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A retrospective study on dystocia in the cat, evaluation of 111 cases
Get PDFDystocia affects on average 3-8% of all pregnancies in purebred cats. Nonpedigree cats are also affected, but the incidence is unknown. The causes of dystocia and the optimal treatment are largely unexplored in cats. The aims of the present retrospective study were to describe feline dystocia cases and to evaluate kitten mortality in relation to factors associated with dystocia in cats. Medical records of 111 cases (107 queens) treated for dystocia from 2017 to 2024 were retrieved from client files at the University Animal Hospital in Uppsala, Sweden. At the initiation of treatment, 276 kittens remained in utero or in the birth canal. The total kitten mortality rate, including that of kittens born before treatment but excluding four kittens that were euthanized at the owner's request, was 40.9%. The mortality of kittens born after treatment was 44.1%, excluding four kittens euthanized at the owner's request. Two queens died, one of which was euthanized at the owner's request. Among all the cases, 91 (82.0%) were surgically treated, with caesarean section, or en bloc resection in two patients. Ovariohysterectomy was performed in 47.2% of the queens that were surgically treated. Medical treatment was initiated in 30 patients, and was successful in 11 of them, and 19 were further surgically treated after only partial or no success. The success rate of medical treatment was thus 36.7%. Eight queens were hypocalcaemic. Maternal hyperglycaemia was present in 65.5% of the cases and significantly increased the risk of kitten mortality. The estimated duration of second-stage labour before admission did not affect kitten mortality. Disturbed labour (total or partial uterine inertia) was the most common cause of dystocia. Feline dystocia was associated with high kitten mortality but low mortality in queens. Most queens with dystocia were treated surgically, but medical treatment with calcium and/or oxytocin was efficient in cases with non-obstructive dystocia, and <= 3 foetuses remaining. Hypocalcaemia may contribute to dystocia in a minority of cases. Maternal hyperglycaemia increased the risk of mortality before discharge. Diagnosing dystocia may be challenging in cats, as there is no clear association between the length of the parturition process and mortality
Sammanställning av situationer med stora rovdjur nära bebyggelse och människor 2023
Get PDFI Sverige har ingen systematisk dokumentation av hur ofta situationer med stora rovdjur nära människor eller bebyggelse inträffar genomförts. Det har bland annat medfört att det varit svårt att veta hur stora resurser som behöver läggas på att hantera sådana situationer. 2020 uppdrog Naturvårdsverket Viltskadecenter att börja samla in och årligen redovisa uppgifter om detta. Viltskadecenter sammanställer nu årligen resultaten på nationell basis och redovisar dem i föreliggande rapport på liknande sätt som viltskadestatistiken och inventeringarna av varg, lo och järv.Rapporten är en sammanställning av situationer då stora rovdjur befunnit sig inom 100 meter från människor eller bebyggelse, som inte rapporterats på annat sätt. Besiktigade och kvalitetssäkrade skador som rovdjur orsakat på tamdjur och hundar inkluderas alltså inte här, eftersom de rapporteras i Viltskadecenters årliga viltskadestatistikrapporter.Sammanställningen bygger på situationer (”händelser”) som allmänheten rapporterat till länsstyrelsen och som länsstyrelsen registrerat. Eftersom det ännu inte finns något stöd för registrering av den här typen av situationer i den norsk-svenska databasen för stora rovdjur (Rovbase) används tills vidare ett webbaserat verktyg (kallat ”händelseformulär”) som en provisorisk metod för insamling av data.Om händelseformulären används och fylls i fullständigt av länsstyrelserna kan ett underlag kring stora rovdjur nära bebyggelse och människor produceras. Ett sådant underlag är mycket användbart vid beslut om skyddsjakt och inför informationsmöten med orolig allmänhet. På sikt kommer uppgifterna även att kunna användas för att förutsäga vilka händelser som är av mer tillfällig karaktär och upphör av sig själva och vilka som kan antas bli mer varaktiga problem om inga åtgärder vidtas
Forest ecosystem services in Europe
Get PDFThis thesis explores policy concerning, and perceptions of, forest ecosystem services, which illustrates the multiple uses and societal benefits provided by forested landscapes, including their roles in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. This is done through a policy analysis investigating how forest ecosystem services are addressed within the European policy landscape, and an international survey-study that examines public perceptions and prioritizations related to forest ecosystem services. Five European regions were selected as case studies—Grisons (Switzerland), Estonia, Sweden, Catalonia (Spain), and the German states of Hesse and Thuringia—representing a range of forest types, governance systems, and cultural contexts. The findings indicate that relevant policy sectors are increasingly acknowledging both synergies and trade-offs related to forest ecosystem services, and they tend to be aligned in their overarching objectives. Furthermore, survey results show that the public consistently places the highest value on the regulating services of clean air and water, irrespective of regional differences in forest cover or associated economic benefits
Genotype adaptive patterns in spring wheat reveal drought-induced differentiation in root morphology
No full textRoot morphology of agricultural crops plays a crucial role in crop resilience and early vigor, especially under the increasingly challenging environmental conditions associated with global climate change. This study aims to link root morphology types in six spring wheat genotypes to seedling establishment and stress responses under drought, suboptimal temperature (10°C), and low-temperature (7°C) conditions, providing insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing early vigor. We quantified early vigor-related root traits (root length and diameter) using a non-invasive phenotyping method, while PPD-D1 and VRN-1 genes were analyzed to explore genetic influences on early root development. Results revealed considerable genotypic variation in root length. Stress at both 7°C and 10°C accentuated these differences, with the genotype ‘Dacke’ showing a reduced root length under low-temperature stress. Root diameter responses also varied significantly, with the genotypes ‘Bjarne’ and ‘Dacke’ developing thicker roots than ‘Diskett’ and ‘KWS Alderon’. Genotypic analysis revealed variations in PPD-D1 alleles, with ‘Bjarne’ carrying the photoperiod-insensitive allele (Ppd-D1a), which facilitated early root development as reflected in increased root length, while the other genotypes carried the photoperiod-sensitive allele (ppd-D1b). Genotyping of VRN-A1, VRN-B1, and VRN-D1 revealed allele combinations associated with a facultative growth habit in all genotypes that were originally classified as spring wheat. This suggests that these genotypes retain some responsiveness to vernalization, despite being used as spring types in practice. These findings highlight the genetic basis of early vigor and root adaptation under stress conditions, providing valuable insights for targeted breeding aimed at improving stress adaptation and resilience in variable climates
Agricultural Decision Support Tools in Europe: What Kind of Tools Are Needed to Foster Soil Health?
Get PDFDecision support tools (DSTs) are crucial in aiding agricultural decision-making, particularly in improving soil health by enhancing nutrient management, soil organic matter (SOM) and water retention. Despite the availability of numerous DSTs in Europe, their adoption, effectiveness and development needs are not well understood, as most research is based on literature reviews rather than direct feedback from stakeholders. This study aims at filling this gap by conducting an expert survey of the most widely used digital DSTs across Europe on SOM, water retention and nutrient use efficiency in agriculture. We aimed at evaluating the current use, limitations and development needs of DSTs and offering recommendations to improve the effectiveness and adoption of DSTs in the context of soil health. A questionnaire was distributed to experts in 24 countries. Answers were received from 18 countries, including 14 European Union (EU) nations, Norway, the UK, Switzerland and Turkey. A total of 115 DSTs were identified aligning with our definition of DST, with agronomists, consultants and farmers being the primary users. Adoption of DSTs was rated moderate (score: 3.1/5), with tools featuring user-friendly interfaces and alignment with farmer goals achieving higher adoption rates. DSTs were rated better suited to achieve farm-level goals (score: 4.1/5) than regional (score: 3.6/5) or national objectives (score: 3.5/5). Major barriers to adoption included limited end-user involvement in DST development, which may hinder alignment with practical needs. Considering all the received questionnaires, the most frequently cited areas for improvement were nutrient use efficiency (45%), SOM (24%) and water retention (18%). Respondents emphasised the need for better integration of new farming systems (e.g., organic farming, agroforestry), more detailed process descriptions, integration of multiple processes, inclusion of economic modules and improved user interfaces. This study presents the first comprehensive evaluation of DSTs in Europe, revealing a diverse yet moderately adopted landscape. Increasing user engagement, enhancing technical integration and improving accessibility are essential for promoting a wider use of DSTs to improve soil health. By adopting these recommendations, DSTs can play a key role in achieving the EU's sustainability goals, fostering resilient agricultural systems and addressing environmental challenges such as soil degradation and climate change
Production losses during the transition from even-aged management to gap cutting in Norway spruce and Scots Pine stands in Southern Sweden
Get PDFKnowledge on continuous cover forestry (CCF) in Sweden is limited, as even-aged silviculture has dominated in the Swedish forestry since the mid-twentieth century. This study examines production losses during the transition from even-aged management to gap cutting at the stand level. Simulations were conducted using the forest simulator LandSim for Norway spruce and Scots pine across various productivity levels in southern Sweden. Up to 36 conversion schedules were modeled per species and productivity class. Production losses, compared to the mean annual increment (MAI) under even-aged management, ranged from 16 to 320 m(3) ha-1 or 2.7 to 32.7 MAI equivalents. Trade-offs between several aspects of the target stand structure after transition and the transition period production were found. Late conversions, starting at the reference final felling age, generally, decreased production more than the early transition options. A sensitivity analysis of reduced growth in the gaps suggests that production losses due to suboptimal timing of harvests are likely to be the main component of the total production losses during the transition period, even for longer conversion schedules
Victim blaming as collateral damage: professionals on court hearings in cases of rape, assault, and fraud
Get PDFThis study investigates legal professionals' understanding of the attribution of moral guilt to complainants in court hearings, comparing rape, assault, and fraud cases in Sweden. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, and complainants' counsels. The findings suggest that while professionals assert that attributions of moral guilt to complainants are rare, complainants may perceive blame due to misinterpretation of legally relevant questions. Undue attribution of moral guilt occasionally occurs, particularly during defence cross-examination. Strategies to mitigate the risk of blame include ensuring that hearings are respectful and fact oriented, addressing victim-blaming issues in professional development courses, and preparing complainants prior to hearings. In our study, the attribution of moral guilt predominantly centred on rape cases, which may be due to historical discourse and sensitivity surrounding sexual assault cases. The study highlights the need for further research into mechanisms of attributing moral guilt to complainants and into sources of tension that contribute to negative experiences for complainants
