Joanna Chlopicka

Use of pattern recognition methods in the interpretation of heavy metal content (lead and cadmium) in children's scalp hair

A study has been performed to identify the exposure to toxic metals and possible adverse effects in children from various rural and industrial areas in southern Poland. The population studied consisted of school children of age 7–12. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean Pb and Cd content in the hair of the sampled individuals was found to be 4.85 ± 5.91 µg g–1 and 0.430 ± 0.569 µg g–1, respectively. The hair of boys (particularly those living in the areas of greater industrial contamination) exhibited statistically significant higher levels of Pb and Cd than the hair of girls from the same areas. No relationship was revealed between metal content and either anthropometric indices (weight : height ratio or height : age ratio) or educational achievements.

Effect of quinoa seeds (Chenopodium quinoa) in diet on some biochemical parameters and essential elements in blood of high fructose-fed rats.

The effect of Chenopodium quinoa seeds on lipid profile, glucose level, protein metabolism and selected essential elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) level was determined in high—fructose fed male Wistar rats. Fructose decreased significantly LDL [42%, p < 0.01] and activity of alkaline phosphatase [20%, p < 0.05], and increased triglycerides level [86%, p < 0.01]. The analysis of blood of rats fed quinoa indicated, that these seeds effectively reduced serum total cholesterol [26%, p < 0.05], LDL [57%, p < 0.008] and triglycerides [11%, p < 0.05] when compared to the control group. Quinoa seeds also significantly reduced the level of glucose [10%, p < 0.01] and plasma total protein level [16%, p < 0.001]. Fructose significantly decreased HDL [15%, p < 0.05] level in control group but when the quinoa seeds were added into the diet the decrease of HDL level was inhibited. Quinoa seeds did not prevent any adverse effect of increasing triglyceride level caused by fructose. It was shown in this study that quinoa seeds can reduce most of the adverse effects exerted by fructose on lipid profile and glucose level.

Evaluation of zinc content in children’s hair

The zinc content in the hair of 654 children living in various rural and industrial areas in southern Poland was assayed by means of the atomic absorption spectrometry, following the dry digestion procedure. The hair of girls exhibited statistically significant higher level of Zn than the boys’ hair, although in the site of extremal Zn contamination, the inverse relation was found.

Investigations on the Magnesium Status Marker in Humans. The Environmental Variability of the Magnesium Levels in the Hair, Plasma and Erythrocytes of School Children from Poland

A deficiency in magnesium status is observed in different age groups of the Polish population [1]. It is believed there is a connection with inappropriate diet and with environmental pollution. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of some environmental factors and gender on children’s magnesium status.

Maternal and Cord Blood Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd) Concentrations and the Risk of Prematurity and Delivery of SGA Infants 192

Maternal and Cord Blood Heavy Metals (Pb, Cd) Concentrations and the Risk of Prematurity and Delivery of SGA Infants 192