Mercury in feathers from Chilean birds: influence of location, feeding strategy, and taxonomic affiliation.

This study reports baseline concentrations of mercury (Hg) in feathers from different species of birds sampled at various locations off the Chilean coast (Southeastern Pacific). Hg concentrations were evaluated in relation to geographic location, taxonomic affiliation, and feeding strategies. Between January and March of 1995, we collected mature contour feathers from 116 birds belonging to 22 species, mostly seabirds. Birds were collected from 10 different locations (26 degrees 09'S, 70 degrees 40'W to 54 degrees 56'S, 67 degrees 37'W). Feather Hg concentrations ranged from 0.11 to 13 microg g(-1) dry weight. We found differences in feather Hg concentrations across taxonomic groups, with highest concentrations in petrels, shearwaters, and albatrosses (Procellaridae), followed by boobies (Sulidae), gulls, terns, skuas (Laridae) and cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae). Ibises and oystercatchers (Threskiornithidae and Charadriidae) had intermediate values, whereas ducks and geese (Anatidae) contained the least amount of Hg. Oceanic species preying on mesopelagic fish (the Procellariformes albatrosses, petrels, and fulmars) had over twice as much Hg (overall average of 3.9 microg g(-1)) when compared to the rest of the species sampled (overall average of 1.5 microg g(-1)). We did not find higher Hg concentrations in birds inhabiting the more heavily industrialized and urbanized areas of the country (central and northern regions), but in birds inhabiting the remote Juan Fernandez Archipelago. This is not surprising, since all the Procellariformes (the group with highest Hg values in this study) were collected from these islands. Except for Hg in Kermadec petrels (mean of 12 microg g(-1)), the range of Hg values reported here (0.11-7.3 microg g(-1)) fell below those known to cause adverse health and reproductive effects in birds.

Unrelated umbilical cord stem cell transplantation for X-linked immunodeficiencies.

Banked unrelated umbilical cord blood matched at 5 of 6 human leukocyte antigen loci was used to reconstitute the immune system in 2 brothers with X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome and 1 boy with X-linked hyperimmunoglobulin-M syndrome. Pretransplant cytoreduction and posttransplant graft-versus-host prophylaxis were given. Hematopoietic engraftment and correction of the genetic defects were documented by molecular techniques. Two years after transplantation, all 3 patients have normal immune systems. These reports support the wider use of banked partially matched cord blood for transplantation in primary immunodeficiencies.

Intrauterine growth and postnatal fasting metabolism in infants of obese mothers.

We compared neonatal fasting metabolism in 12 infants of obese women and 10 control infants born to lean mothers. Weight gain during pregnancy was less among obese women (7.2 vs 13.6 kg). Term infants born to obese women were heavier (3.9 bs 3.2 kg), had greater triceps and midscapular skinfold thicknesses, and had heavier placentae (687 vs 572 gm). Length and head circumference were not affected. After birth, fasting blood glucose concentrations declined in obese infants to hypoglycemic levels at 60 minutes of the study (26.3 vs 63.1 mg/dl). Insulin levels were not statistically different between the two groups. The postnatal rise of free fatty acids and glycerol was augmented in infants of obese mothers, whereas the decline of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate values was augmented in infants of obese mothers, whereas the decline of plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate values was attenuated. Cord vein and artery plasma triglyceride concentrations were elevated in infants of obese mothers, and the usual rise of triglycerides with fasting after birth was further augmented in these infants. These data suggest that despite less than optimal maternal weight gain, sufficient or even surplus fuels are provided to the fetus of the obese mother and results in augmented fetal growth. Furthermore, the occurrence of fasting hypoglycemia necessitates careful monitoring of postnatal blood glucose values.