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Adkesson MJ, Shlosberg A, Lehner AF, Rumbeiha WK, Cárdenas-Alayza S, Cardeña-Mormontoy M, Kannan K. MEASUREMENT OF PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS, PERFLUORINATED COMPOUNDS, AND TOXIC METALS IN THE BLOOD OF HUMBOLDT PENGUINS (SPHENISCUS HUMBOLDTI) AT PUNTA SAN JUAN, PERU USING DRIED BLOOD SPOTS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2024; 54:713-720. [PMID: 38251994 DOI: 10.1638/2023-0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) population at the Punta San Juan Marine Protected Area in Peru is considered critical to the long-term sustainability of this endangered species in Peru. Exposure of the rookery to environmental toxicants is a mounting concern because of regional growth of industries and human populations. Whole blood samples were collected from 30 free-ranging penguins in 2011 as part of a broader population health monitoring program. Dried blood spots (DBS) containing 50 µl of blood were prepared and analyzed to assess exposure to five groups of environmental contaminants. Concentrations of elements arsenic, cadmium, iron, lead, mercury, selenium, and thallium were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Persistent organic pollutant concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to analyze organochlorine pesticides (OCP; p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, β-hexachlorocyclohexane, t-nonachlor, and oxychlordane), polychlorinated biphenyls (congeners 138 and 153), and polybrominated flame retardants (polybrominated biphenyl-153 and polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners 47 and 99). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results revealed low levels of exposure to these selected contaminants, at levels not considered to be of concern for wildlife health. DBS methodology was considered effective in a field-based setting for quantification of whole blood concentrations of environmental contaminants in penguins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andreas F Lehner
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48910-8104, USA
| | - Wilson K Rumbeiha
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Susana Cárdenas-Alayza
- Punta San Juan Program, Center for Environmental Sustainability, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima 4314, Peru
| | - Marco Cardeña-Mormontoy
- Punta San Juan Program, Center for Environmental Sustainability, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima 4314, Peru
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Lehner AF, Rebolloso S, Calle PP, Ingerman K, Lewbart GA, Muñoz-Pérez JP, Valle CA, Buchweitz JP. Dried blood spot analysis for elements of nutritional concern as demonstrated in studies of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species). J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 81:127322. [PMID: 37890447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spot (DBS) technology is valuable in providing simple means of storing blood samples from wildlife with small blood volumes. Methods designed for heavy metal analysis on DBS become more useful if extended to elements of nutritional significance. PURPOSE (1) Development of procedures for measuring Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in DBS; (2) use the designed methods in health assessments of Galápagos land iguanas (Conolophus species). PROCEDURES Elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) following acid digestion of whole blood or DBS from the same animal for direct comparison. Study animals comprised free-ranging iguanas from separate islands in the Galápagos archipelago. MAIN FINDINGS DBS spikes (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo) demonstrated accuracy to ∼100 ppb; reporting limits were set there except for Fe and Zn which were set at 1000 ppb. Plasma samples - generally preferable for nutritional element diagnostics - were submitted from Galápagos land iguanas along with DBS as part of a large-scale health assessment. In plasma versus DBS concentration comparisons, Fe, Cu, Se and Mn correlated well with R^2 values of 0.799, 0.818, 0.896 and 0.899, respectively, and slopes ranging 0.88 - 1.3. Co and Zn showed greater scatter. Mo had insufficient points above its reporting limit and offered advantages for toxicity assessments. Bland-Altman diagrams showed flat scatter between 2x standard deviation boundaries with no undue trends except for Mn which had few points above its reporting limit. Bias, defined as the average difference [DBS - plasma] divided by the average value, was relatively low throughout, with values of - 19.3 % (Fe), - 48.7 % (Co), - 19.6 % (Cu), - 6.9 % (Zn), - 21.4 % (Se) and + 40.7 % (Mn). Normal distribution assessment of iguana Cu, Zn, Se and Fe plasma values showed unanticipated divergences between two species. CONCLUSIONS The DBS approach for nutritional element analysis offers a suitable methodology for determining crucial elements Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo in veterinary samples. Analyses of samples from Conolophus species revealed interesting divergences particularly for Cu, Zn, Se and Fe, elements generally associated with defense against oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48910.
| | - Sarah Rebolloso
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48910
| | - Paul P Calle
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx, NY 10460
| | - Karen Ingerman
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Zoological Health Program, Bronx, NY 10460
| | - Gregory A Lewbart
- North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, NC 27607; Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA and Galápagos Science Center GSC, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz-Pérez
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA and Galápagos Science Center GSC, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador; Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carlos A Valle
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales COCIBA and Galápagos Science Center GSC, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - John P Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48910; Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824
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Anglister N, Gonen-Shalom S, Shlanger P, Blotnick-Rubin E, Rosenzweig A, Horowitz I, Hatzofe O, King R, Anglister L, Spiegel O. Plasma cholinesterase activity: A benchmark for rapid detection of pesticide poisoning in an avian scavenger. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 877:162903. [PMID: 36934922 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Poisoning due to exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides is a common threat for many wildlife species, especially for scavengers such as vultures. The Griffon vulture population (Gyps fulvus), for instance, is deteriorating in the Eastern Mediterranean, and is considered to be critically endangered in Israel, where 48 out of 107 (45 %) known injury/mortality cases in 2010-2021 were caused by poisoning. Lack of specific clinical indications, together with levels of organophosphate or carbamate pesticides too low to detect, challenge the ability to diagnose and treat such poisoning events. The activity of cholinesterase (ChE) in plasma has the potential to serve as an effective biomarker for monitoring exposure to anticholinesterase pesticides in live vultures. Yet, the applicability of this approach has been limited by intra- and inter-species variations in ChE basal levels. The present study aims to provide a benchmark for ChE activity levels in healthy Griffons and their intra-species variation. Blood samples from free-roaming (n = 231) and captive (n = 63) Griffons were collected during routine monitoring, and ChE levels were determined using a colorimetric method. We established that the ChE in the plasma of Griffons reflects mostly acetylcholinesterase as the dominant form. ChE levels in healthy Griffons are 0.601 ± 0.011 U/ml (mean ± SE), while Griffons with suspected or confirmed pesticide poisoning display much lower levels of ChE activity (typically <0.3 U/ml). We also characterized the age dependence of ChE activity, as well as differences among groups from different locations or origins. Our study provides a rapid diagnostic tool for the detection of exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides that should facilitate the lifesaving treatment and the conservation of this species. Moreover, our protocols can be adapted to other species and geographical areas, addressing pesticide poisoning worldwide and contributing to the protection of endangered species and their ecological functions (e.g. sanitation by scavengers).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nili Anglister
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel.
| | - Shira Gonen-Shalom
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel; Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Peleg Shlanger
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O.B. 12, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Edna Blotnick-Rubin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Ariela Rosenzweig
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel
| | - Igal Horowitz
- Israeli Wildlife Hospital, Zoological Center Ramat Gan-Safari Sderat Hatsvi, Ramat Gan 5225300, Israel
| | - Ohad Hatzofe
- Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem 9546303, Israel.
| | - Roni King
- Science Division, Israel Nature and Parks Authority, 3 Am Ve'Olamo St., Jerusalem 9546303, Israel.
| | - Lili Anglister
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research, Israel-Canada, IMRIC, The Hebrew University Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel.
| | - Orr Spiegel
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Ayele S, Mamo Y, Deribe E, Eklo OM. Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in carnivorous waterbird and fish species from Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract
Agricultural, vector-control and industrial activities around Lake Hawassa pose a risk of organochlorine contamination of the lake biota. To assess organochlorine contamination, we measured levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 3 species of carnivorous waterbird and 3 species of fish. A total of 50 samples of fish and bird species sampled from Lake Hawassa in 2019. We investigated factors influencing accumulation of OCPs and PCBs. Reproductive risk associated with tissue levels of 4,4’-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethylene (p,p’-DDE) is also estimated. Results show that dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) is the dominant contaminant found in both bird and fish species. p,p’-DDE is the dominant DDT metabolite in both bird and fish species. Geometric mean of p,p’-DDE varied from 49.8–375.3 and 2.2–7.7 ng g−1 ww in birds and fish, respectively. Average p,p’-DDE level in birds is 33.3 times higher than in fish. p,p’-DDE constitutes 93.4–95.2% of total DDTs in bird species. Degree of exposure, chemical stability, and resistance to environmental and biological degradation could explain higher levels of p,p’-DDE both in bird and fish species. There is significant variation in p,p’-DDE levels among bird and fish species owing to differences in feeding habits, foraging habitat, and lipid content. An increase in DDT levels with increasing size is observed in both bird and fish species. A significant positive association between log-transformed p,p’-DDE, and stable nitrogen isotope ratio (δ15N) values is found. There is no reproductive health risk in bird species as a result of the current levels of p,p’-DDE.
Article Highlights
DDT is the dominant contaminant found in both bird and fish species
There is interspecies variation in accumulation of p,p’-DDE among fish and bird species
p,p’-DDE is biomagnified through food chain involving both bird and fish species
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Samsonova JV, Saushkin NY, Osipov AP. Dried Blood Spots technology for veterinary applications and biological investigations: technical aspects, retrospective analysis, ongoing status and future perspectives. Vet Res Commun 2022; 46:655-698. [PMID: 35771305 PMCID: PMC9244892 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-022-09957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dried Blood Spots (DBS) technology has become a valuable tool in medical studies, however, in veterinary and biological research DBS technology applications are still limited. Up-to-date no review has comprehensively integrated all the evidence existing across the fields, technologies and animal species. In this paper we summarize the current applications of DBS technology in the mentioned areas, and provide a scope of different types of dried sample carriers (cellulose and non-cellulose), sampling devices, applicable methods for analyte extraction and detection. Mammals, birds, insects and other species are represented as the study objects. Besides the blood, the review considers a variety of specimens, such as milk, saliva, tissue samples and others. The main applications of dried samples highlighted in the review include epidemiological surveys and monitoring for infections agents or specific antibodies for disease/vaccination control in households and wildlife. Besides the genetic investigations, the paper describes detection of environmental contaminants, pregnancy diagnosis and many other useful applications of animal dried samples. The paper also analyses dried sample stability and storage conditions for antibodies, viruses and other substances. Finally, recent developments and future research for DBS technology in veterinary medicine and biological sciences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne V Samsonova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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Samsonova JV, Saushkin NY, Osipov AP. Dried Samples of Biological Fluids on Porous Membranes as a Promising Sample Preparation Method for Biomedical and Veterinary Diagnostics. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1061934822040104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Barst BD, Muir DC, O’Brien DM, Wooller MJ. Validation of dried blood spot sampling for determining trophic positions of Arctic char using nitrogen stable isotope analyses of amino acids. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e8992. [PMID: 33125783 PMCID: PMC7755117 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dried blood spots (DBSs) are gaining popularity for biomarker analyses in ecological research due to their advantages for use in field-based research and in remote settings; however, many DBS biomarkers remain unvalidated. We validated the application of compound-specific stable nitrogen isotope analyses of amino acids (CSIA-AAs) to field-prepared DBSs for determining trophic positions of wild-caught Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus). METHODS Whole blood and muscle from Arctic char were collected, and DBSs were created in the field. We measured the stable nitrogen isotope ratios (expressed as δ15 N values) of the amino acids glutamic acid (Glu) and phenylalanine (Phe) isolated from Arctic char samples using CSIA-AAs. We then compared amino acid δ15 N values from DBSs and the other sample types (whole blood and muscle) from the same specimens. We calculated and compared trophic position estimates generated from whole blood, DBSs, and muscle. RESULTS The δ15 N values of Glu and Phe, as well as trophic position estimates from DBSs, were highly correlated with δ15 N values and estimates from both whole blood and muscle. The DBS amino acid δ15 N values and trophic position estimates agreed well with those from whole blood. Although mean differences between amino acid δ15 N values from DBSs and muscle were noted, the offsets were small and resulted in a 0.2 mean difference between trophic position estimates for DBSs and muscle. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that the application of CSIA-AAs to field-prepared DBSs of Arctic char generates similar trophic position estimates to those from whole blood and muscle. We suggest that DBSs could be developed as a minimally invasive sampling technique to study feeding ecology of wild fish and perhaps other organisms of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Barst
- Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Derek C.G. Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, Canada
| | - Diane M. O’Brien
- Biology and Wildlife Department, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - Matthew J. Wooller
- Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- Alaska Stable Isotope Facility, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
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Barst BD, Wooller MJ, O’Brien DM, Santa-Rios A, Basu N, Köck G, Johnson JJ, Muir DC. Dried Blood Spot Sampling of Landlocked Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) for Estimating Mercury Exposure and Stable Carbon Isotope Fingerprinting of Essential Amino Acids. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:893-903. [PMID: 32045959 PMCID: PMC7748106 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS), created by applying and drying a whole blood sample onto filter paper, provide a simple and minimally invasive procedure for collecting, transporting, and storing blood. Because DBS are ideal for use in field and resource-limited settings, we aimed to develop a simple and accurate DBS-based approach for assessing mercury (Hg) exposure and dietary carbon sources for landlocked Arctic char, a sentinel fish species in the Arctic. We collected liquid whole blood (from the caudal vein), muscle, liver, and brains of Arctic char (n = 36) from 8 lakes spanning a Hg gradient in the Canadian High Arctic. We measured total Hg concentrations ([THg]) of field-prepared DBS and Arctic char tissues. Across a considerable range, [THg] of DBS (0.04-3.38 μg/g wet wt) were highly correlated with [THg] of all tissues (r2 range = 0.928-0.996). We also analyzed the compound-specific carbon isotope ratios (expressed as δ13 C values) of essential amino acids (EAAs) isolated from DBS, liquid whole blood, and muscle. The δ13 C values of 5 EAAs (δ13 CEAAs ; isoleucine [Ile], leucine [Leu], phenylalanine [Phe], valine [Val], and threonine [Thr]) from DBS were highly correlated with δ13 CEAAs of liquid whole blood (r2 range = 0.693-0.895) and muscle (r2 range = 0.642-0.881). The patterns of δ13 CEAAs of landlocked Arctic char were remarkably consistent across sample types and indicate that EAAs are most likely of algal origin. Because a small volume of blood (~50 µL) dried on filter paper can be used to determine Hg exposure levels of various tissues and to fingerprint carbon sources, DBS sampling may decrease the burdens of research and may be developed as a nonlethal sampling technique. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:893-903. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Barst
- Alaska Stable Isotope Facility, Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Matthew J. Wooller
- Alaska Stable Isotope Facility, Water and Environmental Research Center, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Diane M. O’Brien
- Biology and Wildlife Department, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Andrea Santa-Rios
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Günter Köck
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (ÖAW-IGF), 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jessica J. Johnson
- Biology and Wildlife Department, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Derek C.G. Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
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Lehner AF, Stensen L, Zimmerman A, Bush A, Buchweitz J. Veterinary utility of dried blood spots for detailed analysis of chlorinated pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Toxicol Mech Methods 2020; 30:284-296. [PMID: 31994964 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2020.1722773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are organic compounds of anthropogenic origin that resist atmospheric and microbial degradation and thus persist in the environment and in food chains for exceptionally long periods of time. Veterinarians and wildlife researchers need simple methodologies for monitoring and measuring such compounds including two large and diverse categories, organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), compounds that have been largely banned from production and use except for specific exceptions. We present development of methodologies for detection and quantitation of 22 OCs and 10 PCB congeners by tandem quadrupole gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of Dried Blood Spots (DBS). Development was enabled by (1) optimization of suspension and extraction methodologies for DBS; (2) strategic streamlining and condensation of Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) settings on GC/MS/MS; and (3) improvement of GC settings to accommodate all 32 compounds in a single chromatographic run per sample. The method was validated for parameters of linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, recovery and precision, and results from blood were shown to correlate well with those from DBS despite both being only 50 uL in volume. The method was applied successfully to blood samples from nine avian specimens submitted to the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, and all were shown to bear the burden of varying levels of OCs and/or PCB compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F Lehner
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Stensen
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alan Zimmerman
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Adam Bush
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - John Buchweitz
- Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI, USA.,Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Ortiz-Santaliestra ME, Tauler-Ametller H, Lacorte S, Hernández-Matías A, Real J, Mateo R. Accumulation of pollutants in nestlings of an endangered avian scavenger related to territory urbanization and physiological biomarkers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:1801-1809. [PMID: 31299509 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.06.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We monitor pollutant accumulation and investigate associated changes at the physiological level within the population of an obligate avian scavenger, the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), from Catalonia (NE Spain). This population is expanding its range, presumably because of the use of human waste disposal sites as food resource. We hypothesized that habitat urbanization, presumably associated with feeding from human wastes, could influence the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants and metals. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between accumulated pollutants and biochemical parameters in nestling blood. We used the proportion of urban surface within an 8 km radius of each nest as a proxy to study the relationship between anthropic influence and pollutant accumulation. Observed blood levels of metals, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were relatively low, as expected for nestling individuals due to short-term exposures. CB-180 and PBDEs were associated with variations in blood biochemistry parameters; hexa-BDEs appeared positively associated with activities of the enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, whereas CB-180 accumulation was associated with an increased activity of creatine phosphokinase and elevated glutathione levels. Increased CB-180 levels were also related to decreased blood concentrations of calcium, cholesterol, α-tocopherol and lutein. A proportion of urban surfaces as low as 6.56% within a radius of 8 km around the nest appears related to the accumulation of CB-180, the majority of analysed PFAS and of PBDE congeners 99 and 209, and increased urbanization was also associated with decreased plasma levels of α-tocopherol and carotenoids. These associations suggest that changes in blood profiles of vitamins, carotenoids or other analytes, despite related to increased plasma levels of CB-180, would be consequence of exploitation of artificial food sources rather than of a direct effect of the pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel E Ortiz-Santaliestra
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Helena Tauler-Ametller
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de la Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avd. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA-CSIC), C/ Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Hernández-Matías
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de la Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avd. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Ciències, Universitat de Girona, Campus Montilivi, 17003 Girona, Spain
| | - Joan Real
- Equip de Biologia de la Conservació, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals and Institut de la Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avd. Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
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Plaza PI, Lambertucci SA. What do we know about lead contamination in wild vultures and condors? A review of decades of research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 654:409-417. [PMID: 30447579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.11.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Vultures and condors (hereafter vultures) make up one the most threatened avian guilds in the world due to a variety of human-mediated impacts and disturbances. In fact, 70% of vulture species are currently suffering impacted by significant conservation threats, with lead contamination being particularly important. Unfortunately, lead contamination in vulture species remains poorly studied in many regions of the world. We reviewed the existing scientific knowledge about this threat to vultures. We found 62 scientific articles studying lead contamination in vultures. Seventy-two percent of these articles were from North America and Europe, with the rest corresponding to Asia (13%), South America (8%), and Africa (7%). Most (92%) were published recently (2001-2018). Published articles included information on 13 vulture species out of a total of 23 from both the Old (9) and New World (4). Eighty-eight percent of the articles showed individuals with lead concentrations above threshold levels in some tissues sampled, with New World (Cathartidae) vultures more affected than Old World vultures (Accipitridae). The most suspected but rarely probed source of lead was lead ammunition, but other sources such as pollution or industry were also reported. It is concerning that lead contamination is considered a major threat for just 8% (2/23) of the vulture species categorized by the IUCN Red list. Our review shows that lead contamination is an important threat for several vulture species worldwide, but remains undiagnosed and not well-recognized in some species and geographical areas. The effect of this contaminant on vulture demography is not well known but merits particular attention since it may be leading to population declines in several species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo I Plaza
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
| | - Sergio A Lambertucci
- Grupo de investigaciones en Biología de la Conservación, Laboratorio Ecotono, INIBIOMA (Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET), Quintral 1250 (R8400FRF), San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina.
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Provatas AA, Kolakowski SL, Sternberg FH, Stuart JD, Perkins CR. Analysis of Dried Blood Spots for Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry. ANAL LETT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00032719.2018.1541994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony A. Provatas
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Steven L. Kolakowski
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Francis H. Sternberg
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - James D. Stuart
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Christopher R. Perkins
- Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Choresh Y, Burg D, Trop T, Izhaki I, Malkinson D. Long-term griffon vulture population dynamics at Gamla Nature Reserve. J Wildl Manage 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.21566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Choresh
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management; University of Haifa; 199 Aba Hushi Boulevard Mount Carmel Haifa 3498838 Israel
| | - David Burg
- Shamir Research Institute; University of Haifa; Katzrin Israel
| | - Tamar Trop
- Natural Resources and Environmental Management; University of Haifa; 199 Aba Hushi Boulevard Mount Carmel Haifa 3498838 Israel
| | - Ido Izhaki
- Evolutionary and Environmental Biology; University of Haifa; 199 Aba Hushi Boulevard Mount Carmel Haifa 3498838 Israel
| | - Dan Malkinson
- Geography and Environmental Studies; University of Haifa; 199 Aba Hushi Boulevard Mount Carmel Haifa 3498838 Israel
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Comparative assessment of the antioxidative defense system in subadult and adult anurans: A lesson from the Bufotes viridis toad. ZOOLOGY 2018; 130:30-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Perkins M, Basu N. Dried blood spots for estimating mercury exposure in birds. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:236-246. [PMID: 29414345 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a pervasive environmental contaminant that can impair avian health, consequently there is a need to gauge exposures. Bird blood provides a measure of recent dietary exposure to Hg, but blood collection and storage can be complex and costly. Dried blood spots (DBS) may help overcome challenges of whole blood analyses, therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a novel method to assess Hg exposure in birds using DBS. First, accuracy and precision of blood Hg concentrations for entire DBS and DBS punches were determined for white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) dosed with methylmercury (MeHg) via egg injection. Next, we investigated Hg stability in chicken DBS subjected to time, temperature, and humidity treatments. Lastly, we applied the method to DBS created using standard field methods from zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttatato) in the laboratory and American golden-plover (Pluvalis dominica) sampled in the field. All samples were analyzed for total Hg (THg) using direct Hg analysis. Accuracy was determined by comparing DBS concentrations with those of corresponding whole blood and reported as percent recovery. Accuracy for entire chicken DBS was 101.8 ± 5.4%, while DBS punches revealed lower recovery (87.7 ± 4.0 to 92.4 ± 4.1%). There was little effect of time, temperature, and humidity storage treatments on Hg concentrations of DBS, with mean DBS THg concentrations within ±8% of whole blood (n = 10 treatments). For zebra finch, DBS punches were more accurate (93.7 ± 9.7%) compared to entire DBS (126.8 ± 19.4%). While for American golden-plover, entire DBS resulted in the most accurate THg concentrations (111.5 ± 7.6%) compared to DBS punches (edge: 115.4 ± 18.9%, interior: 131.4 ± 16.1%). Overall, results indicate that DBS analysis using direct Hg analysis can accurately evaluate Hg exposure in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Perkins
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9, Canada.
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16
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Dried matrix spots and clinical elemental analysis. Current status, difficulties, and opportunities. Trends Analyt Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Shimshoni JA, Barel S. Recent trends in common chemical feed and food contaminants in Israel. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2017; 35:189-212. [PMID: 29040049 DOI: 10.1080/10590501.2017.1391507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In February 2014 a new law was approved by the Israeli parliament, namely the Control of Animal Feed Law. The law intends to regulate the production and marketing of animal feed. In preparation for the law's implementation in 2017, we have assessed the current feed and food safety challenges in Israel in recent years in association with the presence of common undesirable contaminants in various common feed and food commodities. Tight collaboration between regulatory authorities and feed/food industry, enhanced feed and food quality monitoring, transparency of survey results and readily accessible and reliable information for the public about health hazards of chemical contaminants, will guarantee the safety and quality of food and feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Shimshoni
- a Department of Food Quality & Safety, Institute for Postharvest and Food Sciences , Agricultural Research Organization , Volcani Center, Rishon Letzion , Israel
| | - S Barel
- b Kimron Veterinary Institute , Department of Toxicology , Bet Dagan , Israel
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18
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González F, López I, Suarez L, Moraleda V, Rodríguez C. Levels of blood lead in Griffon vultures from a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Spain. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 143:143-150. [PMID: 28528317 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Lead is considered a highly toxic contaminant with important impacts to bird wildlife. Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) are a sensitive indicator of the level of environmental contamination due to their position at the top of the food chain and their dependence on human activities. The aim of this study was to assess susceptibility to lead intoxication in Griffon vultures admitted to Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (WRC), measuring blood lead levels and determining if blood lead concentrations are related to clinical signs, hematological, biochemical or radiographic findings. Also, the influence of age, gender, body condition, season and primary cause of admission were evaluated. This study was realized in all Griffon vultures admitted during a period of one year in the Rehabilitation Center GREFA. Blood lead levels are measured by using anodic stripping voltammetry. In Griffon vultures, we observed that 26% of the analyzed birds presented lead levels above 20µg/dL with 74% below 20µg/dL ([Pb]<20 =9.34±5.60µg/dL). In our study, statistically significant differences were found for lead according to sex, season of admission to the center and body condition. A negative correlation was found between levels of metal and hematocrit. No association was found between clinical signs and blood lead levels in Griffon vultures, except for digestive signs as stasis and weight loss. On numerous occasions, the intoxication in this specie is related to ingestion of lead ammunition; however, we have not detected radiographic lead in our vultures. Compared with other studies, we generally found low levels of lead in blood of Griffon vultures but the blood of all birds admitted to WRC presented detectable lead concentrations. This species apparently presents a higher sensibility to the toxic effects of this metal than that described by other authors. It have been observed that there is some evidence that suggests that subclinical levels of lead could be related with a predisposition to injury or diseases, even though these birds might be admitted for other causes. The detection of levels of blood lead in animals that are admitted to a recovery center will give valuable information which could be used to monitor spatial and temporal variations and provide a clearer picture of temporal levels of this contaminant in this emblematic avian specie.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Irene López
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Suarez
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Virginia Moraleda
- GREFA (Grupo de Rehabilitación de la Fauna Autóctona y su Hábitat), Ctra. Monte del Pilar, s/n, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Casilda Rodríguez
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Lehner AF, Johnson M, Buchweitz J. Veterinary utility of dried blood spots for analysis of toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons. Toxicol Mech Methods 2017; 28:29-37. [DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2017.1354414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F. Lehner
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Margaret Johnson
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - John Buchweitz
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Toxicology Section, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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20
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Wagner M, Tonoli D, Varesio E, Hopfgartner G. The use of mass spectrometry to analyze dried blood spots. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2016; 35:361-438. [PMID: 25252132 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS) typically consist in the deposition of small volumes of capillary blood onto dedicated paper cards. Comparatively to whole blood or plasma samples, their benefits rely in the fact that sample collection is easier and that logistic aspects related to sample storage and shipment can be relatively limited, respectively, without the need of a refrigerator or dry ice. Originally, this approach has been developed in the sixties to support the analysis of phenylalanine for the detection of phenylketonuria in newborns using bacterial inhibition test. In the nineties tandem mass spectrometry was established as the detection technique for phenylalanine and tyrosine. DBS became rapidly recognized for their clinical value: they were widely implemented in pediatric settings with mass spectrometric detection, and were closely associated to the debut of newborn screening (NBS) programs, as a part of public health policies. Since then, sample collection on paper cards has been explored with various analytical techniques in other areas more or less successfully regarding large-scale applications. Moreover, in the last 5 years a regain of interest for DBS was observed and originated from the bioanalytical community to support drug development (e.g., PK studies) or therapeutic drug monitoring mainly. Those recent applications were essentially driven by improved sensitivity of triple quadrupole mass spectrometers. This review presents an overall view of all instrumental and methodological developments for DBS analysis with mass spectrometric detection, with and without separation techniques. A general introduction to DBS will describe their advantages and historical aspects of their emergence. A second section will focus on blood collection, with a strong emphasis on specific parameters that can impact quantitative analysis, including chromatographic effects, hematocrit effects, blood effects, and analyte stability. A third part of the review is dedicated to sample preparation and will consider off-line and on-line extractions; in particular, instrumental designs that have been developed so far for DBS extraction will be detailed. Flow injection analysis and applications will be discussed in section IV. The application of surface analysis mass spectrometry (DESI, paper spray, DART, APTDCI, MALDI, LDTD-APCI, and ICP) to DBS is described in section V, while applications based on separation techniques (e.g., liquid or gas chromatography) are presented in section VI. To conclude this review, the current status of DBS analysis is summarized, and future perspectives are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Wagner
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David Tonoli
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel Varesio
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gérard Hopfgartner
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Carneiro M, Colaço B, Brandão R, Azorín B, Nicolas O, Colaço J, Pires MJ, Agustí S, Casas-Díaz E, Lavin S, Oliveira PA. Assessment of the exposure to heavy metals in Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from the Iberian Peninsula. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 113:295-301. [PMID: 25528380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), by virtue of their position at the top of the food chain and as obligate scavengers, are at risk of accumulating and concentrating heavy metals in their tissues and may be more predisposed to their toxic effects. The aim of this study is to investigate heavy metal concentrations in Griffon vultures in Portugal and Catalonia, Spain and to determine if heavy metal concentrations in the blood of weak and/or injured Griffon vultures admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres (WRC) reflect contamination profiles in the local, free-living and outwardly healthy population. Whole-blood samples taken from 121 Griffon vultures caught in the wild or admitted to WRC in Portugal and Catalonia, Spain were examined for cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Cd and Hg were not detected in most samples (98.3% and 95%, respectively), while Pb was detected in all birds in concentrations ranging between 4.97 and 300.23 µg/dl. Birds admitted to WRC had significantly lower Pb concentrations (24.15 ± 15.07 and 25.98 ± 18.04 µg/dl in Portugal and Catalonia, Spain, respectively) than animals caught in the wild (29.67 ± 13.19 and 42.22 ± 50.08 µg/dl in Portugal and Catalonia, Spain, respectively) (p<0.05). This may be explained by the fact that malnutrition was the main cause of admission of Griffon vultures to WRC, as ingestion has been described as the most significant pathway for Pb exposure in raptors. Therefore Griffon vultures admitted to WRC do not seem to be representative of the local, free-flying populations, so it remains necessary to continue catching when one intends to monitor Pb exposure in this species. The population of vultures captured in Catalonia, Spain showed the highest mean blood Pb concentration, perhaps due to the municipal rubbish dump located near the feeding station, with rubbish providing a significant fraction of their trophic needs. The ingestion of game meat with bullet fragments in carcasses or with Pb shots embedded in their flesh could also be the cause of the high blood Pb concentrations found in some vultures. The potential risk of Pb exposure in Griffon vulture populations must be given consideration, since most individuals evaluated had Pb concentrations between 20 and 100µg/dl, which is considered to be subclinical exposure to Pb, and which is above the threshold level at which Pb can affect antioxidant system in this species (15 µg/dl).
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Carneiro
- Animal and Veterinary Research Centre (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Bruno Colaço
- Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Brandão
- Ecology, Monitoring and Recovery Centre of Wild Animals (CERVAS), 6290-909 Gouveia, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Azorín
- Study and Recovery Centre of Wild Animals/Quercus, 6000-284 Castelo Branco, Portugal
| | - Olga Nicolas
- Recovery Centre of Wild Animals from Vallcallent, 25199 Lleida, Spain
| | - Jorge Colaço
- Department of Zootechnics, ECAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria João Pires
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, ECAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Susana Agustí
- Servei d´Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Encarna Casas-Díaz
- Servei d´Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Santiago Lavin
- Servei d´Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Paula A Oliveira
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Veterinary Sciences, ECAV, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Quinta dos Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
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Batterman S, Chernyak S. Performance and storage integrity of dried blood spots for PCB, BFR and pesticide measurements. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 494-495:252-60. [PMID: 25058892 PMCID: PMC4134318 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.06.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBSs) can provide accurate and valuable estimates of exposure to environmental toxicants, and the use of information derived from archived newborn DBSs has enormous potential to open up new research on the impacts of early chemical exposure on disease. Broad application of DBS for the purpose of quantitative exposure estimation requires robust and validated methods. This study investigates the suitability of DBS analyses for population studies of exposure to three chemical groups: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), and chlorinated pesticides. It examines background (matrix) contamination, recovery and extraction variability, sensitivity, and storage stability. DBS samples prepared using 50 μL of adult blood were analyzed by GC/MS, and method performance was confirmed by using certified materials and paired DBS-blood samples from six volunteers. Several of the target compounds and their degradation products have not been previously measured in DBSs. All target compounds were detected in DBS samples collected from the volunteers. Sample DBS cards showed background contamination of several compounds. When stored at room temperature, target compounds, excluding PBDEs, were stable for up to one month. When refrigerated or frozen, stability was acceptable for all compounds up to one year, and multiyear storage appears acceptable at colder (e.g., -80°C) temperatures. Multicompartment models may be used to estimate or correct for storage losses. Considering concentrations of contaminants for adults and children reported in the literature, and experimental values of detection limits and background contamination, DBS samples are suitable for quantifying exposures to many PCBs, BFRs and persistent pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Room 6075 SPH2, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA.
| | - Sergei Chernyak
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Room 6075 SPH2, 1420 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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Espín S, Martínez-López E, Jiménez P, María-Mojica P, García-Fernández AJ. Effects of heavy metals on biomarkers for oxidative stress in Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 129:59-68. [PMID: 24529004 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Metals are involved in the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may result in metal-related oxidative stress that can lead to oxidative damage to lipids, DNA and proteins. It is necessary to understand the mechanisms of metal toxicity in wild birds, and the concentrations that cause effects on oxidative stress biomarkers. The aim of this study is to assess the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) with regards to oxidative stress in blood samples of 66 Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from two areas of the Autonomous Community of Valencia (East of Spain). The two study areas (Alcoy n=36 and Cinctorres n=30) were selected as random locations of interest that had not yet been studied, and are feeding stations where supplementary food, mainly of pork origin, is provided for vultures. Given that the two study areas are not considered polluted sites, we expected to find low metal concentrations. However, there are no known threshold concentrations at which metals can affect antioxidant systems, and low metal levels may have an effect on antioxidant biomolecules. In this study, since sampling was done at the beginning of the hunting season, the low Pb levels found in most Griffon vultures from Alcoy and Cinctorres (median=12.37 and 16.26μg/dl, respectively) are suggestive of background levels usually found in vultures that feed on pork carcasses all year round. The ingestion of game meat with bullet fragments in carcasses or with Pb shots embedded in the flesh could be the cause of the high blood Pb concentrations found in three vultures from Cinctorres (83, 290 and 362μg/dl). Griffon vultures feeding in Cinctorres had enhanced CAT and GST activities and tGSH concentrations, which may be interpreted as protective response against the higher TBARS levels. This study provides threshold concentrations at which metals affect antioxidant system derived from 66 samples of Griffon vulture. Blood Cd concentrations greater than 0.05μg/dl produced an induction of 33% in GPx and of 44% in CAT activity in erythrocytes of vultures from Alcoy. Hg concentrations in blood higher than 3μg/dl produced an induction of 10% in SOD activity. Concentrations of Pb above 15µg/dl in blood produced an inhibition of 12.5% in GPx and 11.3% in CAT activity, and a TBARS induction of 10.7% in erythrocytes of Griffon vultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espín
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Emma Martínez-López
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro Jiménez
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Pedro María-Mojica
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain; "Santa Faz" Wildlife Recovery Centre, Comunidad Valenciana, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Antonio J García-Fernández
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
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