Prof.Dr. Heim Dominik
General surgeon and venous specialist at the Venenzentrum in Thun, Switzerland, and the president of the EVF in 2019–2020

Scurt CV

Born in Zürich, Switzerland, 28th August 1949

Graduated at the University of Basel, Switzerland, June 1977

Postgraduate trainings at different institutions in Switzerland and England

Surgeon-in-chief at the Hospital of Frutigen, Switzerland, 1995-2014

Since 1st September 2014
– surgical consultant at the Venous Centre, clinic Hohmad, Thun, CH
– member of the Medical Insurance Competence-team at lexiatrik, Lucerne, CH
– GP at the Medical Center Arosa, CH

Scientific appointments: PD (Privatdozent)/ Lecturer at the University of Basel
Board member of
-Swiss society for phlebology, SGP
-European Venous Forum, EVF
-Swiss Society for Traumatology and Insurance Medicine, SGTV
-European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery, ESTES
-société internationale de traumatologie du ski et médecine des sports d’hiver

Honorary member of:
– Swiss society for surgery, SGC
-Swiss society for general surgery and traumatology, SGACT
-European Society for trauma and emergency Surgery, ESTES

Actual committements: Annual phlebological workshops in Thun, Invited lecturer to phlebological and traumatological congresses, insurance medicine, GP

Married to Simone Heim-Lamezan. Four children: Corsin (34), Mevion (32), Vital (30) and Neira (25). Lives with his family in Frutigen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

Dr. Spandidos Demetrios
Medical, School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
Spandidos Publications, Athens, Greece and London, UK

Publishing in biomedical sciences
Autor: Demetrios A. Spandidos1,2

1Medical, School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
2Spandidos Publications, Athens, Greece and London, UK

Spandidos Publications was founded in 1992 and has developed into a leading publishing group in the biomedical sciences field. We currently publish twelve journals: International Journal of Molecular Medicine, International Journal of Oncology, Molecular Medicine Reports, Oncology Reports, Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, Oncology Letters, Biomedical Reports, Molecular and Clinical Oncology, World Academy of Sciences Journal, International Journal of Functional Nutrition, Medicine International and International Journal of Epigenetics.
When deciding which journal to submit your paper, you should consider who would be interested in your results. A small number of scientists working in your special field only, or would it be of interest to others working in complementary or parallel fields. Next, evaluate the level of significance of your findings. In this process your colleagues will be of great help, as very few of us are critical enough of our own work. Over-estimation, might cost you many months of frustration and uncertainty. Consider carefully whether there is a need to submit to a so-called prestigious journal, where the disappointment is very likely. Any established journal will forward the Abstracts of all published works to various databases, thus yours will have equal opportunity to be noticed, regardless of the journal in which it is printed. It is of interest to study how long the time period is from publishing to finding the entry in, for example Medline or Science Citation Index; as these are the ‘advertising windows’ frequently used in search of new information. This leads us to the next very important point to establish how long the review and publications process is likely to be. Previous issues will indicate the trend, and this is of major importance, as the process varies greatly from a few weeks to over one year. Thus, before submitting do some research on rapid publication, if you need a reply within a reasonable time period. A strategy for a successful publication shall be considered.

Scurt CV

Education:
• BSc in Chemistry, November 1971, Aristotelion University of Thesaloniki, Greece
• PhD in Biochemistry, January 1976, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
Title of PhD Thesis: Genetics and Transcription of Reovirus
• MRCPath, November 1988. Royal College of Pathologists, London, UK
• DSc in Genetics, July 1989. University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Title of DSc Thesis: Studies on the role of ras gene in carcinogenesis
• FRSH, June 1994. The Royal Society of Health, London, UK
• FRCPath, January 1997. The Royal College of Pathologists, London, UK
• Specialised in Clinical Chemistry, 1998. Ministry of Health, Greece
• FASA, 2005. The American Society of Angiology

Professional Experience:
2015 – Present: Professor Emeritus, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
1989 – 2014: Professor of Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
1990 – 2013: Director, Laboratory of Clinical Virology, University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
2006 – 2010: Director, Laboratories of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, University Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
1988 – 1998: Director, Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biological Research and Biotechnology, The National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
1981 – 1988: Member of the Senior Scientific Staff, Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
1985 – 1987: Head, Virology Programme, Hellenic Institute Pasteur, Athens, Greece
1985 – 1987: (Feb-March each year) Visiting Scientist and Guest lecturer ‘Genes and Cancer’ course for medical, graduate and undergraduate students, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of California, San Diego, USA
1979 – 1981: Centennial Fellow (MRC Canada), Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
1979: Director, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Medical Center of Athens Hospital, Athens, Greece
1978 – 1979: Epimelitis (Assistant Professor), Laboratory of Biochemical and Biological Research, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, Athens, Greece
1976 – 1978: Post-doctoral Fellow (MRC Canada), Department of Medical Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
July 1976: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA. Advanced Bacterial Genetics Course, including the recombinant DNA technology
1972 – 1976: Teaching Assistant, Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
1970 – 1971: Research Assistant, Laboratory of Virology and Tissue Culture, Theagenion Cancer Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razvigor Darlenski
Acibadem Cityclinic Tokuda Hospital Sofia Bulgaria

Dermatologic adverse effect to targeted and immunotherapy of cancer
Autor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razvigor Darlenski

The wide variety of drug-induced dermatoses requires deep knowledge in this specific field.The latest clinical researches has discovered important facts about classification, pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches in toxic skin reactions due to target treatment. Although dermatologic toxicities with systemic cancer therapies are very frequent, a minority of cancer patients visit a dermatologist during their therapy.

Usually the dermatologic toxicities include impairment of the skin, oral mucosa, hair, and nails. The most common adverse reaction is acneiform rash, which is observed in 25–85% of patients treated by epidermal growth factor receptor and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors. BRAF inhibitors most often lead to hyperkeratotic skin reactions like hand-foot skin reaction or palmoplantar keratoderma, squamous cell carcinoma, keratoacanthomas and maculopapular hypersensitivity-like rash. Immune checkpoint inhibitors most frequently induce nonspecific maculopapular rash, but also eczema-like or psoriatic lesions, lichenoid reactions, xerosis cutis, and pruritus. mTOR inhibitors very often are responsible for the oral mucosal toxicities like mucositis and stomatitis, followed by stomatitis associated with multikinase angiogenesis and HER inhibitors. Targeted therapies and endocrine therapy also commonly induce alopecia,vitiligo, bullous dermatoses etc. Finally, targeted therapies may damage nail folds, with paronychia and periungual pyogenic granuloma distinct from chemotherapy-induced lesions.

It’s important not only to understand the etiopathogenesis but also to establish universal treatment guidelines, that can be used by dermatologists, oncologists, radiologists, dental specialists etc. The multidisciplinary approach is the most important way to achieve higher quality of life in those patients.

Scurt CV

Razvigor Darlenski is a dermatologist coming from Bulgaria. In 2014 he was selected as an associate professor at Trakia University, Stara Zagora. In 2010 he has defended a PhD thesis on the role of epidermal barrier for skin irritation and sensitization. Currently he is working as dermatologist at Tokuda Hospital Sofia, Bulgaria. Dr. Darlenski has published more than 70 papers in peer-reviewed journal and he is also an author of 12 book chapters. Dr. Darlenski is a member of the following organizations: Bulgarian Dermatological Society (BDS), member of the Honours & Awards committee of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Junior working group of the World Allergy Organization, European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, European Epidermal Barrier Research Network, European Network for Cutaneous Adverse Effects of Drugs (ENCAD), European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies, Union of Scientist in Bulgaria, Bulgarian Allergology Society, Bulgarian Medical Association, National Bulgarian Society of Aesthetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, International society of skin physiology and pharmacology (ISP).
He is a winner of several awards among which Inaugural Edward L. Keyes award of the IACD for this meeting in Cancun (2012), Winner of the EER fellow award of the ESDR and ASDV (2013), Michael Hornsetin Memorial Scholarship of the EADV (2009).
His research interests are focused on skin barrier, drug reactions of the skin, skin irritation, contact allergy, urticaria, atopic eczema, and non-invasive methods in dermatology.

Assoc. Prof. PD Dr. med. Stanislava Tzaneva
Medical University of Vienna University Clinic of Dermatology Austria

Phlebology: what challenges does the pandemic bring?
Author: Stanislava Tzaneva

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only far-reaching effects on our private lives, but also on the phlebological practice worldwide.
During the many lockdowns, phlebological interventions were cancelled and postponed in many countries. This not only led to poorer medical care for these patients, but also to psychological consequences. Especially patients with chronic leg ulcers, who are already a vulnerable group due to age, chronic pain, underlying diseases and restricted mobility, suffered from treatment delays and suboptimal therapy.
As phlebologist we are confronted with new entities such as inflammatory deep vein thrombosis and the vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT). Approximately a third of seriously ill COVID-19 patients develop venous thromboembolism. On the other hand, it is not yet clear how many of the COVID-19-ill outpatients will develop venous thromboembolism.
Due to the widespread use of home office and restrictions due to lockdown and quarantine, there is a reduction in people’s physical activity. As a result, we see a deterioration in many chronic venous and lymphatic diseases due to reduction in muscle and joint pump work.
In summary, phlebology is gaining in importance by increasing the prevalence of venous diseases, deterioration of chronic conditions and new entities during pandemic.

SHORT CV

Position: Head of the Phlebologic-Angiological Unit of the University Clinic of Dermatology Vienna, Austria
Institution: Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Training: Dermatologist, Specialist for venous diseases and vascular medicine
Affiliations: Member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Member of the Board of the Austrian Society of Phlebology and Dermatological Angiology
Member of Austrian Society of Dermatology and Venereology
Member of Austrian Society of Dermatosurgery
Member of the Austrian Working Group Aesthetic Dermatology and Cosmetology
Member of the Austrian Working Group Photo Medicine
 

Dr. Moraglia Luc
University Hospital of Bordeaux, Franța

French “Choosing Wisely” Occlusive treatment of saphenous veins and recurrences
Author: Luc Moraglia

Between 2013 and 2016 the HAS (French Health Authority) validated successively the ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV) by radio frequency (RFA), the possibility of using some sclerosing agent in the form of foam, and the ablation of the GSV and SSV by endovenous Laser (EVLA).
But in the end it declares itself unable to rank these techniques.
Between 2014 and 2019 the French National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) validated the reimbursement of thermal ablation (TA) and also of 3 new procedures for Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy (USGFS) of GSV, SSV, and complex recurrent varicose veins.
But, the CNAM fears a slippage in health expenses and has asked the National Professional Council of Vascular Medicine for guidelines. The French Society of Phlebology (SFP) and the French Society of Vascular Medicine (SFMV) are requested to do the job. In the meantime the Ministry of Health has insisted on the relevance of care, so the concept of “Choosing Wisely” (CW) seemed more in line with this policy.
The CWs provide both the physician and the patient with key elements to make an appropriate decision that is accepted by the patient.
So 2 writers C. Hamel-Desnos and G. Miserey and 29 reviewers (all Vascular Doctors) have been designated to develop these CWs for chemical or thermal occlusion treatments under the aegis of the National (French) Professional Council of Vascular Medicine (CNPMV), among these 10 CWs that we will present here, most are obvious and some are typically adapted to the French context.
Conclusion: These 10 “relevant choices” represent a consensus of French experts, based on international literature and were developed under the aegis of the National (French) Professional Council of Vascular Medicine; they have been accepted by the CNAM and have been under evaluation in our daily practice for a few months. These are not recommendations but the SFP, the SFMV and the SNMV (Union) are doing their utmost to get the message across to French vascular medicine specialists.

French technique
Author: Luc Moraglia

Luc Moraglia MD – Vice president of SFP

Objective: To describe the guidelines of the French technique of chemical ablation of the great saphenous vein (GSV).
Method: a brief history will identify the reality of the concept of French method, and then will be reminded of the technique, the results through some French studies and the side effects that are actually not specific. We conclude with limitations and medium-term prospects.
Results: whether in the development of sclerotherapy, in particular by contribution from school Raymond Tournay, for the introduction of ultrasound guidance, the use of sclerosing foam, making the extemporaneous foam , the validation of the effectiveness of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy by randomized controlled trials and evaluation and understanding of complications in studies dedicated , French phlebologists played a essential role which led to the concept of French method which got through the recent European guidelines ( recommendation 19) the status of recommended method (grade 1C) in the chemical ablation of the GSV .
Discussion : limits , besides the contraindications, are mainly located at the caliber of the vein to be treated . In France this limit will remain blurred as we will only have one foaming sclerosing agent and the thermal ablation techniques will still not be refunded. It is not unreasonable in this situation to put this limit high enough, around 8 to 10 mm. Refund of the thermal ablation should reduce this limit below 6 mm , pending the emergence and validation of new techniques.
Conclusion : The concept of French technique of chemical ablation of the GSV (such as the small saphenous vein elsewhere) , result of the works of the French school of Phlebology within the SFP is a fact reinforced by the European recommendations, and certainly still have nice future ahead of it .

Scurt CV

Education and qualifications:
Doctorate in medicine: 1982 – Lyon France
Qualified in vascular medicine 02/2020
Current Job position:
– Private Practice of Angiology, Phlebology and Vascular Laboratory since: 1984;
– Former attached practitioner of the internal and vascular medicine department of University Hospital of Bordeaux.

Other:
Membership in professional associations:
Member of the board of directors of Conseil National Professionnel de Médecine Vasculaire;
Vice President of Société Française de Phlébologie;
Member of the board of directors of Collège Français de Pathologie Vasculaire;
Member of Collège des Enseignants en Médecine Vasculaire;
Member of VAS Advisory Board.

Main publications: since 2014
Exploration ultrasonore de l’insuffisance veineuse superficielle (JF Auvert, L Moraglia) in Les explorations vasculaires Elsevier Masson 2014;
Chemical ablation of the great saphenous vein: French spirit. L Moraglia Phlebologie 2014, 67, 1, p31-25;
Sclérothérapie (C. Hamel-Desnos, L. Moraglia, A.- A. Ramelet), in La maladie veineuse chronique Elsevier Masson 2015;
Duplex ultrasound assessment in PREsence of Varicose veins After operatIve Treatment (PREVAIT) Phlebologie 2019, 72, 2, 78-91;
Epidemiology of Chronic Venous Disease of Lower Limbs in VAS European Book on Vascular Medicine/Angiology 2018;

Dr. Riccardo Pampena
Skin Cancer Unit of the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova of Reggio Emilia, Italia

Pediatric melanoma: a systematic review and individual patient meta-analysis
Author: Riccardo Pampena

The clinical and dermoscopic features of the vast majority of uncommon variants of cutaneous melanoma have been rarely reported, leading to difficulty in making accurate diagnoses.
We conducted A 2-step systematic review of the literature was performed (from inception to November 2018) using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. The first step identified those uncommon variants of melanoma for which at least 1 case reporting dermoscopy was described in the literature. In the second step, each previously identified uncommon variant was searched for in the same databases.
In total, 62 articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting 433 melanoma cases. An additional 56 cases of uncommon melanoma variants were retrieved from the institution’s database for a total of 489 cases: 283 cases of amelanotic superficial spreading melanoma, 18 cases of animal-type and pigmented epithelioid melanocytoma, 7 cases of balloon cell melanoma, 71 cases of desmoplastic melanoma, 3 cases of follicular melanoma, 10 cases of nested melanoma, 33 cases of nevoid melanoma, 2 cases of primary dermal melanoma, 57 cases of spitzoid melanoma, and 5 cases of verrucous melanoma. Clinically, these tumors were mainly palpable or amelanotic lesions that could resemble other benign or malignant skin conditions; dermoscopy typically revealed a homogeneous pinkish background, white structures, and polymorphic vessels. Uncommon melanoma variants may resemble both inflammatory disorders and other cutaneous neoplasms, representing a diagnostic pitfall even for the most experienced dermatologist.

Scurt CV

Dr. Riccardo Pampena is a board-certified Dermatologist specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.
He obtained his degree in Surgery and Medicine (MD) from the Medicine University of the Sacred Heart of Rome in 2011 with full mark; then, he trained and became a board Certified Dermatologist (full mark) of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology of the Sapienza University of Rome, in 2016 defending a thesis on the role of Dermoscopy in predicting the efficacy of ingenol mebutate therapy for actinic keratosis.
Since 2011 he practices research mainly in the field of psoriasis and non-invasive diagnosis in dermato-oncology, paying particular attention to the study of melanoma and pigmented skin lesions by means of non-invasive methods, such as dermoscopy and confocal microscopy for the in vivo and ex vivo study of cytological and architectural aspects of pigmented skin lesions, in correlation with histopathology.
Since November 2016, Dr. Pampena has been working at the Skin Cancer Unit of the Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova of Reggio Emilia, which is a third-level referral center for skin tumors diagnosis and management and recently became a Board Member of the International Dermoscopy Society. The collaboration of Dr. Pampena with the Skin Cancer Unit of Reggio Emilia started in January 2015 with a 2-month fellowship performed during his residency in Dermatology and Venereology.
Furthermore, he’s actively involved, as a researcher and statistician, in scientific studies. He also attended specific courses in Biostatistics and Cochrane Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis.