Scalp Hair Samples Research Articles

Use of Scalp Hair as a Biomarker to Determine Airborne Heavy Metal Concentrations for the Academic Laboratory Employees

Academic chemical laboratories (ACL) are considered public places the employees come in contact with a variety of pollutants. The aim of the current study was to detect heavy metals levels in the indoor air of ACL in two universities in Baghdad city and assess their levels in the academic employees’ scalp hair as biomarkers. Air samples inside ACL were collected to detect Fe, Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu. Scalp hair samples were collected from 40 adult chemical laboratory employees aged 30-60 years, who worked 5 days/week for 6 hours a day. Personal information relating to employees such as age, duration of exposure, smoking habit and sex, was collected as a questionnaire. The results of this study concluded that academic laboratory employees were exposed to high levels of heavy metals which was proven through the use of scalp hair; old ages, prolonged working periods, smoking habit have significant effects in increasing the levels of heavy metals in scalp hair, while the employees’ gender variation did not have a significant effect.

Adherence to single inhaler triple therapy and digital inhalers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a literature review and protocol for a randomized controlled trial (TRICOLON study)

BackgroundMedication non-adherence is a significant problem in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Efforts to address this issue are receiving increased attention. Simplifying treatment by prescribing single-inhaler triple therapy (SITT) as an alternative to multi-inhaler triple therapy (MITT) or with smart inhalers are often considered potential solutions. However, the actual impact of these innovations on adherence and clinical outcomes is unclear.MethodsTo address this knowledge gap we first conducted a literature review focusing on two research questions: 1) the difference in adherence between SITT and MITT users in COPD, and 2) the effect of smart inhalers on adherence in COPD. Separate searches were conducted in PubMed and two authors independently assessed the articles. In addition, we present a protocol for a study to acquire knowledge for the gaps identified.ResultsTo address the first research question, 8 trials were selected for further review. All trials were observational, i.e. randomized controlled trials were lacking. Seven of these trials showed higher adherence and/or persistence in patients on SITT compared with patients on MITT. In addition, four studies showed a positive effect of SITT on various clinical outcomes. For the second research question, 11 trials were selected for review. While most of the studies showed a positive effect of smart inhalers on adherence, there was considerable variation in the results regarding their effect on other clinical outcomes.The TRICOLON (TRIple therapy COnvenience by the use of one or multipLe Inhalers and digital support in ChrONic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) trial aims to improve understanding regarding the effectiveness of SITT and smart inhalers in enhancing adherence. This open-label, randomized, multi-center study will enroll COPD patients requiring triple therapy at ten participating hospitals. In total, 300 patients will be randomized into three groups: 1) MITT; 2) SITT; 3) SITT with digital support through a smart inhaler and an e-health platform. The follow-up period will be one year, during which three methods of measuring adherence will be used: smart inhaler data, self-reported data using the Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI) questionnaire, and drug analysis in scalp hair samples. Finally, differences in clinical outcomes between the study groups will be compared.DiscussionOur review suggests promising results concerning the effect of SITT, as opposed to MITT, and smart inhalers on adherence. However, the quality of evidence is limited due to the absence of randomized controlled trials and/or the short duration of follow-up in many studies. Moreover, its impact on clinical outcomes shows considerable variation. The TRICOLON trial aims to provide solid data on these frequently mentioned solutions to non-adherence in COPD. Collecting data in a well-designed randomized controlled trial is challenging, but the design of this trial addresses both the usefulness of SITT and smart inhalers while ensuring minimal interference in participants' daily lives.Trial registrationNCT05495698 (Clinicaltrials.gov), registered at 08–08-2022. Protocol version: version 5, date 27–02-2023.

Characterization of hair cortisol concentration pre-conception and during pregnancy

BackgroundThe hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis is a system involved in stress and pregnancy regulation, and hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is a promising biomarker of its activity. Assessing factors that influence HCC in the prenatal period is critical to understand whether and how HPA axis (dys-)regulation influences maternal health and child development, particularly in high-risk populations from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). AimsThis study aimed at characterizing preconception and pregnancy HCC with respect to multiple sociodemographic, pregnancy-related, and hair-related factors. MethodsIn a sample of N = 2581 pregnant women in Perú, participants from two cohort studies provided a 6 cm scalp hair sample at three prenatal timepoints. Each hair sample was cut into two segments of 3 cm that represent cortisol secretion at four times: preconception, first-, second- and third trimester of pregnancy. Hair cortisol was extracted using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spearman correlations, paired t-tests, and ANOVA were used to assess differences in log-transformed values of HCC (logHCC) across maternal sociodemographic, pregnancy-related, and hair-related factors. Multivariable linear regressions were used to examine independent associations of HCCs with selected correlates. ResultsMean logHCC values showed an increase across the four prenatal periods. Preconception BMI was consistently associated with HCC in all three trimesters, while difficulty accessing basic foods, education, hair dyeing, and infant sex showed time-specific associations with HCCs. In sensitivity analyses, we detected no substantial segment effects in the associations of HCCs with maternal characteristics. ConclusionThis study is the largest to characterize HCC in pregnant women from a LMIC. Our findings provide a foundation for the use of HCC as a biomarker of prenatal HPA axis activity for future studies. This foundation may contribute to finding valid biomarkers of stress-response systems to promote maternal and child health.

Detection and Imaging of Exposure-Related Metabolites and Xenobiotics in Hard Tissues by Laser Sampling and Mass Spectrometry.

The utility of two novel laser-based methods, laser ablation electrospray ionization (LAESI) and laser desorption ionization (LDI) from silicon nanopost array (NAPA), is explored via local analysis and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) of hard tissues (tooth and hair) for the detection and mapping of organic components. Complex mass spectra are recorded in local analysis mode from tooth dentin and scalp hair samples. Nicotine and its metabolites (cotinine, hydroxycotinine, norcotinine, and nicotine) are detected by LAESI-MS in the teeth of rats exposed to tobacco smoke. The intensities of the detected metabolite peaks are proportional to the degree of exposure. Incorporating ion mobility separation in the LAESI-MS analysis of scalp hair enables the detection of cotinine in smoker hair along with other common molecular species, including endogenous steroid hormones and some lipids. Single hair strands are imaged by MALDI-MSI and NAPA-LDI-MSI to explore longitudinal variations in the level of small molecules. Comparing spectra integrated from NAPA-LDI-MSI and MALDI-MSI images reveals that the two techniques provide complementary information. There were 105 and 82 sample-related peaks for MALDI and NAPA, respectively, with an overlap of only 16 peaks, indicating a high degree of complementarity. Enhanced molecular coverage and spatial resolution offered by LAESI-MS and NAPA-LDI-MSI can reveal the distributions of known and potential biomarkers in hard tissues, facilitating exposome research.

Evaluate the Work-Related Exposure of Vanadium on Scalp Hair Samples of Outdoor and Administrative Workers of Oil Drilling Field: Related Health Risks.

Petrochemical facilities, including oil well drilling, are discharging resources of extensive noxious waste into the environment. The workers in different sections might be exposed to vanadium (V) through different routes (groundwater and soil), which is linked with extensive physiological disorders, hypertension, respiratory disorders, anemia, skin, and gastrointestinal disorders. This study determined the contents of V in a biological sample (scalp hair) of workers of different categories (outdoor and office workers) in an oil drilling field in Sindh, Pakistan. The environmental samples, groundwater, bottled mineral water, and soil samples were also analyzed for V. For comparative purposes, the scalp hair of age-matched male subjects residing in domestic areas of Hyderabad city, Pakistan, was also analyzed. Generally, the concentrations of V in groundwater near the oil drilling field and drilled soil illustrated significant variations. The results show that the vanadium concentration in the scalp hair of non-exposed referents (controls) and office workers (exposed referents) was 62% and 45% lower than those observed for outdoor drilling and cleaning mud workers. It was observed that high exposure to V in outdoor workers might be linked with different physiological disorders such as anemia, eye problems, and bronchial disorders.

Detection of Trace Elements Se, Cu, and Zn Levels in Biological Samples of Drug Abusers: Halani Sindh, Pakistan.

Illicit drug use has become a global issue, posing significant health, socioeconomic, and cultural risks. The study examined essential trace metals: selenium, zinc, and copper in blood concentrations, as well as in serum and scalp hair samples, from 240 male drug-abuse subjects/patients aged 18-45, categorized into three age groups. The study compared 45 healthy subjects of the same age group using an acid digestion method supported by a microwave oven during sample preparation. The technique of atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to identify essential and toxic elements, utilizing certified reference materials for accuracy. According to a recent study, plasma zinc and selenium concentrations in drug abusers are lower than those in referent subjects, potentially increasing vulnerability to infection due to poor nutritional status or other contaminants.

Mercury Exposure among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Four Gold Mining Districts in the East Region of Cameroon

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the single largest intentional-release of mercury (Hg) in the world. In Cameroon, there is paucity of data concerning the contribution of ASGM to human mercury contamination. This study aimed at providing new data for a region in Cameroon where ASGM is practiced, through an assessment of the concentration of total mercury (T-Hg) in hair as a function of occupational exposure, and investigating symptoms related to Hg toxicity. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 60 gold miners from four gold mining districts: Batouri, Kette, Ngoura and Bétaré-Oya. Questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, nature of work processes and symptoms of Hg toxicity. Scalp hair samples were drawn from all 60 respondents and analysis for total mercury (T-Hg) in hair was done via a milestone DMA-80 Mercury Analyzer. The results show that males (86.7%) were generally represented than females (13.3%). The minimum, maximum and mean concentrations of Hg in hair of miners across the four districts was 0 μg/g, 8.97 μg/g and 2.09±1.84 μg/g respectively. Over three-quarters (71.7%) of the miners had T-Hg in hair above the occupational toxic threshold of 1 μg/g set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), also identified as 66.7% in the “alert level” and 5% as “high” according the German Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission. The factors affecting the concentration of mercury in hair according to a multiple linear regression model (R2 = 0.400 and p = 0.03) were living in Bétaré-Oya, younger age, male sex, burning of amalgam, and increased number of working days per week. According to the same model (R2 = 0.076 and p = 0.940), the symptoms associated with mercury exposure were unusual tiredness, excessive sleeping, dizziness and visual difficulties. ASGM in the east region of Cameroon, therefore, is significantly contributing to Hg contamination in humans as a result of occupational exposures to Hg, and there is urgent need for interventions to mitigate human exposure, especially as adverse health effects cannot be excluded following long-term exposures.

The change of copper, zinc, iodine, and selenium contents in the scalp hair of healthy females and the efficacy of herbal extract shampoo treatment

We investigated shampoo-related changes in levels of some trace elements in the scalp hair of females and their impact on scalp skin properties. Sixty healthy women divided into control and experimental group who used regular shampoo and Urtica cannabina (U.cannabina) extract shampoo, respectively. Scalp skin was examined using an electronic skin analyzer, and trichometric analysis was performed with a Folliscope. The collected scalp hair samples were digested and measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The average copper (p=0.05), zinc (p=0.0002), and iodine (p=0.0004) levels increased notably, whereas the selenium content decreased slightly (p=0.337) in the experimental group. We found that the average iodine content in scalp hair of Mongolian females was three times lower than the global average. The average increase in trace elements may be considered to be due to the transfer of an element into the human scalp during shampooing. These results indicate that some trace elements in human scalp hair are not only associated with nutritional status and environmental factors, but cosmetic products can also affect the trace element composition. The hair growth, diameter, and density gradually increased and were higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Scalp skin moisture, sebum, and pH values increased in the experimental group, whereas the control group showed no notable difference. Herbal extracts may potentially support scalp hair growth and increase the hair density. This ability can be explained by the trace elements in the herbal extract, which may play a key role in inducing hair growth.

Correlation of endocrine disrupting chemicals with essential elements in biological samples of children (1–5 years) with different infectious diseases and impact on sustainable outdoor activities

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been extensively explored due to their harmful effects on individual health and the environment by interfering with hormone activity and disrupting the endocrine system. However, their relationship with essential trace elements remains uncertain. This research aimed to investigate the possible correlation between essential trace elements and toxic metals, including cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in children aged 1–5 years with various infectious diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, typhoid fever, and pneumonia. The study was conducted on biological testing and specimen (scalp hair and whole blood) of diseased and non-diseased children of the same residential area and referent/control age-matched children from developed cities consuming domestically treated water. The media of biological samples were oxidized by an acid mixture before being analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The accuracy and validity of the methodology were verified through accredited reference material from scalp hair and whole blood sample. The study results revealed that diseased children had lower mean values of essential trace elements (iron, copper, and zinc) in both scalp hair and blood, except for copper, which was found to be higher in blood samples of diseased children. This implies that the deficiency of essential residue and trace elements in children from rural areas who consume groundwater is linked to various infectious diseases. The study highlights the need for more human biomonitoring of EDCs to better comprehend their non-classical toxic properties and their concealed costs on human health. The findings suggest that exposure to EDCs could be associated with unfavorable health outcomes and emphasizes the need for future regulatory policies to minimize exposure and safeguard the health of current and forthcoming generations of children. Furthermore, the study highlights the implication of essential trace elements in maintaining good health and their potential correlation with toxic metals in the environment.

“Assessing exposure of printing factory workers in thailand to selected heavy metals using urine and hair as non-invasive matrices”

BackgroundThere are few thorough studies on the extent and inter-element relationships of heavy metal contamination in printing factory workers, especially in developing countries. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of eight heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and manganese (Mn), in urine and scalp hair of printing industry workers, and assess inter-element correlations.MethodsWe examined a total of 85 urine samples and 85 scalp hair samples (3 cm hair segments taken from near the scalp) in 85 printing workers from a printing house in Bangkok, Thailand. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire about participants’ printing techniques, work characteristics, and work environment. Urine and scalp hair samples were analyzed for levels of each element using the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique.ResultsAs, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb were detected in urine with the geometric mean concentration range of 0.0028–0.0209 mg/L, and Hg, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co, Mn, Cr were detected in hair samples (0.4453–7.165 mg/kg dry weight) of printing workers. The geometric mean Ni level was significantly higher in the urine of production line workers than back-office personnel (0.0218 mg/L vs. 0.0132 mg/L; p = 0.0124). The other elements did not differ significantly between production line and back-office workers in either urine or hair. There was also a strong, statistically significant positive correlation between Ni and Co levels in hair samples of workers (r = 0.944, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsAverage concentrations of most of the metals in urine and hair of printing workers were found to be above the upper reference values. The significantly higher concentrations of Ni in production line workers might be due to more exposure to printed materials. A strong inter-element correlation between Ni and Co in hair samples can increase stronger health effects and should be further investigated. This study reveals possible dependencies and impact interactions of heavy metal exposure in printing factory workers.

THC and THC-COOH hair concentrations: Influence of age, gender, consumption habits, cosmetics treatment, and hair features

Evaluation of Cannabis consumption is required for many purposes (i.e., workplace drug testing and driving license renewal). Hair analysis represents the most adopted and reliable approach for the investigation of repeated or chronic exposure to Cannabis. The main markers are the Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its main metabolite, 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH), as stated by the Society of Hair Testing (SoHT) and the European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS). In this paper we presented an observational study on the hair concentrations of THC and THC-COOH and influences due to age, gender, consumption habits, and hair features. Data were collected from analysis of scalp hair samples (3-cm proximal segment) provided by subjects tested for THC consumption for personal purposes (i.e., workplace drug testing, personal use proving). The subjects provided an informed consent and a short questionnaire. A new analytical method was previously developed and then adopted. It consisted in a hydrolysis (1 mL of 1 M NaOH at 65 °C, 20 min) and a liquid-liquid extraction (with hexane/ethyl acetate,90/10, v/v in presence of 1.5 mL of H2SO4 1 M) of 25 mg of hair. A liquid chromatograph – tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) equipped with a C18 column was used. The acquisition was in multiple reaction monitoring for the following transitions: 315→259, 193 m/z, for THC; 318→196, 123 m/z, for THC-d3; 345→299, 193 m/z for THC-COOH; 348→196, 302 m/z for THC-COOH-d3. Correlation between THC and THC-COOH hair concentrations was analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. In order to study the influences of several variables, a new value, Sqrt(THC*THCCOOH), was adopted. Its effectiveness and reliability were proved by the Principal Component Analysis. Relationships between the Sqrt(THC*THCCOOH) and the variables were studied through the Stepwise regression (p = 0.05). The normality of data distribution was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The Lower limits of quantification were 10.0 (THC) and 0.2 (THC-COOH) pg/mg. Accuracy and precision always met the acceptable criteria. Recoveries were > 78% and ion suppression was observed for both the compounds. Data from 126 hair samples were included in this study: 54 subjects(42.9%) were positive both for THC and THC-COOH; none of the samples was positive for a single substance. Concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 1.75 ng/mg (median: 0.78 ng/mg) for THC and from 0.04 to 0.85 ng/mg (median: 0.31 ng/mg) for THC-COOH. Cannabinoids levels seemed to decrease with the age, with lower amounts in the subjects aged > 40 years (p < 0.05). Also years of consumption seemed to have a significant impact on hair concentrations, as higher levels were observed in consumers from > 10 years (p = 0.013). Moreover, this study further provided evidences of a significant reduction of THC and THC-COOH in bleached hair (p = 0.042).

Metallomics analysis for early assessment and individualized intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders

The children today are in the midst of the epidemic of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this metallomics study for the scalp hair samples of total 2550 children with autistic disorders (2108 males and 442 females aged 0-15 years), it was demonstrated that near one-half of the infantile individuals aged 0-3 years are suffering from zinc deficiency and toxic metal burdens. Zinc level correlated closely to the index of zinc/iron ratio more than zinc/copper ratio. Furthermore, there were significant relationships between zinc deficiency and toxic metal burdens such as lead and aluminum, which were inversely associated with not only zinc level but also zinc/iron ratio with higher regression coefficients of r = -0.486 and -0.551 (P<0.00001), respectively. High-significant inverse association was detected between zinc and molybdenum concentration (r = -0.509) and also between zinc/iron ratio and molybdenum (r = -0.548). These findings suggest that infantile zinc deficiency relates to the high burdens of not only toxic but also some essential metals such as molybdenum, iron, and manganese and that these various mineral imbalances play principal roles in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. We expect that the early assessment and intervention of the mineral imbalances (or dis-homeostasis) in individual child open an avenue for evidence-based individualized treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and also of the comorbid immune disorders, in near future.

THC and THC-COOH hair concentrations: Influence of age, gender, consumption habits, hair morphology and cosmetics treatment

Validation of a new LC-MS/MS method for determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC-COOH) in hair and its application to a preliminary study on relationship between their concentrations and age, gender, consumption habits and hair features. After washing and cutting steps, a 25-mg aliquot of hair was hydrolysed (1 mL of 1 M NaOH at 65 °C, 20 min), acidified (1.5 mL 1 M of H2SO4) and then liquid-liquid extracted with hexane/ethyl acetate (90/10, v/v). The organic phase was dried and reconstituted with 100 μL of mobile phase (5 mM aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile 50:50). Chromatographic separation was performed through a C18 column. Acquisition was in multiple reaction monitoring for the following transitions: 315→259, 193 m/z, for THC; 318→196, 123 m/z, for THC-d3; 345→299, 193 m/z for THC-COOH; 348→196, 302 m/z for THC-COOH-d3. Validation was achieved following the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology's guidelines. For this study, scalp hair samples (> 3 cm length) were provided by subjects tested for THC consumption for personal purposes (i.e. workplace drug testing, personal use proving). A short questionnaire was also administrated in order to collect information about age, gender, consumption habits, hair treatment. Correlation between THC and THC-COOH hair concentrations was analysed by the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. In order to study the influences of the several variables, we introduced a new value, Sqrt(THC*THCCOOH). The effectiveness and reliability of it were proved by the Principal Component Analysis. Relationships between the Sqrt(THC*THCCOOH) and the variables were studied through the Stepwise regression ( P = 0.05). Normality of data distribution was tested by Shapiro-Wilk test. The Lower limits of quantification were 10.0 (THC) and 0.2 (THC-COOH) pg/mg. Accuracy and precision always met the acceptable criteria. Recoveries were > 75% and ion suppression were observed for both the compounds. 126 hair samples were analysed and 54 (42.9%) were positive both for THC and THC-COOH; none of samples was positive for a single substance. Concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 1.75 ng/mg (median: 0.78 ng/mg) for THC and from 0.04 to 0.85 ng/mg (median: 0.31 ng/mg) for THC-COOH. Both compounds were always above the cut-off levels suggested by SoHT and EWDTS at 50 and 0.2 pg/mg, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed among the age groups, consumption habits and cosmetic treatments. THC and THC-COOH decreased with age as previously observed by Han et al., even if differences were not statistically significant (Han, Forensic Science International, 2011, 210, 201–205). A new LC-MS/MS method was validated and successfully applied to a preliminary study on the influence of age, gender, consumption habits and hair treatment and morphology.

Interrelation of Zinc and Cadmium in the Biological Samples of Indoor and Outdoor Workers of Five Zonal Areas of Coal Mining Field

Coal mining is still one of the most tough, nasty, and dangerous jobs in the world, with more fatalities than any other. The present study assessed zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in scalp hair and blood samples of 270 coal mining field employees, working in Hyderabad, Pakistan, aged 18-55 years. The scalp hair and blood samples of age-matched healthy volunteers (n= 70) were examined for chosen elements for a comparison analysis. For understudied metals, environmental samples (soil, water, and coal) from coal mining fields and nonindustrial areas were investigated. The Zn levels in the scalp hair and blood samples of coal mining male exposed workers were found to be lower, in the range of {88.9- 118; 100- 133 and#181;g/g} and {3.32- 4.41; 3.33- 6.04 mg/l)}, respectively than the referent subjects {224-237; 209-221} and#181;g/g and {6.82-7.82; 6.60-7.42 mg/l}, respectively. Whilst, the Cd concentrations in the scalp hair and blood samples different five zones of indoor and out-door coal mining field exposed workers were found to be higher, in the range of {10.1- 16.9; 9.65- 16.9} and {8.89- 12.65; 8.96- 11.7} and#181;g/l, respectively than the biological samples of two age groups (18-35) and (36- 55) years referent subjects {3.45-4.45; 4.02-5.32} and#181;g/g and {3.25-3.72; 3.82-4.10 and#181;g/l}, respectively. Serum, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood count, and creatinine clearance counts were significantly lower in mining filed workers than in referents (p0.001), whereas erythrocyte sedimentation rate and N-acetyl- beta-glucosaminidase levels were significantly higher in workers than in referents (p0.001).The Zn concentration in water and soil samples of mining field were found to be within the WHO recommended values, whilst Zn concentration in coal samples of mining field was in between 15.5- 20.6 and#181;g/g. Whilst, Cd levels in water and soil samples of mining field were found above the WHO recommended values, whilst Cd content in coal samples of mining field was in between 0.52- 0.75 and#181;g/g. The findings indicate that immediate action is required to improve ventilation and hygiene measures within factories, mines, and other work environments.

Persistent organic pollutants on human and sheep hair and comparison with POPs in indoor and outdoor air

This study compared the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in air derived from polyurethane-based passive samplers to those of hair samples collected from humans and sheep. Human scalp hair samples were obtained from 24 healthy individuals and ten sheep (Ovis aries) during indoor and outdoor polyurethane foam plug ambient sampling. The samples were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). ∑PBDE concentrations ranged 0.6-50 ng·g-1 (mean, 18.6 ± 13 ng·g-1) for humans and 0.6-1.4 ng·g-1 (mean, 1.1 ± 0.25 ng·g-1) for sheep. The ∑PAH concentrations were log-normally distributed in human hair ranging 98-2529 ng·g-1 (mean, 460 ± 538 ng·g-1), whereas concentrations for sheep hair samples ranged 168-526 ng·g-1 (mean, 334 ± 117 ng·g-1). Strong correlations (P-values &lt; 0.01) were found between concentrations of PAHs and PBDEs in human and sheep hair with concentrations measured in indoor and outdoor air, respectively. Evidence generated from this preliminary study suggests that hair might be used for the environmental monitoring of POPs in remote sites to provide a first-order estimate of ambient levels. Further studies are required to understand the uptake profiles and validate the use of hair as a sampling medium for POPs in ambient air.

Simultaneous Detection of Toxic and Heavy Metals in the Scalp Hair Samples of Smokers

Toxic and heavy metals are non-biodegradation pollutants in the environment that can affect human health. The levels of these metals can be analyzed with some biological materials, and they may be used to monitor changes in the human body. The levels of selected toxic and heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Ni, Se, Mn, As, Cr, Cd, and Zn) in the scalp hair of male smokers and non-smokers were determined to investigate dietary exposure to various chemical metals pollutants in Saudi Arabia Population. All inves

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of zinc concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails samples of Algerian females with breast cancer

AbstractIn the present work, zinc levels were measured in scalp hair and fingernails in order to identify potential risk factors for breast cancer. The samples were collected from 40 Algerian breast cancer female patients and from 20 normal subjects matching the same age range. The concentration of zinc was analyzed using Instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA). In scalp hair samples it was found in the range 119–792 μg/g for the normal subjects and in the range 82–806 μg/g for the patients, with an increase rate of 10.9%. The range of concentration of zinc in fingernails was found between 89 and 247 μg/g for normal subjects and between 75 and 276 μg/g for the patients with an increase rate of 2.5%. The influence of age on zinc concentration was also investigated. The obtained results show some consistency with those obtained by other groups.

Levels of trace elements in human hair samples of adolescents living near petrochemical plants.

The aim of the study is a comparative analysis to investigate human hair metal profiles of adolescents residing near petrochemical plants (Sicily, Italy). We selected the small town of Augusta, Gela, and Pace del Mela, and a control area made up of the towns characterized by low anthropogenic activity. Twenty trace elements were measured in samples of scalp hair from adolescents (11-14years old) of both genders. Hair samples were cleaned using a rigorous cleaning method, mineralized, and processed for analyses by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In industrial sites, zinc was always the most abundant element, ranging from186 to 217μgg-1. Following zinc, the elements Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, and Sr were in the range 1-20μgg-1. The remaining elements had concentrations < 1μgg-1. The comparison with adolescents living in suburban area highlighted that As, Ba, Mn, Sr, U, and V have the highest median concentrations in an industrial location. An industrial factor (As, Mn, Sr, U, and V) and an urban factor (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Sb) were distinguished by the multivariate statistical analysis between a cohort residing in urban and industrial areas. Statistically significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test, p < 0.05) between the genders were found for Ba, Mn, Ni, Sr, and V in all industrial sites with median concentrations higher in females' hair than males'. The data confirm that the study areas are heavily affected by industrial and urban emissions of metals and metalloids, representing a potential hazard to the local population.

Evaluation of zinc and cadmium levels in the biological samples of Ewing sarcomas patients and healthy subjects

BackgroundEwing’s sarcoma is a very rare type of cancerous tumor that grows in bones or the soft tissue around the bones, such as cartilage or the nerves. It frequently affects the people at the age of 10 to 20 years and has elevated rate of being cured. MethodsAssessment of essential trace [zinc (Zn)] and toxic [cadmium (Cd)] elements in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of Ewing sarcoma patients (n = 87 age ranging 07–19 years) residents of various cities of Pakistan was done. For comparative study, the biological samples of age matched healthy (referent) subjects (n = 62) were also analyzed for selected metals. The matrices of biological samples was oxidized with the help of HNO3 (65%) and H2O2 (30%) mixture at the ratio of 2:1 with the aid of microwave oven. The oxidized biological samples were subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry for their determination. ResultThe Zn contents in the scalp hair and blood samples of different types of Ewing sarcoma patients were found to be lower, in the range of (45.9–141.2 µg/g) and (0.65–3.12 mg/l), respectively than the biological samples of referent subjects (246–265 µg/g) and (6.40–7.25 mg/l), respectively. Whilst, the Cd concentrations in the scalp hair and blood samples of different types of Ewing sarcoma patients were found to be higher, in the range of (2.70–5.60 µg/g) and (2.46–5.64 µg/l), respectively than the biological samples of controls (1.49–1.79 µg/g) and (1.52–1.90 µg/l), respectively. The biochemical parameters including hemoglobin% and RBC counts were significantly lower in patients than referents (p < 0.001), whereas WBC counts was alarmingly higher in patients than referents (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe resulted data will be helpful to treat patients of Ewing sarcoma with mineral supplement contains essential trace element (Zn) in recommended dose to further increase their survival rate.

Adverse impact of occupational exposure on Laborers of cement industry have scalp psoriasis and Pityriasis amiantacea with deficiency of zinc and selenium: impact of mineral supplement.

The relationship between occupational exposure and different skin diseases including scalp psoriasis and Pityriasis amiantacea has been studied. The information about imbalance of essential trace elements in psoriatic patients is still scarce. In the present follow-up study, the scalp hair and blood samples of patients (labors of cement factory) have different skin disorders (plaque's psoriasis and Pityriasis amiantacea) and were analyzed for zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) before and after treatment with mineral supplements. For comparative purposes, both biological samples of referents who do not have any skin disease (office workers and labors of cement industry) were also analyzed for Zn and Se using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The result indicates a significant decrease in the concentrations of Se and Zn in both biological samples of patients with scalp psoriasis and P. amiantacea as compared with referents/controls, whereas the referent labor has not any skin disease with 15-25% lower values of both essential trace elements as compared to office worker, possibly due to poor diet.