We are delighted to present the 13th issue of the Bulletin, the official journal of the International Association for the History of Nephrology (IAHN). As always, it is dedicated to our members, supporters, and all enthusiasts of medical history, with a particular focus on the prominent field of nephrology. The centerpiece of this issue is a summary of the recent IAHN Congress, held in November in the beautiful city of Naples, Italy, as shared by our new President, Professor Davide Viggiano. Alongside this, we feature selected materials presented during the Congress and provide updates on significant nephrology-related events across Europe, highlighting the activities of our representatives. We warmly encourage all readers to contribute to our editorial team. Please note that the Bulletin is available on both the IAHN website and the European Renal Association (ERA) platform. As we approach the festive season and welcome the New Year of 2025, I wish all our friends a year filled with success, good health, peace, and happiness. Enjoy reading this issue, and let me extend another invitation to join us in shaping future editions of our Bulletin. Janusz Ostrowski Editor-in-Chief

From December 15-17, 2024, the International Association for the History of Nephrology (IAHN) convened its 13th Congress in the historic Camaldoli Hermitage, located in the heart of Naples, Italy. Far more than just an academic gathering, the event served as a profound exploration into the evolution of nephrology, bringing together distinguished scholars, historians, and practitioners from across the globe. The majestic, centuries-old Camaldoli Hermitage, with its spiritual and scholarly heritage, provided the perfect backdrop for a congress that not only examined the past of nephrology but also laid the groundwork for future advancements in the field. A Venue Steeped in History The Camaldoli Hermitage, known for its architectural magnificence and deep historical roots, was an ideal setting for an event that sought to explore the ongoing evolution of nephrology. Its walls, imbued with centuries of knowledge and spiritual reflection, provided a fitting environment for discussions centered on the continuity of medical wisdom, passed down through generations. The location itself symbolized the congress’s theme: a commitment to examining the ongoing journey of nephrology, from its earliest days to the modern breakthroughs shaping contemporary practices. A Global and Diverse Gathering The congress was a global gathering, with 22 scholarly interventions complemented by four magistral lectures and a specialized Italian-language satellite session. The program’s wide-reaching international scope was reflected in the speakers and their diverse backgrounds, coming from countries such as Turkey, Poland, Slovakia, Greece, Italy, and the United States. This international representation illustrated the deeply global nature of nephrology, uniting scholars from different continents to explore shared histories and challenges in the field of kidney health. Focusing on Innovation and History A key highlight of the congress was a unique Italian satellite session dedicated to pharmaceutical discoveries, specifically groundbreaking treatments like roxadustat for anemia and budesonide for IgA nephropathy. This session focused on the intersection of historical research and medical innovation, demonstrating how an understanding of nephrology's past provides critical insights into current breakthroughs. Understanding the evolution of treatments, from ancient remedies to modern pharmaceuticals, helped contextualize current challenges in the field.

Dr Mariaelena Liberti

Prof. Marcellino Monda

Dott olga Credendino and Raffaele Genualdo

Devastation and Medical Response: The 2023 Turkey Earthquakes Among the most impactful presentations was the magistral lecture held by prof Ayse Balat, who discussed the catastrophic effects of the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 53,000 lives and left hundreds of thousands injured. A particularly alarming consequence was the emergence of Crush-Acute Kidney Injury (Crush-AKI) among survivors, particularly children. This stark reminder of the urgency of timely medical intervention highlighted the importance of dialysis in disaster zones, where damaged infrastructure and logistical challenges complicate healthcare delivery. This timely and emotionally charged lecture was recalling us other important historical contributions on the theme of crush syndrome made by the IAHN (see the nice papers by prof De Santo). Prof Balat has been also invited to held a seminar at the Academy of Sciences in Naples.

Prof. Giuseppe Gigliotti

Dr Mariarosaria Iannuzzi

Dr Michelangelo Nigro

Prof Aysa Balat during the introductory lecture

Academy of Sciences Naples (from left: prof Parmeggiani, Balat, De Santo, Satini)

Revisiting Groundbreaking Discoveries The magistral lecture by Raymond Ardaillou, honorary permanent secretary of the National Academy of Medicine – Académie Nationale de Médecine, Paris, on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) provided a rich historical perspective, tracing over a century of discoveries starting with the identification of renin in 1898 by R. Tigerstedt. Ardaillou discussed subsequent key breakthroughs involving angiotensin and aldosterone, which have shaped our understanding of blood pressure regulation. These discoveries paved the way for therapies like ACE inhibitors (such as captopril) and Angiotensin II receptor blockers (such as sartans), both of which have had a transformative impact on hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. In a fascinating historical segment, Mario Lamagna presented a study on Byzantine uroscopy, exploring how ancient Byzantine physicians, influenced by Hippocratic principles, used urine as a diagnostic tool. The practice of uroscopy, particularly the manipulation of the matula (urine container), played a crucial role in ancient medical practice. Lamagna’s insights into how Byzantine scholars merged traditional knowledge with emerging experimental methods highlighted a rich tradition of inquiry that continues to influence modern medical approaches.

Prof Jan Kurkus (right) with prof Viggiano (left)

Prof Mario Lamagna (left) with Prof Diamandopoulos (right)

Contemporary Nephrology and Sustainability Vincenzo Savica’s talk brought a forward-thinking, sustainability-oriented perspective to nephrology. He explored the concept of the kidney as a "green organ," emphasizing how urine, traditionally seen as waste, could be repurposed in innovative ways. Savica presented compelling possibilities for using urine to produce water, energy, and even materials for construction. His ideas suggested that urine-based technologies could provide sustainable solutions to environmental challenges on Earth, and even in extraterrestrial settings like the Moon or Mars, where resource scarcity is a pressing concern. Honoring Key Figures in Medicine As with any major conference, the IAHN Congress took the time to honor those who have made enduring contributions to the field of nephrology. Rosa Maria De Santo paid tribute to the late Elio Lugaresi, a trailblazer in sleep medicine, for his pioneering research in understanding sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. Carmela Bisaccia took a historical approach to the study of gout, examining Aulus Cornelius Celsus's influential contributions to early medicine, particularly his work on podagra (gout). Their discussion demonstrated the link between ancient practices and modern approaches to managing the condition. The congress also honored Dimitar Nenov, a leading Bulgarian nephrologist who had made significant strides in advancing nephrology in the Balkans. Nenov founded the Varna Kidney Foundation and played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Balkan Society of Nephrology (BANTAO), fostering regional cooperation and advancing the field across the Balkans.

Prof Vincenzo Savica between Prof Kouloridis (left) and Aciduman (right)

Jan Kurkus and colleagues revisited the contributions of Homer W. Smith, who developed the clearance technique to assess kidney function. Smith’s 1951 book, The Kidney: Structure and Function in Health and Disease, remains a foundational text in nephrology. The Homer W. Smith Award continues to honor groundbreaking contributions in the field. Prof Ostrowski’s contribution on Zbigniew Fałda recognized his pioneering work in hemodialysis, which began in 1959 when he introduced the procedure to Warsaw. This marked a milestone in renal replacement therapy in Eastern Europe. Fałda’s collaboration with Nils Alwall, Belding Scribner and Henry Tenckhoff led to the development of home peritoneal dialysis, shaping modern dialysis practices in Poland and beyond. Prof. Katarína Derzsiová presented the biography of professor Ferdinand Démant (1911 -1988), founder of the European Society for Paediatric Nephrology.

Prof Jan Kurkus

Dr. Carmela Bisaccia

Prof. Janusz Ostrowski (right) with Prof Helvaci (left)

Ing. Katarina Derzsiova with Prof Helvaci (left)

A Deep Dive into Ancient Medical Texts Athanasios Diamandopoulos’s lecture offered a fascinating analysis of ancient Greek medicine, specifically regarding symptoms resembling modern acute kidney injury (AKI). In his study of the Regimen from the Corpus Hippocraticum, Diamandopoulos highlighted how early Greek physicians made astoundingly accurate observations about kidney injury, including the neuro-visual symptoms that are now recognized as part of AKI. Dr Mussi has presented a detailed analysis of Pseudo-Galenic treatise De renum affectionibus. Another historical perspective came from Natale G. De Santo, Carmela Bisaccia and Luca S. De Santo, who traced the evolution of gout from ancient times through to the Renaissance. Their lecture illuminated early understandings of the condition, as well as treatments such as dietary changes and bloodletting, which remain somewhat relevant in modern approaches to managing the disease. The congress also explored the influence of ancient texts on modern medical terminology. L. Iorio presented an analysis of De Medicina by Isidore of Seville, demonstrating how ancient medical writings shaped the development of key medical concepts, including those related to kidneys and urological diseases. These ancient texts provided the building blocks for much of the medical terminology still in use today. Of interest also the recipes for kidney ailments in the “Dynameron” by Nicolaos Myrepsos (13th c AD) presented by prof Stefanidis. Kalientzidou and Stefanidis’s research on the 19th-century study of uremia tracked the evolving understanding of the condition, which eventually linked uremia to kidney disease like Bright’s disease. Meanwhile, scholars such as Ahmet Acıduman and Abdullah Yıldız focused on figures like Antyllus and Ibn al-Jazzār, highlighting their contributions to urinary catheterization and treatments for kidney-related conditions during antiquity and the medieval Islamic world.

Prof Natale De Santo (right) with Prof Ostrowski (left)

dr Maria Kalientzidou between Prof Widmer (left) and Prof Kurkus (right

Prof Luigi Iorio (left) with dr. Gembillo (right)

Notable are also works by prof Murat Aksu on Surgeon Mesud, which greatly increase our knowledge on the history of Arabic-Turkish nephrology, the work on Reinassance dietary causes of gout and melancholia by prof Widmer, the history of hemodialysis by prof Gembillo, the concept of uremia in 19th century by prof Kalientzidou, the historical analysis of the discovery of Aristolochic Acid nephrotoxicity described by prof Koulouridis and the history of renal anemia treatment by prof Stefanidis.

From left: Prof Yildiz Abdullah, Prof. David Widmer, Prof. Murat Aksu

Dr Davide Mussi

From left: dr. Guido Gembillo, dr Maria Kalientzidou

Conclusion: A Continuing Legacy of Medical Discovery The 13th IAHN Congress in Naples offered an inspiring journey through the history of nephrology, showcasing how medical knowledge has been built over centuries, from ancient Greece and Byzantium to modern-day innovations. The congress underscored the importance of understanding the past to shape the future, as the integration of historical insights and contemporary breakthroughs in nephrology continues to drive progress in patient care. Through its mix of historical reflection, recognition of past pioneers, and a forward-looking approach to modern challenges, the congress demonstrated the ongoing evolution of nephrology as both a science and a field of practice.

A spectacular venue The 13th Congress of the International Association for the History of Nephrology (IAHN) took place on November 13-15 2024 at Eremo of Camaldoli, in Naples on the hill (585 m high above sea level) opposite to Mt. Vesuvius. The venue, is a former monastery of the Camadolese Congregation of the Order of Saint Benedict. The main church, opened to the public, is rich of pieces of renowned painters including Massimo Stanzione, Andrea Mozzilli and Federico Barocci The place has now been turned into a small hôtel de charme, a place for meditation and classic music driven by the Nuns of the Order of Saint Bridget of Sweden, that granjt silence, beauty and spirituality... About the International Association for the History of Nephrology (IAHN) IAHN was founded in 1992 by Natale Gaspare De Santo, Garabed Eknoyan and the Late Shaul D. Massry while by bus were moving, along with renowned world nephrologists, from Lublin to Poznan, to give birth the Poznan Foundation of Nephrology (1, 2). IAHN in the last forty years has pubblished its proceedings in peer review journals (American Journal Nephrology, Journal of Nephrology, Giornale IItaliano di Nefrologia, Hellenic Journal of Nephjrology, Clinical and Experimental Transplantationcaring for the publication of no less than five hundred papers that represent the critical mass of data needed to understand that nephrology, although turned into an academical and clinical discipline early in the sixties of last century, had a long history with relevant roots in Greek, Roman, Arabic, Salernitan, Renaissance Medicine. It is a privilege to remember that Shaul Massry, President of the National Kidney Foundation of the United States, was the first editor of a clinical journal of nephrology who, in the nineties of the last century, enroled an Editor for History for American Journal of Nephrology givng origin to the gold era of editors in nephrology with a talent in history. The 13th Congress of the Intenational Association for the History of Nephrology Some fifty historians of nephrology from France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Turkiye, UK and USA met on November 15-17 2024. Scientific events (including appealing keynote lectures), and visits to the beauties, monuments and museums of the city were well mixed up under the heading From ancient remedies to modern medical marvels by the President of the Congress Professor Davide Viggiano, Associate Professor of Nephrology at the University Luigi Vanvitelli. The congress was honored by the presence at the opening ceremony by (i). Professor Ludovico Docimo President of the Italian Society of Surgery and President of the College of the Historians of Surgery, (ii.) Marcellino Monda President of the School of Medicine of University Luigi Vanvitelli. (iii). Professor Luca De Nicola President of the Italian Society of Nephology, Patron of the Congress and by (iii) Gennaro Rispoli, Historian of the Hospitals and Director of the Museum of Arti Sanitarie in the Hospital of Incurabili in Naples. The Museum (that includes the old pharmacy – a monument per se with its breathaking colleetion of pharmacy jars) is a place where no less than 40 saints worked including a Saint of our times, San Giuseppe Moscati, a place where Domenico Cotugno, was the first to measure proteinuria in a dropsycal soldier and introduced “La Nuova Medicina” (the new medicine), well before Pierre-Joseph Desault in France. Cotugno with Hunter and Desault is credited of the construction of clinical science (3). Keynote lectures were related to: Disaster of the century, 2023 Türkiye earthquake: Dialysis in children with crush injuries and our experiences with kidney care (Ayse Balat, Gaziantep); The History of the Renin-Angiotensin System (Raymond Ardaillou, Paris), The Theory and practice of Byzantine Uroscopy (Mario Lamagna, Naples), The kidney : a bridge between past, present and future in the green circular economy (Vincenzo Savica, Messina) A special mention is deseved by some very special contribution presented at the congress that underline the peculiar interest of nephrologists turned into historians of their discipline: Etymologies or Origins by Isidore of Seville (codex 2, SS. Trinità Abbey – Cava dei Tirreni). “De Medicina” – Book VI (Luigi Iorio); The Pseudo-Galenic treatise De renum affectionibus and the Knowledge of Nephrology in Late Antiquity (D. Mussi); Antyllus’s account on the urinary catheterization and medical treatment of urolithiasis in al-Rāzī’s Kitāb al-Hāwī (A. Aciduman); . Recipes for kidney ailments in the “Dynameron” by Nicolaos Myrepsos (13th c AD) (E. Valiakos, A.Diamantopoulos, G. Filippidis, T. Eleftheriadis., I.Stefanidis).Recipes for urinary tract problems from Nidāʾī, one of the important physicians in the Ottoman Empire of the sixteenth century, in Manāfiʿ al-Nās (A. Balat and A. Aciduman). The link IAHN-EAPE Some Founder of IAHN Natale G. De Santo, Garabed Eknoyan, Guido Bellinghieri, Athanasios Diamandopoulos, Vincenzo Savica, Raymond Ardaillou, have also participated in the birth of the European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE) creating a strong link between the two associations. The 2024 IAHN Congress at Eremo Camaldoli in Naples was attended by Raymond Ardaillou, Vincenzo Savica, Natale Gaspare De Santo (On Gout from Corpus Hippocraticum to Renaissance) Athanasios Diamandopoulos (Correlation between neuro-visual symptoms and the oliguric and polyuric phase of AKI, according to the Hippocratic Treatise Regimen), Guido Gembillo, Guido Bellinghieri, Bellinhieri, Vincenzo Savica and Domenico Santoro (Messina) A century after the first human haemodialysis, a milestone in nephrology). Furthermore, Vincenzo Savica revisited, his original and well illustrated presentation on urine. Natale G De Santo illustrated, a reconstruction of the contributions of Dimitar Nenov to nephrology behind the Iron Curtain, that also enlightened Dimitar Nenov as outstanding clinical scientist, ,member of IAHN and of EAPE. Katarína Derzsiová (Košice) highlighted the contribution of Ferdinand Demant to the Birth of Pediatric Nephrology in Europe. She is a special person. Engineer, former chief of the Laboratory of the IV Internal Clinica at the Univesity Hospital Lois Pasteur, and has been collaborator and partner of Professor Mirolav Mydlik. a founder and councilor of EAPE. Both were present in Athens. Engineer Derzsiova, presently Councilor of the Intenational Associatoion for the History of Nephrology, has collaborated to the Supplement on Aging of the Bulletin of the European Association of Professors Emeriti and subsequently with Professors Emeriti Anton Fabian and Oliver Victor Racz for the World Day of Older Persons in Košice. She has authored many oustanding papers on history of science and medicine and focused on towering scientists from former Czechoslovakia and of Slovakia (4,5). It should be noticed that Scopus also attests a fruitful scientific past collaboration -Mydlik-Derzsiová- Rácz (6). Acknowledgement The paper appears at the same time in the Bulletin of the European Association of Professors Emeriti (2025; 5 (1), following the traditional collaboration of the two associations. It is published with the permission of its Editor-in-Chief Professor Emeritus George Andrei Dan. References 1 . Eknoyan G, De Snto NG, Massry SG. On the future of the History of Nephrology. Am J Nphrol 1994; 14(4-6): 255-6 2 . (www//: IAHN.org accessed November 18, 2024 3 . De Santo NG, Bisaccia C, De santo LS, Cirillo M, Richet G. La Costruzione della Scienza Clinica. Istituto Italiano per gli Studi Filosofici, Arte Tipografica Editrice, Napoli 2006 4 . Derzsiovà K. Professor Miroslav Mydlík, MD, DSc. (1932–2018† ) A scientist. Arch Hell Medicine 2020, 37(Suppl 2):22-28. 5 . Derzsiová K. Emigration of Scientists From Czechoslovakia During the Soviet Domination. Experimental and Clinical Transplantation (2023) Suppl 2: 72-77. 6 . Mydlík M., Derzsiová K., Rácz O., Šipulová A., Lovásová E., Molčányiová A. Petrovičová J.: Vitamin E-coated dialyzer and antioxidant defense parameters: three- month study. Semin. Nephrol., 24, 2004, č. 5, s. 525-531.

Fig. 1. From left: prof. Luigi Iorio, Natale De Santo, Vincenzo Savica, Katarina Derzsiova. (photo Janusz Ostrowski)

Fig. 2. Prof. Raymond Ardaillou (in the middle). (photo Janusz Ostrowski)

Fig. 3. Prof. Athanasios Diamandopoulos. First left (photo Maria Ostrowski)

Professor Démant was the epitome of an academic physician: pediatrician, organiser, scientist, and educator (Fig 1). He was the founder of pediatric nephrology, he was at the birth of pediatric nephrology in Košice and eastern Slovakia He significantly contributed to the development of pediatric nephrology not only in Slovakia but also in Czechoslovakia. Professor Ferdinand Démant was born in Budapest (1911), passed away in Košice (1988). He successfully graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague (1935). After graduation, he worked at the Department of pediatrics under Professor Jiří Brdlík (1935-1939), the father of Czechoslovak pediatrics, and later under Professor Jaroslav Procházka, the father of infectology in Czechoslovakia. He used the experience gained during these stays in the development of health care for children within general pediatrics in the region of eastern Slovakia, especially in Košice. Initially, Professor Démant's interest was focused on infectology, later on the field of pediatric nephrology. History of pediatrics in Košice At the beginning of the 20th century, pediatrics in Košice had no premises of its own, it was without resources and without erudite staff. The first children's ward with 50 beds was located in the newly opened State Hospital in Košice (1924) and the head physician was MUDr. Anton Korman. In 1928, the Pasteur Institute also was established in the State Hospital due to the high incidence of rabies in eastern Slovakia. Institute was headed by Václav Strimpl MD. By 1945, childcare in the Eastern Slovakia region was at a very low level with a high morbidity and mortality. A milestone in improving the quality of care for children, in the development of pediatrics and education in Košice and the Eastern Slovakia region occured with the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine in Košice (1948), as a branch of Comenius University in Bratislava and after the establishment of P. J. Šafárik University (UPJŠ), in Košice (1959), (Fig. 2), (1, 2). Košice has been an important University city, cultural, economic, political, and educational centre since the 17th century. UPJŠ historically followed the tradition of Košice University - Universitas Cassoviensis, founded in 1657 and confirmed by the Golden Bull - Bula aurea, , isued by the King of Hungary and of Bohemia, and the Roman Emperor Leopold I (1660). The University was renamed the Royal Academy of Košice in 1776 and was cancelled in 1922 (3). After establishment the Faculty of Medicine the Children's Ward became the Children's Clinic. The first head was Professor Démant, who headed it from 1948 to 1976. From the Children Clinic with additional pediatric departments and 290 beds became the Children's Hospital. In 1966, the departments of the Children's Hospital were renamed the Regional Children's Hospital and Professor Démant was appointed as its temporary director. After further development of pediatrics, it became the University Children's Hospital (1976), which highlighted not only its medical but also its educational mission in educating young physicians. The main actor in all these changes was Professor Ferdinand Démant, who represented both the clinical and scientific pediatrician. Scientific and pedagogical activities of Professor Démant Professor Démant has lectured and published initially mainly in the field of infectology. In later years, he turned his attention to the field of pediatric nephrology. He was tireless. He was the author/co-author of more than 400 publications, 40 books or chapters in books, and contributed a chapter on nephrology to the national textbook Detské lékařství (Pediatric Medicine) (1964), (4,5). He was a co-author of the book: Šašinka M, Buchanec J, Démant F et al. Nephrology of Children and Adolescents, 1985, 759 p. In this book he participated in 11 chapters out of 22. He educated many generations of pediatricians, PhD holders in pediatrics, associate professors, Doctor of Sciences (DSc). and 5 professors: Štefan Sršeň, Ján Jacina, Oľga Pavkovčeková. Vojtech Kluka, Eva Matheová. He also participated in the education of children's nurses. He used his organisational skills and experience as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Košice from 1950 to 1952 (Fig. 3). Professor Démant was regional expert in pediatrics, built a network of pediatric departments within district hospitals, he founded the Eastern Slovakia Pediatric Section of the J. E. Purkyně Society, the School of Pediatric Nephrology of Košice, which became a tradition. Many years he was the editor of the journal Československá Pediatrie ( Czechoslovak Pediatrics), a member of the committee of the Slovak Pediatric Society, and a member of several advisory commissions to the Slovak Ministry of Health. He was also active in international organisations. Since 1961 he was a member of the Czechoslovak Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO. He received honorary membership in the Pediatric Societies of France and Germany. After reaching retirement age, Professor Démant was succeeded by Professor Oľga Pavkovčeková, CSc. (1976 – 1991), then by Professor Miroslav Šašinka, DSc. from Bratislava (1992 – 1999). Subsequently, the clinic was headed by Professor Ľudmila Podracká, CSc., until 2013. All of them contributed especially to the development of pediatric nephrology (1,2). The pediatric workplaces moved to the new Children’s Faculty Hospital in 2004 and at the end of 2013, the Clinic of Children and Adolescents of the UPJŠ Faculty of Medicine and the Children's University Hospital was established under the leadership of Professor Ingrid Schusterová and currently Assoc. Professor. Veronika Vargová.

Fig. 1. Professor Ferdinand Démant (1911-1988)

Fig. 2. P. J. Šafárik University in Košice

Fig. 3. Professor Ferdinand Démant, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Košice (1950 –1952)

Fig. 4. Štrbské Pleso, the High Tatras, Czechoslovakia

References 1 . Kuchta M. Prof. MUDr. Ferdinand Démant v kontexte histórie pediatrie v Košiciach, pri príležitosti 110. výročia jeho narodenia / Professor. Ferdinand Démant, MD, in the context of the history of pediatrics in Košice, on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of his birth. Pediatria (Bratislava) 2021; 16 (3): 149-151. 2 . Michaličková J. Profesor Ferdinand Démant (11.02. 1911 – 26.06. 1988). Čs. Pediatria 1988;43(2):744. 3 . Košická Univerzita – Wikipédia. https://sk.wikipedia.org/wiki/Košická_univerzita 4 . Démant F, Mydlík M, Kahanec D, Tischler V. Terapeutický význam peritoneálnej dialýzy pri hemolyticko-uremickom syndróme dojčiat / Therapeutic significance of peritoneal dialysis in hemolytic-uremic syndrome of infants. Čs. Pediat 1970; 7: 316-319. 5 . Démant F. Diseases of the urogenital system, pp. 403-438. In: : Author's Collective. Pediatrics– textbooks for medical faculties. State Medical Publishing House, Prague, 1964 (4th ed), 647 p 6 . Arneil G, Boda D, Ehrich J H H, Fanconi A, Habib R, Hallman N. The founding and early history of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN). Pediatric Nephrology 2007; 22: 1-15

Dana Baran (Fig. 1.), Professor emerita of History of Medicine and Pharmacy at the Department of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, of the "Gr.T.Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iasi, has been elected the 18th President of the International Society for History of Medicine (ISHM) founded in Paris in 1921.. She is the second woman to be elected president, the first was Ynez Viole O'Neil in 1996. Professor Baran, the recipient of the 2023 Victor Victor Babeș Prize of the Romanian Academy (Academia Română) for the book Romanian Personalities and Contributions to International Medicine”, Academy Ed, 2021 (1), has been working hard over the years for ISHM as Treasurer, General Secretary, President of the 48th Congress in Jasi (on line and in presence (2), President of the Scientific Committee of the 2024 Salerno Congress. Dana Baran is a member of the European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE) and has been a member of its Board of Directors and collaborator of the Bulletin of the European Association of Professors Emeriti and speaker at the International EAPE Congresses in Naples and London. In Naples 2022 she lectured on “The Relevance of Social and Professional Masks”, in London on “British Landmarks in Grigore T. Popa’s Professional Fulfilment” and “A British Model in Sanitary Organisation in Dr. Moise’s Enescu Papers”. Dana Baran since 2013 is an active member member of the International Association for the History of Nephrology (IAHN). She has promoted joint activities of ISHM and IAHN. In Salerno on October 10, 2024, in the first session of the 49th ISHM Congress there was a Round Table chaired by Athanasios Diamandopoulos with the participation Carlos Viesca, Davide Viggiano, Natale G. De Santo, Athanasios Diamandopoulos and Dana Baran (3). The ISHM Executive Committee along Dana Baran includes Prof. Maria do Sameiro Barroso; Prof. Maria Blanca Ramos de Viesca; Prof. Ricardo Losardo and Dr. Andrew Nadell have been elected Vicepresidents of IHSM.

Professor Démant's participation in the European Nephrology Professor Démant was one of the founders of the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN) in 1967, which is considered a milestone in pediatric nephrology in Europe, and became a councillor (1967 -1970). The foundation meeting was held on 17 September 1967 at the University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Professor Gavin Arneil from Glasgow became its President. Thirty-six of the forty-six founding members from 22 European countries attended. Professor Ferdinand Démant from Košice (Czechoslovakia) was among them. On 19 September 1967, the European Society for Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN) was established (6). In 1973, the 7th ESPN Congress was held at Štrbské Pleso, in the High Tatras (Czechoslovakia) (Fig. 4). The president was Professor Démant, a member of the ESPN . Professor Ferdinand Démant, MD was a outstanding pediatrician, pediatric nephrologist, organiser, scientist, and teacher. He deserves respect and thanks for his meritorious work in pediatrics, and for his contribution to the creation of the ESPN. As a sign of respect and gratitude, his fellows in 2009 founded the "Démant's day" in his honor.

Fig. 1. Professor Dana Baran at a Recent Meeting

Professor Juris Salaks an Prof Hamza Essadam have been elected respectively General Secretary and Associate General Secretary. Professor Luca Borghi is the Treasurer whereas Prof. Francesco Galassi has been confirmed Editor in Chief of Vesaliius. ISHM Councilors are: Prof. Giorgio Zanchin; Prof. Jean-Pierre Tricot; Prof. Ana Maria Rosso; Prof. Amélia Ricon Ferraz; Prof. Axel Karenberg; Prof. Daqing Zhang. Dana Barn is Elected President of ISHM at a time she is Professor Emerita at the University of Jasi, thus she can devote herself full time to the society. She has promised to make every member of the society active participant in furthering its goals. A special care will be dedicated to the younger members. References 1 . The Romanian Academy “Victor Babes Prize and Romanian Academy of Scientists “Carol Davila” for Professor Dana Baran for her book “ Romanian Personalities and Contributions to International Medicine” Bull Eur Assoc Profs Emer 2024; 5(48th Congress of the International Society for the History of Medicine Iași - Romania, September 15-18, 2022 Abstract Book1): 19. 2 . Abstract Book the 48th Congress of the International Society for the History of Meiicne, Jasi, Romania Septemeber 25-18, 2022. The Medical-Surgical Journal of the Physician and Naturalists, Jasi, Romania: 2022; 126: Suppl 3, S-5-S-184 3 . Program of the 49th Congress of the International Society for the History of Medicine. Ordine dei medici e degli Odontoiatri della Provinciadi Salerno 2024, pp. 8-9.

In each issue of the IAHN Bulletin, I provide updates on the activities of our members in Poland. This edition is no exception. From September 15th to 20th, I had the privilege of visiting the University of Padua in Italy, where I was hosted by Professor Lorenzo Calò as part of a scientific fellowship with the Nephrology, Dialysis, and Transplantation Unit in the Department of Medicine. During my stay, I had the opportunity to explore the Historical Library of Medicine and Botany Vincenzo Pinali and Giovanni Marsili at the university’s Botanical Garden, as well as the University Library. My research focused on the works of Renaissance anatomists, drawing on the resources of this renowned 800-year-old institution. In addition to my research, I delivered a lecture titled Selected Giants in Nephrology Around the World to the clinic staff and postgraduate nephrology trainees. The presentation highlighted the contributions of prominent figures such as Professors Vittorio Bonomini (Italy), Shaul Massry (USA), Stewart Cameron (UK), and Zbylut Twardowski (Poland). I believe that incorporating historical perspectives into the training of young nephrologists can deepen their appreciation for the field’s rich history, a sentiment that was clearly appreciated, as I have been invited to return next year.

The 49th Congress of the International Society of History of Medicine in Salerno The 49th Congress of the International Society of History of Medicine was an occasion to meet in Italy some EAPE members who were speakers at that huge congress encompassing high level scientific sessions and astonishing visits of Salerno, Pompei, Sorrento, Amalfi Coust and Naples and taste of Mediterranean cuisine. The main events took place in Salerno at the Historical Salone dei Marmi of Palazzo di Città, in the Council Hall of Palazzo San Agostino and at Teatro Verdi. The congress attracted to Salerno –historically known as Civitas Hippocratica - many hundreds of specialists from all over the world. The Congress was presided by Professor Emeritus Carlos Viesca (Mexico City). Professor Giorgio Zanchin (Padua) was the vice President. Dana Baran was Chair the of the Scientific Committee and also the General Secretary of the Congress. The International Society for the History of Medicine traditionally attracts amembers of the Interrnational Assocition of Professors Emeriti. Among those participating to the Congress in Salerno there were Dana Baran (University of Jasi), Athanasios Diamanodopoulos (Louros Foundation Athens), Natale Gaspare De Santo (University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples), Alberto de Leiva Hidalgo Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), Oliver Victor Rácz (Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice) and Paolo Ciambelli (University of Salerno). Their contributions were in good keeping with the high standard of the Congress that benefitted of the expertise of by renowned moderators. Dana Baran, the President of the 48th IHSM Congress in Jasi, Professor of History of Medicine and Pharmacy at the “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine nd Pharmacy in Jasi, lectured on three topics. Originality of the Salernitan Palimpsest “An outstanding Medical School developed in Salerno, on the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the crossroads between vanishing and nascent worlds and civilisations, it reached glory in the High Middle Ages. This first European protouniversity soon became a paradigmatic establishment. Salernitan medicine integrated and enriched knowledge inherited from Ancient Greek and Roman Empires, from Medieval Byzantine and Sasanian Empires, from Hebrew traditions and Arabic schools in Bagdad, North Africa and Spain. Indirectly pharmacological elements pertaining to Ancient Chinese herbalism, along with some Indian concepts and practices were assimilated, too. Preceding the Salerno Medical School, the Schools of Nisibis and Gundishapur in Euroasia illustrated comparable functional melting pots, enabling fruitful transition from previous medical understanding to Islamic patterns and creativity. Travelling often, scientists from different ethnic and linguistic groups, religions and cultures enjoyed, for a while, freedom of thought and speech. In Salerno, Hippocratic, Galenic and Avicennic medicine, or Isaac Israeli`s works, e.g., were extremely esteemed. The Regimen Sanitatis Salernitanum recommended sanogenetic rules, care for public and individual Hygiene – expressing “health” itself, and diet – i.e. a balanced lifestyle, including nutrition, simple remedies, walking, resting, listening to music, everything in moderation at the right time. Salernitan evidence-based medicine redimensioned humoral theories in relation to solidism and promoted ethics. Its conceptual universe synthesised a planetary approach, reforging the quintessence of a global healing art. Its spirit defeated prejudices, promoted women and multiculturalism, proved the necessary complementarity between Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Greek and Roman paganism, sacred consciousness and profane attitude, personal mentalities and regional customs, achieving a pre-Renaissance anthropological vision. Physicians trained in Italy and monks studying in Athos monastic libraries promoted Salernitan medicine also in the Romanian Lands after the 15th-16th centuries. Contemporary medicine could rediscover its roots, several basic truths and primordial modernity in the original ‟Salernitan palimpsest”, part of world scientific heritage”. Medicine in Constanin Brancusi’s “Experimental Sculpture” “Constantin Brancusi (1876-1957), the famous modern Romanian sculptor, studied at the National School of Fine Arts in Bucharest. In 1900-1902, guided by Professor Dimitrie Gerota (1867-1939), he created a remarkable ‟écorché” as graduation work. Gerota, a prominent anatomist and surgeon with several original contributions internationally recognised, specialised in Paris and Berlin, after medical studies in Bucharest. Pupil and Master thoroughly analysed human anatomy on corpses during dissections, examined anatomical preparations and casts in the Comparative Anatomy Museum of the Faculty of Medicine, whereas at the School of Fine Arts a copy of Antinous`s statue inspired them. Brancusi`s écorché, reminding Vesalius' illutrations in the Humani Corporis Fabrica, got the bronze medal. Observing the Vitruvian ‟golden ratio”, it expressed accurate beauty, balance, robustness, resignation and elegance, seemingly ‟uncovering” partly the mystery of human body and soul. Several ‟original” copies of this flayed man cast in plaster were acquired for the Faculties of Arts and/or of Medicine in Bucharest, Iasi and Craiova. Later another one reached the Medicine Faculty in Cluj. Brancusi`s long activity on cadavers, he compared to ‟beefstakes”, determined him to avoid photographic approaches in his original creations. Following the ‟écorché”, his classical masterpiece, Brancusi`s art radically changed. After three months with Auguste Rodin, he went his own way, becoming the worldwide known ‟father of modern sculpture”. Trained in Paris, he lived there most of his life, getting familiar with avant-gardist trends and artists, painters, like Modigliani, composers, like Erik Satie, poets, like the Romanian born Tristan Tzara. Milarepa, Guénon and Freud also impacted his work. Brancusi`s experimental translational sculpture emerged: a cathartic vision bearing archetypal imprints. He transfigured humans and things, living beings and concepts, looking for the essence in health and disease, turbulence and serenity, profane and sacred, rendering them symbolically abstract, between archaic primitiveness, elaborate simplicity and folklore”. George E. Palade a Romanian born Nobel Prize contributor to the elucidation of glomerular filtration. “In 1974, the Romanian born George Emil Palade (1912-2008) shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Albert Claude and Christian De Duve for ‟discoveries concerning the structural and functional organisation of the cell”. Born in Iasi, Palade graduated from the Bucharest Faculty of Medicine. After 1946 he specialised in Universities and Research Centers in the USA. He teamed up with renowned scientists, improved electron microscopy laboratory techniques, implemented osmium tetroxide (OsO4), buffered at pH 7.4 with veronal-acetate (Palade`s fixative), developed the “sucrose method” for homogenisation and tissue sample fractionation, thus accurately isolating sub-cellular components and obtaining morphological and biochemical information. Palade and coworkers studied cell membrane structure and biogenesis, endothelia, synapses and other cell junctions, plasmalemmal vesicles, vesicular transfer, cellular organelles, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum, cytocrinia, ATP and protein synthesis. Initially, ribosomes, e.g., were equally named Palade granules (1955). He was involved in describing the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the Weibel-Palade bodies in endothelial cells (1964). Interestingly, Palade`s doctoral thesis focused on “The uriniferous tubule of the dolphin. A study of comparative morphology and physiology” (1940), including a serial section-based three-dimensional nephron reconstruction. Later, with Marilyn G. Farquhar, he continued to observe renal morpho-physiology and pathology. They individualised mesangial cells – “deep cells” – trying to explain their function, and thoroughly investigated the components of the glomerular filtration barrier, a multilayered structure (1961-1963). Consequently he outlined the importance of the fenestrated capillary endothelium and basement membrane, as the main filter, of podocytes, mesangium, controlling filtration residues and of intercellular junctions. He also noticed that a damaged basement membrane determined more tightened and deeper interepithelial connections, compensating for increased permeability. Podocytes, filtration slits and slit diaphragms were equally considered. Among the first, Palade, father of modern cell biology, elucidated essential details of glomerular filtration”. Athanasios Diamandopoulos is the key person to understand the developments of the International Society of History of Medicine in the first quarter of this century. The list of the service he has rendered to the society, including the innovative presidencv, is long and appreciated. His suggestions have been taken into account. He had been a leader in many decisions that have significantly modernized the life of the society. At the congress of Salerno Professor Diamandopolous was a significant presence as speaker as well as outstanding chair. His friends and estimators have felicitated him for the Honorary Membership in ISHM. Professor Diamandopolous, newly elected President of the Section on Culture of the European Association of Professors Emeriti, in association with Emily Diamandopoulos and Marios Maselos illustrted the topic Phlorizin and the “I Told It First” Syndrome” “In science, as in the arts and politics, there is an inherent rivalry regarding who first discovered a drug, identified a disease, devised a treatment, composed a melody, created an artefact, or introduced a new political theory. This article explores the extensive lineage of scientific predecessors behind the discovery of phlorizin's diuretic, myo-damaging, and antipyretic properties. Phlorizin, a flavonoid glycoside found in species of the Malus genus, was extracted from apple bark in 1835 by de Koninck and was initially proposed as an antipyretic. Its diuretic and hypoglycemic properties were identified by von Mering in 1886. In 1996, researchers at Kyoto University and Tanuba Seiygyu Co. in Japan developed phlorizin analogues, the first chemically engineered sodium-glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLT2is). In an article published in 2017, we traced references to the diuretic properties of apple species to an earlier treatise, Dioscorides' renowned Materia Medica from the 1st century A.D. After analysing his relevant statements, we concluded: “For the time being, we suggest that it was Dioscorides [who observed this diuretic action] until a future publication proves us wrong”. This present article challenges that conclusion. The Group of Diamandopolous illustrated extracts from the works of Hippocrates, written five centuries before Dioscorides, where the same diuretic action of apple species is described. Furthermore, recent experimental work by Lodzin et al. with rats concluded that “Phlorizin at a dose of 20 mg/kg p.o. daily, exacerbated the damaging impact of diabetes on muscle mass and strength”. We now also reference a passage from Materia Medica that describes the adverse effects of apples on muscles. Additionally, we found that Hippocrates had previously described the antipyretic action of apples.This leads to conclude that in the race for priority in the field of phlorizin research, Hippocrates and Dioscorides are currently leading. For now, at least”. Professor Alberto de Leiva, Idalgo , is professor Emeritus of the Department of Medicine of the Universidad Autónoma of Barcelona, Spain and new member of the European Association of Professors Emeriti. In Salern had two presentation. The first described The birth of Andrology as a Medical Specialty He departed from A.A. Berthold “who in1849 demonstrated that testicular extracts reproduced biological effects in castrated cockerels (1). In 1889, Brown-Séquard investigated the rejuvenating effects of animal testicular extracts (2). In the third decade of the 20th century, thousands of subjects were treated with the surgery of rejuvenation (3). In 1935, Laqueur isolated testosterone. Butenandt and Ruzicka synthesized the hormone, and received the Nobel Prize in 1939. Siebke introduced the term Andrology in 1951. In 1968, the first Andrology Department was created at Puigvert Foundation (PF) in Barcelona. In 1970, Puigvert and Mancini created the Comité Internacional de Andrología (CIDA), which adopted Andrologie as its publication arm, changing its name to Andrologia. The American Society of Andrology (ASA) was created in Detroit, Michigan, in 1975; its first scientific took place at the University of Massachusetts in Worcester. E. Rosemberg was elected ASA first president. In 1977, CIDA organized the First International Congress of Andrology (ICA) in Barcelona. In 1978, the International Journal of Andrology (IJA) became the official publication of CIDA. In 1980, ASA launched the Journal of Andrology. At the 2nd ICA in Tel-Aviv (1982), CIDA was transformed into the International Society of Andrology (ISA). In May 1992, the European Academy of Andrology (EAA), developed by R. Eliasson and E. Nieschlag, became the owner of IJA. In 1997, the EAA established the recognition of EAA Training Centers for certification as Clinical Andrologists. The collaboration between EAA and ASA made possible the creation of the journal Andrology; the first issue was published in January 2013. At present, ISA brings together around 40 national and regional member societies, representing 10,000 andrologists worldwide. Andrology, a recently created medical specialty, fosters a multidisciplinary approach to the fundamental and clinical aspects of male reproduction in health and disease”. History of Guanidines: From Galega Officinalis (Middle Ages) to Metformin (2024). Professor de Leva in association with Ferran Morell –Brotad also lectured on the “The history started with Culpeper’s Herbal in 1662. The herbal revealed that Galega (Galega officinalis L.) has been used since medieval times in the treatment of polyuria (4). In 1850, Strecker isolated guanidine (G) from galega. In 1918, Watanabe demonstrated the hypoglycemic activity of G (5). In the 20th century derivatives of Galega were investigated. In 1926, E. Frank introduced the first oral antidiabetic drug, Synthalin, prescribed for more than 20 years (6). Werner and Bell synthesized Metformin (MET) in 1922. In 1957, Sterne demonstrated that MET reduced the insulin dose in type-1 diabetes (DM-1) and replaced insulin in type-2 diabetes (DM-2). MET decreases insulin resistance (IR) without inducing hypoglycemia. Phenformin was banned by the FDA in 1977 (risk of lactic acidosis). In 2006 the International Diabetes Federation recognized MET as the first-line drug in the treatment of DM-2. In recent investigations, MET has shown a powerful pharmacologic effect over the intestinal secretion of two anorexigenic metabolites, GDF 15 and N-Lactoyl-phenylalanine, opening the way to new anti-obesity drugs. Epidemiological studies have shown benefits of MET in the prevention of diabetes, treatment of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, cardiorenal protection, ageing, and decreased risk and mortality for various neoplasms. MET has been also investigated in experimental animals and men for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, a disease with low life expectancy. Teague et al. published a cohort study of 3,599 adults with PF and concomitant DM-2; the group treated with MET presented reduction of all-cause of mortality [by 53%; (p<0.001)] and decreased risk of hospitalization (p=0.003). In summary, for a hundred years, MET has proven to be a safe, effective and cheap generic drug with a promising therapeutic pleomorphism for investigations in the years to come”. Timelines for the history of gout from the fifth century BCE to the end of the fourteenth century CE: the contribution of Rufus of Ephesus Natale G De Santo, Carmela Bisaccia and Luca S. De Santo, illustrated the history of gout from the Corpus Hippocraticum to the Renaissance discussing the contribution of not less than 25 authors. Specifically Carmela Bisaccia focussed on the ccontribution of Rufus. “Gout, from Latin gutta (drop), is the oldest recorded inflammatory arthritis. It is a common, complex, systemic disease due to deposition of sodium monourate crystals in peripheral joints and periarticular tissues driven by hyperuricemia. Literature spans from 2760 BC to Hippocrates, to Giovanni Battista Morgagni (1682- 1771), to Alfred Garrod (1819-1907) to Nobel laureate Gertrud B. Elion (1988)”. “Rufus of Ephesus (80-150 CE) (7), Rufus a gouty person (8), was a prominent physician who lived and flourished in the late 1st and early 2nd century CE probably he lived at the time of Trajan (98-117 AD). Rufus was quoted extensively by Galen, Oribasius, Aetius of Amida, Paul of Aegina, and translated by Rhazes into Arabic He wrote a treatise De Podagra, in Latin, in 37 chapters, where gout is due to a toxic humour. The book has been translated into French (Editio princeps) by Daremberg and Ruelle (9). We have for the first time rendered De Podagra into English.Rufus adopted the four humours and practiced a medicine based on the identification of their imbalance and restoration. He was gouty and introduced the theory of metastasis of gout leading to convulsion, confirmed by recent studies. Podagra was curable ”at onset, however, when inflammation sets in, there are reasons to worry”. Diagnosis is an important step that can be eased by the narrative of the patients on the onset of pain by excluding recent bumping. If this was not the case the patient “must be immediately put on a diet, given an enema and bloodletting”. Exercise is important, any type of exercise “walking, running, horse riding, massagin the thigh and below”. Massages “first dry, then with oil,. Baths are helpful “when the body suffers (insistent) pain”. Finally Natale Gaspare De Santo illustrated the Timelines for the history of gout from the fifth century BCE to the Renaissance. The role of Alexander of Tralles “Gout is the oldest recorded inflammatory arthritis to affect humankind, with roots stretching back to 2640 BC. It is due to deposition of sodium monourate driven by hyperuricemia. The association of humours with causation stems from Hippocrates (480-370 BCE). More specifically a toxic humour was suspected by Celsus (25 BCE-50 CE) and Rufus of Ephesus (98-138 CE) and confirmed by Alfred Garrod in 1849. Its therapy has been based on colchicine since Severus Iatrosophista, Theodosius the Philosopher and Jacobus Psychrestos (10), introducing Colchicum as an innovative treatment for podagra in the early Byzantine period. A breakthrough in treatment was the introduction of allopurinol in 1966 (11). The goal of the study was to establish milestones for a comprehensive timeline of gout, from the Corpus Hippocraticum to the Renaissance. The goal will be pursued through two steps. Firstly, we will review the contributions to gout that have not been translated into English, such as those of Rufus of Ephesus (98-138 CE), Galen (129-after 210 CE), as well as works like Alexander of Tralles' (525-605 CE). Secondly, we will examine a significant group of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Moslem, and Salernitan authors who showcased their creativity and knowledge on gout from the 5th century BCE to the Renaissance. The list includes Hippocrates (460-370 BCE), Celsus (25 BCE-50 CE), Arethaeus of Cappadocia (fl. 1st half 1st Century CE), Anonymus Londinensis ( 1st century CE), Lucian (c.120-after 180 C), Oribase (c320-400/403 CE), Severus Jatrosophista, Theodosius the Philosopher and Jacob Psychrestos (all 5th century CE), Aetius of Amida (502-575 CE), Alexander of Tralles (525-605 CE), Paul of Aegina (625-690 CE), Rhazes (d.923-924 CE), Avicenna (980-1037 CE), Michael Psellus (1018-1078 CE), Constantinus Africanus (c.1020-before 1079), Matthaeus Platearius (died c.1161 CE), Demetrios Pepagomenos, Nikolaus Myrepsos (13th century CE), and John Actuarius (end of the 14th century)”. Serendipitous path from an abnormal electrophoretic hemoglobin band to th gold standard of the assessment of glycaemic compensation. Professor Oliver Victor Rácz of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice illustrated the eciting topic that mainly conincides with the life and work of Samuel Rahbar, the scientists who studies hemoglobinopathies in Iran. “As a recent graduate of the University of Tehran Medical School, Samuel Rahbar was initially interested in immunology. After a trip to Israel and a lecture by Professor Lehmann, he changed his mind and began to search for variant forms of haemoglobin in the Iranian population. He worked with an improved electrophoretic method and discovered 11 haemoglobinopathies in Iran. Among the large number of samples examined, he noticed an unusual band in the two subjects with diabetes mellitus. He was not satisfied with the seemingly logical explanation (a hereditary disease with both diabetes and a haemoglobin variant) and, after publishing the results (12), he went on a study trip to the workplaces in USA where the structure of haemoglobin and its small fractions were already known (13). It was soon recognised that his "unusual" haemoglobin was identical to one of the small fractions of normal human haemoglobin, namely HbA1c, and that this fraction was formed by the slow irreversible non-enzymatic addition of glucose to human haemoglobin A. Its concentration reflects a retrospective integrated marker of blood glucose levels over the previous weeks (14). From this point, the path of HbA1c to its current glory as the gold standard for assessing glycaemic compensation was relatively straightforward. Its precise standardised measurement is now possible using various chromatographic methods, capillary electrophoresis and immunochemical or enzymatic assays on laboratory analysers. It should be measured regularly in every diabetic patient and provides a sound basis for therapeutic decisions”(15). Salerno Medicina Professor Paolo Ciambelli, Emeritus of Chemistry of the University of Salerno, has been a significant presence in the congress. We can define him one of those who lead from behind. In fact his name and many other prominent Salernitan Scholars appeared in the special issue of Salerno Medicina that the Order of Physicians, Surgeons and Orthodontists of Salerno produced for the 49th Congress of the IHSM. The issue is special in the sense that gives also an insight into the birth of the Faculty of Medicine at the Univeristy of Salerno and on the active participation of the City of Salerno to the achievement to which Professo Ciambelli also participated as a member of the Administrative Council of the University. Professor Ciambelli reports on his experience as CEO of NARRANDO a start-up generated by a doctoral thesis at the University of Salerno. NARRANDO is the acronym of (NAnocaRbonRAdiatioNDOsimeter) that gave origin to a dosimeter for ionizing radiations. The Start-up is now guest of the EBRIS Foundation in Salerno and there is collaboration for the development of solutions that apply technologies to the to the biomedical sector with the approach of chemical engineering (16). Acknowledgement The paper appears at the same time in the Bulletin of the European Association of Professors Emeriti 2025; 5 (1) following the traditional collaboration of the two associations. It is published with the permission of its Editor-in-Chief Professor Emeritus George Andrei Dan. References 1 . Berthold AA. Transplantation der Hoden Arch. Anat. Physiol. Wissensch. 1849; 16: 42-46. 2 . Brown-Séquard CE. Animal Extracts as therapeutic agents. Br Med 1893; J I: 1279. 3 . Voronoff SA. Greffes testiculaires. Paris, Librairie Octave Doin, 1923. 4 . Culpeper N. Culpeper ‘s Complete Herbal: A book of natural remedies of ancient ills. The Wodsworth Collection Reference Library; 1653, p. 335. 5 . Watanabe CK. Studies in the metabolic changes induced by the administration of guanidine bases. Influence of injected guanidine hydrochloride upon blood sugar content. J Biol Chem 1918; 33: 253-265. 6 . Frank E, Nothmann M, Wagner A. Über syntetisch Dargestellte Körper mit insulinartiger. Wirkung auf den Normalen und diabetischen organismus. Klin Woeechenschr 1926; 5: 2100-2017. 7 . Bujalková M. Tufus of Ephesus and his contribution to the development of anatomic nomenclature. Acta med-hist Adriat 2011;9(1);89-100. 8 . Copeman WSC. A short History of the Gout. Berkeley,University of Caliornia Press, 1964. 9 . Daremberg C.H. and Ruelle Ch. É.. Oeuvres de Rufus d‘Éphe`se, Paris 1879. 1 0 . Tsoucalas G and Sgantzos M. Severus Iatrosophista, Theodosius the Philosopher and Jacobus Psychrestos introducing Colchicum as an innovative treatment for podagra in the early Byzantine period. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2017; 28(2): 106- 109.doi: 10.31138/mjr.28.2.106 1 1 . Elion GB, Kovensky A, Hitchings GH. Metabolic studies of allopurinol, an inhibitorof xanthine oxidase. Biochem Pharmacol. 1966 Jul;15(7):863-80. doi: 10.1016/0006-2952(66)90163-8. PMID: 5967902. 1 2 . Rahbar S. An abnormal hemoglobin in red cells of diabetics. Clin. Cim. Acta 1968; 22: 296-298 1 3 . Rahbar S, Blumenfeld O, Ranney HM. Studies of an unusual hemoglobin in patients with diabetes mellitus. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1969; 36: 838–843 1 4 . Bunn HF, Gabbay KH, Gallop PM. The glycosylation of hemoglobin. Science 1978; 200: 21-27. 1 5 . American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee. Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia: Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2024. Diabetes Care 2024;47(Suppl. 1): S111–S125. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S006 1 6 . Ciambelli P. Narrando. Salerno Medica, special issue for the 49th Congress of the Internationl Association for the Hitory o Medicine, 2024, Salerno, Italy pp.39-41.

Fig. 1. Natale G. De Santo between Mariacristina Gregorini, Secretary General and Stefano Bianchi President of the Italian Society of Nephrology, after receiving the honorarplacque.

honoring Ortensio Zecchino, the historian who called for the Assizes of Bologna that gave to Europe equipollence betwen university titles, wa entitle The Unity of culture (Rubbettino, Soveria Mannelli 2023). Professor DeSanto is Professor Emeritus of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Dr. Honoris Causa of the University of Varna and Dr.Honoris Causa of the University of Kosice. He has received the Distinguished Medal of the National Kidney Foundation of USA; the Malpighi Medal of the University of Messina; the Memorial Medal of the University of Gdansk; the Karola Marcinkowska Medal of the University of Poznan. He is Sodalem Honoris Causa Societatis Medicorum Slovacorum, honorary member of the German, Polish, Romanian Society of Nephrology, and Member of the Academy of Astronautics and Harald of the Hippocratic Spirit and recipient of the Medal of the President of International Association for the History of Nephology. Natale has been the first to suggest that nephrology is a discipline evolving into complexity driven by complex systems and philosophy (1), a discipline spanning from reductionism to complex systems and overlapping with the territory of philosophy (1,2) and this is true also for Pediatrics (3). Recently in a paper written to celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ortensio Zecchino - (former member of the European Parliament, historian, President of Biogem, President of the Assizes of Bologna of European Rectors and the father of the European System that unified university curricula generating the Erasmus Program) a scientist known to the readers of the Bulletin and a contributorto the Proccedings of the Naples EAPE Congress - Natale De Santo wrote a long chapter on The Snowian disjunction between the two cultures (4), that appeared as a short synopsis also in our Bulletin (5). He therein wrote also a paragraph on a paper on Science needs philosophy(6) on which I quote. “Lucie Laplane and a group of humanists and scientists have explained why and how philosophy can have an important and fertile impact on science (6). Their conclusion: «There is need to reinvigorate science at all levels, that which it gives us back the benefits of close ties with philosophy”. De Santo underlined that “Don Howard wrote about Robert A. Thornton (7), a young physicist who was about to start a physics course at the University of Puerto Rico. He encountered many problems in convincing colleagues to let him incorporate the philosophy of science in his lessons. Thornton asked Albert Einstein for help who replied ‘I fully agree with you on the meaning and educational and methodological role of history and philosophy of science. Now many people, even professional scientists, seem similar to people who have seen thousands of trees but have never seen a forest. Knowledge of a historical and philosophical background it confers a form of independence from prejudice of their own generation from which many scientists suffer. The independence created by a philosophical vision, in my opinion, is the sign of distinction between a mere craftsman or specialist and a true seeker of truth’ ”» (7,8). Acknowledgement A more extensive draf tof this paperappears in more estensive form on the Bulletin of the European Association of Professors Emeriti (Bull Eur Assoc Profs Emer). It is published with the permission on of its Editor-in-Chief Professor Emeritus George Andrei Dan. References: 1 . De Santo NG. Nephrology a discipline evolving into complexity: between complex systems and philosophy. J Nephrol. 2020 Feb;33(1):1-4. doi: 10.1007/s40620-019- 00674-3. Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31776945. 2 . De Santo NG. Nephrology between Reductionism and Complex Systems: the Role of Philosophy – Review of Evidence and Opinion. European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine, 7(1): 35–4 , https://doi.org/10.5334/ejmcm.277 3 . Ehric J, Mnneman J, Tasic V. De Santo NG. The implications of complexity, systems thinking and philosophy for pediatricians. Italian Journal of Pediatrics 47(1) DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01031-6 4 . De Santo NG. La disgiunzione “snoviana”tra le due culture si ricompone nella complessita dove «tutto e storia, nient’altro che storia» In, Bongo T, Capasso GB, Ereditato A, Farisco M and Sampietro O Eds). L’Unità delle due culture. Soveria Mannelli, Rubbettino 2023, Vol IV, pp. 561-579 5 . De Santo NG. Snow’s Disjunction between The Two Cultures is abated in complexity where «everything is history, nothing but history». Bull Eur Assoc Profs Emer 2023; 4(1): 3-6. 6 . Laplane L., Mantovani P., Adolphs R. et al. Opinion: Why science needs philosophy Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A» 2019: 116: 3948-3952. 7 . Howard D. Albert Einstein as a Philosopher of Science. Physics Today 2005: 58(12): 34. 8 . Bellinghieri G. Natale Gaspare De Santo Awarded the Antonio Vercellone Prize for Humanism in Medicine of the Italian Society of Nephrology. Bull Eur Assoc Profs Emer 2024, (in press)