sex, chronic illness, education level and marriage status. Improvement areas where identified for the training strategy, with special attention on the needs of more vulnerable groups (women, people with less education level). CONCLUSIONS: The peer training had a positive impact, with differences depending on social profiles. 1-year and 2-years posttest measurements are needed and a qualitative study is required in order to better evaluate the peer-led strategy and to adapt it to participants' needs and expectations.

[Effects of front-of-package nutritional labeling of food and beverages: synopsis of systematic reviewsEfeitos da rotulagem nutricional frontal de alimentos e bebidas: sumário de estudos de revisão sistemática]. / Efectos del etiquetado nutricional frontal de alimentos y bebidas: sinopsis de revisiones sistemáticas.

OBJECTIVES: Synthesize available information on the effects of front-of-package nutritional labeling on choice, purchase, and consumption of food and beverages, and nutritional status of consumers, and identify factors that influence its effectiveness. METHODS: A synopsis of systematic reviews was carried out following PRISMA recommendations. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, LILACS, EBSCOhost, and Scopus, limited to studies published in Spanish or English with no restrictions on date of publication. Methodological quality was evaluated using AMSTAR 2. RESULTS: Seven systematic reviews were included. Front-of-package labeling facilitated healthy food choices and had a variable effect on consumption and purchase dimensions. No systematic review evaluated effects on nutritional status. Cost and flavor, eating habits, educational level, and dominant information processing systems in the consumer influenced labeling effectiveness. Most of the systematic reviews showed methodological limitations and critically low confidence levels. CONCLUSIONS: Front-of-package labeling had a positive effect on healthy food choices, with variable results on purchase and consumption dimensions. Local studies with adequate methodological quality are needed to identify the most effective labeling format in each country. Implementation of labeling as public health policy should be accompanied by strategies to improve access to healthy foods, promote physical activity, and provide nutrition education to consumers.

OBJETIVOS: Sumarizar os dados disponíveis referentes ao efeito da rotulagem nutricional frontal na escolha, compra e consumo de alimentos e bebidas e no estado nutricional dos consumidores e identificar os fatores que influenciam a efetividade desta medida. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um sumário de estudos de revisão sistemática segundo as recomendações PRISMA. Foi feita uma busca da literatura nas bases de dados MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, LILACS, EBSCOhost e Scopus de estudos publicados em espanhol ou inglês, sem restrição de data de publicação. A qualidade metodológica foi avaliada com o uso da ferramenta AMSTAR 2. RESULTADOS: Sete estudos de revisão sistemática foram selecionados. A rotulagem frontal facilitou a escolha de alimentos saudáveis e teve um efeito variável nas dimensões de consumo e compra. Nenhum estudo avaliou o efeito no estado nutricional. Custo e sabor, hábitos alimentares, nível educacional e sistemas dominantes de processamento de informação do consumidor tiveram influência na efetividade desta medida. Os estudos de revisão apresentaram, na sua maioria, limitações metodológicas e um grau de confiança criticamente baixo. CONCLUSÕES: A rotulagem nutricional frontal teve efeito positivo na escolha de alimentos saudáveis, com resultados variáveis nas dimensões de compra e consumo. É preciso realizar estudos locais com qualidade metodológica adequada para identificar o formato de rotulagem mais efetivo em cada país. A implementação desta medida como política de saúde pública deve ser acompanhada por estratégias para melhorar o acesso a alimentos saudáveis, promover a atividade física e proporcionar educação nutricional aos consumidores.

Stress and coping among early childhood intervention professionals receiving reflective supervision: A qualitative analysis.

Reflective supervision/consultation (RS/C) is an important component of infant mental health training and practice. Given high levels of job stress reported by a variety of early childhood professionals, the present study offers a qualitative examination of early childhood intervention professionals' perceptions of stress and coping before and after receiving regular RS/C. Thirty-one professionals received 9 months of RS/C and completed semistructured interview questionnaires at the pre-/postassessments. Questionnaires focused on job-related experiences, including what participants found stressful and how they coped with job-related stress. Inductive analysis techniques were used to identify themes that arose from the data. Relationships between themes were discovered through axial coding. Three key themes of individual, relational, and organizational stress were identified across the pre-/postassessments. Similar themes were evident in reports of coping. Following 9 months of RS/C, analysis revealed greater detail and reflection among the majority of participants. These results contribute to the literature through identification of multiple levels of stress and coping as well as areas of continuity and change among participants receiving RS/C. Future research should consider how professionals' reports of stress and coping relate to reported self-efficacy and observed competence with young children and families.

La supervisión/consulta con reflexión (RS/C) es un componente importante del entrenamiento y práctica de salud mental infantil (v.g., Tomlin, Weatherston y Pavkov, 2014). Dados los altos niveles de estrés laboral reportado por un grupo variado de profesionales de la temprana niñez, el presente estudio ofrece un examen cualitativo de las percepciones que los profesionales de la temprana niñez tenían sobre el estrés y los mecanismos de hacerle frente al mismo, antes y después de recibir RS/C regular. Treinta y un profesionales recibieron nueve meses de RS/C y completaron cuestionarios de entrevistas semiestructurados anterior y posteriormente a las evaluaciones. Los cuestionarios se enfocaron en experiencias relacionadas con el trabajo, incluyendo lo que los participantes encontraban estresante y cómo ellos se las arreglaban con el estrés laboral. Se usaron técnicas de análisis inductivo para identificar temas que surgieron de la información. Se descubrieron las relaciones entre los temas por medio de una codificación axial. Se identificaron tres temas claves de estrés individual, de relación, y organizacional a lo largo de las evaluaciones anteriores y posteriores. Temas similares fueron evidentes en los reportes de cómo se las arreglaban. Después de nueve meses de RS/C, los análisis revelaron mayor detalle y reflexión en la mayoría de los participantes. Estos resultados contribuyen a los estudios impresos a través de la identificación de niveles múltiples de estrés y maneras de arreglárselas con el mismo, así como áreas de continuidad y cambio en los participantes que recibieron RS/C. La futura investigación debe considerar cómo los reportes de los profesionales acerca del estrés y cómo arreglárselas con el mismo se relacionan con la reportada auto-efectividad y la observada competencia con niños pequeños y familias.

La supervision/consultation réfléchie (abrégée ici en français SCR) est une composante importante de la formation et de la pratique en santé mentale du nourrisson (par exemple Tomlin, Weatherston, & Pavkov, 2014).  Au vu des niveaux élevés de stress au travail rapportés par un éventail de professionnels de l'intervention en petite enfance, cette étude offre un examen qualitatif des perceptions de stress et de la manière d'y faire face avant et après avoir reçu une SCR traditionnelle. Trente et un professionnels ont reçu neuf mois de SCR et rempli des questionnaires d'un entretien semi-structuré avant et après les évaluations. Les questionnaires se focalisaient sur les expériences liées au travail, y compris ce que les participant(e)s trouvaient stressant et comment ils ou elles faisaient face au stress lié au travail. Des techniques d'analyse par induction ont été utilisées afin d'identifier des thèmes ressortant des données. Les relations entre les thèmes ont été découverte au moyen d'un codage axial. Trois thèmes clés de stress indiviuel, relationnel et lié à l'organisation ont été identifiés au travers des pré-évaluations et des post-évaluations. Des thèmes similaires sont ressortis des rapports sur la manière de faire face au stress. Après neuf mois de SCR l'analyse a révélé une meilleure attention aux détails et une meilleure réflexion chez la majorité des participant(e)s. Ces résultats contribuent aux recherches à travers l'identification de niveaux multiples de stress et de façons d'y faire face, ainsi qu'un domaine de continuité et de changement chez les participant(e)s recevant la SCR. Les recherches à venir devraient considérer la manière dont les rapports de stress et de façon d'y faire face des professionnels sont liés à l'auto-efficacité rapportée et à une compétence observée avec les jeunes enfants et les familles.

Assessment of the methodological and ethical quality of clinical trials published in family medicine journals / Valoración de la calidad metodológica y ética de los ensayos clínicos publicados en revistas de medicina de familia (2010-2013)

Objective: To evaluate some methodological and ethical quality variables of clinical trials (CTs) published in 10 family medicine journals. Methods: Quality descriptive study of 10 family medicine journals including CTs in humans published since 2010 to 2013. We obtained 141 CT and 2447 were excluded. Results: CTs parallels controlled in 92.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 92.0-93.9). Masked randomization in 72.3% (95% CI: 71.7-73.1), decentralized in 51.8% (95% CI: 51.4-52.4) and using as control an active treatment in 82.2% (95% CI: 81.5-83.1). Wrote informed consent in 48.9% (95% CI: 48.5-49.5) and it was not withdrawn in 56.0% of cases (95% CI: 55.5-56.7). Approval by clinical research ethics committee (CREC) in 134, and there was no conflict of interest in 117 CTs. Average κ was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.93-0.99). Conclusions: We observe an increase in some quality variables like masked randomization (19.6%) and approval by CREC (75%) post CONSORT, in CTs published in 10 family medicine journals (2010-2013).

Objetivo: Evaluar algunas variables sobre la calidad metodológica y ética de los ensayos clínicos publicados en 10 revistas de medicina de familia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de calidad sobre 10 revistas de medicina de familia incluyendo ensayos clínicos en humanos publicados entre 2010 y 2013. Obtuvimos 141 ensayos clínicos y fueron excluidos 2447. Resultados: Ensayos clínicos controlados paralelos en el 92,9% (intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%]: 92.0-93.9). Aleatorización enmascarada en el 72.3% (IC 95%: 71.7-73.1), descentralizada en el 51.8% (IC 95%: 51.4-52…4) y utilizando como control un tratamiento activo el 82.2% (IC 95%: 81.5-83.1). Consentimiento informado escrito en el 48.9% (IC 95%: 48.5-49.5) y no fue retirado en el 56.0% (IC 95%: 55.5-56.7). En 134 ensayos clínicos se contó con la aprobación por un comité ético de investigación clínica (CEIC), y en 117 no hubo conflicto de intereses. Se obtuvo un κ medio de 0,96 (IC 95%: 0.93-0.99). Conclusiones: Observamos, tras considerar las normas CONSORT, un aumento en algunas variables de calidad, como la aleatorización enmascarada (19.6%) y la aprobación por un CEIC (75%), en los ensayos clínicos publicados en 10 revistas de medicina de familia (2010-2013).

Self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery in the treatment of left colon cancer obstruction: Cost-benefit analysis and oncologic results. / Stents metálicos autoexpandibles como puente a la cirugía en el tratamiento del cáncer de colon izquierdo en oclusión. Análisis coste-beneficio y resultados oncológicos.

INTRODUCTION: The use of a self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery in acute malignant left colonic obstruction has been suggested as an alternative treatment to emergency surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the morbi-mortality, cost-benefit and long-term oncological outcomes of both therapeutic options. METHODS: This is a prospective, comparative, controlled, non-randomized study (2005-2010) performed in a specialized unit. The study included 82 patients with left colon cancer obstruction treated by stent as a bridge to surgery (n=27) or emergency surgery (n=55) operated with local curative intention. The main outcome measures (postoperative morbi-mortaliy, cost-benefit, stoma rate and long-term oncological outcomes) were compared based on an "intention-to-treat" analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative data and tumor characteristics. The technically successful stenting rate was 88.9% (11.1% perforation during stent placement) and clinical success was 81.4%. No difference was observed in postoperative morbi-mortality rates. The primary anastomosis rate was higher in the bridge to surgery group compared to the emergency surgery group (77.8% vs. 56.4%; P=.05). The mean costs in the emergency surgery group resulted to be €1,391.9 more expensive per patient than in the bridge to surgery group. There was no significant statistical difference in oncological long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of self-expanding metalllic stents as a bridge to surgery is a safe option in the urgent treatment of obstructive left colon cancer, with similar short and long-term results compared to direct surgery, inferior mean costs and a higher rate of primary anastomosis.

Higher androgen bioactivity is associated with excessive erythrocytosis and chronic mountain sickness in Andean Highlanders: a review.

Populations living at high altitudes (HA), particularly in the Peruvian Central Andes, are characterised by presenting subjects with erythrocytosis and others with excessive erythrocytosis (EE)(Hb>21 g dl(-1) ). EE is associated with chronic mountain sickness (CMS), or lack of adaptation to HA. Testosterone is an erythropoietic hormone and it may play a role on EE at HA. The objective of the present review was to summarise findings on role of serum T levels on adaptation at HA and genes acting on this process. Men at HA without EE have higher androstenedione levels and low ratio androstenedione/testosterone than men with EE, suggesting low activity of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD), and this could be a mechanism of adaptation to HA. Higher conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to testosterone in men with EE suggests nigher 17beta-HSD activity. Men with CMS at Peruvian Central Andes have two genes SENP1, and ANP32D with higher transcriptional response to hypoxia relative to those without. SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) is an erythropoiesis regulator, which is essential for the stability and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) under hypoxia. SENP1 reverses the hormone-augmented SUMOylation of androgen receptor (AR) increasing the transcription activity of AR.In conclusion, increased androgen activity is related with CMS.

Management of Chronic Hand Eczema.

Management of hand eczema is complex because of the broad range of different pathogeneses, courses, and prognoses. Furthermore, the efficacy of most available treatments is not well established and the more severe forms can have a major impact on the patient's quality of life. Patient education, preventive measures, and the use of emollients are the mainstays in the management of hand eczema. High-potency topical corticosteroids are the treatment of choice, with calcineurin inhibitors used for maintenance. Phototherapy or systemic treatments are indicated in patients who do not respond to topical treatments. Switching from topical treatments should not be delayed to avoid sensitizations, time off work, and a negative impact on quality of life. Alitretinoin is the only oral treatment approved for use in chronic hand eczema.

Review: [corrected] The changing face of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

The widespread roll-out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has substantially changed the face of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Timely initiation of ART in HIV-infected individuals dramatically reduces mortality and improves employment rates to levels prior to HIV infection. Recent findings from several studies have shown that ART reduces HIV transmission risk even with modest ART coverage of the HIV-infected population and imperfect ART adherence. While condoms are highly effective in the prevention of HIV acquisition, they are compromised by low and inconsistent usage; male medical circumcision substantially reduces HIV transmission but uptake remains relatively low; ART during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding can virtually eliminate mother-to-child transmission but implementation is challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. The current HIV prevention recommendations focus on a combination of preventions approach, including ART as treatment or pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis together with condoms, circumcision and sexual behaviour modification. Improved survival in HIV-infected individuals and reduced HIV transmission risk is beginning to result in limited HIV incidence decline at population level and substantial increases in HIV prevalence. However, achievements in HIV treatment and prevention are threatened by the challenges of lifelong adherence to preventive and therapeutic methods and by the ageing of the HIV-infected cohorts potentially complicating HIV management. Although current thinking suggests prevention of HIV transmission through early detection of infection immediately followed by ART could eventually result in elimination of the HIV epidemic, controversies remain as to whether we can treat our way out of the HIV epidemic.

The use of systematic reviews in clinical trials and narrative reviews in dermatology: is the best evidence being used?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Systematic reviews -the most comprehensive type of literature review-should be taken into account before a clinical trial or a narrative review on a topic is undertaken. The objective of this study was to describe the use of systematic reviews in clinical trials and narrative reviews in dermatology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. We selected randomized clinical trials and narrative reviews from the dermatological clinical research journals identified as most important (according to impact factor) and from Actas Dermosifiliográficas, and studied the bibliographies to ascertain whether the authors made reference to existing systematic reviews and Cochrane reviews. RESULTS: Of the 72 clinical trials for which a systematic review was available, 24 (33.3%) cited at least 1 review; reference was made to relevant Cochrane reviews in 15.6% of cases and to non-Cochrane reviews in 32%. In the case of the 24 narrative reviews for which a review was available, 10 (41.7%) cited at least 1 review; Cochrane reviews were cited in 20% and non-Cochrane reviews in 35.3%.In the case of Actas Dermosifiliográficas, very few clinical trials were found and the findings for narrative review articles were similar to those observed for the other journals. CONCLUSIONS: Systematic reviews are not often taken into account by the authors of clinical trials and narrative reviews and this may lead to redundant studies and publications. Authors appear to use Cochrane reviews even less than non-Cochrane reviews and are therefore ignoring one of the main sources of available evidence.

Simple synthesis of peanut shell-like MoCoFe-HO@CoMo-LDH for efficient alkaline oxygen evolution reaction.

Due to the depletion of fossil energy on earth, it is crucial to develop resource rich and efficient non-precious metal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we synthesized an efficient and economical electrocatalyst using a simple self-assembly strategy. Firstly, rod-shaped MIL-88A was synthesized by hydrothermal method. Then, the surface of MIL-88A was functionalized and encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) by hydrothermal method. The combination of MIL-88A and ZIF-67 resulted in a slight ion-exchange reaction between Co2+ and the surface of MIL-88A to generate CoFe-LDH@ZIF-67 core-shell structure. Afterwards, in the presence of Mo6+, ZIF-67 was converted into CoMo-nanocages through ion-exchange reactions, forming a core-shell structure of MoCoFe hydr (oxy) oxide@CoMo-LDH (MoCoFe-HO@CoMo-LDH). Due to the advantages of core-shell structure and composition, this material exhibits excellent OER characteristics, with a small Tafel slope (45.11 mV dec-1) and low overpotential (324 mV) at 10 mA cm-2. It exhibits good stability in alkaline media. This research work provides a novel approach for the development of efficient and economical non-precious metal electrocatalysts.

In-situ surface reconstruction of Co-based imidazole zeolite framework by Mo etching for superior water oxidation.

Although zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) possess the merits of orderly porosity, high permeability, and easy functionalization, the transformation of ZIFs into the real active species and the promotion of the catalytic efficiency and stability are still challenging. Herein, CoMo-based three-dimensional (3D) hollow nanocages composed of interconnected nanosheets are fabricated by in-situ etching metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) under the aid of MoO42-. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in-situ Raman confirm that Mo leaching can accelerate surface reconstruction and generate CoOOH active sites after continuous oxidation. Benefiting from the nanostructure and electronic properties after surface reconstruction, the engineered CoMo-30 exhibits the lowest overpotential of 280 mV at 30 mA cm-2 and robust stability over 110 h in 1 M KOH media for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which significantly surpasses the other counterparts and commercial RuO2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that CoMo-30 has a lower free energy of *O â†’ *OOH as rate determining step (RDS), suggesting that CoOOH sites play a crucial role in enhancing the activity and kinetics of OER. This work provides valuable insights into the rational design of hollow structures and the structure-composition-activity relationship during the electrochemical reaction process.

Critical appraisal of the Colombian clinical practice guide for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of suicidal ideation and/or behaviour (adoption).

INTRODUCTION: Suicide is a complex, global public health problem. The Colombian clinical practice guideline provides relevant input for its prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The objective was to evaluate the methodological quality, credibility and applicability of the Colombian clinical practice guideline for suicidal behaviour. METHODS: An academic group of 12 evaluators was established to assess the guide and its recommendations in a standardised way, using the AGREE-II and AGREE-REX instruments. The evaluations were given in the range of 0.0-1.0 with 0.7 as a cut-off point for appropriate quality. RESULTS: The global assessment of the AGREE-II was greater than 0.7 in the dimensions: "scope and objective" (0.86), "clarity of presentation" (0.89), "applicability" (0.73) and "editorial independence" (0.89). The lowest scores were for "participation of those involved" (0.67) and "rigour in preparation" (0.69). With the AGREE-REX, the results in all dimensions were below 0.70, which indicates lower quality and suitability for use. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption process of the Colombian guideline for suicidal behaviour was a rigorous methodological process, while the practice recommendations were valued as of low applicability due to low support in local evidence. It is necessary to strengthen the generation and synthesis of evidence at the national level to give greater support and applicability to the practice recommendations.

Usefulness of Cochrane Skin Group reviews for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Systematic reviews are one of the most important sources of information for evidence-based medicine. However, there is a general impression that these reviews rarely report results that provide sufficient evidence to change clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of Cochrane Skin Group reviews reporting results with the potential to guide clinical decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a bibliometric analysis of all the systematic reviews published by the Cochrane Skin Group up to 16 August, 2012. We retrieved 55 reviews, which were analyzed and graded independently by 2 investigators into 3 categories: 0 (insufficient evidence to support or reject the use of an intervention), 1 (insufficient evidence to support or reject the use of an intervention but sufficient evidence to support recommendations or suggestions), and 2 (sufficient evidence to support or reject the use of an intervention). RESULTS: Our analysis showed that 25.5% (14/55) of the studies did not provide sufficient evidence to support or reject the use of the interventions studied, 45.5% (25/25) provided sufficient but not strong evidence to support recommendations or suggestions, and 29.1% (16/55) provided strong evidence to support or reject the use of 1 or more of the interventions studied. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the systematic reviews published by the Cochrane Skin Group provide useful information to improve clinical practice. Clinicians should read these reviews and reconsider their current practice.

Odonate diversity of a highly urbanised region: An annotated checklist of the damselflies and dragonflies (Insecta, Odonata) of Lario and Brianza (Lombardy, N Italy).

Background: Given their sensitivity to environmental alterations, odonates act as reliable bioindicators to assess the effects of changes in freshwater ecosystems and associated terrestrial habitats. The region comprised between Lario and Brianza (Provinces of Como, Lecco and Monza and Brianza - Lombardy, N Italy) is one of the most urbanised of the Italian peninsula and large parts of its territory have been heavily altered, especially at low elevation. Despite this pervasive anthropogenisation, the area is still characterised by a considerable variety of freshwater habitats, possibly harbouring rich odonate communities, which, however, have been never thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to produce the first commented checklist of the Odonata of this region, accompanied by distribution maps. New information: The work is based on 12,093 records spanning from 1981 and 2022, derived from literature (289), revision of collections (42), citizen-science projects (1249) and unpublished data from the authors and their collaborators (10,513). Overall, fifty-five species occur - or occurred in the past - in the study area (20 Zygoptera and 35 Anisoptera). One species, Erythrommanajas, was confirmed exclusively before 1978, while seven species (Lestesbarbarus, Coenagrionscitulum, Aeshnaaffinis, Anaxephippiger, Somatochloraarctica, Sympetrummeridionale and Trithemisannulata) have been recorded only after 2000. Records referring to Chalcolestesparvidens and Sympetrumflaveolum were considered questionable and excluded from the checklist. A list of species for each protected site is additionally provided. This work highlighted the importance for odonates of Lario and Brianza Regions from a national perspective, in particular for species of conservation priority/interest, such as Sympecmapaedisca, Oxygastracurtisii and Sympetrumdepressiusculum.

Engineering active heterojunction architecture with oxygenated-Co, Mo bimetallic sulfide heteronanosheet and graphene oxide for peroxymonosulfate activation.

Bimetallic sulfides have distinctive catalytic property in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for water remediation. Polyoxometalates as potential precursors have rarely been reported for the catalytic degradation of refractory organic pollutants. Herein, a composite catalyst of Co-Mo bimetallic sulfides supported onto graphene oxide (O-CoMoS/GO) with a heterojunction architecture was synthesized through a hydrothermal strategy with polyoxometalates ((NH4)4[CoIIMo6O24H6]·6H2O) as the precursor and applied in the PMS activation. This material showed a superior performance for the catalytic degradation of the model organic pollutant, 4-chlorophenol (rapidly removed within 10 min with an apparent reaction rate constant of 0.5458 min-1). O-CoMoS/GO outperformed most of the reported catalysts in terms of activity and had a strong tolerance towards common organic and inorganic compounds in water, and could perform well in different real water systems. Experimental and theoretical results indicated that the introduction of GO could achieve the enrichment of electrons on the metals and reduce the d band center (εd) of Co close to the Fermi level (εF), thereby facilitating the interfacial electron transfer process. The activation mechanism was due to the as-prepared bimetallic sulfides and the formation of heterojunction structure with GO, where Co(II) as the active center could be regenerated by the adjacent Mo element (as co-catalyst) and by gathering electrons from GO through the Co/Mo-O-C coupling. This work provides insights into the design of bimetallic sulfide catalysts in activating PMS for water remediation.