Analysis of trace element content in hair of autistic children

Determination of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the major challenges for modern scientists. The main pathogenic factors implicated in these disorders are epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, which include toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Al and As). Also, the nervous system may be affected by the deficiency of microand macroelements (e.g. Zn and Mg). The aim of the work was to analyze the content of particular trace elements in the hair of autistic children. The study material comprised samples of hair collected from both autistic children (study group) and children chosen randomly from general population (control group). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Cd and Mn were measured by electron scanning microscopy on a Hitachi TM-3000 apparatus, and by X-ray EDS microanalysis. The content of trace elements in hair, mutual interactions between them and their impact on the development of autism in children were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed with the use of Statistica PL 12.5 software, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pair test and R-Spearman correlation. According to the study, children diagnosed with autism suffer from both Zn deficiency and toxic metal burden (Cd and Mn). The changes observed in Mg level were statistically insignificant. These abnormalities, as an environmental factor, may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this disease

Analysis of trace element content in hair of autistic children

Determination of the pathogenesis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders is one of the major challenges for modern scientists. The main pathogenic factors implicated in these disorders are epigenetic changes caused by environmental factors, which include toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Mn, Al and As). Also, the nervous system may be affected by the deficiency of microand macroelements (e.g. Zn and Mg). The aim of the work was to analyze the content of particular trace elements in the hair of autistic children. The study material comprised samples of hair collected from both autistic children (study group) and children chosen randomly from general population (control group). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Cd and Mn were measured by electron scanning microscopy on a Hitachi TM-3000 apparatus, and by X-ray EDS microanalysis. The content of trace elements in hair, mutual interactions between them and their impact on the development of autism in children were evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed with the use of Statistica PL 12.5 software, including the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon matched-pair test and R-Spearman correlation. According to the study, children diagnosed with autism suffer from both Zn deficiency and toxic metal burden (Cd and Mn). The changes observed in Mg level were statistically insignificant. These abnormalities, as an environmental factor, may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of this disease

Polyolefins filled with waste rigid polyurethane foam and compatibilized by solid-state shear pulverization during extrusion

Polietylen małej gęstości (PE-LD) i polietylen dużej gęstości (PE-HD) oraz ich mieszaninę w stosunku 1:1, a także polipropylen (PP) napełniono odpadami rozdrobnionej sztywnej pianki poliuretanowo-poliizocyjanurowej (PUR-PIR) w ilości do 40 % mas. Składniki kompozycji homogenizowano za pomocą dwuwalcarki, a następnie, po zgranulowaniu, poddawano dodatkowej homogenizacji metodą pulweryzacji ścinaniem w stanie stałym (S3P – solid-state shear pulverization) podczas wytłaczania. Próbki do badań porównawczych formowano metodą wtryskiwania. Oceniano zmiany budowy chemicznej (metodą FT-IR), właściwości mechanicznych (próba rozciągania, udarność), właściwości reologicznych (MFR) oraz termicznych (temperatura mięknienia) badanych kompozycji. Stwierdzono, że pulweryzacja wpływa korzystnie na właściwości otrzymanych układów.Low density polyethylene (PE-LD), high density polyethylene (PE-HD), PE-LD/PE-HD blend at aratio of 1:1, and polypropylene (PP) were filled with finely-ground waste of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foam in an amount up to 40 wt %. The components were homogenized with two-roll-mill and then, after granulation, subjected to additional homogenization using the method of solid-state shear pulverization (so-called S3P process) during extrusion. The specimens for comparative studies were obtained by injection molding. The changes in chemical structure (using FT-IR spectroscopy), mechanical properties (tensile and impact tests), rheological properties (MFR, rotational rheometry), and thermal properties (Vicat temperature) of the investigated compositions were determined. It was found that the pulverization has afavorable effect on the characteristics of the examined systems, although the improvement is not significant and clearly depends on the type of matrix polymer and foam content

Polyolefins filled with waste rigid polyurethane foam and compatibilized by solid-state shear pulverization during extrusion

Polietylen małej gęstości (PE-LD) i polietylen dużej gęstości (PE-HD) oraz ich mieszaninę w stosunku 1:1, a także polipropylen (PP) napełniono odpadami rozdrobnionej sztywnej pianki poliuretanowo-poliizocyjanurowej (PUR-PIR) w ilości do 40 % mas. Składniki kompozycji homogenizowano za pomocą dwuwalcarki, a następnie, po zgranulowaniu, poddawano dodatkowej homogenizacji metodą pulweryzacji ścinaniem w stanie stałym (S3P – solid-state shear pulverization) podczas wytłaczania. Próbki do badań porównawczych formowano metodą wtryskiwania. Oceniano zmiany budowy chemicznej (metodą FT-IR), właściwości mechanicznych (próba rozciągania, udarność), właściwości reologicznych (MFR) oraz termicznych (temperatura mięknienia) badanych kompozycji. Stwierdzono, że pulweryzacja wpływa korzystnie na właściwości otrzymanych układów.Low density polyethylene (PE-LD), high density polyethylene (PE-HD), PE-LD/PE-HD blend at aratio of 1:1, and polypropylene (PP) were filled with finely-ground waste of rigid polyurethane-polyisocyanurate (PUR-PIR) foam in an amount up to 40 wt %. The components were homogenized with two-roll-mill and then, after granulation, subjected to additional homogenization using the method of solid-state shear pulverization (so-called S3P process) during extrusion. The specimens for comparative studies were obtained by injection molding. The changes in chemical structure (using FT-IR spectroscopy), mechanical properties (tensile and impact tests), rheological properties (MFR, rotational rheometry), and thermal properties (Vicat temperature) of the investigated compositions were determined. It was found that the pulverization has afavorable effect on the characteristics of the examined systems, although the improvement is not significant and clearly depends on the type of matrix polymer and foam content