We document causes of death in free-ranging California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) from the inception of the reintroduction program in 1992 through December 2009 to identify current and historic mortality factors that might interfere with establishment of self-sustaining populations in the wild. A total of 135 deaths occurred from October 1992 (the first post-release death) through December 2009, from a maximum population-at-risk of 352 birds, for a cumulative crude mortality rate of 38%. A definitive cause of death was determined for 76 of the 98 submitted cases, 70% (53/76) of which were attributed to anthropogenic causes. Trash ingestion was the most important mortality factor in nestlings (proportional mortality rate [PMR] 73%; 8/11), while lead toxicosis was the most important factor in juveniles (PMR 26%; 13/50) and adults (PMR 67%; 10/15). These results demonstrate that the leading causes of death at all California Condor release sites are anthropogenic. The mortality factors thought to be important in the decline of the historic California Condor population, particularly lead poisoning, remain the most important documented mortality factors today. Without effective mitigation, these factors can be expected to have the same effects on the sustainability of the wild populations as they have in the past.
Background: Tracheostomy is performed in patients with trauma who need prolonged ventilation for respiratory failure or airway management. Although it has benefits, such as reduced sedation and easier care, it also has risks. This study explored the unclear timing, technique, and patient selection criteria for tracheostomy in patients with trauma.
Aim: In early-stage breast cancer, the axillary lymph nodes play a crucial role in determining the prognosis of the disease. The rate of lymph node involvement might be a more valuable prognostic factor than the number of positive lymph nodes. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether the lymph node ratio (LNR) is a superior prognostic indicator compared to the pathologic lymph node count in early-stage disease.
Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The role of neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) in conjunction with surgical intervention is becoming increasingly prominent in the field of oncology. NAT enhance the probability of breast-conserving surgery in cases of locally advanced breast cancer and in patients with metastatic or inoperable disease.
Endovascular repair has significantly improved the treatment of aortic aneurysms, particularly in older and high-risk patients. However, many studies have not found significant differences in long-term outcomes when comparing open and endovascular repair methods. Additionally, endovascular repair is associated with a higher rate of aortic-related reinterventions compared to open repair (OR), sometimes necessitating late open surgical conversion (LOSC).
Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second most diagnosed and third most deadly cancer worldwide. Despite advances in early diagnosis and treatment, CRC remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Up to 30% of CRC patients are diagnosed during emergency department visits, leading to surgical procedures that may not adhere to oncological principles due to complications like obstruction, bleeding, or perforation.
