BCGitis con afectación de aneurisma aortoilíaco: aportación de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / BCGitis with aortoiliac aneurysm involvement: Report of two cases and review of the literature

La BCGitis es una complicación infrecuente del tratamiento intravesical con Bacillus Calmette-Guérin para el cáncer superficial de vejiga de alto grado y el carcinoma in situ. Puede causar afectación vascular. Presentamos 2 casos y una revisión de la literatura de series de casos publicadas en los 10 años previos a la finalización de este trabajo en abril de 2022, que describiesen un caso de aneurisma micótico aortoilíaco tras recibir este tratamiento. De los 51 casos incluidos (49 revisados y 2 originales), el 100% eran hombres, 82% tenían más de 65 años. La mediana del período de latencia fue de 15 meses (RIQ 18). La localización más frecuente fue la aorta abdominal, documentándose rotura en el 45,1%. El síntoma más frecuente fue dolor abdominal o lumbar (61%), seguido de síndrome general (49%). Asoció absceso retroperitoneal un 39,2%. La mortalidad atribuible fue de 13,6%. La BCGitis debería incluirse como diagnóstico diferencial de pacientes que hayan recibido terapia con BCG y presenten afectación vascular, incluso años tras el tratamiento.(AU)

BCGitis is a rare complication after intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for high-grade superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ. May cause vascular involvement. We present two cases and a review of the literature of the case reports published on the 10 years prior to April of 2022, when this project was finished, which described a case of aortoiliac mycotic aneurysm after receiving this treatment. Of the 51 cases included (49 revised and 2 original), 100% were men, 82% were older than 65 years. The median latency period was 15 months (IQR 18). The most frequent location was the abdominal aorta, rupture occurred in 45.1% of patients. The most frequent symptom was abdominal or lumbar pain (61%), followed by general syndrome (49%). In 39.2% cases, it was associated with retroperitoneal abscesses. Attributable mortality was 13.6%. BCGitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who have received BCG therapy and present vascular involvement, even years after being treated.(AU)

BCGitis with aortoiliac aneurysm involvement: Report of two cases and review of the literature.

BCGitis is a rare complication after intravesical administration of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin for high-grade superficial bladder cancer and carcinoma in situ. May cause vascular involvement. We present 2 cases and a review of the literature of the case reports pubished on the 10 years prior to April of 2022, when this proyect was finished, which described a case of aortoiliac mycotic aneurysm after receiving this treatment. Of the 51 cases included (49 revised and 2 original), 100% were men, 82% were older than 65 years. The median latency period was 15 months (IQR 18). The most frequent location was the abdominal aorta, rupture occurred in 45,1% of patients. The most frequent symptom was abdominal or lumbar pain (61%), followed by general syndrome (49%). In 39,2% cases, it was associated with retroperitoneal abscesess. Attributable mortality was 13,6%. BCGitis should be included in the differential diagnosis in patients who have received BCG therapy and present vascular involvement, even years after being treated.

Linking MS1 and MS2 signals in positive and negative modes of LC-HRMS in untargeted metabolomics using the ROIMCR approach.

Data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode in liquid chromatography (LC) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has emerged as a powerful strategy in untargeted metabolomics for detecting a broad range of metabolites. However, the use of this approach also represents a challenge in the analysis of the large datasets generated. The regions of interest (ROI) multivariate curve resolution (MCR) approach can help in the identification and characterization of unknown metabolites in their mixtures by linking their MS1 and MS2 DIA spectral signals. In this study, it is proposed for the first time the analysis of MS1 and MS2 DIA signals in positive and negative electrospray ionization modes simultaneously to increase the coverage of possible metabolites present in biological systems. In this work, this approach has been tested for the detection and identification of the amino acids present in a standard mixture solution and in fish embryo samples. The ROIMCR analysis allowed for the identification of all amino acids present in the analyzed mixtures in both positive and negative modes. The methodology allowed for the direct linking and correspondence between the MS signals in their different acquisition modes. Overall, this approach confirmed the advantages and possibilities of performing the proposed ROIMCR simultaneous analysis of mass spectrometry signals in their differing acquisition modes in untargeted metabolomics studies.

Peritoneal ultrafiltration in older adult patients with advanced heart failure.

Advanced heart failure (HF) with congestive symptoms refractory to diuretic treatment worsens the patient's prognosis and quality of life. Peritoneal ultrafiltration (PUF) attempts to improve symptoms and reduce HF-related events. This study analyzes the impact of PUF on older adult patients with significant comorbidity and advanced HF. Eighteen patients with advanced HF attended to in the Internal Medicine HF Unit of the Lucus Augusti University Hospital of Lugo, Spain, who started PUF between 2014 and 2021 were analyzed. The number of admissions and instances in which diuretic rescue treatment was used in the year before and after starting PUF were compared. The evolution of renal function, complications secondary to the technique, and survival were also analyzed. The median age was 80 (SD 5.8) years and 72.2% were men. Comparing the year after starting PUF to the year before starting PUF, hospital admissions due to HF (4 vs 20, p = 0.01) and the use of intravenous diuretic rescue treatment declined (4 vs 118, p < 0.001). There was no significant deterioration in renal function during the first year of follow-up or major complications associated with the technique. Survival was 72% at 1 year. In older adult patients with comorbidity, advanced HF, and refractory congestive symptoms, PUF reduced hospital admissions and the use of intravenous diuretic rescue treatment, without major complications.

Target and untargeted screening of perfluoroalkyl substances in biota using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to bioaccumulate and trigger adverse effects in marine birds. This study develops an extraction and analytical methodology for the target/untargeted analysis of PFAS in eggs of Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) and Audouin's gull (Larus audouinii) and blood of Greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), which are used as bioindicators of organic chemical pollution. Samples were extracted by ultrasonication with acetonitrile and cleaned-up with activated carbon, and analysis was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF) with negative electrospray ionization. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) was performed through full-scan acquisition to obtain MS1 at 6 eV and MS2 at 30 eV. In a first step, quantitative analysis of 25 PFAS was performed using 9 mass-labelled internal standard PFAS and quality parameters of the method developed are provided. Then, an untargeted screening workflow is proposed using the high-resolution PFAS library database from NORMAN to identify new chemicals through accurate mass measurement of MS1 and MS2 signals. The method permitted to detect several PFAS at concentrations ranging from 0.45 to 55.2 ng/g wet weight in gull eggs and from 0.75 to 125 ng/mL wet weight in flamingos' blood, with PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, PFUdA, PFTrDA, PFDoA, PFHxS and PFHpA the main compounds detected. In addition, perfluoro-p-ethylcyclohexylsulfonic acid (PFECHS, CAS number 646-83-3) and 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethanol (6:2 FTOH, CAS number 647-42-7) were tentatively identified. The developed UHPLC-Q-TOF target/untargeted analytical approach increases the scope of PFAS analysis, enabling a better assessment on contaminant exposure and promoting the use of bird species as bioindicators of chemical pollution.

Transcriptomic effects of Perfluoralkyl acids on the adipose tissue of a songbird species at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Perfluoralkyl acids (PFAS) have been regarded as global pollutants for at least twenty years, with potentially negative physiological effects on multiple vertebrate species including humans. Here we analyze the effects of the administration of environmentally-relevant levels of PFAS on caged canaries (Serinus canaria) by using a combination of physiological, immunological, and transcriptomic analyses. This constitutes a completely new approach to understand the toxicity pathway of PFAS in birds. While we observed no effects on physiological and immunological parameters (e.g, body weight, fat index, cell-mediated immunity), the transcriptome of the pectoral fatty tissue showed changes compatible with the known effects of PFAS as obesogens in other vertebrates, particularly in mammals. First, transcripts related to the immunological response were affected (mainly enriched), including several key signaling pathways. Second, we found a repression of genes related to the peroxisome response and fatty acid metabolism. We interpret these results as indicative of the potential hazard of environmental concentrations of PFAS on the fat metabolism and the immunological system of birds, while exemplifying the ability of transcriptomic analyses of detecting early physiological responses to toxicants. As the potentially affected functions are essential for the survival of the animals during, for example, migration, our results underline the need for tight control of the exposure of natural populations of birds to these substances.

Assessment of Post-COVID Symptoms Using the C19-YRS Tool in a Cohort of Patients from the First Pandemic Wave in Northwestern Spain.

Introduction: The emergence or persistence of symptoms after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection has made it necessary to develop tools to detect them and assess their impact on patients' quality of life. One of these tools is the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Screening (C19-YRS) scale. We present the results of this tool in a cohort of first pandemic wave patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from March to May 2020 in Lugo (northwestern Spain). C19-YRS was administered via phone 10 months after the acute infection to both former inpatients and outpatients. Electronic medical records were reviewed and relevant data from the acute episode were collected. The main outcome was the presence of impairment in different areas measured by the C19-YRS scale. Results: The answer rate was 63.2%. The mean age was 54 ± 16 years, 38.4% were male and 190 (42.9%) had some comorbidity. Eighty-seven patients (19.6%) required hospitalization and 10 (2.3%) required intensive care unit admission. Ten (3.5%) patients lost their job due to the pandemic. Two hundred seventy-six patients (62.3%) related any symptoms; fatigue (37.2%) and exertional dyspnea (33.4%) were the most common with significant worsening in both cases compared with the situation before the infection. Subgroup analysis showed that more symptom domains were impaired in women than men. Older patients, those with comorbidity and those who needed hospital admission, demanded more health resources after the acute infection. Discussion: C19-YRS is useful for the detection and quantification of symptoms after COVID-19 and provides relevant social, health, and occupational information.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Retrospective descriptive study over a 10-year period. Anesthetic experience / Nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica robótica. Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo durante 10 años. Experiencia anestésica

Abstract Introduction: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is currently the surgical treatment of choice for small renal masses. Objective: Reviewing the anesthetic management and perioperative morbidity of patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) from 2009 to 2019 at Hospital Universitario Donostia. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study involving 343 patients. Results: 95 % of the patients were ASA II-III. Transient renal artery clamping was performed in 91 %, with a mean ischemia time of 17.79 minutes. The mean duration of the procedure under balanced general anesthesia was 184 min. Standard monitoring was performed along with invasive arterial pressure monitoring (IAP), central venous catheter (CVC) and EV1000 platform (Edwards®) for complex patients. Complications were recorded in 40 patients (11.67 %). Patients under anti-aggregation therapy experienced more bleeding than non-anti-aggregation patients (p 0.04) but did not require more transfusions. Patients with a higher anesthetic risk did not experience more complications. No statistically significant association was found between worsening renal function and the occurrence of intraoperative complications. 21 patients (6 %) were readmitted due to complications; the most frequent complication was renal artery pseudoaneurysm that required endovascular embolization. Conclusions: It should be highlighted that after ten years of experience with this technique, the patients with a higher anesthetic risk have not experienced serious perioperative complications. RALPN is a safe technique that demands a careful anesthetic support. A robot-assisted approach alone is not a guarantee for success without strong teamwork.

Resumen Introducción La cirugía laparoscópica asistida por robot es actualmente el tratamiento quirúrgico de elección para masas renales de pequeño tamaño. Objetivo Revisión del manejo anestésico y morbilidad perioperatoria de los pacientes sometidos a nefrectomía parcial laparoscópica asistida por robot (NPLAR) desde 2009 a 2019 en el Hospital Universitario Donostia Metodología Estudio retrospectivo observacional descriptivo sobre 343 pacientes. Resultados El 95 % de los pacientes eran ASA II-III. En el 91 % se realizó pinzamiento transitorio de la arteria renal, con un tiempo medio de isquemia de 17,79 minutos. La duración media de la intervención bajo anestesia general balanceada fue de 184 minutos. Se realizó monitorización estándar junto con monitorización de presión arterial invasiva (PAI), catéter venoso central (CVC) y plataforma EV1000 (Edwards®) para pacientes complejos. Se registraron complicaciones en 40 pacientes (11,67 %). En los pacientes en tratamiento con antiagregantes hubo mayor sangrado que en los no antiagregados (p = 0,04), pero no requirieron más transfusiones. Los pacientes con un mayor riesgo anestésico no sufrieron más complicaciones. No se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el empeoramiento de la función renal y la existencia de complicaciones intraoperatorias. El 6 %, es decir, 21 pacientes, reingresaron por complicaciones de las cuales, la más frecuente fue el pseudoaneurisma de la arteria renal que necesitó embolización endovascular. Conclusiones Tras diez años realizando esta técnica se puede destacar que, aunque los pacientes presentan un riesgo anestésico elevado no han tenido complicaciones perioperatorias graves. La NPLAR es una técnica segura que precisa un cuidadoso soporte anestésico. La tecnología robótica no garantiza por sí misma el éxito sin un buen trabajo en equipo.

Mujer de 66 años con nódulos cutáneos recurrentes, esplenomegalia, anemia hemolítica y neumonía organizada / A 66-year-old woman with recurrent skin nodules, splenomegaly, hemolytic anemia, and organizing pneumonia

We present the case of a women previously diagnosed with nodularpanniculitis (biopsy compatible with neutrophilic dermatosis) andmultifactorial anemia with signs of hemolysis and splenomegaly,who refers reappearance of painful nodules in extremities and general syndrome. The differential diagnosis of the coexistence of these alterations is proposed, with the subsequent solution of the case. (AU)

Presentamos el caso de una mujer con diagnóstico previo de paniculitis nodular con biopsia compatible con dermatosis neutrofílicay anemia multifactorial con componente hemolítico asociada a esplenomegalia, que consulta por reaparición de nódulos dolorososen extremidades y síndrome general. Se plantea el diagnóstico diferencial de la aparición conjunta de estas alteraciones y posteriorresolución del caso clínico. (AU)

Evaluación a los dos meses del alta hospitalaria tras la primera ola de COVID-19: presencia de síntomas persistentes / Assessment of hospitalized covid-19 patients two month after discharge: characterization of persistent symptoms

Introduction: a series of symptoms have been reported after COVID-19, which have been encompassed in the so-named “postCOVID syndrome”. PostCOVID syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder with an uncertain pathophysiology. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics and frequence of symptoms after COVID-19 discharge and to analyze the possible implicated factors. Methods: this is an observational propective study with COVID-19 patients hospitalized from March to April 2020. Patients were assessed in an outpatient clinic two months after discharge, and serological, radiological and laboratory workup was conducted. Previous medical history, length of stay (LOS) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were recorded. Persistent symptons (PS) were defined as those appearing after the acute infection and present at follow-up. Results: 74 patients were included. Mean age was 66±13 years, and 54.4% patients were men. Six (8.1%) patients needed ICU admission, and median LOS was 8 (6-12) days. Forty (54.8%) patients presented PS, the most frequent being fatigue and dyspnea (20.3% each). 77% patients presented laboratory abnormalities but just in 11 cases (15.1%) were they severe. Ten (13.5%) had radiological abnormalities. 71 (95.9%) had positive IgG serology. There were no differences between patients with and without PS regarding previous medical history or acute infection course. PS patients had a higher heart rate 83 (75-93) vs 76 65-85) bpm; p=0.038) at assessment. Conclusion: symptoms and laboratory abnormalities are frequent two months after COVID-19, although usually mild. No predictors... (AU)

Introducción: se han notificado tras el alta por COVID-19 una serie de síntomas englobados dentro del llamado “síndrome post-COVID”, un cuadro heterogéneo cuya fisiopatología es incierta. Nuestro objetivo es describir las características y frecuencia de síntomas tras el alta y analizar los posibles factores relacionados. Métodos: estudio observacional prospectivo con pacientes ingresados por COVID-19 durante marzo-abril de 2020. Se evaluó en consulta a los dos meses tras el alta con valoración clínica, analítica, serología y radiografía de tórax. Se recogieron los antecedentes, la estancia hospitalaria y la necesidad de UCI. Se definieron síntomas persistentes (SP) como síntomas que aparecieron desde la infección aguda y que se mantenían al seguimiento. Resultados: se revisaron 74 pacientes. La edad media fue 66±13 años, siendo un 51,4% hombres. Seis (8,1%) ingresaron en UCI, y la mediana de estancia fue 8 (6-12) días. Cuarenta (54,8%) presentaron SP, siendo los más frecuentes astenia y disnea (20,3% ambos). Un 77% tenía alteraciones analíticas pero solo en 11 (15,1%) fueron relevantes. Diez (13,5%) presentaban alteraciones radiológicas y 71 (95,9%) tenían IgG positiva. No hubo diferencias entre los pacientes con y sin SP en sus antecedentes o evolución hospitalaria. Los pacientes con SP estaban más taquicárdicos [83 (75-93) lpm vs 76 (65-85) lpm; p=0,038], no existiendo diferencias significativas en el resto de variables... (AU)

Pandemia por Covid19: otras consecuencias / Covid 19 pandemic: other consequences

Objetivo: Describir la evolución de la demanda en los servicios de urgencias, y los ingresos hospitalarios subsiguientes, en el área médica de un hospital general durante las fases iniciales de la pandemia por COVID19 y tras la declaración del estadio de alarma. Métodos: Estudio observacional de todas las visitas al Servicio de Urgencias de adultos, y de todos los ingresos en los servicios médicos que se generaron, entre los días 1 y 31 de marzo de los años 2017, 2018, 2019 y 2020 en un hospital general. Consideramos las 00.00 horas del día 14 de marzo como el inicio del estado de alarma, y punto de corte entre dos periodos: pre-estado de alarma (días 1 a 13 de marzo) y estado de alarma (días 14 a 31 de marzo). Resultados: Tras la declaración del estado de alarma la asistencia a Urgencias disminuyó un 65,1% y, entre estos pacientes, el porcentaje de ingresos se incrementó un 93,8%. A pesar de ello, el promedio de ingresos por día se redujo un 33%. Sin embargo Medicina Interna (incluyendo área COVID19) tuvo un promedio diario de 10,5 (SD 6,3) pacientes, levemente superior al registrado en años previos. Conclusiones: En las primeras semanas tras la instauración del estado de alarma por la pandemia por COVID19 disminuyó en casi dos tercios la frecuentación a las urgencias hospitalarias y en un tercio los ingresos en todas las áreas de un hospital general. Por el contrario, Medicina Interna (que incluyó ingresos por COVID19) mantuvo los mismos promedios. (AU)

Objective: Describe the evolution of the Emergency Department and the hospital admissions in the medical area of a general hospital during the initial phases of the COVID19 pandemic and after the state of alarm established in Spain. Methodology: Observational study of the patients who were admitted in the Emergency Department and the admissions in medical services from 1st to 31th of March in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 in a general hospital. The beginning of the state of alarm was considered at 00.00 on March 14th of 2020 and a cut-off point is also taken into account between two periods: before the state of alert (March 1st-13th) and the state of alert (March 14th-31th). Results: After the state of alarm, the admission of patients decrease in the Emergency Department by 65.1% and the income in medical areas was increased in 93.8%. Despite this, the average of incomes per day decreased by 33%. However, Internal Medicine (including COVID19 area) had a daily average of 10.5 (SD 6.3) patients, slightly higher than the one registered in previous years. Conclusions: In the first weeks after the state of alarm due to COVID19 pandemic, the attendance in the Emergency Department decreased about two thirds and the incomes in medical areas decreased a third in all areas of a general hospital. On the other hand, Internal Medicine (included COVID-19 area) maintained the same averages. (AU)

Understanding PFAAs exposure in a generalist seabird species breeding in the vicinity of a fluorochemical plant: Influence of maternal transfer and diet.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are a focus of scientific and regulatory attention nowadays. However, PFAAs dynamics in the environment and the factors that determine wildlife exposure are still not well understood. In this study we examined PFAAs exposure in chicks of a generalist seabird species, the lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), breeding 49 km away of a PFAAs hotspot (a fluorochemical plant in Antwerp, Belgium). In order to study the pathways of PFAAs exposure, we measured how chicks' PFAAs burden varied with age, sex, and body condition. In addition, we related PFAA concentrations to chicks' diet using stable isotope signatures. For this purpose, we studied plasma PFAA concentrations in 1-week and 4-week-old gull chicks. Only 4 (PFOS, PFOA, PFDA and PFNA) out of the 13 target PFAA compounds were detected. Measured concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were generally high compared to other seabird species but were highly variable between individuals. Furthermore, our results suggest that maternal transfer plays a significant role in determining chicks' PFAAs burden, and that there are variable sources of exposure for PFOS and PFOA during post-hatching development. The association between PFOS and specific stable isotopes (i.e. δ15N and δ13C) suggests a higher exposure to PFOS in birds with a predominantly marine diet. We also found that males' condition was positively associated with PFOS plasmatic concentration, probably due to the indirect effect of being fed a high quality (marine) diet which appears PFOS rich. Yet, exact exposure source(s) for PFOA remain(s) unclear. Given that PFOS concentrations measured in some chicks surpassed the toxicity reference value calculated for top avian predators, continued monitoring of exposure and health of this gull population, and other wildlife populations inhabiting the area, is highly recommended.

Birds feeding on tebuconazole treated seeds have reduced breeding output.

Drilled seeds are an important food resource for many farmland birds but may pose a serious risk when treated with pesticides. Most compounds currently used as seed treatment in the EU have low acute toxicity but may still affect birds in a sub-chronic or chronic way, especially considering that the sowing season lasts several weeks or months, resulting in a long exposure period for birds. Tebuconazole is a triazole fungicide widely used in agriculture but its toxicity to birds remains largely unknown. Our aim was to test if a realistic scenario of exposure to tebuconazole treated seeds affected the survival and subsequent reproduction of the red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa). We fed captive partridges with wheat seeds treated with 0%, 20% or 100% of tebuconazole application rate during 25 days in late winter (i.e. tebuconazole dietary doses were approximately 0.2 and 1.1 mg/kg bw/day). We studied treatment effects on the physiology (i.e. body weight, biochemistry, immunology, oxidative stress, coloration) and reproduction of partridges. Exposed birds did not reduce food consumption but presented reduced plasmatic concentrations of lipids (triglycerides at both exposure doses, cholesterol at high dose) and proteins (high dose). The coloration of the eye ring was also reduced in the low dose group. Exposure ended 60 days before the first egg was laid, but still affected reproductive output: hatching rate was reduced by 23% and brood size was 1.5 times smaller in the high dose group compared with controls. No significant reproductive effects were found in the low dose group. Our results point to the need to study the potential endocrine disruption mechanism of this fungicide with lagged effects on reproduction. Risk assessments for tebuconazole use as seed treatment should be revised in light of these reported effects on bird reproduction.

Usefulness of a Telemedicine Tool TELEA in the Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The usefulness of telemedicine in the management of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been evaluated. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study of the process of recruitment and follow-up of patients using a telemedicine tool (TELEA) in the management of patients at risk, in a rural environment with a dispersed population in Lugo in north western Spain. Results: A large number of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 infection (N = 545) were evaluated. Of this group, 275 had comorbidities and were enrolled in the program, with a mean age of 57.6 ± 16.3 years, 43.1% male. The risk factors were hypertension (38%), diabetes (16%), asthma (9.5%), heart disease (8.8%), and immunosuppression (5.1%). Patients were followed through the platform with daily control of symptoms and vital signs. Only 8% were admitted to the hospital, 5.1% on a scheduled basis and 2.9% through the emergency room. Conclusion: The telemedicine tool TELEA is useful for the management of high-risk patients with COVID-19.

Pleuritis por Cryptococcus neoformans en paciente inmunocompetente / Cryptococcus neoformans pleuritis in an immunocompetent patient

No disponible

Perfluoroalkyl Acids (PFAAs) Concentrations and Oxidative Status in Two Generations of Great Tits Inhabiting a Contamination Hotspot.

The ubiquity of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) contrasts with the limited information about their effects. We report here PFAA plasma concentrations in wild populations of great tits ( Parus major) settled at and in the vicinity of a fluorochemical plant in Antwerp (Belgium). Using two generations we obtained novel results on some poorly known issues such as differences between sexes, maternal transfer of the compounds and potential associations with the oxidative status. For five out of the 11 detected PFAAs, the concentrations were the highest ever reported in birds' plasma, which confirms that Antwerp is one of the main hotspots for PFAAs pollution. Contrary to other studies conducted in birds, we found that females presented higher mean concentrations and detection frequencies for two compounds (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA)) than males. Maternal transfer and the dietary intake appear to be the main route of exposure for nestlings to PFOS but not to other compounds. Finally, PFAA concentrations tended to correlate positively with protein damage in adult birds while in nestlings they positively correlated with higher activity of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and catalase). Experimental work is needed to confirm oxidative stress as a pathway for the pernicious effects of PFAAs.

Limited reproductive impairment in a passerine bird species exposed along a perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) pollution gradient.

Although bird eggs have been used in biomonitoring studies on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), effects of environmental concentrations on reproduction remain largely unknown in wild birds. In the present study we examined the associations between the concentrations of 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) and 11 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) in the eggs of great tits (Parus major), collected along a distance gradient from a pollution source, and multiple reproductive parameters (including the start of egg laying, clutch size, hatching success, fledging success and total breeding success) along with egg shell thickness and body condition of the nestlings. The PFAA concentrations measured at the plant site were among the highest ever reported in wild bird eggs. PFAA concentrations decreased sharply with increasing distance (0-11 km) from the plant, but remained relatively elevated in the adjacent sites. PFAAs were grouped into principal components (PCs) to prevent collinearity. High concentrations of PFOS, PFDS, PFDoDA, PFTrDA and PFTeDA (grouped as PC1) were associated with a reduced hatching success of nests where at least one egg hatched, thinner egg shells and increased survival of the hatched chicks. High concentrations of PFDA (PC2) were associated with a reduced hatching success, especially in nests where no eggs hatched, an earlier start of egg laying and a reduction of total breeding success, mainly caused by the failure in hatching. Although the major manufacturer of PFAAs phased out the production of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and related products in 2002, concentrations appear to have increased since previous measurements. Surprisingly, despite the very high concentrations close to the fluorochemical plant, there was no clear evidence for reproductive impairment as the observed associations between PFAA concentrations and reproductive parameters were rather limited compared to previous studies in songbirds. These findings also suggest potential differences in sensitivity between species. CAPSULE: Despite the very high PFAA concentrations at the perfluorochemical hotspot, correlations with reproductive parameters were limited.

Variation in PFAA concentrations and egg parameters throughout the egg-laying sequence in a free-living songbird (the great tit, Parus major): Implications for biomonitoring studies.

Over the past decades, there has been growing scientific attention and public concern towards perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), due to their widespread presence in the environment and associations with adverse effects on various organisms. Bird eggs have often been used as less-invasive biomonitoring tools for toxicological risk assessments of persistent organic pollutants, including some PFAAs. Hereby, it is typically assumed that one random egg is representative for the PFAA concentrations of the whole clutch. However, variation of PFAA concentrations within clutches due to laying sequence influences can have important implications for the egg collection strategy and may impede interpretations of the quantified concentrations. Therefore, the main objective of this paper was to study variation patterns and possible laying sequence associations with PFAA concentrations in eggs of the great tit (Parus major). Eight whole clutches (4-8 eggs) were collected at a location in the Antwerp region, situated about 11 km from a known PFAA point source. The ∑ PFAA concentrations ranged from 8.9 to 75.1 ng g-1 ww. PFOS concentrations ranged from 6.7 to 55.1 ng g-1 ww and this compound was the dominant contributor to the total PFAA profile (74%), followed by PFDoA (7%), PFOA (7%), PFDA (5%), PFTrA (4%) and PFNA (3%). The within-clutch variation (70.7%) of the ∑ PFAA concentrations was much larger than the among-clutch variation (29.3%) and concentrations decreased significantly for some PFAA compounds throughout the laying sequence. Nevertheless, PFAA concentrations were positively and significantly correlated between some egg pairs within the same clutch, especially between egg 1 and egg 3. For future PFAA biomonitoring studies, we recommend to consistently collect the same egg along the laying sequence, preferably the first or third egg if maximizing egg exposure metrics is the main objective.

Brood size is reduced by half in birds feeding on flutriafol-treated seeds below the recommended application rate.

Despite the efforts of the European Commission to implement measures that offset the detrimental effects of agricultural intensification, farmland bird populations continue to decline. Pesticide use has been pointed out as a major cause of decline, with growing concern about those agro-chemicals that act as endocrine disruptors. We report here on the effects of flutriafol, a ubiquitous systemic fungicide used for cereal seed treatment, on the physiology and reproduction of a declining gamebird. Captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa; n = 11-13 pairs per treatment) were fed wheat treated with 0%, 20% or 100% of the flutriafol application rate during 25 days in late winter. We studied treatment effects on the reproductive performance, carotenoid-based coloration and cellular immune responsiveness of adult partridges, and their relationship with changes in oxidative stress biomarkers and plasma biochemistry. We also studied the effect of parental exposure on egg antioxidant content and on the survival, growth and cellular immune response of offspring. Exposed partridges experienced physiological effects (reduced levels of cholesterol and triglycerides), phenotypical effects (a reduction in the carotenoid-based pigmentation of their eye rings), and most importantly, severe adverse effects on reproduction: a reduced clutch size and fertile egg ratio, and an overall offspring production reduced by more than 50%. No effects on body condition or cellular immune response of either exposed adult or their surviving offspring were observed. These results, together with previous data on field exposure in wild partridges, demonstrate that seed treatment with flutriafol represents a risk for granivorous birds; they also highlight a need to improve the current regulation system used for foreseeing and preventing negative impacts of Plant Protection Products on wildlife.