Levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and the role of anthropic subsidies in the diet of avian scavengers tracked by stable isotopes.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have been identified as a significant factor driving declines in wildlife populations. These contaminants exhibit a dual tendency to biomagnify up the food chains and persist within tissues, rendering long-lived vertebrates, such as raptors, highly vulnerable to their adverse effects. We assessed the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fledglings of two vulture species, the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), coexisting in northern Spain. Vultures, currently facing a severe threat with a population decline exceeding 90%, represent one of the most critically endangered avian groups in the Old World. Despite this critical situation, there remains a scarcity of research examining the intricate relationship between contaminant levels and individual foraging behaviors. In parallel, we analyzed stable isotope levels (δ15N and δ13C) in fledgling's feathers and prey hair to determine the association between individual dietary and contaminant burdens. Our findings revealed higher levels of PCBs in Egyptian vultures, while pesticide concentrations remained very similar between focal species. Furthermore, higher individual values of δ13C, indicating a diet based on intensive farming carcasses and landfills, were associated with higher levels of PCBs. While the levels of POPs found do not raise immediate alarm, the presence of individuals with unusually high values reveals the existence of accessible contamination sources in the environment for avian scavengers. The increasing reliance of these birds on intensive livestock farming and landfills, due to the decline of extensive livestock farming, necessitates long-term monitoring of potential contaminant effects on their populations.

Detección de mutaciones del gen de HNF1B en niños con malformaciones congénitas renales y del tracto urinario / Detection of mutations of the HNF1B gene in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract

Resumen: Introducción: Las anomalías congénitas del riñón y del tracto urinario se originan de alteraciones genéticas, en su mayoría desconocidas. Las mutaciones en el gen que codifica para el factor hepatocitario nuclear 1B (HNF1B), son la causa monogénica más frecuentemente descrita. Se desconocen datos en Chile y Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de variantes del gen HNF1B en niños chilenos con anomalías congénitas del riñón y/o tracto urinario y sus características clínicas. Pacientes y Mé todo: Estudio descriptivo con pacientes entre 10 meses y 17 años, consultantes en Unidad de Nefrología Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna, período abril - diciembre 2016, portadores de displasia renal quística, displasia/hipoplasia renal no quística y/o riñón en herradura. Se determinaron variantes de HNF1B mediante secuenciación de exones 1, 2, 3 y 4; previa extracción y amplificación de DNA. Se utilizaron enzimas de restricción para definir si variantes eran homo o heterocigotas. Familiares di rectos de casos índices se estudiaron con secuenciación del exón afectado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 32 pacientes, 43,75% varones, mediana edad 11 años. El 65,6% displasia/hipoplasia renal no quística, 31,25% displasia renal quística y 3,15% riñón en herradura. En 2 pacientes (6,25%) se detectó una misma variante genética heterocigota en exón 4, posición 1027 (C1027T), no descrita anteriormente. El estudio de familiares determinó la variante en 3 de 5 individuos, todos sin anomalías nefrouro- lógicas congénitas. Conclusiones: Confirmamos la presencia de una variante genética heterocigota del gen HNF1B, no descrita previamente, dando inicio a la búsqueda de este tipo de mutaciones en nuestro medio, lo cual nos permite aproximarnos al conocimiento de causalidad, determinación de compromiso extrarrenal y consejo genético.

Abstract Introduction: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are caused by genetic alterations mostly unknown. Mutations in the gene that codes for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B (HNF1B) are the most frequently described monogenic causes. Data are unknown in Chile and Latin America. Objective: To determine the presence of variants of the HNF1B gene in Chilean children with conge nital anomalies of the kidney and/or the urinary tract and their clinical characteristics. Patients and Method: Descriptive study with children aged 10 months to 17 years, patients of the Calvo Mackenna Hospital Nephrology Unit, with cystic renal dysplasia, non cystic renal dysplasia/hypoplasia, horses hoe kidney between April and December 2016. HNF1B variants were determined by sequencing of exons 1, 2, 3 and 4 after DNA extraction and amplification. Restriction enzymes were used to define if the variants were homo or heterozygous. Direct family members of index cases were studied with sequencing of the affected exon. Results: 32 patients were included, 43.75% males, median age 11 years. 65.6% of them had non-cystic renal dysplasia, 31.25% cystic renal dysplasia, and 3.15% hor seshoe kidney. In two patients (6.25%) the same heterozygous genetic variant was detected in exon 4, position 1027 (C1027T), not previously described. The study of relatives found the same variant in three out of five individuals, all without congenital nephro-urological anomalies. Conclusions: We confirmed the presence of a not previously described heterozygous genetic variant of the HNF1B gene. This work initiates the search for this type of mutations in our region which allows us to ap proach the knowledge of causality, determination of extrarenal involvement, and genetic counseling.

[Detection of mutations of the HNF1B gene in children with congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract]. / Detección de mutaciones del gen de HNF1B en niños con malformaciones congénitas renales y del tracto urinario.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract are caused by genetic alterations mostly unknown. Mutations in the gene that codes for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1B (HNF1B) are the most frequently described monogenic causes. Data are unknown in Chile and Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of variants of the HNF1B gene in Chilean children with conge nital anomalies of the kidney and/or the urinary tract and their clinical characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Descriptive study with children aged 10 months to 17 years, patients of the Calvo Mackenna Hospital Nephrology Unit, with cystic renal dysplasia, non cystic renal dysplasia/hypoplasia, horses hoe kidney between April and December 2016. HNF1B variants were determined by sequencing of exons 1, 2, 3 and 4 after DNA extraction and amplification. Restriction enzymes were used to define if the variants were homo or heterozygous. Direct family members of index cases were studied with sequencing of the affected exon. RESULTS: 32 patients were included, 43.75% males, median age 11 years. 65.6% of them had non-cystic renal dysplasia, 31.25% cystic renal dysplasia, and 3.15% hor seshoe kidney. In two patients (6.25%) the same heterozygous genetic variant was detected in exon 4, position 1027 (C1027T), not previously described. The study of relatives found the same variant in three out of five individuals, all without congenital nephro-urological anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the presence of a not previously described heterozygous genetic variant of the HNF1B gene. This work initiates the search for this type of mutations in our region which allows us to ap proach the knowledge of causality, determination of extrarenal involvement, and genetic counseling.

Anomalías en el Desarrollo y Formación Dental: Odontodisplasia / Development Abnormalities and Dental Training: Odontodysplasia

El papel que desempeñan las alteraciones genéticas en el desarrollo dental es fundamental. Se ha descubierto que si no existe una correcta expresión del gen o se da una mutación de este, el individuo podría presentar ausencias o malformaciones de estructuras de la boca. Por esta razón se describe la forma en que se da el desarrollo de las estructuras dentales, teniendo en cuenta cómo las interacciones genética y ambiental influyen en su correcto desarrollo. Entre los genes involucrados se encuentran el PAX9 y el MSX1, que según recientes investigaciones son los implicados en las ausencias congénitas de estructuras dentarias o sus posibles alteraciones, teniendo en cuenta que la delación de estos genes o su mutación son factores hereditarios. Los genes odontogénicos PAX9 y MSX1, son genes homeóticos (homebox) que codifican para factores de transcripción y son responsables, durante la odontogénesis, de la expresión de genes asociados con la regulación espacial y temporal dentro del primer arco braquial. En determinado momento de la organogénesis pueden darse fallas en la expresión de los factores necesarios para la formación y buen desarrollo dental, causando anomalías como la Odontodisplasia Regional (OR), también denominada diente fantasma o detención localizada del desarrollo dental, la cual es una anomalía estructural del desarrollo, compleja y rara; parece ser el resultado de una o más mutaciones puntuales en el cromosoma 4 y 14. Se reportan dos casos donde se describen las características clínicas, radiográficas, y el seguimiento clínico.

The role of genetic alterations in tooth development is essential. It has been discovered that if there is a correct expression of the gene or there is a mutation of this, the individual could present absence or malformations of structures of the oral cavity or other body parts. For this reason we describe how given the development of dental structures, taking into account how genetic and environmental interactions influence their proper development. Among the genes involved are in the PAX9 and MSX1, which according to recent research are involved in congenital absence of dental structures or alterations, considering that the denunciation of these genes or the mutation is inherited. The odontogenic PAX9 and MSX1 genes are homeotic genes (homebox) that encode for transcription factors and are responsible, during odontogenesis, the expression of genes associated with spatial and temporal regulation within the first brachial arch. At some point during organogenesis may be flaws in the expression of the factors necessary for the formation and tooth development, causing among other abnormalities Regional Odontodysplasia (RO), also called ghost tooth or detention tooth dental development located, which is a structural anomaly development complex and rare; seems to be the result of one or more point mutations in the chromosome 4 and 14. In this report we show two cases with odontodysplasia where there are clinical and radiographic features of two patients with this anomaly, one of them has been made up and treatment, and the other begins his analysis stage.

[Mineral metabolism in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis]. / Metabolismo mineral en niños en diálisis peritoneal crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) have disorders of mineral metabolism that impact their growth, survival and cardiovascular functions. New molecular markers offer a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To characterize some components of mineral metabolism, with emphasis on FGF23/Klotho and cardiovascular functions (CV) of these patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective observational cohort study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: serum 25 (OH) vitamin D < 20 ng/ml, peritonitis within the last two months and active nephrotic syndrome. Calcemia, phosphemia, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25 (OH) vitD3, 1.25 (OH) vitD3, FGF23 and Klotho in plasma were measured. FGF23 and Klotho were quantified in healthy children as a control group. Echocardiography was performed calculating the left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Descriptive statistics analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient for association among variables and multivariate analysis were conducted. RESULTS: 33 patients, 16 males, aged between 1.2 and 13.4 years were included. Age of onset for PD: 7.3 ± 5.0 years, time receiving PD: 13.5 ± 14.5 months. The plasma concentration of 25 (OH) vitD3 was 34.2 ± 6.3 pg/ml. Calcemia and phosphemia values were 9.8 ± 0.71 and 5.4 ± 1.0 mg/dl respectively. PTH was 333 ± 287 pg/ml. FGF23 in plasma was 225.7 ± 354.3 pg/ml and Klotho 131.6 ± 72 pg/ml, and in the controls ( n = 16 ), it was 11.9 ± 7.2 pg/ml and 320 ± 119 pg/ml, respectively. The residual and total dose of dialysis (KtV) was 1.6 ± 1.3 and 2.9 ± 1.6, respectively. FGF23 levels significantly correlated with calcium (p < 0.001, r = 0.85), and inversely with residual KtV, showing no relationship with phosphemia. Klotho level correlated negatively with residual KtV and also, it showed a negative association with chronological age and age at onset of PD. LVMI > 38 g/m² was confirmed in 20/28 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The values of FGF23, and PTH are elevated in children with CKD on PD. Klotho levels in CKD patients are lower than control children. A strong association of calcemia with FGF23 and PTH is reported. Residual renal function is inversely associated with FGF23 and Klotho. A high incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy was found evidencing a cardiovascular compromise in these patients.

Metabolismo mineral en niños en diálisis peritoneal crónica / Mineral metabolism in patients on chronic peritoneal dialysis

Introduction: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) have disorders of mineral metabolism that impact their growth, survival and cardiovascular functions. New molecular markers offer a better understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. Objective: To characterize some components of mineral metabolism, with emphasis on FGF23/Klotho and cardiovascular functions (CV) of these patients. Patients and Method: Prospective observational cohort study. Exclusion criteria: serum 25 (OH) vitamin D < 20 ng/ml, peritonitis within the last two months and active nephrotic syndrome. Calcemia, phosphemia, parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25 (OH) vitD3, 1.25 (OH) vitD3, FGF23 and Klotho in plasma were measured. FGF23 and Klotho were quantified in healthy children as a control group. Echocardiography was performed calculating the left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Descriptive statistics analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient for association among variables and multivariate analysis were conducted. Results: 33 patients, 16 males, aged between 1.2 and 13.4 years were included. Age of onset for PD: 7.3 +/- 5.0 years, time receiving PD: 13.5 +/- 14.5 months. The plasma concentration of 25 (OH) vitD3 was 34.2 +/- 6.3 pg/ml. Calcemia and phosphemia values were 9.8 ± 0.71 and 5.4 +/- 1.0 mg/dl respectively. PTH was 333 +/- 287 pg/ml. FGF23 in plasma was 225.7 +/- 354.3 pg/ml and Klotho 131.6 +/- 72 pg/ml, and in the controls ( n = 16 ), it was 11.9 +/- 7.2 pg/ml and 320 +/- 119 pg/ml, respectively. The residual and total dose of dialysis (KtV) was 1.6 +/- 1.3 and 2.9 +/- 1.6, respectively. FGF23 levels significantly correlated with calcium (p < 0.001, r = 0.85), and inversely with residual KtV, showing no relationship with phosphemia. Klotho level correlated negatively with residual KtV and also, it showed a negative association with chronological age and age at onset of PD. LVMI > 38 g/m² was confirmed in 20/28 patients...

Introducción: Los niños portadores de Enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en diálisis peritoneal (DP) presentan alteraciones del metabolismo mineral que afectan su crecimiento, estado cardiovascular y sobrevida. Nuevos marcadores moleculares representan una mejor comprensión de la fisiopatología de esta enfermedad. Objetivo: Caracterizar componentes del metabolismo mineral, con énfasis en FGF23/Klotho, y estado cardiovascular (CV) en este grupo de pacientes. Pacientes y Método: Estudio prospectivo observacional. Criterios de exclusión: niveles de 25 (OH) vitamina D < 20 ng/ml, peritonitis hasta 2 meses previos y síndrome nefrótico activo. Se midió calcemia, fosfemia, paratohormona (PTH), 25 (OH) vitD3, 1,25 (OH) vitD3, FGF23 y Klotho en plasma. Se cuantificó FGF23 y Klotho en niños sanos como grupo control. Se efectuó ecocardiografía, calculándose el índice de masa ventricular izquierda (IMVI). Se realizó análisis estadístico descriptivo, coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para asociación entre variables y análisis multivariado. Resultados: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes, 16 varones, edad 1,2 a 13,4 años. Edad de inicio de DP: 7,3 +/- 5,0 años, tiempo en DP: 13,5 +/- 14,5 meses. El nivel plasmático de 25 (OH) vitD3 fue 34,2 +/- 6,3 pg/ml. Los valores de calcemia y fosfemia fueron 9,8 +/- 0,71 y 5,4 +/- 1,0 mg/dl respectivamente. La PTH fue de 333 +/- 287 pg/ml. El FGF23 en plasma fue de 225,7 +/- 354,3 pg/ml y Klotho 131,6 +/- 72 pg/ml, y en los controles (n = 16) fue de 11,9 +/- 7,2 pg/ ml y 320 +/- 119 pg/ml, respectivamente. La dosis de diálisis (KtV) residual y total fue de 1,6 +/- 1,3 y 2,9 +/- 1.6, respectivamente. El nivel de FGF23 se correlacionó significativamente con la calcemia (p < 0,001, r = 0,85), e inversamente con el KtV residual, sin mostrar relación con la fosfemia. El nivel de Klotho...

Síndrome nefrótico cortico-resistente secundario a mutación genética, a propósito de 2 casos clínicos / Corticoresistant nephrotic syndrome secondary to genetic mutation, 2 Case-report

Background: Around 10-30 percent patients with Corticoresistant Nephrotic Syndrome (CRNS) have hereditary glomerulopathy. Objective: Describe 2 children with CRNS on chronic peritoneal dyalisis (CPD), with positive Podocin mutation genetic study. Case-report 1: A 4 years-old male with CRNS and diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at renal biopsy, with positive R 229Q and A 284V Podocin mutation genetic study. The treatment included Enalapril, steroids and Cyclophosphamide without remission, requiring CPD at 12 years-old. Case-report 2: A 6 years-old female with CRNS and diagnosis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) at renal biopsy, with positive R 229Q and A 284V Podocin mutation genetic study. The treatment included Enalapril, steroids and Cyclophosphamide without remission, requiring CPD at 7 years-old. Conclusion: The genetic mutation study should be included in all CRNS cases, in order to guide the therapy and prognosis of the disease.

En pacientes portadores de Síndrome Nefrótico Córtico Resistente (SNCR) se ha demostrado que entre el 10 y 30 por ciento presentan glomerulopatías hereditarias. Objetivo: Describir dos niños portadores de SNCR en diálisis peritoneal crónica (DPC), cuyo estudio genético para mutación de podocina fue positivo. Caso 1: Paciente de sexo masculino, debuta a los 4 años con un SNCR, biopsia renal informa una Glomerulo Esclerosis Focal Segmentaria (GEFS), se maneja con enalapril, esteroides y ciclofosfamida, sin lograr remisión. A los 12 años ingresa a DPC, estudio genético resulta positivo para mutación del gen de la podocina en los alelos R 229Q y A 284V. Caso 2: Paciente de sexo femenino, a los 6 años de edad debuta con un SNCR, biopsia renal informa GEFS, recibe tratamiento clásico sin respuesta, a los 7 años inicia DPC. Su estudio reporta mutación de podocina alelos R229Q y A284V. Conclusión: El estudio genético debería ser incorporado en el estudio etiopatogénico de todo SNCR para orientar el tratamiento y pronóstico de la enfermedad.

Pesquisa de cáncer de próstata en dos localidades rurales / Prostatic cancer screening in rural setting

Para pesquisar y fomentar la prevención del cáncer de próstata en una población rural, se realizó un tamizado consistente en: encuesta sobre síntomas urológicos, tacto rectal (TR) y medición de antígeno prostático específico (APE). Se estudiaron 39 voluntarios, con consentimiento informado, mayores de 40 años y concentrados entre 50 y 65 años. En la encuesta se aplicó el algoritmo de manejo en atención primaria del MINSAL. Nueve tenían antecedentes familiares de patología prostática (uno, de cáncer). Veintinueve refirieron al menos un síntoma urinario, siendo 10 asintomáticos y 11 con tacto rectal alterado. Dos valores del APE estuvieron sobre el nivel de corte ( 4 ng/ml). Los valores del APE en su mayoría resultaron normales, lo que era esperable en un grupo con pocos factores de riesgo, resultando alterados solo 2. Se considera que el cáncer de próstata debe ser abordado como un problema de salud pública de manera activa, implementando las pruebas de pesquisa precoz, junto con el correcto adiestramiento de los médicos generales o de familia, que les permita discriminar al examen digital rectal, los casos en los que la glándula presenta características sugerentes de una neoplasia.

Offspring body condition and immunocompetence are negatively affected by high breeding densities in a colonial seabird: a multiscale approach.

Why avian colonies vary in size and how food competition among nearby colonies affects offspring quality are still not completely understood. We simultaneously examined the effects of four scales of breeding density on two measures of offspring viability (body condition and T-cell-mediated immunity) in the colonial Magellanic penguin. Body condition of fledglings was inversely correlated with breeding density within 100 m(2) of nests, and decreased with increasing numbers of breeding pairs competing within the parental foraging ranges (100 km), probably as a result of density-dependent food depletion. The T-cell-mediated immune response was positively correlated with body condition, reflecting, to some extent, the previous breeding-density effects, and was negatively correlated with colony size, which may be related to social stress. However, given the effect of protein intake on cell immunity, this result could also indicate a thus far neglected cost of coloniality, namely the consumption of low-protein food to compensate for the depletion of optimal prey. These results were not influenced by other traits, nor by the current exposure of birds to parasites and diseases, as measured by serological variables. Since body condition and the T-cell-mediated immune response of fledgling birds are indicators of their survival and recruitment prospects, the costs we have identified can explain variability in colony size in relation to food competition with surrounding colonies, as well as the skewed distribution toward small colonies in this species.