Lead exposure is related to higher infection rate with the gapeworm in Norwegian house sparrows (Passer domesticus).

Anthropogenic pollution is identified as an important threat to bird and other wildlife populations. Many metals and toxic elements, along with poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are known to induce immunomodulation and have previously been linked to increased pathogen prevalence and infectious disease severity. In this study, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) was investigated at the coast of Helgeland in northern Norway. This population is commonly infected with the parasitic nematode "gapeworm" (Syngamus trachea), with a prevalence of 40-60 % during summer months. Gapeworm induces severe respiratory disease in birds and has been previously demonstrated to decrease survival and reproductive success in wild house sparrows. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a higher exposure to pollution with PFASs, metals and other elements influences gapeworm infection in wild house sparrows. We conducted PFASs and elemental analysis on whole blood from 52 house sparrows from Helgeland, including analyses of highly toxic metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As). In addition, we studied gapeworm infection load by counting the parasite eggs in faeces from each individual. We also studied the expression of microRNA 155 (miR155) as a key regulator in the immune system. Elevated blood concentrations of Pb were found to be associated with an increased prevalence of gapeworm infection in the house sparrow. The expression of miR155 in the plasma of the house sparrow was only weakly associated with Pb. In contrast, we found relatively low PFASs concentrations in the house sparrow blood (∑ PFASs 0.00048-354 µg/L) and PFASs were not associated to miR155 nor infection rate. The current study highlights the potential threat posed by Pb as an immunotoxic pollutant in small songbirds.

A survey of Australian and New Zealand old age psychiatrists' preferred medications to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).

BACKGROUND: People with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are often prescribed psychotropic medications. There is little evidence that one class of medication is more effective and safer than another and so expert opinion plays an important role in shaping local practice. In an earlier U.S. survey of psychiatrists and neurologists, limited consensus emerged regarding the pharmacological management of BPSD. We repeated this study to check consensus levels in Australia and New Zealand, following the introduction of newer atypical neuroleptics, antidepressants and cholinesterase inhibitors, and to identify areas where drug trials will be of greatest benefit. METHODS: A brief structured survey, similar to one used in the U.S.A., was posted to a random sample of members of the Australian and New Zealand Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age. RESULTS: We received 106 replies (71% response). Respondents, who had 14 years' experience on average, rated atypical neuroleptics as their treatment of choice for dementia complicated by psychosis, verbal aggression, physical aggression, sundowning and persistent yelling. Opinions varied widely regarding the management of other symptoms and the role of second-line treatments. CONCLUSION: Atypical neuroleptics were preferred by most respondents for treatment of most BPSD. These views, while based on considerable clinical experience, have only limited backing from published reports, and head-to-head studies of available treatments are required to ensure that clinical practice has scientific support.