In many amphibian larvae a suite of morphological and behavioural characters varies together in an induced defence against predators, but it remains unclear which features are functionally related to defence. We independently manipulated behaviour and morphology in tadpoles of Hyla versicolor and assessed their consequences for swimming performance and predator escape. Data on burst swimming showed that tadpoles which accelerated rapidly were elongate, with shallow bodies and tails. Predator escape was measured by exposing tadpoles to predators (larval Anax dragonflies or larval Ambystoma salamanders) and recording time until death. Tadpoles were first reared for 30 days in ponds containing either caged Anax or no predators; individuals responded to predators by developing large brightly coloured tails and short bodies. We placed tadpoles of both morphological phenotypes into plastic tubs, and manipulated their behaviour using food and chemical cues from predators. Mortality risk experienced by the predator‐induced phenotype was about half that of the no‐predator phenotype, and risk increased with time spent swimming. An interaction between morphology and behaviour arose because increasing activity caused higher risk for tadpoles with deep tail fins but not shallow tail fins.
Cryoablation has been shown to be an effective therapy for all stages of prostate cancer. Though judged efficacious, complications of treatment and persistent disease, although minimal, show the need for improvement. To this end, research has focused on new technology design for cryosurgical apparatus and imaging techniques. Adjunctive therapy, focusing on increasing cell death by apoptosis, also plays a role in this new direction with the intent of increasing cell death in the frozen tissue. Additionally, incorporating methods of protecting adjacent structures, including the urethra, bladder neck sphincter, urogenital diaphragm, neurovascular bundles, and rectum, are critical to achieving a successful outcome and continue to evolve. Several strategies to protect these structures are now commonplace as part of a cryosurgical procedure. These strategies include real-time temperature monitoring, visualization of ice growth during freezing, active heating and even the injection of protective media have emerged as methods to protect these structures. Another more recent procedural application is partial gland ablation or image-targeted focal therapy, developed to maintain cancer control yet minimize the risk of collateral damage to the various structures. Each of these methods has been shown in vitro, in vivo, and clinically to be beneficial. This article describes the directions that cryoablation has taken in an effort to improve procedural efficacy while reducing/eliminating associated co-morbidities.
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