32 results on '"Astaras C"'
Search Results
2. Squamous rectal carcinoma: a rare malignancy, literature review and management recommendations
- Author
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Astaras, C., Bornand, A., and Koessler, T.
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- 2021
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3. Influence of social status and industrial development on poaching acceptability
- Author
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Mudumba, T, Moll, RJ, Jingo, S, Riley, S, Macdonald, D, Astaras, C, and Montgomery, R
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Ecology ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Nature and Landscape Conservation - Abstract
Subsistence poaching threatens the persistence of wildlife populations worldwide and the well-being of people who participate in poaching. We conducted interviews around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to assess the acceptability of poaching. Conflict with wildlife was the most important factor determining attitudes towards poaching and the tools of the trade. More than 80% of the respondents living within 5 km of the park boundary had never been inside the park. Additionally, the provision of goats as incentives to people did not influence attitudes but increased human-wildlife conflict. This implies that acceptability of poaching among people living in close proximity to wildlife is influenced by the nature of the interaction between people and protected areas, but more importantly, limiting positive interaction can create negative consequences. Our results emphasize the importance of providing remedies compatible with local livelihoods and conditions and show that negative experience with wildlife builds intolerance.
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- 2022
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4. P-146 The first comprehensive genomic characterization of rectal squamous cell carcinoma
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Astaras, C., primary, De Vito, C., additional, Bornand, A., additional, Sciarra, A., additional, Khanfir, K., additional, Letovanec, I., additional, Dietrich, P., additional, Tsantoulis, P., additional, and Kössler, T., additional
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
5. UNcommon EGFR mutations: International Case series on efficacy of osimertinib in Real-life practice in first liNe setting (UNICORN)
- Author
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Bar, J, Peled, N, Schokrpur, S, Wolner, M, Rotem, O, Girard, N, Nana, F Aboubakar, Derijcke, S, Kian, W, Patel, S, Gantz-Sorotsky, H, Zer, A, Moskovitz, M, Metro, G, Rottenberg, Y, Calles, A, Hochmair, M, Cuppens, K, Decoster, L, Reck, M, Limon, D, Rodriguez, E, Astaras, C, Bettini, A, Häfliger, S, and Addeo, A
- Subjects
610 Medizin und Gesundheit - Abstract
BACKGROUND About 10% of EGFR mutations (EGFRmut) are 'uncommon mutations' (ucEGFRmut). We aimed to collect real-world data about osimertinib for ucEGFRmut patients. METHODS This is a multi-center, retrospective study of ucEGFRmut (exon 20 insertions excluded) metastatic NSCLC osimertinib-treated as first EGFR inhibitor. RECIST and RANO-BM brain objective response rate (ORR) were evaluated by investigators. mPFS, mOS and mDOR were calculated from osimertinib initiation. Mutations found at resistance were collected. RESULTS 60 patients included (22 centres, 9 countries): median age - 64 years, 75% females, 83% Caucasian. The largest subgroups were G719X (30%), L861Q (20%) and de novo T790M (15%). ORR was 61%, mPFS 9.5 months (m), mDOR 17.4m, mOS 24.5m. Regarding patients with no concurrent common mutations or T790M (group A, n=44), ORR was 60%, mPFS 8.6 months, mDOR 11 months. For G719X ORR was 47%, mPFS 8.8m and mDOR 9.1m. For L861Q ORR was 80%, mPFS 16m and mDOR 16m. For de novo T790M ORR was 44%, mPFS 12.7m, mDOR 46.2m. Compound EGFRmut including common mutations had better outcome compared to only ucEGFRmut. For 13 patients with a RANO-BM evaluable brain metastases, brain ORR was 46%. For 14 patients, rebiopsy was analysed: 4 patients - additional EGFR mutation (C797S, D585Y, E709K), 3 - new TP53 mutation, 1 - c-Met amplification, 1 - PIK3CA mutation and 1 - neuroendocrine transformation. CONCLUSIONS Osimertinib demonstrated activity in ucEGFRmut with high rate of disease control systemically and intracranially. Several resistance mechanisms were identified. This report comprises, to the best of our knowledge, the largest dataset of its kind.
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- 2022
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6. 1206P UNcommon EGFR mutations: International Case series on efficacy of Osimertinib in Real-life practice in first-liNe setting (UNICORN)
- Author
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Bar, J., primary, Kian, W., additional, Wolner, M., additional, Derijcke, S., additional, Girard, N., additional, Rottenberg, Y., additional, Dudnik, E., additional, Metro, G., additional, Hochmair, M.J., additional, Aboubakar, F., additional, Cuppens, K., additional, Decoster, L., additional, Reck, M., additional, Limon, D., additional, Blanco, A. Calles, additional, Astaras, C., additional, Häfliger, S., additional, Peled, N., additional, and Addeo, A., additional
- Published
- 2021
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7. UNcommon EGFR mutations: International Case series on efficacy of Osimertinib in Real-life practice in first-liNe setting (UNICORN) [1206P]
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UCL - SSS/IREC/PNEU - Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie, UCL - (SLuc) Service de pneumologie, Bar, J., Kian, W., Wolner, M., Derijcke, S., Girard, N., Rottenberg, Y., Dudnik, E., Metro, G., Hochmair, M.J., Aboubakar Nana, Frank, Cuppens, K., Decoster, L., Reck, M., Limon, D., Blanco, A. Calles, Astaras, C., Häfliger, S., Peled, N., Addeo, A., UCL - SSS/IREC/PNEU - Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL et Dermatologie, UCL - (SLuc) Service de pneumologie, Bar, J., Kian, W., Wolner, M., Derijcke, S., Girard, N., Rottenberg, Y., Dudnik, E., Metro, G., Hochmair, M.J., Aboubakar Nana, Frank, Cuppens, K., Decoster, L., Reck, M., Limon, D., Blanco, A. Calles, Astaras, C., Häfliger, S., Peled, N., and Addeo, A.
- Abstract
BACKGROUND : About 10% of EGFR mutations (EGFRmut) are ‘uncommon mutations’ (ucEGFRmut), correlating with lower response to 1st & 2nd generation EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi) compared to common mutations. Osimertinib is a 3rd generation EGFRi, active against common EGFRmut. Efficacy data of osimertinib in ucEGFRmut are scarce. We aimed to collect real-world data of the usage of osimertinib as the 1st EGFRi for ucEGFRmut. [...]
- Published
- 2021
8. La biopsie liquide, une nouvelle opportunité pour l’oncologie personnalisée [Liquid biopsy, a new opportunity for personalized oncology]
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Astaras, C., Dolcan, A., Bisig, B., and Zaman, K.
- Abstract
Knowledge about cancer biology is extending and has meaningful repercussions on patients' care. Therefore, there is a growing need to assess tumor biology not only at diagnosis, but also throughout the course of management. Tumor tissue biopsies are particularly useful, but are not convenient for repetitive analyses because of the need for invasive procedures. Advances in biotechnology allow currently getting more and more information from liquid biopsies, based on small amounts of tumor material released for instance into the peripheral blood. Already used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers, these new techniques represent more generally an important step forward for personalized oncology.
- Published
- 2018
9. News selection and framing: the media as a stakeholder in human–carnivore coexistence.
- Author
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Arbieu, U, Chapron, G, Astaras, C, Bunnefeld, N, Harkins, S, Iliopoulos, Y, Mehring, M, Reinhardt, I, and Mueller, T
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- 2021
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10. Acoustic ecology of tawny owl (Strix aluco) in the Greek Rhodope Mountains using passive acoustic monitoring methods
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Astaras Christos, Valeta Christina, and Vasileiadis Ioakim
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acoustic ecology ,acoustic sensors ,strigiformes ,vocal activity ,Ecology ,QH540-549.5 - Abstract
Passive acoustic monitoring is a wildlife monitoring method used especially for the study of vocally active species which are difficult to observe directly. The tawny owl (Strix aluco, Linnaeus 1758) is such a species, and has not been previously studied in Greece. The aim of the study was to provide a first insight into the species’ acoustic ecology in the Rhodope Mountains by describing its calling activity at four sites over a period of 3–6 months, and to examine possible correlation with natural and climatic parameters. Based on 24,937 calls, we report a significant increase in the number of calls per night (18:00 pm to 9:00 am) as the length of the night increased, as well as a negative relation with wind speed. We did not observe a relationship between calling frequency and the phase of the moon.
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- 2022
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11. What does seed handling by the drill tell us about the ecological services of terrestrial cercopithecines in African forests?
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Astaras, C., primary and Waltert, M., additional
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- 2010
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12. Acoustic Monitoring Confirms Significant Poaching Pressure of European Turtle Doves ( Streptopelia turtur ) during Spring Migration across the Ionian Islands, Greece.
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Astaras C, Sideri-Manoka ZA, Vougioukalou M, Migli D, Vasiliadis I, Sidiropoulos S, Barboutis C, Manolopoulos A, Vafeiadis M, and Kazantzidis S
- Abstract
The European turtle dove ( Streptopelia turtur ) is an Afro-Palearctic migrant whose populations have declined by 79% from 1980 to 2014. In 2018, the International Single Species Action Plan for the Turtle Dove (ISSAP) was developed with the goal of enabling, by 2028, an increase in turtle dove numbers along each of the three migration flyways (western, central, eastern). To achieve this, the illegal killing of turtle doves, a critical threat to the species, has to be eradicated. The Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece lie on the eastern flyway and are considered a major turtle dove poaching hot-spot during spring migration. Quantifying wildlife crime, however, is challenging. In the absence of a reliable protocol for monitoring spring poaching levels, the agencies tasked with tackling the problem have no means of assessing the effectiveness of the anti-poaching measures and adapting them if required. Using passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) methods, we recorded gun hunting intensity at known turtle dove poaching sites during the 2019-2022 spring migrations (2-10 sites/season) with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. Based on published gunshot to killed/injured bird ratio for similar species (corroborated with discussions with local hunters) and an estimate of the proportion of hunting sites monitored by our PAM grid (using gunshot detection range estimates from control gunshots), we estimated that in 2021, up to 57,095 turtle doves were killed or injured across five Ionian Islands (Zakynthos, Paxi, Antipaxi, Othoni, and Mathraki). The 2022 estimate was almost half, but it is unclear as to whether the change is due to a decline in poachers or turtle doves. We propose ways of improving confidence in future estimates, and call for a temporary moratorium of autumn turtle dove hunting in Greece-as per ISSAP recommendation-until spring poaching is eradicated and the eastern flyway population shows signs of a full recovery. Finally, we hope our findings will pave the way for the development of PAM grids at turtle dove poaching hot-spots across all migration flyways, contributing to the global conservation of the species.
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- 2023
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13. The first comprehensive genomic characterization of rectal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Astaras C, De Vito C, Chaskar P, Bornand A, Khanfir K, Sciarra A, Letovanec I, Corro C, Dietrich PY, Tsantoulis P, and Koessler T
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- Humans, DNA Copy Number Variations, Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases genetics, Genomics, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell genetics, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell therapy, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell pathology, Rectal Neoplasms genetics, Rectal Neoplasms therapy, Rectal Neoplasms pathology, Adenocarcinoma genetics, Adenocarcinoma therapy, Adenocarcinoma pathology
- Abstract
Background: Rectal cancers represent 35% of colorectal cancers; 90% are adenocarcinomas, while squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 0.3% of them. Given its rarity, little is known concerning its pathogenesis, molecular profile and therapeutic management. The current treatment trend is to treat rectal squamous cell carcinoma by analogy to anal squamous cell carcinoma with definitive chemo-radiotherapy, setting aside surgery in case of local recurrence., Methods: We performed an in-depth genomic analysis (next-generation sequencing, copy number variation, and human papilloma virus characterization) on 10 rectal squamous cell carcinoma samples and compared them in silico to those of anal squamous cell carcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma., Results: Rectal squamous cell carcinoma shows 100% HPV positivity. It has a mutational (PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53, ATM, BCL6, SOX2) and copy number variation profile (3p, 10p, 10q, 16q deletion and 1q, 3q, 5p, 8q, 20p gain) similar to anal squamous cell carcinoma. PI3K/Akt/mTOR is the most commonly affected signaling pathway similarly to anal squamous cell carcinoma. Most commonly gained or lost genes seen in rectal adenocarcinoma (FLT3, CDX2, GNAS, BCL2, SMAD4, MALT1) are not found in rectal squamous cell carcinoma., Conclusion: This study presents the first comprehensive genomic characterization of rectal squamous cell carcinoma. We confirm the existence of this rare histology and its molecular similarity with anal squamous cell carcinoma. This molecular proximity confirms the adequacy of therapeutic management based on histology and not localization, suggesting that rectal squamous cell carcinoma should be treated like anal squamous cell carcinoma and not as a rectal adenocarcinoma., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2023
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14. UNcommon EGFR Mutations: International Case Series on Efficacy of Osimertinib in Real-Life Practice in First-LiNe Setting (UNICORN).
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Bar J, Peled N, Schokrpur S, Wolner M, Rotem O, Girard N, Aboubakar Nana F, Derijcke S, Kian W, Patel S, Gantz-Sorotsky H, Zer A, Moskovitz M, Metro G, Rottenberg Y, Calles A, Hochmair M, Cuppens K, Decoster L, Reck M, Limon D, Rodriguez E, Astaras C, Bettini A, Häfliger S, and Addeo A
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Male, ErbB Receptors genetics, Retrospective Studies, Mutation, Protein Kinase Inhibitors pharmacology, Protein Kinase Inhibitors therapeutic use, Aniline Compounds pharmacology, Aniline Compounds therapeutic use, Lung Neoplasms drug therapy, Lung Neoplasms genetics, Brain Neoplasms drug therapy, Brain Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
Introduction: Approximately 10% of EGFR mutations (EGFRmuts) are uncommon (ucEGFRmuts). We aimed to collect real-world data about osimertinib for patients with ucEGFRmuts., Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective study of ucEGFRmut (exon 20 insertions excluded) metastatic NSCLC treated with osimertinib as first EGFR inhibitor. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and response assessment in neuro-oncology brain metastases brain objective response rate (ORR) were evaluated by the investigators. Median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival, and median duration of response (mDOR) were calculated from osimertinib initiation. Mutations found at resistance were collected., Results: A total of 60 patients were included (22 centers, nine countries), with median age of 64 years, 75% females, and 83% Caucasian. The largest subgroups were G719X (30%), L861Q (20%), and de novo Thr790Met (T790M) (15%). The ORR was 61%, mPFS 9.5 months, mDOR 17.4 months, and median overall survival 24.5 months. Regarding patients with no concurrent common mutations or T790M (group A, n = 44), ORR was 60%, mPFS 8.6 months, and mDOR 11 months. For G719X, ORR was 47%, mPFS 8.8 months, and mDOR 9.1 months. For L861Q, ORR was 80%, mPFS 16 months, and mDOR 16 months. For de novo T790M, ORR was 44%, mPFS 12.7 months, and mDOR 46.2 months. Compound EGFRmut including common mutations had better outcome compared with only ucEGFRmut. For 13 patients with a response assessment in neuro-oncology brain metastases-evaluable brain metastases, brain ORR was 46%. For 14 patients, rebiopsy results were analyzed: four patients with additional EGFR mutation (C797S, D585Y, E709K), three with new TP53 mutation, one with c-Met amplification, one with PIK3CA mutation, and one with neuroendocrine transformation., Conclusions: Osimertinib was found to have an activity in ucEGFRmut with a high rate of disease control systemically and intracranially. Several resistance mechanisms were identified. This report comprises, to the best of our knowledge, the largest data set of its kind., (Copyright © 2022 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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15. Artificial Water Troughs Use by the Mountain Ungulate Ovis gmelini ophion (Cyprus Mouflon) at Pafos Forest.
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Eliades NH, Astaras C, Messios BV, Vermeer R, Nicolaou K, Karmiris I, and Kassinis N
- Abstract
For large herbivores inhabiting arid/semi-arid environments, water can be a limiting resource affecting their distribution and abundance for periods when water requirements are not met via forage. The Cyprus mouflon ( Ovis gmelini ophion ) is such a species, which is endemic to the mountain habitats of Cyprus. Recognizing water scarcity to be a major pressure to the mouflon, and with global warming projected to intensify hot and dry periods in the region, the Game and Fauna Service has been maintaining a network of locally designed watering troughs in Pafos Forest-the mouflon's stronghold-since 1997. This study describes the mouflon's use of the water troughs and examines whether visitation rates differed at the daily or weekly scale in response to environmental, climatic or anthropogenic parameters. Using camera traps, ten troughs were monitored from September 2017 to March 2018 (1,065 days; range 29-164 days per trough). Mouflon were detected at seven troughs (mean herd size 1.5 ± 1.2) during 373 independent detections (≥30 min interval between photographs), with visits peaking during late morning and midday hours. Generalized mixed-effect models showed mouflon visiting water troughs more frequently during hotter days, regardless of recent precipitation. Visits were also more frequent at water troughs located close to tar roads. Moreover, there was no evidence of mouflon avoiding water troughs used by predators (red foxes, feral dogs) at either daily or weekly scale, or during hunting days. The study supports the value of artificial water troughs for mediating, partially at least, the effects of climate change on mountain ungulates such as the Cyprus mouflon. Additional studies are proposed that will examine both mouflon drinking patterns across all seasons and ways of improving the effectiveness of the current water trough grid.
- Published
- 2022
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16. The Screening and COnsensus Based on Practices and Evidence (SCOPE) Program Results of a Survey on Daily Practice Patterns for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer-A Swiss Perspective in the Context of an International Viewpoint.
- Author
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Siebenhüner AR, Lo Presti G, Helbling D, Szturz P, Astaras C, Buccella Y, and De Dosso S
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- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols therapeutic use, Consensus, Early Detection of Cancer, Humans, Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras), Switzerland, Trifluridine therapeutic use, Colonic Neoplasms drug therapy, Colorectal Neoplasms drug therapy, Colorectal Neoplasms pathology, Rectal Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
In Switzerland, physicians do not have national guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient care and utilize international versions for management recommendations. Moreover, information about adherence to these guidelines and real-world practice patterns in Switzerland or other countries is lacking. The Screening and COnsensus based on Practices and Evidence (SCOPE) program were designed by an international expert panel of gastrointestinal oncologists to gather real-world insights in the current clinical setting to manage patients with mCRC who have received prior treatment. We sought to understand general practice patterns, the influence of molecular diagnostics (e.g., testing for KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, and MSI), tumor sidedness, and patient-centric factors on treatment selection utilizing in-person surveys and three hypothetical patient case scenarios. Here, we describe and evaluate the Swiss data from the SCOPE program within the context of an international viewpoint and discuss the findings of our analysis. In general, we find that the real-world clinical decisions of Swiss physicians (SWI) closely follow international (INT) recommendations and guidelines, largely paralleling their regional and international counterparts in using the two approved treatments in the third- and fourth-line settings, namely trifluridine-tipiracil and regorafenib. Finally, our data suggest a tendency toward the use of trifluridine-tipiracil (SWI: 79%; INT: 66%) over regorafenib (SWI: 18%; INT: 18%) as the preferred third-line treatment choice in mCRC patients regardless of KRAS status.
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- 2022
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17. Where Are We Now and Where Might We Be Headed in Understanding and Managing Brain Metastases in Colorectal Cancer Patients?
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Mjahed RB, Astaras C, Roth A, and Koessler T
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- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humans, Retrospective Studies, Brain Neoplasms diagnosis, Brain Neoplasms secondary, Brain Neoplasms therapy, Colorectal Neoplasms etiology, Colorectal Neoplasms therapy, Lung Neoplasms pathology, Radiosurgery
- Abstract
Opinion Statement: Compared to liver and lung metastases, brain metastases (BMs) from colorectal cancer (CRC) are rare and remain poorly investigated despite the anticipated rise in their incidence. CRC patients bearing BM have a dismal prognosis with a median survival of 3-6 months, significantly lower than that of patients with BM from other primary tumors, and of those with metastatic CRC manifesting extracranially. While liver and lung metastases from CRC have more codified treatment strategies, there is no consensus regarding the treatment of BM in CRC, and their management follows the approaches of BM from other solid tumors. Therapeutic strategies are driven by the number and localisation of the lesion, consisting in local treatments such as surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, or whole-brain radiotherapy. Novel treatment modalities are slowly finding their way into this shy unconsented armatorium including immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or a combination of those, among others.This article reviews the pioneering strategies aiming at understanding, diagnosing, and managing this disease, and discusses future directions, challenges, and potential innovations in each of these domains., Highlights: • With the increasing survival in CRC, brain and other rare/late-onset metastases are rising. • Distal colon/rectal primary location, long-standing progressive lung metastases, and longer survival are risk factors for BM development in CRC. • Late diagnosis and lack of consensus treatment strategies make BM-CRC diagnosis very dismal. • Liquid biopsies using circulating tumor cells might offer excellent opportunities in the early diagnosis of BM-CRC and the search for therapeutic options. • Multi-modality treatment including surgical metastatic resection, postoperative SRS with/without WBRT, and chemotherapy is the best current treatment option. • Recent mid-sized clinical trials, case reports, and preclinical models show the potential of unconventional therapeutic approaches as monoclonal antibodies, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. Graphical abstract., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
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- 2022
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18. [Does high-dose intravenous vitamin C has anti-cancer activity ?]
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Courtes MG, Baudoux N, Astaras C, and Fernandez E
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- Administration, Intravenous, Animals, Ascorbic Acid pharmacology, Ascorbic Acid therapeutic use, Humans, Vitamins therapeutic use, Antineoplastic Agents pharmacology, Antineoplastic Agents therapeutic use, Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
High-dose intravenously (i.v) vitamin C in cancer patients is controversial. Numerous studies carried out on cancer cell lines and animal models demonstrated that millimolar vitamin C concentrations inhibit tumor cells viability, especially in association with chemotherapy. In cancer patients, high-dose i.v vitamin C in monotherapy does not show any anti-cancer activity. Clinical trials assessing high-dose i.v vitamin C concomitantly with chemotherapy do not conclude to reliable evidence for tumor control or overall survival benefit. Randomized double-blind trials are warranted., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.
- Published
- 2022
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19. Contrasting effects of human settlement on the interaction among sympatric apex carnivores.
- Author
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Penjor U, Astaras C, Cushman SA, Kaszta Ż, and Macdonald DW
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- Animals, Cattle, Ecosystem, Humans, Sympatry, Canidae, Carnivora, Panthera
- Abstract
In the face of a growing human footprint, understanding interactions among threatened large carnivores is fundamental to effectively mitigating anthropogenic threats and managing species. Using data from a large-scale camera trap survey, we investigated the effects of environmental and anthropogenic variables on the interspecific interaction of a carnivore guild comprising of tiger, leopard and dhole in Bhutan. We demonstrate the complex effects of human settlement density on large carnivore interactions. Specifically, we demonstrate that leopard-dhole co-occupancy probability was higher in areas with higher human settlement density. The opposite was true for tiger-leopard co-occupancy probability, but it was positively affected by large prey (gaur) abundance. These findings suggest that multi-carnivore communities across land-use gradients are spatially structured and mediated also by human presence and/or the availability of natural prey. Our findings show that space-use patterns are driven by a combination of the behavioural mechanism of each species and its interactions with competing species. The duality of the effect of settlement density on species interactions suggests that the benefits of exploiting anthropogenic environments are a trade-off between ecological opportunity (food subsidies or easy prey) and the risk of escalating conflict with humans.
- Published
- 2022
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20. Spatial Ecology and Diel Activity of European Wildcat ( Felis silvestris ) in a Protected Lowland Area in Northern Greece.
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Migli D, Astaras C, Boutsis G, Diakou A, Karantanis NE, and Youlatos D
- Abstract
The Balkan populations of the European wildcat are among the least studied. This study reports the first findings on the spatial ecology and activity pattern of the wildcat in Greece and compares them to those of better studied northern populations. We fitted five wildcats (two males, three females) with collars containing GPS and accelerometer loggers (E-obs 1A) and collected data from fall to early summer. All animals moved within a mosaic of lowland agricultural fields, woodland patches, riparian forests and wetlands near the banks of a lake. The trapping rate was the highest reported for the species. The home range sizes, estimated using Brownian bridge movement models, ranged from 0.94 to 3.08 km
2 for females and from 1.22 to 4.43 km2 for males. Based on overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) values estimated from the accelerometer data, the diel activity of male wildcats followed the species' typical nocturnal pattern with crepuscular peaks. Female activity varied seasonally, at times being cathemeral. We found only weak effects of environmental variables on wildcat activity, and no significant difference in the activity in open versus forested areas. Our findings suggest that human modified landscapes can play a significant role in the conservation of this typically forest-associated species.- Published
- 2021
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21. Recent advances in gastrointestinal cancers.
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Bordry N, Astaras C, Ongaro M, Goossens N, Frossard JL, and Koessler T
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- Humans, Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Neoplasms therapy
- Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers occur in a total of eight different locations, each of them with a different standard of care. This article is not an exhaustive review of what has been published in 2020. We have concentrated on the thirteen phase III randomized studies that are practice-changing. All these studies are oral presentations which have been given in one of the four major oncology congresses, namely American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), ASCO gastrointestinal (GI), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and ESMO-GI. We provide a concise view of these major trials and their main outcomes, and put these results into context., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: No conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
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22. [Place of immunotherapy in digestive oncology].
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Saur A, Koessler T, and Astaras C
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- Humans, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Immunologic Factors, Immunotherapy, Neoplasms
- Abstract
Digestive tumors account for a quarter of all new cancer cases diagnosed worldwide and are responsible for a third of global cancer-related deaths. Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors has recently shown its effectiveness in the therapeutic arsenal of these tumors, mainly in the advanced stages. This article summarizes the current indications and the future direction of immunotherapy in patients with digestive malignancies., Competing Interests: Thibaud Koessler a des mandats de Scientific advisor auprès de Bayer, Lilly, Merck, MSD, Roche, Boehringer Ingelheim. Il a également bénéficié de Travel grants par Lilly, Ipsen et Sanofi. Les autres auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.
- Published
- 2021
23. Treatment landscape of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
- Author
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De Dosso S, Siebenhüner AR, Winder T, Meisel A, Fritsch R, Astaras C, Szturz P, and Borner M
- Subjects
- Albumins administration & dosage, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols administration & dosage, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal pathology, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal surgery, Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic, Deoxycytidine administration & dosage, Deoxycytidine analogs & derivatives, Fluorouracil administration & dosage, Humans, Irinotecan administration & dosage, Leucovorin administration & dosage, Liposomes administration & dosage, Neoplasm Metastasis, Oxaliplatin administration & dosage, Paclitaxel administration & dosage, Pancreatic Neoplasms pathology, Pancreatic Neoplasms surgery, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Gemcitabine, Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols therapeutic use, Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal drug therapy, Pancreatic Neoplasms drug therapy
- Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive form of cancer with a dismal prognosis. The lack of symptoms in the early phase of the disease makes early diagnosis challenging, and about 80-85% of the patients are diagnosed only after the disease is locally advanced or metastatic. The current front-line treatment landscape in local stages comprises surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. In Switzerland, although both FOLFIRINOX and gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel regimens are feasible and comparable in the first-line setting, FOLFIRINOX is preferred in the treatment of fit (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group [ECOG] performance status [PS]: 0-1), young (<65 years old) patients with few comorbidities and normal liver function, while gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel is used to treat less fit (ECOG PS: 1-2) and more vulnerable patients. In the second-line setting of advanced PDAC, there is currently only one approved regimen, based on the phase III NAPOLI-1 trial. Furthermore, the use of liposomal-irinotecan in the second line is supported by real-world data. Beyond the standard of care, various alternative treatment modalities are being explored in clinical studies. Immunotherapy has demonstrated only limited benefits until now, and only in cases of high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). However, data on the benefit of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition as maintenance therapy in patients with germline BRCA-mutated tumors might signal of an advance in targeted therapy. Currently, there is a lack of molecular and genetic biomarkers for optimal stratification of patients and in guiding treatment decisions. Thus, identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers and evaluating novel treatment strategies are equally relevant for improving the prognosis of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
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24. Proton Therapy of a Conjunctival Carcinoma in the Anophthalmic Socket, 41 Years after Enucleation for a Sporadic Retinoblastoma. A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
- Author
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Moulin A, Pica A, Munier F, Schalenbourg A, Nobile A, Asana A, Astaras C, and Hamedani M
- Subjects
- Eye Enucleation, Humans, Orbit, Anophthalmos, Carcinoma, Orbital Implants, Proton Therapy, Retinal Neoplasms radiotherapy, Retinal Neoplasms surgery, Retinoblastoma radiotherapy, Retinoblastoma surgery
- Abstract
Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
25. Advanced Gastric Cancer: Current Treatment Landscape and a Future Outlook for Sequential and Personalized Guide: Swiss Expert Statement Article.
- Author
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Siebenhüner AR, De Dosso S, Helbling D, Astaras C, Szturz P, Moosmann P, Pederiva S, Winder T, Von Burg P, and Borner M
- Subjects
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols therapeutic use, Herpesvirus 4, Human, Humans, Oncogenes, Switzerland, Epstein-Barr Virus Infections, Stomach Neoplasms drug therapy, Stomach Neoplasms genetics
- Abstract
Background: Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Several treatment possibilities have been investigated, but only a few show clinically meaningful results., Summary: Systemic treatment options for advanced gastric cancer (aGC) have evolved over the recent years, implementing the growing molecular knowledge of this heterogeneous disease. Molecular profiling (at least for HER-2-expression, microsatellite instability status, Epstein-Barr virus expression, and programmed death ligand-1 expression/combined positive score [CPS]) is recommended for all therapy-fit patients prior to the start of a systemic treatment and is crucial for decisions on treatment strategy and drug selection. Various examples like the application of trastuzumab in the HER-2-positive subgroup underline the benefits of this approach starting from the first-line setting. A combination of platinum and fluoropyrimidine remains the first-line chemotherapy backbone in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Triplet combinations adding taxanes to the doublet regimen are reserved for certain scenarios. Unfortunately, almost all patients who receive first-line treatment (with or without anti-HER-2 blockade) progress and <70% are eligible for a second-line therapy. The addition of monoclonal antibodies has substantially improved outcomes in this setting. As such, ramucirumab has led to significant and clinically meaningful advancements in the second-line treatment. Furthermore, immuno-oncology with checkpoint inhibition and immune stimulation has evolved in the field of aGC. Recent first-line data show a significant survival benefit in aGC patients with a CPS ≥ 5 under immunochemotherapy. Nonetheless, the impact of immunotherapy combinations and immunochemotherapy remains an area of investigation. Key Message: In this review, we highlight recent improvements in the treatment landscape of advanced gastric cancer, the heterogeneity of this disease, and possible personalized targets., (© 2021 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
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26. Clinical investigations and treatment outcome in a European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) infected by cardio-pulmonary nematodes.
- Author
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Diakou A, Dimzas D, Astaras C, Savvas I, Di Cesare A, Morelli S, Neofitos Κ, Migli D, and Traversa D
- Subjects
- Animals, Animals, Wild, Coinfection diagnosis, Coinfection drug therapy, Coinfection parasitology, Drug Combinations, Feces parasitology, Greece, Heart Diseases diagnosis, Heart Diseases drug therapy, Heart Diseases parasitology, Lung Diseases diagnosis, Lung Diseases drug therapy, Lung Diseases parasitology, Macrolides therapeutic use, Male, Nematode Infections diagnosis, Nematode Infections parasitology, Neonicotinoids therapeutic use, Nitro Compounds therapeutic use, Treatment Outcome, Antinematodal Agents therapeutic use, Coinfection veterinary, Felis, Heart Diseases veterinary, Lung Diseases veterinary, Nematoda isolation & purification, Nematode Infections veterinary
- Abstract
Recently, feline cardio-pulmonary nematodes have attracted high scientific interest, as they are increasingly reported from various areas. Most of these parasites have similar transmission patterns and/or host reservoirs, thus they may affect domestic and wild felids living in sympatry. In the present study, a case of multiple cardio-pulmonary parasitism in co-infection with other parasites in a European wildcat is presented. The animal, found exhausted, was hospitalised for recovery and parasitological, haematological, clinical and imaging examinations were performed. The parasitological examinations revealed 4 cardio-pulmonary nematodes, i.e. Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, Troglostrongylus brevior, Eucoleus aerophilus, Angiostrongylus chabaudi, 3 intestinal parasites, i.e. Toxocara cati, ancylostomatids, Cystoisospora felis, 2 haemoparasites, i.e. Hepatozoon felis and elements morphologically compatible with small Babesia/Cytauxzoon spp., and Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis erinacei ticks. Treatment with a spot-on formulation containing imidacloprid 10% and moxidectin 1% (Advocate® spot-on solution for cats, Bayer) was decided and follow-up faecal examinations were performed until the release of the animal. By the end of the hospitalisation, all metazoan endoparasites were no longer detectable in faecal examinations, with the exception of a low number of A. abstrusus larvae. Thus, the animal was released after a second treatment with the same product. This is the first description of an apparently successful treatment of multiple cardio-respiratory parasitosis in a naturally infected wildcat showing compatible clinical signs. The evidence that Advocate® may be effective against A. chabaudi could be useful for treating infected, hospitalised, wildcats and it is promising in the case A. chabaudi infection will spread to domestic cats in a near future., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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27. [Liquid biopsy, a new opportunity for personalized oncology].
- Author
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Astaras C, Dolcan A, Bisig B, and Zaman K
- Abstract
Knowledge about cancer biology is extending and has meaningful repercussions on patients' care. Therefore, there is a growing need to assess tumor biology not only at diagnosis, but also throughout the course of management. Tumor tissue biopsies are particularly useful, but are not convenient for repetitive analyses because of the need for invasive procedures. Advances in biotechnology allow currently getting more and more information from liquid biopsies, based on small amounts of tumor material released for instance into the peripheral blood. Already used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers, these new techniques represent more generally an important step forward for personalized oncology., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.
- Published
- 2018
28. Neurological Adverse Events Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Diagnosis and Management.
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Astaras C, de Micheli R, Moura B, Hundsberger T, and Hottinger AF
- Subjects
- Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System chemically induced, Humans, Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological adverse effects, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System diagnosis, Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System therapy, Disease Management
- Abstract
Purpose of Review: Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a major step forward in the field of oncologic immunotherapy these last years and have significantly increased survival of cancer patients in an ever-growing number of indications. These agents block specific immune checkpoint molecules (programmed cell death protein 1 and its ligand as well as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4) that normally downregulate the immune response. These new agents show a specific range of adverse effects induced by abnormal immunologic activation., Recent Findings: Many different neurologic adverse events have been described, including encephalitis, myelopathy, aseptic meningitis, meningoradiculitis, Guillain-Barré-like syndrome, peripheral neuropathy (including mononeuropathy, mononeuritis multiplex, and polyneuropathy) as well as myasthenic syndrome. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in cancer but can possibly induce autoimmune disorders. Although rare, neurological adverse events require prompt recognition and treatment to avoid substantial morbidity.
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- 2018
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29. [What is your diagnosis?].
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Astaras C, Nsangu M, Tschopp O, Stauffer E, Metzener N, Orecchio A, Burnand J, and Schiemann U
- Subjects
- Diagnosis, Differential, Disease Progression, Erysipelas diagnosis, Fasciitis, Necrotizing diagnosis, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Osteomyelitis diagnosis, Ankle Injuries complications, Ankle Injuries diagnosis, Pyoderma Gangrenosum diagnosis, Skin injuries
- Published
- 2015
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30. Genetic signatures of a demographic collapse in a large-bodied forest dwelling primate (Mandrillus leucophaeus).
- Author
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Ting N, Astaras C, Hearn G, Honarvar S, Corush J, Burrell AS, Phillips N, Morgan BJ, Gadsby EL, Raaum R, and Roos C
- Abstract
It is difficult to predict how current climate change will affect wildlife species adapted to a tropical rainforest environment. Understanding how population dynamics fluctuated in such species throughout periods of past climatic change can provide insight into this issue. The drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) is a large-bodied rainforest adapted mammal found in West Central Africa. In the middle of this endangered monkey's geographic range is Lake Barombi Mbo, which has a well-documented palynological record of environmental change that dates to the Late Pleistocene. We used a Bayesian coalescent-based framework to analyze 2,076 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA across wild drill populations to infer past changes in female effective population size since the Late Pleistocene. Our results suggest that the drill underwent a nearly 15-fold demographic collapse in female effective population size that was most prominent during the Mid Holocene (approximately 3-5 Ka). This time period coincides with a period of increased dryness and seasonality across Africa and a dramatic reduction in forest coverage at Lake Barombi Mbo. We believe that these changes in climate and forest coverage were the driving forces behind the drill population decline. Furthermore, the warm temperatures and increased aridity of the Mid Holocene are potentially analogous to current and future conditions faced by many tropical rainforest communities. In order to prevent future declines in population size in rainforest-adapted species such as the drill, large tracts of forest should be protected to both preserve habitat and prevent forest loss through aridification.
- Published
- 2012
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31. Associations between the drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) and sympatric monkeys in Korup National Park, Cameroon.
- Author
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Astaras C, Krause S, Mattner L, Rehse C, and Waltert M
- Subjects
- Animals, Cameroon, Cercopithecidae anatomy & histology, Feeding Behavior, Male, Mandrillus anatomy & histology, Social Behavior, Trees, Behavior, Animal, Cercopithecidae physiology, Ecosystem, Mandrillus physiology
- Abstract
Studies of polyspecific associations among African forest primates have primarily focused on arboreal Cercopithecus and Procolobus/Colobus species. We examined the association frequency of the terrestrial drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) with six sympatric monkey species in Korup National Park, Cameroon, testing reports that Mandrillus associations are infrequent and transient. We conducted 3,284 km of trail walks for 12 months (February-June 2006; July 2007 to January 2008), recording species composition in 612 primate clusters. Using a Markov chain Monte Carlo test, we compared the observed frequency of dyadic associations against null models of "no association." A novel conservative statistical approach which addresses possible dependence of observations close in time was also used, further strengthening confidence in our findings. Drills associated with all monkeys throughout the study period, and were with at least one other species (range 1-5) in half of the encounters. The association frequency of drills with red-capped mangabeys (Cercocebus torquatus) was greater than expected by chance, which is interesting given the morphological adaptation of the Mandrillus-Cercocebus clade for the exploitation of the same dietary niche, hard seeds. The difference we observed in the use of forest strata by drills and mangabeys may reflect a strategy to reduce food competition while in association. The nature and duration of observed drill associations varied. Although some associations seemed to be chance encounters, others lasted for hours with the involved species foraging together., (© 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)
- Published
- 2011
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32. Note on drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) ecology and conservation status in Korup National Park, Southwest Cameroon.
- Author
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Astaras C, Mühlenberg M, and Waltert M
- Subjects
- Animal Feed analysis, Animals, Cameroon, Feces chemistry, Female, Male, Mandrillus physiology, Cercopithecidae physiology, Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecosystem
- Abstract
We report preliminary findings on drill population ecology, feeding ecology, primate associations and conservation status in Korup National Park, Cameroon, based on analysis of data collected during 1,346 km (620 field hours) of trail patrols from February to June 2006. We encountered drills on 25 occasions and collected 304 fecal samples. Group size was estimated on four occasions (> or =25, > or =40, > or =67, > or =77), and multiple males were heard emitting the characteristic two-phase grunt of mature male drills in two of these groups. We saw a solitary male drill once. Examination of fecal samples indicated a seasonally variable diet consisting mainly of seeds, fruit pith, leaves and insects (especially ants and termites). Irvingia gabonensis and Musanga cecropioides fruits showed the highest percentage of occurrence in May (96%) and March (75%) samples, respectively, and could be a major food source for drills at that time. Drills were in association with at least one additional primate species during 57.9% of observations. These associations involved all of the diurnal primates found in Korup (Cercopithecus mona, Cercopithecus nictitans, Cercopithecus erythrotis, Cercopithecus pogonias, Piliocolobus preussi and Cercocebus torquatus) except chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). We discuss our findings in terms of existing knowledge about drill ecology and highlight the urgent need for the protection of the significant drill population in Korup National Park.
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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