Belgian Institute Research Articles

Amphibians and squamate reptiles from the late Pleistocene of the “Caverne Marie-Jeanne” (Hastière-Lavaux, Namur, Belgium): Systematics, paleobiogeography, and paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstructions

Archeological sites usually provide important information about the past distribution of small vertebrate fauna, and by extension about past terrestrial environments and climate in which human activities took place. In this context, Belgium has an interesting location in northwestern Europe between the fully studied zooarcheological records of Germany and England. We present here the revision of the late Pleistocene (Marine Isotope Stages 3 and 2) collection of the “Caverne Marie-Jeanne” (Hastière-Lavaux, Namur), studied by Jean-Claude Rage in the 1970s and the revision of the whole “indeterminate” small vertebrate materials from the “Caverne Marie-Jeanne” stored in the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) Quaternary collections in search of more herpetofaunal remains. It is now by far the largest late Pleistocene collection at RBINS with more than 20,500 recognized bones of amphibians and reptiles and covering the last 60,000 years. The faunal list comprises two urodeles (Lissotriton gr. L. vulgaris and Salamandra salamandra), four anurans (Bufo gr. B. bufo-spinosus, Epidalea calamita, Rana temporaria and Rana cf. R. arvalis), three lizards (Lacerta cf. L. agilis, Zootoca vivipara and Anguis gr. A. fragilis), and three snakes (Natrix gr. N. natrix, Coronella austriaca, and Vipera berus). This study represents the first fossil record in Belgium for L. gr. L. vulgaris, R. arvalis, Z. vivipara, N. gr. N. natrix and C. austriaca. As a whole, this assemblage suggests a patchy humid landscape under colder and dryer climatic conditions in comparison with present ones. This study also underlines the necessity of a primary separation in larger taxonomical categories by the specialist itself.

The Dendermonde Mammoth: fighting pyrite decay and the preservation of unique paleontological heritage

The Dendermonde mammoth is a unique skeleton of a woolly mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) which was found between 1968-1969, in the area around the city of Dendermonde (Oost-Vlaanderen - Belgium). This 29,000 year old skeleton was mounted in 1975 by its finder Hugo De Potter in the attic of the 'Vleeshuismuseum'. The skeleton consists of ca. 74 original elements. Some of these elements originate from the Hofstade collection of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels (RBINS). Since 1990 the skeleton has not been chemically treated and no monitoring of temperature or relative humidity took place. As a result of years of exposure and lack of any treatment, the bones of the Dendermonde mammoth were covered with a thick layer of dust and affected by pyrite decay. The skeleton was showing several visual outbursts of pyrite blooming out of the fossilised cartilage as well as numerous desiccation cracks. By the end of March 2017 the Belgian Paleontological Association (BVP), the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) and the city museum of Dendermonde (Stedelijk museum Dendermonde) decided to restore the skeleton in order to preserve an important piece of Belgian paleontological heritage.

The Belgian Virtual Tumorbank: A Tool for Translational Cancer Research.

Background: Biobanks play a critical role in cancer research by providing high quality biological samples for research. However, the availability of tumor samples in single research institutions is often limited, especially for rare cancers. In order to facilitate the search for samples scattered among different Belgian institutions, a nationwide virtual tumorbank project was launched and is operational since February 2012. The Belgian Virtual Tumorbank (BVT) network encompasses the tumor biobanks from eleven Belgian university hospitals that collect and store residual human tumor samples locally and is coordinated by the Belgian Cancer Registry.Materials and Methods: A web application was developed and consists of two modules. The registration module (BVTr) centralizes the tumor sample data from the local partner biobanks. The catalog module (BVTc) allows researchers to trace the tumor samples in the 11 tumor biobanks. The BVTc contains patient, medical and technical data, but excludes identifying information to ensure privacy of individuals. Automatic and manual controls guarantee high quality data on the samples requested by scientists for research purposes in oncology. A major advantage of the BVT network is that the available data can be linked to the data of the Belgian Cancer Registry for quality control purposes.Results: Currently, more than 92,000 registrations are available in the catalog. Twenty-seven percent of the residual primary tumor samples originate from breast tissue, but also less frequent localisations such as head and neck (4%), male genital organs (1.7%), and urinary tract (1%) are available. In addition to the residual tumor tissue samples, also other available material can be stored and registered by the local biobanks. The most common type is corresponding normal tissue (19%).Other frequently available materials are plasma, blood, serum, DNA, and buffy coat. Even PBMCs, RNA, cytology, and urine are available in some cases.Discussion and Conclusion: The BVT catalog is a valuable source of information for oncology research and the ultimate goal is to promote multidisciplinary cancer research (i.e., pathogenesis, disease prediction, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis) for the benefit of all cancer patients.

Abstract P6-17-32: Impact of the line of treatment on progression-free survival in patients treated with T-DM1 for metastatic breast cancer

Abstract Background Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) is a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors, conjugated with a cytotoxic component (a microtubule inhibitor). It is indicated as second-line treatment for HER2-positive metastatic or unresectable locally advanced breast cancer, after progression on trastuzumab and a taxane-based chemotherapy. In HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, progression-free survival (PFS) declines with each line of therapy, while patients with HER2-positive disease receive the most lines of chemotherapy and the longest duration for every line. We wished to investigate whether the line of treatment in which T-DM1 is administered has an impact on PFS. We also wished to explore whether prior treatment with capecitabine / lapatinib or pertuzumab had an impact on PFS, as none of the patients included in the registration trial had received these treatments before their inclusion in the trial. Methods This is a multicenter retrospective study performed in 3 Belgian institutions. All patients received T-DM1 for HER2 positive metastatic or unresectable locally advanced breast cancer. The primary outcome was PFS with T-DM1, defined as the period between the first administration of T-DM1 and the first radiological or clinical assessment demonstrating progression of the disease. Results We included 51 patients. One patient had to be excluded from the analyses because she no longer had HER positive disease. The median PFS was 9.01 months. The line of treatment in which T-DM1 was administered had no influence on PFS (hazard ratio 0.976, CI95 0.835-1.142). There was no statistically significant difference in PFS between patients who had not received capecitabine / lapatinib before T-DM1 and those who had (9.11 vs 8.91 months, p-value 0.466). Median PFS was 10.07 months when T-DM1 was administered prior to pertuzumab, and 5 months when administered after pertuzumab. Patients who received pertuzumab before T-DM1 thus tended to exhibit a shorter PFS. However, this difference is not statistically significant (p-value 0.096). Conclusions Unlike with conventional chemotherapy, the line of treatment in which T-DM1 is administered does not influence PFS in metastatic breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Duhoux FP, Dufour V, van Maanen A, Berliere M, Taylor D, Canon J-L. Impact of the line of treatment on progression-free survival in patients treated with T-DM1 for metastatic breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-17-32.

Validation of OMI HCHO Products Using MAX-DOAS observations from 2010 to 2016 in Xianghe, Beijing: Investigation of the Effects of Aerosols on Satellite Products

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is one of the most abundant hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. Its absorption features in the 320–360 nm range allow its concentration in the atmosphere to be retrieved from space. There are two versions of HCHO datasets derived from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI)—one provided by the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) and one provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)—referred to as OMI-BIRA and OMI-NASA, respectively. We conducted daily comparisons of OMI-BIRA and multi-axis differential optical absorption spectrometry (MAX-DOAS), OMI-NASA and MAX-DOAS, and OMI-BIRA and OMI-NASA and monthly comparisons of OMI-BIRA and MAX-DOAS and OMI-NASA and MAX-DOAS. Daily comparisons showed a strong impact of effective cloud fraction (eCF), and correlations were better for eCF < 0.1 than for eCF < 0.3. By contrast, the monthly and multi-year monthly mean values yielded correlations of R2 = 0.60 and R2 = 0.95, respectively, for OMI-BIRA and MAX-DOAS, and R2 = 0.45 and R2 = 0.78 for OMI-NASA and MAX-DOAS, respectively. Therefore, use of the monthly mean HCHO datasets is strongly recommended. We conducted a sensitivity test for HCHO air mass factor (AMF) calculations with respect to the HCHO profile, the aerosol extinction coefficient (AEC), the HCHO profile–AEC combination, the aerosol optical depth (AOD), and the single scattering albedo (SSA) to explicitly account for the aerosol optical effects on the HCHO AMF. We found that the combination of AEC and HCHO profiles can account for 23–39% of the HCHO AMF variation. Furthermore, a high load of absorptive aerosols can exert a considerable effect (−53%) on the AMF. Finally, we used the HCHO monthly mean profiles from Goddard Earth Observing System coupled to Chemistry (GEOS-Chem), seasonal mean AECs from Cloud-Aerosol LIDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and monthly climatologies of AOD and SSA from the OMAERUV (OMI level-2 near UV aerosol data product) dataset at Xianghe station to determine the aerosol correction. The results reveal that aerosols can account for +6.37% to +20.7% of the HCHO monthly change. However, the changes are greatest in winter and are weaker in summer and autumn, indicating that the aerosol correction is more applicable under high-AAOD conditions and that there may be other reasons for the significant underestimation between satellite and MAX-DOAS observations.

An annotated catalogue of types of Silurian–Devonian brachiopod species from southern Belgium and northern France in the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (1870–1945), with notes on those curated in other Belgian and foreign institutions

The type material of 45 Pridolian–Devonian brachiopod species, described in southern Belgium and northern France (1870–1945) and curated at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Brussels), is re-investigated and illustrated in order to facilitate future taxonomic revision; such a catalogue should allow a better assessment of the brachiopod diversity during the considered time span. Furthermore, 28 other Silurian–Devonian species originally described in Belgium (1850–1950), but housed in other Belgian or foreign institutions, are also discussed. For taxonomical purposes, the lectotypes of several species are selected; the latter were described by Asselberghs (Stropheodonta couviniensis, Plethorhyncha percostata var. gdoumontensis, Athyris dorlodoti, Retzia gdoumontensis, Dielasma maillieuxi), Béclard (Orthis dorsoplicata, Orthis musischura, Rhynchonella parvula (non R. parvula Eudes-Deslongchamps)), de Ryckholt (Lingula amayana), Dewalque (Crania corneti), and Maillieux (Discina (Discina) forrierensis, Pholidostrophia extensa, Anoplia theorassensis, Schuchertella durbutensis, Streptorhynchus rahiri, Pentamerus loei). Re-investigation of the ambocoeliid Spirifer pentameroides Stainier highlighted the homonymy between Diazoma Dürkoop, 1970 (Brachiopoda) and Diazoma Lamarck, 1816 (Tunicata); the former genus must be rejected and replaced by a valid synonym, namely Kelusia Mamedov, 1978.

Overview of the BINA Activities

Here, we summarize the ongoing activities of an international bilateral research project entitled “Belgo-Indian Network for Astronomy and astrophysics (BINA)” running jointly since 2014 by the astronomers of various Indian and Belgian institutions. The network activities are being financially supported by the Depart-ment of Science and Technology (DST; Government of India) and the Belgian Federal Science Policy Office (BELSPO; Government of Belgium). The structure and mandate of the BINA network are presented. The observational facilities being used to achieve the goals of the project are delineated. The overview of the activities and future perspective in the light of upcoming observational facilities are also highlighted.

The effective and collective dose to patients undergoing abdominopelvic and trunk computed tomography examinations: A Belgian multicentre study

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the radiation exposure to patients undergoing an abdominopelvic or a chest and abdominopelvic (trunk) CT examination and to assess compliance to imaging referral guidelines. MethodsTo this end, 357 standard abdominopelvic and trunk CT scans were collected from 8 Belgian institutions in 2011 and 2015. Effective dose (E) and collective dose were calculated using CT dose descriptors (CTDIvol and DLP), which were obtained from dose reports generated by the CT scanner. Subsequently, these CT requests were compared against the national referral guidelines to assess compliance. Population estimates for dose and compliance were obtained using multilevel linear regression and generalized estimating equation models. ResultsBetween 2011 and 2015, a significant decrease of 28% in CTDIvol and DLP was found for abdominopelvic CT. The corresponding E decreased by 27%, and the collective dose by 23%. For trunk CT, a non-significant decrease of 6% was found in CTDIvol and a significant decrease of 14% in both DLP and E. However, the collective dose of trunk examinations increased by 39%. In 2011, 24% of the abdominopelvic examinations were not compliant with the guidelines, whereas this percentage dropped to 17% in 2015. Non-justified examinations accounted for 8% and 12% of all trunk CT scans in 2011 and 2015, respectively. ConclusionBetween 2011 and 2015, there was a decrease in dose for patients undergoing abdominopelvic or trunk CT in Belgium. However, a fraction of the estimated doses are linked to unnecessary CT examinations, which should be avoided.

Woodlice of Belgium: an annotated checklist and bibliography (Isopoda, Oniscidea).

Woodlice are key organisms for nutrient cycling in many terrestrial ecosystems; however, knowledge on this invertebrate group is limited as for other soil fauna taxa. Here, we present an annotated checklist of the woodlice of Belgium, a small but densely populated country in Western Europe. We reviewed all 142 publications on Belgian woodlice, the oldest dating back to 1831 and re-identified all doubtful specimens from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS) collection. These data is complemented with observations from extensive field surveys dating from March 2014 until December 2017. We report 36 species of woodlice with free-living populations for Belgium. Nine species can be added compared to the latest checklist published in 2000 being Hyloniscusriparius (C. Koch, 1838), Miktoniscuspatiencei Vandel, 1946, Trichoniscoidessarsi Patience, 1908, Haplophthalmusmontivagus Verhoeff, 1941, Porcelliomonticola Lereboullet, 1853, Metatrichoniscoidesleydigii (Weber, 1880), Trichoniscusalemannicus Verhoeff, 1917, Elumacaelata (Miers, 1877) and Philosciaaffinis Verhoeff, 1908. Two species are deleted from the checklist (Ligidiumgermanicum Verhoeff, 1901 and Armadillidiumdepressum Brandt, 1833) because records are doubtful and no material has been preserved. Additionally the data of the field surveys is used to determine a species status of occurrence in Belgium. For each species, a short overview of their first records is provided and their confirmation as part of the Belgian fauna, their current status, as well as a complete bibliography of the species in Belgium.

From theory to practice: a photographic inventory of museum collections to optimize collection management

The digitization of museum specimens is a key priority in the Digital Era. Digital databases help to avoid unnecessary manipulation hazards to delicate collections, increase their accessibility to third party researchers, and contribute to the ongoing documentation of global biodiversity. Time, workforce and the need of specialized infrastructures limit the processing of the vast number of specimens in natural history collections. Cheaper, easy-to-use methods and volunteer programs are developing quickly to help bridge the gap. We present the results of combining citizen science for the digitization of an entomological collection in conjunction with the cooperation of a taxonomic expert for the remote identification of samples. In addition, we provide an assessment of the avoided monetary costs and the time needed for each step of the process. A photographic inventory of specimens belonging to the leaf beetle genus Calligrapha was compiled by volunteers using a low-cost compact camera and the species were identified using these images. Using digital photographs allowed for a rapid screening of specimens in the collection and resulted in an updated taxonomic identification of the Calligrapha collection at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. The pictures of the specimens and their original labels, as well as the new information from this endeavor were placed in an online public catalogue. This study demonstrates a worked example of how digitization has led to a practical, useful outcome through cooperation with an end user and highlights the value of museum collection digitization projects.

Clinical application of targeted next-generation sequencing for colorectal cancer patients: a multicentric Belgian experience.

International guidelines made RAS (KRAS and NRAS) status a prerequisite for the use of anti-EGFR agents for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Daily, new data emerges on the theranostic and prognostic role of molecular biomarkers; this is a strong incentive for a validated, sensitive, and broadly available molecular screening test. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has begun to supplant other technologies for genomic profiling. We report here our 2 years of clinical practice using NGS results to guide therapeutic decisions.The Ion Torrent AmpliSeq colon/lung cancer panel, which allows mutation detection in 22 cancer-related genes, was prospectively used in clinical practice (BELAC ISO 15189 accredited method). The DNA of 741 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRC tissues, including primary tumors and metastasis, was obtained from 14 different Belgian institutions and subjected to targeted NGS.Of the tumors tested, 98% (727) were successfully sequenced and 89% (650) harbored at least one mutation. KRAS, BRAF and NRAS mutations were found in 335 (46%), 78 (11%) and 32 (4%) samples, respectively. These mutation frequencies were consistent with those reported in public databases. Moreover, mutations and amplifications in potentially actionable genes were identified in 464 samples (64%), including mutations in PIK3CA (14%), ERBB2 (0.4%), AKT1 (0.6%), and MAP2K1 (0.1%), as well as amplifications of ERBB2 (0.3%) and EGFR (0.3%). The median turnaround time between reception of the sample in the laboratory and report release was 8 calendar days.Overall, the AmpliSeq colon/lung cancer panel was successfully applied in daily practice and provided reliable clinically relevant information for CRC patients.

African chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) in the collection of Alex Fain, with a description of a new genus and three new species

A series of African chigger mites from the collection donated by Alex Fain (1912-2009) to the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences is revised. One new genus and species, Makwacarus petrodromi n. gen., n. sp. from an elephant shrew Petrodromus tetradactylus tordayi Thomas and two new species, Herpetacarus junkeri n. sp. from a snake Boaedon fuliginosus (Boie) and Microtrombicula livingstonei n. sp. from a lizard Holaspis guentheri Gray, are described from DR Congo. One new subjective synonym is proposed: Schoutedenichia musaranei Taufflieb, 1966 (= Schoutedenichia tanzaniaensis Goff, 1983, n. syn). Nineteen species have been recorded in new countries and/or on new hosts for the first time. Nine of them have been found outside their type localities for the first time. In total, the examined collection now includes 27 species belonging to 14 genera and collected from rodents, bats, tenrecs, elephant shrews, primates, birds, lizards and snakes of DR Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa

Measurements Methods for the analysis of Nuclear Reactors Thermal Hydraulic in Water Scaled Facilities

The Belgian nuclear research institute (SCK•CEN) is developing MYRRHA. MYRRHA is a flexible fast spectrum research reactor, conceived as an accelerator driven system (ADS). The configuration of the primary loop is pool-type: the primary coolant and all the primary system components (core and heat exchangers) are contained within the reactor vessel, while the secondary fluid is circulating in the heat exchangers. The primary coolant is Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE). The recent nuclear accident of Fukushima in 2011 changed the requirements for the design of new reactors, which should include the possibility to remove the residual decay heat through passive primary and secondary systems, i.e. natural convection (NC). After the reactor shut down, in the unlucky event of propeller failures, the primary and secondary loops should be able to remove the decay heat in passive way (Natural Convection). The present study analyses the flow and the temperature distribution in the upper plenum by applying laser imaging techniques in a laboratory scaled water model. A parametric study is proposed to study stratification mitigation strategies by varying the geometry of the buffer tank simulating the upper plenum.

Retrieval and validation of MetOp/IASI methane

Abstract. A new IASI methane product developed at the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) is presented. The retrievals are performed with the ASIMUT-ALVL software based on the optimal estimation method (OEM). This paper gives an overview of the forward model and retrieval concept. The usefulness of reconstructed principal component compressed (PCC) radiances is highlighted. The information content study carried out in this paper shows that most IASI pixels contain between 0.9 and 1.6 independent pieces of information about the vertical distribution of CH4, with a good sensitivity in the mid- to upper troposphere. A detailed error analysis was performed. The total uncertainty is estimated to be 3.73 % for a CH4 partial column between 4 and 17 km. An extended validation with ground-based CH4 observations at 10 locations was carried out. IASI CH4 partial columns are found to correlate well with the ground-based data for 6 out of the 10 Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) stations with correlation coefficients between 0.60 and 0.84. Relative mean differences between IASI and FTIR CH4 range between −2.31 and 4.04 % and are within the systematic uncertainty. For 6 out of the 10 stations the relative mean differences are smaller than ±1 %. The standard deviation of the difference lies between 1.76 and 2.97 % for all the stations.

Environmental and climatic reconstruction of MIS 3 in northwestern Europe using the small-mammal assemblage from Caverne Marie-Jeanne (Hastière-Lavaux, Belgium)

Marine Isotope Stage 3 (MIS 3, ca. 60–30ka) is characterized by dynamic alternations of forest expansion with semi-arid area expansion in accordance with the warming and cooling, respectively, of the sea-surface temperatures in Northern Europe. It was in this context of rapid fluctuations that the terrestrial sequence of Caverne Marie-Jeanne (Hastière-Lavaux, Belgium) in northwestern Europe was formed. The habitat weighting method and the bioclimatic model, as well as the Simpson diversity index, are applied to the small-mammal assemblage of Caverne Marie-Jeanne in order to reconstruct the environmental and climatic fluctuations that are reflected in the MIS 3 sequence of the cave. Revision of the small-mammal fossil material deposited in the collections of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (RBINS, Brussels, Belgium) shows that the lower layers (6 to 4) of the cave, pertaining to MIS 3 (ca. 50–40ka), underwent cold, dry environmental and climatic conditions for these layers. This is indicated by temperatures lower than at present and precipitation slightly higher than at present, together with an environment dominated by open woodland formations and open dry meadows. Our results are consistent with the available chronological, large-mammal, herpetofaunal and mollusc datasets for this lower part of the sequence. They are also consistent with regional loess studies in Belgium and with previous work performed on small mammals from MIS 3 in Belgium and elsewhere in Europe.

MiFID Directive: Which Implementation within Belgian Financial Institutions

By relying on interviews with three financial institutions in Belgium, we determine how the MiFID directive has resulted in practice and how investors perceive these procedural changes. The results reveal some homogeneity between the three institutions both in determining the customer's risk, in the portfolio composition as in the appropriateness of the products sold to the investor's profile.

To what extent do European tourist guide-training curricula include sustainability principles?

ABSTRACTThe present study examines the extent to which the topics of sustainability – considered innovative subjects in guiding – are included in guide training programmes in eight European countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in Europe. It is assumed that tourist guides have the unique opportunity to improve visitors’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of a destination and thus contribute to sustainability. Data were collected from training institutions in Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain, all participants of INNOGUIDE, a European Union-sponsored project. Analyses were conducted based on the programmes’ documentation and curricula. The programmes vary widely in their content. The issues of sustainability are not sufficiently integrated in tourist guide training programmes. There might be room for improvements of how tourist guides may contribute to visitors’ understanding of sustainability issues, both in the place visited and in general. Future research should replicate the present study employing more detailed investigation and larger samples, as well as study how tourist guide training is structured. Managerial consequences include improvements in guides’ training programmes; additional contributions of the study include criteria and indicators that may be applied in developing or improving such programmes.

Time to default in credit scoring using survival analysis: a benchmark study

We investigate the performance of various survival analysis techniques applied to ten actual credit data sets from Belgian and UK financial institutions. In the comparison we consider classical survival analysis techniques, namely the accelerated failure time models and Cox proportional hazards regression models, as well as Cox proportional hazards regression models with splines in the hazard function. Mixture cure models for single and multiple events were more recently introduced in the credit risk context. The performance of these models is evaluated using both a statistical evaluation and an economic approach through the use of annuity theory. It is found that spline-based methods and the single event mixture cure model perform well in the credit risk context.

The damselfly and dragonfly watercolour collection of Edmond de Selys Longchamps: II Calopterygines, Cordulines, Gomphines and Aeschnines

In the nineteenth century Edmond de Selys Longchamps added watercolours, drawings and notes to his extensive collection of dragonfly and damselfly specimens. The majority of illustrations were executed by Selys and Guillaume Severin. The watercolour collection is currently part of the collection of the Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences in Brussels. This previously unpublished material has now been scanned and is accessible on the website of this institute. This article presents the part of the collection concerning the following sous-familles according to Selys: Calopterygines (currently superfamilies Calopterygoidea and Epiophlebioidea), Cordulines (currently superfamily Libelluloidea), Gomphines (currently superfamily Petaluroidea, Gomphoidea, Cordulegastroidea and Aeshnoidea) and Aeschnines (currently superfamily Aeshnoidea). This part consists of 750 watercolours, 64 drawings and 285 text sheets. Characteristics and subject matter of the sheets with illustrations and text are presented. The...

Up-front and Salvage Transoral Robotic Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer: A Belgian Multicenter Retrospective Case Series.

We analyzed the functional and oncologic outcomes of primary and salvage transoral robotic surgery (TORS) procedures, performed in three Belgian institutions with a similar philosophy. A total of 86 patients who underwent TORS between 24-12-2009 and 25-09-2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive statistics, overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and disease-free survival (DFS; Kaplan-Meier), and the variation of these outcomes according to whether patients had primary or salvage TORS were evaluated (univariate log-rank analysis). Of 86 patients, 56 (65.1%) underwent TORS as a primary treatment and 30 (34.9%) as a salvage procedure for recurrent or second primary cancer. Tumor location was mainly oropharynx (N = 63; 73.3%) followed by supraglottic larynx (N = 11; 12.8%), hypopharynx (N = 11; 12.8%), and glottic larynx (N = 1; 1.2%). In the up-front TORS group, most tumors were classified as cT1 (N = 23; 41.1%)/pT1 (N = 24; 42.9%) or cT2 (N = 27; 48.2%)/pT2 (N = 27; 48.2%) and cN0 (N = 18; 32.1%), cN1 (N = 13; 23.2%), or cN2 (N = 25; 44.6%). In the salvage TORS group, most tumors were cT1-rT1 (N = 18; 60.0%)/pT1-rpT1 (N = 18; 60.0%) or cT2-rT2 (N = 12; 40.0%)/pT2-rpT2 (N = 7; 23.3%) and cN0 (N = 25; 83.3%). Neck dissection was performed in 87.5% of primary cases and 30.0% of salvage cases. In the up-front TORS group, patients were postoperatively submitted to follow-up (N = 13; 23.2%) or received adjuvant radiotherapy, either as single modality (N = 26; 46.4%) or with concomitant cisplatin (N = 15; 26.8%). On the other hand, most salvage TORS patients did not receive any adjuvant therapy (N = 19; 63.3%). Mean and median follow-up was 23.1 and 21.2 months, respectively. Functional results were excellent (no definitive tracheostomy, long-term tube feeding in 1.8% of primary cases, and 20% of salvage cases). In the up-front TORS group, estimated 2-year OS was 88.5% (SE = 5.0%), 2-year DSS was 91.8% (SE = 4.6%) and 2-year DFS was 86.1% (SE = 5.3%). In the salvage TORS group, estimated 2-year OS was 73.5% (SE = 10.9%), 2-year DSS was 93.3% (SE = 6.4%), and 2-year DFS was 75.8% (SE = 9.7%). Comparing outcome of primarily treated patients to salvage patients, a non-statistically significant trend toward better OS (p = 0.262) and DFS (p = 0.139) was observed. This retrospective study confirms favorable oncologic and functional outcomes of TORS for selected head and neck malignancies, both in the primary and in the salvage setting.