SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) appears in individuals asymptomatically and in various symptomatic forms. Symptomatic diversity can result in diagnosis failures, hospitalization, admission to intensive care, multi-organ failure, and death. The causes and risk factors of the severity of disease symptoms are uncertain. This uncertainty can only be resolved by elucidating the effects of host genes and genetic variations on different phenotypes. Aim: This review aimed to emphasize the importance of large-scale genotype-phenotype correlation studies in elucidating the phenotypic diversity in COVID-19 disease. Methods: All publications related to Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) in the PubMed database were searched. PheWAS studies applied to COVID-19 patients have been identified. In addition, studies applied to the genome-wide association study (GWAS)- Electronic health records (EHRs) data and additionally matched to the gene expression data were systematically reviewed. The latest PheWAS methodology and its importance in Large-scale genotype-phenotype correlations are discussed within the context of published COVID-19 studies. Results: According to our PubMed search data, there are few PheWAS studies on COVID-19 disease. This review explains the use of PheWAS studies applied to health records and GWAS data, and colocalization studies applied to expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis to understand the phenotypic variability of COVID-19. Discussion; Although there is a very limited number of PheWAS studies on COVID-19 diseases, these studies have obtained important data. At the current stage, there is a need for such studies in COVID-19 research. Conclusions: PheWAS is an ideal method for large-scale genotype-phenotype correlation studies that can reveal genetic diversity and phenotypic diversity in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Background: Scientific conferences play a vital role in knowledge exchange and collaboration across disciplines. Building on the success of its 2022 inaugural event, the Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) aimed to expand international scientific collaboration while addressing contemporary challenges in sustainability and research methodology. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid conference format in facilitating global scientific collaboration and to showcase cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation in Latin America. Methods: The conference implemented a hybrid format combining in-person and virtual attendance. Over three days, 38 lectures were presented by renowned researchers, covering key topics including materials science, environmental sustainability, chemical processes, and regional development. Participation metrics and collaboration patterns were analyzed to assess the conference's impact. Results: The conference achieved significant participation with 242 contributing authors from 13 countries across four continents. Notable research presentations included advances in laser surface modification techniques, geotechnology applications in biofuel production, sustainable silica synthesis from biomass, and green valorization of tropical seeds. The conference produced 66 approved papers, with most involving 2-5 collaborators. Discussion: The hybrid format proved effective in removing geographical barriers and promoting global engagement. The strong representation from Latin American institutions highlighted the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. Key research presentations demonstrated innovative approaches to sustainability challenges, particularly in waste utilization and environmental technology. Conclusion: SSCON 2024 successfully evolved from its predecessor, demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid conferencing in fostering international scientific collaboration. The conference established itself as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in sustainability and technological innovation, while identifying areas for future improvement such as extended submission timelines and permanent management structures.

Background: The Second Southern Science Conference (SSCON 2024) represents a significant milestone in international scientific collaboration, bringing together researchers from twelve nations across multiple continents. The conference, held in Mendoza, Argentina, and co-hosted by the University of Vassouras in Brazil, marked both the 64th anniversary of Universidad de Mendoza and the 20th anniversary of Periódico Tchê Química, demonstrating the growing importance of cross-border academic partnerships. Aim: This study aimed to document and analyze the outcomes and impact of the Second Southern Science Conference, focusing on participation metrics, collaborative patterns, and institutional contributions while highlighting the significance of the hybrid format in facilitating global scientific dialogue. Methods: The analysis involved quantitative assessment of conference participation metrics, including the number of approved papers, author distributions, and institutional representation. The study examined participation patterns across countries and institutions, analyzing collaboration trends through statistical data visualization and comparative analysis of submission rates. Results: The conference achieved significant participation metrics with 65 approved papers and 242 contributing authors, averaging 4 authors per paper. The Universidad Nacional de Córdoba emerged as the leading institution, showcasing its 4 centuries legacy of academic excellence. The analysis revealed strong representation from Latin American institutions, with Brazil and Argentina leading in submissions. Most papers involved 2-5 collaborators, indicating effective research collaboration patterns. Over 500 people participated in the event through both in-person and virtual attendance options. Discussion: The hybrid format successfully facilitated broader international participation and knowledge exchange, which is particularly beneficial for addressing contemporary global challenges. The strong showing from Latin American institutions highlights the region's growing influence in international scientific discourse. The conference's interdisciplinary nature fostered new collaborative initiatives and research partnerships. Conclusions: The conference demonstrated the effectiveness of hybrid international scientific events in fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange. Areas for improvement were identified, including extended submission timelines and establishment of a permanent management committee. The success of this edition supports the planning of future iterations, with the next edition scheduled to be held in Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro.