Characterization of Functional Materials Using Coherence Scanning Interferometry and Environmental Chambers.

Functional materials are challenging to characterize because of the presence of small structures and inhomogeneous materials. If interference microscopy was initially developed for use for the optical profilometry of homogeneous, static surfaces, it has since been considerably improved in its capacity to measure a greater variety of samples and parameters. This review presents our own contributions to extending the usefulness of interference microscopy.

An European overview of genetic counselling supervision provision.

Genetic testing is becoming more commonplace in general and specialist health care, and should always be accompanied by genetic counselling, according to legislation in many European countries and recommendations by professional bodies. Personal and professional competence is necessary to provide safe and effective genetic counselling. Clinical and counselling supervision of genetics healthcare practitioners plays a key role in quality assurance, providing a safe environment not only for patients but for professionals too.

The role of the Genetic Counsellor in the multidisciplinary team: the perception of geneticists in Europe.

Genetics has begun to be considered a key medical discipline which can have an impact on everyday clinical practice. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what the most effective way is of caring for people affected by or at risk of genetic disorders. In this context, the team dealing with such patients has evolved with the emergence of the Genetic Counsellor figure.

The Role of the European Society of Human Genetics in Delivering Genomic Education.

The European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) was founded in 1967 as a professional organisation for members working in genetics in clinical practice, research and education. The Society seeks the integration of scientific research and its implementation into clinical practice and the education of specialists and the public in all areas of medical and human genetics. The Society works to do this through many approaches, including educational sessions at the annual conference; training courses in general and specialist areas of genetics; an online resource of educational materials (EuroGEMS); and a mentorship scheme.

Opportunistic genomic screening. Recommendations of the European Society of Human Genetics.

If genome sequencing is performed in health care, in theory the opportunity arises to take a further look at the data: opportunistic genomic screening (OGS). The European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) in 2013 recommended that genome analysis should be restricted to the original health problem at least for the time being. Other organizations have argued that 'actionable' genetic variants should or could be reported (including American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, French Society of Predictive and Personalized Medicine, Genomics England).

Web-based return of BRCA2 research results: one-year genetic counselling experience in Iceland.

There is an increased pressure to return results from research studies. In Iceland, deCODE Genetics has emphasised the importance of returning results to research participants, particularly the founder pathogenic BRCA2 variant; NM_000059.3:c.

Evaluation of the template letter regarding the disclosure of genetic information within the family in France.

The 2011 French Bioethics Law regarding disclosure of genetic information within families enables health professionals to notify any at-risk relatives directly, with the patient's consent, using a template letter. To assess the impact of this template letter in terms of understanding, personal feelings and intent to contact a health professional, we conducted a study interviewing patients, members of the public and genetic professionals. Although the main response to the letter was anxiety, this was associated with good understanding of the content and most individuals mentioned intention to contact a health professional.

The Global State of the Genetic Counseling Profession.

The profession of genetic counseling (also called genetic counselling in many countries) began nearly 50 years ago in the United States, and has grown internationally in the past 30 years. While there have been many papers describing the profession of genetic counseling in individual countries or regions, data remains incomplete and has been published in diverse journals with limited access. As a result of the 2016 Transnational Alliance of Genetic Counseling (TAGC) conference in Barcelona, Spain, and the 2017 World Congress of Genetic Counselling in the UK, we endeavor to describe as fully as possible the global state of genetic counseling as a profession.

Recontacting or not recontacting? A survey of current practices in clinical genetics centres in Europe.

Advances in genomic medicine are improving diagnosis and treatment of some health conditions, and the question of whether former patients should be recontacted is therefore timely. The issue of recontacting is becoming more important with increased integration of genomics in 'mainstream' medicine. Empirical evidence is needed to advance the discussion over whether and how recontacting should be implemented.

The perceived impact of the European registration system for genetic counsellors and nurses.

The aim of the European Board of Medical Genetics has been to develop and promote academic and professional standards necessary in order to provide competent genetic counselling services. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the European registration system for genetic nurses and counsellors from the perspectives of those professionals who have registered. Registration system was launched in 2013.

Complementarity between medical geneticists and genetic counsellors: its added value in genetic services in Europe.

Clinical genetic services have progressed significantly the last few decades. This has led to the need for non-medical health-care professionals working as genetic counsellors in Europe and worldwide. However, there is no unified approach to genetic counsellors' role in health-care services in Europe, as in most countries the profession is still emerging and the educational backgrounds diverge noticeably, within and between countries.

[Multidisciplinary team meetings settings on the management of women at high risk of inherited breast cancer. A French study].

Introduction: In France, 126 centers for cancer genetics coordinate genetic testing and high-risk cancer surveillance for individuals and their families with hereditary cancer syndromes. Since 2012, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) supports 17 projects to promote and manage the monitoring of individuals genetically predisposed to cancer. They were assigned 4 missions by INCa including expertise for difficult cases.

Genetic professionals' views on genetic counsellors: a French survey.

The genetic counselling profession was established in France in 2004. Eight years later, 122 genetic counsellors have graduated from the unique educational French program which awards the Professional Master Degree of Human Pathology, entitled "Master of Genetic Counselling and Predictive Medicine". As part of a global evaluation of this new profession by health genetic professionals, we undertook a national survey investigating various aspects such as employment, work responsibilities and integration.

Prevalence and correlates of non-optimal secondary medical prevention in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Background: In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), non-optimal use of evidence-based medications is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome.

Aims: To assess the prevalence and correlates of non-optimal secondary medical prevention in patients with stable CAD.

Methods: We included 4184 consecutive outpatients with stable CAD.

The role of the genetic counsellor: a systematic review of research evidence.

In Europe, genetic counsellors are employed in specialist genetic centres or other specialist units. According to the European Board of Medical Genetics, the genetic counsellor must fulfil a range of roles, including provision of information and facilitation of psychosocial adjustment of the client to their genetic status and situation. To evaluate the extent to which genetic counsellors fulfil their prescribed roles, we conducted a systematic review of the published relevant scientific evidence.

A study of the practice of individual genetic counsellors and genetic nurses in Europe.

Advances in genetics have meant that the genetic services are now accessed by increasing numbers of patients. One way of dealing with the pressure on services without jeopardising patient care is the inclusion of nonmedical genetic counsellors and genetic nurses in the genetic services team. However, a cohesive approach to the profession has been lacking in Europe, and an educational programme and registration system for European practitioners is required.