Search

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair is well established as the gold standard in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms. Generally, endovascular repair is performed using a bi or trimodular stent graft, requiring placement of a contralateral iliac limb. Deployment of the contralateral iliac limb requires retrograde gate cannulation of the endograft main body contralateral limb. This step represents the crucial point of a standard endovascular repair procedure and can become challenging, especially in the case of high iliac tortuosity. This study compares the procedural times between the retrograde gate cannulation and the contralateral snare cannulation to demonstrate the possibility of directly performing the contralateral snare cannulation in the case of a complex iliac anatomy assessed by the iliac tortuosity index. Methods: One hundred and forty-eight patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair from 2017 to 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Cannulation times between retrograde gate cannulation and contralateral snare cannulation were compared for each degree of iliac tortuosity. The degree of iliac tortuosity was assessed through the iliac tortuosity index. Cannulation times were detected from inserting the wire into the introducer to passing through the radio-opaque gate markers. Results: The cannulation times were 2.94 min for the retrograde gate cannulation group and 3.15 min for the contralateral snare cannulation group, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.33). Overall cannulation times were 2.98 min. For the iliac tortuosity index grade 0, the cannulation times were 2.71 min for the retrograde gate cannulation group and 3.85 min for the contralateral snare cannulation group, respectively, with a significant difference in favor of the retrograde gate cannulation group (p < 0.0001). For the iliac tortuosity index grade 1, the cannulation times were 2.74 min for the retrograde gate cannulation group and 2.8 min for the contralateral snare cannulation group, respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p = 0.63). Regarding the iliac tortuosity index grades 2 and 3, the cannulation times were 3.01 and 4.93 min for the retrograde gate cannulation group and 2.71 and 3.28 min for the contralateral snare cannulation group, respectively. The first group's times were significantly higher than the second group's (p = 0.01 and p = 0.0001). Conclusions: In patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms undergoing endovascular aortic repair, the gate cannulation times were significantly shorter for the contralateral snare cannulation method than the retrograde gate cannulation method in the iliac tortuosity index grades 2 and 3. Therefore, performing the contralateral snare cannulation method would be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabirds are compelled to nest on land, away from their feeding areas, which they can only reach by leaving eggs or chicks in the nest, often for long periods of time. For this reason, almost all of them have evolved social monogamy as a reproductive system, cooperation between partners for incubation and chick rearing, and long-lasting pair bonds. Additionally, nesting conditions are essential for successful reproduction, and the nest can be considered a resource if it provides more guarantees in this aspect. As a result, the nest may be a source of contention and intraspecific competition, especially among males. In this work, we analyze long-term data of the Scopoli's shearwater (Calonectris diomedea) population to address the fitness consequences of nest change regarding survival and reproductive success. We used capture–recapture multistate models and the AICc model selection approach to test three hypotheses: breeding failure triggers nest change; nest change affects breeding success probability; nest change affects survival. Each year, about 5% of the breeders move to a new nest. For males, it was mainly a way to improve their breeding conditions and was observed in their early years as a breeder. Conversely, for females, it was a way to improve their reproductive performance by trying with a new mate after a failure. Males that changed nests improved their breeding success probability. Instead, in females, there was no causal relation between nest change and breeding success, the latter having been more influenced by the intrinsic quality of the female as a breeder. We did not even find a link between nest change and survival. Instead, we demonstrated that reproductive failure could affect the apparent survival of females, probably because it induces breeding dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroductions represent an opportunity to restore local biodiversity and reverse the effect of taxa extinction. However, they need feasibility and monitoring plans before and during their implementation to ensure concrete and lasting results. During the 20th century, the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) underwent a severe population decline in many European countries due to direct persecution and coast exploitation. In the 1960s–1970s, it was declared extinct as a breeder in Italy. In 2004, the Maremma Regional Park (Tuscany, central Italy) started a reintroduction project by capturing and releasing, from 2006 to 2010, 33 juvenile Corsican ospreys on the southern coast of Tuscany. The settlement of the first breeding pair in 2011 was the initial sign of the success of the reintroduction project, then further pairs settled from 2011 onward. A total of 81 feather or blood samples were collected for DNA extraction from both translocated (2006–2010) and newborn individuals (2011–2021). Individuals were analyzed at 16 microsatellite loci to verify any changes in genetic variability over time and to set out a protocol for the reconstruction of kinship for conservation and management purposes. We did not observe a reduction in genetic variability between the two sampling periods, although we found a slight sign of the founder effect in the reestablished population. A strong genetic differentiation was observed between this Mediterranean population and an injured osprey from a Northern European population, thus confirming the importance of considering the local genetic pool in any reintroduction project. Monogamous behavior was confirmed by family reconstruction, which allowed the identification of clear kinship relationships. Our findings indirectly inform on the genetic variability of the population during the 16-year period from the start of the project and provide useful insights for its long-term conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Identifying sex-related differences/variables associated with 30 day/1 year mortality in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods: Multicenter/retrospective/observational study. A database was sent to all the Italian vascular surgeries to collect all the patients operated on for CLTI in 2019. Acute lower-limb ischemia and neuropathic-diabetic foot are not included. Follow-up: One year. Data on demographics/comorbidities, treatments/outcomes, and 30 day/1 year mortality were investigated. Results: Information on 2399 cases (69.8% men) from 36/143 (25.2%) centers. Median (IQR) age: 73 (66–80) and 79 (71–85) years for men/women, respectively (p < 0.0001). Women were more likely to be over 75 (63.2% vs. 40.1%, p = 0.0001). More men smokers (73.7% vs. 42.2%, p < 0.0001), are on hemodialysis (10.1% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.006), affected by diabetes (61.9% vs. 52.8%, p < 0.0001), dyslipidemia (69.3% vs. 61.3%, p < 0.0001), hypertension (91.8% vs. 88.5%, p = 0.011), coronaropathy (43.9% vs. 29.4%, p < 0.0001), bronchopneumopathy (37.1% vs. 25.6%, p < 0.0001), underwent more open/hybrid surgeries (37.9% vs. 28.8%, p < 0.0001), and minor amputations (22% vs. 13.7%, p < 0.0001). More women underwent endovascular revascularizations (61.6% vs. 55.2%, p = 0.004), major amputations (9.6% vs. 6.9%, p = 0.024), and obtained limb-salvage if with limited gangrene (50.8% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.017). Age > 75 (HR = 3.63, p = 0.003) is associated with 30 day mortality. Age > 75 (HR = 2.14, p < 0.0001), nephropathy (HR = 1.54, p < 0.0001), coronaropathy (HR = 1.26, p = 0.036), and infection/necrosis of the foot (dry, HR = 1.42, p = 0.040; wet, HR = 2.04, p < 0.0001) are associated with 1 year mortality. No sex-linked difference in mortality statistics. Conclusion: Women exhibit fewer comorbidities but are struck by CLTI when over 75, a factor associated with short- and mid-term mortality, explaining why mortality does not statistically differ between the sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelagic seabirds are tied to their breeding colonies throughout their long‐lasting breeding season, but at the same time, they have to feed in a highly dynamic marine environment where prey abundance and availability rapidly change across space and seasons. Here, we describe the foraging movements of yelkouan shearwater Puffinus yelkouan, a seabird endemic to the Mediterranean Sea that spends its entire life cycle within this enclosed basin and whose future conservation is intimately linked to human‐driven and climatic changes affecting the sea. The aim was to understand the main factors underlying the choice of foraging locations during the reproductive phases. A total of 34 foraging trips were obtained from 21 breeding adults tagged and tracked on Tavolara Archipelago (N Sardinia, Italy). This is the largest and most important breeding area for the species, accounting for more than 50% of the world population. The relationships between foraging movements during two different breeding stages and the seasonal changes of primary productivity at sea were modeled. Movements appeared to be addressed toward inshore (<20 km), highly productive, and relatively shallow (<200 m) foraging areas, often in front of river mouths and at great distances from the colony. During incubation, the Bonifacio Strait and other coastal areas close to North and West Sardinia were the most preferred locations (up to 247 km from the colony). During the chick‐rearing phase, some individuals reached areas placed at greater distances from the colony (up to 579 km), aiming at food‐rich hotspots placed as far north as the Gulf of Lion (France). The need for such long distance and long‐lasting foraging trips is hypothesized to be related to unfavorable conditions on the less productive (and already depleted) Sardinian waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological drivers underlying breeding performance are expected to differ across the geographical range of seabird species, but few studies have compared trade-offs between colonies with different local conditions. During chick-rearing (2000–01), we compared the foraging trips, diet and breeding parameters of two Adélie penguin colonies in the Ross Sea, at Edmonson Point (EdPo; ~2000 breeding pairs) and Inexpressible Island (InIs; ~24 000 breeding pairs). Penguins from InIs travelled farther and performed longer feeding trips. The quantity of food brought to the nest was the same for the two colonies, but penguins from InIs brought more fish and less krill. Eggs hatched earlier at EdPo. Breeding success did not differ, but chick weight during hatching–fledging was greater at InIs. Despite worse weather conditions at InIs, the larger proportion of high-energy food brought by penguins from InIs (i.e. fish) may explain their offspring's better performance. In addition, the persistence of fast ice at EdPo may have led to greater energy expenditure of breeding individuals, possibly reducing chick growth. The greater intraspecific competition expected at InIs may have been reduced by longer foraging trips and/or counteracted by the more nutritious diet. Our findings reveal complex trade-offs between foraging effort and environmental constraints in determining the breeding performance of Adélie penguins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the role of land-use patterns in determining the distribution of nocturnal birds has important implications for the conservation of these species and for land management. One important step for effective conservation is to develop statistical models to assess how the probability of birds' presence can be influenced by land-use types in order to support decision making in conservation planning at the landscape or regional scale. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of extent and configuration of land-use types in determining the distribution of some nocturnal birds of prey (Strigiformes) and the European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus in agricultural landscapes. We surveyed six nocturnal birds (Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops, Little Owl Athene noctua, Barn Owl Tyto alba, Long-eared Owl Asio otus, Tawny Owl Strix aluco and European Nightjar) in 123 listening stations located in nine protected areas of southern Tuscany, Central Italy. Nocturnal birds were present in 97 % of the stations, where variables relative to the extent and configuration of land-use types were measured. The probability of Tawny Owl presence increased with increasing forest cover, the probability of Little Owl presence increased with increasing amount of arable land, whilst the probability of Eurasian Scops Owl and Long-eared Owl presence increased with increasing amount of open areas. The model of European Nightjar showed that the probability of presence increased with increasing amount of forest edge and scrubs. Our results suggest that heterogeneous agricultural landscapes may favour the coexistence of several nocturnal birds, since the different species are each associated with different land-use types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying spatial patterns in species diversity represents an essential task to be accounted for when establishing conservation strategies or monitoring programs. Predicting patterns of species richness by a model-based approach has recently been recognised as a significant component of conservation planning. Finding those environmental predictors which are related to these patterns is crucial since they may represent surrogates of biodiversity, indicating in a fast and cheap way the spatial location of biodiversity hotspots and, consequently, where conservation efforts should be addressed. Predictive models based on classical multiple linear regression or generalised linear models crowded the recent ecological literature. However, very often, problems related with spatial autocorrelation in observed data were not adequately considered. Here, a spatially-explicit data-set on birds presence and distribution across the whole Tuscany region was analysed. Species richness was calculated within 1 × 1 km grid cells and 10 environmental predictors (e.g. altitude, habitat diversity and satellite-derived landscape heterogeneity indices) were included in the analysis. Integrating spatial components of variation with predictive ecological factors, i.e. using geostatistical models, a general model of bird species richness was developed and used to obtain predictive regional maps of bird diversity hotspots. A meaningful subset of environmental predictors, namely habitat productivity, habitat heterogeneity, combined with topographic and geographic information, were included in the final geostatistical model. Conservation strategies based on the predicted hotspots as well as directions for increasing sampling effort efficiency could be extrapolated by the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population dynamics of Antarctic seabirds are influenced by variations in winter sea ice extent and persistence; however, the type of relationship differs according to the region and the demographic parameter considered. We used annual presence/absence data obtained from 1,138 individually marked birds to study the influence of environmental and individual characteristics on the survival of Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae at Edmonson Point (Ross Sea, Antarctica) between 1994 and 2005. About 25% of 600 birds marked as chicks were reobserved at the natal colony. The capture and survival rates of Adélie penguins at this colony increased with the age of individuals, and five age classes were identified for both parameters. Mean adult survival was 0.85 (SE = 0.01), and no effect of sex on survival was evident. Breeding propensity, as measured by adult capture rates, was close to one, indicating a constant breeding effort through time. Temporal variations in survival were best explained by a quadratic relationship with winter sea ice extent anomalies in the Ross Sea, suggesting that for this region optimal conditions are intermediate between too much and too little winter sea ice. This is likely the result of a balance between suitable wintering habitat and food availability. Survival rates were not correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index. Low adult survival after a season characterized by severe environmental conditions at breeding but favorable conditions during winter suggested an additional mortality mediated by the reproductive effort. Adélie penguins are sensitive indicators of environmental changes in the Antarctic, and the results from this study provide insights into regional responses of this species to variability in winter sea ice habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ornithogenic soils ( N = 97) dated up to 7000 Before Present ( bp) were sampled in 16 relict and modern breeding colonies of Adélie penguin along the Victoria Land coast (Ross Sea, Antarctica). Taxonomic identification of fish otoliths ( N = 677) recovered in these soils allowed to identify the Antarctic silverfish as the most eaten prey (90.1%) throughout the investigated period. A morphometric analysis of the otoliths revealed that the Adélie penguin primarily selected prey averaging 67.23 ± 23 mm of standard length. Temporal distribution of Pleuragramma antarcticum showed a peak between 2,000 and 4,000 years bp, a period corresponding to the maximum spread of Adélie penguin in the Victoria Land. Possible explanations of the variations of the abundance of the fish prey in the diet are discussed in the context of the paleoclimatic events and as possible consequences of dietary shifts due to the temporal variation of prey availability in the Ross Sea ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among mammals, female searching behaviour for a mate has been poorly investigated in behavioural studies on sexual selection. The social organization of roe deer and its physiological constraints suggest the existence of searching strategies by females. Using radiotracking and direct observation we studied the spatial behaviour and intersexual interactions of 32 roe does during the rut in two areas of Tuscany, central Italy. Respectively, 55% and 33% of females performed excursions outside their usual home ranges during the peak of the rut (15 Jul.–15 Aug.). Excursions ranged from 0.6 to 3.0 km, if measured in a straight line, and lasted 30–52 h. During excursions, females (1) moved quickly in one direction; (2) met and were courted by a male; (3) copulated with a male and (4) returned to their home ranges after mating. Before starting an excursion, roaming females were observed to approach unsuccessfully males already courting other females. Most likely excursions represent a condition dependent mating tactic adopted by a variable proportion of females and involving active searching behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Annual egg and chick production and breeding success at the Adélie penguin ( Pygoscelis adeliae) colony Edmonson Point (74°21′S–165°10′E), Victoria Land, is presented for eight breeding seasons between 1995 and 2005. During this period the colony consisted of 10–13 subcolonies and averaged 2098 ± 278 breeding pairs. A sample of over 100 nests (114–150), belonging to two subcolonies, was monitored each year. Some breeding parameters remained constant while others showed substantial annual variation. Laying date showed little variation, and laying was highly synchronous: 82.5% of clutches were initiated in a 10-day period, 9–18 November. In contrast, clutch size (1.77–1.97) and incubation period (34.4 ± 2.5) varied significantly. Variation among years was also recorded in hatching success (from 58 to 86%) and breeding success. This last parameter, measured as number of chicks reared to crèche per nest with eggs, varied between 0.34 and 0.97. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We sought to evaluate if patients with proximal critical circumflex (CX) lesions did better with single SV-CABG on the best obtuse marginal (OM), or with sequential SV-CABG on two OM branches. Design. Ninety patients were prospectively randomised to single SV-CABG on the best OM (sSV-CABG-45 patients; Group A) or to sequential SV-CABG on 2 OM (seqSV-CABG 45 patients; Group B). Transit-time flowmetry (TTF), and graft flow reserve were evaluated. Recurrent angina, acute myocardial infarction, readmission for coronary reintervention were defined "treatment failure" during follow-up. Results. SeqSV-CABG showed better intraoperative maximum (119.1±57.5 ml/min vs. sSV-CABG 62.4±29.6; p=0.001), mean (56.3±31.5 ml/min vs. 30.8±12.8; p=0.0001), minimum flow (22.8±9.2 ml/min vs. 11.8±8.9; p=0.001) and P.I. (0.71±0.4 vs.1.46±0.9; p=0.006). Graft flow reserve also proved to be higher (95.4±29.7 ml/min mean flow vs. sSV-CABG 42.3±15.2 ml/min mean flow; p=0.0001; flow reserve 1.72±0.99 vs 1.32±1.09; p=0.001) as well as freedom from treatment failure (97.5±0.5% vs 88.7±0.4%; p=0.05). Conclusions. SeqSV-CABG showed higher TTF flows, with no incremental risk for perioperative morbidity. Higher flows and graft flow reserve may allow lower treatment failure at mid-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary arteriovenous fistulas (CAVF) are rare malformations. Opinions vary on which operation should be offered to these patients, particularly those asymptomatic. We report four patients operated on for CAVF referred to our institution over the course of a year. Three patients had associated cardiac lesions. In all of them CAVF was identified and closed with running sutures. There was no operative mortality or operative morbidity. All patients were asymptomatic at follow-up. In patients undergoing surgical treatment of cardiac disease, associated CAVF should always be treated. Although in patients with giant CAVF it is safer to patch the outflow of CAVF from the outflow chamber, in the majority of cases CAVF should be identified intraoperatively and closed with multiple running stitches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]