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Ceramic products are among the most frequently used food contact materials. Health risks associated with ceramic tableware usually arise from the migration of heavy metals. In this study, 767 pieces of ceramic tableware of different shapes and types were collected across China, and the migration levels of 18 elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Migration tests were conducted according to the Chinese National Food Safety Standard – Ceramic Ware (GB 4806.4) with microwaveable and non-microwavable samples under different conditions. The food consumption of consumers via different shapes of ceramic tableware was obtained through a self-reported web-based survey, and the estimated dietary intakes of the studied elements were calculated accordingly. The exposure assessment showed that certain metals leached from the ceramic tableware at levels of concern. In addition, the applicability of the migration experiment conditions for microwaveable ceramic ware in GB 4806.4 needs to be further investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To assess efficacy of the extract of Vitex agnus castus (VAC, BNO 1095) in the treatment of Chinese women suffering from moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods. It was a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in Chinese women. Eligible patients were randomly assigned into VAC or placebo group. Symptoms were documented with a daily rating scale with four symptom factors (negative affect, water retention, food cravings and pain). Results. Sixty-seven patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive one tablet of VAC or placebo once a day. The premenstrual syndrome diary (PMSD) sum score decreased from 29.38 ± 7.63 score points at baseline to 4.28 ± 5.76 at the 3rd cycle in the treatment group, while it decreased from 28.76 ± 8.23 to 11.79 ± 11.78 in the placebo group. All the four symptom factor scores were significantly reduced by the 3rd treatment cycle. There was significant difference in PMSD sum score, score of negative affect and water retention between two groups at cycle 3 ( P < 0.05). PMSD sum scores decreased 60% was defined as efficacy, and the efficacy rate in treatment group was significantly higher than that in placebo group at the 3rd treatment cycle. Conclusion. Vitex agnus castus extract BNO 1095 shows effective in treating moderate to severe PMS in Chinese women, especially in symptoms of negative affect and water retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]