Globalist movements have lead to world-wide shifts in political and philosphical dynamics, and at the time of publication of this issue of Facts, Views and Vision in O&G, an unprecedented, revolutionary move towards democracy is spreading across Northern African and Middle-Eastern countries. Not only is the mode of communication entirely different to what it has been, or rather what it has not been allowed to be, there is a strong sense of unity among young scientists, philosophers, humanists that many of the existing establishments are patronising, self-indulgent and unlawful, and those responsible need to be held accountable for the consequences. Unsurprisingly the establishment does not seem to be aware of its immobilism, and attempts to suppress this opposition.
Facts, Views and Vision in O&G and its globalist ideas aim to contribute scientific knowledge in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, by providing its readership with state-of-the-art manuscripts on highly relevant issues in the field as well as free access to its content, and by challenging scientific and clinical establishmentarianism. This first issue of 2011 issue presents a review on ultrasound in diagnosis of chromo- somal abnormalities by Witters et al., focussing on hand features in five common chromosomal abnormalities – an accurate diagnosis is in the eye of the beholder. This excellent review will change many of our views on and approaches at prenatal diagnosis. Toelen et al. are opening doors to novel treatments of fetal respiratory disorders. At a time when fetal medical and invasive treatment is becoming more common practice, the authors realise that the consequences of these treatments need to be dealt with, and genetic therapy may be relevant. A similar issue of having to deal with the consequences of novel strategies and therapies is elegantly described by Tournaye and Goossens who argue that fertility preservation for young male cancer patients is essential, yet cryopreservation and transplantation techniques for spermatogonial stem cells still need research and optimisation.
Talking globalism, the paper by Widge and Cleland provides insight in reproductive tissue donation in India, and addresses the issue of uncontrolled commercialisation and exploitation. In another dimension of reproductive medicine, Nargund et al. and Devroey and Adriaenssen in two separate papers present still unestablished views on mild and minimal approach of reproductive medicine, a practice that has been adopted by many young repromed practitioners, but that is largely ignored by again an established group; segmentation of ART (see Devroey paper) is a key issue to avoid complications and at the same time improve results.
Pargmae et al. present a timely and relevant document on current views on the European Working Time Directives. While time at work is more limited, quality of training is to be improved. A fit doctor is a better doctor. A fit established trainer is a better trainer as well, so prepare for longer training, in order to allow for more reading and writing. Less is more, but so is more.
On behalf of the editors, the editorial board and the publisher of FV&V, we would like to thank all the authors and referees who have been contributing to the journal. We wish you pleasant reading.
Willem Verpoest, Associate Editor
