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We performed a double-blind, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the results of ultrasound-guided aspiration of endometriomas under the effect of GnRH analogues and a possible additional beneficial effect by leaving 600,000 IU of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) in the cysts. Twenty-four women with endometriosis-related symptoms, increased values of CA-125 and transvaginal ultrasonography showing endometriomas >3 cm who were initially sent to us for laparotomy and conservative surgery for endometriosis were included. Main outcome measures were severity of symptoms, size and percentage of echographical reduction of endometriomas and CA-125 levels after 2 menses post-GnRH analogues. Secondary outcome measures were the time until recurrence of abnormal parameters and the need for surgery after treatment. We found moderate clinical results after treatment with drainage plus GnRH analogues and significantly improved results in women having received rIL-2 intracystically. There were no side effects. Two out of 3 previously infertile patients became pregnant after therapy. Though the rates of recurrence of endometriomas ≧3 cm were similar in both groups, the period until recurrence was significantly greater when rIL-2 was used, and the rates of recurrence of symptoms and increased CA-125 values were also significantly lower in patients who received rIL-2. Surgery was finally performed on 10 patients (4 with and 6 without previous rIL-2 treatment) during follow-up (30 ± 12.7 months). These findings led to the conclusion that transvaginal ultrasound-guided puncture and aspiration of endometriomas under endometrial suppressive therapy with GnRH analogues have some value for endometriosis treatment, improving the clinical manifestations and avoiding some surgical therapies, and that rIL-2 left in the cyst increases these beneficial effects significantly.

Agriculture first reached the Iberian Peninsula around 5700 BCE. However, little is known about the genetic structure and changes of prehistoric populations in different geographic areas of Iberia. In our study, we focus on the maternal genetic makeup of the Neolithic (~ 5500–3000 BCE), Chalcolithic (~ 3000–2200 BCE) and Early Bronze Age (~ 2200–1500 BCE). We report ancient mitochondrial DNA results of 213 individuals (151 HVS-I sequences) from the northeast, central, southeast and southwest regions and thus on the largest archaeogenetic dataset from the Peninsula to date. Similar to other parts of Europe, we observe a discontinuity between hunter-gatherers and the first farmers of the Neolithic. During the subsequent periods, we detect regional continuity of Early Neolithic lineages across Iberia, however the genetic contribution of hunter-gatherers is generally higher than in other parts of Europe and varies regionally. In contrast to ancient DNA findings from Central Europe, we do not observe a major turnover in the mtDNA record of the Iberian Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age, suggesting that the population history of the Iberian Peninsula is distinct in character.

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International audienceRemains of pictorial decorations in a series of six representative megalithic monuments of Brittany (France) and two French stelae have been studied by micro-Raman spectroscopy for the first time. Fungal colonies on the painted orthostats made it difficult to obtain in situ Raman spectra of the paint components. Nevertheless, paint micro-specimens studied in the laboratory by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electronic microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy have made possible to characterise the materials present. The minerals α-quartz, albite, microcline, muscovite, phlogopite, celadonite, beryl and anatase have been identified in the granitic rocks supporting the paintings, while dolomite and calcite are dominant in the calcareous rocky substrata. Haematite is the main component of the red pictographs, whereas amorphous carbon and manganese oxides/oxihydroxides have been used in the black ones. Calcite, gypsum and amorphous carbon have been detected as additional components of the paint in some cases. Contamination with modern tracing materials (polystyrene and ε-copper-phthalocyanine blue) has been detected in several cases. The presence of pigments as decorative elements in megalithic monuments of Western France and its possible relation with those of the Iberian Peninsula create interesting expectations for the knowledge of the European megalithic culture