Patterns of variation in reproductive parameters in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx)

Detailed knowledge of the variation in demographic rates is central for our ability to understand the evolution of life history strategies and population dynamics, and to plan for the conservation of endangered species. We studied variation in reproductive output of 61 radio-collared Eurasian lynx females in four Scandinavian study sites spanning a total of 223 lynx-years. Specifically, we examined how the breeding proportion and litter size varied among study areas and age classes (2-year-old vs. >2-year-old females). In general, the breeding proportion varied between age classes and study sites, whereas we did not detect such variation in litter size. The lack of differences in litter sizes among age classes is at odds with most findings in large mammals, and we argue that this is because the level of prenatal investment is relatively low in felids compared to their substantial levels of postnatal care

Incidence and mortality of incidental prostate cancer: a Swedish register-based study

In a national register-based study of incidence trends and mortality of incidental prostate cancer in Sweden, we found that a significant proportion (26.6%) of affected men diagnosed died of their disease, which challenges earlier descriptions of incidental prostate cancer as a non-lethal disease

Foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx populations in southwest Asia: Conservation implications for a diet specialist

Intraspecific variation in key traits of widespread species can be hard to predict, if populations have been very little studied in most of the distribution range. Asian populations of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), one of the most widespread felids worldwide, are such a case in point. We investigated the diet of Eurasian lynx from feces collected Mediterranean, mixed forest‐steppe, and subalpine ecosystems of Turkey. We studied prey preferences and functional responses using prey densities obtained from Random Encounter Modelling. Our analysis revealed that the main prey was brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in all three areas (78%–99% of biomass consumed) and lynx showed a strong preference for brown hare (Chesson's selectivity index, α = 0.90–0.99). Cannibalism contributed at least 5% in two study areas. The type II functional response of lynx populations in Turkey was similar to the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and daily food intake in grams per lynx matched that of Canada lynx and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), both lagomorph specialists, rather than those of Eurasian lynx from Europe. Therefore, lynx in Turkey may be better described as a lagomorph specialist even though it coexists with ungulate prey. We suggest that ungulate‐based foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx in Europe may be a recent adjustment to the availability of high densities of ungulates and cannot be representative for other regions like Turkey. The status of lagomorphs should become an essential component of conservation activities targeted at Eurasian lynx or when using this species as a flagship species for landscape preservation

Språkutveckling genom bild / Language development through picture

Vi har undersökt i vilken utsträckning bild används som språkutveckling på skolorna. Speciellt fokus har vi lagt på dyslektiska elever eftersom viss forskning hävdar att de är mer konstärligt lagda än genomsnittet, och därför extra gynnade av bild i undervisningen. Vi genomförde kvalitativa intervjuer med pedagoger och elever på fem olika skolor. Vårt resultat från undersökningen visar att bild i olika former används mycket ute på skolorna, även om det inte alltid definieras som bildämne, det vill säga schemalagd bildundervisning. Vi fick många intressanta exempel på hur bilder används som komplement till läsning och skrivning, men även ibland som ersättning till detsamma. Vi fick även bekräftelse av såväl pedagoger som elever att bild är ett bra hjälpmedel för elever med dyslexi, vid läsning och skrivning. Vissa pedagoger påpekade att andra elever, speciellt språksvaga, också kan vara gynnade av bild

Modified technique of robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy: Advantages of a vesico-urethral anastomosis

OBJECTIVES To describe a technical modification during robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) aiming to decrease perioperative blood loss, shorten the length of hospital stay and eliminate the need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. To describe perioperative outcomes, pathological findings and functional outcomes of our single-surgeon series using this technique. METHODS We analysed six consecutive patients who underwent RASP using our technical modification between February and September 2010. Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy was performed in all cases and revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia in two cases and benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in four cases. The mean estimated prostate volume in the TRUS was 157 +/- 74 (range 90-300) mL and the average preoperative International Prostate Symptom score was 19.8 +/- 9.6 (10-32). Two patients were in urinary retention before surgery. Our technique of RASP includes the standard operative steps reported during open and laparoscopic simple prostatectomy; however, with the addition of some technical modifications during the reconstructive part of the procedure. Following the resection of the adenoma, instead of performing the classical 'trigonization' of the bladder neck and closure of the prostatic capsule, we propose three modified surgical steps: plication of the posterior prostatic capsule, a modified van Velthoven continuous vesico-urethral anastomosis and, finally, suture of the anterior prostatic capsule to the anterior bladder wall. RESULTS The patients' average age was 69 +/- 4.9 (63-74) years; the mean estimated blood loss was 208 +/- 66 (100-300) mL and the mean operative time was 90 +/- 17.6 (75-120) min. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 without the need of continuous bladder irrigation at any time after RASP. No blood transfusion or perioperative complications were reported. The mean weight of the surgical specimen was 145 +/- 41.6 (84-186) g. Histopathological evaluation revealed benign prostatic hyperplasia plus chronic prostatitis in five patients and prostatic adenocarcinoma (Gleason score 3 + 3, pT1a) with negative surgical margins in one patient. The mean serum prostate-specific antigen level decreased from 7 +/- 2.5 (4.211) ng/mL preoperatively to 1.05 +/- 0.8 (0.22.5) after RASP. Significant improvement from baseline was reported in the average International Prostate Symptom score (average preoperative vs postoperative, 19.8 +/- 9.6 vs 5.5 +/- 2.5, P = 0.01) and in mean maximum urine flow (average preoperative vs postoperative 7.75 +/- 3.3 vs 19 +/- 4.5 mL/s, P = 0.019) at 2 months after RASP. All patients were continent (defined as the use of no pads) at 2 months after RASP. CONCLUSIONS Our modified technique of RASP is a safe and feasible option for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms caused by large prostatic adenomas. Potential advantages of our technique include reduced blood loss, lower blood transfusion rates and shorter length of hospital stay with no need of postoperative continuous bladder irrigation. Larger series with longer follow-up are necessary to determine long-term outcomes in comparison to open simple prostatectomy or to the standard technique of RASP