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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Elementology is the property of Journal of Elementology - issued by Polish Magnesium Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Elementology is the property of Journal of Elementology - issued by Polish Magnesium Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Due to a major threat to human health, the content of Pb (lead) and Cd (cadmium) in food products has been limited by EU (European Union) standards that are binding in Poland. Food contamination with these metals is an etiological factor of civilization diseases. The knowledge of the degree of environmental pollution with Pb and Cd, reflected in the level of these metals in food products, is extremely important from the point of view of prophylaxis. The determination of Pb and Cd in food products allows assessment of exposure to their toxic action and thus evaluation of a threat to health in the respective human population. The aim of the study was to assess the health threat in the population of Podlaskie Voivodship according to Pb and Cd contamination of cereal products. The specimen's materials were: flour, groats, and bread, pasta, rice, bran and soya products collected in 13 administrative districts of Podlaskie Province. Pb and Cd concentrations were estimated by using AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) method. The contents of Pb and Cd were analyzed depending on product type and sampling period; health threat was assessed by current Polish requirements. The results were statistically analyzed using the Statistica 7.1 software. The highest Cd level was noted in pastas (0.058±0.0330 mg/kg) and the highest Pb level was in couscous (0.120±0.0899 mg/kg). The lowest average Pb concentration was noted in groats (0.042±0.0306 mg/kg) and Cd in wholemeal bread (0.016±0.0106 mg/kg). Average concentration of Pb and Cd in the examined cereal products did not exceed the permissible limits established by the MH (Minister of Health). The permissible level of Pb was exceeded in the 90th percentile (in couscous and soya products). The average intake Pb and Cd was within the norm of tolerable intake and it comes to be 10% PTWI (provisional tolerable weekly intake) and 12% PTWI respectively and should not threaten the health of the population in the Podlaskie Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many ailments due to improper diet in childhood turn out to be civilization diseases in adults. Therefore, the assessment of nutrition state and eating habits, apart from a variety of food components, should also refer to vitamin consumption. A particular attention should be given to antioxidant vitamins. The aim of the study was to analyse the content of vitamins A, E and C, according to the season of the year, in the diets of junior high school adolescents from Białystok. The study involved adolescents of both sexes, aged 13-15 years, chosen by collective randomisation. Eating habits were assessed using the method of the 24-hour dietary history prior to the investigation as recommended by the institute of Food and Feeding in Warsaw. The vitamin content in the menu was calculated with a computer programme FOOD2. The results were compared with a daily norm recommended for sex and age, and subjected to statistical analysis with the t-Student test. The content of vitamins A and E in the diets of adolescents in the respective seasons largely exceeds the norm, which may be related to higher fat consumption than recommended. The content of vitamin C in the menu also goes beyond the recommended norm. In the diets of girls in spring the norm was exceeded twice.

A 24-hour history was taken in a group of 169 children aged 9 and 14 years, randomly chosen from two primary schools in Białystok, and 186 children at the same age from three village primary schools. The results were compared to the recommended dietary allowances adequate to age and sex, and subjected to statistical analysis. The mean content of the respective vitamins in the diets of children living in town is higher than their mean content in the diets of village children. In many cases the results are statistically significant. The correction coefficient, allowing estimation of vitamin loss due to food processing was used to analyse the realisation of the vitamin dietary allowances in diet. The realisation of the recommended dietary allowances for the respective vitamins (in %) in the diets of 9- and 14-year old schoolchildren living in suburban areas is considerably lower compared to that noted in town.

Randomly selected 354 primary school pupils aged 9 and 14 from Białystok and its vicinity gave a 24-hour feeding history. Calcium diet content was evaluated in the children. The values obtained were referred to the recommended standard of Ca intake according to age and sex. It was found that Ca supply in daily food rations of children in Białystok and suburbs is most insufficient, and the 9-year-old children's place of living had a significant effect on the calcium content in diets.

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of nourishment of gymnasium pupils from Białystok and its vicinity was conducted on 294 schoolchildren of both sexes, drawn by lot from two public middle schools. Their nourishment was qualitatively assessed according to Szewczyński's classification. The quantitative analysis used the previous day 24-hour history method. Caloricity of meals and the content of basic nutrients were calculated using a computer program FOOD 2. The results were compared with the recommended sex and age norms for moderate physical activity and subjected to statistical analysis using t-Student test. The study has shown that the majority of meals consumed by young people are incorrect. The menus are characterized by too high fat content. The diets of boys from the country exceed the norm of caloricity, and like the menus of boys from town, contain too much protein.

Nutrition state of gymnasium pupils living in the country and towns was evaluated. The study included 294 schoolchildren, boys and girls, drawn by lot from two public middle schools. The current body height and mass were assessed with regard to centile chart age norms. Relative body mass index (BMI) was calculated. School children with overweight and underweight were selected. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using t-Student test. Nutrition state indices of girls living in town show lover body mass and greater height compared to their peers from the country. The percentage of overweight boys living in town is high (25%); young people of both sexes living in the country show overweight in approximately 17%. About 13% of school children living in town and 7% from the country are underweight. The results indicate that in the group of school children involved in the study early prevention against obesity and chronic underweight should be employed.