Analysis of Hair Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Communication Disorders

The primary objective of the present study is analysis of hair trace elements content in children with communication disorder (CD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 99 children from control, CD, and ASD groups (n = 33) were examined. All children were additionally divided into two subgroups according to age. Hair levels of trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The difference was considered significant at p < 0.01. The obtained data demonstrate that children with CD are characterized by significantly increased hair lithium (Li) (96 %; p = 0.008), selenium (Se) (66 %; p < 0.001), arsenic (As) (96 %; p = 0.005), beryllium (Be) (150 %; p < 0.001), and cadmium (Cd) (72 %; p = 0.007) content, being higher than the respective control values. In the ASD group, hair copper (Cu), iodine (I), and Be levels tended to be lower than the control values. In turn, the scalp hair content of Se significantly exceeded the control values (33 %; p = 0.004), whereas the level of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) tended to increase. After gradation for age, the most prominent differences in children with CD were detected in the elder group (5–8 years), whereas in the case of ASD—in the younger group (3–4 years old). Taking into account the role of hair as excretory mechanism for certain elements including the toxic ones, it can be proposed that children suffering from ASD are characterized by more profound alteration of metal handling and excretion in comparison to CD.     

Chromium, Cadmium, and Lead Levels in Urine of Children with Autism and Typically Developing Controls

Although potentially harmful effects of heavy metals are well known, limited numbers of studies exist regarding their relationship with autism. The aim of this study was to investigate urine levels of some heavy metals such as of chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children with autism and healthy subjects. Urine levels of Cr, Cd, and Pb were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in 30 children with autism and compared with 20 healthy controls. Urine Cd and Pb levels were found as significantly decreased in children with autism compared to healthy subjects (p?<?0.05). On the other hand, urine Cr levels were significantly higher in children with autism than healthy subjects (p?<?0.05). This study suggested that autism may be associated with significant decrease in excretion rate of Cd and Pb and a significant increase excretion rate in the levels of Cr in the urine. These results have indicated that further studies are warranted for investigation of possible roles of heavy metals in autism.     

Level of Trace Elements (Copper,Zinc, Magnesium and Selenium) and Toxic Elements (Lead and Mercury) in the Hair and Nail of Children with Autism

Autism is a multi-factorial pathology observed in children with altered levels of essential and elevated levels of toxic elements. There are also studies reporting a decrease in nutritional trace elements in the hair and nail of autistic children with healthy controls; moreover, bioelements have been shown to play an important role in the central nervous system. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to assess the levels of trace elements like copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se) and toxic elements like mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in the hair and nail samples of autistic children and to evaluate whether the level of these elements could be correlated with the severity of autism. The subjects of the study were 45 autistic children with different grades of severity (low (LFA), medium (MFA), and high (HFA) functioning autism) according to Childhood Autism Rating Scale, n = 15 children in each group and 50 healthy children (age and sex matched). The boys and girls ratio involved in this study was 4:1, and they were 4-12 years of age. The study observed a valid indication of Cu body burden in the autistic children. The children with different grades of autism showed high significance (p < 0.001) in the level of copper in their hair and nail samples when compared to healthy controls. The level of Cu in the autistic children could be correlated with their degree of severity (more the Cu burden severe is autism). The study showed a significant elevation (p < 0.001) in the levels of toxic metals Pb and Hg in both hair and nail samples of autistic children when compared to healthy control group. The elevation was much pronounced in LFA group subjects when compared among autistic groups MFA and HFA. The levels of trace elements Mg and Se were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in autistic children when compared to control. The trace element Zn showed significant variation in both hair and nails of LFA group children when compared to control group and other study groups. The significant elevation in the concentration of Cu, Pb, and Hg and significant decrease in the concentration of Mg and Se observed in the hair and nail samples of autistic subjects could be well correlated with their degrees of severity.     

Blood Metals Concentration in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics

Mechanisms for the onset of diabetes and the development of diabetic complications remain under extensive investigations. One of these mechanisms is abnormal homeostasis of metals, as either deficiency or excess of metals, can contribute to certain diabetic outcomes. Therefore, this paper will report the blood levels of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in subjects with type 1 diabetes (n?=?192, mean age 48.8 years, mean disease duration 20.6 years), type 2 diabetes (n?=?68, mean age 68.4 years, mean disease duration 10.2 years), and in control subjects (n?=?59, mean age 57.2 years), and discuss the results indicating their possible role in diabetes. The metal concentrations were measured by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-induced acid digestion of blood samples. The accuracy was checked using a blood-based certified reference material, and recoveries of all elements were in the range of 92–101 % of certified values. Type 1 diabetes was found to be associated with Cr (p?=?0.02), Mn (p?<?0.001), Ni (p?<?0.001), Pb (p?=?0.02), and Zn (p?<?0.001) deficiency, and type 2 diabetes with Cr (p?=?0.014), Mn (p?<?0.001), and Ni (p?<?0.001) deficiency. These deficiencies were appreciated also subdividing the understudied patients for gender and age groups. Furthermore, in type 1 diabetes, there was a positive correlation between Pb and age (p?<?0.001, ρ?=?0.400) and Pb and BMI (p?<?0.001, ρ?=?0.309), while a negative correlation between Fe and age (p?=?0.002, ρ?=??0.218). In type 2 diabetes, there was a negative correlation between Fe and age (p?=?0.017, ρ?=??0.294) and Fe and BMI (p?=?0.026, ρ?=??0.301). Thus, these elements may play a role in both forms of diabetes and combined mineral supplementations could have beneficial effects.     

Evaluation of Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Biological Samples (Scalp Hair, Blood, and Urine) of Normal and Anemic Children of Two Age Groups

Anemia affects a substantial portion of the world’s population, provoking severe health problems as well as important economic losses to the region in which this condition is found. This study was designed to compare the levels of essential trace and toxic elements in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of anemic children (n = 132) with age range 1–5 and 6–10 years of both genders. For a comparative study, 134 non-anemic age- and sex-matched children as control subjects, residing in the same city, were selected. The metals in the biological samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry/electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The proposed method was validated using certified reference samples of hair, blood, and urine. The results indicated significantly lower levels of iron, copper, and zinc in the biological samples as compared to the control children of both genders (p = 0.01–0.008). The mean values of lead and cadmium were significantly high in all three biological samples of anemic children as compared to non-anemic children of both age groups (p = 0.005–0.001). The ratios of essential metal to toxic metals in the biological samples of anemic children of both age groups were significantly lower than that of controls. Deficiency of essential trace metals and high level of toxic metals may play a role in the development of anemia in the subjects under study.     

Markers of Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity in Children with Autism

Objective

Gastrointestinal symptoms are a common feature in children with autism, drawing attention to a potential association with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, studies to date regarding the immune response to gluten in autism and its association with celiac disease have been inconsistent. The aim of this study was to assess immune reactivity to gluten in pediatric patients diagnosed with autism according to strict criteria and to evaluate the potential link between autism and celiac disease.

Methods

Study participants included children (with or without gastrointestinal symptoms) diagnosed with autism according to both the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R) (n = 37), their unaffected siblings (n = 27), and age-matched healthy controls (n = 76). Serum specimens were tested for antibodies to native gliadin, deamidated gliadin, and transglutaminase 2 (TG2). Affected children were genotyped for celiac disease associated HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 alleles.

Results

Children with autism had significantly higher levels of IgG antibody to gliadin compared with unrelated healthy controls (p<0.01). The IgG levels were also higher compared to the unaffected siblings, but did not reach statistical significance. The IgG anti-gliadin antibody response was significantly greater in the autistic children with gastrointestinal symptoms in comparison to those without them (p<0.01). There was no difference in IgA response to gliadin across groups. The levels of celiac disease-specific serologic markers, i.e., antibodies to deamidated gliadin and TG2, did not differ between patients and controls. An association between increased anti-gliadin antibody and presence of HLA-DQ2 and/or -DQ8 was not observed.

Conclusions

A subset of children with autism displays increased immune reactivity to gluten, the mechanism of which appears to be distinct from that in celiac disease. The increased anti-gliadin antibody response and its association with GI symptoms points to a potential mechanism involving immunologic and/or intestinal permeability abnormalities in affected children.     

Analyses of toxic metals and essential minerals in the hair of arizona children with autism and associated conditions, and their mothers

The objective of this study ws to assess the levels of 39 toxic metals and essential minerals in hair samples of children with autism spectrum disorders and their mothers compared to controls. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry was used to analyze the elemental content of the hair of children with autism spectrum disorders (n=51), a subset of their mothers (n=29), neurotypical children (n=40), and a subset of their mothers (n=25). All participants were recruited from Arizona. Iodine levels were 45% lower in the children with autism (p=0.005). Autistic children with pica had a 38% lower level of chromium (p=0.002). Autistic children with low muscle tone had very low levels of potassium (−66%, p=0.01) and high zinc (31%, p=0.01). The mothers of young children with autism had especially low levels of lithium (56% lower, p=0.005), and the young children (ages 3–6 yr) with autism also had low lithium (−30% p=0.04). Low iodine levels are consistent with previous reports of abnormal thyroid function, which likely affected development of speech and cognitive skills. Low lithium in the mothers likely caused low levels of lithium in the young children, which could have affected their neurological and immunological development. Further investigations of iodine, lithium, and other elements are warranted.     

Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p?<?0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p?>?0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r?=??0.36; Fe: r?=??0.50, both p?<?0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r?=??0.13, p?>?0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.     

Determining immunoassay cutoff value using Western blot results to predict hepatitis C infection in blood donors with low-titer anti-HCV reactivity

Since the 1990s, blood donors have been scanned for anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) antibodies, which can be defined by enzyme immunoassay as a screening test. In this population, false-reactive ratios have been high. Recently, some authors have aimed to find a cutoff value for anti-HCV different from those established by test manufacturers to predict HCV infection. In this study, 321 patients, after two repeating tests, had reactive results in s/co <10 titers on anti-HCV test. The patients were 29.6 % (n?=?95) in women and 70.4 % (n?=?226) in men. The patients were classified into three groups by Western blot (WB) results (PS, positive; NG, negative; and ID, indeterminate). The average anti-HCV titer of the whole group was 2.61?±?1.96. Anti-HCV titers of subgroups were 2.43?±?1.95 in NG, 4.93?±?2.53 in PS, and 2.50?±?1.65 in ID (p?<?0.001). There was a significant difference between NG and PS and between PS and ID subgroups (p?<?0.001). There was a positive correlation between WB and anti-HCV titers in all patients (r?=?0.298, p?<?0.001), in women (r?=?0.282, p?<?0.001), and in men (r?=?0.337, p?=?0.002). According to receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cutoff value of anti-HCV titer to predict hepatitis C infection was >2.61 s/co, with 74.1 % sensitivity and 71.6 % specificity (area under the curve, 0.820; 95 % confidence interval, 0.753 to 0.887). We suggest that an effective cutoff value for anti-HCV other than that established by the manufacturer cannot be assigned to predict hepatitis C infection for blood donors in low-prevalence areas.     

Growth variations and heritabilities of teak CSO-derived families and provenances planted in two humid tropical sites

Sixteen families derived from a clonal seed orchard (CSO) and 10 “provenances” (Prov) of teak (Tectona grandis) were tested in two different sites to be compared with respect to their growth performances. Both sites were located in Sabah, East Malaysia, under 2,500 mm of annual rainfall and no distinct dry season. The land in Taliwas was flat but prone to waterlogging. In Luasong, the soil was more hilly, acidic, and less fertile, though deeper. Nearly 9 years after planting, the two classes of genetic entries showed significant differences for height (P?=?0.0002) and diameter at breast height (DBH) and volume (P?<?0.0001) for the two sites combined. The superiority of the CSO families compared with the Prov class was more obvious in Luasong with averages of 18.0 vs 15.2 m (+18.6 %) for height, 18.1 vs 15.1 cm (+20.2 %) for DBH, and 0.179 vs 0.107 m³ for individual tree volume (+67.9 %), as against 17.4 vs 15.7 m (+11.2 %), 19.1 vs 16.8 cm (+13.5 %), and 0.176 vs 0.126 m³ (+40.3 %), respectively, in Taliwas. The CSO families were also more prone to site interaction for height (P?=?0.004) and, to a lesser extent, for volume (P?=?0.017) than the “Prov” (P?=?0.030 and P?=?0.057, respectively). Narrow-sense heritabilities estimated for the 16 CSO families across the two sites were lower for DBH (0.17) and volume (0.23) than for height (0.38). Type B genetic correlations suggested also higher site × families interactions for height (r _B?=?0.28).     

Tobacco Smoke Exposure During Pregnancy Increases Maternal Blood Lead Levels Affecting Neonate Birth Weight

To assess the effect of lead exposure from cigarette smoke on fetal growth, blood lead concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in 150 healthy pregnant women. Mean lead concentrations in plasma and whole blood were significantly higher in the smoking group compared with the nonsmoking group in each trimester of pregnancy (p?<?0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed the highest impact of the number of cigarettes smoked per day for serum lead concentration (β?=?0.238; p?<?0.05), while in whole blood, it was duration of smoking before conception (β?=?0.297; p?<?0.001). Birth weight of the smoking mothers' infants was significantly lower (mean?±?SEM, 3,192?±?50.8 and 3,569?±?49.6 g, respectively; p?<?0.001) and negatively correlated with lead levels in plasma (r?=??0.38; p?<?0.001) and in whole blood (r?=??0.27; p?<?0.001). Therefore, it is suggested that smoking during pregnancy increases lead concentrations in maternal blood. Fetal exposure to low doses of lead in utero may be a serious risk factor causing lower birth weight.     

Frailty has a stronger association with inflammation than age in older veterans

Background

Upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines has not only been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in older adults but also has been linked to frailty. In the current study we aimed to compare the relative relationship of age and frailty on inflammation and thrombosis in older veterans.

Results

We analyzed 117 subjects (age range 62–95 years; median 81) divided into 3 cohorts: non-frail, pre-frail and frail based on the Fried phenotype of frailty. Serum inflammatory markers were determined using commercially available ELISA kits. Frail and pre-frail (PF) subjects had higher levels than non-frail (NF) subjects of IL-6 (NF vs. PF: p?=?0.002; NF vs. F: p?<?0.001), TNFR1 (NF vs. F: p?=?0.012), TNFRII (NF vs. F: 0.002; NF vs. PF: p?=?0.005) and inflammatory index: = 0.333*log(IL-6)?+?0.666*log(sTNFR1) (NF vs. F: p?=?0.009; NF vs. PF: p?<?0.001). Frailty status explained a greater percent of variability in markers of inflammation than age: IL-6 (12 % vs. 0.3 %), TNFR1 (5 % vs. 4 %), TNFR2 (11 % vs. 6 %), inflammatory index (16 % vs. 8 %). Aging was significantly associated with higher fibrinogen (p?=?0.04) and D-dimer levels (p?=?0.01) but only among NF subjects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these data suggest that among older veterans, frailty status has a stronger association with inflammation and the inflammatory index than age does. Larger studies, in more diverse populations are needed to confirm these findings.

     

Serum Levels of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Trace elements are essential components of biological structures, but alternatively, they can be toxic at concentrations beyond those necessary for their biological functions. Changes in the concentration of essential trace elements and heavy metals may affect acute hemorrhagic stroke. The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of essential trace elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg)] and heavy metals [cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty-six patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke and 29 healthy controls were enrolled. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (UNICAM-929) was used to measure serum Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, Mn and Mg concentrations. Serum Cd, Pb and Fe levels were significantly higher in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke than controls (p < 0.001), while serum Cu, Zn, Mg and Mn levels were significantly lower (all p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to serum Co levels (p > 0.05). We first demonstrate increased Cd, Pb, and Fe levels; and decreased Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn levels in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. These findings may have diagnostic and prognostic value for acute hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are required to elucidate the roles of trace elements and heavy metals in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke.     

Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Plasma Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia: Relationship with Metabolic Risk Factors

The aim of this study was to determine the plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels and to evaluate their possible association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with schizophrenia. The study group consisted of 60 patients with schizophrenia and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of fasting blood were performed in all subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher plasma Cu concentrations compared with controls (0.97?±?0.31 vs. 0.77?±?0.32 mg/L, p?=?0.001). The plasma Cu concentration showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure in the patient groups (r _s ?=?0.263, p?<?0.05 and r _s ?=?0.272, p?<?0.05, respectively). The plasma Se level correlated positive with MetS score (r _s ?=?0.385, p?<?0.01), waist circumference (r _s ?=?0.344, p?<?0.05), plasma glucose (r _s ?=?0.319, p?<?0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (r _s ?=?0.462, p?<?0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma Zn did not correlate with any of the MetS components. These results suggest that alterations in plasma Cu and Se levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia could be associated with metabolic risk factors.     

Homocysteine Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia on Clozapine Monotherapy

We tested the hypothesis that homocysteine levels are higher in blood of schizophrenic subjects on clozapine monotherapy than in healthy controls and they correlate with anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests and results of bioimpedance analysis of body composition. Data for 24 subjects with schizophrenia treated with clozapine and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers was analyzed. Regarding the whole group, homocysteine levels were significantly higher in men (17.0 ± 3.4 vs. 12.1 ± 4.0 μmol/L, p = 0.009). Homocysteine levels correlated with waist circumference (R = 0.58, p = 0.003), waist-to-hip ratio (R = 0.57, p = 0.003), basal metabolic rate (R = 0.48, p = 0.01), lean body mass [kg] (R = 0.53, p = 0.008), body water [L] (R = 0.53, p = 0.008) and triglycerides (R = 0.57, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences of homocysteine levels for impaired fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, obesity/overweight, and dyslipidemia. Homocysteine levels did not correlate with age, treatment duration, clozapine dose, weight, body mass index, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, total body fat, cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, low density lipoproteins, uric acid, calcium, glucose, insulin, homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance 1, and homoeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance 2. We did not find significant differences in blood homocysteine levels between subjects with schizophrenia and controls. Association with waist circumference may support homocysteine role as an important cardiovascular risk factor. Association with lean weight may explain why men have higher levels of homocysteine than women.     

Association Between Chronic Exposure to Tobacco Smoke and Accumulation of Toxic Metals in Hair Among Pregnant Women

Tobacco smoke contains various toxic heavy metals that individuals are exposed to when they smoke. Despite the presence of heavy metals in tobacco smoke, the relationship between smoking and the accumulation of toxic metals in pregnant women after long-term exposure remains under discussion. We examined the association between long-term exposure to tobacco smoke and the accumulation of toxic metals in the hair of female participants. Our study recruited 252 women from the Shanxi and Hebei provinces of Northern China; these participants were self-reported non-active smokers, and had previously delivered healthy babies without birth defects. Scalp hair was collected and analyzed for nicotine and cotinine and five potentially toxic metals (specifically, silver, chromium, cadmium, mercury, and lead). Our results showed significant positive correlations between cotinine and four metals, including silver (r?=?0.369, p?<?0.001), cadmium (r?=?0.185, p?<?0.01), mercury (r?=?0.161, p?<?0.05), and lead (r?=?0.243, p?<?0.001). Significant positive correlations were also found between nicotine and three metals—specifically silver (r?=?0.331, p?<?0.001), cadmium (r?=?0.176, p?<?0.01), and lead (r?=?0.316, p?<?0.001). A logistic regression model showed significant associations between cotinine and potentially toxic metals including mercury, silver, and lead (with or without adjusting for potential confounders). We thus conclude that long-term passive smoking could potentially increase the exposure level of toxic metals including lead, silver, and mercury in our study, which are especially harmful for pregnant women and their unborn fetus.     

Novel Treatment for Lead Exposure in Children with Autism

The pathogenesis of some cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has been altered with changes in the balance of certain trace and toxic elements. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in smoker and nonsmoker male CVD patients (n?=?457) of two age groups (31–45) and (46–60). The both elements were determined in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of CVD patients and healthy referents for comparison purpose. The concentrations of Zn and Cd were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. It was observed that the mean values of Cd were significantly higher in the biological samples of smokers CVD as compared to nonsmoker CVD patients, while the level of Zn was lower in both smoker and nonsmoker patients. The concentrations of Zn in whole blood and scalp hair samples were lower in CVD patients as compared to referents (p?>?0.001). Results showed significant changes of levels of Cd and Zn in blood and scalp hair samples of CVD patients when compared with healthy referents, while reverse in the case of urine samples. It was observed that low Zn levels were associated with both smoker and nonsmoker CVD patients, while increased cadmium accumulation was observed in smoker patients as compared to nonsmoker patients (p?>?0.025).     

The Physiological Role of Boron on Health

Environmental factors have been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the role of heavy metals has not been fully defined. This study investigated whether blood levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead of children with ASD significantly differ from those of age- and sex-matched controls. One hundred eighty unrelated children with ASD and 184 healthy controls were recruited. Data showed that the children with ASD had significantly (p < 0.001) higher levels of mercury and arsenic and a lower level of cadmium. The levels of lead did not differ significantly between the groups. The results of this study are consistent with numerous previous studies, supporting an important role for heavy metal exposure, particularly mercury, in the etiology of ASD. It is desirable to continue future research into the relationship between ASD and heavy metal exposure.     

Effects of 85 dB Noise Exposure on Macro and Trace Element Levels in Plasma and Brain Areas of Rats

In this study, our hypothesis was that workplace noise can alter brain element levels like immobilization and light–dark cycle shift, and we aimed to investigate the effects of workplace noise on element levels of brain areas as well as changes in blood of chronically noise-exposed rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was the control. The second group (noise exposed) was subjected to daily 8 h 85 dB workplace noise for 15 days, and the third group (noise exposed plus normal condition) was also subjected to the same noise exposure and then returned to normal condition for 15 days. In noise-exposed group, Na, K, Ca, Mg , Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in plasma significantly increased when compared with controls (p?=?0.03 for Na; p?=?0.005 for K and Mg; p?=?0.002 for Ca and Fe; p?=?0.01 for Cu and Zn). In this group, Fe level of temporal lobe significantly increased (p?=?0.021) while Mg level significantly increased in frontal (p?=?0.021) and temporal (p?=?0.001) lobes when compared with controls. In the noise-exposed plus normal condition group, plasma Na, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn levels were greatly similar to controls. But, plasma Ca and Mg levels significantly decreased when compared with controls (p?=?0.002 and p?=?0.007) and noise-exposed group (p?=?0.002 and p?=?0.001). Fe level of temporal lobe significantly increased when compared with controls (p?=?0.001) and noise exposed group (p?=?0.001). These alterations may be attributed to impaired intake of water and micronutrients or their excretions, emerging by acoustic stress.     

Factors associated with caregiving burden and mental health conditions in caregivers of patients with anorexia nervosa in Japan

Background

There are no studies about the caregiving burdens in families of patients with eating disorders in Japan, and only limited studies on the role of caregivers’ stress coping, social support, and mental health. This study examines caregiving burdens, mental health conditions, and associated factors in caregivers of anorexia nervosa (AN) patients in Japan.

Methods

Seventy-nine principal caregivers (70 mothers, 5 fathers, 3 spouses and 1 grandmother; mean age 56.0?±?8.0 years) for outpatients with AN (all female; mean age 26.6?±?7.9 years; BMI 14.6?±?3.2 kg/m²) were evaluated using self-report questionnaires in a cross-sectional study. The questionnaires included caregiving burden (J-ZBI_8), mental health conditions (GHQ28), stress coping styles (CISS), social support (SNQ), severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective (ABOS), and family functioning (GF-FAD). Clinical information about the patients was also obtained.

Results

Mean caregiving burden assessed by J-ZBI_8 score was 12.4?±?7.0 (SD). The total GHQ score was 31.6?±?13.7 (Likert scoring) and 9.2?±?7.0 (GHQ scoring). Of the respondents, 48 (60.7 %) indicated a high risk for mental health problems that exceeded the cutoff point of the GHQ. Significantly higher caregiving burden and poor mental health conditions were shown in the group who had contact with patients?>?6 h a day compared to the group with daily patient contact?<?3 h (F (2, 76)?=?3.19, p?=?0.047 and F (2, 76)?=?9.39, p?<?0.001, respectively). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors that significantly predicted the caregiving burden were severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective (β?=?0.47, p?<?0.001) and Emotion-Oriented Coping (β?=?0.38, p?=?0.002) (R²?=?0.401), while predictors of mental health conditions were Emotion-Oriented Coping (β?=?0.522, p?<?0.001), Affective Support (β?=??0.419, p?<?0.001), and contact time with patient (β?=?0.201, p?=?0.042) (R²?=?0.602).

Conclusion

Caregivers of AN patients experienced heavy burdens and manifested poor mental health conditions. The severity of the patient’s symptoms from the family’s perspective and the greater use of emotion-oriented coping were associated with higher burdens. Greater use of emotion-oriented coping, less affective support and longer contact with patients were related to worse mental health conditions. Interventions to promote caregivers’ adaptive coping styles may help reduce their caregiving burden and improve their mental health.