320 research outputs found
Fresh-salt water distribution in the central Belgian coastal plain: an update
The 1974 map showing the depth of the fresh-salt water interface (defined by 1500 mg/l total dissolved solids concentration) in the Belgian coastal plain is a vital document for hydrogeologists. Since its publication, new data have been collected. These comprise water quality analyses and borehole measurements ordered by the Flemish Environmental Agency, the Flemish Land Use Agency or from dissertations and new lithological data synthesised by the HCOV (Hydrogeological Code Flemish Subsurface) mapping. The aim of this paper is to compare the new information with the 1974 map and provide an update for the central part of the Belgian coastal plain. This resulted in only minor differences. The main adjustments are the identification of a number of additional areas where the phreatic aquifer is completely filled with fresh water, incorporation of insights of the groundwater flow system in the dunes, shore and sea and, some small changes in the position of transition zones between fresh-water lenses and adjacent areas where salt water occurs at very shallow depth. The general conclusion is that comparison with new field data obtained in the more than 30 years after its publication, confirms and strengthens the validity of the map
Integrale gebiedsvisie en beheerplan voor het Vlaams Natuurreservaat "De Zwinduinen en -polders" te Knokke - Heist, met aandacht voor het recreatief medegebruik: Eindrapport
Which medical disciplines diagnose and treat melanoma in Europe in 2019? A survey of experts from melanoma centres in 27 European countries
Background and objectives
The incidence of melanoma is increasing. This places significant burden on societies to provide efficient cancer care. The European Cancer Organisation recently published the essential requirements for quality melanoma care. The present study is aimed for the first time to roughly estimate the extent to which these requirements have been met in Europe.
Materials and methods
A web-based survey of experts from melanoma centres in 27 European countries was conducted from 1 February to 1 August 2019. Data on diagnostic techniques, surgical and medical treatment, organization of cancer care and education were collected and correlated with national health and economic indicators and mortality-to-incidence ratio (MIR) as a surrogate for survival. Univariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations. SPSS software was used. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
The MIR was lower in countries with a high health expenditure per capita and with a higher numbers of general practitioners (GPs) and surgeons (SURG) per million inhabitants. In these countries, GPs and dermatologists (DER) were involved in melanoma detection; high percentage of DER used dermatoscopy and were involved in the follow-up of all melanoma stages; both medical oncologists (ONC) and dermato-oncologists administered systemic treatments; and patients had better access to sentinel lymph node biopsy and were treated within multidisciplinary tumour boards.
Conclusion
Based on these first estimates, the greater involvement of GPs in melanoma detection; the greater involvement of highly trained DER in dermatoscopy, dermatosurgery, follow-up and the systemic treatment of melanoma; and the provision of ongoing dermato-oncology training for pathologists, SURG, DER and ONC are necessary to provide an optimal melanoma care pathway. A comprehensive analysis of the melanoma care pathway based on clinical melanoma registries will be needed to more accurately evaluate these first insights
Avelumab in European patients (pts) with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC): Experience from an ad-hoc expanded access program (EAP)
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Litho- and biostratigraphical study of Quaternary deep marine deposits of the western Belgian coastal plain
Elaborate deep borings for hydrogeological purposes in the western part of the Belgian coastal plain revealed the presence of deep marine sediments with different facies. A combined diatom-, mollusc- and pollen investigation procurred many new and interesting data about the diatom flora and the mollusc fauna as well as about the environment and the age of the sediments. The absence of direct reference investigations preventing uniform conclusions at this stage of the investigations. A radio-carbondating and the pollen analysis showed the presence of boreal sediments at the same depth of probably older (Eemian) deposits
Merkel-cell carcinoma: ESMO-EURACAN Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up
: • This ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline provides key recommendations for managing Merkel-cell carcinoma (MCC). • Recommendations are based on available scientific data and the multidisciplinary group of experts’ collective opinion. • The guideline covers clinical and pathological diagnosis, staging and risk assessment, treatment and follow-up. • Algorithms for the management of locoregional and inoperable/metastatic disease are provided. • A multidisciplinary team with a high level of expertise in MCC should diagnose and make decisions about therapy
Cabergoline therapy for macroprolactinoma during pregnancy: a case report.
Background: We assessed the safety of Cabergoline therapy during pregnancy in a lady with hyperprolactinemia intolerant to Bromocriptine.
Case presentation: We report the case of a 31 year old lady who presented to us with uncontrolled hyperprolactinemia. A pituitary Macroadenoma was demonstrated by MRI. Due to intolerance to Bromocriptine, Cabergoline was started. The patient improved and subsequently conceived. MRI in the second trimester demonstrated further reduction in the tumor size. It was decided to continue Cabergoline throughout pregnancy to ensure further reduction in tumor size until delivery and to hold Cabergoline during postpartum period to allow for an adequate interval of breastfeeding. At 37 weeks of gestation, the patient delivered a healthy baby.
Conclusion: We were able to safely treat macroprolactinemia in our patient during pregnancy with cabergoline. This case report contributes to the relatively meager data available which advocates the safety of cabergoline therapy in pregnant hyperprolactinemic patients
Gebiedsvisie voor de fossiele duinen van Adinkerke, inclusief beheerplan voor het Vlaams Natuurreservaat De Duinen en Bossen van De Panne, deelgebied Carbour en deelgebied Garzebekeveld. Deel 1. Inventaris; Delen 2-3-4. Doelstelling, knelpunten en beheer; Kaartenbundel
The evolving field of Dermato-oncology and the role of dermatologists: Position Paper of the EADO, EADV and Task Forces, EDF, IDS, EBDV-UEMS and EORTC Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of skin cancers has been increasing steadily over the last decades. Although there have been significant breakthroughs in the management of skin cancers with the introduction of novel diagnostic tools and innovative therapies, skin cancer mortality, morbidity and costs heavily burden the society.
OBJECTIVE
Members of the European Association of Dermato-Oncology, European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, International Dermoscopy Society, European Dermatology Forum, European Board of Dermatovenereology of the European Union of Medical Specialists and EORTC Cutaneous Lymphoma Task Force have joined this effort to emphasize the fundamental role that the specialist in Dermatology-Venereology has in the diagnosis and management of different types of skin cancer. We review the role of dermatologists in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers and cutaneous lymphomas, and discuss approaches to optimize their involvement in effectively addressing the current needs and priorities of dermato-oncology.
DISCUSSION
Dermatologists play a crucial role in virtually all aspects of skin cancer management including the implementation of primary and secondary prevention, the formation of standardized pathways of care for patients, the establishment of specialized skin cancer treatment centres, the coordination of an efficient multidisciplinary team and the setting up of specific follow-up plans for patients.
CONCLUSION
Skin cancers represent an important health issue for modern societies. The role of dermatologists is central to improving patient care and outcomes. In view of the emerging diagnostic methods and treatments for early and advanced skin cancer, and considering the increasingly diverse skills, knowledge and expertise needed for managing this heterogeneous group of diseases, dermato-oncology should be considered as a specific subspecialty of Dermatology-Venereology
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