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To evaluate pain management in cancer patients, a study was conducted examining the treatment circumstances and modalities of initial prescription level 3 analgesics used by 122 French cancer specialists. The rationale for moving to level 3, the implementation and the follow-up were evaluated in 1,038 patients. The reasons underlying the initial prescription were in line with recommendations for clinical practice (WHO, SOR) and the professionals generally preferred molecules with which they were already familiar. Though pain intensity was reduced in 67% of patients, treatment follow-up could have been improved in a number of cases. In particular, titration was not systematically performed, and the interruption of the prescribed treatment (owing to inefficacy or negative side-effects) was not sufficiently timely. The awareness-raising campaigns performed over the past few years should be continued, underlining the importance of early follow-up, notably during the titration phase of level 3 analgesic initiation.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the employment conditions of women with chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs., Methods: Cross sectional study conducted by general practitioners who describe the first 3 women, between 18 and 65 years of age, who were employed and who presented with at least CEAP stage I venous disorders., Results: Occupations held by these women indicate significant departures from the general population with an over representation of industrial workers (18.6% vs 11.9%) and an under representation of intermediate professions (12.5% vs 26.6%), (P<0.001). At work, 78.2% (n=4,143) of the women remained standing for 6.2+/-2.4 hours per day and/or 52.3% (n=2,771) were seated for prolonged periods, 28.9% (n=1 503) were exposed to sources of high heat on the legs and 18.2% (n=947) wore garments that compressed the abdomen Conditions favorable to the ergonomic evolution of their workstation are limited: only 9.2% (n=397) thought it possible to reduce the time they spend standing; 10.1% (n=319) the time they spend sitting; 12.9% (n=189) their exposure to heat. Combating these factors appears difficult: 74.3% (n=3 883) state that they do not have sufficient breaks to rest their legs, 38.9% (n=2,053) that they do not have the opportunity to stretch their legs and 42.5% (n=1,395) that compression stockings would be permitted, but would be a hindrance in their work (85.6%, n=4,503). For 27% (n=1,424) of respondents, these problems significantly increase the arduousness of their work and 73.7% (n=3,870) think their working conditions have worsened their venous distress., Conclusions: Women who consult for venous problems are employed in work which are characterized by unavoidable conditions constituting undeniable venous risk factors for venous disease and occupational medicine does not pay enough attention to the ''ladies legs'' at work.

Background: A report is presented of a multicenter pharmaco-epidemiological study on chronic venous insufficiency conducted in France on 5043 patients., Methods: It was based on a questionnaire that included the demographic characteristics of the patients, their risk factors for venous disease, history of venous insufficiency, physical and functional symptoms, and clinical stage according to the CEAP classification, as well as modalities of treatment and professional practice of the participating doctors. The various treatment modalities (phlebotonics, compression stockings, sclerotherapy and surgery) were related to the stage of the venous insufficiency and to the satisfaction expressed by the patients., Results: The results of the study showed a minimum annual sick leave rate of 7.2%., Conclusions: In conclusion, this study brings to the fore the change in treatment modalities for venous insufficiency according to its severity stage, principally as regards medico-economics.

Background: The efficacy of Cyclo 3 Fort has previously been demonstrated in placebo-controlled trials on plethysmographic and clinical parameters. Its objective was to demonstrate that after one month of therapy, the efficacy and safety of a single dose of two capsules of Cyclo 3 Fort in the morning were comparable to that of a twice daily dose of Cyclo 3 Fort, one capsule morning and noon., Methods: This single-center, randomised, double-blind study was conducted on 37 women with chronic lower-limb venous insufficiency, associating clinical or functional signs and abnormal plethysmographic values. Clinical parameters measured were those conventionally used to assess superficial venous insufficiency; the main laboratory parameter evaluated by plethysmography was the index of venous distensibility., Results: The results data show that in each of the study groups, all of the patients attained a significant improvement in their clinical conditions, confirmed by laboratory tests, following one month of therapy with Cyclo 3 Fort. On the other hand, comparison of results data between the two groups did not objectify any significant difference between the two treatment modalities., Conclusions: Thus a single dose of two capsules of Cyclo 3 Fort in the morning appears as effective and as well-tolerated as a twice daily dose of one capsule of Cyclo 3 Fort morning and noon.

A spectacular sequence of coral-reef terraces (six steps broader than 500 meters and many minor substeps) is developed near Cape Laundi, Sumba Island, between an ancient patch reef 475 meters high and sea level. Several raised reefs have been dated with the electron spin resonance and the uranium-series dating methods. The uplift trend deduced from these reefs is 0.5 millimeter per year; most terraces, although polycyclic in origin, appear to correspond to specific interglacial stages, with the oldest terrace formed 1 million years ago. This puts them among the longest and most complete mid-Quaternary terrace sequences.