Empoisonnement chronique par le cuivre chez des agneaux du sud-est de l'Espagne associe a un aliment a base de tournesol.

©1999. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Canadian Veterinary Journal.Sunflower meal with a copper/molybdenum ratio of 10 caused copper toxicosis in lambs. Copper must be analyzed on a dry matter basis in liver and renal cortex. Oral administration of molybdenum and thiosulfate had a certain effectiveness in sick animals. Care must be taken with feedstuffs made from copper-dependent plants.-----------------------------------------------------------Un aliment 'a base de tournesol ayant un ratio cuivre/molybdene de 10 a ete a l'origine d'un cas d'empoisonnement par le cuivre chez des agneaux. Le cuivre doit etre analyse sur une base de poids sec dans le foie et le cortex renal. L'administration orale de molybdene et de thiosulfate a eu un effet positif sur les animaux malades. La prudence est de mise lors d'une alimentation avec des plantes a haute teneur en cuivre

Environmental lead exposure in the European kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) from southeastern Spain: the influence of leaded gasoline regulations

©2004. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Accepted, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. To access the final edited and published work see http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00128-004-0586-

Cadmium in feathers of adults and blood of nestlings of three raptor species from a nonpolluted Mediterranean forest, southeastern Spain

©2005. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Accepted, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. To access the final edited and published work see http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00128-005-0610-

Selection of new chemicals to be used in conditioned aversion for non-lethal predation control

Globally, native predators and scavengers are threatened through the incidence of illegal poisoning due to increasing human-wildlife conflicts. The use of conditioned taste aversion (CTA) may mitigate such conflicts. CTA is a robust learning paradigm that occurs when animals associate a food with a discomfort induced by a chemical, thereby avoiding that food in subsequent encounters. We reviewed the potential of 167 chemical compounds to be used in CTA, considering effects, margin of safety, accessibility, and detectability. After the review, 15 compounds fulfilled the required characteristics, but only five (thiabendazole, thiram, levamisole, fluconazole and fluralaner) were finally selected to be tested in CTA assays with dogs. Of the tested compounds, thiabendazole, thiram and levamisole caused target food rejection by dogs and reduced the time spent eating during post-conditioning. However, despite being microencapsulated, levamisole appeared to be detectable by dogs, whereas thiram and thiabendazole were not. Fluconazole and fluralaner did not produce any CTA effect. Thiabendazole, thiram and levamisole can therefore induce CTA, and thus are potential candidates as aversive compounds for wildlife management. Thiram is an undetectable, relatively safe and accessible compound that can induce CTA in canids, and opens new possibilities to develop methods of non-lethal predation control.This study is a result of CGL2013–40975-R project, from I+D+I National Plan funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness. Jorge Tobajas benefitted from a FPI PhD scholarship (BES-2014-068987) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.Peer reviewe

The reaction mechanism of metallo-beta-lactamases is tuned by the conformation of an active site mobile loop

Carbapenems are "last resort" β-lactam antibiotics used to treat serious and life-threatening health care-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Unfortunately, the worldwide spread of genes coding for carbapenemases among these bacteria is threatening these life-saving drugs. Metallo-β-lactamases (MβLs) are the largest family of carbapenemases. These are Zn(II)-dependent hydrolases that are active against almost all β-lactam antibiotics. Their catalytic mechanism and the features driving substrate specificity have been matter of intense debate. The active sites of MβLs are flanked by two loops, one of which, loop L3, was shown to adopt different conformations upon substrate or inhibitor binding, and thus are expected to play a role in substrate recognition. However, the sequence heterogeneity observed in this loop in different MβLs has limited the generalizations about its role. Here, we report the engineering of different loops within the scaffold of the clinically relevant carbapenemase NDM-1. We found that the loop sequence dictates its conformation in the unbound form of the enzyme, eliciting different degrees of active-site exposure. However, these structural changes have a minor impact on the substrate profile. Instead, we report that the loop conformation determines the protonation rate of key reaction intermediates accumulated during the hydrolysis of different β-lactams in all MβLs. This study demonstrates the existence of a direct link between the conformation of this loop and the mechanistic features of the enzyme, bringing to light an unexplored function of active-site loops on MβLs.Fil: Palacios, Antonela Rocio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Mojica, María F.. Case Western Reserve University; Estados UnidosFil: Giannini, Estefanía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Taracila, Magdalena A.. Case Western Reserve University; Estados Unidos. Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Estados UnidosFil: Bethel, Christopher R.. Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center; Estados UnidosFil: Alzari, Pedro M.. Institut Pasteur de Paris; FranciaFil: Otero, Lisandro Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Klinke, Sebastian. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires. Fundación Instituto Leloir. Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Llarrull, Leticia Irene. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; ArgentinaFil: Bonomo, Robert A.. Case Western Reserve University; Estados UnidosFil: Vila, Alejandro Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Rosario. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas. Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario; Argentin

Changes in blood pesticide levels in booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) associated with agricultural land practices

©2008 Elsevier Inc. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in "Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety". To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.02.012We estimated the degree of exposure to lindane and endosulfan in the blood of booted eagle nestlings (Hieraaetus pennatus) (1999–2003), in order to assess the usefulness of these samples as a unit for monitoring changes in exposure as a result of shifts in agricultural practices and the implementation of legal measures. The highest blood lindane concentrations were obtained 1 year prior to its prohibition by the European Union. Subsequent to that year, the drop in blood concentrations was dramatic. Furthermore, endosulfan blood concentrations follow a progression coinciding with an increase in olive, grape and plum-tree crops. We conclude that concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in the blood of booted eagle nestlings may be used to monitor the use of those pesticides over a particular agricultural region and alert the authorities of possible environmental or health risks

Heavy metals in tissues from loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the southwestern Mediterranean (Spain)

©2009 Elsevier. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2008.05.003Cadmium, lead, copper, and zinc were measured in tissues of 21 loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the southwestern Mediterranean coastline. Mean concentrations (dry weight) of essential elements (Zn and Cu) were 107 and 21.6 μg/g in liver, 27.9 and 3.8 μg/g in kidney, 65.4 and 5.0 μg/g in pectoral muscle, 11.1 and 3.45 μg/g in brain, and finally 19.2 μg/g and undetected in bone, respectively. Mean concentrations of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) were 23.4 and 2.8 μg/g in liver, 31.5 and 0.5 μg/g in kidney, 0.2 and 0.3 μg/g in pectoral muscle, 0.2 and 0.7 μg/g in brain, and undetected and 1.2 μg/g in bone, respectively. Metal concentrations were similar to other studies conducted on Mediterranean turtles. However, cadmium concentrations varied widely among individuals, which has been associated with potential sources of cadmium in Mediterranean Sea. This is the first study into metal accumulation in tissues of loggerhead turtle from Spanish Mediterranean coastline

Secondary metaldehyde poisoning in a badger (Meles meles): Experimental study with Helix aspersa

El metaldehído es un compuesto con actividad molusquicida, ampliamente utilizado para el control de caracoles y babosas, aunque su uso inadecuado puede causar intoxicaciones en otras especies no diana. Ante la muerte de un tejón (Meles meles), se barajó la hipótesis de una posible intoxicación secundaria por ingestión de caracoles muertos por el plaguicida. El presente trabajo tenía por objetivo diseñar un estudio experimental que permitiera arrojar luz sobre esta cuestión en la investigación de la causa de muerte del tejón.Se diseñaron dos experimentos con la especie Helix aspersa, uno para evaluar si la letalidad es dosis-dependiente y otro para evaluar el tiempo de latencia desde el tratamiento molusquicida. En el experimento de dosis se hicieron cinco grupos de caracoles, denominados “Superior”, “Alta”, “Media”, “Baja” e “Inferior”, a los que se les administró 400, 200, 133.3, 66.7 y 40 μg de metaldehído por caracol, respectivamente. Tras el experimento, los análisis de metaldehído presente por caracol en cada uno de los grupos fue el siguiente: “Su-perior” 137.4 μg, “Alta” 69.93 μg, “Media” 47.24 μg, “Baja” 31.72 μg e “Inferior” 6.05 μg.En el ensayo de tiempos se aplicaron 400 μg por caracol y se sacrificaron los caracoles de cada lote a los siguientes tiempos: T0, T60, T120 y 240 minutos. Los del último lote murieron a los 270 minutos (antes del sacrificio). Las cantidades medias por caracol de cada lote fueron las siguientes: T0min 352.68 μg, T60min 277.41 μg, T120min 206.18 μg, T240min 164.8 μg y T270min 90.2 μg de metaldehído.Tras los cálculos basados en la dosis letal media de ratón se estimó que, a pesar de que se encontraran restos de metaldehído en el organismo de los caracoles, es improbable que se pueda dar una intoxicación secundaria en un tejón por el consumo de caracoles intoxicados con metaldehídoMetaldehyde is a compound with molluscicidal activity, widely used to control snails and slugs, although its inappropriate use can cause poisoning in other species, which are not the target ones. Faced with the death of a badger (Meles meles), the hypothesis of a possible secondary poisoning by ingestion of snails killed by the pesticide was considered. The objective of this work was to design an experimental study that would bring light on this question in the investigation of the cause of death of the badger.Two experiments were designed with the species Helix aspersa, one to evaluate if the lethality is dose-de-pendent and another to evaluate the latency time from the molluscicidal treatment. In the dose experiment, five groups of snails were made, called “Superior”, “High”, “Medium”, “Low” and “Lower”, to which 400, 200, 133.3, 66.7 and 40 μg of metaldehyde per snail, respectively. After the experiment, the analysis of metaldehyde present per snail in each of the groups was as follows: “Higher” 137.4 μg, “High” 69.93 μg, “Medium” 47.24 μg, “Low” 31.72 μg and “Lower” 6.05 μg. In the time test, 400 μg per snail was applied and the snails of each batch were sacrificed at the following times: T0, T60, T120 and 240 minutes. Those of the last batch died at 270 minutes (before sacrifice). The mean amounts per snail of each lot were the following: T0min 352.68 μg, T60min 277.41 μg, T120min 206.18 μg, T240min 164.8 μg and T270min 90.2 μg of metaldehyde.After calculations based on the mean lethal dose of mice, it was estimated that, despite the fact that traces of metaldehyde were found in the organism of the snails, it is unlikely that secondary poisoning could occur in a badger due to the consumption of snails intoxicated with metaldehyd

INTOXICACIÓN SECUNDARIA POR METALDEHÍDO EN UN TEJÓN (MELES MELES): ESTUDIO EXPERIMENTAL CON HELIX ASPERSA

Metaldehyde is a compound with molluscicidal activity, widely used to control snails and slugs, although its inappropriate use can cause poisoning in other species, which are not the target ones. Faced with the death of a badger (Meles meles), the hypothesis of a possible secondary poisoning by ingestion of snails killed by the pesticide was considered. The objective of this work was to design an experimental study that would bring light on this question in the investigation of the cause of death of the badger. Two experiments were designed with the species Helix aspersa, one to evaluate if the lethality is dose-dependent and another to evaluate the latency time from the molluscicidal treatment. In the dose experiment, five groups of snails were made, called "Superior", "High", "Medium", "Low" and "Lower", to which 400, 200, 133.3, 66.7 and 40 μg of metaldehyde per snail, respectively. After the experiment, the analysis of metaldehyde present per snail in each of the groups was as follows: "Higher" 137.4 μg, "High" 69.93 μg, "Medium" 47.24 μg, "Low" 31.72 μg and "Lower" 6.05 μg. In the time test, 400 μg per snail was applied and the snails of each batch were sacrificed at the following times: T0, T60, T120 and 240 minutes. Those of the last batch died at 270 minutes (before sacrifice). The mean amounts per snail of each lot were the following: T0min 352.68 μg, T60min 277.41 μg, T120min 206.18 μg, T240min 164.8 μg and T270min 90.2 μg of metaldehyde. After calculations based on the mean lethal dose of mice, it was estimated that, despite the fact that traces of metaldehyde were found in the organism of the snails, it is unlikely that secondary poisoning could occur in a badger due to the consumption of snails intoxicated with metaldehyde.El metaldehído es un compuesto con actividad molusquicida, ampliamente utilizado para el control de caracoles y babosas, aunque su uso inadecuado puede causar intoxicaciones en otras especies no diana. Ante la muerte de un tejón (Meles meles), se barajó la hipótesis de una posible intoxicación secundaria por ingestión de caracoles muertos por el plaguicida. El presente trabajo tenía por objetivo diseñar un estudio experimental que permitiera arrojar luz sobre esta cuestión en la investigación de la causa de muerte del tejón. Se diseñaron dos experimentos con la especie Helix aspersa, uno para evaluar si la letalidad es dosis-dependiente y otro para evaluar el tiempo de latencia desde el tratamiento molusquicida. En el experimento de dosis se hicieron cinco grupos de caracoles, denominados “Superior”, “Alta”, “Media”, “Baja” e “Inferior”, a los que se les administró 400, 200, 133.3, 66.7 y 40 μg de metaldehído por caracol, respectivamente. Tras el experimento, los análisis de metaldehído presente por caracol en cada uno de los grupos fue el siguiente: “Superior” 137.4 μg, “Alta” 69.93 μg, “Media” 47.24 μg, “Baja” 31.72 μg e “Inferior” 6.05 μg. En el ensayo de tiempos se aplicaron 400 μg por caracol y se sacrificaron los caracoles de cada lote a los siguientes tiempos: T0, T60, T120 y 240 minutos. Los del último lote murieron a los 270 minutos (antes del sacrificio). Las cantidades medias por caracol de cada lote fueron las siguientes: T0min 352.68 μg, T60min 277.41 μg, T120min 206.18 μg, T240min 164.8 μg y T270min 90.2 μg de metaldehído. Tras los cálculos basados en la dosis letal media de ratón se estimó que, a pesar de que se encontraran restos de metaldehído en el organismo de los caracoles, es improbable que se pueda dar una intoxicación secundaria en un tejón por el consumo de caracoles intoxicados con metaldehído

Spatiotemporal variations of organochlorine pesticides in an apex predator: Influence of government regulations and farming practices

Background: Intensification of agricultural practices has caused several negative effects to the environment. The use of fertilizers and pesticides may alter geochemical cycles or cause direct wildlife intoxication. Detrimental effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have forced the authorities to ban or restrict its use. This study evaluates the variation in levels of OCPs in a sentinel species in relation to changes in government regulations and the spatial configuration of agricultural practices around the nests. Methods: Between 2003 and 2007, we analysed OCP levels in 256 blood samples of Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) chicks nesting in area of intensive commercial agriculture with historical frequent use of pesticides, in South-eastern Spain. We studied year-to-year variations in OCP concentrations and their relation with land use configuration around raptor nests by Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM). Results: OCPs were detected in 100% samples surveyed in 2003 and 2004, while dropped to 27% in 2005, 6.8% in 2006 and 6.3% in 2007, coinciding with the ban of OCPs. The presence of the main OCPs was related to agricultural practices. In particular, endosulfan and lindane were related to irrigated crops and urban areas, while DDT-related compounds and dieldrin were associated with dry land farming. Conclusions: OCP concentrations in blood samples of Eurasian Eagle-owls may respond quickly to the implementations of new regulations about the use of agricultural products. This raptor was confirmed as a good sentinel species allowing rapid detection of changes in pesticides use