Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a rare, progressive spongiform encephalopathy caused by infectious proteins called prions. It is characterised by rapidly progressive dementia accompanied by cerebellar, ...visual, extrapyramidal, and pyramidal symptoms, as well as myoclonus and mutism in later stage of the disease. The most common type is sporadic Creutzfeldt– Jakob disease, accounting for 85% of all cases. Treatment of the disease is symptomatic. An important role in making the diagnosis is attributed to the observation of the patient and electroencephalography, showing characteristic cyclical discharges. We present the case of a patient whose first symptoms were psychiatric in nature, and who was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease based on careful observation, presence of myoclonus, and repeated electroencephalography examinations in which typical 1–2 seconds of sharp and slow wave discharges appeared. By presenting this case of severe progressive encephalopathy, we would like to highlight the fact that even in the age of modern diagnostic methods, electroencephalography, which has been in use for many years, may be crucial in the diagnostic process. We would also like to point out that the initial symptoms of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease may suggest a psychiatric disorder.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a rare, progressive spongiform encephalopathy caused by infectious proteins called prions. It is characterised by rapidly progressive dementia accompanied by cerebellar, ...visual, extrapyramidal, and pyramidal symptoms, as well as myoclonus and mutism in later stage of the disease. The most common type is sporadic Creutzfeldt– Jakob disease, accounting for 85% of all cases. Treatment of the disease is symptomatic. An important role in making the diagnosis is attributed to the observation of the patient and electroencephalography, showing characteristic cyclical discharges. We present the case of a patient whose first symptoms were psychiatric in nature, and who was diagnosed with Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease based on careful observation, presence of myoclonus, and repeated electroencephalography examinations in which typical 1–2 seconds of sharp and slow wave discharges appeared. By presenting this case of severe progressive encephalopathy, we would like to highlight the fact that even in the age of modern diagnostic methods, electroencephalography, which has been in use for many years, may be crucial in the diagnostic process. We would also like to point out that the initial symptoms of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease may suggest a psychiatric disorder.
The aim of the study was to identify the places that could pose a threat to children's health due to the significant concentration of heavy metals in the top layer of soil on which they actively ...spend their time.
The research material consisted of 144 topsoil samples from 10 randomly selected playgrounds and 10 sports fields located in two cities in Poland. The content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the analyzed samples was determined by atomic absorption using the INTEGRA XL ICP spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma.
From the 144 collected soil samples 48 (33%) exceeded the normative value for at least one of the three analyzed heavy metals. The maximum permissible concentration of all three elements was exceeded in the case of 15 samples. The heavy metals concentrations determined in the soil samples taken from the sports fields and playgrounds were in the following ranges, respectively: 0.3–43.0 mg/kg d. w. - Cd; 1.3–1393.8 mg/kg d. w.- Pb; 12.5–4315.8 mg/kg d. w. - Zn. Estimated children's exposure to heavy metals (Cd and Pb) via non-nutrient route indicates a significant risk which can be a place of recreation of the youngest children, as a result of secondary dusting during activity and games.
In one-third of the analyzed soil samples from playgrounds and sport fields significant contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn) was indicated. In extreme cases, the maximum permissible concentration was exceeded over 20-fold, constituting an important risk factor for children's health.
•Allowable concentration of Cd, Pb, Zn were exceeded 20 times in 1/3 of soil samples.•Children exposure to Cd and Pb by non-nutrient route indicates a significant risk.•Recreation places in industrial areas can be a risk factor for children’ health.
(1) Background: The elemental composition of teeth can provide an estimate of environmental exposure to heavy metals. The aim of this study was to analyze the possibility of using teeth in the ...biomonitoring of environmental exposure to heavy metals as an indicator of contaminants present in the human residential environment. (2) Methods: The research materials were 110 samples of extracted teeth. The samples were taken from people living in three areas in the province of Silesia. The concentrations of cadmium, lead, and mercury in the samples were determined. (3) Results: The results of the chemical analysis of the collected samples showed a significant variation in the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in the analyzed teeth. Furthermore, the mean concentrations of the analyzed heavy metals in the teeth varied according to the patient's place of residence, the type of tooth analyzed, the presence of caries in the patient, and the smoking or non-smoking status of the patient. (4) Conclusions: The results of the chemical analysis of the teeth of inhabitants of three cities in the most polluted region of Poland indicate that they can be used as an indicator of environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury.
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