Study of temporal trends in mercury concentrations in the primary flight feathers of Strix aluco.

Temporal trends in Hg concentrations were determined in the primary flight feathers of 146 specimens of Strix aluco which had died in various Wildlife Recovery Centres in Galicia (NW Spain) between 1997 and 2014. The aim of the study was to determine whether standardization of a primary flight feather (or feathers) in this species is essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg concentrations. For this purpose, we had to first standardize the feather(s) analyzed to enable comparison of the levels of Hg detected in different feathers. The results show a high degree of both inter and intra-individual variability but despite that, it was possible to identify P5 as the most representative feather taking into account the amount of metal excreted in each feather and the intra-individual variability: its median was 133ng, which represents 15% (from 7% to 15%) of the total Hg present in all the primary feathers. However, this "standard feather" did not reveal any temporal trend in Hg concentrations for the study period. This lack of trend was found irrespective of the feather considered and it is expected that detection of any existing trend would also not depend on the feather considered. We conclude that use of any particular feather is not essential for identifying temporal trends in Hg concentrations, because the pattern will be identified regardless of the feather selected.

Magnetic resonance imaging for staging and treatment planning in cervical cancer. / Imagen por resonancia magnética en la estadificación y planificación del tratamiento del cáncer de cérvix.

OBJECTIVE: To review the key points that are essential for the correct staging of cervical cancer by magnetic resonance imaging. CONCLUSION: Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice for locoregional staging of cervical cancer. Thorough evaluation of prognostic factors such as tumor size, invasion of adjacent structures, and the presence of lymph node metastases is fundamental for planning appropriate treatment.

Active biomonitoring with the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum: Comparison between different types of transplants and bulk deposition.

Active biomonitoring with terrestrial mosses can be used to complement traditional air pollution monitoring techniques. Several studies have been carried out to compare the uptake capacity of different types of moss transplants. However, until now the relationship between the uptake of elements in devitalized moss bags and in irrigated transplants has not been explored. In this study, the final concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn were determined in irrigated and devitalized moss transplants in the surroundings of a steelworks. The concentrations were also compared with those of the same elements in the bulk deposition to determine which type of moss transplant yields the closest correlations. Devitalized moss retained higher concentrations of all of the elements (except Hg) than the irrigated moss. Both irrigated and devitalized moss transplants appear to detect the same type of contamination (i.e. particulate matter and dissolved metals rather than gaseous forms) as significant correlations were found for Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn, whereas, neither type of the moss transplant was sensitive enough to detect changes in the soluble fraction load of bulk deposition. Further studies will be needed to a better understanding of the correlation between the concentrations of elements in moss transplants with the particulate fraction of the bulk deposition. This will enable the establishment of a more robust and accurate biomonitoring tool.

Magnetic resonance imaging of hypertrophic olivary degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To review the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in hypertrophic olivary degeneration, with attention to epidemiologic and clinical aspects and especially to imaging findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 5 patients diagnosed with hypertrophic olivary degeneration at our center from 2010 through 2013, analyzing relevant clinical, epidemiologic, and radiologic findings. RESULTS: In all cases, a hyperintensity was seen in the inferior olivary nuclei in FLAIR and T2-weighted sequences. No signal alterations were seen on T1-weighted sequences, and no enhancement was seen after intravenous injection of contrast material. In the cases studied by diffusion-weighted imaging, no significant alterations were seen in these sequences. Olivary hypertrophy was seen in all patients except in one, in whom presumably not enough time had elapsed for hypertrophy to occur. The alterations were bilateral in two of the five cases. Only one case exhibited the typical clinical manifestations. CONCLUSION: Given that patients may not present clinical manifestations that can be attributed to hypertrophic olivary degeneration, it is important to recognize the characteristic radiologic signs of this entity.

Bilateral transfemoral lower extremity transplantation: result at 1 year.

Upper limb transplantation has become a treatment option for upper limb amputees with good midterm results. Lower extremity transplantation has never been considered for fear of poor results. The authors present a bilateral transfemoral transplantation of lower extremities performed to a 22-year patient at 12 months of follow-up. The donor was a full HLA-mismatched female multiorgan donor. CMV status was D-/R-. A primary CMV infection coincident with an acute rejection occurred at 3 months and responded to treatment. At 1 year, the Tinel's sign is at malleolar level, there is active knee extension and active plantar flexion of the foot. The patient is walking between parallel bars. Further substantial improvements are expected with longer rehabilitation and follow-up.

On the use of epigaeic mosses to biomonitor atmospheric deposition of nitrogen.

In this study, we investigated whether the terrestrial moss Pseudoscleropodium purum can be used to biomonitor atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N). For this purpose, we first determined whether there are any interspecific differences in the concentrations of total N and δ(15)N between the two species of terrestrial moss most commonly used in biomonitoring studies, P. purum and Hypnum cupressiforme. Second, we determined the spatial distribution of N and δ(15)N at small and large scales: (1) by analysis of 165 samples from the surroundings of an aluminium smelter and (2) by analysis of 149 samples from sites forming part of a regular 15 × 15-km sampling network in Galicia (northwest Spain). We did not find any interspecific differences in either total N or δ(15)N. Analysis of δ(15)N enabled us to identify large-scale spatial patterns of distribution that were congruent with the location of the main N emission sources (unlike the analysis of total N). However, we did not identify any such patterns for the small-scale source of N emission studied. The results show that analysis of δ(15)N has an advantage compared with the analysis of total N in that it provides information about the source of N rather than about the amount of N received. Furthermore, isotope discrimination appears to occur, with the bryophytes preferentially accumulating the N(14) isotope. Although this amplifies the signal of reduced forms, it is not problematical for determining spatial-distribution patterns.

Establishing reference values of spectral reflectance indices in transplants of Pseudoscleropodium purum for potential use in atmospheric biomonitoring.

We studied the spatiotemporal variation of the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) and the chlorophyll content index (CHL index) in a terrestrial moss, using self-watering transplants distributed in 8 sampling sites that were sampled periodically during up to 4 years. We did not detect any seasonal patterns or difference between the studied sites, and therefore the variation across the sites reflected the influence of environmental variables in the area. We established the reference thresholds associated with physiological stress as -0.212 for PRI and 1.195 for CHL index. Our findings could be applied for biomonitoring atmospheric contamination on the basis of the physiological stress shown by the moss used.

Implementation of a minimal set of biological tests to assess the ecotoxic effects of effluents from land-based marine fish farms.

Environmental monitoring plans (EMP) that include chemical analysis of water, a battery of bioassays and the study of local hydrodynamic conditions are required for land-based marine aquaculture. In this study, the following standardized toxicity tests were performed to assess the toxicity of effluents from eight land-base marine fish farms (LBMFFs) located on the northwest coast of Spain: bacterial bioluminescence (with Vibrio fischeri at 15 and 30 min), microalgal growth (with Phaeodactyllum tricornutum and Isochrysis galbana) and sea urchin larval development (with Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula). These bioassays were evaluated for inclusion in routine fish farm monitoring. Effective concentrations (EC(5), EC(10), EC(20), EC(50)) for each bioassay were calculated from dose-response curves, obtained by fitting the bioassay results to the best parametric model. Moreover, a graphical method of integrating the results from the battery of bioassays and classifying the toxicity was proposed, and the potential ecotoxic effects probe (PEEP) index was calculated. The bacterial bioluminiscence test at 30min, growth of I. galbana and larval development of A. lixula were found to be the most sensitive and useful tests. Graphical integration of these test results enabled definition of the ecotoxicological profiles of the different farms. The PEEP index, considering EC(20), efficiently reflected the toxic loading potential of LBMFF effluents. In conclusion, a battery of bioassays with species from different low trophic levels is recommended as a rapid and cost-effective methodology for assessing LBMFF discharges. The graphical integration method and the PEEP index are proposed for consideration in EMPs for such farms.

Assessing the toxicity of chemical compounds associated with land-based marine fish farms: the sea urchin embryo bioassay with Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula.

In aquaculture, disinfection of facilities, prevention of fish diseases, and stimulation of fish growth are priority goals and the most important sources of toxic substances to the environment, together with excretory products from fish. In the present study, embryos of two species of sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula) were exposed to serial dilutions of six antibiotics (amoxicillin (AMOX), ampicillin, flumequine (FLU), oxytetracycline (OTC), streptomycin (ST), and sulfadiazine [SFD]) and two disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and formaldehyde [CH(2)O]). Alterations in larval development were studied, and the effective concentrations (ECs) were calculated to evaluate the toxicity of the substances. Both species showed similar sensitivities to all substances tested. Disinfectants (EC(50) = 1.78 and 1.79 mg/l for CH(2)O; EC(50) = 10.15 and 11.1 mg/l for NaClO) were found to be more toxic than antibiotics. AMOX, OTC, and ST caused <20 % of alterations, even at the highest concentrations tested. FLU was the most toxic to P. lividus (EC(50) = 31.0 mg/l) and SFD to A. lixula (EC(50) = 12.7 mg/l). The sea urchin bioassay should be considered within toxicity assessment-monitoring plans because of the sensitivity of larvae to disinfectants.

Designing an integrated environmental monitoring plan for land-based marine fish farms located at exposed and hard bottom coastal areas.

The increase in aquaculture activities in the last few decades has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in environmental controls and regulations. In this context, the application of environmental monitoring plans (EMPs) has become necessary to assess the environmental impact associated with fish farming wastes. The objective of this review paper is to evaluate the suitability of experimental and analytical procedures as monitoring tools for inclusion in EMPs for intensive land-based marine fish farms (LBMFFs). The strong hydrodynamics and, in particular, the lack of sediment on the rocky coasts where LBMFFs are usually located, greatly limit the monitoring tools that can be used. We propose EMPs that employ a weight-of-evidence approach to evaluate: contamination, trophic and toxic effects, and ecological integrity. Laboratory tests, in situ bioassays and field surveys of local species are presented as key tools for assessing the impact of LBMFFs on ecosystems. The δ(15)N signal along a spatial gradient is proposed for evaluating exposure to contaminants. Trophic effects can be determined by growth of transplanted macro- and microalgae. Toxic effects can be evaluated by responses at different levels of biological organization, including biochemical and histological changes, physiological alterations and survival, in species from different trophic levels. Fouling tests and analysis of community structures are recommended for assessing ecological integrity. This review contributes to the development of environmental controls for intensive LBMFFs, and for other activities that discharge wastewater to rocky shores.

Use of raptors for biomonitoring of heavy metals: gender, age and tissue selection.

The concentrations of cadmium, mercury and lead were determined in liver, kidney and feathers of Accipiter gentilis, Buteo buteo and Strix aluco. No significant differences in the concentrations of metals were observed in relation to either age or gender. Cadmium levels in feathers and in kidney were significantly correlated (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) in all species. In B. buteo, cadmium concentrations in feathers and in liver were also correlated (p < 0.01), as were the concentrations of lead in feathers and in liver (p < 0.05). The low correlation coefficients let to reject the possibility of predicting metals concentrations in viscera from the concentrations in feathers.

Testing differences in methods of preparing moss samples. Effect of washing on Pseudoscleropodium purum.

When terrestrial mosses are used to study the risks associated with the accumulation of airborne pollutants, samples must be washed to remove deposits adhering to the surface. Here, we studied the effects of washing the samples as well as of freezing, drying, and acclimatization treatments. The differences between the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn in washed and unwashed samples were significant, and therefore, it would not be valid to combine or compare the data corresponding to samples treated thus. We also investigated whether there were significant differences in the concentrations of various metals and metalloids yielded from samples subjected to different treatments prior to washing (freezing, drying, acclimatization after drying, and acclimatization only), while also considering possible effects of the level and type of contamination and the weather conditions. For many of the elements, we found significant differences that depended on both the levels of contamination at each sampling site and the weather. As these differences may be due to changes in the contents of the different cellular fractions, the sequential elution technique was applied to determine the locations of Cu, K, and Zn. The freezing and drying procedures were rejected because they alter the permeability of the membranes and lead to underestimation of the concentrations of elements. With the acclimatization procedure, particles of some elements adhere to the surface, making this option unsuitable when a description of bioconcentration is required. Taking into account these limitations and the lack of an optimal procedure, acclimatization after drying is proposed as the best option for harmonizing the method.

Biomonitoring freshwater FISH farms by measuring nitrogen concentrations and the δ15N signal in living and devitalized moss transplants.

The trophic balance of freshwater aquaculture activities has traditionally been monitored by chemical analysis of water; however, the parameters measured are usually characterized by high temporal variability. Aquatic mosses can be used as biomonitors as they integrate both continuous and episodic contamination events. Here we report, for the first time, a method for monitoring N enrichment in the surroundings of fish farms by measuring the N content and isotopic signal (δ15N) of transplanted living and devitalized specimens of the aquatic moss Fontinalis antipyretica. For this purpose, moss samples ("moss bags") were exposed at increasing distances (10, 100, 300 and 1000 m) up- and downstream of the effluent discharge points of four trout farms, for 10 and 30 days. The low natural (background) variability in δ15N in upstream samples enabled detection of outlier values, caused by aquaculture discharges, at distances of 10 and 100 m downstream, especially in devitalized moss and after 10 days of exposure. However, the unexpectedly low N contents of moss samples exposed close to the discharge points complicates interpretation of the high levels of N forms detected by conventional physicochemical analysis of water. Although the mechanisms that modify N parameters in moss tissues were not clear, measurement of the isotopic signal δ15N in devitalized moss exposed for 10 days proved useful for monitoring the N pollution associated with intensive freshwater aquaculture.

Physiological responses to atmospheric fluorine pollution in transplants of Pseudoscleropodium purum.

Transplants of the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum were placed under shade, and with an auto irrigation system, at five sites in the surroundings of an aluminium smelter to enable study of the possible effects of F on different physiological parameters after exposure periods of 28 and 56 days. Reference thresholds for the content of Chl a+b and for the pigment indexes of Chl a/b and D665/D665a were established with the data corresponding to 22 transplants of each duration of exposure, at seven sites where there was little or no contamination by F. The highest determination coefficients for the levels of F in moss were those obtained for chlorophyll content (Chl a+b) and the D665/D665a pigment index, with the effects being most evident in the transplants exposed to the contamination for 56 days.

Evaluation of some sources of variability in using small mammals as pollution biomonitors.

In the present study the effects of gender, age and nutritional status on tissue concentrations of some trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Cr) in wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), Spanish shrew (Sorex granarius), and great white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula) were investigated. Four sampling stations were selected for the study: a restored mine dump, an area characterised by ultrabasic soil and two sites in oak woods in the vicinity of a power plant. Gender had no effect on the tissue concentrations of the metals studied, except for the concentration of Zn in brain tissue from C. russula. The relative age of the individuals was estimated on the basis of crystalline lens weight in mice and dental abrasion in shrews, as body weight was considered a poor indicator of age because of the strong interindividual overlap in the populations. Age was only significantly (and negatively) correlated with the concentration of Cr in livers of mice from one station, a finding that may indicate physiological stress on growth at this site. The nutritional status was estimated from the body mass index; the relationships between this index and metal concentrations for both A. sylvaticus and C. russula were negative, which can be attributed to the weight-specific metabolic rate that leads to a relatively low uptake of metals per unit of body weight. As there was no relation between duration of exposure and concentrations of metals in the organs analysed, age should not be included as a variable factor in the condition index.

Detection of pulses of atmospheric mercury deposition with extensive surveys and frequently sampled stations: a comparison.

We present the results of the analysis of several datasets corresponding to the mercury contents of moss tissues. Some of the data were collected in regional surveys devised to study the atmospheric deposition of pollutants in Galicia (Spain). The surveys were carried out with low frequency (usually biennially) and the data obtained were compared with similar data collected with high frequency (monthly or bimonthly) at several locations in the same area. The temporal series of data demonstrated the existence of strong pulses of mercury deposition of small duration. They caused dramatic increases in the Hg contents in the samples from some localities and, sometimes, modified the Hg contents of the mosses in the complete study area. Our results demonstrate the low probability of detecting pulses in surveys separated so widely in time. This suggests that the information obtained in regional surveys should be complemented with data collected with high frequency.

Heavy metal transfers between trophic compartments in different ecosystems in galicia (northwest Spain): essential elements.

In the present study, we determined the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in soil and several trophic compartments at a total of 16 sampling stations. The trophic compartments studied were primary producers, represented by two species of terrestrial mosses (Pseudoescleropodium purum and Hypnum cupressiforme) and oak trees (Quercus robur or Q. pyrenaica); primary consumers, represented by the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) and the yellow necked mouse (A. flavicollis); secondary consumers, represented by the shrew (Sorex granarius); and finally, detritivores, represented by slugs (Arion ater). Thirteen of the sampling stations were located in mature oak woodlands (Quercus sp.); two of the sampling stations were located in the area surrounding a restored lignite mine dump, and the other in an ultrabasic area. The analytical determinations revealed a lack of significant correlations among trophic compartments, possibly caused by effective regulation of metals by organisms and/or spatial variation in availability of metals from soil or food. Furthermore, the only element that showed a clear pattern of biomagnification was Cu; as for the other elements, there was always some divergence from such a pattern. Finally, the patterns of bioaccumulation in contaminated and woodland sampling stations were very similar, although there was enrichment of the concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Zn in the mice viscera, which, except for Mn, were related to higher edaphic concentrations.

Lolium perenne as a biomonitor of atmospheric levels of fluoride.

The aim of the present study was to develop a standardised protocol for the use of Lolium perenne cultures to biomonitor the surroundings of an aluminium smelter. Five ecological stations, which corresponded to air quality network monitoring sites pertaining to the smelter, were selected for study. Cultures of L. perenne (one at each site) were exposed for approximately 28 days, at different times between August 1999 and October 2000. At the end of the exposure periods, the fluoride concentrations in the cultures were determined. The concentrations of fluoride determined in the L. perenne cultures varied from 4.32 microg g(-1) to 912.22 microg g(-1) and followed a similar trend to concentrations of atmospheric fluoride. However, a wider range of fluoride concentration was observed in the L. perenne cultures than in the air surrounding the smelter. The background levels of fluoride in L. perenne cultures were also calculated, thereby allowing classification of fluoride air pollution in the area under study.

Testing the use of juvenile Salmo trutta L. as biomonitors of heavy metal pollution in freshwater.

Individual specimens of Salmo trutta were captured, from four sampling sites in Galician rivers (NW Spain) affected by different types of contamination: diffuse urban waste, run-off from an unrestored dump at a copper mine and waste from a fish farm. The ages of the captured trouts were established and only those belonging to the 1+ age class were selected for study. The liver and kidney were removed from each fish and analysed to determine the tissue concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn. The results obtained showed that: (i) the use of 1+ individuals allowed differentiation of contamination scenarios on the basis of the tissue concentrations of metal; (ii) the use of 1+ individuals allowed standardization of the time of exposure, which was sufficiently long for differential uptake to have taken place; (iii) liver tissue provided the best results as, less effort was required than for processing kidney tissue, and significant differences between sampling sites were detected because the intrapopulational variability in metal levels was lower than for kidney, and (iv) the levels of elements detected were not affected by basal tissue concentrations or residual concentrations due to past contamination, which older trouts may have been exposed to. In addition, the use of 1+ trout may provide better results in annual environmental sampling surveys.