Hair Content Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Hair, Fingernails, and Toenails as Biomarkers of Fluoride Exposure: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACTBackground:The increased prevalence of fluorosis has led to a search for biomarkers of fluoride exposure. Among the biomarkers of sub-chronic exposure to fluoride, hair, fingernails, and toenails have the advantage of being noninvasively collected, easily transported, and stored.Objective:The objective of this study was to comparatively evaluate coronal hair, fingernails, and toenails as biomarkers of fluoride exposure from drinking water; the study was designed as a population-based observational cross-sectional study.Materials and Methods:A population-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 60 children (20 subjects per group) of ages 12–17 years in three villages of Nilakottai block, Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu, India (Thomaspuram, Bangalapatti, and Singampatti). The fluoride concentration in the household drinking water was analyzed and compared with the fluoride content in the coronal hair, fingernail, and toenail clippings, which was estimated by potentiometric method (fluoride-ion-selective electrode) and expressed in ppm (parts per million). A two-tailed probability value of P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:The mean fluoride concentration in drinking water was 0.63ppm in Thomaspuram, 1.63ppm in Bangalapatti, and 2.92ppm in Singampatti. The mean fluoride content in hair samples was 2.84ppm, 4.67ppm, and 6.53ppm; fingernail clippings was 2.99ppm, 4.94ppm, and 6.84ppm; and toenail clippings was estimated as 3.13ppm, 5.10ppm, and 7.24ppm in Thomaspuram, Bangalapatti, and Singampatti residents, respectively. The mean fluoride content in the hair, fingernails, and toenails was significantly higher as compared to the mean fluoride content in the drinking water (viz., toenail fluoride > fingernail fluoride > hair fluoride).Conclusion:Coronal hair, fingernails, and toenails are useful biomarkers for both sub-chronic and chronic fluoride exposure from drinking water. Due to ample sample availability and the highest fluoride content, toenails are the most suitable biomarkers of fluoride exposure from drinking water.

Magnesium Status in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess serum, hair, and urinary magnesium (Mg) levels in children with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and both ASD and ADHD to reveal potential interactive effects.Methods:A total of 148 boys aged 4–9 years old were enrolled in this study, including 44 children with ADHD, 40 pediatric patients with ASD, 32 patients with both ADHD and ASD, as well as 32 healthy neurotypical children. Hair, serum, and urinary Mg levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Laboratory quality control was performed using certified reference materials of human hair, plasma, and urine.Results:No significant group difference in serum Mg levels was observed. Mg content in hair was found to be reduced in children with ADHD and ADHD+ASD compared to that in healthy controls by 11% and 15%, respectively. Urinary Mg levels in children with ADHD+ASD exceeded the control, ADHD, and ASD values by 51, 76, and 65%, respectively. Factorial analysis revealed significant contribution of ADHD to hair and urinary Mg levels. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that hair and urinary Mg levels were considered as significant predictors of neurodevelopmental disorder complexity.Conclusion:We propose that impaired Mg status may provide a link between ADHD and ASD.

Evaluation of Lead and Copper content in hair of workers from oil product distribution companies in Iraq

Serious health consequences can occur not only from acute exposure to environmental toxicants, but also from chronic exposures to minute quantities. Petroleum substances are widely distributed and used in huge amount, mainly as fuels. A total number of 45 males aged between 20 and 45 years participated in this study. The participants were divided in to two groups: The first group of 25 subjects worked at least 8hours/day in different oil product distribution companies in both Basrah and Thiqar Governorates-Iraq. The second group (control group) of 20 healthy individuals with age and weight matched with the test group and lived far away from hazardous exposure. Heavy metals levels in hair were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism (version 6.0). Higher levels of lead and cupper were observed in the hair of subjects working in different oil product distribution companies compared to control group. Heavy metals evaluation in hair samples could be used as a good bioindicator of heavy metal exposure in occupational and environmental surveys for various populations for screening for heavy metals toxicity. In the present study high levels of heavy metals were observed in workers at different oil product distribution companies in Iraq.

Comparison of sample preparation procedures of inductively coupled plasma to measure elements in dog's hair.

The pre-treatment condition affects on the element analysis of inductively coupled plasma (ICP). In this study the pre-treatment condition of ICP has been studied to quantify elements in dog’s hair. The hair samples were collected from twelve female Beagles by clipping them into 1 or 2 cm at the back neck. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements in hairs were performed by using ICP. By ICP nine elements were qualitatively detected and quantitatively analyzed (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Se, Zn). The measured amounts of elements were compared between 3 step and 2 step procedures which were with and without the acetone based washing step. The quantitative analysis showed that the concentrations of K, Na, P, and Se were significantly decreased in hair samples with acetone-based washing (p < 0.005 or 0.001) unlike those without the acetone-based washing. It implied that some minerals are lost by the acetone based washing during the sample preparation step. Therefore, the acetone based washing process is not suitable for quantifying elements in dog’s hair. In addition, the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis were compared. Although there was a difference in absolute values of elemental contents in hair, the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis were significantly correlated each other. This finding suggested that the results of qualitative analysis can be used to monitor elemental contents in dog’s hair.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF CLUSTERS ON CARIES PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY IN CHILDREN AGED 6-7 WITH DIFFERENT SOMATIC HEALTH STATUSES

The aim: Determining the influence of cluster factors on the emergence and progression of caries in first- and second-grade children is appropriate in terms of determining the most significant ones. Materials and methods: The dental status of 73 children, residents of Uzhhorod, who study in the first grades of secondary schools, has been assessed, three groups have been singled (the control group 26 healthy children). The indices of essential micro- and macronutrients in the hair, saliva, serum and urine, as well as anxiety level have been determined and the statistical analysis has been performed. Results: Decreased magnesium and calcium content in hair, serum, urine and mouth fluid, iodine is absent. Children of the third group have high levels of anxiety (80%), high rates of caries (14,8) and significantly reduced levels of magnesium relative to normal. Conclusions: In the patients of the main groups, a direct correlation was found between the presence of somatic pathology and the level of anxiety. In 80% of children of the third group (CSPS≥3) the level of anxiety is high In the main group patients, a direct correlation was found between the presence of somatic pathology, the level of anxiety, and the decrease in magnesium; The intensity of caries only interacts with a high level of anxiety (1.00), that is, in children who are in constant stress, the intensity of caries increases.

ЭЛЕМЕНТНЫЙ СОСТАВ ВОЛОС - ИНДИКАТОР ПРИРОДНО-ТЕХНОГЕННОЙ ОБСТАНОВКИ ТАШКЕНТСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The samples of soils, drinking water and hair of habitants of 15 districts in Tashkent region studied using the method of neutron activation analysis. The results obtained from soil and drinking water analyses indicated that contents of Zn, Co, Cu and other elements in a number of districts are higher in comparison with average values throughout the region. This is related to developed industry in these regions. The analysis of the habitants' hair also indicated increased values, which are caused by environmental contamination and working conditions. For generalized assessment of environmental condition it was suggested to use the logarithm of multiplication of the lithophylic elements (Ba, Ca, K, La, Na, Rb, Sc, Sr) content, characterizing the geochemical condition. And similarly, the logarithm of multiplication of potential pollutants, typical for this area, such as Br, Co, Cr, Sb, U, Zn content in soil, water and hair was used as conditional index of overall pollution. It was demonstrated, that fluctuations of lithophylic elements content logarithm value throughout the districts of the region are insignificant and fall within range of 3941, while logarithm values for the potential pollutants vary from 3.1 to 9.3. The distribution of a hypothetical integral pollutant is presented in the cartogram. The correlation analysis conducted has established a relationship between the content of elements in environmental objects and some diseases, indicating that increased or decreased content of elements in the hair is highly likely one of the signs of a particular disease, especially in environmentally disadvantaged districts of the region.

Human Hair as Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Enhancement of Tensile Strength of Concrete

FRC (Fibre Reinforced Concrete) is fibrous material which increases its structural integrity, resists to explosive spalling in case of environmental affects, improves mix cohesion, improves ductility, reduces of steel reinforcement requirements and reduces the voids due to good stiffness. It contains short discrete fibres that are uniformly distributed. Mostly, natural fibers are the waste material which may have negative impact on environment. Synthetic fibres include steel fibres and glass fibres but natural fibres are coconut fibres and human hair fibres which tends to vary the properties to concrete. In addition, the character of FRC changes with varying concrete, fibre material, geometries, distribution, orientation and densities. Hair fibre concrete gives a practical, cost-effective and convenient method to avoid cracks and deficiencies regarding strength and proper mixing ratio which occurs at a longer period. Fibres have been used to reduce plastic shrinkage and drying shrinkage in concrete. In some structural elements, fibrous concrete can be used to reduce the cost of structure. Different fibres are used to improve the tensile strength of concrete. Human hair are strong in tension. Hair fibres can be utilized as a strengthening material. Hair fibre is a non-decay able matter and available at a cheap rate. Experiments have been performed on fibrous concrete cylinders containing various percentages of human hair which is 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5% by the weight of cement. A total of seventy-two cylinders have been prepared with FRC having different %ages of hair content. Workability, compressive strength and split tensile strength have been checked at three curing ages i.e. 7, 14 and 28 days. This research will open a new wicket in the horizon of reuse of waste material efficiently in construction industry. This innovation in construction industry will save our natural resources and use fibre in productive and an effective approach.

ASSESSMENT OF CARCINOGENIC RISK TO PUBLIC HEALTH WHEN USING GROUNDWATER WITH HIGH ARSENIC CONTENT AS SOURCES OF DRINKING WATER SUPPLY ON THE EXAMPLE OF THE REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN

Hygienic assessment of drinking groundwater used for drinking water supply by the population of the Northern part of the Republic of Dagestan for several decades has been carried out. The content of arsenic in drinking water sources was found to be up to 50 times higher than the permissible WHO standard. The use of regional factors of water consumption allowed to calculate individual and population carcinogenic risks to the population during long-term use of groundwater for drinking water supply. It was shown that the individual carcinogenic risk was 4,3E-4 at the minimum concentration of 0,01 mg/L; 2,1E-2 at the maximum concentration of 0,5 mg/L, and 6,0E-3 at the average value of 0,14 mg/L, respectively. The identified levels of lifetime individual carcinogenic risks (over 70 years) exceed the «acceptable» (target) level of 10 -5 and are assessed as unacceptable for the preservation of public health. For the exposed population of the studied regions of Northern Dagestan (309,7 thousand) the values of population annual carcinogenic risks, reflecting the additional (to the background) number of cases of malignant neoplasms that can occur during the year, ranged from 1 to 95 cases. The results of this study allowed to identify areas with high levels of arsenic in drinking water and to identify the exposed part of the population for the implementation of measures to reduce the risk. To assess the population’s exposure and establish a link between exposure to arsenic and its accumulation in humans, the biomonitoring has been conducted, the results of which allowed to identify the correlation between arsenic content in hair of residents and it’s exhibited content in consumed drinking water.

Mercury exposure assessment in indigenous communities from Tarapaca village, Cotuhe and Putumayo Rivers, Colombian Amazon.

Mercury (Hg) is a complex and multifaceted global pollutant. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities are largely responsible for Hg contamination in developing countries, in many cases impacting areas of high biodiversity such as the Amazon. The aim of the study was to establish Hg exposure in indigenous citizens from the Tarapaca village, Cotuhe and Putumayo Rivers, at the Colombian Amazon. Total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations were measured employing a DMA-80 Hg analyzer. For that purpose, 190 hair samples were taken from volunteers living in different communities of Tarapaca. The overall mean T-Hg level for all samples was 10.6 ± 0.4 μg/g, with values ranging from 0.61 to 31.1 μg/g. The mean T-Hg level decreased in the order Puerto Huila > Puerto Ticuna > Ventura > Nueva Union > Buenos Aires > Santa Lucia > Puerto Nuevo > Caña Brava > Pupuña. Based on recommendations from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), 99.5% of the samples exceeded the maximum level of 1.0 μg/g. Hg content in human hair was significantly associated with fish consumption (ρ = 0.253; p < 0.001). According to the health survey, at least 24.7% of the volunteers manifested some signs and symptoms of Hg poisoning. In short, these data support the extensive Hg exposure in the environment of the Colombian Amazon, a process that could be impacting the quality of life of its vulnerable indigenous groups. Immediate actions must be taken by competent authorities to protect these communities from Hg poisoning.

Comparison of plasma, saliva, and hair lamotrigine concentrations

BackgroundIn some clinical situations (pregnancy, aging, drug resistance, toxicity), measurements of lamotrigine plasma levels may be reliable. Limited studies indicate that saliva and hair could be alternative sources for monitoring lamotrigine therapy. The drug content in hair can also be used to assess the history of drug therapy and to ascertain long-term patient compliance. The aims of this study were to 1) determine the correlations among plasma, saliva, and hair lamotrigine concentrations, 2) evaluate saliva as an alternative matrix for monitoring drug levels and 3) evaluate hair as a source of information on adherence to antiepileptic treatment and on the correlation of hair concentrations with clinical outcomes in patients with epilepsy. MethodsPlasma, saliva, and hair lamotrigine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in positive ionization mode. The study group (n = 85) was recruited among the epileptic patients at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland. ResultsPlasma concentrations were not influenced by sex, age, or the concomitant use of other antiepileptic drugs. Lamotrigine saliva and plasma concentrations were strongly correlated (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Lamotrigine hair concentrations were correlated with the plasma concentrations (r = 0.53, p < 0.001) and daily dose in mg/kg (r = 0.23, p = 0.024). The analysis revealed no significant correlation between lamotrigine hair levels and the number of seizures in the previous 3 months (r = -0.1, p > 0.05). ConclusionsThe lamotrigine saliva concentration is strongly correlated with its plasma level, and saliva can be used as an alternative matrix to plasma for monitoring. Lamotrigine can also be successfully measured in hair, and the drug levels in hair tend to be correlated with the levels in plasma. However, lamotrigine levels in hair may not correspond to clinical outcomes (i.e., seizure episodes).

Study of Trace Metal Imbalances in the Scalp Hair of Stomach Cancer Patients with Different Types and Stages.

Stomach cancer is among the most common forms of cancers, and diet and environmental factors play important roles in its malignancy. This study was conducted to evaluate the trace metal contents in the scalp hair of stomach cancer patients and healthy donors to investigate probable relationship between metal imbalances and cancer. The samples were digested in HNO3-HClO4 mixture and the metals were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Median level of Cr was found to be significantly higher in the patients than in the controls, while median levels of Fe, Mn and Cd were considerably reduced. The correlation pattern of metals in the patients manifested significantly divergent mutual relationships compared with the controls. Multivariate analyses showed appreciably diverse apportionment of the metals in the patients and healthy donors. Variations in the metal levels were also observed for various types (adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumour) as well as stages (I, II, III and IV) of stomach cancer patients. Most of the metals revealed noticeable disparities in their levels based on gender, habitat, dietary habit and smoking habit of patients and controls. Accordingly, the essential/toxic metals exhibited significant imbalance due to pathogenesis of stomach among the patients.

Adaptive changes of the hair coat of the horses of zabaykalsky aborigenous breed

The seasonal changes in the skin thickness and structure of the horses’ coat, as signs of adaptation to environmental factors, were studied. The experiment was carried out with the livestock kept in a herd using winter-grazing technology without additional feedings in the climatic conditions of the Trans-Baikal Territory. The objects of the research were adult mares of Zabaikalsky breed of horses of the same age, class and fatness. The studies were carried out in the middle of each season (May, July, October, February). The length of the coat was measured with a caliper, the coat itself with the determination of the ratio of hair (fl uffy hair, heterotype hair and coarse hair) and the thickness of the skin fold were measured in accordance with the approved methodological recommendations. The minimum skin thickness in winter was detected in mares on the back and shoulder blade – 4.3 and 4.4 mm, the maximum – on the side and thigh – 4.5 4.6 mm. When compared with the summer period, the increase on the side was 0.8 mm, whereas on the back, shoulder blade and thigh – 0.4 mm (p ≤ 0,001). In spring, thickening of the skin was noted within 0.1-0.3 mm in the same topographic areas, compared to autumn. The quantitative indicators of the coat changed depending on the season of the year. In winter, the coat contained more fl uffy hair (23.10%), and less coarse hair (68.24%), in summer there was a lower content of fl uffy hair (4.33%), but more coarse hair (94.01%.) Sharp seasonal changes were noted with regard to the length of the hair. The longest hair was found in winter and spring – 4.96 and 4.26 cm, whereas the shortest – in summer and autumn – 0.94 and 1.90 cm, respectively.

Levetiracetam concentration in hair is associated with the time schedule of administration: Study on rats.

Measurement of hair drug content may be a reliable biomarker of the history of drug exposure, allowing to assess patient long-term compliance. Studies on correlations between antiepileptic drugs intake and their hair contents are limited. The aim of the study was to determine the association between the history of levetiracetam administration and its content in rat hair in controlled laboratory conditions. Additionally, the effects of levetiracetam on hair growth rate and body-weights were examined. Three groups of 12 rats each were exposed to different schedules of levetiracetam administration (10mg/kg i.p.: every 24, 48 and 72hours) for 30days. The control group received daily saline injection. Levetiracetam concentrations in hair were assessed by validated LC-MS/MS method. The mean hair concentrations were as follows: 300 (±100), 170 (±60) and 130 (±80) ng/mg for rats receiving levetiracetam every 24, 48 and 72hours, respectively. The levetiracetam accumulation in the hair was correlated with the total number of doses received (r=.699, P<.001). Levetiracetam did not affect the hair growth rate and rat body-weight. The concentration of levetiracetam measured in rat hair represents a reliable marker. It may reflect the adherence to levetiracetam treatment; however, further studies on human beings are needed.

Preparation of human hair keratin/calcium alginate blend films

The preparation of human hair keratin/calcium alginate blend films was used of calcium chloride as coagulation bath. Two components in the blend film have good compatibility due to the presence of calcium bridges and hydrogen bonds. However, large molecular aggregates were increased with the increase of the protein content of human hair, which was also affected the light transmittance, the tensile strength, the elongation at break and the liquid absorption of the blend films.

AEME production in cocaine positive hair after thermal hair treatment

IntroductionCurrently, hair straightening has become a regular hair treatment for women but likewise for men. Several studies have shown that thermal straightening has an influence on the concentration of ethyl glucuronide and of drugs of abuse content in hair. Heat treatment of hair may decrease concentrations of cocaine (COC) and of cocaethylene (CE) in hair and increase concentrations of benzoylecgonine (BZE). The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of thermal straightening on anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), a known cocaine smoking marker, in hair. Method42 positive COC hair samples were treated in vitro with iron plates heated to 200°C. During this treatment one lock of hair was put sequentially 30 times in contact with a hair straightener during 2s, the other lock was not treated. The hair samples were analyzed by a validated GC/MS method for AEME, COC and its metabolites BZE, norcocaine (NC), ecgonine methyl ester (EME) and CE. ResultsAfter treatment, a median increase of concentrations was observed for AEME (110.3%) and BZE (27.6%) whereas a median decrease was found for COC (56.9%), NC (46.7%), EME (33.3%) and CE (41.7%). The median BZE/COC ratio of 0.6 in not treated hair increased to 1.5 in treated hair. ConclusionRegarding our in vitro results, AEME may be produced by thermal hair straightening. Therefore, the presence of AEME in hair should not be used as an irrefutable prove of cocaine smoking. Our study shows that for the interpretation of AEME results in hair, potential heat treatment of hair should be considered. A ratio BZE/COC higher 1 appears to be a good marker to identify thermal treatment of hair before collection. Finally, thermal straightening should be documented during hair collection and should also be considered for the interpretation of COC results in hair.

Distribution characteristics and influencing factors of heavy metals in scalp hair of Huainan urban residents.

In order to explore the level of heavy metal pollution in human hair of residents in Huainan City and provide theoretical guidance for prevention and control of heavy metal pollution, human hair samples from 174 residents in Huainan City were collected so that heavy metal (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Fe) concentrations in scalp hair could be tested, and meanwhile their relationship with sex, age, and spatial distribution characteristics could be explored as well. According to the final analysis, the average concentration of Cr, Pb, Cu, Fe, Zn, and As in human hair amounted to 1.56, 6.41, 14.96, 31.13, 166.54, and 1.07mg/kg. The highest average of Cr and Pb contents in human hair occurred in the area of Xiejiaji District; Fe, Zn, and Hg were in Datong District; and Cu and As were in Panji District respectively. Overall, the lowest risk of heavy metal exposure existed in Tianjia'an District. Heavy metal content in hair varied across sexes and ages. Pb concentration in hair would decrease as age increased. The highest Pb concentration appeared in children between ages 0 and 10, the amount of which was significantly different from that in other age groups; hence, children appear to be more susceptible to Pb pollution than other ages. Contents of Cr, Fe, Zn, and As in hair would also increase with age; Fe content in hair was particularly correlated with age. The contents of Cr, Pb, Fe, and As in men's hair were higher than those in women's, whereas the case of Cu and Zn was just the opposite. There were significant differences between sexes concerning the contents of Cr, Cu, and As, and a highly significant difference about Zn between sexes as well. These results indicated that the contents of heavy metal in residents' hair would be closely related to the features of the local environment and population.

The Reference Values of Hair Content of Trace Elements in Dairy Cows of Holstein Breed.

The objective of this study was to assess trace element content in hair of Holstein dairy cows bred in the Leningrad Region of Russia and to calculate the site-specific reference intervals. Hair content of arsenic, boron, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, mercury, iodine, lithium, manganese, lead, selenium, silicon, tin, strontium, vanadium, and zinc in 148 cows during first (n = 50), second (n = 48), and third (n = 50) lactation periods of life was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Dietary intake of trace elements corresponded to the adequate values according to national and international recommendations. Comparative analysis did not reveal any significant differences in hair content of main essential elements on the animals depending on the number of lactation. At the same time, the first-lactation cows had significantly (P < 0.05) lower concentration of lead in hair as compared to the third-lactation cows and a higher level of mercury as compared to the second-lactation cows. The reference intervals and 90% confidence intervals for the lower and upper limits were calculated in agreement with the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standard Guidelines.

The content of toxic elements in hair of dairy cows as an indicator of productivity and elemental status of animals.

The study was conducted on a model of dairy cows of the Holstein breed. At the first stage of research, the elemental composition of cow hair was studied (n = 198). Based on this study, the percentile intervals of chemical elements concentrations in hair were established; values of 25 and 75 percentiles were determined, and they were considered as "physiological standard." At the second stage, the elemental composition of hair from the upper part of withers of highly productive Holstein cows during the period of increasing milk yield was analyzed (n = 47). The elemental composition of biological substrates was studied according to 25 indicators, using the methods of atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). An assessment of productivity parameters of cows depending on the level of toxic elements in hair revealed a negative statistically significant relationship with the level of lead. Lead content in hair was negatively correlated with the yield of fat (r = - 0.50), protein (r = - 0.37), and dry matter (r = - 0.48) in milk. Based on these data, cows were divided into three groups: group I, with Pb concentration in hair 0.0245-0.0449mg/g, group II-between 0.0495 and 0.141mg/kg, and in group III-between 0.145 and 0.247mg/g. It was established that increasing Pb content decreases daily production of milk fat by 18.8 (P ≤ 0.05) and 25.3% (P ≤ 0.05), protein by 9.7 (P ≤ 0.05) and 10.7% (P ≤ 0.05), and dry matter by 8.0 and 13.0% (P ≤ 0.05) in cows. Average daily milk yield, adjusted for 1% of fat, decreased by 19.2 (P ≤ 0.05) and 25.3% (P ≤ 0.05), respectively. As the concentration of lead in hair increased, the content of toxic elements (Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn, Sr) increased from 0.07 to 0.235mmol/kg in group I, in group II from 0.082 to 0.266mmol/kg, and in group III-from 0.126 to 0.337mmol/kg. It was concluded that it is necessary to further study the use of physiological standard indicators of the content of toxic chemical elements in hair of dairy cows to increase productivity and maintain animal health and to create an effective system of individual health monitoring of highly productive cattle.

Investigation on the 2D-Distribution of Metallic Elements after Hair Dyeing.

Long-term use of hair dyes has potential effects on metal content in hair. However, little research dissects the specific distribution and composition variations of the metal after dyeing. In this study, we investigated the morphological change and metallic elements content variation after dyeing. The results showed that the concentration of essential metal elements decreased, among which the Ca, K, and Na decreased sharply even above 50%. As for the heavy metal, the most significant observation is that Pb increased almost by five times after dyeing. Besides, it revealed, using scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), that Pb concentrated at the outer layer of the hair. In addition, two-dimensional proton-induced X-ray emission (2D-PIXE) was applied to analyze the distribution of metallic elements along the longitudinal and cross section of the hair. The results showed that Ca and Zn distributed evenly in the hair along the longitudinal and cross section. It is the first time that 2D-PIXE is applied to analyze the metallic distribution in the hair. This method exhibits high sensitivity and can be widely used in the environmental and medical field to analyze the distribution of metallic elements.

In Vivo Human Hair Hydration Measurements by Using Opto-Thermal Radiometry

The water content in human hair is very important for its cosmetic properties and general health. However, to measure water content in hair, especially in vivo hair, is very difficult. Opto-thermal transient emission radiometry (OTTER) is a promising, infrared remote sensing technology that can be used for this kind of measurements. It can not only measure the water content but also the water depth profile in hair. By measuring the water content and its depth profile in hair, we can understand the status of hair, i.e., healthy or damaged, etc. In this paper, we will present our latest study on in vivo human hair hydration measurements by using OTTER. We will first present the theoretical background and then show the experimental results. We will also compare the OTTER hair results with other established measurement technique results, such as condenser trans-epidermal water loss method.