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Aphanius fasciatus is a small fish occurring in Mediterranean brackish environments. In Cyprus it is known from three localities separated by long stretches of coast. The genetic diversity of these populations was evaluated using fragments of two mitochondrial genes. A comparison with the other available data showed that Cyprus populations represent a distinct lineage. The other lineages are concentrated in a relatively small area between the Strait of Sicily and the Western Ionian Sea, while all other areas include a subset of these lineages, suggesting that the aforementioned area might have acted as a glacial refugium. Landlocked North-African populations diverge from all other populations, suggesting that they might have originated in the Late Pleistocene, during transgression events of the Mediterranean Sea in North-African inland water bodies. The genetic diversity of A. fasciatus varied across different Cyprus populations, with a pattern mirroring the degree of environmental degradation, which likely affected population genetic variability through demographic reductions. The three Cyprus populations showed genetic uniqueness, suggesting the need of population-based management practices; the low genetic diversity of two populations, and the number of threats affecting them, suggest that the species should be considered endangered at national level and deserves protection measures.

To assess the effects of a new ejaculation-sparing thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ES-ThuLEP) technique on sexual functions and micturition, in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to evaluate how the surgical technique of ES-ThuLEP can lead to ejaculation preservation. A prospective study was carried out between January 2015 and January 2018 on patients with surgical indication for BPH, who wished to preserve ejaculation. The patients were treated with ES-ThuLEP and were evaluated before and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Three validated questionnaires (ICIQ-MLUTSsex, IIEF-5 and IPSS) were used to assess changes in ejaculation, erectile function and urinary symptoms. Uroflowmetry (Qmax and Qavg), post-void residual volume and voided volume were also evaluated, to assess micturition improvement. Patients with moderate to severe erectile dysfunction were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student’s t test, Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Two hundred and eighty three patients were enrolled. Ejaculation was spared in 203 and 219 patients at 3 and 6 months after surgery. No significant differences were observed between erectile function before and after surgery: baseline IIEF-5 = 16.2 ± 4.47 vs 16.7 ± 2.9 (p = 0.419) and 17.7 ± 3.2 (p = 0.410) at 3 and 6 months. Significant improvement in urinary symptoms was achieved: baseline IPSS = 19.4 ± 7.24 vs 5.8 ± 4.3 (p = 0.032) and 3.9 ± 4.1 (p = 0.029) at 3 and 6 months. ES-ThuLEP effectively preserved ejaculation in over two thirds of the patients without compromising micturition improvement or erectile function. ES-ThuLEP could be a valid treatment option for BPH in young and sexually active men.

In der Schweiz ist die Telemedizin seit vielen Jahren ein fester Bestandteil des Gesundheitssystems und macht einen wichtigen Teil der Grundversorgung aus. Dank der Moglichkeit zur Bildbefundung eignen sich Hautkrankheiten besonders fur den Einsatz der Telemedizin. Dieser Beitrag hat zum Ziel, die notwendigen Dienstleistungen und Strukturen am Beispiel eines telemedizinischen Zentrums (Medgate Tele Clinic, Basel, Schweiz) vorzustellen und anhand von Beispielen der Teledermatologie das breite Anwendungsspektrum der Telemedizin zu illustrieren. Dieser Beitrag ist eine deskriptive Darstellung der Funktionsweise eines etablierten telemedizinischen Zentrums sowie insbesondere der Teledermatologie. Bei den Anwendungsbeispielen handelt es sich um dermatologische Falle, die telemedizinisch behandelt worden sind. Etwa 50 % aller Falle werden von den Arzten des beschriebenen telemedizinischen Zentrums telemedizinisch abschliesend via Telefon oder via Video behandelt, ohne dass ein weiterer Arztbesuch notwendig ist. Viele dermatologische Anliegen wie beispielsweise Pityriasis versicolor, periorale Dermatitis oder Rosazea ohne Augenbeteiligung lassen sich dabei besonders gut telemedizinisch behandeln.