Recent divergences and size decreases of eastern gorilla populations

Compared with other African apes, eastern gorillas (Gorilla beringei) have been little studied genetically. We used analysis of autosomal DNA genotypes obtained from non-invasively collected faecal samples to estimate the evolutionary histories of the two extant mountain gorilla populations and the closely related eastern lowland gorillas. Our results suggest that eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas split beginning some 10 000 years ago, followed 5000 years ago by the split of the two mountain gorilla populations of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virungas Massif. All three populations have decreased in effective population size, with particularly substantial 10- fold decreases for the mountain gorillas. These dynamics probably reflect responses to habitat changes resulting from climate fluctuations over the past 20 000 years as well as increasing human influence in this densely populated region in the last several thousand years

Functional lung volume mapping with perfusion Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography scan for radiotherapy planning in patients with locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

Objectives. Radical chemo-radiotherapy (CHT-RT) represents the standard treatment for locally-advanced Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Conventional RT achieves limited local tumour control, but dose escalation to the primary tumour is prevented by RT-induced toxicity. Aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility of a tailored Intensity-Modulated RT (IMRT) planning based on lung SPECT perfusion data and to compare functional and conventional dose-volume parameters. Methods. 21 patients were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent IMRT treatment with 2Gy/fraction (median total dose 60Gy). Lung perfusion SPECT images were acquired before RT and 3 and 6 months after RT completion. SPECT and planning CT images were co-registered using MIM-MAESTRO™ software with 3D-PET EDGE™ algorithm. Lung volumes were defined anatomically as Total Lung and functionally as Total Not Functional Lung and Total Functional Lung. Dose-Volume Histograms (DVH) were calculated using QUANTEC constraints (MLD<20Gy, V20<20%). For each patient, conventional and functional RT plans were generated and compared. Results. 19 of 21 NSCLC patients were included (mean age 66y, 11 stage IIIA, 8 stage IIIB), 12/19 patients completed the 6-months follow-up. A significant reduction of mean V20 was observed in functional RT planning compared to conventional plan (405.9 cc, p<0.001). Mean MLD was also lower in the SPECT-based plans, but the difference was not statistically relevant (0.8 Gy, p=0.299). G2 radiation pneumonitis was observed in 2 patients. Conclusions. Functional RT planning allowed to decrease functional lung irradiation compared to conventional planning. The possibility to limit RT-induced toxicity could allow to perform an effective dose-escalation to target volume

PROSTAGLANDIN STIMULATION OF NORADRENALINE RELEASE FROM BOVINE ADRENAL CHROMAFFIN CELLS

No abstract available